Fifty-Seventh
:Chapter Fifty-Seven:
"You know, if I knew we were going to walk to our date, I probably would've declined." Taehyung whined for the millionth time, holding Jeongguk's hand as he was dragged along.
"Oh cut it, you big baby." Jeongguk rolled his eyes. "You act like we've been walking forever."
"Sure does feel that way, Newbie." Taehyung uttered, tone annoyed and lame.
Jeongguk pulled them along to this little restaurant. It looked pretty worn down; old. Taehyung's seen this place before but he's never been to or had even really planned on it.
It was just a small restaurant on the side of the road a few blocks down from both of their houses.
"This place?" Questioned Taehyung.
"Yes! I know it doesn't look like much but dude, I swear to you that this place has the best burgers in the country." Jeongguk praised, looking back at the boy. "Little restaurant that rarely gets busy but their food is so good and so authentic. I promise I won't set you up."
"Considering I didn't think you were going to set me up, I think this is all a setup. You're probably going to pitch a baseball at my forehead. Do me dirty." Taehyung squinted suspiciously.
Jeongguk laughed. "It would do me no good, we already won the championship. I guess I'll have to wait until senior year to give you a concussion."
Taehyung rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "How would you even know this place has the best in the country?" Taehyung asked. "Sounds like you should probably not be in the type of shape you are if all you do is go around trying burgers."
"Carbs are friends." Jeongguk pulled Taehyung into the small restaurant, going over to the counter and asking for a booth for two.
The boys were taken over to a booth and each handed a menu to skim over.
Taehyung glanced over the food and it all seemed pretty ordinary. Nothing really struck him as special or jaw-dropping. He wasn't complaining but this definitely wasn't what he had in mind.
Time went by, the two got their sodas and placed their orders in. It was simple and easy going. Jeongguk wasn't lying when he mentioned that it wouldn't be anything fancy. It was rather enjoyable considering Taehyung didn't need to worry about what to wear, how to look, if he smelled overly pleasant, or anything.
The dress code was casual and relaxed and Taehyung did that anyway most of the time.
"I almost contemplated bringing Jaeyong along." Jeongguk spoke up, playing with a piece of straw paper.
"Why didn't you?" Taehyung asked.
"Well, it's a date between you and me. Not him and you. Sometimes I think he has a little crush on you with how much he asks to see you. You're not even that special." Jeongguk wore a playful smirk, peaking up through his black hair to see Taehyung scoff.
"You wish that were accurate, Newbie, but what can I say? I have that type of charm going on for me." He shrugged, leaning back like he was the man. Taehyung wore a smug look, wiggling his eyebrows at the boy ahead of him.
Jeongguk turned his head and covered his mouth, faking a gag. "Excuse me, I think I'm going to be sick." He joked around.
Before he could even laugh, he winced sharply and flew his hand down to his shin where Taehyung kicked him.
"Watch it, you're not leaving a good first impression." Commented the blond, looking away.
Before the two knew it, two burgers were brought out with a lump of fries accompanying both plates.
Jeongguk handed Taehyung a few napkins before returning to his plate. He didn't even wait, he grabbed ahold of the burger and pulled it to his mouth.
Taehyung watched as Jeongguk took a large bite, surprised the boy could even get his mouth that wide.
The elder didn't wait any longer himself. He picked up his own burger and took a bite — his bite a bit smaller than Jeongguk's.
"Holy shit," Taehyung said, mouth full of food. He would be damned, they were juicy, excellent burgers. His was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Truly immaculate if you asked Taehyung.
"See! Told you so!" Jeongguk grinned. "I come here way too often. It's just too good, how could I possibly stay away."
Taehyung didn't respond to that, instead, he continued to enjoy his burger. Every bite being better than the next.
Though this restaurant wasn't top tier, brand new, and huge, it was still pretty incredible and Taehyung was happy this is where the two went for their date.
***
"But yeah, Hoseok's always been very welcoming. I truly do adore him when he isn't defending you over me." Taehyung chuckled, hand-in-hand with Jeongguk's.
"I figured, he gives off that vibe. He's a cool dude." Jeongguk said.
They weren't too sure how the conversation turned to talking about Hoseok but it did. Both of them were fond of Hoseok beyond everything. He was a really good friend and caring though annoying at some points.
"And thanks for dinner. I don't think I thanked you." Taehyung smiled to the boy, swinging their arms.
"You did, like twelve times now." Jeongguk said. "But, again, you're welcome. Again, I know it wasn't like a five course restaurant but—"
Before Jeongguk could finish, the two stopped walking. Taehyung released Jeongguk's hand and froze in place.
The younger looked at the blond and followed at where he was looking to. Ahead of them, Jihyun was sitting on Taehyung's step, looking at something on her phone.
"What is she doing here?" Jeongguk asked, looking back at Taehyung who appeared dumbfounded.
"I— I don't know." Taehyung sounded nothing but honest. As if on cue, she looked up at her ex and Jeongguk. Her emotions couldn't be pinpointed by either of them.
"Um, okay," Jeongguk itched the back of his neck. "Well, I'll let you handle— that. Just text me." He didn't want to end their date but he knew he should probably let Taehyung do his thing. It seemed personal.
Jeongguk sighed, patting Taehyung's shoulder before walking away. He didn't want it to seem like they were romantic.
Taehyung walked forward, brows slightly furrowed. He felt anxious, unsure why. It was just so unusual to him that she would be waiting here unannounced.
"Hey? What's, uh, what's up?" Taehyung's voice cracked, his nerves being shown through how weak his voice is.
"Hi," she said back. "You two suddenly friends now?" Jihyun wondered, moving over and patting the step beside her.
"I guess you could say that." Taehyung uttered, taking a seat. "Friends."
". . ." Jihyun opened her mouth to speak but she shook her head, closing it back up. She wanted to say a lot but felt like there was not really anything to be said. She almost debated why she was even here to begin with.
But Taehyung begged to differ.
"I . . . I am so sorry, Jihyun. Seriously. Words can't describe to you how apologetic—" Taehyung was cut off by Jihyun who snapped her head towards him, shushing him.
"I honestly don't think I really care how sorry you are." She bluntly said. "I get it, you're sorry and you didn't mean to and, yeah, whatever." Jihyun sighed. "I guess I just wanted closure more or less but now I don't know why."
"Closure? We don't have to leave on bad terms." Taehyung admitted.
"I didn't do anything for us to, you on the other hand did. The fact you just couldn't break up before cheating, maybe it wouldn't have been that bad." Jihyun sighed, looking away.
"No, I know, I just— I was worried about hurting you and I was just so overwhelmed. I don't expect you to ever forgive me, just know I wasn't trying to hurt you. Sounds silly, I know, but really, Jihyun. I never wanted to hurt you or anyone." Taehyung said softly, keeping his eyes on her. "I really was going to end things but I would panic and—"
"It's fine," Jihyun said. "You're fine. It happened and I . . . I believe you for the most part. I don't think you were purposely going out of my way to hurt me."
Then a silence fell between them. Unlike Jeongguk's and Taehyung's silence, this wasn't very comforting. It was stiff and awkward.
". . . You deserve only the best, Ji." Taehyung breathed, barely audible. "And, whether you want to hear it or not, I'm sorry."
Jihyun nodded, looking back over. "I forgive you."
"I don't want you to."
"Well, I do." Jihyun said, a bit more stern. "No point in holding a grudge or being mad at you. It could've been worse, I suppose."
Taehyung didn't reply this time, his face unreadable.
Jihyun pushed to her feet, brushing off the dirt from her bottom. "I guess I should go, huh,"
"If you feel that's best," Taehyung said. It was likely the better option. "But, um . . . We friends?"
"I guess. Probably will take time but no point in hating each other. Are we still going to prom together? You were my date and prom's right around the corner. I would hate to go alone." Jihyun said.
Taehyung hesitated but slowly nodded. "Yeah, we'll still go together." It was her prom after all and it was the least he could do for her.
"Cool," Jihyun said. "I guess I'll see you later then." She bid, lips tight together.
Taehyung said his own goodbye, watching her walk away.
That encounter could've went worse and she could've put him on blast if she wanted to. She wasn't like that though. She really was a sweetheart who couldn't hold an ounce of hatred in her heart. She was too kind for that and was always trying to see both sides of every situation.
Taehyung wish she didn't forgive as quick as she did but he was glad she wasn't mad at him. He was appreciative to say the least.
Jihyun was just one of those characters that couldn't afford to be nasty and rude. It wasn't in her personality, nor was having bad blood with anyone.
The blond boy sighed to himself and stood up, entering his home quietly. His parents decided to go on a date themselves so he was home all alone, the quiet evident.
He slipped off his shoes and took a seat on the sofa, leaning back.
He should probably keep Jeongguk up to speed and at least communicate everything to him. It would only be fair to keep him in on the loop.
It was only what Taehyung considered fair.