Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 7: A Misunderstanding and a Confession

Chapter 7: A Misunderstanding and a Confession

At the mall's checkout counter, Taehyung, still mortified by his clumsiness, lingered behind Jungkook, avoiding eye contact. The shame of his accidental spill, compounded by Jungkook's unexpected generosity, weighed heavily on him. He should have been the one paying, yet here he was, the recipient of Jungkook's kindness. He wanted to disappear.

The cashier, however, noticed their interaction and made an observation that caught Taehyung completely off guard. "You two are together? Like…" she trailed off, her tone implying a romantic relationship. Taehyung was completely bewildered by this sudden assumption. Why would she ask such a question?

Jungkook's response was simple, yet loaded with implications. "Yeah."  Taehyung couldn't see Jungkook's face, but he sensed a smile in his tone.

"Have a nice day, you two," the cashier said, her smile warm and genuine. "You look good together. Wishing you both a happy future."

"Thank you," Jungkook replied, his voice light and cheerful as he paid for the shirt.

Taehyung, still processing the cashier's assumption, felt a blush creep onto his cheeks. He was utterly confused.

Jungkook gently patted Taehyung's back, drawing his attention. "We should go now," he said.

Taehyung, still slightly dazed, nodded silently. They left the mall, Jungkook opening the car door for him with a gentlemanly gesture. Taehyung mumbled a quiet "thank you" before sliding into the car.

Back at the office, Jungkook helped Taehyung out of the car, repeating his act of courtesy.

"Thank you for buying the shirt, Jungkook," Taehyung said, feeling the need to express his gratitude. "Next time, I'll treat you when I get paid."

Jungkook ruffled Taehyung's hair, his smile warm and disarming. "You don't have to thank me, hyung. Just consider it a gift from a friend."

Taehyung, however, felt overwhelmed by Jungkook's kindness. "Still, I don't think I deserve this. It feels like too much, Jungkook," he mumbled, biting his lip.

Jungkook gently touched Taehyung's chin, tilting his face upwards. "You should get used to it, pup. I might spoil you as we get closer," he said, his tone a mixture of sweetness and a hint of possessiveness that sent a shiver down Taehyung's spine. Taehyung wasn't sure if he was just being delusional, but the heat rising in his cheeks was undeniable.

"I-I should go now," Taehyung stammered, feeling the need to escape the intensity of Jungkook's gaze. "My coworkers might be looking for me. See you again." He bowed quickly and practically fled, almost stumbling in his haste. 

Back in the department, Taehyung placed the shopping bag containing the shirt on his desk. Taeui, ever observant, approached with a cup of coffee.

"Wow, that's Gucci," Taeui remarked, his eyes widening as he recognized the brand.

Taehyung, trying to appear nonchalant, replied, "Yeah, a gift from a friend."

Taeui, however, was already suspicious.  "Can I take a look? I've always wanted a Gucci shirt."

"Sure," Taehyung replied, his fingers nervously tapping on his keyboard.

As Taeui examined the shirt, his suspicion grew. "Don't lie, Tae. This is a gift from your boyfriend, right?" he smirked.

Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise.  "What?"

Taeui pointed to a detail on the shirt.  "This style…it's designed for couples, you know, for LGBTQ couples."

Taehyung quickly snatched the shirt, shoving it back into the bag. "You're wrong. It's from a friend."

Taeui, however, was surprisingly understanding. "Don't worry, Tae. I won't judge you. It's okay if you're in a relationship. You're a good-looking omega."

Taehyung, still flustered, insisted, "You're wrong. I saw my friend at the mall while I was with Mr. Jeon."

Taeui, seeming to accept his explanation, said, "Maybe you're right. I think I saw Mr. Jeon wearing a similar shirt. I must have mistaken it."

Taehyung, relieved, muttered, "You should get back to work. I need to finish mine."

Taeui left, leaving Taehyung to grapple with the realization that the cashier at the mall had likely seen Jungkook wearing the matching shirt. He was slow to pick up on the implication.

Later that evening, Taehyung, having finished his work, decided to check if Jungkook was still in his office.  He wanted to talk to him, to clear up the misunderstanding about the shirt.  He approached Jungkook's secretary, Yan, a kind female omega.

"Hi, is Mr. Jeon still in his office?" Taehyung asked, his voice slightly hesitant.

Yan smiled warmly. "Yes, what do you need?"

"Can I talk to him if he's not busy?" Taehyung inquired, wetting his lips nervously.

Yan nodded. "I'll let him know. May I ask your name?"

"It's Kim Taehyung," he replied, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Okay, please wait here," Yan said, rising from her seat and approaching Jungkook's office door. She knocked three times, and Taehyung flinched slightly at the stern voice that responded from within. He wasn't sure if it was Jungkook, but the tone sounded authoritative.

He heard Yan's voice clearly. "Mr. Jeon, someone named Kim Taehyung is here to see you. Should I let him in?"

A moment of silence followed, then Jungkook's voice, sharper than before. "Yes, and you can leave afterward."

Yan called out to Taehyung. "Kim Taehyung, you may come in." She stepped aside, allowing him to enter.

Taehyung thanked her before entering Jungkook's office. He found Jungkook immersed in paperwork, his expression serious and focused. Taehyung felt a wave of guilt; he shouldn't have come, he didn't want to bother him while he was working. The strong Alpha scent filling the room indicated Jungkook was not in a good mood.

Jungkook looked up, his gaze sharp. "What makes you come here, hyung?" he asked, his tone slightly stern.

Taehyung, feeling the need to apologize, started to turn away. "It's nothing, I'll just say it when you're not busy. I'm sorry for bothering you, I will go now."

Jungkook's tone softened, using the familiar nickname that always seemed to unsettle Taehyung. "Pup, if you keep doing that, it feels like you're running away from me."

"It's not like that, I just don't want to waste your time and you are busy," Taehyung immediately replied, turning back to look at Jungkook, who crossed his arms over his chest. The scent of Jungkook's pheromones seemed to have shifted, becoming less harsh, more inviting.

"It's okay, hyung, besides, you're not bothering me at all. I always have time for you. Just tell me what you want to talk about, and I'll listen," Jungkook said, his pheromones subtly shifting in the air, creating a more comfortable atmosphere.

Taehyung swallowed hard, thinking if it was okay to tell Jungkook about the suit and the cashier's mistaken assumption. He thought maybe Jungkook had been mistaken about the suit as well, and the Alpha's scent was making him feel slightly dizzy, adding to his confusion.