$moke Break || TAEKOOK

8

The weekend brought the familiar quietness to Taehyung’s small apartment. The sun streamed through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow over the modest furnishings. For once, the weight of the week’s turmoil felt a bit lighter. Taehyung busied himself with tidying up, the familiar routines providing a comforting distraction from his thoughts.

However, beneath the surface, the memory of his stepmom’s actions still lingered. Her mocking gaze and venomous tone had shaken him more than he cared.

Taehyung had tried to brush off her words, but they clung to him, dragging his spirits down. He had spent the last days feeling hollow, his self-esteem eroded by her. The sense of helplessness was almost suffocating. Hopefully she didn't know his new address to pester him in his solitude. Neither he was in any mood to entertain her messages or calls. She was blocked from his phone, wishing to be in real life also.

Suddenly his phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, he saw a message from Jimin, his childhood best friend who had moved to the UK almost a decade ago.

Jimin: Tae! Guess what? I’m back in Seoul!

Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t seen Jimin in years, and the thought of reuniting with his best friend filled him with an unexpected joy. His fingers flew over the keyboard as he replied.

Taehyung: Jiminie! No way! When did you get here?

Jimin: Just landed last day. And I’ve the surprise with me. Remember?
Meet?

Taehyung: Why didn't you tell me earlier! I could have gone to pick you up! Anyways Where and when?!

Jimin: Aigoo that's alright! So excited to meet you!! How about our old spot in the park? Noon?

Taehyung: Perfect. Me too!! See you there!

The old spot in the park was a small, secluded area they had claimed as their own when they were kids. It was a place filled with memories of carefree laughter and deep conversations. Taehyung felt a rush of nostalgia as he made his way there, his heart light with anticipation.

He approached the familiar bench and saw Jimin waiting with a wide smile. His friend looked much the same, though more mature, with a confidence that came from years of living abroad. Taehyung broke into a grin and rushed forward, pulling Jimin into a tight hug.

“Jiminie, it’s so good to see you!” Taehyung exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion.

“I’ve missed you so much, Tae,” Jimin replied, hugging him back just as tightly.

“It’s been way too long!”

They pulled apart, still holding onto each other’s arms.

"Why do you look like a zombie though? Damn"

Taehyung didn't want to ruin the mood with the sore memory of previous incident so he just made an excuse.

"Just work. Nothing much.."

That's when he noticed another figure standing a few steps behind Jimin. A tall man with a smile on his face and visible dimples on cheeks. Jimin turned to him and grinned.

“Taehyung, I want you to meet someone very special to me,” Jimin said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“This is Namjoon, my boyfriend! Surprise!!”

Taehyung blinked in surprise, his eyes widening as he took in the news.

“Your...boyfriend?” he repeated, looking between Jimin and Namjoon.

“Wow! Jiminie! this really is a surprise!”

Namjoon stepped forward, extending a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Taehyung. Jimin’s told me a lot about you.”