The How's of us

CHAPTER 8: TEACH ME

Tae had taken the bus to get to Jin's restaurant. He called Jin as soon as he got there and was waiting by the reception. A few minutes later, Jin came trudging into the reception. Tae would never admit it out loud, but he always thought Jin was handsome since the first day. As he walked towards him, he seemed to be the source of light brightening the room. Staff members were all smiling and bowing to him.

Tae snapped out of his daze when Jin got close and smiled at him. "Hi Tae, I'm happy you called." Jin was full on smiling now, and somehow Tae found himself smiling as well. "Come on, I hope you don't mind. I decided we could make lunch together and share a meal. Is that okay?" Jin asked as he guided Tae to a door written Staff only. "That's okay, I wasn't sure what we were going to do anyway." Tae couldn't help the blush that crept up his cheeks after Jin turned to place a hair net on his head.

"What's your favourite food, Taetae? We can make that." Jin asked as he led Tae through another door that Tae assumed led to the kitchen. What he didn't expect to find was a private kitchen. "This is my own personal kitchen. I cook from here when there are special orders. So, what's your special order, Tae?" Jin turned to look at Tae as he asked. Tae realised that all those times that Jungkook said that he was with Jin learning how to bake, they weren't just in the restaurant's kitchen like he had consoled himself. They were always alone, in here. A lot can happen when two people who like each other are left alone. When he realised he was beginning to doubt Jungkook, he brushed off the thought. Kook would never do anything behind his back.

"Can we make jjajangmyeon? And maybe you can teach me how to bake? " Tae asked. He needed to keep himself busy to avoid his thoughts. He then realised that he may be asking for too much. "That is if you have the time...if you don't that is okay. I can always learn another day." He quickly added. "Tae, I did say I will make time for you. So, let's make some delicious jjajangmyeon, and I will teach you how to bake once your stomach is filled up."

Jin really was a good cook. Tae could tell from the way he prepared his ingredients. Tae had helped with slicing the vegetables, but Jin had stopped him because he wasn't "cutting them right." By the end of it, Jin had done all the cooking. There was a small dining area in the kitchen. Tae decided that he could help by preparing the table. When the food was ready, they sat down to eat. "Joonie won't stop talking about you, you know. He goes on and on about how great of an artist you are. I started getting jealous." Jin said,  wanting to cut through the awkwardness that had befallen them. "Oh. I didn't mean to make you jealous. I swear I wouldn't do anything with your boyfriends without your knowledge." Tae said, clearly having misunderstood Jin. That made Jin feel guilty for keeping a secret from Tae. But he also knew it was better if Jungkook told him first.

Jin settled for a chuckle. "I meant that I got jealous that you were spending so much time with him and seemed awkward with me. I really wanted us to spend time together too ,Tae. I want to see you in your element as well." Jin explained while keeping eye contact with Tae. "You never called either,you seemed to be more interested in Kookie." As soon as he had said it, his eyes went wide. He couldn't believe that he let that slip. "Sorry, I didn't mean to.... "

"Tae, I'm sorry I made you feel that way." Jin interrupted Tae before he could apologize. He didn't want him to apologize for opening up about how he felt. "When I met you guys, I had an immediate connection with Kook, and somehow, I found it easier to talk to him. That day at the restaurant, when you met my boyfriends for the first time, you held my hand, and I swear I have never felt that kind of spark with anyone. While talking to Kook was easy for me, I found myself getting nervous and not knowing what to say around you. That is why I always asked Kook to come with you when I wanted to spend time with you. I guess I was a coward hiding behind him. Both of you bring out such opposite reactions from me." Jin admitted. At some point, he had looked up, and Tae could see he was being honest.

"You make me nervous too, Jin. But I really want to try for Kook. We both care for him, so maybe we can try and get past that awkwardness for him?" Tae suggested. "I agree, Tae. But I care for you too. I have just been struggling with how to tell you. I don't know if you understood what I meant, but I want to make it clear. You make me nervous because I have a huge crush on you, Tae. You're so handsome, and I don't know how to handle myself around you. I find myself hoping that one day you can treat me the way you treat Kook, with such delicacy and love." Jin had laid out his cards, and the aftermath was his ears turning red and embarrassing him.

Tae wasn't any better. His face had turned a dark shade of red, and he could swear his heartbeat had quickened. Jin couldn't help but think what Tae would think of the situation with Jungkook. They were finally making progress, and he didn't want Tae to hate him. He wanted Tae just as much as he wanted Jungkook. It just took him and Jungkook a shorter time. Just then, the door to his personal kitchen opened, and in came Jungkook. "Sorry, I hope I am not interrupting you guys. Soyeon let me in."

As soon as he heard his husband's voice, Tae was on his feet ,ready to give him a hug. They exchanged a sweet kiss before Tae spoke up. "Soyeon?" He scrunched up his face in a cute manner, and Kook couldn't help but land another kiss on his lips. "Soyeon is one of my staff members. I had told them to always let you two in if you're around." It was Jin who answered him. Jungkook's eyes drifted to him. They stared at each other for a while with what looked like longing. Tae realised that Kook might want to say hi to Jin but was holding back because of him. He excused himself to go the bathroom.

"Hi baby, I missed you." Jin said as he gave Kook a hug. "I missed you too love. I'm sorry I didn't say hi immediately." Jungkook answered, still clutching onto Jin. "It's okay my love, I understand that you haven't told Tae yet. I can wait."

"Tell me what?"

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