Better Together (Taegguk) 11

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After Taeyeon and her family left, Taehyung headed to his room. The day had been emotionally taxing, and all he wanted was to rest.

He freshened up, changing into comfortable clothes and slipping under the covers. Just as he was about to drift into a light sleep, he heard a soft knock at the door.

Kim Taehyung

Come in.

The door creaked open, and his mother stepped inside, her expression soft but tinged with concern. Taehyung sat up slightly, propping himself against the pillows

Mrs Kim

I hope I'm not disturbing you, Taehyung-ah.

Kim Taehyung

(shaking his head) No, eomma. You can never disturb me. What’s on your mind?

Mrs. Kim sat at the edge of his bed, her hands clasped in her lap. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice calm yet weighted with the stress of recent events.

Mrs Kim

It’s about the Han family's marriage proposal. I know how you feel about it...

Mrs Kim

But, Taehyung-ah, I need you to understand why I considered it.

Taehyung took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation. This wasn’t easy for him either, but he knew they needed to talk it out.

Kim Taehyung

(gently)I know, eomma. I know you’re worried about me, about my future.

Kim Taehyung

But I’m not ready to get married yet. I’m only 24, and I have dreams—things I want to achieve before I even think about settling down.

His mother sighed, her eyes softening as she looked at her son. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

Mrs Kim

I understand that, Tae. But you have to see it from my side, too. Your father’s health… it’s not what it used to be.

Mrs Kim

He worries about you, about seeing you settled before anything happens to him.

Mrs Kim

He wants to make sure you’re taken care of, and so do I. You’re our youngest, and we want the best for you.

Kim Taehyung

Eomma, I’m not against marriage. One day, I do want to get married, to find someone I truly love. But right now… I just need time.

Kim Taehyung

I want to focus on my career, establish myself. Can’t I have that time, without being rushed into something I’m not ready for?

There was a long pause. Mrs. Kim looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of uncertainty. But all she saw was sincerity and determination.

She knew her son wasn’t one to shy away from responsibility—he had always been hardworking, focused, and determined. She could see how important this was to him.

Mrs Kim

(sighing)I don’t want to push you into something you don’t want, Taehyung.

Mrs Kim

If this is really how you feel, then I’ll respect your decision. I’ll talk to your father, and we’ll decline the Han family’s proposal.

Taehyung felt a weight lift off his chest at her words. He hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly, but he was grateful. He reached out and pulled her into a tight hug.

Kim Taehyung

(whispering)Thank you, umma. I love you.

Mrs. Kim hugged him back, her hand gently stroking his hair like she used to when he was a child.

Mrs Kim

(softly)I love you too, Taehyung. I just want you to be happy, and if this is what makes you happy, then that’s all that matters to me.

They sat there for a few moments in silence, both of them finding comfort in each other’s presence.

She kissed his forehead before standing up to leave.

Mrs Kim

Get some rest, son. You’ve had a long day.

As she left, Taehyung lay back down, feeling more peaceful than he had in days.

That night, he slept soundly, without any mental stress or worries about the future.

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Meanwhile, downstairs, Mrs. Kim found Mr. Kim in the living room.

She sat beside him, taking a deep breath before speaking.

Mrs Kim

We need to talk about Taehyung.

Mr kim

What’s wrong? Did something happen?

Mrs Kim

He’s not ready to get married yet. He wants time to focus on his career, to build his own path first. And… I think we need to give him that time.

Mr. Kim was silent for a moment, digesting her words. He had always been proud of Taehyung’s achievements, but he couldn’t help the worry that gnawed at him when he thought about his youngest son’s future.

Mr kim

I understand. But you know why I worry, don’t you? My health… I don’t know how much longer I have.

Mr kim

I just want to see him settled before anything happens.

Mrs. Kim took his hand, squeezing it gently.

Mrs Kim

I know, dear. But we have to trust that Taehyung will make the right choices for himself.

Mr. Kim nodded slowly, his eyes softening.

Mr kim

You’re right. He’s always been responsible. If this is what he needs, then we’ll support him.

They shared a quiet moment, their hearts full of love for their son. It wasn’t easy for them to let go of their worries, but they knew they had to trust Taehyung’s judgment.

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