GOLDEN TALENT | VKOOK ✓

38 | THE HANG-OUT [THE DATE]

It was announced that the exam results would be available in two weeks. By the end of the week, everyone had cleared their examinations, from singing to production to theory, etc.

And Jeongguk decided that he wanted to make two weeks one of the best ones for all of his friends, because, as he talked with his father, the day when the results are out is the day when they will announce the chosen members of the questionable boygroup.

Thankfully, all of his friends were confident they did well in the examination. He kept on telling them a few times a day that it's more important that they can imagine than anything else, and so he hoped they'd get the idea. No, he hadn't told them anything about the whole group thing yet. He was going to, probably either the day or before the announcement of the results. Until then, he was planning all sorts of hangouts.

"Soo, I was thinking, how about we try something different for a hangout this time?" Jeongguk suggested, a smirk playing on his lips. They were just leaving a lecture, and Jeongguk jogged after Taehyung on their way to the exit as he placed a hand on Taehyung's back.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "Different? What do you have in mind?"

Jeongguk leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, now that you're asking." He extended his last words with a smile, and Taehyung couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.

"I was thinking of taking you out on a date," Jeongguk murmured into Taehyung's ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down Taehyung's spine.

Taehyung pulled back, a mock expression of horror on his face. "Like... date date? An actual date?" He asked, his heart beating a little faster at the unexpected turn of events.

It had taken an unexpected turn in the lighthearted conversation, which surprised and intrigued Taehyung. There was a flutter of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness at the thought of going on a "date date" with his best friend Jeongguk. Although Taehyung had considered the idea previously, he was taken aback by how abruptly it was suggested.

He felt a soft warmth in Jeongguk's eyes as he gazed into them, a warmth that transcended their playful dynamic. The thought flickered through Taehyung's mind, an unspoken question that kept coming back: What if this wasn't just a lighthearted suggestion?

Jeongguk chuckled at Taehyung's reaction. "Woah, your reaction is definitely not how people react when they are asked on a date."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, attempting to regain his composure. "Well, excuse me for being caught off guard." He rubbed his forehead, adding, "Where did that come from? All of a sudden?"

"I don't know," Jeongguk finally said, his voice carrying a note of mystery. His posture leaned ever so slightly towards Taehyung, an unconscious pull that spoke volumes. "Sometimes, spontaneous ideas are the best ones, right?"

"You... don't know?" Taehyung repeated slowly, eyebrows raised in a mixture of amusement and confusion.

Jeongguk flashed a teasing grin. "I mean, why not? Life's short.'' He looked behind him and leaned against the wall. "You' saying no?"

"Shut up for a second." Taehyung shook his head in disbelief. "I thought... Wait. Do you, um, want us to date? Do you like me? Like, I feel so confused right now. You want to take me on a date as a—"

"Hang out," Jeongguk continued, cutting through Taehyung's sentence. Something, just a bit, stung in Taehyung's heart. "A date as in a hangout date, Taehyung," he said calmly. "It'd be fun; I always have good ideas. Remember your birthday?"

"Of course, I do." Taehyung breathed out, a small smile playing on his lips. "It wasn't that long ago." How could he forget that day? The surprises, the laughter, the genuine joy—it was a birthday he would cherish forever.