Love's Embrace - TAEKOOK

11

The group dinner was in full swing, with Taehyung's cousin Yeonjun and Hyunjin, along with his assistant doctor Lee Know and nurse Beomgyu, joining them.

From Jungkook's side, his brothers Felix and Soobin, along with his assistants Han Jisung and Taehyun, were present. They all teased each other, enjoying good food and drinks.

Yeonjun, being his usual naughty self, started the banter. "Hey, Soobin, did you know that Hyunjin has a secret talent for singing?" Soobin, feeling a growing affection for Yeonjun, couldn't help but steal glances at him. Yeonjun, the extrovert, seemed oblivious to Soobin's feelings, too engrossed in teasing the others.

Meanwhile, Hyunjin's gaze kept drifting to Felix, the chirpy and talkative member of the group. Hyunjin admired Felix's lively personality and found himself drawn to him more and more.

Lee Know, usually quiet but with a mischievous side, found himself captivated by Han Jisung's shy and silent demeanor. He couldn't help but want to get to know Han Jisung better.

As for Beomgyu, known for his goofy and talkative nature, he couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and affection he felt for Taehyun. Taehyun, warm and sassy, was completely unaware of Beomgyu's feelings, focusing instead on the group's banter.

As the night went on, Soobin, feeling a bit more confident than usual, decided to share a bit of gossip. "Hey, did you guys know about Sana?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Sana? Who's that?" Yeonjun asked, intrigued.

Soobin leaned in, lowering his voice. "She's a friend of Jungkook's, and she has a huge crush on him." Taehyung, who had been chatting with Jungkook, felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of another woman having feelings for Jungkook. He tried to hide his emotions, but Soobin noticed the change in his demeanor. "Are you okay, Taehyung?" Soobin asked, concerned.

Taehyung forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired, I think. I might head home early." As Taehyung got up to leave, Jungkook noticed his friend's sudden change in behavior. He felt a twinge of guilt, realizing that Taehyung might be feeling jealous or upset about something. "Hey, Taehyung, is everything okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice filled with concern.

Taehyung hesitated, not wanting to burden Jungkook with his feelings. "Yeah, I'm just... tired. I think I'll call it a night. You guys have fun." As Taehyung left, the mood at the table shifted, everyone feeling a bit unsettled.

After Taehyung left the dinner, Jungkook couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He decided to follow Taehyung and catch up with him before he left.

"Taehyung!" Jungkook called out, catching up to him just outside the restaurant.

Taehyung turned around, surprised to see Jungkook following him. "Hey, Jungkook. What's up?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You seemed a bit off back there," Jungkook said, a concerned look in his eyes.

Taehyung smiled faintly. "I'm fine, really. Just tired, I guess. Long day."

Jungkook nodded, understandingly. "I get it. Listen, can I get your number? I want to check up on you later."

Taehyung hesitated for a moment before nodding. He exchanged numbers with Jungkook, feeling a flutter of excitement in his chest.

Later that night, Jungkook couldn't stop thinking about Taehyung. He decided to text him, asking why he had left the dinner so abruptly.

Their conversation flowed easily, and before they knew it, they were talking on the phone, their voices soft in the late-night quiet.

Jungkook: Hey, Taehyung. I hope I'm not bothering you.

Taehyung: No, not at all. I'm glad you called. I was just thinking about you.

Jungkook: Really? That's... nice to hear. I was worried about you after you left so suddenly.

Taehyung: I'm sorry about that. I just felt a bit overwhelmed. But I'm feeling better now, especially after hearing your voice.

Jungkook: I'm glad to hear that. I wanted to make sure you're okay. You mean a lot to me, Taehyung.

Taehyung: You mean a lot to me too, Jungkook. I've enjoyed getting to know you these past few days.

Jungkook: Me too. You're... different from anyone I've ever met. In a good way, of course.

Taehyung: You're different too, Jungkook. In a good way. You're so caring and thoughtful, despite your tough exterior.

Jungkook: I... I care about you a lot.

Taehyung: I care about you too, Jungkook. More than I can put into words. I feel like... like we have a connection, you know?

Jungkook: I feel it too, Taehyung. It's like... like we were meant to meet, meant to be in each other's lives.

Taehyung: Yeah, exactly. I feel like I've known you forever, even though it's only been a few days.

Jungkook: I feel the same way. It's... it's kind of amazing, actually. I've never felt this way about anyone before.

Taehyung: Neither have I, Jungkook. But I'm... I'm glad I met you. I'm glad you're in my life.

Jungkook: I'm glad too, Taehyung. I... I think I really value our friendship.

Taehyung: Yeah, me too. Friends?

Jungkook:  Friends.

--- Their conversation continued, both Taehyung and Jungkook hiding their true feelings from each other, unsure of how to navigate their complex emotions.