Ariana and Tae stood on the terrace, the soft glow of the moon casting a silvery light around them. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, creating a tranquil ambiance that seemed to wrap around them like a comforting embrace. They had been sharing stories and laughter, their connection growing deeper as they spent time together, but an unspoken tension lingered between them, a magnetic pull that neither could ignore.

Tae took a step closer to Ariana, his heart racing as he glanced down at her. “You know,” he said, his voice low, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you these past few days. It’s like I’ve found someone who understands me in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

Ariana met his gaze, her breath hitching slightly. “I feel the same way. It’s refreshing to be with someone who doesn’t judge me for my past.” She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her experiences lifting with every passing moment in his presence.

“I want you to know,” Tae continued, “that I’m here for you. No matter what you need, I’ll be by your side.”

Ariana felt her heart swell at his words. “You’ve already done so much for me, Tae. I never expected to find someone like you in this crazy world.”

Tae smiled, a hint of shyness in his demeanor. “I’ve had a crush on you since the moment I saw you. And being here with you now, I can’t help but want more.”

Ariana’s cheeks flushed, her heart racing at the admission. “You’ve made me feel safe again, and I think I’m starting to let my guard down.”

As she spoke, the atmosphere shifted, the air thick with anticipation. Tae reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Ariana’s ear, his fingers lingering against her soft skin. The intensity of their gaze deepened, and Ariana could feel the warmth radiating from him, igniting something deep within her.

In that moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them. “Can I?” Tae asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper, seeking permission.

Ariana nodded, her heart pounding. “Yes.”

With that, he leaned in slowly, closing the distance between them. Their lips met softly at first, a gentle exploration filled with hesitation and curiosity. But as the kiss deepened, everything fell away—the past, the pain, the fears. All that remained was the sweetness of their connection, the electricity that danced between them.

Ariana melted against him, feeling his warmth envelop her as they lost themselves in the moment. The kiss was tender yet full of unspoken promises, a spark that ignited a fire within both of them. As they finally pulled away, breathless and wide-eyed, a sense of euphoria washed over them.

“Wow,” Ariana breathed, her heart racing. “I didn’t expect that.”

“Neither did I,” Tae admitted, a goofy smile spreading across his face. “But it felt right, didn’t it?”

“It really did,” she replied, still feeling the tingle of his lips on hers. “Thank you for being so patient with me.”

“Always,” he said, his eyes twinkling with sincerity. “I’m not going anywhere.”

As they stood on the terrace, both filled with a newfound excitement, Ariana felt a wave of hope for her future. Maybe, just maybe, she could allow herself to be happy again.

---

Meanwhile, back inside the mansion, the atmosphere had shifted from light-hearted laughter to a more somber tone. Jin, who had been scrolling through his phone, suddenly furrowed his brow, the expression on his face drawing the attention of the others.

“What’s wrong, Jin?” Namjoon asked, sensing the change in his friend’s demeanor.

Jin took a deep breath, glancing around at the group. “Guys… I just got a message from Mina.”

“Is everything okay?” Isabella asked, concern etching her features.

Jin swallowed hard, the weight of the news heavy on his shoulders. “She told me she’s divorcing me.”

A stunned silence filled the room, the gravity of his words sinking in. The cheerful atmosphere evaporated, replaced by shock and sympathy.

“What? After everything?” Tae exclaimed, his earlier happiness dissipating as he turned back to Jin. “I thought you guys were working things out.”

Jin shook his head, his eyes filled with sadness. “We tried, but she said she can’t take it anymore. I guess being a parent isn’t easy when you’re doing it alone.”

The reality of his words struck everyone, and they could see the pain etched on Jin’s face. “I never thought it would come to this. I thought we were strong enough to handle anything.”

“You have a two-year-old to think about now, Jin,” Jungkook said gently, placing a reassuring hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you.”

Jin managed a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, guys. I just feel lost right now. I didn’t want to be a single parent. I wanted to give my daughter a family.”

Namjoon stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Jin’s shoulder. “You’re going to be a great dad, no matter what. It’s going to be hard, but we’ll help you through it.”

“I’ll help too,” Isabella added, her voice filled with determination. “We’ll figure this out together. You won’t have to do it alone.”

As the group rallied around Jin, offering their support and reassurance, the weight of the situation lingered in the air. Though it was a difficult moment, they understood that they were all part of a larger family.

Back outside, as the cool night air brushed against her skin, Ariana felt a sense of hope and determination swell within her. She had kissed Tae, and for the first time in a long while, she felt the possibility of happiness. But as she looked back inside, she also recognized the challenges that lay ahead for Jin.

The night continued, filled with moments of laughter and support, each person navigating their paths. For Ariana and Tae, it was a turning point, a new chapter in their journey together. And for Jin, it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, he had his friends by his side, ready to help him rebuild.

As the stars twinkled above, the bonds of friendship strengthened, and each of them found solace in the love and support that surrounded them, ready to face whatever came next together.