Chapter Text
“Are you kidding me? Taehyung?”, Jeongguk groans, his head bumping on the table, eyes moving upwards to look at his boss. “Does it really have to be him?”
“Come on, Jeongguk”, Mina rolls her eyes, side glancing at Jeongguk before her attention goes back to her computer. “He’s the best at marketing, and he knows Japanese.”
“You know how to speak Japanese!”, Jeongguk exclaims, his back straight as he points his finger.
“I am Japanese”, Mina takes a deep breath. “I’m also your boss and incredibly busy.”
“There’s no way to argue around this, is there?”, Jeongguk pouts, bating his eyelashes again, even though Mina is barely looking at him anymore.
Mina is his friend from college, she’s the one who gave him the opportunity to work in such a big gaming company, and she’s the reason why Jeongguk’s game from two years ago was so well received. She knows how to deal with him, she’s been doing this for a long time.
“You know he's an asset”, Mina says as she continues to type away, a concentrated look on her face, eyes zoning on her computer.
“He’s good, but I’d prefer to go with literally anyone else but him”, Jeongguk pouts a bit, sighing soundly to show his displeasure.
“You leave in two days”, Mina says with a small frown. “Please behave yourself.”
Jeongguk groans, making sure that Mina sees his discontentment before he turns around, dragging his feet out of the door.
He can’t believe he’s going to have to spend a week with Taehyung in a foreign country. Out of all the people he could have been partnered with, it had to be Kim Taehyung.
The trip is to promote his latest game, Legend of Yi, that will go into the markets in three months. He’s proud of it and he really wants the game to do well, even better than his last. So he’s going to a gaming conference in Japan in hopes of gaining some support for the promotions there. He knows he should feel thankful that someone as good at this as Taehyung will be going with him, since he’s painfully aware that if he were to go alone he’d most certainly come back without a deal.
It’s not that Taehyung is a bad person. On the contrary, Jeongguk knows he’s an emphatic and good friend to others. He’s also an enthusiastic company, and doesn't have any problem with making easy conversation with anyone. Truthfully, he’s clearly an asset considering the aim of the trip.
But the thing is, when it comes to Taehyung, things get really hard for Jeongguk to deal with.
Not only is Taehyung is incredibly attractive, but he’s always flirting with him meaninglessly, which makes Jeongguk want to pin his wrists against the wall and kiss him senseless just to shut him up. It’s a struggle that’s been going on for a while.
He throws himself to the chair in his office, crossed arms over his desk, resting his head on them with a sigh, feeling the heaviness slowly seep away. It’s going to be hard, but he’s been dodging Taehyung for such a long time, he’ll just have to make sure to avoid him once they’re there too. He’ll just focus on work, and then go straight to his room in the hotel where he’ll be safe and sound. It’ll be okay.
“So, I heard we’re going on a honeymoon to Japan?”, Taehyung’s teasing voice comes even before he’s peeking in from the doorframe, a smirk on his lips. “Should I bring lingerie?”
“Shut up”, Jeongguk stops himself from whining as he rolls his eyes. “Get out of my office.”
“So snappy”, Taehyung says with a huge grin, stepping into the office and sitting in the chair in front of Jeongguk’s desk. Jeongguk chances a glance, he’s probably coming from a meeting because he’s wearing a suit, a few top buttons open, the tie already pushed to the side. His eyes unconsciously roam over him, taking in the way the clothes fit his body, but as soon as he becomes aware of what he’s doing he quickly adverts his eyes to the computer, the action too fast to be unnoticeable. “What?”
“Nothing”, Jeongguk says, gesturing in front of him. “What are you doing here?”
“Seeing you”, Taehyung lets his body sag into the chair with a deep breath, his chest heaving and calling for Jeongguk’s attention. He makes a conscious effort to keep his eyes on the screen. “I just missed you Jeongguk, didn’t you miss me?”
Jeongguk wishes his heart didn’t react to these kind of words. He knows Taehyung doesn't mean anything by them, and it irks him that he continues to be like this.
“I have to work”, Jeongguk’s words are meant to drive Taehyung away from his office, but instead the other just gets up and steps to the other side of the desk, trying to look at his computer screen. He’s so close that Jeongguk can smell his cologne, the woody notes of his scent making Jeongguk swallow dryly.
“You don't seem like you’re working”, Taehyung leans his body further into Jeongguk’s chair, making Jeongguk feel uneasy, his skin already prickling as he feels Taehyung’s solid presence, his warmth just a few inches away. Taehyung’s face comes even closer then, as if he’s trying to properly see the what’s open on the computer, even though the screen is big enough that there’s no need for it. “You’re just a little lost, aren’t you? Should I help?”
Jeongguk takes a second to react, his heart beating faster than he’d like to admit. He feels a bit suffocated, Taehyung’s face so close to his own that all it would take to taste those red lips would be a small change of angle.
“No, you should go”, he pushes the chair backwards on purpose so Taehyung has to give him space, he needs to breathe. The thing is, if only Taehyung was flirting on purpose, maybe Jeongguk would take the bait. But, as it is, he just needs him to stay away.
“But I want to stay”, Taehyung whines cutely, sitting on top of his desk. Jeongguk starts to get irritated now, Taehyung always likes to push him to his limit, and it’s getting harder and harder for him not react. He’s not even sure if he wants to push him out of the door, of pull him closer by his loosened tie.
He’s about to say something when Hoseok knocks on the door. Jeongguk startles, pushing the chair away from the table as if he was doing something wrong. Maybe he was, since he was kind of daydreaming about having Taehyung bend on the table.
“Taehyung get away from Jeongguk”, Hoseok says with clear disinterest, Taehyung pouts as he stands up. “You have a call from the China branch.”
“Can’t Handong deal with that?”, he whines, his expression changing to a slight smirk as his eyes fall on Jeongguk. “I’m busy here.”
“No, you’re not”, Jeongguk points at him, gesturing him to go. “Go away, you’re just distracting me.”
“Good, then my work here is done”, Taehyung teases happily, taking a few steps before looking backwards at Jeongguk and even winking. “See you soon, Jeonggukie.”
“Don't call me that”, Jeongguk mutters between his teeth, watching as Taehyung waves and leaves his office.
His shoulders sag as soon as he’s alone again, taking a deep breath, his body still recovering from how uneasy Taehyung makes him feel.
The truth is that he admires Taehyung. He’s incredible at his job, considered a young prodigy, even though he rarely boasts about it in spite of his teasing and extravagant nature.
He’s always ready to offer anyone that beautiful smile, charming everyone he meets easily. He’s smart in business, clever in life. Jeongguk can’t help but feel intrigued by him, spends way too much time thinking about the other, or just admiring Taehyung from afar. He feels embarrassed by the fact that he’s clearly attracted to the other, and not only physically.
It doesn't help that Taehyung seems obsessed with teasing him every opportunity he gets. It’s been increasingly hard to deal with Taehyung’s advances nowadays. He wonders what will happen when he has to travel with him in two days.
Jeongguk huffs for the fourth time, looking at the clock. Taehyung’s late, and he’s getting seriously irritated. Mina pats his back on the side, shaking her head as she sees her friend openly annoyed expression.
“It’s alright, three hours before a flight is still a long time”, Mina says as she gives Jeongguk the cup of coffee she grabbed for him earlier. “Taehyung’s just like this, but he never misses a deadline, don't worry so much.”
“Is it that difficult to arrive on the agreed time?”, Jeongguk mumbles before he takes a sip of the black coffee. It helps, he calms down after the warm liquid goes down his throat. He’s still irritable, but he’s able to take a deep breath.
“I bet you just sent him the hour you wanted and he didn’t even agree to it”, Mina giggles, knowing both of them well enough to be aware of their dynamic. Jeongguk rolls his eyes, not even bothering to confirm it.
“Whatever, it’s a perfectly acceptable time to make sure we have everything ready for the flight”, he says as he takes another sip of his drink. Mina just rolls her eyes, picking up her phone and typing something on it, eyes focused, hair falling forward.
Jeongguk knows he’s just being petulant, but he can’t help it. It feels like Taehyung does whatever he wants and whenever he wants to, and Jeongguk likes to control things. Everything in his life is carefully coordinated, planned and scheduled. He likes to have control over things, he can’t help but be this way. He looks at the time again and his whole body tenses up, he’s in the process of groaning again, when he finally sees Taehyung.
He walks elegantly through the automatic doors of the airport, and suddenly it’s like time slows down. He looks like a model, right out of a magazine, and Jeongguk forgets how to breathe for a few seconds. He’s wearing a long coat with a fashionable outfit, his hair disheveled enough to make it seem careless, when it fact it just falls perfectly around his features. He’s dragging his trolley in his right hand, his left one on his pocket as he walks forward, approaching them. Jeongguk frowns, taking a large gulp on his coffee. Taehyung has no business being his hot, it’s just unfair.
“Ah, there you are”, Taehyung flashes his smile as soon as he approaches them, waving his hand in the air. Jeongguk averts his gaze, huffing. “What’s up with him?”
“You’re apparently late”, Mina says as she steps back, Taehyung laughs dryly.
“It’s still almost three hours before the flight takes off”, he says as he waves a hand in front of Jeongguk. “I usually only come one and a half hour before, I’ve arrived early for you Jeonggukie.”
“Don't call me that”, Jeongguk grumbles as he turns away. He can hear Taehyung chuckling behind him, thanking Mina for something she gives him.
“Alright, I’m leaving now”, she mumbles, eyes on her phone. She’s been looking tired for a week now, probably working night and day since their company is planning to release three games this year. “Guk, you have everything you need, right?”
“Yeah”, Jeongguk turns to her. Her blond hair is messy and she’s on her second cup of coffee, even though it’s only 9 in the morning.
“Okay, tell me how everything goes”, she says, eyes tired, but she still smiles at him.
“Don't worry Mina, I’ll take care of him”, Taehyung replies cheekily, making Jeongguk scoff. Taehyung’s hand squeezes her shoulder in reassurance, and Jeongguk’s eyes follow the action closely. “Just take a rest.”
Jeongguk nods, because his friend really looks exhausted, and Mina waves at them before she leaves, steps fast and eyes on her phone once again.
“We’re finally alone”, Taehyung sighs, his arm supporting his weight on Jeongguk’s shoulder, but he quickly shakes him off. “Oh come on, don't be mad at me, I’m still early enough, right?”
“Let’s go”, Jeongguk starts walking, making sure to have his passport in hand as Taehyung follows behind. He tries not to look at Taehyung too much, since he’s looking specially fresh and handsome today, focusing on anything else but him.
“Jeongguk, I don't like when you’re mad at me”, Taehyung pouts as he sits next to him on the chairs by the gate. His voice is low, and it makes goosebumps rise in Jeongguk’s skin, that he chooses to ignore them completely. “Look at me.”
“What do you want?”, Jeongguk frowns, his eyes cold on Taehyung. A perfect contrast to the way the other makes him feel.
“Did you know that when you get mad, your face looks really scary?”, Taehyung says as he juts his lips forward. Jeongguk’s eyes fall on them before he quickly averts his gaze elsewhere.
“Good, maybe you’ll leave me alone”, Jeongguk stares at the sign above the gate, where it asks people to wait. He just wants to get this over with, so he can finally hide away in his hotel room and take a deep breath, all by himself, a Taehyung free zone.
“You mean we aren’t gonna see Osaka?”, Taehyung shakes his shoulder to call for attention, but Jeongguk just rolls his eyes. He wishes he would really want Taehyung to leave him alone, but just the mention of seeing the city together is enough for Jeongguk’s heart to skip a beat.
Thankfully, they open the gates at that exact time, and Jeongguk quickly stands up, followed by Taehyung as they go inside the plane. It’s not a long trip, but Jeongguk still feels nervous about it. He never liked planes, ever since the first trip he made when he was young and they encountered so much turbulence that he was traumatised for life. He takes a deep breath, ignoring the flashy smile Taehyung gives to the flight attendant.
As expected, their seats are next to each other, but Jeongguk focuses on organising his side, grabbing his headphones so he can listen to music and not worry too much about the flight. He’s about to block out the noise with some music when Taehyung’s hand holds onto his headphones.
“What are you doing?”, he asks with one eyebrow slightly risen, lips parted.
“I should ask you the same”, Jeongguk pointedly looks at Taehyung’s hand around his headphones and the other takes it away.
“You can’t listen to music, that’s the equivalent of blocking social interactions”, Taehyung’s eyes are slightly widened. Without the long coat, Jeongguk can see his loose shirt, showcasing his collarbones. Jeongguk takes a sharp breath, quickly looking away.
“That’s exactly what I’m aiming for”, Jeongguk replies with a settled expression.
“Jeongguk! Don't do this, come on”, Taehyung’s expression turns pleading and Jeongguk stops the movement before he puts his headphones in.
“Are you afraid of flying?”, he can’t help but ask, thinking that maybe he understands where he’s coming from.
“Me? No!”, Taehyung rejects the idea, his eyes looking from side to side quickly. Jeongguk frowns slightly, finding his reaction weird, but shakes the feeling off. He doesn't want to care even more than he already does.
“Okay, then…”, Jeongguk grabs his phones, shaking them in front of Taehyung. “I will be listening to music.”
“Share it with me then”, Taehyung says as his slender fingers pick one of the headphones. Jeongguk huffs, not having the heart to reject him after the previous reaction. He probably just thinks the trip will be boring and wants attention. Taehyung is like a puppy, that frowns and pouts when someone’s not giving him the attention he’d like to receive.
So, Jeongguk lets him borrow one of the headphones, even though it might be worse for his own nerves. His heart is definitely too weak for this man. It’s unfair.
“What are we going to listen to?”, Taehyung asks, supporting his chin on one hand, his elbow placed on the arm rest between them. He looks at it with a small frown, searching for the button on the side and pressing it so he can put the arm rest up and out of the way. Jeongguk looks at the action at a loss, his eyes staring at the lack of separation between them without even blinking. “Ah, much better.”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”, Jeongguk’s words are laced with surprise, his heartbeat accelerating.
“We have more space like this”, Taehyung replies, his hand gesturing between them. “It’s more comfortable.”
“No, it’s not”, Jeongguk says, but he doesn't go and put the armrest back down, something stopping him. Taehyung rolls his eyes playfully, makes grabby hands at Jeongguk’s cellphone.
“What are we listening to?”, he repeats when Jeongguk pulls the cellphone out of Taehyung’s reach, his lips pressed into a fine line.
“My playlists”, Jeongguk replies as he straightens his back, looking to the front and ignoring Taehyung’s pout. “Feel free to take off the headphone if you don't like the songs.”
He can see Taehyung’s about to reply, but they’re interrupted by the flight attendant’s safety demo. He’s surprised to see Taehyung immediately putting his eyes on her, but instead of his usual playful look, he seems concentrated, almost concerned. Jeongguk eyes get wider as he stares at Taehyung from the side.
He doesn't say anything else when the lady end the instructions, and Jeongguk presses play to his own playlist. It’s meant to calm his nerves so it's filled with mellow songs that he doubts Taehyung would like, but he’s not about to give up his way of dealing with flights just because of the person next to him.
Surprisingly, Taehyung doesn't say anything, and before Jeongguk knows it, the pilot is welcoming them and the plane gearing up to take flight. His heart beats fast now, as he tries to focus on the song, the soft notes and harmony, trying to ignore the bustling around him. When the plane starts to move, his heart’s already in overdrive, but he close his eyes, focusing on the song and trying to take deep and slow breaths.
Suddenly, as the plane starts to lift off, there’s a hand around his, grabbing tightly, almost with too much strength. His eyes open to see Taehyung with the most fearful expression he’s ever seen in his face. His eyes are wide, stuck on the light signals above their seats, and his hand is a bit sweaty as he grips Jeongguk’s with a force that’s almost painful. It’s highly unlike Taehyung to show vulnerability like this, and Jeongguk’s heart breaks a bit seeing how scared he looks. Jeongguk’s heart accelerates both from the way Taehyung’s holding onto him and his own nervousness, but he still turns his palm up, unmoving, but letting Taehyung wrap his hand properly on his, fingers intertwining fast as the plane soars in the sky.
Jeongguk could find the sweat between their hands disgusting, he could even comment on how tense Taehyung seems, almost shaking with every little sound that comes out of the plane or the crew, but he doesn’t. Instead, he holds his hand, squeezing in reassurance every time Taehyung jostles. He increases the volume just a bit, knowing that it usually works for him when he’s feeling scared, but he barely sees any difference on Taehyung, so he resorts to what he knows Taehyung reacts well to. Talking.
“What did you want to see in Osaka?”, he asks loud enough to be heard, even though he’s facing the clouds. Thankfully they’re almost settling in the sky, he knows this, but Taehyung continues to look frozen in his seat.
“T-the Osaka C-castle”, Taehyung stutters, surprising Jeongguk, who slowly turns his head to see Taehyung’s with a straight back against the seat, his eyes still locked on the luminous signals. Jeongguk rubs the nape of his neck, his anxiety is subsiding now that the plane is soaring with ease, but Taehyung’s hand still clutching to his tightly.
“Yeah, Mina said the Osaka castle was really something else”, Jeongguk comments, finding himself feeling for Taehyung, who just nods curtly. “We’ll probably have some time, you should go and see it.”
Taehyung finally looks at Jeongguk, but he still seems to be trying to control his shallow breathing. “Won’t you come with me?”
Jeongguk gives him a thin lipped smile, because that’s the Taehyung he knows, always flirty, but when he’s about to reply, there’s a sound and the seatbelt sign finally turns off, meaning that the plane is now soaring evenly. Jeongguk takes a deep breath, finally more calm as Taehyung narrows his eyes at the signs above them, skeptical.
“It’s alright, you can take off the seatbelt if you want”, Jeongguk’s words are spoken in a way more gentler tone than he’d like to, so he averts his eyes, looking at the window.
“I won't”, Taehyung tells him, but the force on their joined hands decreases, grip loosening. Taehyung doesn’t take his hand away though, and Jeongguk wonders if he should just take his, be done with it, but strangely, he lets it be. “I like your songs.”
Jeongguk looks at Taehyung with wide eyes, not expecting such a comment from him.
“I have to say, you have more taste than I expected”, Taehyung gives him a tight lipped smile. It’s not yet his usual demeanour, but at least he’s smiling.
“Yeah, well”, Jeongguk, gives an exasperated sigh. “It’s not like I’d change my songs for you, so it’s a good thing that you like them.”
“I like them”, Taehyung’s voice turns soft, closing his eyes and letting his head fall backwards, now looking much more at peace. Jeongguk hides a small smile as he turns to the other side, focusing on the music.
He’s lost in his own thoughts, following his playlist, when he feels Taehyung’s fingers twitching on his hand. Jeongguk thinks that Taehyung wants to let go, so he’s the first to take his hand back, ignoring the small hum he hears. It’s only after a small while that he feels it, a heavy weight falling on his shoulder.
Taehyung has fallen asleep, his head falling on Jeongguk, and making him blush as he appreciates the other’s beauty up close. It’s almost unfair how handsome Taehyung looks, even sleeping in a weird position. His mouth is agape, small puffs leaving his lips before suddenly pressing them into a thin line, his long lashes moving lightly from one side to the other as if he’s having a nightmare, his body increasingly becoming tensed and eyebrows frowning. Jeongguk looks at him with some worry that he wishes he didn’t feel. He takes off his own headphone and puts it on Taehyung’s other ear, thinking that the sounds of the plane are probably one of the reasons why the other seems distressed. One of his hands presses reassuringly on Taehyung’s shoulder, meaning to comfort him, and he can’t help his smile when Taehyung takes a deep breath, nuzzling into the side with a much more eased expression.
They’re almost landing when Taehyung starts to stir, and Jeongguk quickly pretends to be sleeping so the other doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity to tease him further. He feels Taehyung waking up and straightening his back, making Jeongguk immediately miss the weight pressed to his shoulder. Taehyung stretches his limbs and Jeongguk looks sideways to see him, making sure not to move too much. Taehyung hums into a small yawn before touching the cord between the headphones, now both used by him.
“Oh, Jeonggukie”, his voice is so soft now, barely audible, but so tender that it makes Jeongguk’s heartbeat increase maddeningly.
Jeongguk closes his eyes tightly, willing his fluttering heart to stop and trying to consciously fake a deep slumber. Soon, the pilot is warning them that they’re going to land, and Jeongguk’s nerves return in full force. He’s torn between fake waking up or just praying that the situation goes by fast enough, since he doesn't even have music to distract him now. Unwillingly, his mind goes to Taehyung, knowing the other will most likely be afraid of landing as well. He’s about to wake up and see if he can help him in any way, when he feels Taehyung carefully placing one of the headphones in his ear. He’s so gentle with it that Jeongguk’s heart constricts a bit. Taehyung’s fingers are still close enough to him that he feels him shaking slightly, clearly afraid as the plane starts descending. Taehyung takes a deep breath, but it comes out shaky, and Jeongguk can’t help but to grab his hand. He doesn't move, doesn’t even open his eyes as he stretches his hand, grabbing Taehyung’s, his heart skipping a beat as the other squeezes back immediately.
Jeongguk would like to attribute everything to just helping a co-worker, but he feels something shift inside him, as if he opened the door to some dangerous feelings he has been pushing back for a while. It’s easier to run away again than to confront it now, so he pushes the thoughts to the side once more as the plane descends, turning the volume up and closing his eyes. The weight of Taehyung’s hand on his burns enough to leave a mark, but Jeongguk counts the minutes, knowing the moment is almost over, and soon they can return to their usual banter and annoyance.
There’s a part of him that painfully doesn't want the moment to end, but he’s quick to dispel such thoughts.
It’s only after a long while, plane already on firm ground, that Taehyung takes his hand away from Jeongguk’s hold. Jeongguk looks at his own hand as the security light go off, shiny with sweat from being held, and it makes his heart beat a little faster.
Taehyung seems a bit embarrassed, his head bowed low as he starts to get his belongings, and Jeongguk feels an awkward tension rising between them as they start to leave the plane. Suddenly, he misses the usual mockery and flirtations tones Taehyung generally uses with him.
They wordlessly walk around the airport, following the arrows with their trolleys on the side. Jeongguk notices that they’re exactly the same brand, even though they have different colours. It makes him feel some kind of way, and he feels like he’s loosing the grip on himself. He shakes his head, eyes on the floor as they wait in line to catch a cab.
“Thank you”, Taehyung’s voice is barely audible, but it’s still clear. Jeongguk looks at him, but the other’s looking down, the hand on his trolley fidgeting. “I guess I’m not the biggest fan of plane rides.”
“No worries”, Jeongguk looks forward, ignoring the light flush on Taehyung’s cheeks as he tries his best to recompose himself. Taehyung nods to himself, but he seems a bit dejected, lips in a thin line, so Jeongguk blurts out once again. “I’m not a fan of planes either.”
It takes a while but Taehyung’s smile returns to his beautiful lips slowly, “Seriously? But you seemed so in control”, Jeongguk scoffs, rolling his eyes as they walk down the line. “Oh, you were putting a brave face for me? Thank you Jeonggukie!”
“Don't call me that”, Jeongguk replies with a curled lip, however, he’s taking some comfort in the fact that they seem to be returning to their usual way of talking.
“But I mean it though”, Taehyung averts his eyes, his words sounding genuine. Jeongguk stares at him, a small smile stretching on his face.
“You’re welcome”, he says before clearing his throat. Thankfully they arrive at their cab next, and Jeongguk sits near the window, eyes stuck on the passing scene outside. Osaka seems beautiful, with its cherry blossom trees in full spring. Jeongguk loses himself completely in the beautiful sights that they pass through, and suddenly he wonders if it would be okay to go with Taehyung to see the castle. Would it be too awkward, or too annoying?
Suddenly the car stops near an impressive hotel, elegant lightning indicating its name in both japanese and english. Taehyung says something to the driver, who quickly replies with a laugh, nodding. Jeongguk follows the interaction before helping Taehyung pay for the trip, and soon enough they’re in the front desk. Taehyung immediately greets the lady on the other side with one of his signature smiles, as she replies quickly. Jeongguk isn’t fluent in japanese, but he does understand the gist of it.
“Room for Kim Taehyung and another in the name of Jeon Jeongguk”, Taehyung says with a polite grin. The girl seems to be a bit flustered, probably because of how good looking Taehyung is. Jeongguk understand it.
“We have a room for Jeon Jeongguk”, she says as she takes one card and puts in on top of the table. “But I’m having some difficulty finding one in Kim Taehyung’s name.”
Taehyung widens his eyes, looking at Jeongguk who shrugs back, confusion etched on both their faces. Taehyung starts to spell out his name, but the results are the same. Jeongguk sends a quick text to Mina, trying to understand what might have happened, and hoping that there is some kind of obvious explanation they are missing, or at least some sort of quick solution.
“There must have been a problem with our company”, Taehyung says with a flashing smile. The girl giggles and Jeongguk can’t help but rolls his eyes. “Do you have any room available for the next four nights?”
The girl presses her lips, eyes squinting at the screen, but her head starts to shake even before she answers. Jeongguk’s starting to get a bad feeling about this, his fingers twitching and fidgeting with his phone on his hand.
“Only for the last night”, the girl says with a pout, and Jeongguk starts to get irrationally irked when she bats her eyelashes at Taehyung. “I’m sorry. There’s a gaming conference happening very close by, so we’re booked.”
“It’s not your fault”, Taehyung replies with a sigh, turning his head to Jeongguk. There’s a question in his gaze that Jeongguk refuses to acknowledge.
“The room has a king sized bed though”, the girl replies with darting eyes, an apologetic look on her face. “It’s big enough to share, it if you want.”
Jeongguk’s heart jumps in his chest as he swallows down, trying to contain the way he clearly reacted to her words. Taehyung looks at him carefully, squinting his eyes and analysing him silently, making Jeongguk feel even more uncomfortable.
“What?”, Jeongguk’s voice comes out rougher then he meant to, and Taehyung nods solemnly before turning back to the girl.
“Don’t worry”, Taehyung replies to the lady with a grin. “Is there a hotel nearby you can recommend?”
“They’re probably all booked as well”, the girl shakes her head. “It’s spring, so there’s a lot of people that travel here to visit during this time of year, plus the conference”, she picks up a map of the city, putting it flat on the desk. “You will only find hotels on the opposite side of town.”
Taehyung hums as he inspects the map and Jeongguk heart constricts and he huffs, looking at Mina’s text apologising for the mistake and promising to compensate them.
He rubs the nape of his neck, distressed even though his main concern seems to be that Taehyung might be on the other side of the city and not by his side. He hates the part of himself that just wants Taehyung close, but maybe this is just the excuse he needed.
“That won’t be needed”, Jeongguk declares with a heavy sigh. He catches Taehyung’s surprised reaction before he grabs his trolley. “He’s staying with me.”