Chapter Text
It is Taehyung’s first day at a job he chose solely because his parents, in their quiet disappointment, had cut off his allowance.
To some extent, he knows he can’t blame or fault them.
They had sent him from Daegu to Seoul, not because they thought he would thrive in the city, but because they didn’t want him confined to the limitations of a small town.
After college, they knew the university life would be restrictive, so they made sure he had the freedom of Seoul. They had secured him a place in a private university, one that was prestigious, one that would allow him to pursue not only academics but also a life of untethered opportunity.
Moving to Seoul had been easy—almost effortless. He’d been living alone in Daegu for years, away from his parents, and adjusting to the city’s pulse had only meant more freedom. The lavish apartment complex they’d purchased for him, nestled conveniently close to his university, was more than he could have asked for. It should have been a place of focus, a haven for academic dedication, but, like any new adult, Taehyung found the pull of rebellion far more exciting than his coursework.
He’d felt a rush of exhilaration when the constraints of his small-town life fell away. The temptation of the city, of all the things he could indulge in, was irresistible. His apartment became a late-night sanctuary for drinking, laughter, and reckless abandon. What began as casual gatherings with friends soon spiraled into wild parties, passing out in clubs he didn’t remember entering, letting the city swallow him whole.
Then the grades arrived.
The sting of his parents’ disappointment was sharper than any lecture they could have given him. They weren’t just upset—they were hurt. And Taehyung had never imagined that his choices, his newfound freedom, could affect anyone other than himself. He had always respected his parents—cherished them for their sacrifices. Yet, in his pursuit of excitement, he had lost sight of that respect.
Now, standing on the precipice of regret, Taehyung understood he had become what he once judged. Those students he had looked down on for not appreciating their parents, for taking things for granted—he was no different.
His plan to improve had been set into motion the moment he saw the hurt in his parents’ eyes. But that plan was lost on them. They saw it as an empty promise, not yet fulfilled. So they did what they thought best—cut off his allowance. It was the only way they could think to discipline him, to remind him of the real world.
For the first time in his life, Taehyung found himself without the cushion of wealth to fall back on.
Taehyung wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but he knows he is wealthy. He knows that, unlike many of his peers, he has never truly struggled. Everything has been handed to him on a silver platter—his apartment, his lifestyle, all the comforts that came with his family’s wealth. But as much as wealth had afforded him, he also knows it doesn’t equate to happiness or fulfillment. His fortune had always kept people around him, but it had never brought him real friendships. Those he called friends were often there for one thing: to get him to pay for their nights out or to take them to places far beyond their means. They were more interested in the perks of his wealth than in him as a person.
When Taehyung moved to Seoul, he knew his new friends were, in many ways, the same. They flocked to him because they knew he would foot the bill for parties, for drinks, for every outing that required money.
But when his allowance stopped after the fiasco with his parents, he saw the opportunity to make a change. He didn’t want to live off of his parents’ wealth any longer—he wanted to carve out a life where he didn’t have to rely on it. So, he told his friends that he needed to pull back, to focus on something beyond his indulgences. He fully expected them to leave, just as they always had when their interest was only in what he could provide. But surprisingly, this time, they didn’t.
Instead, they reassured him, told him that it was fine, that things hadn’t changed. They continued to invite him to their parties, to their hangouts, as if nothing was different.
But Taehyung knew it wasn’t the same.
He started declining their invitations, choosing instead to focus on his studies and self-discipline. He became stricter with himself, more focused on personal growth than on maintaining the image he had built with them. And they didn’t like that.
To them, he had become boring, no longer the carefree, generous friend they had once known. They began calling him dull, accusing him of losing his edge.
He stopped showing up to their parties and hangouts, opting to stay home and study. Taehyung is happy with his decision, doesn’t mind—it is the life he wants now, even if it means losing the friends who had never truly been there for him.
The job isn’t particularly challenging. Taehyung just has to spend hours behind the counter, waiting for the inevitable rush of customers. For the first 20 minutes before each movie starts, he scrambles to take orders from the crowd, all of them clearly late and in a hurry. Once he serves them what they want, he returns to the counter, only to collapse onto the floor.
It isn’t the physical labour that exhausts him—it’s the anxiety of the constant pressure, the never-ending stream of customers. But in between those chaotic bursts, there are brief moments of respite. The intervals, the gaps between movies, offer him time to breathe, to reset. And despite the occasional stress, it isn’t unbearable.
He’s still panting from the overwhelming rush when he notices a pair of feet approaching him. His eyes slowly trace the legs upward to meet the gaze of the boy standing before him.
“Are you okay?” the boy asks, his voice soft but genuine. The boy has blond hair, a little shorter than Taehyung, but there’s something about him that seems oddly familiar.
Taehyung nods, pushing himself up off the floor. As he straightens, he notices he’s towering him. Adjusting his apron, he answers, “Yeah, just a bit overwhelmed.”
The boy tilts his head, eyeing him curiously. “Are you new here?”
Taehyung nods again, trying to place where he has seen the boy before, his face lingering in his memory like an unfinished thought.
The boy smiles brightly, extending his hand. “Hi, I’m Jimin!”
Taehyung takes his hand eagerly, the name sparking a flicker of recognition. “Park Jimin?” he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Jimin’s eyes light up at the mention of his name, and he nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! Are you Taehyung from my department? You look really familiar.”
It clicks. Taehyung remembers him now—Jimin is in his department, in the same classes. “Ah, Park Jimin. It’s good to see you here.” Taehyung offers a sheepish smile. “It’s my first day, and I could really use some company.”
Jimin’s laughter is warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Don’t worry, I started just a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been just as lonely. This place is so understaffed that it feels like I’m working solo most of the time.” He sighs, tying his apron around his waist.
Taehyung’s eyes widen at the realisation. He assumed his shift started earlier than most, which explained the skeletal staff of just him and Jimin behind the counter. “Wait, what?” he asks, incredulous.
Jimin chuckles, leaning casually against the counter. “They hired me the same day as my interview. Why do you think so?”
Taehyung was hired the same way, on the spot, after his interview. It makes sense now.
“What days do you have shifts?” Taehyung asks, eager to keep the conversation going. He doesn’t want to be alone here.
“I take shifts on the days I don’t have classes—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,” Jimin replies, and Taehyung’s heart skips a beat. Those are the exact same days he chose, minus Sunday, which he picked up for the extra hours and the need for the money.
Taehyung lets out a relieved sigh. “Thank God, I won’t be alone at work then.”
Jimin grins, his shoulders relaxing as he leans back against the counter. “Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. At least I won’t have to deal with this place on my own anymore.”
That was the beginning of their friendship—and for Taehyung, his very first genuine one.
Jimin has been consistently kind each time they’ve met. Their friendship now extends beyond the walls of the food court, evolving into time spent together in class. Taehyung always arrives early to secure a seat next to him, placing his bag on the chair beside his to save Jimin a spot. When Taehyung is the one running late, Jimin returns the favour with the same small gesture of loyalty.
Though they’ve been friends for five months now, Taehyung has never once brought up his family or wealth. He doesn’t feel the need to. With Jimin, he’s certain he’s valued for who he is, not for what he has. He’s grateful to have a friend like Jimin—someone who, despite their differences in style, taste, and preferences, accepts him fully.
In moments of reflection, Taehyung thinks of Jimin as his platonic soulmate, a title he has yet to say aloud but believes fully. They rarely clash; Jimin’s kindness seems to meet Taehyung’s own, creating a quiet understanding that he cherishes.
Taehyung sits next to Jimin now, not bothering to pay attention as their professor drones on toward the end of the class. Only minutes remain, and the room is already a murmur of chatter and scraping chairs. When the bell finally rings, Taehyung sighs, stretching his arms above his head. Exhaustion lingers in his muscles—he’s ready to walk home and collapse into his bed. He and Jimin walk together until they reach the bus stop where Jimin catches his ride, and Taehyung continues on foot.
Taehyung has never told Jimin that his apartment is a short stroll from campus, Jimin, who endures a daily hour-and-a-half commute. Sharing this detail feels unnecessary—like flaunting something he doesn’t want him to feel lesser for.
Just as they gather their things, he notices Seokjin, one of Jimin’s friends, waving them down. Taehyung has met Jimin’s other friends over time—Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Namjoon. They’re in different departments, but their bond with Jimin has already lasted a year. Taehyung has met each of them in passing, save for one, who, he’s been told, is on the shy side. He didn’t mind.
As with Jimin, they’ve all been warm and welcoming to Taehyung, trying to include him whenever they can. And, as always, he has politely turned down their invitations. Despite their friendliness, he still feels a touch like an outsider, hesitant to intrude on the established camaraderie.
Seokjin strides over, folding his arms as he looks at Jimin. “We’re supposed to head to Yoongi’s later, remember?”
Jimin gasps. “I totally forgot!” He hurriedly gathers his belongings, stuffing them into his bag before turning to Taehyung with an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Tae, you’ll have to walk alone today.”
Taehyung waves him off easily, reassuring him that it’s fine. His place is just around the corner anyway—which Jimin doesn’t know. “Why don’t you join us?” Seokjin asks, sparking a light in Jimin’s eyes as he nods in agreement.
“Uh, well…” Taehyung stumbles, mentally sifting through excuses he hasn’t already used. Jimin rolls his eyes. “Tae, stop making excuses! Come on, you’ll love it.”
With no excuse left to spare, Taehyung sighs in resignation. “Fine,” he concedes, and his two friends break into matching grins.
“We’re heading to the market first to grab some stuff, then meeting at Yoongi’s,” Jimin explains. Taehyung raises his eyebrows. “So, you’re not going right now?”
Both Jimin and Seokjin shake their heads. “Nope, in the evening,” Seokjin clarifies. “Go get some rest, and Jimin will send you the address.”
“Or I could pick you up if you want,” Jimin offers with his usual easy kindness.
Taehyung figures he can manage to find the place on his own, though it’s nice to know he has options if he needs them.
Taehyung gives a small, grateful smile as he shakes his head. “See you then,” he says, waving to Jimin and Seokjin as he heads home.
As Jimin and Seokjin leave the building together, Seokjin glances sideways at him, a hint of concern in his expression. “I’m good with inviting him, really,” Seokjin begins, adjusting his bag on his shoulder as they walk side by side, “but… what about Jungkook?”
At the mention of that name, Jimin pauses mid-step, sighing before falling back into stride. “I know. I’ll just have to talk him into it, I guess,” he says with a resigned shrug. They both fall into silence, mulling over the evening ahead as they make their way to the market.
Once they finish their errands, they continue on to Yoongi’s place, where this week’s hangout is set to unfold.
It’s become a tradition to rotate hosting duties, and tonight, it’s Yoongi’s turn to welcome them all. The plan is simple yet satisfying—watch a movie, maybe play a few games, laze around and simply unwind in good company. Namjoon and Hoseok, however, are caught up with classes that end later than usual, so they all agreed to gather in the evening, when everyone would be free—and this time, Taehyung is joining them.
Jimin knows his friends won’t mind having Taehyung around; in fact, they seem to genuinely like him. He’s made it a point to introduce Taehyung to each of them, frequently sharing anecdotes about his kindness, sense of humor, and subtle charm. By now, they’re well acquainted, and Jimin is sure they appreciate Taehyung almost as much as he does.
Almost everyone, that is.
There’s still Jeon Jungkook, the one member of their group he’s uncertain about when it comes to Taehyung. When Jimin had first mentioned Taehyung to the group, everyone was quick to shower him with praise, eager to meet the new addition. But not Jungkook.
He remained indifferent, showing little interest or enthusiasm. As Jimin continued to talk about introducing Taehyung to the group, Jungkook’s disinterest didn’t waver. He had no intention of meeting this stranger, and that was fine by him.
However, when the conversation shifted to inviting Taehyung over to Yoongi’s, that’s when things started to shift for Jungkook.
A subtle sulk crept across his face, his mood darkening. He didn’t want anyone new disrupting their little family. He was content with just the six of them, and the idea of someone else joining their tight-knit circle didn’t sit well with him.
Now, as Jimin and Seokjin make their way to Yoongi’s, Jimin can’t help but wonder how he’s going to persuade Jungkook to be okay with it. He knows that coaxing him won’t be easy, but he’s had a lot of practice with Jungkook’s little quirks over the year.
Jimin and Seokjin arrive at Yoongi’s place, and Jimin rings the doorbell. He hears the pitter patter of footsteps approaching, and before long, Jungkook opens the door, his eyes crinkling with a bunny smile.
“Hi!” Jungkook greets them cheerfully, waving enthusiastically at Jimin and Jin. Without missing a beat, Seokjin steps forward, enveloping Jungkook in a welcoming hug. “Hi, Jungkook. When did you get here?” Jin asks, pulling back from the embrace as he makes his way to the kitchen, groceries in hand.
“A few minutes ago,” Jungkook replies, closing the door behind them with a soft thud.
“What did you guys buy?” Jungkook asks, trailing behind them to the kitchen. As he walks, his arms instinctively find Jimin’s waist, pulling him close and burying his face in Jimin’s blond hair.
Jimin feels a pang of guilt as Jungkook melts into him, his usual cheery self, unaware of the storm that’s about to hit. He’s going to have to ruin this moment with the news of Taehyung coming over, and it makes his stomach twist. Instead of answering, Jimin sighs, turning in Jungkook’s arms to face him. He takes his hand gently, squeezing it reassuringly.
“Jungkook…” Jimin begins, his voice laced with hesitation. “Taehyung might be joining us tonight.”
Immediately, the excitement drains from Jungkook’s face, his smile slipping. “What?” he asks, the confusion and disappointment clear in his voice as he retreats his hand from Jimin’s, stepping back a little.
Jimin watches as the mood shifts, and he feels a twinge of regret. He wishes there were another way to do this. “Jungkook, you’ll like him. He’s really nice, just like the rest of us, I promise,” Jin chimes in, stepping forward to calm the situation. Jin knows how to talk to Jungkook. They’ve known each other since Jungkook was just a toddler, and Jin has always thought of him like a little brother. He places a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, trying to reassure him.
“I don’t like meeting new people,” Jungkook mutters, pouting slightly, and Jimin can see how much the thought of anyone else entering their close-knit group bothers him. “And we’re a group!” he adds with a whine, the words laced with frustration.
Jin smiles gently, knowing exactly what to say. “I know, we are a group,” he says, his voice soft but firm, “and no one is saying Taehyung will join the group, are they? He’s just coming over tonight. If you don’t want him in the next hangout, we won’t invite him, I promise.” Jin cups Jungkook’s face, gently guiding him to meet his gaze. His expression softens as he gives Jungkook the best puppy-dog eyes he knows always works—those big, pleading eyes that make it impossible for Jungkook to stay mad.
Jungkook pouts, still clearly upset, but the puppy look works like magic. With a whine, he sighs in resignation, his posture relaxing a little. The pout lingers, but it’s less intense now.
Seeing this, Jimin and Jin exchange a look, a silent celebration of victory passing between them. With matching grins, they both know they’ve won this round. It’s adorable how much Jungkook’s resist changes, but at least they’ve managed to coax him into accepting tonight’s guest.
“Fine,” Jungkook mumbles, his voice barely above a whisper, but the tension has eased, and there’s no more protest in his tone. Jimin can’t help but smile, relieved that the storm has passed.
It’s around 6 in the evening, and all six of them have gathered. Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hoseok sit cross-legged on the floor, engaged in an animated discussion about something that Jungkook has no clue about. He watches them, but his focus is elsewhere.
Jimin and Jin are deep in conversation too, talking about something that makes no sense to him, their voices blending into the background as they laugh softly. Meanwhile, Jungkook sits alone on the couch, his legs bouncing anxiously, his fingers repeatedly chewing on his nails, the nervous habit portraying just how unsettled he feels.
Jungkook’s heart pounds loudly in his chest, the sound of it almost deafening in his ears. His breath comes in shallow, quick bursts. Every beat of his heart feels like it’s reverberating through his ribcage, each one faster and harder than the last. He feels dizzy, like the world around him is spinning and he’s stuck in the center, unable to move, trapped in the anxiety gnawing at him.
His stomach churns uneasily, the pit in his gut growing deeper with every passing second. What if he embarrasses himself? The thought strikes like a cold wave, and he fights the bile rising in his throat. What if Taehyung makes fun of me? The image of Taehyung laughing at him, his friends turning away, flashes in his mind, and the nausea only intensifies. He grips the edge of the couch, trying to steady himself, but it feels like everything inside of him is unraveling.
His mind spirals further, the dark thoughts flooding in. What if everyone ends up liking Taehyung more than him? Jungkook’s chest tightens as the panic sets in, the overwhelming fear that he’s about to lose everything he’s worked so hard to keep—his place in the group, his friends, his sense of belonging. The thought that maybe he’ll be the one left behind, that maybe he’ll be the one pushed aside, is like a weight pressing down on his chest.
His nails dig deeper into his skin, but he barely notices, lost in the chaotic swirl of his emotions. The questions keep repeating, each time louder than the last, until it feels like the only thought in his mind. Jungkook’s breathing quickens again, and he’s sure that everyone can hear the erratic thumping of his heart. He doesn’t even know how to sit still anymore, the nervous energy surging through him with such force it’s impossible to contain.
He tries to breathe deeply, but the air feels too thin, too cold. He wants to get up, to leave, to escape, but he’s frozen in place, too paralysed by fear to do anything but wait.
Jin watches as Jungkook’s face pales and his leg begins to thump nervously against the floor, a telltale sign that he’s spiraling. Without hesitation, Jin pulls him into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around him protectively. Jungkook, feeling the familiar safety of Jin’s arms, buries his face in his shoulder, trying to steady his breath.
The rest of the group halts in their tracks, noticing the shift in atmosphere. Jungkook’s anxiety isn’t new to them, but it is never something they could get used to. They tried their best to ensure he was never in a situation that would trigger such overwhelming feelings.
Seeing his friend like this, Jin’s heart twists with guilt. He’s known Jungkook for years—he should have been more considerate. “Jungkook, I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I should have asked you before inviting him.”
But Jungkook shakes his head immediately, his voice soft and shaky. “N-no, it’s okay. Just… just promise me you won’t like me less than Taehyung,” he stammers, his hands fidgeting nervously in his lap, his head bowed low in insecurity.
The words weigh heavy in the room, but Namjoon’s voice is steady as he speaks. “Jungkook, nothing could make us love you less. You’re irreplaceable to us.” One by one, the others join in, their presence comforting to him. “Yeah, just because we have someone over doesn’t mean you’re any less important,” Hoseok adds, his voice warm and sincere.
Jungkook’s anxiety starts to ease, his breath becoming more even as the reassuring words settle in his chest. He glances up, his eyes watery but grateful. “Thank you,” he whispers, feeling the weight lift off his shoulders.
Yoongi moves towards him, offering a bottle of water, his face softened in understanding. “Drink up,” he says simply, and Jungkook does, grateful for the small act of care.
As he sets the bottle down, the doorbell rings, and the sudden sound makes his body freeze. His heart races again, thudding in his chest. “It must be Tae!” Jimin announces eagerly, and everyone moves towards the door, but Jin stays by Jungkook’s side, holding his trembling hand while his other hand gently rubs up and down his arm in slow, reassuring strokes.
“He’s nice, don’t worry,” Jin whispers, a quiet promise in his tone.
When the door swings open, Jungkook can hear the rest of them greeting Taehyung enthusiastically, but he can’t seem to bring himself to move. He hides behind the couch, shrinking into himself, trying to make himself as small as possible. But then he feels Jin’s gentle tug, straightening him up. “None of that,” Jin says firmly, his tone both kind and insistent, pulling Jungkook into the moment.
Jungkook’s heart skips a beat when Taehyung finally enters the room. He hadn’t expected Jimin to invite someone so… hot. Taehyung steps into the space like a vision—dressed in a sharp blazer, a simple white shirt underneath, and sleek leather pants that hug his frame perfectly. His presence is magnetic, and Jungkook can’t help but feel breathless, not from anxiety this time, but from the undeniable allure Taehyung exudes.
Jungkook instinctively hides behind Jin again, a sudden wave of shyness crashing over him. Taehyung looks like he’s stepped out of a magazine cover—so impossibly hot, while Jungkook is only wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, far too casual for the situation.
Jin thinks it’s just more of Jungkook’s anxiety as he hides behind him, but in reality, Jungkook’s heart is hammering for an entirely different reason. His mind races as he steals glances at Taehyung, his thoughts tumbling over themselves.
Jimin, always the instigator, points a finger toward them, saying, “Go meet them!” Taehyung turns his gaze in their direction, striding toward them with an easy confidence. “Hi, Jin,” Taehyung greets, his voice deep and smooth, and Jungkook’s heart nearly stops. If Taehyung’s looks weren’t enough to leave him starstruck, his voice certainly is.
“Hi, Tae,” Jin replies warmly, pulling Jungkook from behind him. He makes sure Jungkook is standing in front of him, wanting him to face the newcomer. Taehyung’s gaze lands on him, and Jungkook feels his chest tighten. The sight of him—big doe eyes, his round cheeks, and his gentle smile—he looks so sweet, so innocent to him.
“Hi,” Taehyung greets, extending a hand towards Jungkook with a charming grin. “I’m Taehyung. Nice to meet you.”
Jungkook’s heart beats so loudly he’s sure everyone can hear it. His palms feel clammy, and his fingers tremble as he hesitantly reaches out, taking Taehyung’s hand. He can’t help but stare at how their hands look intertwined—Taehyung’s honey-tanned skin against his milky pale one, a perfect contrast.
“I’m Jungkook,” he is rather proud of himself that he doesn’t stammer. Taehyung nods as he retreats his hand.
Jungkook hears Jimin excitedly call out, “You’ve finally met all my friends! Take a seat, Tae.” Taehyung smiles as he settles into an open seat on the couch. But before Jin can sit, Jungkook, feeling an unexplainable rush of eagerness, plops down next to Taehyung, drawing all eyes to him.
“S-sorry,” Jungkook murmurs, his cheeks turning bright red as he becomes acutely aware of everyone’s attention. He had just been too eager to sit next to Taehyung, too excited by his presence.
The others chuckle, dismissing his awkwardness, and the conversation continues, but Jungkook is lost in his own world, his gaze fixed on Taehyung.
He can’t help but admire the sharp angles of Taehyung’s jaw, the way his defined nose stands out, and those mesmerising eyes—so big, framed by long lashes. The delicate rings on his slender fingers only add to the perfection, and Jungkook feels like he’s staring at a living work of art. If Taehyung existed in ancient times, he’s certain there would be statues of him in every corner of the world.
Jungkook doesn’t realise how long he’s been staring until Taehyung suddenly turns toward him, his eyebrows raised in mild amusement. “Want to say something?” Taehyung asks, taking a sip from his soda, the way his Adam’s apple bobs making Jungkook’s heart flutter.
Jungkook quickly shakes his head, flustered, and before he can even open his mouth, Jin intervenes with a chuckle. “He has a habit of zoning out. Don’t mind him.”
Taehyung just makes a small ‘o’ face before returning to the conversation. Jungkook, though, is still a little dazed, caught in the spell of Taehyung’s effortless charm.
They had initially planned for a laid-back evening of video games and lounging around, but none of that happens. Instead, they find themselves drawn into conversation, captivated by Taehyung’s presence.
Taehyung quickly realises that coming here was a wonderful idea; he feels surprisingly at ease, each of them unknowingly drawing out different facets of his personality.
With Namjoon, he discovers a shared passion for books, and they spend time discussing their favourite authors, losing themselves in literary comparisons.
Yoongi’s taste in music aligns so closely with his own that Taehyung wonders how they hadn’t connected sooner.
Then there’s Hoseok and Jimin, whose shared dance classes catch him off guard, and he learns they share his own love for the art. As for Jin, the warm ease between them feels almost familial, as though he’s talking to an older brother. Taehyung even learns that Jin is an excellent cook—far more skilled than he is, with his limited skills extending only as far as instant ramen. Jin, ever gracious, offers to teach him a few basics, an offer Taehyung gratefully accepts.
Yet amid the lively conversations and laughter, Taehyung can’t help but notice Jungkook—the one person who hasn’t spoken a word to him all evening. Jungkook remains silent, though his big doe eyes often drift in Taehyung’s direction, watching him with quiet curiosity. At times, Taehyung feels a little self-conscious under his gaze, but he dismisses the discomfort as shyness on both their parts.
Hours melt away in their company, and they hardly realise it’s nearing midnight until Taehyung glances at his watch. “Guys, it’s 11 PM. I think I should head home,” he announces, his tone reluctantly breaking the cozy atmosphere. Taehyung’s house is a fair distance away, and he’s worried about missing the last bus. He’s hesitant to accept a ride from any of them; he isn’t quite ready for anyone to know where he lives.
“Wait, at least stay for dinner,” Jimin insists, his voice persuasive. Taehyung is about to politely decline, but Jin is already on his feet. “Hoba, help me set the table. Quick,” Jin calls, not giving Taehyung much of an escape.
Resigned, Taehyung stays seated on the couch, while the others spring into action, bustling around to prepare the table. Left alone with Jungkook for the first time, Taehyung turns to find him watching again. Their eyes meet for a split second, and Jungkook’s face flushes, his gaze darting away as he starts fidgeting with his fingers, his cheeks dusted pink.
They haven’t exchanged a single word all night, so Taehyung takes a chance, breaking the silence. “What’s your major?” he asks, hoping to draw Jungkook out of his shell.
Jungkook’s head snaps up, his wide eyes blinking as if he can’t believe Taehyung is speaking directly to him. “Computer science,” he replies, his voice barely above a whisper.
Taehyung nods, smiling softly. “Oh, nice.”
Jungkook’s gaze drops once more, and he resumes fidgeting with his fingers. After a pause, Taehyung tries again. “Uh, how old are you?” he asks, aiming to keep the conversation flowing.
“Twenty-one. And you?” Jungkook responds, glancing at Taehyung briefly before looking away again.
“Twenty-two,” Taehyung answers with a small smile, but he can sense the conversation dwindling. Jungkook doesn’t say more, so Taehyung, sensing the awkwardness, and Jungkook’s lack of interest towards him, stands up and joins the others to help with the table.
Meanwhile, Jungkook remains seated, his heart racing with wonder and disbelief. He can hardly process that someone has actually chosen to speak to him, that too Taehyung of all people, willingly reached out. It’s such a rare occurrence that he can’t remember the last time anyone approached him with genuine curiosity. In his blissful daze, he doesn’t realise that his silence might have seemed like disinterest to Taehyung.
As they gather around the table, Jin is quick to call out to Jungkook. “Jungkook, join us!” At once, Jungkook slips into the seat prepared for him at the table of eight, with one place setting left empty.
“What would you like, Jungkook?” Jimin asks, a friendly smile on his face. Jungkook shyly points to the dish before him, and Jimin eagerly fills his plate, while Jin returns from the kitchen with a cup of water, setting it near Jungkook’s hand with a small nod.
With everyone served, they begin to eat, aware of the late hour. Taehyung, checking his watch, notes with faint worry that it’s already 11:15 PM, but the meal holds him there a little longer.
From across the table, Taehyung hears Namjoon asking, “Have you read Norwegian Wood by Murakami?”
Taehyung looks up, intrigued, and shakes his head. “I haven’t, but it’s been on my list for a while,” he replies before taking another bite. Namjoon’s eyes light up as he nods, swallowing his own mouthful of food before he says, “I’m reading it now. If you’d like, we could meet up at the campus library sometime and read together. I think discussing books makes the experience so much fun.”
Taehyung pauses, considering the offer. He’s never met anyone whose literary tastes align so closely with his own, let alone someone who’d want to share in the joy of reading together. “That sounds nice,” he says, a faint smile playing on his lips.
As they continue eating, conversations flow naturally, laughter filling the air, and Jungkook remains quiet, listening intently. His gaze repeatedly drifts to Taehyung, captivated by the soothing cadence of his voice.
To Jungkook, Taehyung’s voice is like warm honey—smooth, gentle, almost musical. He finds himself wishing Taehyung would start an ASMR channel, something he could listen to as he drifts off to sleep.
Then, a single word cuts through Jungkook’s quiet admiration—home. The mention of it startles him out of his trance, and he looks up to see Taehyung standing, gathering his things, and bidding them goodnight. The others rise to walk him to the door, and Jungkook follows, not wanting to miss this last chance to see him off.
Taehyung stands on the doorstep, his smile warm as he waves goodbye. “Thank you so much for having me. I had a wonderful time,” he says, his voice sincere.
“We did, too!” they chorus in reply, expressing how much they enjoyed the evening, while Jungkook quietly nods along. Taehyung gives one final wave before disappearing down the strairs, and they watch until he fades into the night. Once he’s gone, everyone heads back inside to clean up, gathering around the table to clear the dishes. Jungkook pitches in silently, listening as someone remarks, “He’s so nice. I’d love to hang out with him again.”
Jungkook’s head snaps up at that, his gaze drawn to the group as Jimin turns to him. “Jungkook, what about you? Would you be okay with it? If not, we don’t have to invite him again.” The others nod in agreement, their expressions reassuring.
They’d be willing to spend time with Taehyung individually rather than as a group, if it would make Jungkook more comfortable.
Jungkook quickly looks away, his cheeks reddening as he begins washing a plate. “I don’t mind. Wouldn’t even mind if he joins the group,” he says, heart pounding as he feels a surge of something unfamiliar and pleasant. His friends fall silent for a moment, surprised, and then Hoseok, chimes in, teasing, “You really liked him, didn’t you?”
Yoongi adds with a smug smile, “Yeah, you couldn’t stop staring at him all night.”
Namjoon grins, leaning against the counter. “Is this going to be Jungkook’s first boyfriend?”
A chorus of playful “Ooooohs” rings out, accompanied by chuckles, and Jungkook buries his face in his arms, whining, “Guys, stop! It’s not like that!” But he can’t help the small smile that tugs at his lips.
Jungkook realises, with a fluttering heart, that he likes Taehyung. A lot.
Taehyung is walking down the street, the crisp night air cooling his flushed cheeks. He checks his watch again, realising the last bus left at 11:15 PM, just a few minutes ago. Left with no other choice, he hails a cab, though the fare stings more than he expected.
Being on his own, paying his way through his days, has given him a new awareness of money—spending it on luxuries like cab, feels a little frivolous now. With a resigned sigh, he climbs into the cab with no other option.
As the cab rattles down the quiet streets, Taehyung reflects on the evening, a warm contentment settling over him. This gathering was everything he’d ever hoped for—no one cared about his status or wealth; he was simply himself, enjoying good company and a hearty, homemade meal. He’s happier than he’s been in a long time, feeling the rare and wonderful comfort of truly belonging.
But as he turns the night’s moments over in his mind, he thinks of Jungkook. The way he’d been so quiet, so shy, and how the others had seemed to dote on him like a child. Despite his first impression, Taehyung realises something he hadn’t expected.
Taehyung realises he doesn’t like Jungkook. Not really.