Namjin AU - Pulling a book from a shelf at his favorite bookstore, a note fall out of it with 8 words written on it.
Letās get to know each other.
Yes/No
Looking around Joon is sure someone is pranking him, and yet, curious, he circles YES and puts the book back in its place.
Letās get to know each other.
Yes/No
Looking around Joon is sure someone is pranking him, and yet, curious, he circles YES and puts the book back in its place.
Returning to the bookstore a couple of days later, Joon is certain the note will either still be there (if the book itself is) or that the note will be gone without being replaced by another. He isnāt even sure why he cares so much. Itās silly and yet heās intrigued somehow.
A green note falls from the pages this timeāthe original one was pinkāand in the same handwriting it says:
:) I didnāt think anyone would ever say yes. Thank you. Letās start with something easy. Which do you prefer:
Green/Blue.
:) I didnāt think anyone would ever say yes. Thank you. Letās start with something easy. Which do you prefer:
Green/Blue.
Joon circles green and adds
will you stop if you wonāt like my answer?
He slips the note back into its place and goes home. That night over some soju he tells his best friend, Yoongi, about the notes. Unsurprisingly he says itās dumb yet encourages him to continue.
will you stop if you wonāt like my answer?
He slips the note back into its place and goes home. That night over some soju he tells his best friend, Yoongi, about the notes. Unsurprisingly he says itās dumb yet encourages him to continue.
I guess youāll have to wait and see to find out ;) I prefer blue, btw. Do you like pets? Or rather dogs?
Yes/No, Iām a monster
That sounds rather ominous. Also, itās hard to say no if it means admitting to being evil, isnāt it? Rest assured Iām not lurking under your bed.
Yes/No, Iām a monster
That sounds rather ominous. Also, itās hard to say no if it means admitting to being evil, isnāt it? Rest assured Iām not lurking under your bed.
Joon doesnāt realize how his answer sounds until heās home and the store closed. He buries his face in a pillow and laughs at himself.
Thankfully his new friend thinks heās funny and draws a little doodle of a dog on the note. Joon wonders if he wants to keep it as memory.
Thankfully his new friend thinks heās funny and draws a little doodle of a dog on the note. Joon wonders if he wants to keep it as memory.
He doesnāt, too afraid his new friend might come by before heāll have the time to replace it and think Joon is already over it. If anything heās only more intrigued. It feels old timey, like having a friend you write letters with yet donāt even know what they look like.
āDid you at least ask about his age?ā Yoongi asks him a few days and notes later.
āI didnāt think about that,ā Joon admits earning him /that/ kind of look from Yoongi, one that looks similar to the exasperated one he wore when Joon broke his glasses two weeks ago.
āI didnāt think about that,ā Joon admits earning him /that/ kind of look from Yoongi, one that looks similar to the exasperated one he wore when Joon broke his glasses two weeks ago.
Joon contemplates asking about his new friends age, or what he does for a living, yet finds himself too nervous in the end. It makes no sense at all but he canāt help it.
Why Jungās Map of the Soul?
he writes instead. Perhaps thatāll give him some of the answers he desires.
Why Jungās Map of the Soul?
he writes instead. Perhaps thatāll give him some of the answers he desires.
A friend recommended it to me, so I read it. But, thatās not the answer your looking for, is it?
Yes/No
Perhaps his new friend is a supernatural being and can read his mind. But wouldnāt he have to know who he is to do that?
Waitā
What if heās watching him right now?
Yes/No
Perhaps his new friend is a supernatural being and can read his mind. But wouldnāt he have to know who he is to do that?
Waitā
What if heās watching him right now?
Looking around Joon finds that thereās no one there besides a very bored cashier and an elderly lady looking at cook books. Joon shakes his head and thinks he should have less caffein tomorrow.
He circles the No and hesitates before adding: will you tell me your name?
Yes/No
He circles the No and hesitates before adding: will you tell me your name?
Yes/No
Thereās excitement bubbling in Joonās stomach as he walks into the store on Friday. Perhaps heāll finally get at least a name, get a little closer to finding out who his mysterious stranger may be.
He pulls out the book and catches the note before it falls.
Nothing.
Oh...
He pulls out the book and catches the note before it falls.
Nothing.
Oh...
Unwilling to give up on his new friend just yet, Joon doesn't allow himself to ponder the possibility of having scared him off after all. So, the following day, he comes back again but the note Joon filled in is still there.
Four days later, there's a small ache in his chest.
Four days later, there's a small ache in his chest.
Just over a week passes and Joon decides to give it one last try. If his note is still there, it means fate is telling him to let it go even if that thought makes him sad. Perhaps heās being irrational in wanting to hold on to this, but life is hard and /he/ made him smile.
Taking a deep breath, Joon reaches for the book and pulls it out. He catches the noteāitās purpleāand watches as two more fall to his feet like snowflakes. Huh? Thatās different. After putting the book away, he picks up the other notes.
For some reason heās nervous to read them.
For some reason heās nervous to read them.
Iām sorry, the first one reads, nothing more than that. If there werenāt two more notes, Joon would think itās a goodbye. Then again, that could be on the other ones just as well. Though, if it were so, why bother?
Quickly he switches to the next note instead of overthinking it.
Quickly he switches to the next note instead of overthinking it.
I owe you more than that, though people might say I donāt. Weāre just two strangers exchanging notes after all, but I still consider you my friend. Maybe Iām a loser for that, but itās true.
Then I guess Iām a loser as well, Joon scribbles below it and adds a wonky smiley.
Then I guess Iām a loser as well, Joon scribbles below it and adds a wonky smiley.
Iām sorry for being so wasteful and chewing your ear off. You signed up for yes or no questions and silliness after all, right? Perhaps one day Iāll tell you exactly why I didnāt return for a week, but for now Iāll share my name instead. I hope thatās okay.
Hi, Iām Seokjin.
Hi, Iām Seokjin.
Next to the name is a doodle of a waving sheep or alpaca. Itās really cute.
Nice to meet you, Seokjin-ssi, Joon whispers with a smile on his face and feels just a bit silly for it. After worrying for a week, thereās a certain happiness making him feel a little bit lighter now.
Nice to meet you, Seokjin-ssi, Joon whispers with a smile on his face and feels just a bit silly for it. After worrying for a week, thereās a certain happiness making him feel a little bit lighter now.
More than okay, Joon writes on the third note though there isnāt much space left. Iām Namjoon. :)
Throughout the weekend Joonās mood is on a positive high heās barely familiar with. He cleans his apartment and smiles most of the time, even work doesnāt seem so tiring either.
Throughout the weekend Joonās mood is on a positive high heās barely familiar with. He cleans his apartment and smiles most of the time, even work doesnāt seem so tiring either.
Their exchange of notes turns regular again and neither brings up Seokjinās absence again. Instead they go through more questions and conversations about movies theyāve enjoyed, some song Seokjin claims wonāt leave his head, and something that made Joon laugh earlier that day.
Itās so...easy. Much easier than talking to most people Joon encounters in his everyday life.
He talks about it with Yoongi, who thinks the anonymity plays a big role, the lack of expectations and visuals, which, even if you try to stop it, will always matter one way or another.
He talks about it with Yoongi, who thinks the anonymity plays a big role, the lack of expectations and visuals, which, even if you try to stop it, will always matter one way or another.
Joon jokes about how he sees Seokjin as the little alpaca he draws regularly onto his notes after Joon tells him how cute it is. Of course heās curious, but in a way, he doesnāt care. However Seokjin may look, heāll still be his hyung, this friend that makes him incredibly happy.
At some point Joon approaches the cashier and says he wants to buy the book him and Seokjin have been using while asking for it to remain in its place. To his surprise, Seokjin long beat him to it. Perhaps he cares about this as much as Joon. It makes him feel warm and tingly.
Next time Seokjin warns him that he might not respond for a couple of days and Joon is grateful but still worries, wants to ask if heās okay or needs help, but finds himself too afraid and unwilling to pry. Unless Seokjin tells him, he wonāt ask or say anything. He can wait.
Yet still Joon walks into the bookstore the following Wednesday after work to check just in case Seokjin came by quicker than anticipated.
His heart falls with worry as he spots a stranger standing in their aisle and pulls their book off the shelf.
His heart falls with worry as he spots a stranger standing in their aisle and pulls their book off the shelf.
āI think I saw him today,ā Joon tells Yoongi later that day, his mind still racing with questions and thoughts, most of which he doesnāt feel quite ready to consider quite yet.
āWho?ā
āSeokjin hyung.ā
Yoongi lightly nods as though considering that answer and its implications.
āWho?ā
āSeokjin hyung.ā
Yoongi lightly nods as though considering that answer and its implications.
Joon tells him about the man he watched replace their note with a new one, and about the smile Joon noticed on his face, though he couldnāt see it in its entirety. He never really turned in Joonās direction.
Yoongi listens and letās Joon just talk, his words like a waterfall.
Yoongi listens and letās Joon just talk, his words like a waterfall.
āWhat now?ā Yoongi finally asks once Joon finishes his tale and turns quiet. He merely tilts his head, unsure what Yoongi means by that. āWill you tell him? Does you knowing what he looks like change anything? And didnāt you say heād be gone until the end of the week?ā
Joon doesnāt have any answers to those questions. He doesnāt even know yet what the new note says since he rushed out of the bookstore as though afraid of being seen. Like Seokjin would even realize who he is. That realization hadnāt hit until a few minutes and streets later.
The following day Joon returns to the bookstore and is met with another drawing of the cute alpaca. Thereās a small speech bubble that says āhope youāre having a great week, Namjoonieā.
If someone were to ask, Joon would never admit how much that nickname made his heart race.
If someone were to ask, Joon would never admit how much that nickname made his heart race.
He needs to get a grip, he knows that. Heās in way too deep and he isnāt even sure how he ended up here. Months have gone by and he is far too attached to this not quite so faceless stranger of whom he doesnāt even know his full name or phone number or what he does for a living.
With the note in hand he walks over to the small reading corner and for a little while he just sits there and looks at the drawing pondering what he should do. Isnāt it odd that Seokjin never even mentioned ever wanting to meet him or exchange numbers? Isnāt he curious as well?
Before he knows it, Joonās mood dips and his prior happiness fades away like the last rays of sunshine before the night begins. Seokjin cares, otherwise he would never continue for so long, but what if this is were it ends? If theyāll remain essentially strangers forever?
Perhaps Yoongi was right, visuals will always matter even if only because they make things so much more real than just these words on different colored pieces of paper. But just because itās real, that doesnāt mean itās bad. Perhaps itās good? Or could be?
āExcuse me?ā
āExcuse me?ā
Surprised, Joon looks up to find a guy standing before him.
āYouāre Namjoon, right? The notes guy?ā he asks, his voice deep and his eyes kind thought his curly hair falls into them. Joon merely nods, confused and unsure. āGreat. I have something for you from my hyung.ā
āYouāre Namjoon, right? The notes guy?ā he asks, his voice deep and his eyes kind thought his curly hair falls into them. Joon merely nods, confused and unsure. āGreat. I have something for you from my hyung.ā
Itās a book, a picture book to be precise, or perhaps a graphic novel, Joon isnāt too certain on the distinction. With another smile and a polite bow the stranger turns away and leaves while Joon feels only a tenfold more confused. Is he a friend of Seokjinās? He must be, right?
Quickly he folds their note and puts it in his pocket before having a closer look at the picture book. The cover is light colors and brush strokes with smiling characters and a vague nature scenery.
Something about the art style seems familiar to him.
ššŖš® šš¦š°š¬š«šŖšÆ
Oh?
Something about the art style seems familiar to him.
ššŖš® šš¦š°š¬š«šŖšÆ
Oh?
Joon opens the book and decides to read it, curious, his hands ever so lightly trembling while his thoughts race with questions and wonderment. Itās beautiful, every page done with obvious care and devotion to detail, the characters unique and distinct, and the story quite cute.
The further he reads the more he smiles, endeared, something happy blooming inside of him as though the simple story is able to heal something within him.
Pulling out the note, he lays it next to a page showing all the characters and, well, itās undeniably the same art style.
Pulling out the note, he lays it next to a page showing all the characters and, well, itās undeniably the same art style.
Looking at the alpaca Seokjin always draws, Joon had wondered if he is simply good at doodling or perhaps if he does something for a living involving art. He never considered something like this, though itās a curious revelation.
The book doesnāt explain much, but itās a start.
The book doesnāt explain much, but itās a start.
All the way at the end he finds the āabout the authorā page and there he is, the man heās certain he saw a while ago who exchanged their notes. This popular author and artistāthis Kim Seokjināis his Seokjin hyung.
Below his biography is a cellphone number written with a pen.
Below his biography is a cellphone number written with a pen.
Leaning back in the armchair, the book open in his lap, Joon takes a deep breath, calms himself. He wondered why Seokjin never asked for his number, or if he should bring up the topic himself, and now, like he magically could sense Joonās pondering and inner turmoil, itās there.
Itās confusing and odd, yet Joon is so happy. Relieved. He was so close to giving this up and now...
But, one thing he really doesnāt understand is how Seokjin knew Joon would be here today, and at this time, if he hadnāt planned it? And knowing this, why didnāt he come himself?
But, one thing he really doesnāt understand is how Seokjin knew Joon would be here today, and at this time, if he hadnāt planned it? And knowing this, why didnāt he come himself?
Well, there is only one way to find out the answers to my questions, Joon reasons on his way home from the bookstore, the newly acquired picture book resting between his notebooks and laptop. Finally thereās a way for him to talk to Seokjin more directly.
Sure, now itāll be words on a screen instead of handwritten notes, but thatās still that little bit closer. Thinking about it, Joon still canāt quite wrap his head around Seokjin being an author who spends his time writing and painting beautiful stories. Then again, it suits him.
Finally, after arriving home, taking a shower and scarfing down some dinner, Joon sits down on his sofa with his phone in hand and thinks about what he should write. It all sounds painfully awkward no matter how he phrases it.
And people say heās good with words, yeah, right.
And people say heās good with words, yeah, right.
Your art is beautiful, Seokjin hyung, he types and, while it still sounds awful, cheesy and awkward, itās sadly the best he can come up with. Especially with how nervous he feels, his heart beating quicker, more forcefully and noticeably, and his hands weak and unsteady.
I was wondering if youād text me, Namjoonie, but Iām really glad you did, comes a reply a minute or two later. I hope my brother didnāt say anything odd when he gave you the book.
Oh? That was his brother? It certainly explains a few things, though not necessarily many.
Oh? That was his brother? It certainly explains a few things, though not necessarily many.
For a little while they talk about their day, and how nice it is to not have to wait days for a reply, how much they can say without running out of space. He yearns to ask Seokjin about so many things, find out more and get to know him better, but heās far too overwhelmed.
A solid week passes full of texts and even a select few pictures, including a selca each under the pretense of needing them for their respective contacts. Even if asked, Joon will never admit how much time he spent marveling at Seokjinās handsome face and beautiful eyes.
Eventually, the curiosity gets to Joon. It takes him half his break at work to figure out which question to ask first. In the end he settles on āhow did you know I would be at the bookstore that day?ā
The idol youāre working with on his next song.
Joon frowns, unsettled. Huh?
The idol youāre working with on his next song.
Joon frowns, unsettled. Huh?
What??
Iām sorry, that must sound awful, please let me rephrase and explain, Seokjin types back within seconds.
Joon swallows unsure while he watches the dots dance as Seokjin types his explanation though Joonās mind conjures up all sorts of weird, likely unfair, scenarios.
Iām sorry, that must sound awful, please let me rephrase and explain, Seokjin types back within seconds.
Joon swallows unsure while he watches the dots dance as Seokjin types his explanation though Joonās mind conjures up all sorts of weird, likely unfair, scenarios.
My brotherās better half is idol Park Jimin.
Joonās been on Jiminās team ever since he was preparing for his debut. He watched him grow up, win his first trophy at a music show, and was there when he won his first daesang. Though had he really mentioned Seokjin to him?
Joonās been on Jiminās team ever since he was preparing for his debut. He watched him grow up, win his first trophy at a music show, and was there when he won his first daesang. Though had he really mentioned Seokjin to him?
Jimin mentioned his lyricist and producer to Taehyung a few times, Seokjin continues, and how this guy apparently obsessively visits this one bookstore for months now. Curious, I asked for the producers name. I didnāt seriously think it could be you until he said Kim Namjoon.
Had he really been so obvious? Clearly he had. Heat rises to Joonās face and he slouches on his sofa while wondering if he ever said something embarrassing that Jimin mightāve told Taehyung, and subsequently Seokjin, about.
How long have you known? he asks once Seokjin is done.
How long have you known? he asks once Seokjin is done.
Please donāt be mad.
Will I potentially have reason to be?
I showed the selca you sent me to Taehyung and Jimin, who confirmed that you really are the producer in question.
Oh. Thatās not too long, though in a way, itās still a little unfair. Well, itās done and over now.
Will I potentially have reason to be?
I showed the selca you sent me to Taehyung and Jimin, who confirmed that you really are the producer in question.
Oh. Thatās not too long, though in a way, itās still a little unfair. Well, itās done and over now.
Are you mad, Namjoonie? Iām sorry.
Biting his lip Joon types back Iām too weak for you calling me that to be mad. Very unfair.
Is that so? Interesting, very interesting.
Thereās something Iād like to ask you but I donāt want to overstep any lines, hyung.
Should I be worried?
Biting his lip Joon types back Iām too weak for you calling me that to be mad. Very unfair.
Is that so? Interesting, very interesting.
Thereās something Iād like to ask you but I donāt want to overstep any lines, hyung.
Should I be worried?
No matter how worried Seokjin might be, Joon is certain heās far more. He knows he shouldnāt be, the question inevitable, simple and obvious, and yet he canāt help it. Though thereās something calming about Seokjin that takes the edge off his nervousness like no one else does.
Seokjin hyung, whyād you leave that note in the book? As author Iām sure you donāt have a shortage of possibilities to meet people, so why that?
The message appears as read within seconds but the dots indicating that Seokjinās typing do not.
Oh no.
Then, his phone rings.
The message appears as read within seconds but the dots indicating that Seokjinās typing do not.
Oh no.
Then, his phone rings.
At first Joon just looks at the screen proclaiming INCOMING CALL - SEOKJINNIE HYUNG transfixed by the mere sight, but also the implication and impending realness of hearing Seokjinās voice for the first time.
Their first conversation outside of papers, pens and screens.
Oh.
Their first conversation outside of papers, pens and screens.
Oh.
The ringing continues and finally pulls Joon out of his thoughts enough to tap the accept button and turn on the speaker instead of holding the phone to his ear. A warm and soft giggle fills Joonās living room followed by a gentle: āHello, Namjoonie.ā
How to words? How to speak?
How to words? How to speak?
āHi,ā Joon manages to say, his voice shaky even on those two simple letters. Itās embarrassing, and heās being ridiculous, but he canāt help it. This is a big deal, at least to him.
āFor a moment I thought Iām being too forward and shouldāve asked beforehand,ā Seokjin adds shyly.
āFor a moment I thought Iām being too forward and shouldāve asked beforehand,ā Seokjin adds shyly.
āNo, hyung, not at all, I-I just...ā
āIs it mean of me to say Iām glad Iām not the only one whoās nervous?ā
And just like that, with this simple question, part of Joonās nerves melt away, his worried mind soothed and calmed, reassured in a way. He laughs a little before saying:
āIs it mean of me to say Iām glad Iām not the only one whoās nervous?ā
And just like that, with this simple question, part of Joonās nerves melt away, his worried mind soothed and calmed, reassured in a way. He laughs a little before saying:
āItās really nice to finally know what you sound like, hyung.ā
āLikewise, believe me.ā
Joon smiles, giddy, and looks to his ceiling somehow feeling like heās a teen again talking to his first crush. Oh. Oh?
After that their conversation flows easier, pleasant and less hesitant.
āLikewise, believe me.ā
Joon smiles, giddy, and looks to his ceiling somehow feeling like heās a teen again talking to his first crush. Oh. Oh?
After that their conversation flows easier, pleasant and less hesitant.
It isnāt until a good twenty minutes pass that Seokjin remembers the actual purpose of his call, Joon sitting up a little straighter again, listening attentively and curiously. Itās easy to hear the nervousness creeping into Seokjinās voice, the slight hesitance.
āHyung?ā
A short pause. āYes?ā
āYou dont actually have to tell me now if you donāt feel like itās the right time after all, or this requires for you to say more than youāre ready and willing to at this point. If I knew this is a sensitive topic, I wouldāve waited. Iām sorry.ā
A short pause. āYes?ā
āYou dont actually have to tell me now if you donāt feel like itās the right time after all, or this requires for you to say more than youāre ready and willing to at this point. If I knew this is a sensitive topic, I wouldāve waited. Iām sorry.ā
TW // mention/brief discussion about anxiety/mental illnesses in a broader sense, itās nothing major or anything but I thought Iāll mention this just in case - Iāll mark the moment itāll be over
āIs it foolish of me to say that I feel like I can trust you?ā Seokjin wonders after another slightly longer pause.
āNo,ā Joon says and lightly shakes his head even though he canāt see it. āFor what itās worth, I feel the same.ā
āI...I have really bad social anxiety...ā
āNo,ā Joon says and lightly shakes his head even though he canāt see it. āFor what itās worth, I feel the same.ā
āI...I have really bad social anxiety...ā
Oh.
āItās why I disappeared for that week the first time, and why I said Iād be gone once again last week,ā Seokjin continues while the puzzle pieces move into the right places in Joonās mind. OH. āIāve tried meeting people the āusualā way, but it ended badly a couple times...ā
āItās why I disappeared for that week the first time, and why I said Iād be gone once again last week,ā Seokjin continues while the puzzle pieces move into the right places in Joonās mind. OH. āIāve tried meeting people the āusualā way, but it ended badly a couple times...ā
TW over
āIām sorry, hyung,ā Joon says after Seokjin turns quiet, āIām sorry that people didnāt meet you with kindness. Iām glad youāre comfortable enough to tell me. Thank you. I was worried about you, which Iām not saying to make you feel bad, I just mean that it all makes sense now.ā
āAre you...ā
āAm I?ā Joon waits patiently as Seokjin moves around, a quiet rustling emerging from the speaker like he might me moving a blanket perhaps.
āAre you disappointed?ā
āI see no reason why I should be, Jinnie hyung.ā
āI like that name.ā Joon swears he can hear him smile.
āAm I?ā Joon waits patiently as Seokjin moves around, a quiet rustling emerging from the speaker like he might me moving a blanket perhaps.
āAre you disappointed?ā
āI see no reason why I should be, Jinnie hyung.ā
āI like that name.ā Joon swears he can hear him smile.
āSo,ā Jimin says and looks at him with a glint in his eyes that Joon isnāt certain what to make of, āthe bookstore, huh?ā
Joon is fairly certain heās blushing like an idiot and quickly tries to think of some kind of explanation or answer but comes up with nothing.
Joon is fairly certain heās blushing like an idiot and quickly tries to think of some kind of explanation or answer but comes up with nothing.
Well, at least nothing he wants to tell the idol. Jimin always reminds him theyāre friends, but itās still different. Jimin never told him much about his private life or Taehyung either, just mentioned a āboyfriendā in passing who was nameless and faceless for years.
āTaeTae told me Seokjin hyung looks happy, which makes TaeTae happy and in turn me,ā Jimin continues. āBe nice to him.ā Heās smiling and yet it still sounds like a threat. Joon nods again and smiles. He canāt imagine being anything but nice, good and sweet toward Seokjin.
Now that theyāve upgraded to texting heās the first and last thing on Joonās mind when he wakes up and is about to fall asleep. Seokjinās words fill his day and Joon wants to tell him about everything and anything he sees or that he thinks Seokjin could like or laugh at.
Occasionally, though getting there took quite a while, they even FaceTime each other. After Seokjin explained how phone and video calls even with his friends make him anxious at times, it makes Joon cherish his trust and these moments and precious hours only so much more.
Knowing Seokjin is laughing and actually seeing and hearing it, theyāre two very different things. The latter is definitely better.
During breaks at work and in the evenings at home Joon does research on social anxiety so he can understand Seokjin better and be there for him.
During breaks at work and in the evenings at home Joon does research on social anxiety so he can understand Seokjin better and be there for him.
He even goes as far as asking Yoongiās boyfriend Hoseok about it, since heās a child psychologist.
Whenever Seokjin opens up about his struggles, Joon listens and tries to help him feel like itās okay, that heās okay, and assured him that heāll never judge him for any of it.
Whenever Seokjin opens up about his struggles, Joon listens and tries to help him feel like itās okay, that heās okay, and assured him that heāll never judge him for any of it.
āI finished the final copy edits for the book,ā Seokjin tells him on a rainy Thursday evening. He hasnāt told Joon much about the plot or the new character he decided to introduce. He doesnāt mind though even if heās very curious. But he gladly waits like everyone else.
āThatās amazing, Jinnie hyung,ā Joon says smiling, proud, and looks at the ceiling.
Sometimes he wonders what itād be like if Seokjin would sit next to him while they talk, what it would feel like to hold his hand or see the smile bloom on his face without a camera and screen.
Sometimes he wonders what itād be like if Seokjin would sit next to him while they talk, what it would feel like to hold his hand or see the smile bloom on his face without a camera and screen.
āActually, thereās something I wanted to ask you.ā
It isnāt unusual for Joon to hear nervousness in Seokjinās voice, but it sounds different this time. āAsk whatever you like.ā
āI...um...ā
āWould you prefer to type it?ā Joon offers knowing that made it easier in the past.
It isnāt unusual for Joon to hear nervousness in Seokjinās voice, but it sounds different this time. āAsk whatever you like.ā
āI...um...ā
āWould you prefer to type it?ā Joon offers knowing that made it easier in the past.
They end the call and Joon tries his best not to freak out while he waits for the text. Seokjin types on and off as though heās reconsidering his words again and again, too afraid or shy to type and send them. Heās gotten more comfortable around Joon, but itās a process still.
Seokjin once told him he even gets anxious before texting his own brother at times despite how close they are. Joon assured him that itās okay, that he gets it, and that he doesnāt mind Seokjin needing more time to be comfortable and confident.
Joon likes him a lot regardless.
Joon likes him a lot regardless.
There will be a small launch day event at āourā bookstore for my book and I was wondering if youād like to come?
Iād love to! <3
Joon only realizes what that invitation really means after theyāve long said goodnight.
Oh.
OH.
Heās finally going to meet Seokjin in person!
Iād love to! <3
Joon only realizes what that invitation really means after theyāve long said goodnight.
Oh.
OH.
Heās finally going to meet Seokjin in person!
The day of the launch event approaches quicker than Joon thought it would. Between adding finishing touches to Jiminās songs, working on some side projects, and texting Seokjin, Joon didnāt have much time to think about it but now, the day of, he already wakes up freaking out.
āWhat if I make an idiot of myself, Yoongi hyung?ā Joon asks.
āIf that were supposed to happen it long wouldāve. Youāll be fine.ā
āBut...ā
Yoongi shakes his head adamantly. āNo ābutā. Itāll be like talking on the phone, just without said phone.ā
āSo literally nothing like it.ā
āIf that were supposed to happen it long wouldāve. Youāll be fine.ā
āBut...ā
Yoongi shakes his head adamantly. āNo ābutā. Itāll be like talking on the phone, just without said phone.ā
āSo literally nothing like it.ā
āIām older so Iām right. Now go get ready and text me when you get there so I know you didnāt chicken out.ā
No matter how nervous he may be, he would never do something like that to Seokjin.
They end the call and for a while Joon tries to figure out what to wear, like it matters.
No matter how nervous he may be, he would never do something like that to Seokjin.
They end the call and for a while Joon tries to figure out what to wear, like it matters.
Itās not a date or anything, heāll just be another face in the crowd, and yet he wants to make a good impression on Seokjin. Heās been very quiet all day, his responses bare minimum and far between, but Joon understands it. An event like this is quite nerve racking for Seokjin.
Joon wishes he could share his burden, help him somehow, but besides showing up and sending encouraging texts, there is nothing he can do. He sends Seokjin a selca with āfighting! 
ā beneath it but isnāt surprised when the text switches to read but no answer arrives.


The bookstore is already relatively crowded when Joon arrives. There are families with kids, groups of teens, and a couple of people around Joonās age or even older. Banners advertise the event and Seokjinās new book, the cover gorgeously designed and even more magical.
Somehow Joon manages to get a seat in the second row. Thereās an excited energy lingering in the air. And then, finally, itās time.
The MC for the eventāTaehyungāsteps onto the small makeshift stage and introduces his brother and his book. Once heās done, Kim Seokjin enters.
The MC for the eventāTaehyungāsteps onto the small makeshift stage and introduces his brother and his book. Once heās done, Kim Seokjin enters.
Joonās mouth turns dry. The selcas and few FaceTime calls really didnāt do Seokjin justice because somehow he looks even more stunning and handsome in person than Joon thought he would. Despite his radiant smile and cheerful appearance Joon can see the nervousness in his eyes.
And yet, as he talks about his book, answers a few questions, and eventually reads a couple of pages, his voice doesnāt waver even once. His voice is steady, calm, and so pleasant to listen to. Looking around Joon realizes just how captivated everyone is following his every word.
Seokjin turns to the page introducing the new character, RJ. Surprised Joon realizes that itās the alpaca he used to draw for Joon. Part of him wonders if Koya taking care of their new shy and insecure friend is an analogy to Seokjin and him, but thatās too far fetched, right?
āYou did amazingly, Jinnie hyung,ā Joon says and hands his book to Seokjin so he can sign it. Heās the last in line, most of the crowd having left by now while others linger yet donāt pay them much attention.
Seokjinās pretty eyes light up and he bites his lower lip. Cute.
Seokjinās pretty eyes light up and he bites his lower lip. Cute.
āHi, Joonie,ā he answers, and really, Joon thinks if one were to turn his voice saying his name into honey, itād be the sweetest and most delicious one. āIām glad you came.ā
āIād never miss this. RJ seems like a very sweet character, Iām sure people will love him.ā
āIād never miss this. RJ seems like a very sweet character, Iām sure people will love him.ā
āYouāre not mad that I used him in the story even thought I originally created him for you?ā Thereās something hesitant in his voice, honest worry.
āI hope Koya will be able to help him and be a good, special friend for him, along with the other characters.ā
āRJ likes him a lot.ā
āI hope Koya will be able to help him and be a good, special friend for him, along with the other characters.ā
āRJ likes him a lot.ā
Joon tries his hardest not to read anything into those words, the whole exchange. They are just characters, nothing more.
They continue talking while helping the bookstore staff clean everything up. Itās nice, easy, and seeing Seokjin smile and laughāmuch better without a screen.
They continue talking while helping the bookstore staff clean everything up. Itās nice, easy, and seeing Seokjin smile and laughāmuch better without a screen.
āIt was...ā Seokjin begins but trails off, his eyes looking away to the side shyly. Something about it is unfairly endearing and makes Joon want to hug him, even if heās nervous all of a sudden himself as well.
āWait,ā Joon says too quickly and looks for a pen and paper.
āWait,ā Joon says too quickly and looks for a pen and paper.
Seokjin watches him with a confused (and cute) frown lingering between his brows as Joon scribbles a few words onto a blue note hoping theyāre legible. He hands it to Seokjin along with the pen a moment later.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO FOR A COFFEE WITH ME? :)
YES/MAYBE ANOTHER DAY
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO FOR A COFFEE WITH ME? :)
YES/MAYBE ANOTHER DAY
That evening Joon lies on his bed and reads Seokjinās new book. He isnāt upset that he declined going for a coffee, even less so since Seokjin sent him a lengthy text an hour after they parted ways explaining why.
After all his research, Joon gets it. Besides, they have time.
After all his research, Joon gets it. Besides, they have time.
The illustrations are gorgeous, the colors a little lighter, softer, than in the previous ones, and the story truly beautiful. There isnāt much text, but whatās there is more than enough. He can feel Seokjin in those words, the messages he wants to convey through his art.
Friendship, self acceptance and love, kindness, and finding the people thatāll make you feel safe, cherished, and home. Seokjin told him how much he struggles with some of it himself still, and if he can help someone else even just a little, thatāll be the greatest gift.
Seokjin said the truth, RJ does like Koya a lot by the end of the story. Thereās something so gentle about them, enough so that it makes Joon think about him and Seokjin again, this thing theyāve steadily been growing between them. Itās fragile yet strong at once, he thinks.
Flipping back to the title page Joon looks at Seokjinās signature and the few words he wrote next to it.
To Namjoon, the most extraordinary and kind person I know. Thank you for circling YES.
Yours, Seokjinnie
Perhaps his vision turns a little blurry by the end of it.
To Namjoon, the most extraordinary and kind person I know. Thank you for circling YES.
Yours, Seokjinnie
Perhaps his vision turns a little blurry by the end of it.
They go back to texting and exchanging a couple pictures and videos, and without Joon truly noticing it at first they start to FaceTime more and talk on the phone whenever the other just feels like hearing the otherās voice. Itās exciting and, okay, maybe itās time.
Joon admits, though only to himself for now, that heās definitely fallen for Seokjin. And sure, he would completely accept it if theyād stay friends and nothing would ever happen, yet admitting and accepting that fact makes him...lighter?
Seokjin simply makes him happy.
Seokjin simply makes him happy.
Jiminās comeback comes and goes, Joon watches him on TV as he wins awards at music shows with pride. He earned it, and seeing him perform the song theyāve worked so hard on makes it all so very worth it.
Jimin earned this, the awards, the countless number ones across the globe.
Jimin earned this, the awards, the countless number ones across the globe.
On his free day Joon goes to the bookstore. Itās been a while, he misses it, and also Yoongi asked him to pick up a book he ordered since he doesnāt have time today to do it himself.
A sense of familiarity overcomes Joon as he walks up to their self and picks up their book.
A sense of familiarity overcomes Joon as he walks up to their self and picks up their book.
He canāt quite believe itās still there, that Seokjin didnāt simply take it home once they stopped using the notes. A surprised gasp escapes him as a green note falls from the book and drifts to the floor. Joon doesnāt even have to pick it up to recognize Seokjinās handwriting.
Dear Namjoonie,
While Iām writing this itās been exactly half a year since you replied the first time. I never expected for our exchange to grow this far, for you to make yourself a little home in my heart, or, really, for you to still like me once youād know the truth about me.
While Iām writing this itās been exactly half a year since you replied the first time. I never expected for our exchange to grow this far, for you to make yourself a little home in my heart, or, really, for you to still like me once youād know the truth about me.
Iām happy all of it happened, and Iām grateful to call you my friend. I donāt know if you think itās strange that weāve so far only met once. I feel a little bad for it, Iāll admit. But, unfortunately, these things arenāt so easy for me. Iām sorry, though I canāt change it.
Believe me, I truly want to spend more time with you without screens and phones and distance. Would you like that, too? I hope so. And I hope youāre not tired of me just yet.
Thereās something Iād love for us to do once youāll find this note. Iām nervous at the thought of it.
Thereās something Iād love for us to do once youāll find this note. Iām nervous at the thought of it.
Then again, many things make me nervous, especially around you. But thatās due to other reasons. Perhaps one day Iāll tell you all about them. Either way, if youād like to give my idea a try, even without knowing what it is, text me your answer.
YES / NO
Yours,
Seokjinnie
YES / NO
Yours,
Seokjinnie
On a late Friday afternoon, the sky as though set on fire, Joon comes to a halt in front of a small cafe. Checking his phone Joon makes sure heās at the right place, the name definitely the same one Seokjin texted him.
Taking a steadying and calming breath, Joon goes inside.
Taking a steadying and calming breath, Joon goes inside.
Itās cozy and not too crowded, a steady hum of voices and soft music playing over hidden speakers, the air filled with coffee and different sweet pastries. Looking around Joon soon spots Seokjin across the cafe standing near to the cashier and having a conversation with him.
He looks amazing dressed in a dark gray coat and black pants, Joonās heart skipping a beat as Seokjin turns and their eyes meet, a smile pulling at Seokjinās lips, his face lighting up beautifully. How did I get so lucky, Joon wonders, mesmerized, as he approaches him.
As it turns out the cashierāJungkook according to his name tagāis a friend of Seokjinās, the two having worked together once in the past.
āOrder whatever youād like, itās on me,ā Seokjin says but, when Joon asks what theyāll be doing, he merely shakes his head a little shyly.
āOrder whatever youād like, itās on me,ā Seokjin says but, when Joon asks what theyāll be doing, he merely shakes his head a little shyly.
With a cup of coffee each they step out of the cafe, the sky a little darker by now. Seokjin pulls out his phone and attaches some adapter to it with two pairs of headphones connected to it. Joon doesnāt miss how Seokjinās hand visibly trembles as he hands him one of them.
āI donāt know if itās any kind of consolation but Iām nervous and excited as well,ā Joon says and smiles at Seokjin in a way he hopes looks kind and friendly. Seokjin averts his eyes, lightly bites his lower lip and then, a hesitant nod.
Itās impossibly endearing.
Itās impossibly endearing.
āIām-Iām not good with words,ā Seokjin begins and Joon has to stop himself from disagreeing, ābut I wanted to show you things about me, music I like and small places that mean something to me. I donāt know, maybe itās a bit stupid...ā
āNot at all,ā Joon assures him.
āNot at all,ā Joon assures him.
āIād call it thoughtful, sweet even.ā
Thereās something special in the way Seokjin blushes so much his ears turn red, his eyes shy and a smile on his lips. Joon could look at him for hours, listen to his voice even longer, and never get bored, ever. Fine, perhaps heās got it bad.
Thereās something special in the way Seokjin blushes so much his ears turn red, his eyes shy and a smile on his lips. Joon could look at him for hours, listen to his voice even longer, and never get bored, ever. Fine, perhaps heās got it bad.
They put in their headphones and Seokjin presses play on the playlist he prepared. A moment later after exchanging glances and smiles, they begin to walk. Joon has never done something like this before. They easily fall into step next to each other, the music soft.
There are acoustic songs, something played on a lone piano, others a little happier and upbeat. It almost feels like an exploration of every emotion and trait that makes Seokjin, well, Seokjin. Itās interesting how music is able to do these things, Joon thinks.
He produces it for a living, but the feelings and imagery Seokjinās playlist creates is something completely different, exciting in a way Joon canāt explain.
They stop in front of different places and sights, Seokjin lowering the volume as he tells Joon about their significance.
They stop in front of different places and sights, Seokjin lowering the volume as he tells Joon about their significance.
His childhood home, a little community library, a playground, a tree on a small hill in a park, all of them a small piece of Seokjin. They grew up differently and yet Joon feels like somehow heās known Seokjin far longer than he really does, that warmth in his heart growing.
āCan I ask you something, hyung?ā Joon asks as they stop at a crossing and wait for the lights to turn green. Seokjin nods. Joon tries to calm his heartāand failsābefore asking: āIs this a date?ā
Perhaps itās a stupid question, the answer obvious to everyone but him, and yet.
Perhaps itās a stupid question, the answer obvious to everyone but him, and yet.
Of course Joon hopes the answer is yes, his hand almost physically itching to reach for Seokjinās even if only to know what it would feel like, his heart yearning to even as much as hug him, but if the answer is no, that, too, would be okay.
Joon would never want to ruin this.
Joon would never want to ruin this.
āIā,ā Seokjin tries, the single letter coming out a little quiet, unsteady. Oh no, had he messed up by asking? Overwhelmed him? Too much, too fast?
āItās okay, I get it,ā Joon says quickly. āCome on, the light is green.ā
Joon smiles, hopes theyāre still okay, and begins to walk.
āItās okay, I get it,ā Joon says quickly. āCome on, the light is green.ā
Joon smiles, hopes theyāre still okay, and begins to walk.
He doesnāt even manage a step before a hand wraps itself around his wrist and stops him. Joonās eyes dart to the single point of contact and then up to Seokjinās face, his eyes, nervousness loudly and brightly written across them.
āI-Iād like that, if it could be one, I mean.ā
āI-Iād like that, if it could be one, I mean.ā
āSeokjinnie hyung,ā Joon says, fond and relieved and about a million other things at once. āIād like that as well.ā
Seokjin letās go of his wrist, takes Joonās hand, their fingers intertwining. Itās warm and soft and Joon thinks heās never been this happy and in love before.
Seokjin letās go of his wrist, takes Joonās hand, their fingers intertwining. Itās warm and soft and Joon thinks heās never been this happy and in love before.
They continue walking around until the moon sits high in the sky, the playlist starting its second, or third, run through, and their feet are aching, their hands though remaining together the entire time. Eventually they arrive in front of the building Seokjin lives in.
For a little while they stand and talk a little longer as though Seokjin is just as unwilling to let their date end just yet. But itās late and Joon knows he should go home and sleep considering he has to get up early tomorrow. But how can he when Seokjin smiles shyly, cutely?
When he looks so happy? The sight makes his heart jump a little with a warm kind of joy that spreads through his entire body. He squeezes Seokjinās hand a little, thanks him for the lovely evening, for showing him so much, though his words will never be quite enough.
āIām glad you liked it,ā Seokjin says quietly. āAnd youāre sure it wasnāt too much? I didnāt ramble too much?ā
āIf it were possible Iād listen to you talk about whatever youād like until the morning and then some,ā Joon assures him hoping itāll calm his anxious mind a little.
āIf it were possible Iād listen to you talk about whatever youād like until the morning and then some,ā Joon assures him hoping itāll calm his anxious mind a little.
āCan I hug you?ā Joon asks after a moment of silence. Seokjin looks up, his eyes widening ever so briefly, Joon nearly missing it. But then, he smiles and nods, yes.
It feels right, Joonās arms pulling Seokjin close, like they were made like two perfectly fitting puzzle pieces.
It feels right, Joonās arms pulling Seokjin close, like they were made like two perfectly fitting puzzle pieces.
There are no grand declarations, no kisses, just holding hands and a hug before saying goodbye, yet Joon swears itās the best date heās ever been on.
The next day when he tells Yoongi all about it, he chuckles and says Joon is whipped in a way heās never seen him be before.
The next day when he tells Yoongi all about it, he chuckles and says Joon is whipped in a way heās never seen him be before.
A couple of days go by, Joon and Seokjin occupied by work but still exchanging texts and FaceTiming in the evenings. Joon looks forward to it every time, the couple of minutes when he gets to see and hear Seokjin the highlights of his days.
He even adds a
to Seokjinās contact.
He even adds a

āWould you like to visit me at the studio?ā he asks Seokjin two weeks later. Heās seemed a little off since the previous day, quiet, his answers short and suspiciously far between. Seokjin is probably having ones of those days, or itās the beginning of one of those weeks.
If thereās any kind of way Joon could help, if Seokjin will let him, heād like to try. So far Seokjin preferred to just be alone, retreat into himself until the low would pass, but perhaps? Heās allowed Joon this far into his life and heart, maybe thereās enough trust?
āYou wouldnāt mind?ā Seokjin asks, voice small, unsure. If he could, Joon would pull him into a big hug.
āIād love some company, and, well, youāve shown me things important to you, so now itās my turn. If you feel up for it. But donāt force yourself, Jinnie hyung.ā
āIād love some company, and, well, youāve shown me things important to you, so now itās my turn. If you feel up for it. But donāt force yourself, Jinnie hyung.ā
It takes an hour until Seokjin arrives. Joon meets him in the lobby so he doesnāt have to interact with anyone. Quickly he leads him to the fifth floor and his studio. It isnāt particularly big nor does it looks special, but itās one of Joonās favorite places.
āWelcome to Rkive.ā
āWelcome to Rkive.ā
Curious he watches Seokjin have a look around, his eyes wandering over the few pictures on the wall, the covers of Jiminās and a few other idols albums, and a couple of figurines Joon collected.
āOh,ā Seokjin says and carefully touches one of the pictures like it could break.
āOh,ā Seokjin says and carefully touches one of the pictures like it could break.
Joon feels heat rise to his face and he bites his lower lip. āI hope you donāt mind? Looking at it gave me strength.ā
Seokjinās ears turn red. āIām glad.ā
The picture is of Seokjin, actually, standing with the night skyline of Seoul behind him, a beautiful smile on his lips.
Seokjinās ears turn red. āIām glad.ā
The picture is of Seokjin, actually, standing with the night skyline of Seoul behind him, a beautiful smile on his lips.
For the next couple of hours Seokjin sits on the couch and watches as Joon works, rearranges parts of a song though none sound quite right. Occasionally he asks for Seokjinās opinion, listens to his feedback, and tries again. At some point Seokjin moves to a chair next to him.
Time passes, Seokjinās hand somehow finding its way into Joonās free one, his head resting against Joonās shoulder, the atmosphere that comfortable quiet that doesnāt need to be filled at all. This is nice, Joon thinks and leans his cheek against the top of Seokjinās head.
āThank you, Joonie,ā Seokjin says as the song fades out.
āFor what?ā
āInviting me here,ā he clarifies. āI-I wasnāt well but coming here, spending time with you, it helped me calm down, get out of my head, and just relax instead of letting the anxious thoughts consume me.ā
āFor what?ā
āInviting me here,ā he clarifies. āI-I wasnāt well but coming here, spending time with you, it helped me calm down, get out of my head, and just relax instead of letting the anxious thoughts consume me.ā
āThank you for trusting me enough to come,ā Joon says with a happy smile which only grows so much larger when Seokjin squeezes his hand and then kisses his cheek.
Oh.
Oh thatās nice.
Turning in his chair, he pulls Seokjin into a hug, their knees bumping against each other.
Oh.
Oh thatās nice.
Turning in his chair, he pulls Seokjin into a hug, their knees bumping against each other.
The position is awkward but neither really cares. They stay that way for a little while, Joon wondering if Seokjin can hear just how hard his heart is beating. Perhaps he does since he moves his hand enough so to place his open palm right above it. Somehow it beats even harder.
āNamjoonie,ā he says and raises his head to look at Joon, the expression in his eyes searching, hesitant, but also something else Joon canāt quite decipher. Or perhaps heās too afraid to.
āYes?ā
āI-Iād really like to kiss you.ā
āAre you sure?ā Joon asks, surprised.
āYes?ā
āI-Iād really like to kiss you.ā
āAre you sure?ā Joon asks, surprised.
He wants to make sure heās certain so he wonāt regret it.
āLike never before,ā Seokjin admits and perhaps Joonās heart skips a beat, maybe two. āAnd you?ā
āI really like you, hyung, a lot actually. Iād want nothing more, but I donāt expect it of you, okay? Iām happy either way.ā
āLike never before,ā Seokjin admits and perhaps Joonās heart skips a beat, maybe two. āAnd you?ā
āI really like you, hyung, a lot actually. Iād want nothing more, but I donāt expect it of you, okay? Iām happy either way.ā
The air seems charged as Seokjinās eyes flick from Joonās eyes to his lips and back, his trembling hand moving from above Joonās heart to his neck. When their lips finally meet, itās gentle, light, yet enough to make Joon feel like heās on fire, crave more, and happier than ever.
{to be continued - donāt bookmark this tweet}
Thoughts? Reactions? Please do share them with me.
Thank you so, so much for reading!
Gānight!
Thoughts? Reactions? Please do share them with me.

Thank you so, so much for reading!
Gānight!

