@Aamyungv: Elusive; #Taekookau“Make sur...

Elusive; #Taekookau

“Make sure your set list is romantic tonight,” the manager of the place says, a little breathless himself, “we have a grand proposal to cater to.”

Taehyung nods, fixing his mic stand and looking over at the place where no one was present yet.

The place was rented out then, Taehyung thought to himself. He looks over to the manager to see him running around in a rush that is very unlike him. Taehyung sits on the stool, waiting for the guests to arrive before he starts his performance.

When the door opens, he stands up.

He lets out a breath when he realizes the guests are Jungkook and Siwoo. The hotel where Taehyung played belonged to Jungkook's father. He was basically Taehyung's boss.

Taehyung coughs behind his fist and starts to sing. Jungkook's eyes flickering over to him.

Taehyung keeps his eyes focused on nothing in particular. Picking up on movements when Jungkook and the girl sit down in front of him.

Taehyung can't hear what they are talking about, but he can see. He can see how the girl's smiles slowly start to turn into frowns.

Her hands moving around in wild gestures, as if trying to make Jungkook see her points. Jungkook doesn't rise his voice. But, he looks firm in his words too, shaking his head in denial to whatever Siwoo is saying.

Taehyung flinches when Siwoo springs up, out of her chair...

“Who is it, then?!” her voice rings in the room, making everyone pause and stare, “if you are really dating someone, who is it?!”

Taehyung watches Jungkook squirm on his seat, saying something in a low voice. Siwoo laughs, shaking her head.

“I will not leave until you tell me!”

Taehyung can sense the disaster when Jungkook's eyes flicker to him in sheer desperation. He can almost see the gears in Jungkook's head turning. He swallows, eyes widening when Jungkook's face clears with determination.

“Him,” Jungkook points at Taehyung, “I am dating him.”

Everything around him feels suspended. Taehyung can feel multiple eyes on him, but his eyes are focused only on Jungkook who is looking right at him. Taehyung hears the sharp intake of breath from the staffs. All of them gaping at him. Taehyung lets out a choked cough.

Jungkook springs up to his feet, almost running over to Taehyung's side. Taehyung flinches when the man comes to stand right beside him, arm coming to rest on Taehyung's shoulder.

“Yes,” Jungkook nods, “I can't marry you, Siwoo, because we are dating.”

Taehyung gapes.

“I can't believe this,” Siwoo crosses her arms over her chest, “if this is true, then why did uncle say he wanted you to settle down with me?! Why did he arrange a date-”

“Because, I haven't told him about us,” Jungkook insists, “I was going to. Now, I will. Please understand.”

“Do you even know my name?” Taehyung demands under his breath.

Jungkook keeps his eyes on Siwoo, “just go along with it, please.”

Taehyung doesn't want to. He can't afford to lose this job. He is about to say it when Jungkook pulls him in a tight hug, arms wrapped around him.

“Pearl,” Jungkook addresses him, loud and clear, “I am so sorry for hiding us like this-”

Pearl?! Taehyung wants to knee the man in the balls.

“Just, please play along,” Jungkook whispers against his ear, “I will pay you for this. Enough money. Please.”

Taehyung pauses.

He is in dire need of money. He works three part-time jobs to pay off his student loans, tuition fees, rent, groceries… Taehyung can do with some extra money. Also, by now he knows he would have to say this job goodbye, so might as well make some money out of it.

“Taehyung, my name,” Taehyung murmurs, “call me pearl again, and I will shove a few down your throat,” he pulls back.

Jungkook arches a brow at him, but then he is looking back at Siwoo again. Taehyung stands there, watching Jungkook convince Siwoo about them.

“Whatever, Jungkook,” Siwoo shrugs, picking up her purse from the table, “I will let uncle know and then it's your business.”

She storms out of the restaurant. Jungkook blows out a breath, head tilting down as he closes his eyes.

Taehyung looks over at the manager.

“You just cost me my job,” Taehyung murmurs, watching his manager run after Siwoo, “I hope you pay me well.”

Jungkook winces, looking over at him, “sorry. I just,” he rubs his temple, “tell me your details, I will pay you right away.”

Taehyung pulls out his phone.

The amount Jungkook pays him is going to be enough for at least four months. Taehyung can easily find another job by then. He just hopes the manager doesn't write him a bad recommendation letter. He looks at Jungkook, who is straightening his shirt now, ready to leave.

When Jungkook's phone rings, Taehyung turns away from the man. He starts to pack his bag while Jungkook talks over the phone.

“Appa, listen to me,” Jungkook begs almost, “no, I can't break up with him! I can't marry Siwoo. You have to understand, I love Taehyung.”

Taehyung suppresses the urge to whack the man across his head. He focuses on his packing while his ears pick up bits and pieces of Jungkook's conversation.

“Yes, he works here,” Jungkook looks over his shoulder at Taehyung, “what?!”

Taehyung looks at the man, confused.

Jungkook makes an apologetic face at Taehyung, “I have to ask him. Appa, you can't fire him! Please! Okay... yeah...”

Taehyung turns to face the man when Jungkook cuts the call. Jungkook looks at him with discomfort clear in his eyes.

“So, that was my appa,” he says...

Taehyung nods mutely.

“He wants to meet you,” Jungkook murmurs, “tomorrow-”

“Nope,” Taehyung slings his bag over his shoulder, “I am done here.”

“Please!” Jungkook grabs Taehyung's wrist, stopping him, “I will pay you! More! For the days you have to do this! Please!”

Tags
— fake/pretend relationship
— one-sided pining
— Miscommunication
— angst with happy ending

- Commissioned

- Will start today 🤍

🎬🎬🧩🎬🎬

Jungkook has seen closets larger than the apartment he walks inside. His eyes scanning the walls, nose crinkling when he notices the plasters almost falling off of them. He looks at the fading colour of the walls. He looks at the man who is almost glaring at him now.