radiant | jung hoseok | ✓

chapter twenty-four | el mercadido

The weekend had gone quickly. It was a blur of rushing around busy tables, talking with an easy smile, and narrowly dodging the other waiters with trays of food balanced in their hands. I couldn't believe how fast it came and went, but I was glad it went over without further incident.

I survived my first weekend as a waitress at Bangtan Chicken, and I was feeling fairly confident with myself. The night was beginning to wind down and the guests were leaving the restaurant with happy bellies and a soft alcoholic blush on their cheeks.

With a thin layer of sweat on my brow, I walk back to my podium with my head high and legs aching from the strain. I lean against the wooden stand and look around the finally-empty restaurant. Sunday night is coming to its true end. The music continues to play through the speakers but after the rush, it feels too quiet to be natural.

Then, something breaks the silence.

"I almost ran into you. You need to be more careful," Jimin states.

"I didn't mean to, alright? I was carrying a billion plates, I couldn't even see my own feet, hyung," Jungkook replies tensely. He flips a chair upside down and slams it on the table with a loud bang.

Jimin, standing to one side, shoots him a look. "I'm just saying that you need to be careful. You're always running around like a maniac over here. I can't dodge you every time."

Jungkook swipes his hair from his face and looks over his shoulder, almost glaring at Jimin. "I'm trying to get the orders out. We were behind today, that's not my fault."

"I'm just--"

Jungkook shakes his head sharply. He backs away from Jimin and throws his hands out. "Stop trying to scold me. I'm not a kid, Jimin-ah. I heard you the first time!"

Jimin's jaw clenches as he bites back a retort.

Jungkook scoffs. Then he exits the restaurant space and disappears behind the kitchen doors.

I watch quietly from the podium with a note of concern. Sometimes I will catch wind of these small squabbles between the boys, overhear snippets of sharp comments and frustrated sighs. Hobi reassures me that they are only minor, and usually only last an hour at the most. It comes with the territory of living together and working at a busy restaurant.

The full moon also has its effect on their emotional states. Hobi says they become more sensitive during the full moon. Going on runs together in the forest, using their werewolf forms, helps them relieve stress and calm their stirred emotions.

And I will be joining them on one of those said trips.

In the corner of my eye, Hoseok removes himself from the bar with a chilled glass in his hand. He walks over to me and casts me a look of concern. "Are you alright?"

I nod and lean back against the podium's edge. "Yeah, I'm alright. I just... Jimin and Jungkook were kind of fighting."

Hoseok looks over at Jimin who stands alone in the restaurant area. His hand lingers on a chair while his eyes are fixated on the kitchen doors.

"Yeah," he says. "They'll figure it out. Don't worry."

"I know," I reassure him, "I was just watching. Anyway... when is this trip going to happen?"

Hobi's eyes alight with excitement at the mention of it. "Yes, the trip! We should go tomorrow. Monday doesn't need as much preparation, we can spend more time outside."

"The forecast says it's going to be nice," I add, soaking in his cheery attitude. His smile is contagious. I look down at his hand and study the dark-colored drink. "What's that?"