Taehyung squeezes his eyes shut. He doesn't think his body will physically be able to turn around. His shoulders are tense, his back is stiff, his legs are cramping from tightening as if to prevent him from moving. 

He can't believe Jimin did this to him. Knowing how bad Taehyung's anxiety can get, and he just drops him off in front of the boy he's been crushing on for months? It's not fair. It's a dick move. He can't forgive him.

"So," Jungkook starts slowly. "I take it Jimin didn't tell you about this."

Taehyung swallows his anxiety. He can't just keep his back to the kid the whole time. Jungkook doesn't deserve to be outright ignored. He turns around, albeit, his eyes stay cast at the concrete beneath his shoes. "N-no," he stammers, rubbing his forearm.

Jungkook frowns, observing the nervous wreck before him that is Kim Taehyung. "Hey," he says quietly. "I don't bite, you know. At least not on the first date anyways."

He tried to lighten the mood, but Taehyung heart starts pounding faster. Did he say date? Is that what he was considering this setup of Jimin's? Damn, he's a shitty first date to go on.

"I picked the movie already since the theater is kind of busy," Jungkook continues, trying his best to be easygoing, even though he's a laid back guy anyways. "I hope that's okay. Sort of why I asked your opinion on superheroes earlier this week..."

Taehyung's eyes widen as he peeks up, then immediately looks back down at the sight of Jungkook's bright eyes. "Y-you knew s-so early?"

"I thought he was going to tell you," Jungkook admits a bit sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's go inside, yeah? The movie is starting soon, and we should probably get some snacks..."

Taehyung helplessly follows the younger boy in the theater, smiling sheepishly at him when Jungkook holds the door open. It's a simple act of kindness, but he isn't used to such gestures from anyone. He's always the kind gentleman to carry out such actions. 

"You like popcorn, right?"

"Y-you don't have t-to get me anything..."

"We can share a large, if that's okay with you. Just a warning, I add extra butter and salt," he says, offering Taehyung a grin.

Taehyung folds his arms across his chest a bit protectively and glances away, though a small smile traces his lips. "G-good," he murmurs. He does the exact same thing with the popcorn. The more salt, the better.

"At least you have taste," Jungkook remarks, Taehyung's shoulders sagging just the slightest as he tries to force himself to relax. It's helping that Jungkook isn't pushing him to communicate. "Drink?"

Taehyung shrugs. "Coke is f-fine."

He hangs back while Jungkook steps up to order. Usually, he would offer to help pay, but since all of his focus is on breathing normally and managing small sentences, the idea slips his mind. Jungkook doesn't care, and probably would've paid anyways, but it bothers Taehyung a bit that he hadn't been considerate enough to offer. He'll try to apologize later.

When Jungkook is buttering and salting the popcorn, he keeps giving Taehyung a look with raised eyebrows, as if asking when enough is enough. Taehyung just keeps struggling, the tiniest of smiles on his lips. However, the more Jungkook does it, the more Taehyung finds himself stifling a laugh, younger's expression seeming to get goofier and goofier. Jungkook must notice, because he barely tips the salt container before he darts his head up, eyes wide when they meet Taehyung's.

Taehyung finds himself giggling, saying, "You've p-probably ruined it now."

"Nonsense." Jungkook pops a piece into his mouth. He scrunches his nose as he bites down. Taehyung laughs a little louder at the younger's sour face. "It's perfectly salted," he stammers out, sticking his tongue out after he swallows and immediately diving for his drink.

Taehyung laughs freely now, shaking his head.

"I'm kidding," Jungkook says. "Another fact about me besides my born-talent to dance and impeccably good looks: I'm an astonishing actor."

"Oh really?" Taehyung snorts.

"You were definitely fooled," he replies as he takes another bite of popcorn, his face neutral. "Try some."

"N-no," Taehyung laughs. "I don't t-trust that popcorn n-now."

"I promise, it's good!"

Hesitantly, Taehyung picks up a piece, giving Jungkook a look before blushing and sticking it on his tongue. He chews cautiously, but either Jungkook really is an actor or Taehyung likes his popcorn more buttery and salty than most because it's perfect.

"See," Jungkook mutters, nudging him with his elbow. "Perfect. Now, he said theater eight, right?"

Taehyung follows him timidly, and yet, part of him feels like maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Jimin's life might just get spared.