The Secret Heart|Jisoo|Haein|Taehyung

ᑕᕼᗩᑭTEᖇ 35: KIᔕᔕ ᗰE ᗰOᖇE

Elena stood frozen, trying to process the weight of his words. It felt like she had been transported to an entirely unfamiliar realm. Kelan's unwavering commitment to his beliefs struck her deeply, surpassing even his own personal wants. Her eyes widened as she slowly grasped the depth of his convictions. Kelan watched her closely, eager to decipher her reaction to his revelations. Tentatively, he moved closer, only to have Elena instinctively retreat.

"It's... it's just so difficult for me to comprehend how steadfast you are in sticking to your principles! It almost feels like you're rejecting me in the most roundabout way possible," Elena expressed, her face a mix of confusion and bewilderment. Kelan furrowed his brow, shaking his head in response.

"I... I didn't mean to make you feel like I was trying to undermine your integrity," Elena murmured, the realization dawning on her slowly. Kelan let out a soft sigh and reached out to gently grasp her arm.

"Elena, you are truly a stunning woman. I must confess, from the moment I first laid eyes on you without a single word passing between us, I was captivated. It was as if I had encountered the most alluring and exquisite woman in all my 28 years of life. And when I finally got to know you, I found myself falling deeply for you," Kelan confessed earnestly.

"I like you, I have developed feelings for you, Elena. Quite strong ones, in fact... and that's precisely why I feel compelled to treat you with the utmost respect. I would be honored if you would allow me to court you, with the hope that one day in the future, I may have the privilege of marrying you," Kelan declared, his sincerity shining through in his words.

"I long to delve deeper into who you are, to share in your tears, your laughter, and your kisses. I yearn to be not just your lover, but your confidant and your best friend. I want to be the person you turn to in times of joy, sorrow, frustration, or anger. I want to establish that connection with you before anything else, before we share that intimacy," Kelan expressed with profound sincerity, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Elena. His words resonated deeply within her, each one hitting her with profound impact. Elena lowered her gaze to the ground, absorbing the weight of his honest and heartfelt sentiments.

"Are you one of those men who values marriage before physical intimacy?" Elena asked, meeting Kelan's gaze once more, anticipation clear in her expression. A small smile played on Kelan's lips as he nodded in confirmation.

"But... isn't that quite old-fashioned?" Elena quipped, prompting a chuckle from Kelan.

"It is... and I understand your stance on it... but I can't help it either! Those values are just a part of who I am, ingrained in me since childhood. The guilt is immediate if I push beyond a simple kiss," Kelan admitted with a gentle smile. Elena chuckled at his words, then let out a soft sigh.

"Oh, my goodness, now I see..." Elena mumbled, but trailed off, deciding against voicing her newfound understanding. Kelan furrowed his brow, puzzled by her abrupt shift in behavior.

"What is it?" Kelan asked, his expression curious as he observed Elena covering her mouth with widened eyes.

"I just had a realization... Kelan, are you... a virgin?" Elena stammered in disbelief, her sudden thoughts catching her off guard. Kelan cleared his throat, his eyes widening in surprise at her question.

"Have you never been married before? Because if not, then you must be with that kind of thinking.." Elena added, tugging at Kelan's shirt as she silently implored him to confirm her suspicions. Kelan closed his eyes in resignation, a silent acknowledgment that validated her wild thoughts about his virginity.

"Oh, my goodness, I can't believe I almost took away your innocence! I'm so sorry!" Elena exclaimed as she took a step back, the weight of her realization sinking in. Kelan chuckled at her reaction and gently took hold of her hands.