The Second Choice

In Need Of A Distraction

A week later, at the office, the change in Y/n's behavior was unmistakable. She had been noticeably distant from Taehyung, avoiding him and limiting their interactions to the bare minimum. Taehyung, sensing something was wrong, decided to confront the issue.

On this particular day, Taehyung walked into the break room to grab a coffee. The space was bustling with activity as Y/n, Emery, Savannah, and Brynn chatted and laughed together. Taehyung approached the group, feeling a bit hesitant but determined to speak with Y/n.

"Hey, Y/n," Taehyung said, gently tapping her on the shoulder.

Y/n turned around, her smile appearing a bit strained. "Oh, hey Tae," she replied, her voice cheerful but lacking its usual warmth. Savannah, Emery, and Brynn also greeted Taehyung, and he responded with a friendly nod.

Before Taehyung could continue, he focused back on Y/n. "What are you doing this Saturday? I got tickets to a basketball game—courtside seats. I thought we could go since it's our favorite team."

Instantly, Y/n's expression shifted. She hesitated for a moment before saying, "Oh, I can't. I promised my mom I'd visit her this weekend. Maybe another time?"

Savannah jumped in quickly, "Well, I'll go if Y/n won't."

Y/n forced a smile, visibly relieved by the quick diversion. "Ah, yeah, you should take Savannah with you," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic. Emery, who had been paying close attention, noticed that Y/n's excuse was inconsistent with what she had mentioned earlier. Earlier in the week, Y/n had confided in her about having no plans for the weekend.

Despite this, Emery chose to stay silent, sensing that pressing the issue might only increase the tension. She watched as Y/n tried to mask her discomfort with a smile.

Taehyung appeared disappointed but didn't push further. "Alright, I guess," he said, forcing a smile. "If you change your mind, let me know."

Y/n nodded, her relief evident. "Definitely. I'll let you know."

As Taehyung walked away, the atmosphere in the break room felt different. Emery and Y/n exchanged glances, with Emery silently questioning Y/n's choice to lie. As the conversation shifted, Y/n pushed aside the guilt and confusion that had been troubling her.

When Brynn and Savannah returned to their jobs, Emery pulled Y/n aside. "What's going on? You've been acting weird with Tae for the past few days. Not getting lunch with him, rejecting his plans to hang out—did you and Tae have an argument? This is strange. You two are best friends."

Y/n shook her head, trying to deflect. "It's not that."

Emery pressed on, "Then what did Jimin say? Did he say something to you?"

Y/n replied, "Jimin has nothing to do with this. Me and Jimin are good."

Emery was not convinced. "Then what is it?"

Y/n glanced around nervously and sighed. "You won't judge me, right?"

Emery nodded reassuringly.

Y/n fidgeted with her hands. "So, Taehyung and I, we always hang out, right?"

Emery nodded.

Y/n rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Urgh, it's so stupid, but lately..."

Emery interrupted, "But lately what?"

Y/n avoided eye contact, feeling embarrassed. Emery gasped. "No way. Don't tell me you—"

Y/n nodded. "I think I have a small crush on Tae."

Emery's hand flew to her mouth in surprise. "Since when?"

Y/n met Emery's gaze. "Don't judge me, but it started after the night we all went to the bar and played spin the bottle. We ended up kissing, and then when we were hanging out later, I teased him about being asexual and boring. He told me he could make me fall in love with him. I thought he was just joking. I mean, it's my best friend Tae, right? But then he smirked and flipped me over. He was on top of me, looked me in the eye as if he was going to lean in, then pulled a strand of my hair aside, brushed his thumb on my lips, and tasted the tiramisu I had on my lips before helping me up. He knew I was flustered and laughed, saying it was easy. And I—well, I didn't know it would affect me like this. I've felt different ever since."