***

Work tonight was still tedious, leaving Hoseok with more time to ponder what awaited him this evening. Overthinking was his flaw, and in some ways, responsible for his current status with relationships.

Hoseok believed himself a poster child for caution. He was particular and caught on this monotony bordered by boredom; he realized it's the only reason he's stuck with the same type, being unadventurous and monotone.

A change was highly desired.

Never has a blind date been attempted by Hoseok, but at this point in his dating career, he would try anything. His friends left him in a less than comforting state on their horror stories of blind dating. However, Hoseok wasn't going to let this stop him. He's taking a risk by putting his full trust into a soulless entity that is basing his match from what he has told it.

Now, he's questioning this.

He figured it couldn't be any worse than the others he's tried where he would swipe to his heart's content. Appearance meant a lot to him, not just the looks but the overall. He wanted her hair kept up and dressed in a neat and fit fashion-someone who also cared about their presence. Beauty with no brains was a definite 'no' for him. Even she was stagnant in her life; he wanted her to be knowledgeable of her surroundings and have goals.

Hoseok needed to evaluate less and be more open, even if the selection wasn't much of choice here.

Still, the fear of unknowing caused his uneasiness to speed right into overdrive. Work should be enough to keep a poker face and not allow anyone to suspect anything more.

"Hobi hyung!" A heavy voice called to him. "Big night, huh?" The towering, broad gentleman strolled with hushed steps towards the bar and took a seat. "We are excited about this!" He added.

Hoseok sighed as he glanced over at Jimin, who winked at him while raising his glass.

"Ah! Don't be mad at Jiminie. We are here for support," The young man gleamed. "We know how hard dating has been for you. Think of us as your rescue in case things don't go as planned."

Hoseok's eyes widened, only hearing one word in Taehyung's statement. "We?"

The gentleman smiled. "Yeah! The rest should be here soon! Except for Jungkook, he has to work. Oh, and the usual, please." His Cheshire cat-like grin stretched from ear to ear.

Hoseok mumbled curses under his breath as he prepared to fix his young friend's drink. He was already a nervous wreck, but knowing he now has an audience, made him even more anxious. Although, he saw a bright side to having his friends there. If the date wasn't going as arranged, he could use them as a scapegoat, as Taehyung mentioned.

Hmm, maybe that's not so bad. No! Think positive, Hobi. You can do this!

"Here, Taehyung. Just keep your distance, okay?" Hoseok glanced at his watch. "She will be here soon. You and Jimin stay at your table and away from the bar. When the rest gets here, I'll send a round of beers over."

Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows before taking his drink. With a silent stroll, he approached Jimin, whispering to him before he sat down.

***

Cupid 💘