Archive of Our Own

I

November 14, 1975

The West End National Theater

On the stage.

The loud and fulfilling sound of applause echoed throughout the venue, the grand hall he had always dreamed of. Jeongguk stared at the audience, a wide smile on his face, brilliant eyes trying to grasp the immensity surrounding him—the cheering, the flowers thrown at him and the cast—all while chills ran down his spine as he closed his eyes. He had made that,  with a pen and countless sleepless nights, a piece so beautiful it had driven the audience wild with joy and tears.

The lights momentarily blinded him, but that moment felt like reaching heaven. He was… proud . 

It was opening day, and he wondered what the critics would say, whether his name would finally join the stars, among the greatest playwrights of his generation. He dreamed big, imagining a long line of people and crowds willing to wait and pay to see one of his plays.

“What a wonderful opening day!”  Willson, his agent, said once they all walked behind the stage,  passing by the heavy red velvety curtain, with a fanfare, a wide smile and his rosy cheeks; his enthusiasm was evident, contagious, his big smile made Jeongguk smile even wider. He trusted him, with all his being  “I’m sure the critics will love it, even that snobbish walrus, Thompson '' The man said. 

"You think so?!" Jeongguk smiled. "I'm so nervous," he admitted. In the past, the said critic had trashed his work, or rather his former company's work. Clearly, things could be different now; this was his first commercial play on his own, at a new company.

Before that, Jeongguk had only worked in collaboration with another writer, in a secondary role to gain experience. However, that critic had been very harsh, reluctant, and somewhat insulting, focusing on the young writer's age. "You can't expect too much from a 23-year-old rookie," the critic had said back then. But now, at 25 years old, Jeongguk was determined to take the theater world by surprise and bask in the glory of seeing people excited about each of his plays.

Robert Wilson was a middle-aged man who had dedicated his life to the theater and discovering "hidden gems," as he called them. When he traveled to the eastern side of the city in search of talent for his new company, he was greatly amazed when he read the script that a young man, whose last name was Jeon, held in his hands. With little to no money in his wallet but a dream in his heart and a strong determination to go far, Jeongguk was making it happen. Life was proving him right, and Wilson, as a connoisseur who could recognize talent when he saw it, hired the young man. Within a few years, the company had already staged a couple of successful plays in the city's theater scene, at the heart of the nightlife—the world of musical theater, where glory intertwined with luxury every night, adorned with the best stories, intense raw emotions, and dreams, countless dreams. 

“The Black Cat Serenade ” had become Jeongguk’s first entirely original work, written entirely by him, and it was hailed as a box office success that he longed to flaunt in the faces of all his detractors. There he was, rejoicing and basking in his satisfaction after creating a hit that would draw the attention of both the public and specialized critics, and, of course, tell the world about his existence.

A shift happened later,  in fact, that night. 

After the grand opening of the event— which was always celebrated with a cocktail to mark the beginning of the season— Jeongguk raised his glass to toast with the attendees and the actors who gave voice and personality to his characters. The golden champagne swirled in the glass as his words flowed, thanking everyone for their efforts and their presence at the venue. However, as the writer took the glass to his lips, smiling, silence fell over the crowd, and from among the people emerged the fragile figure of an old man. His white hair revealed the passage of years that accompanied the wisdom in his tender, warm eyes, a beautiful pair of eyes that held an indescribable sadness that stole the breath and attention of the young writer. Instantly, he set aside the champagne glass on a tray and approached the man who was dressed in an antique suit, the kind that Jeongguk had only seen in old photographs among his grandfather's books. Jeongguk smiled and moved away from the crowd to offer his attention to the mysterious man with a melancholic gaze.

"Jeongguk,”  he introduced himself. “A pleasure '' he said, bowing, awaiting some words from the man who observed him closely, as if trying to memorize every line of his face.  The man offered a soft, weathered smile. "You're here..." he murmured, locking his gaze. "I've finally found you,"  The young man furrowed his brow in confusion, but his polite smile remained. He tilted his head. Was this man another agent? Perhaps someone who had heard of the potential success of the play and sought to hire him for his company? not that he was arrogant to believe so, but it had happened before, twice.   Jeongguk opened his mouth to ask about his intentions, only to be interrupted by the man who, with a choked voice and teary eyes, extended a hand and handed over an object. The metal glimpse caught the young author’s eye. It was an old golden pocket watch, one of those still wound manually, a precious mechanical watch in perfect condition, carefully polished and handled with love. Jeongguk looked at it in bewilderment.

"Come back to me," the man said, gripping his hands as he gazed into his eyes, with sadness . "Please, come back to me..." he implored again.

Jeongguk gulped and stared at him in confusion. But before he could utter a word, the man looked down at the ground and, in silence, turned away, moving away from the crowd and the place, leaving behind a thoroughly perplexed Jeongguk. Lost in his confusion. However, once he snapped, he hurriedly followed him, dodging the other attendees at the event, and he reached the balcony where the man had walked to, only to be met by the night and the stars shining. But there was no one there, as if that man had never existed. A ghost. A shiver ran down his entire body, and he looked at the other attendees who were now engaged in lively conversations, ignoring the entire interaction and his inner turmoil.  But Jeongguk knew it was real, that it had been real. He felt it in his being, in his body, in his hands, and in the watch he held between his fingers.

"Come back to me, " he remembered those words. "Come back to me."

His lips quivered, unable to grasp what had just occurred. But before he could gather his thoughts, Wilson called him to rejoin the party, and he pushed the interaction to the back of his mind.

3 years later 

“There's going to be a show” Wilson said, adjusting the fabric napkin around his neck, ready to enjoy his breakfast while Jeongguk sipped from his fresh orange juice.  They were at one of Jeongguk’s favorite restaurants.  “At the Regal Palace Hotel'' where the cream of society gathered “Turns out, Richard J. Johnson will be there," a highly famous and influential playwright in the world of theater. "And he wants to meet you," he added.

Jeongguk choked with his coffee “Richard J. Johnson?!” he coughed trying to regain his breath and tapping his chest he added “But, why does someone like him what to do with a man with merely two hits on the bag?”

“Oh!”  Wilson smiled and playfully wiggled his brows “My dear friend,  a young talent, prowess and promise for the theatrical world,  which has premiered his first work which has been such an overwhelming success that it raised its name and then put on a play recently that has taken up almost the entire season…” WIlson said with pride “Come on, no belittle yourself, I’m sure Richard J. Johnson wants to meet you because he’s been impressed with your work.  Plus,  I think it’s a sign”

“A sign?” Jeongguk lowered his fork.  “What kind of?”

Wilson looked at him, semi-incredulous, and mildly shocked “The hotel name, boy, doesn’t it ring a bell?, nothing? Regal Palace Hotel ?”

And there it was, Jeongguk opened his eyes, wide, like saucers. “ Whispers of the east end !” he smiled.  

“That’s right!” Wilson lifted his glass of juice “That’s the very hotel where J.J.K wrote his famous novel for his forbidden love. And today, 55  years after its publication, you’ll  see the place!” he winked “I always thought it was funny that you share his initials, a signal I told you, a good and wonderful signal”

Jeongguk smiled “Well, no one really knows J.J.K’s name, but my mother loved that book, so much, that I wouldn’t be surprised to find that it was among her inspirations for my name” he scrunched his nose, his expression was brightly and youthful “Sometimes I think she chose my father in function of his name and last name” He joked and Wilson joined him,  he always did, he understood his playful comments, he was, after all and in a way, his close friend.

“I always thought it was a wonderful story, but quite sad, I’m just happy they had their happy ending” said Wilson,  as the waiter handled them the bill, and when it was the moment to pay, he was quick to place his money on it “I’ll invite you”

“Hey, thank you” Jeongguk smiled “And don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get your happy ending too!” 

“And you too, son, I’m sure you’ll find a muse just around the corner” 

“Ah, I don’t know,  latest experiences haven’t been that great” He sighed “for now I only want to focus on my career” 

"Right, and I think it’s heading in the right direction!" he said cheerfully. The waiter then handed him his change. "Oh, look at this!" he exclaimed excitedly, holding up a brand new coin—a 1978 Penny.

"Keep it!" urged Wilson, "as an amulet for good fortune!"

Jeongguk smiled, taking the shiny new coin between his fingers. "Wow, it’s so pretty. I’ll make sure to always carry it around with me."

After that, it was time to head back home. As they walked down the road, parting ways, Wilson brought up the topic again. "Well, tomorrow at 10 am, I’ll see you at the Regal Palace. There’s a room already booked under your name."

"Right," Jeongguk replied and went back to his car, unaware that he had just accepted an invitation to a place that would change his perspective on logic and challenge everything about him in the most unusual way—a place that would change his life.

The Great Regal Palace Hotel stood proudly on a plain in a field, surrounded by a beautiful valley. Within its domain rested a large, crystalline lake with graceful swans moving freely upon its waters, serving as one of its greatest attractions. Lunch on the main patio, accompanied by violin music, allowed guests to bask in the calm sunlight over the field and lake—a daily delight for those enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

Guests enjoyed leisurely walks along the lake shore, following carefully laid-out paths that led to the open countryside. This activity, particularly popular among couples, offered a serene and picturesque experience. However, the entertainment at the Regal Palace extended beyond the vast views of the lake and surrounding trees. Given its luxurious nature, the facilities included a tennis court, a jogging track, an interior gym and pool, a golf course, a magnificent restaurant, a museum showcasing the history of the hotel, a small library, and a well-known venue for plays and concerts, catering to a large and selective audience.

It was a historic place, and perhaps that's why, it was meant to be the perfect setting for a love story.

However, like everything daring to exist in this world, the hotel wasn’t immune to the passage of time. Its walls began to witness the years unfold, leaving their inevitable marks on the once-immaculate upholstery. Something cruel — as many would argue,  but not less fortunate, because that luxurious hotel whose pinnacle saw the best moments of the first decades of the century;  had seen historic moments pass by and was now poised to embrace yet another era.

No stranger to renovations, the Regal Palace was going under a renovation phase in 1978. Propelled by the need to adapt to the evolving times, the hotel prepared for a new decade, adorned with a more modern touch. Amidst these changes, the splendor of days gone by, the luxury of the past, remained an unmistakable hallmark—a timeless classic. Jeongguk looked at it in wonder, sensing the weight of history echoing like a gentle breeze through its hallways, gracefully lifting the curtains that hung vaporously over its walls.

“Magnificent,” Jeongguk muttered, his big, round eyes filled with amazement as he gazed upon the grand structure before him. Smiling, he entered, a sizable suitcase in hand, and tapped the bell on the counter.

Pride gleamed in the eyes of the man in the lobby, who hastily returned to the counter. His name was Peter, and he was in charge of the hotel. Typically, he would personally greet and welcome new guests. His hair was white, and his smile exuded kindness. A warm and kind soul, perhaps that was the very key to his success—the same approach he had learned from his father, who, in turn, had learned from his,  the very founder.

“Welcome to the Grand Regal Palace Hotel, sir. I’m Peter Moore, the Director. It's such an honor to have you with us,” he said with a big smile. "Is this your first time here?"

“Oh, you flatter me,” the writer joked, not fully grasping that the man had recognized him. Jeongguk was sometimes unaware of his own fame, particularly among passionate theater lovers. The hotel held historical significance for such enthusiasts. “It is my first time indeed. My agent made the favor of booking a room for me.”

The man nodded. “Of course, Mr. Jeon.” He grabbed a key and gestured down the hall with his chin. “Do you need a tour of our facilities?”

Jeongguk looked surprised but then grinned. “Oh, I’d love to. I need to meet someone later, and I can’t afford to get lost,” he joked. “The hotel is enormous, I heard.”

Peter shared a laugh and called a bellboy. “Son, take Mr. Jeon’s suitcases to room 1230,” the boy nodded and carried the suitcase over a golden rail. “Here,” Jeongguk said, extending a banknote.

“I’ve been in this place since I can remember,” the older man began, walking side by side with his guest. “Ever since I can remember, my mother was the receptionist, so this hotel was their life, and my grandparents' life too,” he shared, taking a deep breath. “Raised it from the ground, and I wonder what they would say to see it thrive nowadays.” They walked to the field, where the lake was shining. “In case you’re interested in sports, our tennis court is well-built and equipped. Next is the gym, and on the other side of this path as we’re walking, you’ll find our library, the museum, and our biggest pride—the theater.”

“Back in the early decades of this glorious century, the theater was a must for anyone who wanted to imagine themselves among the marquees of the big stars—a point of reference, my friend. We hosted the biggest stars in our venue,” Peter reminisced.

Jeongguk nodded, grinning as he took in the classic decor that permeated between the columns, seats, and the beautiful mahogany and cedar stage. It was detailed yet elegant, avoiding an overload of design. He imagined how the writers and playwrights of that time must have felt, seeing their works on such a magnificent stage in front of the most demanding audience. Placing a hand over his chest, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

"Mr. Johnson will arrive around eight in the evening, dinner time," a voice interrupted his thoughts. Jeongguk returned his gaze to the man.

"Of course," he nodded. "While I suppose I have some time to explore the place in detail, what about the bar?"

Peter smiled. "We have a complimentary drink for you, sir."

"What's that?" Jeongguk suddenly asked, his curiosity drawn to an ornate oak door. Inside, several perfectly lit display cases could be seen. The hotel director smiled.

"That, my dear friend, is nothing more than the museum of this hotel, where the history of this wonderful place is told, as well as the stars who graced us with their nights."

This piqued his curiosity. "Then I suppose that drink can wait. I'm afraid I'm a bit curious about the past, and I can't help but feel that attraction to yesteryears," he smiled.

"Very well, take all the time you need to appreciate every detail. If you need anything specific, don't hesitate to call me."

"That’s alright Jeongguk replied, wasting no time entering the museum. "I’ll try to not take up much of your time," he joked.

The interior of the exhibition hall was of a medium size, not so large as to require more than two adjoining rooms, but not so small that it could be taken in with a single glance. Its decoration seemed frozen in time, like a fragment from the 1920s. The wallpaper still adorned the walls, showcasing its velvety texture and pale colors with golden floral details running across the wooden frieze from side to side. Each wall displayed a series of photographs depicting the passage of time, the evolution, and changes in the hotel's structure. Antique furnishings, photographs of former guests, and classic objects from the era, such as silver brushes and mirrors.

"Brilliant," Jeongguk murmured, pausing to observe the remnants of a time that filled him with nostalgia. His heart suddenly raced, an impulse quickening the pulse in his veins—a heart seemingly responding to a melancholic calling. "It's incredible," he whispered to himself, the sole soul in that exhibition. "To feel nostalgia for such things…"

With an excited heart and enveloped in a room that seemed to transport him entirely to the past – as if it were a dream – Jeongguk took another step into the second room of the exhibition. The only company was the echo of his shoes, and his curiosity was met with the warm light dedicated to everything related to the theater. He observed old scripts in the display cases, photographs of successful plays that had become great classics, thanks to the applause of the audience who had fallen in love with those works.

Jeongguk smiled, his gaze fixed on the covers of those great works, carefully reading the words on that aged paper that time had not spared. He read the information for each photograph and, for a moment, imagined himself in the audience. A deep longing overcame him, as if a part of his heart sought to return to a past he had never experienced. He smiled at such a thought, all while shifting his gaze to the next display case, which contained jewelry belonging to some of the stars and costumes that had become legendary.

However, among all the things in the room, his attention was drawn to the back, where he found something that took his breath away. Within a golden frame, also touched by the years, there was a beautiful old photograph, no color, but on its ivory base, Jeongguk could appreciate the beauty of the person portrayed.

The portrait showed a young man with defined features and a mysterious gaze, a sparkle as if he were experiencing warm happiness, a look of pleasant surprise framed by long eyelashes and a beautiful mole on the lower eyelid. He had a perfectly sculpted nose, lips that seemed to have been hand-carved, showing a subtle smile, and dark hair. The composition was beautiful, with the young man holding a bouquet of flowers, simple wildflowers that possessed an infinite elegance, perfectly matching his demeanor.

Jeongguk found himself staring at the photograph for long minutes, open-mouthed, barely blinking, trying to take in every detail, every line, every play of light and shadow. Then, his curious round eyes looked to the bottom in search of information, but to his disappointment, the plaque of that photograph had been removed, and there was no way to know who the boy in the portrait was.

Jeongguk sighed with sadness, feeling a heaviness in his heart before returning his gaze to the photograph. It was as if not knowing more was taking something crucial away from him. He looked closely at those beautiful eyes, which now felt familiar. Then, a shiver ran down his spine.

"I see you've discovered my favorite item”  Peter said from behind, having returned. His voice brought Jeongguk back, and he jumped a bit, turning suddenly. "Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to startle you, Mr. Jeon. I see you were absorbed."

Jeongguk cleared his throat. "It's an extremely interesting photograph," he admitted. "For a moment, I thought it was a painting; it's too perfect... Those features, that mysterious smile."

The man smiled. "Oh, it certainly is."

Jeongguk returned his gaze to the portrait. "It's incredible that someone so beautiful existed."

Peter let out a small smile. "That's why he captivated the stages in his time. He had a beautiful play at this hotel in 1921, 'The Song of Midnight,' one of the last performances of his career, sadly," he informed. "Then, he disappeared mysteriously."

Jeongguk raised his hand to caress the frame of the photograph. "Disappeared?" he furrowed his brow, concerned.

Peter nodded slightly. "He announced his retirement and walked away from the stage, still in his prime," he sighed with sadness. "He left a void that could never be filled. I'm surprised there isn't much known about him, perhaps for the same reason..."

Jeongguk touched the spot where the plaque should be. "Ah," Peter interjected, seeing the gesture. "I've had it taken for cleaning. You see, I try to keep this space in the best condition possible.  The plaque is made of gold, so it has to be polished from time to time," he smiled. "His name is Taehyung, Taehyung Kim."

Kim.

Jeongguk smiled upon hearing his name. "I see." Then he turned to look at the photograph once more. "Taehyung..." Suddenly, he felt an impetus take hold of his senses. "Mr. Moore, you mentioned that there's a specialized library on the hotel facilities, isn't that correct? Do you think I could find more information about Taehyung there?"

Mr. Moore blinked slightly, surprised. "Oh, indeed, we have a collection of books on theater, and there are also, well, archives about the performances that have taken place over the years."

Without hesitation, Jeongguk headed towards the library.

The hotel library was surprisingly bigger than expected, with two floors filled with books and a large table in the center, surrounded by several couches next to a vast floor-to-ceiling window.

“I'm looking for information on Taehyung Kim, any kind of information you have, books, magazines, whatever you have, please,” he said, leaning on the counter.

The bookkeeper stared at him before blinking. “Sure, give me a second,” she nodded, fixing her glasses and looking through a series of cards. 10 minutes later, as he sat at the large table, she returned, leaving some books and magazines on a cart.

“Thank you,” he muttered, taking his glasses out of his pocket and smiling at her before diving into the materials

As Jeongguk flipped through the pages of a particular book, he couldn’t help but stare longingly at the picture of Taehyung once again. To his delight, there were many photographs of Taehyung's other presentations. There, he learned a few facts about the actor, such as his birthplace, or when he started acting, but also how after a certain incident, Taehyung decided to retire from the stage, citing the need for a break and to focus on something else. Later, Taehyung dedicated his life to books and a greenhouse and would rarely talk about his acting days.

Jeongguk stared at the pictures, caressing the paper with the tip of his fingers. “What happened… What made you leave so soon?” he wondered as he looked at the picture of Taehyung riding a horse.

What kind of situation would drive such a renowned star to suddenly leave everything behind and seclude himself in such a way, abandoning a promising career? As he was absorbed in pondering the star’s reasoning, he noticed there was a fairly recent magazine. On its cover, Taehyung was shown: "Supernova Farewell: The Story of a Bright But Fleeting Career— (1899 - 1975)"

A shiver ran down his spine.

1975

1975

“He's…gone?” he muttered, caressing the magazine cover before opening it to find the article. Inside, there were more photographs, and an article was written in his memory, narrating stories of his rise to fame but also of the times they tried to contact him to return to the stage, always receiving a refusal.

“Supernova Farewell: The Story of a Bright But Fleeting Career

 

In the world of entertainment, few figures have managed to capture the public's imagination quite like Taehyung Kim. His life has been surrounded in mystery, with rumors and legends swirling around his sudden withdrawal from the spotlight at the young age of 24. While he is often referred to as a living legend, one can't help but wonder if Taehyung is, in fact, more of a myth than a reality.

 

Taehyung’s current residence paints a peculiar picture. He lives in isolation, in a house nestled in the countryside on the outskirts of West End. While he tends to a vast greenhouse, a joint effort with his family. The reasons for this retreat from the world are unknown, and Taehyung has never shared them with the public.

 

Taehyung's meteoric rise to fame was in part thanks to his partnership with the prestigious manager and producer, Liu Watson. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that shook the world of entertainment in the early days of 1917. Taehyung's signature elegance, unmatched beauty, and undeniable talent graced the stages, captivating audiences and critics alike. However, this dazzling career came to an abrupt end in 1922, leaving the industry  bewildered.

 

Speculation arose regarding Taehyung's personal life. It was rumored that he had suddenly married a jealous yet powerful producer,  leading to limitations on his roles in major productions. There are also rumors that his romantic partner could not tolerate seeing him in romantic roles or kissing his co-protagonists. 

 

Following the release of "Whispers of The East End," a classic work penned by the equally mysterious and quasi-anonymous J.J.K., speculation arose suggesting that the star had secretly married the author.  For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells the story of a chance encounter between an actor, the protagonist, and a novelist .However, their collaboration takes a turn towards forbidden love, as the novelist actually hails from a rival country with which the actor's country is at war. Subsequently, they make a daring decision to escape together by faking their deaths. While Taehyung's situation might appear unrelated to the novel, a striking parallel exists: the book's events unfold at the Regal Palace Hotel in the year 1921, coinciding with the star's series of successful performances of "The Song of Midnight."

 

After years of seeking an interview to delve deeper into the daily life of a retired star in a rapidly advancing modern world, where new technologies are emerging, the industry is evolving, and musical theater is witnessing new trends within postmodern and experimental theater, and where musicals are once again rising with great works like "Grease" or the recently premiered "Chicago," Stagelight! has finally secured the exclusive interview with one of the industry's pillars who witnessed the world of theater shining brightly.

 

Continued on page 11.

 

 

Jeongguk went to look at the rest of the article and sighed deeply when he saw it. He too wondered what happened, if it was true that a mean, jealous producer took the star away from the firmament, or if he had, interestingly, married the author of his mother’s favorite book and one he was particularly familiar with—they shared initials after all.

The article featured yet another photograph; this time, Taehyung was hiding half of his face behind a book, and according to the footnote, it was taken in 1920. Jeongguk smiled, still unable to grasp the fact that someone as beautiful had graced the world. For a moment, he wondered if it was true that a jealous partner would limit his presence on the stage. A sad thought followed.

Then he proceeded to read the rest of the article and interview.

"None of that," says Taehyung, now 75 years old, as he adjusts the handkerchief on his lapel. He’s dressed to the nines as always, but I can’t help but notice he’s wearing an antique suit. When I ask about it, he smiles. “It’s because I lived the happiest days of my life wearing these pieces,” he explains. And when he sees I can’t fully grasp what he means, he adds, “I knew today was an important day, so I dressed the best I could.”

Next to him,  Jimin Park, his assistant explains “He never agreed, but now he feels he has a story to share” When I ask in regards to that statement,  Taehyung Kim takes a sip from his glass of water and starts. 

“I wanted to clear all the rumors” he smiles, and  even despite the years, his boxy smile remains sweet and unique “Because now I feel like it’s time to clear up some stuff” 

Q- Many said that you fell in love with a producer, a rival from your company and therefore your projects came to an end, it was also said that your partner was jealous and wouldn’t let you take part in projects involving a romantic relationship.

A-  (laughs)   It was me who made the utter decision to retire at the time I did, I think it’s important to start there.  If I had a partner that would’ve tried to stop me and forbid me from doing something I loved,  I would have walked away as fast as possible, so no, I didn’t marry a jealous monster that kept me away from acting.

Q- Still, we noticed you stopped starring in plays involving your character in romantic situations.

A- I fell in war with love, it’s a way I could explain it.  Trying to stand there and faking love became a struggle after certain situations of the past.  

Q- Does this war with love have to do with your reasons behind your retirement? 

A- In a way, but not solely.

Q- It was also rumored that you had married the author of “Whispers of the East End” but his wishes to remain anonymous drove you to make the final decision. 

A- I know the author of the book in a personal way and we’re close to each other.  He taught me so much and I became a better person, but there’s no romantic love story between us two.  

Q.- How is life in retirement as a former star?

A- Is simple,  I retired really young so I was able to focus on something else, nowadays stars live a millionaire life full of unnecessary luxuries, and I can’t blame them,  but if you expect me to tell you I have a hidden mansion, or  three luxury cars, truth is no,  I own a greenhouse, a  big house with tons of books, a car to move around, and a large family at my side.  I never had kids but I raised my nephews and for me that’s quite enough, I’m old now,  there’s not much I desire,  if only for one thing.

Q- What thing?

A- A secret I will take with me (laughs)

Q- So you never married.

A- I did not.  Plants, cats, dogs and nephews were demanding enough.

Q- What about your health, I’m asking because there were some rumors regarding it as well. 

A- Ah, I'm painfully aware of those.  Speculations saying I was on the verge of death.  Truth is, physically my body is strong, I feel like I have good health and a good body.  So the retirement never came from that part.  I do have, however, a weak heart, and it was necessary to take care of it.  

Q- So in a way,  a health reason was part of your decision?

A-  Yes and no,  because as I said it’s not the real reason why I did what I did,  it was just a consequence of what happened first. 

Q- And what happened then?

A- That, dear, is a secret for me to keep.

Jeongguk chuckled reading the interview and how witty Taehyung was when answering the questions or diverting the topic when it was too close to something he didn’t want to answer. There were more questions about his life as a greenhouse owner and his family.  It was a sweet interview.

 

“Our time here is about to end, and so I have to ask, given the chance, now or years ago, would you have ever gone back to the acting world?” And he smiles once again, “I would,” he replies and immediately confesses, “To the Regal Palace Hotel in 1921.” 

 

Another chuckle, and it seemed like that year was greatly significant for the actor. The writer wondered why; in a way, he was getting absorbed in the mystery surrounding Taehyung. Everything around him remained a mystery. He could be an open book about his daily life, his family, and even his pets, and still, he wouldn’t mutter a word about his secrets, even if speculation was in vogue. Then, Jeongguk turned the page to find a more recent photograph of Taehyung, and a cold shiver ran down his body, leaving him frozen in place, unable to grasp a breath.

Before his eyes, there was the photograph of that old man who attended the premiere of his first original play back in 1975, the man who handed him the watch he was now wearing on his coat. His mind began to spin in confusion. Who was Taehyung? Why did he visit that night? Why did he give him his watch, and why did he say those words, “Come back to me”? He had said, “come back to me.”

His heart was beating fast; for a moment, he thought he was hallucinating, and he hurriedly stood up, as a wave of cold sweat ran down his spine. “This can’t be happening, who is this person?” he muttered, and then he rubbed his eyes. “I must be tired; it can't be, maybe they just look alike…” he tried to regain composure and control of his thoughts, going for the logical route. He had to make sense, somehow. Then he placed his eyes back on the photograph, where Taehyung was sitting on an antique chair. Jeongguk stared at the picture for so long, his eyes traveling to every part of the man’s expression, and then he noticed it , his eyes opening wide in shock. In Taehyung’s hands, there was the very same pocketwatch from that night. The boy took a step back, breathing rapidly, his chest even hurting. But then, it happened; he looked at the footnote, and tears began to fall down his cheeks.

“Last public photograph taken of Taehyung Kim, September 1, 1975.”

Editor's Note: At the time of conducting this interview, we could not have foreseen the events that would come. It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge that this interview became his final one. Our beloved star departed this world on November 14, 1975. May he rest in peace.

November 14, 1975.

Jeongguk gasped for air, “It can’t be…” he took a hand to his chest, in pain as tears flowed down, “it was that night…” Then he took his pocket watch and stared at it, and he held it,  he couldn’t help but feel a strange pull,  a connection to the past.  And then he noticed it— a barely perceptible seam behind the main mechanism, what seemed to be a hidden compartment. How had he never noticed before? 

“Sir?” the bookkeeper said, touching his shoulder. He jumped at the unexpected touch “Are you alright? Do you need me to call a doctor? You look pale…”

Jeongguk shook his head, wetting his lips with his tongue, “I’m, I’m just,  just  moved by some story,” he said, not exactly lying, as he wiped the tears with his handkerchief, “I have a request, however.”

She frowned lightly, unsure if the man was really alright, but decided to comply, “Tell me sir, how can I help you?”

“Do you think I can borrow this magazine?” he pointed at it, “And a Directory?” 

“Sure,” she smiled, “I’ll just need your ID to register your name.”

“All done,” he said, handing her the document from his wallet. “Can I use the phone?”

He nodded, pointing at the counter, “As long as it’s not long distance,” she seemingly joked, “There’s a fare for those.”

“We’ll see, perhaps my friend moved states, I’ll pay regardless,” he added and went to the counter, grabbing the directory. “Patel, Parker, Park… here it is. Park… Jimin.”

He gulped.

And so, he dialed.

“But if it’s the man!” Wilson greeted him once Jeongguk entered the salon. He had recently showered and changed, feeling refreshed from his findings earlier. The man launched an arm around his shoulders. “I thought you would be at the tennis court or the gym.”

Jeongguk chuckled. “I found something much more interesting, and let’s say I’m running an investigation.”

“An investigation?” Wilson lifted a brow. “About?”

Jeongguk just shook his head slightly. “Just researching, a mystery unfolding before my eyes,” he joked slightly.

“Oh, is the next great play of West End a crime story?” Jeongguk heard a male voice say, and before his eyes, a tall man with a wide smile stood there smiling, extending a hand to greet him. “Richard J. Johnson, nice to meet you.”

“Oh!” the boy hurried to take his hand. “A pleasure, Jungkook Jeon, sir, thank you for the invitation.”

The man chuckled. “It would’ve been a terrible mistake not to invite you, Mr. Jeon. I’ve heard so much about you and your talents, and seeing how involved you are in your crafts, no wonder the quality and success of your work.”

Jeongguk gulped. “You flatter me, Sir, having someone like you, such a big name in the industry to say such things, but I’m barely learning.”

“Then I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!” he said with enthusiasm. “And pardon my intrusion, but it seems like you’re writing a mystery next?”

Jeongguk bit his lip. How could he explain that his research was taking a more personal turn, that he had been visited by what he dared to call a ghost? It didn’t even make sense.

“Well, I don’t know if it's a mystery,” he cleared his throat. “But what about someone getting a visitor from the past?”

“Oh, time is an interesting topic, certainly,” Johnson replied, walking around the salon, a glass of scotch in his hand. Jeongguk followed in a similar fashion. “Specifically in a fantasy setting.”

“Fantasy… yeah,” the boy scratched his right cheekbone. “So I think I’ll need to research further on that, you know, to make it more sensical,” he chuckled.

The man smiled. “A logical approach to these matters is important because that’s where we start, and then we keep taking it part by part to find the best explanation possible. If someone visits from the past, it seems like time travel , doesn't it? That seems like a wonderful topic for a play. I can already imagine the situations!, the scenography!, the dialogues!” He said excitedly, “And if you allow me, Mr. Jeon, it seems like it could be a delight, and I know the topic is in good hands.”

Jeongguk smiled shyly. “I’m not sure if it’s in good hands, but in curious hands, it is without a doubt.”

“I have a friend who has dedicated a large portion of his life to research on the topic,” Johnson added, coming to an abrupt end on his walk. Then he turned to Jeongguk. “Maybe you could pay him a visit. Interestingly enough, he’s from the east,  Korea. I wonder if all of this is a sign.”

A Sign.

“Maybe it all just means you should write this play no matter what,” the man said cheerfully, lifting a hand to call the waiter, leaving his glass on the silver plate before opening his coat and taking out a business card. “Give him a call,” he said. “Tell him you are my friend. I’m sure he’ll be delighted to help you with your research.”

Professor Namjoon Kim, Ph.D.

“Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I’m sure I’ll find my answers,” he smiled, wondering why the man was so keen to help him.

“It’s nothing,” said the man. “After all, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. I’d like to take part as a producer in the North End for your newest project, and maybe take ‘The Black Cat Serenade’ too, but I feel like that’s a topic we better discuss at dinner. So shall we?” He indicated and led the way to the table, and nodding, Jeongguk followed suit

“You must be Jeongguk,” said the blonde man at the doorway. He clearly looked younger than his actual age. “The one who called yesterday.”

“That’s me,” Jeongguk replied. “Correct. Jimin, I assume?”

“Yeah, that’d be me.” The man looked at him suspiciously; his wavy blond hair fell over his cheekbones, and his full lips showed a pout in dissatisfaction. “I’m not gonna lie, Mr. Jeon,” he said. “But I found your urgent call unsettling. How come after years you’re here telling me you’re running an investigation on my great-uncle?”

Jeongguk looked at him in surprise. “Was he your great-uncle?” he shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t want to intrude, really. You’ll see, I’m a -”

“A playwright, I know, and if you want to take his story to the stage and create a new version of ‘ A fading Star ,’ I don’t think I can help you; we’re actually suing that one,” the boy added with a scrunch of his nose. “Also, I am not aware of his reasons for why he decided to retire; he kept it a secret, so I’m afraid I cannot help you.”

All of that left him speechless, wondering just how many times Jimin had had to say all those words. Jeongguk sighed, “I’m sorry, but I’m not here to write a play on your great-uncle or… try to do a new version of that, or anything like that.”

The man crossed his arms. “No? Then why are you here, Mr. Jeon?”

“Because of this,” said Jeongguk, showing him the golden pocket watch that Taehyung seemingly had handed him three years ago. The other man’s eyes opened wide in shock.

“That... that is…”

“Your great-uncle’s watch… yes.”

“Why do you have it?!” Jimin asked, raising his voice. “That was so important for him!” His eyes were fiery, as if he was about to jump him, but instead, Jeongguk extended his hand, giving it to him, and Jimin grabbed it carefully. The precious chain dangling “It is… it actually is, but it can’t be…”

Jeongguk stared at him, studying every single one of his reactions. He asked, “Why can’t it be?” and looked him in the eye. Jimin covered his mouth, silencing a sob.

“Come inside,” he said, and turned his back to the writer, who followed him. Once inside, Jeongguk's eyes opened wide. Before him was a huge collection of items, all belonging to Taehyung and his stardom era. Everything was carefully taken care of, displayed with love and affection. There were scripts, books, photographs, and even the costumes and suits used for the plays Taehyung had starred in. There was also a copy, although in a smaller size, of the photograph that had captured Jeongguk’s eyes at the hotel museum. He stared and looked at everything in awe, feeling an indescribable sense of nostalgia rising in his heart, along with the longing for somewhere else and the pain of having lost something so precious he couldn't decipher.

Jimin sat on the couch and invited him to do so as well. “Do you drink tea, Mr. Jeon?” His attitude toward him had changed significantly, and Jeongguk wondered why. He frowned slightly before sitting as well, patting his knees afterward.

“Just Jeongguk,” the writer said, taking the cup Jimin was handing him and muttering a thank you, to which Jimin smiled softly.

Then his host called for someone, a maid apparently. “If someone calls, tell them I’ll be busy, and please close the door. Me and Mr. Jeon have something important to talk about.” She nodded, took the tray, and walked away, closing the door.

Jimin stirred his tea a little before the first sip. “I know you’re intrigued, as I am actually, but perhaps it's time for me to accept some facts that I couldn’t before. Please, take a look around yourself, Jeongguk, and tell me what you see, besides my uncle’s costumes and photographs, of course.”

Jeongguk walked around, finding there was a collection of books. “He was an avid reader.”

“But not for just any book,” Jimin smiled and walked up to him. “Just the ones that held special significance for his heart,” he added, caressing one book in particular. “Whispers of the East End,” he said. “By J.J.K, funny how it’s your initials, isn’t it?”

Jeongguk nodded. “My mother loved that book, so I grew up reading it, but I don’t think an ancestor of mine could have written it,” he joked, and Jimin joined with a chuckle.

 “I doubt so too. I happen to know the author.”

Jeongguk looked at him, surprised. “really?” Jimin nodded, then Jeongguk directed his gaze to the bookshelf again, where there was a long photograph of the Regal Palace Hotel. “Seems like, despite his retirement, the hotel and 'The Song of Midnight' were really important to him.”

“His happiest memories,” Jimin replied, taking a box from the shelf. “He always wanted to go back to that time; it became quite an obsession, as you can see.” He pointed at a stack of books with his chin. Then, Jeongguk’s heart skipped a beat after seeing three books by Namjoon Kim, all about the matter of time travel, particularly the first one in the series, which was well-used, obviously read numerous times. 'Travels through Time.'

Jeongguk grabbed the book in shock. “Namjoon…” he muttered.

It was a sign.

Jeongguk gulped and stared at Jimin, who then opened the wooden box in his hand. “He took great care of this,” he said, handing him a script. “Paid a huge amount of money to have it. I didn’t remember the name when you showed up at the front door, but I’m starting to think it all makes sense.”

And Jeongguk froze on the spot, leaving the book aside. He stared at the script and then at Jimin, and then back at the script again.

“Dreaming of You - a play by the East End Company. M. Jones, L. Cheng, J.K. Jeon.” Jeongguk caressed the paper carefully. “It is…the script of the first play I was credited for…” He choked a sob. “How is this possible?”

Jimin gave him a sad smile and handed him the box. “I think he was your fan…” he added. Jeongguk sat down, looking at him confused, and took the box, his hands shaking. He pulled out pieces of paper, cutouts from the newspaper.

“West end Company to present a new play next November.”

‘Jeongguk Jeon, the promising new name of the East End Company.’ And a photograph of himself, a few years ago when he was still part of that company, a time before Wilson. Jeongguk’s eyes teared up, and he looked at Jimin, unable to fully grasp what was happening. He covered his mouth to suffocate a sob.

Jimin bit his lip before speaking again. “Could you tell me about...the watch?”

The watch—how could Jeongguk even begin? He was with Taehyung’s family; how was he supposed to blurt out those words without making it seem like he was mocking him? Or how was he supposed to talk about the topic without sounding like a lunatic? Sure, the actor’s apparent obsession with time travel could make things sound a little less crazy, but it wouldn’t change the fact that there wasn’t any logic left to begin with. Would Jimin accept his words? The playwright wetted his lips. “Well…” he started, and Jimin sat straight, “Yeah?”

“Please, I just want to state that I'm not trying to pull your leg. I'm in no way mocking you, alright?” Jimin nodded, and so he decided to continue. “Well, a few years ago, to be exact, on November 14, 1975, I was, um,” he gulped, “I was at the debut presentation of my first original play in the West End National Theater. Usually, on opening night, we all celebrate, you know? It’s good luck and refreshing for us and the cast, all of that.” He moved his hands in dismissal, trying to focus on the right topic. “And I was there, trying to relax myself as the previous hours and days had been hectic—they always are before an opening. But then everything went silent, and I saw him.” He looked at the Taehyung photograph on the table by the sofa. “As a 75-year-old man, of course, and I didn’t know who he was. But I still talked to him, and he, um, handed me that watch.” He nodded at the watch, which was still in Jimin’s hands. “He said some words and then disappeared. Well, since I didn’t know who he was, I couldn’t give it back. Instead, since it was a very good season, I thought it was a good luck charm. So ever since then, I’ve been wearing it.”

“But that’s impossible; he—” 

“I know,” Jeongguk coughed. “I know that was the night he...” He shook his head. “I’m just telling you how I got it, and that’s part of the reason why I’m here, trying to know more about the man that came to my first play.”

“What did he tell you?” Jimin asked.

“Ah?”

“You said he said some words before disappearing, what did he say?” Jimin was growing impatient; Jeongguk could feel it. He was anxiously moving his legs. “Tell me, please.”

Jeongguk pursed his lips before speaking once again. “Come back to me, he said, come back to me.”

“Oh my god,” Jimin sniffled and covered his face. “It can’t be…”

“What? What does that mean?” Jeongguk sat up and walked to Jimin. “Please, let me know; this whole thing is driving me crazy, and I don’t know what’s true anymore.”

“Jeongguk,” Jimin sobbed, “This is no ordinary watch; this is a vertex model from the 20s, although we don’t know exactly what year. My great-uncle said it was a gift given to him by a man he loved, back in 1921. Can you explain that? He always said he was waiting to give it back to its rightful owner. And that he was looking for him.”

“But why me? Why did he give it to me?” Jeongguk asked, pressing his lips into a thin line. 

“Maybe I do resemble his lover in some way?”

“Perhaps. But my great-uncle never changed his ways; he was focused on such things even since I was little. He was 49 when I was born…” Jimin inspected the watch and then rummaged inside the wooden box. “These kinds of vertex models have a hidden compartment behind the mechanism plate,” the boy said, taking a small flat golden pin. “It is hard to find one that still has its key; that should tell you how much he treasured this watch.”

Then he proceeded to insert the key. “This feels so wrong because he wouldn’t just show it to anyone. He did show me when I was little, but I can’t remember what it looked like.”

Jeongguk frowned. “What?”

But then Jimin opened the bottom plate from the watch; inside, there was a paper neatly folded in four, and an engraved inscription, “ JKTH1921.” The boy felt a shiver run down his spine. “Oh my god….” He closed his eyes. “I think you have to see this,” he said, handing the pocket watch to the writer.

Jeongguk took the watch again and was left speechless upon seeing the inscription. “....Are those initials?” JKTH. “Was it the author of the novel?”

Jimin shook his head. “No, that person… no,” he shook his head.

“Can I see what’s on the paper? It’s a photograph?,” the writer asked, taking the piece of paper and unfolding it, dropping the watch in shock, sound muffled by the carpet “What’s this? No, no, it doesn't make sense!”

Jimin grabbed the photograph from his hand. “It cannot be…”

“This... this person looks a lot like you…”

Jeongguk grabbed it again, weary eyes examining every single detail. It was an exact copy of himself, except for the hair, as Jeongguk's was long and wavy. “What is this?!”

Jimin grabbed his hands, attempting to calm him down. “Maybe you just resemble that person, maybe… he’s an ancestor. I mean, those are your initials too. What if—” he added, attempting the logical route. “I mean, he was so obsessed with that time period, so in love with that man, he nearly lost himself. Just look at his collection, everything takes him to that era. I wonder what he was trying to do.”

“An ancestor… yeah, maybe,” although, as far as Jeongguk knew, he was the first Jeon from his family to ever move out from Korea. Still, he tried to use logic, maybe, just maybe. It all made sense.

“So you think he wanted to go back?” Jeongguk asked, attempting to return to the conversation. He folded the picture but didn’t put it back on the watch; he needed to conduct an investigation.

“He always said so, he wanted to go back,” Jimin sighed with sadness. “Keep the watch, initials or not, he was your fan. He had actually purchased the ticket to go and see you, but couldn’t… because he fell asleep…” and never woke up.

Suddenly, the entire mood dropped, and the atmosphere turned cold and blue.

“I’m so sorry,” Jeongguk muttered. “You seem to be close to him.”

“He didn’t have kids, but he took good care of us. My nana was his sister; he took good care of my mother too. Then I came to live with him, to help with the greenhouse and all…” Jimin caressed his own hands. “It's good to talk about him again, to someone who is willing to listen. So, thank you for this.” He smiled softly. “Now we know perhaps there was someone whose initials were JK, and that Taehyungie was so in love with that man,” he chuckled.

“Probably,” Jeongguk nodded and smiled softly. For some reason, the mere idea warmed his heart. Then, he looked at the digital clock on the table. “I have to go back to the hotel. Thank you for having me. I certainly learned so much about someone as fascinating and mysterious; I am a bit unsettled, but I think I want to know more about this ancestor of mine,” he chuckled with a certain sadness.

“Well, in any case, he was your fan,” Jimin joked. “Thank you again, and if you need something else, let me know, alright?”

“Sure,” he smiled and went back to his car, uneasiness still filling his stomach.

“These,” Elisa, the bookkeeper said, leaving a heavy box of logs on the table, where Jeongguk was already taking notes, “These are the registers for 1921. Any month in particular?”

Jeongguk nodded. “I’m looking for August and September, around the time ‘Song of Midnight’ was in the hotel theater.”

She looked at him confused. “That’s too specific, but alright. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Moore said I should help you in your investigation the best I can, so, let’s see…” She grabbed one of the books. “Are you looking for a name in particular?”

“Yeah, I’m looking for J–” he bit his tongue. “For Taehyung Kim”

She looked at him with a deadpan expression. “Well, of course, he was here. It was his play at the theater!”

“Elisa,” Jeongguk replied. “Just give me the log, please.”

She rolled her eyes and opened the logbook. “This is the record for August 1921, and from here, it’s September.”

Jeongguk chuckled. “Thank you, how sweet.”

She scrunched her nose. “I’ll be at the counter in case you need something else,” she said sarcastically, to which Jeongguk smiled amused. But as soon as she moved away, Jeongguk decided to look for Taehyung's name in the log. “Ah!” He smiled widely when he found it.

Thursday, August 4, 1921

Room, suite 613 - Kim, Taehyung.

Jeongguk felt his heart skipping a beat upon seeing that name, and the signature next to it. It was his handwriting; he caressed the paper. And he closed his eyes, envisioning the man in the photographs, so vividly, writing down his name on the log by the reception counter, smiling widely and walking to his room. There was a warm sensation in his chest. For a moment, just thinking about it was able to transport him back in time to that era. He sighed, and then he decided to look for the second person.

It was honestly not more than a mere hunch, to name it. The idea of finding that other person on the log, and somehow, deep down, he knew what name he was looking for, even if it went against every sense of logic, even if it was nonsensical, even if it was impossible. Maybe, the name he’d found wasn’t what he was expecting, but then, he’d get an answer, Jeongguk thought. And so, he flipped the page to the next day and skimmed through the list with hopeful eyes.

Friday, August 5, 1921

Room 1230- Jeon, Jeongguk. 

And next to his name, his own signature. Jeongguk lost his breath in an instant, eyes wide, and mouth open. It was impossible; how could it be? It was surreal. How could a man in 1921 share his initials and signature ? And if fate was playing a cruel joke on him, it was the very same room he was staying in 1978. “This cannot be,” he swallowed hard. “Who is that person, how…”

Maybe it was indeed an ancestor? No, it couldn’t be. He knew the truth, but it was hard to accept, as it was hard to explain. But suddenly, that pang in his chest was back, the one pull he felt, the nostalgic feeling calling him. He started to breathe harder, hyperventilating. Taking a long sip of water, he closed the log, rubbing his forehead, trying his best to remain calm, to remain sane.

He licked his lips. “What’s going on, all these sensations, this feeling, the signs, the… watch, this hotel, Taehyung, everything is taking me to you… what’s happening?”

And then a name crossed his mind. “Namjoon… I have to talk to Professor Kim; Taehyung had his books, there must be a clue, something!”

Hurriedly, he sat up. “Elisa, I’m leaving. If Mr. Wilson is looking for me, please tell him I’ll be at the University. I’ll be talking to Professor Kim,” he said, grabbing his leather jacket. “Tell him it’s part of my research,” he added and hurried to the entrance.

He wasted no time. He didn’t even care about the fact that it was raining. He hurried to his car and started the engine. He knew that he probably needed to calm down before getting behind the wheel, but he couldn’t wait. The doubt and thousands of questions running through his mind were driving him insane. He needed answers— a logical answer that could put his mind at ease and let him move on.  On the other hand, however, somehow, the feeling of moving on left him restless, as moving on would mean moving away from Taehyung, and the bigger part of him didn’t want that. It was confusing, it was chaotic.

“Johnson told me,” Namjoon said once they introduced themselves and walked around the campus, paper coffee cup in hand. “That you were researching for a new play in the process.”

Jeongguk nodded, not willing to say much just yet. Instead, he decided to go along with that version. Sure, at some point, he’d have to explain further if he wanted to have honest answers, that is if Professor Kim could help him to begin with.

“I have a feeling, Mr. Jeon,” the professor said, but Jeongguk interrupted.

“Just Jeongguk,” he corrected. “Makes it easier for me.”

The man showed him a pretty dimpled smile. “That’s correct, then I shall ask you to call me Namjoon, it makes it easier for me as well.”

Jeongguk lifted his cup as if he was making a toast, “Done.”

Namjoon smiled again. “Let’s see, I have a feeling you’re not here for any kind of play. If it were for a play, you would have read some of my books instead, take notes, and have the information you need right by your desk for when you need it the most. Instead, you’re visiting me in an urgent fashion.”

“Sorry,” Jeongguk apologized, grimacing.

“It’s alright, it’s not a busy day, but tell me, was it an emergency behind your reasons?”

Jeongguk took a long sip of his cup and stopped in his tracks. “I’ll be honest,” he started. “I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but this is all I’ve got. If you don’t believe me, I don’t think anyone else can. It is hard for me to explain, to say it out loud because my own mind is telling me this is nonsensical! that I’m wasting my time, everyone’s time, that I should just assume the simplest, most logical answer and move on. But I can’t, because…”

“Because…”

“Because there’s someone , someone waiting for me to go back to him, someone who waited over 50 years for me. I’ve made them wait long enough, Professor… Namjoon.” He swallowed hard. “I think…I’ve been somewhere else, somewhere across the time.”

The professor looked at him and then gave a step closer. “I think, my friend, you’d be interested in what I have to show you. Let’s go to my office, and meanwhile, you tell me everything that’s going on.”

Soon, they found themselves in Namjoon’s office.

“Time traveling,” said Namjoon. “Humanity has been wishing to go back in time or to see the future with its own eyes ever since the first societies were formed—from Mesopotamia to Greece, from Egypt to Rome, to the modern civilizations and postmodern society. It’s haunting, and it’s a matter of mystery, and fantasy,” he added, scribbling on a paper over his desk. “But for some, it’s not a fantasy, Jeongguk. Would you believe it?”

“I…” the writer frowned, confused. “I think-”

“Would you believe it?” Namjoon repeated the question, and Jeongguk nodded.

“I do, I do believe it,” he replied, and the other man nodded, walking to his bookcase and grabbing a copy of 'Travels through Time'.

“In 1948, when we were 15, a friend of mine claimed he had seen our neighborhood, but it had changed from the usual. He was scared, and I took care of him. Everyone thought he was joking—he was that kind of guy, so no one took him seriously. However, after seeing him so frightened, I decided to ask him for more details to make sure he understood I believed him, and he wasn’t in the wrong by sharing his experience. As he described our neighborhood, I realized he saw scenes and places my grandfather used to tell me about from his childhood. At first, I thought that perhaps my friend also had a grandfather telling him all those stories, and thus he had dreamed of that, even if it was a realistic and well-detailed dream. But what else could we have thought about? It wasn’t until 1955 when my professor at this very university mentioned a case of a woman who also claimed to have seen her surroundings in a different era, in the 30s. It was all a similar experience. Then I stayed back after class and let him know all the details of my friend’s situation. All I wanted was his point of view.” Namjoon then fixed his glasses and continued, looking at Jeongguk. “He told me it was not an isolated case, that there have been reports of people finding themselves in a different era from where they belonged. But how? It was all the same pattern. Someday they woke up in a place that was all different from their own, walked around confused, trying to recognize where they were, and then, something made them go back to their actual time.”

“What made them go back?” Jeongguk asked, leaning over the desk, listening carefully to everything the professor was saying. “What triggered it?”

Namjoon pursed his lips and ran a hand through his short locks. “That was the problem. According to my professor, there wasn't a feasible proof on what was triggering that shift in the timeline. But then I decided to research further. I went back to my childhood neighborhood and found a way to interview my friend. His mother used lots of antique furniture as decoration.” The professor smiled. “And the woman was a collector. Do you see a pattern?”

“I see it. They were surrounded by objects belonging to those ages.”

“Exactly!” Namjoon said. “That’s one of the key parts, but you have to do it well.” He then extended the book to Jeongguk. “It is possible, Jeongguk, time travel is possible, but you need to be careful.”

The writer took the book and stared at it, running his fingers over the cover. He breathed in deeply. “Is it dangerous?”

Namjoon frowned and nodded silently. “It is. You never know what you’ll encounter, or if you'd change the course of history, but also have in mind not just anyone could do it. For some reason, it requires all of your will to make it true. You have to believe it to make it happen, without a single doubt. You need to surround yourself with everything from the era you want to travel to, but you also need a strong mind and an even stronger heart.” He gave him a half-smile. “Any little mistake can change everything forever…”

“Have you…” Jeongguk attempted to ask, looking the professor in the eye. “Ever?”

Namjoon nodded and looked down. “I have, once, but I made a terrible mistake, and I wasn’t able to go back. I left…pending and unresolved issues,” he said, melancholy filling his voice. “Jeongguk, if you ever try it, be sure to reason your motivation. You have a life here already, a career, and a name…but if you go back to him, and if you don’t make things right, you could miss the most important thing for you, and there’s no turning back…”

Jeongguk looked at him, puzzled. “Professor, have you managed to go back to the place you left in time?” he asked, but the man shook his head with sadness. “No…I don’t know if it only works once, but I wasn’t able to go back. I tried to look for his whereabouts, but as I said, everything changed…”

“I’m sorry…” he placed a hand on his shoulder  “Seems like you left a part of your heart in the past.”

“I did,” Namjoon smiled softly. “But I don’t regret it. I’d do it again even if the result would be the same…”

Jeongguk smiled softly, sadly, but then he frowned. “I’m sorry, but if you don’t mind me asking…what did it trigger, coming back to your time?”

Namjoon bit his lips. “When I say to surround yourself with objects from that era, I mean it. In my case, when I was 35 back in the '60s, I went to 1940.” His voice trembled as his lips wobbled. “I had accidentally left a 1968 paper calendar in my suitcase..." The professor removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "We were getting ready for vacation, but then I saw it, and before I knew it, it was over. It's been 10 years since I lost half of my heart."

Jeongguk was left speechless. "Oh, I'm sorry..." he said, feeling guilty about asking such a question, but Namjoon shook his head.

"It's alright," said the man, adjusting his glasses. "In the end, I had no choice."

"Did you ever try to look for him?" the writer asked. Namjoon nodded. "What happened?"

"Twenty-eight years apart happened. When I was back, I wasted so much time trying to return before deciding to try to look for him. When I finally found him, he had moved across the country, and there he was, in his 60s, sitting on the lawn, playing with his grandchildren." He wetted his lips. "He had a family, a big, beautiful family... I couldn't just, I couldn't. In the end, he had found his happiness, he moved on, and so did I. It still hurts, but if he’s happy…"

"What was his name?" Jeongguk asked, saddened and moved by the story.

"Seokjin."

Decided, Jeongguk was determined to make it happen. He knew there was something — or rather someone — waiting for him. He knew Taehyung himself had tried it too, unsuccessfully, perhaps because he didn’t know where Jeongguk was. That was the difference this time. Jeongguk knew exactly where he wanted to be, exactly wha t he wanted to see, exactly who he wanted to find.

So, without wasting any seconds, he decided to extend his room rental for a few more days, citing the need for a vacation. He didn't inform Wilson about his plans, limiting himself to finding antiques around town to redecorate his room. He took everything that was too modern and tossed it into the closet, hidden from his view. He needed no distractions.

From Travels through Time:

"Make sure to create the perfect atmosphere; don’t allow distractions that break the meditation.

Stylize yourself; you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. If you’re trying to go back to 1910 and dress like someone out of a rock & roll dance, you know it won't do. Make sure to blend in; otherwise, it will disrupt the space-time continuity."

“I need to get that done,” Jeongguk muttered after reading that line, and he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He gulped upon seeing his long locks, fluffy and wavy under the ears. “Well, I need a haircut, I guess, and some clothes. I don’t think gentlemen in the 20s were wearing jeans, and leather jackets” he chuckled. “I’m going to need an entire wardrobe.”

From Travels through Time:

"Money is important for two reasons: it is how you’ll manage to move around in the era you plan to visit — This method works with traveling to the past exclusively. And second: you need to surround yourself with things from the era you intend to visit, bringing modern currency to the past will disrupt space-time continuity. And your hard work will be lost.

“I need to buy all the coins and notes you have from 1918 to 1921,” Jeongguk said to the man at the coin shop. "Ah! Someone so passionate about numismatics," said the man, curious about the customer's endeavor.

“Yeah, my father taught me well,” he lied. “Ah no no, this one,” he pointed at one in particular. “That’s from 1922.” The man frowned. “Oh, but it's a rare specimen, created during the celebration of-”

Jeongguk shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I’m only interested in 1921 or prior. Oh, and nothing after August 1921, please.”

The man looked at him, puzzled. “As you wish, son, as you wish.”

“Look at you, Mr. Jeon!” Elisa said, smiling at him once she found him in the lobby. “I almost didn’t recognize you. You look…”

“Handsome?” he joked and showed off his vintage suit, an original 1921 set, with his shortened styled hair, slicked back elegantly, revealing his forehead. He was perfectly dressed, like a proper gentleman in the '20s. “Stunning?”

“All of that,” she laughed. “And old-fashioned, outdated,” she added, scrunching her nose. “Are you a methodic writer then?”

“You could say,” he replied. “I have to go; I have many things I have to work on.”

“See you later, Mr. Jeon,” she said as he walked to the lift, but Jeongguk just lifted his hand. He was unsure if he’d ever be back, and if things went correctly as he hoped, then no, he wouldn’t want to go back.

Soon, he found himself back in room 1230, where all the vintage furniture received him. The old sofa and the bed, everything was perfectly set for his first attempt. Jeongguk swallowed hard, nervous. What was he expecting? He lay in bed and kissed the golden pocket watch, thinking hard of Taehyung, of that smile, soft hands, his lips, and the beautiful gleam in his eyes. If he succeeded, then he’d be able to see him in real life and not in a mere photograph. He’d be able to see him face to face, talk to him, ask him some questions, and get to know him more.

And then he smiled because that person he was planning to visit was actually taking his breath and dreams away. The mere idea of seeing him again made his heart somersault. He couldn’t explain how a photograph could mean so much, how a smile could capture his attention so quickly. It was an infatuation, and there he was, pushing the limits of logic, trying to find him and solve the mystery. "Come back to me," said Taehyung the very night he transcended. And now, Jeongguk was fighting hard to go back to him. It was his heart, begging for it to work. It was his desperate heart, pleading to go back to where Taehyung was waiting for him.

“It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230,” he said, repeating it over and over.

“It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230.”

“It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230.”

“It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230.”

“It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230.”

Hours went by, and he was still there, on his bed, growing desperate, unable to concentrate, trying to enter a deep conscious state, but still stuck in 1978. Jeongguk groaned into his pillow, attempting to suffocate his desperation. Many hours passed, but to no avail; he would always open his eyes, look around, and still be in the same year. It was beyond frustrating.

The morning after wasn't any easier. He woke up, feeling hopeful, and as soon as the sun hit his face, he rose to look outside the window, only to see the same advertisement. He grumpily closed the curtains. "This is useless. I'm missing something!" he groaned and went to pick up the book again, going over every single step. "Maybe a method to convey information to the unconscious. Edward Bernays had written about the topic in 1928, if I recall correctly." Jeongguk rubbed his face in frustration; he needed a way to communicate with his unconscious, perhaps send a message to the collective unconscious.

The rest of the afternoon passed as he spent hours studying Bernays and C.G. Jung, trying to find an answer.

"I have to repeat the same words over and over to make sure the unconscious learn it, that's it. But if I speak, then I'll break the meditation. I need to hear it somehow, a wave that doesn't pull me out of the state."

He rubbed his face. "But how?" he raised his voice. "If I keep talking, then I will lose concentration! There needs to be one of those tapes for quitting." And then a light lit up in his eyes. "That's right, I can make my own!"

August 5 1978

In the early morning, Jeongguk dressed again as a man in 1921 and made sure to cover everything that could break his concentration. Then, he placed a recorder in the bed. Sure, it was out of time for his intentions, but Jeongguk figured that if after recording he placed it under the bed and it was out of sight, there wouldn't be any problem. He needed to try anyway; he was growing desperate. And so, he pressed the red button on the tape recorder.

"Jeongguk, it’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230." He repeated it once and again until the tape side was completely filled.

Then, he placed it under his bed and lay down over the pillow, closing his eyes.

"It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel, room 1230."

"It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace Hotel—"

"It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal Palace—"

"It’s August 5, 1921; you’re at the Regal—"

"It’s August 5, 1921—"

"It’s August 5—"

ll

The morning after

Jeongguk opened his eyes, and the sun was hitting his face. He opened one eye and glanced at the window. The curtains were different than he remembered. Startled, he snapped his eyes open and sat up, looking around. The entire room was different—gone was the brown wallpaper, replaced by beige with a flower pattern. He rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. The rug, the furniture—everything was different from what he remembered, even though he had taken the task to replace the original furniture from the hotel. He grabbed his belongings and decided to look outside, only to hear voices coming from the corridor. Panicking, Jeongguk hid in the closet.

Had he succeeded? Where was he?

He gulped nervously. Nothing but his handbag was in sight. Worried, he hurriedly grabbed it and returned to his hidden place.

“All night!” exclaimed a woman, opening the door of the room and dragging a man inside. Both were properly dressed, with the woman wearing a long dress in beige with details in royal blue. “You were outside all night. You don’t take consideration for your poor wife, leaving her abandoned in this room while you drink and smoke with all those men. What have I done to deserve such humiliation?”

“Oh, no, no, darling!” the man protested, taking her hand. “We were just talking about business. Mr. Rogers wants to cooperate with us, I promise. I stayed out playing cards with them, but only for a greater good. I promise.”

“Playing cards?!” the woman screamed, scandalized, and then opened the door. “That’s enough, I’m out. Miss Helen would hear about this,” she said, storming out, and the husband followed her, leaving the room empty again.

“I am… in 1921…” Jeongguk realized and then smiled. “I am in 1921!” He jumped excitedly and touched his chest. “I made it… I finally made it…” He touched his forehead, running his fingers through his combed hair. “Right, it’s still morning, so they haven’t checked out yet. The room is not available yet.”

And then he decided to wait outside until midday so he could register and take the room, everything according to the log he had read back in 1978, strange as it was.

The Regal Palace was significantly different from what he could remember back in 1978. For starters, even the front of the building was different, in various colors, as it was the original structure created by the very first member of the Moore family. However, one thing remained the same—the wide domain and green field with the beloved enormous lake, where swans swam freely on its mirror-like waters. Jeongguk smiled, taking in every single detail—the fields, the flowers, the people around him. Everyone went about their daily business, not paying attention to him, so he guessed he had done a good job with his clothes and styling himself as a proper gentleman from that era.

He decided to take a stroll along the shore of the lake. The people around were getting ready for breakfast, but he was too excited to care about food, and he didn’t want to spend his limited money on such a thing; he needed the room first. Perhaps, he thought, he should find a job at the hotel to cover his expenses. Then, his steps took him by instinct to the one place his heart was yearning to go: the theater. And he smiled widely after seeing the poster.

“ Saturday 6, Taehyung Kim in ‘The Midnight Song ,’” the precious art depicting a scene of the play and a portrait of Taehyung dressed as the main character caught Jeongguk's attention.

Oh he was beautiful.

Then he heard a commotion and turned around, walking to the spot where he saw a group of people behind a ribbon line, at a safe distance to see what was happening. Jeongguk managed to take a sneak peek, and there he saw Taehyung, in front of him, real , tangible, ethereal but in real life. Dressed all in soft blue with a white ribbon tied to a flower around his neck, his dark hair so wavy and fluffy. “He’s here…” Jeongguk muttered, feeling nervous, his heart beating faster, and for a moment, he felt as if his knees would fail him.

Taehyung, in all his glory, looked around, seeing the people present at the event. He smiled in such a unique way; it took Jeongguk’s breath away. “Hello, everyone!” Taehyung said, waving softly. “Thank you for coming to see our company’s production,” he added before entering the venue from the back door, surrounded by the staff.

“Isn’t he so dreamy?” said one of the ladies next to Jeongguk. “I heard he comes from the far east.” They were talking, but Jeongguk couldn’t bother to listen; his gaze was still glued to the door from where Taehyung had disappeared. He had done it, managed to travel back in time just for that moment, just for that person.

Just for Taehyung.

He smiled slowly, coming to the realization. He had to do everything in his hands to exchange a word with him, to talk with him and be able to just be near him, if only for a second, if only for a fragment of time. Jeongguk had defied the laws of time and space to be near him.

Little by little, the people dispersed and went back to their regular activities, but Jeongguk then realized he had yet to register at the reception and find a way to watch the play. So, he came back to his senses and rushed to the main building, strolling happily around the field, smiling, letting the sun touch his face, opening his arms to welcome the soft warmth, taking his hat, feeling free and elated.

When he reached the reception, Jeongguk fixed his hair in front of a mirror before noticing a bored kid in the lobby. “Peter!” the woman behind the counter yelled. “Come back here, you are grounded, remember?” The kid pouted and dragged his feet back to his mother. Jeongguk smiled; that very kid, barely 7 years old, was the man that in the future welcomed his stay at the hotel.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” The woman apologized after seeing Jeongguk, and fixed her hair. “It is hard with kids nowadays, and hard to get them to behave at times.” Especially stuck bored at a hotel, Jeongguk wanted to add, but instead, he smiled politely. He said, “Well, I think he seems to be a smart little man. What did he do?”

“Oh, he threw his rubber ball around and broke a jar. Isn’t that true, Peter?” She looked back at her son, who was sitting on a stool, looking down, sobbing.

“Oh!” Jeongguk felt bad for the kid. “But he won’t do that again, isn’t it, Mr. Peter?” The kid lifted his head and nodded several times. “Alright, now listen to your mom. If you’re grounded, you’re grounded, but I’m sure the lesson is learned.”

“Yes, sir,” the kid replied, wiping his nose. Jeongguk smiled. “If by the time I come down tomorrow, you’re still a good fella, I’ll get you something from the candy store,” and the kid smiled brightly.

The mother smiled. “You are good with kids,” she said, taking the log book. “Do you have kids of your own?”

“Oh, not yet. I’m a little busy with life right now.”

“You’ll make a wonderful father,” she added. “So, is it your first time with us?”

Jeongguk smiled. “No, it isn’t. I’ve been here before, but I think it has changed a bit since the last time.”

“Oh? So you came in here when this was recently opened for business then! What a pleasure to find one of our first guests!”

Jeongguk nodded. “I was too young to remember much of it, so I believe I’ll have a good time strolling around rediscovering this beautiful place.”

She nodded. “We have a theater, with a beautiful play coming up tomorrow. I think you might enjoy it. It has a great cast. Have you heard of Taehyung Kim?” she giggled. “He’s here!”

“Oh, absolutely. That’s the main reason I’m here, after all,” he said and then explained. “I’m a producer, you see, and I’m interested in inviting the company for a production on the West End.”

She looked at him with big eyes. “Is that so?”

“But it's a secret,” he winked. “May I know your name?”

“Elizabeth,” she replied, “Elizabeth Moore,” she added shyly. “I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself…”

Jeongguk smiled at her. “Well, you see, Mrs. Moore, but I’m here incognito, so I’d be thankful if you don’t tell other people around about my business here. You see, everyone is trying to book such a big star.”

“Oh, I’m sure, but don’t worry, Mr. -”

“Jeon,” he informed.

“Mr. Jeon,” she corrected. “Your secret is safe with me.”

He smiled and winked at her and then leaned over the counter. “Additionally, before being a producer, I’m a writer, and I happen to be writing about a hotel, a love story, you see.” He could see how her eyes lit up; Mrs. Moore seemed to be an avid romance reader. “And I was wondering if you could help me with my research.”

“Oh?! How can I help you, Mr. Jeon?” she fidgeted with her hands.

“Well, if you happen to know about a job offer inside the hotel, I need to experience life in the hotel as best as possible.”

She giggled. “Are you sure about that? Is that a methodic writing style, Mr. Jeon?”

“Totally. I can only write about things when I definitely know what I’m talking about.”

“That's so odd!” she laughed and covered her mouth with a gloved hand. “But alright, I think you might enjoy your stay here, using all the facilities, and you could help in the library from time to time. But please,” she said, “keep it a secret between the two of us. My husband would think hiring a guest would be outrageous!”

He joked and made mannerisms to show his mouth was closed by a lock, throwing the imaginary key away. And smiled.

Mrs. Moore laughed. “I’ll give you one of our nicest rooms, 1230, which has a beautiful view of the lake.” She offered the key to Jeongguk, who, in exchange, paid for the room. “I’ll pay for this one,” he said and grabbing his polished suitcase, he walked to the lift.

"No!" Taehyung exclaimed emphatically, his hand over his chest as he took a deep breath. "It can't be. I won't accept it."

"But you have to!" Mrs. Jones insisted, grabbing his hands between her fragile ones. "It's the only way to save your father."

Taehyung looked at her with a brokenhearted expression. "Please, there must be another way," he pleaded, resting his hand against the window glass. "I can't just give up my heart... please!"

A man clapped, "Perfect! Sublime, as always," said the man as he fanned his face with the script. "That face, so much emotion! No wonder the public loves you so much."

Taehyung smiled, walking down to the director, fixing his hair as he added, "I think I work best with her rather than Kelly," he whispered. "Good job finding her; Lucy is amazing." Then, while adjusting his sleeve, he looked at the director. "So, are we done with the rehearsals?"

"In a bit," said the director. "What's the rush, if I may ask?"

"Ah, no rush," Taehyung smiled mischievously. "I just want to take a stroll by the river, and—"

"And horses," said his co-star, a tall man with a loving smile. "He heard there are horses and wants to take a ride."

"Definitely not," interjected a tall and serious man with deep, vivacious eyes named Liu Winston, one of the biggest producers in the scene. "It could be dangerous, Taehyung. We can't take the risk, I'm afraid."

Taehyung smiled, hugging him from the side. "Oh, come on, it can't be that dangerous!" he replied playfully, crossing his arms around his waist. "You can ride with me; I'll show you how good I am at it."

Liu sighed, "No, I'm sorry, but no. But we can take a stroll by the river," he replied, and Taehyung scrunched his nose and pouted. Liu then smiled softly. "Well, maybe we can get the horses after our residency is done here, on the last day."

Taehyung smiled widely, pinching the man’s cheek. “Aren’t you lovely?” he playfully flicked the manager’s fringe. “You're the best, Manager Watson.”

The man smiled softly. "Go and change, Taehyung. Those clothes are expensive. I’ll meet you by the river in 15 minutes; we’ll take a short stroll before coming back for dinner, alright?"

"Oh, excuse me, Mr. Watson," the Director intervened. "Actually, there’s some stuff I wanted to discuss with you before the next rehearsal. It’s about our other play."

"Ah, Shakespeare is always untimely for my schedule," Liu joked. "I’m sorry, Taehyung, it seems like the stroll will have to wait. We can go tomorrow."

"Or," Taehyung lifted a brow, "I can go on my own."

Liu frowned. "But—"

"I'm sure the Regal Palace is one of the safest places in the country. It will be alright, I promise. Besides, I need a little bit of sun; our stay in the south was long enough."

The man looked at him apprehensively. "Well, but in case someone unwantedly approaches you, make sure to ask for help and tell them to leave you alone."

Taehyung smiled. "Oh, you! Always worrying so much! Rest assured, it will be alright. I’m a big boy~ I'll change, take a walk, and be back for dinner."

"Of course," Liu said, pursing his lips. "Be careful, Taehyung."

"I'll be, I'll be!" Taehyung replied, already walking to the dressing rooms, smiling. As he closed the door and rested against the wall, he sighed deeply. "He's such a worrywart," he giggled. "What's the worst that could happen?" he asked himself as he started to undress. "What's the best that could happen?" He stared at his reflection in the mirror for several seconds before taking a wet cloth to remove the makeup from his face, leaving his natural beauty in bloom.

Jeongguk sat on a bench, captivated by the birds freely enjoying their time over the mirror-like waters. Suddenly, a strong breeze swept through the path, rustling the treetops and causing dozens of leaves to swirl before hitting the ground. The surprised cries of onlookers were immediate, but a soft, velvety voice quickly captured Jeongguk's attention, making him turn around instantly.

There, in front of him, stood Taehyung, as if he had stepped out of a beautiful painting—radiant and ethereal. The wind played through his soft locks, and the ruffles of his white blouse fluttered delicately. Taehyung brought one of his elegant, slender hands to his head, closing his eyes to shield himself from the wind and dust.

Jeongguk didn't hesitate for a second to stand up, flinching immediately, placing his jacket as a makeshift shield to protect the actor from the wind. "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned. "That was a particularly strong gust."

Taehyung opened his eyes, looking at him with surprise and offering a small smile. "I'm fine, thanks to you," his tone was a bit playful, as if he decided to open a small window in the situation. "Although the gust has passed," he added, and seeing that Jeongguk was still using his jacket to cover him, he took a step back with a deep scarlet blush on his cheeks.

The smile on Taehyung's face didn't completely disappear, even though he looked at him with curiosity. "And does my hero have a name?

“Ah, yes, yes! Jeongguk, Jeon” he said with a slight bow. But true to the customs of the place, Taehyung didn't hesitate to extend his hand.

"Taehyung Kim, nice to meet you," he said as Jeongguk shook his hand, his pulse slightly elevated in a way he couldn’t dare to explain.

"I know," the writer said.

"Ah..." For some reason, Taehyung's smile faded a bit. "Did you come to see the play?"

"Not really," he replied immediately, ‘ I came to see you’, he thought, but of course, he couldn't be so transparent. At least not yet. "I'm here on a retreat; I'm a writer," he confessed. "I heard that this hotel is good for isolating oneself and finding inspiration."

Taehyung chuckled softly. "Yes, inspiration among the elite, I imagine."

"My living situation is a bit chaotic," Jeongguk added. "Yesterday, I saw the marquee of the theater, and I saw your photo, that's how I knew who you were."

"Ah, is that so? Then you haven't seen any of the company's plays, I assume"

"I'm afraid not, but I know this will be the first one," he smiled and winked. "I heard the star is very talented."

Taehyung smiled. "Well, is this an attempt to flatter me, sir?"

"Is it working?" Jeongguk replied with a playful grin.

Taehyung continued walking down the path, moving away from him only to stop a few steps ahead and look back. "A little bit, I admit" Jeongguk looked at him in astonishment before smiling. "You're not going to join me? are you going to leave me talking to myself?" the actor asked.

Jeongguk laughed and quickly hurried to walk by his side. "Is this your best work? What would you highlight about it?"

"It's one of my favorites, for sure," Taehyung replied. "But wait,  is this a job interview? You said you were a writer. You haven't come all the way here to ask me to sign with your company...have you?  I would find that quite disappointing, Mr. Jeon."

"Jeongguk," he corrected. "And no, not at all. I'm just a curious man. You arouse a lot of curiosity in me... Mr. Kim."

Taehyung frowned. "Just Taehyung," he responded. "If that’s the case, then let's talk about things unrelated to work."

Jeongguk gave him a wide grin “Sure, that sounds perfectly fine."

Taehyung chuckled. "Do you believe in destiny, Jeongguk?"

The playwright smiled. "Certainly, though I believe in many things. I believe in fate but I believe we can change it. I believe in the future and our ability to shape it... I believe in doing the impossible to reach a dream," he said, his voice sounding deep, serious, and resolute. Taehyung glanced at him with curiosity and then looked towards the lake.

"Where are you from? Your accent and way of speaking seem quite peculiar. Are you from the north?"

"I grew up in the south of Korea, but I've been working in the west of this country for a while," Jeongguk said. “ I've visited many other places, very remote ones."

"I don't doubt it one bit; it seems like you've seen a lot, much more than I have," Taehyung licked his lips gently. "Don't get me wrong; I'm happy with the career I've chosen. It's privileged; it puts food on the table and allows me to live comfortably. This stroll in the Regal Palace could very well be my vacation. But there's a part of me that sometimes wishes to see more. That's why I love books; they allow me to explore distant places," he said softly before opening his eyes apologetically. "Oh! Now I'm talking too much about myself. I apologize."

Jeongguk shook his head gently. "Please don't stop. I want to hear more about you, everything, everything about you."

Taehyung smiled softly, tucking his hair behind his ear. "You're going too fast for me..."

"Is there a time parameter for expressing interest in someone? It's not easy to captivate me, I'll tell you, and here you are, every word of yours has my attention."  He smiled, raising his brows and showing his precious smile, he was gorgeous, especially when he was excited. Taehyung thought.

A shiver ran down the actor's body. "What are you saying..." He brought his hand to his chest. "If you are the one..." he stopped himself.

Jeongguk furrowed his brow. "The one? Who?"

Taehyung shook his head slightly. "Forget it, it's just a crazy idea, a crazy idea that's better not to entertain."

"But now I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep if you don't tell me," Jeongguk added, "especially if it's about me."

Taehyung smiled. "Don't insist because I'm not even sure myself."

"Taehyung!" Liu Watson's distant voice made them come to a sudden halt, and they turned around just in time to see the manager walking briskly towards them.

"Oh!" Taehyung exclaimed, his expression appearing nervous.

"Are you in trouble?" Jeongguk asked.

"A bit," Taehyung replied, pressing his lips into a thin line. "I'm afraid he'll be upset because I'm talking to a stranger."

Jeongguk looked at him in bewilderment. "You can't be serious. What's wrong with meeting people?"

Taehyung sighed. "I don't know, but he's just a little protective," he replied, taking a step forward.

"Overprotective if you ask," Jeongguk whispered as he walked next to him, leaning in so that Taehyung could hear him. "Play along, alright?"

"With what?" the actor asked, confused.

"Let's improvise a little. What's his name?" Jeongguk asked, making sure not to mention the man the magazine had talked about. He didn't want to confuse Taehyung further and waited for his response.

“He’s Liu Watson, my manager and the main producer of ‘The Song of Midnight ,’” Taehyung replied. As they approached the manager, he smiled and extended his hand.

“Mr. Liu Watson!, the legend, what a pleasure,” Jeongguk said, shaking his hand. “Name’s Jeongguk Jeon from the Southwestern Capital Company."

Liu looked at him suspiciously and then to Taehyung before extending his hand. “A pleasure,” he replied. “Taehyung, I was looking for you; the meeting was short.”

Taehyung nodded. “Oh! That’s marvelous. I was a bit bored before, but luckily, Mr. Jeon here helped me. I had an issue with a strong wind, then he kept me company, and then it turns out he’s writing a play too!”

“It is a small world after all,” Jeongguk added. “My company is actually looking for projects to bring to the West Capital, one of our larger investors. Sir, Mountblank suggested ‘ The Song of Midnight ,’ but I’m ashamed to admit I have yet to see it, one of the main reasons I came here.”

Taehyung looked at him with a mischievous glimpse and smile while he busied himself fixing the ruffles of his shirt.

“I was expected to run into you.”

“Can you imagine, Liu?” Taehyung intervened. “I thought he was a fan of mine, and the first thing he asks is about you. Seems like you got yourself yet another fan,” he giggled.

“Is that so?” Liu asked, surprised. “Well, Mr. Jeon, our company has been looking for such an opportunity to bring our beloved ‘ Song of Midnight ’ to newer places, so I think you and I will have so much to talk about. Tomorrow will be the opening session; would you accompany us?”

“Oh, totally, I’ll be there. You can count on it!”

Liu smiled politely. “Well, thank you, Mr. Jeon. See you around. Come on, Taehyung, we need to talk about tomorrow’s presentation.”

Jeongguk nodded and looked at Taehyung briefly. "Goodbye, Mr. Jeon. See you around.”

“See you around,” the writer muttered, watching the two walk past him. And when he finally found himself alone, he walked back to the hotel. 

“You’re wonderful, Taehyung, you are truly…wonderful,” he said, touching his chest, a wide smile plastered on his face.

One of the best assets of the Regal Palace was the luxury of its rooms, such as the one Taehyung was staying in. A massive suite, spacious with a large study besides the main bedroom.  He leaned over the large silver-framed mirror which was closer to the door,  as he fixed his hair. “Quite charming, wasn’t he?”

Liu Watson was reading the newspaper from his seat at the tea table, waiting for Taehyung to be done so they could proceed to the dining salon. He slowly folded the paper. "Who?"

"Mr. Jeon, of course," Taehyung replied with a soft smile. "He's so well-spoken, but also smart and gracious."

Liu frowned. "I think he's quite vulgar, if you ask me. Not refined enough, definitely nouveau riche. He knows too little of this art and too much about business. He might be good for business, but hear me out, Taehyung, it would be wiser if you stay away from him."

Taehyung frowned midway while applying vanilla lip balm with the tip of his pinky finger. "Why would you say that?"

"I don't know, there's something off about him."

"He's a city man. Of course, you feel wary of him. Then again, you feel wary of everyone," he added, smacking his lips.

"I do not," Liu replied. "Are you done? I don't want to miss the first course."

“Right, I’m done. Let’s head there then,” he extended his arm, so Liu could take it, and they left the room walking together. “Honestly, when I saw him, it was weird, I—" he sighed.

“What is it, Taehyung?” The man asked, halting their steps for a second. “Did he do something inappropriate?”

“Oh, no, not at all. He’s a gentleman, and so am I,” Taehyung smiled and resumed their walk. “But I meant, there was something I felt... if it’s him?”

Liu stopped once again and looked him in the eye. “What? Mr. Jeon? No way, as I said, he’s too vulgar for this world, for you.”

“I think you’re just being you, a worrywart,” Taehyung joked. “I think it could be him... you told me, when I meet the one that will change my life, I’d feel a sparkle, didn’t you, or was that a lie you told me when I was younger?”

Liu resumed their walk, firmly holding on to Taehyung’s arm “I did not lie; I would never lie to you,” he said. “But you are too young to be thinking about that.”

“That’s not true,” Taehyung giggled. “I’ll be 22 soon.”

“You are taking it as a fact that he’s the one when you barely knew him today, and he is a businessman, a shady one, I might add. I think you’re just infatuated because he’s young and good-looking, but that’s not enough.”

Taehyung wanted to keep arguing, but he knew Liu and decided against it. “Alright, alright,” he replied. He knew an angry Liu would take things further and do something regretful. “Besides, what if he’s married already? Someone like him can’t be single.”

Liu Watson rolled his eyes. “Let’s hurry; it’s impolite to keep people waiting.”

The very next day, Jeongguk unpacked one of his finest old suits, ironically, the one that looked the least old, and spent half of his day at the library, learning more about the topics from that time. Maybe, if he could earn a few coins, he would be able to afford a better suit, but for now, he had to settle with the blue tartan suit with a vest, in hopes to look decent enough to pass as a businessman for the presentation. Just thinking about it, he smiled widely, breathing in deeply, full of hopes and dreams. He'd see Taehyung, acting in his elements and in all of his splendor, in the greatest role of his life until then. The mere idea made him shiver in excitement.

“What a smile,” a man said, leaving a book on the counter. “I’ll take this to read upon the lake. I heard the weather is good today, for reading or a one-horse open carriage ride.”

“Oh? One–horse open carriage?” Jeongguk smiled. “That sounds so romantic.”

“It is, it is!” the man said. “My wife has been trying to get me to take one. Perhaps I’ll do it before dinner, when it’s not so sunny.”

“Seems wise, sir,” Jeongguk added, and a new idea was implanted in his brain.

As night fell, Jeongguk found himself seated in one of the best seats in the entire theater. Beside him, the elite applauded and laughed at every scene, but he couldn't help but focus all his attention on Taehyung, on each of his gestures and dialogues delivered with such naturalness, a surprising talent that managed to move the audience. He then understood the fascination that Taehyung's name caused among connoisseurs and why his sudden withdrawal was a shock. It was not uncommon to see some of the attendees discreetly wipe away tears threatening to run down their faces when Taehyung's character found himself in a desperate situation.

Jeongguk could even feel his despair when he saw him fall to the floor, defeated on his knees because the character would have to endure a life of pain to save family honor, leaving behind his true happiness. The audience was moved, and a couple of ladies fanned themselves to regain composure in the face of such an intense moment. The curtain fell halfway through the act, suspense growing in the atmosphere as the attendees remained on the edge of their plush seats, expectant. Until the curtain opened again, and by then, Taehyung was gone, replaced by another scene.

The playwright nodded, recalling his role. He, too, was acting, pretending to be nothing more than a businessman interested in taking that play to new stages. He knew that facade wouldn't last, and the truth would shine through, but he hoped to convince Taehyung to stay by his side by then. However, the heavy gaze of Liu Watson made him feel small and uncomfortable, extremely watched, and he knew his intentions would not be well-received. His plan wouldn't go so smoothly. After all, he was lying to the man, and at some point, he would have to come clean, although the man might not want to hear it.

"Ah," Jeongguk sighed, regretting having started this as a lie. "If only he weren't so stubborn," and if only he had been honest from the beginning, things would be different. But then Taehyung returned to the scene, and Liu Watson immediately turned his gaze back to the star. The playwright understood that it was all worth it because, definitely, he wasn't going to have an easy path.

And Jeongguk had to do what he had to do for Taehyung.

So, as soon as the play had ended and the audience showered them with praise and applause, and the cast held hands to thank the attendees, Jeongguk stood up quickly, shielded by everyone who had risen to applaud the stars. He sneaked behind the scenes, determined to meet Taehyung, clutching a half-dozen red roses tightly in his hand.

As soon as Taehyung stepped off the stage, his eyes lit up. "Jeongguk," he said, descending the stairs and heading towards the dressing rooms. "What did you think of the play?"

Without a second thought, Jeongguk handed him the bouquet of flowers. "It was splendid, a wonderful performance, incredibly talented, but above all, I can see the effort you put into achieving perfection. As a spectator, I appreciate that commitment."

Taehyung smiled gently, holding the bouquet of roses and closing his eyes as he smelled them. "Thank you, they're beautiful."

"I would have liked to give you something more unique, but flowers are a classic."

"And they're red..." Taehyung murmured, a slight blush spreading across his sweet face.

"That was totally intentional," Jeongguk admitted. "If you're going to receive flowers from me for the first time, let them be red roses."

"They have a meaning, Mr. Jeon," he added playfully. "Are you aware of the meaning?"

"If I weren't, I'm afraid I would have made the imprudence of coming in here with white carnations," he replied. "You look good holding my flowers."

Once again, Taehyung felt electricity run through his body with such words. "Maybe one day, I could hold your hand."

Or my ring, Jeongguk thought but just smiled and took a step closer to him, only to hear the clearly annoyed cough from Liu Watson, who was approaching them with a serious expression.

"Now I'm the one in trouble."

“Oh," Taehyung sighed, "I'm afraid so, and so am I." He smiled slightly, with a subdued laugh as he stroked the petals of one of the roses.

"Tomorrow there's no performance, right?" Jeongguk asked, glancing sideways in the direction of the furious manager. "Can I steal you away?"

Taehyung chuckled lightly. "Are you asking for permission to commit such an act? I'm afraid you're a very polite thief."

"An open carriage ride, a walk in the countryside, a night stroll... What do you say?"

Taehyung glanced at his manager out of the corner of his eye and bit his lip.

"Taehyung!" Liu called him angrily, and everyone around them from the staff looked at him with concern. "I need to talk alone with Mr. Jeon, if that's his name."

"That is my name, I can assure you," Jeongguk responded, trying to appease the hostility, wanting to assure him that it wasn't a threat.

"Oh, Jeon," Liu Watson said with a firm voice, hissing venomously, "He's just done with the presentation, and you're already meddling backstage with a cheap bouquet of flowers, trying to charm my top star." He breathed heavily, his face red with fury. "You haven't taken your eyes off his figure throughout the entire performance and haven't spoken a word to me or the director. All you cared about was sneaking in here like a snake to tempt my star, seduce with promises and lies, and I won't allow it. I know what you are!"

Jeongguk looked at him surprised to see him so upset but immediately took a step forward, his chest firm. Annoyed to hear the man refer to Taehyung as his star. "Oh, and what am I?"

"A vulgar imposter and talent scout who seeks nothing but to deceive my star to steal him, seducing him with the idea of belonging to his company, a rival company. But I won't allow it."

Jeongguk let out a slight mocking laugh. "Oh, please, don't talk about him as if he were your property." He shook his head slightly. "Alright, I admit it, I'm not a theater producer, but I don't have any company. I'm just a writer."

Liu furrowed his brow. "That would explain your vulgar way of speaking and dressing. No self-respecting businessman would act like this. But I warn you, sir, if you can be called that, that someone like Taehyung Kim doesn't participate in low-quality plays, and he won't be the star of your show, not now, not ever. Taehyung, let's go," he ordered. "We need to talk."

Taehyung pressed his lips, looking at Jeongguk with guilt, embarrassed by the scene.

"I don't want him in my play," Jeongguk tried to explain. "I'm just a man who wants to get to know him."

"Well, refrain from doing so, or I'll have you thrown out!" Liu snapped. "You're not good enough," he added angrily, taking Taehyung by the arm. "Let's go," he repeated.

“Tae..." Jeongguk pleaded, his eyes filled with a hint of sadness. However, Taehyung shook his head ever so slightly, allowing Liu Watson to take him by the arm and lead him away. Gripping the bouquet of flowers firmly, they retreated from the scene. Jeongguk watched, holding his breath. Yet, halfway there, Taehyung broke free from Watson's grip, retracing his steps. He took a rose from the bouquet, placing it gently in Jeongguk's hand.

"Yes," he said with unwavering determination, accompanied by a warm boxy smile. "Tomorrow, after lunch, you can steal me. Take all the time you want, even if it's just for a day." With those words, he turned around, walking back to his manager, who observed the exchange with a simmering fury. "And me too, I’ll steal your time!" Taehyung added, raising his voice from his position.

As Taehyung walked away once more, Jeongguk couldn't help but smile, pressing a gentle kiss onto the rose.

"A piece of advice, son," an older woman made him turn, her hair already showing some gray strands. "Don't anger Liu Watson; he's a force to be reckoned with, and he cares a lot about Taehyung, as if he were his own son."

Jeongguk looked at her intently before replying, "I'm not a threat, I’m not a dangerous man."

A knowing smile played on her lips. "Oh, but of course you are. The most imminent danger of all—a man in love."

“Oh, come on, don't be mad,” Taehyung attempted to placate Liu Watson, who was furiously adjusting his bowtie.

"I'm not your clown, a joke, Taehyung," he retorted seriously. "You've made me look bad in front of the entire company, lying to me, defying me, making deals with a man I've asked to stay away, disobeying my instructions. You barely know him, and he's already turned you against me. He's already deceived me. Do you think that's the kind of man you can trust?”

“Maybe if you weren't so strict, I wouldn't have had to lie,” Taehyung replied with a sigh. “And it's not like we committed fraud.”

“You can't trust someone like that, who lies in the first interaction. What do you know about him? You've already made plans to spend tomorrow with him. No, write him a letter and tell him it won't happen. The guy is a fraud!”

Taehyung sat frustrated on the chair. “You're just angry because he lied to you, saying he was a producer, but you left us no choice... and I'm sorry, but I'll go see him tomorrow. You can't forbid me from seeing him.”

Liu rubbed his face in frustration. “Why are you doing this, Taehyung?” his voice broke. “Why go so far for someone you barely know, just because his face and words have charmed you? Don't you realize he's a stranger? He hasn't even been able to buy you a complete dozen of flowers.”

“But what if he's the love of my life?” Taehyung sat next to him, on a second chair.

Liu shook his head slightly. “No, he's the man who could ruin your career,” he replied, caressing his cheek. “A man like that isn't right for you. You don't know where he came from, what he does, or who he is.”

Taehyung took his hand affectionately. “I barely know him, that's true... but how can I get to know him better if you don't let me?”

"It's not right for you...a relationship with someone like that, It's not in your best interest "

"Mine, or yours?" Taehyung sighed. "It's true that you referred to me as an object, so please...” he looked at him with sadness, “don't do that again.” Taehyung added, gathering his belongings. “I'll go to my room to rest for a bit.”

"He's turning you against me..." Liu Watson murmured softly as he saw Taehyung leave the dressing room. "And I can't allow that..."

The next day was significantly more relaxed, and the weather seemed to play along perfectly. It was a cool day, not too cold, with gentle breezes that wouldn't disrupt their stroll. The sun hung overhead, providing a pleasant warmth without being overly scorching or uncomfortable—a perfect day for an outdoor walk.

On the opposite side of the sidewalk, beneath the sprawling branches of a massive willow, Jeongguk stood patiently, donned in one of his most comfortable suits, gazing out at the lake. Surrounding him, numerous couples ambled along, arm in arm, creating shared memories and moments destined to be cherished in the future. Jeongguk carried memories of times yet to happen, but he tried not to dwell on them too much, taking advice from Namjoon to avoid potential tragedies. Thus, he focused all his attention on Taehyung, and enjoyed that love that was beginning to bloom in his chest.

Suddenly, the shadow over him deepened, prompting him to turn around in surprise. To his delight, Taehyung greeted him with his charming smile, shielding him beneath a beautiful white umbrella. "I figured you didn't have an umbrella, so I took the liberty of bringing one for you."

Jeongguk returned the smile. "You came... for a moment, I thought he wouldn't let you."

Taehyung smiled tenderly "No, he didn't allow it, but he can't forbid it, so I had to rebel a bit."

"For me?"

"Yes," Taehyung smiled but furrowed his brow. " Wow, maybe he's right and you're a terrible influence. What are you doing to me, Jeongguk?" he teased.

To this, the playwright chuckled,  offering his arm for them to walk together. "That's one of the things I question the most lately," Jeongguk admitted, "What are you doing to me, Taehyung? I'm here, breaking all the paradigms and logic. You can't imagine how far."

"I'd like to know," Taehyung said.

"It's hard to explain," he admitted.

"Will you tell me one day?"

"I would love to, but I wouldn't want to risk it all," he murmured, causing the actor to look at him in confusion for a moment.

"Too much mystery, which is absurd because if I'm running away, it's because I want to know you more."

"Really? Why?"

"Why do I want to know you more?" Taehyung smiled ironically. "And why do —you— want to know me?"

"Because there's something about you that attracts me, that calls me, that makes me feel that what we're experiencing is right. Because finally, after 28 years of existence, I can feel that I'm on the right path."

Taehyung clung to his arm with a chuckle.  "Ah, what Liu says is true."

"Ah?" he looked puzzled. "And what does your prison guard say?"

Taehyung laughed so hard that he had to delicately cover his mouth. "A prison guard! If I call him that, he'll either drop dead or scold me, and I won't hear the end of it for months," he commented amused. "But he's a guardian who knows what he's talking about."

"Oh, really?" Jeongguk asked with sarcasm. "And what does he warn you about, besides me being a fraud?"

"That you're a dangerous man."

"Ah?" Jeongguk glanced at him. "And well, do you think I am?"

"Of course I do. You're a writer. Men who are good with words are dangerous."

"Well, but my words to you are sincere, I promise."

"There's too much mystery in them for that statement to be completely true, I'm afraid," Taehyung replied, looking ahead with a mischievous smile. "But I've decided to give you the benefit of the doubt."

"Then that's a privilege I won't hesitate to use," Jeongguk responded. "How long have you been with him? Is there any kind of relationship... um-"

Taehyung looked scandalized. "Oh, no, no,  what are you saying!" he laughed. "Not at all, he's been my manager for a couple of years. I see him as a guardian, but there's nothing more, neither on his part nor mine. He's just very conservative and a bit overprotective. After all, I'm his biggest investment."

Jeongguk stopped in his tracks. "You're not an object to possess."

Taehyung smiled and pulled him to continue walking alongside him, arm in arm. "No, and in fact, I made that clear to him yesterday," he smiled. "But I understand his concerns. When I first met him, he warned me about a couple of things."

"Oh!, did he warn you, or did he threaten you?"

"Oh, come on," Taehyung grumbled, tapping him on the nose with his index finger. "Now it seems like you're holding it against him. Not everything he does is bad."

Jeongguk chuckled, scrunching his nose like a rabbit and rapidly moving his lips, mimicking a rabbit's gesture. "I find that hard to believe."

"You look like a bunny!" Said Taehyung.

"Oh right, right, my mother used to say it, and you've never seen me eat a carrot."

Taehyung laughed again, and Jeongguk knew he had found his new favorite sound. It was comforting, as if as long as that laughter existed, nothing bad could happen in the world, nothing could go wrong.

"Someday, I have to see you eat a carrot, then."

Jeongguk grinned, teasingly responding, "Maybe when we get to share breakfast together."

Taehyung, blushing, opened his eyes wide, forming an "O" with his lips, and laughed, "How bold of you!" He let go of Jeongguk's arm. "That could be taken as an improper proposal."

Jeongguk chuckled, "I just mentioned having breakfast; I might knock on your door to invite you to join me." He feigned offense, twisting his lips. "I'm afraid you've interpreted my words lasciviously. I haven't offered you dinner before that same breakfast."

That made Taehyung blush even more. "Liu is right; you can be incredibly vulgar."

Jeongguk chuckled, reclaiming his arm once again. "You haven't answered about the warning Liu gave you."

Taehyung cleared his throat, tucking a rebellious strand behind his ear. "He warned me that, at some point, I would encounter a very dangerous man and advised me to steer clear if I wanted to go far."

Jeongguk frowned. "Dangerous? Why?"

"Because that man would change my life," Taehyung said seriously, glancing at him from the corner of his eye and coming to a stop. "And, as I've mentioned, you appear to be someone extremely dangerous."

Jeongguk took a step toward him. "Do you believe I'm someone who will change your life?"

"It 's possible."

"For the worse or for the better?" Jeongguk looked at him concerned, but the actor simply sighed, shaking his head slightly, and resumed their walk. "I don't know," Taehyung replied, finally approaching the paved area of the hotel grounds.

Jeongguk smiled at him and walked to the first carriage that was already waiting for them. He offered his hand to help Taehyung get in, and Taehyung accepted, extending his gloved hand and climbing into the carriage, adjusting his beige suit.

"Taehyung!" Liu shouted furiously, emerging from between the trees, and Taehyung pressed his lips together, looking surprised as his manager approached in large strides.

"Oh...!" Jeongguk climbed into the carriage, sitting across from Taehyung, but he didn't give the order to start. He didn't want to put himself - even more - on Liu Watson's vengeful side, who was already standing in front of them. "You're in trouble," he whispered.

“Oh, it seems so," Taehyung said, turning to look at Liu.

"Mr. Jeon, I'm afraid I'll have to report you to the authorities for the deprivation of liberty and kidnapping of a member of my staff!" Liu yelled. 

Taehyung, alarmed, leaned toward his manager, "Oh, no! It's okay; I declare that I have voluntarily agreed to this kidnapping."

Jeongguk smiled, delighted.

"We'll be back in a couple of hours," Taehyung continued.

"Yeah, no, probably a bit more than a couple of hours," Jeongguk added, with a slight smile. "I'll return him safe and sound."

"Enjoy your day off, Liu," the young actor said, waving goodbye to his manager, while Jeongguk gave the order to start and begin their ride. Taehyung continued waving his hand to say goodbye to Liu in the distance.

"Oh, he'll be furious when I get back," Taehyung said when Liu finally faded into the background, becoming a small dot in the landscape. "I hope he gets used to it someday because I don't think you can stop being part of my days," he added with a gentle smile. "Unless you want me to."

Jeongguk took his hand and removed his glove to hold it skin to skin. "I would never ask you to. Somehow, I've come a long way for this encounter, a journey that has brought me to you."

"Some may say it’s too fast"

"Is there a set time for these things? No, there isn't. Feelings and connections just happen. They don't ask; it just unfolds. Emotions are intrinsic and incredibly intricate. In my 28 years of life, I have never felt an impulse that pulled me towards someone the way you have. I don't even know how to explain it, but it's one of those real things that leave no room for doubt. However..." he took a pause and made eye contact with him. "If you really think I'm going too fast, it's alright; I'll make sure to take some time, take things slower" he added, caressing his hand with his thumb.

"No," Taehyung shook his head, "I like it; it's chaotic but good," he chuckled. "Keep doing it." He smiled at him, and returned the gesture, caressing  Jeongguk’s cold hand. "Tell me more about you. You already know who I am and what I do to survive. You know that Liu is my manager and some sort of tutor, you know my age, and you seem to know where I'm from and where I'm going. I'm afraid I know nothing about you, beyond this connection that attracts me to you; I only know your name, your dangers, and the fact that you're too good with that mouth of yours."

Jeongguk looked at him with a hint of mischief. "As for whether I'm good with my mouth or not, my dear, that's something we'll have to find out later."

Taehyung blushed. "I'll ask the driver to stop this carriage if you're going to start talking about indecencies," he retorted, feigning offense, though he smiled amused and looked away towards the lake, still covering himself with the umbrella.

"I want to find out," he suddenly said. Jeongguk looked at him intently. "If you're good with your mouth or not."

Jeongguk choked on his saliva. "And I'm the one labeled as indecent here?!"

"Definitely, Mr. Jeon. I haven't implied anything additional that involves the removal of any garment."

Jeongguk blushed even more. "How do you know these things?"

"I read," he snapped. "I read a lot; I've told you before, and I'm not a child." He looked toward the lake, smiling at the swans, and silence returned.

"They're mute swans, you know they mate for life? They pair only once and remain faithful, which is why they're an unequivocal symbol of faithful love."

Taehyung smiled but then looked at him sadly. "Really? If their partner dies, are they left alone?"

"They find it hard to find another bird once their partner dies; many don't succeed."

Taehyung pressed his lips into a thin line. "Love is... scary in a way."

"It's intense, certainly," replied the playwright. "It completely exposes you, brings out issues you didn't know existed—a completely new side capable of leading you to do things you never would have imagined. It's completely impulsive and sometimes entirely irrational. It's a tidal wave that often doesn't understand reasons. It's something so strong that it can conquer the most splendid empire and destroy it in one night. It can create wars, compose the most beautiful literary excerpts—it can transform life itself. Loving is something so intense that for a moment, you drop all your guard. It's dangerous, indeed."

"Extremely dangerous," agreed Taehyung. "Just like that man who changes the conversation to avoid talking about himself."

"Aah," Jeongguk smiled. "I'm afraid in that aspect, I'm not dangerous but rather quite disappointing. You see, I'm not a wise man who knows things because he's wise. I only know things because they are part of the inherent and social knowledge of the environment where I grew up, nothing more and nothing less."

"Where do you come from?" Taehyung asked curiously. "I hope this time you can give a more precise answer."

Jeongguk smiled, playing with the actor's fingers, and replied, "I come from a place, very, very distant and too fast-paced, too intense, that advances perhaps too fast for its own good, and sometimes it's lonely and less than human." He let out a light laugh before continuing, "It's a place I had to cross to get to this point, but I swear all of this makes sense, and even though I've come from very far away, it's been worth it because you're here, and you, you're worth it."

Taehyung felt a warm wave run through his body despite the cold air around them. He slightly tightened his fingers to hold Jeongguk's hand and, pressing his lips in a thin line, returned his gaze to the lake. He did this every time he felt he couldn't connect his gaze with the man's. "You're definitely dangerous," he nodded twice, more to himself within his musings than to communicate an idea. It was his conclusion after all, and not one easily rebutted, not even by Jeongguk himself. "I'm afraid then that there's a before and after you, and I'm not just talking about our chance encounter," he muttered. "But I'm lowering my defenses; I don't know if you are too. If that's the case, and we were meant to be..." He looked at him, and his deep almond-shaped eyes connected with Jeongguk's, bright and expectant. "If that's the case... I'm a little scared," he confessed. "But there's also a part of me that finds all of this completely fascinating, exhilarating”

Euphoric.

They exchanged a smile.

"Jeongguk, tell me, was this meeting truly coincidental, or was it already written somewhere?"

"I can't fully answer you without being afraid of losing you," Jeongguk revealed, his voice nearly carried away by the wind. "But I've come to find you."

And for now, that made sense and was more than enough. Smiling, he turned his gaze back to the lake, and they continued in comfortable silence. When the carriage finally arrived at the dock, Jeongguk took his hand as they stepped down. "Want a boat ride?"

"Do you know how to row?"

"I was a champion in a university competition," he revealed, tactfully avoiding the mention of the year. "So don't worry, don't fear for me."

"I was fearing for myself," Taehyung laughed, taking a seat in the designated boat. "Show me then, and we can go faster."

Jeongguk nodded, removing his jacket and placing it on Taehyung's lap, revealing his toned body. The sight momentarily stunned the young actor before he rolled up his sleeves and took the other set of oars, propelling the boat around the lake alongside Jeongguk.

They were both seated, enjoying the tranquility of the boat beneath the shade of a willow tree. Taehyung chuckled as he recounted a story, "And then I said, 'No, there's no way I can go there.' But then Lu says, 'Mr. Kang will be present and wants you to be the protagonist.' In less than half an hour, I came down the stairs with my bag in hand. They laughed a lot, but I couldn't let the opportunity slip away."

Jeongguk shared a smile with him. "I can imagine he must have felt on top of the world."

Taehyung laughed at the expression. "Definitely, it felt like he had achieved everything. Who would have thought that years later ' The Song of Midnight' would come. It has been a fantastic opportunity." Then he looked at Jeongguk curiously. "You never told me your honest opinion about the play."

“I think it's a great piece full of emotion and melancholy. I believe the direction is excellent for this kind of play where emotions are the most crucial part of the plot beyond the narrative art aspects. Honestly, I think you do an excellent job handling the character. You manage to convey emotions to the audience, and I truly believe you deserve the title of a star, and I know you'll go far... maybe that's why Liu is so scared because he knows your potential."

"My potential doesn't have to be lost if I start a relationship," Taehyung smiled slightly. "Especially if it's with someone who writes and understands this world and the commitment I have to my work."

"Definitely," replied Jeongguk. Although for a moment, he imagined a scene where Taehyung would have to feign love with another actor on stage, he had to bite his lip. "Is that your dream? To become the ultimate star?"

"Isn't that what we all aspire to when we enter this path? To touch the stars up there with the tips of our fingers, to be part of the firmament?" he replied, lifting his hand as if touching the sky, closing one eye, and giggled.

"Taehyung," Jeongguk leaned in a bit, "You are more wonderful than that, the brightest star, and your name will be embroidered with a million stars in the starry sky. I promise you'll go very far."

Taehyung blushed and looked at his hands. "I'll trust your words then. What about you? Do you have another dream?"

"Well..." Jeongguk rubbed his chin. "I think writing a play that leaves a profound impact on people, or maybe, just maybe, a novel that makes others want to write their own novel."

Taehyung smiled at him. "That in itself is inspiring."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"There's another dream," Jeongguk said after a couple of seconds. "And that's you."

Taehyung pressed his lips into a subtle, knowing smile. "Somehow, I know you're teaching me to dream... because now I also hope that when the stars cover us, you'll be there... and be a part of them, and part of the light that shelters me."

"And you'll be my guiding star."

Every night, the Regal Palace exuded a unique atmosphere. Fridays transformed it into a prime spot for dancing, complemented by exquisite jazz pieces with a slow, smooth rhythm. The music allowed people to dance intimately, navigating the temptations of the dance floor in front of the orchestra. The bustling scene of the second decade of the new century seemed to dare and take the next step. On that particular night, the air was fresh and youthful, and Taehyung reveled in the music, swaying his body to the rhythm.

Unable to resist the allure, Jeongguk took Taehyung's hand, guiding him to the center of the dance floor. "Oh..." Taehyung blushed, a flush spreading across his cheeks, accompanied by his characteristic wide smile. "It's been a long time since I've danced." Despite this, he accepted Jeongguk's hand, and they began to dance to a particular slow piece that the musician on the stage had named as a new, unnamed piece.

"I haven't danced much either," Jeongguk whispered in Taehyung's ear, and they both laughed with complicity. Jeongguk was grateful for his grandmother's tireless dance lessons. They had proven extremely useful as he held Taehyung close. With their chests pressed together, Jeongguk could feel Taehyung's heart beating strongly, knowing that his heart was not the only one filled with ecstasy. A liquid wave of euphoria ran through his body, creating a pleasant sensation.

"I think I've never had so much fun," Taehyung remarked after a light turn, returning to be close to him, murmuring in his ear before laughing lightly. "Maybe what Liu doesn't want is for me to experience this fun." He chuckled. "Who knows, maybe I'll think about becoming a singer."

"With that seductive, sultry voice of yours, you would enchant the whole world, and I would have to share you with everyone. I don't know if that's good for me," Jeongguk joked. "But, oh, I so want to be there."

"Only you will have the joy of hearing me sing your name," the young actor replied, looking into Jeongguk's eyes and his lips, slightly moistening his own. However, before succumbing to temptation, he pulled away, realizing that the musical piece had ended. Jeongguk recognized that he wasn't breathing, lost in that moment — the gaze, the movements, the voice, and the tension between them. Clearing his throat, he realized the music had ended.

Jeongguk then looked at the singer on stage. "Do you know what would be a great name for that piece? Stardust. Stardust is a wonderful name."

And the musician smiled.

Having practically spent the entire day together, they laughed and talked through the hotel garden at night. In the distance, the orchestra band's music played, but their conversation had already shifted to topics only the two of them could understand. In less than an afternoon, they had created a space where they could share and laugh together, and it felt so complete, so right, so perfect.

As they reached the entrance of the hotel, closer to Taehyung's room than Jeongguk's, they shared a moment.

"Thank you for a wonderful day. It's been sublime. I never thought I could have so much fun..."

Jeongguk moved a bit closer to him. "If you've had fun, then everything will have been worth it."

Taehyung adjusted a strand of his hair, combing it back. "Let's see..." he moved his eyes from side to side, recounting his day. "A beautiful walk, then you kidnapped me for a carriage ride, a boat ride, a light dinner, and a dance... I've never done so many things!" he laughed. "My feet are killing me... but it was worth it."

"I'm sorry about that, mine too, but I don't regret the pain. I would do it all over again."

Taehyung smiled. "Of course, so would I... If you allow me, of course."

"I think I would allow you anything, even breaking my heart. As I've told you, you're worth it, every second, every emotion..." Jeongguk added, caressing the back of his hand. "Let this not be the last night... allow it to happen again."

"I'll give you all my days, nights, and moons if you wish," Taehyung replied, taking his hand. "Come closer," he whispered, and when Jeongguk leaned in to hear better, the actor took him by the cheeks, drawing him closer. "It might be a daring move on my part," he murmured, with his almond-shaped eyes traveling to his lips, his long lashes resting on his face. "I really like you, in a way that I don't think is logical, but who cares? Not me."

Jeongguk closed his eyes and allowed himself to be enveloped in Taehyung's scent, feeling the touch of his breath against his skin, against his lips. "Oh, no, I have no objection, maybe because I also like you a lot, enough to break every paradigm," he murmured, opening his eyes, looking at those lips, and connecting gazes for just a moment before Taehyung closed his eyes and drew him into a soft and warm kiss.

Jeongguk closed his eyes, letting himself be wrapped in that kiss, and he surrounded Taehyung with his arms, pulling him close, leaning in to kiss him with intensity and passion, merging for a moment into a single warmth, a single rhythm, and a single heartbeat.

When the kiss broke, they both locked eyes, sharing a knowing smile. "Goodnight..." Taehyung said with a mischievous expression, sliding his slender fingers from Jeongguk's cheek to his lapel, letting his hand rest for a moment. The writer stared at him, amazed. "Y-yeah! Goodnight!" he stammered, clearing his throat. "That was quite a goodnight kiss." Taehyung laughed.

"I'll see you tomorrow, maybe after rehearsal..."

"Ah, aha…" he replied, still dazed by that kiss. Taehyung, amused by his reactions, blew one more kiss in his direction before entering, his elegant figure disappearing down the hallway.

After being left alone, Jeongguk smiled deeply and walked through the garden to the other side, hopping, raising his arms. “He kissed me!” he exclaimed excitedly to himself, his voice barely audible but with notable enthusiasm. "Taehyung kissed me, oh God, now I can die in peace," he said, looking at the sky, "I have experienced bliss." He said, closing his eyes.

As he walked, he felt the presence of someone walking beside him, and Jeongguk didn't even need to glance to realize it was Liu Watson, who with his heavy presence and lit cigarette lurked.

"Mr. Liu, I didn't think you were one of those who tend to stalk others in the dark," he said, coming to a stop.

The man caught up to him. "Oh, it wasn't my intention to unsettle you," Liu said, offering him a cigarette, which Jeongguk took but didn't light, instead placing it in his lapel. "I was waiting for Taehyung in his room; we had a couple of matters to discuss before tomorrow's rehearsal."

“Well,” Jeongguk replied, “I suppose it will have to be resolved tomorrow; it's a bit late to pay him a visit now, both for him,” he stared intently, “and for me…”

“Taehyung,” Liu continued, “has always been a noble, honest, docile person, one of those people with good manners who know how to behave. Since you entered his life, Mr. Jeon, there hasn't been a day when he hasn't challenged my authority. It's as if I'm dealing with a little child.”

Jeongguk let out a sarcastic smile. “You're dealing with a man capable of making his own decisions, not a little kid, Mr. Watson.”

“Decisions that will lead him down the wrong path,” the man sighed. “Don't take it the wrong way, Mr. Jeon. My reluctance to this relationship has little to do with whether I believe you're suitable for him; that's a separate issue,” he said through gritted teeth. “Taehyung is destined for stardom, to have his name as the top attraction on the marquee, to grace the best stages, and to see his name in the history books of art!” Liu emphasized each word, with intensity. “And you, you're getting in the way!” he snapped. “If he gets tangled up in this nonsense you call love, the world will lose a star; his talent will be lost.”

Jeongguk furrowed his brow. "I've never heard such a display of selfishness, Mr. Liu. Our relationship would hardly interfere with his performance as an actor."

Liu Watson let out a sardonic laugh. "Mr. Jeon, at this moment, Taehyung's priority is his career, not playing in a relationship with a man who is a nobody, who doesn't have a penny to his name, with all due respect."

"That's where you're wrong, Mr. Liu, because where you see distraction, we see motivation. And that's what he is to me. I have found a love that I am willing to protect, no matter what. Tae will go far; I know it."

"Not with your help."

"Not with your rules," the writer defended. "You can't stop us from loving each other," he said, tilting his head and walking down the hallway to the main hall and straight to his room, blood boiling in fury. He wouldn't allow them to be kept apart. Not after traveling from so far, defying the laws of time and space. Nothing, absolutely nothing, would come between them. Especially not the selfish tantrum of a businessman with delusions of grandeur.

The next morning was fresh, though not cloudy. Sometimes, the weather in the town could be unpredictable; one might prepare with layers against the wind and cold, and the sun could be shining intensely by noon. Jeongguk complained as he stepped out onto the back porch of the hotel, facing the sun directly. He let out a hiss and sighed.

"Sir!" said the voice of a boy. It was the little Peter Moore, approaching him with cheeks as rosy as apples, a ball under his left arm, and an envelope in his right hand.

"Oh," Jeongguk smiled at him. "It must be the payment for the two days," he said with a slight smile.

"Is it a fan letter?" said a velvety voice that made him look, immediately smiling as he recognized Taehyung.

"Not at all, it's my payment," Jeongguk replied with a slight smile. "Although, to be honest, I don't think I did a good enough job to deserve such a gesture. I think Mrs. Moore is just being considerate to a nobody  like me." he joked.

Taehyung frowned, "Why do you talk about yourself like that?" He crossed his arms and smiled at the child watching the exchange. Then, Taehyung knelt in front of him to be at his eye level. "See this man? He's very smart, yet sometimes he tends to underestimate himself. Never make that mistake, little one, because if your mind believes it, your heart believes it, and that hurts. So promise me that you'll never, ever insult yourself."

The child raised his hand, "I promise never, ever to say mean things about myself!"

Taehyung smiled, "Excellent! Now, what would you say to Mr. Jeon?"

"Never, ever say mean things about yourself!" added the little one with determination.

"Oh," Jeongguk smiled, "Okay, I promise not to do that." He raised his hand in a promise gesture. Satisfied with that, the child decided to continue playing in the gardens, leaving the adults alone.

"Are you working here?" the actor asked, gesturing for Jeongguk to walk beside him.

"Mrs. Moore is supporting me in my research," Jeongguk replied. "I'm helping her organize the small library."

"Oh? And what are you researching?"

"A prodigious actor of our generation," Jeongguk said with a smile.

"Oh!" Taehyung laughed. "Be serious!"

"I am serious!" the writer defended himself.

Taehyung rolled his eyes with a smile. "Let me check the time," he said, taking Jeongguk's pocket watch. "I'm supposed to go to a rehearsal in..." Suddenly, he fell silent, staring at the watch. "What a beautiful watch. I've never seen one like this," he added, caressing it softly.

Jeongguk looked at him in surprise. It was the watch that Taehyung himself had given him in the future. For a moment, he felt panic; he didn't want to make one of the mistakes Namjoon had warned him about. He swallowed heavily. But when nothing happened, he sighed in relief. "Yes, it came to me in a very peculiar way."

"It truly looks like a unique piece," Taehyung caressed the glass with the tip of his index finger. "Oh! I'm running late; I should go to rehearsal. Will I see you later?" he asked, looking up.

"Of course, I'll come to see you later if that's okay with you."

"Of course," he smiled, then looked around. Seeing that there weren't too many people nearby—and that they were busy with their own affairs—he gave Jeongguk a mischievous and playful look, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Jeongguk pretended to be scandalized, saying satirically, "What behavior is this, in broad daylight, in front of people!" Then he laughed and cupped Taehyung's cheek, kissing his lips. "If we're going to cause a scandal, let it be for a well-given kiss."

Taehyung laughed before returning the kiss. Ah, if someone later caused a scandal upon seeing a star shamelessly kissing a stranger, that would be Future Taehyung's problem. "I'll see you later," he added as they separated.

"Run, I don't want your babysitter scolding us. I don't want to give him any reason."

"He doesn't need them!" replied the actor, walking away.

"An article?" Taehyung asked as they styled his hair, his dark and silky curly locks falling over his eyes. "I thought they would do it at the end of our residency."

"No," Liu replied. "They decided to do it earlier, and you would be informed and ready for it if you hadn't spent the whole afternoon running around with that nobody, like a child."

"Don't call him that, ever again," Taehyung declared with a cold gaze. "I'm with him, whether you like it or not, and I suggest that, for the sake of our collaboration, you respect him."

It was the first time he had seen Taehyung like this, haughty, cold, taking a firm stance. Even his eyes seemed to have darkened a bit. Liu Watson, for the first time, feared that everything he had built could crumble. Stunned and then trying to control his anger, he pressed his lips and jaw in a vain attempt to disguise his discontent. "Very well," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it, but that doesn't change the fact that you've neglected your responsibilities," he hissed. "And I'm afraid that if you don't want me to keep insisting on the matter, you prove to me that... Mr. Jeon won't be a distraction in your career."

Taehyung looked at him through the mirror. "Sure," he retorted, closing his eyes to allow the makeup artist to do her job. "Let them do the article then; I'm prepared anyway."

Liu looked at him with suspicion before leaving the dressing room, clearly fuming and exuding fury from every pore.

“To this day, what would you say inspires you?" The journalist was sitting in front of Taehyung, who remained in his seat while they touched up his hairstyle.

"I'm inspired by the curiosity to know how far one can go. What motivates me is the opportunity to continue exploring and challenging myself as an actor," he replied with a smile.

"Theater clearly means a lot to you."

Taehyung moistened his lips briefly. "I think theater is a well-founded and very versatile art. It's a place where, through each performance, I can transport the audience to completely new worlds. In these times, I believe this art plays a fundamental role because it allows us to connect in various ways with human emotions in a very special way. The world advances and changes, but for me, acting, storytelling, and being able to tell stories... it remains a refuge."

"Given that musical theater is so prominent in this era, I'd like to ask if you've considered venturing into music. Would you like to participate in a musical theater production or perhaps record music? Do you have any special interest in exploring the world of music?”

Taehyung listened attentively to the question with a sincere smile. For a moment, he imagined himself singing love songs with a particular face and name in mind. His smile grew sweeter and broader as he responded, "Musical theater is an art form that I deeply admire, and while my main focus has been on dramatic acting, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of venturing into music in the future. Music has a unique power with emotions, and as I mentioned, connecting with those emotions and experiences is extremely important to me. If an interesting opportunity arises, I wouldn't hesitate to consider it. We never know what the future holds."

The interview flowed smoothly, featuring interesting questions. However, Taehyung felt a bit weary of navigating his words and gestures carefully to avoid further conflict with Liu after their earlier argument. As soon as the interview concluded, Taehyung sighed, releasing tension from his neck with a circular motion of his head.

"Would it be alright if we continue with the photo shoot?" inquired the photographer, busy setting up a heavy camera on a tripod in front of Taehyung. "I promise it'll be quick."

"Sure," replied the young actor with a smile, adjusting his vest and focusing on the upcoming session.

"Okay, please, take a breath. Could you move your arms back a bit?" directed the photographer, prompting Taehyung to comply.

"Like this?" he asked, but the photographer's silence hinted at something amiss. Taehyung took a deep breath to ease his expression. "Is this better?"

"Okay, what about this angle, better?" The photographer made some adjustments, lowering the camera to create the illusion that Taehyung was in a higher position. "Okay, much better," he affirmed with a smile.

"Alright." Taehyung struck another pose.

"Could you give me a smile?"

Taehyung obliged with a firm, somewhat forced smile. His eagerness to conclude the shoot and attend rehearsal weighed on him; the thought of Liu's probable reaction added to his stress, casting a shadow over his day.

“Okay, how about holding this bouquet of wildflowers?”

“Oh?” Taehyung looked confused at the photographer before accepting the bouquet. “Sure.”

“Alright, can you give me a natural smile?” he requested, evident stress coloring his tone as the photo shoot didn't unfold as expected. Taehyung, feeling a sense of guilt, responded with a sympathetic smile.

“A bit more... subtle? Like you've just seen someone you like, or something that makes you happy, something—”

At that moment, the curtain behind the photographer shifted, revealing Jeongguk with a sweet and warm smile, mischievous and infiltrated, attempting to gauge how the photo shoot was progressing. Upon being noticed, he chuckled softly, making efforts not to attract attention, then hid behind the furniture. Taehyung's heart raced, thrilled and euphoric at the sight of him, appreciating his genuine, unique, and special presence. He felt incredibly fortunate to have someone to adore with such intensity and love. He responded with a sweet but subtle smile, cautious not to risk discovery and create a commotion.

“Alright, could you look here? Perfect, very good,” the photographer urged, trying to regain Taehyung's attention. “Very well, that's how I like it, ethereal, surreal, perfect.”

“Huh?” Taehyung glanced briefly at the camera, then for a moment where Jeongguk had been.

“That's the shot!” the photographer exclaimed, capturing the moment, finally.

THEATRE REGAL PALACE PRESENTS: A Spectacular Production

STARRING TAEHYUNG KIM

In the Enchanting Drama "Song of Midnight" | 1921 Season

An Unforgettable Evening of Drama, Intrigue & Romance.

Jeongguk read the marquee with a wide smile.

That night, he was more prepared, holding a large bouquet of roses. Finally, he took his seat in the third row, where he could still see Taehyung well and up close, witnessing his enchanting performance. Taehyung was adorned in a white, ethereal, and vaporous suit in the first scene when the actor portraying his beloved visited him on the balcony. Laughter and sounds of surprise echoed through the audience. Smiling, Jeongguk applauded with the rest of the spectators between scenes. Taehyung seemed to relish every second of his performance, giving himself completely, transforming into the character he portrayed. He managed to express and convey the emotions and experiences of the protagonist in such a flowing and tangible way that, regardless of not being the first time he saw the play, Jeongguk couldn't help but feel amazed.

The story progressed, and Jeongguk found himself on the edge of his seat. The other attendees were also expectant, some even gripping the armrests. Then, Taehyung appeared once again on stage, when he had to bid farewell to his great love because intrigue was tearing them apart, and his character had to marry someone else—a moment filled with sadness and emotion.

However, when Taehyung opened his mouth, the words that came out were different from the dialogue he remembered. The young actor looked at the audience and locked eyes with Jeongguk, and for a moment, the rest of the world disappeared, and there was no one around them. Just Taehyung, just Jeongguk, and no one else.

Taehyung gracefully moved across the stage, trailing his fingers over the back of a sofa on the set. "I wonder," he mused, altering the scripted dialogue. "If you know that you're the one who has unraveled the secrets of my heart... I've never experienced this feeling before; I’ve lived my entire life without it. But you brought it to me for the first time, and I wonder if you know the extent to which you've transformed me with your sweetness. There's no way to explain what I'm feeling. I just know that this is what happiness feels like, and it’s meant to be”  he continued, directing his gaze toward the front of the stage, addressing the audience.

"And I want to give you every part of me, every second of my existence to be with you,  even if they say it can't be done, even if they say it's impossible, because there's nothing in me that doesn't adore everything about you… and It's true, with all my past and all my future, and I want you to hear it for the rest of your days. I love you!" he declared in realization, “I love you!” he exclaimed, and smiled through a tear that traced down his cheek, then turned to his co-star, who gazed at him with bewilderment.

The audience observed the moment with complete astonishment, some moved to tears. The audible sobbing of some of the attendees resonated in the space. Meanwhile, Jeongguk looked at the actor on stage, absorbing Taehyung's words. "I love you..." he whispered. "I love you too..." he smiled, tears sliding down his cheeks and blending with his lips.

Taehyung took a deep breath. "That's why," he cleared his throat, returning to his character, and saving the scene "I ask for your time and never doubt my love, despite the decisions I make. Know that you are in my thoughts and nothing else."

"But what are you saying, my love?" the other lead actor said. "I will fight for you." he improvised.

"No!" Taehyung gently shook his head. "Let me protect you this time."

And so, the curtain fell. The public erupted into applause, moved by the heartfelt declaration, and Jeongguk joined in, clapping with an exhilarated smile.

The director was furious, frantically searching the script for those dialogues. Liu Watson glared angrily at Taehyung, shaking his head. "Improvisation!? Have you improvised in the most important scene of my play?! A love confession where you should only bid farewell to him!"

The other actors looked incredulous and somewhat embarrassed by what was happening. One of the actors decided to intervene in favor of Taehyung. "With all due respect, Mr. Director, but I think the audience loved it. I've seen tears in the audience!"

"Nonsense, that's what you've seen!" he responded angrily. "Now be quiet and go back to the stage for your next scene." Then he looked at Taehyung. "And you... pray that the press doesn't tear me apart in the reviews." He touched his heart. "Or I won't hesitate to kick you out of my play. How unprofessional." He then looked at Liu. "Is this the star you promised me?"

Liu took Taehyung by the arm, and despite the scolding, Taehyung's expression remained one of satisfaction, dignity, and happiness.

"Are you happy now?" Liu said through gritted teeth. "What the hell was that?"

"A confession," Taehyung simply replied. "Honest love, sincere love," he added, fixing his hair. "And no, I don't regret it."

"This is what I was talking about," Liu poked his chest with his finger. "You're starting to lose focus. That guy is becoming your priority, and you're risking your career..." he shook his head in disappointment, "I will try to appease things with the director. You're lucky that people thought it was part of your performance."

However, Taehyung grabbed his finger. "Everyone is coming to see this play because of the renowned cast, Liu. I'm not naive. The play and the story are basic. Do you think I don't realize that I can aspire to better projects? Don't tempt me," he said fiercely. "It was a slip, and I apologize for it, but I don't regret it." He affirmed, "And what's more, it's better not to play with the idea of forbidding me to be with him because this is real life, and it's my life, clear?"

Liu Watson took a step back. "Well... understood, Taehyung. Apparently, this is what it takes to fracture our relationship. I love you, like a pupil, my protégé, the son I never had." He took a deep breath. "It hurts that you say these things to me."

Taehyung furrowed his brow. "I'm not the one who's fracturing anything. If you hadn't been so stubborn all of this wouldn't be tormenting you," he said, breathing deeply. "I have to go back to the scene..."

"Go... we'll talk later."

Taehyung looked at him for a brief moment, and for the first time, he saw him so small, very small. Shaking his head, he returned to have his makeup fixed for the next scene.

The deafening applause echoed in the venue, everyone praising the play for the intensity of its scenes, one in particular: the romantic confession of the main character. Taehyung closed his eyes, feeling the energy of each cheer and applause. He bowed in reverence to the audience, knowing that for them, he wanted to continue on the path of art and acting. He gave them a smile and then a broader one for Jeongguk, who was applauding enthusiastically, standing, along with the rest of the audience.

"Magnificent!" said the director once the curtains closed. "I spoke with the editor of ' Photopla y' magazine, and he told me that the play seemed magnificent to them!" he rejoiced. "Especially that... um," he cleared his throat, "little act, the dialogue you improvised," he admitted, "I think it wouldn't hurt to add it to the script."

Taehyung looked at him seriously, with a cold expression.

Nervously, the man smiled at him. "I... was stressed, come on, I didn't mean all that seriously!"

But Taehyung only furrowed his brow once again, clenching his jaw.

"Seriously!" he pleaded. "It was just a moment of stress, nothing serious. I think your improvisation was wonderful, and we should add it to the script, and-"

Taehyung shook his head slightly, leaving behind an embarrassed director. The young actor rolled his eyes, but his expression changed immediately as soon as he saw, among the people, the one he longed to see. There, standing, with a bouquet of roses and a beautiful smile. Taehyung ran towards him immediately, both embracing each other.

"You were amazing!" Jeongguk said, lifting him up and twirling him around.

"Do you really think so?"

"Sublime," he replied, lowering him and holding his face by the cheeks, giving him a light kiss on the lips.

"Uh..." Taehyung toyed with his lapel. "Listen, I-"

However, they were both interrupted by a voice calling them from behind. Liu Watson looked at them seriously, as if they had just committed a crime. "Come with me, now," he demanded. Taehyung and Jeongguk looked at each other and followed him to the dressing room. Once inside, he closed the door, huffing.

"I give up," he said, looking at them with pursed lips, clearly angry and irritated. "I tried to reason with you, Taehyung, that your career came first, that you would be distracted, that you would put years of work at risk, that you would meet a man who would change your life for the worse. And the first thing you do is go against me the first chance you get, just because you think you fell in love with someone... and you, Mr. Jeon, you lied to me, mocked me to take advantage, to get closer to him. You, who are older than Taehyung here, should understand my position. You should know better! I want to see him shine, to be great among the greats, but your selfishness prevailed!"

My selfishness?" Jeongguk crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not the one who only sees his worth based on the revenue his name can generate. I see him as someone with dreams, capable of going far with or without your help, Mr. Liu."

"You understand nothing... the world is not so simple or idealistic," the man retorted, but then he sat down in a chair. "What can you offer Taehyung? Someone used to the best? A life of luxury, galas, and elegance... you don't even have a name worth mentioning... and I..." he rubbed his face. "I just want the best for him," he said with a choked voice, and he sobbed. "And you, a man who came from nowhere, is taking him away from me and turning him against me... and now he's getting farther and farther away."

Moved, Taehyung bent down in front of him and held his cheeks. "Liu, why are you saying that? You know I love you and that you will always be like a mentor to me. I appreciate your support and the guidance you've always given me, and in fact, now that I finally find the ideal person, your support would mean a lot to me..."

The man sobbed with a hiccup and looked at him in surprise, "Are you serious? Does my support in this relationship mean so much?"

Jeongguk rolled his eyes, making sure neither of them could see him. But a dark feeling overwhelmed him; he didn't trust the man's words. It was clear that he was the kind of person who wouldn't hesitate to manipulate the people around him. Beyond his facade, beyond a man who pretended to seek the common good. The writer clenched his jaw as he watched them hug, as Liu Watson enveloped Taehyung in a protective embrace that smelled of lies and deceit.

But if the man was important to Taehyung, what right did he have to intervene? He limited himself to being cautious.

"Fine," Liu Watson wiped away his crocodile tears. "If that's what you want, Taehyung, I'll do my best to support you." He glanced at Jeongguk from the corner of his eye. "Support both of you.In this relationship, "He added, "Although I'm afraid, Mr. Jeon, that you'll have to earn my trust. I'm still a bit offended by the initial lie."

“I  know”  the writer solemnly. "Don't worry; I'll prove that you can trust me because I will prioritize Tae's well-being above all else," and he meant it. He knew it well and had to express his truth and intentions.

Liu eyed him suspiciously before nodding once more. "Very well, so be it. I'll trust you because it's clear that you mean a lot to Taehyung." They shook hands.

"Do you have the evening free?" Jeongguk asked, looking at Taehyung. "May I invite you to dinner?"

Taehyung looked at him with a warm smile. "Sounds good to me," he said, taking his arm. "See you tomorrow, Liu. Rest well."

"Of course," said Liu reluctantly. "No drinking; tomorrow is an important day. I heard from a significant producer," he coughed, "a real one," glancing at Jeongguk, who returned a stern look. "He says there's a significant production at the National Theater in the East in the old world."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Ah! That sounds fantastic. Sure, I'll be there. We'll behave, won't we, Gukkie?"

Jeongguk nodded. "Count on it, Mr. Watson."

"I love this song," Taehyung said as they swayed to the slow jazz rhythm. "It makes me think of you. The other day, they played it at breakfast, and I thought how much I genuinely wish to have breakfast with you."

"What am I going to do with you and your indecent proposals?" he chuckled softly, giving him a twirl and then leaning against his cheek. "But if I'm honest, I would love for all my mornings to be with you," he could feel warmth spreading across his entire face.

Taehyung also felt a bit shy and let out a light giggle. "Today I got into trouble... for what I said on stage... it's just that I got a bit carried away by my emotions, sorry for the way I said it” he chuckled  “But, I still mean it"

Jeongguk let out a light laugh. "I like your way of doing things, and let me tell you, I feel fortunate, you have no idea." The song ended just as his sentence did, so they returned to their table, where a waiter refilled their glasses.

"Ah!" Taehyung smiled. "I'm not supposed to be drinking, but I guess a toast won't hurt."

"Not at all," Jeongguk responded, clinking glasses. "To us."

"To us."

"So, if that thing about going to the East of the Old World happens, will you go?" Jeongguk asked after taking a sip of his wine.

"Probably not," he bit his lip. "I wouldn't want to go and be far away from you."

Ah, now he could understand Liu Watson's concerns, who surely wouldn't be pleased to hear those words. Jeongguk licked his lips, taking another sip of his wine. "Well, but it could be a great opportunity for your career."

"I would be away for months!" Taehyung said with sadness, his expression downcast, eyebrows furrowed. "And I just found you... don't ask me that."

Seeing his sadness, he hastened to say, "No, no," reaching for his hand. "If it has to be, I'll travel with you."

"What?" he looked surprised. "Are you serious?"

"Well," Jeongguk scratched his cheek. "I know I really don't have anything to offer you right now, except for this dinner," he chuckled. "But I'm a writer, right? I can work remotely, find a job as a reporter in some local newspaper wherever you go, and be a correspondent if necessary. My... my stories are good," although, of course, in 1921, none were published under his name. "I can also write plays, and I don't know, maybe sell one to a producer."

"Travel with me” Said Taehyung, “I’ll support you, and put you in contact with some producers," he began to plan excitedly. "And could I act in one of your stories?" Taehyung asked, curious, tilting his head. He was a man dreaming.

"Absolutely," he responded with a warm smile. "We'll make it happen. I haven't come this far to find you just to see you leave. I'm with you until the end of time."

With a smile and glassy eyes, Taehyung took a sip of his wine. "There's no way you're real, Jeongguk... you're straight out of my dreams."

"Oh, Taehyung, you're my dream."

A soft melody began playing in the background, and then Taehyung stood up, wiping the corner of his lips with a cloth napkin before taking his hand. "Come, dance with me."

"Delighted to..." he replied, smiling and following him to the dance floor.

After dancing to a couple of tunes and enjoying a few glasses, they decided to call it a night. After all, they wanted to prove Liu wrong regarding his assumptions. Moreover, the manager had mentioned that the next day would be important. Thus, they found themselves walking toward the exit when a photographer signaled Jeongguk.

"Excuse me," said the man. "I'm taking a few photographs for the night. Would you mind if I take a photograph?"

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, who shook his head. "I'm a bit tired, and I've had too many glasses. I don't think unflattering photos would do me any good," he giggled.

"You look beautiful no matter what. It's impossible to get an unflattering photograph of you, just know that," he said and then looked at the man. "Sorry, maybe on another occasion."

"Oh, How about you, sir?"

And Taehyung beamed, "Yes, please."

Jeongguk laughed, "But what if it's unflattering?"

"Darling, there's no way it would be possible to get an unflattering picture of you," Taehyung replied, reinforcing his own words. "Only if you feel like it, of course."

Jeongguk gave it a thought. "You know what? Sure, why not."

The man clapped excitedly. "Perfect!"

Jeongguk grabbed his hat, made what he deemed a funny pose for a couple of seconds, and laughed after the deal was done.

"Thank you!" said the man.

Taehyung, with a smile plastered on his face, walked to him and extended a banknote. "Send a copy to suite 613, please, in the name of Taehyung Kim."

—--

The next morning was particularly cold, the blanket on the bed not enough to ease the shivers. For a moment, he wondered if he had left the window open, but that wasn't the case. Perhaps, in reality, it was just a bad omen of something that would happen very soon. Although this thought crossed his mind, he decided to ignore it and focus his energy on starting a new day.

He took a quick shower, put on a simple suit, and looked in the mirror at the hairstyle he still hadn't gotten used to—it was too short for the more modern standards of his time. Adjusting his bangs, tidying his sideburns, he placed his hat on before leaving. He had decided to take a short walk before heading to the hotel's library. He assumed Taehyung would be busy most of the day, but they had agreed to formally meet before sunset.

Perhaps, he shouldn't have waited so long.

Perhaps, he shouldn't have trusted so much.

Maybe, he should have listened to his own instinct warning him that danger was imminent.

"Excuse me, Mr. Jeon?" A man in a dark suit approached him as soon as he passed under the shade of a leafy tree by the lake. Jeongguk stared at him, reluctant to answer his question. "I'm Detective Kang," the man said, displaying his identification badge. "We need to ask you some questions."

"About what?" the writer inquired, but the detective simply shook his head. "I can't go unless I'm informed."

"I'm not authorized to give details," clarified the detective with a serious tone. "Please."

"Fine..." Jeongguk took a deep breath; resisting the interrogation might be counterproductive. He didn't want to turn it into an arrest. "But I insist I haven't been involved in anything outside the norm."

"We'll verify that at the police station, sir. Please, come with me," said the detective, placing a hand on his back and indicating that he should walk beside him. Handcuffs weren't necessary at the moment, and Jeongguk didn't want to provoke any further.

Yet, he felt nervous. His heart was pounding desperately. His knees threatened to give in. He could feel a wave of cold sweat running down his body and spine, and the palms of his hands were sweaty. What was happening? What were they accusing him of? He couldn't even think of a reason. What kind of lie had they been told? It was then that his brain connected with the possibility that there was a name behind all these actions—Liu Watson. He opened his eyes wide.

Jeongguk closed his eyes, frustrated. "Of course, of course!" he told himself, sighing. "It was Liu Watson, wasn't it?" he murmured. "That guy... Clearly, he manipulated the information to get me out of the way." He realized that Liu Watson was a dangerous man. 'I should have listened to the warning,' he thought. He was warned and yet ignored both the warning and his own intuition. For a moment, he was scared. He needed to talk with Taehyung.

"Wait! I need to contact someone," Jeongguk said. The detective simply looked at him. "You can do that when we get to the station," the detective said, perhaps thinking about a lawyer. 

The writer simply shook his head.

"No, you don't understand. I'm not talking about a lawyer. I want to talk to someone I'm seeing in this hotel, and they'll worry if they don't know where I am."

The detective gave him a mocking look. "That's not my problem," he stated, shrugging his shoulders.

Jeongguk struggled, "You don't understand. I have to talk to him, one way or another. Let me speak with him, and then I'll go willingly."

The detective simply gave him a sardonic laugh. "Listen, I'm afraid I can't allow that. You don't get special treatment. Things must proceed according to protocol," he asserted. "On the contrary, if you resist, I'm afraid I'll have to take you in handcuffs. You decide." He said it with seriousness.

Resigned, Jeongguk had no choice but to comply with the detective's request. Bowing his head, he allowed himself to be taken to the police station, terrified of the trouble he was in and how he could communicate with Taehyung to let him know where he was. Just when he thought he had finally found peace with the love of his life, it seemed he had encountered a new obstacle. Oh God, then a new fear crept into his heart, and his hands began to tremble. If he managed to get through this, he would leave Taehyung alone, by himself, with that manipulative sick person, Liu Watson.

He had to find a way to get out of this situation, to prove his innocence of whatever they were accusing him of, and return. He had to inform Taehyung of what was happening. It couldn't be a simple coincidence.

"I have news for you," Liu Watson told Taehyung during breakfast in his suite, speaking with a cheerful tone, as if he had slept very well, as if he had been given the best news of his life. He sat across from him, a full smile on his face. "Would you like some tea?" he offered, tilting the teapot over his cup.

Taehyung looked at him confused. "What news? What are you talking about?" To which his manager simply looked at him with a mysterious gesture.

"I spoke with one of the producers I told you about who was supposed to come yesterday," explained Liu. "I ran into them this morning when I went out for my morning walk. You know I like to rise early and be an early bird," he added. "I want you to know that they are very excited about the prospect of taking our plays and works to the city of the old world, and it seems like a great opportunity for you. In fact, they offered to start preparations this week, maybe today we could go to the big city,  since the first half of the season is coming to an end, I think it would be a good time to take the company with us."

"Take the company, so soon?" Taehyung asked, shocked.  "Doesn't it seem a bit rushed? We still have a couple of performances here at the hotel. And we also have one at the Southern Theater, which, in my opinion, is a significant opportunity that we can't just dismiss. We can't abandon the season!"

Liu Watson's face darkened. "Sometimes, Taehyung, it's necessary to take the required steps to protect what we love. Sometimes, we have to make very strong decisions to improve. I know it seems rushed and somewhat negative to you now, but you will understand in due time. This is an opportunity that we truly cannot let pass," he explained. "I agreed to it. In fact, I just spoke to the hotel management to let them know that we won't be able to carry out the performance today. We'll have to make it up with a future performance, but it seems appropriate to me because, in fact, I think today will be a good time to leave."

"What? You're crazy!" Taehyung dropped his fork. "You can't do this. We have commitments. We have a planned schedule. We're not puppets for you to move at your whim. Being the main producer of this play and the team leader of this company doesn't give you the right to decide on everyone's careers and schedules!" Taehyung exclaimed with anger, standing up and walking in desperation from one side of the room to the other, his silk robe swaying to the rhythm of his steps.

Liu looked at him angrily. "Look, I don't know how to explain it, but you hired me as your manager, and you are under my tutelage. Your relationship with me is different from theirs. They are under contract with me, so they have to follow me. But you, you are my star. And I'm doing all of this for you. Understand it. You're going to shine brighter than everyone in this company. More than others in any company. You, and only you. So stop hindering me and understand. I'm doing this for your own good.

Taehyung shook his head, vehemently expressing his disagreement. "You're wrong. Have you lost your mind? This is not how things are done. You claim you want to see me shine and become a star, but not like this. Maybe, I don't want to be a star anymore if this is the path to follow. I reject it outright. I won't be your puppet!" he declared, running his hands through his hair in desperation. "I need to talk to Jeongguk."

"Ah, with the sharpster," said Liu. "I heard he was actually arrested for fraud. Is that the kind of person you want to be with? Is that the kind of person you want to dedicate your life to, that vulgar thief and grifter?"

Taehyung looked at him horrified. "What are you saying? He's none of those things." And then realization struck Taehyung, who widened his eyes. "Oh, God, please tell me you didn't."

"Me? Are you really blaming me, Taehyung? Has he turned you so much against me that you believe I could slander him? It's been his actions, his vile deeds, his frauds, his lies," Liu retorted.

Taehyung stepped back, hitting the wall, shaking his head slightly, his voice choking. "I don't know you, Liu. You're not like this. We've been working for years. You've never done something like this. What's going on?"

"You're accusing me of something I haven't done," Liu defended himself. "All I've been doing all this time is watching over and ensuring your well-being. Making sure you don't take the wrong steps, associate with the wrong people, with bad influences. And still, you asked for my support, and I'm giving it to you! I gave it to you. If he can't come with us, with the company, because he has legal problems, because he's a fraud, because he committed a crime, that's not my problem anymore. Don't ask me for more. Don't tell me you're going to ask me to get him out of jail."

"Jail?" Taehyung asked, feeling a shiver run down his spine. "What kind of accusations does he have? And don't tell me you had nothing to do with it because that's very suspicious. It's too much of a coincidence, Liu. Too much!" He said with anger, clenching his jaw and looking at him with eyes full of rage.

Liu swallowed heavily. He tried to approach him, but Taehyung moved to the side, pressed against the wall. "Don't come near me," he said through gritted teeth. "Be honest, what are you accusing him of?"

"Nothing!" Liu repeated. "You have to believe me; I would never do something so heinous and low. I only pursued moving the company. But I told you it's for your own good, for your career!"

"I already told you I don't care about my career right now. Where is he? Which police station are they taking him to?" Taehyung then gathered his things. "I'll go find him."

"No, you can't go anywhere," Liu told him. "You'll get into trouble because of him! Think about the scandals if someone sees you!"

"I don't care if anyone sees me. I have to see him! And you, Liu, you have to come with me and clarify the situation. Be honest. That's all I'm asking," Taehyung said.

"The man is a criminal. He lied to you as soon as he met you. He deceived me," Liu insisted.

Taehyung gasped. "That's the reason you're accusing him. You're accusing him of fraud for lying about being a producer."

"There is evidence against him. He's a grifter, a swindler. He only wants you for your money. Do you think he loves you? Do you think he genuinely loves you? The guy doesn't have a penny. It's incredible how you let yourself be wrapped up in a bouquet of red roses and sweet words!" Liu attacked. "He's older than you. He has much more experience and is smooth-talking. I'll give him that. He knows how to talk, but he's a liar, a grifter who only wants you for money. Don't tell me you believed all his love nonsense when, behind your back, he tried to get money from the company, from me, from Mrs. Elizabeth Moore."

"What?!" Taehyung asked in shock.

"Just as you heard. He registered as a producer the moment he checked into this hotel. He claimed to be a producer, but he's not. What is he?" Liu said. "Just a simple grifter, he says he's a writer. Do you know any of his works? Do you know any of his books? Has he ever published an article? Nothing. He has no reputation. We don't really know who he is. And you're going with him. The guy is a fraud. He's dangerous. He's a liar. And you fell completely into his game!"

"No, no, no," Taehyung objected, vigorously shaking his head in denial. "This can't be true, everything you're saying. It seems too much. Are you really that petty? Of course, he lied; otherwise, you wouldn't have let him get close to me."

"Oh, yes ? Then why did he seek to get close to you out of nowhere? Has he told you his motive or why he approached you?" Liu countered.

Taehyung fell silent. It was true; he didn't know the exact motive or Jungkook's background. There were so many things about Jungkook that remained a mystery. Yet, he refused to believe that all those words of love and all those feelings he had stirred were a lie. It couldn't be. There was truth in that gaze, in those caresses, in that affection, and in all the time they had spent together. Even though it might not have been much, it was transparent, sincere, real.

Sad and defeated, he let himself fall onto the bed, sitting, with eyes filled with tears.

As much as Liu's words made sense, and he was indeed entangled with someone as mysterious as Jeongguk, there remained the other side of the story: They had shared so much. Amidst the mystery, Taehyung sensed a sincerity, and honesty in the man. Oh, those eyes, bright and beautiful, brimming with love.

"You cannot feign true love," Taehyung mused. Perhaps, he was indulging in a bit of romantic idealism, yet reflecting on Jeongguk's words, actions, and every touch, soft kiss, smile, and blush…

‘You cannot fake that ,’he concluded.

"It 's real. I believe him. You don't know him. From the moment we crossed paths, from the very first meeting, you've been quick to judge him, sizing him up based on his social status. How can you expect sincerity when you're not willing to see it? I trust him. Even if it turns out to be a lie, I'll take responsibility for my own actions. I'll confront him and ask," declared Taehyung, rubbing his eyes and wiping away tears, standing up once again. "I won't let anything tarnish the most beautiful thing that has happened to me. I believe in his innocence. Without tangible evidence, I stand by him," he affirmed, gathering his belongings and heading to the door. "I'm going to him!"

"You're making a mistake!" Liu shouted from his position, trailing him to the suite's door. "You're wrong! Listen to me! You're making a grave mistake. A grave mistake!"

"I'll go talk to Mrs. Moore. I'm sure she knows what's going on and will understand."

"I won't drop the charges," Liu Watson suddenly blurted out, then froze, realizing he had confessed to his own wrongdoing.

Taehyung looked at him with disappointment. "Of course, I knew it was you. How low you've fallen, Liu. I never expected this from you," he said, turning around and swiftly striding down the corridor.

"Taehyung! Come back! You can't just leave like this! You know well that without me, you're nothing!"

Taehyung clenched his fists tightly and continued walking, determined to ignore Liu's words. Closing his eyes, he hurried forward until he collided with someone.

That someone enveloped him in a hug, with strong arms and a vanilla scent that completely surrounded him. Taehyung smiled and sighed in relief. "Jeongguk!" he exclaimed upon seeing him, and Jeongguk looked at him with a tender but concerned gaze. Then, with anger, he looked down the hallway. "I see you're even more malicious than I thought!" he exclaimed, addressing Liu. "Inventing charges to get me out of the way! But maybe you didn't count on there being honest people capable of telling the truth, not going against an innocent just for personal gain. I guess that's something you don't know, Liu—honesty." Jeongguk's eyes narrowed. "What was your plan?" Liu took two steps back.

"I'm just getting rid of the trash," sneered Liu Watson, looking at him with an air of superiority. "Do you think that just because you can talk and have the gift of gab for telling lies, everyone will fall for your game? Of course not. I see through you, and I know you're lying, and I know you only want to use him to get money."

This infuriated Jeongguk, who saw red and angrily approached him, grabbing him by the lapel. "Say that again, idiot, because I'm not the one treating him like an object here. It's you, claiming all the time to look out for 'your star' when you care very little about what he wants to do with his life. He's not an object. And it's time you understand that."

"I molded him!" defended the man. "Thanks to me, he is everything he is!"

Upon hearing his manager's words, Taehyung's heart broke. He couldn't believe it. The man he had cared for and loved as a guardian was uttering such words, as if he were nothing but a mere object to be shaped. He felt disappointed, enraged, and hurt—deeply hurt. The young actor pressed his lips into a thin line, closing his eyes with strength, trying to calm down, but his fist was clenching.

But Jeongguk reacted swiftly. Upon hearing enough from the man, the writer didn't hesitate, delivering a punch to his face. The man yelled, stumbling backward until falling.

Clutching his face, seeing lines of blood staining his hands, Liu Watson exclaimed in shock,  "You broke my nose, you bastard!"

"Get out of here," Jeongguk said coldly, casting a disdainful look. "And don't even think about trying anything, or I'll sue you for defamation. Do you want another scandal tarnishing your career, huh?"

"I think it goes without saying that our professional relationship is over, Liu," said Taehyung, looking at him, shaking his head in disbelief. "What a pathetic end to a relationship you claimed was important," he added. "Needless to say, I won't go with the company. And I just hope we never have to cross paths again."

"I'll ruin you. If you try anything, I'll ruin you, Taehyung. I'll make sure no one hires you!" said Liu Watson, enraged, wiping his nose from the running blood.

Taehyung laughed, "Do you think you have that much power? If I sue you for defamation, what will you do? I have a witness. What's more, there would be two charges against you. That would speak volumes about you, wouldn't it? Leave us alone!"

"I did it all for you!" Liu shouted. "I did it all for you!"

Taehyung stepped back as other guests came out of their rooms to see what was causing such commotion. "How embarrassing," Taehyung lamented. Jeongguk simply hugged him.

 "Let's get out of here."

“Tea will do you good," Jeongguk said once the commotion had passed. They were both in the small breakfast nook inside room 1230, Jeongguk's hotel room. The writer had to sign a statement regarding the situation, dealing with legal bureaucracy, and explaining in detail thanks to Mrs. Moore that it was all a misunderstanding, given that the case had been dismissed. Between that and Mrs. Moore's influence, it didn't take too long before he could meet up with Taehyung in the room. Taehyung, who had been waiting, tried to calm his nerves after what had happened.

"Thanks," Taehyung replied with a slight smile as he stirred the contents of his cup, a herbal tea with a bit of cream. He had changed into a more casual set of clothes and tried to relax while looking at the view of the lake. Everything seemed surreal; his hands were shaking. In such an abrupt moment, his life had taken a 180° turn. "I'm still in shock."

"I know," Jeongguk said, taking his hand. "I'm so sorry it all ended like this." He felt guilty; he had never wanted to cause any disturbance to Taehyung's life. He knew the actor was better off without the manipulative manager, but in a way, at least he had some sort of stability. And of course, he was hurting; Liu Watson was really important to Taehyung, and he had just lost that relationship. He sighed with sadness, he was going to support him till the end, but hated the idea of seeing Taehyung saddened.  "I'm sorry, for everything, for lying, for causing all of this. It was never my intention to—"

Taehyung shook his head. "Don't," he gave him a tight smile. "There's still so much to think about, but I don't blame you because, in a way, you helped me to see the kind of person I was trusting too much. It's ironic because I've known him for years, and still, he behaved like that” He lowered his cup of tea “I know I've only known you for what, five days?" he chuckled softly. "But there's just something about you, about us. Perhaps I am trusting too much, but please be kind to my heart.

"Jeongguk looked down in remorse.

"I lied to you," Jeongguk kneeled in front of him, resting his head over Taehyung's knees and lap, and the actor gulped, looking at him saddened. "I'm so sorry," Jeongguk said, hugging his legs. "Please forgive me. I am a writer, Tae. I came indeed from a faraway place, but I knew who you were from the beginning. It may sound crazy, even terrible," he said in a soft voice. "Please, forgive me. I saw your picture and learned from you. I wanted to get to know you. I just never expected that you'd want to get to know me too," he sobbed.

Taehyung remained in silence for several, cold seconds. "I see," he licked his lips. "So you indeed had a reason to talk to me..."

"Your image haunted my dreams. I didn't lie when I said I felt a pull towards you, some sort of connection. I just saw you, and it was instant... don't you feel it too?"

Taehyung closed his eyes, letting a tear fall. "I do... I do, but I need to know if what you feel is real..."

"I'm not a stalker..."

"I didn't say you were."

"I don't want to lose you; you're the best thing ever happened to me. But I'll understand if you hate me... just—"

"You won't lose me," Taehyung chuckled wetly. "But tell me... everything." He bit his lower lip. "I'll pretend you are from this world, Jeongguk, so introduce yourself, again."

The writer lifted his head in surprise. Taehyung already suspected? He felt nervous and swallowed. "My name is Jeongguk; I was born in Korea, in the south. I was a renowned name over there, but then I saw your photograph and decided to come here and meet you; that's all. I left everything behind, and that's why I have nothing on me. But if you allow me to stand next to you, I'll do everything in my hands to make you happy"

With that, Taehyung smiled and caressed his head. "With you, I won't ever be alone. I know so."

"You have the sweetest heart, and I vow to take care of it."

“I vow to take care of you too”

They remained in comfortable silence for several seconds until Taehyung spoke again. "Ah, I hope there's no scandal regarding what happened this morning."

"Fortunately, those who witnessed the incident didn't understand what was happening, so at least there won't be scandals. And I'm sure if anyone saw, they'll be forced to sign an agreement."

"Count on it," Taehyung sighed. "So, you're clear of charges?"

"Yeah," the writer scratched his cheek. "Let's say Mrs. Moore is smarter than I thought. It's true I told her I was a producer, but I know she didn't fully believe me. Still, she decided to play along, giving me a simple task at the library, and today she went and signed a statement that she was helping me with an investigation for a novel. She's helped me a lot, and someday I hope to ask her exactly why."

"She has certainly shown selfless support toward you."

Jeongguk nodded. "I have to see her to thank her for that enormous favor. She's an angel."

"Yeah, selfless support. Good thing that angel is a married woman," Taehyung remarked, closing his eyes before taking a sip from his cup. This caused Jeongguk to laugh a little.

"What was that? Jealousy?"

"Me? No, not at all, just an innocent comment with no double meaning," the actor replied, pressing his lips into a thin line.

"Sure, sure."

Taehyung chuckled lightly and looked out the window. From the sill, they could see the clouds and the front garden. With a melancholic sigh, still holding his tea cup, he said, "The company will leave. Many of my friends are there, people I've been with for a long time." He couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat. "But I couldn't, and I know it's for the best."

Jeongguk affectionately kissed his hand. "I know, I'm sorry. I wish everything had been easier. They have a contract with the company; you had a personal agreement..."

"I know," Taehyung nodded and moved his hand to caress Jeongguk's cheek. "I hope to see them again soon."

"You will," he smiled. "Do you have plans now?"

Taehyung shook his head slightly. "I have to find a new agent; maybe I'll try singing. Who knows, I guess this is a new beginning." He smiled sadly; however, after a minute, his prominent cheekbones and beautiful almond-shaped eyes formed a crescent moon. "And if it doesn't work out, I always wanted to open a flower shop!"

"Oh! That sounds wonderful, but if it's your Plan B, then I hope one day when we're very old and wrinkled, we'll go out together to attend to customers, once you've retired, once I've put my pen down. And we'll make the most beautiful flower arrangements."

Taehyung looked at him with tenderness, pressing his lips into a thin line. "Oh," he said after a moment. "I want that, Jeongguk. I really want that."

"And I'll give it to you, and we'll be very, very happy."

Few things were better than walking hand in hand with Taehyung, something Jeongguk had discovered. Holding him in an embrace and losing himself in his lips were certainly at the top. But for now, they had to settle for the touch of their intertwined fingers, under the curious gaze of that evening, on the walkway by the lake.

"I'll be like your swan," Taehyung suddenly said. "I know I waited for you, and I know that without you, I couldn't be with anyone else."

Jeongguk felt his heart beat strongly, excited. A feeling that, no matter how many days passed, didn't wane; it remained intact, something only someone like Taehyung could have achieved. Completely extraordinary, just like he was.

"I'll be your swan," Jeongguk repeated, tightening his grip on Taehyung's hand and quickening their pace. "Let's go!" he suddenly said, heading to a specific spot by the lake.

Recognizing the place, Taehyung looked around at the treetops, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves, bathing them in golden spots of light. "Today, the wind isn't so strong," the writer said with a playful, tender smile.

Taehyung chuckled lightly, moved. "This is the place where we met..."

Or at least, where they had their first conversation.

Jeongguk nodded. "Our story begins here..."

When the sun set, both decided to retire and rest. There were many plans to make, and the day had been long and exhausting. Of course, walking together had lifted much of that weight, and a sense of peace enveloped them, knowing that this new beginning meant they could do it together, and there would be no more intrigues or ill intentions from others to separate them.

Life seemed to be shaping up for the better.

Taehyung was expectant; he couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

So when Jeongguk left him at the door of his suite and opened the door after saying goodnight, the young actor stopped him by grabbing the lapel of his jacket. "Wait," he said shyly. "And what if..."

"If...?"

"If this goodnight kiss... is just the first of a good morning kiss?"

Jeongguk looked at him with surprise, his lips parting as if to form coherent words, but instead, he could only manage a slight smile before entering the room behind Taehyung, who closed the door.

Being alone with him in that beautifully decorated space filled with flowers made him nervous. Jeongguk took off his jacket and hung it on the rack, trying to buy some time before moving to the central area. There, a sofa with a tea table rested, and beyond that, the bed. Pressing his lips into a thin line, his heart beating fast, and his knees trembling slightly, Jeongguk felt the fragrant warmth of Taehyung enveloping him in a hug. Taehyung gently surrounded him from behind, resting his head on the curve of his shoulder, crossing his arms over his abdomen.

"Hey," he said with his soft voice. "Are you coming?" And dared to kiss Jeongguk's earlobe, sending shivers down his spine.

Jeongguk turned to face him, nodding once and capturing his lips, pulling him close and gripping the nape of his neck as if wanting to melt into him and become one. The kiss was long, slow, and warm—everything he expected from a moment like that. When it was over, Taehyung took his hand to lead him to the back of the room.

There was a brief awkward moment, one of those that make you question every tiny thing you do. But Jeongguk decided to throw all doubts away, holding him by the waist to take him to the wall, sliding his hand along the curve, just brushing the skin with the tips of his fingers, just below the layers of clothing.

"Hey," Jeongguk called him, looking into his eyes, trying to hold his gaze. Taehyung had to fight against his own impulses not to divert it to his lips. Jeongguk observed him carefully, focusing on every detail before caressing his lips with his free hand and traveling with kisses from his jaw to the back of his ear and neck. This caused Taehyung to release a soft moan as he kissed and lightly sucked his fingers.

When he pulled away from that neck and from marking the soft golden skin, Jeongguk crouched down a bit, lifting him from the hips, causing Taehyung to make a surprised sound followed by a smile. "Hi~" he said playfully, letting himself be carried to the bed. Once there, laughing, he extended his arms to beckon him. "Come here, I want you close."

Jeongguk laughed, with that charming gesture showing his dimples, amused by Taehyung's actions. "Wait," he said, taking off his tie and unbuttoning the first two buttons of that cotton shirt.

Impatient, that was one thing Taehyung would admit about himself, and he didn't hesitate to sit up on the bed, reaching out to touch him and be the one to unbutton the rest, running his hands over that warm skin, sliding his touch over his shoulders, all while holding his gaze.

Taehyung traveled with his gaze over that well-sculpted body, from the abdomen, the chest, the neck, the strong jaw, to the warm, bright, and seductive gaze. He sealed that contact with a warm kiss, drawing him closer. And it was only fair for Jeongguk to want him, to touch and kiss his silk-like skin.

And there lay the clothes, discarded unceremoniously on the luxurious carpet of the room. But who could pay attention to such trivialities? Certainly not them, even less so when Jeongguk returned to place a series of moist kisses along Taehyung's neck, lightly biting the curve of his shoulder. "You're real," he said, murmuring against his skin. "And I still can't believe you're mine," he whispered, this time looking into his eyes, above him, caging him between him and the mattress.

"It's me," Taehyung replied, "who doesn't understand how lucky I am, You're real, and you're everything I could ask for." He smiled with a hint of complicity, leaving behind any inhibitions as he lowered his hand down his abdomen and to his cock, his long fingers gripping his ear, exploring in a way as bold as he never imagined he could. Remembering the sleepless nights when he used to touch himself, he moved his hand, hoping Jeongguk would feel good.

Jeongguk let out a surprised moan, furrowing his brows, closing his eyes in a pleasurable gesture, pressing his lips into a thin line. And he didn't stop him, allowing him to keep doing it, moving his hips  in a circular motion, slowly.

Excited and motivated by Jeongguk's reaction, Taehyung moistened the palm of his hand with saliva to facilitate the movement, still bold, with a smile and looking into his eyes, with those sparkling almond-shaped eyes. The man, surrendered to his actions, rested his forehead on his shoulder. 

Taehyung continued his work, moving his hand rhythmically, with his thumb over the slit  "Do you like it?" He asked for confirmation, part of him wanting to hear that he was doing well, that he could pleasure him,  driving him breathless. Jeongguk, feeling that eloquence failed him, let out a groan, rasped  "Yes" in a high-pitched tone, "a lot." Capturing his lips once again sucking his bottom lip, "So good to me."

Soon, Taehyung felt how Jeonggk’s firm, large hands, traveled around his waist, gripping his curves and sliding down to his thighs, parting his shaky legs, spreading them,  leaving him open for himself.  Jeongguk stopped him, licking his lips, and whispered in his ear, "Let me take care of you"

Taehyung shuddered completely, feeling hazy with every hair on his skin standing on end. He breathed, "I'm yours." Jeongguk responded with a charming smile, knowing what was about to happen. Not missing the opportunity to claim his breath in a hungry kiss, making him groan from the depths of his throat, enveloping him completely and eagerly to let him enter his mouth, swirling his tongue around his.

A kiss like no other.

Soon, Jeongguk moved his lips southward, expertly navigating that body, until lingering on the nipples, his sharp tongue playing with one, then the other, as his hips rhythmically seemed to move on their own, circling against Taehyung's now semi-erect cock. Taehyung closed his eyes, throwing his head back, with disheveled hair on the pillow.

Jeongguk repositioned himself to look at him, there, on the bed, ready for him over the rumpled white sheets, exposed for his delight, smooth skin, blushing in the right places, glowing, with an erotic expression on his face, bright eyes, rosy cheeks, and moist lips.

Agitated breath.

It was sublime and beautiful, and Jeongguk couldn't have enough. 

Jeongguk didn't waste a second. He decided to kiss that warm skin, capture it between his lips, kiss it like no one else could, as it deserved. And appreciate it, as he should.  And so, he went down to Taehyung's thighs, nibbling the inner part of them, kissing soft and tender skin before grabbing his cock with his hand and rubbing it gently. He then gave it a lick, giving a fat stripe along the length from the base to the tip, eliciting a reflex from Taehyung that almost made him clench his hands. "Shhh," Jeongguk murmured, "relax," he instructed, returning to his task, swirling tongue around him, using his free  hand to tuck  a strand of hair behind his ear. He soon began to increase the pace of his work as Taehyung's breathing became more agitated with each passing second, with a wave of pleasure that seemed to cloud his consciousness.

Jeongguk enjoyed every second of those reactions. Pausing only to grab the bottle of oil from the bedside table and place a pillow under Taehyung's hips, he then returned to him. Still using his mouth as a distraction, coating his fingers in that amber-colored liquid, he began to move a finger over Taehyung's entrance, in a circular motion.

"Is this okay like this?" he asked, and in response, he got a loud moan followed by a whimper, "yes, yes," Taehyung responded, pressing his lips together and closing his eyes upon feeling the intrusion. But Jeongguk had always been a very patient man, deciding to take his time for that moment, doing the best he could, savoring every second. Soon, it was a second finger, and Taehyung moaned again, deep in pleasure, thinking about how surreal the situation was, a scenario he hadn't imagined when he had just arrived at the hotel. And if someone had told him that at the end of his residency he would be with someone who had stolen his heart, in bed, with his head between his legs, sucking his virility, and making his insides burn with the touch of his long, slender fingers, of course he wouldn’t had imagined. And yet there he was, curling his body in bliss, all because of and for Jeongguk.

“Oh... Jeonggukkie," Taehyung Mewled, moving his hips in a circular motion as a third finger entered him, spreading him open, and hitting the right places,  "Come to me, come," he pleaded. "And kiss me..."  He didn’t mind tasting himself on those lips and that tongue that began to explore his mouth. He was in a euphoric moment, leaning slightly to guide Jeongguk's cock toward his entrance, locking gazes with him. Without further ado, Jeongguk obeyed, shifting a bit to position himself at the rim, and pushing slowly, only the head, using his free hand to hold Taehyung's , intertwining their fingers, slowly sinking into him.

"Look at me, look at me while I do it to you”  he ordered, and Taehyung looked at him, surrendered, with a gesture of pleasure as Jeongguk confidently moved, thrusting into him, furrowing his brow and panting with the heat that welcomed and enveloped him, he swallowed heavily, tightly gripping his hips, until he entered completely, sheathing inside the tight warmth. 

Overwhelmed, Jeongguk pressed their foreheads together. “You are amazing,” he rasped.

Taehyung continued to moan softly, drawing deep breaths as he surrendered to the pleasurable sensation of feeling wholly immersed and full. Gradually, as he got used to the sensation,  he responded by syncing his movements with Jeongguk's gentle motions. Sensing the signal, Jeongguk initiated a slow, deliberate rhythm, cherishing each moment, thrusting into him, loving him in slow motion, leaning in to admire Taehyung's enraptured expression. Their breaths mingling. 

Jeongguk chuckled softly, ecstatic with the warm and tight sensation around him. “Oh, I can't believe it... having you like this... when you take me so well, no, I don't think I can ever live without this again," he murmured against Taehyung's neck, leaving light marks, intensifying the pace of his movements, the sound of their sweaty bodies meeting echoing in the room. The golden brass headboard of the bed hit the wall with each thrust of Jeongguk's movements

Drown in bliss, Taehyung left his marks too, creating a map on Jeongguk's back with reddish lines tracing across that marked and firm skin.

"Jeonggukkie... I can feel you, completely," Taehyung chocked. Jeongguk, panting, smiled and nodded, warmth pooling  from his lower abdomen. He occasionally pulled away to glance at the point where they were joined, observing his cock completely disappearing inside his  lover.

"I love you," he said, his voice trembling, lips quivering, a moan escaping his mouth. "I love you in the most desperate way, like I never thought... because you complete me." He kissed him, whispering into his mouth,  "Taehyung, just the fact that you're..." he groaned deeply, "with me, makes me happy..."

Taehyung trembled at his words. “Oh …” he gasped, feeling the ecstatic quiver that swept through him, seeing white flashes as his body arched and tightened around his lover, becoming entwined with him. “I  love you, I love you, I love you,”he breathed, melting in pleasure with his hips moving in a post-orgasmic motion, clenching around Jeongguk , yearning to hold onto him and never let go.

Jeongguk held him tightly, sinking deeper into their embrace, pounding heart, face in bliss, thrusting at an erratic pace, with his body going tense, reaching his climax and filling him, letting himself inside.

In the ensuing silence, their trembling, staggered breaths melded into one.

Exactly 26 minutes had passed. Counting seemed futile as they lay enfolded in sheets, their bodies intertwined, sharing the merging wetness of their skin in an intimate embrace. Jeongguk held Taehyung from behind as the big spoon, while Taehyung caressed the palm of his hand, content and sighing, his eyes on the cusp of closing.

Jeongguk planted tender kisses on Taehyung's cheek and head. 'Sleep... let's go to sleep,' he murmured, closing his hand around Taehyung's, fingers intertwined.

At that moment, Jeongguk realized he didn't need anything else. He held everything in the palm of his hand.

The morning after felt unusually cold and foggy, typical for this lakeside proximity. Yet, today's fogged-up windows offered such limited visibility that it felt earlier than it truly was. Wrapped in a silk robe, Taehyung sat at the edge of the bed, delicately tracing his fingers down Jeongguk's leg to his waist, a smile gracing his lips. “Would you like some tea?”

Jeongguk returned the smile. “Sure”,he replied, sitting up happily, feeling utterly fulfilled. content. Pausing on the bed momentarily, he reached for his clothes. “I  should head to my room for my things, take a shower, and change”.

“There's no rush,” Taehyung assured, returning with the tea he had ordered earlier. “It's cold today; we won't be doing much. Maybe I'll ask them to turn on the heating. Or maybe we could find another way to warm up…” he added mischievously, earning a playful kiss from Jeongguk.

“Sure, but I'd still like to fetch my things,” Jeongguk said, slipping into his pants. “That way, we can relax afterwards”.

Resignedly, Taehyung picked up the items his lover had left on the nightstand: a graduation ring and that peculiar golden pocket watch that had caught his eye. 'How beautiful it is,' he remarked, delicately holding it between his fingers.

“Hmm?”,Jeongguk glanced at him while putting on his shoes. “Oh, yeah, I think it's a unique model. I haven't seen another one like it. Do you like it?”

“Absolutely”

Jeongguk smiled, saying, "It's all yours, actually. It was given to me by someone important, but I believe that person expected me to pass it on to the one I love. It's come full circle."

It was a paradox, yet he refrained from mentioning it.

"Oh, I couldn't," Taehyung lightly protested. "It was a gift for you; it must be meaningful."

"Its significance is love," Jeongguk stated, slipping on his jacket. "Ah, wait, it's one of those watches with a secret compartment," he revealed, searching for the key. It was as small as a pin, blunt and slightly wider.

Finally finding the key in his pocket, he retrieved it along with another object, placing the key on the nearby coffee table. Furrowing his brow, he felt an unfamiliar object between his fingers. With a cold sweat trickling down his back, horror struck him as he gazed at the cold, round metallic object in his hand—the coin he had absentmindedly tossed into his pocket. But this was no ordinary coin; it was the one he believed would bring him good luck, the shiny penny Wilson had given him at breakfast, a token from a future that paradoxically now felt both distant and mocking.


‘1978’

The year stamped on the coin sent shivers down his spine, an eerie realization sinking in—

Jeongguk was gripped by a dreadful sensation that seized him from within, staring at the coin with an inexplicable magnetism, trembling, unable to avert his gaze. He began hyperventilating, the numbers etching themselves into his mind—1978, 1978, 1978.

Taehyung's voice called out his name from a distance, growing increasingly distant and desperate with each passing second.

"Jeongguk? Jeongguk! Jeongguk!"

But he couldn't respond. He couldn't even turn towards Taehyung. His mind was clouded, frozen, incapable of forming coherent thoughts. His heart raced, as if attempting to jolt him into action—a desperate heart, futilely trying to save him.

Tears streamed down Jeongguk's face, the urge to scream rising from the depths of his throat, a silent and desperate  gut-wrenching cry echoing in his mind. He was screaming in his mind while his disconnected body remained unresponsive.

There was nothing he could do. Fear and helplessness overwhelmed him as he finally looked up and saw Taehyung through the fog, attempting to reach him. He felt useless, adrift. The darkness  was coming to him to engulf him completely, pulling him away from everything, from 1921, from Taehyung, from his love.

“No!" He Heard Taehyung. "Jeongguk!!"

"No!" he screamed, shattering the paralysis. "No, please, no!"

But who could hear him? To whom was he pleading? "No..." he muttered to himself, shutting his eyes. Desperately trying to convince himself, to compel his return, he repeated, 'No, no, no, it's August 10, 1921. This is 1921.'

As Taehyung appeared as a blurred figure through the fog, distant—completely out of reach. Submerged in despair, Jeongguk fought against the encroaching darkness, a heavy haze tormenting his senses. He struggled with what little strength remained.

"It's 1921,  It’s 1921, please…!" he shouted but it was in vain,  the darkness consumed everything.

He lost track of time. When his heavy eyes finally opened, they threatened to close at any moment. His mouth was parched, and he found himself sprawled on the hard floor of a room, its worn-out carpet bearing witness to better days long gone. Sitting up, a surge of alertness washed over him— The changed decor, the flip digital clock—it all confirmed the year. He shuddered, closing his eyes, allowing the tears to escape. The sight of the digital clock soured his mouth. Then, he felt something in  his hand—the round, shiny coin marked '1978.'  it was still there, mocking him.  Furious, incensed, filled with pain, he flung it against the wall,  finally free from its haunting magnetism, now after taking away all of his happiness.

Jeongguk huddled into himself, knees pulled tightly against his chest, tears flowing ceaselessly. Amidst the sobs and the shards of his broken heart, he surveyed the room in bewilderment. This wasn't his Room 1230, the one he had requested in 1978. Unhinged, he began to explore the place. Suite 0613—a room that in the distant past of 1921 had belonged to Taehyung, the place where, just moments ago—57 years in the past—they had shared one last kiss.

Jeongguk's gaze fixated on the bedside clock. The room loomed empty, engulfed in darkness and cold. The once-glamorous aura of the Grand Palace was a distant memory. Outside, the cacophony of the rush hour traffic indicated it was daytime, yet he remained motionless. Desperation overwhelmed him—a yearning to return, back to Taehyung, back to 1921, where his heart had been left behind.

"No, no, no," he muttered frantically, fingers entangled in his hair in a futile attempt. "It's August 10, 1921. I'm at the Grand Palace Hotel, it's August 10, 1921, I'm at..."

Repeatedly, over and over, pleading to return to Taehyung's warm embrace. But his cries dissolved into the void, each echo of desperation falling on deaf ears.

Time and again, "It's August 10, 1921, I'm at the Grand Palace Hotel," he pleaded.

No matter his efforts, each time he opened his eyes,  he was still in that cold and dark room in 1978. There was still darkness, still in a world where Taehyung no longer existed.

Crying, Jeongguk turned to his side, his eyes swollen and red from relentless tears. He unleashed a heartrending scream—a man whose life had crumbled, happiness cruelly ripped away just when he had come to know it, just as he had brushed the heaven with his fingertips.

III

And so, the time went by… 

It was September, and Wilson found himself deeply concerned. "Come on, you have to eat something," he urged, his face a mix of confusion and genuine worry for his friend. Jeongguk had disappeared for weeks, and now that he'd reappeared, he seemed like a completely different person—changed in ways Wilson couldn't fathom. Jeongguk remained tight-lipped about what had happened, retreating into isolation, lost in the consuming darkness of his thoughts.

The once-jovial, radiant Jeongguk was long gone. In his place stood a mere shadow—diminished, alarmingly thin, with dark circles etched beneath his sad haunted eyes, bearing an unbearable misery.

Inside the writer's apartment, Wilson observed Jeongguk's relentless obsession to purchase antiques and throw away his previous possessions. It felt like stumbling upon a time capsule, leaving Wilson stunned and increasingly concerned. He couldn't shake the thought that his friend might be on the edge of madness or perhaps suffering from a terrible illness. Witnessing Jeongguk in such a state of despair, so consumed by emptiness, weakened and disheveled in bed, with sunken eyes and a barely-there pulse, made Wilson fear the worst.

It seemed as if Jeongguk's heart had lost the strength to continue beating—a life force ebbing away, giving up. 

Jeongguk shook his head slightly. "I'm not hungry," he claimed. There was nothing that appealed to him, no food for the body could comfort a torn soul. He sighed, turning his gaze to the wall adorned with a series of aged photographs from 1921, and a prominent portrait of Taehyung. Sorrow enveloped him as tears streamed down his cheeks.

Photographs and memories were all that remained of Taehyung in this cold, cruel world where his warmth no longer embraced Jeongguk.

"I've lost everything, Wilson," he confessed, his voice soft, barely audible, filled with despair. "My will to go on—it's gone. I've lost the love of my life, all hope ripped away from me. He's now distant, separated by time and space, in a place I cannot return to, not even in dreams..."

"Never again," he whispered. "I'll never hold him in my arms. What's the point of living then?"

Witnessing Jeongguk's despair, Wilson felt his own heart shatter into pieces.

Jeongguk had certainly tried by all means to return to the past, had attempted to go back time and time again, but without success. Namjoon had been very clear when they met again and exchanged a conversation during a walk around the university's track field on a cloudy and cold December morning.

A December he thought would never come, one he didn't expect. Although in reality, trying to return, continuing to try, was the only motivation, although slowly he was left with no more hopes. Perhaps one day, his heart would decide to unite with his beloved, there, where the sky births anew, his sky adorned with stars, with Taehyung shining as one of them.

"It's highly unlikely to happen again. You got the ideal conditions the first time, and that's already quite a rarity, but I'm afraid there's some blockage in your unconscious that's preventing it," Namjoon explained. "Perhaps the same sadness, maybe the pain... it's so present that it keeps you here because you can't reject that pain."

Because that pain was nothing but a reflection of the immense love he felt for Taehyung.

And maybe, he was too aware of what he had lost.

Namjoon understood it very well; he too had left his heart where he could never reach it

1979

Despite all the odds stacked against him, Jeongguk refused to give up. He promised himself that as long as his heart kept beating, he would keep trying. He couldn't leave it like that; he couldn't give up. His wounded heart, which threatened to give up at any moment, insisted on continuing to fight, to be able to beat in harmony with Taehyung once more

"Do you know what a temporal paradox is?" he suddenly heard one morning in the park while he was out buying a series of books from that era. A woman, likely around 90 years old, was staring at him intently from one of the benches.

Jeongguk stopped abruptly. Though he didn't know her, her kind face evoked an indescribable sense of nostalgia within him. Her voice wasn't familiar, but her words resonated deeply. "A temporal paradox is a logical contradiction that arises in the context of time travel, where certain events generate impossible or self-contradictory situations," she explained, and he looked at her, utterly confused.

"You and I, we are paradoxes in time." 

The writer was stunned by her words, a shiver running down his spine, causing his hairs to stand on end. 'Why don't you take a seat?' she suggested, patting the metal bench. “The pocket watch is also a paradox,” she revealed, prompting the young man to sit down immediately. Did she know? Did she hold the key to returning to Taehyung?

“Don't you recognize me, dear?” she asked sweetly, then chuckled. “I'm Elizabeth Moore…”

Jeongguk's eyes widened. “Mrs. Moore?'

"The same," she said with a tender look, "You've always wondered why I helped you, haven't you?"

Jeongguk nodded vigorously, unable to take his eyes off her, utterly astonished. She took his hand. "When you met me at the hotel, I already had Peter, and I was already married to his father. Now I'm 90, and my eyes have seen too much, but at that time, I was in my late twenties, life, although not just beginning, was still very young." Then she proceeded to tell her story. "I recognized you at the hotel as a time traveler because I could see from your mannerisms that you didn't belong to that era," she finally said. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Elizabeth Moore, née Hepburn, and I was born in  South End in 1948," she concluded, leaving Jeongguk in shock, gasping in surprise. "That's right, dear. I was a traveler too... One who arrived in 1913 following a dream I once had and decided to stay, never to return."

Jeongguk looked at her intently. "But how? How did you manage to do it?"

She nodded gently. "Time is linear but not perfect; there are small temporal space holes that allow flexibility," she explained. "I can't go into too much detail because I'm not an expert in theoretical matters," she gave a slight smile. "I just know that if it were entirely linear, at any given moment, I could encounter a version of myself, or perhaps she too decided to travel."

Jeongguk nodded. "That's why technically it's difficult to stay in another time," he looked at the ground, feeling melancholic. "We don't belong there, so at some point..." He had researched the subject, trying to find a new way to return to the past.

She nodded again. "That's why I had to find a way not to return, and I didn't return!" she smiled. "I did it when I was in my twenties, 18 years ago—what an irony!"

"How, how did you do it?!" he looked at her desperately, "Please, I beg you, he—"

"I know," she gave his hand a gentle pat. "I understand." Mrs. Moore sighed deeply, "You see, when I was 20, I arrived and married a great love. I made a conscious choice not to return, letting go completely of everything I knew from the... present world. Do you understand? Not just objects, but everything that tied me to that different timeline; I can freely discuss the topic because I detached myself from who I was in the future, which is now my past. When you stop granting power to what anchors you, you gain the freedom to exist wherever you desire; your thoughts and words hold the power you give them," she explained, with a hint of complexity in her tone, "It's challenging to explain, but I believe you comprehend."

"I think I do," said Jeongguk, attempting to grasp the depth of her words. 

"Let's talk about your pocket watch."

"I... don't have it with me."

"I know, he kept it."

Him, him, him.

Jeongguk nodded slightly. "When he gave it to me, about... four years ago, there was a picture of me inside, I guess—"

She smiled and nodded. "That's right, he was the one who placed it there, the day after you left, and he never parted from that watch... I suppose you took it out before giving it to him in the past."

"I still don't understand, if I gave it to him, and he gave it to me..."

Elizabeth nodded. "It's a paradox. I imagine another version of you made the time travel and changed things so that you could return. Obviously, you don't remember it because there are inflexible things in linearity that get rewritten."

The writer furrowed his brow. "Wait, are you telling me that I had already traveled before...?"

She nodded. "It's most likely, I'm almost certain that's how it happened, that's why I'm here, Jeongguk, because I had to talk to you."

He looked at her intrigued, and she continued, "In order to time travel, one of the requirements is that you can only travel linearly. If today is December 23rd, you can only travel to December 23rd in the past."

Then many things fell into place. Even the first time he tried, attempting to go to August 5th on August 4th… Jeongguk looked at her, astounded.

She smiled, sensing his comprehension. "And the second thing is being able to visualize the place and moment you wish to reach. You wanted to meet him, you knew he would be at the hotel, right?"

Jeongguk nodded eagerly, encouraging her to continue.

"But how could you reach him if you didn't know where he was? Waiting until August wouldn't guarantee his presence... and it might rewrite your shared story."

"No, I couldn't... nothing can replace the moments we shared together..."

A moment of profound silence lingered, laden with the weight of Jeongguk's loss.

"I spoke to him," she revealed softly, "to Taehyung, that morning..."

Tears once again welled up in those round, dark eyes.

"I could recognize his sadness, seeing him plead for a solution that wouldn't come, and I knew no one would believe him. And I can see in your tears that his love was reciprocated," she said with a gesture of affection.

"I love him..." he wept. "This whole year, I've been relentlessly searching for a way back to him," he confessed amid sobs.

She nodded knowingly. "That's the thing. He was your anchor, the sole reason you yearned to return," she said bluntly. "But then, you lost track of his whereabouts. You were clueless. Once your mind eased, when pain granted you clarity, when you tried again, it was already too late. You were adrift, unsure where to find him, how to even begin."

She continued,  “I knew Taehyung would eventually have to return home, away from the hotel. So I asked him to write a diary for you, in case someday you managed to return. I understand it might sound illogical. Many of the things I'm telling you might not make sense. But it's about breaking away from logic, perhaps creating a paradox, much like that watch you both share. You see, everything that has happened until now doesn't alter what had already occurred because precisely your departure is the reason for the events you've lived through—an endless cycle, specifically between the two of you. And now, I know you understand. You know why things unfolded as they did. But just maybe, you can break free from it. Perhaps you can discover a way to change that past…”

Jeongguk looked at her, trying to understand every word, paying attention to what she was saying. Her disappearance had been the key to why Taehyung had withdrawn from the stage, why he had chosen to hide from the public eye. In his infinite sadness, he had chosen isolation. He then understood that all those things they had experienced in the past, that he had experienced, had actually caused the present he was living now. That photograph capturing Taehyung's smile, those cherished words, those fleeting moments—they came together  to make the present reality. He had altered nothing but rather made it happen ; in truth, everything had unfolded as it was meant to. Overwhelmed, he sobbed, trying to string together thoughts, to find meaning in the flood of ideas swirling in his head. To break from linearity, to return to the past. To try to make a change. But how? How could he even go back?

"A diary. Mrs. Moore had mentioned a diary. Hoping that somehow it would reach Jeongguk in the future. A diary. Taehyung wrote a diary. With it, he could know what he was doing with his life on certain days.

But where was that diary? Who had it? How could he reach it? And then... Seeing Mrs. Moore's smile, he knew he had hit the mark.

"Maybe, maybe not all is lost," he said with hope, with a new energy, with a new life.

"You're very clever," she said. "Well, I presume now you'll embark on the search for that diary. Do you have any idea where to start?"

Jeongguk nodded. "Yes, I think I should go to the exact place where I started, shortly after I first learned about Taehyung, with his great-nephew, Jimin"

She smiled warmly. "Send him my regards," she said sweetly, "And remind him of the cat plush I gifted him on his tenth birthday if he needs proof." She chuckled softly. "I'd come along, but I'm feeling a bit weary, and my granddaughter will be here soon to pick me up."

"I will." Jeongguk embraced her tightly, expressing profuse gratitude for all the information and support she had provided since his arrival at the hotel. He knew mere words wouldn’t be enough to show his gratitude to Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, and her kindness would forever reside in his memories. Bid her farewell, with a clear determination to return to the past and not look back. So, it was a goodbye, yet possibly not a final one. Perhaps, once he returned back in time, he would seek her out, to let her know  her guidance had indeed led him to make it happen.

He was hopeful and excited. 

He had mentally prepared himself to embrace to accept what would become his new reality. He believed he had discovered the way, cracked the code, and was now on the brink of returning. He was convinced that rules were meant to be broken, even time laws. He was going to break away from all that and forge a fresh reality—for himself and for Taehyung.

His steps led him to a house he recognized well. It had been just over a year since he had visited, though it felt like a much more distant memory. Time travel was greatly affecting his perception of time, but for the moment, he had no time for such trivialities. He was in a hurry, indeed. The excitement in his heart beat strongly, urging him on, saying, ‘ Hurry, let's go, get that diary. Taehyung is waiting for us, and we don't want to make him wait any longer.' And so, he knocked on the door of that house, reminiscent of the first time. The door swung open promptly, revealing a very surprised Jimin.

“Oh, you're back…” Jimin looked at him, astonished. “When you didn't return, I thought something might have happened to you,”  he said, stepping aside to let him in. “Please, come in. It's too cold outside for us to be chatting like this."

Jeongguk expressed his gratitude and, upon stepping inside, embraced the warmth and homeliness of that familiar abode. Led once more to the living room, he encountered the collection of Taehyung's possessions on display. Sensing Taehyung's lingering presence within the absence, bridging the years, his heart quivered.

As he looked at the clothes on display, he recognized some of those garments. He smiled faintly, running his fingers against the cold glass that protected them. Looking around, he finally understood why Taehyung had surrounded himself with items from that era; he, too, had spent his life yearning to return

This realization brought a few tears to his eyes. Concerned, Jimin approached him with a tissue. 'Is everything okay?' he asked, worried.

Jeongguk took a moment before responding, weighing how to explain the situation. "I've come to ask for your help because I believe you're the only person who can assist me..."

Jimin took his hand, guiding him to the sofa to sit beside him, suddenly concerned to see him so fragile, so different from how he remembered him. For a moment, he feared that this young writer might be experiencing the twilight of his days. "Tell me how I can help you," he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"I... I'm okay,"Jeongguk assured, picking up on Jimin's worry. "I've been better, obviously," he added,  but not wanting to delve too deeply, he decided not to dwell on the issue. I had a conversation with Mrs. Elizabeth Moore. I believe you're acquainted with her."

Jimin looked at him with bewilderment; once again, this man seemed to know too much, having a peculiar connection with his great-uncle. But after seeing that photograph in the clock, he decided to stop questioning too much; maybe there were things he simply would never understand.

"Mrs. Moore," Jimin recalled. "Yes, I remember her. She used to visit me a lot when I was a child. She was a close friend of my great-uncle, then she moved to the old world, but they stayed in touch. I heard she came back, but what does she have to do with this?"

Jeongguk bit his lower lip, about to ask for something extremely personal, unsure if Jimin would agree or not. "She told me that Tae— your great-uncle had a diary where he documented his daily life. I know it's very personal, but—"

"Ah," Jimin nodded faintly, "or rather, diaries." He smiled softly. "You know, at one point, Taetae, as I used to call him, mentioned that during his youth, he diligently wrote in his diary every single day. Every night before sleeping, a fragment of his life was laid down on those pages. He said he did it hoping to recover what was lost, but I never quite understood it. Then he told me that when he lost hope, he stopped."

Jeongguk felt a sharp pang in his chest, clutching the fabric of his pants tightly over his knees. "May I... take a look?"

Jimin looked at him apprehensively, with a hint of suspicion. "Is this still part of your investigation?"

"He's part of my past and my future," he said almost desperately. "Please..."

"They are notebooks from over 50 years ago. He made sure to keep them for a reason; they're very precious. I'm afraid I couldn't just hand them over like that; they're private, and—"

"Jimin," he looked at him desperately. "Just let me see. December... the earliest December."

Confused, the young man sighed and nodded. "I'll go fetch them,  they’re fifteen, one for each year. Then he wrote another five with sporadic days, there are more recent ones."

"The first one..."

"Okay, but honestly, it feels wrong to snoop through the private things of someone who's no longer here..."

"If I explain it to you, would you believe me?"

"Perhaps not, but then again, his fixation with you was inexplicable too... There were many aspects about my uncle that I could never quite comprehend. His fascination with time, with time travel, seemed to be shared with Mrs. Moore. And now, you arrive, saying these things..." He paused for a moment. "There's something inside me that urges me to support you... after all, you had his watch."

With that, went upstairs  as Jeongguk scanned the room, taking in all the items. Countless photographs captured moments he had missed, including one peculiar picture of Taehyung hugging a small, fluffy black dog. It represented the life that had slipped away from his side. All those cherished moments could have been theirs together, yet a trivial mistake and a coin had steered him away from the path of true happiness.

When Jimin returned, he brought a box containing several meticulously bound notebooks, handled with extreme care. With delicate fingers, he selected one and opened it cautiously, fearing the fragility of the aged pages now tinged with a yellowish hue. "This is so strange," he murmured. "Believe it or not, I had never read his diaries before, and I never intended to."

"I understand. I'm sorry for putting you in this position; if I weren't desperate... I wouldn't be asking."

Jimin nodded, carefully opening the notebook. "This... this is the first one, from 1922..." The year was elegantly handwritten at the top of the page. Then, with the same gentle care, he turned the page, revealing an inscription penned by Taehyung himself.

“Jeongguk, my sweet love. If this diary has reached you, it means we've done something right, or at least it signifies that I managed to find you—” Jimin gasped, wide-eyed. "How is this... possible? It's as if it's addressed to you..." He looked at him in shock. "It's like it was waiting for you—Oh my God!"

Jeongguk nodded, tears in his eyes. "Yes... he was waiting for me," he replied.

Jimin placed a hand over his chest, realizing that the situation overwhelmed him, facing something much larger than logic. Then, Jeongguk continued, taking the diary with trembling hands, opening it once more.

"Jeongguk, my sweet love, if this diary has reached you, it means we've done something right, or at least it signifies that I managed to find you.

To this day, there's not a moment I'm not thinking of you, and those days we lived together, they were brief, a fleeting moment of happiness, but they were the most beautiful days. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I'm certain there will never be joy, sweetness, and happiness like the ones you've given me.

For there is no  happiness in a world without you.

You've changed me. You've made me a free person. You've taught me to love. It's you who has brought me a life worth living.

And I wanted to spend it with you.

I truly wanted to spend it with you.

I conversed with Mrs. Moore, the friend who aided you during your stay. She advised me to inscribe this diary, hoping my words would transcend time to reach you and you to work your magic once more and reunite with me. Let's defy the confines of time's flow.  Let's create our own paradox

These memories are all the hope I have left of seeing you again.

I love you.

January 1st, 1922”

 

As he finished reading, a pained sob escaped him, cradling the diary to his chest. "Your words reached me,  and I won't rest until I can be with you again."

And then he pondered, what had unfolded in the timeline to prevent his return? No, he wouldn't repeat the mistake. He was determined to achieve it, to break through. He'd create a paradox if needed, anything to escape that predetermined path. He was going to make it happen.

"Jimin!" he called out. "I may not grasp this whole concept of time and linearity completely, but right now, it doesn't really matter. I want you to know that I'll do everything to return to him” Then he breathed “I think…owe you an explanation”

Nervously, Jimin nodded. "Okay, I'm listening... but please, be gentle. All of this... it's too much for me."

As Jeongguk flipped through the diary's pages, he uncovered more about Taehyung's life. He learned that despite conversing with Mrs. Elizabeth, it took Taehyung some time before he committed to writing the diary, possibly hesitating to fully believe in her words.

He discovered that Taehyung had secluded himself after  initially persisting with his acting career, but eventually lost enthusiasm for that path, lacking the drive to continue. Instead, he poured his energy into chronicling his memories.

"We've researched what's needed to set up a greenhouse. I aim to pursue the passions we once pledged to each other. I dream that someday - if life permits - in the autumn of our lives, we'll still make the most exquisite bouquets of flowers."

 

"I hold onto hope that you'll return”

 

"I'm writing a book in your honor, a testament to the enduring love I still hold for you. Each night, I see your photograph and I imagine a life by your side. I ponder how different things might have been if fate had shown a touch more kindness. I pray this book finds its way to you, and perhaps, just perhaps, my love reaches you. Its title shall be 'Whispers of West End.'"

This revelation struck him deeplyTaehyung had been the mysterious author of ' Whispers of West End '?! He trembled; that book held immense significance for him. It had been a cherished part of his childhood, a story he'd grown up hearing from his mother, finding it both beautiful and sad but hopeful. He'd always felt the author understood love profoundly—a complete surrender, as if sensing the beloved's heartbeat in their own veins.

All along, the novel had been about him.

Oh, he was loved.

Rushing to his bookshelf, he retrieved his copy, eager to confirm the dedication.

"To my love beyond the stars and the march of time."

"Wait for me, just a little while longer, just a little while longer," Jeongguk whispered, pressing a kiss to the page.

December 30, 1922.

Duskfall bustled with life, a neighborhood where wealth ebbed and flowed. Renowned for its fine dining, candlelit conversations, and good music, it was a haven for leisure at night. By day, it vibrated  with the energy of bustling shoppers seeking bread, sweets, milk, garments, and flowers, and flowers were aplenty. Hundreds of them. 

Nestled on the corner of Lumina Avenue, a stately house stood, rumored to be acquired by a star, and recently, Recently reborn as a shop, it showed a stunning array of flowers, along with medicinal and ornamental plants. Majestic in its presence, it welcomed guests with heady fragrances and walls adorned with exquisite décor.

It was luxury, it was elegance. It was love.

It was called Love Antique, an extremely unusual name. If the truth behind those words were known, perhaps, just perhaps, people would understand why those precious words graced the shop's window.  This lavish floral boutique was renowned for its stunning, grand floral arrangements. Those beautiful flowers lasted for so long their longevity attributed to the love, care, and tender devotion infused into their cultivation.

There was so much talk about love that some hinted at something magical. There were no flowers like those anywhere else in the city.

That was the place Jeongguk wanted to go, the place of his longing, because that was where his heart was. It was the world where Taehyung existed.

The writer woke up on that chilly morning, his eyes opening to a burst of joy in his heart. The city's murmurs had shifted; everything felt different. He was back in the past. Without wasting a moment, he strolled through the cobblestone streets, seamlessly blending into the crowd going about their daily lives, none suspecting the time-traveler among them.

As he turned the corner, Love Antique stood gracefully  before him. Its elegant glass doors were wide open, inviting him inside. He took one step, then another, nervously regulating his breathing. His heart thumped with excitement, eager to reunite with his other half.

Entering the shop, his body trembled, as if he could sense him.

"How may I assist you?" inquired a girl in a pink apron, her crescent-shaped eyes and daring smile resembling Jimin.

"I'm looking for someone," the writer said. The girl's friendly expression changed instantly. With a sassy frown, she crossed her arms. "Who?"

"Taehyung," he said softly, hoping for some flexibility from her, but she simply crossed her arms.

"Uh-huh, and why?"

"I need to talk to him," he pleaded, instead, she promptly placed her hands on his chest, lightly pushing him out of the store.

"My brother doesn't talk to reporters or fans, he doesn't give interviews or sign autographs, thank you very much."

"But it's very important!" he pleaded, but she crossed her arms.

"I know your type. You're all just eager to speak ill of a star. You don't know what happened; you're only interested in sensationalism!" she huffed. "Leave us alone!"

"Wait!" he raised both hands in front of him. "I'm not a reporter, I'm a friend..." Well, that was the only way. Perhaps.

"I don't think so, he would have mentioned you," she defended.

"It's because he's not expecting me," he murmured.

"Even more reason for you to leave. Only the closest and most trusted know, so please, leave, or I'll call the police," she firmly replied.

He looked at her in desperation. "Please, I—"

Suddenly, there was movement inside the store. "Jia, who is it? What's going on?" That velvety and precious voice made Jeongguk freeze instantly, his heart skipping a beat. It was his voice, it was Taehyung.

"It's nobody, just someone leaving, I've got it," she said.

"No!" Jeongguk yelled. "Taehyung!"

At that moment, Taehyung dropped the bouquet of flowers he was holding, emerging from among the flowers. He slowly moved toward the entrance, surprised but afraid he might be seeing a hallucination. He looked at that beautiful man who never stopped visiting his memories. His heart skipped a beat.

"Jeongguk?" he murmured as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Is it... really you?"

Jeongguk smiled, trying to hold back tears with a smile. "It's me," he said, breaking down in tears. "It's me," he announced.

Without wasting another second, Taehyung rushed into his arms, holding on tight. Jeongguk embraced him, enveloped in his scent, spinning him around and holding him close, feeling the steady beat of his heart once again.

"You're here," Taehyung cried. "You're not a dream, you're real."

"I'm back, I'm home," he said, breaking the embrace to cup Taehyung's cheeks and smile at him. "We did it... we made it."

Taehyung returned a beautiful smile before planting a long kiss on his lips. "Welcome home."

Jia looked at them, bewildered, then smiled, shaking her head. "Happy birthday, little brother, I suppose."

1978

"Jimin, son, hurry up, the guests have arrived!" His mother hurried past him down the hall to the garden.

"Yeah, yeah!" he replied, carrying a large cake he had baked for that special afternoon. Placing it on the dinner table alongside all the luxurious dishes and cutlery, it was an important celebration, and he had volunteered to help his family.

The young man sighed as he glanced at the photographs on the walls and smiled. In those pictures, he could see his family—his mother, his grandmother Jia, and his great-uncles, Taehyung and Jeongguk. Many photos of them throughout a lifetime together. Pictures with pets, with Jimin as a child, playing in the large backyard of the huge house they had bought in 1930.

Jimin considered himself fortunate; not everyone gets to grow up in a family like his, being the great-nephew of a theater and music star, and one of the most prolific playwrights of their time.

Then, he saw them enter the dining room, both engrossed in a lively discussion about the show on TV. Dressed comfortably yet fashionably, with their white hair and the creases of countless smiles etched into their faces.

"I'm telling you, it was obvious it was the husband!" Jeongguk said, helping Taehyung into the room.

"No!" his husband complained. "And put on your sweater, it's cold, and you'll get very sick."

"But it's not cold, you're just complaining because I'm right."

"I heard you sneeze, I'm telling you!"

And Jimin chuckled as he watched them sit together, holding hands, just as they had since the moment they finally reunited. They never shared the story of where Uncle Jeongguk was for over a year; they just shared how, after 57 years together, they still felt the same butterflies, and their love grew day by day.

"What a beautiful cake Mimi made us!" Taehyung said. "Happy anniversary, dear."

"Happy anniversary, you beautiful being," Jeongguk replied, kissing his hand. "Thank you for growing old with me."

Jimin looked at them, wiping a single tear and sharing a warm smile, hugging them from behind. "It's time to cut the cake," he said, his heart swelling with love.

And he thought to himself, 'Someday, I'll have my happy ending too.’

- The End