Soilmates |BTS| Kim Taehyung

twenty-one ➵ ready or not

➵ Narrator

The boar bristled brush swept through her chestnut locks in wide fluid movements. Although she had barely bothered with make up since arriving at the village, today she made a special effort. Her skin was faultless, and possessed a natural dewy glow. Her doe eyes were outlined and prominent. A tasteful mauve tone coated her heart-shaped lips.

Settling for a simple outfit, of a yellow floral sundress paired with white brogues. She plaited her hair in a fishtail style, letting it hang over one shoulder. Further wisps of hair framed her face like a prized photograph. Before setting off to meet Taehyung for their all important date, she rummaged through her belongings.

Chaeyoung took a moment to reflect on the past couple of months. They had been more or less a whirlwind, but she had collated memories that she would cherish forever.

Glossy polaroids were fanned across her rose print bedspread. Slowly, she observed them one by one. The first picture happened to be the first one she took after arriving at the village. The rustic red rooved buildings surrounded by lush scenery was misleading in terms of the frosty January weather.

January. She could hardly believe it had been such a brief pocket of time. Only five months had passed, but in those five months she had gained everything. The family unit she yearned for since birth, loyal friends, and the most loving boyfriend. With a soft nostalgic sigh, she continued to sift through the prints.

Their walks through the vibrant canola fields, running through a vast ocean of yellow flowers. Shadowy figures around the campfire during her birthday celebrations. The candlelit first date. Sneakily eating strawberries together after the harvest. Wonpil's candid capture of the couple during the festival. All of the events, and more were captured seamlessly in time.

A quick glance at the clock confirmed that she should hurry up. If she wanted to make it to the date in good time. The bedroom window was open. It displayed a clear aquamarine sky which enclosed the golden sun. Not even a single cloud was in sight —it was an absolutely glorious day.

Leaving the house untouched, she set off down the familiar path. A wicker basket containing strawberries clutched at her elbow. Her hair and the basket swayed side to side with her rhythmic footsteps. Trees lined the sides of the path, providing shelter from the sun through a canopy of vibrant leaves.

Just as she was ten minutes away from her destination, she spotted Jisung and Mina chasing each other in the clearing. They spotted her too. The children hurtled towards her at a breakneck pace, eager to talk to her.

After crashing into her, they embraced Chaeyoung like baby koalas. The strawberries nearly flew out of the basket. Jisung stared up at her wide-eyed. While Mina jumped up and down, tugging on the quarter sleeve of Chaeyoung's dress.

"Noona, will you play hide and seek with us?" Jisung asked politely.

"I don't think I have much time—" Chaeyoung began. She brainstormed ways in which she could let them down lightly.

The pair stared at her sadly, a chorus of "please" followed. "It's no fun with just two people playing." Mina cried with a pout.

Unwilling to disappoint them after seeing their hopeful expressions, she reluctantly agreed. Both of them squealed in delight at her response. Jisung too, began to jump up and down while they high-fived.