Invisible Affection | Taejin

42. Somewhere between then and now

The city had become much quieter by the time they left the hotel driveway. Taehyung held the steering wheel with one hand while the other rested on the gearshift. They didn't say anything throughout the drive, but it didn't feel awkward.

The drive lasted under twenty minutes. As they arrived at the Han River, Taehyung turned into a cozy little complex hidden from the main roads. A line of soft lights hung above the area where people practiced golf, lighting up the grass with a glow. The sound of golf balls being struck faintly reached them, sharp yet steady, blending into the calm of the night.

Taehyung parked his car at the far end of the parking lot and stepped out, holding his phone as he walked toward the entrance. A small booth lit up next to the glass doors. He touched his phone to the scanner, and with a mild click, the gates opened for him.

"You have a membership here?" Seokjin asked as they walked inside.

Taehyung glanced at him briefly and nodded. "Something like that."

The employees at the counter greeted Taehyung warmly, calling him by name, and he returned it with a small nod before leading the way toward one of the open bays. Without a word, he grabbed a bucket of balls and set them neatly on the mat.

Seokjin walked up beside him, taking in the quiet atmosphere. Only a handful of people were scattered across the bays, their soft voices blending into the distant sound of balls being hit. It was calmer than he expected, almost soothing.

Taehyung picked up a club and handed it to him without looking up. "Try it."

Seokjin hesitated for a moment, glancing from the club to Taehyung. "I've never done this before."

"You haven't?" Taehyung asked, placing another ball on the tee, his tone casual but curious.

"No," Seokjin admitted as he took the club from him, his gaze sweeping briefly across the range. "Especially not somewhere like this." He paused, resting the club lightly against his shoulder before adding, "Is this what you do when you can't sleep? Come out here and hit golf balls in the middle of the night?"

"Sometimes," Taehyung replied, his voice even. "Either this or the gym. Both help."

Seokjin's lips curved faintly as his gaze flicked over Taehyung. "I can tell," he said. "Looks like the gym has been working in your favor."

Taehyung didn't say anything to the comment, but a small smile formed at the edge of his lips as he set another ball on the stand. "Go on," he encouraged. "Give it a shot."

Seokjin adjusted his grip on the club, his fingers curling tightly around it as he stepped up to the mat. He glanced at Taehyung, his brows lifting slightly. "I'm warning you, this isn't going to be good."

"That's okay," Taehyung said as he walked around him slowly. "It takes time."

Seokjin attempted to mimic the way others stood, but Taehyung quickly noticed and moved in closer, standing right behind him. Gently, he placed one hand on Seokjin's shoulder and made subtle adjustments to help him find the right posture.

"Not like that," Taehyung murmured. "Relax here." He tapped just below Seokjin's collarbone, then gently repositioned his hands on the club. "You're holding it too tight. Keep your grip light, and shift your weight a little forward."

Seokjin tilted his head slightly, glancing at him over his shoulder. "Are you sure you're not secretly an instructor?"

"I'm sure, but I have been here enough to know what helps," Taehyung said, stepping back once Seokjin was in position. "Now try."

Taking a deep breath, Seokjin took a swing with his golf club. However, he completely missed the ball. He stood still for a moment, then slowly lowered the club and turned to Taehyung with a serious expression on his face.