Distorted Reflection ✓

T H I R T Y - F I V E

Taehyung had to go grocery shopping. Since he is planning on making dinner together as another fun human experience, he needed to get some things. Even though a ghost -more like his gentle soul- couldn't eat as he wasn't on earth in his actual flesh and bones, they could still do it together as a fun activity. The male definitely wanted to bring Jeongguk along, but as he was bound to the house there wasn't much he could do.

''I'll be back within half an hour, okay? There's a store almost right around the block, I'll be back as soon as I can.'' He confirmed, glancing at the younger who just sat there with a content look on his face. 

''What?'' Taehyung tilted his head to the side, wondering. ''Nothing,'' he shrugged, a lazy smile lingering on his lips, ''M just happy.'' At that, the elder smiled widely. ''Good. I'm glad to hear that, Gguks. But, I'm planning on making you even happier, so I'll be back as soon as I can, alright?'' The younger nodded, watching as Taehyung took his leave and locked the door behind him. 

Glancing at the small note he had in his hand as soon as he entered the store, Taehyung scanned all of the products he needed to get. He picked up a few things here and there, adding them to his cart. Turning around on his heels since he forgot something, but flinched when he suddenly bumped right into someone, the person's stuff dropping right to the floor with a lot of noise.

''Oh, I'm sorry! Let me help you, I should've paid more attention to where I was going.'' Taehyung awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, bending down to grab some of the things. When he stood back up, he locked eyes with a familiar face. 

''Mr. Min?'' He exclaimed in surprise, eyes widening. ''Mr. Kim?'' The said man took the few items out of Taehyung's hold, surprise laced on his face, too. 

''How are you feeling, Taehyung? I heard the news from Ji-eun, I hope you aren't getting worse.'' Taehyung's face paled, blood rushing downwards. 

'Shit, shit, shit shit shit-'

''A-ah, yes, I'm doing somewhat okay, right now. I still needed to get some things for dinner, so I had no other option but to leave the house..'' He stammered, faking a few coughs and pretending his nose was rather stuffy. He rubbed it dramatically for the extra effect, causing it to go beet red. 

''I can see that. You look pale. Take good care of yourself, okay? I'll give you the rest of the week off, considering how much of a wonderful help you've been for our company. You work amazing, Taehyung. Get well soon, alright? Also, Ji-eun has been very worried about you, I've noticed. Perhaps you should give her a call.'' He gave the man a shoulder pat, his face looking determined. The dark haired male almost felt bad for lying to his face. Almost. But the moment he mentioned Ji-eun, his thoughts were replaced by a soft chuckle.

''Thank you so much, Mr. Min. I appreciate that, really. I will.'' He answered, taking a step back to his cart. 

''Good. And by the way, when we're not in the office, just call me Yoongi.'' He winked, grinning. Taehyung nodded, ''Alright, Yoongi-hyung. Have yourself a great evening.'' The man wished him the same, before taking his leave. 

Taehyung sighed out dramatically in relief, he almost said bye-bye to his job. He headed to pay and before he knew it, he was back home. 

''Jeongguk? I'm back!'' He announced, lifting the bag on the kitchen table. He almost got concerned as the younger's face didn't pop up after a minute or two, but he rested assured once he saw the male coming in from his right. 

''Tae!'' He dashed towards him, smiling. ''I'll help you.'' He grabbed a few things, putting them in the fridge. 

Taehyung envisioned a tray of eggs, cheese and carton of milk, all floating their way inside of the fridge. He laughed, wondering what Namjoon's face would look like if he were to be around to witness it. 

''What?'' Jeongguk wondered, looking at the boy next to him in curiosity. ''Nothing, it's nothing. By the way, I thought it'd be fun to make dinner together! I know that sadly you can't eat, but it's a fun thing to do together, right? We'll keep the book on the table, who knows what it might do. Maybe Namjoon was right about the entire thing. It's worth a shot!'' 

Jeongguk nodded rapidly, excited to spend time with his favourite person. His hair bounced cutely, falling in front of his eyes. And once again, Taehyung needed to resist the urge to wipe them out of his face. 

'Not yet, one day, Taehyung. One day..' He noted mentally, smiling at the younger's enthusiasm. 

He started grabbing a few bowls and plates, wanting to prepare a little more than usual, so he would have something left for Namjoon and Seokjin if they decided to come over sooner than expected. Or, Jimin. 

Giving his hands a quick rinse, he pointed at the list Namjoon wrote of dishes, telling Jeongguk he could pick one. In the meantime, he put his phone on the table, picking another song and letting it play faintly as background music. 

''Do you have a favourite song?'' Taehyung questioned, seeing Jeongguk's face litting up. ''I have multiple. I used to listen to music every single day, it's one of my most favourite things.'' 

Continuing their small talk, Taehyung put on one of Jeongguk's songs, grinning as he saw the younger happily bounce around the kitchen, helping him with whatever he was creating. They sang together, laughed, giggled. Taehyung felt like the gap he was missing in his life, had been filled up. He felt complete with Jeongguk next to him. 

Even together with Jimin, or his hyungs, there used to be a part of him that felt somewhat lonely even though he was in their company. He never spoke those thoughts out loud, feeling guilty for even having them in the first place. But now, that feeling had vanished. Instead, it was replaced by warmth.