Invisible Affection | Taejin

5. You, Me, and my Denial

Taehyung found himself struggling to make sense of everything that had unfolded throughout his day. As he sat at his kitchen table, immersed in his assignments, his thoughts kept circling back to the unexpected encounter with Park Jimin and the exciting job offer he had scored, all because Jimin said he was cool.

He had tried to communicate to Jimin that he wasn't looking for a relationship, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his message hadn't gotten through. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate Jimin's appearance or charm; it was just that he didn't think it was the right time for him to get involved with anyone.

He already had a lot on his plate and didn't want to create unnecessary complications. Besides, there was someone else who had caught his eye. Even though he knew things with that person might not work out, he held onto hope that they could, and he didn't want to miss out on that chance by being in a relationship with someone else.

The sound of his apartment door creaking open startled him. He sprang up from his chair, swiftly cleared the empty bowl next to his book and laptop, and placed it in the sink before heading towards the door. Given the late hour, he hadn't expected Jin to show up at his apartment.

Jin wrinkled his nose as he walked into Taehyung's apartment and asked, 'What's that smell?'"

"Sorry, I was just finishing up my tuna sandwich," Taehyung replied hastily before running to grab his air freshener, frantically spraying it to combat the residual aroma of the tuna.

Jin shot him a glance but remained silent. He nonchalantly shrugged out of his jacket, letting it fall to the floor, before heading over to the sofa and taking a seat.

Taehyung followed close behind, scooping up the jacket and draping it over one of the hooks behind the door.

"I thought you said you didn't like Jimin?"

Joining Jin on the sofa and sitting down, Taehyung turned to Jin with a thoughtful gaze. "I don't, and I don't know why he is interested in me," he confessed.

"I am not sure either. I guess everyone has their own taste."

"I don't think there's anything wrong with anyone liking me," Taehyung responded, not liking Jin's reaction.

Jin smiled as he positioned himself to look at Taehyung, "Who said there was anything wrong with anyone liking you?"

"You didn't exactly say that, but earlier, you mentioned that Jimin had a bad taste in men because he stated that he and I were dating. I may not meet your standards, but that doesn't make me a bad person."

"I said shitty!"

"I understand what you said, but I'd prefer not to repeat it exactly as you said. Either way, I am not like that. If I were, I wouldn't have allowed you to sleep in my bed almost every night for the last six months while I slept on the sofa. I also wouldn't have given you a key to my place." Taehyung was aware that he lacked in many areas and did not meet the standard of most people, but he was certain that he wasn't a shitty person.

Jin remained silent, continuing to stare at Taehyung. Taehyung met his gaze but then looked away. "I have no issue with you staying here, so please don't misunderstand."

With a smile, Jin leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs. "I know you don't."

There was silence between them after Jin's comment, and they didn't speak until Taehyung stood up from the sofa.

"Where are you going?" Jin asked.

"I have to take out the trash; I forgot to do it earlier."

"Leave it and do it tomorrow; I am sure it will be fine."