"Just let me do this," Seojoon said, signing the receipt. "It's the least I can do after making you sit through all of this." Once the bill was settled,Seojoon turned back to Taehyung, his expression softening. "We'll talk more soon, okay? I'll handle everything. Just trust me."

Taehyung nodded, his smile shy but sincere. "Alright, Hyung. Take care." "You too," Seojoon said with a reassuring smile before walking off, his phone already in hand as he left the café.

Taehyung sat there for a moment, watching Seojoon leave. He let out a soft sigh and glanced down at his coffee. He didn't even like coffee, but he'd still ordered it and finished every drop. Seojoon was too good—sometimes too good—and the thought of him spending money

so casually didn’t sit quite right with Taehyung. Shaking off the thought, he stood up, adjusted his coat, and quietly made his way out of the café. As he stepped onto the street, he pulled out his phone and called his mother. The call was answered on the first ring.

"You were waiting for my call?" Taehyung asked with a small smile. "Was I too quick to pick up?" Hana teased on the other line. "Yes," Taehyung replied, laughing softly. "Alright, fine. From now on, I'll let it ring three times before answering," Hana said, playing along.

Taehyung let out a laugh. "Now, tell me," his mother said, her tone shifting to one of concern. "How did your meeting go? What did he say? And don't tell me he made you cry—I will—" "Mom, calm down!" Taehyung interrupted quickly. "No one made me cry, okay?

I told you, Seojoon is a good alpha. He wouldn't do anything to make me feel bad." "I don’t want to hear you praising him, Taehyung," Hana huffed. "I want to hear what he said." "That," Taehyung said with a teasing lilt, "I'll tell you when I get home.

I'll be there in half an hour, so wait for me, okay?" "Taehyung, wait—" Hana started, but he cut her off. "Bye, Mom. I need to find a taxi!" he said, his voice light and playful. "Taehyung—"

"Bye, Mom!" Taehyung repeated with a grin before ending the call. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and glanced around, looking for a taxi. Just as he was about to step forward, a bike suddenly appeared in front of him. He instinctively stepped back and raised his

gaze to scold the person who'd nearly run into him. But his words died in his throat when he saw who it was. Jungkook. Taehyung froze for a moment, then quickly took another step back, feeling his stomach twist. "You still meeting him, huh?" Jungkook asked, his eyebrow raised.