Closer Than This...(vsoo)

14.

"Taehyung," Seokjin said, his voice firm, "you're playing with fire. If Jisoo finds out the truth, she won't just hate your uncle. She'll hate you too."

"I know," Taehyung said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't stop now. I've worked too hard to get where I am. This alliance... it's my only chance to prove myself."

Seokjin leaned back, crossing his arms as he studied his friend. "And what about Jisoo? What happens to her in all of this? Have you thought about what she's giving up for this so-called alliance?"

Taehyung's chest tightened further. He had thought about it, too much, in fact. Every time he looked at Jisoo, he was reminded of the weight she carried, the sacrifices she was making.

But admitting that out loud felt like admitting defeat.

"I'll handle it," Taehyung said finally, his tone resolute.

Seokjin shook his head, disappointment evident in his expression. "You're a fool, Taehyung. And if you're not careful, you're going to lose more than you bargained for."

Their conversation was interrupted by Chef Min, who approached with an apologetic smile. "Sorry again for the wait. So, where's your fiancée? Isn't she joining you? You said she will be here to choose cake with you."

Taehyung's heart sank thinking maybe she doesn't want to come. He pulled out his phone, dialing Jisoo's number, but it went unanswered. He tried again, his anxiety mounting with each ring.

Chef Min scratched his head. "Actually... I think she was here earlier. She seemed familiar. She didn't say much, just stood near the door for a while before leaving."

Taehyung froze, the phone slipping from his hand.

"She was here?" Seokjin asked, his voice sharp with surprise.

Chef Min nodded. "Yeah, pretty sure it was her."

Taehyung's mind raced. If Jisoo had been here, she must have overheard their conversation. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

She knows.

It was past midnight when Taehyung finally returned to his apartment. The city lights blinked faintly through the large windows, but he barely noticed them. His mind was consumed by the disastrous events of the day.

Jisoo had been at the shop. She had heard everything.

He slumped onto the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. For the first time in years, he felt powerless.

What was she thinking when she left?

The weight of guilt pressed down on him like a boulder. He had spent years crafting an image of control, of calculated precision in every aspect of his life. And now, a single overheard conversation had the potential to unravel it all.

"She must hate me now," he muttered aloud, the sound of his voice echoing in the silent room.

But why did that thought sting so much? Why did the idea of Jisoo hating him feel like a blow to his chest?

He leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.

I told myself this was just an alliance. That she was just a means to an end. Then why...

His hands clenched into fists. Every memory of Jisoo played like a film reel in his mind-her guarded yet curious eyes, the rare moments when she let her walls down, the way her presence seemed to fill a room without even trying.

"This isn't love," he whispered, as if saying it aloud would make it true. But the ache in his chest told a different story.

Love? No, it's not that. It can't be. This is guilt. Regret. Nothing more.

But even as he tried to convince himself, he knew deep down it wasn't that simple.

What if she never speaks to me again? What if she decides to break off the engagement?

The thought sent a pang of panic through him. He grabbed his phone and dialed her number again. It rang. And rang. And rang.

No answer.

Finally, on the fifth attempt, someone picked up. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived.

"Hello?" The voice was male.

Taehyung's jaw tightened. Jeon Jungkook.

"What are you doing with Jisoo's phone?" Taehyung demanded, his voice cold.

"She's asleep," Jungkook replied, his tone calm but laced with subtle mockery. "What do you want, Taehyung-ssi?"

"I want to talk to her."

"Well, you'll have to wait. She's had a long day."

Taehyung's grip on the phone tightened. "Where is she?"

"With me. Safe."

The way Jungkook said it made Taehyung's blood boil. Safe. As if he were the one Jisoo trusted, the one she turned to when things went wrong.

"You should know," Jungkook continued, "Jisoo doesn't take kindly to betrayal. She's been forced into enough situations in her life. If she feels like someone's manipulating her..." He let the sentence hang, the implication clear.

"Stay out of this, Jungkook," Taehyung growled.

Jungkook laughed softly. "I think you're the one who needs to stay out of her way. Goodnight, Taehyung-ssi."

The call ended, leaving Taehyung staring at the dark screen.