"Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves"

Khairiyat Puchon, Kabhi To Kaifiyat Puchon

Tumhare Bin Deewane, Ka Kya Haal Hai

Dil Mera Dekho, Na Meri Haisiyat Puchon

Tere Bin Ek Din, Jaise 100 Saal Hai

One month later

Golden Ornaments lined up on the walls and ceiling reverberated the sound produced by wine glasses that were clicking against each other. The sound was accompanied by thousands of flashing cameras that were ready to capture every moment of such a grand wedding. The people were busy gossiping either about their success or how the food was so good that they could eat it for the rest of their lives and the choir played slow music in the background that pretty much made the whole place seem like Cinderella's ballroom.

Kim Taehyung entered the banquet hall, making his first public appearance at an event after the horrific times. Also, his first time coming alone after so many years. He fixed his grey tuxedo, avoiding the same cameras that haunted him by asking every single detail about the case.

To mention it simply, Jennie, Karl and Juliana had made their space in jail. The court had announced all of them as guilty, in fact even Nicha Yontarak and Cao Jieyang were to be tested in the court for staying silent during their interrogations.

Don't think about it again, Taehyung told himself.

A waiter passed by, offering a glass of white wine which the detective gladly accepted. Maybe getting a bit drunk can help the night pass with much more ease.

The event put into simple words was nothing but great and grand. After all, it was Aran and Jisoo's wedding.

Once the main ceremonies were accomplished, the couple approached Taehyung who was trying to enjoy the newly found solitude. "Mr Kim, we're so thankful that you accepted our invitation Really means a lot to us," Jisoo started the conversation, extending her hand for a handshake.

"It's my pleasure to join you. Congratulations on your wedding," the detective replied, unsure if he genuinely meant his words or not.

Aran's mouth twitched, and so did his eye as he tried to form the right sentences, "Mr Kim, I really want to apologise for my behaviour and how I wasn't a help at all. Instead, I made things harder. I know, I sounded really insensitive throughout the era, but with all honesty, I really did it for our company. I don't know if it's a correct excuse, but when I was eight, I overheard my grandfather and dad's conversation. Grandpa was crying, talking about how much this company means to him and all the struggle he had to deal with just to build it. That day it became my sole goal to work for the company.And then, I was raised in such a manner that I became insensitive, even to my loved ones. I deeply apologise, again."

Patting the groom, Taehyung passed a smile, "I understand how a career can make you part ways with people. It's okay, don't ruin the mood now, it's your wedding after all."

"So what are you planning now?" Jisoo asked, changing the subject

Taehyung eyed the glass he held in his hand and coughed, "I am actually thinking of going to Malta for three months with my parents. Just to cool off and stay away from more of this drama. Relax there and come back once I feel better."

"That sounds amazing, you deserve it after all you went through. I honestly cannot imagine how you must be feeling. That was really commendable of you, Mr Kim," Jisoo praised the detective, who got the hint of what and whom she was talking about. Jennie

He let out a chuckle, "Ms, you too lost a dear friend. That pain is something we three can share, however, indeed, the wounds on my skin are much deeper because they're caused by betrayal."

Aran gave him a sympathetic smile, "Let's not get stuck in this topic, shall we? I would just conclude by saying that our family is really grateful and will always appreciate what you did for us, and seriously, we're deeply sorry for our behaviour. This has taught us a lesson, one that even the upcoming generations of our family won't be able to forget."

The detective smiled, whispering just two words, ones that he hadn't heard himself speak for god knows how long, "I'm glad."

Jisoo and Aran excused themselves, meeting other guests to receive their blessings and wishes. Taehyung closed his eyes, trying to get lost in the musical tone of the song that was playing in the background which out of nowhere stopped playing.

Things were quiet, maybe a bit too quiet. The well litted banquet room suddenly went dark as all the lights shut down. And when the lights returned, people thought it was just a power cut

Suddenly a scream was heard

A commotion was created, everyone started rushing, questioning to figure out what happened and just equally confused. One of the guests was sitting on her knees, crying and shaking, and mumbling words that made no sense.

Jisoo knelt down to comfort her and asked, "What happened? Is something wrong?"

"I just saw a dead body in the changing room!"

author's note: AND IT'S DONE. I'm basically going to vent all my feelings, emotions, thoughts, process and all the bullshit in the author's note which I'll publish next, so if anyone is interested, let's chat there 😭😭

But anyways, this feels so fucking unreal, brb gonna cry for one hour 😭😭