Invisible Affection | Taejin

16. Safe....

Taehyung stared at Jin, who was staring right back at him. "You seriously introduced me to your brother as 'the person you share this living space with.' Are you serious?" Jin asked as he approached Taehyung and confronted him.

"I didn't intend for it to be offensive. He is now aware we are dating. I didn't feel like having that conversation with him right then. Just like you prefer to take time to talk to your friends, I respect your decision. I wanted to take my time explaining everything to him. Maybe I could have framed it better, but it wasn't said to cause any hurt or feelings." Taehyung explained.

Jin rolled his eyes. " Get over yourself. Your words are not that important to me to cause me any hurt. I want to make it clear I am not going to be dating someone who chooses to introduce me to their brother the way you did."

"I understand, and you have every right to feel like you do. I'll also take this opportunity to state clearly what I'm unwilling to tolerate. As a person with emotions, telling me that my words are unimportant to you is not good to say, particularly when we are dating.

Also, while speaking with me, talk to me rather than at me. We are adults; let's treat one another as such, even if you have never done it before." Taehyung said strongly, continuing to stare at Jin. After talking with his brother, gaining his advice, and wanting his relationship with Seokjin to go well, he realized he needed to improve his ability to express himself, something he struggled with.

Jin scuffed in disbelief, insulted by Taehyung's choice of words: "What the hell do you mean 'even if I've never done it before'? Then you want to educate me on my word choice and delivery. Aren't you being hypocritical? You know what? Dating you makes no sense."

"Again, I did not want to upset you, and I didn't consider my statements hypocritical, given their honesty. Also, could you explain why dating me does not make sense to you?

Seokjin, I am not trying to start an argument or be rude; I only wanted to express myself, but if that is too much for you, I will continue to keep my thoughts to myself." Taehyung said, and even though he didn't show it, his heart was beating, and a knot formed in his throat, thinking Jin was having second thoughts about their relationship.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. I have already wasted enough of my time on it. Now, onto something more important, you and your brother will drive with me. I initially planned for him to ride with Jimin, but Jimin is going with Hoseok, and Hoseok doesn't easily  connect with new people. I don't either, but it's different since he is your brother.

Also, as a heads-up, there will be two other guys, Yoongi and Jungkook. You probably know Jungkook. Yoongi is someone you may not be familiar with, and I don't know much about him either. Hoseok seems to think highly of him, or perhaps he appreciates that Yoongi is someone his dad would approve of him dating. Whichever it is, it doesn't concern me.

Jungkook used to be interested in me, but now he's involved with Jimin. Their relationship is on and off. Jungkook might make some remarks but don't take them seriously. Once you get his personality, you'll be fine."

"Thanks for sharing all of that with me," Taehyung said, "I have a question though. You mentioned Jungkook used to be interested in you. Were you ever interested in him?"

"If I were, Jimin wouldn't have had the chance to date him, and you and I wouldn't be dating now, even though he fits perfectly as someone my parents would expect me to date. I hope that answers your question. I'm going to shower, and I would prefer you to stay here, in my room until I'm done."

Taehyung found himself with another question immediately after Jin responded, "Do your parents have a preference on who you date?"

Jin sighed deeply as he responded to Taehyung, "Every parent does, Taehyung. However, my parents are not that fixed on those things. To them, what truly matters is my happiness and the person I choose to be with. Sometimes, I struggle to remember that because of my upbringing, but enough with the questions. I need to take a shower and get ready."