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Well, she’d done it now.  There was no way she’d be going back to live with her parents after tonight.  But she felt so free.  She’d never rebelled against her parents in her life, so finally doing it, and doing it for something good, felt amazing.

It began to rain as Nia walked home.  She hadn’t brought an umbrella.  She’d thought after the hours of rain this morning the sky had no more tears to offer.  Apparently, she’d been wrong.  She shrugged it off and trotted through the rain.

In all honesty, she wasn’t quite sure where she was going.  Maybe she should call a cab.  Or maybe Taehyung.  She pulled out her phone and called him instead.  He’d be faster than a cab.

“Hey, Tae.”

“Aren’t you supposed to still be at dinner?”

“Um…yeah.  We dropped the news and I walked out.”

“Why?  Did something go wrong?”

Nia wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to tell him.  She was silent for a few moments before speaking.

“Do you know why my parents hate you so much?”

There was a long pause before she heard Taehyung sigh.

“Not really.  Judging the situation, I’d imagine it has to do with wealth.  I mean, my mom and I were barely able to make enough money each week to buy groceries.  And Hoseok’s family is so rich.  I think they didn’t want you to live a life of poverty with me.”

Nia blew out a long breath as tears began to pour down her face.  She’d stopped at a bus stop so she wouldn’t get soaked anymore.

“Maybe….”

“Nia?  Do you need me to come pick you up?  It’s pouring outside…”

“Yes, please.”

——————–

After that day, their lives continued like they had the previous few weeks.  Except that Hyuna was now down Nia’s throat about Taehyung.

“You have to start dating him.  It sounds like he’s a total sweetheart, and have you seen how hot he is?” Hyuna asked, gesturing to a nearby magazine with his face plastered on the cover.

Nia snorted.

“He hasn’t made a move yet?”

Nia shook her head.  There was a heavy few seconds of silence before Hyuna spoke again.

“How about you make a move?  Maybe he’s hesitant.  You know, you did just break up with your fiancé.  Maybe he thinks you’re not ready for another relationship yet.”

“I dunno.  Am I even ready for one?  I mean…yeah, sure, I like Tae…but maybe I was acting too quick.”

“Yeah, but were you really in love with Hobi?  He was a nice guy, but sometimes you’re just not romantically attracted to someone.  And that’s ok!”

“I don’t think I was, to be honest.  But I’m still not sure I really know what romantic love feels like.”

“Ok, how did you feel when you were around Hobi?”

Nia thought for a moment before responding. “He was really my only friend for a long time.  I told him almost anything because I trusted him.  He’d keep my secrets and help me with everything I asked for help with.”

Hyuna stared down at her drink.  She wasn’t sure what to make of this. “And what about Tae?”

“Tae….”

Nia’s eyes sparkled when she said his name.  And it was enough to tell Hyuna what the difference between the two men in Nia’s eyes was.  But she let her continue.

“He’s so…sweet.  I can tell he’s tried hard to let me have my own freedom.  And even in the few memories I’ve recovered of him, he was always this sweet.  I…I don’t really know how to describe it.”

Hyuna nodded. “Nia, I think you see Hobi as more of an older brother or a best friend.  And it makes sense.  I mean, he’s been the one person you could trust the past eight years.  You’ve always felt the same way about him, right?  Your feelings haven’t changed?”

Nia shook her head.

“And Tae…you love him, but you don’t remember him well enough yet to know what to do with your feelings.  I think you should talk to him.  Get to know him.  Try to recover some memories.  And maybe then, you can pursue a relationship with him.  It’s too soon to go after anything serious.”

“Maybe you’re right…but, how?”

“Is there something you and he have in common?  Or maybe an item from the past that you both treasure?”

Nia frowned. “I don’t think so…”

“Well, like I said, talk to him.  You’ll never get anywhere if you don’t talk to him.  And Hobi…keep in touch with him.  He’s a good friend to you, and it’s always good to keep friends around.”