Jungkook looks up from his phone and breathes slowly
Jungkook
(It's just a coffee) *Tells himself*
Jungkook
(Nothing more)
Five minutes later, the door chimes softly as Taehyung steps inside. He spots Jungkook instantly - of course he does - and they exchange a fleeting look before Taehyung's lips curve into a smile, cautious smile
Taehyung
Hey
Taehyung
*Sits across from him, hands folded neatly km the table*
Taehyung
Sorry I kept you waiting
Jungkook
No worries
Jungkook
*Looks him up and down*
Jungkook
(Taehyung looks different. More grown-up. Tired, too. But still Taehyung)
A strange silence between them as they wait for the waitress. Jungkook can feel a familiar knot tightening in his chest - unspoken questions pressing against the back of his tongue
Taehyung
You look good
Jungkook
...you too
Jungkook
Still wearing those ridiculous rings, huh?
Taehyung chuckles softly, fingers instinctively brushing the silver band on his index finger - a habit he never broke. Jungkook looks away before his thoughts drift too far into memories
Jungkook
So what really brought you back this time?
That question hangs in the air. Taehyung hesitates - his smile falters just a little - before leaning back in his chair, gaze fixed on the window
Taehyung
Work. Family.
Taehyung
And… Other things
Jungkook
* Brows frowns*
Jungkook
Other things?
Jungkook
What other things?
But without answering Taehyung quickly changed the topic, telling him about the café, the weather, anything but himself
And Jungkook plays along - laughing when expected, listening carefully - but there's a weight between them, an unspoken tension they both pretend not to notice
Every glance feels too long. Every quiet moment feels too loud. And Jungkook wonder, not for the first time, why they ever drifted apart in the first place - or why seeing Taehyung again feels so much like standing too close to a fire
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