1. Airport
The airport hummed with a quiet kind of chaos—soft announcements echoing through the air as flights arrived and departed, footsteps blending into a steady rhythm. Beyond the glass walls, the runway lights flickered like distant stars.
Inside the aircraft, however, the calm faded into a more confined bustle.
Passengers shuffled through the narrow aisle, some scanning seat numbers with furrowed brows, others clutching their belongings tightly. A few exchanged anxious words with flight attendants, seeking reassurance before takeoff.
Seated in business class, Kim Taehyung adjusted his surroundings with practiced ease. He placed his bag neatly in the overhead compartment and settled into his seat, masked and hidden beneath a bucket hat. The space around him was quieter compared to economy, yet the faint chaos still lingered.
To him, it was just another ordinary day.
Until it wasn’t.
A sudden movement caught his attention.
A girl hurried down the aisle, her hair flowing behind her like a soft breeze had chosen only her. She clutched a black cap, along with her ticket and passport, her eyes scanning each row with quiet urgency. She paused, glanced at the number in her hand, then looked around again, slightly confused.
Taehyung stilled.
For a moment, everything else faded—the noise, the movement, the world itself. His gaze remained fixed on her as if time had slowed just enough for him to notice every small detail.
Without realizing it, he stood up.
But his mind wasn’t fully there anymore.
“Hello?”
Her voice broke through, soft yet firm. She waved her hand in front of him, but he didn’t react.
“Excuse me?” she tried again, snapping her fingers lightly.
He flinched, blinking as reality rushed back.
“Yeah—how can I help you?” he replied quickly, his tone polite, masking the brief embarrassment.
“Um… my seat is beside you. Would you mind moving so I can sit?” she said, pointing toward the window seat.
He glanced at the seat, then back at her. Inside, something unexplainable stirred—unexpected, unfamiliar… yet undeniable.
He nodded, a smile forming beneath his mask.
“Yes, sure. My pleasure.”
Stepping aside, he guided her gently. As she reached up to place her duffle bag in the overhead compartment, he instinctively helped, lifting it with ease and securing it beside his own.
“Thanks,” she said with a small, genuine smile.
She slipped into the window seat, adjusting the hem of her sleeves before fastening her seatbelt. For a brief second, she glanced outside—the runway lights stretching endlessly, as if the night itself was waiting.
Beside her, Kim Taehyung sat down slowly, but his attention wasn’t on the plane anymore.
It was on her.
He tried—really tried—to look away, to act normal, to pretend this was just another passenger, another flight, another day. But there was something about her presence… calm yet distracting, simple yet impossible to ignore.
“You travel a lot?” he asked casually, his voice low, testing the waters.
She turned her head slightly, surprised at the sudden question but not uncomfortable.
“Not really. Just when work demands it,” she replied, her tone soft but composed.
Work.
He wondered what kind.
Before he could ask, the flight attendants began their safety demonstration, their practiced voices filling the cabin. The plane slowly pushed back, the subtle movement grounding the moment.
A silence settled between them—not awkward, but unfamiliar.
He wasn’t used to this.
Taehyung was someone people recognized instantly, someone who controlled rooms without trying. Conversations usually came to him, attention followed him.
But here… beside her… he felt like just another man.
And strangely, he didn’t mind.
A few minutes later, as the plane began taxiing, a slight turbulence caused a small jolt. Her hand instinctively gripped the armrest, fingers tightening for a second before she relaxed.
“Nervous?” he asked gently.
“A little,” she admitted with a small smile, almost embarrassed.
Without thinking much, he spoke again, softer this time.
“It’s safe. You’ll be okay.”
She glanced at him—really looked at him this time. Even with the mask and cap hiding most of his face, there was something in his eyes… steady, reassuring.
“Thanks,” she said quietly.
Another silence followed, but this time, it felt warmer.
As the engines roared louder and the plane picked up speed, her shoulder shifted slightly—just enough to brush against his.
A small contact.
Accidental.
But to him, it felt like something far more.
The aircraft lifted off the ground, rising into the dark sky, leaving the city lights behind.
The plane steadied as it climbed above the clouds, the city lights now nothing more than distant flickers beneath them. The cabin lights dimmed slightly, settling everyone into a calmer rhythm.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, gathering a bit of courage he didn’t usually need, Kim Taehyung turned slightly toward her.
“I didn’t catch your name.”
She adjusted her seatbelt unconsciously, eyes still lingering on the view outside before answering.
“Zoya.”
Her voice was soft, simple—no extra words, no unnecessary detail.
“Zoya…” he repeated under his breath, as if testing how it felt. It suited her more than he expected.
“I’m Taehyung,” he said, pausing for a second before adding lightly, “just Taehyung.”
She gave a small nod, acknowledging it, but didn’t react much beyond that.
Silence.
He wasn’t used to having to try this hard to keep a conversation going.
“So… what do you do?” he asked, glancing at her.
A brief pause.
“I work,” she replied simply.
He blinked, slightly caught off guard by the short answer.
“Yeah… I figured,” he let out a soft chuckle, trying again, “but what kind of work?”
She turned her head slightly this time, meeting his eyes for a second.
“Medical field.”
That was it.
Something about that made him even more curious.
“Doctor?” he asked, leaning back into his seat, studying her carefully.
A small pause.
“…Something like that.”
Taehyung found himself smiling behind his mask.
This was new.
Most people tried to impress him, to talk more, to stay longer in conversations. But her? She spoke only when needed, like words were something she didn’t waste.
And somehow, that pulled him in even more.
“And you?” she asked suddenly, her voice cutting through his thoughts.
It caught him off guard.
“Me?”
She nodded once.
“You asked me. So… what do you do?”
For a split second, he hesitated.
Then he smiled faintly.
“I sing.”
Her expression didn’t change much.
No shock. No excitement. No recognition.
Just a simple nod.
“Oh.”
That was all.
And for the first time in a long while—Kim Taehyung felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest.
“You don’t talk much,” he said lightly, not teasing—just observing.
She didn’t look at him this time.
“I talk when it’s needed.”
A small, honest answer.
He let out a quiet hum. “Fair enough.”
A pause lingered before he spoke again, softer now.
“Do you like flying?”
Zoya exhaled slowly, her fingers brushing against the armrest.
“Not really.”
He noticed the slight tension in her posture, the way her shoulders weren’t fully relaxed.
Before he could say anything, the plane gave a sudden, sharp jolt.
A small gasp escaped her.
Her hand instinctively gripped the armrest again, fingers tightening, breath hitching just a little.
Taehyung didn’t hesitate this time.
“It’s okay,” he said gently, his voice calm and steady. Then, after a brief second, he extended his hand toward her. “Here.”
She looked at his hand.
Then at him.
For a moment, she hesitated—like she wasn’t used to accepting comfort.
Another light turbulence shook the plane.
And this time, she took it.
Her fingers slipped into his, holding tighter than she probably intended.
He didn’t react.
Didn’t pull away.
Instead, his grip adjusted just enough to make hers feel secure.
“It’ll pass,” he murmured.
And slowly… it did.
The plane steadied again, the hum returning to its usual rhythm.
But her hand didn’t leave his.
Hours slipped by unnoticed, the flight stretching deep into the night.
It was past 2 a.m., and the aircraft had settled into a quiet stillness. The cabin lights were dimmed to a soft amber glow, most passengers lost to sleep, their movements reduced to the occasional shift or sigh.
In the business class section, Kim Taehyung had already drifted off. His head rested back against the seat, a cap pulled low over his eyes. At some point, he had removed his mask, leaving his features partially visible in the faint light—but still, unrecognized.
Beside him, Zoya slept as well.
At first, she had leaned toward the window, her head resting lightly against it. But discomfort found her even in sleep. With a small, unconscious movement, she shifted—seeking something steadier, something warmer.
Slowly, she leaned toward him.
Her head came to rest against his shoulder, fitting there as if it had always belonged.
Taehyung stirred faintly at the added weight, not fully waking—just enough to respond instinctively. Without opening his eyes, he adjusted slightly, his head tilting until it rested gently over hers.
They settled like that.
Naturally.
As if two pieces had aligned without effort.
Her head tucked against his shoulder, his resting above hers—their positions falling into place like a quiet, perfect symmetry.
And between them, their hands remained intertwined.
Her fingers, once tense from fear, were now relaxed yet still holding onto him. His hand, warm and steady, hadn’t let go either—even in sleep.
A flight attendant passing through the aisle slowed her steps upon noticing them. Her eyes lingered for a moment, taking in the sight—the way they leaned into each other, their hands linked, their expressions peaceful.
A soft, knowing smile curved on her lips.
To her, it was simple.
A young couple, exhausted, finding comfort in each other mid-flight.
She let out a quiet chuckle under her breath and moved on without a word, choosing not to disturb them.
Morning broke with noise and light flooding the cabin, pulling everyone out of sleep at once. Announcements echoed, seatbelts clicked open, and the quiet intimacy of the night vanished into chaos.
Zoya stirred first.
She shifted, frowning slightly—then froze.
Warmth. Weight. Not the window.
Her eyes snapped open, only to realize she was leaning against someone. Worse—someone was leaning on her too. His head rested lightly over hers, their positions fitting together like they had stayed that way all night.
Her breath caught.
“What—”
She tried to pull back, but her hand didn’t move.
She looked down.
Their fingers were still intertwined.
Her eyes widened instantly. “Oh my—”
The sudden movement woke him.
Beside her, Kim Taehyung stirred, blinking slowly before reality hit him all at once. He straightened abruptly, pulling his hand back at the same time she did.
They stared at each other.
Shocked. Confused. And very, very awake.
“Why are you—?!” Zoya started, flustered.
“You were literally on my shoulder!” he cut in, equally thrown off.
“I was asleep!” she shot back.
“So was I!”
They both stopped.
A beat of silence.
Then, at the worst possible moment—
A flight attendant passed by and slowed down, recognizing them from earlier. Her eyes flicked between the two—the distance now, the tension, the obvious embarrassment.
A small smile formed.
“Good morning,” she said politely, though her tone carried quiet amusement. “Hope you both had a comfortable rest.”
Zoya straightened instantly. “Yes.”
Taehyung nodded. “Yeah.”
Her eyes flicked from their flustered expressions… to the space between them… to their hands that had only just separated.
A knowing smile appeared.
“Oh,” she said warmly, “I didn’t mean to disturb. You both looked like such a sweet couple.”
Silence. Absolute silence.
Zoya’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Couple?!”
“At what point did this look like that?” Taehyung added quickly, almost choking on the word.
The attendant blinked, slightly taken aback but still smiling. “Well… you were holding hands, leaning on each other—”
“That was accidental,” Zoya cut in immediately.
“Completely accidental,” Taehyung agreed just as fast.
They both spoke at the same time—“And we’re not a couple.”
Another pause.
The attendant gave a small, amused nod, clearly unconvinced. “Of course. My mistake.”
But the smile on her face said otherwise.
As she walked away, she let out a quiet chuckle.
Zoya sank back into her seat, clearly still processing. “Unbelievable.”
Taehyung let out a breath, shaking his head lightly.
“Yeah… unbelievable.”
Zoya adjusted her hair, avoiding his gaze.
Taehyung pulled his cap lower, suddenly very interested in the seat in front of him.
Neither spoke for a few seconds.
But he couldn’t ignore the small, quiet thought that lingered in his mind.
Couple.
For a second, the idea didn’t feel strange.
A faint smile almost formed on his lips, but he quickly hid it, adjusting his cap as if nothing had crossed his mind at all.
Beside him, Zoya crossed her arms, still annoyed, staring straight ahead.
Neither looked at each other.
Their flight landed safely at Incheon International Airport.
As soon as the aircraft came to a complete stop, the cabin sprang back to life. Seatbelts clicked open, overhead bins swung wide, and passengers filled the narrow aisle, eager to disembark after the long overnight flight.
Zoya stood from her seat and reached for the duffle bag stored in the overhead compartment. She stretched onto her toes, her fingers barely brushing the handle.
Before she could try again, another hand reached past her.
“I’ve got it.”
She looked over her shoulder.
Kim Taehyung effortlessly lifted the bag down and handed it to her.
The same man who had left her furious only hours ago now wore the most innocent expression imaginable. Hidden beneath a black bucket hat and a mask, only his eyes were visible—and they curved slightly, hinting at a smile.
“Thanks.”
She accepted the bag without another glance and walked away.
Taehyung watched her leave.
His eyes never left her retreating figure.
Then, carrying his own bag, he quietly followed.
After clearing the arrival gate, they entered the baggage claim area.
The conveyor belt had only just begun moving.
Passengers gathered around it, waiting patiently for their luggage to appear.
Zoya stood near the belt with her arms folded, her attention fixed ahead.
A few moments later, someone stopped beside her.
She didn’t even have to look.
“What are you doing here?” she asked with an annoyed scoff.
Taehyung slipped both hands into his pockets.
“Getting my luggage,” he answered casually. “Like everyone else.”
She turned to face him. “That isn’t what I meant.”
One eyebrow lifted. “Then what did you mean?”
“Why are you standing so close to me?” she asked bluntly. “What exactly do you want?”
His shoulders rose in an effortless shrug. “I can stand wherever I want.”
He glanced toward the conveyor belt. “The airport hasn’t made a rule saying I can’t wait here.”
Zoya let out an exasperated sigh.
“Talking to you is pointless.”
Right then, her luggage appeared.
She stepped forward, lifting a white suitcase from the moving belt before grabbing her black travel bag.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Taehyung collected his own luggage only seconds later.
But instead of heading toward the VIP exit...
He followed her. Not beside her. A few steps behind. Always within sight.
His eyes remained fixed on the back of her head, memorizing the way she walked, the rhythm of her footsteps, the faint scent of roses that still lingered whenever she passed.
He had spent less than a day with her.
Yet somehow...
It already wasn’t enough.
As they approached the arrival hall, Taehyung slowed.
His bodyguards were waiting.
Beyond them—a growing crowd of fans stood behind the barriers, some holding cameras, others calling his name while scanning every person leaving the terminal.
Even hidden beneath his cap and mask, someone was bound to recognize him.
A few girls paused. Their eyes lingered on him. Recognition flickered across their faces.
Taehyung noticed immediately.
Then... he smiled beneath his mask. A dangerous thought crossed his mind.
Without hesitation, he lengthened his stride.
Within seconds, he had caught up to Zoya.
Before she could react, his hand closed gently—but firmly—around her wrist.
She turned in surprise.
“What are you—”
He guided her swiftly into the narrow space beside a concrete pillar, hidden from the direct view of the crowd.
Her back met the wall with a soft thud.
Taehyung stepped in front of her, close enough to shield both of them from curious eyes.
He lowered one side of his mask just enough to speak.
“Shh,” he murmured, his voice calm despite the urgency around him.
“Help me for a minute.”
Before she could question him—before she could answer—he leaned in and kissed her.
The suddenness of it stole every word from her lips.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
She immediately pushed against his chest, trying to force him back.
He barely moved.
His hand settled firmly around her waist, preventing her from slipping away while keeping them hidden behind him.
From a distance, they looked like two lovers stealing a private reunion after weeks apart.
Exactly as he intended.
Behind him, his bodyguards hurried through the terminal, scanning every corner.
Fans searched excitedly, never sparing the secluded corner a second glance.
He heard them.
He knew they were close.
Yet his attention remained entirely on the woman in front of him.
For reasons he couldn’t explain—or perhaps didn’t want to—he found himself unwilling to let the moment end.
When the voices around them finally began to fade, only then did he ease back slightly.
His gaze remained fixed on Zoya’s stunned expression.
Zoya shoved him back with all the strength she could gather.
He took one step back, more from surprise than force.
Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, anger burning brightly in her eyes.
“Are you insane?!” she snapped, wiping her lips harshly. “Who do you think you are?!”
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he watched her. Calm. Unbothered. A slow, dangerous smirk forming as he adjusted his mask back into place.
“Relax,” he said quietly, almost amused. “You helped me.”
Her expression hardened instantly. “I didn’t agree to anything.”
“And yet,” he tilted his head slightly, eyes dark with something unreadable, “you were exactly what I needed.”
People continued walking past them, too occupied with their own arrivals to notice the confrontation tucked away beside the pillar.
“You don’t even know me,” she continued, her voice sharp enough to cut through the noise. “You kissed me without my permission. Do you think that’s funny?”
Taehyung simply looked at her. No guilt. No apology.
Only an unreadable expression hidden beneath the shadow of his bucket hat.
His silence irritated her even more.
“You seriously need psychiatric help,” she scoffed. “Stay away from me.” She grabbed the handle of her suitcase. “And don’t ever come near me again.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the stream of arriving passengers.
Taehyung didn’t stop her. He remained exactly where he stood, watching her figure grow smaller and smaller until it blended into the crowd.
A slow smile spread on his lips.
His fingers slipped into his pocket. The tiny infinity charm rested in his palm. He rolled it between his thumb and forefinger, almost absentmindedly.
“So stubborn...” he murmured quietly.
Instead of frustrating him—it fascinated him.
The more she pushed him away... the stronger his curiosity became.
His gaze lingered on the direction she had disappeared.
“I’ll see you again, Zoya.”
His voice was barely above a whisper. As if it were a promise.
A black SUV pulled up near the VIP exit. Several bodyguards approached immediately.
“There you are, sir,” one of them said with relief. “We’ve been looking everywhere.”
Taehyung adjust his mask back into place properly before facing them.
“There was a delay.”
The head bodyguard nodded. “Shall we leave?”
“Not yet.”
His calm tone made everyone stop. He glanced once more toward the crowded terminal.
“There was a woman who arrived on my flight.” The bodyguard waited silently. “I want to know who she is.”
“Sir?”
“Her name is Zoya.” His eyes remained fixed on the bustling crowd. “Find out everything that can be found through legal and public means.”
The bodyguard frowned slightly. “Everything?”
“Where she works. Which hospital she’s joining. Whether she’s staying in Seoul. Whatever information is publicly available.”
He paused, the corner of his lips lifting into the faintest smile.
“I don’t like unanswered questions.”
“Yes, sir.”
The bodyguard gave a respectful bow before stepping aside to begin making arrangements.
Taehyung looked down at the small infinity charm resting in his hand which he had stolen from her bag secretly in the plane.
His thumb traced its smooth edge. A quiet smile appeared beneath his mask.
“This won’t be our last meeting.”
With that, he slipped the charm safely into his pocket and walked toward the waiting SUV, leaving the airport behind—but unable to leave the thought of Zoya behind with it.
