Obsession in The Shadows

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The car was silent at first, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of city noise slipping through the windows. Jennie sat comfortably in the passenger seat of Taehyung’s sleek black Maybach, watching the lights reflect on the glass as they glided through Seoul. She had no idea where they were headed, but in the back of her mind, she was curious—and the slight, playful smirk that had been on Taehyung’s face the entire time made her feel... at ease.

The soft hum of the engine was the only sound between them until his voice broke through the silence—low and teasing.

"So… was my surprise entrance at the shoot dramatic enough, or should I have brought a bouquet and smoke machine too?"

Jennie raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at him, her lips curving slightly in amusement.

"I’d say you were only one rose petal short of being a K-drama cliché."

Taehyung glanced at her, eyes twinkling. "Noted. Next time, I’ll fly in on a helicopter."

Jennie shook her head, chuckling lightly. "You’re impossible."

"Only on weekdays."

Her laughter bubbled up, something easy and carefree about the way it escaped her. It felt... nice. She hadn’t laughed like this in a while. And somehow, she didn’t mind that it was with him.

---

As they drove deeper into the city, the car winding through the streets, Jennie caught sight of the city lights blurring in her peripheral vision. It was the kind of night that felt like it was suspended in time—a calm, elegant night with no rush, no need to hurry. Everything felt suspended in the air.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the destination—a hidden gem at the edge of the Han River, tucked away behind flowing greenery. The restaurant, made entirely of glass, glimmered softly under the night sky, its lights reflecting on the water. The entire space was breathtaking.

"Did you... book the whole place?" she asked slowly, staring at the view before her.

Taehyung, who had already gotten out of the car, walked around to her side, opening the door with a practiced ease. His tuxedo fit him perfectly, giving him the appearance of someone who belonged in a world that felt far removed from her own.

"Of course. Privacy is the new luxury."

Jennie glanced up at him, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "You really don’t do anything halfway, do you?"

Taehyung gave a small grin. "Why should I, when I’m dining with someone unforgettable?"

Her smile faltered for just a moment. There was something in his voice—a smoothness that was impossible to ignore. She composed herself quickly, brushing off the feeling as just another one of his charms.

As they entered the restaurant, a soft piano melody filled the air, the atmosphere warm and inviting. Taehyung had clearly spared no expense. The dim lighting and the hushed conversations created an intimacy that made Jennie feel as though they were the only two people in the world.

---

Once seated at a secluded table by the window, Jennie took in the atmosphere. The restaurant was a masterpiece—soft, flickering candlelight, silver cutlery that glinted with elegance, and a view of the city that made everything feel like a dream.

They were given the menu, but Jennie didn’t need it. Taehyung had already ordered. He was quick, precise, and effortless. She was intrigued, but there was something in his demeanor that told her this wasn’t about the food. It was about the experience.