MAID : But these are different. He would send white roses everytime. What changed his mind today?

Ji Hae whipped her gaze at the bouquet. She instantly forwarded her hand to take it from the maid, asking her to leave. The flowers were indeed different.

White daisies.

The fresh and faint scent of those enchanting little delicate petals and pastel hues filled her senses.

And as she carefully and lightly embraced those, she landed her hands on a hidden note.

It read, "Throw them away, if you don't like the flowers. I just picked any."

It was unbelievable to her. The uncanny feel that this was really from Taehyung, was too surreal to believe.

The rush of dopamine plasted a huge smile of excitement and gay over her face regardless. Casting aside all the possibilities that it's not from Taehyung, she wanted to live the happiness of it actually being from him.

Ji hae frolicked inside her room and in minutes, arranged a beautiful vase. Pouring down some water in it, she took her time to separate each stem and stand them into the vase. She was smiling all the way. From adding the plant preservatives to trimming the edge of the stems— all the essentials to keep those alive.

However, soon as she was spraying some water to the flowers, her smile slowly started to fade away. Hand resting the sprayer aside the vase, Ji Hae's gay completely vamooshed from her face.

JI HAE : Why is everyone treating me good now? Or did I just have my expectations too high to realize any of it before?

Choosing the path of wicked, all things positive turned doubtful and negative in her mind.

In the evening, Ji Hae decided to prepare the main dish for the dinner, so that she could take her attention off to somewhere else.

And while she was onto setting it on the table, Ji Hae felt distracted by Taehyung's sudden arrival. He was back after the long week at the dorms.

Everyone else were gathering around for dinner, while Jae Hyung who was walked down by his nanny, ran to his father. Taehyung, with his best smiles and excitement, lifted the little boy in his embrace.

TH : Aww... you missed Appa?

JAE HYUNG : (-frowns-) Why didn't you visit us at all?

TH : I am sorry, I couldn't come home this week. That is why, I am going to stay for two days this time.

As if a big deal, Jaehyung's sulk seemed to vanish from his features, as he lit up with a thought. The thought that, he would be spending a little extra hour with his dad unlike other times.

Ji Hae, used to his ignorance, was casually carrying out the work she was at. And while Taehyung sat his son on the younger's chair, Mrs.Kim asked him to freshen up for dinner.

And within a short time, the entire Kim family was peacefully dined together at the table, after a long while.

Mrs.Kim, in all attempts to improve her son's marriage, forwarded the main dish towards him.

Mrs.KIM : Have a taste. Ji Hae made it.

Quite to Ji hae's surprise, Taehyung didn't show any resistance towards the food she has prepared. And calmly had it.

Her eyes accustomed to it, went to Mr.Kim. He, who was surprised at his son's flexible attitude as well, smiled to her with a nod of assurance following.

Unlike him, Ji hae was a little reluctant to be overjoyed and quietly savored the food. How a mere lift of mood could make the dishes seem tastier, she learnt about it that evening.

Little did his outer body language could tell, Taehyung mentally fisted his guts, just to bottle his cold reaching out.

Just so the resents for himself was not dumped on someone innocent. None but, his mother could see through those restraints in his lowered eyes.

Mrs.Kim appreciated her son and was proud, seeing him try at the very least and didn't push him further.

Later the same night, while Taehyung was returning to his room from Jaehyung's, his steps slowed down— engrossed in thoughts.

By the second, he looked up for his door knob, his attention automatically was caught by Ji Hae. She was heading to her room and halted, feeling anxious to surpass Taehyung on the way.

The awkwardness, she was experiencing for the first time. For some reason, Ji hae seemed to like that space between them.

None uttered a word.

Gazes avoided and with a strange tangy bitterness in their stomachs, both stood there for a moment. Until, Taehyung got a call and he immediately looked for his cellphone in his pockets. Seeing him halt for a second looking at the caller ID, Ji hae used the call as an excuse to speak.

JI HAE : Who is it?

TH : (-in a reflex-) Doesn't concer-

He instantly paused at his words as he looked up at Ji hae and changed them.

TH : It's from work.

Taehyung, using the rush as an excuse, wished her a quick goodnight and went inside his room, while receiving the call.

*Over the call*

TH : Yes, Mr.Han?

Mr.HAN : Ye, I apologize for the late news. Their flight have already taken off from here.

TH : Oh okay. When will they reach?

Mr.HAN : Uh... the flight's on time. So, they will land in Korea around sunrise as for the estimated schedule.

TH : Oh I see, are you absolutely sure about it?

Mr.HAN : It took a little while to confirm. But, it is cent percent authentic.

TH : Alright, thanks.

Mr.HAN : So, what's my next move? Shall I stay or return?

TH : Well, about that. I will inform you on it soon. Stay put until I call you back.

Mr.HAN : Affirmative.

Taehyung ended the call and sat on the bed with a nervous heart.
Meanwhile, Ji Hae in her room, reached for the envelope that was rested on the coffee table besides the flower vase.

She hesitantly peeked at the block letters of the papers, lying inside the envelope. It stated, "Divorce" and Ji hae immediately dumped the papers back inside all the way.

The first thing, after she regained her conscience on learning the truth, were preparing those. Therefore, she asked her lawyer to issue a divorce application while keeping the entire thing a secret from her father, until she decides to involve him.

And she had just received the papers today. However, witnessing Taehyung's noticeable attempts, Ji hae felt a little confidence building up. It was new, fearful and gave her a daring delight, to imagine how big they could be in future.

Hence, carefully folding the envelope lid, Ji Hae secured it inside her spacious wardrobe. Now that, she felt confident about a potential repair to their wounded relations.

As unexpected as it was to her, her tired body called upon herself and she drifted off to sleep, earlier than her usual sleep routine.

It was after long, that she could have a very fulfilling and uninterrupted sound sleep of eight hours. Mental peace is quiet important for a healthy and efficient living, that Ji Hae was gradually exploring now, with her finest condition.

Eyes open to a fresh and cozy morning, Ji Hae raised her resting figure while looking at the clock. It ticked at 7 : 13.

Nicely wrapped up with warm covers, she headed to her balcony even in the freezing degrees. Just, to get the warm shower of the first set of vitamin rays from the sunrise.

And as she waited for the faint navy sky to change to a yellow orange hue while rubbing her palms. She noticed something, that stopped her hand motion.

It was Taehyung in his car, driving out of the mansion boundaries. He seemed in a rush.

What weirded her was the time, however. She wondered what happened that he had to leave even before the sunrise.

Racing on his way, Taehyung reached the main road in a few seconds. With an anticipated heart, he quietly drove through the distance. Yawning occasionally, but eyes fixed on the road.

While in the car, the sun rose. It was the most simple yet a very magnificent moment, witnessing the sky colors meshing in. As if a painter was blending the shades with his careful brush strokes.

It calmed his racing heartbeat as if nature asked him to look at the brighter side of this anticipation. The woman he thought he would never get to see again, has flown all the sky miles from New York to Korea.

Nearing to his destination, Taehyung slowly started to turn down the heater; degree by degree. So that, he doesn't get a frost bite, the moment he steps down the car.

In a little more while, he parked his car on the main road finally reaching the place. And before he got down, Taehyung put some hot packs on his nape beneath the warm layers of clothes, few under his arms and clutched two packs, inside his pockets.

He was well prepared for the negative degrees of winter.

Locking the car, Taehyung squeezed tight as he moved his legs fast, towards the neighborhood lanes of JaeRa's house.

He felt a little nostalgic, even though he would visit these streets once in a while after her faked death. The feeling of the old anticipation to meet her like the time when they were dating, tingled his heart.

Further as he walked in, Taehyung reminisced a little memory from a couple of years, when he happened to bring along Jae Hyung in one of those visits.
While Taehyung spend some time in the location where Jae Ra and he used to meet before marriage. He let, Jae Hyung play in the park that situated on the other side of the abandoned land‐the secret meeting place.

No one could define what attracted the little guy— Jae hyung, from that day on, never played unless it's the 'gohyangi* park'.

Back to the present, Taehyung carefully walked through the empty lanes—ears alert of any kind of movements.

The only purpose he drove out to there this early, was to check if JaeRa arrived safely. And if possible, to know about her plans. Whether it is by eavesdropping, or a direct interaction— situation will speak.

Seeing the usual big metal lock absent on both of their entrance gateways, he assumed they might've reached and are already inside.

Taehyung roamed his view through the morning streets for a moment, before he recalled something. That, there was a way he could get the closest access to JaeRa's old room, without getting inside the house.

And taking the measure of directions, he had to retrieve to the way he came in, to search that lane.

On the flip side, JaeRa and her family—quiet a while ago—have reached their hometown. And while each one of them felt a tickle of nostalgia coming around the neighborhood, Jae Ra felt a mixture of different emotions.

As much as she was happy to be here, a certain fear and anxiety seemed to cripple her.

The old fashioned house came to their sight and her steps stopped. It was JaeRa's grandfather's house parted between the two brothers. Her father and Mr.Jang. Which, after the former's death were made into one unit. Yet, it had two entrances in the same line, distanced with a few steps— both functional.

Mr.Jang, tired from the long flight, walked with SungYeol leading the way. SeoIn, who accompanied Jae Ra, noticed her halt and immediately, but quietly went back to her.

SEO IN : (-in a whisper-) You okay?

JaeRa looked up at SeoIn and asked her to make an excuse to Mr.Jang, while she tries to take her pills in a hide.

SEO IN : Your head-...

JAE RA : I am fine. Just go before they turn around to look.

Sending Seo In on her way alongwith the luggage she was wheeling, Jae Ra turned around. But before she could take a step, a prickling sensation gripped her head and she squinted her eyes tight.

In the fright of getting caught she pushed her strengths, to walk to the nearest turned lane.

With the support of a boundary wall as she rested her body, JaeRa looked for the regular medicines in her bag.

And while she did, blurry and highly saturated scenes of those lanes and houses, flashed before her eyes.

It just increased the intensity of the pain, until she got hold of the pills.

As excruciating as the time at SungYeol's wedding it was, JaeRa managed herself alone this time, as she forced the gulp of a dose.

In some time, with her breathing rate dialing down, she tried to recall the scenes she just saw.

JAE RA : It was definitely.. night. A rainy night.

Just as much she muttered to herself, was literally all that she saw in those still frames of her memories. Gradually, as she completely calmed down, Jae Ra straightened her posture and walked out of there. Only to notice, a man vanish into a lane, farther from her house.

She skeptically walked to her house, contemplating if her guess was right about the man's identity.

Feeling it harmless to check, she proceeded her steps slowly towards that lane. Her mind constantly providing facts that, she might've mistook it for someone else. However, JaeRa's intuition and heart led her feet towards the small street.

The latter won.

JaeRa's eyes instantly filled with the man's visuals and uncanny presence. It took her a moment to pick out the strangeness of a celebrity, namely Kim Taehyung, to be next to her house out of all the places.

She further followed his keen gaze, up in the direction he was sighted at.

It was the shut window of her room. She was intrigued by his zestful observation. He was so immersed into it, that he didn't have the time to look anywhere else.

Taehyung, meeting no success to seeing or sensing any movements up in her room, withdrew his gaze and sighed. But, the moment, he looked up in the direction of the path he came from, his heart beat in a certain relief and rave.

Both stood still, looking at each other with the distance of two years between them.
In a while, JaeRa greeted him with a slight bow, politely.

Taehyung, from the distance smiled and returned the mutual greet with a bow.

As if his smile was welcoming her, JaeRa grew a little confidence and walked towards him.
Whereas, Taehyung rooted to his place, clutching the hot packs inside his pockets, as he patiently awaited her arrival.

JAE RA : It's quite an unexpected place to cross paths with you.

Taehyung knew that he couldn't sound acquainted, about anything that concerned around her. So he chose to act oblivious.

TH : What do you mean? Where is this place?

JAE RA : From how I remember, this neighborhood wasn't a celebrity frequent area before. Seeing one, is the rarest occurrence.

TH : (-grins-) I guess, this is one of those rares then. But, how come you are here?

JAE RA : Well, I kind of live here(?) I mean, this is my house in Korea. Here for a vacation.

TH : Ah, for Christmas?

JAE RA : (-calculates the days in her mind-) We will be leaving after Christmas. So, yeah. You can say so.

He passed on a warm smile. Just with his mere presence, her anxiety was slowly washing away. It was like a safety zone that she was standing in that moment.

JAE RA : How do you reason yourself being here? At this hour?

TH : Me? (-clearing throat-) Actually, um.. Well, just wanted a peaceful walk.

JAE RA : Oh, so, you live nearby? 

Although, it was a decent half an hour drive from the Kim Mansion. He had no choice, than to agree if he wished to connect his earlier lie.

TH : Yes. Kind of.

JAE RA : Ah~! (-awkward smile-)  Why don't you come inside?

TH : I would love to, but I must leave before the roads get busy. The sun's up too. I offer, let's walk?

JAE RA : Sure. 

As they decide on a casual walk through, JaeRa turned around, moving to his left side.

Initially, it was quiet.

Taehyung was sulking over the meet that he already figured, was going to durate only till the end of this short lane.

JAE RA : (-breaking the silence-) So, how have you been? And Jae hyung? Is he good? 

TH : (-looking ahead-) Yeah, we are good. But, he misses you a lot and often whines to go back to NY. Just to meet and play with you.

JAE RA : (-smiles-) So do I. He is such an adorable little boy. One cannot be not fond of him.

Taehyung had a slight proud smile on his face, as he tried to have his comeback with a humble reply.

TH : Well, he doesn't really get along at once with anyone new. Unlike with you, so I will give you credit for that.

JAE RA : (-grins-) Alright. My pleasure.

Both had a more flexible and bubbly mood now, due to the brief warm up.

TH : Anyways. Do you visit Korea often?

JAE RA : Oh, no. Actually, I am here after 4 years. I used to live in Korea before.

Taehyung slowly nodded still looking ahead, as if was receiving a new information.

TH : So, when did you come here? (-glances at her-) By any chance, a while ago?  

JAE RA : Uh, how did you guess that? Is that obvious?

JaeRa grew conscious about her look and probable messy hair. Hence, she voluntarily began to brush her locks with her hands.

TH : Oh no, it isn't. I just saw your hand bag and assumed it.

JAE RA : Ah, right. Yeah, I just landed a few hours back.

And just as Taehyung feared the lane to end sooner than he wanted, it prospected pretty soon. He halted by the intersection and spoke.

TH : It was nice meeting you. And I really think, you must go in and rest. I'll leave now.

JAE RA : It's okay, I can walk you to the main road. 

TH : (-nervously-) NO. No, no... I mean, there's no need for that. You should rest, you have flown over a long way.

JAE RA : It is still alrig-

TH : (-continues-) -and you are not here for work. So, don't worry, I wouldn't be posting any negative feedbacks about your service. 

Seconds after, they laughed at how JaeRa's tourist guiding instincts, were pushing her to care for Taehyung's comfort over her tired body.

JAE RA : Okay, only with that promise though.

TH : Roger that.

JAE RA : (-smiles-) Be safe on your way back. (-slight bow-) 

Taehyung returned all her gestures and turned around, taking the lane stretching away from her house.

JaeRa however, was rooted to her place, unable to take her eyes off of the man, walking away from her.

It so felt like a forbidden desire. Never had she thought, she would be driven to a married man.

"This is wrong," she tried to assert. However, helplessly JaeRa's sight was focused in his direction. As if enchanted, she didn't budge from the position, until Taehyung took a sharp right turn and cut off her view completely.

Taehyung, clutching on those hot packs, although walked in a normal pace. He so wanted, to just turn around and get a few more glimpses of her.

It was as if, his responsibilities stringed him away from all that he wished or desired for. In the theater of life, he was only a puppet being moved around, which just didn't have any ability to complain or disobey the commands passed on by the strings of fate.

Then again, the next moment he would be reminded of his own needs, growing greedier for more. This very guilt, would dail down his ache a little and help him restrain.

With these many things tossing around inside his head, he continued to walk down the road he came in earlier.

Meanwhile, just as JaeRa tried to reach for the gateway of her house, the wooden door voluntarily opened first.

She had a slight flinch at the action, before it revealed . . .

_____

Lol, I am so out of cliffhangers.

See you, next Sunday! :)