Speeding Into Trouble || Taekook

Epilogue

The club was nearly unrecognizable in its silence.

Hours ago, it had been alive—bass thundering through the floors, lights pulsing like a heartbeat, glasses clinking against each other as people screamed lyrics off-key.

Now, only the echo of shoes against the polished floor remained. Workers moved quietly around the place, sweeping confetti, stacking chairs, wiping down the last sticky tables.

Behind the counter, Jeongguk stood alone, sleeves rolled up, a rag in his hand as he wiped down the bar with slow, lazy strokes. He didn't need to—he owned the place, after all—but bartending had always been his escape. His way of grounding himself.

The echo of footsteps grew louder. Sharp. Confident. Coming closer.

Without turning around, Jeongguk called out, his tone dry but polite. "Sorry. We're not serving anymore. Past hours."

A low chuckle followed, smooth and teasing, curling around his ears like smoke. "Oh, is it?" The voice drawled, dripping with seduction.

Jeongguk's hand froze mid-wipe, his jaw ticking in amusement. That voice. He knew it instantly. Slowly, he straightened, setting the glass down. A smirk tugged at his lips as he finally turned around.

"Yes," Jeongguk said, eyes glinting under the dim lights.

The man leaned against the bar, tilting his head, eyes playful, lips quirked in mischief. "Then..." His voice lowered, almost purring. "Can I get your number instead?"

Jeongguk huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "Hate to break it to you sweetheart, but I'm married."

The man clutched his chest dramatically, face twisting in mock devastation. "Married? Really? And here I thought I had a chance." He scrunched up his nose, then struck a cute pose—head tilted, lips pursed, eyes wide in exaggerated innocence. "Are you sure you can resist this face?"

Jeongguk leaned one elbow on the counter, watching with lazy amusement. "Not interested."

Unfazed, the stranger switched tactics. He puffed his cheeks, crossing his arms, then leaned forward with a playful grin. "How about this? Cute, right?"

"Still not interested." Jeongguk's smirk widened, voice dripping with mock boredom.

The man's lips curved into a pout, lower lip jutting out just enough to look sinful. He blinked up through his lashes, the picture of faux heartbreak.

And that was it. Jeongguk broke. A deep laugh rumbled out of his chest, head tipping back. "Come on, Taehyung," he said between chuckles, voice warm with fondness. "You're cheating now. You know I can't resist that pout."

The pretense shattered instantly. Taehyung burst out laughing, sliding around the bar to throw his arms around Jeongguk's waist. He buried his face into Jeongguk's chest, his soft voice muffled against him. "Hello, husband."

Jeongguk sighed, his hand automatically finding the back of Taehyung's head, fingers weaving into soft hair. He pressed a kiss to the crown of his head, whispering back, "Hello, love. How was your day?"

Taehyung groaned dramatically, pulling back just enough to roll his eyes. "Ughhh, don't even ask. There's this client who refuses to close the deal. I swear, I almost lost my patience."

Jeongguk chuckled, brushing his thumb against Taehyung's cheek. "My poor baby, saving the world one client at a time."

"Shut up," Taehyung muttered, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him, curling into a smile.

Jeongguk tilted his head, watching him with that familiar adoration that always made Taehyung's knees weak. "Okay, enough of this. Let's go home."

"Yeah," Taehyung nodded quickly, then added, "But—stop at Jimin's first. We need to pick up Eunsu."