Journey Through Love & Time [Taekook Short Stories]
Me or Him?
Chapter 1 of "Me or Him?"
Stepping on the land of South Korea, he has never felt ever so alive, relieved and fresh. Even after travelling for nearly 12 hours he felt the immense relief washing over him, independence and serenity blinded his senses.
The independence of free will, to live on his own was something he had ever looked forward to while growing up, but as a child he never knew that tranquility never lied in the four cemented walls his parents built but under the blazing sun with the pressure of earning to eat and providing for his expenses.
It wasn't needed, not until he rebelled, and thought of living on his own, he had a real lush life, he had never asked twice for something he wanted and he got it, but not all love such life, some choose the hard way.
Ian, a nearly 22-year-old young boy, certified Accredited Accountant, and a CDP, just travelled from his home country to South Korea, he never knew why he chose this country, maybe it gave him a sense of calmness, or maybe it was the easiest and first country he could reach up to.
Dragging the last suitcase to his bedroom, he started to settle down his needed clothes and some regular stuff to their required places, this was the apartment he was gonna live in from now on, a restless excitement was overwhelming his emotions, but the numbness of leaving the loving family behind was also there.
Though, the apartment was not so big, it just had a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge, it was enough for a person, and that's what Ian had ever looked forward to.
Big modern houses, aesthetically decorated lounges, color themed bedrooms might fascinate to the point you only look forward to it, but for him, not until he had earned up his way to all that.
Ian
** Heaved a sigh and threw himself on the bed. **
Ian
Its gonna be a long night before the sun!
His sentence wasn't just about the night he was gonna spend for the first time alone, but about the lonely life he's gonna have, he's gonna miss his parents and siblings hell lot then he imagined.
It's been a month from when Ian had came to the South Korea and has been settled quite well, doing his job, cleaning house, doing groceries, it was quite a routine now, but as the time was passing he was getting into this lifestyle more.
Eunwoo
Ian, what are you thinking?
Ian
Hmm?
** Looks at Eunwoo. **
Eunwoo
There are not many customers today, so you can rest for the day!
Ian
Ok!
** Nods and was about to leave. **
Eunwoo
We have special guests arriving in night, they have a reserving, and I expect you to prepare their food.
Ian stopped at his place, he heard their executive chef's order, and then turned giving him a light smile and nodded.
Eunwoo
** Smiled being satisfied and patted and his shoulder. **
Coming out of the restaurant, Ian hung the bag loosely over his shoulder, he felt a bit hungry, he didn't have breakfast and now at lunchtime he seemed to crave for some warm food, so he went to convenient store to get some instant ramen.
He knew he needs to charge up for the night meal course he was gonna prepare, the executive didn't give him a day off for free, he expected him to work out of his working hours, it wasn't in the contract, but he had quite a fine bond with his head chef and no other job on hand, he agreed to it, though he's considering of looking for another half day job.
Anyone
Is this all you want sir?
While checking out for some things, he turned on the data and scrolled through the Instagram until a bunch of texts flooded from nowhere creating the sound of ting again and again, he never had a habit of silencing his phone, because his subconscious state always told him he might miss out something important.
Ian
Shit!
** He cursed lowly. **
There was a sudden sound of ringing again and again causing everyone's attention in store at him, though the store wasn't much crowded because of being in an isolated place but even a few of them were enough to make him embarrassed and awkward.
Ian
** His cheeks heated up. **
Ian
Oh, uh!
** He clicked several buttons on the phone silencing the ringing. **
But no longer after it rang once again, Ian flustered, took his things, paid the cashier and thanked before almost running out of the store.
Ian
** Closed the door. **
Anyone
You forgot your bag...
** Stared blankly at the door. **
Ian came out of the store, picking up the call.
Ian
📲 What the heck bitch! Couldn't you wait?
Ian
📲 No, I got a break until night, BUT I WAS IN THE STORE AND ALL STARED ME!! IT WAS SO EMBARRASSING!!
Jim
📲 YOU COULDN'T HANDLE EMBARRASSMENT FOR ME!!???
Jim
📲 HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT TO ME!! AIN'T I YOUR LOVE ANYMORE!! ARE YOU CHEATING ON ME??
Ian
** Rolled his eyes with a smile. **
Ian
📲 Yeah! Like you weren't!
Jim
📲 Haww! When did i cheat on you! Instead, you broke my heart! Tell me, tell me you got another bestie in that unknown country, and now you're thinking of abandoning me!
Ian
📲 Com'on, don't blame it on me! It was you last night busy with that insta guy! And you know better how many friends I got!
He continued to walk while talking on the call.
Jim
📲 He's a nice guy, Ian, you should talk to him.
Jim
📲 Com'on! You need a few friends except me too!
Ian
📲 I don't need anyone. Anyway, what were you doing?
Jim
📲 Nothing much, I was just going to bed so thought to give you call before going to bed.
Ian
📲 Hmm... did you have dinner?
Jim
📲 No, I didn't feel like, you?
Ian
📲 I'm just heading to my apartment, brought some instant ramen.
Jim
📲 Mm, you shouldn't eat too many noodles on daily basis, babe.
Ian
📲 There's nothing else to eat...
Jim
📲 Com'on! You're a chef! Cook something tasty tasty!
Ian
📲 Nahh, I don't feel like cooking for myself at all, and until you don't have a heart to cook you shouldn't.
Jim
📲 Who said that? You should, else you'll die out of hunger!
A slight pout formed on Ian's lips, and shook the shopping bag back and forth.
Ian
📲 I said that! And when you cook without interest there's no taste and without taste there's no food!
Jim
📲 Aishhh, aishhh, then how do you even cook for customers daily? Do you cook without interest?
Ian
📲 No!! I like cooking you know that! I love when they have full stomach and also leaves compliments about it. I just don't like cooking for myself...
Ian
📲 And you have no escape from me!
He was at the corner of the street when suddenly he felt a tap over his shoulder, turning around, he looked at the native man, his hair were black and wavy falling over the sides of his forehead and he had a wide hearty smile showcasing his teeth.
Jim
📲 Holy shit! Whose that! Whose that!
Ian
📲 Shut up, bitch! Don't shout!
Ian was till now talking in his own native language so the man didn't understand, he just smiled sweetly and forwarded the bag.
Kim Taehyung
You forgot this in the store...
** Smiled at him. **
Me or Him?
Chapter 2 of "Me or Him?"
Jim
📲 Holy shit! Whose that! Whose that!
Ian
📲 Shut up, bitch! Don't shout!
Kim Taehyung
You forgot this in the store...
** Smiled at him. **
Jim could hear the deep soothing voice over the phone, his eyes widened, the possibility knocking over.
Ian stared at the man, his blinding smile and hooded eyes were enough to be mesmerized by him, but Ian blinked quicker, not wanting to look as a creep he quickly held onto his bag, his fingertips brushing over the others veiny hands in the process.
Ian
H-How did you got this?
** Wore it over his shoulder. **
Kim Taehyung
You forgot this in the store, and I was coming this way too, so took it from the cashier to return it to you!
** Gave him a boxy smile. **
Ian
Oh! Thanks!
** Nods at him. **
The man had a glorious, joyous and calming aura, and his hearty smile warms the heart.
Kim Taehyung
** Blinked twice and smiled. **
Kim Taehyung
Can I know your name?
Ian had already turned around when he heard the male's voice and turned to see him once again.
Kim Taehyung
Ian...? Just Ian?
Ian
** Frowned a little. **
Kim Taehyung
No, no, no, not all!
Kim Taehyung
It's really short and pretty like you, and suits you! I was just surprised, you didn't say the surname so!
Ian stared wide eyed at the man, the call was still on.
Jim
📲 Pretty like you ~ !!
** Jim teased with a laughter. **
Ian coughed, his cheeks heated up, he looked away from under the specs and cut the call.
Kim Taehyung
** Chuckled. **
Ian
Um... thanks for the compliment!
Kim Taehyung
I'm Kim Taehyung! It's really nice to see you!
** Forward his hand. **
Ian glanced at the hand and looked at the man's face once again, thinking he was asking for a handshake.
Ian
** Tilted his head. **
Kim Taehyung
They don't accept tips, not too much, and absolutely not from foreigners!
Ian
Hmm?
** Looked down at his hand being clueless. **
Taehyung was holding out the leftover money from the 50,000 ₩.
Kim Taehyung
You didn't buy much and the owner, doesn't like keeping tips, mostly only if people insist.
Kim Taehyung
Where are you from?
Ian
Um...
** Looked down. **
Silence spread over for a few moments before Taehyung broke it with a light chuckle.
Kim Taehyung
It's ok, uh, I should get going now!
Ian
Um, hmm.
** Nods and steps away. **
Taehyung gave him a big, wide, toothy-boxy smile and walked away before pulling up his mask, while Ian stood there for a moment when his phone rang up again, he picked up the call this time from unknown number and put it over his ear.
Jim
📲 BITCH, IT COSTS ME MUCH MORE TO CALL YOU AND YOU JUST CUT MY CALLS LIKE THAT!!
Ian hissed pulling away the phone from his ear, of course who else could it be instead of this little rascal.
Ian
📲 Could you stop shouting? You could burst my ear! How will I listen to your sarcasms then??
Jim
📲 Deaf or not you still gotta listen to me!!
Jim
📲 Don't whatever me! Do you even know how I even got this phone from my mummy to call you!?? My phone's data is all finished just by calling you!!
Ian
📲 Aunty really gave her phone to you? And why do you have such little data in your phone!?
Jim
📲 Um, no she didn't I stole it!
Ian could hear the little evil laughter from the other side, and he just shook his head, his apartment was just a few walking steps away when he entered inside and closed the door carefully behind him, locking it afterwards, he's really careful about his safety and privacy.
Ian
📲 Anyway, don't call me, just text me or either call over WhatsApp we can talk there.
Jim
📲 Mmm... but your network is mostly off, and you don't see my texts at all, so the only way is to call you this way... I really miss you and want to meet you, see you!
Ian
📲 Mm, I'll call you on my own, we would set over a time don't worry, and we will meet soon.
Jim
📲 Hmm... Oh, oh! I just forgot to ask, who was that man??
The sadness was quick to be replaced with the little teasing in his voice.
Ian frowned hearing him, he threw the bag over his shoulder on the couch and then removed his jacket.
Ian
📲 Who are you talking about?
Jim
📲 Of course the "pretty like you" man!
Ian remembered the man, how could he forget the surreal man, but he couldn't let him took over his subconsciousness either.
Ian
📲 He was Kim Taehyung!
Jim
📲 Kim Taehyung? Kim Taehyung the Kim Taehyung I'm thinking of?
Ian
📲 Mm, yes, the one you're thinking of!
Ian pulled away his phone once again after hearing another shout from the other side of the phone with a string of curses and laughter, seems like his bestie has gone completely crazy, it was nothing new though.
Jim
📲 What the heck!! You met the solo artist Kim Taehyung over the street just like that!????
He walked over to the kitchen after washing his hands, he has been very conscious about hygiene before cooking.
Jim
📲 How could you meet him just like that!!
Ian
📲 Bruhhh, you think I know? He came out from nowhere tapping over my shoulder and returned me my bag and the leftover money from buying from the store!
Jim
📲 And you didn't do anything??
Ian
📲 What was I supposed to do? I thanked him! Isn't it enough??
Jim
📲 BOYYYY!!! YOU JUST MET YOUR IDOL! OUR IDOL AND YOU JUST LET HIM GO LIKE THAT!! WHAT IF YOU NEVER GOT TO SEE HIM AGAIN!!
Ian
** Hissed again and put down the phone over the slab and turned on the speaker. **
Ian
📲 Stop shouting!! I can hear you either way! And you want me to like kidnap him or something?? Are you thinking straight right now??
Jim
📲 No I'm not! I'm not straight to think straight! And why did you let him go!!
Ian
📲 Are you insane or something? Hit your head over a wall while walking??
Ian
📲 Why would I hold onto him?? He's a man to be precise an alpha! I don't trust alphas! It's better this way!
Jim
📲 Com'on!! Just an autograph or a photo wouldn't have hurt! He was so sweet!!
Ian
** Rolled his eyes. **
Ian put the noodles to boil over while he prepared for sauce separately.
Ian
📲 I'm not into such stuff! Looking over him through the screen and fantasizing him as an idol is enough for me!
Jim
📲 Ughhhh!! Why why why!! Why are you so reserved!!!
Ian let him whine for a few seconds before he was ready with the sauce and then took out the sausages from the fridge and cut them into slices.
Jim
📲 Why aren't you speaking now!
Ian
📲 If by any chance I met him again, I will surely get you a picture ok?
Jim
📲 With you? Yes, yes!!
Ian
📲 Don't wish for too much!!
They talked over for sometime until Ian had prepared his dinner and Jim let him eat it peacefully so cut the call biding him a goodbye with a good day. It always brings a smile over Ian's face, talking with him always fills the empty place of his heart, and it always warms his heart making him feel lighter and less lonely.
He ate his dinner while watching a new series over Netflix on his phone, it was suggested by Jim the other day and today he was free till night so thought to watch it over.
Me or Him?
Chapter 3 of "Me or Him?"
Kim Taehyung, the solo K-pop artist, also a well known singer and actor was popular not only among his country, but widely known on the international level as well.
His dedication towards his career and extraordinary talents and good looks were widely popular among the world. He had a wide international fan base and all of them loved him and supported him.
But, with advantages of a big fandom, there are also consequences, the rich, handsome, young male idol can't go out without any guards around him, his agency doesn't allow him to move around the city casually.
Mostly, if there is any news about his new series or advertisements, public go crazy and follows him which risks his safety and so the agency has prohibited him from strolling around freely on his own.
But, being an idol doesn't take away the rights of a man he has, either the agency likes it or not, Taehyung would end up doing something extremely over boarding which would not only frustrate the manager, but also he's near to be bald by being stressed about his safety and done by his tactics.
No one
Kim Taehyung!! Where were you a week before!
Kim Taehyung
In the city.
** He replied casually sitting down in front of the manager. **
No one
You!
** He sighed pulling his hair. **
The man was quite fat in appearance and half of his head was shining due to the lack of hair, though he didn't seem too old, but this young man has caused him a lot of stress in the past years and is the reason behind his baldness that even his wife taunts him over it.
No one
** He placed the pictures over the table. **
Kim Taehyung
** Glanced at the pictures and didn't pay much attention. **
Kim Taehyung
These are hard copy of pictures Mr. Lee! Have you called me for this?
The manager looked at him in disbelief, his eyes wide with frustration and mouth opened and closed to same something, he cursed his luck to be stuck here with him.
Jang Ki-yong
Sir, these are the pictures of a week back, where you are encountered with an omega in an isolated street.
Jang Ki-yong
This also shows you both standing really closer and you were smiling at the younger boy, and you guys are even holding hands.
Jang Ki-yong
This has been viral all over the Internet for the whole meantime, and Mr. Lee has been worried about it from last night. He didn't want to trouble your sleep, so he asked me to bring you to the agency in the morning.
Jang Ki-yong
Mr. Lee did not have sleep at all, you can judge by the dark circles under his eyes, and he had pulled off half of his hair from his head till now, please explain the situation, so we could act accordingly.
Ki-yong, the young personal assistant of Kim Taehyung stepped forward and explained the situation seeing the manager getting red, yellow, and blue by being angry, pale and frustrated. He couldn't bear to see the poor man to look so old at this age, he pitied him.
Taehyung gave a glance at the manager who had his small eyes even smaller by being swollen and red, he moved a little closer to the table and picked up the pictures having a look at it.
He smiled downward once again seeing the young boy, remembering the incident in the convenient store and the possible encounter with the omega.
No one
Look at him! Look at the way he's still smiling as if he did all this deliberately!
No one
Didn't I say, he's looking for someone but you denied! Ki-yong get me a glass a water, get me a glass of water I might faint!
Ki-yong quickly hurried to pour a glass of water for the hyperventilated man, he handed him the glass and patted his back, who took big gulps and deep breaths to calm himself.
Jang Ki-yong
Please sir, explain the situation to Mr. Lee or else we might need to head to the hospital before shooting his blood pressure is arising every second!
Ki-yong patted the man's shoulder, massaging him to ease his mind.
Kim Taehyung
Aishhh, why making it a big deal!
No one
Big deal?? You SAY WHY!!
Jang Ki-yong
Calm down sir, calm down! You're getting wrinkles!
No one
** Huffed taking deep breaths. **
Kim Taehyung
Mr. Lee, it's nothing serious. I was heading back to my place after a morning shoot and craved some snacks so I stopped at an isolated place and went to a convenient store.
Kim Taehyung
This young boy was there in the store and forgot his belongings behind in a hurry, so I just returned it back to him because our route was quite similar.
Kim Taehyung
There's no big deal! I just helped as a good human!
No one
Good human??? YOU ARE EVIL!! BECAUSE OF YOU I'M ALMOST BALD!!
Jang Ki-yong
Calm down sir, calm down!
** Patting his back. **
Kim Taehyung
** Rolled his eyes. **
No, it's your gene!
No one
You!—
** Took breath. **
No one
Ki-yong ask him why out of all the people, he wanted to be a good human!!
Jang Ki-yong
Yes. Sir, why—
Kim Taehyung
Because I felt like doing some good deeds! Giving how much you curse me I need a good fortune at my side!
No one
Good fortune?? GOOD FORTUNE??? THAT BOY IS THE GOOD FORTUNE AND NOT ME!??? HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT KIM TAEHYUNG!! I WAS THE ONE WHO HELPED YOU ALL THESE YEARS!!
No one
** Taking deep breaths. **
Ki-yong ask him why he went alone! Why didn't he take you!
Jang Ki-yong
Uh, sir why didn't you take me—?
Kim Taehyung
Ki-yong was busy dealing with his resented omega! Remember Ki-yong?
** Gave him a smile. **
Jang Ki-yong
U-Uh...
** Looked at the manager and smiled gently. **
Jang Ki-yong
Its fine sir, it's not that big of a problem, you can deal with it!
No one
You both are just headache! Get out of my office!
Kim Taehyung
See you later!
Taehyung got up swirling the keys over his forefinger and turned to Ki-yong.
Kim Taehyung
Are you coming?
Jang Ki-yong
Just a few moments, sir!
Taehyung turned over his heels and walked away humming something lightly.
No one
You see him! Look at his carelessness! Because of his good human image we will face a big lose one day!
No one
Ki-yong talk to him and make him understand he's not someone who could mess around casually! There's a whole big fandom waiting for any such news and he just escalates it by faning the fire more!
No one
The agency doesn't allow all these rumors to reach at a peak point! If he continued to be like this, then we will end up in a big trouble!
No one
Not only he, but I will also be excriminated from this agency! And giving the looks i have gotten over years because of him, no one would take him for work!
The manager carried on with his frustration while Ki-yong stood by his side patting over his shoulder, and calming him time to time.
After hearing the tantrums of the manager, Ki-yong finally came out of the agency and sat on the passenger seat, his ear was still ringing with Mr. Lee's undefined words.
Kim Taehyung
You're finally here?
** Chuckled looking at his state. **
Taehyung knew sitting with Mr. Lee more than 15 minutes can cause stress, but he didn't know in just 20 minutes the young alpha looked completely torn, his ear was red, hair a mess, and was sweating badly.
Jang Ki-yong
Sir, you shouldn't trouble Mr. Lee too much.
Kim Taehyung
** Laughed at his state. **
Kim Taehyung
Ki-yong, I don't trouble him, that man makes everything bigger than expected and stay stressed and shares it with everyone!
** Said glancing at him. **
Taehyung had already started the car and was now driving opposite the agency.
Jang Ki-yong
But sir, you can't be randomly clicked with an omega, it causes a great amount of trouble not only to agency but to your reputation as well!
Jang Ki-yong
Your fan base is huge and people could ridicule you for any smallest matter in jealousy!
Kim Taehyung
I know...
** He sighed. **
Kim Taehyung
But, it wasn't that serious how he was reacting, was it?
Jang Ki-yong
Umm, but sir he was worried.
Kim Taehyung
Worried after a week of the news?? Where was he living before? And people would eventually forget when they get a news of my new movie!
Jang Ki-yong
Uh, true though! Mr. Lee exaggerates a bit!
Kim Taehyung
** Laughs. **
Bet you can't say it in front of him!
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