Invisible Affection | Taejin

18. Maybe

"Are we going in the pool, or are we just here to look at it?" Jungkook asked as he took a bite of the chicken prepared by the chef Jimin had hired.

Hoseok and Jin exchanged eye rolls and had similar thoughts in response to Jungkook's question.

Jimin noticed their expressions before either of them could speak and decided to take the lead. "I have an idea for a game that I think we should try in the pool, so yes, we're going in," he announced. As he spoke, he caught Jin's raised eyebrow, almost like a challenge. "Jin, you're coming in with us, right? I feel you'll enjoy the game I have in mind."

"He will," Hoseok replied, speaking for Jin before smiling in Jin's direction. "Let's go change. I'm sure that whatever game Jimin has planned will be fun."

"I don't feel like going into the water. Y'all can go. I will watch you play from here," Jin responded as he looked toward the sea, wishing the time had been different.

Hoseok adamantly objected, "Nope, that's not going to work. You're joining us, even if I have to throw you in myself."

"Please, Jin, it will be fun, I promise." Jimin pleaded, his pout gradually transforming into a pleading smile.

"Fine, whatever," Jin mumbled as he got up from the chair.

****

Jin let out a heavy sigh as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. As he had feared, none of the swim trunks he had packed provided enough coverage for the large bruise on the left side of his abdomen. It had been almost three months, but the physical reminder of what happened continued to haunt him, a persistent and painful evidence of what he had suffered.

Feeling frustrated and annoyed, he angrily kicked at the swim trunks scattered on the bathroom floor. He settled for the pair he was wearing and stormed out of the bathroom, slamming the door as he went towards the closet to grab a tank top.

"Is everything okay?" Taehyung asked as he came around the corner to find Jin, having heard the bathroom door slamming.

Jin snapped, turning sharply to shoot Taehyung a glare filled with anger. "Don't ask me anything," he spat.

Taehyung was left speechless and taken aback by Jin standing shirtless, unable to find the right words to respond.

However, his eyes widened in concern as they trailed down, and he noticed a bruise above Jin's hip. "Are you okay? What happened?" he asked, his worry evident in his voice.

Jin shouted, "I am fine!" as he angrily marched toward the closet. Once inside, he locked the door behind him.

Taehyung stood frozen in place, his mind swirling with confusion and concern over the sight of the bruise. He couldn't help but wonder if Jin had injured himself in the bathroom or during a fall. The worry gnawed at him, propelling him to approach the closet door. With a gentle tap, he expressed, "I know I may not always be the best at expressing myself, but I want you to understand that I genuinely care about you. Seeing you hurt causes me to worry. I'll respect your privacy if you don't want to discuss it, but I need you to know I'm here for you. If you need to see a doctor and want us to leave to go see one, we can."

Jin responded with bitterness, "Please leave me alone, Taehyung. Go care about yourself. I don't need your pity."

As Taehyung heard hangers being moved on the other side of the door, he disregarded Jin's words and said, "I'm going to put on a shirt to go with my swim trunks, so you're not the only one wearing one. When you're ready, I'll be out here."

After not hearing from Jin for a while, he didn't let it bother him. He changed into a shirt and sat on the sofa, waiting for Jin for half an hour.

"How is this shirt with the shorts?"