Imaginary Friend | Gguktae ✓

t h r e e

10 years later

"Welcome! My name is Taehyung and I will assist you today, are you ready to order?"

Taehyung nervously fiddled with the small notepad that was given to him. He was 18 years old now and was a waiter at an ice cream shop. Although it was his first day at work and nervous, he was excited. His friend, Hoseok, owned the place and asked Taehyung if he'd like to work at his newly opened shop. The boy had of course agreed, not being able to refuse his bright smile.

"Yes can i have a cone with cotton candy flavored ice cream?"

"Sure! It'll be ready in a few," Taehyung displayed his box-like smile and turned to get the order done. However, he ended up bumping into another one of his friends.

"Taehyung-ah! Be careful you klutz I almost dropped this order."

"Oh sorry Jiminie." Jimin simply ruffled his hair before hurrying to serve people. Hoseok and Jimin were Taehyung's best friends. The day Taehyung moved he had seen both boys playing out in his neighborhood. They had been friends since and Taehyung was grateful for that.

—

"Bye Seokie and Chim," He waved one last time before walking off to the bus stop. It was already late and he was catching the last bus of that night. His friends were always worried about him but he'd just wave back and say he'd be fine. Of course, Taehyung did sometimes get creeped out when he passed a dark alley or a drunk guy occasionally on the streets. But he avoided that as much as possible.

He would call his older brother to pick him up, but he didn't want to be a nuisance. His brother was a song writer and the younger was proud of him. As for his parents they were both working at his father's company. He hardly saw  any of his family but he tried not to let it get to him.

Taehyung was more focused on getting to the bus stop. His cold hands rubbing against each other in hopes of finding heat. The thin jacket he had on did nothing to his disappointment.
Thankfully, the bus showed up and he was able to go home. He sighed in contentment when the warm interior soothed his freezing state.

—

"I'm home."

The boy frowned slightly when nobody answered although it was expected. He knew no-one would be home, all too busy working. He couldn't be selfish though. They were busy people who liked their jobs and he couldn't let his loneliness be a problem. His frown was replaced with a small smile trying to stay positive. It was his 5th day home alone.

School would be starting soon enough. Taehyung was on winter break, his birthday passing meaning he had just turned 18. He wasn't any less excited to go back than the rest of his friends. Deciding to go to bed Taehyung changed into a loose fitted shirt with briefs to sleep. After his nightly routine he snuggled into his comforter while hugging his heart plush to his chest.

—

Taehyung was tired. He spent last night talking on the phone with Jimin, knowing he had school the next day. It was the first day back from break and he hated it. His blue hair bounced slightly as he walked to school. As he noticed the pink haired boy approach him his frown turned into a smile. The only thing he liked about school was seeing his friends.

"Barely the first hour and I want to die."
Taehyung laughed at his friend although he felt the same way. Soon Hoseok joined them and they chatted amongst themselves until the bell rung. They quickly waved before heading to their designated classes.

"Oh would you look at that. I can't believe it, after so long we meet again Kim Taehyung."

Said boy froze slightly. He turned to be met with the face of Choi Minho. Taehyung hardly recognized him, and he felt his heart sink at the memories held with him. He couldn't believe Minho had noticed him too. Minho was his tormentor back when he was younger in elementary school. Always calling him names and saying how weird he was for talking to himself. Although they were blurred memories and Taehyung himself wasn't sure why he was picked on.

"I bet you're still the same weird kid with no friends."

His frown from earlier returned, only it contained more sadness. It was true in a way. Taehyung had trouble making friends and he hardly had any. He had always been quite lonely when he lived in Daegu, the only person he really interacted with was his brother as far as he remembers. So he struggled when they moved to Seoul. It was only Jimin and Hoseok who approached Taehyung. He couldn't help but feel the vague feeling of someone else in his past-

"Ah so it's true then?"

Yes. But he didn't want to admit it. He never really wanted to realize how lonely he was, and he didn't want to think that way. The boy was grateful for the portion of people in his life who acknowledged him. Deciding that ignoring Minho would be best for his smile to remain he walked to his seat.

—

"Minho is back."

Hoseok and Jimin's eyes widened slightly.
"W-What? But I thought he lived back in Daegu?" Hoseok questioned with noticeable concern in his voice. "Yeah but I guess he thought it would be a good idea to move here," Taehyung sighed recalling what he had told him. So what? At least I have real friends. He was still trying to cheer himself up.

"He didn't do or say anything right?"

"No hyungs I'm fine. Besides that was in elementary school l-let's just forget about it," Taehyung had lied. He didn't want Minho's words to affect him, but he was afraid it already had. The lonely space in his heart was becoming more noticeable. However he discarded it and put a smile on his face. It shouldn't be a problem. He continued to make himself believe he was fine by himself. He was after all, used to it.

—