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Stepping into the wedding venue, Taehyung already knows that he should mentally prepare himself to face the wrath of his best friend. Being the best man, it should have been basic etiquette for him to be by the groom’s side even an hour before the actual ceremony begins, but thanks to his stubborn car refusing to start AND the curse of rush hour, Taehyung has arrived 10 minutes into the actual ceremony. He is an hour and 10 minutes late, to be exact. He’s texted Jimin already this morning, who understood initially, but now he’s faced with another hitch that would surely cause an upset from the groom.
All because of a damn security guard who won’t permit entrance to Taehyung’s own best friend’s wedding.
“I’m the best man you have to let me in.” Taehyung pleads, not kindly, to the security guard stationed right outside the ballroom doors. At this rate, Taehyung is going to miss the entire ceremony, which was not part of the plan. It’s the first time he’s heard anyone be denied entrance to a wedding just for being a few minutes late and it takes Taehyung everything in himself to not shove the security guard aside and just barge in.
“The grooms are saying their vows now and have requested the doors to be closed at this time.” The security guard says. Not even an ounce of sympathy on that man’s face. In fact, the look in his eyes are clouded with judgment, because what kind of careless tool is late to their best friend's wedding?
Taehyung huffs and shakes his head, mustering one last attempt to convince the man in front of him to open the doors.
“I worked so hard on my best man speech.”
Taehyung braces himself for another series of rejections, mentally preparing to gather all his strength and courage to shove the security guard aside. But before the security guard can even open his mouth, the loud sound of footsteps slapping against the marble floor makes its way behind Taehyung.
“Hi, sorry I’m late.” The man behind Taehyung is trying to catch his breath and Taehyung turns around, now facing a man crouching down, looking like he has just run—and lost— a marathon. Taehyung is sure he’s seen this guy before, but the disorienting feeling of being late to his best friend’s wedding poses as a barrier for Taehyung to rack his brain for names.
Confused, Taehyung turns back to the security guard who closes his eyes for a second too long. A laugh is begging to bubble up and out of Taehyung’s throat, but he quickly stops himself. He needs to do everything to convince the security guard to grant him entrance, and laughing at him would do the opposite of that.
“As I’ve said before, the grooms are saying their vows and have asked me to deny any entrance from this time forward.”
“I’m Kim Seokjin, the best man of one of the grooms, I’m pretty sure that I am an exception to this rule.” The missing puzzle piece clicks inside Taehyung’s head as soon as he hears the man say his own name. Of course he knows Kim Seokjin. They’ve met before very briefly while Taehyung was out shopping with Jimin. Jimin introduced him as Jungkook’s best friend. It was a long time ago and Taehyung never saw Seokjin again after that, save for a few pictures from Jungkook’s social media, but Taehyung would be lying if he said Seokjin’s good looks didn’t leave a deep impression on him. Taehyung feels laughter bubbling up again. What are the odds that both best men are late to the wedding?
For a fleeting moment, the security guard’s eyes fill with contempt but soon turns weary and tired. Taehyung, on the other hand, feels his heart rise to triumph. There are two of them now. There’s no way that they’ll keep two of the most important—apart from the two grooms— people out of the ceremony. It isn’t a wedding ceremony without the excessively rehearsed, tear-jerking speeches from your best buddy.
But Taehyung frowns once he sees that the guard's demeanor is still as persistent as ever and it doesn’t look as if he’ll let his guard down anytime soon.
“You’ll have plenty of time to say your speeches during the reception. Both of you.” The guard reprimands and Taehyung rolls his eyes, turning back to Seokjin who looks just as agitated.
Seokjin’s shoulder slumps and he turns towards the exit, but not before shooting a spiteful glare to the security. Taehyung doesn’t realize he’s staring until Seokjin’s eyes lock with his. He clears his throat, hoping it will stop the heat from taking over his entire face. But then Seokjin offers the tiniest smile and Taehyung realizes that it was all in vain.
“There’s a cafe down the street,” Seokjin breaks the ice first, his voice gentle and inviting. “Do you want to sit there for a while until reception starts?”
“Sounds good.” Taehyung replies, not meaning to be curt. Seokjin smiles once more and Taehyung feels the heat on his cheeks grow hotter. He’s even more embarrassed by the fact that someone he’s only met once before manages to render him this flustered and speechless. He tells himself that it’s the crisp suit Seokjin is sporting. It’s always the suit.
The chime of the bells on the cafe doors greet both Taehyung and Seokjin as they both step inside. Reflexively looking around for seats, Taehyung realizes that the cafe is vacant besides the two of them and a single barista inattentively scrolling through her phone behind the cash register, too distracted to even notice two new customers.
“Hey, look at this.” Seokjin points at something situated on top of the front counter. Taehyung shifts his gaze to follow along the point of Seokjin’s finger. It leads to a decorated sign offering a 20% discount to newlyweds along with a free pair of mugs designed for couples. He looks at Seokjin quizzically and Seokjin raises his brows mischievously before walking closer to the counter.
“Hi, what can I get you?” The barista behind the counter greets, putting her phone away.
“I’ll just have an iced americano,” Seokjin says and turns to Taehyung, “what would you like, honey?”
And for a second, Taehyung’s heart pauses a beat before starting up again faster. He thinks that he’s misheard or Seokjin has misspoken. He looks at Seokjin, but there’s nothing in his face that indicates that he’s had a slip of the tongue.
Taehyung’s positive that he’s probably misheard in some way.
Until his gaze flits back to the small sign on the counter. Now Taehyung gets it. Seokjin’s trying to scam their way to a discount… and free mugs?
Taehyung needs a second to recover from being called by an affectionate name from the cutest guy he’s ever met, but once he does he clears his throat and tells the cashier that he wants the same.
“Also, my husband and I just had our wedding today.” Seokjin tells the barista before she could total their costs, “We snuck out of our reception to get time for ourselves, you know how crazy weddings can get.”
The barista smiles at Seokjin and Taehyung is sure that she’s just as charmed as he is. Without a question, she punches in the 20% discount on the register and takes out a new box of couple mugs from under the counter. Taehyung wonders if she suspects their bluff, but it doesn’t matter because it seems like no one can deny Kim Seokjin anything. Or… Taehyung himself is just projecting his infatuation towards Seokjin on others.
As soon as the total cost lights up on the screen right in front of them, Taehyung reaches his pocket for his wallet, but he’s stopped by Seokjin’s gentle hand on his arm.
“I got this, don’t worry.” Seokjin says and Taehyung hastily shakes his head in refusal.
“You really don’t have to! Ah- babe….” Taehyung counters. The last word comes out more like a whisper. He has momentarily forgotten the game they’re playing, but he prays that the last-minute term of endearment is convincing enough as a form of damage control.
Seokjin laughs, probably because of Taehyung’s feeble attempt at affection, but it isn’t unkind. “Just consider it as a thanks for marrying me.” He winks and Taehyung has to check if his heart is still normally functioning.
It is… But it feels like it’s going to erupt if he thinks about that wink for any longer.
Taehyung has to recollect himself before speaking, because something tells him that if he speaks too soon his voice will let out a humiliating crack. So instead he silently takes the small box of the couple mugs and fixates his gaze on that, hoping it will somehow cool down his burning cheeks.
It feels like eons until the drinks are ready and the more time stretches, the more flustered Taehyung gets. So flustered that once the barista finally sets the two drinks at the counter Taehyung can’t help but to sprint to the available table farthest to the counter, leaving Seokjin by himself to carry the two cups of iced Americanos.
“I just realized we don’t even have rings on our fingers.” Seokjin chuckles, taking the seat across from Taehyung and setting the cups of coffee on the table. He takes notice of Taehyung’s silence and furrows his brows in concern, hesitating at first and then finally asking, “D-did that make you uncomfortable?”
Taehyung’s eyes widen and he quickly shakes his head, also going as far as to wave his hands in denial, “No! Not at all! It was funny.” Taehyung says, “I’m just… shy.”
He lifts his hand to rub the back of his neck, smiling bashfully as Seokjin leans back against his chair in relief. There’s no point to hiding the deep blush on his cheeks anymore, Taehyung has a feeling that it’s going to stay for as long as he’s hanging around Seokjin. It’s good enough for him that Seokjin is decent enough not to point it out.
“Thank you, by the way.” Taehyung says, before taking a sip from his cup. The usual bitter Americano now tastes sweet in his mouth.
“Don’t mention it. I told you it’s a thank you gift for marrying me.” Jin says, a cheeky smile illuminating his face.
This time Taehyung doesn’t look away but instead he allows himself to let out a small giggle. He feels the blush creep back up his entire face again, and if Taehyung didn’t know any better he would say that Seokjin’s face is also slightly blooming a bright red. Unable to hold eye contact any longer, Taehyung’s gaze shifts to the box of matching mugs settled near the edge of the table. He rests his hands on the box and then turns it to get a better look at the actual cups through the box’s small, transparent window. They’re both in the shape of hearts, but the individual hearts are shaped differently so that when they are put together, they fit perfectly like puzzle pieces. It brings a smile to Taehyung’s face.
“So are we gifting these to Jimin and Jungkook for their new home?” Taehyung asks, keeping his eyes focused on the cups.
“No, this is for us.” Jin says, matter-of-factly.
“But these are couple mugs.” Taehyung feels stupid as soon as he speaks. Obviously Seokjin knows that these are couple mugs.
“Exactly. You take one home, I take one home, and the next time I ask you out for coffee again we’ll both have a cup to use.”
And the blush on Taehyung’s face is back for the 50th time today. But this time the same deep red is also apparent on Seokjin’s face and Taehyung knows he’s not just seeing things anymore. That alone gives Taehyung the small courage to reflect the same amount of boldness right back at Seokjin.
“Are you asking me on a date? I thought we were married already.” Taehyung quips, unable to contain the flirtatious smile on his face. The sound of Seokjin’s deep chuckle triggers something within Taehyung that makes him want to disintegrate and flutter away.
“Unfortunately I am a terrible husband who doesn’t know much about my husband besides his name.” Seokjin sighs, hanging his head in mock shame.
“Well in that case, let me introduce myself,” Taehyung has to keep himself from smiling too wide. “My name is Kim Taehyung and I, too, am a terrible husband who knows nothing about my husband besides his name.”
That introduction leads both Taehyung and Seokjin into a whirlpool of varied conversation about themselves. The conversation is friendly, but neither of them shy away from the occasional flirtatious teasing. It doesn’t take long for Taehyung to realize that his infatuation towards a cute acquaintance is steadily blossoming into a deep liking.
Unfortunately Taehyung also increasingly grows aware of the passing time and decides that they should slowly be getting ready to go back to the venue.
“The ceremony should be over by now.” Taehyung says, trying hard to conceal the disappointment in his voice. Of course he’s more than excited to be with his best friend on his wedding day, but he wishes he could have a little more time with his new friend.
“Ah, of course.” Seokjin nods slowly. Taehyung offers a knowing smile. Both of them have enjoyed the time being locked out of their best friends’ wedding a little too much.
“You know I actually find it funny that Jimin and Jungkook both have best friends who can’t even do the bare minimum of being on time for their wedding.” Seokjin muses lightly as he and Taehyung walk back to the wedding venue.
“They must really be perfect for each other.” Taehyung grins, thinking fondly of the two newlyweds. He recalls back to the times he helped Jimin craft the perfect replies to Jungkook’s text messages. The times where Jimin would go on a rampage everytime the screen would indicate that Jungkook had read them. Now they’re about to spend the rest of their lives together.
“Or… If you think of it in another way…” Seokjin’s lips quirk up to a sweet smile and Taehyung waits for him to continue, eyeing him in curiosity.
“It’s funny how both of us happened to be late to our best friend’s wedding.” Seokjin shrugs, feigning nonchalance.
It takes a moment for Taehyung to make sense of what Seokjin means, but once it does click in his mind, the urge to flutter away comes back even stronger and settles in Taehyung’s stomach.
“Are you saying we could be perfect for each other?” Taehyung chuckles softly, raising his brows teasingly. He keeps his gaze at Seokjin despite wanting to do the opposite.
“I won’t be sure until we see each other again.” Seokjin says, the sweet smile never leaving his face, “How about we go for coffee again next week?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Taehyung nods, his heart feeling lighter.
“WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN?!”
Ah, and there it is.
Taehyung expected Jimin’s wrath but now that he’s finally getting it, he can’t help but to wince at the irritated look on his best friend’s face.
“We were only a few minutes late but Mr. Security Guard over there wouldn’t let us inside because you guys apparently wanted the doors locked.” Taehyung explains, pointing his thumb accusingly at the man who denied them entrance earlier today. He’s sorry, but this wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the security guard. As a form of apology, Taehyung gently fixes the crooked bow tie pinned on Jimin's dress shirt.
Jimin sighs, not looking particularly happy but also not completely upset either. Taehyung’s off the hook for now, but he knows that this is feasible ammo Jimin will use in his favor whenever he needs Taehyung to do something for him in the future.
“It’s okay, you guys are here for the reception and that’s all that matters.” Jimin says, more to himself as to not sour the mood.
“Congratulations Jimin,” Seokjin chimes in. He gives Jimin’s shoulder a few light pats and Taehyung appreciates his attempt to ease out the heavy atmosphere.
“Thanks,” Jimin smiles. “Were you two waiting alone together?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry we got along fairly well.” Seokjin assures him and Taehyung nods in support. He wants to tell Jimin that they got along more than well, but he decides that he'd notify his best friend of his developing feelings for Kim Seokjin another time. This day is going to be all about him and Jungkook now.
“That’s great!” Jimin nods, “I’m going to go tend to the other guests now, but Jungkook’s by table 8.”
“Yikes, wish me luck.” Seokjin says, jokingly shivering as he sees Jimin walk away.
“I’ll keep you in my thoughts,” Taehyung rests his hands on Seokjin’s shoulder and gives it a light squeeze to comfort him. It prompts another sweet smile from Seokjin.
“Thanks. Jungkook is definitely going to rip me a new one for missing his wedding ceremony.”
Taehyung laughs. The guilt of missing such a pivotal moment in his best friend's life is still fresh, but he’s glad he has Seokjin to lighten the burden.
“But you know what? I can’t really say I have any grudges against that security guard.” Seokjin says, not looking at Taehyung.
“Well, he did let me get to know my husband a little better.” Taehyung grins.
This time, Seokjin is the one who laughs.