Playing With Bullets

Chapter 18: Bittersweet

I entered the cafe and was instantly enveloped in the warm scent of coffee and spices. I could hear the workers bustling in the back kitchen to get customers their seasonal spiced lattes, but thankfully, there weren't many people at the shop. That meant less eyes to see Taehyung and I.

I rubbed my cold hands together in an attempt to warm them. The year was coming to an end, but I couldn't relax. By 2018, rumors of Taehyung and I dating might spread like wildfire with the release of the confidential photos.

I spotted a masked figure in the corner of the store. His fluffy brown hair made him easy to identify as Kim Taehyung. I glanced around to make sure no one noticed me. I only saw a little girl staring, so I waved at her and approached Taehyung.

He was playing with the salt on the table when I drew near. He glanced towards me when he heard the clacking of my heels. Although the mask kept me from see his lips, I saw his eyes crinkle into an eyesmile. Despite my stress, I returned the smile as best I could.

"You look pretty.", He commented, and then patted the seat beside him, "Come sit down."

"I always look pretty.", I jokingly responded.

My hands formed a V around my cheeks. He choked out a sarcastic laugh.

"I've spoiled you.", He said.

"Yah, I'm not spoiled. I'm honest."

"You honestly need to stop."

He flicked some salt at me and I pretended to get some in my eye.

"Ooowww, you pabo, it's in my eyes.", I whined in an excellent display of my acting skills.

"Really? Seriously? I hurt you!?", He stood up from his seat as he tried grabbing my chin to get a better look.

I stuck out my tongue when he was a couple inches from my face and laughed.

"Just kidding. I got you! You really are too attached to me.", I laughed.

He huffed and flicked my forehead. I winced.

"Too attached? You're the one who keeps asking me out on dates."

"This isn't a date!"

"Yes it is. We're two people at a cafe. This is a date. We're having our third date now.", He proudly proclaimed.

I covered his mouth and glanced around at the shop. Thankfully nobody had heard us.

"Be more careful, pabo."

I sat down in the chair across from his and smoothed down my skirt. Taehyung became oddly silent, even after I pulled my hands away from his face. He seemed to stare at me searchingly with those off-putting eyes. I couldn't hold his gaze, and glanced away.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?", I mumbled awkwardly.

"I wish I could tell the world I'm with you."

I bit my lip. I realized I should probably tell him that his wish might come true. I opened my mouth to warn him, but the words I wanted to say couldn't come out.

"Well, you know-", I breathed deeply, "We should order."

Taehyung nodded, "Right. I could use some coffee. I only got a couple hours of sleep last night.", He smiled at me weakly.

I frowned. Taehyung was an idol, so this type of exertion was to be expected. However, it still worried me. YG didn't give Blackpink too many songs at a time. Usually our comebacks we're spread out, ranging to one or two a year. But BTS was constantly busy, constantly being pushed to the limit for their dream. They never had a break. I was surprised that Taehyung even made time for me this afternoon.