Invisible Affection | Taejin

14. For Me. Only. Exclusively, Mine!

Taehyung studied the breakfast he had carefully prepared for the past two hours since he awoke. He quickly glanced at the picture of the recipe he found online, making sure he had everything prepared just right. The breakfast had an American flair, a new experience for him. He was grateful that all the ingredients were readily available, likely because Jin was more familiar with that part of the world.

Even though he didn't have much relationship experience, he was determined to put in his utmost effort, especially because it was with Jin, someone who held a special place in his heart. He never expected that Jin would engage in conversation with him. He doubted they would have ever met or communicated if he hadn't intervened one day after work. He saw an unfamiliar guy attempting to corner Jin against a wall. He sensed something was wrong, and Jin's tense voice compelled him to intervene, which resulted in a confrontation with the individual.

"What are you doing?"

Taehyung, lost in his own thoughts when Jin's question snapped him back to reality. He swiftly stashed his phone away and directed his focus to Jin. "I made you breakfast," he announced with a hopeful lilt in his voice, eager for Jin's approval.

He didn't receive a response from Jin, who walked over to the table to look at what Taehyung had prepared.

"I also planned on making you hot chocolate, but I wanted to wait until you were awake so it wouldn't be cold. I'll go make it now," Taehyung said with a sense of urgency and hurried off to the kitchen. His heart pounded against his chest as nerves and worry consumed him. He worried that Jin wouldn't like the food, but he tried to reassure himself that Jin had often savored the things he prepared. The only difference this time was that he had cooked something entirely new to him, a dish he had never tried making before.

While preparing the hot chocolate, he paid it the attention it needed, ensuring it was crafted exactly to Jin's liking. This process was a perfect art form for him, much like his understanding of Jin's preferences for coffee and tea. These intricate details were deeply ingrained in his memory, often leading him to prepare his own tea reminiscent of Jin's, finding comfort in the resemblance.

While not particularly fond of coffee, there were moments when he would prepare it for himself, almost as if it were intended for Jin, and only then could he truly enjoy it. It wasn't merely the flavor that brought him joy but the comforting thought of having something that evoked memories of Jin.

When he returned to the dining area, Taehyung's eyes landed on Jin, who was seated, picking at the food in front of him. The steam rose from the cup of hot chocolate that Taehyung carefully placed in front of Jin. He pressed his lips together, holding his breath, hoping that this small gesture would comfort Jin.

Finally finding the courage, he asked with a hint of nervousness, "Do you like it?" after sitting across from Jin.

Jin savored the sweet, fluffy pancake in his mouth before locking eyes with Taehyung. With genuine curiosity, he inquired, "Was this your first time this?"

Taehyung nervously swallowed, then nodded in response. "Yes, I'm sorry if it wasn't good this time. I'll make sure to improve next time I attempt it," he promised.

"Don't bother," Jin commented, taking another bite of the pancakes.

"Sorry," Taehyung mumbled as his face fell. He knew he had tried his best, but somehow his best was not good enough.

When Jin noticed Taehyung's expression, a concerned furrow appeared. "I believe there's been a misunderstanding. When I said 'don't bother,' I meant it in the sense of not needing to strive for improvement because you've already done great. I like it."