Obese Love

Chapter 2

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a flustered Seokjin, his face flushed crimson, practically attempting to melt into the wall. Jungkook, ever the picture of calm, chuckled softly and sauntered towards him.

"Saved by the bell," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Seokjin's cheeks burned even hotter. "Thank you," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know you were..."

"Me? Just your friendly savior," Jungkook winked. "Besides, I wouldn't want to give Taehyung any reason to think I'm competition, would we?"

Seokjin's gaze flickered for a brief moment, betraying a flicker of hidden emotion. He quickly masked it, forcing a smile. "Right. Competition. That's... good."

Jungkook noticed the way Seokjin clutched the box of strawberry shortcakes tighter, as if seeking comfort in its familiar weight. "Look," he said, his voice softening, "I understand why you do what you do for Taehyung. He's..."

Seokjin cut him off, shaking his head vehemently. "No, you don't understand. It's not about him. It's... me."

His words hung heavy in the air, hinting at a deeper, more personal struggle. Jungkook felt a pang of curiosity, but decided to tread lightly. He offered his business card instead.

"Why don't you let me help? Not just with avoiding awkward encounters, but maybe... with something else?"

Seokjin looked at the card, his eyes wide with surprise. "Your gym... you're a trainer?"

"The best in the business," Jungkook declared with a wink, though his smile softened. "But I can also offer something else. Support, a listening ear, a friend. And maybe, just maybe, a way to love yourself the way you deserve, regardless of what Taehyung thinks."

Seokjin stared at him, his defenses momentarily crumbling. The idea of someone offering genuine support, of being seen and accepted for who he was, was a foreign concept, almost frightening in its potential.

"I don't... I don't want to be skinny," he finally confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I like being this way. It's... me."

Jungkook's smile turned genuine, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "And that's perfectly okay. You deserve to be loved for who you are, not who you think you should be. But if you ever want to feel stronger, healthier, happier in your own skin, I'm here for you. No pressure, just... an offer."

Seokjin hesitated, the box of shortcakes a silent testament to his conflicting desires. He looked at Jungkook, a flicker of hope battling with his ingrained insecurity.

"Maybe," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Maybe someday."

~~~~~~

The aroma of simmering sauces and sizzling pans filled the air as Seokjin weaved his magic in the kitchen. His heart pounded a secret rhythm, not just from the heat of the stove, but from the anticipation of seeing Taehyung. The restaurant, a cozy haven tucked away near Taehyung's condominium, was a daily stage for their silent interaction.

Seokjin wasn't just the chef; he was a silent guardian, pouring his love and longing into every dish he created for Taehyung. His culinary creations were unspoken poems, each bite a whispered melody of affection. Today's masterpiece was a symphony of flavors - a succulent salmon encrusted in a herb and panko crust, nestled on a bed of saffron risotto and drizzled with a creamy lemon butter sauce.

His friends, Hyubin, the ever-smiling waiter, Jaehwan, the energetic assistant chef, and Seunghoo, the stoic head chef, all knew the secret. They watched with knowing glances as Seokjin meticulously arranged the plate, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the chandelier just as they mirrored Taehyung's smile.