Sincerely | k.th.

21. Whisper

Taehyung seemed tense on our ride to the beach. He wouldn't say much and I didn't want to disturb him, so I just kept my stare on the sights as we passed but it didn't take us long to reach out destination. He peered over to me when our car stopped and smiled before getting out. Seconds later, my door was being opened for me. Taehyung extended his hand and I took it, allowing him to lead me over to the site where our adventure lied.

Still, he wouldn't utter single word.

We reached the guide and he greeted us kindly before giving us a rundown of rules and instructions. Taehyung opted for the large seated sail where both of us would be able to ride together, me sitting in front and him behind. Thinking of this arrangement alone made my heart skip.

Though nervous about being in the air over water, carried by a clothed balloon, I couldn't stop thinking of my quiet friend. Did his silence have anything to do with why he was out or his sudden return? I was very curious but I didn't ask. I'm now wondering if my question was so important at the moment. I don't want to risk furthering what seems to be a troubled day.

"Kye?" Taehyung called as the guide strapped and secured my restraints.

I turned, noticing how close his face was to mine. My chest rattled from the beating of my heart against it. "Yes?"

"Nervous?" He wondered.

Honestly, I wasn't as much as I anticipated. My concern harbored more for him and what could be holding his thoughts hostage. "Not as much." I smiled. "Besides, it's a beautiful day. It will be nice to be carried in the breeze."

I heard a tiny chuckle from Taehyung. "You always say things beautifully. You give life to the simplest phrases. Thank you for that."

My breath hitched on his words but our movement signaled me to face front in order to notice were beginning to fly through the air, heart rate increasing by the minute.

Maybe I should revisit his question on my nervousness. This lift made me a little more afraid than I realized. As we got higher, I gripped tight to the restraints and took slow breaths.

"Kye?" Taehyung called. I'm guessing he felt my tension as we rose even higher.

Soon, I felt the warm feeling of his touch despite of the coolness in the air surrounding us. Taehyung held me tight to him. His breath brushed against my skin, soothing my nerves on instant.

"Kye?" Taehyung whispered against me.

I was too cloaked in his touch to speak. My mouth moved, at least I thought it did, but nothing ever exited. Taehyung begin speaking again but I could barely make out what he said. The feel of his lips moving swift against me was paralyzing as I tried to focus on his words. English was absent from his lips and he whatever he was sharing with me was soaked in his native tongue.

Even though he teased me, I wasn't without knowledge of the language. I could understand here and there. The whole reason of the pen pal program back in high school was to acquaint ourselves with various languages and cultures. I chose South Korea and everyday since I received his response, it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had to be able to communicate with him, so I learned as much as I could.

However, I wasn't prepared for what I was hearing.

Taehyung hugged me even closer as he continued to speak. I felt the entire right side of my body fall numb though clinging to every syllable accenting from his voice. Maybe he was whispering a prayer or words of encouragement so I wouldn't be so scared of this amazing adventure we were on. Whatever he was doing, worked and my nerves were settling while I enjoyed being so high in the air, admiring the glistening, aquamarine ocean.

"I get to share this with you. There is no one else I would ever want to share this with." Taehyung spoke against me.

I turned to him, realizing that my paralysis has dissipated. I was once again mobile and not bounded by the rich, velvet tones of his voice, whispering who knows what in my ear. Taehyung smiled as his chin rested on my shoulder and my gaze fell instantly to his lips.

"Do you mean that? I can't be the only one you would want to share this with, right?" I asked.

A light scoff eluded his lips along with a cunning smile. "What are you talking about Kye?"

I'm not falling for that Taehyung. You know what I mean and I know you just want me to say it. "Hmm," I hummed as I faced the ocean again. I ended up hinting to the question I didn't want to ask and his response made me think twice of elaborating.

"Don't leave me hanging. Ask what you want." He spoke low, but clear enough to relay that he knew exactly what I am thinking but I don't believe we should have this conversation while suspended in the air.

"Kye?"

My gosh, this is the most I have heard my name from his lips during the entire trip.

"You can tell me what you really meant over dinner tonight." He continued.

This caught my attention. I'm not sure if I could handle another romantic dinner on the beach followed by dancing. I'm already confused by what's happening here between his gestures and my brother's voice still screaming in my head. Even so, maybe I should tell him what I really meant. What could it hurt, right?

I turned toward Taehyung. "Tu es amoureux de moi?" I whispered. It was a bit bold and I was taking a huge chance on whether or not he understood me. However, is this not what he did moments ago?

Taehyung smiled. "You're not clever." He hugged me closer to him as we began to descend from our sail and whispered again, "we'll talk at dinner tonight."

♥️♥️♥️

I think we are reaching the half mark...stay tuned.
Love you much!