Important Business

Part 9.2

Jungkook places his bag on the backseat and climbs into the front passenger seat, and buckles in. He grins at Taehyung behind the steering wheel. It is almost 6 PM and Seoul rush hour was in full swing.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get off sooner," he apologizes while Taehyung set the signal to merge back into traffic.

"Usually it would take a little over two hours to Sokcho, but with traffic in Seoul, I guess it will take more than three. Worst case scenario four," Taehyung explains and they slowly crawl along the street.

"Tough day?" Taehyung asks, when Jungkook leans back and closes his eyes, trying to relax. He was indeed tired, but also tense and excited to spend the weekend with Taehyung. Seeing him, sitting there behind the wheel smiling and at ease did things to him he couldn't describe.

He was still battling it out with himself and he felt like a masochist, exposing himself to Taehyung's presence. Wasn't he schizophrenic as well? Craving to be close to Taehyung and touching him, and also trying to keep it friendly? He was completely irrational.

"It was a long day," Jungkook sighs and arranges the seat. "Where are we staying anyway? Could you find something?"

Taehyung chuckles. "Of course I did."

"Let me know what I owe you," he replies and opens his eyes again, looking at the traffic.

Taehyung laughs in earnest now.

"Was what I said funny?" Jungkook asks, a bit miffed.

"No, sorry. It is just that we are staying at a friend's apartment."

"Oh."

"Yeah, so there is no need. Did you pack for hiking and the beach?"

"Yes sir, I did," he salutes. "Like you instructed."

"Good, so I am sure we will have a great time there."

It takes them some time to finally leave the city behind them, but when they are on the highway to drive east, it gets easier and they make faster progress.

More than two hours into the drive, Jungkook's stomach growls so loudly that Taehyung can hear it over the radio.

"We will go out to eat immediately when we arrive," he promises. "Or do you want to stop along the highway."

"I will manage until we arrive. But are you sure you want to eat out?"

"Yes," Taehyung assures, leaving no room for an argument

They enter the parking garage of a high building half an hour later and leave their luggage in the car, just taking their phones and wallets.

Sokcho in the evening bustles with people in bars and restaurants along the beach. It was warm, but not too warm to sit outside without a jacket due to the wind coming from the sea. They find a small restaurant that isn't too crowded and sit down. Jungkook feels eyes on them and is glowering back at everyone who meets his eyes.

"You look like you will hurt anyone who dares to come close," Taehyung remarks.

"I do not."

"Yes, you do," and he shows him his phone. Jungkook hadn't even realized Taehyung had taken a picture of him since he was too occupied glaring. Gosh he looked pissed.

"Maybe a little bit."

Taehyung laughs and pulls his bucket hat lower. "Happy?"

"A little."

"But now I can't really see you anymore."

"It's fine, you know how I look. The important part is that we enjoy our food," Jungkook grumbles and takes a bite of his bulgogi and shoves some vegetables into his mouth next.