“Are you awake now?”
Jisoo could hear someone speaking.
Why is she hearing a man’s voice when she’s living alone in her apartment?
“Goodmorning..”
That voice again..
Wait..
Isn’t it Taehyung’s voice? But why can she hear him this early in the morning?
Does it usually happen when all she thinks about is him everytime? Will she hear his voice even in her sleep?
“You aren’t waking up yet?”
But why does his voice sound so real? And why does it become louder as it were coming towards her?
She opened her eyes immediately.
Familiar ceiling.. but not the ceiling of her apartment..
Oh no! She slept at Taehyung’s bedroom!
She got up quickly and found herself on his bed with him sitting down while looking at her with a grin on his face.
“What am I doing here? How did I-..?”
“You’re asking me what you’re doing here after everything we did last night?” asked Taehyung folding his arms.
Jisoo’s eyes widened.
After what they did.. last night? What does he mean?
She looked at her clothes immediately.
But she’s still wearing her clothes from last night! Only her shoes have been taken off..
Taehyung went closer to her.
“You still don’t remember? You were.. how should I put this?” he said thinning his eyes. “You hugged me tightly and even-..”
He bit his lower lip as he stared at her.
Jisoo’s throat moved fast.
She hugged him tightly and what?
What is it that she did?
Why can’t she remember anything?
Did she drink perhaps?
And wait.. why does this situation feel so familiar?
Just like the first time they met.. that’s right.. but that time it was him who couldn’t remember anything because he was drunk..
“Just.. what did I do?” she asked helpless.
She didn’t do anything weird to him, did she?
What if she threw herself to him and tried to touch him?
That would be embarrassing!
“Tell me.. what did I-..”
Taehyung kissed her lips quick.
“Nothing..” he said smiling. “You fell asleep even before we could finish reading a page together..”
Jisoo pulled her head back as she covered her lips.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth yet..” she said embarrassedly. “Why would you kiss me-..?”
Taehyung held her by wrists and pulled her close to him.
“You were snoring with your mouth open before.. I have already smelled everything.. there’s no reason to feel shy..” he said holding her face with his hands.
Jisoo pushed his hands away.
She snored? With her mouth open? She did? That can’t be true..
Taehyung noticed she was in deep thoughts..
She isn’t mad at him, is she?
Why does she look so cute when she’s serious?
Look at that messy hair and fluffy eyebags of hers..
“I was just kidding..” he said hugging her. “Why are you taking it seriously?”
Jisoo heaved a sigh.
“I’m glad I didn’t snore with my mouth open.. that would have been ugly..” she said smiling.
Taehyung shook his head.
“Everything apart from that was a joke..” he said looking serious.
Jisoo hit him on his chest.
“You shouldn’t have told me anything!” she said frowning as she pulled herself away from him.
Taehyung was just laughing at her.
Then Jisoo turned to him again.
“But.. didn’t I fall asleep on the couch? What am I doing here in your bedroom?” she asked thinking hard. “Don’t tell me.. we slept-..”
“I carried you here and I slept on the couch..” said Taehyung. “I was afraid you’d misunderstand..”
Jisoo refrained herself from smiling.
How can he be such a gentleman?
And he didn’t really have to sleep on the couch by himself when the bed is big enough for the two of them..
“You look disappointed..” said Taehyung seeing through her.
Jisoo’s eyes widened.
Why can’t her face hide what she’s feeling inside?
“Not at all.. I was thinking that you should have woken me up so I could have studied and-..”
She stood up on the bed.
University! They are late! What are they still doing here when they should have already gone by now!
“Today is Saturday..” said Taehyung pulling her down to sit again. “You don’t have classes today..”
Jisoo took her phone and realized it was indeed Saturday.
She heaved a long sigh of relief.
That made her nervous for a second!
“I want to see you like this everyday..” said Taehyung smiling as he looked at her. “My life will never be boring with you..”
Jisoo pursed her lips.
Is that supposed to be an insult?
Taehyung went close to her and kissed her on her cheek.
“Do you have work today?” he asked as he pushed the hair that was covering her eyes.
Jisoo shook her head shyly.
He’s making her swoon as soon as she wakes up.. what should she do?
“No work today..” she replied as she glanced at him. “But I’ll go and see my mom this afternoon..”
Taehyung lowered his hands to hers holding them tightly.
“Can I come with you?” he asked squeezing her hands. “I want to.. introduce myself to your mom..”
Jisoo’s lips curled up into a smile.
Introduce him to her mom? That would be amazing..
She’s sure her mom will like him..
————————-
Jisoo was smiling as she stared at the flowers Taehyung had bought for her mom.
She told him he shouldn’t have bought anything but he still insisted..
They were white roses.. how can they be beautiful? They even smell good..
Her mom would love to see these flowers.. if only.. she could wake up and take a look at them.. that would be.. nice..
“Ms. Kim Jisoo.. please come in..” said the nurse assisting her.
Jisoo stood up and held Taehyung’s hand.
“Only the family can pay a visit Ms. Kim..” the nurse continued.
Taehyung lowered his head.
Well.. it can’t be helped.. maybe he can visit her mom another time..
He was about to pull his hand away when Jisoo squeezed his hand tightly..
“He’s my family..” said Jisoo to the nurse. “He’s my boyfriend.. and I want to introduce her to my mom..”
The nurse smiled at her.
“Then.. please go inside together..” she said giving way to the two.
Taehyung knew his ears turned red the moment she introduced him as her boyfriend.. and family..
Why did it sound so nice? Hearing it from her made his heart flutter..
They arrived in front of the room.
Taehyung took a deep breath. Why is he feeling so nervous right now? Her mom will like her, right?
Jisoo opened the door and noticed the fresh sunflowers right away.
“Jhope came..” she said softly.
Taehyung turned to her.
“When? And how did you-..?”
“He’s the only one who knows that my mom likes sunflowers..” said Jisoo smiling.
Taehyung smiled seeing her looking relieved.
He was worried about her and maybe Jhope as well..
They did become close in that one week he spent at his house..
And he did help him in understanding his feelings more..
Then his eyes went to Jisoo’s mom who was lying down on the bed.
“You must have taken after your mom..” he said whispering to her. “You look just like her..”
Jisoo chuckled.
“Everyone says so..” she replied. “My mom looks pretty, doesn’t she? My dad said he married her because she was the prettiest in their neighborhood back then..”
She smiled as she remembered those few memories she had when her family was still complete.
Her dad was a prankster.. and her mom was the quiet type..
She doesn’t know it either how her father managed to capture her mom’s heart..
Maybe her dad made her laugh a lot?
Her mom had a pretty smile.. and her dad had a loud voice..
She sighed a little.
She’s missing them the most today..
Wouldn’t it be nice to introduce her first boyfriend to the two of them?
Her dad might have scolded her.. and her mom might interrogate Taehyung all night!
She was still imagining things to herself when she heard Taehyung clearing his throat.
She turned to him.
“Good afternoon.. Mrs. Kim..” he said bowing before her mom. “I am Kim Taehyung.. your daughter’s boyfriend.. please take care of me..”
Jisoo smiled.
She loves it that Taehyung is giving respect to her mom like this..
She was always afraid of being judged for having a mother in coma..
There were other kids back then who mocked her for not having parents..
Because her father committed suicide and her mom fell sick because of him..
But Taehyung doesn’t seem to care about it.. instead he sympathizes with her and gives her consolation..
“Can I sit here beside her?” asked Taehyung turning to Jisoo. “I want to-..”
He stopped as he noticed her eyes were tearing up.
He went to her and held her by her shoulders.
“Why? What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.
Is she feeling sick?
She was just smiling a moment ago and she’s suddenly crying now..
Jisoo shook her head as she wiped her tears.
“Don’t mind me..” she said as her eyes went to her mom. “I’m just.. happy.. because I know my mom is also happy at this moment..”
She pulled him to sit just beside her mom.
She organized the roses he had brought into a vase before sitting beside him.
“Thank you for the roses..” she said to him. “My mom would be really glad.. if she saw them..”
Taehyung held her hand.
“From now on.. I’ll come with you to visit her every week..” he said looking at her. “Maybe if she hears more voices.. she will wake up sooner..”
Jisoo smiled as she turned to her mom.
“Did you hear him, mom?” she said softly. “Taehyung oppa said he will come with me to visit you every week-..”
She took a deep breath before she continued.
“So please.. wake up.. so I can introduce you.. to him..”
Taehyung put her head on his shoulders.
“She will wake up soon.. just wait a little more..” he said whispering to her ears.
He doesn’t know how painful it is for a daughter to see her mom in that state for ten years.. knowing she isn’t in peace.. knowing her mom is fighting her own battle silently everyday.. while Jisoo herself is doing everything she can to support her mom and herself..
Maybe he’s luckier that his parents have already passed away.. because he didn’t see them suffering for a long time.. because he knows they are at peace now..
Jisoo’s eyes watered as she looked at her mom.
She was suddenly reminded of that day again..
That day that changed her life..
“It was my fault..” said Jisoo softly.
Taehyung patted her on her arms.
“Don’t say it was your fault-..”
Jisoo shook her head.
“It was my fault..” she said again. “It’s all because of me.. that my mom is lying down in front us.. and that.. my dad is not here anymore..”
Taehyung furrowed his brows.
What could have happened for her to say with her own mouth that it was her fault?
*10 years ago*
“Wow! This looks really cool, dad!” Jisoo exclaimed as she hugged her dad.
Naeun, Jisoo’s mom, looked worried as she watched her daughter holding her new bike.
“Why did you buy her a bike?” asked Naeun to her husband Dan. “She almost fell down and got hurt last month..”
Dan smiled.
“It’s an advance birthday gift to our daughter..” he said turning to Jisoo who was already trying to get on the bike. “I don’t know if I can make it for her birthday..”
Naeun’s brows furrowed.
“What do you mean you can’t make it? Her birthday is in two months..”
Dan held her hand.
“I might go on a business trip.. you know they always send me abroad when it’s something important..”
Naeun took a deep breath as she turned to Jisoo who was riding her bike already.
“I’m worried she’d get into an accident.. you know we’re living in the main street so there are many cars that pass by all day.. and Jisoo is getting clumsier everyday..”
Dan patted her back.
“She needs to get hurt sometimes.. so she can learn not to do it again..” he said. “We just need to remind her everyday to be careful..”
Naeun nodded her head.
Her husband might be right.. they cannot forbid her to do anything she likes..
And knowing their daughter, the more they try to tell her not to do something, she will only be more motivated to do so..
She was still thinking to herself when they heard Jisoo scream.
Naeun and Dan looked around them to find her.
Where did Jisoo go? Why did she scream? What happened to her?
Then they heard her voice again..
“Mom! Dad! Look at what I found!”
Jisoo rose on her feet and waved at her parents.
“Look at this cute kitten!” she said aloud.
She found a kitten hiding in between the plants.
“Can we take it home? Can I raise it?” she asked putting her hands together. “I have always wanted a cat mom.. dad..” she continued.
Naeun heaved a sigh as soon as she saw her daughter.
She keeps on disappearing from her sight making her worry!
“Choose between the bike and the kitten..” said Dan being rigid. “You cannot have both..”
Jisoo pouted her lips.
Why can’t they just also agree on taking the kitten home?
What will the poor creature do alone without a place to stay in? How will it eat without its parents? How will it survive in this harsh environment?
“My bike..” said Jisoo frowning.
Then she caressed the kitten’s head for the last time.
“Grow up well..” she said smiling. “I’ll bring you food everyday so stay here and make sure to survive, okay?”
She turned to her parents.
“Let me ride my bike once more before going inside, please?” said Jisoo getting on the bike.
Dan shook his head in disbelief.
His daughter is really unstoppable!
Jisoo went around the whole neighborhood again.
Riding the bike is the only freedom she can get..
Her parents guard everything she does.. at school.. at home.. everywhere..
She cannot go to any of her friends’ house to study together because they won’t allow her..
She cannot go out on Saturdays and Sundays because they bring her with them wherever they go..
Those are only some of her complaints as a teen..
Well.. it isn’t like she’s the only one who complains about her parents.. her other classmates are even worse than her..
One day, when she becomes an adult, she’s going to tour the world by herself and she will tell her parents not to bother her during that time!
It isn’t like she doesn’t love them.. but.. she would sometimes love to be alone.. just by herself.. without being guarded by them.. having fun by herself..
She continued riding her bike along the main street without paying too much attention..
It was a Friday anyway.. and it was past 5 pm.. people must have gone home already..
There would be fewer cars..
She was about to turn right when she got distracted by some sunflowers..
Her mom loves them..
Should she pick some for her mom?
That’ll make her happy, won’t it?
She stopped and was about to get off the bike when she saw a car coming her way.
She tried to avoid it by turning the direction to the other side.
And she saw the car doing the same by going to another direction..
It happened fast..
Jisoo lost her balance and fell down from her bike.
Her knees.. they got bruised!
Why did that lousy driver have to appear all of a sudden?
She stood up and picked up her bike but then the basket in front fell down and broke making a loud and annoying noise.
She sighed to herself.
Looks like she’ll be scolded by her mom and dad again!
Why did it have to break again?
She was still griefing over her bruises and her broken bike when she heard her mom screaming.
“Dan.. call for an ambulance right away!” Naeun’s voice was loud and seemed to be crying. “Call someone for help!”
Jisoo smiled a little.
Her mom is always exaggerating things! Why does she need an ambulance when she only has a few scratches?
She turned around to tell her mom she was fine..
But the moment she did.. she stopped on her feet immediately..
There was a disaster like scene just a few meters away from where she was..
The car which avoided hitting her a few seconds ago was turned upside down..
She covered her mouth in shock as she dragged her feet forward..
It can’t be..
Did this.. happen.. because of her?
Her tears fell down without realizing it..
She saw a man in the driver’s seat.. he had blood all over him.. and his eyes were closed..
And on the passenger’s seat.. a woman who had blood on her head..
Jisoo’s knees collapsed on the ground.
The woman was looking at her.. she seemed to be asking for help..
She was mouthing some words.. but she couldn’t understand what she was saying..
She rose on her feet and was about to run towards the car when her mom stopped her.
“Stay here Jisoo..” said Naeun in tears. “It’s dangerous.. it might explode..”
Jisoo’s brows furrowed.
It might explode?
But the woman inside there is alive..
Shouldn’t they try to do something?
Then she saw her dad carrying a boy on his shoulders..
That boy got thrown out of the car when the windows broke after the crash..
Jisoo pointed at the woman inside the car..
“She needs help.. we should ask for help mom.. let’s call dad so he could-..”
She let out a scream as she saw the car turn into flames.
No.. it shouldn’t end like this..
The woman inside is alive.. she was looking at her just now.. she was telling her something..
She wanted to run towards the burning car to do something.. she wanted to take those two people out of the car.. she wanted to do something..
She cannot just watch it turn into ashes.. she cannot just stay still..
When it was all her fault that it happened..
She just killed two people.. because of her stubborness.. because she didn’t listen to her parents..
And since then.. her dad started drinking alcohol.. a lot.. everyday.. from morning to evening..
She would hear her parents fighting.. arguing..
Until that day came.. and her dad did something unacceptable..
He hung himself on the ceiling of their bedroom killing himself.. without a word.. without anyone knowing why..
Probably.. because of guilt.. because his daughter did a horrible thing.. because two people died because of his only daughter..
And just a few days after her father passed away.. her mom became ill.. falling into coma..
When she said she wanted to be alone.. she didn’t mean she wanted to be alone forever..
Had she known she would be really alone all her life.. maybe she should have treated them better.. maybe she could have showed them her love.. perhaps she would have listened to them more..
She should have treasured those little and few moments with her parents had she known they would have been the last..
*end of flashback*
———————-
Two weeks later..
“Jisoo!” said Lisa running to her as soon as she saw her coming.
Taehyung’s birthday came finally.
He had decided to go to the beach together with his friends and Jisoo just like what Jungkook had suggested.
He wanted to take advantage of the last days of summer..
He also thought it would be meaningful to celebrate his birthday with Jisoo and his friends..
And also.. they chose the same hotel where he met Jisoo for the first time.. making it more meaningful..
Jisoo and Lisa hugged each other tightly while Jungkook was glaring at Taehyung.
“Happy birthday..” said Jungkook thoughtlessly. “Happy birthday to the man who stole my crush..”
Taehyung chuckled.
“Why can’t you move on yet?” he asked joking. “Anyway.. thank you for coming..”
Jungkook smiled.
“Of course I would come! It was me who wanted to come here in the first place!” he said putting his arms over his shoulders. “But where are RM hyung and Irene? Don’t tell me Irene changed her mind again..”
Well.. it’s Irene who always changes the plans at the last minute..
It’s her who makes all the decisions on RM hyung’s behalf..
“They will come a little bit later.. maybe we can check-in first..” said Taehyung as his eyes went to Lisa and Jisoo.
He saw them holding hands while laughing at each other.
When did they get so close?
Look at them being so touchy!
It’s nice to see Jisoo smile like that..
He was actually worried that Jisoo might feel out of place because he only invited his friends..
Well.. he did want to invite Jhope but he couldn’t contact him at all..
“Lisa and I already checked-in when we arrived..” said Jungkook.
Taehyung looked at him with a suspiscious gaze.
“In two rooms hyung..” Jungkook continued. “Am I crazy? Do you think we would sleep in one room? I will never do that even if I have to sleep outside!”
Taehyung shook his head as he laughed.
He can only believe him when he finds himself his own girlfriend..
He used to like Lisa a lot when they were kids.. he even said he would marry her one day but look at him now trying to play innocent..
Jisoo called him to get the check in done together.
“It feels weird..” said Jisoo smiling as she glanced at him. “We.. are going to stay in the same room tonight..”
Taehyung held her hands tightly.
“You can stay with Lisa if you don’t feel comfortable with me-..”
Jisoo shook her head.
Why would he think she’s uncomfortable with him?
It’s just.. staying with him in one room means they will be sleeping on one bed making her feel nervous..
“I have butterflies in my stomach..” she said biting her lower lip.
Taehyung smiled.
“Me too..” he said squeezing her hands.
He does feel nervous.. no.. maybe.. very nervous..
Although he and Jisoo slept under the same roof already.. they haven’t slept next to each other yet..
Oh well.. maybe apart from their first night..
He was still thinking to himself when the receptionist said..
“Happy Birthday..”
Taehyung bowed his head.
Then the receptionist turned to Jisoo.
“You too.. happy birthday..”
Taehyung’s eyes widened as he faced Jisoo who was smiling.
“It’s also your birthday today?” he asked in disbelief.
Now that he thinks about it, he has never asked her for her birthday..
But.. how could they be born on the same day?
They must be fated or something!
He feels even closer to her after knowing about this!
“It was supposed to be a surprise..” said Jisoo pursing her lips.
Taehyung chuckled.
He still can’t believe it but.. this is just amazing..
But he could have gotten a gift or something for her!
“I don’t need anything.. I’m just happy that we can celebrate our birthday together like this..” said Jisoo turning to him.
Jisoo also found it incredible that they were born on the same day..
She kept it a secret from him and wanted to tell him about it later while they were celebrating but the receptionist at the front desk spoiled her surprise!
Or maybe.. they were the ones surprised..
Of all rooms in the hotel.. how can they have the same one as that night when they first met?
“606? Really?”
Jisoo and Taehyung looked at each other and laughed.
It seemed like that room was haunting them..
—————————-
“RM hyung called and said they are coming in 10 minutes..” said Taehyung. “How about we wait for them before going to the spa?”
Jungkook nodded his head.
“Well.. those two girls are still enjoying their time together so I think it’s fine..” he said turning to Jisoo and Lisa strolling on the beach.
Taehyung smiled.
“You must be head over heels for her hyung..” said Jungkook seeing him smile. “I have never seen you like any other girl..”
Taehyung continued looking at Jisoo.
“Jisoo.. she.. feels like home to me..” he said softly. “I find comfort in her..”
Jungkook turned his head towards Jisoo.
“Does she make you that happy?” he asked smiling. “You once said home was something that made you happy..”
Taehyung took a deep breath.
Home.. that’s right.. it made him happy.. by making a lot of memories with his parents when they were still alive..
Home.. is the most comfortable place in the whole world..
And that home.. disappeared when his parents died..
“Jisoo.. has become my home.. I guess..” said Taehyung.
Jungkook chuckled.
“I wish I could also be in love like you-..”
Then someone splashed water on him making all of his shirt wet.
He looked in front of him and found Lisa on the ground.
She had tripped on her foot and accidentally splashed the bottle of water she was holding.
Jisoo helped her up immediately.
“I’m sorry Jungkook..” said Lisa looking regretful as she stood up.
Jungkook sighed.
Why did Lisa have to ruin his moment? He was talking about something important with Taehyung hyung and she really had to splash water on him?
“Never mind.. I’ll just change my clothes again..” he said annoyed as he left to go back inside the hotel.
Lisa ran after him excusing herself with Taehyung and Jisoo who were laughing because of the two.
“Are you enjoying?” asked Taehyung as he held Jisoo’s hand. “Are you having fun?”
Jisoo nodded with a big smile.
Lisa is really fun to be with! Even if she’s rich and pretty she remains humble and easygoing and that makes her really charming!
“What are we going to do later?” asked Jisoo holding his other hand as they stood face to face.
“To the spa.. we’re just waiting for RM hyung..” said Taehyung.
“And after that? What are we going to do?” she asked curiously as she stared at his eyes.
Taehyung put his face the closest possible to hers making Jisoo’s eyes widen.
“Sleep..” he said softly. “Together..”
Jisoo’s throat moved fast.
Sleep? Together? What does he mean? Is he.. for real?
Well.. she did prepare a little..
Knowing they’d be sharing the same room together.. since she doesn’t know how it will end yet..
She bought herself new underwear and even brought her perfume and lotion..
“We’re going to sleep in the same room together..” said Taehyung patting her on her head. “What were you thinking of just now?”
Jisoo’s cheeks flushed red.
Was it just a joke? And how did he find out she was thinking of something else?
Taehyung was still teasing her when he heard RM’s voice calling him.
“Hyung has come..” he said as he turned back to see him.
He waved his hand as he walked towards him while he pulled Jisoo with him.
“Did you come alone?” asked Taehyung looking around to see if Irene was there.
“Irene is with me.. she’s coming now..” said RM turning back to see her.
Jisoo’s brows furrowed.
Irene? Who is that? Who came with RM oppa? Is she another friend of Taehyung?
And as soon as Irene stood before them, Jisoo recognized her.
She has seen her before. She saw her a few times already..
At the hospital.. that’s right..
Irene doesn’t work where her mother is but she has seen her with the doctor in charge of her mom..
“Irene must be your name..” said Jisoo reaching ber hand to her. “Aren’t you Dr. Han’s girlfriend? Am I right? I have seen you a few times at the hospital with him.. I didn’t know you were friends with-..”
Then Jisoo saw RM’s hands clenching into fists while his facial expression changed.
Taehyung closed his eyes tight.
He forgot to mention anything about Irene to Jisoo..
RM took a deep breath and left without saying anything.
Jisoo looked confused.
Then she saw Irene going after him.
Taehyung held Jisoo by her shoulders.
“Wait here for a moment..” he said as he went after the two.
Jisoo watched them from afar.
She saw Irene leaving RM..
Then Taehyung reached RM.. they seemed to be talking..
And a few moments later.. she saw Taehyung landing a punch on RM’s face..
Jisoo covered her mouth with both of her hands..
What happened to them?
Why would Taehyung ever hit RM?