ACATALEPSY I BTS AU

CHAPTER 26 - Chasing shadows

Namjoon had been following you the entire time, keeping a safe distance until you both arrived at the restaurant—some place he had never seen before. He parked far enough to stay unnoticed, watching everything unfold.

When Tae stepped off to take a phone call, Namjoon seized the moment and slipped inside, sitting at a table right behind yours. His heart was racing. The whole situation felt surreal to him—never in his life had he imagined himself tailing the girl he liked. 

*What a strange life,* he thought. Usually, clients hired him for this type of thing, snooping on unfaithful partners or shady business associates. But here he was, doing it voluntarily, for personal reasons no less.

It was unlike him, but somehow, he wasn't even mad about it. If anything, he felt the rush of adrenaline, his detective instincts kicking in, but this time for something far more personal. You were still waiting for Tae when the waiter approached, asking if you were ready to order. 

You smiled politely, saying you were waiting for someone to return before deciding. The waiter nodded with a charming "Of course, miss," and then headed to Namjoon's table. 

"Good evening, sir. Can I get you anything?" 

Namjoon, startled, hadn't noticed the waiter coming. He quickly decided to alter his voice, speaking in a low tone using a dialect to avoid being recognised. Even if you couldn't see him, you might still recognize his voice.

Tae returned just as the waiter left. "Sorry for the delay, have you ordered yet?" he asked, slipping his phone into his pocket. 

You smiled. "No, I was waiting for you." 

"You're too kind," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, let's order."

You handed him the menu, as there was only one per table. He smirked, pushing it back towards you. "I don't need it. I already know what I'm getting." As he adjusted his watch. "Oh, by the way, since it's a celebration, order whatever you want. I'm covering it." He added.

You playfully placed your hands on your hips. "No way. I don't want to take advantage of your kindness. You already paid for the ice cream last time." 

Tae's expression darkened as he glared at you, locking eyes with an intensity that made you gulp. "Don't say stuff like that. It offends me." 

You quickly lowered your hands. "Tae, I'm not trying to upset you. But seriously, it's your celebration—I should be the one paying—"

You couldn't finish your sentence because his stare was becoming downright intimidating. *Those eyes...* You swallowed nervously. "Fine, fine, you win." 

His serious expression vanished, replaced by a wide grin. The waiter returned just in time to take your order. Tae went first. "I'll have a burger with fries and a soda, please." 

The waiter nodded and turned to you. "And for you, miss?" 

You pointed to something on the menu. "I'll have this, thank you." 

"Perfect," the waiter replied before walking away. 

Tae didn't take his eyes off you. "You like this place?" 

You nodded, glancing around. "It's beautiful." 

"I'm glad you think so," he said with a smile. "We can come back anytime if you want. Maybe bring the two little troublemakers with us—they'd love it here." 

You laughed softly, but internally, your thoughts were different. *I won't be back; this place is too expensive.* 

Then you remembered. "But wait, you still haven't told me what we're celebrating."