Rogue Hearts | PJM ✅

Chp. 18: The Girl Was too Stunned to Speak

Dallia's POV 🌼

Later in the week, I'm in my office working on billing when I hear someone clear their throat and when I look up, there is Tae standing in the doorway holding two coffees while shooting me a boxy smile. I can't help but be amused that he seems to have taken Jin's remark about delivery to heart.

"Umm, Hi! I know you are working," he begins shyly, and I find it both adorable but mostly surprising. Tae hasn't been what you would call shy in the few instances I've met him. "...but I was wondering if you had time for a coffee break?"

"Wow, Tae. That is so nice. Come in, come in. Have a seat," I call out as I come out from behind my desk to join him on the small couch I have up against the wall.

He hands me a cup of coffee, and I inhale the earthy scent letting it settle into my senses, "This smells delicious. Thank you so much. So, umm, how are you today?" I ask, not knowing what to say.

"I'm good. I had time in my schedule, so I thought I'd surprise you," he smiles as he runs his hand through his dark locks.

I watch as his bangs fall back into place gently across his forehead. He looks suave in a smart pair of brown slacks and a white button-down shirt. He is well-tailored and polished.

"So, how has your chorus class been going? I enjoyed it when Lily and I stopped in for a visit. Everyone was so sweet," he begins while I take a long sip of the warm liquid, trying to relax as it warms my belly.

"Oh, it has been great. Those students really are some of my favorites. They sing from the heart even if it is completely in the wrong key!" I chuckle.

"I found it quite endearing, and your sister is nice," he replies.

"Oh, yes. Poor Binna. She has been asking each week when J-Hope is coming by for a visit. I keep trying to tell her he isn't, but she still keeps asking," I sigh.

"Awe, yes. It must be hard for her to have a crush on someone that never shows up!" he smiles while sipping his coffee.

"She keeps meeting Jimin, and she just assumes J-Hope must not be too far away as if they are tethered at the hip," I laugh.

"Well, for a long time, we all were," he laughs. "It's different now that we are taking a break and working on our solo ventures. That's for sure. Do you hang out with Jimin a lot?" he asks casually.

"Oh...." I stutter. Involuntarily I blush, and I'm not entirely sure why! "I mean, umm, wow..."

"Hmm, did I say something wrong?" he asks, the curiosity growing in his eyes.

"Gosh, I guess I didn't realize how much time I have been spending with Jimin until you mentioned it," I choke out.

"Well, your whole body just blushed a bright red, so I would say you very much like to hang out with Jimin. That's actually why I came to talk to you," Tae says.

His words fall on me like a ton of bricks. At first, I thought Tae was interested in me, and honestly, now that I feel the conversation turning, I'm quite relieved he seemingly is not interested in me, but now I'm confused.

"Okay. What is it exactly you wanted to chat about," I trail off, feeling the look of dismay growing on my face.

Tae must sense the awkwardness growing between us because he leans over and pats my arm gently. "Please don't be worried. It's just that I've never seen Jimin react to a woman the way he does with you, and I'm afraid his fear of getting hurt again will keep him from asking you out. I feel like I can sense you fancy him too, so I thought I could maybe suggest you ask him out on a date. He's one of my best friends; I'd like him to be happy. You seem to make him happy."

"Uhh," is all that falls from my lips as Tae stuns me into silence.

"Dallia," he says gently. "Anyone with eyeballs can see your whole face lights up when Jimin enters the room. I saw it when he came into the studio the other day."

"Why was I expecting you to be a lot more shy at the beginning of this conversation," I ask with a chuckle feeling a bit overwhelmed by this turn of events.

"I'm never shy when it comes to love. I manifested Lily and Yoongi getting married. I encouraged Ari and Joon -I refer to myself to Ari as her "life coach," she hasn't quite gotten on board with the idea, but I'm trying," he grins mischievously, and it is enough for me to start belly laughing.

"Do you try and pair up all your friends?" I laugh.

"Oh no. Not at all. I don't believe in people pairing up because they think it will fix them or fill a gap. Some people are not meant to be in relationships. However, one of my talents is reading people, and I know I'm right about you and Jimin. I was going to try and give you more time to mourn the loss of your last relationship, but time is of the essence," he says self-assuredly, and I can't help but appreciate his genuine care for Jimin.

"It's just so soon, Tae. I just went through my breakup. I can't have feelings for someone else so soon," I answer carefully.

"Well, normally, I wouldn't encourage that either, but with you two, I'll make an exception," he winks. "Plus, you adore him."

I finally give in. There is no way of avoiding these feelings that seemed to have developed so quickly for Jimin; it seems Taehyung can cut right through the bullshit facade I've been trying to put up, and there is no hiding my true self from him.

"My gosh, Tae. How are you so accurate? Please, don't tell Jimin! I don't want to scare him off; he's becoming such a dear friend!"

"I won't tell him, but maybe you could someday soon," he encourages.

"I'll think about it," I finally agree, but not without my stomach feeling like it's tumbling in circles.

"Good!" Tae exclaims as he stands up, and I automatically join him to walk him out. He leans over and gives me a hug like we've known each other for years. "Maybe think of the office party as your first date..." he whispers, and I laugh.

"Kim Taehyung! Are you trying to be my life coach as well?" I joke in a fake accusatory way.

"I'm not trying, Baby! I am!" he jokes back as he walks towards the door.

"See you this weekend for the party! Dress to impress," he calls over his shoulder and then turns his head so I can see him wiggle his eyebrows at me, and I bust out laughing.

When Tae leaves, I settle down on the couch, still feeling a bit of disbelief over our chat. There is a certain magnetic feeling that Tae emits, you can't help but be drawn to his charming personality, but it also feels like getting caught up in a cyclone. Tae exudes a certain power that is almost overwhelming, but I'm already looking forward to the next time we talk. I feel like we could be good friends.

I've read before that ARMY likes to say that Tae 'reels in the locals', but they have no idea just how easily he wields his magnetic personality.

Could Tae truly be correct? Does Jimin reciprocate my feelings? No! Yes? I'm going to need a new outfit...