The drive is long, but Jeongguk can't complain when he's got a stellar view.
Taehyung's profile is something to be marvelled, the glow of the passing streetlights casting him in a tangerine light, accentuating the long slope of his nose, the purse of his lips and the curl of his eyelashes. He looks so at ease, one hand wrapped around the steering wheel while the other rests on the open window, head propped up against his fist. It's a beauty Jeongguk can't fathom and once again has the urge to reach for his phone, capture this beauty like it's a rare animal, stepping out in broad daylight.
Something hot bubbles up in Jeongguk's throat.
"You look really pretty!"
Taehyung startles with the sudden raucous declaration, eyes flicking over to Jeongguk with a curl of his lips. It has the back of his neck burning hot, shoulders squaring as he faces forward and watches the road pass them by with each inching yard. His whole body feels hot with embarrassment, wondering when he'd gotten so useless at being normal.
"Yeah?"
He doesn't say anything. Doesn't even breathe.
Though his breath hitches when fingers slip through the back of his hair, nails scratching at his scalp.
"You're precious, Jeongguk," Taehyung says. "You know that?"
No, he definitely does not know that.
He doesn't say anything else for the rest of the drive, until they're pulling up outside of another lavish looking restaurant, valet once again waiting for them. Stepping out of the car, Jeongguk catches a glimpse of the people already sat inside and gets a wave of déjà vu, feeling self conscious all over again.
Jeongguk looks down at himself, wearing a faded graphic tee and sweats and internally cringes.
Once again, he reaches for Taehyung's arm, giving a gentle tug. "Um, I don't think I should go in there."
Taehyung frowns, eyebrows lowered. "And why not?"
Jeongguk awkwardly gestures to himself, smile strained.
"What? What am I missing?"
"I don't fit in, Taehyung."
Taehyung's eyes narrow. "What does that matter?"
He scratches the back of his ear. "I don't want to embarrass you."
"And who says you'd embarrass me?"
Jeongguk fidgets under the fierce gaze.
Taehyung's finger once again takes its place under Jeongguk's chin, albeit rougher this time, thumb digging into his chin. "There's nothing you could do to embarrass me. I don't give a fuck what you wear, I don't give a fuck about how you look. Don't you think I know that better than anyone else? If people stare, they're staring at the guy in make up and heels. Not the cute boy with tattoos. Understand, sweetheart?"
He can only nod frantically.
Taehyung brushes his thumb over his lips, soft and barely there before dropping his hand and taking Jeongguk's instead, harsh look to his eyes disintegrating as he leads him into the restaurant.
Now that it's been pointed out, Jeongguk really thinks about the fact that Taehyung probably knows better than anyone what it's like to have unwanted attention on him. Being a man and openly wearing "traditionally feminine" clothing—especially in a place like South Korea—must earn him lots of it. People don't like what they can't understand. And for some reason, they can't understand that fashion is for everyone. Clothes shouldn't have limitations on who's allowed to wear them. But with people so narrow minded, Taehyung must have a lot of confidence to go against gender norms, wear whatever he wants and not let other peoples opinions affect him.
