Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 3: A Night of Revelations

Chapter 3: A Night of Revelations

The restaurant bar buzzed with the energy of a celebratory welcome party for the new interns and the team's successful presentation. The air was thick with the aroma of beer and grilled meats, a testament to the team's hard-earned victory. Taehyung, despite the festive atmosphere, felt a knot of unease in his stomach. He was still reeling from his earlier encounter with Jungkook and the ensuing rumors. He knew he would be thoroughly intoxicated before the night was over.

Kyungsoo, their assistant team leader, raised a brimming beer glass. "Everyone, this party is for us! We aced that presentation, and now it's time to celebrate!" The room erupted in cheers and applause. "And let's give a warm welcome to our new interns! I hope you all do great work!"

Hyeol, their manager, bellowed from a nearby table. "Enough speeches! Let's drink!"

Taehyung took a deep breath, picking up his beer. He was still shy, despite the team's welcoming nature.

His senior, Taeui, leaned in. "Taehyung, you okay?"

Taehyung forced a smile. "Yeah. Where's Jimin? Shouldn't he be here?"

Taeui chuckled. "Ah, Park Jimin? He doesn't usually attend these things."

Taehyung frowned. "Why not? He worked hard on the presentation."

Taeui shrugged. "He's a silver spoon Alpha. Rich people like him don't usually hang out with us."

Taehyung muttered under his breath, "He still deserves to celebrate. He did a lot of work."

Taeui patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about him. He's probably celebrating with his rich friends at some billionaire-only club. Just relax and enjoy yourself!"

Taehyung downed his second beer, the strong taste making him wince.

Suddenly, someone brought up the rumors surrounding Jungkook. Taehyung groaned inwardly, taking a large gulp of his third beer.

"Oh yeah, that intern. He got the job because he's the CEO's spouse, right?"

"Wow, he really used his connections."

"So many qualified people applied, and he got it easily."

Taehyung, his voice slurring slightly from the alcohol, couldn't let the conversation continue unchallenged. "That's not true..." he mumbled.

Fred, sitting nearby, noticed Taehyung's distress. "What's that, Taehyung?"

Taehyung looked up, startled by the sudden attention. He hiccuped, his eyes wide. "I...I mean, we shouldn't talk about it if it's not true. It's just a rumor. We shouldn't judge people like that. I...I'm sorry," he stammered, his fingers fidgeting nervously. His doe eyes, wide and vulnerable, silenced the room.

"Aww, cute!" someone cooed.

"You're so adorable," another chimed in.

Taehyung, relieved by the unexpected shift in tone, bit his lip.

Kyungsoo stepped in. "Aish, don't scare the intern! Let's just drink and play games!"

The atmosphere lightened, the earlier tension replaced by laughter and friendly competition.

Meanwhile, at a high-end club, Yoongi sat on a plush couch, observing Jimin with a mixture of amusement and concern. Hoseok, another member of their group, joined them.

"Jimin, what are you doing here? Your team's having a party," Yoongi said.

Jimin scoffed. "I don't want to go. It would be annoying."

Hoseok tried to persuade him. "Come on, you did great on the presentation. They're celebrating your hard work."

Jungkook, ever the peacemaker, smiled. "Let's go, hyung. We didn't go to their party, so we should at least make an appearance."

Jimin looked confused. "Why?"

Jungkook explained. "It's good for team morale. We should show our support."

Jin, another member of their group, agreed. "I think Jungkook's right. Should we go?"

Jimin sighed in defeat. "Fine, whatever."

Back at the restaurant, Taehyung, now considerably intoxicated, watched with drunken amusement as Kyungsoo lost a game and was forced to chug a beer. "Wow, Assistant Leader-nim, you're so cool!" he slurred, his words slightly unsteady.

The entrance to the restaurant swung open, revealing Jungkook and his entourage. A hush fell over the room as the employees realized their bosses had arrived. Taehyung, however, was captivated by Jungkook's presence.

Kyungsoo, startled, stood up to greet them. "Sir, what are you doing here?"

Jungkook smiled warmly. "I heard my employees were celebrating. Can I join?"

Kyungsoo quickly made space for them. Jungkook's gaze, however, was drawn to Taehyung's table.

Taeui, sensing an opportunity to further intoxicate Taehyung, poured more beer into his glass. "Taehyung! Drink more!"

Taehyung, already struggling, protested. "Sunbae, I don't think I can..."

Before he could finish, Jungkook smoothly intercepted, taking the glass from Taehyung's hand and drinking the beer in one swift motion.

"He looks like he can't drink anymore," Jungkook said, gently removing Taeui's hand from Taehyung's back. "You shouldn't force him."

Taeui, flustered, apologized profusely.

Jungkook turned to Taehyung, his eyes soft. "Can I sit here?" he asked kindly.

Taeui immediately stood, offering his seat.

Jungkook sat beside Taehyung, his presence radiating warmth. "Are you okay? Are you sober?" he asked gently.

Taehyung, flustered, mumbled, "I-I'm fine, sir."

Deanna, sitting on Taehyung's other side, refilled his glass. "You should drink more, Taehyung."

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook intervened again, taking the glass. "I'll drink it for him. He needs to be fresh for work tomorrow." He leaned in, his voice a low whisper in Taehyung's ear. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." He winked before pulling away.

Taehyung's face flushed crimson, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and something else... something he couldn't quite define.

As the party wound down, Taehyung helped his intoxicated colleagues hail cabs, ensuring their safe passage home. It was late, and he was still waiting for his own ride. A black car pulled up, and Jungkook emerged.

"Taehyung, get in," Jungkook offered.

Taehyung hesitated. "Thank you, sir, but I'll wait here. You should go home."

Jungkook's tone was firm. "Get in. It's dangerous for you to be alone this late. I'm afraid something would happen to one of my employees"

Taehyung, for reasons he couldn't quite articulate-perhaps Jungkook's subtle pheromones, perhaps the lingering effects of the alcohol-nodded submissively.

Jungkook opened the car door for him. Taehyung got in, and the car pulled away into the night, leaving the bustling party behind.