Untold Truths

Chapter 1

Vi already had enough going on in her life without adding a blind date to the list. And yet, somehow, Nari had convinced her to agree to one. Standing outside the restaurant, Vi stared at the glowing sign above the entrance, then pulled out her phone to text her best friend, Nari.

I still can't believe I agreed to this blind date.

Nari's response came almost immediately. You're the one who said no more dating apps.

Vi frowned at the screen. Yeah, but a blind date?! That's worse.

The three little dots appeared, then the message came through: Stop being dramatic. He's a nice guy. Everyone at work loves him.

Vi sighed, rolling her eyes even though Nari wasn't there to see it. 🙄 Fine. I'll let you know how it goes. She was about to put her phone away when another message came through.

I love you.

Despite herself, Vi smiled. Love you too.

Nari always knew how to make her smile even when she was on edge. She slipped her phone into her bag and walked inside. The restaurant was busier than she'd expected, filled with the low hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses. Vi approached the hostess stand and forced a polite smile.

"Hi. I have a reservation for two. It should be under Nari." The hostess checked the screen in front of her before smiling. "Right this way." Vi followed her through the restaurant to a small table set for two near the back. Naturally, she was the first one there, she checked the time, eight minutes early. Of course. She thought to herself. She was always early. Her date could probably walk in exactly on time, and she'd still spend the next eight minutes wondering whether she'd been stood up.

"Hi." Vi looked up to find a waiter standing beside her table. "My name is Jon. I'll be taking care of you tonight. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?" Smiling back, she said, "Just water, please."

"Of course. I'll be right back." Once he disappeared, Vi glanced toward the entrance again. She didn't even know who she was looking for. Nari had given her the bare minimum, a guy from work, apparently universally adored by everyone who met him. No name, no picture, nothing that might have saved Vi from examining every man who walked through the door. She was beginning to regret agreeing to this. Actually, she'd regretted it before she'd even left the house. Vi reached for her phone when the chair across from her suddenly scraped against the floor. Someone sat down. Then she looked up and froze, a slow smile spread across Taehyung's face.

"So, you're my date." He leaned back in his chair, looking far too amused by the situation. "Nari mentioned a Violet, but I didn't expect it to be you." Vi stared at him. Of all the men in Seoul, Tae-freaking-hyung.  "You've got to be kidding me." She said with her arms crossed.  Taehyung laughed. Already annoyed, she let out a groan. "She didn't mention you by name either," Vi muttered, already reaching for her bag. "Which was apparently a very important detail." Tae wondered why she was grabbing her bag so quickly. "Where are you going?"

"Home," she replied abruptly.

"Oh, come on." He leaned forward. "Stay for a little while. We can get to know each other better." His smile widened. "Better than last time." Then he winked. Vi stopped. Slowly, she turned back toward him. "I think we got to know each other pretty well last time."

"Exactly. So technically, we're already past the awkward part." He grinned.  Rolling her eyes, she quickly said, "That is not how that works."

"It could be." he shrugged. That annoyed Vi even more; she slung her bag over her shoulder. "Well, I'm not interested in finding out."

"Vi—" He reached to stop her, but didn't grab her arm in time.

"Thanks. See you never." She turned before he could respond and walked straight out of the restaurant.

The cool night air hit her face the moment she stepped outside, but it did little to settle the irritation burning beneath her skin. She couldn't believe Nari had done this. Knowing Nari, there was a very real possibility she hadn't known. Vi climbed into her car and immediately pulled out her phone.

Can she stay with you tonight? The date was horrible. I need some me time.

Nari replied almost instantly. That bad, huh? 😂 Yeah, of course. You know she loves her Auntie Nari.

Vi released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Thank you. I'll pick her up tomorrow. She tossed her phone onto the passenger seat and started the car. For a moment, she simply sat there. She could go home, start a bath, light a candle, have a glass of wine, she probably should go home. Instead, almost instinctively, she reached for her phone again. She didn't have to think about who to call. She never did on nights like this. Nonetheless, she called him straight away.  He answered after barely two rings, his voice coming through the car's speakers.

"Hey." Something about hearing him immediately loosened the knot in her chest.

"Hey." Vi hesitated. "Can I come over?" There was no questioning why. No asking what happened, at least not yet.

"Yeah," Jungkook said easily. "Same passcode."

"I'll be there in five." She ended the call and headed straight to his place.

The next morning, Vi woke slowly, warmth pressed against her back and an arm draped lazily around her waist. "Good morning, beautiful." Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice.  Jungkook was beside her, hair tousled from sleep and a lazy smile resting on his face. "You never sleep over," he murmured. "Why the sudden change?" Vi stared at him for a second, her brain still struggling to catch up. Then she noticed the sunlight pouring through the curtains, it was morning, her eyes widened. "Oh, shit. It's morning." She shot upright. Jungkook groaned when her sudden movement pulled the blankets away from him. "And apparently mornings are terrifying now?" he giggled. "I have to go," she said frantically. "Don't leave." He reached for her wrist before she could get too far, giving it a gentle tug. "Stay for a little while."

"I really can't." She slipped from his grasp and started gathering her things from around the room. "I'll make it up to you, okay?" Jungkook fell back against the pillows, watching her rush around with obvious disappointment. "Oh, you better." He sighed dramatically. "So much for breakfast." Vi laughed under her breath. "Next time." She pulled her shirt over her head and then came her pants. "I'm holding you to that." he pointed at her.  She slipped into her shoes, grabbed her bag, and gave him one last smile before pulling open his bedroom door. Then she stepped into the hallway. She froze at the sight on him, Taehyung was standing in the kitchen. He looked just as surprised to see her, though his expression changed much faster than hers did. His eyes moved from Vi to the bedroom door behind her, then back to Vi, and then a knowing smile slowly appeared.

"Well, well," he said, almost smirking.

Vi immediately frowned. "Don't."

"I didn't say anything."  he poured himself a glass of orange juice.

Her heart raced. "You were about to." His gaze dropped briefly to her shoes and the bag thrown over her shoulder before returning to her face. "Nice to see you're still keeping up with old habits." There it was the jab she was waiting for, and still her mouth fell open. Two years disappeared in an instant. A night she hadn't thought about in a long time or, more accurately, one she'd made a point not to think about.

"You're unbelievable," she scoffed.

"And yet," Taehyung said, leaning casually against the wall, "you seemed to like me just fine two years ago."

Vi's eyes narrowed. "That was one night."

"I'm aware. I was there." he took a sip of his orange juice.  She opened her mouth, then immediately closed it again. There was absolutely no response she could give him that wouldn't make this worse. So instead, she crossed her arms. "What are you even doing here?" Taehyung's smug expression faltered. "What am I doing here?"

"Yes," she reiterated.

Without hesitation he answered, "I live here."