Pot meet Kettle

"You didn't mention riding together?"

I practically squeak my question at Jimin as he carries my luggage into the rental SUV. The day had been uneventful and we were all fortunate that the school day had been a half day. That had given me enough time to survey my room and confirm that I had packed everything that I needed. As far as I was aware, Soo Min was going to pick up Mi Cha and then head over to my place. My parents were not home, but knew that about the trip. Reassured that Hobi would be there to keep an eye on me, they had been open to the little adventure to the beach house.

Soo Min had even messaged me thirty minutes ago to update me that "they" were on their way to pick me up. What greeted me when I ran outside with my luggage had me frozen in front of my door. Jimin smiled from the driver seat with his eyes nearly closed from how broad his grin extended. Soo Min sat in the passenger seat waving excitedly. Mi Cha sat in the far back with some of the luggage while Tae sat behind Jimin's seat, which left the seat next to him empty. Mi Cha merrily shouted, "I left you the seat to make climbing in easier!"

I wasn't buying it. I could see the cheeky grin Soo Min gave me as Mi Cha gave her explanation which I hadn't even asked for. Tae didn't say anything, but seemed to be avoiding staring at me. He kept his eyes plastered to his phone. Jimin hopped out of the vehicle and made his way to me when I asked my question.

"Surprise?" he giggled. He closed the door to the back and looped his arm through mine, leading me to my seat. "We had no school today, so I messaged Soo Min and asked if she'd be ok with carpooling with us. It would make the three hour drive less of a hassle with others to talk to."

"Yeah, I didn't have time to tell you," Soo Min pouted. I rolled my eyes knowing she could've messaged me, but didn't want to risk me saying no to the offer.

"Fine," I mumbled. I buckled my seatbelt and we headed for the road.

***Thirty minutes later***

"What's wrong with you two?" Jimin addressed Tae and I.

I had responded to any questions or comments made to me, as did he, but it was becoming very obvious that we were steering clear of each other. I glanced at Tae who hesitantly met my stare.

"Nothing," he said, still holding my stare.

"I guess the day at school just tired me more than I expected," I lied.

My comment started a conversation about how the week dragged on, and Tae looked away from me. He began fiddling with his phone. I shrugged and looked out the window. A few seconds into my daydream, my phone vibrated.

[TEXT] Tae: I'm sorry

[TEXT] Nari: For what?

[TEXT] Tae: You know why

I hold my breath and look towards him. His eyes tell me that he wasn't buying my ignorance of the text. Sighing, I began to respond.

[TEXT] Nari: What exactly are you sorry for?

[TEXT] Nari: For liking me?

[TEXT] Tae: I'd never be sorry for liking you, but I do regret my timing.

[TEXT] Nari: Timing?

[TEXT] Tae: Yeah, I'm still getting to know you. We just became friends.

[TEXT] Nari: please don't ask for a trial period for the sake of our friendship.

"Trial period?!" Tae exclaimed. I jumped in my seat at the sudden outburst. Everyone in the car glanced at him who was staring at me in confusion. Biting my lip and clenching my eyes shut in horror. I had to think fast now that everyone caught on that his question had been aimed at me. They must be wondering what the hell he meant and why he would be asking me this.

I didn't want to drag this any longer, so I decided it'd be better to not lie completely.

"Uh, what does it mean if someone admits to liking you but doesn't want to ruin the friendship so they suggest hanging out and getting to know each other?"

Tae's face looks as if he's seen a ghost. My response to his question was not what he was expecting, and the others stared in complete shock.

I nervously laugh, "Taehyung's been giving advice about Min Jae and I what I just said caused his little scene."

"Woah, you've been seeking dating advice from him? The betrayal!" Soo Min dramatically clutched her heart and "fainted" into her seat.

"You've finally stopped denying your feelings for him?" Mi Cha chuckled.

"Min Jae? You like Min Jae?" Jimin questioned while keeping his eyes on the road.

"It was pretty obvious, Jimin," Tae laughed at his obliviousness, "It's obvious that he likes her too."

"Right?!" Soo Min and Mi Cha chorused which caused everyone to burst into laughter.

Tae smiled at me in relief that I didn't mention his confession. I would not tell them about us until we actually had something to share. No need to ruin friendships over a small confession.

"Hey, I should be the one to pick my time when to admit who I like," I playfully huffed.

"But what did Tae mean by 'trial period?'" Jimin stared at me in puzzlement through the rearview mirror.

I sighed. I knew once I admit what happened in that classroom that they'd have so much to say. I would leave out the near kiss and see what they could make of Min Jae's offer. I still couldn't wrap my head around his suggestion, and now was a chance to get others advice.

"Well, Min Jae sort of confessed," I shrug.

"Sort of?" Jimin questions.

"What?!" Mi Cha exclaims.

"In the classroom that day?" Soo Min offers the extra information. Tae was the only one that didn't say anything. His face looked troubled. The moment I admitted that Min Jae had confessed, his smile had slowly faded. He had been pushing me towards him this whole time. This was what he wanted...right?

"What day?" Mi Cha asked, sitting up and leaning towards me.

"Uh, it was a couple of days ago. It was no big deal," I brush it off, but Soo Min was not ready to drop it.

"No big deal?" she turns in her seat to face me with a huge grin on her face. Her moment to bring up what she witnessed was finally here. I cringed at the mere thought. "The way he ran out of the empty classroom told me that something happened."

My eyes instinctively met Tae's surprised ones. This was terrible. What was intended to draw attention away from our issue, opened up the door to another complicated one. I didn't know what was happening between Tae and I, but I know discussing Min Jae in front of everyone before we solved our own situation was going to complicate us even more.

"Yah! You were alone with him?" Jimin glared at me. His "big brother" mode initiated and I felt myself shrink into my seat. Tae gulped at the sudden change in Jimin's demeanor.

"Nothing happened, Jiminie!" I groaned.

"Don't Jiminie me! What exactly happened in that classroom?"

"Ugh, nothing, I swear. He admitted that he likes me. I didn't get to respond because Soo barged in."

"Right," he scoffed, "Then why did he run out like she said"

"I asked him that when he texted me and he said he didn't really know too."

"Did he ask you out? Are you a couple now?" Jimin seemed to relax after I assured him that nothing happened.

"No, we're not together."

"Why would he confess but not ask you out?" Tae suddenly said.

I sighed and faced him head on. "I don't know, why would someone do that?"

He read my meaning behind the question. He was no better than Min Jae when it comes to poorly initiated confessions. He looked away guiltily seeing the irony.

"What exactly did he say, Ri?" Soo Min worriedly asked. I caught her puzzled glance at Tae. She was very in tuned to our silent exchange. I knew there would be more questions before the week was over.

"He doesn't want to jump into a relationship so fast. He worries that our friendship will be ruined if we just dive right in," it's as if a magnetic force pulls Tae's eyes to mine. Everything I was saying was similar to how our texts earlier began. "He wants to get to know each other better by hanging out. He'd like to go out but stay friends until we're ready to date."

"A trial period?" Tae says in disgust.

"Is that what you meant earlier?" Jimin asked in anger. I nod in response. "He seemed alright when I met him at the game, but I don't like this."

"I'm sure he didn't mean it like that, Nari," Mi Cha gently patted my shoulder as if trying to soften the blow.

"If he really likes you, then he should just openly date you," Soo Min banged her fist on her arm rest in frustration. "He can't keep you on the hook while he's still available for all those thirsty girls."

"Maybe he has his reasons?" Tae mumbles.

"Reasons?" Jimin huffs, "I don't care what reason he has. If he truly likes Ri Ri, he'll make her his official girlfriend and not hide her away. I get not wanting to ruin your friendship, but when you genuinely like someone, you'll take that risk. If you aren't willing to risk it, then you should've never confessed!"

The car became quiet at his words filled with annoyance for the whole situation. I completely agreed with everything Jimin said. Tae was looking down at his clasped hands, deep in thought.

"Forget about it, Nari," Mi Cha broke the awkward silence, "This is supposed to be a fun vacation, so let's leave all that for when we return. You have a whole week to enjoy yourself without having to analyze anything."

I nod in agreement and smile in thanks as Mi Cha changes the subject to dinner when we arrive at the beach house. I steal a peek at Tae, but he is looking out the window trapped in his own thoughts.

*Taehyung' POV*

The group was engaged in food suggestions which eliminated any further discussion of Min Jae's offer. I wanted to hate him, but I couldn't find it in me to harbor any grudge. How could I find any error with him when I am no better? I basically offered her the same thing. I not only tried to use our growing friendship as my excuse, but I am even hiding behind Jimin as a shield.

Hearing Jimin's words made me despise myself even more. Why had I confessed when I didn't plan on doing anything about it? He was right in saying that there should not have been any admittance to attraction if there was no intention of seeking a future with her. It only gave her false hope. Or at least it did in Min Jae's situation. Her feelings for him were no secret as much as she'd like to believe that it was.

I was a different case. She never stated that she had any feelings for me, so I couldn't say she had any hope for us. If anything, I probably confused her. We just started talking, so the odds of her holding anything towards me was slim. There was no history like she has with Min Jae. My apology only added salt to the wound he had created. I don't even know if she likes me, yet she had to hear me repeat what the guy she actually liked had said.

I feel like such a dick for doing that to her. I need to get my shit together and find the right words to say to her. I would not make her feel as if I wanted her as a friend with benefits. That was basically what Min Jae offered. No one voiced it, but that's what he offered. She's a sweet girl and doesn't deserve to be treated like someone's side piece.

Regardless if my confession is not received, I will make sure to clarify that I genuinely do like her. I will use this vacation as my chance to get to know her as well. No one really knows each other one hundred percent when they start dating, so I shouldn't use friendship as a cover. Either way, you get to know each other better in any type of relationship you begin. This vacation will be a great opportunity to get closer. If it turns out that this doesn't extend past attraction, then we can at least leave as friends. No hard feeling. We could say we gave it a chance. Well, if she is willing of course.

One obstacle I fear but cannot avoid would be finding a way to tell Jimin. I caught a glimpse of his protective side towards her. Sneaking around was not an option.