𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙸𝙽 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

𓆩♡𓆪 7:

Airene was determined to finish the project quickly so she could have a long chat with Taehyung. She wanted to figure out more about him, but the work dragged on until 8 PM. Knowing Jimin wouldn't be home, she didn't bother to inform him she'd be late and kept working. 

Taehyung, ever the dedicated friend, waited for her but eventually fell asleep at his desk. As Airene was returning from the washroom, she noticed him dozed off. His eyes were slightly open, his mouth pouting, and his cheeks adorably chubby. The sight of his chubby cheeks reminded her so much of Mochi. Drawn by his cuteness, Airene walked over and gently caress his hair, admiring him.

Taehyung stirred awake, his eyes widening in panic as if he thought someone was there to harm him in his sleep. Airene quickly covered his mouth, stifling a laugh at his clumsiness. "It's just me, Tae. Relax," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. Taehyung blinked a few times, the panic in his eyes subsiding as he recognized her. He pulled her hand away from his mouth and let out a breath, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, Airene. I must have dozed off," he mumbled. "Yes, you did," she replied with a smile. "And you looked quite cute, if I may add." Taehyung's blush deepened. "Thanks. I was waiting for you. I didn't want to leave until your work is done."

"Well, I'm almost done," Airene said. "I appreciate you staying. It means a lot", she caress his hair again. "Anything for you, my lady," Taehyung responded with a playful bow, though his eyes held a sincerity that made Airene's heart flutter. "Tae, can we talk after this?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation. "Of course," he said, sitting up straighter. "I'd like that." Airene nodded and returned to her desk, her mind racing with questions. As she worked, she couldn't help but steal glances at Taehyung, wondering if the answers to her long-held questions were finally within reach.

AFTER WORK...

It was 11 PM, and the rain was coming down in torrents, flooding the roads. Taehyung and Airene were sitting inside his car, the downpour creating a rhythmic pattern on the roof. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly awkward, the silence heavy between them.

Taehyung decided to break the silence. "So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked, his voice gentle. Airene hesitated for a moment, then decided to ease into the conversation. "What's your favorite color?"

"Blue," he replied with a smile.

"Your favorite superhero?" she continued.

"The Hulk," he said, then imitated the Hulk's anger sound, his face contorting in a playful grimace. Airene chuckled, the tension between them easing a bit.

As they talked, everything Taehyung did reminded Airene of Mochi. The way he smiled, the way he made her laugh, the little gestures—everything was so familiar. Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer.

"Taehyung, are you... Mochi?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung chuckled softly and leaned closer, closing the gap between them. He gently touched her hair, moving it to the side and tucking it behind her ear. His touch was warm and reassuring.

"You really took so long to figure that out?" he said, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Airene's breath caught in her throat. Her vision was blurred with the accumulated tears that she's been holding on. The realization hit her like a wave. "I-I- can't believe it," she whispered, her eyes searching his for confirmation.