Love or Destiny

Homecoming

"Taehyung..."

Her voice came trembling through the phone, a mix of shock and excitement. And he could feel it.

"Yes...it's me," he said, forcing himself to sound calm, though his heart raced. "I...I need to talk to you. I'm coming to Korea. I called mom and dad but they're in Thailand. They told me to call you first."

"You're coming?" Her voice barely contained her joy.

"Yes," he said. "I'm already at the airport. My flight is in a few moments."

"I...I'll come to pick you up."

"N-No," he replied. "I mean, there is no need for it. I have some work to attend to directly from the airport. Just send a car,"

"Okay. Have a safe journey."

"Thanks. Bye."

"Bye." she whispered and he hung up.

The flight was announced. Boarding calls echoed over the terminal as he walked down the jet bridge, his thoughts consumed by her.

────୨ৎ────

The moment he landed, a sleek black car was waiting. Jisoo had already sent it. The driver handed the keys to him and slipped inside. Taehyung got in, the city blurring past as his mind replayed their conversation. His destination was clear: Jin's house.

He entered swiftly. A maid barely glanced at him before he made his way to Jin's room. Jin was sitting there, staring at his phone with a small-amused smile. He hadn't even noticed Taehyung.

"...Hyung?" Taehyung called out.

Jin jumped slightly, fumbling with his phone. "Taehyung?! When did you get in Korea?"

"An hour ago. I came straight here. But what were you looking at so intently?"

"Ah...n-nothing," he stammered, flustered. "Why are you here all of a sudden?"

"I need a lawyer's number. You have one?"

"Yeah...but why?"

"I'll explain later. First, give me the number."

He handed it over. "Here. Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks." Taehyung paused, glancing around. "Where are your parents?"

"On vacation. Not in Korea."

"Okay. I'll see you later. Bye."

"Bye..."

────୨ৎ────

Taehyung arrived at the lawyer's office, asking for the papers he needed.

"You have everything ready?" he asked.

"Yes, Mr. Kim. You can collect them soon."

"I need them sooner. Please make it quick."

"Of course," the lawyer assured him.

He left the office. One step closer to facing Jisoo.

────୨ৎ────

Jisoo had come home early, determined to make everything perfect. The house was spotless, and every one of Taehyung's favorite dishes lined the dining table. Her heart raced at the thought of him walking through the door.

Just as she was arranging flowers, Rosé called.

"Hey, Rosie!" Jisoo said, smiling.

"You look...really happy. Someone special on your mind?" Rosé teased.

"Hey! Don't tease me!"

"Okay, okay. Has he arrived?"

"Not yet."

"Then what are you doing?"

"Making all the arrangements. Why don't you and the others join us too?"

"Nope. Today is your day. Enjoy. We'll come tomorrow...and I want to scold him myself."

"What!? No Rosie!"

"Fine, fine. I won't say anything. Happy now?"

"Mmhm..." Jisoo smiled.

"Okay, bye. See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

She hung up and tried to steady her breathing. It was almost time but he wasn't there yet. She called the driver, who confirmed that Taehyung had left the airport in the car she had sent. Relief flooded her when she finally saw him enter the house.

Her heart pounded in her chest. She didn't know what to say. He was so focused on his phone that he didn't notice her at first.

────୨ৎ────

Taehyung stepped inside, handing his keys to the guards and having them bring his luggage. His fingers typed quickly, sending Jungkook a message that he had arrived safely. As he looked up from his phone, he froze.

There she was.

Jisoo

She was breathtaking. An angel, just as his mother had described. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears and yet she tried to hold them back. His mind went blank. What could he even say?

"Taehyung!" Her voice shattered his silence, filled with emotions he could feel in the air.

Hearing her say his name like that, soft and sweet, felt like sugar melting in his veins. He noticed her heart-shaped lips, the way her chest rose and fell with nervous anticipation.

"Jisoo...where is the guest room?" he asked, keeping his voice casual, though his pulse raced.

"Guest room? You're not staying in your own room?" she asked, puzzled.

"No. You're staying there, right? I'll stay in the guest room. And the house looks...different. Like it's been renovated. I don't know the rooms yet."

He looked at her again and he could see the tears threatening to spill. He could sense her pain. But he couldn't give her any hope. That would only hurt her more.

She said nothing.

"Nevermind," he muttered. "I'll ask the maids and I'll have dinner in my room."

He turned and left. His heart ached at the sight of her standing there with eyes filled with tears, and yet he forced himself to keep distance.

Soon...he would have to tell her everything.

And he feared how much that truth would hurt.