After dinner, just when they were about to leave, she saw him.
Jungkook.
Standing a few steps away. With another woman.
Not just any woman. A known celebrity. Beautiful in that polished, effortless way. Elegant. Poised. The kind of woman people would look at and say, "They fit." And they really did. Side by side, they looked ridiculously perfect. Like a picture framed for public approval.
Her heart clenched so tight it almost hurt to breathe.
The air around her suddenly felt thin. Heavy. Unkind.
Her eyes filled with tears without asking her permission. Her legs froze where she stood. Fingers trembling, she felt that horrible, hollow feeling crawl through her chest. Seeing him like that. With someone else. Looking so right.
Taehyung was still talking as he walked ahead, unaware that she had stopped moving. When he realized she wasn't beside him anymore, he turned back.
And saw her. Frozen. Shock written all over her face.
He frowned and quickly walked back to her."What happened, Rhea?"
She blinked rapidly, turning her face away to wipe her tears before they betrayed her completely.
He looked at her more carefully now. "What's wrong? You okay?"
She nodded, forcing her voice to stay steady. "I'm sorry… I just felt a little uneasy."
Taehyung didn't look convinced. His eyes scanned the area, and then he saw Jungkook. With the girl.
Understanding dawned on his face.
Without saying anything, he gently guided Rhea toward the other side of the elevator. They stepped inside. Silence filled the small space between them. She didn't speak. He didn't push.
Once outside, he opened the car door for her and drove off. No destination mentioned. Just away.
He stopped at a quiet place, somewhere distant from noise and lights. Got out. Walked around and opened her door.
She stepped out slowly, looking around.
"Why are we here?"
He looked at her, his expression firm but soft underneath.
"Leave this madness, Rhea," he said quietly. "You're hurting yourself, stuck in one-sided love."
His jaw tightened slightly before he added,
"Jungkook is not into you."
She looked at him, confused. "What?"
He nodded slowly, almost reluctantly. "I… actually told him about you."
Her brows knit together.
"I told him how you feel," he continued. "But he didn't seem interested, Rhea. He said he respects your feelings… but you're not his type. He doesn't feel anything for you."
There was a long pause. A very long one. She just looked at him. And then she chuckled. Almost airy.
"I knew," she said. "That's exactly what I expected to hear. That's why I never tried to confess." She looked away for a second, blinking fast. "And why did you even tell him about me? It wasn't required."
Her voice stayed steady. Too steady.
"And today…" she continued, forcing a smile, "he looked really good with that woman. Honestly. They matched. Elegant, classy… perfect. I guess he finally found someone who is his type."
She swallowed.
"I'm happy for him."
Taehyung looked at her quietly. He knew her too well. He could see it. The thin crack in her voice. The pain carefully folded behind that brave smile.
She laughed again, brushing her hair back.
"Why are you so concerned about me anyway?" she said lightly. "I survived seven years loving him without hope. Without expecting anything in return. I'm fine. I always knew he'd find someone someday. It's just… I saw it with my own eyes today."
She took a small breath.
"Let's go home. It's getting late. You probably have work tomorrow."
He didn't move. He just kept looking at her. She smiled again, brighter this time. Almost playful.
"Yaa… are you coming or not? Come quickly."
She turned around and started walking ahead.
"Rhea…"
His voice was softer now.
She stopped.
Before she could turn fully, he stepped forward and pulled her into a tight hug from behind. His arms wrapped around her firmly, protectively.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," he murmured near her shoulder. "I can see the pain you're trying to hide."
His hold tightened slightly.
"Please… let it out, Rhea. Don't hold it in." He leaned closer and whispered near her ear, his voice gentle. There was no judgment in it. Only concern.
She closed her eyes. For a second, she felt the storm rise inside her chest. The tightness. The ache. The urge to break.
But she swallowed it down. "Don't pity me, Taehyung," she said quietly. "I'm fine."
She inhaled slowly, steadying herself.
"When you love without expectations… it doesn't hurt more. And yes, I saw him with someone else today. But I still can't unlove him." Her lips curved into a faint smile. "He lives in me. He might be with someone else in real… but the one who stays in my heart is mine completely."
She gave a soft chuckle.
"Nobody can steal him from my heart. No one. And I'm happy to live with him there… forever."
Taehyung's heart clenched. Not for her pain this time. But for something else.
A quiet, sharp jealousy crept into him. Jealous of Jungkook. Jealous of the kind of love he was receiving without even realizing it.
He wondered what it would feel like… to be loved like that. Unconditionally. Without expectations. Without pressure. Without questions.
To exist in someone's heart so securely.
He tightened his arms around her unconsciously, breathing in the faint scent of her hair. He didn't want to let go. Not yet.
Yes, he was jealous. Deeply. Of Jungkook. For being loved like this and still not recognizing its worth.
A silent question echoed inside him. Why can't I have someone like her? Why?
Rhea stirred slightly in his hold. "Let me go," she said softly. "I'm fine. Let's go home."
He blinked, almost startled back to reality, and loosened his grip immediately.
She walked to the car and got inside without another word.
He followed quietly.
The drive back home was wrapped in silence. The kind that feels heavier than noise. Rhea kept looking out the window, watching the passing lights blur into streaks. Her face was calm. Too calm.
And Taehyung… his mind kept circling around one thought.
How does it feel to be loved the way she loves Jungkook?
He didn't know. But tonight, for the first time, he wished if he could.