** Double update today, just because it felt like the two chapters went together so here is the second of two today**

Chapter 49

KTH POV

It's late afternoon when Lee Seul-Ki finds me in the practice room, returning my card.

"Did you have a nice afternoon, did she buy some things," I asked, sliding it back into my things.

"Yes, she only got a few things though."

"Oh, couldn't she find things she wanted?" Noticing she looked down, I frowned. "Did something happen?"

"I don't think she'd want you to know but, there were some staff that were a little judgemental and she left ***** **** pretty upset."

"What did they say to her," I asked, feeling my anger rising.

"It wasn't so much what they said but how they said it. They made it pretty clear they didn't think she was worthy of their items."

"I'm very disappointed, I have a very good working relationship with that designer."

"These were just catty women who didn't know what they were talking about. The designer would be most upset if he knew how she came away today."

"I'll be making some phone calls," I replied, picking up my phone to text Marley.

"I made sure I spoke to them too," she said with a sharp, tight smile.

"Oooh nuna, what did you say?" I'd been on the end of her disapproving words before, she had a sharp tongue if she needed to.

"I just told them they had likely lost the designer millions of won by the way they treated her and held the black card up. I didn't mention your name of course but they obviously realised they'd made a big mistake as they bowed and simpered when I left."

"Thank you nuna, for standing up for her."

"She's a beautiful person Taehyungie, not remotely interested in the brand names and horrified at the cost of everything. She isn't in this relationship for anything more than just you. I think she was happiest when we were eating ice cream on the way home."

"I'm very lucky we met," I answered, smiling as I thought of her.

"Ah Taehyungie, love was made for you," she said as she bowed and walked away.

TaeTae

Lee Seul-Ki said you got a few things, I look forward to seeing them, I know you'll look beautiful in everything xx

Marley

She's lovely and made things so easy. Yes, a few things, thank you oppa

I looked at her reply, not surprised she hadn't mentioned what had happened. I decided not to bring it up, for now.

TaeTae

Our evening is all set. Eomma will be there around 715pm to help put Sophia to bed, a car will come at 745pm to take you to dinner and I'll come straight from work to the restaurant

Marley

Can't wait, miss you xx

I smiled then, picturing her curled up on my couch, possibly reading a book to Sophia. Then I got distracted by thinking of her curled in my bed instead having to shake myself out of those thoughts as I still had a few hours of work left to concentrate on.

TaeTae

Don't forget to bring my golf clubs baby

Marley

Already by the front door. Looking forward to seeing my man in action

TaeTae

Your man? Am I yours?

Marley

Aren't you?

TaeTae

I hope so, always xx

Clicking off as my name was called, I slid the phone away in my pocket, the smile on my face causing more teasing as I went over to the members. But I didn't care, they loved me and I was happy. Let them tease, I was too in love to care.

Marley POV

I was surprised as Tae's Eomma had greeted me with a hug when I opened the door and Sophia had been her normal exuberant self, throwing herself at Oma's leg. She was fed, bathed, clean and wearing her Pjs, smelling sweet and looking adorable, Oma looked enchanted by her. Tae had obviously told her what Sophia was calling her as she didn't blink when it came out of her mouth.

"Oma, we read at bedtime?"

"You might need to show her what you mean Sophia. Remember we talked about speaking in different languages and how Oma doesn't know the same words we do."

"OK mama," and she reached for her hand. "Come Oma," she said and Eomma laughed as she put her handbag on the kitchen counter, allowing herself to be led away. She came scurrying quickly back though and reached for a parcel, cutely wrapped, inside her bag.

"For Sophia," she said to me and I thanked her and followed her back into the bedroom, curious to what it was.

"Ooooo present," Sophia said clapping, suitably impressed at the unexpected gift. "Tank you Oma, gamsahabnida," she finished, completely winning over Tae's mother with her use of the Korean word. As she tore the paper open, she yelled again. "Oh books," and I saw they were more of the same kind Tae had bought, cute picture books to help learn the words in Korean. I couldn't help but think it was another acknowledgment, she wanted to help us learn more and it felt like she was gifting these to Sophia as part of her blessing on our relationship. I knew Tae was a grown man but I also knew his parents blessing was important to him and therefore to me as well.

"Ah beautiful, gamsahabnida," I echoed and she smiled at me.

"I read?" she asked Sophia and I wondered if she'd learned that phrase just so she could ask. She was an elegant and kind woman and the fact that Sophia was so comfortable with her spoke volumes.

"Oh yes," Sophia said, jumping up on the bed, Oma, sitting beside her.

"Is it OK if I go get ready?" I asked, indicating my clothes and miming putting on makeup.

"Yes, yes," she replied, sweetly dismissing me as she focused on Sophia and I grinned as I left the room to change.

She'd smiled her approval at my outfit choice when I came out 15 minutes later to check on them. Sophia was rubbing her eyes and Oma had just come back from taking her to the bathroom, slipping easily into the role of grandmother. As Sophia climbed under the covers, ready for sleep, she took Oma's hand. "Saranghae," she said sleepily and Oma smiled a contented smile as she looked at me. "Lovely child," she said as she left the room so I could tuck her in and my heart swelled again at her words.

"Mama?"

"Yes baby?"

"You sing to Sophia?"

It had been a while since she wanted me to sing her to sleep and I knew the car would be here soon but I couldn't say no and judging by the way her eyes had trouble staying open, I didn't think it would take long. Picking her favourite lullaby, I sang softly, stroking her curls away from her face as her movements stilled and breathing became even. My lips found her forehead and left a quick kiss there before I crept out of the room, in time to see Tae's mother settling on the couch.

Feeling a little awkward, I sat on the chair opposite her and smiled. "You good mother," she said and my cheeks flushed at her compliment. Bowing my head, I thanked her. "Taehyung good father," she continued and I was surprised. Did she mean he would be a good dad one day or he was being a good father figure to Sophia? Either way, I had to agree and nodded, smiling. She tried one more time. "Taehyung good, you good, together very good." I reached for her hand, not knowing if it was the right thing to do.

"I love Tae," I said, hoping she could feel and understand.

"Yes, you love very good."

The knock at the door reminded me, the car had arrived and I squeezed her hand before letting go. "Thank you," I said with another bow and she brushed my thanks aside.

"You beautiful. Taehyung happy man," she said as I grabbed my bag and his golf gear, waving as the door closed behind me.

KTH POV

My phone dinged as we were wrapping up and as I was thinking of a shower, Eomma sending a message, a video attached. Reading the message, I was intrigued.

Eomma

You best hold tightly onto this one, she's one of those people you will lose your heart to forever

Clicking the video, I could see Marley, beautifully ready for our date and I looked down at my clothes, thinking I needed to hunt through my things at the company for something better to wear than what I had practised in. Then she crouched down next to Sophia, gently rubbing her face and hair as she sung a soft lullaby to send her to sleep. She sounded like an angel and I could see Sophia drift off to sleep before Eomma walked quickly away, switching off the video as she did, not wanting to get caught. I was grateful she'd sent it to me and she'd seen that side of Marley. It was just one of the sides I'd fallen in love with.

TaeTae

Thank you for sending it to me and yes, I don't intend to let her go!

Now as I sat in the car, showered with fresh clothes on, we pulled up to the restaurant at a similar time to the car that had brought Marley. I elected to wait so she could go in first without me and watched as she got out, closing the door behind her. As she went to walk towards the restaurant, an older lady walked past and a man deep in conversation on his phone came past the other way, bumping into the lady, causing her to sway. I watched as Marley reached out and caught the lady, stopping her from falling, assisting her to have a seat at the busstop before she dropped her bag to the ground, crouching to help the lady pick up the things she'd dropped when she'd been knocked. The older lady was clearly a little shaken and as Marley picked up the last of the things, depositing them back into the bag, she sat next to her, taking her hand and rubbing it. I don't know if they could even communicate with the language barrier but all I saw was her caring side coming out as she seemed to check a few times that the lady was OK before bowing and heading towards the restaurant, glancing back at the bus stop a few times. In that moment, I fell a little more and a little harder. The lady reminded me of my grandmother and I'd always had a soft spot for children and older people, wanting to care for them both. Marley struck my heart by not leaving it for someone else to deal with.

"Before you go, can you please check on the halmeoni at the bus stop? She looks like she's had a fright and maybe you could give her a lift to where she needs to go, or get her a drink of water at least," he asked, the driver nodding, security following me out and into the restaurant.

Marley POV

"I'd liked to have taken you to a street market for food but we can't go places like that these days." He sounded a little forlorn and I wondered again at how much he'd given up the day he became an idol. Then he'd have had no idea how his life would change.

"Where you've picked was perfect," I answered, snuggling close, feeling content and full.

He stroked my hand absentmindedly as he spoke. "I picked one of my favourites, mainly because there is the back entrance and we don't need to go into the main part at all. I've never had any photos taken of me there or at least, they've never been online if there have been photos so I do trust them."

"I enjoyed the food, I loved the company more," I replied and he pressed a kiss to my head again.

"Marley, aein, Lee Seul-Ki told me what happened today at ***** ****. I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault, don't even worry about it."

"I've already spoken to the designer. He was very, very apologetic and would like us to go in for a private session so he can help choose things for you in person."

"You didn't! Tae, it didn't matter enough to call him about. Seul-Ki had already dealt with it."

"Ah yes but I know him well and he would want to know his staff were treating people like that."

"They're not losing their jobs are they? I wouldn't want to be the cause of that."

"No, they won't but he does want them to come along to the fitting too so they can apologise in person."

"That's too embarrassing Oppa, I don't think so."

"He knows how much money I make for his company by wearing his label and it is necessary for them to say sorry. You are too important for someone to treat you like that. It can't happen again, no-one should make you feel that way, no matter who you are."

"It didn't feel very nice," I said softly and he gripped my hand tightly.

"Never again," he said firmly.

"We can't stop that from happening, some people will just be rude."

"Please tell me if things like that happen."

"So you can be my big, bad boyfriend and hold them accountable?"

"I don't know that word but I do like the sound of being your big, bad boyfriend."

"You're too nice for that Tae but I'll tell you if I think it's important."

"Please tell me if you think I'll think it's important even if you don't think it is."

I laughed. "Your English is so good now, that was quite the mouthful."

"I like having my mouth full," he said quietly, leaning dangerously close before we went over a bump, sending us careening into each other, laughing at the stolen moment.

"What time is our booking at the driving range?"

"930pm but we have the place to ourselves so it won't matter if we're a little late."

"I'm more thinking of your Eomma. It's a late night for her."

"She'll possibly just stay over in the spare room."

I raised an eyebrow at that and he looked confused. I blushed a little as I clarified my expression. "So it's both Sophia and Eomma we have to be quiet for?"

"Hmmmm... I hadn't thought about that. She gets up really early too although that's usually so she can go for a walk. I'll keep an eye on the time so we don't stay too late."

"I want you to enjoy the golf though Tae, I'm sure we can be quiet, we have before."

"I'm a little embarrassed to say it would be weird if my Eomma was in the same house, don't you think?"

I really did but I doubted we could sleep in the same bed and not want to touch each other. "Doesn't she know we're sharing a room?"

"Yes, knowing and hearing are two different things though, right?"

"Hmmmm, you aren't very quiet," I said, grinning.

"That's all your fault," he answered, smirking back.

As we pulled up to the driving range, he leaned in towards me, mouth hovering just above mine. "Maybe we can book a night away. Eomma and Appa can look after Sophia and we can be as loud as we want."

I gulped, looking between his eyes and mouth before closing the gap between us. "Definitely sounds like a plan," I murmured into his lips and he sighed.

"I want to play golf but I also want to go home to make sure Eomma doesn't stay. I do love her but well, you know."

I laughed at how pouty he sounded. "I do know but we don't get out much and I want you to play as much golf as you want."

"OK, let me go in first and get set up, security will come back out for you in a few minutes."

I nodded and leaned back as he exited the car, with his golf bag, no-one visible through the tinted windows but photographers can be anywhere. I was lost in my thoughts, remembering how he'd held my hand across the table at the restaurant. We'd just eaten, talked and smiled, snuck a kiss a couple of times in our own private room and just enjoyed being out together. In those moments, it almost felt like we were a normal couple, just having a nice dinner together. The knock on the door of the car alerted me to security and I smiled. 'Not exactly a normal couple though,' I thought as I masked up and followed him into the venue, head lowered.

Tae was already swinging a club, a man from the driving range giving him a few pointers when I walked into the room. He bowed to me briefly but turned back to Tae, seemingly unbothered by me being there or Tae coming with a female. I sat down as security left us to it, clearly there wasn't a threat here at this time of night and I imagined Tae came here a lot when his schedule wasn't full. His form looked good to me, I could easily just stare at that all day as the man corrected a little of his stance and stood back as he swung again. I followed the ball as it hit the screen on the wall, telling him the angle and power of his shot, giving a small round of applause when he looked pleased with himself as I had no idea what was good or not.

He smiled at me, bit his lip a little shyly and lined up again, twisting his body , his shirt pulling against his torso. This wasn't fair, could I really watch this show all night and go home to his mother in the house? 'This isn't about you,' I thought, giving myself a pep talk. 'This is Tae letting of steam. Not that there aren't other ways to let of steam,' I thought as my mind wandered while my eyes watched.

After a few more shots, he turned to the staff and spoke a few words before the staff member bowed to us both and left us to it. "You're doing so well baby," I said, from where I sat tucked to the side.

"Do you want a go? I can teach you?"

"I'm terrible at sports," I said, standing up to walk over. If he wanted to teach me, I wouldn't turn him down.

Reaching for a different club, lighter I thought, he explained how to stand. Apparently I was completely wrong, not that I knew you can stand so wrong but his loud laughter gave that away. Coming up behind me, he rested his arms around my back, hugging me close as he positioned my legs, torso and arms. He was being very professional but I was very distracted, leaning my butt back against him more than I needed to, bending just a little so it met his body in just the right way. He cleared his throat. "I know what you're doing."

"I didn't try to hide it."

"There are cameras," he said softly near my ear, eyes flicking in that direction so I'd know where they were.

"And you're just teaching me how to swing a golf club," I replied, feeling his arms tighten around my body as his hands firmed up over mine.

"We can walk a line but not cross it," he said quietly again, daring me to go on but warning me to tred carefully.

"Challenge accepted," I said, stepping back as he quickly swivelled his body away from the cameras, pulling his shirt into place as he did. I smirked and he hissed at me with a pouty look on his face.

"Let me have a swing and you can tell me if it's right," I said, ignoring his expression, helping him refocus. As I copied how he'd told me to stand, I swung, completely missing the ball and he cracked up laughing before attempting to hold it in.

"That was a good first try nae sarang," he said and I rolled my eyes at him before making way for him to have a go. He stuck his butt out just a little, maybe more than necessary, lifted the club and swung, smiling at me as he turned. I assumed that meant it was good and told him well done as I stood again.

"So, you stuck your butt out, like so," I said demonstrating, "and you stood side on, like this, right," I asked, knowing it was wrong. He knew I knew it too as he walked over, ending up right behind me again.

He ran his hand down my spine as he spoke. "Straighten up just a little jagiya, that's right, now move your hips to that direction." He guided my movements with his hands, the fingers sitting dangerously close to my pelvis when he rested them in place. I ground back against him briefly as I pretended to position the golf club and heard the intake of his breath. "Yeah, that's exactly right," he said, double meaning dripping in the air.

"Actually, I need some water," I said, stepping away and walking over to where the bottles were, grabbing two. "Thirsty oppa," I asked as I stepped to the edge of the camera view, hopefully out of view completely and he walked over, his back to the camera, his height hiding me from view. His lips were on mine as soon as he stopped moving, his forward momentum pressing him against me before he went to step back. I grabbed his shirt, pulling him flush against myself. "They can't see anything," I said and his hands came to my face, anchoring me in place as his lips explored for a few moments.

"Are you actually thirsty," he asked as he pulled away.

"I'm always thirsty when you're around," I replied. "But how about I just watch you until we're ready to go home otherwise this golf session will finish too soon and I'd like for you to enjoy yourself."

"You should have fun too though," he said, pausing to adjust himself before turning back into the camera view.

"Oh, I'm having fun," I nodded, raising both eyebrows at him and wiggling them and he laughed as he picked up the golf club.

As we crept into the apartment at 1130pm, giggling quietly from our make out session that started as soon as we left the driving range, we noticed most of the lights were off.

"I think Eomma has gone to bed," Tae whispered, tiptoeing with exaggerated steps through the entranceway.

"Aniyo," we heard her voice and gasped in surprise as she stood up from the couch in the living room. I quickly bowed, doing a mental check of how unruly we both looked, hoping she'd just think we'd had a long day.

Speaking quickly in Korean to Tae, he spluttered a little, covering it up with a cough as he listened before he bowed, "Gamsahabnida Eomma," coming quietly from his lips.

"Gamsahabnida for Sophia," I said and she nodded, eyes running up and down my clothes before hiding a smile.

"Annyeong," she called softly as she let herself out and I put my hand to my chest.

"Did we scare her away? What did she say?"

"Ah, she said she didn't think we'd like her to be here overnight and for us to enjoy the rest of our evening together," he said, sounding incredulous.

"Did she just give her blessing for us to sleep together," I asked, laughing at the thought.

"I think in a round about way she did," he answered, pulling me towards him. "Who am I to not do what my Eomma says," and he swung me over his shoulder, carrying me into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind himself as he dropped me on the bed, beginning to shed himself of clothes as he stalked towards me and I let out my breath as I thought about what was coming.