Hush [Semi-Active]

Ch. 48

"Hey Jimin." Taehyung greets him with a little smirk. Jimin didn't acknowledge his presence and just headed straight for the noodle isle and picked up a few sauce bottles as well. Jimin hasn't been feeling well the past few days or weeks.

   Actually he hasn't been feeling well at all since the breakup and his baby brother. Seeing the love of his life with his so called "best friend" made him feel used. It hurt a lot more to see Jihyun laying in bed with tubes in his mouth to help him breathe. But after his recovery, Jihyun flew home and never wants to leave Busan for a while. The lack of communication with his family helped him fall into depression. He stopped eating as much. His weight had dropped 22kg within a week. The only time he eats is when he has someone like Namjoon over at his place. Which is why he's here at the convenience store. Jimin hears the doorbell jingle and he looks up to see a random guy coming in and showing Taehyung his ID.

"I'd like to buy a pack of your Marlboro regulars."

   Taehyung nods his head and turns around, picks up the pack of cigarettes automatically since he knew where they were without having to look. Scans it and hands it to the guy.

"That would be $10.57."

"$10.57? Are you kidding me?" The guy complained and reluctantly pulled out his wallet.

"The prices have gone up. You'd be saving yourself a lot of money by quitting." Taehyung adds.

"Shut up." The guy puts down a $20 and walks out the door while angrily stuffing the cigarettes into his pocket.

   Taehyung takes in a deep breath and grabs the $20 bill and places the change in the tip jar. Jimin saw and overheard their conversation and felt a bit guilty for ignoring him. Not really knowing that Taehyung often deals with rude customers.

   Jimin approaches him and sets down his groceries.

"You okay?" Jimin asks.

"Never better." Taehyung sarcastically smiles and begins scanning the groceries.

  Jimin stood there for a few seconds in silence. Wondering what to ask him to ease the mood. Without putting much thought into it, Jimin perks up.

"Hey, listen. My friend is coming over to my place. Maybe you'd like to come by too?"

   Taehyung looks up at him as he bags his things.

"Why? He asks.

"I just wanted to ask. I mean after that guy who bought those cigarettes, you look like you need someone to talk to."

"I don't. Thanks for the invite." Taehyung totals the groceries and looks at him. "Your total is $29.44." His voice was stern and he was uninterested. Taehyung had never really liked Jimin and would always have to force himself to be nice when Ji Eun was around. Normally Taehyung wasn't one to judge anyone. His grandma had raised him not to judge a person by their actions and behavior.

"I'm sorry." Jimin bows a bit and then grabs a pen. "Well if you change your mind, here is my address and phone number." He rips off a piece of the receipt and hands it to Taehyung. "Keep the change." Jimin gives him a $50 and he walks out with his groceries. Taehyung watches as Jimin walked away from the store. He looks down at the piece of paper. Contemplating about it.

   He was nice enough to invite me. Taehyung bit at his lip as he thought more about it. I don't have much friends either so... this could be a start of something new I guess. Now Taehyung felt guilty for how he spoke to Jimin. Taehyung dials the number and puts his phone to his ear.

"Yeobuseyo?"

"I'll stop by after work. How does that sound?"

"Great. And what time are you off?"