Prologue
Taehyung’s POV:
I sat at the bus stop, numb. Waiting for a bus to take me anywhere but here, anywhere away from this misery. My ripped sweatpants felt thin against the cold, my hair a tangled mess, tears blurring the view. Bruises bloomed on my face, mirroring the ache inside.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the ragged rhythm of my breaths. This might be it, the last few minutes before everything…ended.
Then, a presence beside me. I turned to my right. A boy. Not just *a* boy, but an impossibly handsome one.
His gaze met mine, and a flush crept up my cheeks. I couldn’t help it.
“What’s brought you here feeling so down?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.
The sound of his voice sent a tremor through me, weakening my knees. It was beautiful, strong, yet laced with tenderness.
Perfect.
“N-nothing,” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
He didn’t press, which surprised me. He just…sat. We sat in comfortable silence, not awkward, but calming. He looked at me again, a soft curiosity in his eyes.
“Someone as beautiful as you shouldn’t be crying,” he said, gently wiping a tear from my cheek.
My blush deepened, and he smiled. A genuine, radiant smile that felt like a sunrise.
Butterflies fluttered to life within me, wings I never knew I possessed.
I looked down, unable to respond.
“Let me take you home,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “Instead of waiting for that bus.”
“N-no, it’s f-fine…”
“I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. Let’s go.”
He took my wrist, his touch warm and firm, and led me down the street to a sleek car parked further away.
I knew I shouldn’t get into a car with a stranger. But something about him…a quiet trust bloomed within me. He made me feel safe.
He opened the door, offering me a seat. He followed, settling into the driver’s seat. I told him where I lived, and he started the engine, pulling onto the road. I let myself absorb his features.
A small upper lip, full bottom lip. Large, dark eyes. A sharp jawline. A bunny tooth smile.
Perfection.
I felt his gaze and quickly looked away, heat rising in my cheeks.
Time blurred. We arrived at my small house too quickly.
I sat frozen, unable to move.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Oh…my name is Kim Taehyung.”
“I’m Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you, Tae.”
I blushed at the nickname.
“G-Goodbye, and thanks.”
I reached for the door handle, but he caught my wrist.
I turned back, and our lips met.
Soft. Luscious. I responded instinctively, kissing him back with a desperation I hadn’t felt in months. It felt like an eternity.
He broke the kiss, his eyes locked on mine.
“We will meet again, beautiful.”
And with that, I stepped out of the car, cheeks burning, and walked towards my home.
I went straight to my room, ignoring the usual shouting match between my parents. I changed into my pajamas and fell into bed.
That night, I dreamed of Jungkook and his perfect smile.
And let me tell you…
It was the best sleep I’d ever had.