45 His Fleeting Happiness Pt.3 (1/2)

Taehyung huffed as he scrutinised his reflection in the mirror. Despite being dressed in the finest silks with the most vibrant colours, Taehyung couldn't help feeling dissatisfied. Something was bothering him. Or rather, someone.

”Are you ready, cousin?”

Taehyung looked over his shoulder to address Namjoon, who had appeared at his door. ”Almost” he answered, his voice clipped. He turned back to his gaze at his reflection.

Namjoon, sensing that something was off, approached his younger cousin with caution. ”Is everything alright, Taehyung?”

”Yes,” he responded pointedly. ”Why do you ask?”

”Because you seem upset about something.” He sat down on a nearby stool and added, ”Not to mention the fact that you have been avoiding me as of late.”

Taehyung grew crimson. ”I-I have not been avoiding you!”

”Oh?”

Taehyung fumbled with his belt while occasionally sneaking glances at his cousin through the mirror. In response, Namjoon continued to gape at him, his dark eyes boring into his reflection as if he was staring through to his soul. When Taehyung accidentally met Namjoon's penetrating gaze, he had no choice but to give in. Namjoon had a gift for seeing through people as if they were an open book.

”Fine” he conceded. ”I admit that I have been upset with you.”

Namjoon shifted in his seat while continuing to eye Taehyung. ”What have I done to upset you, cousin?”

Taehyung turned to face him. He challenged Namjoon into a staring contest without having to say anything. Namjoon took up the challenge although, he was puzzled as to why Taehyung was now giving him the silent treatment. Eventually, Taehyung's eyes started to water and he backed down, visibly upset that he had lost in their trivial competition.

He muttered begrudgingly, ”It is because Gyuri has been spending so much time with you.”

Namjoon's eyebrows were raised in surprise. ”You have been refusing to talk to me... because of Gyuri?”

Taehyung nodded reluctantly.

”But, why?”

Taehyung shifted uncomfortably on the spot. Namjoon observed how Taehyung's cheeks were tinted rose. ”There- there is no particular reason why” he replied. ”I just do not like how frequently she has been visiting you.” Taehyung met eyes with Namjoon and Namjoon noticed the seriousness behind them. ”Why have you been asking her to bring snacks to you every night?”