Taehyung's grip tightened around the glass as he took in Han Jisung’s smirk, his ex boyfriend.

That familiar, dangerous curve of his lips that sent a chill down his spine. The sight of Jisung's face brought back a flood of memories—good ones he wished he could forget. He felt his nails dig into his palm, the sharp pain grounding him, but just barely.

Jisung’s hazel eyes, the ones Taehyung used to get lost in, held that same unreadable depth, now tinted with something darker. It made Taehyung’s stomach churn. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing as he forced himself to speak.

"Hello, Han Jisung," Taehyung managed, his voice steadier than he felt.

Jisung tilted his head, that damn smirk never leaving his face. "It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You look... tense."

Taehyung's jaw clenched. "Just surprised to see you, that’s all."

Jisung chuckled, the sound low and almost mocking. "Surprised? I thought you’d be happy to see me, Tae. After all, we have so much history."

"Happy isn’t the word I’d use," Taehyung shot back, his eyes narrowing as he tried to keep his composure. He could feel the tension in his muscles, the urge to either flee or lash out. "What are you even doing here?"

Jisung shrugged casually, but his eyes gleamed with something predatory. "Just came to enjoy the party. Didn’t expect to run into you, but... what a pleasant surprise."

Taehyung forced a laugh, though it came out hollow. "Right. Pleasant."

Jisung’s smirk deepened, and he stepped closer, invading Taehyung’s space. "Still the same, I see. Always trying to act tough. But we both know what’s underneath all that, don’t we?"

Taehyung’s breath hitched, memories he tried to bury rushing to the surface. He hated how easily Jisung could still get under his skin, how just a few words could bring back the helplessness he thought he’d left behind.

"Don’t flatter yourself, Jisung," Taehyung replied, his voice colder now. "You don’t know me anymore."

Jisung leaned in, his breath hot against Taehyung’s ear. "Maybe. But I remember enough." His voice dropped to a whisper, "And I’m betting you do too."

Taehyung shivered involuntarily, hating the effect Jisung still had on him. He pulled back, forcing space between them. "Whatever you think you remember, it’s in the past. I’m not the same person you used to manipulate."

Jisung straightened, his expression unreadable. "We’ll see about that." He gave Taehyung one last lingering look before turning away, disappearing into the crowd as if nothing had happened.

Taehyung let out a shaky breath, his heart pounding. He knew he needed to get a grip, to not let Jisung’s presence rattle him.
He stood there with a storm raging inside him, wondering why the past couldn’t just stay buried.

As Erin announced they were about to cut the cake, Taehyung's heart pounded in his chest. The farmhouse felt too small, too loud, too much. He placed his glass back on the table, barely noticing the clink, and pushed his way through the crowd.

He spotted Erin, her face lighting up when she saw him—until she caught the panic in his eyes. Her smile faltered, and she quickly excused herself from Hwan, making her way over to him.

"What’s going on, Tae?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she led him to a quieter corner, away from the bustling party.

He tried to catch his breath, his mind racing as he looked at her. "What’s he doing here?" His voice was strained, the words barely making it out.

Erin frowned, confused. "Who?"

"Han Jisung," Taehyung breathed out, the name tasting bitter on his tongue.

Her eyes widened in shock, the color draining from her face. "Oh my God, Tae, I didn’t know. I swear, I didn’t know he was coming."

Taehyung’s breaths were uneven, and Erin immediately reached out, her hand resting on his arm. "Hey, take a deep breath, okay? Just breathe with me."

He tried to follow her lead, inhaling slowly, but his mind kept flashing back to every toxic moment with Jisung. The manipulation, the control, the way Jisung made him feel so small, so powerless.

Erin’s voice cut through the storm in his head. "Tae, look at me." He did, eyes locking onto hers, grounding him. "He’s not here for you. He’s just the son of that corporate guy Hwan’s dealing with. If I had known, I never would’ve let this happen. I thought he won't be making to this party."

Erin's eyes darted around as she tried to keep her composure, but the panic was evident. "Tae, I had no idea he’d show up. If I’d known, I swear, I wouldn’t have—"

Taehyung cut her off, his voice shaky. "I know, Erin. I trust you. It’s just... seeing him again... I wasn’t ready."

He knew Erin wasn’t to blame, but that didn’t make seeing Jisung any less jarring.

"I know," she whispered, her tone soft but firm. "But you’re stronger now, Tae. He doesn’t have any hold over you anymore."

Taehyung swallowed hard, pushing down the memories trying to resurface. “"ou’re right. I just need to keep reminding myself of that."

Erin smiled, squeezing his arm gently. "Exactly. And remember, I’m here. You’re not alone in this."

He took another deep breath, the tightness in his chest easing just a bit. "Thanks, Erin. I’ll be okay."

"You will," she assured him, then glanced back toward the party. "Do you want to stay? We can avoid him, or we can leave if it’s too much."

Taehyung shook his head, determination hardening his features. "No, I’m staying. I’m not going to let him ruin this for me."

Erin nodded, respect shining in her eyes. "That’s my Tae. Let’s go back, and if he even thinks about coming near you, I’ll handle it."

A small, appreciative smile tugged at Taehyung’s lips. "I’d like to see that."

With Erin by his side, Taehyung felt a little stronger, a little more like himself. Together, they walked back into the throng of partygoers, leaving the shadows of the past behind, at least for now.

Taehyung tried to keep his head in the game, forcing himself to smile and chat with old friends, but his mind was elsewhere. It was like trying to hold back the tide; no matter how hard he tried, thoughts of Jisung’s smug grin and JK’s silence kept creeping in.

He laughed at something one of his friends said, but the sound was hollow, forced.

"Earth to Taehyung?" one of them teased, waving a hand in front of his face. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

He blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Nah, just... got a lot on my mind," he replied, his tone light, but he could feel the tension in his own voice.

"Yeah, you seem off," another chimed in, giving him a curious look. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, all good," Taehyung lied, forcing a grin. "Just tired, I guess."

But the truth was, he felt anything but okay. Every time he glanced around the room, he half-expected to see Jisung’s face lurking in the crowd, and the thought made his skin crawl. The memory of that smirk, that damn dimple, was enough to set his nerves on edge.

"Come on, Tae, we’re here to have fun!" one of them said, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "Forget whatever’s bugging you and just enjoy the night."

“Yeah, yeah, you’re right,” Taehyung muttered, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. But as he glanced around the room again, his eyes caught a flash of movement—someone slipping out the door. His heart skipped a beat, thinking it might be Jisung, but when he looked again, the figure was gone. He let out a shaky breath, realizing how tense he was.

“Let’s enjoy this,” Taehyung insisted, though he wasn’t fooling anyone, least of all himself. “I need a drink.”

He made his way to the bar, ordering something stronger this time. As he waited, his mind wandered back to JK, wondering what he was doing, why he hadn’t replied. The longer the silence dragged on, the more it gnawed at him, and he hated how much it affected him. He barely knew the guy, and yet here he was, obsessing over a missed message like it was the end of the world.

Taehyung drink, and he took a long sip, trying to drown his thoughts along with it.

"Waiting for someone?" the bartender asked, noticing his tense posture.

Taehyung forced a smile. "Something like that," he muttered, taking another sip.

As the party wound down, Taehyung made his rounds, saying goodbye to those he needed to, though his mind was miles away. When he finally got to Erin and Hwan, he hugged them tightly. Erin leaned in, whispering, "You’ve been strong tonight, Tae. I’m proud of you."

He smiled, though it felt like it was stretched too tight. "Thanks, Erin. I’m just... glad it’s almost over."

"Hang in there," Hwan added, clapping him on the back.

Taehyung nodded, but as he pulled away, his eyes scanned the crowd one last time. No sign of Jisung. It was like he’d vanished.

For a moment, Taehyung felt relief washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by a gnawing sense of dread. Was Jisung planning something, or did he just not care anymore?

He hoped it was the latter, but knowing Jisung, he couldn’t be sure.

Taehyung stepped out, the cold air smacking him awake. "Shit, that was rough," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. His mind was still buzzing from the party, from seeing Jisung and the silence from JK.

He pulled out his phone, half hoping, half dreading. "Come on, JK… just one text," he whispered, but his screen was empty. Nothing.

"Fuck." He shoved the phone back into his pocket, frustration bubbling up. "This is so messed up."

"What are you planning, huh? You gonna leave me alone or screw with my head?"

He kicked at a pebble, sending it skidding across the pavement. "Should’ve just stayed home, avoided all this crap," he grumbled, but he knew better. Running wasn’t the answer.

"Damn it, JK, where are you?" he whispered, though he knew there wouldn’t be an answer.

"Tomorrow," he told himself, though it felt hollow. "Maybe tomorrow’ll be different." But as he walked further into the night, he wasn’t so sure.

Jeongguk and Shezam wandered through the vintage flower garden, the air thick with the scent of roses and lavender. Their hands were intertwined, Shezam swinging their arms playfully, his laughter light as the breeze. "Isn’t this perfect, Gguk?" Shezam grinned, pulling Jeongguk closer, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

Jeongguk nodded, but his mind wasn’t all there. "Yeah, it’s… nice," he murmured, eyes scanning the vibrant colors, but they felt distant.

Shezam caught his tone and nudged him, "Hey, where’d you go? I thought you’d be more excited about this."

Shezam tugged Jeongguk along the path, the gravel crunching under their feet. "You’re really out of it today," Shezam muttered, glancing at Jeongguk’s distracted expression. "I brought you here to get away from all that stuff."

Jeongguk forced a smile, squeezing Shezam’s hand. "Just thinking, that’s all."
"Like what?" Shezam stopped, turning to face him. "You haven’t even looked at your phone since we got here. Who’s got you so distracted?"

Jeongguk hesitated, his fingers twitching by his side. "It’s nothing serious." he said, but even as he said it, he knew it wasn’t true. His mind kept drifting back to V, the messages he hadn’t sent, the conversations left hanging.

Shezam narrowed his eyes, stepping closer until their chests almost touched. "You sure about that? ’Cause it feels like you’re somewhere else, and I’m standing here trying to get you to notice me."

Jeongguk finally met his gaze, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I’m here." he said, but his voice lacked conviction.

Shezam studied him for a moment, then smirked, his hand slipping down to Jeongguk’s waistband. "Maybe you need a reminder of why you’re here with me." He leaned in, lips brushing Jeongguk’s neck as his fingers teased the button of Jeongguk’s jeans.

Jeongguk’s breath caught, but he couldn’t shake the nagging thought of V. "Shezam, wait..." he started, but Shezam cut him off with a soft bite to his collarbone, making Jeongguk groan despite himself.

"No more thinking," Shezam murmured against his skin, his hand slipping inside Jeongguk’s jeans, fingers wrapping around him with a firm grip. "Just focus on me."

Jeongguk’s head tilted back, a shudder running through him as Shezam’s touch sent sparks down his spine. But even as his body responded, his mind kept flickering to the phone in his pocket, the unsent messages to V. He needed to focus, to forget—just like Shezam said—but it was harder than he thought.

"Shezam..." Jeongguk whispered, but the rest of his words were swallowed by a kiss, Shezam’s lips hot and demanding against his own.

Jeongguk’s breath hitched, and he found himself leaning in, but the thought of V kept tugging at him, pulling him back. "Maybe later," he mumbled, pulling back slightly.

Shezam’s pout deepened, but he tried to play it off. "You’re no fun," he teased, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something else—disappointment, maybe even suspicion. "Come on, let’s enjoy this, okay?"

"Forget everything else," Shezam whispered back, his breath warm against Jeongguk’s lips. "Just us, okay?"

Jeongguk nodded, trying to push V out of his mind. "Just us." he echoed, though the words felt hollow as they left his mouth..

(a/n:- Han Jisung ....my babyyyy 😭💖....you always rockkkk!)