The Escort S2

Part 52: Please don't hate me

Tae's POV

"JJ, you did the right thing. Let me figure this out and make some calls."

"Are you going to tell Kookie? He'll straighten that dude out."

"Wait a minute, settle down, JJ. I know you're excited, but we have to think first and gather some information. If it's as bad as you think, we'll have to get Kookie and dad involved."

"Okay, Tae. I've got to get to class and then I'll be back later." I reach for my phone and nod. I look up and JJ is standing in the doorway with his back turned. It's like he's become frozen in his steps. He must have forgotten to tell me something. Oh God is there more? He slowly turns around and approaches the table but doesn't sit.

"Tae, you and Kookie, uh, really take care of each other." That's an odd statement. I place my phone down and look at him and listen as he continues. "I think that's really beautiful. Uh, I hope to find someone special one day too. Someone who loves me as much as I love them." What a sweet thing for him to say. I'm not sure where he's going with this, but so far so good.

"Thanks, JJ. Yes, we really love each other, and it just feels natural. I hope you will find the same when you're ready for it."

"Sometimes it seems like you're just one person, one brain. You're in sync. I like that." There's sadness in his voice. These are some deep thoughts and feelings for someone so young. Young men his age aren't usually interested in a long-term mate or even love. He continues to surprise me.

"You will. Just be patient," I say, picking up my coffee and taking a sip.

"How are you doing after your breakup with Kyle, sweetie?" He and I never talked about this and, for a moment, I feel as if I've neglected him, like I did Jimin.

"I'm good. I'm just done with Kyle. Tae, I don't think I was in love with him because I don't feel anything for him now. I feel numb and just want him to stop playing games and leave me alone. He acts like he's 10. We're so done." His lips press into a thin line with a small wrinkle in his forehead. I don't think I've ever seen him angry before.

"Trust me, JJ, you weren't in love if you feel nothing."

"l want something real. I want someone I can love and trust. I want more. You know, like my mom and dad and you and Kookie." Wow, that's a lot but he's mature beyond his years.

I softly smile at him. "When your true love comes along it will hit you like a ton of bricks and you'll be speechless. You will emotionally feel overwhelmed, and a swarm of butterflies will be released in your belly," I chuckle.

"That's awfully dramatic," JJ says with a wide grin. "That sounds more like some sappy Hollywood movie."

"Well, JJ, that was my experience," I share as I feel the sweet flutter of my own swarm of butterflies as I remember how I felt when Kookie opened that penthouse door. "JJ, for now, you only need to focus on what's in front of you. School and work. It will come in time. Unfortunately, you needed the experience of Kyle." He grimaces and then softly chuckles.

"Thanks for sharing and I'll wait for my ton of bricks. I don't believe in love at first sight," JJ says, discounting me with a chuckle.

"l didn't either and then Kookie opened that door, JJ." He nods and starts to turn and then stops again.

"Oh yeah, I have that late night study group tonight. I won't return until late, so I'll probably see you in the morning. Our project is due in a week, and we've got a lot of work to do." I smile, impressed with his work ethic, as he leaves. I love that boy.