time diplomat | kim taehyung ✔

| (Not So) Best Birthday Ever |

The bike ride wasn't that bad. Taehyung indeed was a good driver and Astra felt safe after a while of traveling. 

She now and then squeezed his shoulder when he took sharp turns and dodged people on the lane. Nonetheless, they drove down the street, watching the trees sway and birds chirp along as if cheering the race between them and the wind. 

That's what it felt like. 

The cool breeze hit her face, making her hide behind his shoulder. She really appreciated the control she entrusted to Taehyung. 

Astra didn't expect him to drive any faster—the way he was going was already perfect. Her life seemed perfect, she loved her job and she loved the past more than her future. This was more fun than the karaoke room and all the roller coasters they've been to—they now seemed like a waste of time.

If she were not so nervous, she's surely lean against Taehyung, and maybe even throw her hands up in the air and yell everyone awake. But, it was risky. One wrong move from her, she might as well push Taehyung off the bike.

_ _ _ _ _

As they reached Honey and Hollow Coffee House, right next to a park, Taehyung slowed down but suddenly felt as if the bike had gotten lighter. He parked his vehicle around the corner and saw Atra running to him with a bright smile. "Ast—Why did you jump off?"

"First you were worried and now you threw yourself off the bike."

"I just got into the moment and emotion. I had to do something, mate."

He pulled her into the cafe, making themselves comfortable in the warmth of coffee. The waiter, actually, the guy who played the invisible guitar when Astra sang, chuckled once their eyes met. "Hello, Astra. How are you?"

"Hey, Jake. Uh—I'm doing great. And . . . You?"

Jake giggled more, his perfect face shone as his parted hair looked very decent for his flirty aura. "I'm fine too. So, what would you like to have today?"

Astra sighed a smile and looked down to the little, cute menu that had many pictures in them under the title 'Memories'. Her singing was one of them. "Hmm. We'll have just coffee. Nothing else."

"Aw, man. I thought you'd like something special."

"I'm not really familiar with these . . ."

"So, shall I get you something I think you'd like?"

"Yeah, Jake! Go ahead." Jake smiled once again and nodded towards Taehyung, retracing his steps and disappearing at the back. Taehyung tapped the table, gaining her attention. "I'll pay for this."

"I'm not gonna hold you back because my wallet does seem to start getting empty now." She laughed along with him who snorted. Taehyung felt never so free as today. He wouldn't call it 'the best birthday ever' but, it did deserve to be one. He felt lighter as if his dark shadow just quit his job, got off the ground, and threw up a peace sign.

Soon, ignoring the early customers, Jake came forward with a fancy tray. He placed it down, sending a cup of normal coffee Taehyung's way and patiently placing a plate of miniature cheesecake with chocolate-covered strawberries. Designing the plate, there was a cookie sandwich with icing in the middle and two macaroons filled with Irish coffee. 

On the side, there was another waiter who brought a well-decorated cup of something Taehyung didn't know. For that, he had to peep into the little tag that was placed around the glass. 

IRISH CREAM COLD BREW.

Looks like they still have the stock from Christmas. Jake, all the while, had a sickeningly sweet smile on his face as Astra reciprocated them. He indeed was really handsome, his mischievous eyes waiting to be admired. 

Lastly, they finished their show with a black open-up card that had a red ribbon tied around it, served on a different plate. Are you sure this is a simple coffee house? Taehyung tried to bring others to notice him too—wanting something for himself but, it looked like Jake's eyes were only on her and for her.

But, the way Astra's eyes sparked—not while looking at Jake but the desserts—Taehyung couldn't hold himself back from pulling out his mobile. He had never seen that glow before and he wondered if he should've brought her here earlier. Cropping Jake out of the picture, he saved it in, smiling later. 

Once the drama was done, Astra pushed the cheesecake forward and clapped her hands, singing the birthday song (with different lyrics) gently along with a few unfamiliar beats of the clap as Taehyung continued blinking. 

"Phew, they were weird as hell but, these look delicious." She chuckled, handing the cake over to him. He accepted it with shaking hands and cleared his throat. "What is happening?"

"I'm really sorry I couldn't get you anything for your birthday. I really am."

"Hey, Astra. Ya know, your presence is the biggest gift. I swear." He took a bite, watching Astra simply stuff the card into her purse without even bothering to check. "These look really expensive though."

Astra laughed, "His note says it's all free for me! So it's free for us!"

A peal of thunder rolled in along with lightning in the far away distance as the weather seemed to be getting worse again. Astra was now dead worried—Was Taehyung going to be hit by a bolt of lightning or was he going to be blown away by the wind?

It was raining harder than the previous days and there were no signs of it stopping any sooner. Taehyung just noticed that Astra's cup of coffee had a heart floating on the top. Never minding, she mixed it up, drinking it all with her sight outside the window. "This city is so big, right?"

"Ah, yeah. I've lived here my whole life but still, I've never got a chance to look at everything. I did once dream of it though—just getting on a random train and going anywhere it led me to."

"Did you get to see the entire city in your dream?"

"I don't actually remember but I guess I started dreaming about sex or something weird," Taehyung said as if it were something he felt comfortable talking to a girl with. Astra always had a feeling that he wasn't a virgin. Heck, he even had a girlfriend. But, that always felt like something out of her business.

"Astra, may I ask you something?"

"What is it? You're scaring me, man."

"I wish to visit someone again. Can we please do that?"