Invisible Affection | Taejin

28. Nurturing Our Bond: Inside & Out

"...she had this amazing way of making everyone feel seen like they were the most important person in the world at that moment," Taehyung said, a smile spreading across his face. A memory flickered in his mind, and he gazed off into the distance as he continued.

"I can still picture her baking cookies for all the kids in the neighborhood. She taught me the value of kindness and compassion. It became our little tradition to spread goodness throughout our community. We may not have had much, but in my mother's eyes, we were rich in kindness. Whenever someone came through our door, she would greet them with a bright smile and an even bigger hug."

His eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he added, "To be honest, there were moments I felt a bit embarrassed by her open affection, especially around others, but looking back, I realize how those times molded my understanding of love and compassion."

Jin listened quietly, knowing it was no surprise that Taehyung's mother had such a generous heart. After a moment, he asked, "What was your favorite thing to do together?" He wanted to hear more, to see that infectious smile and the light in Taehyung's eyes.

Taehyung's expression softened. "We loved painting together. She would set up a little art station outside with all her supplies. We could spend hours creating our own masterpieces. Even when I made a mess, she'd laugh and say, 'Art is supposed to be a beautiful chaos!' That became our motto."

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled with unspoken understanding. Jin could sense how deeply Taehyung treasured those memories. "She sounds like a wonderful person," Jin observed.

"She truly was," Taehyung replied, his smile filled with bittersweetness. "I think about her daily, but I carry her spirit with me. It helps me stay grounded."

"I know she must be proud of you," Jin replied, returning to his meal.

Taehyung smiled in response but chose not to say anything as he continued to eat.

The rest of the morning passed in silence as they enjoyed their food. Once they were done, Taehyung took the initiative to clean up the dishes and tidy the kitchen, noticing that Jin had quietly left the room.

After Taehyung tidied up the kitchen, he took a deep breath and searched the apartment for Jin. He eventually found him lounging in the bedroom, sitting cross-legged in the middle of his neatly made bed, engrossed in his phone's screen.

"I canceled my plans with Jimin and Hoseok," Jin announced without glancing up. "Figured we could spend the rest of the day together."

Taehyung paused, slightly taken aback. "Oh, I—"

"Whatever you had planned can probably wait until another day, right?" Jin interjected smoothly, his eyes still fixed on the glowing screen for a moment longer before he set his phone down and rose to his feet. As he walked towards Taehyung, he casually tossed his shirt aside, letting it fall to the floor.

"I was thinking," Jin continued with a playful smile, his fingers brushing teasingly along Taehyung's bicep, sending a shiver down his spine, "we could continue what we started earlier." His gaze was intense, locked onto Taehyung's as if trying to read his thoughts. "Only if you're comfortable with that, of course."

Taehyung felt his heart race unexpectedly, Jin's words sinking in. "Are you sure about this, Seokjin?" he asked, wanting to ensure they were on the same page.

"I'm sure," Jin replied confidently. "I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't. Besides," he said, leaning in closer, his breath mingling with Taehyung's, "if you're going to lose your virginity to anyone, I'd rather it be me than someone else." His arms wrapped around Taehyung, and he pressed their lips together,