𝟯𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 ║𝙺𝚃𝙷 𝒇𝒇║

#34 dearest, darling, my universe

TAEHYUNG'S POV

The world has always opposed the idea of an idol in love, as if fame should strip away the most human part of us - the ability to feel. They build us into something untouchable, something divine, yet demand that we remain hollow, untouched by the very emotions that make us real. Love, to them, is a flaw in the illusion, a crack in the glass they've polished for years. But how can they deny something so deeply ingrained in our existence? Love is not a choice, nor a luxury - it is as natural as breathing, as inevitable as the changing tides.

It is in the way our hearts quicken at the sight of someone we cherish, in the quiet longing of absence, in the warmth of a gaze meant only for us. It is not a scandal, nor a weakness. It is simply what we are made for. Yet, in this world of flashing cameras and scrutinizing eyes, love is treated as a crime, as if idols should only belong to the stage, never to a person. But love is not something that can be dictated, nor erased - it will exist, despite the rules, despite the expectations. Because in the end, no matter how much they try to deny it, we are human first.

(2 days ago = when the blackmailer called and threaten to release the photos)

I stepped into the company's executive meeting room, my hands tucked into the pockets of my brown coat. The air inside was tense-the CEO sat at the head of the table, arms crossed, eyes sharp with frustration. A few other senior staff members were present, their expressions unreadable, but I had been in this industry long enough to know they were here for damage control.

"Sit," CEO ordered, barely concealing his annoyance.

I complied, my movements unhurried as I settled into the chair, exuding the calm confidence of a man who wasn't afraid to face whatever was coming. I had been expecting this conversation ever since I got information from my manager Hyung about the blackmail attempt. The company's priority had always been protecting their brand, their clean image, and any scandal-especially one involving dating-was treated like a crisis.

CEO exhaled sharply, sliding a printed photograph across the table towards me. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

I glanced at the picture-an image of me and Y/N, taken from a distance, sitting at an outdoor place. The angle wasn't perfect, and her face was mostly hidden, but it was clear enough to stir speculation. My jaw tightened slightly before I pushed the paper back towards CEO with a flick of my fingers.

"I don't see a problem," I said evenly.

CEO scoffed. "No problem? You don't think this is reckless? Thoughtless?" He leaned forward, voice hardening. "Taehyung, do you have any idea what this could mean for us? For the group? The backlash, the hate, the financial consequences? Dating rumors alone are enough to create chaos, and now we have a blackmail situation on our hands."

My expression remained unreadable, but my voice was sharper when I replied. "I know exactly what this means."

"Then why-"

"But what I don't understand," I cut in smoothly, "is why we are acting like my personal life is a crime."

Silence fell over the room. CEO's brows furrowed, clearly caught off guard by my firm stance. In the past, he might have expected me to be quiet, to apologize, to back down for the sake of the company. But this time, I had no intention of doing that.

"You're one of the most recognizable faces in the world," CEO said, his frustration mounting. "Your actions don't just affect you, Taehyung. They affect BTS. You can't be careless like this. A scandal-"