Fluent In Silence [Taekook]

Chapter 33 : Art My Soul

The evening air was warm and filled with the soft murmur of water cascading down the grand courtyard fountain. The subtle aroma of freshly cut greenery mingled with the gentle glow of candlelight, casting an almost ethereal ambiance over the gathering.

The courtyard’s tall columns, draped in climbing vines, stood like silent sentinels. The table was set with the Limoges porcelain dinner plate, bordered with intricate gold leaf patterns, and matching cutlery that shone like newly minted silver.

At each setting, pristine white napkins folded into elegant shapes were placed alongside crystal goblets. The tablecloth, woven from the finest silk, shimmered in a soft ivory hue, its edges embroidered with delicate gold threads. 

At the center of the table, an ornate candelabrum held tall, tapering candles that cast a soft, flickering light over the scene.

Tender cuts of meat delicately arranged platters of seafood, and an array of side dishes were as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. Fine wine filled the goblets, its deep red hue a stark contrast to the white tablecloth.

Taehyung, Hyungsuk, Namjoon, and Seokjin were seated around the table when Jungkook entered the courtyard. He moved directly to the seat beside Taehyung, softly kissing his cheek before taking his place. 

Taehyung looked up blinking at Jungkook before he looked around the table quietly, noting that no one seemed to be watching—Namjoon was engrossed with a piece of seafood with Seokjin, and Hyunsuk was focused on cutting a slice of meat.

“The shipment has arrived?” Hyunsuk inquired as he looked up, his tone steady. He ate a slice of meat from his fork.

“Yes, everything’s been handled,” Jungkook responded, serving himself a portion of foie gras.

“I called for this dinner because it’s been far too long since we’ve all been together,” Hyunsuk said, his voice carrying a tone of both warmth and authority.

He paused to take a sip of his wine. He set his glass down and then added, “So, the two of you are moving tomorrow?” his eyes settled on Namjoon and Seokjin.

“Yes, everything’s set,” Namjoon confirmed, his voice steady. 

“We’ll be moving tomorrow, early in the morning,” Seokjin added.

“So, Taehyung, how have your days been?” Hyunsuk asked, drawing Taehyung’s attention who was quietly eating and listening to their conversation.

“Perfect!” Seokjin interjected with a playful grin before Taehyung could respond.

Taehyung’s calm eyes blinked, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he looked at Seokjin, then shifted his gaze to Hyunsuk. “Good,” he replied softly. He glanced down at his plate.

Taehyung, visibly shy, struggled with cutting his steak, the knife slipping awkwardly each time.

In the next moment, Jungkook took the fork from him, expertly slicing the steak into manageable pieces before serving it back to Taehyung.

Taehyung looked up, meeting the curious gazes of everyone at the table. Seokjin chuckled before returning to his meal, followed by Namjoon. Hyunsuk’s gaze lingered on them, his expression unreadable. 

Taehyung looked down at his plate, quietly eating. His cheeks still flushed, he focused on his meal, his shyness evident in his soft, reserved demeanor.

Jungkook remained indifferent to the shifting atmosphere around him. He ate with a calm, composed demeanor, seemingly unaffected.

“Taehyung, as you know, Seokjin and Namjoon will be moving to their new mansion soon. And as promised, I’ve arranged for you to move into my mansion,” Hyunsuk said with a warm smile.