Under the Cherry Blossoms (Taejin/Kookjin)

Flashback Chapter. Hold on or let go?

HOLD ON OR LET GO?

=== FLASHBACK ===

Time Frame: First day of Sakura Festival

Taehyung's POV

I can't stop pacing back and forth, checking my luggage from time to time.

It was my schedule to fly to Tokyo, Japan.

Originally, I planned to go there earlier so that I would arrive in Tokyo on the first day of the Sakura Festival. However, there were important appointments in the hospital that I needed to attend to and I was not given the approval for my original flight schedule.

It was okay, though. At least, I will be able to go there on the first week of the festival, and meet Jin even if it would fall on the third day.

"Son, how about the ring?" My dad walked into my room. He took a day off to send me to the airport.

"Already with me, dad." I gestured him with a thumbs up.

I bought a promise ring for Jin. We have not really started a relationship yet so I can't ask him to marry me. However, I would love to start creating memories with him. Hopefully, these memories are no longer painful and heartbreaking.

I plan to place this ring on top of a strawberry-chocolate cupcake because that was something intimate that we share. I love strawberries, he loves chocolates and we both love cupcakes. I'm not into baking, but I willingly spent time and effort for this. That is how special Jin is for me.

I suddenly remembered the first time we met when he promised to name a cupcake after my nickname. Well, he fulfilled that promise with Vante, the famous cupcake he made. Upon seeing and tasting that delicacy, I was extremely filled with joy. I hope he will also beam his cute hamster smile when he sees the cupcake that I made. Most especially, I sincerely hope he will be happy to receive my promise ring.

A lot of things have happened these past years. My dad and I went to a medical mission in Uruk to contain the spread of a virus. At first, it was awkward and there was a lot of tension between us.

After the mission, we were quarantined for one month to ensure that we would not bring any virus to the states.

In that moment of isolation, I think my dad and I were able to ponder a lot of things that happened to us. My dad probably was able to think about how controlling he was with my life. Hence, after being released, we were able to talk heart to heart. We became closer and reconciled.

It was heartwarming to see my dad, humbling himself and setting his pride aside to ask for forgiveness. He apologized for being too controlling and for forcing me to follow the future he has planned for me. He also encouraged me to go back to my passion in singing and composing.

He gave me the freedom to stay as a doctor or become a singer. Either way, he promised to support me all the way.

As much as I want to focus on being a singer, I have learned to love my profession as a doctor. Hence, I answered I can be both.

I worked hard to be able to get a verified Spotify account, with Vante as my music industry name and uploaded my composed songs there.

I'm getting quite popular. I hoped my popularity has reached Korea... has reached Jin.

Oh how I wish he would be proud of me.

After we got back to our respective workplace, Shannon visited me. Her eyes shimmered with happiness, proof that she has moved on and is happily married. On behalf of her family, she apologized for the amount of stress they have given me when I broke our engagement. We are in good terms now.