Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 6: Unintentional Intimacy

Chapter 6:  Unintentional Intimacy

Taehyung, caught up in a lively conversation with his coworkers, strolled back towards the office building, a soda in hand, a wide smile on his face. Lost in the cheerful banter, he failed to notice his surroundings, bumping squarely into something solid. The soda bottle slipped from his grasp, its contents splashing onto the ground.

"I-I'm so sorry," Taehyung stammered, his heart sinking as he looked up to see the source of his collision: Jungkook. He swallowed hard, his eyes wide with mortification as he met the CEO's gaze.

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Jeon. I didn't see you. I wasn't looking where I was going," Taehyung mumbled, bowing his head deeply in apology. The soda had splattered onto Jungkook's crisp white shirt, staining the fabric.

Jungkook, however, remained surprisingly calm. "It's okay, Mr. Kim. 
Don't apologize," he said, despite the now-stained shirt.

Taehyung's anxiety intensified. "It's my fault, Mr. Jeon. Please don't fire me," he whispered, his bottom lip trembling. He could hear the whispers of his colleagues, their murmured comments adding to his growing sense of embarrassment. He felt a wave of self-recrimination wash over him; he was so incredibly clumsy, so incredibly stupid. Tears threatened to spill, but then he heard Jungkook chuckle.

He looked up, confused, and was taken aback by Jungkook's next action. The CEO gently cupped Taehyung's cheeks, his touch surprisingly soft and tender.

"There's nothing to worry about, Mr. Kim," Jungkook said, his voice calm and reassuring. "I won't fire you, but you owe me a new shirt. I have a meeting, and I can't go looking like this." He gestured to the stained fabric.

Taehyung, still flustered, stammered, "I-I'll buy you one, Mr. Jeon." He wasn't entirely sure where he'd find the money, but the thought of letting Jungkook down was more terrifying than his current financial constraints.

"Okay, let's go now," Jungkook said, taking Taehyung's wrist in his hand.

"R-right now?" Taehyung was taken aback. He'd assumed he'd buy the shirt after work, or perhaps when he received his next paycheck.

"Yes," Jungkook replied, his smile unwavering. "I don't have any extra shirts in my office. We need to go now, or I'll be late for my meeting."

Taehyung, still slightly dazed, nodded, allowing Jungkook to lead him away from the office, leaving his bewildered colleagues behind.

"Did you just see that?" Taeui whispered, watching the pair depart.

Mica, however, had a different theory. "I'm pretty sure he meant to bump into Taehyung." They had both seen Jungkook looking directly at Taehyung before the collision.

Kyushu's curiosity was piqued. "Was it to get Taehyung's attention?"

Taeui shrugged, taking a bite of his burger. "I don't know, but they're definitely suspicious."

Inside the car, the tension between Jungkook and Taehyung was palpable.  Taehyung fidgeted nervously, his fingers tracing patterns on his jeans.

"I'm so sorry again, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung mumbled, nibbling on his lip.

Jungkook, however, stopped the car at a red light, turning to look at Taehyung.  "Why are you still calling me 'Mr. Jeon'? Aren't we friends? Aren't you supposed to call me by my name or a nickname when we're not at work?"

Taehyung hesitated, his anxiety rising. "We are, but…I heard things about you."

Jungkook's curiosity was piqued. "What things?"

Taehyung explained, his voice barely above a whisper. "That you don't befriend people like me…people who aren't rich. It would cause problems if people found out we're friends."

Jungkook's fingers gently cupped Taehyung's chin, tilting his face upwards. "So, that's why you've been ignoring me?" he asked, his voice soft yet probing. Taehyung's guilt was evident.

"I didn't want to, but I had to. I didn't want to create more rumors about us," Taehyung admitted.

Jungkook's voice softened even more, using a nickname that sent a surprising jolt of warmth through Taehyung. "Pup, why are you believing those rumors? I like you, that's why I want to be your friend. Don't you like me too?"

The unexpected intimacy of the nickname, "pup,"—delivered with a gentleness that belied Jungkook's usual demeanor—left Taehyung momentarily speechless. He felt a blush creep up his neck, a warmth spreading through his chest. He almost let out a small, involuntary whine. He was certain Jungkook had deliberately softened his tone for this particular endearment.

"I-I like you too, of course," Taehyung stammered, his voice barely audible.  "I was just worried that…"

Jungkook cut him off, his voice firm yet reassuring. "Good. I'm glad to hear that. That's all I wanted to hear."

Taehyung opened his mouth to speak, but sighed in defeat, realizing the conversation had reached a point of unspoken understanding.

They arrived at the mall, Jungkook immediately heading towards the men's department. Taehyung, meanwhile, was silently cursing his empty wallet. He pulled it out, his heart sinking as he saw the meager 5,000 won inside. He smacked his forehead, the weight of his predicament crushing him.

Jungkook, noticing Taehyung's sudden distress, approached him quietly. "Pup, are you okay?"

Taehyung forced a smile, trying to hide his panic. "Y-yeah, I'm fine."  His trembling upper lip betrayed his forced composure.

Jungkook persisted gently. "Are you sure? Is there a problem?"

Taehyung, realizing he couldn't keep up the pretense, finally confessed. "Actually, I'm not fine. I have a problem. I don't have enough money to pay for your shirt. I can only afford really cheap, maybe even secondhand clothes. I'm so sorry, Jungkook. I hope you understand." He bowed his head, shame burning his cheeks.

Jungkook chuckled softly, ruffling Taehyung's hair. "You're worrying about nothing, pup. It's okay. I can pay for it myself. If you want, you can pick something out for yourself too, and I'll pay for both."

Taehyung quickly declined. "No! I'm fine. Just get yourself a shirt."

Jungkook's smile was warm and reassuring. "Don't worry about the money. It's my treat."

Taehyung, despite his protests, eventually relented, a sigh escaping his lips as he accepted Jungkook's generosity. The unspoken understanding between them, however, was far more valuable than any material possession.