Invisible Affection | Taejin

24. A Best Friend's Scheme

A/N: Okay, it feels good to return to my comfort book! Geesh, I've visited books I haven't seen in years 😂 Anyway, I am back to my love! Let's keep this a secret from Jinkook readers! Although the Cunning Alpha is my baby, it's just I can't deal with that JK right now 😭

******

Taehyung stood in the shower, the warm water cascading over him in a soothing waterfall. He ran his fingers through his damp hair and pulled at it. His mind was far from calm; it was a whirlwind of thoughts, all swirling around his conversations with Seokjin.

He was caught in a tug-of-war between his head and his heart and torn between the desire to protect himself and the indisputable truth that he cared for Jin more than he had ever cared for anyone. He knew he couldn't pretend that everything was fine. Disregarding his feelings was impossible; they clung to him like the steam in the air, persistent and suffocating.

Yet, he also refused to wear the mask of a fool again, wary of repeating the painful history they once shared. The memories of feeling like a doormat, taken for granted rather than cared for, were still fresh in his mind.

He leaned against the shower tiles, letting out a heavy sigh that echoed in the shower. The hot water cascaded over his body, easing the tension in his muscles. Each droplet provided a small relief, washing away not only the stresses of the day but also the heavy fog of confusion that had settled on his chest.

He closed his eyes and let the calming shower surround him. He tried to put aside the worries that clouded him. The outside world faded away, and the sound of the water muffled everything else, allowing him to focus on the feelings inside. Taehyung took a deep breath, hoping to find clarity, even as the struggle continued beneath the surface. He knew soon he would have to give Seokjin an answer.

"I need to figure this out," he said to himself.

*****

"How did it go with Taehyung?" Hoseok asked, sitting beside Jin and handing him a cup of coffee.

Jin accepted the coffee but then set it down on the coffee table without taking a sip. His mind drifted back to the earlier meeting with Taehyung, particularly the coffee Taehyung had bought for him. "I already had my fill of coffee earlier, but thanks," he replied absentmindedly.

"To be honest, I'm not sure where things stand between us now. He didn't seem satisfied with the way I approached our conversation earlier. But honestly, it made me angry to see him with that guy.

And you! Why did you have to make that ridiculous comment when you saw him without his shirt? I can't believe you thought that was appropriate."

Hoseok leaned back, considering Jin's frustration. "Look, you were upset, and that's why you reacted the way you did. If you had been in a calmer state of mind, I doubt you would have acted so impulsively.

I tried to drop some hints that making a scene could come off a bit reckless, but you clearly followed your instincts in the moment. That said, I don't think that should make Taehyung dismiss your feelings for him. If anything, it probably showed him how strongly you feel for him. A little bit of craziness never hurt anyone," Hoseok said with a laugh.

Then, with a teasing grin, he said, "As for my reaction to him being shirtless, well, I was just surprised! I had no idea he was packing that much muscle. I can see now why you might have an interest in him; it's hard not to with that kind of look. Not that I'm saying he isn't good-looking. He definitely is.

However, I have to admit, and will always say this, I never really pictured him as the type of guy you would actually be interested in." Hoseok confessed.