Love or Destiny

The Call That Changed Everything

Taehyung sat in silence, staring at his phone, his thoughts tangled in a whirlwind. The past, the present, the women in his life, everything was colliding at once. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Namjoon. He knew everything. About Jennie, about Jisoo, about the complicated mess Taehyung's life had become.

He answered cautiously. "Yes, Namjoon hyung?"

"I heard about you and Jennie," Namjoon began, his voice calm but probing.

Taehyung stayed silent.

"So...it's true?" Namjoon pressed.

"Yeah," Taehyung admitted, his throat tight.

"And Jisoo?"

"I...I don't know yet," he muttered, avoiding his gaze.

"Don't know? What do you mean by that, Taehyung? If you want to marry Jennie, then go to Jisoo and tell her everything. It's time you faced her," Namjoon said firmly.

Taehyung couldn't reply. He was right, of course. Everything he said made sense, but the thought of facing Jisoo...he didn't know how he could do it. His chest tightened at the thought.

The line went dead. Namjoon had hung up.

He needed guidance. Someone he trusted completely. He dialed Jin's number, his older brother figure who knew him better than anyone.

"Hyung..." Taehyung said when he picked up.

"Hey, Taehyung! How are you? I see you haven't forgotten me yet. Or...is there someone else?" Jin's teasing tone made Taehyung smile faintly.

"Hyung... I called you because I kind of need your advice," he said, his voice heavier than he intended.

"What happened, Taehyung? Is everything alright?"

Taehyung took a deep breath and told him everything. The situation with Jennie, the engagement, his obligations, his fears.

"So, how can I help you?" Jin asked patiently.

"Jungkook keeps saying I should marry Jennie. She's linked to my work and if I don't...it could affect my career. I don't know what to do," Taehyung admitted.

"You don't love Jisoo, right?" Jin asked bluntly.

"No," Taehyung replied.

"Then tell her. She'll understand," Jin said simply.

Taehyung hung up, a heavy but resolute feeling settling in his chest. It was time. He had to meet Jennie.

────୨ৎ────

Jennie was busy with paperwork when she heard the familiar knock on the door. Her heart skipped a beat.

"V...? How are you here? Am I dreaming?" she exclaimed as he stepped inside.

"I wanted to talk to you," he said softly.

She could hardly contain her excitement. "Yes, of course! Tell me," she urged.

"Jennie...do you really want to marry me?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

"Of course! I love you, V," she said without hesitation, her heart fluttering.

He remained silent for a long moment and she wondered what he was thinking. Finally, he spoke.

"Jennie...I have to go to Korea," he said.

"Why suddenly?" she asked, startled.

"My Dad called. He needs my help with something," he explained, a silent conflict passing his eyes.

She nodded slowly. "Oh...but I heard your Dad is a renowned businessman in Korea."

"How do you know?" he asked, curious.

"Well...my Dad did a little investigation," she replied with a small smile.

He nodded slightly. "I see."

There was a pause, then he turned to leave. But then she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug. Her chest ached with longing.

"I'll miss you," she whispered.

"Hmm...bye," he murmured, gently detaching himself.

"Bye," she said, trying to hide the sadness in her voice.

────୨ৎ────

Back at home, Taehyung moved quickly, packing his things for the flight to Korea. Each item he placed in his suitcase felt heavier than the last, burdened with the weight of what awaited him. He picked up the phone to call Jungkook.

"Yeah, V?" Jungkook's voice sounded cheerful.

"Jungkook? Where are you?" Taehyung asked.

"At my place. Why?"

"I'm going to Korea," Taehyung said firmly.

"What? I... okay, I'll come with you," Jungkook said quickly.

"No. I'm already heading to the airport," Taehyung interrupted.

"But... I wanted to see Jisoo," Jungkook protested.

"Shut up and listen. Since you already have a key to my house, take care of it while I'm gone," Taehyung said, trying to sound stern.

"Yeah whatever," Jungkook muttered, a trace of disappointment in his voice.

Taehyung hung up and exhaled deeply. The airport awaited.

At the airport, he waited, his thoughts consumed by Jisoo. Many times his mother had called to inform him that she and his dad were in Thailand and instructed him to call Jisoo directly. For the first time, he dialed her number. His heart raced.

The line clicked.

"Hello?" came her soft-familiar voice.

"Jisoo...it's me. Taehyung," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

There was a long pause on the other end.

"Taehyung?" Her voice was uncertain, cautious, yet something deep within it stirred hope.

"Yes...it's me," he whispered. "I...I need to talk to you."