The Arrangement | Taejin ✔️

Thirteen

"This is really good."

When Hoseok complimented the meal that Jin had shared with him, Jin gave him a kind smile. "When I was a teenager, my mom would try to make it a point to have dinner delivered from this restaurant at least once a month. It was always a special treat for the both of us." He longed to be back in his old neighborhood, surrounded by the restaurants and shops he used to frequent. There was nothing in the area where he and Taehyung resided. Since he didn't interact much with his neighbors and there were many acres between the houses, he felt they lived in a world all to themselves. The only thing he could make out was a house very far away, directly behind theirs.

"Well, you and I need to go there someday since I like the food." After looking at Jin with a grin on his face, Hoseok went back to eating.

Instead of responding, Jin kept on eating what he was eating.

As Hoseok saw that he was not receiving a reaction, he shifted his attention to Jin and said, "I hope that we may become friends. Although we do not know much about one another, I believe it would be beneficial for us to develop a relationship, given that we are both connected to Taehyung. I would like to be more involved with the kids. Earlier, I discussed this with Taehyung, who agreed with my view. I'd want to visit often if it's not too much trouble."

While Jin listened to Hoseok's words, he nodded, "I am fine with anything Taehyung wants. As his cousin, you are always welcome here."

This made Hoseok smile. "Good, I'm glad to hear that," he said. "I'll come as often as possible. I'm sure you stay home a lot with a baby and another one on the way. I can keep you company. I don't work. Most of my time is spent traveling or working on new projects for my family business."

Jin smiled but said nothing.

*****

Jin felt he was on top of the world when he got into bed. His day was a lot longer than he had thought it would be. He would have liked it if Taehyung had told him that Hoseok was coming over because that would have helped him plan his day better. Everything he had to do was put on hold until Hoseok left, and he had an important assignment he couldn't delay completing. That had taken up the rest of his evening, and he was not feeling his best. He was happy Jimin had fallen asleep without any troubles.

He pulled his laptop onto his lap and was about to review for an upcoming test when his phone vibrated next to him. He picked it up and saw it was Taehyung. Pushing his laptop aside, he answered the call.

"Hello."

"Why is it I always have to call you? Did you forget I was traveling today?" Taehyung asked immediately as Jin answered the phone.

"I am sorry. I am not familiar with the timezone of where you are."

"Try to be familiar next time. What are you doing?"

Jin heaved a sigh and said, "I am in bed." He chose not to mention that he was going to study because he did not want Taehyung to comment on his educational situation in any way. It was the one thing he was holding out hope that he could keep doing.

Before he heard Taehyung speak again, he heard some noise in the background of Taehyung's conversation, and he asked, "what are you wearing?"

"My pajamas," Jin responded as he looked down at his clothes.

"Okay. Well, what did you do today? I was curious about how my son is doing?"

"Jimin is okay and-"

"I was wondering about Jungkook. Naturally, Jimin won't have any problems. You most likely have him sleeping in the bed next to you."