𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙡 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙡 || 𝙆𝙏𝙃

35. THE MISSING BOOK

Ava stepped into the small, cozy bookstore, the smell of fresh paper and soft wood wrapping around her. She’d been excited all morning to find the latest book in a series she’d been eagerly following. As she moved down the aisles, scanning the shelves, her heart sank. It wasn’t there. She checked the section again, then the next, but it seemed the book had already sold out.

Sighing, she was about to turn toward the door when she bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry!" she said, looking up.

"Hey, Ava!" Jimin greeted with a bright smile, his eyes lighting up in recognition. His presence was a relief—Ava had always considered him like a brother, someone who felt familiar and comforting, even if they hadn't spent much time together lately.

"Jimin! What are you doing here?" Ava asked, surprised to see him in the bookstore.

"I could ask you the same thing," he teased. "But I’m just looking for a good read. What about you?"

Ava frowned a little. "I was hoping to find the latest release in this fantasy series I’ve been following, but it looks like they’re sold out."

"Oh, I know that one!" Jimin said, his face lighting up. "I have a copy at home."

Ava’s eyes widened. "You do? Oh, that would be amazing! I’ve been dying to read it. I was thinking about going to another store, but it’s such a hassle."

Jimin grinned. "Don’t worry about it. I’ve got you covered."

She was still a bit unsure. "I don’t want to disturb you. You’re probably busy, right? With your restaurant and everything?"

Jimin dramatically placed a hand over his chest and sighed. "Ah, well, actually… it’s my off day today. Every Monday, I get the day off. It’s the perk of being the boss. And honestly, I deserve it," he said with a smirk, though his tone was lighthearted. "No one tells me what to do!"

Ava laughed, a little surprised by his dramatic flair. 'I didn’t know you had an off day. Must be nice to be the boss, huh?"

"Well, someone has to keep the place running," he teased. "But today, it’s all about relaxing. And you’re more than welcome to come over and hang out. It’ll be chill, I promise."

Ava smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and slight nervousness. She had always thought of Jimin as family, someone she could trust without question. But something about today felt different, like a small shift she couldn’t quite place.

Ava hesitated, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "I don’t know, Jimin. I mean, I don’t want to bother you or intrude on your day off."

Jimin tilted his head, his grin softening into an encouraging smile. "Come on, Ava. It’s no trouble at all. I’ve got the book. Plus, you said you’ve been dying to read it, right?"

She bit her lip, still unsure. "Well, yeah, but—"

He cut her off, his grin turning into a teasing smirk. "You come over, I’ll lend you the book, make you tea, and—" he paused dramatically, leaning closer, "I’ll show you Taehyung’s childhood photos."

Ava’s jaw dropped, her eyes widening. "What? You have those? How?"

Jimin chuckled, crossing his arms proudly. "Oh, I have my ways. Let’s just say I’ve been saving them for a moment like this. Trust me, you’ll want to see them. He was... let’s call it, adorably awkward."

Ava couldn’t help but laugh, the nervousness in her chest loosening. "I don’t know if I should feel bad for Tae or grateful to you for offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Jimin waved her off with a playful shrug. "It’s all in good fun. Besides, he’ll never know… unless you tell him." He winked.

Ava shook her head, still laughing. "Okay, fine. You’ve convinced me. Tea, a good book, and blackmail material on Taehyung? How could I say no?"

Jimin grinned triumphantly, clearly pleased with himself. "That’s the spirit. Let’s go, then."

As they walked out of the bookstore together, Ava felt lighter, her earlier disappointment about the book fading into the background. The bookstore was within walking distance of Jimin’s house, so they decided to take their time and enjoy the cool afternoon air.

The conversation shifted to Taehyung, and Jimin began sharing stories about him. At first, the stories were lighthearted, but then Jimin, laughing, revealed one of Taehyung's most embarrassing moments.

"Don't tell him I told you," Jimin warned, half-serious. "He’d kill me if he found out."

On the other side Taehyung and Jungkook were on their way to visit their friend who owned a popular restaurant. Taehyung was driving, his face set in a serious expression. Jungkook, sitting next to him, was busy scrolling through his phone. Taehyung had decided to talk to their friend about something important, and since it was Monday, he figured it was the best time to meet him—his friend always took Mondays off after the busy weekend rush.

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, raising an eyebrow. "Why are we going to his house? He’s probably at his office, right?"

Taehyung chuckles, responding with a casual tone, "It’s Monday. He takes the day off on Mondays, fool."

Jungkook dramatically sighed, looking out the window. "Everyone’s going to work on Monday, and he’s taking the day off? Just... wow. Must be nice."

Taehyung shot him a glance, smirking. "You probably forgot, but he runs a restaurant. He’s busiest during the weekends. Monday is his only day to rest."

Jungkook nodded, though he was still skeptical. They continued their drive until they reached their friend’s house, but when they arrived, they were met with a locked door.

Taehyung dials Jimin's number, but there’s no answer. They exchange confused looks.

"Guess we’re heading back to the office," Taehyung mutters, clearly annoyed that things didn’t go as planned.

As they drive back, Jungkook, ever the curious one, spots someone on the street. "Hold up, is that Jimin? And who’s that with him?" he teases with an exaggerated grin.

Taehyung turns to see what Jungkook’s talking about, and his heart sinks. It’s Ava. Seeing her with Jimin hits him like a ton of bricks. His mind races with confusion. What’s she doing here? At his house? Why is she with him? He watches them laugh together, the easy camaraderie between them a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest. Ava looks so happy... or is it just his mind playing tricks on him?

"Guess what? Jimin’s got a girl, man!" Jungkook says with a goofy grin. "C'mon, let’s go see who she is." He reaches for the car door handle, but Taehyung stops him with a sharp gesture.

Without a word, Taehyung’s expression hardens, his chest tightening. He doesn’t want to deal with this right now. His thoughts are a whirlwind, but he knows he needs to stay composed. He turns to Jungkook, his voice cool and measured. "Leave it, Jungkook. Let’s go," he says, his tone brokering no argument.

Jungkook, sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, nods quietly. The car continues its drive, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.

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