Invisible Affection | Taejin

1. Hazy

"Oh great, they're here again. Are there any other restaurants open? Why do they have to come here?"

Taehyung glanced over to see what had caught his coworker's attention. He couldn't help but sigh as he took in the group seated at a table, waiting to be served. Recognizing his coworker's preference for not wanting to serve them, he glanced at him and offered, "I'll handle their table."

"Are you sure? Your shift is almost over."

"I am sure. They get the same thing over and over."

"Something with a rich and flavorful taste." The coworker playfully joked and then expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you, as always, you're the best!" He gently patted Taehyung's shoulder before walking away, content to avoid the group of university students that had just entered.

Taehyung let out a heavy breath as he casually cleaned his hands on his pants. He then picked up his digital notepad and approached the table, where the university students were absorbed in a lively conversation.

"Good evening, my name is Taehyung, and I will be your..."

"I can't believe he did that. I would've done the same as you." Park Jimin, a popular student at the university and close friend of Seokjin, chimed in after hearing Hoseok vent about his boyfriend and his disappointment with the gift he received.

"Like, how do you get me something that is the complete opposite of what I asked for and didn't think I would notice? Just because I wear glasses does not mean I am blind. Ugh, I swear he makes me so mad! This was supposed to be our one-year anniversary, and now he ruined it!"

Taehyung waited calmly, listening as Jimin leaned over to give Hoseok a shoulder massage and consoling words. Even though he had no idea what was happening, he didn't feel at ease, just listening to them talk. Just as he turned to go away and give them a minute, he heard a voice and had to shake off his thoughts.

"How long must I wait before you take my order?"

His gaze shifted to Kim Seokjin, also known as Jin, who had been seated to Jimin's left. His fingers rapidly tapped the keyboard as his eyes were locked on the phone screen. Taehyung said, "I am sorry, I can..."

"Yeah, how long do we have to wait for you to take our order? Do you know how long we have been seated and waiting?" Hoseok asked, clearly surprised and confused as to why a server had not immediately attended to them upon their arrival.

Jimin looked at Taehyung disapprovingly: "This is not how professionals should behave! We've been waiting for ages, and even Seokjin is getting hungry because of the long wait!"

With their shouts becoming louder, Taehyung bowed slightly and apologized to them. "I apologize for making you wait. I'm here to accept your order right now, and I'll make sure they get back to you right away."

"Sorry doesn't solve everything, but because you're cute, we'll let it slide." Hoseok cracked a smile at Taehyung while casually browsing through the menu. "Uh, I'll go for something savory, thanks."

"I'll have what Hoseok's having, and I gotta say, you're not just cute, but also really good-looking. If I didn't already have so many people interested in me, I would consider adding you to my list of future potentials. However, there isn't any room available at the moment. Wait, unless you come from a wealthy background. I doubt it; you're likely working here because you don't have much money, right?" Jimin inquired, his gaze fixed on Taehyung, patiently waiting for a reply.

Jin couldn't help but chuckle while Taehyung tightly held onto the notepad.

"That was a good one, Jimin!" Hoseok couldn't contain his laughter as he observed Jin, Jimin, and Taehyung. "I'm considering ending my current relationship. Would any of you be interested in dating me?" he jokingly asked.