𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐑 𝟒𝟎𝟒

||30: navigating our own path||

Hazel's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking to adjust to the soft morning light filtering through the window. Recollections of last night flashed—dinner, a kiss with Jimin, reading an article, and then darkness. Unconscious the whole time? It was a disconcerting thought, especially since I'd always harbored a dislike for hospitals.

Attempting to sit up, I felt a comforting grip on my hand. Looking to my right, someone's forehead rested against the bed, obscuring their face. "Jim—" I began, only to discover it was Taehyung.

"T-Taehyung?" I called out, and he lifted his head, half-asleep. Why was he here?

"Why are you here?" I asked, my forehead creasing in confusion.

"Hazel! Are you okay?" He inquired gently, his hand against my cheek. I took in the sight—Taehyung in formals, his blazer neatly hung on a chair, his disheveled hair, and a tired look on his face.

"I- I'm fine just little bit tired" I gave him small smile. He looked at me for a while before smiling and pecking my forehead. That brought sense of relief inside me. Yet I felt something is missing. My eyes scanned around, looking at door I wondered where others are, especially Jimin. Then I remembered something and I looked at Taehyung.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I saw something last night and I-"

"I know" he signed looking down. He looked up at me and cupped both of my cheeks.

"Yesterday the article or picture you saw it's all bullshit. If I tell you now you won't understand why am doing it because it's all part of my business but I just wanna tell you that am not cheating on you or using you, okay" his eyes looked deep into my orbs. He was damn serious.

"And I also want you to know that I love you" he rubbed my lower lips with his thumb softly. I felt my heart beating fast.

"Do you really love me?"  I questioned, studying his eyes as his fingers gently traced my skin. He responded with a sincere smile and a nod. Closing the distance, he leaned in for a kiss, igniting a spark within me. Our lips met in a slow dance, and I tightened my grip on his shirt, finding solace and fulfillment. The kiss quenched my internal thirst, leaving me with a sense of profound contentment. As we parted, a knock on the door interrupted our moment, and Jungkook and Elena entered the room.
"Where is Jimin?" I asked looking behind Elena to see no one. Jungkook and El looked at each other before looking at me.

"Mind giving us some space?" Elena fake smiled at Taehyung. He looked at her and rolled his eyes before getting up.

"Be quick. She needs to rest" he said rudely.

"We've been looking after her for quite some time, long before you entered her life," Elena stated, offering him another insincere smile that nearly made me burst into laughter. In response, Taehyung mirrored her expression, casually retrieving something from his trouser pocket and reaching for his blazer.

"Talk to me in that tone again and I'll fire you. Still don't forget am your Employer" that made Elena to shut her mouth. I couldn't help but laugh after he left the room.

"What a jerk!" Elena rolled her eyes.

"How are you feeling Hazy?" Jungkook questioned sitting on bed. I smiled at him.

"Am good. Idk what happened to me suddenly but thank you so much for being there for me" I let out a sign of relief with small smile dancing on my lips.

"You don't have to thank us Hazel, we are friends" Elena side hugged me.

"Where is Jimin?" I asked. Jungkook looked at Elena before looking at me. Silence made me look at both in suspicion.