Million Dollar Date | k.th.

{Forty-Two}

Sierra woke up the next morning after sleeping very little through the night. Taehyung occupied her mind and heart; the dried tears on her face were proof of it. Reciting, in her thoughts over and over, that he will have to come to her in his own time was a hard truth she faced. Regardless, Sierra loved him too much to force a decision he wasn't ready for.

"Take your time, Taehyung." She whispered.

Sierra opened the room door to see Minah still on the couch. She smiled, not wanting to wake her yet. Instead, she strolled over to Taehyung's bedroom door to find it closed. She knocked lightly and rested her ear on the surface of it to listen in.

"Taehyung?" She called.

After not hearing a sound, she opened it, peeking in and noticing he wasn't there. Sierra sighed, hoping she would at least be able to say goodbye, but that would have made it harder for them. She silently counted the blessing and closed the door back. She walked back over to Minah, who's eyes were opening slowly to wake.

"Are you up, princess?" Sierra teased.

"Yes," Minah answered as she noticed the direction in which Sierra stood. "You went to see him?"

Sierra glanced behind her, a small smile cornered her lips. "He's not here. You're right. He must have stayed with Jimin."

"Did he call you?"

Sierra shook her head. "No, and I didn't call him. I think space is good for now. Maybe he'll come around. Anyway, I have to get ready. I know traffic could be a little crazy getting to Incheon."

Minah stood up from the couch. "I don't want you to go. I will miss you." She pouted.

"Don't." Sierra pointed at Minah. "No tears." She smiled. "I'm going to get dressed."

Once getting through traffic, Minah arrived at Incheon. She pulled up to the departure drop off and parking. She popped the trunk, signaling her and Sierra's exit from the car. Sierra grabbed her luggage, lifting it from the vehicle and huffing from the mild labor of it.

"Okay, now can I cry?" Minah asked as she embraced her.

"I'm gonna miss you, Minah, but you have my number so text me. I might sneak away from America to see you." Sierra grinned as they eased out of their hug.

"You should, or I will come there. We can shop in New York, then fly to LA for more shopping." Minah smiled as she wiped a tear away. "Take care of yourself, Sierra."

"You too, Minah." Sierra bowed before taking her luggage once more and making her way inside the terminal.

After her check-in, she strolled around, taking in the sights of the terminal. Sierra glanced at the duty-free shops and pondered going inside, but the pain of a reminder that would follow anything she purchased there stopped her from doing so.

She sighed, feeling as if she failed but confused about the many things it could stem from.

Passing the stores, free-falling tears trickled down her face as she stared forward, eventually reaching her boarding station.

Of the empty seats inhabiting the area, Sierra took it upon herself to stand. She opened her phone to text her family and friends that she was at the airport for her flight. She continued flipping through her phone until his name came into focus. She smiled as she opened the text window, reading their past and smiling. Her heart broke more when she browsed through photos of the one she wanted more than anything; tears cascaded from her eyes.

"Don't be selfish, Sierra." She whispered. "If he wants you, he'll come for you."

Sierra stuck her phone into her jacket and wiped her face. Feeling as if she probably looked a mess, she pondered going to the powder room to clean herself up.

The minute she turned, a fluffy ball of honey, tinged hair caught her attention. His smile was just as bright as the sun peering through the windows of the terminal. Beautiful as always, but brief once he noticed the saddened stare of the one shocked at his presence. He walked closer to her but kept a distance between them.

Sierra's heart broke, seeing him there. A bittersweet satisfaction slithered through her, not having to say goodbye, but now this will only make things worse. She contemplated walking past him, but that would only complicate their situation further. He was there for a reason, so she figured she would hear him out.

The hickory swirls in his eyes wandered over hers while he nervously placed his hand in his coat pocket, shrugging slightly at the fit.

"I was wondering what took you so long." He uttered.

Sierra's face twitched in confusion. "M-Me? Why?"

"I've been waiting for hours. I was afraid you would miss your flight."

Sierra shook her head. "N-No. I mean, traffic was a little heavy, but Minah got me here in time."

"She's a fast driver, isn't she?"

Sierra chuckled lowly. "I was kinda scared." She admitted before all traces of her smiles were erased. "What are you doing here, Taehyung?"

"Look, Sierra, I needed to say some things to you before you board this plane." He stated.

The troubled woman nodded. "Okay. Speak."

Taehyung gulped. "I'm an ass; I know this. You are a good girl, the best girl. You're probably the greatest thing that will ever happen to me, and it's scary but amazing at the same time. I can't lose you, and I can't let you get on that plane without me. If I let you do that, then I would be a fool."

Sierra gasp as her lips trembled. More tears fell, replacing the ones she wiped earlier.

"I love you, and I want to be in New York with you, for now. We can work the details out later bu-"

Sierra interrupted Taehyung in the sweetest way she could. Her arms circled his neck as their tears collided into the soft sway of their kiss. She rested her hands on his face, easing away as the announcement of their flight blared in the background.

"That's us," Taehyung spoke.

Sierra nodded. "Yes, that's us, I suppose."

"So, while you were sleeping last night, I upgraded our tickets. We're going to fly like K-pop stars." Taehyung teased.

"Ooh," Sierra smiled. "That sounds fancy. I can't wait."

Taehyung took Sierra's hand in his and fell in line. Sierra tiptoed and kissed him on his cheek, making him blush on the return.

"I love you too." She whispered.

Epilogue and Thank You is next.

Cupid 💘