Chapter Text
“I’d heard about you before,
I wanted to know some more.
Now, I’m about to see what you mean to me.”
Taehyung considered himself a lucky person. He had everything any human being could ever wish for: an amazing brother, health, a wonderful job, supportive friends that were like his family, love, and a place to call home. As a matter of fact, he was the luckiest man on earth since he was going to get married to the love of his life in about three days.
I must count with the gods’ grace and blessings, he thought as he walked down the road towards the island’s dock. He opened his bag and checked the hour on his phone. Quarter past nine. The city’s boat must have arrived already. He slipped his phone in his back pocket and looked around.
It was going to be a fantastic day, the sun was up in the sky spreading warmth and light to every corner. There were no clouds in sight, so the sea reflected the sunrays showing that turquoise color that Taehyung loved. He prayed to all the gods above that the weather stayed like this for the rest of the week, because if it rained this Saturday, he was going to regret not buying that tent the old salesman tried to …
“TAETAE!!”
Taehyung looked ahead and screamed. “CHIMCHIM!!!!” Both men started running with all their might along the dock until they crashed in a hug.
“I missed you so much Park Jimin”.
“I missed you too Kim Taehyung. So much”, the pink haired answered.
Wait. Pink haired???
Taehyung untangled his arms to take a closer look at his best friend. “When you said you were going to be the cutest sugar cotton in town”, Taehyung reached out to feel the baby pink strands, “you were actually telling the truth!”
“You like it??” Jimin asked with insecurity. “I kind of liked it better when it was more flamingo-ish.” Taehyung laughed and ruffled his friend’s hair. “All colors look great on you, Jimbles.”
“Says Mr. I can dye my hair any color and still look flawless” Jimin answered giggling. “Soooo, how is the groom to be, mm??” he asked while moving his eyebrows. “Feeling nervous??”
Taehyung took some time before answering. All this week, he had been acting and pretending to have everything under control. Many people had already asked him how he was or if he felt anxious with all the preparations and every single time he had scuffed and answered that this was the easiest thing he had ever handled. He could lie again, but he knew that it would be pointless. There were three people in the world he couldn’t lie to. One of them was Jimin.
“Terrified”, the light-brown haired confessed while they walked back towards the dock’s entrance, where his friend had abandoned his luggage.
Jimin cooed as he circled his friend with one arm, “You have nothing to worry about Tae, Jin-hyung planned every single detail with a careful eye”, he crouched, grabbed his backpack and with that, they turned around and resumed their walk. “Let’s not forget the fact that Jungkook loves you with all his heart, I will be there the whole time and there will be no unwanted guests, so…”
At hearing that last part, Taehyung stopped dead on his tracks, causing Jimin to look back at him.
“What?? Did I drop something??” Jimin asked checking his pockets.
Taehyung looked down and started fidgeting.
I need to tell at least someone.
Okay, deep breath…
And… shoot.
“I may have…” Taehyung whispered, “… ruined everything Chim.”
“Why would you say that?”, his friend asked softly, stepping up, so he could face Taehyung.
The younger kept looking down as if his sneakers were the most interesting thing in the world. He could bare this alone, sure, but deep down he knew he needed someone on his back to help him with all the mess he created, and who was better than his soulmate for that job.
Jimin was holding his shoulder, trying to comfort him.
He sighed. There’ s no other way, he thought
Taehyung lifted his head and met his best friend’s eyes, trying to air drop all the information about what he did the previous days.
“Oh my gods, I know that look”, Jimin covered his face with his hands full of rings.
“Tae, what did you do this time?!”
Instead of answering, Taehyung took the elder’s hand and led Jimin down a hidden path near the dock. “You’re starting to scare me… just tell me already”. Taehyung ignored him and kept walking until they were deep in the forest.
“You may want to sit down for this one, Chim”, he said as he sat on a wide rock, trying to gather all his courage for what’s to come.
“That bad?!!” Jimin exclaimed with his eyes like saucers. “Not that bad, but kind of a long story…”, the groom-to-be replied while he waited for his friend to take a seat. Jimin sat right next to Taehyung. His face showed that he was nervous, probably thinking way worse news than the one that was going to be spilled.
“This has to do with Jin-hyung”, Taehyung exhaled, ending Jimin’s train of worries with a sigh.
“I’m not sure if that’s supposed to make me feel relieved or not…” the pink haired interfered.
“You know how I get whenever I get anxious”, Taehyung continued, ignoring Jimin’s remark. “I transform into a wandering-cleaning freak that does everything except what needs to be actually done.”
Jimin giggled. “Indeed.”
“So, two weeks ago, I ended up cleaning my brother’s old studio, do you remember it?” Taehyung asked with a small smile on his face, feeling his nerves go away as he mouthed the words.
“Is it where all his singing stuff is?”, the other inquired scratching his head.
“Yep”, the light-brown haired answered popping the p with his lips. “I cleaned every box and sorted everything by categories.” He reached for his bag at his side and started rummaging through it. “When suddenly…”, he pulled out a dark-brown leather traveler’s notebook. “I found this.”
Jimin’s eyes gleamed. “Is it your brother’s? What’s in it?” He questioned with great levels of mischief and curiousness.
“Elementary, my dear Watson.” Taehyung said with a grin, giving Jimin the notebook. “Take a look yourself.” The pink haired snatched the journal and started reading the first page immediately. Taehyung had expected this much eagerness since the two friends would always be haunting for any type of glimpse of Seokjin’s life, when his brother packed up, left his home and went to Europe with just one goal in mind, becoming the owner of the most famous bistro in Greece.
“Ooooh my gods”. Jimin looked up and met his best friend’s eyes, mouth agape.
“My exact same reaction, buddy.” Taehyung answered giggling. “Apparently, my brother fell in love with three different people in a span of 4 months.”
Jimin squealed. The man couldn’t keep on waiting, so he started reading out loud.
March 18, 2013.
London.
My mother used to say that rain was never a bad omen, that it was rather a sign of life and purity. Well, London received me with all the life and cleanliness possible. I had to wait for an hour and a half before I could get off the plane and then another hour before I could check in. At least I wasn’t the only one in this state of wetness, Sandeul, another Korean tourist with whom I shared the cab, was just as soaked as I was. We chitchatted a bit. He was nice and had a contagious laugh.
Right before he got out of the taxi, he asked for my number. Interesting ;D
I am currently having the hottest and the most scented bath of my lifetime. Beware London, I will be renewed and ready to go tomorrow.
March 19, 2013.
Westminster? Check. Big Ben? Check. Buckingham Palace?? Double check. You don’t believe me?? (I’m talking to you Yoongi). Check the tickets at the end of this journal.
Everything was just so dreamlike that I almost thought a princess was going to pop out just around the corner. I laughed a lot and had a great time exploring all the castles and gardens that were around the city. The best part of it was that I wasn’t on my own, hehe, Sandeul offered to be my tour guide and loyal sidekick. I couldn’t stop thinking he was cute whenever he pointed out curious facts and special details from time to time.
We’re planning to go sightseeing and shopping around Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Brixton! My poor wallet will suffer this, I can see it coming.
March 21, 2013.
I know this is supposed to be a journal to record all the details and places I visit in this trip, but this may turn into some kind of diary?? I don’t know, the only thing I know now is that Sandeul was the smoothest of all men when he took my hand. You read right. My. Hand. And held it all the way of the Thames Cruise ride. Later on, we rode one of the most famous ferries wheels of the world, London’s Eye. The view across the city was astonishing.
Right after the ride, we visited the aquarium, where Sandeul-hyung bought me a stuffed jellyfish. Why does he have to be so cute?? My mind keeps telling me that I have just met this man for a few days and that my only focus should be my dreams and goals, but my heart is yelling at me to live my life and go with whatever this is. Anyways, tomorrow’s my last day here in this vibrant city, which sadly means, no time for romance :(
March 22, 2013.
Hyde Park was quite charming and funny. Sandeul and I went paddle-boating along the lake and spotted a wedge in flight of swans. I had seen this park before, when we went to Buckingham Palace a few days ago, but it was kind of crowded back then.
Today was quite tranquil, so we decided to go for it. The sun and the warmth created a romantic atmosphere around us, making it so novel-like… but it all shattered when I told Sandeul that I would be leaving for Paris. His demeanor changed radically, I thought he was going to try to stop me or something, but he wished me good luck and great success in Greece, instead.
This was for the better to be honest. I have never been good at goodbyes or relationships. This was never going to work.
Right now, I’m on the train, with a suitcase full of dreams, expectations and a new piece of information about me: not even summer love is my thing.
March 22, 2013.
Paris.
What a day! After my seven-hour train ride, I went straight to the Louvre Museum. I was expecting it to be full of American tourists just as Hobi had said, but to my own surprise, there were quite a bunch of Korean and Japanese tourists on my ride too.
Jimin smiled when he saw the museum’s ticket pasted with neon pink tape. Every single detail, the handwriting, the color tapes and side notes screamed Jin-hyung.
I know I said that Summer Love didn’t go with me nor relationships or anything like that, but during the museum’s tour, I met Lee Jae-hwan, Korean, 21, cute smile, kind and a nice voice, majoring in Health and Fitness. I may have agreed to meet him tomorrow for breakfast and to explore the city together ; )
I will remain true to my promise, but a little fun won’t hurt anyone, right?
March 23, 2013.
The queue for the Eiffel Tower was crazy! We had to wait for ages under the heat surrounded by hundreds of tourists, but in the end, it was all worth it. The second floor’s view was breathtaking, 115 meters above the ground, can you believe it! Jae-hyung couldn’t stop shaking from the fear, although he blamed it on the cold wind. We wanted to keep on climbing using the stairs to reach the summit, but the weather played us wrong. All our plans were ruined. Nevertheless, I spent a wonderful time with Jae-hyung every second of the day.
Status: still true to my word.
March 24, 2013.
Today I visited Notre Dame’s Cathedral and climbed 387 steps to the top. My legs were burning from the exercise, but the view and the up close of the gargoyles were my reward. Jae-hyung convinced me to go to the Moulin Rouge tomorrow’s night. I sincerely don’t know what to expect, I have heard so many things about that place that I don’t know what to think!!
Gotta go, ‘The Château de Versaille’ is waiting for me…
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The Palace was just majestic. All the artwork, decorations and furniture were beautiful. And what can I say about the gardens?! They were just so, breathtaking. I wish my brother was here, he would have gone bunkers with all the flowers, fountains and masterpieces.
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I’m back at my hotel room with my hands shaking and my heart beating like crazy! We went to the Cruise on the Seine tonight and had so much fun taking in all the lights and fascinating buildings. We were passing near the Eiffel Tower when Jae-hwan kissed me!!! I try not to be excited about all of this since I am leaving the day after tomorrow, and I promised to remain focused on my goal, but he is so sweet… Besides, Jae-hyung knows about all my plans and intentions in Greece, so forewarned is forearmed.
March 26, 2013.
Yesterday I went to Montmartre and did the Square of Tertre. I really need to bring Tae here, this city is just for him. I promise I will come here next time with you little brother!
Anyways, Jae-hyung and I spent such a great time admiring all the street exhibitions, he even paid an artist to outline us!! Can you believe that?? It was quite romantic and cheesy if I do say so myself.
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The Moulin Rouge was a lot of fun, all the dancers were so pretty and sang like angels. I couldn’t take my eyes off them, their dresses, their make-up, dance moves… everything was just so captivating. 10/10 recommend.
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I know I said no romance. I know I said no summer lovers, but Jae-hwan is just so…
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I know that what I did can’t be justified but love and goodbyes are not on my DNA. I woke up before dawn today, wrote a note to Jae and left it the nightstand. Then went back to my hotel and checked out so I could catch my flight. I know that what I did was harsh. Yet, we both knew what we were getting ourselves into. I will miss Jae-hyung, just like I miss Sandeul, but my dream is much more important and my priority.
I have waited years for this, I have left my past behind for this.
Greece awaits.
“All this time we have been thinking that someone broke Jin-hyung’s heart, when actually…”, Jimin declared with a smile. “He was the heart breaker!”
Taehyung laughed at this. “My brother is not the saint we thought he was, is he??”
“Clearly.” The other answered as he turned the page and started reading with a smile on his face.