Serendipity

The Shattered Proposal

The café smelled faintly of roasted beans and caramel, but Taehyung barely noticed. His palms were sweaty, pressed tightly together under the table. His sister sat opposite him, glowing with self-assurance, while the boy she had brought along sat stiffly, inspecting Taehyung like he was a résumé rather than a person.

“This is my brother, Taehyung,” his sister began brightly. “He’s dependable, respectful, and very focused on his studies. He doesn’t waste time on silly things like parties. A very traditional boy.”

The boy smiled faintly but without warmth. His gaze lingered on Taehyung’s sweater, on his neatly combed hair, on the bookish glasses perched on his nose. “Ah,” he said simply.

Taehyung shifted slightly in his seat, smiling politely when his sister nudged him. “It’s nice to meet you,” he murmured. His voice was soft, practiced.

The small talk that followed was stilted. Taehyung’s sister filled the silence, painting Taehyung as an ideal candidate — quiet, obedient, no vices. Taehyung only nodded, giving short answers, doing his best not to falter. He could feel his sister’s sharp eyes on him, silently commanding him not to embarrass her.

When the meeting wrapped up, Taehyung slipped out first, relieved to breathe the cool air outside. He waited near the doorway, staring at his shoes, trying to slow his racing heart.

That’s when he heard it.

The boy’s voice, clear through the half-open door.

“…He’s really not my type,” the boy said with a chuckle. “Too plain. No personality. Honestly, he looks like someone who’s lived in the shadows all his life. Who would even notice him if he walked into a room?”

Taehyung froze.

His throat went dry, breath catching.

The boy laughed again. “He seems nice, sure. But nice is boring. I want someone with spark. He looks… invisible. Like wallpaper.”

Invisible.

The word sliced into Taehyung’s chest, and for a moment he couldn’t move. His hands trembled, nails digging into his palms as he tried not to let the tears spill. He pressed himself against the wall, hoping the shadows would swallow him whole.

Inside, the boy lowered his voice, but Taehyung still caught it. “Honestly, it’s a waste of time. He’s not worth considering.”

Taehyung’s chest heaved. He bit down hard on his lip, blinking rapidly. A burning knot of shame and pain coiled in his stomach. He turned away, shoulders hunched, desperate to leave before anyone saw him break.

But someone had seen.

From a corner booth, Jungkook  had been sketching idly in his notebook, a half-finished outline of the café window in front of him. He hadn’t meant to overhear, but he caught every word — and worse, he saw Taehyung outside, trembling like a child holding back sobs.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. His fingers curled so hard around the pen that the nib snapped, ink spilling across the page.

He hated it.
The casual cruelty.
The way Taehyung was reduced to nothing.
The way Taehyung swallowed his pain in silence, like he didn’t even deserve to protest.

Jungkook snapped his sketchbook shut and rose. His boots thudded softly on the floor as he walked out.

Taehyung startled when he saw him, eyes wide, glistening faintly. He opened his mouth, but no sound came.

Jungkook didn’t ask. Didn’t offer empty pity. He just looked at him, dark eyes steady, voice low but firm.

“Come on,” jungkook said. “Let’s go.”

Something in his tone — quiet, certain — made Taehyung’s defenses crumble. He nodded, head bowed, and followed.

Hello!!
I am writing after so so long.. life's been busy but I will try my best to finish what I had started once..I have all  the plotlines ready..I will try to deliver the best.

I will use tae and kook when they will be together or talking to each other in any scene otherwise I will use their full name.

I am open to your suggestions and feedback.

Happy reading.
Hope you have a peaceful day <3