But Beautiful

part 51

The next morning, Taehyung was waiting in the reception area listening to Soojung chat away while waiting for Jungkook. He had his notebook tucked under one arm, his blanket draped over it, while his bear was held firmly against his chest. He seemed to be listening to her despite not looking at her, something Jungkook could tell because of how still and attentive he was. He approached the two, Soojung looking up at him before smiling brightly.

"Good morning, Jungkook!" she exclaimed. "Look who came out here to wait for you."

Jungkook smiled at her, returning the greeting before looking at Taehyung. "Good morning, Tae. Was Soojung being nice?" he asked, giving her a teasing look.

"Of course I was!" she gasped, scandalized by the question.

Taehyung stood up, tilting his head upward just slightly so his eyes could meet Jungkook's.

"Are you ready to go?" Jungkook asked, smiling warmly at his love. When Taehyung nodded, Jungkook placed his hand on the small of his back, looking at Soojung after. "You have tomorrow off, right?" he asked, continuing when she confirmed it, "I'll see you next week, then."

Leading Taehyung out of the facility and to his car, he opened the door for him before getting into the front seat, eyes soft as he watched Taehyung buckle up.

"I'm hungry," the man said quietly, Jungkook's heart skipping a beat at the sound.

"Well, I am, too, so let's get some breakfast. Does anything sound especially good?" Jungkook asked, starting the car up and turning the radio volume down.

"Hm, I'm not sure. French toast?" Taehyung considered, tilting his head as he looked at the other man. "Jungkookie?"

"That sounds good to me, my love," Jungkook agreed happily, starting towards his favorite diner. "I'll take you to a place I grew up going to, because they have the best french toast!" he began, "better than Denny's or IHOP or any place like that."

"IHOP is for pancakes," Taehyung commented. "Their french toast would be bad."

Jungkook giggled, endeared by the other's words. "That's true. Another thing about IHOP, their waffles suck, too."

"Again, pancakes."

"The place we're going is a family-owned diner, really nice. My dad knew the couple who owned it pretty well, they were always kind. They have great food, amazing homemade pies, I think you'll like it," Jungkook spoke as they drove.

"I'll like it because you like it, in the least," Taehyung replied. "I like pie. Do you?"

"I do! There's not a lot I don't like when it comes to food," Jungkook admitted, causing Taehyung to laugh quietly. "Pies are best during certain times of year, though. For instance, pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Have you ever really celebrated Thanksgiving?" he asked, curious.

"The foster families I stayed with weren't interested in having me around... And the group home was usually pretty empty during the holidays. With Mrs. Park, though," Taehyung started, "and just one time. She had a few family members over, and they all cooked together. The food was good, as far as I remember.

"Were her family members nice?"

"They were fine, and she was happy to see them. They would probably have preferred if I wasn't there, but it was okay."

"What do you remember liking, if anything specific?" Jungkook asked.

"Besides pie?" Taehyung giggled. "I don't really remember. Turkey, I guess."

"Is that all you can remember?" Jungkook laughed.

"Guilty," Taehyung admitted with a nod.

Jungkook pulled into the parking lot, taking Taehyung into the restaurant and exchanging pleasantries with the hostess. After they were seated, Jungkook ordered himself a coffee while Taehyung pointed out orange juice.