Location: Seoul Global Awards — 3 months later
The grand hall glittered with chandeliers and camera flashes. Every major figure from the entertainment and business industries had gathered — idols, CEOs, producers, actors.
And somewhere between all the faces, two people who hadn't spoken properly in months were destined to cross paths tonight.
Y/N stepped out of her black limousine, the night breeze wrapping around her like silk.
Her silver gown shimmered as she walked the red carpet, confidence masking the anxiety underneath.
Reporters shouted her name —
"Y/N-ssi, over here!"
"How does it feel to be Korea's newest global artist?"
She smiled, graceful yet distant. Her success sparkled — but her heart still carried quiet scars.
💫 Inside the Venue
The host's voice echoed across the hall:
"And tonight, we have not just artists, but some of Korea's most successful entrepreneurs — including the CEO of Kim Holdings, Mr. Kim Taehyung!"
The entire crowd turned as Taehyung entered — dressed in a classic black tuxedo, calm, elegant, and every bit the man the world admired.
But for Y/N… it felt like time stopped.
She hadn't seen him since that night at the mansion — no messages, no calls.
Only silence.
And now, there he was — walking in with that familiar quiet dignity, his eyes scanning the crowd until they found her.
For a moment, neither looked away.
Just one long, silent gaze that carried every word they'd never said.
🏆 Award Announcement
"The winner of Best International Debut Artist… goes to… Y/N!"
The hall erupted in applause.
Jungkook hugged her tightly from the side. "You did it!"
She smiled, slightly dazed, walking up to the stage.
Her heart beat faster as she accepted the golden trophy.
"This… this isn't just my award. It's for every person who told me to never stop believing — even when I almost did."
She looked toward the business section of the audience — and found Taehyung watching her, expression unreadable but proud.
Their eyes met.
And for a second, it wasn't the crowd, the fame, or the cameras — it was just them.
The girl who once brought him coffee every morning.
The man who once stayed late just to drop her home.
🌃 After the Ceremony — Balcony Scene
The after-party was in full swing, music and laughter everywhere, but Y/N slipped away to the balcony — craving a moment of quiet.
The Seoul night sparkled below, the Han River glimmering under the moonlight.
Footsteps approached behind her.
She didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Y/N (softly): "You always find the quiet corners too, huh?"
Taehyung (smiling faintly): "Some habits don't change."
They stood side by side, silence speaking more than words ever could.
Taehyung: "Congratulations, Y/N. You've made everyone proud."
Y/N (smiling gently): "Including you?"
Taehyung (meeting her eyes): "Especially me."
Her breath hitched. There was no bitterness in his tone — just warmth, like he'd finally accepted something he couldn't control.
Y/N: "You know… I might not have loved you the way you wanted. But I never disrespected what we had."
Taehyung: "I know that now. I was angry before… but not anymore."
She looked at him with teary eyes.
Y/N: "Even if I'm known now for my songs, and you for your empire — deep down, we've always been each other's constant. We've known each other for eight years, Tae. I still remember how you can't sleep without chamomile tea, and how you pretend to hate pineapple pizza."
He laughed quietly.
Taehyung: "And you still hum when you're nervous."
They both smiled. For the first time in a long while, it wasn't awkward. It was peaceful.
Y/N (softly): "You know what's strange? Even after all this, I still feel safe when you're around. Maybe… that's what friendship is supposed to feel like."
Taehyung: "Then let's keep that. Even if love couldn't stay, let friendship never leave."
She nodded, her eyes shining under the moonlight.
💌 Later That Night
As she sat in her car, holding the trophy, her phone buzzed.
It was a message from Taehyung:
"You were right. We've both changed, but that doesn't erase our years.
Thank you… for being part of my story, Y/N."
She smiled, resting her head against the window.
The city lights blurred outside — a mix of memories, emotions, and beginnings.
"And thank you… for never walking away when I couldn't find myself," she whispered into the quiet night.
Location: Kim Mansion, Seoul – Two weeks later
It had been quiet since the awards night.
Y/N had been staying home for a while — writing songs, resting, avoiding the outside noise. Fame had changed her schedule, but not her loneliness.
Taehyung had been busy again — meetings, interviews, business trips.
He'd been polite, gentle, but distant.
And Mrs. Kim… well, she was still the same.
Sharp, traditional, and always finding something to complain about.
🌧️ Scene: That Night
Y/N sat on the balcony, curled up in a blanket, sipping tea with shaky hands.
She felt both guilty and relieved.
She didn't want to disrespect her mother-in-law — but she couldn't be walked over anymore either.
Taehyung walked out quietly, holding a small tray.
Taehyung (gently): "I made you some ramen. Didn't think you'd eat dinner."
She smiled faintly. "You made it? Didn't know you could cook."
Taehyung (soft chuckle): "I can't. I just boiled water and prayed for the best."
That made her laugh — and for a second, things felt normal again.
Taehyung: "Omma was wrong to say those things. But… maybe next time, don't fight back with fire."
Y/N (quietly): "Sometimes, Tae… you have to fight fire with fire. Otherwise, they'll keep burning you silently."
He looked at her for a moment — admiring her strength, her pain, her truth.
Taehyung: "You've changed."
Y/N: "Maybe I finally learned to stop apologizing for existing."
💼 Next Day
As Taehyung left for work, Y/N stopped him at the door.
Y/N: "You didn't tell me you hired a new personal secretary."
Taehyung (hesitant): "Oh… yeah. I needed someone full-time while you're focusing on your career."
Y/N (smiling calmly): "I know. It's okay. Just… make sure she doesn't mix sugar in your coffee. You hate that."
He chuckled, surprised she still remembered. "You still know me too well."
Y/N: "Always did."
As the car drove away, she stood at the porch — not as his wife, not as an employee — but as herself.
Stronger.
Freer.
Wiser.