Chapter 13: 12.Jin's Cafe

The next day-

The morning had flowed smoothly, mirroring the previous day. Taehyung arrived at the Jeon mansion at exactly 7 a.m., ready to start the day.

He and Jaybum followed their usual routine, laughing and bonding in the toddler’s room.

Currently, the two were sprawled on the floor, surrounded by colorful crayons and half-finished drawings.

Jaybum's small hands were busy coloring a tree that looked more like a rainbow when he suddenly stopped and looked at Taehyung with wide, hopeful eyes.

“TaeTae,” Jaybum started, tugging gently on Taehyung’s sleeve, “I wanna go to dadda.”

Taehyung blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Right now?” he asked, tilting his head.

Jaybum nodded eagerly, his face lighting up at the mere thought of seeing his father.

Taehyung hesitated for a second but then gave the boy a warm smile. “Alright, bun. Let’s call him first to make sure he’s not too busy, okay?”

Jaybum grinned in excitement as Taehyung pulled out his phone and quickly dialed Jungkook’s number. The line rang a few times before Jungkook’s deep voice answered.

“Hello?” Jungkook’s voice carried a hint of curiosity. “Mr. Kim, is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is fine,” Taehyung replied politely. “It’s just that Jaybum said he wants to meet you.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Jungkook spoke again. “I see. Then bring him to my office. I’m free for a while.”

“Alright, Mr. Jeon. We’ll be there soon,” Taehyung said, hanging up and turning to Jaybum. “Your dadda said we can go!”

Jaybum’s face lit up like a thousand stars. “Yay! Let’s go, TaeTae!”

Taehyung chuckled, standing up and helping the little boy put on his shoes. “Alright, bun. Let’s get you ready.”

Within minutes, the two were on their way, Jaybum clutching Taehyung’s hand as they left the mansion.

The toddler’s excitement was contagious, and Taehyung couldn’t help but smile as they drove to Jungkook’s office.

Taehyung and Jaybum arrived at the Jeon building in no time. After parking his car, Taehyung stepped out and helped Jaybum down before taking his tiny hand in his.

Together, they made their way into the towering structure, catching the elevator to the 14th floor.

Jaybum was practically bouncing with excitement, his steps quickening as they approached Jungkook’s office. The moment the cabin came into view, Jaybum broke into a sprint, his tiny legs carrying him as fast as they could.

Taehyung followed with a chuckle but quickened his pace when he saw the little boy reaching for the door handle. Gently but firmly, Taehyung caught Jaybum by the shoulder and crouched down to his level.

“Bun,” Taehyung said softly, his tone warm but instructive, “you can’t just barge into someone’s room like that.”

Jaybum blinked, tilting his head. “Why, TaeTae?” he asked, curiosity sparkling in his wide eyes.

“Because they might be busy doing something important,” Taehyung explained. “You should always knock first before entering someone’s space. It’s polite.”

Jaybum nodded slowly, his little mouth forming an ‘o’ as he absorbed the new lesson. “Okay, TaeTae! I’ll knock!” he said enthusiastically, clearly proud to learn something new.

Taehyung smiled and straightened up, giving the boy a small pat on the head.

“Good boy. Now go ahead.”

Jaybum stepped forward, raised his tiny fist, and knocked on the door with three light taps.

Inside, Jungkook’s deep voice called out, “Come in.”

Only then did Taehyung gently push the door open, holding it for Jaybum to step in first.

As soon as Taehyung and Jaybum entered the office, they noticed another presence in the room alongside Jungkook. Sitting casually on one of the chairs was an unfamiliar yet approachable man.

Jaybum’s eyes lit up the moment he spotted the man, his excitement bubbling over.

“Uncle Hobi!” he squealed, practically leaping out of Taehyung’s grasp and running straight towards him.

The man, now identified as “Hobi,” laughed heartily and opened his arms just in time to catch Jaybum. “Hey there, little man!” Hoseok said, spinning the boy in a playful circle before settling him on his lap.

Taehyung lingered near the door, silently observing the interaction. His lips curled into a small smile at Jaybum’s joy, though he stayed composed.

It wasn’t long before the man’s gaze shifted toward Taehyung, his expression curious yet warm. “And who’s this, Kook?” Hoseok asked, raising an eyebrow in Jungkook’s direction.

Jungkook, now standing, walked over to retrieve Jaybum from Hoseok’s lap. With Jaybum in his arms, he replied in his usual composed tone, “That’s Jaybum’s babysitter.

And Namjoon’s cousin.”

At the mention of Namjoon, Hoseok’s interest visibly piqued. “Ah, so you’re Kim Taehyung?” he said, standing to his full height and giving Taehyung an appraising look.

Taehyung gave a polite nod, though he was mildly puzzled as to how this man already seemed to know of him. “Yes, that’s me,” he said softly.

Hoseok’s smile widened, his demeanor brimming with friendliness. “Namjoon talks about you a lot. I’m Jung Hoseok, but you can call me Hobi.” He extended a hand for a handshake, his energy radiating warmth.

Taehyung hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward and shaking the offered hand. “It’s nice meeting you, Mr. Jung,” he said politely.

Hoseok immediately shook his head, his smile growing even wider. “Ah, no need for formalities! Joon and I go way back, so just call me hyung or Hobi, like everyone else does.”

Taehyung blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the casual tone, but then he offered his signature boxy smile. “Okay, Hyung,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

“See? Much better,” Hoseok teased, releasing Taehyung’s hand. He glanced back at Jungkook, whose expression remained neutral, and then at Jaybum, who was playing with the buttons on his father’s shirt.

Hoseok grinned at Jungkook, leaning casually against the desk. “Well, kook, let’s head over to Jin’s café. I need to catch up with him too,” he said, eyes glinting with mischief.

Jungkook sighed, already anticipating Hoseok’s persistence. “Hyung, I have work to do,” he replied, settling into his chair and picking up his pen. “You go, I’ll stay here.”

Before Hoseok could argue, Jaybum tugged at Jungkook’s shirt. “Dadda, nooo! Let’s go to Uncle Jinie’s café! I want his banana milkshake!” he exclaimed, his small voice bubbling with excitement.

Jungkook softened, his usual firmness faltering as he glanced at his son’s hopeful face. “Baby, I have to work,” he reasoned gently.

But Jaybum wasn’t about to give up so easily. With a practiced tilt of his head and wide, glistening eyes, he unleashed his ultimate weapon: the puppy look. “Please, Dadda,” he pleaded.

Jungkook let out a long sigh, knowing full well he was defeated. “Fine. Okay, let’s go,” he said at last.

Jaybum squealed in delight, bouncing up and down like a firecracker .

Hoseok, now thoroughly entertained, turned to Taehyung, who had been standing silently by the door. “Taehyung, why don’t you join us too? I’ve already called Namjoon—he’s meeting us there.”

Taehyung hesitated, not wanting to intrude. “Oh, it’s fine. You guys should enjoy. I’ll wait in my car and keep myself occupied. Just let me know when you’re done,” he offered with a polite smile.

Jaybum, however, had other plans. “No!” he declared, his tiny hands grabbing onto Jungkook’s hand in one and Taehyung’s in the other. “You both are coming, and that’s final!”

Hoseok burst into laughter as the small but determined boy began dragging both men out of the office. “Well, you heard the boss,” he teased, following behind with a spring in his step.  Though he also called Jimin on the way for the quick get together

Jungkook exchanged a quick look with Taehyung, whose wide eyes mirrored his own disbelief. “Guess we don’t have a choice,” Jungkook muttered under his breath.

Taehyung just shrugged, suppressing a chuckle as Jaybum continued pulling them forward with surprising strength.

The cozy warmth of Jin's café greeted them as they stepped inside. The soft aroma of freshly baked pastries mingled with the faint whiff of coffee, making the place feel like a home away from home.

Taehyung’s sharp eyes wandered around, soaking in the rustic yet charming interior,a mix of earthy tones, potted plants, and glowing fairy lights.His first  time visiting the cafe afterall.His grip on Jaybum’s tiny hand tightened instinctively, grounding himself in the unfamiliar space.

“Oh my, look at this little handsome man coming my way!”Jin’s voice boomed as he bent down to pinch Jaybum’s cheeks lightly.

Jaybum giggled, his nose scrunching adorably at the affection. “Uncle Jinie!” he exclaimed.

“You’re just in time,” Jin said with a grin, standing up straight. “I’ve got a fresh banana milkshake with your name on it!”

Jaybum’s eyes sparkled, his tiny hands clapping in excitement. “Yay! Thank you, Uncle Jinie!”

Jin turned his attention to Hoseok, who opened his arms dramatically. “Hyung!” Hoseok greeted, pulling Jin into a tight hug.

“Yah, Hobi! You’re back already?” Jin said, smacking Hoseok lightly on the back of the head. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d landed?!”

“Hyung, chill! I just got back from China. Don’t make me regret coming straight here!” Hoseok groaned, rubbing the back of his head.

Jin rolled his eyes but smiled warmly, leading the group to a vacant table large enough for everyone.

Taehyung followed quietly, still taking in the scene. Jungkook, meanwhile, was busy adjusting Jaybum’s wrinkled shirt before settling him in his chair.

Once everyone was seated, Jin’s gaze shifted to Taehyung. “Oh, by the way, who’s this?”

“Hyung, this is Taehyung,” Hoseok said, gesturing to the man sitting next to Jungkook. “Namjoon’s cousin.”

Taehyung offered a polite bow, his boxy smile adding warmth to his demeanor.

“It’s nice to meet you, Hyung.”

Jin smiled back, reaching out for a quick handshake. “I’m Kim Seokjin. Welcome!”

Before Jin could say more, Hoseok smirked and added, “Don’t worry, Hyung, Taehyung doesn’t bite.”

Jin snorted at the comment, while Taehyung merely chuckled softly, amused by the subtle irony.

“i... Umm.. Namjoon... isn't he coming?” Jin asked, a hint of hesitation lacing his voice.

“He’s on his way,” Hoseok reassured, glancing toward the door. “He should be here any minute.”

Right on cue, the café door opened, and Namjoon walked in, followed closely by Jimin. Jin’s breath hitched .

Taehyung, ever observant, caught the way Jin’s eyes softened, lingering on Namjoon with a gaze full of longing.

Namjoon, however, strode toward the group without sparing a glance at Jin. His focus was entirely on greeting the others, his face a mask of composure.

He didn't even greet Jin,as if....as if ...he was invisible.

Namjoon and Jin somewhat seem to know each other ..

But why didn't Namjoon spare him a glance and why Jin's eyes softened with the sight of Namjoon?

Read more to find out ~