Invisible Affection | Taejin

6. Defeat

A/N: Bless y'all heart. 

On another note, this chapter includes potential triggering content so read with caution. 

Errors are a character of their own.

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Hoseok looked hopefully at Jin as he presented Jin's favorite drink. "I brought you your favorite drink, and you know how far that place is," he said, emphasizing his effort in getting the drink.

Jin sighed deeply, his gaze drifting away as he absentmindedly swiped through his phone, ignoring Hoseok.

Hoseok frowned and asked, "Is he mad at you too?" while looking at Jimin.

"Nope, I didn't hang up on him when he called. Why did you hang up on him?" Jimin inquired, turning his attention away from the essay he'd been focusing on.

"I'm sorry," Hoseok said, looking at Jin. "You know I'm always available when you call, but last night I was exhausted. I couldn't sleep well, and it wasn't until morning that I could finally get some rest. That's why I hung up on you."

Jin set his phone on the table and turned to Hoseok with concern. "Why couldn't you sleep? Did something happen?"

"I received a B- on my exam, and my father was not happy. He lectured me via email."

"Email?" Jimin gasped. "Are you serious?"

"Can you believe it? He sent that email from his work while on a flight. I guess I should be grateful it wasn't a verbal scolding! I really put in the effort for the exam and did my best. But I can't help thinking I'd do even better if he weren't always stressing me about grades. I'm so over school at this point!"

Jin let out a weary sigh and reached for the drink Hoseok had brought him, taking a thoughtful sip as he considered his words. After a moment, he spoke, "It sounds like you went through a really tough night. I'll make sure not to bother you so early again.

You should have a heart-to-heart talk with your dad about how much pressure he's putting on you and how it's affecting your ability to focus on your studies. You might also want to consider sending him an email. It might make him take your thoughts more seriously, especially if he thinks it's work-related.

Hoseok's face lit up with a smile as Jin responded, clearly understanding the underlying message. "Would you like to help me write this message? I want to make sure it conveys respect while also highlighting that I am more than just my grades and his successor; I'm also his son. And Seokjin, please remember that you're never a bother. Feel free to call me anytime."

"Right, and then you'll hang up on me. At least be like Jimin and keep your phone off," Jin said as he glared at Jimin.

Jimin sat motionless, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen as if trying to ignore the conversation.

"Well, we all know never to call Jimin in an emergency."

Upon hearing the comment, Jimin glanced up from his laptop, a troubled expression furrowing his brow. "I don't always turn my phone off," he clarified. "I only do it when I need to sleep in. Plus, you all have my other phone number, which is always on in case of an emergency."

"Sleep in, or do you mean when you are not sleeping alone?" asked Hoseok with a raised eyebrow.

Jimin rolled his eyes. "As if. I've already told you I'm single. However, I can't help but wonder if there's a potential connection between me and the restaurant bae. It's hard to tell if there's mutual interest. However, what I can say is that yesterday, when we were out together, I noticed that we were getting a lot of attention from others, and I could sense what they were silently expressing with their looks."