Love Me Hate Me Or Marry Me [TaeJin]
EPISODE 01: Kim Taehyung's Dream
Kim Taehyung, a 27-year-old young man with sharp intellect and unwavering determination, lived each day with one singular ambition—to work for a prestigious tech company abroad. His heart burned with a desire to make that dream a reality, driving him to excel at every opportunity that came his way.
But the world he lived in was far from perfect.
Taehyung shared his home with his father, Kim Seong, a wise and kind-hearted man who served as a trusted advisor to the chairman of SJ Company. Despite his demanding job, Taehyung’s father always made time for him, showering him with love and support.
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
Then, there was his stepmother, Kim Jun-hee
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Her presence in the house felt like a shadow Taehyung couldn't escape. She ran a modest laundry shop and was hardworking, but their relationship was strained. Their interactions were often cold or sharp, with resentment simmering beneath the surface—neither willing to bridge the gap that kept them apart.
His father, aware of the tension, never gave up trying to create harmony. He hoped one day Taehyung and Jun-hee would find a way to get along, but Taehyung felt like it was an impossible task. For the sake of his father, he tried to remain civil, but the rift between him and his stepmother ran deep.
Lisa was Taehyung’s love, the one person who truly understood him. Kind, compassionate, and breathtakingly beautiful, Lisa was everything he admired. Their love was unwavering, a beacon of hope in his otherwise complicated world. They shared dreams of a future filled with love, marriage, and a life they could build together.
She supported Taehyung’s aspirations, standing by him as he worked tirelessly toward his dream of working abroad. Together, they believed they could overcome any challenge.
But life has a way of testing even the strongest of bonds.
One morning, Taehyung finally submitted his job application to the tech company in America. His heart raced with excitement, knowing he had taken the first step toward his dream. As soon as he hit submit, he eagerly picked up his phone to share the good news with Lisa.
Kim Taehyung
📱Lisa, I did it! I applied to that company in America!
Lisa
(Excited)📱That’s amazing, Tae! I’m so proud of you. This is the first step to your dream.
Kim Taehyung
(Smiles, feeling hopeful)📱I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Taehyung’s stepmother enters the room with a scowl on her face.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Scoffs) Taehyung, 27 years old and still wasting time. How long will you live off your father’s money?
Kim Taehyung
(Clenching his jaw) I’m working toward something!
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Mocking) Dreaming isn’t enough. You need to prove you can stand on your own, instead of sitting around here expecting success to just fall into your lap.
Taehyung hangs up on Lisa, his excitement replaced by frustration.
Kim Taehyung
I’m working toward something! Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean I’m doing nothing.(Fired back)
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Retorted) Dreaming and working are two different things.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Your father didn’t raise you to be lazy, but that’s all you’ve become. Applying for jobs isn’t enough. You need to prove you can stand on your own!
The tension in the room grew thick. Taehyung’s anger boiled beneath the surface, but a small voice inside him reminded him to stay calm—for his father’s sake.
Taehyung storms out, heading toward the gate, trying to control his anger. His phone buzzes with a call from his father.
？？？
(Panicked)📱Taehyung, your father had an accident. Please come to Seoul Hospital immediately!
Taehyung freezes, the world around him crashing down.
Kim Taehyung
(Stammering)📱I... I’ll be there right away.
He rushes back into the house, grabbing his wallet. His stepmother looks on, frowning.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Muttering) What’s gotten into this lazy boy?
Ignoring her, Taehyung grabs what he needs and heads for the door.
Kim Taehyung
Dad’s had an accident. I’m going to the hospital.
Her irritation melts into concern as she hurriedly follows him out.
At the hospital, they rush to the emergency ward, where they find Mr. Kim surrounded by doctors and nurses. The tension in the air is thick.
Doctor
(Emerges, calm but serious) Mr. Kim is stable, but he has severe internal injuries. The next 24 hours are critical.
Taehyung feels his heart drop as he takes in the situation.
The doctor emerged, his expression calm but serious.
Doctor
Mr. Kim is stable now.
Doctor
We’ve discovered that he has a medical condition in its second stage. Once he recovers from the accident, we’ll need to start treatment immediately.
The words hit Taehyung like a blow. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air.
Eight days later, the doctor emerged again, his face grim.
Doctor
Mr. Kim’s condition is stable.
Doctor
but we’ll need to begin treatment soon. The cost of treatment will be over 10 million won. If you have insurance, you might receive a 5 million won discount.
Mrs. Kim’s face paled at the news.
After a moment, Mrs. Kim's frustration boiled over. She turned to Taehyung, her voice sharp with frustration.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Angrily) All you care about is your dream to go abroad, don't you? Go then! Leave us like this in our time of need!
Kim Taehyung
(Flinches, his voice quiet) I never said I’d abandon you.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Voice rising) Your father has been asking you to join SJ Company since you graduated, but no—you had to chase your dream overseas! Now look at us—look at him! (Gestures toward Mr. Kim, who looks helplessly at Taehyung)
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Weakly) Jun-hee... let it go.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Ignoring him, her voice cracking with emotion) Why should I let it go? If you'd been working, you could’ve contributed! We wouldn’t be in this mess! How am I supposed to pay for this treatment with the little I earn from the laundry? And your father’s savings? Gone! Drained by that woman during the divorce!
Kim Taehyung
*Looks away, guilt settling deep in his chest
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Accusatory) Tell me, Taehyung, how are we supposed to save him?!
Taehyung turns and starts walking away, his steps heavy with emotion.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Shouts after him) Where are you going?! Answer me! Go ahead, run away like your mother did! Abandon your father in his time of need, then come back later to claim your share of his legacy, just like she did!
Taehyung stops at the door, her words cutting through him like a blade. His fists clench tightly at his sides. Without looking back, he leaves.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Calling out one last time) That’s right! Walk away, Taehyung!
Silence falls as the door closes behind him. Mrs. Kim sinks into a chair, trembling with anger and fear.
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Softly) He’s just a child, Jun-hee. He’s still figuring things out. If his dream comes true, at least he’ll live a life he’s proud of.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Wiping her tears, her voice trembling) But at what cost? He’s leaving you in this condition. Shouldn’t he be here, supporting us, taking care of you?
She brings a glass of water to Mr. Kim and helps him sip carefully. Adjusting his pillow, she sits back down, her face etched with worry.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Quietly) What if Taehyung leaves us... just like Seo did?
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Sighs deeply) Taehyung is not Seo.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Bitterly) Are you sure? That woman didn’t think twice before walking away from her child. She went to her parents, filed for divorce, and accused you of things you never did.
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Weakly) Jun-hee—
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Gently) Taehyung loves this family in his own way. Give him time.
But Mrs. Kim isn’t convinced. The weight of the past clings to her, and the pain of her fears remains heavy.
Author Kitty Innocent 🐱
*I Hope You Like The Story💝
Author Kitty Innocent 🐱
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EPISODE 02: Kim Seok Jin
Taehyung sat on the bench outside the ward, his fists clenched as he struggled to calm his anger. Lisa approached him quietly, her presence a gentle comfort. She placed a hand over his, squeezing lightly to reassure him.
Lisa
(Softly) Tae, I know this is hard, but you don’t have to carry it all alone. I’m here for you.
Kim Taehyung
(Looking up, frustration and sadness in his eyes) That woman… she always brings up my mom. She was supposed to be my mom’s friend, but she married my dad. I’ve tried to stay quiet, but she never misses a chance to insult my mom. I miss her, Lisa. I just want to be with her… but I can’t leave my dad.
Lisa
(Stroking his hand gently) I understand, Tae. It’s not easy, but don’t let her words get to you. You’re stronger than this. Things will get better.
Kim Taehyung
(His voice trembling) How, Lisa?
Before she could respond, Taehyung’s gaze drifted across the corridor, landing on a familiar figure—a man walking purposefully with a group of staff.
Kim Taehyung
(Standing abruptly) Lisa, that’s the SJ Company chairman… he’s here. He must be here for Dad.
Without waiting, Taehyung rushed back into the ward, his heart pounding. Inside, he addressed his father, who lay weakly on the hospital bed.
Kim Taehyung
(Urgently) Dad, the SJ chairman Mr. Kim is here.
Mr. Kim’s eyes widened in surprise as Mrs. Kim’s expression turned anxious.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Worried) Why would he come here?
Before anyone could speculate further, the ward's door opened, and Chairman Kim stepped inside, his presence commanding the room. Taehyung and his stepmother instinctively bowed their heads in respect, while Mr. Kim, though too weak to rise, acknowledged him with a slight nod.
The atmosphere grew tense as the chairman took a step closer, his gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Mr. Kim. His expression revealed little, leaving everyone wondering about the purpose of his visit.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
The room was filled with an air of tension and gratitude as Chairman Kim stood before Mr. Kim's hospital bed. His presence carried a mix of authority and warmth, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the family's despair.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Gentle smile, asked) Mr. Kim, how are you feeling now?
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
(Weakly) A bit better than before, sir.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Chairman nodded, reassured) That's good to hear. Hopefully, you'll be discharged soon and can rejoin the company.
Mr. Kim hesitated, his expression somber.
Mr. Kim Seong (Taehyung’s Father)
I'm sorry, Chairman, but the doctors have advised against discharge. During my treatment, they discovered an illness that's already in its second stage. I'll need to remain here for further care.
Hearing this, Chairman Kim's expression turned serious, and he stepped closer, gently holding Mr. Kim's hand.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
If that's the case, Mr. Kim, then focus on your treatment. Don't worry about anything else. The company will take care of all your medical expenses. You've dedicated so many years to SJ Company with loyalty; it's only right that we stand by you now.
Mrs. Kim, overwhelmed with emotion, wiped her tears.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Thank you so much, Chairman. We can never repay this kindness.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Smiled kindly) There's no need for repayment. This is just a small gesture for all Mr. Kim has done for the company.
Taehyung, who had been standing silently, finally spoke,
Kim Taehyung
Thank you, sir, for helping my dad. It means a lot to us.
Chairman turned his attention to Taehyung, studying him briefly before stepping closer and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
What do you do, Taehyung?
Kim Taehyung
(Hesitated) Sir, I've applied for jobs, but I haven't received any responses yet.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
From tomorrow, you’ll start working in your dad’s position at SJ Company.
Kim Taehyung
(Stunned, his voice barely audible) M-me?
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Nodding firmly) Yes. Come to the office tomorrow. You’ll be briefed about your duties.
Mr. Kim, moved by the gesture, tried to speak but was interrupted by the Chairman's reassuring words.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
Don't worry, Mr. Kim. Everything will be fine. Just focus on getting better.
The family sat in stunned silence, gratitude etched on their faces as Chairman Kim gave them hope for a brighter future.
After Chairman Kim left, a heavy silence filled the room. Mrs. Kim, still wiping away her tears, pulled herself together and turned to Taehyung with a stern expression.
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
Starting tomorrow, you will go to the company without any excuses. That's the only way to repay their kindness.
Her tone was sharp, cutting through Taehyung's lingering dreams.
Taehyung looked at her, his voice hesitant as he tried to speak
Kim Taehyung
But... my dream is to go to America and-
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
(Harshly) Really, Taehyung? You're still clinging to your dream? Can't you see your father's condition?
Mrs. Kim Jun-hee (Taehyung’s Step Mom)
A stranger like Chairman Kim comes here and helps us, and instead of repaying his kindness, you want to run away? Is your dream so important that you can't see the responsibilities you have toward your family?
Her words pierced Taehyung's heart like daggers. He looked over at his father, who sat quietly, his eyes filled with helplessness, unable to speak against either his wife or his son. His gaze was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unfulfilled dreams.
Taehyung's shoulders dropped under the weight of his father's silent plea and his mother's relentless pressure. Taking a deep breath, he looked at her with resignation.
Kim Taehyung
Fine. I'll join the company starting tomorrow.
Mrs. Kim exhaled deeply, as though a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. But in Taehyung's heart, the sound of his dream shattering echoed loudly, leaving behind a silence only he could hear.
The next morning, Taehyung woke up early and got ready. Dressed in formal attire, he stepped out of the house and boarded a bus heading to SJ Company. As the towering building came into view, he paused for a moment, taking a deep breath while gazing at its grandeur.
Steeling his nerves, Taehyung walked inside and approached the reception desk.
Kim Taehyung
(Politely) Excuse me, could you tell me where I can meet the Chairman?
The receptionist looked up at him with a professional smile.
Receptionist
Are you Kim Taehyung?
Kim Taehyung
(Surprised) Yes, that's me.
The receptionist handed him an ID card
Receptionist
Here's your ID, Sir. Please head to the 15th floor. You'll meet Director Kim Namjoon there.
Taking the ID, Taehyung nodded, thanked her, and headed toward the elevator. As the doors closed, he looked at his reflection in the shiny elevator walls, adjusting his tie nervously. He knew that this was only the beginning of a journey that might demand more from him than he had imagined.
Reaching the 15th floor, Taehyung stepped out and was greeted by the sight of a sleek, modern office. Gathering his courage, he approached the director's office.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Come in.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
You must be Kim Taehyung. Welcome to SJ Company.
Kim Taehyung
(Bowed respectfully) Thank you, Sir. I'll do my best.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
(Gestured for him to sit) Let's get you started. I'll guide you through everything you need to know.
Taehyung nodded, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension as his journey in the company officially began.
As Namjoon and Taehyung made their way to the director's meeting, Namjoon's phone buzzed loudly. Answering it quickly, his expression shifted to mild concern. After hanging up, he glanced at Taehyung, who was walking beside him.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Taehyung, can you do me a favor?
Namjoon asked, his tone both urgent and apologetic.
Kim Taehyung
(Curious) Of course, sir. What is it?
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
My younger brother, Jin, is arriving from America today, and there's no one at home to pick him up from the airport. I have to attend this meeting, so I can't go myself. Would you mind going with the driver to receive him?
Kim Taehyung
(Nodding confidently) Sure, I can do that, sir. But... how will I recognize him?
Namjoon chuckled, pulling a small board from his bag.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Just hold this with his name on it. Don't worry, he'll find you.
Taehyung looked at the board, reading aloud,
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
(Smiled warmly) Yes, that's him. Thank you, Taehyung. I owe you one.
Kim Taehyung
Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure he gets home safely.
With that, Taehyung headed toward the car, board in hand, ready to meet the younger brother of the director who had unknowingly entrusted him with such an important task.
Author Kitty Innocent 🐱
*Comment Your Thoughts 😘💜❤️💝💖
EPISODE 03: What's The Hurry?
At the airport, Taehyung stood near the gate, holding a board in his hands. He had been waiting there for a long time. In the crowd ahead, a man was walking through, catching the attention of some girls who started taking his pictures.
The man was dressed in a simple yet formal outfit, wearing a white cap and a mask. Taehyung, however, kept his eyes focused straight ahead.
Suddenly, the board in his hands slipped and fell to the ground. As he bent down to pick it up, the man walked past him.
Taehyung straightened up, holding the board again and continuing to look forward. Moments later, the same man took a few steps back toward him, tilting his head slightly to read the writing on the board.
Kim Seok Jin
Kim Seok Jin!
The man read aloud. Realizing this was the director's brother, Taehyung quickly bowed
Without removing his mask, Jin pointed at the board and remarked,
Kim Seok Jin
If you hold the board like that, how are you going to take the person you're here to pick up?
Kim Taehyung
(Looked confused) Sorry... I don't understand.
Jin turned the board around and showed him that he had been holding it upside down the entire time.
Taehyung, flushed from the incident, quickly fixed the board and stammered an apology. Jin, without a word, handed over his bag and started walking ahead with a confident stride. Taehyung couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy but chose to remain silent, following him to the car.
At the car, Taehyung climbed into the passenger seat beside the driver, while Jin silently slipped into the back. Jin, keeping his mask on, pulled out his phone and began switching his SIM card to a local Korean one. Without engaging in any conversation, he focused on his phone.
The car soon pulled up at SJ Mansion. As they passed through the towering gates, Taehyung’s eyes widened at the grandeur before him. The mansion was massive, its elegance leaving him momentarily stunned. The car stopped in the entry hall, where staff members immediately opened the car doors.
Driver
Sir, we should head to the company now. After dropping you, I need to pick up the director’s son from school.
Taehyung nodded and got back into the car, stealing one last glance at the magnificent mansion before they drove away.
That evening, as Taehyung boarded the bus for home, he spotted Lisa, who smiled brightly at him.
Lisa
How was your first day at work?
Kim Taehyung
(Sighed deeply, slumping into his seat) Work? More like they’ve turned me into a servant. I didn’t even want this job, but with everything going on at home, I had no choice.
Lisa gave him a sympathetic smile but said nothing more.
The next morning, Taehyung got off the bus, dreading another day at work. As he neared the company, a sleek, luxurious car pulled up at the entrance.
From it stepped Jin, dressed impeccably in a white T-shirt, red jacket, and matching red pants. He carried a bouquet of flowers as he entered the building with an air of authority.
Taehyung watched him for a moment before muttering under his breath.
Kim Taehyung
What kind of life is this? I could've been working at a tech company in America, and instead, I'm stuck here doing this.
Still grumbling, he walked into the building and was headed to his cabin when the director's secretary approached him.
Secretary
The chairman has asked to see you in his office.
Reluctantly, Taehyung made his way to the chairman's office. Stepping inside, he saw Chairman Kim seated at his desk, with Director Namjoon standing nearby.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Jin was there too, leaning casually against the desk. Taehyung greeted them with a respectful bow, though his nerves made his movements stiff.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
(Smiled warmly) Taehyung, meet my youngest son, Jin. And Jin, this is Taehyung, the son of our Senior Advisor, Mr. Kim. Since his father is unwell, Taehyung will be working with us in his place.
Chairman Kim Yoo (Jin's Father)
You're both about the same age. I'm sure you'll become good friends.
Taehyung and Jin exchanged polite but formal smiles, though neither seemed particularly enthusiastic.
Jin's eyes lingered on Taehyung, observing him closely, from his clothes to his watch to his demeanor.
Taehyung felt the weight of Jin's gaze but didn't dare react. A staff member entered, carrying a tray with a champagne bottle and glasses. She poured the champagne and handed glasses to everyone but Taehyung.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
Don't be shy, Taehyung. Take a glass.
Kim Taehyung
(Hesitated) I'm sorry Sir, but I don't drink.
At this, Jin smirked faintly, a flicker of amusement crossing his face as he continued to watch Taehyung.
Kim Namjoon (Jin's Brother)
(Chuckled) That's fine. But let's toast together to celebrate Jin's return. You don't have to drink.
Chairman Kim gave Taehyung an encouraging nod, and with some reluctance, Taehyung accepted the glass. The four of them raised their glasses for a toast, and after a few pleasantries, Chairman Kim and Namjoon left the room, leaving Jin and Taehyung alone.
As Taehyung turned to leave, Jin's voice stopped him in his tracks.
Kim Seok Jin
What's the hurry? (Casual but commanding tone)
Taehyung turned back slowly, unsure of what to say.
Kim Seok Jin
(Studied him closely) Yesterday, I didn't get a good look at you. I was too tired.
The statement left Taehyung confused and a little uncomfortable. Jin stepped forward, taking the glass from Taehyung's hand and finishing the drink himself, smirking as he did so.
Kim Seok Jin
I need to go shopping (Said abruptly)
Kim Seok Jin
Take me to a good brand's showroom.
Kim Taehyung
(Hesitated) I'm sorry, but I-
Before he could finish, Jin interrupted, locking eyes with him.
Kim Seok Jin
I wasn't asking. I told you to take me.
Taehyung, caught off guard by Jin's dominating tone and aware that he was the chairman's son, reluctantly nodded.
Kim Seok Jin
Good. Go get the car ready. I'll be there shortly.
Jin descended the staircase, his sharp gaze immediately landing on Taehyung, who stood near the car with the driver.
Kim Seok Jin
(With a roll of his eyes, Jin exhaled in irritation) I told you to get the car ready, not to bring the driver!
Taehyung, maintaining his composure, replied politely,
Kim Taehyung
Sorry, sir, but I don't know how to drive.
Jin's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the revelation. He took a moment to study Taehyung, then strode closer, his presence commanding. Without breaking eye contact with Taehyung, he extended his hand toward the driver.
Jin demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Kim Seok Jin
Get in the car. (firmly)
Taehyung hesitated for a split second but nodded, his pride clashing with his obedience. Without another word, he climbed into the passenger seat, his uneasiness growing as Jin slipped into the driver's seat, his air of authority filling the space.
Jin glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and muttered, almost teasingly,
Kim Seok Jin
Let's see how good you are at following orders.
He turned the ignition, and the car roared to life as they sped off.
Author Kitty Innocent 🐱
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