Just Friends

Chapter 2

"Thank you, Ahjussi," Taehyung bows as he hands a wad of cash to the driver. The driver's eyes widen but hesitates to take the money. 

"Oh! My goodness, son, no. I can't take that kind of money from you."

"It's okay, really!" Taehyung laughs as he shakes his hand at him, gesturing him to take it. "You got us here safely, and you were really nice to us. And after hearing your story about how you've been working all this overtime for your sick wife... Please, take it. For her," he insists, but this time more seriously.

It was clear to Taehyung that it wasn't this stranger's intention to gain any pity, he seemed very genuine. But he and Jimin both easily took notice how sickly the man looked, with dark circles under his eyes and an unkempt appearance.

He really didn't seem like he was feeling well, so naturally, they asked if he was getting a cold. They had no idea that for the rest of their trip to the train station they would listen to this poor man tell his heartwrenching story about how he was having to work 18 hours a day to pay for his sick wife's medical bills.

It hit Taehyung hard in the chest.

He knew what it was like to watch a loved one wither away in front of him, while he remained poor and helpless. To practically work himself to death to get his mother the treatments she needed.

He knew what it was like to not make enough, failing to save the most important person in his life.

The driver hesitates once more as he looks up at Taehyung. "Are you.. sure? Don't you need this?"

He seemed a little wary now, probably wondering where a man of his age got this kind of money. After all, Taehyung was handing over a tip that would equate to more than this man would make in a week or two. Like it was nothing.

"Absolutely. Trust me. I don't need this. Not like you do right now. Tsk... If only I had more cash on me..." Taehyung sighs at himself in disappointment.

"I.. don't know what to say. Other than thank you, son. I can't thank you enough." He says, eyes beginning to flutter as they water. He finally takes the money and Taehyung pats him on his shoulder in a reassuring way.

"I hope everything works out for you both."

"Tae, we should get going!" Jimin shouts from the back of the trunk, grabbing both their bags before rushing over to hand Taehyung his.

The driver thanks him once again before pulling away slowly.

"What was that all about?" Jimin asks as they walk briskly towards the entrance to the station.

"Nothing."

"You handed him a bunch of money, didn't you?"

Taehyung's eyes shift at the accusation. "No."

"Tae, you have to stop giving people money like that," Jimin groans with concern. "What are you even doing carrying that much on you? One of these days, someone's going to rob you. Or take advantage of you! You could get really hurt. It scares me."

Taehyung rolls his eyes like he's heard it a thousand times, but smiles at his caring best friend. "I know, and I'm thankful for your concern. I really am. But I can't help it. Helping people that really need it like that feels good. And I feel like it's what my mom would have wanted. She would have done the same thing."

Jimin sighs in defeat. He knows Taehyung's right.

"Fine. But just be careful flashing that kind of cash around, okay?"

"Okay, okay. I will."

—><—

Upon entering the train station, the two immediately begin to scan the large expanse of the main terminal.