Unlikely Hearts JIKOOK FF

CHAPTER XXIX

AUTHOR'S POV

The famous shabu shabu (hot pot) restaurant buzzed with lively chatter as the group settled into their seats, the aroma of grilling meat wafting through the air. The celebration for Jimin's win was in full swing, and despite Taehyung's initial plan for a fancy dinner, they found themselves in a cozy spot at Jimin's insistence.

Jimin settled next to Taehyung, Jin and Namjoon occupied the seats on either side of the couple, radiating a warm energy. Jungkook didn't have a choice but to sit next to Jimin as it's the only seat that is unoccupied. Across the table, Hobi and Yoongi found themselves in a playful banter, with Hobi struggling to boil the piece of meat.

"Ah, it's too hot! I can't handle this." Hobi hissed as he quickly retreated his hand away from the boiling hot pot.

Yoongi, noticing Hobi's predicament, decided to take matters into his own hands. He stood up, earning a curious look from the rest of the group. He suddenly snatched the meat from Hobi's hand and rolled up his sleeves.

The others watched in awe as Yoongi confidently dipped the meat into the boiling hot pot, cooking it to perfection. He then expertly rinsed it, placing it on a perilla leaf and dipping it in the sauce. The entire process was executed with a surprising finesse that left everyone gaping.

Yoongi, with a sly smirk, pecked the food at the side. With a click of his tongue and a raised of his eyebrow, handed it to Hobi, who was left speechless and blushing, "There you go, Hoba."

Hobi, accepting the food with burning ears, stammered a thank you, completely caught off guard by Yoongi's unexpected move. The rest of the table erupted in coos and teasing, especially Jin, who couldn't resist making a comment.

"Yahhh Yoongi! you never cease to amaze."

Namjoon patted Yoongi on the back in a proud fatherly manner, adding to the playful atmosphere.

"That was impressive, Yoongi hyung. Didn't know you had it in you."

Yoongi, reveling in the attention, smirked and played along.

"What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

The restaurant echoed with the harmonious melody of laughter and clinking utensils; the air thick with the sizzling sounds of meat on the grill. Jimin felt a surge of happiness as he fed his best friend a perfectly cooked piece of meat. Taehyung accepted it with a contented smile, relishing the flavors dancing on his palate.

"Is it good?" Jimin inquired, his eyes gleaming with genuine excitement.

Taehyung nodded enthusiastically, his mouth full, expressing his approval without uttering a single word. As Jimin prepared to offer him another bite, Taehyung surprisingly held up his hand, denying the gesture.

"No, Chim, I'm already full," Taehyung insisted, pushing his hand slightly away.

Jimin's eyebrows furrowed in suspicion as he observed Taehyung's untouched food. He couldn't help but express his concern, trying to feed him again with a spoon.

"Taehyung-ah, are you on a diet? Do you know that I noticed your weight loss when I carried you to your house?" Jimin stated looking at Taehyung, seriousness laced in his voice, waiting for the other's response.

Taehyung gulped at Jimin's serious face, not wanting to upset Jimin, complied silently. However, the texture of the food felt like a lump in his throat, and the effort to swallow became a silent struggle. His smile remained intact, a facade to conceal the internal turmoil he was experiencing.

Jimin, oblivious to Taehyung's discomfort, continued chatting animatedly with the group, unaware of the pair of eyes watching the interaction.

Jungkook, who sat nearby, observed the exchange with a mix of emotions. The jealousy within him began to swell as he saw Jimin lavishing attention on Taehyung, the person that had been attached to him just weeks ago. But now, Jimin didn't even bother to interact with him, or even bat him an eye.