FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 9- Sus

A whole week had passed in the blink of an eye for Taehyung. Classes, exams, and paper corrections kept him busy, and finally, it was Friday. He opened the glass door to the bar, and his eyes immediately went to the counter where Maya was busy with customers. Taehyung smiled to himself, a small smile that went unnoticed by everyone else.

He walked toward the table where Jimin and Jungkook were already seated. When Jimin spotted Taehyung, his eyes widened. "You're early," he remarked. Taehyung smiled and took a seat without saying a word.

"And in a good mood as well," Jimin observed, noting his friend's demeanour.

Jungkook smiled knowingly, recalling Taehyung's excited explanation during their Monday workout about how he had spent time with Maya the previous weekend, despite having vowed not to think about or talk to her again.

Taehyung had even planned an outing with her for Sunday. Things had moved so quickly that Jungkook still couldn't believe Taehyung had managed to pull it off.

"Classes are over, so I have a few days off," Taehyung said, and Jimin nodded in understanding.

Aria and Dodo arrived a few minutes later, and their expressions mirrored Jimin's surprise when they spotted Taehyung at the table.

"Wow, you're early," Dodo remarked, and Taehyung just smiled.

"And in a good mood too," Aria added, observing him keenly. Taehyung looked at them, surprised by their reactions.

"I'm just early, that's all," he said, but Aria narrowed her eyes, unconvinced.

"No, something's up. I haven't seen you this bright on a weekend," she said, taking a seat next to him. He sighed, knowing he couldn't hide the truth from his friends forever.

"I don't have to work next week, that's why," he explained, and Aria gasped with excitement.

"Really? That's great!" she exclaimed. "I'm visiting my parents this Sunday. Are you coming?" she asked, her eyes hopeful. Taehyung hesitated, his mind racing. He had plans with Maya, and he didn't want to cancel them.

"This Sunday..." His eyes drifted to Maya, who was still busy with customers. He knew he couldn't abandon his plans with her, so he quickly thought of an excuse. "This Sunday, I'm visiting my dad as well. He has something important," he said, and Aria's face fell in disappointment.

"Oh, okay. We're harvesting strawberries. Last time, you said you wanted to come, so I thought I'd ask. I'll bring you some, don't worry," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. Guilt washed over Taehyung. He shouldn't have lied, he thought. He glanced at Jungkook, who wore the same expression of guilt.

"Hey, you haven't asked me. I was also there when we talked about the strawberry harvest," Jungkook interjected, turning to Aria. She scoffed, a playful smile on her face.

"Since when are you interested in farming? I've never seen you take your hands off your joysticks," she teased, and Jungkook rolled his eyes in mock annoyance.

"I'm coming with you," Jungkook declared with the seriousness of a knight accepting a quest. Aria smiled, appreciating his sudden enthusiasm for agriculture.

"Fine," Aria said, her mood lifting. Taehyung felt a sense of relief, knowing that at least one of his friends would accompany Aria, even though the guilt of his lie still lingered.

As the evening progressed, Taehyung tried to push the guilt aside and enjoy the time with his friends. They chatted and laughed, sharing stories from their week. Taehyung occasionally glanced at Maya, her presence in the bar a constant reminder of the reason behind his good mood. He knew he had to find a way to balance his budding connection with Maya and his commitments to his friends.