Chapter 44

Marley POV

And so the day went. Swimming with Ogawa Kaito keeping a close eye on the pool area but like other days, even without a private booking, it was quiet. Messages from Tae to make sure everything was still OK at our end. I knew he had meetings and practices and I hoped he was concentrating. The Doctor came and confirmed her ears were looking better and she'd be fine to travel the next afternoon. A simple dinner was ordered in and handed to Oga to give to us, the knock on the door still sending a small jolt through me as my body remembered the knock from this morning.

After she was tucked in for the night, I settled on the couch, the quiet weighing down on me. The last few nights this couch had housed Tae and I in our own little bubble while we waited for Sophia to settle before we could relax and deepen our relationship more by exploring each other with words and our bodies. So now I felt empty being here by myself. Looking at the time, the same time as Tae in Korea, I wondered if he'd eaten, whether he was dancing or singing, clicking on Netflix to keep me company in the background while I scrolled through my phone.

I saw pictures of Tae arriving into Incheon airport. There was a video too, looking down at his phone as he tripped a little and I realised it must've been when he was reading my messages. He looked up at ARMY and the reporters who always seemed to know when a member was coming through the airport, camping out to take photos. His tata expression came out after ARMY did an initial gasp when he stumbled, looking a little embarrassed and there was a collective awwww at his cute facials as he waved to them before disappearing out the door into the waiting car.

Marley

OMG, you are super cute!

TaeTae

Where did that come from? But yes, you are xx

Marley

I saw a video of you at the airport, you recovered well from when you tripped. All the comments were how cute you were. I have to agree, glad you're mine oppa

TaeTae

The members are rolling their eyes at me as I'm grinning at my phone right now nae sarang

Marley

You go back to being a rockstar, love you

TaeTae

You go back to being effortlessly amazing, love you too xx

KTH POV

"Taehyungie is in love," Jimin called out, the members and staff present looking between us with various kinds of smiles as I put the phone back in my pocket, smacking him on the arm. I rolled my eyes at them all.

"I was just checking to make sure she was still OK after the security issue this morning," I replied, loath to tell them of our cute exchange even though my lips were betraying me by breaking into a grin. I shared enough with them on the daily, they didn't need to know everything between Marley and I. But my face usually gave most things away anyway.

"And is she OK," Namjoon asked, aware it had been a trying day for me before I even left Japan.

I rubbed my hand over my face, feeling the tiredness, knowing I'd fall into bed that night and sleep straight away. "Mostly I think. They've stayed in the hotel today but the security is in place and they may go out tomorrow before she flies into Korea." I couldn't help a thrill running down my spine at the thought of having her in my home.

"The company will do what's needed to keep an eye on all this. They already have a statement prepared about privacy if any photos are released."

"Let's hope they won't need to." We were in the practice room, preparing for the month of travel and promotions of some of our new songs. I wasn't expecting to be out before 10pm or even midnight at this rate. All of us were just getting back into it after a bit of time off, learning the new and updated choreography. When I'd landed at lunchtime, I was already antsy and worried, checking my phone constantly.

"Will you bring her to the dance studio to watch you hyung," Jungkook asked, grabbing a water.

"I'd rather bring her here to watch her dance instead," I answered, thinking of what she'd said about dancing when she was younger. I'd held her in my arms a few times when we'd danced together but the thought of the way she could really move had my mind very distracted.

"I'll teach her something Tae," Jimin said, coming over the join in. I frowned, knowing how he could move and what ARMY said online about the way he dances so beautifully.

"No thanks hyung, I want her eyes only on me," and he started laughing at my pout.

"Two more minutes," Hobi called out and we all groaned, knowing it was better not to mess with him when he was in full teacher mode.

"Are you counting down," Kook asked, passing the bottle to me to gulp some water down before we walked back to the middle together.

"I'm just hoping we get through enough today that I can be home when she gets there tomorrow, even if it's just for an hour or two before I come back here."

"We'll make it work for you Taehyungie hyung," he said, reaching for my shoulder and squeezing it with his hand.

I nodded, knowing they had my back. Through all the relationships the 7 of us had over the years, keeping them secret, supporting each other through break ups and celebrating anniversaries, we'd always been there for each other. I knew they had qualms about the long distance part of our relationship but not whether we worked well together. They could tell I was a happier person, that she balanced me. The brightness in her eyes compared to when we met made me hope I made her a happier person too and I never wanted to be the reason to make that light dim again.

Marley POV

Sophia had slept much better, only waking once and had finished the doses of antibiotics the doctor had given her. The hotel had been in touch to ask again if we wanted tickets to see anything and the only place I could think to take her back to was Disneyland. The last time hadn't finished well but with no distractions, I was sure Kaito and I could manage to keep an eye on her. Plus, I felt bad we hadn't done anything fun in the last few days, not that she was complaining. Sometimes I think we just overcomplicated things with children. I wanted to leave the hotel though and had told Tae before I went to bed that was the plan. Before I knew it, we had early admission again and a guide booked, all complimentary of the hotel. I'd probably never know the conversations that went on to sort that but I know the hotel staff were going out of their way in the last part of our stay.

Even when the crowds entered an hour after we got there, our guide took us to the front of the queues, aware we had glances from time to time. Everyone was there to have fun though although my eyes seemed to roam across the people more than ever before, sizing up the threat. I wondered if that was how Tae and the other members constantly lived their lives or whether they had grown used to trusting that part of into the hands of their staff and security. I definitely wasn't there yet.

Three hours of excitement was enough for us, leaving before the heat of the day. "What do you want for lunch Sophia," I asked as we buckled in after more mini roller coasters and kids rides.

"Burger and chippies," she said and I asked if we could go to the nearest burger chain. We were going to go through drive thru and then I realised that there was no reason why we couldn't go in and sit down like normal people. Without Tae around, that's what we were. Sure, we had security with us but Kaito was proving to be very friendly, recently married after being together 5 years and we had found talking easy. I don't know if I was being overly friendly with someone I was meant to hold at arms length but I didn't like that someone was paid to be with me even if it was to keep us safe so I'd rather get to know him.

Sophia was happy to play in the playground attached to the burger place, coming back to nibble and hydrate before she was off again while we sat close to watch her. There were other children there and before long, she had joined up with two other little girls, the language barrier no problem when you're three and all you wanted to do was have fun with another little person. By the time she had eaten up her food, played and watched her new friends leave, I could tell she was ready for a long sleep.

Back at the hotel for the last time, I put her to bed and began to pack, relieved that I'd be heading away in a few hours. It wasn't the trip I'd pictured with Sophia becoming unwell and the breach of our privacy. Hesitating briefly, I threw away the rest of the can of cream and chocolate we hadn't finished, a smile on my face as I did. Not everything that had happened in this hotel suite was bad. All the clothes and snacks went into the right bags, I packed a light carry on for the plane ride to keep Sophia happy and did a last check before sitting back on the couch until she woke up.

Marley

I'm packed and waiting for Sophia to wake and then we'll head to the airport xx

Marley

You're probably practising, wish I could watch xx

Marley

You've gotten under my skin, did I ever tell you that? xx

Marley

Don't mind me, feeling all the feels right now xx

I knew there would likely be a big gap before he could reply, my phone telling me we had an hour before we had to be on the road. Clicking on the TV for company, I curled into a ball on the couch, tucking my legs under myself.

TaeTae

I was practising but we've stopped for some water. The time can't go fast enough until you get here. You're not only under my skin but inside every part of me. That felt weird to type, I'd rather say it to you in person, while we are 'feeling all the feels' together xx

Marley

My smile right now is huge, just a few more hours oppa xx


I made Sophia wear a hat and sunglasses to cover as much of her face as possible while I wore an oversized sweatshirt, mask and hat. The sweatshirt made me feel like I disappeared inside it, trying to hide as much of myself as I could. I also had a big jacket where we could pull the hood up and over everything for Sophia but it made her hot and grumpy so we left that off as we definitely didn't need a scene at the airport.

Ogawa Kaito was quite obviously security. I don't know why they always wore black, they might as well have had a big SECURITY logo across the top, drawing peoples eye to us. It didn't make them blend in, instead it screamed out that there was something going on and I was sure more people looked because of it, especially as he was built for the job. And if they did look, they'd wonder why we of all people needed security, there was nothing special about us.

Keeping my head down, Sophia's backpack slung over my shoulder, holding tightly to her hand while I wheeled a suitcase with the other, we walked. Kaito had wanted to take all the luggage but I said that sounded to me like it would draw more attention to him and he needed to focus on what was going on around him not on trying to wheel two suitcases in the same direction. He grudgingly agreed.

We did get a few glances our way as Sophia skipped next to me, all of them seeming to be smiles at her cuteness or noticing her obviously fair skin and cute light coloured ringlets in a sea of mostly Asian faces. My eyes darted all over the place beneath my baseball cap, looking for phones or cameras held up in my direction even though it seemed absurd to think anyone would actually be waiting to take photos of us. I'd also not given a thought to someone waiting at my hotel room door to do the same and it had happened so now I was on high alert, my adrenaline pumping more than I was really aware of.

Kaito went as far as he was allowed, helping us check in our luggage and walk us to the security we needed to go through to enter our boarding gate. Bowing to me, he said his goodbyes.

"Take care Miss, it was a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you Kaito, you definitely helped put my mind at ease," I answered, reaching for a hug, unsure about how formal I was meant to be with him in that moment but grateful he'd been there these last 36 hours. He looked a little shy at the contact and I kept it brief, breaking quickly away.

"Bye Oga," Sophia piped up, waving her little hand it him as he did a small bow to her with a smile. He stood watching as our bags were checked, making sure we went through security safely before we waved our last goodbye and Sophia and I turned to head to our flight.


Less than 3 hours in the air and we had landed at Incheon airport. Sophia was reasonably content to watch movies and snack at the whole time and I was caught up in thoughts. Thinking about meeting his family and more friends, about being able to spend the next few weeks sleeping in his arms and of just seeing him again.

Choi Ji-ho was picking us up and I'd suggested to Tae that he dressed casually, not in the normal security black. It seemed better for him to look like any friend picking someone up from the airport so we blended more. ARMY was used to seeing all the security in black and wouldn't be as likely to notice us if we were dressed normally. He was waiting at the baggage collection area and we grinned at each other, Sophia running to take his hand.

"I better Ji-ho," she greeted him.

"I'm pleased to hear that Miss Sophia," he answered, turning to speak quietly to me. "He's on his way home from the studio now so will be there when we arrive. Unfortunately, he'll need to return to practice for a few more hours this evening but will eat dinner with you first, he's having it delivered."

"It all sounds great, thank you," I replied, feeling a little weary. "Hold tight to my hand Sophia," I said as there was a push of people around us, Ji-ho standing protectively close as we waited for the luggage. We followed him out to where he had called for the car to be brought round and I walked with my head down towards the black SUV. It looked very distinctive to me, exactly like every time I'd seen images of the band travelling and I saw a few people glance at it then away, clearly not the people they would be expecting to get into a car like that.

As we buckled in and headed out into the street, Ji-ho talked to us every now and again, pointing out places of interest in the city as well as places connected with Tae.

"Mama, we see TaeTae," Sophia asked part way through our trip, as I handed her another snack to distract her.

"Very soon baby girl," I answered.

"I love TaeTae," she said as she watched the city speed by and I saw a quick glance between Ji-ho and the driver, almost undetectable. I was yet to know fully the roles everyone played in Tae's life, how close they all were and what they knew but Ji-ho at least knew more than most. I did know that most their staff were very guarded about the members, the reason why the public hadn't known about the relationships that had been going on over the years or even much about their families.

"He is very easy to love," I replied to her but also to the whole car, earning a small smile from everyone. My guess was any private conversations we wanted to have, wouldn't be in a car like this. I wondered if we'd even be able to travel together and if we'd be caught out. I didn't want to think about what that all looked like.

KTH POV

Ji-ho had messaged to say they were only 5 or 10 minutes away. I'd arrived a few minutes earlier, a driver tucked into a side street to bring me back to the company offices in about an hour. It wasn't long enough but I knew when Marley was coming for these few weeks that our time would be limited and I'd need to be happy with the time we could scrape together. I wouldn't be but I'd try and I knew I'd need to concentrate on work, not giving into the distractions having them here would bring.

Tannie was following me round the rooms while I checked for the 6th or 7th time that everything was tidy and ready for them. This was my sanctuary and I wanted them to feel welcome here and to love it like I did. The guest room I'd set up for Sophia had some toys in it after asking staff with similar age children what she might like to play with. I loved any toys but really didn't know much about toys for 3 year old girls. The fridge and pantry were stocked with drinks and food they might like given the ones we'd had together and I had lots of ideas of what they could do the next few weeks when I wasn't around. Lee Seul-ki had agreed to be available to take Marley anywhere she wanted to go as a guide having met her back in New Zealand as she had some English language skills. And now I just waited.

I stood in the kitchen, resting on my elbows while I watched the door, willing it to open. Food was due to be delivered shortly after they arrived and then I'd have to head back. Hopefully Tannie would be happy to keep them company.

The sound of luggage wheeled along the corridor was heard before any knock on the door and I swung it open, Sophia rushing in to grab my leg. I scooped Yeontan into my arms so he wasn't frightened by the initial commotion, rubbing Sophia's curls in a hello as Marley followed her into the apartment, eyes already lit up by the time they met mine. I knew she'd be tired from travel, even if it was only a few hours but she looked beautiful as she came into my arms.

"Welcome home," I said, pressing a quick kiss to her lips, meaning my words. My home was her home for as long as she wanted to stay.

"Thanks jagiya, I'm very relieved to be here," she said, dropping her handbag on the kitchen counter, a moment of domesticity that hit my stomach because it felt like it belonged there. Ji-ho was placing all the bags in the entranceway and then calling out to ask if that was all. He'd wait with the driver until I was ready to head away again after we'd eaten and I was grateful he was fond of Marley and Sophia, volunteering to be available for whatever extras I needed while they were here. Our staff really were often more like family.

"Let me show you where everything is before the food gets here," I said, taking her hand and walking her through the kitchen and living areas, the room I recorded music in, the guest room Sophia would be sleeping in. Sophia shrieked when she saw the toys and I hoped she'd be able to sleep well in there. "A little overboard on the gifts for her oppa," Marley said in my ear as Sophia went from one toy to another.

"I enjoyed shopping and it was an excuse to get things for me to enjoy playing with too," I replied which was partially true.

"You wanted a tea party set," she asked with a laugh.

"I'm actually looking forward to a tea party with Gongju Sophia, there are dress up clothes in here too for our Princess."

Then onto my bedroom, leaving Sophia behind with the toys. Marley's eyes took in everything and I hoped she approved, watching as she ran her hand over the cover on the bed. "And this is our room," I said in case it wasn't obvious from the king size bed and matching Pjs on the pillows that I'd bought us. She turned 360 degrees, looking at everything.

"So, this is one of the places you've talk to me from," she said.

"Yes and one of the places I definitely do the most thinking about you," I answered honestly because I did think of her whenever I was in that bed. She blushed and I was caught off guard as her eyelashes fluttered closed and then open again, her vivid hazel eyes still striking me when I saw them like it was the first time. "The fact that now I can think about you while you're in my bed with me is a huge bonus."

She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around my neck as I ran my hands down her side. The way they fit to her hips now didn't escape notice or how easily her fingers found the spot on my neck that made my eyes close in response.

"Ah, raincheck on wherever this is going," I said against her throat before we our lips twisted together, knowing I had a long night ahead of me still and hoping I'd have the energy to deliver on that when I got home. Who was I kidding? I could dance for the next 6 hours solid and still find whatever was needed in my core to be with Marley.

Marley POV

"Mama," Sophia was calling and we broke away to walk hand in hand to where she was holding up a new doll.

"She's pretty Sophia Bug," I said, reaching to take the tag off the toy so she could play with it properly, everything still new and in boxes.

"I sleep wiv Tinky and, and... What her name," she asked, holding the doll out to Tae. He turned her over a few times, looking very serious as he pondered the question.

"I think her name is Jia," he said handing her back.

"OK, I sleep wiv Tinky and Jia," she said, hugging her close.

Tae leaned in close. "I have my own baby doll to hug so she needed one too," and I rolled my eyes.

"Cute," I answered.

"You are very much a gwiyomi pai," he said with a smirk, another word to look up but I could guess the meaning. "That'll be dinner," he said as he went to answer the door, while I stayed to open a few more toys for Sophia. We might have to move them out of the room otherwise she'd never get to sleep tonight, the array of options causing her eyes to stay huge as she looked between them all.

"Do you want to come and have some food," Tae called and she dropped what she was holding onto to race out, already comfortable that wherever she was with us, was fine. Yeontan seemed to be happy to follow us all around, having sniffed and licked our hands in greeting earlier and now he sat under the table while we ate, waiting to see which of us might drop a morsel he could pick up.

I grinned as we ate, watching Tae and Sophia munch away in almost identical pout. I'd never noticed Sophia do it before and I'm not sure she had before we met Tae, picking up on that mannerism so quickly. Clearly, he was rubbing off on us both in multiple ways, sneaking a quick video at the cuteness. Fondness of food was definitely something they shared.

As we finished, Tae glanced at his phone and sighed. "I'm sorry baby but I have to go and now."

"It's OK, I knew it was going to be busy before we came. I'll probably fall asleep on the couch anyway."

"I wish I could stay longer but the quicker I finish up at work, the quicker I can get back to you."

"Yeontan," Tae called and Tannie trotted up. "You're in charge here. Keep them safe OK," he said seriously, crouching down at his level and shaking Yeontan's hand. I watched in amusement while Tae stood up again, turning to me. "Tannie is the man of the house while I'm gone."

"Oh, so we need a man to protect us women folk," I said, hands on my hips.

"You don't need a man for anything. Well, maybe for some things," he replied with a smirk. "But he likes to know he's in charge when I'm not here."

"Right," I said with a grin. "I'll keep that in mind. So, you think it will be late?"

"Definitely later than I want it to be but I think they'll take pity on my tonight since you just got here. Maybe around 11pm? Will you be awake?"

"Wake me if I'm not," I answered, leaning in to tug him against me, lips reminding him they were his.

"That's not fair," he groaned against my mouth as he removed any space between us.

"Just something to think about for the next few hours. While you concentrate on practising of course."

"You drive me crazy woman, in a good way," he said, taking a step back as Ji-ho knocked on the door to walk him to the car.

"That's part of my plan to slowly take over you," I replied.

"Too late, plan complete," he replied as he waved his goodbye. "I'll be home soon. That sounds so good to be able to say," and he smiled as the door closed behind him.

"That sounds so good to hear," I said softly to the back of the door before turning on my heel to go find Sophia, Yeontan trotting along behind me.


I came slowly awake to the feeling of Tae sliding in behind me under the covers. "Sorry love, I was trying not to wake you," he said as his arm came around me, pressing a kiss to my neck. I scooted back to press against him, stretching a little and wrapping my hands over his.

"I told you it was OK to wake me," I replied, leaning my head back against him.

"I watched you sleep for a little bit as I got undressed, you looked too peaceful to wake. Did Sophia get to sleep OK?"

"She did, with Tinky and Jia and three or four of the other toys you bought her. Tannie is asleep on her bed too, hope that's OK." I turned into his arms so we were facing each other and he smoothed my hair down as I did, adjusting our bodies so they were curved around each other. "Was everything alright when you got back?"

"Mmmhmmm," he said into my neck. "They just ran through some lines that we need to memorise and ordered a quick dinner. It meant we were a little later but no-one minded when they could see I came back happy and mostly focused."

"So you're ready for sleep now," I asked, feeling tired myself but very quickly waking up as his heat permeated my skin.

He laughed, the sound was quiet but vibrated through my body causing a flutter. "You're funny," he replied, leaving no doubt that he was very much awake.