Love or Destiny

Memories and Realization

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Taehyung's apartment but today it didn't feel bright. He had taken a leave from the office, mainly because he didn't want to face Jennie after everything that had happened. Sitting on the couch, he let his thoughts wander, hoping the quiet would calm his restless mind.

"Hey, I heard you took a leave today," Jungkook's voice broke through and he plopped down beside him.

"Yeah," Taehyung muttered.

"Why? Sick?"

"No... just want some rest," he replied, though the truth was more complicated.

Jungkook pulled out his phone and started typing furiously.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sending a message to Jennie. She's worried about you. She called you but you didn't answer her, so she called me instead."

Taehyung stayed silent. There was no point arguing with him.

After a moment, Jungkook leaned back, smirking. "By the way, I did some digging about Kim Jisoo."

"Who asked you to investigate?" Taehyung said cautiously, narrowing his eyes.

"No one," Jungkook replied nonchalantly. "I was just curious."

"Yeah, whatever." Taehyung muttered, turning away.

"Do you wanna know what I found out?"

"No."

"Okay...I'm telling you anyway."

Taehyung groaned. "I said no dumbass!"

"Stop being dramatic and listen," Jungkook said, ignoring him.

Taehyung gave in silently, realizing arguing would be useless.

"Kim Jisoo isn't just smart," Jungkook began. "She's Korea's No. 1 businesswoman. Her company is at the top right now. You know her grandfather, Kim Jae Beom, right?"

"Yeah..." Taehyung muttered.

"He passed away two years ago," Jungkook added casually.

"What?!" Taehyung shot up.

"You didn't know?"

"No..." His mind raced. "That's why she's been living with my parents."

"But she's running her grandfather's company now and managing your father's company too," Jungkook continued. "All while keeping your marriage secret."

Taehyung listened quietly, feeling a mix of awe and disbelief. A girl so fearless, intelligent and capable. Managing two major companies, all while protecting their secret.

"Do you know how many people want to date her?" Jungkook said. "She's famous, talented and married to you. You're lucky, man."

Taehyung glared at him. "Shut up, Jungkook."

"V...don't you like Jisoo?"

"No."

"Then... do you like Jennie?"

"No."

"What do you mean no, V? Jennie likes you, and Jisoo...she's been waiting for you two years. You can't leave both of them in the dark because of confusion or whatever."

Taehyung remained silent, letting his words sink in.

"Look, V," Jungkook said softly, standing over him, "if you don't like Jisoo, go to Korea and tell her. You can't make her wait forever. And your dream...it's fulfilled now, thanks to Jennie. She helped you get your job. You should accept her as well. And more importantly, you need to tell Jisoo everything. She deserves that."

Taehyung looked at him, contemplating his advice. Jungkook paused, then added, "Don't make everything so complicated, bro."

Taehyung didn't answer. His mind was elsewhere. Then, almost hesitantly, Jungkook asked, "V, you don't love anyone, right?"

Taehyung froze. That question hit him harder than he expected. He had no words. Jungkook seemed to understand, for he didn't push further. He left the room quietly, leaving Taehyung to his thoughts.

Taehyung's eyes drifted to the small box on the table, a delicate diamond locket inside.

────୨ৎ────

A few years ago in Korea...

Taehyung had been driving at night when he saw a group of men harassing a girl. Without thinking, he had stopped his car and intervened. One of the men lunged at her and he punched him square in the nose. The others advanced but he didn't hesitate. He fought them off, knocking them out one by one.

When the dust settled, the girl was gone. But on the ground, he noticed a small chain with a diamond locket. He picked it up, puzzled, and kept it with him.

Years earlier, back in school, he had given that very chain to a girl named Anna. A new student who had become his friend, or more than a friend. He had intended it as a symbol of his feelings, though he never confessed.

That same night, that girl had left the pendant  behind.

And now holding it in his hands...Taehyung realized, the girl he had saved that night, the girl who had disappeared, was Anna.

He had tried to find her but there were no clues, no information about her family, nothing.

Eventually, he had convinced himself to forget.