Taehyung’s POV
I sat on a bench by the side of the building, staring at the dark sky. The wounds on my body still ached, but I was more mentally exhausted than physically. Everything that had happened… felt like a long dream.
I didn’t realize when Jungkook came and sat beside me.
He was silent, saying nothing. And so was I.
A few minutes passed before he finally spoke. “I’ve wanted to say this for a long time, Taehyung.”
I turned to look at him. His face was calm, but I knew he was carefully choosing his words.
“I’m sorry.”
I said nothing.
Jungkook took a deep breath before continuing. “For everything. For all my mistakes, my betrayals, and… for the pain I caused you and Emylia.”
I clenched my jaw. “Do you think it’s easy to forget all of that?”
Jungkook nodded. “No. That’s why I’m not asking you to forget. I’m just asking for your forgiveness.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “I just want to know one thing, Jungkook… why?”
He was silent for a moment before leaning back. “Black Fox.”
I stiffened at the name.
Jungkook lowered his head, his voice quiet. “I… I am Black Fox, Taehyung. That’s why I had to do all those stupid things back then.”
My heart pounded. Black Fox—the man who nearly ruined Emylia’s life—was actually Jungkook. I had known for a while.
I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the sudden surge of anger. “You—”
“I know you’re angry. But I want to ask you one thing.” Jungkook looked at me with hopeful eyes. “Don’t tell Emylia.”
I gritted my teeth. “Do you realize what you did to her? She almost died because of you.”
Jungkook lowered his head. “I know. And I regret it. That’s why I want to make up for it.”
I listened, waiting.
Jungkook took a deep breath. “I will find an eye donor for Emylia.”
I froze. “What?”
“As a way to make amends. I can’t change the past, but I can do something for her future. I promise, Taehyung. I’ll make sure she gets the chance to see again.”
I ran my fingers through my hair, my mind in turmoil.
Finally, I exhaled slowly. “If you really do that… I’ll keep this secret.”
Jungkook gave a small, relieved smile.
Then he leaned back and whispered, “There’s one more secret.”
I turned to him. “What?”
Jungkook lowered his gaze, his voice barely audible. “I think… I’ve started to like Mirae.”
My eyes widened. “Are you insane?”
Jungkook smirked faintly. “Maybe.”
I sighed. “She’s with Jimin.”
Jungkook nodded slowly. “I know… that’s why I keep it to myself.”
I patted his shoulder before standing up. “Make sure you don’t do anything stupid, Jungkook. This time, I won’t forgive you if you ruin my sister’s life.”
Jungkook nodded. “I won’t repeat my past mistakes.”
•••
I stood outside the house, leaning against the wall. The cigarette between my fingers was almost finished, but I didn’t care. My head was still heavy with everything that had happened.
I heard footsteps approaching before Jungkook stood beside me. He didn’t speak for a few moments, simply staring ahead.
“I’m sorry, Taehyung.”
I turned slightly to look at him. “You already said that.”
Jungkook let out a deep breath. “I know. But this time… I’m apologizing because I finally understand.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
He looked up at the sky before leaning against the wall. “I always thought you were stupid for caring too much about Emylia. I thought you were weak because you were willing to sacrifice yourself for her.”
I clenched my jaw but let him continue.
“But now, I understand.”
I listened, waiting.
Jungkook lowered his head, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Because now, I know how it feels.”
I fell silent.
“I did all those reckless things before because I didn’t care,” Jungkook’s voice grew softer. “I didn’t care if others got hurt, as long as I got what I wanted.”
He exhaled heavily. “But now I understand… when you said you’d rather die for Emylia. When you said you’d rather suffer than see her in pain.”
My heartbeat quickened slightly.
“Because now, I feel the same way.”
I pressed my lips together. “Who are you talking about?”
Jungkook gave a faint smile, but his eyes looked sad. “Your little sister, Mirae..”
My eyes widened. “You—”
“I don’t know when it happened, Taehyung.” Jungkook cut in, his voice raw with honesty. “I don’t know when I started caring about her. I don’t know since when I started feeling guilty every time I saw her, since when I started hoping she’d smile again.”
He ruffled his hair slightly. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. But I know one thing—I regret it.”
I let out a heavy breath.
Jungkook lifted his head, looking at me with sincerity. “I regret making her suffer. I regret doing things I wouldn’t be able to stand if they happened to someone I—”
He stopped, as if unable to say the last word.
I shook my head slightly. “If you truly regret it, Jungkook… make sure you don’t repeat your past mistakes.”
Jungkook nodded. “I promise.”
I sighed before patting his shoulder. “If you really care, prove it with actions, not words.”
Jungkook gave a small smile. “I will.”
I wasn’t sure if I could fully trust him. But for the first time, I saw sincerity in Jungkook’s eyes.
And for the first time, I saw someone who had truly changed.
I patted his shoulder before walking away. There was still one more meeting I had to face.
•••
I knocked on the door before opening it. Inside the room, Jimin was sitting by the bed, holding Mirae’s hand as she slept.
He looked up at me before slowly letting go of her hand and standing.
I closed the door, standing opposite him.
For a few seconds, we simply stared at each other.
Finally, Jimin spoke first. “I regret it.”
I frowned. “What?”
He took a deep breath. “I regret… everything I did to Mirae. I know I was cruel, I know I don’t deserve her. But… I truly love her, Taehyung.”
I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Jimin ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know when these feelings started, but I know one thing—I want to make her happy. I won’t let her suffer anymore.”
I looked at him for a long moment.
I wanted to believe him. But I also knew Jimin’s past couldn’t be erased just like that.
Finally, I spoke. “Are you really willing to sacrifice everything for her?”
Jimin nodded firmly. “Yes.”
I sighed before giving a faint smile. “Then take care of her. I won’t forgive you if she cries again.”
Jimin smiled slightly. “I promise.”
We stood in silence for a moment before he extended his hand. “We’re no longer enemies, right?”
I looked at his hand before shaking it. “Not anymore.”
He chuckled. “Good. It’s boring without you to fight with.”
I smirked. “Take care of Mirae.”
Jimin nodded. “I won’t promise, but I’ll do my best.”
“Don’t just try. If you fail, I’ll make sure you regret it.” My voice carried a warning.
Jimin chuckled. “I won’t disappoint you, brother-in-law.”
Finally, everything felt like it was falling into place. Though many old wounds had yet to fully heal, at least this time, we were all choosing to move forward.
•••
I sat on the sofa, watching Emylia as she faced me… or rather, faced the direction where she thought I was sitting. The truth was, she was blind. So when she spoke, sometimes her gaze drifted slightly off target.
"You're looking at the wall right now," I pointed out with a small smile.
She frowned before shifting her face slightly to the right. "Now?"
I laughed. "A little more to the left."
She followed my instructions, her face scrunching up in mild frustration. "Like this?"
"Yes, now it's right."
She let out a dramatic sigh. "Having a fiancé who loves to tease is such a headache."
I leaned back, still smiling. "Not my fault you're too cute when you're mad."
She fumbled around the sofa, searching for something before grabbing a small pillow and throwing it in my direction. Unfortunately, the pillow went flying in the wrong direction.
I burst into laughter. "Sweetheart, you just threw that at the fridge."
She froze before groaning. "You're so mean!"
I stood up, walking toward her and taking her hand. "Don't be mad. Want me to treat you to some ice cream?"
She pretended to pull her hand away, but not very forcefully. "I can get it myself."
I gently tugged her toward the kitchen. "You want to bump into the table again?"
She pouted but let me guide her. "I can be independent, you know!"
I chuckled softly. "I know. But I like spoiling you."
She fell silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. "I never thought I'd find someone who could accept me like this."
I stopped, turning to her. "And I never thought I'd fall in love with someone as strong as you."
She smiled slightly before suddenly pinching my arm. "You're still annoying."
I laughed before gently pinching her cheek. "And you're still adorable, even if you can't see."
She grumbled under her breath, but I could tell she was smiling. And deep inside, I was grateful. Because no matter how much things had changed, one thing remained the same—Emylia was still mine, and I would make sure that never changed.
I sat in front of Emylia, watching her with a small smile. She still looked slightly annoyed after I teased her, but I knew she wasn’t really mad. She loved to complain, but deep down, she loved me more than she let on.
"Emylia," I called softly.
She turned—but once again, in the wrong direction.
I held back a laugh before gently taking her hand, guiding her to face me properly. "I have good news for you."
She furrowed her brows. "What good news?"
I squeezed her fingers tightly. "I've found an eye donor for you."
She froze. Her breath hitched, as if her brain was struggling to process what I had just said. "T-Taehyung… are you serious?"
I nodded, even though I knew she couldn’t see it. "Your surgery is in two days."
She was speechless. Tears welled up in her eyes, her lips trembling as she tried to say something but failed. In the end, she lunged forward and hugged me tightly.
I chuckled softly, returning her embrace. "Why are you crying?"
She shook her head quickly. "I… I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream!"
I gently stroked her hair. "This isn’t a dream, sweetheart. You're really going to see again."
She gripped my shirt tightly. "Will I be able to see you?"
I smiled, pulling her slightly away so I could see her face. "Yes. You'll be able to see me, see the world, see everything you've been missing."
She laughed softly through her tears. "I'm scared."
I raised an eyebrow. "Scared of what?"
She bit her lip before whispering, "Scared that you won’t be as handsome as I imagined all this time."
I burst into laughter. "Oh, don't worry. I'm even more handsome than you imagined."
She laughed, playfully punching my shoulder. "So full of yourself!"
I tapped her nose lightly. "But seriously, you don’t have to be afraid. No matter what you see, I’m still Taehyung. I’m still the man who loves you more than anything."
She smiled while tracing her fingers over my face, as if trying to picture me in her mind. "I can’t wait to see you, Taehyung."
I kissed her forehead gently. "And I can’t wait to see you open your eyes and witness the world again."
I sat by Emylia’s hospital bed, my fingers absentmindedly playing with hers as she slept. A week had passed since the surgery, and today was finally the day.
Her breathing was slow, her eyes still closed. I swallowed hard. My emotions were all over the place—excitement, fear, nervousness. How would she react? What if she didn’t like what she saw?
Her fingers twitched slightly, and I immediately squeezed her hand tighter.
“Emylia?” I called gently.
Her eyelids fluttered. I held my breath. This was it. The moment we had been waiting for.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. Her brown irises, once empty, now reflected light. She blinked a few times, looking confused.
I held her hand even tighter. "Sweetheart, can you see me?"
She frowned, her wide eyes darting around, as if trying to take in her surroundings. Then, her gaze landed directly on me.
She froze.
I struggled to hold back my smile. "Well? Handsome or not?"
Silence.
I started feeling uneasy. "Why are you quiet? Too handsome to handle?"
Still no response. My panic grew. "Emylia, are you okay?"
Suddenly, she lifted her hand and—
Smack!
I blinked in shock. "Did you just slap me?"
She covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. "T-Taehyung…" Her voice shook as she reached out to touch my face, as if confirming that I was real.
I chuckled, rubbing my cheek. "I knew I was too handsome, but I didn't expect your first reaction to be slapping me."
She laughed through her tears. "I… I can see you. I can see you, Taehyung."
Tears threatened to spill from my own eyes as I pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her body tremble.
"Yes, sweetheart. You can finally see me," I whispered.
She pulled back slightly, her hands exploring my features. "Oh god… this is really you?"
I nodded with a grin. "Are you disappointed?"
She shook her head quickly, her eyes still brimming with tears. "No… you’re even… even…"
I raised an eyebrow. "Even what? Don’t say something bad."
She giggled, pinching my nose. "Even more annoying than I imagined."
I laughed loudly. "Should I cancel the surgery then?"
She playfully smacked my arm. "I’m serious, Taehyung… it still feels like a dream."
I took her hand and kissed it gently. "This isn’t a dream, sweetheart. You really can see now."
She looked around the hospital room, then back at me. "Thank you, Taehyung… for everything."
I caressed her hair. "I did it because I love you. I want you to see the world again, see me… and see how much happiness is waiting for you."
She smiled while gripping my hand tightly. "And the first thing I saw today was you."
I grinned. "And the first thing I want you to see every morning after this… is also me."
She laughed softly. "So full of yourself."
I shrugged. "Well, I am handsome."
We both laughed, but beneath that laughter, we were both deeply grateful.
Today, a new chapter of our lives began.
•••
One Month Later...
That night, I purposely came home late. I knew Emylia would be complaining since I didn’t tell her what time I’d be back. Let her wonder for a while—because I had something big planned for her tonight.
As I arrived at the front yard, I saw the living room lights still on. From outside, I could hear Emylia talking to someone—probably Ray or Haesong. I smirked to myself.
I took a deep breath before stepping inside.
"I'm home!" I purposely raised my voice.
Emylia, who was sitting on the sofa, immediately turned to me. "Hey, Kim Taehyung! Do you even know what time it is?!" She had already started nagging.
Haesong and Ray, sitting beside her, chuckled. "Looks like you're in trouble for being late, Taehyung," Ray teased, raising an eyebrow.
I kept a straight face. "Relax, I have a surprise for you…"
Emylia frowned. "A surprise? You came home late for a surprise? If it's not a good one, you're in big trouble, Taehyung!"
I chuckled softly. Slowly, I pulled out a small box from my jacket pocket. The entire room fell silent, as if everyone already knew what was about to happen.
I walked towards Emylia and then, slowly, I knelt in front of her.
Emylia's eyes widened. "T-Taehyung… what is this?"
I opened the box, revealing a diamond ring that sparkled under the warm lights.
"Emylia Lee," I looked straight into her eyes. "I proposed to you before, but it was in a moment filled with confusion and pain. Tonight, I want to do it right—with a clear heart and absolute certainty."
Emylia covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes glistening with tears. "Taehyung…"
"I know you've been through a lot of pain. So have I. But I want us to start anew—no secrets, no grudges. I want to build a life with you, to make you happy…" I smiled softly. "So, will you marry me?"
Silence. Everyone in the room waited for Emylia’s answer.
Ray cleared his throat. "Emylia, come on, answer him. Don't make this too dramatic."
Haesong chuckled. "If you don’t want it, I’ll take the ring for my collection."
I shot them both a glare. "Shut up, you two."
Emylia remained silent, tears streaming down her cheeks. Slowly, she nodded. "Yes, I will."
Relief washed over me as I smiled. I took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. Her hands trembled slightly, but I could feel her smile.
Ray clapped his hands. "Finally! I've been waiting for this moment!"
Haesong shook his head with a small smile. "Good. At last, your lives are heading toward happiness."
I stood up and pulled Emylia into my arms. She let out a small laugh as she wiped her tears. "I can't believe you actually planned something like this…"
I laughed. "What, did you think I wasn’t romantic?"
"Honestly… yes."
Everyone in the room burst into laughter.
I gently stroked her hair. "I promise, from this day forward, I'll make you happy, Emylia. You'll never cry again."
She smiled. "And I promise, I'll always be by your side, Kim Taehyung."
That night, we celebrated our engagement with laughter and happiness. For the first time in my life, I felt truly at peace. I didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain—as long as Emylia was by my side, I would be okay.
The End.
<••••>
ARGH, finally! Okay, thank you to all the readers... Stay tuned for my other stories, okay?