DESTINED FOR YOU | TAEJENKOOK |

EPISODE-17: MEN ARE THE SAME!

Taehyung took off his coat and hung it up, then slipped off his shoes, putting on his warm slippers. He heard some movement in the kitchen, causing him to frown.

Then his aunt figure came out from the kitchen, smiling. "Taehyung, baby, how are you, sweetie?"

She hugged him, and he hugged back, feeling the warmth but also a lingering emptiness. "I'm doing good, aunty. When did you come back? How's granny and all?"

She pulled away, smiling. "They are fine, honey. Where's Jungkook?"

"At the hotel. He will be here soon."

She nodded and patted his shoulder. "Come, I made you two dinner; you must be hungry." She made her way to the kitchen, and he followed behind, his heart heavy.

"Um, okay, let me just change. I'll be there soon," he forced a smile. "Okay, son," she replied, still smiling back.

He entered his room and looked around; everything felt strange, like he hadn't been here for a long time. He sat on his bed, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Oh God, what have I done?"

"What do I do now?" He rubbed his face, feeling lost. "It's too late to regret now, Taehyung. It's too late." He got up and walked to his bathroom. After spending some quality time showering, he changed his clothes.

He stood near his window, staring out at the sky, lost in thought, a dull ache echoing in his chest. His phone started to ring, breaking him from his reverie.

Taehyung: "Hello? Mr. Lim, is everything okay?"

Mr. Lim: "Good evening, Taehyung, son. Everything is alright; just had a few drinks at the bar, you know the typical."

Taehyung: "Oh, yeah, typical Mr. Lim."

Mr. Lim: "Haha, anyway, I just wanted to let you know that everything is arranged properly, and the flight is tomorrow."

Taehyung: "Oh..."

Mr. Lim: "Everything okay? We can transfer it for another day if you can't make it, son."

Taehyung: "Oh, no need. Thank you, Mr. Lim."

Mr. Lim: "Good night, son."

Taehyung: "Good night."

• • • •

"Hey, Taehyung, honey," Mr. Joen knocked softly on the door, worry etched on her face. Taehyung let out a tired sigh as he got out of bed and opened the door.

He put on a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Honey, I brought you dinner. You seemed really worn out today." She stepped inside, the air thick with unsaid stuff, and set the tray down on the study table with a soft thud.

He offered a weak smile. "You didn't have to, Auntie, but thanks."

She sat on his bed, "Come get the food and sit with me," she encouraged gently, patting the bed beside her.

He gave in, feeling the heaviness of her concern pressing down on him.

He placed the tray on his lap and started eating, but each bite felt like climbing a mountain. Deep down, he really wasn't in the mood; just the thought of food made his stomach hurt.

But if he told her he didn't want to eat, she'd hit him with a bunch of questions he wasn't ready for.

An awkward silence hung between them until Mr. Joen finally broke it, clearing her throat. "So, how are you?" she asked.