Tae took one last look in the mirror, sighed and left for the lobby. Determined to just be himself he straightened his shoulders and left the hotel room. He knew he would have to talk to JK and find out what happened last night but with the others around he hoped he could put it off for a while at least and that JK would be professional also.
JK spotted Tae as soon as he entered the lobby a big smile instantly lit his face and he trotted over to meet him but as he got closer he realised Tae's eyes weren't meeting his at all he was smiling and looking over JK's shoulders at the others and waving.
As he passed JK he lowered his eyes said a quick " hi" and hurried on past. JK stood there for a second, smile frozen in place, "Was Tae that worried he couldn't even look at him?" he thought ' "surely ignoring him would be more suspicious."
Frustrated he glanced at all the people around them, five members, a manager, four security guards, several Camera men, make-up artist, hair stylist, wardrobe managers and that was at a quick glance no way he could say anything now .
Ever optimistic JK thought maybe this was the reason he was acting weird and with that thought in place he smiled and went over to join the others.
RM was taking the lead and splitting them into groups. The seven of them would travel separately in two cars. JK smiled, it was an acceptable fact that they were practically inseparable so he was surprised to hear Tae say to Jin 'I'll come with you.' even suga looked between the two.
Surprised and hurt but hiding it well JK wrapped his arm over sugar's shoulder and said "guess I'm with you" then and they both walked out the lobby to the waiting cars.
The hour long car ride seemed to take forever for both lads. For Tae he kept up a stream of babble, anecdotes and car games between himself, Jin, RM and J-jope just to keep up the facade that all was good and he was the same lovable cute Tae he'd always been.
For JK it was almost the opposite the silence was intense in their car, Suga kept glancing questioningly at him and Jimin had tried to make conversation a couple of times but JK's responses had been almost mono syllable so he'd giving up.
The car journey couldn't end quickly enough for either of them but eventually the cars stopped and everyone gathered in a group waiting to hear instructions.
Both of them made a conscious effort to behave like normal but they were unsuccessful it seemed. Sat in the chairs getting their makeup done JK glanced up at Tae in the mirror and silently questioned him with his eyes, in return Tae gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head and then saw that suga was watching the two of them.
Quickly slipping into acting mode Tae grinned his cutest grin and shot JK a warning look " I know I'm cute" he said but his eyes said" not now! " JK was annoyed but got the message and managed to grin back saying" me to " and gave a slightly strained laugh.
The awkwardness was obvious but right now it was the best they could both manage.
JK then saw suga walk over and say something to RM.." shit! " he thought and caught Taes eyes once again, this time though they both almost laughed, that's how well they knew each other, and how close their friendship was, they were both like two school kids about to be called to headmasters office and that nervous giggle kids get was threatening to burst through their troubles.
Hair and makeup done the director then went on to give them their individual and group shot scenes. Jimin and J-hope were currently being photographed whilst Suga was observing the monitors. Jin was on the sidelines watching the shoot leaving Tae, JK and RM almost alone.
He grabbed at them both and pulled them in one arm on each shoulder and looked at them with concern " I don't know what's going on but leave it at home! RM said " we only have a few hours left to complete this shoot and then you can both go sulk somewhere all you want I don't care but sort your shit out now ". Sorry" both JK and Tae mumbled in unison RM sighed and smiled a little " can't you to just makeup or something? honestly you're throwing everyone off balance today"
Tae looked at JKs eyes, nervously but JK had already decided to act like nothing was wrong both for RM's sake and Taes. Tae was obviously having trouble about last night so he'd decided to be patient, after all he loved this man he couldn't be angry at him for long he looked Tae in the eyes and said sorry to him and grabbed him in for a friendly bear hug, then ruffled his hair which resulted in Tae exclaiming loudly that the hair stylist was going to be mad. JK laughed and ran away and Tae laughed nervously and chased him.
Tae didn't know what was going on but he was grateful for the stress-free reprieve. He knew it wouldn't last long but playing around and being a pair of lovable goofballs was their trademark, hiding the truth from the world was something both had become quite good at so it wasn't that difficult to spend the rest of the day pretending everything was normal.
Tae still had no memory of the night before and a million questions he was scared to ask and JK kept having flashbacks of the nights kisses and having to position himself to keep his telltale body from giving his thoughts away.
Eventually the shoot finished and the lads were all saying their goodbyes. they all had a week off, Suga had said he was working by himself on some songs he's written, a couple of others were going to visit their families. All seemed to have plans and started to leave one by one having made their own travel arrangements from here. Luckily no one had asked Tae or JK what their plans were. Nor had any one commented on how the two goofy lads were now quiet in each others presence.
Eventually they were the only 2 members left, Awkwardly Tae stood there scuffing his shoe with his head down. His bangs were hiding his eyes. Jk went closer and said "don't you think we should talk? Let's ride back to the hotel together" Tae's heart beat increased but he knew the talk had to happen eventually so he gulped nervously and said "OK. The two quietly got into the car and headed out...
