One fine night, the sky shimmered with a million twinkling stars, a vast tapestry stretched out above your and Taehyung. You were nestled comfortably on his lap, his arms wrapped securely around you on the balcony. The cool night air carried the faint scent of jasmine and night-blooming flowers, creating a sense of peaceful tranquility.
"Isn't it beautiful, Y/N?" Taehyung murmured, his voice soft as he tilted his head back to admire the constellations.
"Uh-huh," you hummed in agreement, your eyes wide with wonder as you traced the patterns of the stars. "It looks like sprinkled sugar on black velvet."
Taehyung chuckled, the sound warm and rumbling in his chest. "That's a lovely way to describe it. Do you have a favorite star?"
You pondered for a moment, your tiny finger tracing an imaginary line across the sky. "The twinkly one! It winks the most."
Taehyung followed your gaze, a smile gracing his lips. "That might be Venus, the evening star."
You tilted your head, your brow furrowed in concentration. "Venus? Like the flower goddess?"
"The very same," he confirmed. "They say it's the brightest star in the night sky."
Silence settled between you again, a comfortable quiet filled only by the distant chirping of crickets. You snuggled closer to Taehyung, his warmth a comforting presence beside you.
"When will summer vacation be over?" Taehyung asks still gazing at the stars.
You blinked, surprised by the question. "Summer vacation?"
You tilted your head, confusion clouding your innocent eyes. "Vacation? What vacation?"
He looked down at you, a frown creasing his forehead. "School vacation, Y/N. Don't you have summer break? Most kids do. They get a few weeks off to relax and play."
You shook your head vehemently. "No school. Mama never lets me go to school."
Taehyung's frown deepened. This wasn't the carefree summer he had envisioned spending with you. He carded a hand through his hair, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach.
"Never lets you go to school?" he repeated, his voice laced with concern. "But why not, Y/N? Education is important."
The playful mood of the stargazing session vanished, replaced by a heavy silence. "It's because.." Your words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the twinkling diamonds above. Taehyung's heart ached for you, a deep pang of protectiveness coiling around his insides.
"Red light area," you mumbled, your voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what it means, but the other kids at school used to say bad things about it because my mother works there."
Taehyung didn't need to know the specifics. The pain and confusion in your voice painted a vivid picture. He gathered you closer, his arms tightening around your small frame.
"Those kids were wrong, Y/N," he said fiercely, his voice low and reassuring. "There's nothing wrong with your mother's work. She's strong and brave to take care of you the way she does."
You looked up at him, your eyes searching for solace. "Really?"
"Absolutely," he affirmed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "And you, Y/N, you are so much more than what anyone else says. You're kind, you're curious, and you have the biggest heart I know."
A small smile tugged at the corner of your lips. "Do I, oppa?"
"You do," he confirmed, his gaze filled with a tenderness that surprised even him. The realization struck him suddenly - his feelings for you had grown far beyond mere affection. You weren't just a child he cared for; you were someone he cherished, someone who filled his life with a warmth he never knew he craved.
