𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏 ❜ 𝐕𝐊

Flustered by a Flicker

Taehyung gazed up at the star-dusted night sky. The city lights shimmered below, a dazzling tapestry that reminded him of fireflies flitting through a forest. He inhaled deeply, the cool air a welcome change from the restaurant's warmth. Just a few weeks ago, taking a bus home was his routine. Now, the awkwardness of waiting for someone made him feel strangely out of place.

In his entire life, waiting for someone had been a rare occurrence. Years had passed since the last time he found himself in such a situation. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone, checking the message he'd received an hour ago: "Wait, I'll come pick you up in an hour."

Manager Cha had surprised him earlier by saying he could leave early. Taehyung had cast a suspicious glance at him, a reaction that made the manager chuckle. "Mr. Jeon's orders," he'd explained simply.

Curiosity gnawed at him. Did Jungkook know Manager Cha, or Mrs. Choi, the restaurant owner, on a personal level? How else could he have secured Taehyung's early dismissal?

His train of thought was interrupted by a car horn. Jungkook emerged from the vehicle, his tall figure accentuated by a sharp black suit. Taehyung blinked, accustomed to seeing him in his uniform. Jungkook had grown, not just in height but also in muscle tone. He could easily be a model.

"Ahem."

A sharp cough startled Taehyung. He looked up to find Jungkook watching him, a playful smile dancing on his lips. A blush crept up Taehyung's cheeks, a wave of embarrassment washing over him.

Taehyung sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window. It had been a week since his grandma's surgery. Jungkook had taken to picking him up from work occasionally, but tonight seemed earlier than usual. He stole a glance at Jungkook.

"Haven't had dinner yet, have you?" Jungkook asked, noticing Taehyung's gaze.

"Maybe I have," Taehyung retorted.

Jungkook simply hummed in response, and the rest of the ride unfolded in comfortable silence. Suddenly, Taehyung frowned as he looked out the window. Where were they going?

"Where are we headed?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Just feeling hungry," came the simple reply.

Jungkook pulled the car to a stop, and Taehyung took in their surroundings. It was a beautiful Hanok restaurant, nestled in a quiet corner of the city. As they entered, a waiter clad in traditional Hanbok greeted them with a respectful bow. Taehyung felt a flicker of self-consciousness. Standing beside Jungkook, who seemed perfectly at ease, he couldn't help but compare himself. In his plain T-shirt and black khakis, he felt out of place.

They were seated, and soon, the table was adorned with an array of delicious traditional dishes, a classical barbecue, Tteokguk (rice cake soup), Sundae, and Galbitang (short rib soup). In addition to the food, a few bottles of rice wine, Makgeolli, sat on the table.

The dinner felt incredibly awkward for Taehyung, a station chef who'd never dined in a restaurant before. He tried to drown the discomfort with gulps of rice wine. The sweet and tangy drink surprised him, and he wrinkled his nose at the unfamiliar taste.

"Take it slow," Jungkook chuckled, watching Taehyung.

Taehyung felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. His head swam, and his vision blurred. He rarely drank alcohol, and the effects hit him hard. Jungkook was speaking, his lips moving, but Taehyung couldn't decipher the words. All he could focus on was Jungkook's face, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Suddenly, a hand brushed against his cheek, making him flinch. It was Jungkook, his touch sending shivers down Taehyung's spine.

There was a time when Taehyung adored Jungkook's voice. It was a soothing melody that could lull him to sleep on command. And right now, all he wanted to do was close his eyes and drift off.

He awoke to the familiar sights of his neighborhood, his head still spinning. He was in the passenger seat, Jungkook's gaze fixed on him.

"You're awake?" Jungkook's voice, though muffled by the fog in his head, was clear.

"Uh, yeah," Taehyung stammered, his voice thick and sluggish. He noticed Jungkook's suit jacket draped around him like a makeshift blanket. "I should get going. Good night."

He stumbled out of the car, his legs wobbly and uncoordinated. He fumbled with his keys, finally managing to unlock the door and stumble inside. He slammed the door shut, collapsing onto the nearest surface with a sigh of relief.

Taehyung sluggishly changed out of his clothes and crawled into bed, eyelids drooping heavily. The events of the night replayed in his mind as he drifted off to sleep.

A buzzing sound startled him awake. He fumbled for his phone, squinting at the screen. It was a message from Jungkook.

"Let's drink again. Good night, sweet dreams."

Taehyung's face flushed crimson as he reread the message. He buried his face in his pillow and let out a muffled scream. A sudden realization struck him – he'd also said good night.

Something was definitely shifting between them. The awkwardness to the unexpected  closeness – it all pointed towards a change in their dynamic.

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