Invisible Affection | Taejin

12. Stay

The last section of this chapter could potentially be triggering to some readers, so read with caution. 

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Jimin rushed over to Taehyung when he saw him entering the apartment building. Concern on his face, he asked, "Are you okay? What happened to you?" His eyes fell on the cast wrapped around Taehyung's wrist, and worry deepened in his gaze.

Taehyung forced a smile and nodded, trying to mask his true feelings. "Yes, I am okay," he said. "How are you doing?"

Jimin's gaze was fixated on Taehyung's hand, oblivious to everything else around him. "You don't look well. What happened to your hand?"

"I fell earlier and broke my wrist, but it will be okay soon," Taehyung assured him, able to see the genuine concern on Jimin's face as he looked at him.

Jimin winced in sympathy. "Ouch, that must have been really painful. You should definitely be more careful next time. How long are they making you wear the cast for?" he asked, leaning casually against the wall closest to the elevators.

"The current pain is bearable, and I anticipate being able to have the cast removed in approximately six weeks."

"Wow, that's a really long time. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need me to help. I'm assuming you won't be able to work now, right?" Jimin couldn't fathom Taehyung returning to work anytime soon and understood that it might take quite a while for him to get back to work.

Taehyung smiled warmly, expressing his gratitude, saying, "I really appreciate it. I won't be working this week as I need to give my wrist time to heal. The restaurant was nice enough to adjust my responsibilities so I don't strain my wrist or cause further harm."

"Oh, that's good. Did you eat? I ordered dinner from my favorite Italian restaurant and have a lot to share if you want to join me for dinner," Jimin said, and his eyes lit up with hope as he extended the invitation to Taehyung.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm good. I think I want to shower and sleep. It's been a long day. Maybe another time," Taehyung said, politely smiling at Jimin.

"Of course, I understand. You must be really tired. I should let you go. I think Jin is already there, although I am not sure. He left school early today and hasn't responded to my messages. If he is there, please tell him to call me?"

Taehyung nodded in acknowledgment, wished Jimin a good night, and then proceeded to the elevator to take him to his designated floor.

*****

As Taehyung stepped into the apartment, he was greeted by Jin standing in the entryway. With his arms folded, Jin leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on Taehyung. In the tense silence between them, Jin's eyes lingered on the cast adorning Taehyung's hand but said nothing.

Taehyung unhurriedly bent down to remove his shoes, carefully placing them on the shoe rack. He then slipped on his inside slippers and made his way through the entryway, leading him down the hallway to his bedroom. Upon entering, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. Guilt gnawed at him for not saying anything to Jin, yet the lingering hurt from Jin's earlier actions left him silent. Deciding to grapple with his emotions internally, he chose to remain silent for the time being.

Setting down his bag, the creak of the door drew his attention as he turned to find Jin standing in the doorway.

"What happened to your hand?"

"My wrist is broken," Taehyung said, his voice strained as he focused on removing his laptop from his bag.

Walking closer to Taehyung, Jin asked, "Did that happen at the library?"