Harmonic Destinies

Chapter 15 : First Date?!

Taehyung stood outside the restaurant, nervously adjusting his collar. The twinkling lights strung across the entrance illuminated the evening, creating an inviting atmosphere that should have made him feel excited. Instead, he felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him. He glanced at his phone one last time, hoping for a message from Jungkook, but there was still nothing.

"Hey, you okay?" Baekhyung's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling Taehyung back to the moment. He turned to see Baekhyung smiling brightly at him, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Yeah, I'm fine," Taehyung replied, forcing a smile in return. "Just... thinking." Taehyung sighed and gave a small smile right after. "About what?" Baekhyung asked, cocking his head to the side, his curiosity evident. "Just... school, I guess." Taehyung shrugged, not wanting to delve into his conflicting feelings. He didn't want to ruin the evening with his internal struggles.

Baekhyung seemed like a great guy funny, charming, and easy to talk to. But even as they walked inside the restaurant, Taehyung couldn't shake the thoughts of Jungkook from his mind. Once they were seated, Baekhyung launched into a light-hearted conversation about his classes, sharing funny stories about their classmates. Taehyung chuckled at the anecdotes, his laughter genuine, but a part of him felt distant as if he were merely a spectator in the moment. "What about you, Taehyung? What's been on your mind?" Baekhyung asked, leaning forward with interest. "Not much. Just the usual stuff," Taehyung replied, toying with the edge of the napkin on his lap. "Violin practice, schoolwork..."

"Come on, there must be something more!" Baekhyung insisted playfully, his enthusiasm infectious. "You're a talented musician. You have to have dreams, right?" Taehyung opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. What dreams? All he could think about was Jungkook. How his heart raced whenever he thought about him, the way their brief encounters left him feeling electrified yet confused. But could he really express that to Baekhyung? "I just want to improve my music skills, and fulfill my mom her desires," Taehyung said finally, shrugging it off. "Maybe get into a good orchestra someday." Baekhyun smiled "That's a great goal! I can totally see you doing that," Baekhyung said, and Taehyung appreciated the support in his voice. "But what about, you know, relationships? You must have someone special in your life."

Taehyung felt a flush rise to his cheeks at the question. He opened his mouth to respond but quickly closed it again. What was he supposed to say? That he was confused about his feelings for someone who had kissed him and then disappeared? Or that he was sitting across from someone who was clearly interested in him, and all he could think about was someone else? "Not really," Taehyung finally said, attempting to sound casual. "Just focusing on my music for now." Baekhyung nodded, but Taehyung could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "Got it. I mean, you're still young, right? Plenty of time for that." He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes, and Taehyung felt a pang of guilt for not being more open.

As their meals arrived, Taehyung attempted to immerse himself in the moment. They shared stories about their families, laughed over their food, and enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. But every time Baekhyung leaned in closer or made him laugh, Taehyung felt an echo of longing for something or someone... else. After dinner, Baekhyung suggested a walk around the nearby park. Taehyung hesitated but agreed. He didn't want to hurt Baekhyung's feelings, and maybe some fresh air would help clear his mind. As they walked side by side, Baekhyung pointed out the various lights decorating the park, and Taehyung admired how animated he was, and how he brought life to every little detail.

"Look at those flowers!" Baekhyung exclaimed, pointing at a small patch of blooms illuminated by a soft glow. "Aren't they beautiful?" Baekhyung smiled trying to make a conversation. "They are," Taehyung admitted, trying to appreciate the moment fully. He could see how much Baekhyung enjoyed sharing these things, and for that, Taehyung felt grateful. But every time he looked at Baekhyung, he couldn't shake the nagging thoughts of Jungkook from his mind. "Do you ever wonder what it's like to perform in front of a huge crowd?" Baekhyung asked, breaking through Taehyung's thoughts again. "Like, the thrill of it?"