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3. Open Up

Its a bonus upload for my lovely readers because today is my birthday . I have spend my day in publishing the story this time .( We can't party due to lock down periods). To be honest I enjoyed this day, writing for you all....

Just an advice. Close your eyes and try imagining Taehyung's voice during the confession. You can feel him.
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John exited the room quickly, his footsteps fading down the hall. Neither he nor Taehyung realized that Sri had been standing just outside the door. She wasn't intentionally eavesdropping; she had come to sweep the room and happened to overhear their conversation. Not wanting to interrupt, she stood frozen, her broom clutched tightly in her hands.

As the exchange unfolded, her heart raced. She couldn't believe what she was hearing—Taehyung, the man she had initially pegged as arrogant and indifferent, was defending her. And not just casually, but with a quiet, almost fierce protectiveness.

But why? she wondered, her mind swirling with confusion. Why would he defend someone like me? After all, I'm just his maid. Was I wrong about him? Could he really be... different?

The sound of John's approaching footsteps startled her from her thoughts. Not wanting to be caught lingering, she quickly ducked behind a nearby pillar, her heart pounding in her chest. She waited, holding her breath, until John had passed and the hallway fell silent once more. Only then did she step out and quietly make her way into Taehyung's room.

Taehyung was sitting at his desk, his fingers lightly drumming on the polished wood. His gaze was distant, as though lost in a sea of thoughts, but he turned at the sound of her soft footsteps.

"Sri?" His voice was deep, smooth, and carried a warmth that caught her off guard. There was something about the way he said her name that made her pulse quicken. It was as though he wasn't addressing a maid but someone... more.

Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, her stomach twisting in a way she couldn't explain. Goosebumps prickled her skin as she tried to steady her breath. She felt a smile tugging at her lips, unbidden and uncontrollable, and she tried to hide it. She failed miserably.

"Y-Yes, Sir?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She mentally cursed herself for sounding so nervous. Why am I reacting like this? He's my master.

Taehyung studied her for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable. "When will your schedule end today?" he asked, his tone calm but carrying an undertone of something she couldn't quite place.

The question caught her off guard. She had expected him to assign her a task, perhaps scold her for something she hadn't done yet. But this? This was... different. "My last task is serving you dinner, Sir," she replied hesitantly, her hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

Taehyung nodded, as though contemplating her answer. "Well then," he said after a moment, his gaze meeting hers. "I'd like you to come to my room once you're done."

Her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. His request was unexpected, and she couldn't help but wonder why he wanted to see her. What could he possibly want to discuss with her?

Still, she nodded. "Of course, Sir," she said softly, lowering her head.

As she turned to leave, her mind raced with questions. Why does he want to talk to me? Did I do something wrong? Or... is it something else?

Taehyung watched her retreating figure, his expression unreadable. There was a weight in his chest he couldn't explain, a pull toward her that felt both unfamiliar and inevitable. She had a quiet strength that intrigued him, a resilience that shone through even in her smallest gestures.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. Why does she make me feel this way? he wondered, his thoughts lingering on the way her voice trembled ever so slightly when she spoke, the way her presence seemed to fill the room with an unspoken warmth.

* * * * *


It was already 10 p.m., and Sri's work for the day was finally done. She stretched her arms, feeling the ache in her muscles from a long day of chores. Since she wasn't going home starting from today, she decided to check out her new room—a small luxury she rarely allowed herself.

The moment she stepped in, she froze. The room was much larger than she had imagined. Though she couldn't see it, she could sense the vastness, the open space that surrounded her. The air was cool and carried the faint scent of night jasmine, soothing and comforting. She ran her fingers along the walls, the smooth texture suggesting they were painted in a pristine white.

The room was cozy yet elegant. A double bed stood at the center, its sheets impeccably smooth. The attached nightstand felt sturdy under her touch, and the high ceiling made the space feel even grander. Wide windows lined one wall, their curtains drawn but still allowing the faintest trace of moonlight to seep through. Sri smiled faintly, her heart swelling with a mix of awe and disbelief.

No wonder Kim Taehyung is so rich. Even the rooms for his maids are luxurious.

Suddenly, a thought struck her like lightning. Taehyung—GOSH! I FORGOT! HE'D CALL ME!

Sri's heart raced as she quickly left her room and made her way to his. Her footsteps echoed softly in the quiet hallway, each one amplifying her nervousness. By the time she reached his door, her palms were clammy, and her mind swirled with worries. Is he angry? Did I take too long? What will he think of me?

She hesitated for a moment before raising her hand to knock.

Inside, Taehyung stood by the window, leaning on the sill with an air of quiet contemplation. The moonlight bathed his figure, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw and the soft waves of his hair. He seemed lost in the silent beauty of the night, his gaze fixed on the moonlit meadow below. The rhythmic chirping of crickets filled the air, adding to the serene ambiance.

The soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. A small smile tugged at his lips as he turned his head. "Come in," he said, his voice calm and inviting.

The door creaked open, and Sri stepped inside hesitantly. "Sir?" she called softly, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Taehyung turned fully, his expression warm but curious. "Sri? I thought you wouldn't come," he said, his tone more inquisitive than accusatory.

Sri's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry for being late, but I'm not that irresponsible," she replied, her words sharper than intended. The moment they left her mouth, she winced inwardly, mentally berating herself for her tone. Why did I say it like that? He'll think I'm rude!

Taehyung blinked, momentarily taken aback, but he quickly realized there was no malice in her words. He smiled faintly, choosing not to dwell on it. "Never mind," he said, his voice steady and kind. "Have a seat on the couch."

Sri nodded and walked toward the plush couch, her movements tentative. She sat down, her hands resting awkwardly in her lap. The air felt heavy, charged with unspoken words.

Taehyung moved to join her, taking a seat beside her on the couch. Though they didn't touch, his presence was overwhelming. Sri could feel the warmth radiating from him, the faint scent of his expensive cologne filling the air. Her heart thudded in her chest, each beat louder than the last.

The silence stretched between them, growing heavier with each passing second. Taehyung fidgeted with his fingers, his mind racing for a way to start the conversation. Sri, on the other hand, clenched and unclenched her fists, her nerves threatening to consume her.

Finally, she broke the silence. "The room is very good. Thank you... Sir," she said, her voice a loud whisper, as if afraid to disturb the stillness.

Taehyung's lips quirked into a small smile. "Do you like it?"

"Y-Yes, of course! I loved it!" she blurted out, her voice suddenly bright and enthusiastic. She sounded like a child who had just received their favorite toy. Realizing her casual tone, she quickly composed herself, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Taehyung chuckled softly, his smile widening. He found her unguarded moments endearing. "I'm glad you like it," he said sincerely.

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the tension from earlier dissipating. The quiet night enveloped them, and Sri felt her nerves begin to ease.

"So, Sri," Taehyung said, breaking the silence, "who consists of your family?"

Why is he so interested in my personal life? Sri wondered, her thoughts clouded with confusion and hesitation. She brushed the thought aside, sensing that Taehyung might understand her struggles. There was something in his voice, something in the way he carried himself, that hinted at a loneliness mirroring her own. Slowly, she found herself opening up in a way she hadn't in years.

"They were killed in an accident..." Her voice faltered, trembling with the weight of her memories. "A-and I lost my vision in the same."

Taehyung's demeanor shifted immediately. His playful curiosity gave way to a solemn stillness. He didn't interrupt, didn't offer meaningless platitudes. He simply listened, his silence urging her to continue.

"Life was miserable after that," she admitted, her words heavy with the pain she rarely allowed herself to feel. "But I started working two years ago when I turned 18. Now, I'm... I'm settled, I guess. I know my fate, but I believe I can always change it." Her voice cracked, and her eyes welled with unshed tears. She quickly wiped them away, embarrassed by her vulnerability.

Her words were raw, unpolished, and achingly human. Taehyung felt the depth of her pain as if it were his own. He imagined her navigating a world that had taken so much from her, yet here she was, resilient and determined.

After a moment of silence, Sri turned to him, expecting some acknowledgment of her struggles. Instead, his voice broke the stillness, calm yet tinged with something different.

"I love admiring nature," he said softly, as if speaking to the night itself. "The bright daylight, the silent nights, the songs of birds, the hum of crickets, the chatter of people, even the distant roar of jets. It all feels so beautiful. Do you know why?"

Sri blinked, caught off guard. She had poured her heart out, and this was his response? A part of her felt hurt, dismissed. What am I even expecting? she thought bitterly. He's rich, privileged. How could he ever understand my pain?

"Why?" she asked, trying to mask her frustration. "Are you a nature lover or something?"

Before she could finish, Taehyung's voice cut through hers. "It's because I've always wished to see this beautiful world."

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Sri froze, her breath caught in her throat.

"What do you mean?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Taehyung sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping under an invisible weight. "Sri, it's not just you who's deprived of vision. I'm blind too. I've never seen the world since birth—not even once."

The revelation hit her like a tidal wave. Her mind reeled as she tried to process his words. Kim Taehyung, the wealthy and enigmatic business tycoon, was visually impared? The thought had never crossed her mind. She felt a pang of guilt for her earlier assumptions about him.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn't know."

"Why are you sorry?" he asked with a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "My life hasn't been as painful as yours. But... I am lonely. Very lonely. My mother passed away when I was 15, and my father raised me after that. He was my everything—my friend, my family. I always felt like a burden to him, but he never let me feel that way. He was proud of me." Taehyung's voice cracked, and he paused to steady himself. "Three months ago, he died of a heart attack. Since then, it's just been me and John, my caretaker. But no matter how much money or success I have, the loneliness never leaves."

The word "lonely" echoed in Sri's mind, striking a chord deep within her. She wanted to offer words of comfort, but what could she say? She knew all too well that some wounds couldn't be soothed by mere words.

Her perspective of Taehyung shifted entirely. The man she had thought of as arrogant and detached was, in reality, a kindred spirit—someone who understood her pain in ways she hadn't thought possible.

"W-why are you telling me this?" she asked, her voice trembling with curiosity and a touch of fear.

Taehyung took a deep breath, his face unreadable. "Because I feel comfortable around you," he said simply. His words were slow, deliberate. "I feel like you understand me. You're my bliss of solitude, Sri. When you're near, I don't feel so alone. And... I think I've fallen for you."

Sri's heart stopped. Her face flushed as her breath quickened. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Kim Taehyung, the man she had only just begun to understand, had confessed his feelings for her.

"I—" she began, but the words wouldn't come. Panic set in, and before she could think, she bolted from the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Taehyung sat frozen, his heart sinking with every passing second. He ran a hand through his hair, berating himself. What was I thinking? he thought bitterly. She probably hates me now. She must think I'm taking advantage of her vulnerability.

Tears welled in his eyes as he stared at the empty doorway. Everyone had always expected him to marry someone perfect—someone beautiful, poised, and sighted. But fate had other plans. He had fallen for a woman who couldn't see the world, yet her heart held every color imaginable. She was imperfectly perfect, and she had walked away.

A single tear slid down his cheek as he whispered to the empty room, "How I wish you'd stayed."

* * * * *

Sri rushed to her room, her heart pounding like a drum. Throwing herself onto the bed, she buried her face in the pillow, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and confusion. Her mind raced, her emotions a whirlwind of uncertainty. She couldn't shake the intensity of Taehyung's words.

It wasn't that she disliked him—far from it. Taehyung was the kind of man people dreamed about: charismatic, kind, and undeniably attractive. But was he her dream? His confession had caught her completely off guard, and she felt overwhelmed by the weight of his sincerity. The vulnerability in his voice had been unmistakable. Yet, her insecurities clawed at her, whispering doubts she couldn't ignore.

What if he hurts me in the future? she thought, her chest tightening. Taehyung didn't seem like the kind of man to break hearts, but hadn't history proven that even the purest love could be tainted? She thought of Othello and Desdemona, Romeo and Juliet- all love stories turned tragedy. Could she risk her heart, knowing how fragile it already was?

The room was silent, but her thoughts were deafening. Sri stared at the ceiling, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket. The night deepened, but sleep evaded her. The bed was soft, but her mind was restless.

I think I fell for you.

His words echoed in her head, soft yet powerful, like a melody she couldn't forget. She didn't realize she was smiling until a tear slipped down her cheek. It wasn't sadness—it was something deeper, something she couldn't quite name. For so long, she had believed that no one would ever see her, truly see her, and want her in their life. Yet here was Taehyung, a man with his own scars, confessing that he had fallen for her.

But why me? she wondered. They had nothing in common except their blindness, and even that felt like an unbridgeable chasm at times. She imagined what it would be like if Taehyung could see. Would he still feel the same way? Would she? The thought unsettled her, and yet she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at the idea of being loved by him.

It was past 1 a.m. when exhaustion finally claimed her. Her overthinking gave way to a dreamless sleep, though her heart still fluttered as if caught in the remnants of a waking dream.

The next two days were torturous. Sri avoided Taehyung as much as she could, her nerves getting the better of her. Every time she heard his voice or felt his presence, her heartbeat quickened, her palms grew clammy, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. She couldn't meet his gaze, not even through the veil of darkness they both shared.

Taehyung noticed her behavior immediately. He wasn't surprised—her reaction was understandable. She was battling her emotions, caught in a storm of uncertainty and fear. He chose not to push her, giving her the space she seemed to need. But deep inside, his longing for her only grew stronger. He couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her, nor could he suppress the hope that she might one day feel the same.

He decided to wait. He wouldn't bring up the confession again, not until she was ready. But every moment they spent apart only deepened his resolve. He wanted her in his life—not just as a fleeting presence, but as his forever.

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Hey I am so excited for BTS birthday... can't wait. lets give a shoutout

 "BANGTAN LIVE LONG!"

Wait for the next update...

                                                                                                                                  -Jeongsri

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