The Man Who Only Exists At Night (Taekook)
chapter 1
2:05 AM — outside a small 24 hour café. The street is almost empty, only distant car lights passing occasionally. Taehyung walks slowly toward the entrance, hands buried inside his coat pockets, eyes tired but wide awake.
Taehyung pushes the glass door open and the soft bell rings above him. Warm air immediately replaces the cold night breeze. The café smells like coffee and vanilla, quiet jazz playing somewhere in the background. He nods politely to the barista who already recognizes him.
kim seok jin (barista)
late again?
Tae smiles faintly while taking his usual corner seat near the window.
kim taehyung
Seems like nights like me more than mornings.
The barista chuckles and prepares his drink without asking. Taehyung places his phone on the table, watching the time absentmindedly — 2:11 AM. Outside, thin snowflakes begin falling, sticking briefly to the glass before melting away.
He wraps both hands around the warm cup once it arrives, letting the heat sink into his cold fingers.
Another sleepless night…
The café remains peaceful. A couple sits far away whispering, someone types quietly on a laptop, and everything feels normal — familiar — safe.
2:13 AM. The door bell rings again.
Taehyung doesn’t look immediately, assuming it’s just another customer, but something shifts in the atmosphere. The air feels heavier, quieter somehow. He lifts his gaze.
A man stands near the entrance.
Black hoodie slightly dusted with snow. Dark hair falling over calm eyes. Hands tucked casually into his pockets as if he belongs here — as if he has always belonged here.
And he is looking directly at Taehyung.
Not scanning the café. Not searching for a seat. Just… looking at him.
The stranger walks over without hesitation and stops beside his table.
jeon jungkook
is this seat taken?
His voice is low, warm, strangely familiar. Tae blinks, caught off guard, then shakes his head.
kim taehyung
no...go ahead.
The man sits across from him comfortably, like meeting an old acquaintance rather than a stranger. For a moment neither speaks. Taehyung studies him discreetly — sharp features, quiet confidence, eyes that feel impossibly attentive.
There is something calming about him.
Something dangerous too.
kim taehyung
I feel like I’ve seen you before.
The stranger smiles slightly.
jeon jungkook
Maybe you have. Nights repeat themselves more than people notice.
Taehyung lets out a small laugh, unsure why that answer doesn’t feel strange.
Jungkook leans back slightly, eyes gentle.
jeon jungkook
You always sit here. Window seat. Coffee without sugar. You stare outside when your thoughts get loud.
Taehyung frowns lightly, surprised.
kim taehyung
You’ve been watching me?
jeon jungkook
Only when you couldn’t sleep.
The words should sound unsettling, yet Taehyung feels oddly comforted instead of afraid. His shoulders relax without realizing it. Conversation flows easily after that — small things, meaningless things, comfortable silence filling the gaps.
Minutes pass unnoticed.
Taehyung suddenly realizes no staff approaches Jungkook. No order is taken. No one even glances at him.
Tae glances toward the counter, confused, then back at Jungkook.
kim taehyung
Aren’t you going to order anything?
jeon jungkook
I’m not really here for coffee.
The answer lingers between them.
Outside, snow falls heavier now. The café lights reflect softly in Jungkook’s eyes, making them look almost unreal.
For the first time in weeks, Taehyung feels calm. His chest doesn’t feel heavy. His mind isn’t racing. Even breathing feels easier.
kim taehyung
Why sit with me then?
Jungkook looks at him carefully, expression softening.
jeon jungkook
Because you looked lonely tonight.
The honesty catches Taehyung off guard. He looks away toward the window, hiding a small smile.
Time passes without either noticing.
When Taehyung checks his phone again, it’s already 2:47 AM. Strangely… he feels sleepy. Actually sleepy.
Jungkook watches him quietly.
jeon jungkook
You should go home.
kim taehyung
Are you sending me away?
Jungkook shakes his head.
jeon jungkook
You’ll sleep better tonight.
Taehyung stands, grabbing his coat, hesitating before leaving.
kim taehyung
Will you be here tomorrow?
Jungkook’s lips curve into a gentle smile.
jeon jungkook
I’m always here at 2:13.
Taehyung nods and walks toward the door, warmth lingering in his chest. Just before stepping outside, he turns back instinctively. The seat across from him is empty.
No hoodie.
No stranger.
No Jungkook.
Confused, Taehyung looks around the café.
kim taehyung
The guy who was sitting with me… where did he go?
The barista looks puzzled.
kim seok jin (barista)
You’ve been alone all night.
Taehyung freezes...He steps outside into the falling snow, heart strangely calm despite the confusion. The cold air hits his face, yet sleep pulls at him gently — something that hasn’t happened in months.
Later, lying in bed, his eyes close almost instantly. No restless thoughts.No insomnia. Just deep, peaceful sleep.
Somewhere, far away in the quiet café, an empty chair shifts slightly. As if someone invisible still sits there. Jungkook whispers softly,
jeon jungkook
good night, Taehyung.
chapter 2
2:09 AM — light snow covering the streets again. Taehyung walks toward the café faster than usual, scarf wrapped loosely around his neck, hands slightly restless inside his pockets. He tells himself he only came because he couldn’t sleep again. But deep down, he knows he is checking the time every few seconds.
2:13… The café door opens with its familiar bell, warm light welcoming him instantly. The quiet comfort of the place settles over his shoulders like something safe.
Behind the counter, Jin looks up while wiping a cup.
kim seok jin (barista)
you're early today
Taehyung smiles faintly and slides into his usual seat by the window.
kim taehyung
Couldn’t sleep.
Jin raises an eyebrow knowingly.
kim seok jin (barista)
You say that every night.
He prepares Taehyung’s coffee without asking, placing it in front of him with a soft clink.
kim seok jin (barista)
But you look different today.
kim seok jin (barista)
Less… exhausted. Did you finally rest?
Taehyung hesitates. Images from last night flash briefly — warm eyes, quiet voice, the strange calm he felt.
Jin freezes mid-motion, surprised.
kim seok jin (barista)
You? Sleeping? Should I celebrate?
kim taehyung
Don’t make it a big deal.*chuckles*
But even he can’t hide the small happiness in his voice.
Jin watches him for a moment longer before returning to the counter, though his curious glances don’t stop.
Taehyung checks his phone.
2:11 AM.
His fingers tap nervously against the cup.
Why am I waiting…
Outside, snow continues falling gently, covering the empty street in silver light. The café feels quieter tonight, almost like it’s holding its breath.
2:12 AM...Taehyung looks toward the door unconsciously. Nothing...
He exhales slowly, pretending disappointment doesn’t touch him.
Maybe yesterday was just…
The bell rings.
2:13 AM.
Taehyung’s head lifts instantly.
Jungkook stands at the entrance again, black hoodie, snow melting slowly in his hair. His gaze finds Taehyung immediately, like there was never a question of where to look.
Relief spreads through Taehyung before he can stop it. Jungkook walks over and takes the same seat across from him.
jeon jungkook
you came back
Tae smiles, trying to sound casual.
kim taehyung
It’s a good café.
Jungkook tilts his head slightly, amused.
jeon jungkook
That’s not the reason.
Taehyung looks down at his coffee, hiding the warmth creeping into his cheeks.
kim taehyung
Maybe I wanted to see if you were real.
Jungkook leans forward just a little.
kim taehyung
I still haven’t decided.
A quiet laugh escapes Jungkook, soft and genuine.
For a while they sit comfortably, talking about small things — favorite music, winter nights, meaningless memories that somehow feel important. Conversation flows effortlessly, as if continuing something unfinished rather than starting fresh.
Across the café, Jin watches Taehyung occasionally.
From Jin’s perspective, Taehyung sits alone. Smiling at nothing. Nodding to empty air. Jin frowns slightly but says nothing.
Jungkook studies Taehyung closely.
jeon jungkook
you slept well
kim taehyung
*Tae blinks* How do you always know?
jeon jungkook
*Jungkook shrugs lightly* I pay attention.
The answer feels heavier than it sounds. Taehyung notices again — no waiter approaches Jungkook, no reflection clearly visible in the window behind him. The realization sends a small shiver through him.
kim taehyung
Jin doesn’t seem to notice you.
Jungkook glances briefly toward the counter where Jin works.
jeon jungkook
Because you needed someone to.*expression soft*
The words settle deep inside Taehyung’s chest. He doesn’t question it further. Instead, he feels strangely grateful.
Time moves differently when Jungkook is there. Taehyung laughs more than usual. His shoulders relax. The constant tension he carries disappears little by little. At one point, Jungkook reaches across the table to adjust Taehyung’s slipping scarf. His fingers brush Taehyung’s neck briefly.
Warm.
Real.
Taehyung’s breath catches.
Neither pulls away immediately.
The moment lingers before Jungkook withdraws gently.
jeon jungkook
You should dress warmer.
kim taehyung
You sound worried.*smiles softly.*
The honesty makes Taehyung’s heart skip.
2:46 AM...Sleepiness returns again, heavy and comforting.
kim taehyung
This is weird… I only feel sleepy when I’m with you.
jeon jungkook
That’s not a bad thing.
kim taehyung
Will you always come at 2:13?*observing*
A brief pause.Jungkook nods.
jeon jungkook
Until you don’t need me anymore.
kim taehyung
What does that mean?
But Jungkook only smiles softly, not answering.
Taehyung stands to leave. He hesitates again.
kim taehyung
See you tomorrow… Jungkook.
Jungkook’s eyes warm at hearing his name.
jeon jungkook
Good night, Taehyung
Taehyung walks toward the counter to pay. Jin leans closer once he arrives.
kim seok jin (barista)
You’ve been smiling a lot tonight.
kim taehyung
*Tae laughs lightly * Was I?
kim seok jin (barista)
Did something good happen?*Jin nods, curious.*
Taehyung glances back toward his table instinctively. The chair across from him is empty again. No Jungkook. Just untouched air. Tae looks back at Jin slowly.
kim taehyung
…I think I made a new friend.
kim seok jin (barista)
That’s good. You looked less lonely.*smiles warmly.*
Taehyung nods, though confusion lingers quietly in his mind.Outside, snow falls heavier. Taehyung walks home feeling lighter than he has in months. And for the second night in a row— sleep comes easily. Inside the café, long after closing time, the empty chair across Taehyung’s usual seat shifts slightly.
Jungkook sits there again, watching the door where Taehyung disappeared. Jungkook whispers softly,
jeon jungkook
You’re doing better already.
A faint smile appears on his lips.
jeon jungkook
I’ll stay… as long as you need me.
chapter 3
1:48 AM — Taehyung’s apartment. The city outside is silent, streetlights glowing faintly through the curtains. Taehyung lies on his bed staring at the ceiling. Wide awake. But not restless. Not anxious. Just… waiting. His phone screen lights up again.
1:49 AM...He sighs and turns to his side.
Why am I checking the time like this…
Two nights...Only two nights, yet something inside him has already adjusted — like his body now understands that night no longer means loneliness. He sits up abruptly, running a hand through his hair.
kim taehyung
I’m seriously waiting for a guy who might not even exist.
The words sound ridiculous spoken aloud. Still, he gets dressed.
2:05 AM — outside the café, Snow has stopped tonight. The streets look cleaner, quieter. Taehyung walks faster than usual, almost unconsciously smiling when the familiar neon sign comes into view.
The bell rings as he enters.
Jin looks up immediately.
kim seok jin (barista)
You beat your record today.
Tae removes his coat, laughing softly.
kim taehyung
I needed coffee.
kim seok jin (barista)
*smirks knowingly.* Sure. Coffee.
He prepares the drink, sliding it across the counter.
kim seok jin (barista)
You’ve been coming three nights in a row now. I’m starting to think you secretly live here.
kim taehyung
Don’t expose me like that.
Jin laughs and moves away, but his eyes linger on Taehyung with gentle curiosity. Taehyung settles into his usual seat. Phone placed on table.
2:09 AM. His leg bounces slightly under the table. Relax… He takes a sip of coffee, pretending not to stare at the entrance.
2:11 AM.
Nothing. A strange disappointment creeps in. Maybe Jungkook won’t come tonight. Maybe the calm, the conversations, the warmth — all imagination created by exhaustion.
Taehyung exhales slowly, trying not to care.
2:13 AM.
The bell rings. Taehyung looks up instantly. Jungkook steps inside.
Same hoodie. Same calm presence. Same eyes finding Taehyung immediately. Relief hits so suddenly it almost embarrasses him. Jungkook walks over and sits down.
jeon jungkook
you're early
Tae smiles without hiding it this time.
jeon jungkook
I always notice.
The words settle warmly between them. Tonight feels easier. Less hesitation. Like continuing an unfinished conversation rather than starting again. Jungkook rests his arms casually on the table.
jeon jungkook
Did you sleep well again?
kim taehyung
*Tae nods.* I actually woke up before my alarm.
jeon jungkook
*Jungkook smiles softly, clearly pleased* Good.
kim taehyung
I kept thinking about something you said yesterday.
kim taehyung
“Until you don’t need me anymore.”
A brief silence follows. Jungkook looks at the window instead of answering immediately.
jeon jungkook
does it bother you?
Tae shakes his head slowly.
kim taehyung
It just sounds like you’re planning to leave.
Jungkook’s gaze returns to him — gentle, almost sad.
jeon jungkook
I go where I’m needed.
The answer only deepens Taehyung’s curiosity. Across the café, Jin wipes tables while secretly observing. From his view, Taehyung sits alone again. Talking. Smiling. Pausing as if listening to replies no one else hears. Jin frowns slightly but doesn’t interrupt.
Back at the table, conversation shifts naturally.They talk about music. Favorite winter memories. Childhood stories. Taehyung laughs more tonight, leaning forward without realizing how close he has moved.
At some point, Jungkook reaches out and gently brushes a snowflake that melted into Taehyung’s hair near his temple. The touch is careful. Soft. Real. Taehyung freezes slightly.
Jungkook raises an eyebrow.
jeon jungkook
Were you expecting me not to be?
kim taehyung
*hesitates* I don’t know what to expect with you.
jeon jungkook
*smiles faintly* That’s fair.
Neither pulls away immediately.
Something unspoken lingers in the air.
2:32 AM. The café grows quieter.
Most customers leave. Only soft music and the sound of dishes remain. Taehyung notices something strange again — when people walk past their table, their eyes never land on Jungkook. It’s as if space bends slightly around him. Tae lowers his voice.
kim taehyung
Do you ever come here during the day?
jeon jungkook
*shakes his head* Daytime isn’t really mine.
Jungkook watches him carefully.
jeon jungkook
Nights are when people are honest with themselves.
The answer feels deeper than it sounds.Taehyung yawns unexpectedly again. Jungkook notices immediately.
jeon jungkook
Someone’s getting sleepy.
kim taehyung
*Groans softly* This only happens when I’m with you. It’s unfair.
jeon jungkook
* laughs quietly* Maybe your mind finally feels safe enough to rest.
The word safe makes Taehyung’s chest tighten slightly. He doesn’t argue. Because it’s true. Before leaving, Taehyung hesitates longer than usual.
kim taehyung
Can I ask you something honestly?
kim taehyung
If I stopped coming… would you still be here?
Jungkook studies him for a moment.
jeon jungkook
I would wait.
jeon jungkook
*voice lowers gently.*Because you waited alone for a long time before I arrived.
Taehyung doesn’t know how to respond to that. But warmth spreads through him anyway. At the counter, Jin hands him the receipt.
kim seok jin (barista)
You look happier these days.
kim taehyung
*smiles shyly* Do I?
kim seok jin (barista)
*nod* Whatever changed… keep it.
Taehyung glances back once more. Empty chair again. No Jungkook. Yet the feeling of being accompanied remains. Outside, Taehyung walks home under quiet streetlights. For the first time in months, he realizes something important. He is no longer afraid of nighttime. Because night now means— Jungkook.
Inside the café, long after Taehyung leaves, Jungkook sits alone at the table, watching the door thoughtfully.
Jungkook whispers softly to himself,
jeon jungkook
You’re starting to smile again.*expression soften*
jeon jungkook
Just a little longer.
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