Kang Taehyun Au - Tumblr Posts

Just Friends (K.TH, C.BG)

Word Count : 6590

Warnings : break ups, heartbreak, swearing

Synopsis : a friendship started on a blind date, a new relationship with an old flame. an unexpected love.

She sat on her couch as Beomgyu paced in front of her, going on about some wedding he has to attend. “Why did I say I have a date? I don’t have a date. What am I supposed to do? I can’t just show up alone. Ugh why didn’t you stop me, Y/n!” He collapsed into the spot next to her, resting his head on her shoulder.

            “I wasn’t there when you told them you were dating someone, stupid.” She shoved his head off her shoulder, making him pout at her. She’d never tell him, but she has a weak spot for him. He has her completely wrapped around his finger without even realizing. He’s completely clueless to her growing feelings, feelings she wishes were there when they first met.

            “Choi Beomgyu?” She asked hesitantly as she approached the table. His head snapped up from his phone, making eye contact with the prettiest girl he’s ever seen. Quickly, he nodded, standing from the table, and ushering her to sit. “Oh thank goodness. You’re the third person I’ve approached. I was scared I’d never find you.” She laughed as she picked up the menu in front of her seat.

            “Blind dates sure are something, aren’t they?” He joked back, picking up his own menu, pretending he hasn’t already practically memorized the entire thing while he waited. Not that she was late, he was just far too early, far too nervous.

            When Soobin told him he had the perfect girl for him, he was skeptical, wondering how Soobin would know such a girl. But as the days passed leading up to the blind date, Soobin told him more and more, and Beomgyu was really excited. Ready to move on and make new memories with someone new.

            Within minutes, she surpassed all expectations. She was so kind to everyone, which Beomgyu found was quite rare these days. She was also hilarious, able to turn everything into a joke, and easily banted with him. She had something to rebut everything he said. He hated to admit it, but Soobin was right. She was perfect.

            She didn’t expect reuniting with her childhood best friend would lead to him setting her up with his new best friend. It was definitely welcomed though, with her just getting out of a long term relationship. A relationship she expected to last forever. But, she supposes, some loves aren’t meant to last. Some loves are just stepping stones to the love that will last forever.

            But as she sat with Beomgyu, genuinely enjoying his company, she heard a far too familiar laugh. One that used to make her smile, but now brought tears to her eyes. Across the restaurant she was sitting in, sat Kang Taehyun with another girl.

            She could feel her heart break all over again, as if he was breaking up with her all over again. Telling her that his feelings had faded over time, and he wanted to see other people. She remembers the nights spent in her bed, hugging her pillow, and wishing for him to take all his hurtful words back. Tell her it was a cruel prank and that he still loved her.

            Beomgyu saw her getting distant suddenly, completely zoning out and focusing on something behind him, or rather, someone behind him. He puts the pieces together and reaches his hand out to hold hers, asking if she was okay, or if she wanted to leave. “No, no. I’m okay. I’m enjoying myself. I want to stay.” She smiled at him, but even he could tell she was pretending.

            She was pretending she was okay, that she was ready to move on and date someone new. She was pretending that she didn’t have any lingering feelings for the man who crushed her. She was covering up her hurt with a smile that was so obviously fake. But Beomgyu pretended he had no idea, smiling back at her, and trying to distract her as best he could.

            When the date came to an end, Beomgyu walked her back, his hands in his pockets. They walked side by side, her telling him stories of her and Soobin from their childhood. She would laugh at the dumb things they did, and at the end of each story, she would smile fondly.

            “This was really fun, Beomgyu.” She smiled as they stood outside of her apartment complex. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to ask her out again. But he knew she wasn’t ready to move on, no matter how badly she tries to convince herself she is.

            “It was lovely, but I think we should just be friends.” The words were so hard for him to get out, almost as if they were choking him. Her eyes widened, and he knew she was going to ask why. He could see the thousands of questions swirling in her mind. “It’s nothing against you, Y/n. You’re quite honestly my dream girl. But you’re not ready to move on yet, and that’s okay.”

            “You saw right through me, huh.” She giggled to herself. “I’m really sorry, Beomgyu. I swear it has nothing to do with you. You’re wonderful, and I really did enjoy the date. It’s just, Taehyun and I were together for a long time, and I’m still trying to process the breakup.” Beomgyu nodded, understanding her a little too well.

            “I get that honestly. It took me a while to process the end of my previous relationship. Take the time you need. I’d still like to be friends, though.” She smiled, agreeing to be friends as the two exchanged contact information.

            The date ended completely different from how Beomgyu pictured it. He pictured walking her to the door, hand in hand, as they planned a second date. He pictured a goodnight kiss that would take his breath away. But instead he got a new friend. A friend he was totally smitten with.

            “Do you think Taehyun would mind if I borrowed you for the wedding?” Beomgyu asked, pulling her out of her memory. “It’ll only be for a few hours. I’ll ask him.” He pulled out his phone, quickly sending Taehyun a text, asking to borrow his girlfriend for a few hours this upcoming weekend.

            “Why are you asking him before even asking me?” She laughed, staring at Beomgyu with a fondness in her eyes that makes his stomach do somersaults. He likes to pretend that she’s realizing her feelings for him, falling for him the way he fell for her long ago. But he knows her heart belongs to Taehyun. So he takes the small moments of fondness and lets her go back to the one she loves.

            “Hey.” A familiar voice greeted her as he took the seat next to her. “It’s okay that I sit here, right?” He asked, looking at her with guilt in his eyes. She wanted to say no, wanted to tell him to get lost, but instead she nodded. “How have you been?” He asked, barely looking at her as he took out a notebook and pen.

            “Been better. But doing okay.” She answered, also not looking at him. Instead she fiddled with her pen, a telltale sign to Taehyun that she was anxious. It hurts his heart a little bit to see her so anxious around him when she used to be so comfortable. She used to say he was her safe space, he was her home.

            But he know he did this. He’s the reason she can’t be comfortable around him. He fell into the trap of popularity, wanting so desperately to be noticed and to be liked. But it cost him love. A pure love. A true love meant just for him. “I’m sorry, Y/n.” He whispered, turning his head towards her, fully facing her for the first time since he sat down.

            And she was beautiful. Even more beautiful than he remembers. And his heart clenches knowing he can’t reach out for her hand, run his thumb over her knuckles, and help her calm down. He hates himself for letting her go for something temporary. Something that didn’t feel even close to as nice as being in her arms felt.

            Nothing could compare to the feeling of her playing with his hair as they watched a movie, completely ridding him of all his worries. Or the way she knew just what he needed at any given minute. How she would show up to his house with his favourite coffee, leaving him to study a little longer while she hung out with his family. Cooking dinner with his mom in the kitchen.

            He would emerge from his room, expecting her to have gone home, but she would be sitting in the living room with his sister, gossiping about who knows what. No one else has done the things she does. No one else has made him feel the way she does. No one else has gotten along with his family. No one else has made him fall completely head over heels in love. Not the way she has. And she did it so effortlessly.

            “Don’t apologize.” She responded, turning her head only slightly to look in his direction. “Because of you, I got to meet someone who understands me better than anyone else.” She explained, turning to face him completely, watching as his face fell.

            “You’re dating someone?” He asked, his smile a little too wide when he watched as she shook her head. “Do I still have a chance?” They sat in silence for a minute as she processed his words, wondering if he was asking what she thought he was.

            And as much as she wanted to say no, she knew that was a lie. Even after all this time, spending all her free time with Beomgyu trying to move on, she still loved Taehyun. “Yeah.” She finally answered. “You do.”

            It was a slow start, but her and Taehyun worked things out. But things felt different. The passionate, fire-filled love she once felt with him, slowly turned to ash. The first time they dated, she wanted to spend as much time as she could with him. Wanted to learn absolutely everything about him. But this time around, she finds herself blowing him off more and more to spend time with Beomgyu.

            And she knew Taehyun could tell things were different. It was hard to ignore. Whenever they were together, she would always talk about Beomgyu. What they did the previous day. A gift he bought her that she had been wanting for ages.

            Over time, the jealousy Taehyun felt whenever she brought up Beomgyu turned into gratefulness. He was grateful to Beomgyu for being there when he couldn’t. Grateful that someone was able to bring her smile back. And though he could tell he was losing her, if it was Beomgyu, he could let her go.

~

            “You are breathtaking.” Taehyun whispered as she stepped out of her room, the dress he helped her pick out hitting her in all the right places. She was stunning, and Taehyun couldn’t help but feel a little envious that she was Beomgyu’s date.

            He placed his hands on her waist, pulling her close to him. How could someone look even more breathtaking while this close? The way she did her makeup complimented the dress perfectly. Everything about her took his breath away.

            “Have fun. I’ll see you when you get home.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him in for a quick kiss as Beomgyu blew up her phone with notifications that he has arrived. “I love you.” Taehyun called after her as she walked towards the uber Beomgyu had ordered for them.

            “I love you too!” She called back before getting into the car. “Holy shit.” She said as she looked at Beomgyu, her eyes wide at how unbelievably handsome he looked in his suit.

            “What? Do I look as bad as you do?” He teased, nudging her with his elbow. But she couldn’t speak. In this moment, she understood what Taehyun meant by breathtaking. Beomgyu was just sitting there, but he completely took her breath away. She couldn’t even come up with a rebuttal, absolutely taken by how effortlessly he was driving her crazy.

            “You’re fucking hot.” She blurted out before she could stop herself, causing the uber driver to stifle a laugh, but neither of the passengers noticed. They were both too wrapped up in each other.

            Beomgyu was speechless at her outburst, trying to calm his pounding heart, but there was no use. Every time he felt calm, her words would echo in his mind, causing his heart to speed up once again.

            He tried not to stare at her, knowing he wouldn’t be able to help himself. Because she sat there looking absolutely stunning. He’s never laid eyes on a girl as beautiful as she is. No one else could compare to her, and he’s internally smacking himself for letting her go so easily.

            Beomgyu was heading towards Y/n’s apartment, her favourite food from her favourite restaurant in his hands. He knew she had been having a hard time the last few days, and decided he wanted to cheer her up. He had a pep in his step knowing he got to spend the rest of the day with his favourite person, trying to make her smile. The smile that makes him fall for her even more. He would do anything to see that smile.

            But he stopped dead in his tracks when he reached her building, seeing her laughing with a guy. Even from where he was standing, he could see the stars in her eyes as she looked at him. How her smile was so much wider than it ever was with him.

            And then the guy pulled her closer to him, bringing her in for a kiss. He watched as she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him closer to her, as if that was possible. And he could actually feel his heart break.

            But he faked a smile when she noticed him and called him over. “This is Taehyun.” He recognized that name. He was the reason she wasn’t ready to move on, and he was here, sweeping her off her feet before Beomgyu had the chance. “Whatcha got there?” She asked, pointing to bag in his hands.

            “Ah.” He completely forgot his original plan, taken aback by her new relationship with an old flame. “I bought your favourite takeout because I knew you were having a hard time.” He handed her the bag and watched as her entire face lit up, mending his heart only slightly. That smile was meant just for him.

            “You are the best, Gyu.” He smiled back at her before taking his leave, spouting some bullshit about an essay due, and walking away from the two of them. She was happy, and at the end of the day, that’s all that mattered to him. He wasn’t going to bother fighting a losing battle. Taehyun won before Beomgyu could even try.

            The two walked into the venue where the wedding was being held, gawking at how beautifully it was decorated. “Everything looks so expensive.” She whispered to him. He couldn’t help but laugh at her amazement.

            “Ah! I just knew when you told me you had a girlfriend that it would be Y/n.” Beomgyu’s mom gushed, bringing her in for a hug. “You look absolutely beautiful, Y/n.”

            “Thank you. You too look beautiful, Mrs. Choi.” His mom beamed at Y/n, and the sight alone warmed Beomgyu’s heart. He knew he was screwed the first time he introduced Y/n to his family. The way she fit in with them immediately. The way his entire family welcomed her with open arms, telling her to come back soon. The way his mom was always talking about her. He knew from the first day they met, but the longer he knew her, the more it was confirmed. She was perfect. For him and in general.

            “Let’s go to the arcade.” She said suddenly as the two were sprawled out on her bed, a movie playing the background that neither of them were paying attention. They were talking about life, ignoring whatever what was happening in the movie, instead opting to stare at the ceiling.

            Though, Beomgyu was actually looking at her the entire time. Watching as she scrunched her face whenever she was thinking. He noticed her eyes tracing imaginary images on the ceiling as she spoke. She was completely oblivious to the fact that he was completely enamoured with her.

            “So suddenly?” He chuckled as they both sat up.

            “I’m bored.” She shrugged.

            And so the two headed for the arcade, challenging each other to just about every single game in the arcade as they walked. “No way. I’ll totally kick your ass at air hockey.” She told him as she stepped in front of him and spinning to walk backwards.

             “Well I’ll kick your ass at DDR.” He teased, sticking his tongue out her, a gesture she quickly returned, before tripping over a rock, sending her falling towards the ground. Without hesitating, Beomgyu reached out, grabbing her arm, and effectively stopping her from hitting the ground. “Be careful.” He said softly, pulling her closer to him as she got back on her feet.

            She was so close, her lips just inches away from his own. And he couldn’t look away. He wanted so badly to close the gap between them, but they were just friends, and she had a boyfriend. No matter how tempting kissing her was, he backed away, letting go of her arm in the process.

            He had no idea the effect he suddenly had on her. He had no idea that she was leaning closer to him, hoping he’d take the leap and press his lips to hers. He had no idea that Taehyun had completely slipped her mind, as if he no longer existed. Beomgyu had taken over her mind, and he was completely clueless.

            They mingled with some of the guests, Beomgyu’s arm wrapped around her waist as he led her through the crowd. They found another couple their age and introduced themselves. Both Beomgyu and Y/n completely forgot that they weren’t actually dating as they talked with this other couple.

            Every question the couple asked, they both answered with ease. A story of how their relationship came to be easily forming, as if they weren’t lying. As if they were truly telling their love story.

            And before they knew it, they were agreeing to a double date and exchanging contact information with the couple. They didn’t realize what they had done until they walked away to go greet more of Beomgyu’s family.

            “Shit. Do you think Taehyun would let me borrow you again?” He asked quietly, trying to make sure no one found out that he wasn’t actually dating the girl of his dreams. That he was just borrowing someone else’s girlfriend and calling her his for the day.

            “We can always just not text them.” She said with a shrug. The longer she acts as his girlfriend, the more she wishes it was real. She didn’t want to go back to her place where Taehyun was waiting for her. She wanted to go home with Beomgyu. Laugh with him about some of the outfit choices. She wanted to go on the double date. And she hated just how badly she wanted to be with Beomgyu. Because she knows she lost her chance.

            “I can’t believe I introduce you to the perfect guy for you, and you end up back together with Taehyun.” Soobin whined, throwing his head back in his seat. “You were supposed to get over him, not get back together with him.”

            “Well to me, Taehyun is the perfect guy for me.” She answered before taking a sip of her drink, impatiently waiting for her food. “He’s my first love, Soobin. He’s my weakness.”

            “I just wish you would have given Beomgyu more of a chance. I really think he’d be good for you.” Soobin was looking at her again, with a pout on his face. She knew he meant well, that he just wanted both his friends to be happy.

            “We agreed to be friends, Soobin. We actually hang out all the time. He’s really good at getting me out of my head and making me feel better.” Soobin smiled at this information, knowing her better than she thought he did.

            As the evening progressed and they updated each other on their lives, his suspicions were confirmed. She kept bringing up Beomgyu and all the things they’ve done together. How he seems to know her better than anyone else, knowing exactly what she needs even if she doesn’t know. How he’s there for her when she needs him without even asking him.

            Soobin already knew that Beomgyu was enamoured with her. It was a secret Beomgyu couldn’t keep to himself, spitting it out almost immediately upon seeing Soobin. But the more she talked, the more Soobin realized that Beomgyu’s feelings weren’t as one-sided as he thought. She was falling in love with him without even realizing it.

            She was convinced that she still loved Taehyun because she was still hurt over their breakup. Because she was jealous seeing him out with another girl. Because she still got butterflies when he was around.

            Their love was a wildfire destroying everything in its path. It was speeding down a dead end street. It was bungee jumping off the tallest bridge. It was skydiving for the first time. Their love was the colour red. A loud, raging, passionate kind of love. They fell too hard too fast. It was a feeling that couldn’t be replicated. A once in a lifetime kind of love.

            But the fire burned out. The car stopped before it could crash. Jumping from the bridge no longer brought excitement. Their feet were planted flat on the ground. The red had faded. And they had fallen out of love just as fast as they fell in love. But they refused to believe it.

            The love that was once passionate was now just easy. Like a routine you do every single day that you soon get bored of but can’t quit. It was like brushing your teeth. Or washing your hair. It no longer brought excitement. It was just a routine.

            Soobin knew from the difference in how she’d talk about Beomgyu and Taehyun. How she excitedly told Soobin everything her and Beomgyu did. Everything he bought for her. Everything he did for her. She was smiling, and her eyes were bright. It was a look he hasn’t seen on her since before the breakup. Since before she left to see the world before returning for the next school year.

            But when she brought up Taehyun, the light faded. She talked about him the way one talks about a friend they ran into while running errands. If it were anyone else, he’s sure they’d confuse the two, thinking Beomgyu was her boyfriend.

            And she could tell by the look on his face that she had fucked up.

            Her and Beomgyu took their seats as everyone prepared for the bride to walk down the aisle. Their intertwined hands rested in her lap as they watched the groom and groomsmen make their way down the aisle.

            And when the doors opened again, everyone stood. Their hands stayed locked together as they watched the flower girl make her way down the aisle, followed by the bridesmaids, and then the bride herself. Y/n was amazed by how beautiful she looked in her floor length, princess-like gown.

            She’s met Beomgyu’s cousin multiple times at family get togethers he would drag her to, and she remembers her being such a laid back girl. Always in leggings and an over sized t-shirt she obviously stole from her soon-to-be husband. So this look was jarring for her.

            Beomgyu couldn’t help but smile as he watched her reaction, not even bothering to look at the bride. He thought she was absolutely adorable in this moment, her mouth slightly ajar, and he eyes wide. He wished he could take a picture, save this moment forever. But instead, he committed this moment to his memory, knowing he’d look back it in the future and still think she was the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

            “Do you ever think about how different things would have been had I been over Taehyun when we went out?” She asked as they laid on the blanket in the grass, looking up at the stars. Soft music was playing from his phone that laid between them. Beomgyu turned his head to look at her, seeing that she was still staring at the stars. He could tell she was drawing shapes with her eyes, and he wondered what she saw in the stars.

            “Sometimes.” He lied. He always thinks about where they would be. If they’d still be together. If they would have realized they were better off friends. If they would have grown to hate each other.

            But he knows if he ever had the honor of calling her his girlfriend, he would do everything he could to keep her by his side. He knows he would never stop loving her. He’s pictured an entire future with her. A grand wedding, a couple of kids, a big house, an undying love. But it’s not his future to enjoy. And he hates that he fell so hard when he knew he didn’t stand a chance compared to Taehyun.

            “What do you think our relationship would be like?” She asked. She’d never admit it, but a part of her thinks about what it would be like to be Beomgyu’s girlfriend all the time. That sometimes when she’s curled up in Taehyun’s arms, she thinks of Beomgyu. That a part of her wishes Taehyun was Beomgyu.

            “I think we’d be like we are now.” Beomgyu answered, still looking at her. And she turned her head to meet his eyes, a slight blush brushing across her cheeks when she realized he was staring at her. And he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. “You’d be my best friend and my girlfriend wrapped in one.” His voice was soft as he spoke, but she was barely paying attention to his words.

            She was too busy tracing his features with her eyes. His sharp jawline. His long eyelashes. His round nose she just wants to boop all the time. His soft looking lips. The same ones she’s dreamed of kissing. She couldn’t believe how deeply in love she fell for Beomgyu without even realizing.

            “Were you even listening to anything I said?” He chuckled, pulling her out of her thoughts. His beauty was distracting. There was no one else like Choi Beomgyu. No one could make her feel that way he does, and she comes to the realization that maybe Soobin was right all along. Beomgyu was the perfect guy for her, and she let him go.

            As the couple recited their vows, talking about the feelings they feel when they’re together. Talking about the moment they knew the other was the one. She sat there, going through all her memories with Beomgyu.

            All the times he showed up with takeout and the two spent the day watching movies or binging a new tv show. All the times he would help her when she was struggling with something. All the times they would just lay and stare at the stars, talking about life. Thinking about the what ifs.

            He was the first one she would call when she had good news or bad news. He was the first one at her door with his hands full of her favourite things to cheer her up. Whenever she was bored, she would call Beomgyu, and he always there.

            And she realized no matter how hard she tries to deny it, Beomgyu is her one. He’s the one she wants to spend the rest of her life with. She wants to argue with him just to kiss and makeup minutes later. She wants come home to him after a long day and just lay in his arms as he plays with her hair, whispering little nothings into her hair as she slowly falls asleep.

            She wants the good days and the bad days. The days where they don’t feel like doing anything. And the days they’re filled with energy and bouncing off the walls. She wants to wake up in his arms and see him already looking at her with a fondness in his eyes.

            She wanted to love wholeheartedly and not feel scared he’s going to fall out of love with her. She wants the security she knows Beomgyu can give her. His unchanging feelings obvious to her, even after all this time. It’s a security that Taehyun just can’t give her. She’s worried every single day that Taehyun is going to change his mind again. Decide that he doesn’t love her.

            But the thought of Taehyun not loving her doesn’t hurt her the same way it used to. She doesn’t lay awake at night wondering if Taehyun is regretting his decision of getting back together with her anymore. And she knew what she had to do.

            So when the ceremony ended, she told Beomgyu she needed to go. That there was something she had to do. “It can’t wait until after the reception?” He asked. And realistically it could wait. It wasn’t urgent. But she knew if she stayed any longer, acting as Beomgyu’s girlfriend, she would do something she’d regret.

            “I’m so sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I promise!” She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before heading for the uber she had ordered.

            “That’s so cheesy.” Beomgyu cringed as the ending credits rolled. “Do girls actually like grand gestures like that?” He asked, looking towards Y/n, who just shrugged.

            “I’m sure some girls do. That’s why these movies are so popular.”

            “What about you? Do you like grand gestures like that?” She quickly shook her head. She never understood why girls seemed to swoon at the idea of someone confessing their love so loudly, so publicly.

            “Absolutely not. I like the small things. Like remembering my coffee order. Or knowing how to calm my anxieties. Small acts of love that show the persons true heart. It’s much more romantic to me than the giant bouquet of flowers and holding a boombox outside someone’s window.” Beomgyu chuckled, taking a mental note. He’s sure at this point, he could list her orders at every single place they’ve frequented. He always paid a little too much attention to the girl that was supposed to just be his friend.

            “That definitely sounds more romantic. And a whole lot less embarrassing.”

            When the uber pulled up outside of her house, she practically ran inside, seeing Taehyun sitting on her couch, watching some show she doesn’t recognize. “Oh hey.” He said, pausing the show and giving her his full attention. “You’re home a lot earlier than expected. Everything okay?”

            “We have to break up.” She spat out before she could stop herself. She wasn’t sure what else to say. She didn’t want to beat around the bush and lead him on any longer. Honestly, she should have ended things months ago when she came to terms with her feelings for Beomgyu. But she believed it was just a passing curiosity. Something that would fade with time. But it didn’t. It did quite the opposite.

            “Oh.” He said. Not quite the reaction she was expecting, but she also wasn’t sure what she was expecting when she came here. “Can I know why?” He knew the reason already, but he wanted to know if she was going to be honest. He needed to hear it from her as a form of closure.

            “I don’t love you the way I used to.” She answered. “I fell for Beomgyu.” She admitted, tears springing to her eyes. Regardless of her feelings, breakups still suck. It still hurt her to let go of Taehyun permanently. She knows that if she chooses Beomgyu now, she can’t choose Taehyun down the road. This was it.

            “If you love him, you shouldn’t have left him at the wedding alone.” Taehyun chuckled, trying to hold back his tears, trying to play off the hurt he was feeling. He lost her a long time ago, that he knew. But he hoped he had a little more time before she realized. A little more time to love her the way he should have the entire time. A little more time to have her love him so purely.

            “I felt guilty. I felt like I was leading you on, and I just couldn’t do that anymore.” Taehyun smiled at her. Even now, her kind heart shows. She ran away from the man she loves to let Taehyun go. She came all this way just to release him from the chokehold she has on him. Even though it meant leaving behind the man she loves.

            “Go get him.”

            “I’m not going to do that to you, Taehyun. I’m not going to be the person that starts dating someone new so quickly after ending a relationship.” He couldn’t believe the sacrifices she was willing to make for him. Sacrifices he didn’t make for her.

            “Listen, I knew a while ago that I was going to lose you to Beomgyu, okay? I came to terms with it already. So go get him before it’s too late. Because believe me when I say, you’ll regret being too late.”

            She knew he was talking about her, about them. How when he came back into her life, it was already too late. She had started falling for someone else while he was re-falling in love with her.

            “I’m so sorry, Taehyun.” He shook his head, taking a step forward to wipe away the tears that fell from her eyes.

            “Just promise me you’ll be happy.” She nodded, linking her pinky with his and sealing the promise. “Now go.”

            The sun had began to set while she was in her uber back, hoping she would make it in time before he went home. She knew the reception had to be coming to an end, and all she could do was hope Beomgyu was there.

            Usually she would stare out the window, look out into the horizon, and watch the sunset. She would read the passing signs, and peer into other cars as they passed them. But she couldn’t focus on any of that, too focused on making it time.

            She chuckled to herself thinking back to their talks about grand, romantic gestures. How cringy they both found it, but as she got closer to the venue, she wouldn’t mind embarrassing herself in front of his entire family if it meant she could call him her boyfriend.

            By the time she arrived, she could see everyone filing out of the venue, and she wondered if Beomgyu has already left. Her heart sank when she couldn’t see him among the crowd of people gathering outside to say their goodbyes. She wonders how late she is; if there’s even a point in confessing. Maybe she’s read all the signs wrong as he truly only sees her as a friend and nothing more.

            But then she sees him emerge from the building, talking to his cousin and her new husband, and just jumps out of the car, catching the attention of almost everyone. “Oh dear, you came back. Beomgyu said you weren’t feeling well and had to go home. Are you feeling better?” Beomgyu’s mom spoke as she made her way closer to the crowd of people.

            “Yeah, I’m feeling a lot better. I’m sorry I bailed halfway through.” She kept glancing towards Beomgyu, who seemed to be completely entranced by the conversation he was having, not even noticing she had returned.

            “Nonsense dear. Your health is more important. But I’ll let you get to Beomgyu. He was really worried about you, please reassure him you’re okay.” She nodded, giving the older woman a quick hug before ascending thestairs towards Beomgyu.

            “Y/n, you came back.” Beomgyu said with wide eyes, looking between her and his cousin with shock written all over his face. She couldn’t help but think about how adorable he looked. And the words came out before she could stop them.

            “I’m in love with you.” His attention was solely on her now, the shock on his face becoming more obvious with her sudden confession. The bride and groom looked at the younger couple with soft smiles, the groom placing his hand on Beomgyu’s shoulder.

            “Looks like the next wedding we’ll be attending is yours.” He teased, before the bride and groom left the two of them alone.

            “Please say something before I die of embarrassment.” She told him with a breathy laugh, hoping she didn’t look as scared as she felt. But Beomgyu was still silent, staring at her with the same shocked look on his face. “Are you alive in there?” She joked, waving her hand in front of his face, which finally pulled him out of his shock.

            “What did you just say?” He asked, unsure if he heard it correctly. He didn’t want to confess his undying love for her if he misheard her. He didn’t want to make a complete fool of himself and lose her friendship. Because even if it hurt watching her with Taehyun, he prefers that pain to the pain of losing her.

            “I said I’m in love with you.” She repeated, more confidence in her voice this time. “I left to break up with Taehyun because I don’t love him. I love you.” He broke out in the biggest smile she’s ever seen, which made her smile just as wide.

            “I love you too.” He cupped her face, bringing her face closer to his before whispering another love confession. “Holy fuck am I ever in love with you.” And then he pressed his lips to hers.

            His kiss felt different than Taehyun’s. Taehyun’s kiss was always filled with feverish passion, whereas Beomgyu’s kiss was filled with a love she’s never felt before. It took her breath away and made her dizzy. She could kiss him everyday for the rest of her life and know that she’ll always feel this feeling. The dizzy breathlessness as if she just ran 5 miles on an empty stomach.

            It took only one kiss for them to know that this was it. That this kind of love was made for fairytales. It was the kind of love people dream of; the kind of love people write stories about.

            Their love was like crawling into bed after washing the sheets and covers, feeling the warmth envelope you as the smell of clean laundry surrounded you. It was like waking up to breakfast in bed made by your favourite person. It was laying on the ground as you count the stars littering the sky. It was the smell of the brewing coffee when you walk into your favourite café.

            Their love felt like home. Like this is how it was always meant to be. Like the world was leading them to this very moment. The moment when they realized their love could drown oceans. The moment they realized they’ve been falling for each other this entire time. The moment they realized they were never just friends.