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The Love Dilemma | A Tale Of Centuries

Authorjungkook
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Chapter 1 - °•~*Chapter - 01*~•°

[ Han Inaya POV ]

"The reports have been saying that in two days, there's a possibility of a red moon, also called a blood moon, appearing at night. The predicted time is between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. This rare moon is-"

I was watching the news on my phone, completely engrossed, when I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder.

Startled, I turned to see my best friend, Yoongi, standing beside me.

"What are you doing here alone? Didn't I tell you to come with me?"

he said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Hehe, forget about that. Listen to this!"

I said excitedly, ignoring his question.

"Did you see the news today? They're saying there's a possibility of a red moon appearing in two days! It's so rare!"

Yoongi looked at me, confused.

"Inaya, seriously? A red moon? You know that's considered bad luck, right? It's supposed to be a negative sign. Why are you so excited about that?"

"Oh, Yoongi! I'm excited because it's something rare, not because of those silly superstitions. Do you really believe in that nonsense?"

I said, slightly annoyed at his lack of enthusiasm.

"You're just getting worked up over nothing,"

he said, rolling his eyes.

Annoyed, I slapped his arm playfully.

"Shut up, you grandpa! You don't know anything."

"Ouch, that hurt!"

he exclaimed dramatically, rubbing his arm.

"You're acting like I stabbed you with a knife,"

I said, giving him a side-eye.

"Come on, let's go eat in the canteen, dummy,"

Yoongi said, grabbing my hand and leading me out of the classroom.

I just rolled my eyes at him, letting him drag me along.

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After the lunch break, I was sitting next to Yoongi near the window.

My mind wandered as I looked at the small mole on my right palm, near the base of my pinky finger.

To everyone else, it seemed like a normal mole, but for some reason, I always felt like it was different-like it stood out more than any of the others I had.

I was lost in thought when Yoongi gently hit my head to get my attention.

Just as he was about to say something, our history professor walked into the classroom with a huge smile on his face, like he had just discovered something amazing.

In law school, we also have a history class where we learn about our country's past. I've never been that interested in history.

I mean, who enjoys memorizing dates of long-gone people? It's so boring. But sometimes, I won't lie, the class can get a bit interesting.

"I think his wife made him a good lunch today,"

Yoongi whispered, making me laugh quietly.

Professor Lee is unpredictable-sometimes strict, sometimes laid-back. Today, he seemed to be in a good mood.

"Good afternoon, students! Today, we're starting a very interesting lesson about the Aureum Dynasty," he announced.

I was confused. We usually talked about scientists and people from the 1800s or 1900s, but now we were jumping back to the 16th century? Were we really going to discuss kingdoms from the 1500s?

"This is going to be a boring hell,"

Yoongi and I whispered at the same time, causing us to burst into laughter.

The whole class stared at us, and the professor shouted, trying to control the situation.

We stood there, shamelessly trying not to smile, but it was impossible.

Every time we looked at each other, we started giggling again.

"I've had enough of you two!" he shouted. "You're both going to do a project on the Aureum Dynasty. Complete research, no help from me!"

Our eyes widened in shock. We exchanged panicked glances before looking back at him.

"B-but, sir, we don't even know much about the dynasty. The chapter only gives us half the information!" I protested.

"Yeah, how can we do it without your guidance?" Yoongi chimed in.

"I don't care. I won't hear another word from either of you. Finish the project in three weeks, or you'll be suspended from my class for a whole month!"

We stood there in stunned silence, realizing there was no way out.

Sure, we shouldn't have behaved like that in class, but a suspension for laughing? Wasn't that a bit much?

Still, we couldn't argue. We'd have to figure this out, even though the textbook barely had any information, and we knew the internet wouldn't offer much more.

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"What are we going to do now, Kitty?" Yoongi asked as we walked home, bumping into me playfully.

"Don't 'Kitty' me, you monkey!" I stuck my tongue out at him, and he just chuckled.

"We have no choice but to do the project, Bebe,"

he said, sighing as we both sat down in a park, leaning back on our hands with our legs stretched out.

"The internet only has the same half-baked information as the textbook. It's so frustrating!"

I said, exasperated.

Yoongi shot me a look. "Aren't you cursing a bit too much?"

I pretended to zip my mouth shut, and Yoongi nodded approvingly. "Don't curse again."

"Yeah, yeah..."

"There's a historical library in Seoul. How about we go there? We might find more information about the Aureum Dynasty," Yoongi suggested.

I looked at him, then nodded. "Wow, you actually have a brain. I didn't know that."

He smirked, ready to strike back. "How could you know when you don't have one?"

"Whatever," I muttered, rolling my eyes as we both laughed.

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"Wow! God damn it, it's huge!"

Inaya exclaimed, staring in awe at the exterior of the historical library in Seoul. Yoongi chuckled at her reaction.

"I told you yesterday at the park, right? It's a beautiful library,"

he said, amused.

"Don't call it a library! It looks like a freaking castle!"

Inaya corrected him, eyes wide with excitement.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow as she cursed again. She noticed his look and quickly added,

"Hehe, sorry! That slipped out."

He rolled his eyes at her and said,

"It used to be an old castle, but now it's government property. They turned it into a historical library."

"Let's go inside! I can't wait to see the interior!" Inaya said eagerly.

"Alright, alright,"

Yoongi replied, following her in.

"Wow, the interior is even more stunning! This place is amazing!"

Inaya marveled, looking around in awe at the grand design of the library.

"Yeah, it's pretty impressive. But we should start looking for the books on the Aureum Dynasty,"

Yoongi reminded her.

"Right, let's find them."

They both began searching the shelves, checking row after row but coming up empty-handed.

Finally, they reached the last row and continued their search.

"Yoongi! I found one!"

Inaya said excitedly, holding up a thick, old book.

"I found two more!"

Yoongi said, carrying two large, heavy books in his arms.

Inaya's jaw dropped as she looked at the massive books Yoongi was holding and then glanced at the thick one in her own hands.

"This is... three books! And they're huge! How are we supposed to finish all of this in just three weeks?!"

she said, frustrated.

"We don't have a choice, darling. Let's get started,"

Yoongi said as he sat down at a large table.

Inaya sighed but followed, sitting across from him as they opened the books and started taking notes.

"There's so much more information here than in our textbooks or on the internet!"

Inaya said, surprised by the amount of content.

"Exactly. That's why libraries are the best resource,"

Yoongi replied, flipping through the pages as they both got to work.

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The next day

Both Inaya and Yoongi had taken the books home, deciding to take a few days off from university to focus on their research properly.

It was now night, around 9 p.m., and Inaya was at Yoongi's place, where she planned to stay the night and work on the project with him.

"Yoongi, this is driving me insane!" Inaya groaned, throwing her hands up in frustration.

"Who even wrote these damn books?!"

"Wait... we started reading them without knowing who the author is?"

Yoongi said, surprised.

"Ugh, leave it! What difference does it make who wrote them?"

Inaya dismissed, not paying attention.

"Yoongi, I'm bored!"

she sighed, slumping over in her seat, clearly fed up.

"How about we take a break and go out for a bit?" Yoongi suggested, trying to cheer her up. "How about a bike ride?"

Inaya's face lit up with excitement. "Yes! Let's go!"

Yoongi grabbed his bike keys and gestured for her to follow him to the parking lot.

As Inaya moved toward her own bike, she said,

"Well, let me get my bike out."

But Yoongi suddenly grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

She looked at him, confused.

"How about you ride with me instead? You can sit behind me,"

he said, looking at her for a response.

Inaya smiled and nodded. Yoongi flashed his signature gummy smile, clearly happy and excited.

He put on his gloves and helmet, handing her a helmet as well. Inaya quickly put it on and hopped onto the back of Yoongi's bike, wrapping her arms around him as they sped off.

As they hit the main road, Yoongi increased the speed, leaving the other vehicles behind.

Inaya gripped his arms tightly.

"Bro, Are you trying to break your speed record today?"

she asked, glancing back at the rapidly disappearing road behind them.

Yoongi just smirked and increased the speed even more.

"Don't call me 'bro,' darling,"

he said, taking her hands and wrapping them around his waist more tightly.

Inaya's cheeks flushed as she felt the warmth of his body through his jacket.

"Y-you're being a bit different today,"

she stuttered, her heart racing.

Yoongi smirked, knowing exactly what effect he was having on her.

"I've always been like this, darling. You're just noticing now,"

he teased.

He tightened her grip around his waist, making her lean even closer into him.

"Hold on tight darling. It's going to be a long and wild night,"

he said, speeding up the bike even more. Inaya couldn't help but chuckle, holding onto him tightly as they raced through the streets.

Suddenly, they heard police sirens behind them.

"Yoongi, the police are behind us!"

Inaya said, her voice tinged with panic, though she wasn't completely surprised.

This wasn't the first time they had attracted police attention.

Yoongi glanced back at the flashing lights, then looked ahead.

Instead of speeding up, he started to slow down, which only made Inaya more anxious.

"What are you doing?! The police are going to catch up to us!"

she said, turning to look back again.

Yoongi just smirked. "Relax, darling. Chill."

"Yoongi, this isn't funny! Speed up already!"

Inaya exclaimed, her panic growing as the police car got closer.

"Alright, I'll speed up," Yoongi said, "but only if you call me 'babe.'"

Inaya looked at him in disbelief.

"Are you serious right now? This is not the time for jokes or flirting!" she nearly shouted at him.

"I'm serious. Call me 'babe,' and I'll speed up,"

Yoongi replied, firm in his decision.

Inaya panicked even more as she saw the police car closing in.

With no choice, she blurted out,

"Baby! Please, just go faster!"

Yoongi grinned at her words.

"As you wish, darling,"

he said playfully, then immediately accelerated, the bike surging forward so fast that Inaya was thrown forward, pressing tightly against his back.

They sped off, quickly losing the police in the distance.

Eventually, Yoongi pulled over at a bridge and stopped the bike.

Inaya hopped off immediately, taking off her helmet in frustration.

"What the hell were you thinking back there?!"

she said, clearly annoyed.

Yoongi, still sitting on the bike, casually took off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair.

Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, making her crash into his side.

Their faces were now inches apart.

"Relax, baby girl,"

Yoongi whispered in a raspy, deep voice, sending shivers down her spine.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"W-what do you think you're doing?"

she stammered, her eyes wide.

Yoongi smirked and pulled her even closer, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Her hand rested on his chest as she tried to keep some distance, but her heart was racing, and her mind was spinning.

"What do you think I'm doing, baby girl?"

Yoongi's voice was low and teasing, his smirk widening as he watched the effect he was having on her.

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips parted slightly, and her soft gaze made his heart melt.

Inaya's mind raced, her heart pounding as she struggled to keep her composure, but the closeness and Yoongi's confident, teasing attitude made it impossible.

Inaya tried to pull away from Yoongi, but his arms only tightened around her, locking her in place.

"Y-Yoongi, let me go,"

she whispered, her voice trembling, her mind too overwhelmed to think clearly or act.

"Why should I let you go, baby girl?"

Yoongi's voice was low, almost teasing, but there was a serious intensity in his eyes.

Inaya froze, her mind blank, words stuck in her throat.

"I-I..."

She struggled to speak, but Yoongi cut her off, pressing his index finger gently against her lips.

"Shh... don't say anything. Let me speak first,"

he whispered, his gaze never leaving hers. His finger rested lightly on her lips, feeling their soft warmth.

The night around them was quiet, with only the cool breeze from the river below the bridge breaking the silence.

"You don't know how much power you have over me,"

Yoongi continued, his voice softer now.

"I've fought this for so long... but I can't anymore."

His eyes locked onto hers, his expression serious, vulnerable in a way Inaya had never seen before.

His gaze then flickered to her lips, the feel of their softness lingering on his fingertip.

"I can't hide my feelings anymore, Inaya,"

he confessed, each word heavy with meaning.

"I've fallen for you. Completely. And now, I can't stop thinking about you. You've stolen something precious from me.... my peace."

Yoongi slowly moved his hand from her lips to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin.

The touch sent a shiver through her, her body reacting even though her mind was still in shock.

"I can't let you go, not now,"

Yoongi murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You've captured my heart, and I don't want to escape."

Inaya's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat.

"Y-Yoongi, what are you saying?"

she asked, her voice shaky, her eyes widening at his sudden confession.

"You heard me, baby girl... I'm in love with you. I love you,"

Yoongi said, his gaze intense, his fingers still lightly caressing her cheek.

"Yoongi, stop. Don't joke around like this! I don't like these kinds of jokes!"

Inaya protested, taking a step back from him.

Her mind was spinning, unable to process the words he had just said.

Yoongi felt a sting of hurt but refused to back down.

He stepped off his bike, standing in front of her now, determination in his eyes.

He gently cupped her face in his hands again, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I'm not joking, Inaya. I'm serious. I love you,"

he said firmly, his voice soft but steady.

Inaya turned her face away, trying to pull back, but Yoongi's hands moved to her waist, pulling her close once again.

Her body pressed against his chest, making her heart pound even louder in her ears.

"Yoongi, let me go,"

she said, her voice firmer now, trying to regain control of the situation.

"I know this is confusing for you. I know you're scared. But, darling... I can see it in your eyes. You feel something too. Maybe you just don't realize it yet,"

Yoongi spoke softly, his voice gentle, his grip on her waist tightening just a little.

His face was so close now that she could feel his breath on her skin.

"I don't feel anything,"

Inaya said, her words were sharp, though they felt unconvincing even to her.

Her voice wavered, betraying her uncertainty.

A sharp pain flickered in Yoongi's chest at her words, but he didn't let it stop him.

Instead, he softened his gaze, his voice gentle as he responded,

"It's okay, Inaya. You can take your time. I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you to figure it out. And if you don't feel the same now... that's fine. I'll make you fall in love with me."

His words hung in the air between them, the sincerity in his voice impossible to ignore.

Inaya felt trapped, not just by Yoongi's embrace, but by her own swirling emotions.

The intensity of his feelings was clear, and for the first time, she felt the weight of them pressing down on her.

Inaya didn't know what to say. She could feel Yoongi's heartbeat through his chest, steady and strong, while her own raced uncontrollably.

The warmth of his hands on her waist and the gentleness in his eyes made it impossible for her to deny the truth any longer.

His love was real, and it terrified her.

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"Y-Yoongi, I-I don't know what to say,"

Inaya stammered, stepping away from him.

Her mind felt numb, overwhelmed by his sudden confession and the weight of everything that had happened between them.

It was all too much to take in.

Yoongi didn't try to pull her back this time; instead, he let her go.

He watched her silently, understanding how complicated it must be for her to learn that her best friend loved her.

Inaya ran a hand through her loose hair, her expression nervous as she moved to stand by the railing of the bridge.

The cold breeze brushed against her soft skin as she stood there, lost in thought.

Yoongi watched her quietly for a moment before joining her, both of them gazing out at the dark, still waters of the lake.

They stood there in silence.

The only sounds were the occasional cars passing behind them on the empty road.

The midnight sky above was covered with clouds, hiding the moon from view.

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"I won't force anything on you, petal."

Yoongi finally spoke, his voice gentle.

"I'll only try to make you feel the same way I feel for you. The way I want you, the way I need you, the way I crave you-your touch, your words, your attention, your soul. Everything about you."

He turned to look at her, his eyes searching hers.

Inaya's dark eyes held a kind of depth, a beauty that was impossible to describe.

They seemed to hold the whole sky within them, and in that darkness, Yoongi could see his own reflection-a tiny star in the vastness of her gaze.

Suddenly, the clouds parted, revealing the moon.

It was a deep, rich red, and the stars sparkled in the now-clear sky.

Inaya's eyes lit up, her earlier worries forgotten as she looked up at the sky in excitement.

"Yoongi! Look at the moon-it's turning red!"

she said, her voice filled with wonder.

The sight of the blood moon had always fascinated her, and tonight, she was too captivated to remember anything else.

Yoongi glanced up at the moon. It was beautiful, but something about it made him uneasy.

There was an aura surrounding it that felt ominous, almost like a warning.

"The red moon is supposed to be bad luck, Inaya,"

Yoongi said softly.

He wasn't usually superstitious, but tonight, something felt wrong. The air seemed heavy, and his heart was restless.

"Come on, let's go now. It's already 12:30,"

he urged, his voice calm but tense. He just wanted to leave. Something inside him felt off, as if he could sense danger.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Inaya protested, still looking up at the moon. "Let's stay for a few more minutes."

Yoongi sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing.

He crossed his arms over his chest, tapping his fingers restlessly.

With every passing second, the unease in his heart grew stronger.

Suddenly, they heard a loud noise-a car speeding toward them, the tires screeching against the road.

Yoongi turned, his eyes widening as he saw the vehicle approaching at an alarming speed.

"Inaya!!"

he called, grabbing her arm.

They both tried to move out of the way, but the car was too close.

In her haste to step back, Inaya's foot slipped, and she lost her balance, tumbling backward over the bridge railing.

Yoongi's heart stopped. He lunged forward, grabbing her hand just in time.

The sudden weight nearly pulled him over as well, but he managed to catch the railing with his other hand, holding on desperately.

"Hold on tight, Inaya!"

he shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

He looked up and saw the car was now just meters away-seconds from crashing into them.

"Don't worry, I'm here. I won't let go,"

Yoongi promised, his grip on her tightening.

But his strength was fading, and they were running out of time.

The car slammed into the railing, and the impact sent both of them plunging into the river below.

Yoongi wrapped his arms around Inaya's waist, holding her close as they fell.

The cold water swallowed them, the splash echoing in the chaos above, where the sound of the crash and the fire roared in the night.

The last thing Inaya saw was Yoongi's face, his eyes filled with determination, and above him, the red moon glowing ominously against the dark sky.

Then, everything went black as the cold water engulfed them.

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