Reborn In My Favourite Comic (TaeKook) Chapter 9: Old Wounds

The tension in the VIP section of the club thickened with each passing moment. The figures in black suits parted to reveal a man who immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. He had that aura—the kind that couldn’t be ignored. His presence commanded the space with an easy confidence, his eyes scanning the room as if he owned it. Cha Lin. Taehyung stiffened at the sight of him, his breath catching in his throat. It didn’t matter that they were in a completely different world now, working on the same movie. Cha Lin still had the same effect on him. The memories of school days, of cruel words and taunts, rushed back like a wave, suffocating and relentless. Jimin’s eyes immediately narrowed when he saw the actor, his grip on his drink tightening. Beside him, Lisa’s face twisted into a mask of disdain, her jaw clenching in frustration.

park jimin

“Not him,”

Jimin muttered under his breath, his voice low but sharp.

kim lisa

“Of course he would show up,”

Lisa replied, barely containing the anger in her voice.

kim lisa

“Of all the places, of all the nights.”

Cha Lin, oblivious to the hate seething just a few feet away, walked into the VIP section like he was the star of the show. His smile was effortless, his eyes scanning the group until they landed on Taehyung.

cha lin

“Taehyung,”

Cha Lin greeted smoothly, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.

cha lin

“I didn’t expect to find you here. You’ve been keeping a low profile, haven’t you?”

Taehyung could feel the weight of his gaze, and for a moment, his stomach churned. The last thing he wanted was to deal with Cha Lin tonight. But here he was, looking as polished and smug as ever. Jimin’s lip curled into a snarl.

park jimin

“Why don’t you just leave, Cha Lin? You don’t belong here,”

He said, his voice biting with barely contained anger. Lisa, who had been quietly seething beside him, was quicker to move, standing up from her seat.

kim lisa

“We’re not interested in whatever game you’re playing tonight,”

She said sharply, her eyes flashing with the same anger Jimin was clearly holding back. Cha Lin chuckled softly, unfazed by their hostility.

cha lin

“Always so prickly, aren’t you two? I suppose I don’t blame you. After all, who wouldn’t want to be remembered?”

The insinuation in his voice was unmistakable, but before Taehyung could respond, Yoongi, who had been quietly watching the exchange, finally stood from his seat. His movements were slow, measured, as he looked from Cha Lin to Taehyung and then back at the others.

Jeon yoongi

“Let’s go,”

Yoongi said, his voice calm but firm, clearly aimed at Taehyung. Taehyung hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. He had come here to relax, to escape for a little while, but now, everything felt tainted. Cha Lin’s presence had a way of bringing everything back to the surface—the hurt, the humiliation, the years of torment. But Yoongi’s voice, steady and protective, cut through the noise in his head. He wasn’t going to let Taehyung face this alone. Without waiting for a response, Yoongi took a step forward, his hand resting lightly on Taehyung’s shoulder. The simple gesture was enough to pull Taehyung from the tangled web of memories and emotions that Cha Lin’s appearance had triggered.

park jimin

“Yoongi—”

Jimin started, but Yoongi cut him off with a glance.

Jeon yoongi

“Let’s go,”

Yoongi repeated, and there was no arguing with him when he spoke like that. Jennie, who had been silently observing, stood up as well, stepping in line with the others.

kim jennie

“We don’t need to stay here,”

She said, her voice cool and controlled.

kim jennie

“Cha Lin can have the spotlight if he wants, but we’re leaving.”

Cha Lin, still standing near the entrance of the VIP area, seemed unfazed by the group’s decision to leave. He didn’t make any move to follow or say anything more, content to let them walk away. His smile remained, though it seemed less genuine now, more like a mask. As Yoongi, Taehyung, Jennie, Jimin, and Lisa made their way toward the exit, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that the evening had shifted irreparably. Cha Lin’s presence had reminded him of all the wounds he thought he had buried, but for once, he wasn’t the one alone in this. Yoongi’s hand on his shoulder, Jimin’s protective glare, and Lisa’s quiet but unwavering support reminded him that, no matter the past, he didn’t have to face it alone anymore. They stepped out of the club, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the suffocating tension inside. As the group walked into the distance, Taehyung felt a small, tentative sense of relief. Cha Lin could stay in the spotlight if he wanted, but Taehyung was done being part of his shadow. And with Yoongi, Jimin, and Lisa by his side, he knew he didn’t have to face it alone. Not anymore.

author

“Thank you for reading this chapter! Every twist, turn, and moment of this journey is crafted with love and excitement, and I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. Your thoughts, theories, and feedback mean the world to me, so feel free to share them! Stay tuned for more action, mystery, and emotions in the next chapter. Until then, happy reading!”