Strange Comfort ✅

Dinner with friends

The time for the big dinner finally arrived. Erica had learned during their lunch that Tae's brother had been balking the idea of being set up. Tae and Kookie just figured it was because he wasn't ready to settle down, a decent theory, honestly.

Hobi took his time getting ready; she knew it was because he wanted to look good for Jimin. Those two were just adorable together, and while she wished it could go somewhere, Hobi would go back to America, and she didn't want either of them to get hurt in the process. 

Erica stood in front of her open closet wrapped in a towel, unable to decide what to wear for this dinner. Sure she was curious about Tae's brother, but like him, she didn't relish the thought of being set up with someone she didn't know.

"A simple dress is always a safe way to go." 

Turning, she saw Hobi leaning against her door.

"Hmm. But we both know I hate dresses."

"True, but if you keep it simple, it won't be as bad. Plus, you have amazing legs, so show them."

"Fine, Mr. Fashionista, pick something for me."

His face lit up. This was something the two of them did for important occasions throughout high school and college. He would pick her dresses out since she hated shopping for them. It was sort of nostalgic for it to happen now too. Picking out a simple strapless bra and panty set, she slipped them on while he sorted through her clothes, finally deciding on a white body-con dress. She would normally object to a tight dress for a friendly dinner, but the sweetheart neckline, floral print, subtle ruching, and short puffy sleeves gave it an innocent look. (AN: Totally cute dress, its on Shein and I sort of want it for myself)

"Fine, but I'm wearing flats."

*****

As normal, her need to be early had them showing up well before the appointed time. But since it was just friends, she took it as an opportunity to hang out with them longer. Even though they said not to bring anything, she still grabbed a nice bottle of wine to go with the meal.

Giving their normal knock, she walked in without waiting for one of them to open the door. 

"We're here!" She hollered out, pulling Hobi in with her.

Jungkook walked in and smiled at them. "Fantastic, we're just waiting for Jin to get here. Then we can eat."

"Jin?" Hobi asked.

"Yeah, that's Tae's brother."

"Yeah. Come, come. Oooh wine, thanks, love." Kook grabbed the wine, directing them to the living room while he wandered off to the kitchen to check on dinner.

"Erica! Hobi!" Jimin jumped up, racing over to hug you and smile at Hobi.

"Ugh, don't mind him. He's been drinking already." Tae walked into the room with Jungkook trailing behind him. 

"Already? Jimin doesn't drink much." Erica pointed out, a little concerned.

Kook leaned closer, "He won't admit it, but he's a bit nervous being around your friend." He grinned at her when he heard a little giggle coming from Jimin, who was staring up at Hobi.

"Wha- around Hobi? Why? Hobi is a teddy bear." Jungkook just shot her a wink and a grin. "Ahhh, ok."

"You look beautiful, by the way. Jin won't know what hit him."

"Hobi picked it out. If it isn't casual or work-related, I don't know how to throw things together." She admitted, wanting to give Hobi credit since he definitely earned it, making her look this good.

Tae left the room, returning shortly with a tall, beautiful man. Wow, if this was his brother, you could completely understand that good looks run in the family. Dude, those lips, I'm jealous.

"Me too."

She looked over at Hobi, brows furrowed in confusion.

"You said you were jealous of his lips. I'm just agree with you. What is it with the men in Seoul having amazing lips?" He looked over at Jimin, who was sitting on the couch giggling to himself, looking frigging adorable.

"Damnit, I really need to work on my filter."

"Erica, this is my brother Seokjin, or Jin for short. Jin, this is my friend and co-worker Erica and her friend Hobi."

"Jin, it is so nice to meet you. I've heard a little bit about you."

"A little, huh? All I've heard is Erica this and Erica that. All good though, I promise."

Tae smiled while looking back and forth between them. "Well, dinner is ready; we can go sit down." Of course, the shithead sat you right between Jin and Hobi. But at least with Hobi there, there was an even six at the table. "So Erica, have you heard anything about your mom today? Is she still doing ok?"

"Oh yeah. I spoke to her earlier this evening, actually. Her and dad are doing well. They started going for walks after dinner to get some exercise and help with stress levels."

"Was she ill? Your mom, that is?" Jin questioned, turning his full attention her way.

"That's why we had to postpone dinner. There was an emergency, and I had to fly back to the states. But in the end, she's ok, so that's all that matters. And Hobi decided to come for a visit, which was a great surprise." She stifled a giggle at the quiet 'yeah it was' she heard come from Jimin.

 "Oh wow. I'm glad to learn she's ok. And I'm glad your friend came too. It's always nice to meet new people or reconnect with old friends."

"Jin here has been throwing fits when we mention setting him up with someone. Maybe now that he's met you, he'll give it a shot." Tae smiled at both of you.

Geez, no pressure or anything, Tae.

"Tae, I told you, it has nothing to do with Erica. She's lovely; I'm just--"

She rested her hand on Jin's arm. "Jin, trust me, there is no need to explain, and I take no offense. I do not exactly want to be set up either."

"It's not that I don't want to be set up. Well, I mean, I don't, but it isn't for the reason Tae thinks."

"Then why is it?" Tae interjected. "I just want you settled down and happy. Like Kookie and I are."

"And I am. I am settled down and happy, Taetae."

The small 'happy happy happy' she heard from Jimin had her biting her lip not to laugh. God he was the cutest drunk.

"But you're alone. I don't want that for you, Jinnie."

Jin heaved a sigh. "I'm not alone, Tae. I hadn't said anything because it's new, and I don't want to jinx it, but I'm seeing a very nice man." He gets a soft little smile on his face, one she couldn't help but smile upon seeing it. 

"Does he make you happy? Why didn't you tell me? It's not like I could get mad at you for being with a man hyung."

"That's not." Jin pursed his lips, thinking for a moment. "I'm very happy, Taetae. I'm completely in love with him. I haven't told him yet, but I am. I honestly have never been this happy before, and if all goes well, I'll be with him and happy for the rest of our lives. But no, the reason I haven't said anything yet is that you know him. He's actually your boss. I'm dating Min Yoongi."

"I did not see that one coming." She didn't even realize she had said that out loud until Jimin burst out laughing.

"From the look on his face, neither did Tae." Jimin giggled.