CRIMSON LIES (TAEKOOK)

2 (A YES)

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2.0.1.8; 23; j.u.l.y.

Taehyung's heart fluttered as he read the text on his phone, a grin spreading across his face. He couldn't believe it. "Are you really saying yes to me?" he whispered to himself, disbelief coloring his voice.

Jungkook's casual response played in his head: *"I'm saying yes to going on a date with you."*

Eagerly, Taehyung texted back, "I'll meet you at 11:00 am near Sok Mall," and waited. Minutes turned into twenty, then thirty. Finally, a single-word reply came: "Okay."

Was Taehyung upset by the lack of enthusiasm? Not at all. How could he be when the chance to go on a date with his long-time crush had always been on his wish list? Excitement bubbled within him as he began planning. *I should get a face mask,* he thought. *My skin should glow like a diamond. Should I tell my mom and eomma ? They'll be so happy!*

Determined, he hurried downstairs to find his mothers, Ae-ra and Taesha, lounging on the sofa, engrossed in a TV show. As soon as Ae-ra spotted him, she asked, "Bub, where are you going?"

"I'm heading to the store to grab some essentials, eomma," Taehyung replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Essentials?" Ae-ra asked curiously.

"Yeah," Taehyung said, fidgeting slightly. "Some monthly supplies... and, uh, face masks."

"Do you need money?" Taesha chimed in. "Should I come with you, Taetae?"

"No, mother, I'm fine," Taehyung assured her. "I'll call Jimin and we'll go together. But, um, could you top up some money on my card?"

"I will, darling," Ae-ra said, her tone softening. "But why do you need extra money all of a sudden? We're not questioning you; we're just curious."

Taesha shot him a pointed look, tilting her head. "Yeah, spill it. What's going on in that tiny brain of yours?"

Taehyung hesitated, his voice trembling as he admitted, "It's nothing major... I just... I have a date tomorrow."

"A *date*?" Taesha exclaimed, sitting up straight. "With who? How? Who is he? Is he a good guy? And if he dares to hurt you, tell him I'll end him."

"Oh, shh, you're making him more nervous!" Ae-ra scolded playfully before turning to Taehyung with a warm smile. "Best wishes, Tae baby. I can't wait to see how you look tomorrow. You should wear something adorable."

Taesha huffed dramatically. "Why are you so excited about this? He'll get married and leave us someday! No, I won't allow him to date anyone until he's forty!"

Ae-ra raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Excuse me? You're saying *my* child isn't allowed to date, when we started dating at fourteen? Who are you to decide, huh?"

Taesha opened her mouth to argue but fell silent under Ae-ra's sharp gaze, while Taehyung tried to stifle a laugh.

As Taehyung stood by the door, Ae-ra quickly called out, "Don't tell us anything else!"

Taesha smirked. "Alright, I'll stop asking."

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. "You're both so dramatic. I'm not sure how I handle you two, but I still adore you both. Anyway, goodbye!"

"Make sure you eat something nice while you're out," Taesha said with a wink, sliding her card across the table.

Ae-ra rolled her eyes. "Ugh, whipped."

"Like you're not?" Taesha shot back smugly.

Ae-ra raised an eyebrow, reaching for the nearest cushion. "Do you wish to die today?"