Chapter 19

Thought to complete what I had started with or without motivation! 🌼

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Author's Point of View

12:30 | Sunshine's Café

The area was filled with warmth and chatter as everyone settled into their seats. The scent of fresh coffee and the soft murmur of conversation made the atmosphere pleasant.

"I’ll bring everyone coffee and something to eat," Jungkook offered, standing up.

"Yeah, let’s go. I’ll help you," Jimin said, quickly following him into the kitchen.

As soon as they disappeared, Jin turned to Taehyung with a teasing smile. "Tae, you never told us about your new friend."

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Yes, cub. Not even me?"

Taehyung chuckled sheepishly, lowering his head slightly. "Sorry... Eomma, Appa"

Jin shook his head fondly. "But seriously, Tae, he’s so cute and also very polite."

Hoseok, sitting beside Taehyung, eagerly chimed in, "You’re right, Eomma. He’s the kindest person I’ve ever seen. You’ll know once you talk to him—I’m sure you’ll like him."

Taehyung only smiled, feeling a strange warmth at their words.

After about five or six minutes, Jungkook and Jimin returned, carrying trays—Jungkook with the coffee and Jimin with a plate of cookies. They carefully placed the trays on the table before Jungkook handed out the coffee to everyone.

Finally, he reached Taehyung and held out a cup, their fingers lightly brushing. Taehyung accepted it without a word but couldn’t help the thought that crossed his mind.

How does he always manages to make the perfect coffee for me?

Over the past month, he had gotten addicted to the coffee Jungkook made. No one else could match his taste, and Taehyung found himself wondering how Jungkook always got it right.

Jungkook smiled at him, and Taehyung returned it—something so small, yet enough to make Jungkook feel at ease. He sat beside Taehyung, his presence bringing an odd sense of comfort.

As the conversation picked up again, Namjoon and Jin took the opportunity to talk with Jungkook. Mostly, it was Jin who asked him questions, trying to get to know him better.

Jungkook, at first nervous, soon realized how kind and welcoming they were. I was nervous for nothing. Taehyung’s parents are so sweet, he thought to himself, feeling lighter.

The casual conversation continued until Taehyung, who had been mostly quiet, finally spoke.

"Appa, you wanted to say something. What is it?" He looked at Namjoon expectantly.

The air in the room shifted. The once lighthearted atmosphere turned serious. Namjoon and Jin exchanged a look, their expressions hesitant. They had never spoken about this before, never felt the need to interfere in Taehyung’s life decisions.

But now… they had to.

Namjoon sighed while Jin hesitated before finally speaking.

"Umm— Baby are you dating someone?" Jin asked carefully.

Taehyung blinked, staring at his mother in surprise. He hadn’t expected this. In all his 24 years, his parents had never once questioned his love life. Not because they didn’t care—but because they trusted him. They knew he was mature enough to make his own decisions.

Why now?

The one most affected by the question, however, was Jungkook. His heart pounded loudly in his chest, an uneasy feeling creeping over him. His thoughts spun wildly.

What if Taehyung has a girlfriend?

What if he’s already in love with someone else?

Even if he isn’t, why would he ever accept a man like me? Someone with a four-year-old daughter?

His mind raced, his fingers tightening slightly around his cup. But all his thoughts came to a halt when Taehyung finally answered.

"No, Appa. I’m not dating anyone."

Jungkook exhaled softly, relief washing over him before worry took its place again.

"But why not, Tae? You’re already 24. Isn’t this the right age to start dating?" Jin asked, her voice gentle yet firm.

Taehyung frowned. "Eomma, first tell me… why are you suddenly asking this?"

Silence filled the room for a moment before Jin spoke again.

"Because we want you to date someone… and eventually get married," she admitted.

Taehyung’s frown deepened. "Why so suddenly, Eomma? Appa, say something," he demanded, looking at his father.

Namjoon sighed. "Your Eomma is right, cub."

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. "Appa, you too?"

Jin hesitated before finally revealing the truth. "Taehyung, since you’re not dating anyone, I have a friend… Her daughter is about your age. We’re going to meet them tomorrow."

The room went completely silent.

Taehyung clenched his fists under the table. They didn’t even ask me if I wanted to get married.

Jungkook felt his stomach drop.

So Taehyungie Hyung’s parents find someone for him?

Even Jimin, Yoongi, and Hoseok—who had been quietly observing—felt the tension.

After two minutes of heavy silence, Taehyung finally spoke. His voice was deep, calm… yet dangerously sharp.

"No. I’m not going anywhere. And that’s final."

His tone sent a chill through the room. Even Jungkook, who had never seen this side of Taehyung before, felt uneasy.

Namjoon and Jin shared a look. They didn’t want to force him. In fact, they blamed themselves for even bringing this up… but they had to.

"But why, Taehyung?" Jin asked. "You’re not in a relationship, so why refuse to meet her?"

Taehyung lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable.

"I already told you—I don’t want to meet her. Or anyone." His voice was firm.

"But at least meet her first. We just want you to be happy—"

"Eomma," Taehyung interrupted, frustration creeping into his tone. "I don’t know why you’re insisting on this, but I can’t do what you want me to do."

Jungkook, who had been silent all this time, felt a strange mix of emotions. He was worried… but also something deeper.

Then, something shifted in Taehyung’s mind.

Yoongi’s words from a few days ago echoed in his head. "You need to face what’s in your heart, Taehyung."

Slowly, his gaze fell on Jungkook.

Jungkook, who had been watching him silently, met his eyes—his expression filled with so many emotions.

Worry. Hope. Fear.

And then Taehyung just… knew.

Taking a deep breath, he stood up. His hands were shaking, his heart pounding. He looked directly at his parents, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.

"Appa. Eomma. I repeat—I don’t want to meet her. Not just her, but anyone."

His next words came out softer— yet filled with undeniable truth.

"I’m not dating anyone… but I do like someone."

The room went dead silent.

Jungkook’s breath hitched.

Taehyung’s voice faltered slightly, but he forced himself to continue. "I don’t know if he likes me back… but I don’t want anyone else. I just want him."

Then, in a barely audible whisper, he finally said it.

"And before you say I'm justing saying this to get out of this conversation... Then let me tell you. The person I like is right here at this moment and—"

"That person is… Jungkook."

His confession lingered in the air, heavy and raw.

Taehyung clenched his fists. "So please… don’t force me."

And without another word, he turned and walked out, not looking back.

His heart was a mess. His mind was racing.

But for the first time… he had said it.

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Preview ~

To Be Continued