In Memory of Rain [Kim Taehyung]

Two

They talked as they walked. Taehyung learned that Shirai was there because she wanted to audition for a company to become a musician. She had been in Korea for about three weeks already, preparing for the second round of auditions. She'd passed the first round, where she just had to send in a clip of her music. In another two weeks she'd go for the next round of auditions. Shirai told him of how she'd been taking voice lessons since she was five years old, working to improve.

It was her dream. She wanted to stand on a stage, just like he did, before hundreds of people that would be screaming her name. She wanted to listen to the applause as she sang the songs she wrote. She wanted that thrill that he loved so much, the thrill of performing on a stage.

"Maybe we'll meet again on stage one day then," said Taehyung. He laughed. Shirai joined in and Taehyung felt just a little better.

She didn't act like a fan. It had been a long time since Taehyung had felt like a completely normal person. There was no paparazzi at the moment, everything seemed calm and peaceful. It wasn't something that'd last, but he could enjoy it while it did.

Shirai was a nice girl. Taehyung enjoyed her presence. She was nice to talk to and she made him feel better. The idol life was forgotten, even if only for a moment. Taehyung wondered if she could help him forget everything else as well.

He didn't want to use her. He didn't want to lead her on or anything, as she was probably already thinking of how lucky she was to meet an idol out on the streets. It wasn't something too common.

Maybe Yoongi telling the other members of the situation was a good thing. If he hadn't, Taehyung wouldn't have gone out and met Shirai. He was lucky to find an understanding fan that cared more about making sure he was okay than getting an autograph or picture. He was only human. He needed comfort as well. Luckily Shirai was there. Sometimes it helped to talk to someone else. He was stuck with the other members all the time. He loved them of course, but it was nice to talk to someone else for once.

Shirai lived close to the dorm. How convenient. Taehyung wondered if maybe they could get closer, become friends. She was a gentle person, calm and kind. She was the type of person he needed at this time. Someone who could calm him when he wasn't thinking and someone who he could talk to.

"Well, this is my place," Shirai said, stopping in front of a small apartment building. Taehyung nodded absentmindedly. He snapped out of his mini-trance, saying goodbye and hoping that they'd see each other again.

"See you around, Shirai."

"Ah, Taehyung?" she called out, just before she stepped inside the building. He turned back.

"Yeah?"

"Please, don't use anyone," she said and walked inside, leaving him alone. 

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idek