Love or Destiny

Confessions in the Dawn

"Surprise!" the group shouted in unison.

Jihyo froze, her eyes wide. "It's my birthday today? I...I totally forgot."

Namjoon stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face before planting a soft kiss on her temple. The warmth of the gesture left her momentarily stunned. Around them, friends flooded in with gifts, laughter and cheers.

Rosé clapped her hands, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Tonight is going to be so much fun! We have everything planned. First the cake, then food, some games and finally dancing!"

"Slow down, Rosie," Jisoo said, laughing softly. "It's her day. Let her decide what she wants."

Yoongi spoke beside Jihyo. "So...what do you want to do first?"

Jihyo smiled faintly, her gaze warm. "Let's go with the plan."

Namjoon chuckled. "As you wish."

Jimin emerged, holding a few bottles of beer. "I brought beer!" His grin was wide, mischievous.

A chorus of raised eyebrows greeted him.

Taehyung's face, however, was a mix of shock and disbelief. "Hey! Why bring alcohol? Jisoo can't handle much. Last time..." He stopped, realizing what he almost revealed.

His eyes flicked to Jisoo, now bright red and a smirk tugged at his lips.

Yet there was someone else watching quietly. Calm and unshaken.

Yoongi noticed her expression, or lack thereof, and whispered, "Are you okay?"

Jennie exhaled, her voice soft but resolute. "I guess I am. I...I don't want to be selfish anymore."

Yoongi stared at her for another moment, quietly, before nodding slowly.

────୨ৎ────

Few hours later, the party had quieted. Some slept sprawled across couches. Namjoon and Jihyo had retired to their room. Jin and Yoongi napped lazily, while Jimin and Hoseok were still giggling drunkenly. The girls danced, laughing and twirling, Jungkook cheering them on.

But Taehyung's gaze was fixed on one person. Every move she made, every sway and step, captured his attention. He wasn't blind to the admiration in another pair of eyes either.

Jungkook's.

A sharp pang of irritation twisted inside him, even though he knew he had no right to be possessive. After all, he had pushed her away.

Feeling the weight of his thoughts, he stood and walked toward his room, unaware that someone followed silently behind.

Inside, he drew near the window, watching the sunrise. The cold, early-morning wind brushed against him, calming yet stirring his emotions.

Suddenly, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind, a warm body pressing into his back. He spun around, startled, and froze.

Jisoo.

Standing impossibly close, her eyes glinting with determination, lips slightly parted. There was no gap between them.

Taehyung noticed the faint scent of alcohol. "Of course...you're drunk," he muttered, disbelief lacing his tone.

"I'm here because I love you," she said simply.

He paused, stepping back instinctively.

"You're drunk, Jisoo," he repeated, his voice low.

She didn't step away. Instead, she closed the distance, voice steady. "But I want you."

Her boldness stunned him. She was fearless, intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

Taehyung's hands found her waist, pulling her closer, pressing their bodies together.

He looked at her. Her lips, her eyes. And for a heartbeat, the world outside disappeared.

"You're not in your senses," he whispered.

"I'll never regret being with you. Even when I'm not in my senses," she replied, a dazed yet beautiful smile on her soft lips, eyes glowing with sincerity.

Taehyung stared at that lovely smile and felt his heart burn by the intense emotions he felt for her.

Step by step, she pressed closer, until there was no space left between them. He felt her warmth, the gentle weight of her body and the urgency of her desire.

"Will you kiss me or not?" she challenged.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "If I don't?"

She bit her lower lip, a playful, daring spark in her eyes. "Then I will."

A low groan escaped him. "Fuck..."

He crushed his lips to hers and she met him without hesitation. Their mouths moved together, urgent, hungry, desperate. Tongues and lips danced in a heated rhythm, a mixture of tenderness and raw passion.

When she finally patted his shoulder, breathless, he lingered a moment longer, savoring the softness of her lips before pulling back.

He pecked her swollen lips gently, and a soft smile broke across her face. She rested her head against his chest, breathing in his scent.

"I love you," she whispered. "I love you so much, Tae."

Taehyung's arms tightened around her, holding her with all the love he had kept buried for so long. "I know, baby. I know. I love you too."

He waited for her response, but instead, he heard the soft rise and fall of her breath. She had fallen asleep against him, exhausted but content.

He sighed, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "And here I thought...you wanted me."