Unfriended | Taekook

5 - Barbecue

Early in the morning, as the sun was just starting to rise, Taehyung put on his running shoes and stepped outside. The air was cool and fresh, perfect for his morning jog. He started running at a steady pace, enjoying the quiet streets that were just beginning to wake up. The sound of his footsteps and his steady breathing making him feel alive and ready for the day.

After his run, he headed to the local market. He picked out the freshest ingredients for Yagkwa, a sweet Korean honey cookie he wanted to make as a thank-you gift for Jungkook's father for cooking today. He bought wheat flour, sesame oil, honey, ginger juice and rice wine, carefully choosing each item before placing it in his basket.

With his shopping done, he went back home and started preparing the cookies. The kitchen was quiet and he enjoyed the peace as he set out his ingredients on the counter. He sifted the wheat flour into a bowl, added a pinch of salt and mixed it well. Then, he combined sesame oil and honey in another bowl, stirring until they were perfectly blended. He added ginger juice and rice wine to the batter, creating a sweet-smelling dough.

As he worked his sister, Taehee, walked in, still in her pajamas and yawning. "Good morning, Tae... What are you doing up so early?"

"Morning, Hee, I'm making Yagkwa. Jungkook's dad invited us to a barbecue, and I thought it would be nice to bring something."

Taehee leaned against the counter, watching him knead the dough. "That's really nice of you. I'd love to go, but I have plans with some friends from college. Tell them I said thanks, though."

"I will," Taehyung said, rolling out the dough and cutting it into small, flower-shaped pieces. "It's going to be fun."

Taehee nodded, still leaning against the counter. "You and Jungkook have been spending a lot of time together again lately, huh?"

Taehyung paused for a second, glancing up at her catching her tone. "I've barely seen him since I came back. We've both been busy with our own things, but when we hang out is nice. Feels like the old days."

"Hmm, yeah, I'm sure that's all it is."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, "Don't start."

"What? I'm just saying, you two have always had this... connection. Two peas in a pod. Maybe there is something more to it... just maybe."

She wasn't wrong. There had always been something easy about being around Jungkook, a kind of comfort he rarely found with other people. Last night was a good example. They just watched some movie and cuddle and it was the best thing Taehyung had done in months.

He shook his head, brushing the thoughts aside as he continued shaping the Yagkwa. "You're overthinking it, Hee. We're just close, that's all. Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'm interested in every guy I know. Jungkook's my friend, that's it."

"Sure. But you can't tell me you've never thought about him like that. Not even once? I mean, he's grown into a fucking hottie, don't say you didn't notice that!"

Taehyung busied himself setting the cookies on a tray and putting it in the oven, avoiding her gaze as he tried to push away the thoughts that had been lingering at the edges of his mind. Jungkook was just a friend, wasn't he? He was so nice and kind yesterday, yes, but that's just how Jungkook is in his core. He's been always like that.

He sighed, frustrated with himself for even entertaining the thought. "Look, Hee, Jungkook's straight. He's been seeing a girl regularly, I just met her the other day. There's nothing going on."

Taehee decided to stop teasing her brother, she approached him and patted his shoulder, "I get it. I wasn't trying to make things weird for you, Tae. I just want you to be happy, to find a nice boyfriend! That's all."