SWEETHEART

Chapter-45

HI

The small café was filled with the soft hum of people chatting, the clinking of cups, and the occasional hiss of steaming coffee. Taehyung sat at the corner table, his fingers curled around the warm ceramic of his cup, though he hadn't taken a sip.

Across from him, Kangmin and Wooyoung watched him with concerned eyes.

"You're quieter than usual, Tae," Kangmin finally said, nudging Taehyung's hand gently. "What's on your mind?"

Taehyung blinked, his lashes fluttering as he looked up.

His voice was soft, hesitant. "I... don't want to go."

Wooyoung frowned. "Go where?"

Taehyung lowered his gaze, staring at the swirling patterns on his coffee. "Italy... for my internship."

Kangmin and Wooyoung exchanged a look before Wooyoung leaned in slightly.

"Tae, honey...this is your dream. You were so happy when you applied. What changed?"

Taehyung didn't even took a second before whispering, "Hyungie."

Kangmin sighed, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Taebun, I get it. You don't want to leave your husband. But you do realize he also wants this for you, right?"

Taehyung nodded slowly, his eyes misty. "I know... but he's my whole world."

His voice wavered slightly. "I don't know how I'll manage without him."

Wooyoung reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Taehyung's.

"Tae, Jeon Boss isn't sending you away. He's giving you wings. He's making sure you have everything you need to be the best version of yourself."

Taehyung bit his lip, his fingers tightening around the cup. He knew Jeongguk had insisted on this internship because it was the best opportunity for him, but the thought of being apart for an year made his heart ache.

Kangmin smiled softly. "And let's be honest....do you 'really' think Jeongguk-hyung will let you stay away from him for too long?"

Wooyoung chuckled. "Knowing him? He'll probably have his private jet ready to visit you every weekend."

Taehyung let out a shaky breath, his lips quivering. "He said he'll come if I need him."

Kangmin patted his hand. "See? You won't be alone. And it's not forever, Tae. Just an year."

Wooyoung gave him a teasing smile. "Besides, imagine how much he'll spoil you when you come back."

Taehyung sniffled, wiping at his eyes. "He already spoils me too much."

Kangmin chuckled. "And he'll miss you like crazy. But that's love, Tae. He's letting you go because he loves you. And you'll come back even stronger."

Taehyung inhaled deeply, trying to calm his emotions. "You really think I can do this?"

Wooyoung squeezed his hand. "We 'know' you can."

Taehyung swallowed, his heart still heavy but just a little steadier now. Maybe... maybe he could do this.

Kangmin leaned forward, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Tae, instead of being sad about leaving, why don't you do something special for Jeongguk-hyung before you go?"

Taehyung blinked, confused. "Special?"

Wooyoung nodded eagerly. "Waaa Kangminnaaa....love really changes you . Ahh first time you've said something logical."