Invisible Affection | Taejin

39. Healing is not Linear

Seokjin woke up early, awoken by the peaceful quiet that filled the estate before the other guests started to wake up. He followed his morning routine with purpose, starting with a brief meditation in a corner of his room. After that, he went outside for a walk along the garden path. The fresh, chilly air smelled of dew on the leaves and freshly turned soil. With each step he took, he felt more at ease, calming his breath and clearing his mind of distractions.

By the time he returned, the sun had risen higher, casting long lines of gold across the windows. After a nice, warm shower, he put on a light blue shirt made of soft fabric that felt good against his skin, tucking it neatly into his nicely fitted pants. His hair was still a little wet, and he brushed it back casually, leaving a few strands to naturally fall beside his face. He didn't aim to look perfect, but somehow he did, looking elegant and impressive without even trying.

Rather than take the elevator, he descended the stairs, moving quietly through the hallway where soft light spilled across polished wood. A staff member greeted him near the base of the staircase and led him out to the veranda, where the morning setup had already begun. The tables stretched long beneath white canopies, the view overlooking a garden still heavy with mist.

The breakfast spread was refined and understated, seasonal fruit, warm pastries, and carefully plated dishes arranged beside carafes of fresh coffee and tea. Seokjin took a seat near the end of the table. He offered a soft greeting to the staff, who approached with attentiveness, and after confirming his drink preference, they poured his coffee. He let his hands wrap around the warm cup, welcoming the calm it brought.

Taehyung arrived a few minutes later. He looked well-rested and unbothered, dressed in light, earthy tones that complemented his build. His presence naturally drew a few glances as he stepped onto the veranda. When his eyes found Seokjin, he gave a quiet nod, and Seokjin returned it without hesitation.

The other guests joined shortly after. Hoseok walked in looking fresh and at ease, his hand resting gently over the curve of his stomach. Yoongi appeared next, phone in hand, though he ended the call with a sigh as soon as he saw Hoseok settle into his seat.

Then came Jimin, bright-eyed despite the early hour, practically bouncing with energy. "Good morning, everyone!" he chirped, clapping his hands once. "I hope you're all hungry, because this is just the start."

Jungkook trailed behind him, wearing a knowing grin and a shirt half-buttoned. He glanced around the table, clearly pleased with the turnout. "Eat up," he said, taking a seat beside Jimin. "You'll need the energy."

"For what?" Yoongi asked, reaching for the breadbasket.

Jimin looked at him with mock surprise. "You think we invited you all here just to lounge around in silk robes and take pictures?"

Jungkook leaned forward. "There's a vineyard twenty minutes from here. We rented it out for a private wine tour. There's a picnic lunch planned, and a paint-and-sip activity afterward. Think of it as a very classy way to get everyone slightly tipsy before the rehearsal dinner tonight."

"It's optional," Jimin added, eyeing a few of the quieter guests. "But it'll be fun, and I want everyone there if possible. No hiding or disappearing."

His gaze briefly flicked toward Taehyung and Seokjin, not in a pointed way, but enough to make the air shift slightly.

Then he added, "Also, for those who can't drink, it's okay. You don't have to; we have a lovely group of staff who will accommodate any preferences you have."

"Okay, that's all we have for now. Let's eat," Jungkook said with a smile at Jimin.

Breakfast flowed in a warm and easy rhythm. The conversation transitioned from work topics to wedding gossip, then to absurd stories from their university days. At one point, someone made a joke that nearly caused Hoseok to choke on his tea, prompting Yoongi to reach over instinctively to rub his back, displaying both concern and amusement.