To The Edge Of The Sky| VMinKook

Chapter 16

Author pov

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a deep indigo hue across the canvas of the sky, the stars began to emerge, twinkling like distant diamonds scattered across velvet. The moon hung majestically, its silvery glow bathing the landscape in an ethereal light, a silent witness to the moment unfolding beneath it. A gentle breeze carried whispers of the night, but all it brought to him was an ache that resonated in the depths of his soul.

Tears welled up in his eyes, shimmering as they caught the moonlight. A few escaped, tracing down his cheeks like tiny rivers of sorrow that kissed his soft skin. His heart felt heavy, weighed down by a mixture of confusion and despair. 

"Why?" he whispered, his voice barely above a tremor, the pain lacing his words. "Why did this have to happen? Why did you bring him back?" Each question was a plea, vulnerable and raw, spilling from his lips with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Even as his voice quivered, it was filled with a swirling vortex of emotions—weak yet charged with resentment, revealing the turmoil that raged within him.

"I didn't even recognize the person who took everything from me! Have I truly been that foolish?" Taehyung's voice trembled. A cascade of tears spilled over and streamed down his now rosy cheeks, each droplet a reflection of his heartache. The weight of betrayal settled heavily on his shoulders, suffocating him with despair.

As he tried to catch his breath, a gentle breeze swirled around him, carrying with it a soft whisper that felt like a soothing balm against his torment. "Everything happens for a reason," the voice murmured, intertwining with the rustling leaves overhead. Taehyung instinctively looked up, his tear-streaked face catching the faint glow of the moonlight.

Before him, a radiant light began to take shape, illuminating the darkness that engulfed him. Mesmerized, he watched as a figure emerged from within the glow, ethereal and shimmering like a dream. The figure's presence was calming yet powerful; it seemed to resonate with an energy that made Taehyung's heart race with a mix of fear and wonder.

"Who are you?" he stammered, his voice barely more than a whisper. His eyes widened in disbelief, capturing the surreal beauty of the man standing before him. All his doubts were momentarily forgotten in the face of this extraordinary apparition. 

As the figures glided gracefully towards him, a serene smile illuminated their faces, leaving Taehyung momentarily speechless. His eyes widened in recognition as one of them spoke his name, "Hoseok." Taehyung turned his gaze toward the man, captivated by his striking beauty. Clad entirely in white, the fabric seemed to shimmer softly, harmonizing perfectly with the ethereal surroundings. The soft light enveloped him, enhancing his features and giving him an otherworldly aura that made him look like a true angel descending from the heavens. Taehyung found himself lost in this mesmerizing sight, his heart racing with an inexplicable mix of admiration and wonder."H-hook," the name slipped from Taehyung's lips, rolling off his tongue with a strange familiarity. The man before him, Hoseok, offers a gentle nod, his smile enigmatic yet warm as if trying to bridge a gap between their fractured history.

"What are you?" Taehyung asks his voice barely above a whisper, tension lacing his words.

"Don't let him go," Hoseok responds, his voice smooth but filled with an urgency that catches Taehyung off guard. A frown creases Ton aehyung's brow as confusion washes over him.

"W-what?" Taehyung stammers, taken aback by the gravity of Hoseok's declaration.

"Jungkook... don't let go of him," Hoseok continues, his gaze piercing, aware of the turmoil simmering beneath Taehyung's surface. He can see the flicker of rage igniting in Taehyung's eyes, a storm brewing from within.

"Wae? Do you know what he has done? You with him—" Taehyung starts, but anger swallows his words, and he can't continue.

"I'm just here to warn you," Hoseok interjects, his tone steady but insistent. "You have to understand the mistake you'll make if you let him go."

"Mistake?" A bitter chuckle escapes Taehyung's lips, laced with disbelief. "What mistake are you talking about? He is the reason my life is like this. He killed my father, he took away my happiness—"

"You shouldn't speak of things you can't prove," Hoseok replies softly, yet his words carry weight. "You're living in a make-believe world. Come out of it before it's too late. All I will tell you is to bring him before time runs out. It's not just your life that might end because of the past."

Hoseok's soothing voice underscores the pain reflected in his eyes, but Taehyung can only stare at him, bewildered by the man's insistence. It feels like standing on the edge of a precipice, being pulled in two directions—one toward revenge, the other toward understanding.

Hoseok reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, red pouch, its fabric worn yet inviting. With a swift motion, he hands it to Taehyung, who takes it hastily, curiosity piquing despite his turmoil. As he opens the pouch, his fingers brush against something cool and metallic. 

"What's this?" Taehyung asks, his voice tinged with confusion as he pulls out a small necklace. It glints in the light, the pendant shaped like a constellation, intricate and delicate, shining with a celestial glow.

"The map of the stars," Hoseok explains, a grin playing on his lips. The weight of his words feels heavy in the air as if the trinket itself holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. Taehyung's heart races caught between the desire for vengeance and the possibility of something more profound. 

Taehyung stared blankly at the small, intricately folded map resting in his hands, a mix of confusion and curiosity etched across his face. The parchment felt fragile yet important, its surface adorned with delicate lines and symbols that hinted at secrets waiting to be uncovered. He looked up at Hoseok, his brow furrowing in uncertainty. "Why are you giving it to me?" he questioned, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the weight of the moment.

Hoseok stepped closer, a warm, reassuring smile spreading across his face as he leaned in, his hands gently enveloping Taehyung's. The touch was unexpected, sending a ripple of surprise through Taehyung. He instinctively drew back for a moment, but the sincerity in Hoseok's eyes held him in place. "This map will guide you to where you need to be," Hoseok explained, his voice steady and calm. "It will help you find your lost path, showing you the way when you feel adrift. Just remember to use it wisely and return it to its rightful owner once your journey is complete." The intensity of his gaze felt like a silent promise, anchoring Taehyung amidst the uncertainty that surrounded him.

"Taehyung, you must understand that not everyone is fortunate enough to possess the gifts you have been given. The Universe has bestowed upon you a rare opportunity—a chance to amend the mistakes of the past and to confront the uncertainties that lie ahead. Embrace this moment; allow it to wash over you and liberate the burdens you carry. As his voice echoed in the air, a shiver coursed through Taehyung's body, and he felt the warmth of those gentle touches slip away, leaving him in a profound silence after the man had departed."