Guys, the therapist is cool dw 👌
But here's the other big secret...
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You're gonna kill me but...
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ONEOFTHECOUPLESAREGONNABREAKUP'KAYBYE

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ☀️
—TAEHYUNG'S POV—

The smell of flour and sugar intoxicates the kitchen. I gently squeeze the frosting sack until it's contents are coating the sponge.

It's early in the morning, but before anyone could wake up I took over the kitchen to bake an entire breakfast feast.

"Whoa!" Hoseok's mouth drools at the sight. About two dozen cakes line the counter in front of him.

He rubs his eye awake whilst taking a seat across from me on the stool. "Look at all this... I knew letting a fricking cafe owner crash at my place was a good idea."

He now shoves a blackberry tart into his mouth. "What's the occasion?"

"No occasion."

"Then...?"

My eyes don't part from the cake that I'm frosting, "My psychiatrist told me that baking is a hobby that kept me close to my mom and prolonged the way she lived in me. She baked things to see me happy so... I'm doing that too. Plus it's a stress reliever."

Hoseok doesn't respond, so I look up only the catch him grinning.

"...What?"

"Nothing. You've just matured so well. I'm proud of you man." He takes another bite. "How are those therapy sessions going by the way?"

"Pretty good. I have another one today."

"If you want, I'll let you take over dinner duty tonight too."

"Nice try." I scoff and he pouts. He knows damn well it's his turn.

I hear footsteps trail down the stairs and into the kitchen. I thought it was Lilo, but I turn around only to see Seulgi.

"Good morning." She nods awkwardly. We both bow our heads.

But instead of leaving, she scratches her ear.

"I just wanted to say thank you to you both for letting me stay here despite my past. I'd like to make everyone Korean BBQ in the backyard tonight as thank you."

Hoseok looks at me with another open mouth, shocked that someone's willing to take over dinner duty. Especially now that we have Teddy, who amounts to three people.

"...Sounds great. Thanks."

She nods faintly and walks away. Hoseok leans forward with crossed arms. "Do you trust her?" He whispers.

"I don't know. She seems harmless... Plus she and Lilo seem to have each other's back."

Hoseok stays silent for a moment, looks over his shoulder and then back at me with a smirk.

"I'm gonna make a move on her."

"What-now?"

"Oh come on. Beyond all the stitches, she's kinda hot."

"And you think making a move of Lim Jaebum's ex-girl is a good idea?"

He shrugs playfully. "I like bad girls."

I shake my head in defeat, finally dusting off my apron as the final cake is frosted. "Go for it bro."

A long, dramatic gasp cuts through the room and I look back to see Lilo enter the kitchen in complete shock and awe.

"Oh my gosh! Tae! Look at all this..."

"Good morning." I chuckle through our embrace. "I did some baking. Do you like it?"

"Hell yeah! You even made my favorite."

"Yep, mini shortcakes. Here."

I pluck one of the cakes from the tray and poke it inside Lilo's mouth. She takes a bite, and by the time I pull the rest away, she has cream topping her upper lip. I peck her lips while she chews to clean it off.

"How is it?"

Her eyes roll back in satisfaction. "Perfect. Do this every day." Her hand reaches for mine, forcing it to insert the rest of the cake into her mouth.

"Holy doughnuts! Look at all these tarts and cakes bossma— I mean Taehyung made!!" Teddy practically screams as she runs into the kitchen, probably having smelled the fruity scents from a mile away.

"Shhh. The others are still asleep, you'll wake them."

"I'm sorry it's just— AHH! I haven't had a blackberry tart in so long!" She tosses one into her mouth, another already in-hand. "Oh boy this takes me back to the cafe!"

Teddy both chews and swallows three cakes in the span of seconds until Lilo grabs her arm.

"Slow down monkey. They're not all for you."

"Okay okay... Just one more." She takes one... But then quickly steals the whole tray and sprints back to her room.

"Welp..." I slap my glove against their counter. "There's three hours of work gone in three minutes."

"It was nice while it lasted. Thanks for the treats, I'm gonna head back to bed." Hoseok waves to us both.

"It is pretty early... Should we go to bed too?" I ask Lilo. She shakes her head, sitting up on the counter. "I'm not that tired."

So I remove my apron and sit on the stool between her legs. She giggles with her face close to mine and brushes her index finger along my upper lip.

"Your mustache is gone."

"I thought I'd go for a clean look. Did you like it?"

"I did." She nods, then lifts my shirt. "And are those abs I see too?"

I tilt my head and grin out of embarrassment, pulling it back down. "Ah, I've been working out with Kook lately."

"It shows." She squeezes my upper arm.

With a grin, I pinch her chin and real it in for a short kiss.

"So, how's Seulgi doing?"

"Not so good. She said Jaebum left her for dead, but I think she still misses him. It's pretty sad."

"I'm shocked that she's even alive."

"Same. I'm even more shocked that Jaebum hasn't ratted me out to the police yet. I wonder what he's waiting for."

"Don't jinx it. Knowing him, he can't be up to anything good."

She hums a nod. There's a small silence before I ask,

"The other day you said you had something to tell me, about your mom."

"Oh yeah..." She croaks nervously.

"Is it something bad?"

"...We're not really talking anymore. I think she hates me."

"How would you know that?"

"I... called her—"

"You called her? As in, by yourself? Do you know how dangerous that is?"

"Oh my gosh Tae she's my mother. What's she gonna do? Call the cops on me?"

"She might." I exhale, "Your mom's not the brightest."

"She wouldn't. But when I called her she yelled at me for running away with you, so I said it wasn't like she was ever there for me anyway. After that, she pretty much said she doesn't want anything to do with me."

I exhale again and put my hand on her lap.

"I know how you feel. It's not nice to feel like a failure. You can fix your relationship with her when this is all over, because you know I would kill to have my mother back in my life. I couldn't watch you throw away the relationship with yours. But we'll have to leave it for now."

"Yeah, I know..." She frowns into her lap.

Suddenly she perks up.

"Let's change the topic. How is therapy going? You look better."

"I'm getting there. Dr. Thomas is pretty understanding, we have another session later. Also I've... Started praying."

"Really?!"

"I mean, I'm not good at it yet but I'm learning."

"Did Dr. Thomas tell you to?"

"Actually I decided to do it on my own. I figured the opposite of demons are angels, right?"

"I'm so proud of you Tae. Like, seriously. You're doing so well, I couldn't be more thankful. Keep this up and maybe I'll deliver a reward...?" A smirk creeps onto her lips.

My eyebrow cocks, "And what might that be?"

"Hmm..." She bites her lip before kissing me again with her hands caressing my cheeks.
I feel her nails trailing lines down my abs before she pats it. "We'll see."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ☀️

"You're looking cleaner, Taehyung." Dr. Thomas nods approvingly.

"Thank you, I'm trying."

"I'd like to begin today with some ink splotches. Pretty standard, but is a good indicator of finding where someone's head is at. Let's start with this first one."

"It looks like... Margo."

"Your girlfriend's dog, right?"

"Yeah, just close up. I see his big wet nose and the eyes."

"Interesting. It seems this one plays into your soft spot for animals. Why did you get Margo tattooed on your wrist and not your childhood dog, Yeontan?"

"Because he was Lilo's, and because I know Margo's dead. Whereas Yeontan... I don't know that for a fact."

"Even after a decade? You still have hope that he's out there?" He asks and I shrug.

"Interesting. Let's see the next one." He lifts up a similar card.

"That one looks like Li."

"Another animal? Huh. From what I understand, Li is the kitten you found by the freeway and took in. Why did you bring her home?"

"She was all soggy and skinny, I couldn't exactly leave her."

"Is there any possibility that when you found her, you felt you were rescuing a small, distressed child? Kind of like how Sergio found you in the kitchen that night. You named her Li after your girlfriend but, is it possible you saw a bit of yourself in her?"

His words make my eyebrows raise. I had never really thought about that, so I shake my head at a lost for words.

"I don't really know."

"That's okay. Onto the last."

"It looks like a face."

"Who's?"

"Um..." I squint really hard. My eyes go round when I finally piece together a face.

"My old friend, Bogum."

"You know, I actually find it interesting that you talk about him so rarely considering he was dear to you. Don't you miss him?"

"Of course," I answer defensively. "I think about him every day, but I can't express that to these guys because they didn't know him. It's my own fault though. I should've introduced him to everyone because now I have to mourn him in silence."

"And it must kill you that you weren't around for his death, yet your girlfriend had to witness that."

I nod with so much agreement. Once he notices the sun setting, he packs the cards away.

"I just wanted to see where your head was at currently. I know that if I had shown you these days ago, you would have seen horrific and morbid things... But now you are seeing people who made a positive impact on your life. That's a good sign. Your interpretations are still consumed by the concept of loss, but this is no doubt an improvement. We'll do another session like this in the future. In the meantime, keep baking, praying and spending time with your friends."

"Thank you. I will."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ⛅️
—AUTHOR'S POV—

The sun is setting. Seulgi empties the first sack of coal onto the barbecue whilst the others chill around the backyard, Teddy and Jimin racing in the pool.

Winter lays on the patio in a bikini and sunglasses just next to the barbecue, watching Jungkook work out across from them. Not only are his sweaty muscles protruding more than ever, but he's been growing out his hair these days.

Seulgi can't help but stare and the raven-haired girl who lays on her stomach beside her.

"...Is that a bunny on your butt?"

Winter sighs, "Not by choice."

"Hey Seulgi! How'd you get your stitches?" Teddy leans against the poolside. "There's so many of 'em!"

"Uh..." Seulgi blushes and Jimin pulls her back. "Teddy, you don't just say it like that."

"I-it's fine. I've just been through a lot." She nods and reaches for another sack of coil, but it's hard to balance in her hands.

"Here, let me." Hoseok retrieves it. His sleeves are rolled up, and vest is thin enough to expose his abs. Seulgi smiles sheepishly. "Thank you."

"Look at Hobi, showing off his muscles to impress her." Jungkook sits beside Winter once he's finally done exercising, making her snicker.

"Shut it." He retorts. "So Seulgi, you enjoying your stay so far?"

"Of course. Your home is beautiful."

"Well feel free to call me whenever you need anything. My room is just down the hall." He winks.

Seulgi smiles and while he's pouring the coal, takes the time to absorb her surroundings. She watches the way Jungkook and Winter snuggle up on her right, how he has one hand on her butt while she lifts her chin to meet his lips and they kiss. And on her left, Jimin is holding Teddy in his arms as the two make out in the pool.

"Actually, could you start the fire for me? I have to get something first."

"Of course." He nods. She heads inside swiftly.

"Oh, you're doing the barbecue?" Taehyung approaches Hoseok, now that his session's finished. He shakes his head. "Nah, just helping Seulgi out."

"Did you make your move on her?"

"Patience my friend... You can't rush these things."

"Yeah yeah."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ☀️
—LILO'S POV—

After a fresh shower, I make sure to put on underwear before tying a short satin robe around my body. I think I'll have a Nutella sandwich, then join the barbecue outside.

As I exit my room I hear a noise coming from the guest room opposite.

My eyebrow arches. I quietly creep towards the door and rest my ear against it. It sounds like... Crying.

I open the door and Seulgi jumps at my presence, sitting on the floor with her arms around her knees.

"Seulgi what's wrong??" I shut the door behind me.

My arms reach to hug her but she closes herself off. "No no, ignore me I'm sorry. I'm just..." She can't even finish her sentence without bursting into tears.

I pull her up so that we're both sitting on the foot of the bed. My arm wraps around her.

"It's okay, you've been through a lot. Let it all out. But why are you crying?"

"*sniff* It's just.... Seeing all the happy couples in this house makes me realize how much I loved him. How could he throw me away like some a piece of garbage?! I did so much for him!"

"I know. You did so much, he's just too heartless to appreciate it."

"What a douche... I'm sorry, I shouldn't be crying over him again. You're sick of hearing it."

My lips break into a mumbly smile and Seulgi looks out at me in confusion, wondering what's so funny.

"W-why are you laughing?"

"Oh no, I'm not laughing at you it's just... This cute conversation reminds me of the ones I'd have with Mina."

"Who's Mina? Your friend?"

"Best friend... I miss her so much, she used to complain to me about trash guys all the time."

"...Well where is she now?"

"Living her best life with my cousin, Jin. The two of them are really happy together."

Seulgi stares at me in silence for a moment, then bursts into more tears and it's then that I realized I rubbed salt in the wound.

"Maybe I shouldn't have said that part..."

"It's so unfair! Why does this only happen to me when I've been nothing but loyal? Haven't I been through enough? My face hurts, my body hurts, my head hurts—"

"I know it can be—"

"It's like those surgeons couldn't wait to get me over with. And while I'm lying there under those stupid commercial lights getting my face rearranged, he has the nerve to be visiting her at the morgue? Is he for real??"

The room is dead silent. I stare at Seulgi with so much confusion, the way she's suddenly rambling doesn't sound like her at all...

Seulgi's broken and tearful face slowly creeps into a smirk. Her face rotates to meet mine, and I furrow my eyebrows.

"...Seulgi?"

Her smirk only grows and I begin to back away until I'm standing.

"W-why is your face like that?"

She turns over so that she's on all fours on the bed. Her tongue rolls over her teeth.

"Because this is the moment I've been waiting for, bestie."

I look down almost unnoticeably, the edge of the bedsheets meeting my feet.

In a blink, I grab it with both hands and yank the sheets so that she falls off the bed with a thud.

I waste no time in sprinting to the door, but no matter how much I jam the handle it doesn't open.

"Fuck!! Taehyung?!! Hoseok?! SOMEBODY!"

My palm smacks the door repeatedly before her arm locks around my neck. As she pulls me back, my throat gets suffocated the more she tightens, and before I know it I'm choking for air.

—AUTHOR'S POV—

"Where is that girl... The sun's nearly down." Hoseok puffs, putting the meat on the grill.

"Looks like you're on dinner duty after all." Taehyung snickers. "She's probably with Lilo. They'll be down soon."

—LILO'S POV—

"Gah!" I flip Seulgi over my back, smashing a vase.

The lamp by the bedside finds itself clutched in my grip by the time she's running to me. I don't hesitate to whack her with it, but she's quick to regain balance and push the lamp's stem against my neck.

"Argh! Mina snap out of it!"

Somehow I build the strength to kick her back and she crashes into the mirror, shards getting caught in her hair as well as some blood leaking from her mouth.

She picks up a piece of the mirror and runs to me with it.

Her foot meets my chest and I fall back into the bathroom linked to the room, the sink counter uncomfortable colliding with my spine. With the support of my hands on the counter, I lift my legs into a V and bring them together to kick her in the stomach. Just when I get up to run back into the bedroom, she grabs me by the throat and tosses me back against the mirror, my head creating a large crack.

I look down to see that she's still gripping the shard. Blood cuts into her palm because of the tight grip but she isn't phased.

I lift my leg to kick her again but Mina grabs my ankle with both hands and pulls me. I flip over and latch one hand around the sink faucet.

"Let go!" She growls. I now hold on with two hands before she yanks my leg even harder. My teeth grit with every pull.

She yanks it a third time, this time stabbing the large shard of glass into my calf.

"GAHHH!!!"

I'm pulled a final time and the faucet slips from my fingertips. My head hits the edge of the counter on the way down, a chilling sensation hitting my temple to indicate that I'm bleeding.

Now that I'm on my stomach, I try to lift myself but she instantly pins me down with her foot and I let out a pained cry. I can already feel so much blood trickling down my leg from the stab. The dizziness in my head overtakes me and soon enough, my vision is fading.