Behind Flashing Lights | vsoo

Wrong Van

The afterglow of the award show still shimmered through the backstage corridors — lights dimmed, laughter echoing, staff scurrying to pack up golden trophies and scattered bouquets. Jisoo’s heels clicked lightly against the floor as she searched for her members. Her makeup was still flawless, her smile rehearsed, but her heart felt heavy. The air backstage always felt suffocating after events — too many cameras, too many fake congratulations.

She tugged her clutch tighter. “Where are they…” She murmured, glancing at her phone. No messages.

Then, a familiar voice — one she wished she could forget, cut through the buzz.

“Jisoo.”

Her chest froze. She didn’t have to turn around to know.

He was standing there, just as effortlessly charming as always, with that same regretful smile that once made her forgive too easily.

“Can we talk?” He asked, stepping closer.

She stiffened, keeping her back straight. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Please. Just five minutes. I–I need to explain what you saw.”

She laughed, a dry, bitter sound. “You had a year to explain. Don’t start now.”

He frowned, eyes softening. “You’ve changed.”

“I had to.” Her voice wavered, but she masked it quickly. “Goodnight.”

She turned sharply and started walking faster. He followed. The staff around them were too busy to notice — just two people walking briskly down a dim hallway, tension heavy between them.

“Jisoo, please!” His voice grew desperate. “You know I never wanted to hurt you!”

"Just leave me alone. It was a year ago, so why do you wanna explain now?" Her pulse spiked. She just wanted to get away from the noise, away from the past. She pushed through the side door that led to the parking area, cold air hitting her face.

And then she panicked.

She saw him still following her, calling her name. She didn’t think, she just reached for the nearest van, yanked the handle, and slipped inside.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Her chest heaved. For a moment, she just sat there in the dark, trying to breathe. Then she realized she wasn’t alone.

From the dimly lit corner, a low, calm voice said, “You okay?”

She froze, turning slowly. Her eyes met his — Kim Taehyung of BTS. He was already dressed down in a shirt and sweats, hair pushed back, expression unreadable except for the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

“Tae–Taehyung?!” She whispered harshly, mortified. “Oh my god, I–I thought–”

“You thought this was your van?” His tone was teasing, but his gaze lingered.

“Yes!” She hissed, half embarrassed, half panicked. “Someone’s — he’s outside and I just–”

Taehyung peeked out the tinted window. “The guy in the black suit?”

Her pulse raced. “Don’t open it!”

He leaned closer, voice dropping to a murmur. “He’s looking around.”

Her ex’s footsteps echoed closer. The van door handle suddenly opened.

And before Jisoo could think, she turned to Taehyung and pressed her lips against his.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t even a thought. Just pure instinct, desperate and breathless.

Taehyung froze, eyes wide at first. Then, slowly, his hand rose to her waist. His hand was steady, and warm and his lips moved with hers, just once, deep enough to make the world outside disappear.

Through the reflection of the tinted glass, she saw her ex froze and finally turned away.

The moment stretched. Her heart was racing too fast, her breath shallow when they pulled apart.

Taehyung finally closed the van and silence filled the space.

Jisoo stared down, biting her lips. “I–I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to–”

He chuckled quietly. “You’re welcome.”

Her head snapped up. “For what?”

“For helping you get rid of him.” His grin softened, gaze still locked on her. “Though, I have to say… that’s one way to make an impression.”

She rolled her eyes, cheeks flushed. “You’re funny and impossible.”

He tilted his head, his voice turning low and teasing. “You didn’t seem to think so a minute ago.”

“Stop.” But she couldn’t help laughing — a real laugh, the kind she hadn’t felt in weeks.

He smiled at that sound. “There it is.” He said quietly.

“What?”

“That laugh.” His tone gentled. “I haven’t heard it since the concert last year.”

She blinked, surprised he remembered. “You remember that?”

“Of course.” His gaze softened. “You always laughed at my jokes when we MCed. I knew you were only laughing to calm my nerves down.”

Her smile faltered slightly, emotion tightening her chest. “Not really. I was genuinely laughing because you unconsciously cheered me up when I was going though a breakup.”

“I'm glad,” He said. “You deserve to be happy, Jisoo.”

For a moment, the world was still — just the hum of the van engine and the faint noise of the staff outside.

Jisoo exhaled shakily, reaching for the handle. “I should go. Before anyone–”

But before she could finish, Taehyung’s hand reached out, catching her wrist gently.

“Jisoo.”

She turned, startled. His eyes were serious now, no teasing. “Next time you need to run from someone…” He murmured, “don’t just hide. Call me instead.”

She blinked, heart stuttering.

Then, before she could respond, he leaned in slower this time and he kissed her again.

It wasn’t hurried or desperate this time. It was deliberate, soft, but charged with something that felt dangerously close to longing.

When he finally pulled back, he whispered, “That one’s for me.”

Jisoo’s breath caught, a smile tugging at her lips. She reached for the door again, this time steadier. “Then I guess I owe you one.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Dinner?”

“Dinner,” She confirmed, smiling as she stepped out. “Still the same number?”

"Yeah." He smiled.

Taehyung watched her silhouette disappear against the floodlights, and for the first time that night, his smile lingered.

Maybe fate wasn’t done with them yet.