First Impressions

Six

The days following the dinner disaster were all clumped together in a blur. Jin went about his day to day business but he couldn't stop thinking about Taehyung.

He would replay that night in his head over and over. He was almost sure that Taehyung really liked him. But then why would he fight Jungkook like a drunk frat boy?

He tried to put both him and Jungkook out of his mind and go enjoy the weekend with his parents.

Upon arrival, his mother was her usual jolly self. He was confused as to why she was running around getting dressed up for a party.

"What's going on? Where are you going?"

"We're going to the Kim's house for the announcement. Didn't I tell you?" His mother replies.

"No.. I called you yesterday and you said you would be home the entire weekend. That's why I came. I was hoping you would cook something delicious." Jin pouts.

"They've only called just this morning. They received some exciting news and wanted to celebrate."

"Oh.. well.. I guess I'll just see what I can find to eat here."

He moves slowly, trying to look as sad as possible. His mother rolls her eyes and says, "I expect you to come with us. Who knows what you might do if we leave you alone. We might come home to a destroyed house due to a fire or something."

"What?! That's crazy! I'm not a teenager anymore eomma. And I only burned a little bit of the ceiling that time. Besides, I don't feel like going. I would feel out of place."

"You should be there. I'm sure the news has to do something with Taehyung. He's still single you know."

"He's also still deranged." Jin mumbles.

Jin's mother doesn't hear him and continues, "Poor Taehyung. I don't understand how someone could betray someone they claim to love. He was not only betrayed by his cheating fiancée, but with his supposed best friend. And it had been going on for months."

Jin was surprised that his mother knew that much about him and never bothered to tell him. It would have made a difference if he knew from the beginning. And could have avoided the whole Jungkook situation.

"I don't think I should go. I'm not as close to them as you seem to be."

His mother huffs and then says, "You go upstairs right now and change into something decent. You are going whether you like it or not. Do you understand me?!"

"Fine! But I'm going to be grouchy the entire time."

**************************

As Jin's father drives up the driveway to Taehyung's parents house, he is surprised to see so many cars there. He didn't realize that it was such a big celebration. Which suddenly has him curious.

They enter the house and wander through. Smiling and greeting several people along the way. After a few minutes Jin decides to mingle on his own and wanders around aimlessly.

He sees a buffet table and goes to grab a flute of champagne. At the same time he reaches for it, another hand reaches for the same glass.

He then sees Taehyung and they both stand there looking at each other awkwardly. Until Tae finally says, "Hello."

Jin smiles and says, "Thank you for inviting me."

Tae replies, "I didn't.. it was probably my eomma."

Jin felt the sting of rejection. And adds, "Ah, I see.. well, I guess thanks to her then."

He chuckles as he tries to lighten the mood. But Tae merely clears his throat and says, "Well, if you'll excuse me. I must be getting back to..."