bodyguard ; kth

41 ; goodbye

one month later

"thanks a lot, boss," gun said with a smile on his face. we shook hands firmly.

"no worries. just keep her safe, yeah?" i smiled slightly, looking at him. he nodded in response, giving me a pat on the shoulder before walking away.

then junsoo appeared behind him. things were always tense between us but it worked out in the end. he held out his hand and said, "i know i've been hard on you but...just know that i'm grateful for your help." i nodded, shaking his hand.

he tucked his hands into his pockets and left, making his way towards aera's private jet.

"tae," another voice called out. i turned my head to see a devastated jaeho, looking at me with teared eyes. i let out a light chuckled as i wrapped my arms around the male. he squeezed me back, sniffing back a sob.

"can't you stay, taehyung? it won't be the same without you," i heard jaeho mumble into my shoulder. i sighed, saying, "you know i can't, jaeho. i'm sorry."

he pulled away and looked at me, he asked, "but how about aera?" my body tensed, not moving an inch.

"...i know," i said quietly.

"she'll be so sad without you."

"i know, jaeho, i know."

during the time i've spent with these people, i learnt many things. i'm not the rude and uptight person you saw a couple of months ago. i've grown to become a happier and more loving person. the real taehyung that was hidden all along.

"i will make sure to visit, okay?" i said, smiling at him.

"i'll miss you."

"i'll miss you too, grandpa," i smiled a little wider.

he gave me a grim smile while turning away. he waved one last time before walking away.

then a pair of small arms wrapped around me.

"hi, kitae," i said, looking down at the kid.

"thank you for everything, taehyung. you saved my auntie's life," he looked up at me with a smile as he continued, "and my mum is also feeling grateful from above."

i bit my lip as the thought of jiae crossed my mind. i squeezed his small frame carefully and said, "your mother would be so proud of you. i know one day you'll grow to be a big man. look after your family, okay?" kitae nodded excitedly, he beamed, "i will!"

after saying goodbye to kitae, there was one person left.

she stood in front of me. her everlasting green eyes captured mine, the way they always did from the first moment we met. a small smile was placed on her lips. she reached out and placed a hand on the cast that was encased around my injured arm.

"are you okay?" she asked softly.

my heart fluttered.

"yes.." i replied, looking at her.

we just stood in silence as we stared at each other, not knowing what to say. there was so much i wanted to say..but nothing came out.

i noticed how her eyes started becoming teary. it was nearly time to say goodbye.

"let's just get this over with, okay?" aera said with an evident frown, looking away from me. i gripped on her shoulder, bringing her close to me.

"don't cry," i said softly, hugging her gently. she returned the hug, embracing me tightly. this was hard for both of us, especially since we didn't get to spend enough time together.

"i'll miss you, taeby," she said in a strained voice. droplets of tears cascaded down her cheeks. i could tell she was holding back a sob.

then she barely whispered, "thank you...for everything." i held her tighter and buried my face in the crook of her shoulder, not wanting to let her go. i didn't want to say goodbye.

everything about her was special. her smile, her kindness, her spirit...everything was so so special about her.

i'll never stop loving you, aera.

she released our hug. looking up at me, she asked, "where are you going now?"

"i'm staying with my dad until my arm heals. then i'll get back to work," i said, smiling a little. she nodded, smiling as she rubbed my cast.

"that's good. make sure you rest, okay?"

"aera, time to go!" jae yelled from the plane. aera looked at him before looking back at me, i could see the pain in her eyes. she stepped forward and hugged me again. i knew i had to say something but couldn't. it was too difficult.

"goodbye, taeby..i hope we can meet again," she said as she pulled away.

"yeah..i'll come back to you...i promise," i said quickly, looking at her.

we stared at each other for a few moments, she leant forward a little but drew back. she smiled and quickly turned around, making her way to the jet.

jae was near the door, letting her in. he waved goodbye in my direction, to which i returned with a sad smile.

i would be lying if i said that wasn't the hardest thing i've ever had to do.

aera's pov

i settled into my seat, looking out the window to see taeby standing outside. it took me a few seconds to realise i was crying. it was unbearable parting ways with him.

he was my saviour, my friend..the love of my life. there was so much i wanted to say to him, so much i wanted to do but..it was too painful. i couldn't stand saying goodbye.

there was a moment where i leant in to kiss him..but i didn't. my eyes were on him, watching him as more tears cascaded down my cheeks.

the plane started making its way slowly. my eyes never left the male. there was something inside me screaming to do something...but my mind was telling me otherwise.

but then again..i knew if i didn't do it, i'd regret it for the rest of my life.

so i did it.

getting onto my feet, i yelled across to the pilot, "wait!" i quickly made my way to the door as the plane came to a full stop. before anyone could say anything, i slid open the door and stepped outside onto the steps that connected to the ground. the strong winds rushed past me, fluttering my hair around me. i stood on top of the steps, my eyes on taehyung who stood a few metres away from the plane. he had this confused look on his face, watching me.

a huge smile spread across my face. i couldn't contain myself as i ran down the steps, running towards taehyung.

"aera!" jaeho called from inside the plane, but i was oblivious to everything around me. my focus was just on taehyung as i sprinted towards him.

everything seemed to move in slow motion.

i was running towards the love of my life, every step created a whirlwind of emotions as i came nearer towards him.

taehyung, looking confused as ever, slowly opened his arms out as he took steps closer to me.

it all happened at once.

i jumped and wrapped my arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. taehyung caught me and held me tightly. without wasting any time, i cupped his cheeks and placed my lips against his. he froze against me for a second before easing into the kiss, sweetly kissing me back.

his hand was tightly around me, holding me up. our lips danced in sync together, fitting together perfectly. i just couldn't get enough.

'taeby, be happy and remember me, okay?'

i smiled into the kiss, hugging him tightly.

'i will always love you.'