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change. | 07

Kim Seokjin, you decide, is an absolute godsend.

A godsend with a full bottle of champagne and another of freshly squeezed orange juice, both waiting for you as you take a seat opposite him in the restaurant he’s chosen for today. It’s a cozy little place with burgundy walls and dark wooden accents, plenty of potted green plants providing a splash of vibrancy. An outdoor patio scattered with silver heat lamps overlooks the sidewalk, the tall windows closed against the wintry chill in the air.

The patio is where you are sitting today, the warmth of the lamp on your right keeping you comfortable despite the chill that manages to permeate the glass window on your left. Jin is quick to pour you some champagne, and you laugh softly when he tops it off with the tiniest splash of orange juice you’ve ever seen. “You know me so well, Jinnie.”

“You sounded like you had a rough night,” he replies, setting the bottle down with a clunk and fixing you with a knowing gaze. “Ready to talk about it?”

You sigh. “No. But I need to.”

Jin waits patiently as you take a long sip of your drink, reading through the menu about three times before you finally find the words to begin your tale. You tell him about your coffee not-date with Taehyung, and Hoseok’s studio. Jin manages to maintain a stoic expression throughout, but when you mention Jungkook’s phone call at the holiday market, his face darkens.

“Jesus Christ,” he mutters. “Talk about bad timing.”

You sigh again, rubbing the bridge of your nose. “I know. And now he knows about Taehyung, and probably thinks there’s something going on between us. It’s a mess, Jinnie.”

Your best friend exhales heavily and pours himself some more champagne. “So what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.” Reaching for the bottle, you top off your glass. “I guess I should try and talk to Jungkook, but he hasn’t been responding to my calls or texts. He probably needs time to cool down.”

Jin hums. “And what about Taehyung? What happened after Jungkook called?”

“He drove me home,” you reply. “And then I texted you, and here we are.”

The waiter chooses that moment to interrupt, so the two of you place your orders. Jin wisely requests another bottle of champagne, and once the waiter takes your menus and departs, you reach across the table to clutch at Jin’s hands.

“Distract me,” you entreaty. “Tell me about your life. How’s the cookbook going?”

“Well—” Jin begins to say, only to be cut off by a series of oohs and ahhs coming from the front entrance. Taken aback by the sudden commotion, you turn toward the source, only to stop dead at the sight of a familiar head of coppery hair and a distinctive boxy smile, the latter of which is directed at the group of wait staff who have flocked around him. Upon closer inspection, you see that a little black and tan Pomeranian is the main source of excitement, and the sight of the dog only further amplifies your shock.

“Oh my god.”

Jin gives you a curious look. “What?”

You shake your head, mind still reeling in disbelief. “Taehyung,” you whisper, and Jin immediately understands, whirling around to look at the young man at the door.

“That’s him?” He squints and cranes his neck, tilting his head at almost a ninety degree angle. “Huh, I guess he does kind of look like that photo you showed me…”

“Jin!” you hiss, scandalized by his blatant staring. “Stop it! He’s going to notice u—”

But it’s too late. Taehyung has already spotted you, brown eyes widening as recognition dawns across his handsome face. You see him mouth your name silently before giving you a cheery wave, breaking out into an even wider grin than before. “{Name}!” he repeats, out loud this time. “Hi.”