#taekookau where jeongguk gets invited to his ex’s wedding.
the issue isn’t his ex moving on but the fact that he only has a month to find a guy willing to be his plus-one — everyone in town expecting him to show up happy, over it and 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑡 single.
the issue isn’t his ex moving on but the fact that he only has a month to find a guy willing to be his plus-one — everyone in town expecting him to show up happy, over it and 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑡 single.
➣ | profiles
jeongguk (25)
friends with seokjin, namjoon and yoongi
taehyung (27)
friends with jimin and hoseok
jeongguk (25)
friends with seokjin, namjoon and yoongi
taehyung (27)
friends with jimin and hoseok
before we begin:
• english is not my first language
• please, interact with the posts 🥺
• 99% written paragraphs, 1% social media
• updates on wednesday and saturday
• english is not my first language
• please, interact with the posts 🥺
• 99% written paragraphs, 1% social media
• updates on wednesday and saturday
➣ DAY 1.
“Jun-seo is getting what?” Jeongguk screams, his voice cracking with disbelief.
“He’s getting married.” Namjoon repeats in exasperated sigh. “The news just dropped. My mom woke me up just to tell me one of her best friend’s sons is finally tying the knot.”
“He’s getting married.” Namjoon repeats in exasperated sigh. “The news just dropped. My mom woke me up just to tell me one of her best friend’s sons is finally tying the knot.”
“But— We literally broke up a year ago. What do you mean he’s getting married?”
“Bro, I don’t know.” Namjoon shrugs. “But he is. And you’ll probably get an invitation any day now.”
“Me? Alive? Trust me, there’s no way I’m attending that wedding.”
Funny story? He will.
“Bro, I don’t know.” Namjoon shrugs. “But he is. And you’ll probably get an invitation any day now.”
“Me? Alive? Trust me, there’s no way I’m attending that wedding.”
Funny story? He will.
An hour or two after his best friend broke the news, Jeongguk also got an excited call from his own mother — to tell him his ex-boyfriend was getting married to the guy he started dating less than a year ago.
At first, he thought it was a prank. Maybe an hidden camera, someone messing with him just to see his reaction.
The thing is… there was no reaction. He was too stunned, too dumbfounded by the news to properly process what was happening.
The thing is… there was no reaction. He was too stunned, too dumbfounded by the news to properly process what was happening.
It’s like everyone forgot he was the one dating that guy a little over a year ago.
Like they all forgot how much he cried, how hard it was to move on from his first, real and longest relationship.
Like they all forgot how much he cried, how hard it was to move on from his first, real and longest relationship.
It’s like everyone forgot how absurd it was when his boyfriend told him he wanted to break up — because he’d fallen out of love. And it’s like everyone forgot that they never got married, even after five years together, because Jun-seo didn’t want to get married.
The thing is that when you have money — or when you grow up in a wealthy family, you’re not allowed to go against your parents.
So when jeongguk told his family that he and Jun-seo had broken up, what mattered most to them wasn’t his heartbreak — it was making sure they didn’t lose their friendship with his ex’s family.
Jeongguk and Jun-seo had grown up together. Jun-seo was born in August, Jeongguk in September.
Because Jeongguk’s mother had a complicated pregnancy, she stayed in the hospital for a whole month before finally giving birth.
That’s where and how she met Jun-seo’s mother.
Because Jeongguk’s mother had a complicated pregnancy, she stayed in the hospital for a whole month before finally giving birth.
That’s where and how she met Jun-seo’s mother.
The two women became instant friends, as if they were somehow meant to find each other.
And everyone knows what happens in wealthy families when the parents become friends: the kids are expected to be friends too.
And everyone knows what happens in wealthy families when the parents become friends: the kids are expected to be friends too.
That’s how Jeongguk ended up spending his entire life with Jun-seo.
They went to preschool together, played at the park after school, spent summers side by side.
Later, they even went to the same summer camps, the same elementary school and the same middle school.
They went to preschool together, played at the park after school, spent summers side by side.
Later, they even went to the same summer camps, the same elementary school and the same middle school.
They grew up together — until high schoo where things started to change a little.
Jeongguk made new friends — like Seokjin, Namjoon and Yoongi — and so did Jun-seo. They still hung out, but not as much as before.
It was fine, but something was missing.
Jeongguk made new friends — like Seokjin, Namjoon and Yoongi — and so did Jun-seo. They still hung out, but not as much as before.
It was fine, but something was missing.
They were so used to being together that when they started hanging out with their own friends, something felt missing.
The thing was, Jeongguk’s friends didn’t really get along with Jun-seo's.
So whenever they wanted to see each other, they had to do it without anyone else.
The thing was, Jeongguk’s friends didn’t really get along with Jun-seo's.
So whenever they wanted to see each other, they had to do it without anyone else.
They graduated from high school, and college was the next — and final — chapter of their young lives.
And of course, they ended up at the same school again.
And of course, they ended up at the same school again.
This is when everything changed. This is when their friendship shifted into something else.
They were almost twenty, exhausted from school, stressed about exams, so they decided to go to a party someone from their class was hosting.
They were almost twenty, exhausted from school, stressed about exams, so they decided to go to a party someone from their class was hosting.
They got drunk — and by drunk, I mean really drunk — for the first time.
And somehow, that night, they ended up making out for the first time… and later, they ended the night together in a room whose owner they didn’t even know.
And somehow, that night, they ended up making out for the first time… and later, they ended the night together in a room whose owner they didn’t even know.
After that night, everything shifted again. They were embarrassed and acting weird around each other.
So they tried to put some distance between them.
But again — something felt missing.
So they gave each other a chance.
So they tried to put some distance between them.
But again — something felt missing.
So they gave each other a chance.
Maybe things hadn’t worked because their friendship was over… but maybe it was because something new had begun.
This is how they started dating.
They were so used to each other that every date was easy, fun and natural.
Their relationship felt effortless and stable. They barely ever fought.
They knew each other so well, it was like their lives had been written for this.
They were so used to each other that every date was easy, fun and natural.
Their relationship felt effortless and stable. They barely ever fought.
They knew each other so well, it was like their lives had been written for this.
Until a year ago when Jun-seo asked Jeongguk to have dinner outside… only to tell him he had fallen out of love after five years together and break his heart.
𐙚 ★
“You look perfect.” Jimin says as Taehyung steps out of the dressing room, clad in the fresh, new pieces their best friend had designed for the brand they decided to launch in the pop-up store they were about to open — after years of selling online only.
“I don’t know…” Taehyung sighs, adjusting the outfit while studying his reflection in the mirror. “Isn’t it too… big for me?”
“That’s the point.” Hoseok chimes in, running his hands over the fabric to make it sit just right. “People want oversized and comfy clothes now. And brown? Definitely your color.”
“You think?”
“You think?”
“I don’t think. I know.” Hoseok replies confidently. “The outfit was already crazy itself, but now that it’s worn by you, it’s—”
“—perfect.” Jimin finishes for him, grinning.
“—perfect.” Jimin finishes for him, grinning.
Taehyung met Jimin and Hoseok in the timeline of his life: he met Jimin in high school and Hoseok in college.
They all ended up at the same school, studying and graduating in the same field: Fashion.
They all ended up at the same school, studying and graduating in the same field: Fashion.
Taehyung loved fashion and the arts in all their forms — photography, painting, music, anything that allowed him to express himself.
Jimin obviously also loved fashion but what he loved the most was creating websites, working on designs that would catch the perfect eye.
Jimin obviously also loved fashion but what he loved the most was creating websites, working on designs that would catch the perfect eye.
Hoseok, meanwhile, had always loved drawing and designing.
That’s how they ended up working together while still studying.
That’s how they ended up working together while still studying.
They were often compared to Regina, Gretchen and Karen from Means Girls — minus the meanness.
They were the sweetest and most chill people in school. Everyone loved them.
They were the sweetest and most chill people in school. Everyone loved them.
Taehyung was probably everyone’s ideal type, Jimin had a doll-like face and Hoseok looked like he was walking a runway every time he stepped into class.
People were jealous of them but in a good way — everyone wanted to be like them.
One day, Hoseok showed up to school with a project he’s been working on: clothes he had designed and created himself.
Both Taehyung and Jimin were left speechless.
Their best friend was freaking talented.
Both Taehyung and Jimin were left speechless.
Their best friend was freaking talented.
After receiving compliments on his designs, Hoseok decided to keep going.
He started designing clothes for Taehyung, then for Jimin, and soon their creations began to attract attention in the campus.
That’s when Jimin got the idea: why not open an online shop together?
He started designing clothes for Taehyung, then for Jimin, and soon their creations began to attract attention in the campus.
That’s when Jimin got the idea: why not open an online shop together?
Hoseok would be the designer, creating the pieces that everyone would fall in love with.
Taehyung would be the face of the brand, bringing life and personality to every outfit.
Taehyung would be the face of the brand, bringing life and personality to every outfit.
And Jimin would work behind the scenes, crafting a beautiful, eye-catching website that would make the shop impossible to ignore.
It was the perfect team and the beginning of something bigger than they had ever imagined.
It was the perfect team and the beginning of something bigger than they had ever imagined.
Their first sell came, then another, and another… over and over again. Before they knew it, they had graduated.
They could have gone their separate ways, found jobs and caught up with each other once a month.
But that wasn’t the life they wanted.
That wasn’t the kind of life they were meant to have.
But that wasn’t the life they wanted.
That wasn’t the kind of life they were meant to have.
They were friends.
They had grown up together — or at least, it felt that way.
They studied and worked together.
And that only meant one thing: they had to stay together.
They had grown up together — or at least, it felt that way.
They studied and worked together.
And that only meant one thing: they had to stay together.
Their online shop was selling so well that Hoseok soon had to ask Taehyung for help with the designs.
They were selling so much that they needed extra hands to create all the items they were flying off the virtual shelves.
They were selling so much that they needed extra hands to create all the items they were flying off the virtual shelves.
Until, a month ago, they saw it in the news: one of the biggest malls located in Hongdae was opening an entire floor dedicated to pop-up stores.
The space was hard to get and ridiculously expensive — but it was the chance they had been waiting for.
The space was hard to get and ridiculously expensive — but it was the chance they had been waiting for.
So they took the leap.
They used all their savings to finally open their own pop-up store on the top floor of the ten-story mall in Hongdae, dreaming of the day they could open their very own shop.
They used all their savings to finally open their own pop-up store on the top floor of the ten-story mall in Hongdae, dreaming of the day they could open their very own shop.
This was it: their chance to grow bigger, to become something more than just an online shop.
“The amount of things we’re gonna sell with this face plastered on every floors of this mall.” Jimin says excitedly, pinching Taehyung’s cheeks as he looks at the shots he took of the model wearing the last outfit their best friend designed.
“Hey! That hurts!” Taehyung whines, rubbing his cheeks. “Let me see.”
“Nope!” Jimin hides the camera behind his back, taking a step back. “You always complain about things that aren’t even visible. Just trust me on this and back off.”
“Nope!” Jimin hides the camera behind his back, taking a step back. “You always complain about things that aren’t even visible. Just trust me on this and back off.”
“It’s my face you’re about to print and stick to every walls of this damn mall in a few days. I think I’m allowed to see and give my opinion.”
“Still no.” Jimin shakes his head, making Hoseok laugh from the background.
“Still no.” Jimin shakes his head, making Hoseok laugh from the background.
“Hyung, come on! Tell him to let me see!” Taehyung whines again, bouncing on his toes.
“First of all, Jimin is right.” Hoseok says firmly. “You always find something you don’t like and end up pouting because of how you look in the pictures… even though no one looks better—
“First of all, Jimin is right.” Hoseok says firmly. “You always find something you don’t like and end up pouting because of how you look in the pictures… even though no one looks better—
—than you in this world. Second of all, you two need to slow down. Remember, printing and putting those pictures all over the mall isn’t free. And we don’t have money anymore.”
“Oh…” They both exhale together, realizing he isn’t wrong.
“Oh…” They both exhale together, realizing he isn’t wrong.
They had spent so much on this pop-up store that their bank account is practically empty now.
All they have left is enough to buy food and pay rent until the store open — hoping, praying, that they’ll sell something.
All they have left is enough to buy food and pay rent until the store open — hoping, praying, that they’ll sell something.
Right now, they desperately need money.
If they want to design new pieces and keep creating clothes, they have to sell.
If they want to design new pieces and keep creating clothes, they have to sell.
Otherwise, in a few days, they’ll have nothing to offer their customers — a disaster after spending all their saving on a pop-up that is supposed to last a whole month.
“I need money.” Taehyung repeats.
“We all do or we’re fucked.”
“I need money.” Taehyung repeats.
“We all do or we’re fucked.”
➣ DAY 2.
“Can you, please, stop being moody and actually enjoy hanging out with us?” Yoongi sighs as he looks at his friend, finding him pouting and dawdling.
“I’m sorry, I— ugh. I had a discussion with my mom this morning.” Jeongguk sighs, burying his hands in the pockets of his pants.
“Do you want us to stop in a coffee shop and talk about it?” Namjoon proposes.
“I don’t wanna annoy you.”
“Do you want us to stop in a coffee shop and talk about it?” Namjoon proposes.
“I don’t wanna annoy you.”
“Oh, come on.” Seokjin rolls his eyes, tugging at his hand to pull him inside of the big mall they had stopped in front of after the younger had decided to pout and sigh while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. “I know a place where they make delicious coffee. Follow —
— me.” Seokjin adds, still holding onto his hand.
They go up on one escalator, then another, and again, until they reach the eighth floor.
They go up on one escalator, then another, and again, until they reach the eighth floor.
“This mall is insanely big.” Jeongguk thinks as he finally looks up from his feet, seeing crowds of people rushing around with giant bags from different stores.
They walk a few minutes until Seokjin stops in front of a small but cute coffee shop and smiles at his friends, proud of his find. “Trust me when I say every coffee will taste bad after you’ve had the ones they sell here from now on.”
“Let’s go, I guess.” Yoongi shrugs, then pushes open on the door, quickly followed by his three friends.
Seokjin is quick to find a machine and order the drink he always gets when he comes here.
He, then, gives advice to help his friends choose a drink before taking his cards out of his pocket and paying for everyone.
He, then, gives advice to help his friends choose a drink before taking his cards out of his pocket and paying for everyone.
They look for a table or some couches, but everything is already taken.
It’s so crowded, that there’s also people standing and leaning against the big window of the coffee shop while drinking their drinks.
It’s so crowded, that there’s also people standing and leaning against the big window of the coffee shop while drinking their drinks.
“It’s okay. We’ll find something else outside or upstairs.”
“How many floors does this mall have?”
“How many floors does this mall have?”
“They just opened a tenth floor. It was… a day or two ago, I guess. It’s designated for pop-up stores since Seongsu basically makes all its money from this business. I heard a lot of people fought to get a spot. We should go and take a look. Maybe we’ll find something.”
“Yeah… maybe I’ll find something to give to my ex during his wedding.” Jeongguk says sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
“Gguk, come on…”
“I’m fine. I really am. It’s just— ugh. Let’s wait for our drinks to arrive.”
“Gguk, come on…”
“I’m fine. I really am. It’s just— ugh. Let’s wait for our drinks to arrive.”
They only wait a few minutes before Seokjin’s number is called and they can pick up their order.
They thank the friendly lady, then leave the place, looking for somewhere to sit so they can talk about what’s been bothering Jeongguk since they picked him up almost an hour ago.
They thank the friendly lady, then leave the place, looking for somewhere to sit so they can talk about what’s been bothering Jeongguk since they picked him up almost an hour ago.
“We’re all ears.” Namjoon says as they finally find an empty spot on the tenth and top floor of the mall — a quiet corner no else seemed to have noticed.
“Hyun’s mother gave a visit to my mom this morning.” Jeongguk says with a nervous laugh. “Not surprising that the only thing she and my mom talked about was Jun’s wedding.”
“And what did they say?”
“A lot of things. But… you know how Hyun’s family is.”
“And what did they say?”
“A lot of things. But… you know how Hyun’s family is.”
“Yeah…” Yoongi rolls his eyes. “Everything has to be perfect. They need the biggest house, the most expensive cars… and their son has to be first in everything.”
“Well… Hyun’s mom said this big news is stressing her out.”
“Well… Hyun’s mom said this big news is stressing her out.”
“Is it her son or one of her best friend’s son getting married?” Namjoon adds, also rolling his eyes. “Rich people really are ridiculous.”
“…We’re part of those rich people, in case you forgot.” Seokjin points out.
“…We’re part of those rich people, in case you forgot.” Seokjin points out.
“Our families are rich. I don’t know about you, but I don’t look or act like them. I don’t care about the same things. I don’t need to spend a fortune to know something is good. If I like it and it only costs a few wons, I’ll still buy it.”
“Anyway,” Jeongguk interrupts, trying to reclaim the attention. “my mom asked her why she was stressed. If it was because she didn’t know what to wear for the wedding or what to buy for the newly married couple.” he adds in a fake gag.
“And what did she say?”
“And what did she say?”
“She said she was stressed because she thought Hyun would be the first one to get married… and now Jun-seo was stealing the spotlight.”
“I swear…” Yoongi lets out a sarcastic laugh.
“I swear…” Yoongi lets out a sarcastic laugh.
“My mom told her everything’s fine, that we have all the time in the world and that it’s better to marry your forever person than just be the first. And you know what that bitch answered?”
“No, but I’m scared knowing how she can be sometimes.”
“No, but I’m scared knowing how she can be sometimes.”
“She said it was normal for my mom to think like that because I got dumped by my boyfriend — who’s now marrying a guy he barely knows.”
“I— wow, okay?” Namjoon chokes on his drink. “Tell me she told her to go fuck herself.”
“She unfortunately didn’t. But she did say something.”
“I— wow, okay?” Namjoon chokes on his drink. “Tell me she told her to go fuck herself.”
“She unfortunately didn’t. But she did say something.”
“…And?”
“And she made things worse. She was so touched in her ego that she said she didn’t know anything about me, that I was doing fine and also happily dating someone I love.”
“…Wait, what!”
“And she made things worse. She was so touched in her ego that she said she didn’t know anything about me, that I was doing fine and also happily dating someone I love.”
“…Wait, what!”
“You heard me.” Jeongguk sighs. “Now, I have to find a gift for my ex-boyfriend — who’s getting married to someone I’ve never met or heard of — but I also need to find a boyfriend who’ll agree to attend my ex’s wedding with me in just a month.”
“Damn…”
“Damn…”
𐙚 ★
“Thank you very much. Don’t hesitate to follow us on our social media and tag us on your posts when you’ll wear the clothes.” Jimin says brightly, waving at the girl who just left the store with not one but three huge bags. “Damn…” he sighs, the moment she’s out of —
— sight. “I thought she’d never stop making me run around the store looking for something to match her pants.”
“I knew you were good at making our website look amazing.” Taehyung says with a grin. “But I didn’t know you’d be that good with clients too.”
“I knew you were good at making our website look amazing.” Taehyung says with a grin. “But I didn’t know you’d be that good with clients too.”
“Even though, I hate saying this — or hearing people say it,” Jimin begins, lowering his voice dramatically. “being not exactly tall helps sometimes. People tend to trust us more than tall, intimating guys.”
“If that makes you feel better.” Taehyung chuckles, unable to hold back a smile.
“Hey!” Jimin protests, pointing a finger at him. “I’d shut up if I were you. Cause you haven’t done anything except chat with the clients and take pictures with them all day!”
“Hey!” Jimin protests, pointing a finger at him. “I’d shut up if I were you. Cause you haven’t done anything except chat with the clients and take pictures with them all day!”
“It’s not my fault if people recognize me from the website and think I’m super extra gorgeous — and that I should think about modeling for big and luxurious brands.” Taehyung says proudly, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder.
“You’re already terrible with our brand. What do you mean you want to model for someone else now?” Hoseok cuts in, holding a few empty hangers in his hands.
“No one asked for you, Seok.” Taehyung shoots back, rolling his eyes dramatically.
“No one asked for you, Seok.” Taehyung shoots back, rolling his eyes dramatically.
“Anyway,” The oldest of the team sighs, clearly used to the banter. “these are the hangers I found in the first aisle of the store — the one where we put the new collection.”
“Wait, did we get robbed or did we sell everything?”
“Wait, did we get robbed or did we sell everything?”
“I’d say we sold everything, judging by the amount of money I found in the cash drawer.”
“Damn… we’re so good at this and it’s only the second day.” Jimin says, eyes wide. “How are we even gonna handle tomorrow? Or the days after?”
“Damn… we’re so good at this and it’s only the second day.” Jimin says, eyes wide. “How are we even gonna handle tomorrow? Or the days after?”
“It’s almost closing time anyway.” Hoseok says, stretching his arms above his head. “Let’s clean up a little, then we can start panicking and stressing about tomorrow.”
“Let’s have burgers for dinner.” Taehyung proposes, squatting down to pick up one of the empty shopping bags — one of his designs for their pop-up store. “My treat.”
“I was about to say no but since you’re paying…” Jimin shrugs, a small grin tugging at his lips. “I’m in.”
“I was about to say no but since you’re paying…” Jimin shrugs, a small grin tugging at his lips. “I’m in.”
“Same here.” Hoseok nods.
“Then, you guys can start cleaning up.” Taehyung says, clapping his hands together. “While I’ll go and ask the four guys over there if they need help — we’re closing soon anyway.”
“Then, you guys can start cleaning up.” Taehyung says, clapping his hands together. “While I’ll go and ask the four guys over there if they need help — we’re closing soon anyway.”
“That’s right!” Hoseok raises a thumbs-up. “And don’t forget to look hot and seductive. There might be a LGBTQ+ guy in the group who’ll do anything for a chance to bang you.”
“Seok.” Jimin sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ve told you a million times — no one says bang anymore.”
“And I’ve told you a million times I don’t care about what those new generations think.” Hoseok fires back without missing a beat. “I’m a millennial and I’m proud.”
“And I’ve told you a million times I don’t care about what those new generations think.” Hoseok fires back without missing a beat. “I’m a millennial and I’m proud.”
“Hi guys.” Taehyung greets the four guys who looked deeply focused on their discussion while sipping their drinks. “We’ll be closing soon, so if you need any help finding something — a size or even just a new piece to add to your collection — I’m here to help.” he adds with a
smile as the four raise their heads to look at him.
“Mhm…” The one at the left end of the bench scratches the back of his neck. “We aren’t looking for anything.”
“Oh… I’m sorry, I thought so since you’ve been sitting here for the past ten minutes.”
“Mhm…” The one at the left end of the bench scratches the back of his neck. “We aren’t looking for anything.”
“Oh… I’m sorry, I thought so since you’ve been sitting here for the past ten minutes.”
“Is this yours?” Another guy asks.
“I mean… yes. Haven’t you seen the sign when you entered?”
“Wait. We’re inside of a store?”
“I mean… yes. Haven’t you seen the sign when you entered?”
“Wait. We’re inside of a store?”
“It’s not actually a store but a pop-up store so… yeah.” Taehyung chuckles at the cutest one of the group when he sees him with his eyes, now wide open. “There are no doors but… well, that part of the floor is ours.”
“We’re so sorry. We were looking for somewhere to finally sit after we spent an hour walking and running everywhere and we didn’t realize it was yours.”
“Now, I understand why it was the only bench empty.” The cute one groans, lowering his face, probably to look at his shoes.
“Now, I understand why it was the only bench empty.” The cute one groans, lowering his face, probably to look at his shoes.
“It’s fine, really. But if you don’t need anything, I’ll have to ask you to leave. We need to close the store and— I mean, we’ll open again tomorrow morning at nine, so if you guys want to sit here again, you can. I mean… I’d prefer if you’re coming for our clothes and not —
— just to borrow our stuff but, yeah, I don’t really mind you sitting here to be honest.”
“We apologize again.” The first guy who spoke says, bowing a few times.
“We apologize again.” The first guy who spoke says, bowing a few times.
“It’s fine, really.” Taehyung smiles. “So… you don’t need anything?”
“No, we—”
“We might actually.” The fourth one who haven’t spoke until now adds.
“Sure! Tell me everything! What are you looking for? And what’s the occasion?”
“It’s for a wedding,”
“What the— hyung!”
“No, we—”
“We might actually.” The fourth one who haven’t spoke until now adds.
“Sure! Tell me everything! What are you looking for? And what’s the occasion?”
“It’s for a wedding,”
“What the— hyung!”
“and my friend here desperately needs a plus one.” he adds, nudging the cute guy in the middle, almost making him trip over Taehyung’s shoes.
“Mhm… I’m not sure to understand.”
“I’m sorry, he’s— he’s an idiot! We’re leaving.”
“Mhm… I’m not sure to understand.”
“I’m sorry, he’s— he’s an idiot! We’re leaving.”
“Would you be okay being his plus one at his ex-boyfriend’s wedding where he has no other choice but to attend?”
“Oh my god…” The guy in the middle whines, burying his face in his hands, his cheeks turning bright red with embarrassment.
“Oh my god…” The guy in the middle whines, burying his face in his hands, his cheeks turning bright red with embarrassment.
heyyy ౨ৎ
i made a mistake a few minutes ago and posted chapter 3 instead of chapter 2.
since some people had the time to read it before i deleted it 🤡 i’ll be back in an hour to repost the third chapter.
see you again in an hour!! xx
~ vivi ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
i made a mistake a few minutes ago and posted chapter 3 instead of chapter 2.
since some people had the time to read it before i deleted it 🤡 i’ll be back in an hour to repost the third chapter.
see you again in an hour!! xx
~ vivi ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
౨ৎ here we go for the third chapter while listening to the loml sing (boyyy how i missed him 😭😭)
“I can’t believe you— ugh!” Jeongguk groans, still red from what one of his best friends had done an hour ago.
“Listen.” Yoongi sighs. “The wedding’s in a month and it’s not just any wedding — it’s your ex’s. We were all raised in families where appearances matter. Your mom —
“Listen.” Yoongi sighs. “The wedding’s in a month and it’s not just any wedding — it’s your ex’s. We were all raised in families where appearances matter. Your mom —
— figured it’d we better to throw you under a bus than to admit you’re single and again! There’s nothing wrong with that. She probably just let her ego take over. Hyun’s mother is a bitch. And last but not least, you’re both handsome and pretty —
— and, let’s be honest — this guy was totally your type.”
“Because of you, he ran away before I even had the chance to apologize for you idiocies.”
“Someone had to do it.” Yoongi replies flatly.
“Because of you, he ran away before I even had the chance to apologize for you idiocies.”
“Someone had to do it.” Yoongi replies flatly.
“I actually agree with Yoongi.” Namjoon cuts in and Jeongguk gives him a look that could kill. “This guy seemed nice and pretty chill. He could’ve kicked us out or insulted us for sitting in his store and messing with his clothes. But he didn’t. He was kind — even said we —
— could come back and hang out if we wanted. And I also agree with Yoongi on the fact that this guy is an hundred percent your type. We know you, Gguk.”
“Also—” Seokjin adds, voice high which makes Jeongguk want to groan and flee. This is ridiculous. This whole situation is.
“Also—” Seokjin adds, voice high which makes Jeongguk want to groan and flee. This is ridiculous. This whole situation is.
“This guy is your type, but he’ll probably also be everyone’s type at the wedding. Perfect face, perfect body. He looks smart, has his own brand. He dresses well, has healthy hair and— what?”
“You’re basically admitting you literally checked him out.” Jeongguk mutters.
“You’re basically admitting you literally checked him out.” Jeongguk mutters.
“We all did. No need to pretend otherwise, I know it.” Seokjin shrugs. “If you really want revenge — if you want to give that woman who dared to say you got dumped last year a heart attack — bring this guy as your plus one. She’ll lose it and probably will cry in bed for weeks.”
Jeongguk stares at them, half-annoyed, half-entertained.
Somewhere between outrage and the tiny inconvenient flutter in his chest, a plan — ridiculous and perfect — began to form.
Somewhere between outrage and the tiny inconvenient flutter in his chest, a plan — ridiculous and perfect — began to form.
𐙚 ★
“It looks like you’re… somewhere else.” Hoseok says, noticing Taehyung still hasn’t touched his french fries.
“I got asked out while you were cleaning the shop.” Taehyung says quietly.
“Wait, what!” Jimin nearly chokes on his burger, eyes going wide. “By who? And where?”
“I got asked out while you were cleaning the shop.” Taehyung says quietly.
“Wait, what!” Jimin nearly chokes on his burger, eyes going wide. “By who? And where?”
“By those guys who were sitting on the bench.” he explains. “I mean, I don’t really know. One of them said their friend needed a plus one for a wedding.”
“…I don’t understand.” Hoseok says, frowning.
“…I don’t understand.” Hoseok says, frowning.
“That’s exactly what I said.” Taehyung sighs. “So the guy pointed out the friend he was talking about and told me he needed a date for his ex’s wedding which is, apparently happening in a month.”
“Who’s insane enough to go to their ex’s wedding?” Hoseok asks, rolling his eyes.
“Who’s insane enough to go to their ex’s wedding?” Hoseok asks, rolling his eyes.
“Rich people.” Jimin says instantly without missing a beat.
“…Rich people?” Taehyung repeats, tilting his head to the side, clearly confused.
“Don’t you guys remember Beomseok? The tall, handsome and super-rich kid who kept annoying everyone back in first year?” Jimin says.
“…Rich people?” Taehyung repeats, tilting his head to the side, clearly confused.
“Don’t you guys remember Beomseok? The tall, handsome and super-rich kid who kept annoying everyone back in first year?” Jimin says.
“That guy was an asshole.”
“Well…” Jimin continues. “I heard someone say once that if he was an asshole with everyone that’s because he had a crush on a girl but he was frustrated because he couldn’t date her since his family didn’t allow him to date whoever he wanted.”
“Well…” Jimin continues. “I heard someone say once that if he was an asshole with everyone that’s because he had a crush on a girl but he was frustrated because he couldn’t date her since his family didn’t allow him to date whoever he wanted.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” Taehyung asks, brows furrowing.
“Rich people can’t date whoever they want.” Jimin explains, leaning back. “In their perfect little world, if you start dating someone, you have to stay with them forever — get married, have kids, build —
“Rich people can’t date whoever they want.” Jimin explains, leaning back. “In their perfect little world, if you start dating someone, you have to stay with them forever — get married, have kids, build —
— the whole picture-perfect life. Most of the time, those people don’t date outsiders. They date each other, stay within their circle. Honestly, kids born the same year or close to it just grow up together their whole life.” he pauses, tapping his fingers on the table.
“I’m sure this guy ended up dating one of his oldest friend, they broke up and now he has to attend their wedding because their families have been friends forever.”
“It’s the twenty first century, Jimin. Not the eighties.” Taehyung says, rolling his eyes.
“It’s the twenty first century, Jimin. Not the eighties.” Taehyung says, rolling his eyes.
“They stay the same, generation after generation. ” His best friend replies immediately. “You’ll never see a rich person marrying someone like us. Not that we’re broke, but we’re normal. We work hard for our money. We don’t always do what we love. We think twice before buying —
— something or spending what we earn. Those people don’t. They want the biggest house, the biggest car… they want their kids to get married first. Everything has to be perfect.”
“Then why ask me to be his plus one at a wedding?” Taehyung asks, his voice softer now. “I’m not part of that world. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. My parents took out a loan so I could study. Nothing ever just fell into my lap.”
“Tae… you look like a doll. ” Jimin sighs,
“Tae… you look like a doll. ” Jimin sighs,
half exasperated, half admiring. “Sometimes, I’m mad at you because you could have everything you want with a face like that. But you don’t. You’ve got this pretty privilege and you never use it.”
“Isn’t it a good thing?” Taehyung raises an eyebrow.
“Isn’t it a good thing?” Taehyung raises an eyebrow.
“Of course, it is. It’s just that— ugh! If I were you, I’d use my pretty privilege everywhere and with everyone.” and Taehyung cannot help but laugh at the way his friend said that, so effortlessly teasing.
“Is that why you’re using my face for the website?”
“Is that why you’re using my face for the website?”
“That’s exactly why we’re using your face to make our brand famous.” Jimin replies, his grin wide and mischievous. Hoseok’s laugh echoes through the room, joining his.
“And that’s why we’re the perfect team.” Hoseok adds.
“And that’s why we’re the perfect team.” Hoseok adds.
“You’re the visual of the group, I’m the creator and Jimin’s the brain.”
The three of them share a look — that unspoken kind of connection that came only after endless nights of work and laughter until taehyung opens his mouth again.
The three of them share a look — that unspoken kind of connection that came only after endless nights of work and laughter until taehyung opens his mouth again.
“What your saying is that… I have to find him again and contact him?”
“There’s no need.” Hoseok cuts in before Jimin has the chance to reply.
“There’s no need.” Hoseok cuts in before Jimin has the chance to reply.
“What the— of course, we have to find him again! If I’m right, then the guy’s probably super rich! And in case you forgot, we do need money right now.”
But Hoseok only exhales, calm and certain, the corner of his lips lifting into that knowing smile. “There’s no need.” He repeats, shaking his head. “Taehyung’s already caught that guy’s eye, he’ll be the one finding him again. Trust me.”
𐙚 ★
Jeongguk’s fingers tighten around his phone, voice trembling between frustration and disbelief.
“Bun… you know I’m sorry.” His mother says again, the soft apology barely cutting through the static of his anger.
“Bun… you know I’m sorry.” His mother says again, the soft apology barely cutting through the static of his anger.
“You know I’m not dating anyone. You know I’m not even seeing anyone in the moment!” His words come half-whine, half-scream. “You know I got my fucking heart shattered by this guy a year ago. And now, you expect me to just move past it and be super happy for my ex at his —
— wedding? You expect me to look in love with someone I haven’t even found yet? All of this in less than a month?”
“I panicked.”
“I panicked.”
Jeongguk laughs nervously, a bitter edge to it. “You panicked? Well, you’ll panic even more when I show up at that damn wedding with no plus-one and everyone laughs at me again for being the guy who got dumped after five years.”
“You’re not just the guy who got dumped.” She says softly but the words don’t reach her son the way she intended.
“I am, mom! That’s all I am in all your friends’ eyes now! I’m the guy who got dumped after five years of dating at only twenty four years old because his ex —
“I am, mom! That’s all I am in all your friends’ eyes now! I’m the guy who got dumped after five years of dating at only twenty four years old because his ex —
— stopped loving him. I’m the guy someone stopped loving. I’m the guy who’s twenty five now, still single. I’m the guy who’ll attend his ex’s wedding alone.” Jeongguk finishes, chest tightened, a mix of anger, heartbreak and humiliation swirling together.
“You’re both smart and handsome. I know you’ll find someone easily.”
“You see! You’re not even listening either! I don’t want to find someone! I don’t want to lie to people! I don’t even want to go to this damn wedding!”
“You don’t have a choice.”
“You see! You’re not even listening either! I don’t want to find someone! I don’t want to lie to people! I don’t even want to go to this damn wedding!”
“You don’t have a choice.”
“I’m a grown man, mom. I do have a choice about the things I want — or don’t want to do.” He snaps, frustration and exhaustion tangled in his tone.
“If you don’t go to this wedding, people will say worst things about you.” His mother’s voice softens but her words cut sharper
“If you don’t go to this wedding, people will say worst things about you.” His mother’s voice softens but her words cut sharper
than ever. “They’ll say you suffered from this breakup. They’ll say you didn’t move on. They’ll say you can’t even be happy for your friends. Is it really what you want, Jeongguk?”
“I don’t care what people say about me.” He says, his voice dropping, almost a whisper.
“I don’t care what people say about me.” He says, his voice dropping, almost a whisper.
“What matters me to is my life. I want to be good in my own shoes. What people say or think about me? I don’t give a damn.”
“Jeon jeongguk!” Her voice rises, desperate, pleading. But he can’t — won’t — let it reach him this time.
“Jeon jeongguk!” Her voice rises, desperate, pleading. But he can’t — won’t — let it reach him this time.
Jeongguk pinches the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply as his mother’s voice filters through the phone, oscillating between exasperation and that unmistakable childish insistence he remembers from his childhood. “Jeongguk, here… Jeongguk, there. You’re the one who lied to —
— your friend. I haven’t done anything. I wasn’t even there.”
“You have less than a month to find someone.” She continues, her tone firm now, leaving no room for argument. “You’re handsome, Jeongguk. I know it won’t be a problem for you to find someone.”
“You have less than a month to find someone.” She continues, her tone firm now, leaving no room for argument. “You’re handsome, Jeongguk. I know it won’t be a problem for you to find someone.”
“But what if I don’t want to find someone?” He mutters, almost under his breath, the words tasting bitter.
“You don’t have a choice. Find someone or you know people will make fun of our family. And you don’t want mom to lose all her friends, right?” Her voice drops into that
“You don’t have a choice. Find someone or you know people will make fun of our family. And you don’t want mom to lose all her friends, right?” Her voice drops into that
childish, coaxing tone she used when he was little — the one that made him want to be perfect, to obey without question. “If you don’t listen, I’ll have to take manners into my own hands. And we both know I can get anything I want with money.”
Jeongguk blinks, caught somewhere between disbelief and horror. “Are you really implying you’ll pay someone to be my boyfriend if I don’t listen to you?”
“You heard me right. Find someone you’ll actually like getting to know. Or I will.” She says before ending the call.
“You heard me right. Find someone you’ll actually like getting to know. Or I will.” She says before ending the call.
Jeongguk stares at his phone, a swirl of panic, frustration and reluctant amusement mixing together.
Somehow, he knows she’s serious — and somehow, he also knows he has exactly zero chance of convincing her otherwise.
Somehow, he knows she’s serious — and somehow, he also knows he has exactly zero chance of convincing her otherwise.
➣ DAY 3.
Taehyung fell asleep around three in the morning last night even though he had to wake up early for work today.
Not because he wasn’t tired — he was exhausted.
Not because he wasn’t tired — he was exhausted.
His alarm blared in his ear and he barely moved, his phone abandoned on the pillow beside him, a silent witness to a night spent wrestling with his own mind.
He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t stop thinking.
He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t stop thinking.
Maybe it was all a joke. Maybe it was nothing more than a prank. Those guys probably left the mall laughing, proud of themselves, already forgetting it.
Maybe it was nothing. And yet… he couldn’t let it go.
Maybe it was nothing. And yet… he couldn’t let it go.
A part of him screamed to forget, to move on. Another part clung to the memory of Jimin’s words, dissecting every syllable, every hint, wondering if it had been real.
He wanted to go to work, to breathe through the rhythm of a normal day, to sell items, greet customers, pretend
He wanted to go to work, to breathe through the rhythm of a normal day, to sell items, greet customers, pretend
nothing had happened. But another part of him ached to dive into the endlessness of the internet, to find this guy again, to ask — to know — if it had been a joke or if the stranger had truly meant it.
Anger coursed through him, hot and bitter, at himself for wasting thought, energy, emotion. And yet… curiosity, stubborn and insistent, kept whispering that he needed to know.
That he had to know.
That he had to know.
If that stranger was as rich as Jimin said, maybe he didn’t get to date freely. Maybe he had no choice but to attend his ex’s wedding.
But no one wants to go to their ex’s wedding. No one invites their ex willingly either.
But no one wants to go to their ex’s wedding. No one invites their ex willingly either.
And yet… here he was, imagining this stranger’s friends, desperate enough to ask a total stranger — him — to be his plus-one.
Weakness, pity and fascination tangled in his chest. He hated himself for caring. And yet he couldn’t stop.
Weakness, pity and fascination tangled in his chest. He hated himself for caring. And yet he couldn’t stop.
Couldn’t stop wondering, couldn’t stop imagining. His mind refused to be quiet.
Even in sleep, it circled around that stranger, that impossible situation, that tantalizing question: who was he really?
And why did Taehyung feel like he had to find out?
Even in sleep, it circled around that stranger, that impossible situation, that tantalizing question: who was he really?
And why did Taehyung feel like he had to find out?
𐙚 ★
Jeongguk spent the night thinking about that call from his mother. He turned over in his bed a thousand times.
He moved so much that even his dog gave up and sighed onto the floor — a spot he hates — just to escape the tossing and turning.
He moved so much that even his dog gave up and sighed onto the floor — a spot he hates — just to escape the tossing and turning.
It’s nine-thirty, he’s just out of the shower, his hair still cling to his face, damp and heavy and a towel is wrapped tight around his waist.
Today is supposed to be a new day but he doesn’t feel it.
It’s like he’s still stuck on what his mother dared to say, or on what his friends did yesterday.
It’s like he’s still stuck on what his mother dared to say, or on what his friends did yesterday.
He probably looked pathetic, having his friends ask a total stranger to be his plus-one at his ex’s wedding.
He probably looked even more pathetic when he apologized — half a whine, half a whisper — as the guy left without a word.
He probably looked even more pathetic when he apologized — half a whine, half a whisper — as the guy left without a word.
So he spent the night moving, thinking, pacing, spinning his head, trying to find a solution that would make this mess to stop.
At some point, he was so exhausted he even considered throwing himself down the stairs to break a leg — anything to avoid that damn wedding.
At some point, he was so exhausted he even considered throwing himself down the stairs to break a leg — anything to avoid that damn wedding.
He was desperate enough to talk to chatgpt all night.
And even though it’s a robot, it told him — bluntly — to grow some balls and actually talk back to his mother.
He’s twenty five. He should be able to do whatever he wants. Date someone or stay single. Adopt a dog without
And even though it’s a robot, it told him — bluntly — to grow some balls and actually talk back to his mother.
He’s twenty five. He should be able to do whatever he wants. Date someone or stay single. Adopt a dog without
being yelled at by his parents. Have only dark clothes in his wardrobe. Order food wherever and whenever he wants. Ignore strict diets and health rules.
And above all, he should be able to talk back to his mother when she says he has no choice but to attend this wedding — and on top of that, with a plus-one, even though his heart is still quietly recovering from heartbreak.
Then why is he actually sitting on his bathtub — still wearing nothing but a towel — scrolling through his phone, trying to find the guy his friends thought would be the perfect plus-one?
Why can’t he stop looking? Clicking on every profiles he finds on instagram as if the
Why can’t he stop looking? Clicking on every profiles he finds on instagram as if the
world might finally give him an answer?
“Shit…!” He curses suddenly his thumb freezing over the screen.
He typed the name of the mall and clicked on the profile picture to open the stories — and there he is.
“Shit…!” He curses suddenly his thumb freezing over the screen.
He typed the name of the mall and clicked on the profile picture to open the stories — and there he is.
The guy from yesterday, smiling brightly as he promotes his pop-up store. That smile that has made his chest tighten — even though he doesn’t want to admit it. “Oh, come on…” He groans half-annoyed, half-relieved when he taps on the tagged username and ends up on his profile.
a public profile with more than three thousand followers but only a few posts.
Jeongguk scrolls again… slowly, carefully.
Every post, every photo, every caption, yet one image draws him in, more vivid than the rest, refusing to let him scroll past.
Jeongguk scrolls again… slowly, carefully.
Every post, every photo, every caption, yet one image draws him in, more vivid than the rest, refusing to let him scroll past.
There’s something instantly captivating about it.
He stands there in the dark, effortlessly striking in his red embroidered jacket and calm gaze.
There’s something magnetic about his style — bold, elegant and impossible to ignore.
Even still, he looks like he owns the night.
He stands there in the dark, effortlessly striking in his red embroidered jacket and calm gaze.
There’s something magnetic about his style — bold, elegant and impossible to ignore.
Even still, he looks like he owns the night.
A story pops up — him arranging merchandise, laughing with a coworker, that same bright smile lighting up the frame.
Jeongguk leans closer to the screen, heart hammering, and then groans. “…Why am I like this?”
Jeongguk leans closer to the screen, heart hammering, and then groans. “…Why am I like this?”
He clicks on a few tagged locations, desperate to piece together some kind of routine, some pattern.
Each tap brings a new tiny revelation: a café he frequents, a small art exhibit, the gym where he works out apparently three times a week.
Each tap brings a new tiny revelation: a café he frequents, a small art exhibit, the gym where he works out apparently three times a week.
Every detail is a thread and Jeongguk can’t stop weaving them together in his mind, imagining the guy walking there, standing in line, laughing at some stupid joke, completely unaware that a stranger is obsessively following his digital life.
He shakes his head, frustrated. “God, I’m pathetic.” He mutters but his fingers don’t stop. They swipe, click, tap, open — the compulsion winning over reason.
Somewhere between the third story replay and the fifth tagged post, Jeongguk realizes he doesn’t just want to know if this guy is real.
He wants to get to know him. Even if it’s absurd… he cannot help but imagine it: what if this stranger agrees to be his plus-one?
He wants to get to know him. Even if it’s absurd… he cannot help but imagine it: what if this stranger agrees to be his plus-one?
His mind races with possibilities, wild and improbable: the awkward first meeting, the forced laughter at his ex’s wedding, the stolen moments of real conversation between champagne glasses and music. Even the thought of it makes his heart skip a beat he doesn’t quite understand.
“…What?” His friend’s groggy and tired voice resonates in his ear after a few bip.
“I found him.”
“You found who?” Yoongi asks in yawn.
“The guy from yesterday. The one you suggested I bring as my plus-one.”
“I found him.”
“You found who?” Yoongi asks in yawn.
“The guy from yesterday. The one you suggested I bring as my plus-one.”
There is a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “Wait— what do you mean you found him?”
“Long story short: I talked with my mom yesterday. She said I had to find someone, or she would — even if that means paying someone to play the part.”
“The… hell.”
“Long story short: I talked with my mom yesterday. She said I had to find someone, or she would — even if that means paying someone to play the part.”
“The… hell.”
“So I couldn’t sleep. Haven’t shut my eyes for more than an hour. Then I had an idea… and ended up stalking him on social media. And yeah. I found him.”
“…And?”
“I think I’m actually going to go with your stupid idea.”
“…And?”
“I think I’m actually going to go with your stupid idea.”
A pause. “So stupid you couldn’t sleep and spent the whole night creeping on some stranger?”
“I didn’t call to be judged. I called because it was your idea and now I need to know what I’m supposed to do, what’s the next step.”
“I didn’t call to be judged. I called because it was your idea and now I need to know what I’m supposed to do, what’s the next step.”
The line goes quiet for a moment, except for the soft sound of Yoongi shifting, probably rubbing his face, trying to wake up.
Then, finally “…Fine...”
Then, finally “…Fine...”
➣ DAY 4.
“I can’t believe you convinced him to do that.” Namjoon sighs, exasperation lacing his voice as Jeongguk brushes his teeth, foam gathering at the corner of his mouth.
“The kid needs to remind them who he is.” Yoongi replies, tone calm but sharp.
“The kid needs to remind them who he is.” Yoongi replies, tone calm but sharp.
Jeongguk can’t help but smile at that, a small spark of warmth flickering in his chest. His heart beats a little faster — a rhythm that feels almost foreign lately.
After the breakup with Jun-seo, he became everyone’s favorite topic. The whispers followed him everywhere.
After the breakup with Jun-seo, he became everyone’s favorite topic. The whispers followed him everywhere.
How could that happen? What did he do for Jun-seo to lose interest? Did he cheat?
No one really cared about him — not Jeongguk, the person, but only Jun-seo ex.
No one really cared about him — not Jeongguk, the person, but only Jun-seo ex.
It’s been a year and in everyone’s mind, he’s still that guy, the one who got dumped after five years like he was nothing.
And yet… he still got an invitation to the wedding.
And yet… he still got an invitation to the wedding.
Sometimes, Jeongguk can’t help but wonder if it’s all a joke. Maybe they just want to humiliate him a little more. Maybe they’re expecting him to lose control, to break down and scream when the officiant asks if anyone objects to the marriage.
But he won’t.
But he won’t.
He’s tired — tired of being judged, of being pitied, of hearing his mother whisper about how ashamed she feels whenever someone asks if he’s moved on or if he’s still “the heartbroken one”.
Yesterday morning, he called Yoongi. He told him the plan was ridiculous — but it was also the only way he could finally find some peace.
Which is why he’s now sitting on the edge of his bed, towel wrapped loosely around his waist, phone propped up in front of him, his
Which is why he’s now sitting on the edge of his bed, towel wrapped loosely around his waist, phone propped up in front of him, his
friends’ voices fill the room.
He just needs to find a way to talk to that taehyung again — without making a complete fool of himself.
He just needs to find a way to talk to that taehyung again — without making a complete fool of himself.
“Why don’t I just go to the mall and wait for him?”
“Wasn’t your plan to not make a fool of yourself?” Seokjin asks, voice muffled as Jeongguk swishes water around his mouth, phone still in hand.
“Wasn’t your plan to not make a fool of yourself?” Seokjin asks, voice muffled as Jeongguk swishes water around his mouth, phone still in hand.
“Jin’s right.” Namjoon adds. “If you’re going to the mall just to wait for him, you might as well ask him to be your wedding date again. Skip the conversation, go straight in — scare him a little more.”
Jeongguk groans, rolling his eyes. “I got it the first time, no need to rub
Jeongguk groans, rolling his eyes. “I got it the first time, no need to rub
salt in the wound.”
“ Actually…” Yoongi’s voice cuts in, calm but thoughtful. “I think the mall idea isn’t that bad.”
Namjoon sighs, long and dramatic. “And here I thought you were the smartest one after me.”
“ Actually…” Yoongi’s voice cuts in, calm but thoughtful. “I think the mall idea isn’t that bad.”
Namjoon sighs, long and dramatic. “And here I thought you were the smartest one after me.”
Yoongi ignores him. “It’s almost eleven. The guy’s probably taking his lunch break soon. What if Jeongguk just goes to the mall, waits in one of the cafés nearby — the kind of place he’d stop by for a quick meal or coffee?”
“And how exactly is he supposed to know which café
“And how exactly is he supposed to know which café
that is?” Namjoon shoots back, brows raised.
“There is a highlight with all the cafés he goes to on his instagram. There’s one he visits a lot — i’d say two or three times a week. It’s close to the mall.” Jeongguk finally says.
“There is a highlight with all the cafés he goes to on his instagram. There’s one he visits a lot — i’d say two or three times a week. It’s close to the mall.” Jeongguk finally says.
The moment the words leave his mouth, he’s met with identical wide-eyed stares from Namjoon and Seokjin.
He doesn’t need them to say anything — the silent judgment is loud enough.
“Listen—” He starts.
He doesn’t need them to say anything — the silent judgment is loud enough.
“Listen—” He starts.
“We don’t even want to know how many hours you spent scrolling through his instagram.” Seokjin cuts him off, grimacing. “And what if he doesn’t go to that café you think he goes to two or three times a week?”
Jeongguk shrugs, trying to sound nonchalant even though his ears are
Jeongguk shrugs, trying to sound nonchalant even though his ears are
turning red. “Then it’ll mean I need to stop… and start looking for another date.”
There’s a brief silence before Yoongi frowns, leaning closer to the screen. “Wait.” He says slowly. “Are you really doing all of this just because of your mom?”
There’s a brief silence before Yoongi frowns, leaning closer to the screen. “Wait.” He says slowly. “Are you really doing all of this just because of your mom?”
“What else do you think I’m doing this for?”
“I don’t know?” Yoongi raises a brow. “Maybe because we were right the other day — that you actually find him attractive? That this whole thing is just an excuse for you to finally move on and—”
“I /did/ move on.”
“I know, but—”
“I don’t know?” Yoongi raises a brow. “Maybe because we were right the other day — that you actually find him attractive? That this whole thing is just an excuse for you to finally move on and—”
“I /did/ move on.”
“I know, but—”
“I /moved/ on.” Jeongguk repeats, sharper this time, jaw tightening. “Just because I don’t want to go to that damn wedding doesn’t mean I haven’t. Try going to your ex’s wedding and then come talk to me again.”
“Jeongguk…” Yoongi sighs, his tone somewhere between concern and
“Jeongguk…” Yoongi sighs, his tone somewhere between concern and
exhaustion but the younger doesn’t stop — he rarely does once he’s started.
“But yes.” He continues, ignoring the warning in Yoongi’s voice. “A big part of why I agreed to your stupid plan is because I don’t want my mom to set me up with someone. If I have to pretend to date
“But yes.” He continues, ignoring the warning in Yoongi’s voice. “A big part of why I agreed to your stupid plan is because I don’t want my mom to set me up with someone. If I have to pretend to date
someone, then, at least, I want it to be someone I know a little — someone I chose.” He exhales, eyes dropping to the floor, towel still knotted loosely around his waist. “It’s already humiliating enough to have to fake a relationship at my ex’s wedding.” He says quietly.
“But if I’m going to do it… I want to have some fun with it. I want it to be someone I can actually stand being around.”
“So… you’re going to the mall, wait for him at the café and then what?” Seokjin asks, breaking the silence with a half-smile — as if trying to ease the tension. “He shows up and…?”
“I don’t know.” Jeongguk admits, letting out yet another sigh. “I didn’t think that far ahead.”
“I don’t know.” Jeongguk admits, letting out yet another sigh. “I didn’t think that far ahead.”
“You could come up with a casual reason to talk.” Seokjin suggests. “Not a “hey, be my wedding date” kind of casual. More like… call him, apologize for our behavior, maybe start from there.”
Jeongguk blinks at the screen, surprised. “That’s… actually a good idea.”
Jeongguk blinks at the screen, surprised. “That’s… actually a good idea.”
“If he shows up, just go straight to him and apologize for what we did and said yesterday. Tell him you didn’t think we’d actually go that far just to help you find someone. That will definitely get him curious.”
“Or scare him a little more.” Namjoon mutters under his breath.
“Or scare him a little more.” Namjoon mutters under his breath.
Seokjin rolls his eyes. “If someone told me their friends asked me — a total stranger — to be their date for a wedding without explaining why, trust me, I’d be curious. I’d want to know what kind of guy is desperate enough to need a plus one that bad.”
Jeongguk groans at himself. The plan is ridiculous, stupid… probably pathetic. But also… thrilling.
Every scenario that flashes through his mind makes his heart beat faster — a dizzying mix of panic and anticipation.
Every scenario that flashes through his mind makes his heart beat faster — a dizzying mix of panic and anticipation.
And then, for a fleeting second, he freezes, imagining the impossible: the guy actually shows up at the café, Jeongguk walks up to him, apologizes for his friends’ behavior, the guy gets curious, they start talking, get to know each other a little — and somehow, by the end of it,
he says yes.
His thoughts spiral — awkward laughter over coffee, quiet side comments during the ceremony, stolen glances when no one’s watching. Oh god… this could actually happen.
His thoughts spiral — awkward laughter over coffee, quiet side comments during the ceremony, stolen glances when no one’s watching. Oh god… this could actually happen.
He shivers, caught somewhere between terror and exhilaration.
And for the first time since his mother’s impossible demand, Jeongguk allows himself to want something — not for appearances, not to prove anything to anyone — but for this ridiculous, absurd, thrilling possibility
And for the first time since his mother’s impossible demand, Jeongguk allows himself to want something — not for appearances, not to prove anything to anyone — but for this ridiculous, absurd, thrilling possibility
that suddenly feels just a little too real.
“I have to go.” he says suddenly, cutting through the sound of his friends bickering about this crazy — or maybe insane — plan.
“…For real?” Yoongi asks, raising a brow.
“I have to go.” he says suddenly, cutting through the sound of his friends bickering about this crazy — or maybe insane — plan.
“…For real?” Yoongi asks, raising a brow.
“You guys already embarrassed me yesterday. If I embarrass myself a little more today, it won’t kill me.” he mutters, running a hand through his damp hair. “Besides, Seoul’s big enough that I’ll probably never see the guy again if this goes wrong. We barely even go to Hongdae —
I don’t know why we ended up there that day in the first place.”
“Do you want us to come with you? We could, you know, hide somewhere — moral support, in case he doesn’t show up.” Seokjin offers with a teasing smile.
“Do you want us to come with you? We could, you know, hide somewhere — moral support, in case he doesn’t show up.” Seokjin offers with a teasing smile.
“No.” Jeongguk’s answer comes quicker than he expects. “I’ll go by myself. I— I can do this.” He nods, mostly to convince himself that he actually can talk to someone without it turning into a disaster. “But I need to get ready first, so… yeah, I’ll call you later.”
“Keep us updated, okay?” Namjoon says.
“I will.” He nods again — once, firm — before ending the call.
The silence that follows feels heavier than it should but he doesn’t let it linger. He can’t. He’s already wasted enough time listening to his friends judge him for something
“I will.” He nods again — once, firm — before ending the call.
The silence that follows feels heavier than it should but he doesn’t let it linger. He can’t. He’s already wasted enough time listening to his friends judge him for something
they pushed him into thinking about in the first place.
Today, he will run into that guy totally coincidentally.
But first he needs to get ready.
Today, he will run into that guy totally coincidentally.
But first he needs to get ready.
Jeongguk finally throws the towel onto the floor, muttering curses at himself for looking like a soggy mess.
He opens his closet and freezes. What does one wear to “accidentally” bump into a stranger at a café?
Something casual but not too casual. Cool, but approachable.
He opens his closet and freezes. What does one wear to “accidentally” bump into a stranger at a café?
Something casual but not too casual. Cool, but approachable.
He grumbles, pulling out a black hoodie, some dark jeans and maybe this one jacket that makes him look like he actually plans his outfit.
Hair is next: he combs it with unnecessary care, trying to make it messy in just the right way. He mutters to himself… not too clean, not
Hair is next: he combs it with unnecessary care, trying to make it messy in just the right way. He mutters to himself… not too clean, not
too disheveled. Perfectly unnoticeable but… somehow memorable.
Shoes: comfortable, yet stylish. Because if this is going to happen, he has to be ready for the inevitable small talk. Maybe even coffee. Maybe even a laugh that makes him sound slightly charming instead of a
Shoes: comfortable, yet stylish. Because if this is going to happen, he has to be ready for the inevitable small talk. Maybe even coffee. Maybe even a laugh that makes him sound slightly charming instead of a
nervous mess.
Finally, he checks his reflection. Towel-free now, hair semi-messy but intentional, clothes dark and sleek.
He gives himself a last look, sighing. “Okay, Jeongguk.” He says aloud. “This is it. Act casual. Be normal… totally normal.”
Finally, he checks his reflection. Towel-free now, hair semi-messy but intentional, clothes dark and sleek.
He gives himself a last look, sighing. “Okay, Jeongguk.” He says aloud. “This is it. Act casual. Be normal… totally normal.”
He grabs his car keys, his phone, his wallet — the essentials — and steps out the door, heart hammering.
Every step toward the café feels like walking into a movie he didn’t audition for but somehow is the main character.
Every step toward the café feels like walking into a movie he didn’t audition for but somehow is the main character.
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