Loving The Wrong Man (SD) ➸ Taekook ✓

- Thirty-ninth -

Jungkook's breath was taken away when he saw the interior of the restaurant. Red and gold tones, all in a neoclassical style. The great hall was plunged into silence, and the only sound he could hear was the clicking of their heels on the tiled floor. As he looked up, studying the place with interest, he found himself dazzled by the fresco that covered the entire ceiling, which was wonderfully overhung by an immense glass chandelier.

He instinctively held on tighter to Taehyung as the latter approached the reception desk with a serene smile plastered on his face. Jungkook didn't even pay attention to his exchange with the receptionist, too busy detailing the smallest ornaments on the walls. They finally resumed their walk, crossing the restaurant hall (which was gigantic, by the way), to be led into a small room, further away.

"We don't eat in the big hall?" asked Jungkook.

"No, it's more intimate like that. Just you and me, no-one to disturb us. It's too noisy there."

The teenager nodded, and sat down when Taehyung pulled the chair out for him, then went and sat down opposite him. The thirty-year-old had to restrain himself from laughing when he saw Jungkook's big eyes, who tried as hard as he could to be discreet as he observed the room they were in. You had to understand: even though the Jeons were rich, Jungkook had never really benefited from that wealth. His uncle had never touched his parents' money, living solely on his and his husband's income. They lived well, of course, but the boy had never been used to luxurious restaurants. He had always lived a humble life.

"You're adorable, kitten..." Taehyung murmured.

Jungkook immediately turned his attention back to the man, tilting his head slightly in incomprehension.

"W-Why?" he stammered, still weak under Taehyung's gaze.

This time, the CEO couldn't hold back the small laugh that passed his lips.

"You look like a child in a toy shop. So cute..."

Realising that he was making fun of him, Jungkook pouted before diving into the menu, choosing what he was going to eat. But when he saw the prices, he gradually broke down.

"Is there a problem, kitten?" Taehyung worried as he saw the boy's discomfort.

Jungkook bit his lip.

"It's... Isn't it a bit expensive...?"

Taehyung stared at him for a moment before smiling affectionately.

"Don't question the price, baby, just take what you want."

"But still..."

"Kitten, I can easily afford it, I promise. So please yourself. You can even have several dishes, if you want."

Jungkook blushed slightly before diving back into his reading. Taehyung had noticed that he had a big appetite, and he didn't mind. That was another thing he liked about the thirty-year-old. He was always so understanding.

They ended up ordering and struck up a conversation. Jungkook had managed to persuade Taehyung to tell him some more amusing anecdotes, and the man enjoyed the teenager's childish laugh, which sounded like a sweet melody in his ears.

"Wow, you seem to have so much fun sometimes!" Jungkook remarked as he half-layed down on the table, just as the waiter had cleared their plates.

"These moments must only represent 20% of my work, sweetheart." contradicts Taehyung. "The rest of the time, it's pretty boring."

Jungkook sat up a little straighter, looking suddenly pensive.

"It doesn't seem easy to be CEO of such a big company... I don't think I'd be able to do it, it sounds too complicated. You always come home late, and you're always so tired..."

Taehyung grabbed his glass of wine and took a sip.

"It's true that it's not easy every day, but after all, it was my decision to get into this... But speaking of which, we've never really discussed your future."

He put his glass down again, while Jungkook stiffened a little in his seat.

"You'll be finishing high school in just a few months, I suppose you've got an idea of what you want to do after that, don't you?"

Jungkook looked away immediately and scratched the back of his neck, not really knowing what to say. This reaction obviously didn't escape the thirty-year-old.

"Ah, um, not really..."

Taehyung frowned.

"Jungkook, you're not going to make me believe you haven't already thought about it..."

The teenager bit his lip, already knowing that his answer would certainly not satisfy the man.

"Given my grades, I don't think I'll be accepted at any university, so I thought I'd stop studying and start working. Maybe I could go full-time in the restaurant where I currently work..." He murmured, hoping deep down that Taehyung hadn't heard his answer.

But as he met the man's eyes, he realised that his hopes were in vain. His expression hardened.

"I wouldn't mind if I knew that's what you wanted," replied Taehyung, "but I have my doubts about this. If you're making this choice out of spite, let me tell you it's the wrong solution."

"Taehyung, let's face it, I don't have the ability to continue after high school..."

"You've proved me wrong over the last month. You've given me nothing but excellent marks."

Jungkook was clearly sceptical. Taehyung sighed.

"Well, let's forget about the marks for a moment. What do you really want to do after high school, hm?"

Jungkook looked down and began to play with his fingers, anxious. In all honesty, he'd never told anyone about his ambitions, because he knew it was ridiculous. Because he knew he couldn't do it.

"I..." he tried, unsure. "I would have liked to go to art school..."

He admitted it in a whisper, barely audible, but the room was perfectly silent. Taehyung had understood every word he had said. And he smiled lovingly.

"And what's stopping you, hm, baby?" he asked him gently.

"I could never do it. I'm not talented enough for that..."

Taehyung shook his head as he took his hand, stroking it affectionately.

"Don't be silly, kitten. I've seen your drawings, the ones you've been desperately trying to hide in your desk drawer, and I can assure you they're absolutely beautiful."

Jungkook's eyes widened at this admission, and his cheeks flushed as he realised that Taehyung had seen his drawings, the ones that represented all his pride, all he was, and at the same time the most shameful part of himself.

"N-No, if you've seen them, you know they're no good. I got no chance..."

"Jungkook, I can tell you for a fact that you've got mad talent, and anyone can tell you that. I know it's hard to have confidence in yourself, that you're always naturally led to doubt yourself, but that shouldn't stop you doing what you love. You don't have the right to give up on your dream before you've even tried to make it come true."

To emphasise his words, he gently took Jungkook's hand and brought it to his lips, placing a subtle kiss on it.

"And I'd be delighted to help you make it happen. I'll be by your side all the way. So please, don't give up."

Jungkook felt his cheeks heat up and his heart clench. If only Taehyung understood how much those words meant. If only he could understand how much Jungkook had always dreamed of hearing them, yet desperately dreaded them.