UNDER HIS SPELL { taekook }

二 ; １３

"Hey, hey! What about this one?" Yerin emerged from the changing room in a long silver dress, the puffy fabric reaching the ground in elegance. Hoseok turned his head from where he stood next to Jeongguk near a clothing rack, his hands already preoccupied with bags of his girl's previous purchases.

"Holy shit, babe.." the red haired man let out, eyes set firmly on the woman who seemed to shine in that moment. Jeongguk's lips parted, a gentle smile tugging on his face.

"You're really pretty, noona," the boy added, a gentle sigh escaping him. "I wish I looked even half as gorgeous as you always do."

"Nonsense, Jeon Jeongguk," Yerin huffed, marching her way straight toward the younger while her dress dragged behind her. "I don't wanna hear that shit coming from the prettiest boy in this whole damn universe!"

"I thought you said I was the prettiest.." Hoseok frowned cutely beside them, but the two paid no mind to him.

"If I was the prettiest boy in the world, I would have had a boyfriend who'd never cheat on me.." Jeongguk mumbled.

Yerin grabbed his arm swiftly, an irritated expression presenting upon her face, taking aback the poor boy. "How dare you blame yourself for some man's stupid ass mistake!" she scowled, her free hand dashing to lift Jeongguk's chin so that they would make eye contact. "Listen to me. Lee Seojun had no fucking idea what he was doing, alright? I understand it's hard to get over a high school sweetheart. Someone you've known for so long. But that guy ain't worth your time. He's a piece of dog shit on the street and you're diamond in the goddamn Louvre! Got it?"

Jeongguk swallowed quietly, his doe eyes gazing back shyly at the older woman. He nodded, hands reaching to grab hers and lift it from his arm.

"You always know what to say, don't you.." he chuckled softly, mustering a smile at his lips. Perhaps there was reason to believe her in that rather brazen statement. But in all truth, Jeongguk's mind was entirely preoccupied with another man altogether.

It just so happened that he couldn't quite help that.

"It's because I like seeing your smile," Yerin grinned, pinched the boy's cheek and returned to the changing room to slip the dress off.

"I thought she said she liked my smile.." Hoseok grunted.

Jeongguk laughed in scattered giggles. "Don't worry, hyung. I still like your smile the best."

After about five dresses later, and three more purchases, the trio finally headed outside of the shop and began strolling down the mall area. Hoseok and Yerin were engaged in some domestic couple talk Jeongguk had lost track of, his eyes watching the sky as it settled to an orange glow.

"That best pal of yours tried to kiss me."

He shook his head, hoping it would simultaneously shake Taehyung's words from his thoughts. That it would gather them all in one place in order for him to extinguish them ruthlessly. But it wasn't quite working as he'd hoped it would.

"We're having fun."

He clenched his fists. Was that all he was to that man? All he ever would mean? Jeongguk scoffed quietly. It's not like he wanted to be more to him, did he? Taehyung was someone who helped him forget things and that was all. Nothing more, nothing less. They weren't meant to be anything. It was so clear. So obvious.

"Yes. Hello?" Yerin's voice broke him from those taxing thoughts. He looked up to see her on the phone, the gentle breeze pushing her brown hair perfectly to one side. "You're here? Nice! Okay, we'll come to you now."