After hearing what those horrid girls gossiped about me, I decided to put everything into my work, and only focus on that.

Before I knew it, it was time to go home. Heather had been waiting for me to come see her, but we have both been so busy. I texted her that I was going home and would see her later.

She sent me a sad face emoji.

I got in the elevator and went down to the ground floor. Everyone was busy rushing out, trying to leave. I didn't feel like talking to anyone and went straight to my car. To my surprise I found Jin standing there waiting for me!

Why was he here!

I tried to ignore him and went to get inside of the car. Jin came around to my window, and tapped on it. I rolled down the window. "Yes?" I asked avoiding eye contact.

"I know you saw me." He sounded annoyed as he tapped his foot.

"Ok and?" I glared back at him.

"Wow, why are you being like this?" He looked taken aback with my attitude.

"What do you want?" I asked dryly.

It was better if I pushed him away, people didn't need to see us together.  I refused to get bullied again or have rumors be spread about me.

"You know what I want! You never answered me! Do you like Taehyung?" Jin had lost his patience and was now raising his voice.

I paused to think. To be honest, I was not sure how I felt. Now that I actually got to know Taehyung in person, he seemed like a sweet guy, but I felt no chemistry with him. He was more like a cute little brother that I wanted to protect.

"Don't worry about my feelings!" I shouted back as I put the car in reverse.

Jin watched me drive off in disbelief, with his mouth agape.When I get home, I threw myself on the bed.

What a crazy few days it has been!

My phone beeped with a message from Taehyung.

******
Tae: Hi Cora! 😄 Can we have dinner tonight?

What do I do? Maybe Jin was lying to mess with me again and Taehyung only wants to hang out as friends.

Me: Hi Taehyung! yes let's have dinner!

Tae: How about some burgers? 😃

Me: Ok sure!

Tae: I'll be by at 6 pm?

Me: Ok I'll be ready.

*******

He's even picking me up? Oh dear, I think this is a date! What have I gotten myself into! I can't go back and say no now! Ok let me just get ready and then I will think of what to do.

I picked out some nice jeans and a stylish oversized shirt Heather bought me for my birthday last year. I did a little make up, and wore my hair down. I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard. Casual should be fine, so I grabbed my converse shoes and waited for Taehyung.

My doorbell rang and I saw Taehyung standing outside the door, through my window. He was also wearing an oversized shirt with jeans and converse. We matched like a couple! I was not sure how I felt about that... I opened the door and quickly stepped out.

I noticed Taehyung smiling goofily as he noticed our matching outfit. I grinned back awkwardly.

"Hi Taehyung! Thanks for picking me up, but I could have met you there!"

"It's ok I wanted to." Taehyung lead me to his brand new black BMW. Opening the door for me, he helped me in. He jumped in the car happily and started to drive us to the restaurant. 

"You look cute today," He remarked with that cute grin as he drove. His eyes went from my outfit to his.

"Thanks you too." I said blushing.

Despite not having feelings for him, being complimented was strange for me and got me flustered.

Should I ask if this is a date? No, that would be too awkward. I'll ask him later, when the timing is right.

"Where are we going to eat?" I asked curiously. We were driving in an area of the city I wasn't familiar with.

"I was told there's a really good burger place nearby! Let's eat there!" He said cheerfully.

Seeing him this excited made me smile.

"Ok sounds good."

Taehyung pulled up to a casual burger restaurant. He quickly got out and opened the door for me.

"Thank you." I got out and took his hand as he helped me out of his car.

We entered the restaurant and the hostess looked like a girl in her teens. She perked up when she saw us approaching. A look of recognition came over her face, and she looked like she was holding in a scream. I didn't realize so many fans lived out here.

"Uh... hello! Ttt-two for dinner?" She stuttered, looking starstruck.

"Yes, but somewhere private please." Taehyung winked with a charming smile.

She nodded her head and quickly led us to a quiet area of the restaurant in a corner. She handed us our menus while beaming at Taehyung with that same starstruck look in her eyes.

I smiled at her when she handed me my menu to be friendly, but she just shot me a dirty look. I wasn't expecting that, she seemed to loathed me for simply being with Taehyung. Our male server quickly came by our table and took our order. He didn't seem fazed with Taehyung, he must not know who he was or cared.

"You must get that a lot." I said with a laugh.

"What?" Taehyung asked puzzled.

"People recognizing you." I glanced over at the hostess. She was busy on her phone, surely telling everyone who she just met.

"Oh yeah, mostly young girls though." Taehyung said happily. He seemed to enjoy the attention.

"It must be easier for you here, than in Korea where everyone knows who you are."

"Yes I feel at ease here! I don't have to have my manager, and bodyguard everywhere I go. Although, if I go out to crowded places, they come along, just in case. I snuck off alone tonight." He said grinning mischievously.

I suddenly felt sorry for him and the other BTS members. They had to live like this, hiding from their fans and the public, unable to do normal things, like going out to eat. He looked so happy today, and I was glad I could see this side of him.

Our food came out at lightning speed, the huge burgers looked and smelled so appetizing. My mouth watered at the sight of it. Taehyung smiled, like a kid that was given candy to eat.

I noticed in the corner of my eye, the hostess and some of her coworkers, were watching us and giggling. One came up, and asked for an autograph and picture. Taehyung was so kind with them, and gave them the autographs. He took several pictures with them. Afterwards, the restaurant manager showed up, and asked us if everything was fine with our burgers. He looked nervous as he spoke to us, sweating and his face flushed. With our mouths full, we nodded our heads enthusiastically, and the manager looks relieved.

"Cora, I wanted to talk to you about something." Taehyung said, his tone sounding serious.

Oh no! I already knew what he was going to say.

"How do you feel about me?" He asked, staring at me for my reaction.

"I like you." I tried to sound neutral.

"I like you too!" Taehyung grinned widely, "How do you feel about Jin?" He leaned in closer anticipating my answer.

"I like him too." I quickly answered avoiding his eyes.

"When I say like, I mean as how a man likes a woman. Do you understand?" Taehyung said seriously.

"Yes I do. Well ... to be honest, I don't like you in that way. I see you as a little brother, but I still think you're amazing and very handsome." I said encouragingly.

The smile on his face slowly faded. I felt bad, but I didn't have feelings for him that way. I really didn't want to date a celebrity, I didn't want the spotlight on me.

"I understand." he said dismayed and looking down. "But, what about Jin?"

"I don't know...I'd rather not talk about him." I tried to change the subject.

"Ok... we can still be friends right?" He asked me with a hopeful smile.

"Of course!" I responded.

"How old are you?" Taehyung asked and studied my face trying to guess.

I giggled at how he was looking at me, "I'm older than you, let's leave it at that." I replied not wanting to reveal my age.

"Can I call you noona*?" Taehyung asked with a cute puppy dog expression.

"Yes!" I said. How could I say no to that cute face!

~~~

A/N: Thanks for reading and please vote! 💜

*Noona- what a male calls an older female friend or older sister.