Tae – Holiday romance
"We need to get more customers coming in tonight," Tae said as they gathered their swimming gear to head down to the water. They'd had such a busy day yesterday in the restaurant and Seojin had thankfully given them the morning off to enjoy the beautiful Bacalar scenery. Taehyung, Wooshik, Seojoon and Yumi had plans to hit the lake but in the back of Tae's mind was the need to get more customers so they could hit their quotas and close the restaurant earlier. It's not that he wasn't enjoying what he was doing with his friends but he was exhausted and every night they were coming home and cooking their own food before falling into bed to get up and do it all again. He just wanted to make sure they had lots of customers coming through to make the time go super quickly.
"Some of those flyers," Wooshik asked, thinking of ones they'd handed out before.
"We could see who is down at the water and hand some out before we swim," Seojoon said, slipping his t-shirt over his head.
"Can't wait to swim," Tae said, sighing. The water looked gorgeous and he just wanted to jump in.
"You'll have to wear a shirt through right," Wooshik teased but they all knew it was true. If Taehyung was to jump into the water topless, the photos would slam the internet and his image would be plastered everywhere on ARMY fan sites. It wasn't that big a deal to him but he had contracts as an idol he needed to stick.
"Yeah, we'll see," Tae replied, rubbing sunscreen all over his body. "Are we ready to go? I said I'd show Jungkookie where we are so I'm going to Facetime him from the water. He's in the studio recording so he'll appreciate a break even if he's jealous."
"Maybe you guys will all come over here one day when you tour again," Seojoon said as they grabbed their towels.
"I hope so, I want the next tour to go everywhere."
"That would make a relationship difficult," Wooshik commented as they walked out into the sunshine. "You know from previous tours that you're home so very infrequently so you'd never see them enough."
"Good thing I'm not in a relationship then right," Tae answered, giving his friend a shove.
"Is it though? Don't you miss it," Seojoon said, thinking of his girlfriend waiting for him to come back in a week or two.
"Of course I do. But I guess it's just not the right time. I'm young though so I'm not in a hurry."
"Us single guys can just hang together back home Tae," Wooshik joked back, "although I wouldn't say no to a holiday romance."
"I would, too many cameras, too many things that could go wrong."
"Live a little Tae," Wooshik said although he knew the same applied to him. Being famous had limitations on what you could comfortably do. Still there were ways and they'd all used them from time to time.
"Oh, I've lived a lot. But until I can have an unrestricted relationship, it doesn't seem fair on either of us."
"True, true," Seojoon replied as they arrived at the waters edge. Yumi was standing where they'd agreed to meet, holding a pile of papers for them to hand out.
"There's quite a few people relaxing on the boardwalk," she said, handing them a stack. "Get to it boys, pull out your charms."
They grinned at her as they took some papers. "Let's do this quickly so we can relax," Tae said, stepping onto the wooden slats and they all started to walk together, the sun hitting their bodies, stopping to talk to people as they invited them to eat at the restaurant that night.
She was laying stretched back on a towel, basking in the sun with her eyes closed. A few droplets of water scattered over her body and she was letting them naturally dry. However, the way they glistened in the light caught the eye of people around her as well as the way she was looking in general. Golden skin with just the right amount revealed in her swimsuit, long legs leading down to pretty painted toes, hair damp and wavy as it dried in the heat, her eyes were shuttered against the light but she could still tell when someone was standing above her as the heat disappeared in the shadow of a body. She heard a voice say 'wah' and opened her eyes to see a group of four people looking down at her. Blinking up, one of them spoke.
"Come to our restaurant tonight," he asked, handing her a piece of paper which she reached for, sitting up and reading the words.
"Korean? Oh I love Korean food, are you close by?"
The same man spoke to her again, possibly the best at speaking English. "Just up that way a block, if you like Korean food, you'll love what we cook," he said confidentially and she laughed.
"I'm sure I will."
She looked away from that man, scanning the group. "Are all the workers as good looking as you four," she said, smiling at them all, eyes lingering on one who had a bright blue shirt hanging open to show his caramel chest. Their eyes met, hers brilliant emerald lighting up with interest when they hit his rich, deep, chocolatey brown ones. There was a moment where a zing flickered between them before she was drawn to the woman, answering on their behalf.
"There's only one more person, we're a small restaurant, only opened for a few more days."
"Oh, I love small places, so cosy. I'll be there tonight," she replied, eyes flicking back instantly to Tae and he nodded, his eyes blinked slowly closed and open again in acceptance of the attraction that had sparked by just looking at each other.
"We will watch for you," he said, his tone ripping through her body as she heard him speak for the first time.
"I'll make sure you know I'm there," she answered as they stepped away, bowing a little, the one with the blue shirt casting a glance over his shoulder as he disappeared down the wooden walk with his friends, running a hand through his fluffy hair as he did and she watched his muscly, strong legs as they strode, confident and relaxed, away from her.
"Who the heck was that," she thought to herself as she lay back but not before tucking the flyer into her bag so she wouldn't lose it. That was definitely where she'd be eating tonight.
"No holiday romance aye Tae," Seojoon joked, throwing his arm around Taehyung's shoulders.
"I don't know what you're talking about hyung," Tae replied, shoving him away with a grin.
"Oh yes you do TaeTae, she was cute," Wooshik said, jumping on Tae's back as they found a place to sit, dropping to the ground to dangle their feet in the water.
"If you say so," Tae answered, knowing she was definitely more than cute, her body etched on his retinas.
"Ah, it's so nice here," Yumi said, adjusting the hat on her head to protect her face from the sun as that sat for a few moment, relishing the peace after the busyness of the filming schedule.
"I want to jump in," Tae said, standing up and putting his phone down on the walkway as he prepared to launch himself into the air. He took a running leap, tucking his knees into his arms as he bombed, sinking under the warm water where his Wooga friends quickly joined him, Yumi watching from the boardwalk.
Surfacing and flicking his hair back out of the way, Tae turned onto his back to float for a moment, relishing in the sun on his skin, the freedom he had now in chapter 2 of his BTS life and the fun he could have today with his friends, the ones he shared so much with. Spluttering as Wooshik flicked water onto his face, he trod water for a moment. "I wouldn't be opposed to a holiday romance you know, if I could keep it out of the media. The chances of that are so slim though."
"You know we'd do anything to cover for you Taehyunie," Seojoon replied, swimming a little closer. Tae was like a little brother to him and he felt overly protective as Tae was a very gentle soul who desired to enjoy the life he'd fought so hard to achieve.
"I know hyung, thank you. Who knows though, she might not even be there tonight," he said, lifting himself back onto the slats of wood.
"Oh, she'll be there," Seojoon said and Wooshik nodded in agreement.
"She was undressing you with her eyes Tae, I think it's safe to say she was interested."
Tae blushed a little. Everyone called him handsome constantly, pointing it out in almost every interview he did and he knew at some level he was good looking but it could be embarrassing to be teased about it and he definitely had days when he didn't like how he looked, just like everyone did. Still, here in Mexico, he felt relaxed, even bare faced and he had noticed her eyes following him. It felt good to be appreciated when he returned the attraction which he definitely did with her. He didn't know her name so for now he was going to call her by the colour of her eyes, Emerald, at least in his head.
Four hours later and they were back in the swing of things, prep for the evening completed, restaurant open and a few customers starting to trickle in. It was likely to get busier in about an hour when more people had returned hungry from their day excursions and Tae was grateful for the build up so it hadn't been crazy from the time they opened. He was still basking in the relaxing time they'd had that day, his friendships one of the most important things to him.
He was also a little guilty of checking through the food delivery gap or kitchen doorway to see if she, Emerald, had arrived as promised. So far she hadn't and he felt disappointed, stomach twisting a little at the thought she might not. After all, she was alone when they'd seen her but that didn't mean she was in Mexico on her own. She might have other more important plans with other people.
"You're pouting Taehyungie," Wooshik said as he handed Tae some more dishes to clean.
"No I'm not," Tae answered, adjusting his mouth so his lips returned to their non-pouty state.
"She'll come," Wooshik answered.
"Here's hoping," Tae answered and his friend snickered.
"More than once I'm sure. And yes, I mean both here and well, you know," he smirked, raising his eyebrows. "Oh don't look at me like that Tae! They'll have to edit this all out anyway."
"You look innocent Wooshik hyung but you can be dirty. If only your fans knew."
"You can talk Taehyung," Seojoon said, walking back into the kitchen area after helping Yumi out the front and overhearing the last part of their conversation. "And in case you were wondering, she has arrived. Seated by the window. Alone."
Tae walked casually over to the food window but he didn't fool either of the others, a bounce in his step as he did. Emerald was sitting looking out over the open restaurant, having already ordered. He watched her for a moment only seeing her side profile but knowing it was her. Dressed in a little more now than before but unmistakably her lips, confirmed when she turned in his direction and he caught her eyes with his, pursing his own lips into a smile at being seen before pulling back out of view.
"Yeah, that's her," he said and went back to the kitchen sink, smiling to himself as he carried on with what he was doing.
Seojoon and Wooshik looked at each other and then at Tae. "So, ah, are you going out to say hello?"
"I'm working hyung," he answered, water sloshing as he scrubbed.
"And she is waiting," Seojoon said again.
"It's not my job to serve, Seojin-ssi will notice."
"Probably but we can distract him if needed. When the food is ready, you can just take it out."
"OK hyung," Tae said, face breaking out into a grin as he quickly finished his job and dried his hands, hovering in the kitchen area and attempting to help speed Seojoon along.
"Keen," his hyung said and he just raised his eyebrows.
"Now it's all I can think about until I go say hello. I'm a little nervous though," he said, twisting his lips.
"I will never understand how such a good looking super star can get nervous," Wooshik teased him, squeezing his cheek as Tae pushed him away.
"I'm a guy nervous around a girl, that's not unusual. She might not like me."
Seojoon and Wooshik looked at each other and laughed. "That seems very unlikely Tae, now go take this out, it's ready," and he handed the fried chicken and tteokbokki that they'd plated up so he could take it out to her.
"I think I'm ready too," Tae said, taking the tray carefully and walking towards the kitchen doorway.
"You were born ready," Seojoon said and Wooshik nodded. Their maknae was a dream for women all over the planet but one of the most adorably humble men they knew. He would slay, if he could just get English words out.
Tae meanwhile had stepped into the area behind the counter, casually walking past his boss and hoping he wouldn't notice. But he was out of luck.
"I'll take that Taehyung," Seojin said, reaching for the tray.
"Oh carefully hyung, it's balanced just right, I need to keep going or I'll drop it," Taehyung bluffed and it seemed to work as Seojin stepped out of the way, clearing a space for him to get past. Tae had hoped that was the right tact to take. His boss wouldn't want a scene to be created and the thought of dropping food would be something that would make him grimace. Still, he felt his eyes watching him as Tae made his way over to her table.
"Your food," he said as she turned at his approach.
"Thank you, I"m glad it was you who brought it over to me," she said and he smiled shyly as he placed it down in front of her.
"Have you had tteokbokki before? You cut with the scissors like this," he said, demonstrating a little for her to copy.
"I have actually, I've travelled all over the world but you've been the most handsome waiter so far. I'm Jade," she said, introducing herself and holding out her hand to shake even though she knew it wasn't the done thing.
He looked at her outstretched hand and reached for it as he bowed, speaking. "Oh that's even prettier," Tae said, a soft smile as he registered her name, grateful his English lessons were paying off so he could understand most of what she was saying.
"Prettier than what," she asked, looking up at him, eyes huge but unadorned with makeup. She looked beautiful.
He blushed when he realised his mistake but forged on because he was all in right now and if he was rejected, he could just go back to hiding out the back and take the ribbing he knew he would get from his hyung. "Than what I called you in my head before I knew your name."
She smiled at that, lips breaking into a grin that stretched the width of her skin. "And what was that?"
"Emerald. Because of your eyes."
"That's cute. I called you 'sex on legs' in my head."
His calm dropped a little along with his mouth, lips parting as he stared at her for a moment. "It's Taehyung," he answered when his brain started working again. "Tae, you can call me Tae."
"I'd definitely like to call you Tae," she said and he liked this bantering although it did make him blush more. There was a definite challenge in the way she spoke, testing to see if they were on the same page and he very much thought they might be. Still, he came from years of holding back, culturally and because of work so he wanted to be sure.
"I can leave you my number for while I'm here, just for a few more days so you can call me."
"I'm only here for a few more days too before I go home. But that's not what I meant. Or at least, over the phone was not where I was wanting to be saying you name. Over and over."
He gulped at the very obvious flirting but forged ahead. "I hope to hear-,"
"Taehyung-ssi, everything alright here," Seojin said, coming up behind him, interrupting.
"Your lovely waiter was explaining the food to me. He is very good at it, deserves a raise," she said, smiling charmingly at Seojin and Tae hid a grin between his lips.
"Yes, he's very good at a lot of things," Seojin said, turning to Tae and signalling with his eyes that he should head back to the kitchen again.
"Enjoy your meal," Tae replied, bowing to Jade.
"It looks delicious, everything here does," she answered him, winking when Seojin glanced away for a moment and he was grinning, tongue against his teeth as he walked back into the kitchen, unable to keep the swagger from his steps.
"Well," Wooshik asked, grabbing him by the shoulders. "We were watching through the gap," he continued and Seojoon nodded along.
"Of course you were," Tae replied but it didn't bother him at all because he was smiling too much. "I was about to give her my number when Seojin came up but it was a very, hmmmm, favourable conversation shall we say."
"Oh you mean she was into you? Of course she was," Seojoon said, going back to stirring the next lot of food he was making. "So, you're going to get together?"
"I hope so. Wooshik, when you clear the table, can you give her this," Tae asked, quickly writing down his number and folding it over before anyone saw the message he'd written at the bottom.
"Sure Tae, I'm matchmaking fairy Choi Wooshik at your service," he joked, pocketing the note as Tae peered out through the window gap one last time before the orders were coming in too quickly for him to waste anymore time as the restaurant filled up and he went back to the filming he was meant to be doing.
Half an hour later, Wooshik went back out to the restaurant with more food for another table, frowning when he saw straight away that the woman had gone. Tae's phone number was in his pocket and he'd be so disappointed that she'd left without it, he thought. Walking over to clear the table, his expression changed when a piece of paper had been left beside her empty plate; her name, number and a message clearly visible. "Here's my number Tae or should I continue to call you S.O.L?"
'I wonder what that stands for,' he thought to himself, taking the note and clearing away her plates before guiding a waiting couple into the now vacant seats. Once they were sorted, he bussed the tray of dishes back into the kitchen, Tae's face expectant as Wooshik handed him some plates to clean.
Deciding to tease Tae a little bit longer, he handed Tae his note back. "Cute message but she's already gone Tae."
Taehyung was instinctively reaching for the note but stopped, hand hovering in the air as he pouted. "We missed her? Oh, what if she doesn't come back again before we finish and leave the country?"
"That would be a shame," Wooshik continued but he was already pulling her note out of his pocket, unable to see his maknae upset for too long. Tae with a pout could get him just about anything with anyone he met. "Good thing she left you this then," and Tae's hand unfroze, grabbing it from Wooshik's hand, opening it to check her number was there before he tucked it in his apron with a grin.
"What is S.O.L?" Wooshik asked, a teasing look on his face.
"Never you mind," Tae said, thinking of her nickname for him. Now more than ever he was waiting for their shift to end so he could go back to the rooms, shower, change and make a phone call. He didn't know if he'd be seeing her today but he had every intention of ringing Jade as soon as he could. Mexico was a beautiful country and he thought maybe he could enjoy an evening or two in the company of the woman with the beautiful name before he flew home to his crazy life in Korea.
"Ah, you are quite easy to read Tae. Your eyes tell. You have plans and they're going to keep you smiling like that." Seojoon spoke from across the room. "Good for you."
"I sure hope so hyung," Tae answered, his mind already a mile away, dreaming about a small apartment somewhere in this city, a gorgeous woman possibly waiting for him, maybe in a bed that was barely big enough for two, tangled sheets and sleepy morning kisses. He was and would always be a romantic when it came to any relationship or whatever this was.
"Taehyungie," Seojin called and he snapped out of his daydreams.
"Coming hyung," he answered, drying his hands, a huge smile on his face even as he prepared for a few more hours of work. The reward at the end of the night would be worth it.
Meanwhile, only four blocks away, Jade put a bottle of wine in the fridge to chill. She had little doubt Tae would be messaging her later that night and she had plans to be ready for him, dimming the lights in the tiny cosy space she'd been renting for the last few weeks. Bare feet padded across the room as she swung the doors of the verandah open to let in the fresh night air, bare legs leading up to a soft robe and hair that swung around her shoulders and down her back. She had plans to finish off this trip in Mexico that included the man with the voice that sounded like creamy chocolate and eyes to match.
Sitting on one of the verandah chair, she stared out at the ocean for ages, phone next to her, lost in thoughts of what the night might hold when a text woke her from her thoughts, an unknown number popping up.
"Are you free now Jade. I think we might have plans?" And she smiled then at her phone and for the rest of the night through until the sun rose over a scene of relaxed limbs, caramel skin blending with golden skin, messy hair. Green eyes blinked open onto brown ones already focused on hers, Bacalar quickly becoming one of their favourite places to have ever travelled.