Invisible Affection | Taejin

11. What hurts the most

Jimin's gaze darted back and forth between Jin and Hoseok, each time fixing Hoseok with a begging stare, silently urging him to speak. Hoseok, in response, held Jimin's gaze, attempting to communicate through his own stubborn look that Jimin's persistent stare was unnecessary. Despite his efforts, Jimin's gaze was filled with a silent plea, desperate for Hoseok to voice the questions that weighed heavily on both their minds.

Hoseok let out a deep and heavy sigh, the weight of his exhale matching the nervousness in his heart. He pushed away the untouched, now cold coffee and focused on Jin. They had been sitting outside one of the campus cafes and could constantly hear the distant chatter of students who walked by.

Hoseok seated across from Jin, staring at the table as he twirled his finger in invisible circles and finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Jin, I have a question to ask. I've meant to ask you since yesterday but never found the right time."

Jin focused on scrolling through his reels, looking up from his phone and at Hoseok. "What question is that?"

"It's about Taehyung and him living with you. Did you really offer him a place to stay because he didn't have anywhere to live? Or is it more than that? Are the two of you together? I am asking because it just seemed sudden and also unexpected. He is not someone I thought you would have to live with, so it made me and Jimin a bit curious," Hoseok said, taking a deep breath, relieved that he had finally expressed his thoughts.

Jimin frowned when Hoseok unexpectedly brought up his name in the conversation. "I'm not that curious," he mumbled, earning a glare from Hoseok.

Jin's irritation was palpable as he responded to Hoseok. "I thought you had a question, but it seems you had multiple. Try being clearer next time, so I know what to expect. You also don't seem to like the unexpected without having full knowledge of why I make the personal decisions I do," he said, setting his phone down and fixing Hoseok with a stern stare.

"I-"

"I want to answer your questions before you say anything more. There is absolutely nothing romantic happening between Taehyung and me. He's not someone I have any interest in. As you know, I'm already talking to someone. The reason he's living with me is for mutual benefit, and honestly, it's not something I want to discuss right now," Jin explained.

Seeing his best friend's concern, he took a moment, closed his eyes, and continued, "Maybe one day, when I feel comfortable, I will share the details with you and Jimin. But right now, it's not the right time for me. I hope you can understand."

Hoseok immediately nodded after hearing Jin's response, "Of course! Please don't feel pressured or think you must tell us everything. I know if there was something you wanted us to know, you would tell us. I only asked about Taehyung because it's weird."

Jimin couldn't hold back any longer and spoke, interrupting Hoseok. "It's just so strange if I'm being completely honest," he said. "You and him are like polar opposites. I mean, sure, he's good-looking, but you usually look for more than just that. From what I can see, he's just a struggling university student from an average background. I think he's a great guy and quite sincere, but knowing you, I can never imagine you with someone like him. It would be weird."

"I agree with Jimin. He seems really chill and friendly, but he isn't like any guy you would date, however-"

"He and I are not dating. We will never date! So please stop focusing on that. Jimin, if you want him, you can have him. I have to go to class. I'll see you all later," Jin said firmly as he stood up, picked up his phone, and walked away.

Jimin glanced at Hoseok as Jin walked away and asked, "Did he seem upset? Maybe we shouldn't have asked anything."

"I don't think it has anything to do with our questions," Hoseok responded. Deep within, he had many more questions as something told him that more was going on. "There might be something else, but as he had said earlier, he would share when he was ready, so let's not ask any more questions."