⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Trying to catch my breath, I panted heavily as Taehyung got off me. He plopped himself next to me on the bed, our chests heaving as our heavy breaths ricochetted off the walls, the music from downstairs making the outside world completely oblivious to our sin.

We laid on our backs, staring at the ceiling not knowing what else to say after our exchange of 'I love you's. I didn't know if I should feel relieved or stressed for finally letting out my feelings. I didn't know where this left us.

I didn't know how Taehyung was going to get out of this situation or how my sister and father would react to this. There were tons of people outside, celebrating this man's marriage, yet he just made love to another woman.

"You should head back out there." I broke the silence between us, turning to look at him. His chest raised with deep breaths, his body glistening with sweat.

He remained silent, eyes still glued to the ceiling and I propped myself up with my arm and looked at him. "Taehyung?"

"I'm so sorry." He let out, rubbing his temples. "For putting you through this. I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to any of this." He groaned a little.

I couldn't help but sigh. My brain remained blank, unsure of what to say so I scooted closer to him, placing my head on his chest and his arm instantly encircled around me. "What do we do?" I asked, listening to the beat of his heart.

His fingers run through my hair as he stroked my head gently, "I'll have to talk to Aera." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, giving a quick peck on my forehead. "I'll make sure everything works out." Taehyung said as he looked down at me.

"I'll fix this." He assured me the moment he noticed my hesitant state. He took in a deep breath and looked back up at the ceiling. "God, your father's going to hate me."

I laid on his chest, thinking of how it'd be close to impossible to have a normal relationship with him after this. "I'm sorry I left." I finally apologise as I pressed my eyes shut tightly, not wanting to get too emotional.

"Don't apologise." He quickly said, his hands travelling lower as he caressed my arms. "Everything was a mess. We all made rash decisions." He let out. "And I'm sorry for not handling the situation well. I guess I was just really lost." His voice cracked a little, almost as though he was fighting a cry.

The vulnerable side of him was still relatively new to me. I've not seen him hurt. The thought of me leaving must've truly messed him up.

"But," he sniffled lightly, "I'll fix this." Taehyung looked down at me. "I promise."

『⋅∘➶∘⋅』

We got down the stairs and instantly there was a ruckus. "There he is!" Everyone cheered as he entered the hall, my presence barely being noticed.

"Where's the wife?" A male chimed, walking over to Taehyung as he grabbed him by the shoulders playfully.

"I'm not too sure, Jungkook." Taehyung let out, passing me a quick glance.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook asked as everyone went back to moving to the music. His brows fell into a frown the moment he noticed Taehyung's state.

Taehyung simply nodded, his soft, tousled hair bouncing with the motion.

"Jungkook!" A black haired male exclaimed from the kitchen. He was holding a bottle of champagne in his hands and motioning it towards him.

"I think Yoongi needs help with the drinks, I'll be back." He gave Taehyung a firm pat on the back as he walked towards the kitchen.

Once we were left alone, Taehyung turned to me. "So, we're sticking with the plan?" He asked.

"Yes, let's just get over with the party and then we'll decide what to do with—" and a cough interrupted me.

"Jimin." Taehyung and I say in unison the moment he narrowed his eyes at the both of us.

"Taehyung, can I speak to you?" Jimin asked, stuffing his hands into the pocket of his pants as he walked towards us.

"Sure," Taehyung nodded, brows furrowing in the process.

I gulped the moment Jimin threw me a glance, "alone." He said and Taehyung looked back at me.

I mouthed the word go as I nodded. I walked over to an empty spot on the couch, picking up a glass of champagne on the way as I slumped onto the couch.

After a few minutes, Jimin appeared, sitting himself next to me. "I know." Was all he said and for some reason I thought acting dumb was the best option.

"What are you talking about?" I questioned but he obviously saw right through me.

"Areum," he let out and I sighed.

"Was that what you and Taehyung were talking about?" I asked and he nodded.

"I'm not here to judge. This whole thing was messy but I just want the best for Taehyung." He said and I remained quiet, listening to him.

"I told Taehyung about a lawyer my parents had who can get the marriage annulled easily but it'd be better if it was sooner. So, I think it's best if you guys figure this out now." He told me.

"Right now? There's a whole party going on. Aera's going to be crushed."

"More crushed than realising that Taehyung wasn't being genuine through out this party?" He responded and I feel myself agreeing with him.

"You're right." I sighed, shaking my head. "I'll tell Taehyung." I said as I stood up and Jimin gets up with me.

"No need, he's already talking to her." He said and I paused.

"What?"

"Yea, they're talking in my room," and as if on cue, Aera comes rushing out, tears pouring down her face as she ran down the steps.

"Shit." I cussed under my breath running to her as Taehyung chased behind her.

"Aera," I gasped, holding her as Taehyung looked at me with worry in his eyes. Before I could get another word out, she moves away from my grip, upset for an understandable reason.

"I know—" I stopped myself the moment Taehyung shook his head behind me. I cocked my head to the side as I tried reading the room.

I could tell Aera was close to maniacal at this point but as she tried speaking, her sobbing became unbearable. "It's Ma." She said and I froze.

"She OD'ed." She let out in between her cries, "she's gone."

. . .

A/N: I think the book's ending soon.