The world had always been a distant blur to Taehyung-something he observed from behind a thick glass, never quite stepping in. He existed, but he never truly lived. People admired him from afar, whispered his name like he was some untouchable myster...
"Sometimes, the line between pretend and real blurs when hearts beat in sync."
***
CHAPTER XIV: A DANCE WITH DESTINY
🎧: "Say You Won't Let Go" – James Arthur
🌈AUTHOR's POV:
When the attendant finally acquired both their attention, he smiled knowingly.
"I see a lot of chemistry streaming between the two of you, and so, I'd love to invite you both to participate in our competition. You qualify with a straight A in all the criteria. Do consider it, sir."
"Can we get some more details about this competition?" Y/N asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Of course, ma'am. It's a paper dance competition—but with a twist. Let me start with the perks; they'll help you decide." The attendant grinned, already knowing his offer would be hard to resist. "The winning couple gets:
Free food at our café for an entire month." (Perhaps the attendant knew this alone could bribe them into participating. That perk itself had them nearly sold.)
"Couples who enter are bound to fall in love." (If the first perk wasn't tempting enough, this one felt like a setup straight out of a romantic comedy.)
"A feature on the first page of The People's Bulletin, a renowned state newspaper."
"A special showcase in our café's gallery for a year.""The competition is held only once a year and is an exclusive event."
The perks alone were enough to make anyone say yes but then came the rules.
"Now, for the twist. Unlike the normal paper dance, where you keep folding the paper as the song changes, in our version, every time the music stops, the couple must answer a question about each other. Think of it as a chemistry test. Answer correctly, and you continue. Answer wrong... you're disqualified."
The attendant winked. "That's all, folks. Hope to see this cute couple in the competition. It commences in two days!" And with that, he walked away, leaving the two speechless.
***
"Chemistry isn't always about the sparks—it's about the pull, the tension, the unspoken dare between two hearts."
***
The waiter hadn't even gone five feet away when Taehyung pounced on Y/N (not literally) with his question, eyes gleaming. "Buttercup, should we, do it?" He practically vibrated with excitement, his face lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning. He was all but sprawled across the table, looking at her hopefully.
Y/N pursed her lips, tilting her head. "Tae... we're not even a couple. How would that even work?" Her doe eyes grew wide with uncertainty.
(We will be soon.) Taehyung thought, smirking internally.
***
"It's not about winning the competition, Buttercup. It's about winning you."
***
Instead, he played it cool. "I never thought a self-proclaimed food connoisseur like you would hesitate when free food is on the table. A whole month's worth, Y/N. Are you seriously debating this?" He smirked, pitching his best U.S.P. Trying his best to persuade her and that could only be done by buttering her over her fondness towards food.
Y/N immediately raised her hand, cutting him off. "Say no more. You have successfully bribed me into the offer. Food is love, and I will jeopardize or wager anything for it." Y/N finished pompously feeling majestic by her words.
Taehyung scoffed internally. Big talk from someone who can't even hurt a spider. He just nodded, amused by her dramatic self-proclamations.
Y/N grinned, pumping her fists in the air. "Let's give this competition our 100%! Tae, Hwaiting!"
***
"Love isn't always declared in words; sometimes, it's hidden in the reckless decisions we make together."
***
With their decision made—though neither admitted that food wasn't the only reason—they approached the reception desk to sign up.
"Glad to see you guys on board! I'll be rooting for my favorite power couple!" the attendant gushed as he registered them.
Both of them froze. Y/N's face flamed hot, and even Taehyung looked like someone had dipped his head in red paint. Without another word, they bolted out of the café before another romantic compliment could be thrown their way. The guy just couldn't stop simping over them.
Outside the Café
***
"Some moments unfold like a slow-burning fuse—charged, inevitable, waiting for the perfect spark to ignite."
***
"Hey, Buttercup! Let me drop you, home." Taehyung offered smoothly.
Y/N flipped her hair dramatically. "Who said I was planning to walk or take the bus? When I have my personal chauffeur right here, it'd be a shame to waste his services."
***
"The line between teasing and temptation had never felt thinner."
***
Taehyung stopped dead in his tracks, his expression shifting from amusement to mock horror. "What!?" Before Y/N could escape, he grabbed her waist from behind, effortlessly lifting her off the ground and placing her onto the car's bonnet.
Y/N gasped, her heart hammering. Taehyung stepped closer, bracing his hands on either side of her and bending down, his breath fanning against her face.
***
"It wasn't just the proximity that made her breath hitch; it was the way he looked at her, like she was a question he already knew the answer to."
***
"Do I really look like a chauffeur to you?" he murmured, his voice low, teasing, dangerous.
Y/N's brain short-circuited. She was trapped, her legs dangling off the car as Taehyung hovered over her, his smirk growing at her stunned silence.
"Hmm?" he hummed, leaning in slightly closer. Y/N's face turned the shade of a ripe tomato.
Time stood still.
***
"Time didn't stop. It stretched, it unraveled, it held its breath—just like she did, caught in the space between what was and what could be."
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