Iseul carefully approached the crying man, her hand finally touching the back of his shoulder. Her touch surprised him, because as soon as he felt her hand on his back, Taeyong swiftly turned around, his slender fingers wrapping themselves around her thin wrist with strength.
Iseul abruptly stopped moving at his actions, her hand midair and her eyes widened as she looked at Taeyong.
As soon as his teary eyes met hers, they softened and he gently let go of her, avoiding her worried gaze. He cleared his throat before talking.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"I- I heard noises and wanted to see if you were alright..."
"I'm perfectly fine," he lied, turning a bit so he was now facing the lights of the city.
Iseul inhaled deeply and rested her forearms on the railing.
"We both know that's not true, Taeyong..."
Her voice was soft, and there was no trace of judgment in her tone. It made him feel safe for some reason.
"I think we need to talk..."
Taeyong turned his head to look at her. The city lights were dancing on her face, highlighting her features as her eyes were looking at the horizon.
"Not now, please..."
"Then when?" she asked, looking at him.
Her eyes were as shiny as the night sky, and Taeyong felt himself get lost in them.
"It's never going to be the right time," Iseul noted. "We can't continue like this."
Taeyong let out a sigh. He knew she was right. With a shaky hand, he dried his wet cheeks and nodded.
"Alright..."
"What's going on?" Iseul asked.
"What do you mean?"
"If we're going to do this, don't play dumb with me, please," she said shaking her head in disappointment. "I want this to be an honest and open conversation."
"Alright," Taeyong agreed, even though he perfectly knew he couldn't give her that.
"I've noticed how you've changed lately... You barely eat and sleep, you're on edge all the time, and you're avoiding me..."
"I'm not avoiding you," he spoke sternly, almost interrupting her.
"Maybe not on purpose, but you are..." Iseul replied, sadness filling her tone. "We've grown distant, don't tell me you haven't noticed it..."
"I have," he admitted, looking away.
Guilt made his chest tightened. It was his fault. It was his fault if she felt alone, and rejected. It was his fault she felt that way.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered; his voice barely audible. He thought his words got lost in the wind when Iseul looked at him, confused.
"What are you sorry about? I just want to help you, Taeyong. But in order to do that, you have to let me."
You can't help me, he thought, desperate. No one can.
"Let me help you Taeyong, please," she pleaded.
"You can't," he sighed. "I'm just stressed out, don't worry. I'm sorry if you felt excluded lately... I'll be careful from now on, I promise."
It took him all his strength to fake a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes, and Iseul knew he was lying to her, once again. But for now, she would play along.
If he didn't want to open up to her, she couldn't force him. She'd either have to wait until he would, or find out what was bothering him by herself.
Before she could react to his words, Taeyong's arms welcomed her in a sudden embrace, and she hugged him back, appreciating his sudden action. His intoxicating scent filled her nose and made her heart flutter, while Taeyong closed his eyes, enjoying her warmth.
For too long he had been cold, alone. How good it felt to finally be able to feel heat. Only Iseul could have that effect on him, and he swore to himself that he'd do anything to keep her by his side, her heartbeat against his.
—-
Sorry I disappeared for a while, here's a (very) short chapter, I'll publish again soon i promise!
Thank you for your patience with me 🙏🏻
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The Hidden Card || NCT MAFIA
Fanfiction| SEQUEL TO HOUSE OF CARDS | Now that the House of Cards is finally stabilized, everyone thinks the game is over. Wrong. The game has just begun, and the Hidden Card is about to join the party.
