I hold the door for Kookie, as he slides across the seat. I get in and I'm surprised that he is sitting in the center, so close to me. My heart rate immediately spikes.

I expect as I lean in the opposite direction to pull the door closed that he'll adjust and slide away from me. But, he doesn't. I swallow hard and pull in an awkward breath as Kookie leans forward and tells the driver where we're going.

He settles back into the same position, again not moving over. I believe that he's still quite shaken by the incident with that scumbag. He may not be aware of his closeness.

I, of course, in no way have a complaint. I hope he doesn't adjust. The closer the better as far as I'm concerned.

The ride starts out quiet as I'm not sure what to say. As the vehicle moves through the city streets our bodies move with the taxi's motion. Several times his thigh makes contact with mine.

It's a wonderful sensation and I feel a spark with each touch. The driver takes a quick turn at one point and Kookie lightly grasps my thigh to anchor himself. God, I hope there are more quick turns ahead. The sun has set and I can't see him well, but I feel him.

"Tae, are you okay?" he asks in a soft voice.

I immediately turn towards him. It stirs me emotionally and deeply that even though he has just experienced something so traumatic, he is concerned about me. I smile in the darkness, he cares about me.

"Yes, Kookie, I'm good. A little upset that I have lost my Christmas Wish but I'd do it all again."

Did I really say that? It was selfish and insensitive. I think Kookie will think bad of me. However, it was honest. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that."

"Tae, you have not lost your Christmas wish," he says with that spontaneous little giggle I love. "You seem to be more of a hero with each passing day," Kookie says with a warmth in his voice.

I feel a sudden lightness knowing that my Christmas wish is safe. I also realize that what I really want most is more time and more connection with him. I deliberately exhale loudly to lighten the moment as we both laugh.

Kookie playfully nudges me with his shoulder and a delightful surge of electricity flows through me to my core. I smile broadly, grateful for the cover of darkness, as I am unable to conceal it.

"That situation will be fine. Tommie will whine and Jin will talk to his people. Trust me, this type of thing happens too often," he says with another added chuckle.

I freeze hearing this statement. With raised eyebrows, I slowly turn towards him, bewildered. I'm anxious for his clarification.

"Are you saying that you are often assaulted by this creep or others? I dont understand that statement. If that's true, it's quite unacceptable, Kookie. I should have put his ass in the hospital," I say as I feel a rage begin to burn in my gut.

I look up and see his face clearly as we travel down a well-lit street. His mouth is agape, and his eyes are wide. I just realized the insensitivity of my spontaneity.

Fuck. I'm no good at holding back my truth, especially when I'm charged and care about someone. I care about him. But not as celebrity Kookie, but as Jeon Jungkook. I have no right, yet I'm powerless.

"Oh God, Kookie, I'm really sorry. I guess the incident may have affected me more than I was aware of. I-I should not have said that," I say pulling up my shoulders and letting them fall with a sigh.

I had no idea I was so reactive. Why not? I witnessed that bastard hurting Kookie. I don't want to think about it. I just can't imagine the outcome had I not been there.

"No, Tae, let me explain." He says shaking his head and gently taking my hand. I lightly startle at the delicateness of his touch. "That statement did not come out right. What I meant was that when there are any problems with guests, Jin and his team handle it, quickly. I-I have uh, never found myself in that position before," he clears his throat and looks down at his hands as he rubs them together. I think he's ashamed.

"Tae you, you care about me? You would have hurt, Tommie?" he says continuing to look down.

His movements are soft and almost child-like. Like the way he tilts his head. There's a shyness about him and I have an overwhelming desire to pull him close and hold him. Not wanting to take liberties I resist this urge.

"Kookie, I don't have much of a filter in situations like that with your ex-asshole. Or assholes period. I just can't stand a brute like that. I cannot tolerate brutality towards humans and animals. That's just who I am. When I mistook your statement, I was overreactive. I'm sorry if I frightened you," I say leaning in a bit closer to convey my sincerity.

He nods with a soft smile and lightly squeezes my hand before releasing it. Suddenly he starts laughing. I offer a tentative smile while tilting my head to the side.

"Hahahaha!" His reaction startles me a bit.

"I'm sorry Tae but the way you handled Tommie's ass was too funny, now that I think about. The image just popped into my head. He then continues laughing as he slaps his leg repeatedly.

"Tommie unfortunately believes his own press. Then you called his ass a superhero in a wonderful snarky and demeaning tone. I-It was too fucking priceless," he says with fits of laughter as my tentative smile expands and I start to laugh with him, getting his point.

He bends over as his body uncontrollably and violently vibrates. He starts to rise and then quickly lower himself downward as another wave of laughter hits.

"Oh my God, Tae I'm sorry but I can't help it, he says wiping his eyes and slowly rising.

"Hahahaha," I laugh more in response to him now than the hilarious Tommie situation.

Right now, in this moment, Kookie is the most beautiful creature, ever. His raw emotion is attractive to me. He is without the guard of his celebrity or industry expectations. He is real.

He is a normal guy, that I feel a strong drive to be with, in more ways than a friend, in the back seat of a taxi. I want to protect him from the Tommie Chen's of the world or anything that threatens or frightens him. He is precious.

"Bahahaha! His image is this big strong action hero type always saving others, sometimes the world and he is just a pathetic piece of shit. A very little man. A fuckin bully. He is lucky that wasn't caught on video. He is all hype."

"Okay, that was good," Kookie says as he settles back into his seat and just smiles.

The ride to the restaurant is about 15 minutes. We arrive at a small, out of the way, Italian restaurant tucked away, down a tiny street. The restaurant is wonderfully decorated, and I feel as if I'm in Italy. At least, what I imagine Italy to look like.

Italy is one of the many places I'd love to travel to with my partner. I'm a bit of a history nerd and often enjoy episodes on the travel channel. I now feel completely relaxed with Kookie.

I think it was his laughter. It was a release for him as well as me. I was able to let go of holding myself so tightly. We are just two dudes out for a meal.

The owner comes right over when he sees me come in with Tae. He's a short stout man that has a sincere and kind smile that I have come to know and love over many years. His warmth is easy transmitted through his smile.

He is Korean yet his name is Alfonse. The owner of Restorante Italiano Alfonse. Something tells me that is not his real name.

"Mr. Kookie. I had no idea you were joining us tonight. It is always an honor to serve you. Chef Ramon will be so excited you are here. His favorite customer. Oh my goodness, I will certainly hear some clatter and profanities tonight in the kitchen when Chef Ramon whips those lazy cooks into a frenzy preparing the perfect meal for you and your guest." He then laughs in the most amusing way. I laugh as I recall the wonderful intensity of Chef Ramon. He creates wonderful masterpiece for the palate and demands perfection in his kitchen.

"Alfonse, it's good to see you my friend. This is my friend, Taehyung, from out of town."

Tae is looking around the restaurant, no doubt taken in by its authentic look and feel. He then quickly turns to me as I introduce him as my friend. It feels sincere after our conversation last night and his taking down that obnoxious son of a bitch, Tommie Chen.

"When he said he was hungry, I immediately thought of you. Please tell Chef Ramon that Taehyung is no stranger to fine dining and he will have to be on his toes with him."

Alfonse hearty laughs as he directs us to my favorite table off the courtyard. The Restaurant ambiance seems more romantic tonight for some reason. Could it be Taehyung?

As we reach the table Tae swiftly moves in front of me and pulls out my chair. I damn near swoon as my stomach does a high dive. I look up at him, shyly smile and suddenly look away not being able to maintain eye contact. As I sit, I feel the sensation of heat on my cheeks and the back of my neck.

"Kookie, this place is amazing. My God, are we still in South Korea?" Tae says as his smile is wide and boxy with a noted sparkle in his eyes. Making him smile feels good. I want to make him happy.

"Tae, have you ever been to Italy before?" I ask leaning in closer to him with eager anticipation. I want to get lost in him. In this moment just as I did last night. But tonight, I have him close.

"Kookie, sadly I have not. However, it is at the top of my list of places to see. I imagine myself having a delicious meal at a beautiful Italian Restaurant like this sharing a meal with my... uh...No, Kookie, I have not."

I smile softly wanting to know why he stopped midsentence. He was going to share who he would want to be sharing that meal with. I'm not going to hold back tonight.

"Tae, you were going to say who you would be sharing your meal with, in Italy. Please don't hold back," I say gently biting down on my lip.

He lowers his head a bit as if he was holding something back. He then looks up as if suddenly he made the decision to go for it. "Well, I'm a bit of a romantic and I visualize that restaurant in Italy being romantic, like this one. I'd like to share a meal with someone special. You know, a partner or even my husband," he says clearing his throat as he draws back and diverts his eyes.

I have a fluttery feeling in my stomach and I'm grateful to be able to spend more time with this man. What a wonderful partner or husband he would make someone and in my wildest dreams, maybe even me. Yes, I believe that Taehyung is the man of my dreams.

"Kookie, have you traveled to Italy or many other places before?" he asks. I'm taken over by an awkwardness of my own self-judgment as I answer honestly.

"No Taehyung, I have not," I say as a visible flush show on my cheeks and I look off to the side avoiding his eyes. I want to curl into my chair to avoid the feeling of shame. I've had tremendous opportunity and of course the money, yet I've not traveled.

"Tae, I have not traveled as I had hope to do so. I've unfortunately let so many opportunities pass me by due to work." I bite down on my lip and start to play with the silverware placement in front of me not looking at him.

"Tae, to be honest I actually feel embarrassed. I'm no better than Tommie Chen." Suddenly, Tae bursts out into loud spontaneous laughter, which catches me off guard as I nearly fall out of my chair.

"Kookie, I'm just getting to know you and I do not believe you to be rude, selfish and abusive. Please clarify your comment," he says with a smile that moves to his beautiful soft brown eyes.

"What I meant Tae, was I talk about new experiences and trying new things on my show, but I don't in my real life. That's a lie." There is an awkward silence, followed by another outburst of laughter from Taehyung. Now, it seems as if it is his turn to get swept away by uncontrollable laughter.

I adjust myself and sit tall in my chair as I prepare myself for his criticism. I expect it will be blunt and harsh. He is actually chuckling while speaking.

Although I feel a shiver go up my spine as I wait to hear what he'll say, there's an incredible warmth to him. There's a feeling that I could never be angry with this man. I guess I will soon find out.

"Kookie, most fans or viewers are not naïve. Celebrities like you and Tommie are all selling something, and the viewer determines its value." I bristle up not at all liking what I perceive to be the comparison of a whore selling themselves.

"So, Taehyung, what do I sell?" I say firmly pulling my arms across my chest and pressing my lips out into a flat line leaning back into my chair.

Tae's face flattens out and become expressionless as he picks up on my body language. "Oh no, did I offend you Kookie?"

I smile anxiously and lie. "Oh no, Taehyung, I was simply inquiring." Again, I lie thinking I've likely overreacted. God, I don't want to turn him off. We're having a great time and I don't want that to end.

He then turns to me and softly smiles. He pulls his chair in toward the table and clears his throat.

"Kookie, what I meant was that I don't buy the image of actors, TV hosts and other celebrities being perfect. You're just a regular guy doing a job. Some of you are wonderful at your job like you and others are shitty. Like Tommie Chen," Tae says as his smile comes back and immediately laughs. No, I could never be angry with this man.

"Kookie, provide is a far better word than sell. My goodness, that's like me calling you a whore. Is that what you thought?"

Tae is so sincere in his apology I want to be honest. This is his realness. That piece of him that is so warm and attractive.

"Tae, I was a bit offended. I misinterpreted what you were saying. I should have said something instead of pulling away."

"I don't like hearing you be so hard on yourself, Kookie. My God, you bring joy to millions. You certainly have changed my life. I'm a fan of your show but I know you're a normal person outside of your 'Kooking with Kookie' persona. That's all I'm saying."

"Kookie, could I ask you a favor?" He asks as his smile softens. I'm not sure what he'll say but his eyes are kind and somehow, I know it will be supportive.

"Sure Tae," I say gripping a piece of the tablecloth that hangs down on my lap hidden from his view.

"Can we not talk anymore about Tommie Chen's disgusting ass? I'd like to enjoy our time, uh I mean our meal at this beautiful restaurant."

An air of relief flows over me as I softly sigh, smile and release the tablecloth.

'I'd really like that Tae," I say as we share a bit of an awkward moment staring into each other's eyes.

Our trance is broken as Chef Ramon quickly approaches our Table. Ramon is absolutely, gorgeous and I have enormous respect for what he does. He is, by far, the best chef when it comes to Italian cuisine.

He's a bit flamboyant and I believe a bit of a whore when it comes to handsome young men. He is assertive and direct with culinary skills that are highly sought after.

In fact, we are fortunate that he is cooking tonight. He often takes private jobs for the rich and famous. Alfonse's is a small out of the way restaurant and I believe his first love.

"Mr. Kookie! Why is it I did not know you were going be dining at our fine establishment tonight? Are you trying catch me off guard? You know serving you is my greatest pleasure," he says bringing his hands together in a soft clap as a friendly smile spreads across his face.

As I turn towards him, I see his smile settle down as his eyes come to rest on Taehyung. His smile is softer and his eyes slowly scan Tae with an amused interest.

"Chef Ramon, it is good to see you, my friend. My visit was unexpected," I say, watching him as his focus remains on Tae. Tae looks up and nods with a soft smile as he lifts a menu that Alfonse left for us.

"Chef Ramon, this is my friend, Taehyung. He was a guest on my show yesterday and is joining me for a meal tonight," I say as I again nervously seek the tablecloth edging. I swallow feeling a concern for Ramon's undivided attention to Tae, as he steps in closer.

"Mr. Taehyung, it's very nice to meet you," he says as he bats his eyelashes as Tae looks up from his menu. Ramon's voice is unlike I've heard it before. It's coy and flirty.

Oh hell nah. This bitch is hitting on my Tae.

"It's nice to meet you also, Chef Ramon. Kookie has told me I'm in for a treat," Tae says as he looks across the table to me as I clench my teeth watching their interaction. I instantly feel a hostility towards Ramon, who is otherwise quite likeable. He is now a rival. I watch as my fist clenches tightly around that small section of tablecloth.

"Mr. Taehyung, I will not have you leave my restaurant without being satisfied," he then tosses is head slightly to the side and giggle softly.

"Mr. Kookie, can certainly tell you I'm all about pleasing my customers and that means you," he says as his smile widens. I feel my fingernails cut into the palm of my gripping fist.

Tae responds with his gorgeous boxy smile and Chef Ramon is suddenly reduced to an idiot before my eyes. He giggles repeatedly like a schoolgirl enjoying the flirtations of her crush. I have not until this moment fully understood the power of Tae's smile. All I know is that I want to claim it as mine as I feel a burning sensation in my stomach that is not hunger. Chef Ramon needs to leave.

"Uh thanks, Chef Ramon. We'll look over the menu and send our order to the kitchen. It's nice to see you and we look forward to our fine meal," I say hoping to end his interaction with Tae and send him retreating into the kitchen.

Unfortunately, it does not. Chef Ramon slowly moves behind Tae and looks over his shoulder as he reviews the menu with him. As if he cannot read an Italian menu written in Korean.

I feel a flash of anger as his face nears Tae's. He positions himself in the closeness that I desire. My nostrils flare as my fist now clenches from closed to open.

Ramon is a threat and I quickly take a risk, that is unlike me. However, Ramon has the advantage of being gorgeous and a master Chef. But Tae is mine.

I act without thought or concern in a way that might lead to regret. I don't care. I reach over and take Tae's menu out of his hand. He and Chef Ramon quickly look up, as I smile wickedly.

"Tae, you are my guest and I think I know a bit about your palate. Let me order for you. It would be a pleasure," I say as I toss a quick glance with a raised eyebrow to Chef Ramon that reads as "Back off bitch".

Tae's, beautiful smile returns, "Kookie, I'd love that. I'm just too overwhelmed and want to try it all. Poor Chef Ramon, you'd be out here all night trying to help me with your amazing menu," Tae says as he turns to glance at him.