Chereads / 7 COLORS OF LOVE (BTS FF) / Chapter 4 - A handkerchief and A Heartbeat

Chapter 4 - A handkerchief and A Heartbeat

Minju dabbed at the wine stain on her dress, her eyes flicking up to Taehyung as he stood frozen, unsure of how to assist. Their gazes met, and Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. He felt like he'd been punched in the chest.

"What are you looking at?" Minju asked, her voice husky.

Taehyung's mind went blank. "Nothing... um, about your dress... it's just... why don't we meet another time?" He stuttered, trying to recover. "I really hate owing favors."

He fumbled for his business card and handed it to her, hoping to salvage the situation. Minju stared at the card for a full two seconds, her expression unreadable. Then, without a word, she shoved it into her purse.

Her lips pursed, she threw two cold words at him: "No need."

The dismissal stung, and Taehyung felt his face heat up. He stood there, still frozen, as Minju turned and walked away, leaving him with a sense of rejection and confusion.

Namjoon walked into the room, his eyes scanning the space until they landed on Taehyung, still standing in the same spot, staring off in the direction Minju had disappeared. A knowing glint sparked in Namjoon's eye.

"Wait, that's the lady..." he said, his voice low and amused.

Taehyung didn't respond, still lost in thought. Namjoon chuckled and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, space cadet, let's go. Meet us in the car."

Taehyung shook off his reverie and nodded, pulling out his phone as he followed Namjoon. He quickly sent a group text to the others: "Meet at Jung Hoseok's villa. Now."

The message was brief, but the others knew Taehyung well enough to sense the underlying urgency. They began to make their way to the designated meeting spot, curious about what had transpired between Taehyung and the mysterious woman.

As Taehyung slid into the car beside Namjoon, he couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet comprehend. The memory of Minju's piercing gaze and those two cold words lingered, leaving him with a sense of restless anticipation.

Joining the gathering at Hoseok's luxurious villa, the seven friends exchanged eager glances, each bursting to share their discoveries. Namjoon began, recounting how the mysterious lady had swooped in and snatched half of the crucial documents from under their noses.

Taehyung followed, his cheeks still flushed as he recounted his encounter with Minju. He omitted no details, from the spilled wine to the business card and the chilly dismissal.

As each friend shared their tale, the room filled with gasps, exclamations, and disbelieving laughter. The coincidences were staggering – the same woman, the same calculating gaze, the same trail of intrigue.

"Unbelievable!" Jungkook whistled. "We were all dancing around each other, completely unaware!"

"This is getting juicier by the minute!" Jimin chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

Hoseok leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "It seems we've stumbled into something much bigger than ourselves."

The friends exchanged weighted glances.

Namjoon's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with strategies. "Taehyung, gather all relevant documents on the girl. Let's dig deeper."

Taehyung nodded, but his expression faltered. "Uh, what's her name?" he asked, feeling a sudden jolt of realization.

Namjoon's gaze snapped to Taehyung, his brow furrowed. "You don't know?"

Taehyung shook his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I never asked. She just...left an impression."

The room fell silent, the others exchanging amused glances. Jimin chuckled. "Well, that's a first. Taehyung, smitten and clueless."

Taehyung's face flushed, but he took the teasing in stride. "Hey, it's not like I had a chance to ask. She was gone before I knew it."

Namjoon's expression turned thoughtful. "No name, no background...this just got interesting. Let's see if we can uncover more about this mysterious woman."

The friends nodded, their collective curiosity piqued. The game was afoot, and they were ready to unravel the enigma that was Minju.

The girls gathered at Yoori's villa, surrounded by plush furnishings and soft lighting. The air was thick with anticipation as they shared their findings, each piece of intel weaving a complex web.

Minju revealed her own encounter, producing the documents from her purse. But as she rummaged through them, her expression faltered. "The other half is missing," she said, her voice laced with concern.

That's when the business card slipped out, glinting in the soft light. Minju's elegant fingers picked it up, her thumb stroking the name etched on it: Kim Taehyung.

"Yoonah, I need everything on Kim Taehyung," Minju said, her eyes narrowing. "All his dealings, relationships, any relevant information."

Yoonah's fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes locked on the screen. "Got it," she replied, her voice focused.

As Yoonah worked her magic, the others leaned in, their curiosity piqued. Who was this Kim Taehyung, and what was his connection to their mysterious encounter?

Minju's gaze lingered on the card, her mind racing with possibilities. She felt an inexplicable pull towards this stranger, as if their paths were destined to cross again.

The silence was broken only by the soft hum of Yoonah's laptop, the girls' anticipation hanging in the air like a challenge.

Minju's eyes widened as she connected the dots. "Kim Nam-joon?! Girls, this guy is our main suspect. He's the one who was snooping around, asking questions about the documents."

The others leaned in, intrigued, as Minju recounted her previous encounter with Namjoon. "And now, we find out he's acquainted with Kim Taehyung?" Ha Nuel added, her brow furrowed. "This is getting juicier by the minute."

Yoonah's fingers flew across her keyboard. "Let me see if I can dig up more on their connection."

Dahee's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is like a real-life mystery novel! I love it."

Minju's gaze turned determined. "We need to stay focused. We can't let our guard down around these guys. They might be hiding something big."

The girls nodded in agreement, their minds racing with possibilities. What secrets were Namjoon and Taehyung hiding? And how deep did their connection go?

Taehyung's eyes widened as he recognized the icy voice on the other end of the line. "Hello, Taehyung," she said, her tone firm but with a hint of curiosity.

"Who is this?" Taehyung asked, his voice cautious, as he wondered who was calling him.

"We met briefly before," the mysterious woman replied. "I need to see you. Meet me at the old café on 5th street at 2 pm tomorrow. Come alone."

Taehyung's mind raced as he hesitated for a moment. What did she want to discuss? But his curiosity got the better of him. "Okay, I'll be there," he agreed, his voice firm.

Jungkook, who had been watching the exchange with interest, raised an eyebrow. "Who was that, hyung?" he asked, his voice low.

Taehyung's expression turned neutral. "Just someone I met before, Kook. Don't worry about it."

But Jungkook's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're not getting into trouble again, are you, hyung?"

Taehyung forced a laugh. "No, no trouble. Just...business. Let's focus on the movie."

Jungkook nodded, but his eyes lingered on Taehyung, sensing there was more to the story.

The next day, Taehyung arrived at the café, his heart racing with anticipation. The mysterious woman was already there, sipping a coffee, her eyes fixed on him as he entered.

"Thanks for coming," she said, her voice firm, as he sat down across her.

As Taehyung sat across from Minju in the cozy coffee shop, he couldn't help but notice the way she seemed to command the space around her. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, and her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night.

Minju's gaze locked onto his, her expression calm and collected. "So, Taehyung," she began, her voice husky and confident. "I think we need to talk."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. What did she want to discuss? He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "What's on your mind?"

Minju's smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say I'm looking for a new shopping partner. And I think you'd be perfect for the job."

Taehyung's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Shopping partner? What was she talking about?

As if reading his thoughts, Minju continued. "I'm bored, Taehyung. And I need someone to accompany me on my shopping sprees. Someone with a good eye for style and a willingness to indulge me."

Taehyung's eyes widened as he realized what she was asking. "You want me to take you shopping? And buy you whatever you want?"

Minju's nod was imperious. "Exactly. And I think you owe me, considering you ruined my dress."

Taehyung's laugh was low and husky. "I think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself, Minju. I never agreed to anything."

Minju's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with challenge. "Oh, but I think you will, Taehyung. You see, I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine."

Taehyung heart beats wildly in his chest, but he doesn't want to seem eager.

As Minju headed towards his sports car, Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't believe he was agreeing to this, but a part of him was excited to see where this unexpected adventure would lead.

"Ah, sir?" his assistant's voice came through the phone, breaking his train of thought.

"Yes, that's all. Just clear my schedule for the next two hours," Taehyung replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in his stomach.

"Yes, sir. And, sir?" his assistant added hesitantly.

"What is it?" Taehyung asked, his eyes fixed on Minju as she approached his car.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, sir? You don't even know her," his assistant ventured.

Taehyung's smile was wry. "That's what makes it interesting, don't you think?"

He hung up the phone and turned to Minju, who was now standing beside his car, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Ready to make it up to me, Taehyung?" she asked, her voice icy.

Taehyung's heart raced as he unlocked the car and opened the door for her. "Let's do this," he said, his voice low and smooth.

As Minju slid into the passenger seat, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. What had he just gotten himself into?

Arriving at the luxurious shopping mall. Minju seemed to be at a dilemma. Her assistant and butler had also renewed her closet with all the clothes and shoes in season. Her closet, if not more full was just as full as the mall itself.

Minju's eyes widened in surprise as the lollipop was thrust into her mouth, her words cut off mid-sentence. She tried to speak, but the sweet, sticky flavor filled her senses, rendering her speechless.

Taehyung chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought you might need a little inspiration," he said, his voice low and teasing.

Minju's cheeks flushed as she tried to process what was happening. No one had ever done something so playful, so unexpected, with her before. She was used to being in control, to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it.

But Taehyung's carefree gesture had caught her off guard, and she found herself laughing, the sound muffled by the lollipop.

As they walked through the mall, Taehyung leading the way, Minju couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, of freedom. She didn't need to worry about what others thought about her.

And when he stopped in front of a small, quirky boutique, Minju's eyes lit up. "This place looks interesting," she said, the lollipop still clutched in her hand.

Taehyung grinned. "I thought you might like it. Let's go find something truly unique."

Taehyung led her to the clothing and jewellery department. He pick a sapphire blue, dress with 3D-floral pattern and a long sweeping train with a silt, not too high and not too dull.