The Bridesmaid

Chapter Thirty Two

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Areum's POV

I found myself parked in front of his apartment complex, not having anywhere else to go. I stayed at the lobby, contemplating if I should go up.

My mind was empty, I couldn't bring myself to think at this point. I was too late. That's it. Everything I had with him in these 6 months and even before that, all gone.

And it meant nothing to him.

I found myself quietly whimpering on one of the seats, people walking past me whilst throwing judgemental glances.

But I couldn't care less at this point, my worries of everything else completely frozen. The only thing in my head being Taehyung. I didn't understand what I felt for him, I needed him in every way. I needed his touch, his warmth. Even deeper than that, I needed his words, his affection.

I don't know how long it's been as I stayed at the lobby. I couldn't cry anymore, my body grew weak and the only thing I could do was let my thoughts gnaw its way into my brain.

Every thought, from condemning myself for making the dumbest mistake of letting him go to being the most insignificant thing on earth. When Jaesun cheated, I had my doubts and insecurities but Taehyung took that all away.

But now he's gone. He moved on in light's speed, leaving me utterly broken. Our time being meaningless. I was meaningless.

"Areum?" The voice called out and I jumped, getting dragged out of my own head.

I stared at him and I couldn't distinguish the look in his face, his eyes cold and rigid which sent a chill down my spine. I stuttered for a bit as I didn't know what to say.

"Congratulations." I finally let out, averting my gaze. He remained silent, stuffing his hands into the pocket of his jeans. "I'm glad you're finally settling down like how you wished." My voice gets strained as my cries threatened to break through me. But I held it all down.

He nods a little, standing in front of me and I couldn't help but catch a sorry look from him.

"I'll pass you your things tomorrow," I said, wanting to leave but in that moment his eyes dart up to meet mine.

"My things?" He asked, cocking his head to the side.

"I have some of your shirts." As I told him, I feel my bottom lip quiver, drowning in every single memory spent with him.

"You don't have to-"

"I'll leave it at your door tomorrow." I cut him off, "goodbye." I breathed out, walking ahead of me. I couldn't take another second standing in front of him knowing that he was no longer mine.

『⋅∘➶∘⋅』

"Sweetie," My dad called out cautiously as I entered. "Aera just told me about the engagement." He said, instead of being joyful, he was filled with worry.

I dropped myself onto the couch next to him with a deep sigh. "Are you okay?" He asked, placing a hand on my shoulder as my gaze fell onto my feet.

"Mmhmm," I hummed, not wanting to talk about anything.

"I never liked this Taehyung guy," He coughed out a scoff, shaking his head and I snapped.

"This is because of me." I said and he frowned. "I couldn't assure him of a future but Aera could. This is my fault." My voice cracked as tears flooded my eyes. All my dad does is sigh as he pulled me into his embrace but instead of falling into him, I push him away. I didn't want to break anymore.

His brows fell into a frown, getting taken aback by my actions. "Let's not talk about this. The only thing that matter is if they're happy." I wiped my tears, dropping the conversation. I looked at my dad who sat there, not knowing what to say.

So I decided to start a new conversation, "how's Ma?" I asked and he sighed a little.

"We'll talk about her tomorrow-" and an obnoxious series of squeals interrupts us Aera plopped herself next to me.

"We're planning to get married next year, possibly March." She said and my head hurt at the thought.

"That's soon." Was all I said as my dad cut in.

"Just tell us if there's anything you need." My dad smiled, trying his best to get me to be on the same page as him.

"Well, there is one thing." She craned her neck slowly towards me and I couldn't help but frown. "Areum," Aera looked at me, grabbing my hand in hers.

"Hm?"

"Would you do me the honours of being my bridesmaid." She beamed, shaking my arm with excitement but I paused. I took a quick glance at my father who was nodding at the background, wanting me to agree.

And with a sigh, I did. The moment I nodded, she threw her hands over me, hugging me tightly and I gave her a weak smile in response. I tried my best to be happy for her, but I couldn't. I just wasn't strong enough.

. . .

A/N: I'll try for a double update okay? so don't kill me. also the emo chapters end soon (ish), don't come at me sjksjs. love u.

okay but if you guys can't take angst, stop reading. it's that simple. I'm honestly sick & tired of receiving hate for writing MY experience. don't tell me to change the book because I told y'all this was inspired by a personal experience. so if u don't like it, stop reading, jeez. I really don't want to come off as rude but, damn, some of you really know how to hurt people. like what's the point of sending me hate when the story hasn't even ended like chill, wait and see & if you can't wait without sending a nasty comment then just leave. your negativity is unwanted.

(by hate and nasty comments i mean comments directed at me not the characters. you can hate on Aera all u want sksks)

but for those who are still reading, i love you and thank you for supporting me.