Chapter 29

Marley POV

Getting dressed for dinner, I wasn't sure what to wear. It was a public restaurant and although they had booked out a room, we still had to walk the gauntlet of possible cameras. It was unlikely they'd know at the start of the meal but would by the end. "Is this OK?" I asked, holding up an emerald green satin top which was one of my new purchases. I was feeling nervous and I wasn't sure exactly why since I'd met everyone before. Could it be that now we were much more than before although what that was still needed to be defined?

He was on the floor, looking for something in his bag and he rocked back on his heels and looked up as I held it against myself. "Anything you wear will be good. That colour is beautiful against your skin and with your eyes, yes wear that," and I nodded. "Did you know that's one of my favourite colours?"

"Not when I bought it but I do now. It was your microphone colour for a long time right?"

"Yes and now another reason to love it. Do you need a hand?" he asked as I went to take my top off and put the green one on.

"Do I need help getting dressed? I've managed by myself for quite a few years so I think I will be OK thank you Taehyung."

He pouted and then smirked as I rolled my eyes. "You use my name when you're annoyed with me."

"I'm not annoyed, I just know that if we start with that we will get very sidetracked and we don't really have time. Isn't the car coming in about 20 minutes?"

"20 minutes might be long enough for what I have in mind?" he replied, tongue between his teeth and an eyebrow raised at me.

"Kim Taehyung! And yes, this time I am a little annoyed," I said with a faux frown which turned into a laugh as his pout stretched out again. "It sounds very tempting," and his eyes lit up, "but it's not enough time to fix my hair and makeup afterwards. I am not turning up to see your friends looking like we'd been doing exactly what they think we've been doing."

He sighed. "All right but if I'm grumpy at dinner, I'm going to tell them why."

"You won't!" I said loudly, walking over to him and rolling my eyes again as he grinned.

"You're right, I won't but now you're close enough for this," and he spun me into his arms and dipped me with a kiss that went on far longer than was sensible given our time constraints.

As I came up for air, I couldn't help but say, "let's raincheck your plans until after dinner though, OK?"

"More than OK," he answered, beginning to unbutton his shirt to change and I took my clothes and went into the bathroom to get ready so I wouldn't get distracted again.

I travelled to the restaurant with some staff, the members split through another few cars with security. The staff were very friendly, attempting to speak in English that was more limited than Tae and much better than I could attempt in Korean. Catching a glimpse of Namjoon slapping Tae on the back as they climbed into one of the other cars, I had to wonder what kind of conversations they would be having, hoping I was ready to see them again knowing Tae had told them we had slept together. I wasn't surprised when he told me they knew, I had guessed they talked about everything but still, I hoped my face wouldn't flush when I saw them. Especially Jimin who seemed to have taken a special interest in embarrassing us both.

A text came through while we drove and I clicked on his name, smiling that even 10 minutes apart warranted some contact.

TaeTae

NJ just reminded me to keep away from touching you, just in case of cameras. I didn't want you to think I didn't want to because we are around the members and staff.

Marley

It's OK hottie, I understand **winky face**

TaeTae

Just think how much I wanted to touch you only half an hour ago and still do xx

Marley

That will not help me with being around your friends! I'm still nervous Tae

TaeTae

I'll be right there for you, please don't be nervous jagiya, they all really like you. It will be a test of my patience, I don't know how long I'll last before I want to have you to myself. See you soon aein

No cameras waited as we all got out of the cars and I was caught up in the throng, glancing up to see that Tae was looking to make sure I was OK as we walked in. I smiled and nodded in his direction as we were all shown to a room at the back of the restaurant, a noisy gathering of people finding their seats. Namjoon patted a seat next to him and I sat down gratefully, glad to have someone who would understand me and who seemed supportive while Tae sat on the other side.

Menus were brought, discussions were had and decisions made, all of the chatter going on around me. His leg rested against mine under the table and I felt his reassurance. Tae knew this was making me a little overwhelmed and that small contact was helping to hold me together. I was listening to the noise around me, lots of conversation I didn't understand but reached my hand to rest on his leg, his foot moving to touch mine, acknowledging the contact.

"Is there anything in particular you'd like to eat Marley?" Namjoon asked. "I can explain it to you if that's helpful?"

"I am keen to try anything so if we're getting a selection, I'll go with that."

"You don't mind things spicy? Don't answer that one Tae," he said as Tae leaned forward, Namjoon stopping him with a quick look and Tae sat back, a smirk on his face.

"I'm pretty adventurous so anything goes. No comments needed thank you Tae," I continued, seeing him move out of the corner of my eye. He was half pouting, half smiling as he sat back and I did my best not to look at him. His leg rubbed against mine and I controlled my grin by turning to Namjoon, engaging him in conversation as Tae began talking with Hobi.

"Did you manage to go to any of the local art galleries while you were here?" I asked, reaching for my drink.

"Oh, you know that I like visiting museums and galleries? I did actually, some beautiful pieces."

"Tae talks about you all when we're together. You're his favourite people," I said and he smiled, showing his dimples.

"I actually think we take a backseat now to you when it comes to favourite people," and I blushed lightly at his words.

I didn't realise until Tae's thumb was massaging my hand, even while he was looking away from me, that I had been rubbing his leg while I was talking. The little pressure of his thumb pressing down gently into my hand made me realise he was tuned into everything going on with me even now when we were having different conversations. I hooked my thumb up with his, holding it in place and saw the edge of his lip twitch a small smile before he tapped my foot again, letting me know he was there as I continued to talk with Namjoon.

The food was delicious and the conversation around the table easy as we ate. All of the members made an effort to chat to me although only Namjoon, Hobi and Jimin were close enough to talk with without raising our voices. Jungkook got up from his seat a few times to grab food from our part of the table and I smiled to myself, remembering a few things I'd seen online about how he was constantly eating. He also asked Tae something about exploring to which he earned a thump on the arm but carried on grinning anyway. I raised an eyebrow and Tae leaned forward, pouring me a drink of water so he could be closer to whisper.

"You don't want to know," he said before pulling away.

The plates were being cleared from around us now, some on their second or third drink, everyone leaning back and relaxed in the seats. Tae had come close to touching me a few times, slinging his arm over the back of the chair behind me then quickly pulling it away when he realised. You couldn't see into the room from the front so it would have to be the staff taking photos that we worried about and they all seemed to be bustling around doing their jobs. Still, I didn't want to make life more difficult than it already could be by not restraining ourselves for a few hours. I leaned forward in my chair to prevent any obvious contact as Jimin did the same.

"So Marley," Jimin began and Tae glanced up, giving him a look, which Jimin just ignored. "How has your alone time with Tae been going?"

Everyone was shooting looks at each other, some behind hands that were stifling smiles, Jin spluttering into his drink and Tae looked like he wanted to throttle them all.

"I think the word I would use is daebak," I said, reaching for Tae's hand under the table and staring Jimin down. He threw himself to the side against Hobi, both dissolving into laughter as the table grinned then took up loud conversations again with only a few side glances at us.

"Did I use the word correctly?" I asked quietly and he nodded, squeezing my hand where it rested on his thigh.

"It was perfect," he answered and we were lost in each other for a moment before Namjoon cleared his throat as a waiter drew close and we reluctantly looked away.

Glancing at his phone, Tae lightly touched my hand under the table before putting his glass down and I understood. I was ready to leave now too.

"Well, as this is our last night, we'll be going," Tae said as he stood up, dropping my hand from his leg. "I'll see you back at the hotel," he said to me and I nodded, knowing we couldn't be seen leaving together from such a public place. "Please keep them away from her hyung," he said to Namjoon and he wasn't meaning the press as he glowered at Jimin before leaving only to be met with more laughs.

Namjoon smiled, nodding. "I'll make sure they behave. Marley and I will leave shortly anyway."

I thanked him and smiled at Tae's retreating back.

"I didn't scare him away did I? He seemed very keen to get out of here for some reason." Jimin asked with a grin.

"You're not as scary as you think you are," I answered.

Namjoon leaned over, lowering his voice. "You seem very fond of Taehyungie."

"I definitely am," I answered, thinking of exactly how fond I was.

"He is clearly already in love with you."

I swallowed, heat rising into my cheeks. Blinking a few times to gain my composure I was eventually able to answer. "Ah, well, we haven't gotten that far as to say those ah words yet."

"It won't be long then. I've never seen Tae like this and he is probably bursting to tell you. We know your loss must make this a lot harder so he is being patient."

"He's the most patient man," I said. "And everything is happening at exactly the right time. There are some strong feelings there from both of us I think."

"At least from Tae's side, I know you are right." He smiled and I felt like I needed to tell him from my side too.

"I am doing my best to make sure he knows how I feel about him too even if we haven't been clear on what this all is."

He nodded. "Considering that it's only been a few weeks, you're both doing very well. I know it has already had challenges."

"Challenges that are worth working through."

"I'm very glad to hear that Marley," and he stood up as the table started to empty of people. Everyone masked up and I followed Namjoon out the door, bowing a thank you to restaurant staff as we went past. The cameras were indeed there, only a few but enough, the members waving out as they heard their names called but I mimicked the other staff members, trailing off to the side, climbing quickly into a car when I was pointed in that direction.

I found myself travelling with Namjoon, Yoongi and Jin, glad to not be locked in a small space with Jimin for too long. He was adorable and hilarious but I wasn't sure I could keep up the banter without blushing.

"Did you enjoy the meal Marley?" Jin asked as we pulled away.

"Everything tasted fantastic. I can see why you'd choose eating food from home over food here, so many different flavours."

Namjoon translated what I'd said for Jin as we drove and I was reminded that Tae had picked up a lot of English very quickly since we'd met. I mentioned it because I barely noticed it anymore and everyone smiled.

"He's been practicing a lot for you," Namjoon said and I felt shy at the thought.

Yoongi spoke and they laughed before it was translated for me. "Yoongi said it's because he's infatuated with you and I have to agree. When we're not working, he's talking to you or practicing his English. There's no chance of him song writing right now."

"I'm sorry?" I said, feeling like it was a question I was asking of them.

"Don't be, we love seeing him like this."

"He's very happy," Yoongi said.

"Happy Tae is fun to be around," Jin continued.

"I am glad to hear it," I answered, still feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Oh, Tae's right, you do blush a lot," Jin said and Namjoon hit him on the arm as the colour deepened.

"Please tell me he doesn't tell you everything we say and do? I know you're all close but..." My voice trailed away as laughter filled the car.

"Don't worry Marley, I'm sure he doesn't tell us everything. Just enough for us to know he is very content with how things are going," Namjoon answered.

Yoongi looked away as he spoke again, earning a couple of smirks from the others. It wasn't translated for me and from the looks on their faces, I was probably thankful it wasn't.

That was shorter than normal but I'll have another update tomorrow, thanks!