KIM TAEHYUNG | taehyung x irina

seventeen

"Because I'm a stripper and I can't quit my job because of a relationship." She said, their foreheads touching as they control their breathing. "I have to live like this until I can be stable on my own."

"I don't mind you being a stripper." He told her and just like that he made he heart waver again. "I don't mind if you dance for other guys. I don't mind if you take off your clothes or when you work until three in the morning as long as you come home to me.."

Their lips brushed against each other, gaze becoming more intense, "as long I'm the only one who can touch you. I won't stop you."

That easily he made her think otherwise. What if being with him is what she really wants? Would it make her happy? Or would it end in another painful memory? She couldn't make up her mind. She's had enough painful memories to carry.

Before he came, she was contented with the way things were; her work, relationship with Taemin, her priorities but as soon as he met him, her life took a sharp turn. The father of her child returned and she had to relive those painful memories again. She was forced to face reality again and it hurt just as much.

*

| irina's point of view

I stood beside the man who abandoned us. He crouched down to light a candle for my little boy's soul to rest peacefully wherever he was now. He was silent as we both just stood there like strangers to each other. I spent too many nights crying over my baby and here he was, not a single tear in sight. He never cared about him. All he cared about is the reputation of his crooked family.

I never saw it coming. He was so nice, well mannered and never cocky despite his family status. We met through a friend. He was the quiet and sweet one in the group, not like his friends, who were show offs. It was a night that should never have happened. If I knew any better back then, I wouldn't believe a word he says but I was responsible too. We both wanted it to happen, couldn't get our hands off each other, our judgment heavily clouded by alcohol. It was our own choice that brought us to that shady motel room. I thought it would be okay, that we could pull it off without protection. He wasn't the first guy I've shared a drunken one night stand with but I was his first.

I didn't expect him to call me after that night. I didn't think I would conceive his child either. I took a pill the morning next but, unlucky for me, it didn't work. Byeol was already in my womb, a living being. And so, I waited before I decided to talk to Daehyun about it and he said he'd think about it. I was careful not to pressure him and scare him but after that talk, I never saw him again. He flew to another country and hid behind an excuse that his parents put him up to it. He got married and had kids with his equally wealthy wife.

Daehyun was about to speak, probably to apologize but I stopped him. "I won't accept your apology nor do I need anything from you. I just want you to never come back again."

"Can I at least visit him sometimes? Or even just on his birthday. I'm still his father." Daehyun said but I was selfish. I have a right to be.

"No." I told him with a cold expression, "You're not a father to him. Leave, Daehyun."

The man left and this time he is never coming back. I was left inside the mausoleum where his ashes remained beside a picture of him when he was a day old. He looked so precious. The more I stayed there, the heavier my heart felt.