Under the Cherry Blossoms (Taejin/Kookjin)

Chapter 19. Communication

AUTHOR'S POV

After eating their lunch, the two men went back to the supermarket. Jungkook insisted to help Jin in his grocery shopping. This novel experience thrilled him. It was rare for him to shop in supermarkets because he usually ordered online or his helpers did it for him. When he did shop on rare occasions, it is usually in top-end stores. Like a lost child in a toy store, he was in awe with everything.

"This is amazing. How can this be so cheap?"

"Wtf. You can buy this here. And it's even buy one take one.""

"What the hell is this? It's on what, MEGA SALE. Wtf is a mega sale?"

Jin just shook his head in delight. The cool and arrogant Jungkook was replaced with a cute doe-eyed bunny who jumped around the grocery store, picking random items.

"Jin... babe, let's buy this... pretty please." Jungkook pleaded with his innocent doe eyes while holding a pack of discounted banana milk.

Babe. Here goes Jungkook being a shameless flirt again. Jin was supposed to be furious with Jungkook's antics. But seeing this cute side of him, he simply shrugged off his anger.

Unknowingly to them, an old couple were very amused looking at them. They approached the two men, introduced themselves and started a small talk.

"The two of you look so cute. You remind us so much of our first stages of marriage. How long have you been married?" the old man asked.

"We are—" Before Jin could finish his statement, Jungkook interrupted him.

"One year, Mr. Song" Jungkook smiled widely with his lie.

Jin stared at Jungkook in disbelief. Jungkook winked at him as if telling him to go with the flow.

"How about you? How long have you been married?" Jungkook continued.

"30 years and going stronger." The old woman leaned on his husband.

Admiration, that's what Jungkook and Jin felt as they saw the sweet couple.

"Can you tell us your secret? How did you last that long?" Jungkook curiously inquired.

"Communication," the old man replied, "No matter how strong your bond is, you will never fully understand each other. Hence, it is best that you communicate. Do not ever let some feelings be left unspoken. You are not mind readers. Be honest with what you feel."

"Our relationship was never stable. There was a time when we almost broke up. Neither of us wanted to give in. We kept quiet. There was even a point where I packed my things and left. But my husband here, humbled himself and went after me. We then talked about our issues. So, here we are," the old woman looked at his husband endearingly.

"I totally agree. My dad also taught me that. In a relationship, one should be the bigger person," Jungkook nodded his head in agreement.

They continued to talk for a while before the old couple bid goodbye.

The rest of the grocery shopping went smoothly. However, Jungkook noticed uneasiness from Jin. Once in a while, Jin answered his questions, but was obviously spaced out in most times.

As they were placing the grocery bags in Jin's car trunk, Jungkook initiated a talk.

"BABE, what are you thinking?" He purposely called Jin that endearment, trying to break the ice between them. He was hoping that Jin would react like he used to.

Jin did not seem to flinch at all. "Nothing, Jungkook. I just remembered a few moments."

Jungkook tried to read Jin's expression. Realization? Remorse? Regret? Sadness? Fear?

He stepped closer to Jin. Using his right hand, he cupped Jin's face. Jungkook ran his thumb softly on Jin's skin. With tender eyes, he stared at those familiar beautiful yet mysterious eyes. Jin's eyes were also watery. It seemed like he was holding back his tears.

"Jin, life is crazy, don't you think? Sometimes, we bump into strangers who give us free lessons in life and love. Their experiences wake up memories that we have buried deep within us. Then, realization hit us and stir a lot of unwanted emotions. At times, we are in denial with the realizations in the fear of getting hurt. However, pain is inevitable. No matter how happy one's life seems to be, one can still experience pain throughout a lifetime. It's actually helpful. Through pain, we grow and learn." Jungkook reassured him.

Then, Jungkook pulled the other into a tight hug. He caressed his back soothingly as he heard muffled cries. They stayed like that for a while.

When everything seemed to stabilize, Jungkook pulled away from the hug.

"Can I take you out for dinner?" It was supposed to be a request, but it sounded like a demand.

"Jungkook, I--- " Before Jin could reply, Jungkook cut him off.

"Thank you. I know you can't refuse my handsome face. I'll pick you up at 7pm. Don't worry. I don't have any other intentions aside from taking you out for dinner and have some chitchat. I was serious when I said that I like our conversation. I will not fuck you... for now... But if you beg for us to have some action in bed afterwards, who am I to say no? Wait. We should go back inside and buy a lot of lube, just in case. I'm quite gifted down there." He said with a naughty smirk.

It was a shameless move, but it was enough to lighten the mood. Jin slightly smiled. In a short time, he was able to grasp a little of Jungkook's personality. He knew he will not take advantage of him. Jungkook was an example of an oxymoron. He was a perverted gentleman, a sinful saint, a sweet jerk, a respectful tease and an endearing asshole.

Jin slapped Jungkook's arm.

Ouch. Jungkook flinched at the sudden act. With a wicked gaze, he grabbed Jin's arm and pulled him close to his chest.

"I told you I will charge you for every slap." He hissed.

Realizing what he did, Jin flushed in embarrassment. He shut his eyes in panic.

Cute. Jungkook chuckled and ruffled Jin's hair. Jin opened his eyes. He was confused.

"I will list this down. You owe me one French kiss. I'll get my payment sometime in the future."

Jungkook held Jin's right hand and planted a soft kiss at the back of his hand. Jin blushed.

"I'll pick you up at 7pm. See you later."

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A/N: Sorry for the slow build up. I wanted to include conversations that would slowly lead to realizations. Jin's character here is a bit complex. In every chapter, I gave hints. I hope my fic is not boring.