Chapter 3: A Heart That Still Hurts

Taehyung stood still for a moment, looking at himself in the mirror.

“You can do it… no matter what, Taehyung,” he whispered, then gave himself a small, determined smile.

Just then, Jimin called out, “I’m ready! Let’s go!”

Taehyung smiled. “Yeah, let’s go, hehe.”

They both headed out for shopping. The day was light and cheerful at first. They walked hand-in-hand through the mall, tried on new clothes, laughed over mismatched outfits, and shared ice cream.

For a moment, everything felt normal. Like nothing was wrong in their world.

But then — Taehyung suddenly stopped.

His eyes widened when he saw Jungkook standing across the mall.

A girl was with him… and she was trying to hug him.

Taehyung's heart clenched instantly. His breath caught in his throat. Without saying a word, he turned away and hurried to the restroom. The tears were already falling.

Inside, he splashed water on his face, trying to calm himself down. He stared into the mirror, eyes full of pain.

“I know… I’m not the one he loved,” he whispered. “How did I not know that before? How stupid I am… haha…”

But his tears wouldn’t stop.

Suddenly, his phone rang. Jimin.

“Tae, where are you?” Jimin's voice sounded worried. “I’m looking here and there — you’re not here. Where did you go?”

“Ohh, I forgot,” Taehyung said quickly, forcing a smile. “I’m at the washroom, hehe. I’m coming — wait for me.”

He took a deep breath, wiped his face, and walked out to find Jimin.

“Sorry,” he said softly.

Jimin frowned. “You were crying.”

Taehyung looked away. “No, I wasn’t… why are you asking?”

“Because your eyes are red,” Jimin said, not convinced.

“Oh… that’s because something went into my eye,” Taehyung said, trying to laugh it off. “I went to wash it, that’s why my eyes are red, hehe.”

Jimin narrowed his eyes. “I know about you, brother. Don’t tell a lie.”

Taehyung forced another smile. “Just forget it, ChimChim. Let’s go have some dinner. I’m very hungry now.”

Jimin sighed, but nodded. “Okay, Tae. So where are we going?”

“Let’s eat some cold noodles… and also some strawberry juice, hehe.”

“Okay! Let’s go!” Jimin cheered.

They enjoyed their meal, and the mood lightened again. After eating, Jimin looked at Taehyung with hopeful eyes.

“Tae, my best friend invited me to a party at their house tonight. Can you tell Dad for me and get his permission? Please?”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Is he a good guy?”

“Yes!” Jimin smiled brightly. “You know me. I’m always friends with good people, hehe.”

Taehyung chuckled. “Okay, okay. I’ll talk to Dad.”

“Yay! Also, can you drop me at his house?”

“Right now?”

“Hehe, yes!” Jimin said with his cutest baby face.

Taehyung laughed. “Okay. Be good, and don’t be late. Call me when you arrive at your friend’s party, okay?”

“Yes, Tae-mama,” Jimin giggled and kissed Taehyung on the cheek before heading off happily.

Taehyung watched him go, smiling softly.

As he got into the car to head home, his phone rang.

It was his father.

“Son, I want to discuss something. Come home urgently.”

Taehyung’s smile faded slightly. “Okay, Dad. I’m coming.”

When he arrived home, he looked around curiously.

“Where’s Dad?” he asked a maid.

She looked hesitant. “He’s in the study room, but—”

“But what?” Taehyung asked.

“Someone is also with him,” she said. “Mr…”

Before she could finish, Johan appeared in the hallway.

“Taehyung,” he called.

“Dad, why did you suddenly ask me to come home urgently?”

His father sighed. “Son, the matter is… Bogum wants to take you out for a dinner date. He’s in the study room now. Are you okay with going?”

Taehyung looked at his father’s tense face.

He nodded slowly. “Okay, Dad. No problem. I’ll go change, then I’ll go with him. Is that okay?”

Johan let out a breath of relief. “Okay, son. Go change and come to the study room.”

“Okay,” Taehyung said quietly, then walked upstairs.

As he closed the door behind him, he leaned against it, his chest tightening.

What should I do…? he thought. Why is he taking me for dinner all of a sudden…?

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