#for sofia

“Goodness,” you grit your teeth while you attempt to stand, fighting to remain on your feet for a few seconds to recuperate. Of course, Lilly whines in concern, but you bend forward regardless- wincing from the jolt of pain in your shoulder blades, to open the crate, letting her small form greet you while you let her out in your fenced in backyard.

You were ten years old when it happened.

Diving in the sea with family members when tragically, a fatal accident, you bumped your head- paralyzing you from the neck down. You’ll never forget the rush to the hospital, the numerous questions swarming within your mind, nor the agony of the news of possibly never being able to walk again. When x-rayed, it was revealed that vertebrae 2-6 were completely shattered; your eyes enlarged in horror, yet there was nothing you could do but lay there in the cold hospital bed without a single modicum of being able to move. It took about four weeks before you were able to move your right hand as well as your left foot- which the doctor claimed that would be as far as you would be able to get. It took seven years of rehab and determination until you were able to leave your wheelchair- something your doctor rejoiced as a miracle. But you know in your heart it was more than that,

You’re a fighter.

You open the door for Lilly once she barks to let you know she’s finished- preparing her bowl of food while she paws at your legs, eagerly waiting for you to set her food down for her to dig in. It’s your typical morning routine, while Lilly eats, you rush to the restroom to brush your teeth and freshen up for the day, throwing on a casual outfit- deciding it’s a pretty day enough to take a long stroll. Gathering Lilly’s leash, you hook it to her collar, packing a water bottle and a small book you’ve been reading, and head out toward the nearest park. The pain in your limbs subsides, for the time being, your mind focusing on the path ahead until the familiar rows of green-leaved trees meet your vision. White flowers bloom across numerous branches, the sun rays protruding onto the pavement while the soft petals sway to the ground from the subtle wind breezing along the trail.

You smile at the scenery, appreciating every bit of it, Lilly tugging on the leash ahead while she sniffs at the grass poking at the asphalt on the sides. It’s been a few years since you were able to officially rid of the wheelchair now, the only thing you struggle with is maintaining balance at times along with aching bones around certain areas of your frame; not even to mention the fifth cold you’ve gotten over within the last three months. Sometimes, trying to build your immune system is hard to do with it being so weak since the accident.

Deep in your thoughts, you’re so caught up in the way the trees sway, you hardly notice the sound of a deep, panicked voice nor the black and tan, fluffy coat of an animal flashing toward Lilly in glee.

“Yeontan! Yeontan, no!” The sound of the voice snaps you to reality, your eyes finding the wagging puff of a tail while two little, black noses sniff along each other’s bodies in introduction.

“Oh, my word!” You say in awe, the Pomeranian, a breed you’re already familiar with, pounces backward in an attempt to play; Lilly raising her paw slightly while she watches the dog’s every movement. You realize then the large hand shuffling frantically to retrieve the Pomeranian’s leash; your eyes trailing to reveal a face that nearly knocks you off your feet.

“I’m so sorry! I promise he’s friendly!” The man, brown hair wavy upon his forehead fluffing over the tips of his ears, has a hand towards you in assurance, though you can’t help the soft laughter escaping your wide smile. “He’s a fugitive, I tell you,”

“It’s okay,” your tone is timid, but your smile leads his expression to soften just enough to show his eyes clouding in relief. When his pink lips fall into an anxious line, he clears his throat, “Taehyung,” he offers his hand, you reach forward to shake it; your peripherals of Lilly keeping your focus while the two dogs continue to play.

“Sofia,” you nod.

Taehyung turns to glimpse at the two dogs, “And, this is Yeontan. May I ask what your puppy’s name is?”

“Lilly,” you feel bad for being such an introvert in this moment, but you can’t help the light of attraction burning within you- it’s been a while since you have seen someone so alluring- a jawline sculpted to perfection for a model, a tall frame toned as if he does nothing but dance for twelve hours a day, to the small freckle decorating his nose. When your stare lingers, you catch yourself enough to prevent an awkward tension, “Do you come here often?”

When small talk turns into the two of you continuing on the path, both your dogs walking ahead side by side, you can’t help the notice of his arm brushing yours every now and then; or, the way you catch him in the act of glimpsing at you to avert his gaze back to his shoes scraping along with the concrete- him stunned by the beauty you withhold in your soul. There’s more to you he has yet to learn, and from that day forward, he makes every way possible to do just that.

Days turn into months of spoiling your dogs, cuddling on the couch at the start of winter to watch the sports channel, to adventuring onto new paths at parks in other areas, scoping out the scenery the two of you share a passion for. One day, in particular, nearly half a year spent every waking moment the two of you could obtain, you’re in the process of dressing for another date, asking Taehyung if he can hook the necklace, he had surprised you with moments before, behind your neck.

That’s when he notices for the first time.

The tip of a thick scar where they had performed your operation for your spinal injury over a decade ago. It’s a story you haven’t fully opened about; though Taehyung has been aware of your sensitivity due to nerve damage, you always mask it by toughing through it; him right by your side in preparation to catch you if you are to fall. His fingers brush along the part of the scar that’s visible; tears brimming your eyes when he moves to place a gentle kiss upon it.

“You’re the strongest person I know,” he whispers, the warmth of him embracing you from behind tenderly in caution of any pain he may cause by the gesture. He doesn’t even know the full story, yet he knows that you conquered the trial by storm; refusing to accept any negativity that is thrown your way. That’s the night you happen to tell him everything- his eyes widening with so much inspiration for the accomplishment you achieved because you never gave up the fight.

A couple more months pass, you fall asleep on the couch, Lilly curled behind your legs- Taehyung and Yeontan passed out in the bed. You awaken in the middle of the night, pain causing hitched breaths at the back of your throat, Lilly whining in a panic as she jumps to lick at your face. Taehyung hears the commotion, jolting from the bed with Yeontan scurrying suit.

“Sofia,” Taehyung reaches you immediately, guardedly placing his hands upon your cheeks. Just that small act of love brings a peace you can’t explain- the sensation of your joints dimming to an elusive throbbing that you’re able to bare just enough to maneuver yourself to sit up.

“I’m sorry,” you whimper, “I didn’t mean to wake you,”

“No,” he whispers, “Don’t say that. You have nothing to be sorry for,” Taehyung rests his forehead on yours, his frilly hair tickling at your skin while the tip of his nose presses to yours. “I would have carried you to bed, but you looked so cute, I didn’t want to wake you,“

“Oh, hush,” you can’t help the smile finding its way to your parting lips, your body relaxing from the tension of trying to retain comfort, “Why are you so perfect,” your voice is hardly audible, and the words roll off your tongue before you can even catch yourself.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Taehyung tilts his head while his eyes flicker to investigate yours. With furrowed eyebrows, you can’t help the confusion pouring from your expression,

“Me?”

“Sofia,” Taehyung says incredulously, “You are a warrior,” he refuses to avert his gaze from your eyes- the ones he gets lost in every chance he can, “Optimistic, intelligent, loving, extraordinarily beautiful,” you’re in disbelief at the flood of compassion waving from his lips that are now kissing every inch of your face, the pain that had been plaguing you vanishing completely while Tae’s voice soothes you, “A conqueror, determined, goal-oriented, need I say more? Yes-”

Tears pang your cheeks- you’re so in love with him you can hardly contain it. His kisses moving to your earlobes and your shoulders, his hand still tangled in your hair while he professes even more words to define the soul that you are.

“Sofia,” he returns to face you completely, his lips just a few centimeters from yours, “You are my soldier,”

Tears blur your vision, though you bring your hands to cup his face- you’re speechless- never in your wildest dreams did you ever imagine a man as beautiful as him would enhance your life to what it is now. You’ve always been a fighter- but he reminds you of that every single day. You kiss him then- getting lost in the sensation of his warmth while he hovers above you- bodies tangling together while he captures your kiss so passionately with his own.

Yeontan and Lilly cuddle off onto the large dog bed Taehyung had bought- the two oblivious to the love that was said minutes prior. And there’s nothing else that can complete you so perfectly- just Taehyung, Lilly, and Yeontan-