Purple Tiger [Taekook] ✓

Chapter 6

Taehyung's heart stops after hearing Jungkook's words. In just a few seconds, he imagines all kinds of things Jungkook might ask him to do. Is he about to ask him out on a date? This thought releases his heart from its state of shock and makes it dance instead. Because secretly, that's exactly what he wants.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Jeon?" he asks softly in a gentle voice. The excitement keeps growing and he's sure his hands would be shaking if he wouldn't grip the chair with his fingers.

"Yuna will turn 5 in a few days. I want to do a birthday party for her and I could use some help planning it. After all, you work with children every day, so I'm sure you'll have lots of good ideas."

After these words, Jungkook looks up to see Taehyung's reaction and his stomach flutters at the smile Taehyung is giving him. It's so warm...and it triggers that slight tingle that sends happiness hormones coursing through his body.

"I'd love to help you," Taehyung says, loosening his tense posture. It's not the date he was hoping for but still, he'll spend more time with Jungkook.

"I'm glad."

An awkward silence briefly ensues as both men struggle with their pounding heartbeats, each feeling the heat rise to their faces, turning their cheeks red. Nervously, Jungkook looks at the watch on his wrist, what he's immediately regretting the next moment.

"I have to pick her up. So...unfortunately, I can't stay longer," he says disappointed.

This "unfortunately" has crept into the sentence against his will but without this word this sentence would only be half true.

Jungkook really wants to spend more time with Taehyung because it feels too good to be around him. Maybe he should slowly stop fighting the sparks that Taehyung sets off inside of him. Warm, wild, and dangerous sparks that are about to start a fire that can't be put out easily.

"I understand. You've already done so much for me, go ahead," Taehyung says without a reproachful undertone.

In response, Jungkook thanks him with a polite nod. He stands up, moves the small chair closer to the table again, and stops for a brief moment next to Taehyung, who watches him with an insecure smile.

"You will definitely master the presentation tomorrow. I'm sure of it," Jungkook says, placing his hand on Taehyung's shoulder. He didn't really think about it; the physical contact was much more of a need.

Taehyung's smile changes into a shy expression.

"We will see. Are you coming too?" he asks without taking his eyes off Jungkook.

"I'll be there, Mr. Kim."

Suddenly, Taehyung lowers his gaze, which unsettles Jungkook. When he opens his mouth slightly, but then closing it again, Taehyung almost looks like he's hesitating to say something in particular, so Jungkook stays a little longer than he had actually planned.

"Mr. Kim? Is everything alright?" he finally asks as curiosity and impatience take over.

"Would it be possible for you to call me by my real name in the future?"

Taehyung's words throw Jungkook completely off course for a brief moment. He didn't see that coming.

"But...why?" he asks in shock.

"We're not strangers anymore. Or would you ask a stranger to help with your daughter's birthday party?"

He's right, they're no longer strangers...but...what are they then? What exactly...is Taehyung to him? Jungkook is so engrossed in his thoughts that the other already starts to regret the suggestion.