𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱☪ - Taegyu

Episode III

"Hey guys!" Taehyun greeted his friends enthusiastically, bringing Beomgyu to their table. "Good day, Master JK, Master V, it's good to have some Jedi Knights at our table."

Jungkook felt flattered at his new title. "Thanks, Taehyun," he said, though shy, he embraced it with pride. "I'm still getting used to being called a Master."

"Guess you will have to, Master!" Taehyun exaggerated cheekily, the other two Padawans joined in the fun, intentionally calling them 'Master'.

More dishes were ordered for the newcomers and they splitted into small talks. After gulping down a glass of Jawa juice, Hueningkai leaned over to Taehyun. "So, another day my man was pining over Beomgyu?" His voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyun hushed him quickly before anyone could hear. "Like you were not rejected by your Master."

"Ouch. You got me there, Taehyunnie." Hueningkai placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be hurt by his words. "At least I made a move, unlike you– a coward."

This time around, Taehyun's temper turned sour. He put down his fork, eyebrows knitted together. "I'm not being a coward," He shook his head. "Don't wanna rush without consideration." He made a quick glance over Beomgyu who was listening attentively to Taehyung and Jungkook chit-chatting, just to make sure the other boy didn't hear him.

Dank, of all professions, they both went after Jedi, knowing that a romantic relationship was not encouraged in their creed. It used to be acceptable, Taehyun was never a hopeless romantic, everything was under control, not until Beomgyu showed up.

Nonetheless, there were often exceptions, just as his father married a folk. And so Taehyun ardently, ardently hoped that he too would become one of those exceptions.

Hueningkai caught the seriousness in his tone. "I get it. Just know that we're here for you, no matter what." He said.

As they continued to enjoy their meal, a sudden commotion disrupted their peace. A drunken alien was making a fuss in the cantina, shouting at the waiter droid.

"You have consumed the food and must pay for it. That is the policy of this establishment." The droid's metallic voice carried a note of authority, which only agitated the alien.

Other patrons started to notice the tumult as well. Taehyun and his friends watched nervously as things could turn violent at any moment.

But then, a grizzled old man with a cybernetic eye, decided to speak up. "Hey, buddy, why don't you just pay for the damn food and be done with it?" His tone was gruff but not unkind. "You're making a scene."

The alien turned his attention to him, eyes narrowing in rage. Without warning, he lashed out, striking the elderly with a punch. The grandpa fell to the ground, clutching his head in pain.

Other patrons gasped in shock, even the group of young Jedi hesitated to intervene.

'All those who do evil should face judgment'

Beomgyu heard a strange whisper in his head.

'Use your power to teach him a lesson he'll never forget!'

The voice was insistent.

'He deserves to be punished!'

Beomgyu grappled with the enticement. But the voice boomed, imploring him to incite change. Before he knew it, a wave of might had been exerted, tossing the alien to the back, crashing him into a table and shattering several glasses.

However, in his eagerness to mete out justice, the alien struggled for breath. The realization filled Beomgyu with horror: that in robbing him of oxygen, he had crossed a line. The cantina had gone quiet, all eyes on them.

Taehyun, picking up the danger, wrapped his hand around Beomgyu's. "Easy, Beomgyu," he soothed him, passing his own strength through their contact. "You're stronger than this."

His soft voice was like a beacon of light in the darkness, counterpoint to the evil's whispers. With a deep breath, Beomgyu focused and pushed away the dark clouds in his mind.  He felt the energy ebbing away and the pressure on the alien's chest lessening.

Finally, wheezing, the alien was able to draw breath again. He coughed and gagged with fear and confusion before getting up unsteadily, slapped a few credits onto the waitress's tray and rounded on Beomgyu, growling in his own language.

Though his words were yet to be understood, everyone read the indignation in his angry gestures.

"Fucking sorcerers. Choke me to death for a dish?" The waiter droid translated for them.

Beomgyu immediately apologized, placing his hand over his heart, not daring to look up. His Jedi friends also bent their heads in remorse.

"Our friend meant no harm."

"It was an accident."

"He apologizes for hurting you."

Though their group apology stemmed from goodwill, it only added kindle to Beomgyu's self-reproach and responsibility.

Fortunately, the episode dissipated under the artificial sunset of Coruscant. They were able to disperse in peace, except Beomgyu, who regretted immediately, wishing he could take back what he had done.

A droplet of melancholy trickled down his face as they strode out to the avenue of neon-lit signage. Beomgyu turned to his friends. "I'm sorry. I didn't intend to ruin our time together." He uttered amidst sobs.

His friends offered him comforting smiles. "That's okay, Beomgyu," Taehyung tousled his dark hair in a consoling way.

"We all falter at times," Jungkook said. "It's the missteps that help us evolve into better Jedi." The others nodded in agreement.

"I bet Taehyun has slipped up considerably more than you, so don't worry."  Hueningkai jested and received a leery look from Taehyun. If Beomgyu wasn't a priority, Taehyun would have suggested wrestling with Hueningkai.

"Come on, let's get you home." Taehyun placed his hand on Beomgyu's shoulder to reassure him.

Beomgyu was thankful for the supportive friends by his side, especially Taehyun who accompanied him all the way home. When they arrived at Beomgyu's apartment, the raven-haired boy paused with gloomy air around him. "Taehyun-ah..." He said hesitantly.

Taehyun turned to him attentively. "What is it?"

Beomgyu reached for Taehyun's sleeve and tugged on it cutely. "Would you stay for a while? I don't want to be alone right now."