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For a country like South Korea wherein war is always imminent, the government needs to be prepared any day in case the North strikes. Sure, there’s the military conscription, but it’s not enough. They lost a lot of lives during the Korean war, and the South doesn’t want such tragedy to repeat.
So, in the 90’s, the government decided to create a team of the best scientists they could find from all over the world and their country. Their plan? To create superhumans.
The first time that the idea was proposed, not a single person in the government believed it. It was real life, after all. But after the Secretary of Science and Technology showed video proof that it was possible, even going through the lengths of introducing a successful superhuman experiment.
She was Diana Okamoto, the first ever successful superhuman experiment known to scientists but never publicized for safety and security reasons. The US created her superhuman abilities after the Vietnam war. But the success of Diana’s experiment was not without sacrifices; hundreds of tested babies never even got to feel the warmth of their mothers’ arms.
Diana was the first and only successful superhuman experiment in the world. She can read people’s minds, her hands can have the impact of a wrecking ball if she wanted to, and she has night vision like those of an owl’s. She stood in front of South Korea’s government officials emotionless, showing her abilities to prove that she’s a successful superhuman experiment.
The government started going through the poorest neighborhood all over South Korea, seeking for a parent willing to sacrifice their newborn baby. It’s not an easy feat, but there were a few mothers, mostly teenage mothers, who gave up their newborn baby for a sum of money that could change their lives.
One of them was Kim Namjoon’s mother. Her mother was a prostitute, spending nights after nights with different men who’s willing to fuck her even when she’s pregnant. She’s an even bigger hit to customers when she’s pregnant that’s why she doesn’t mind if she gets pregnant by his customers.
Her job has given her 7 children with different fathers whom she never knew, Namjoon being her last child. The moment he was born, she didn’t hold him, did not even spare him a glance, she told the nurse to give him to the government. She did not even name him, and she probably forgot she’s got a son whom she sold to the government for a superhuman experiment.
It was the scientist who took care of Namjoon that gave him his name. Kim Miyoung, one of the best scientists in South Korea, was the first person who held Namjoon when he arrived in the laboratory. He was a huge baby with long limbs, weighing almost 10 pounds, and his cries were loud enough for the other babies in the lab to hear and cry as well.
First day on the job and Namjoon’s already causing a wreck. Miyoung knew he’s a different baby, she knew there’s something special about him, that’s why she named him Kim Namjoon, the genius from the South.
Miyoung took care of Namjoon like her own child while also doing experiments on him so he can hear other people’s thoughts, just like Diana. So when he was a toddler, she tested him by thinking that she’s going to give Namjoon a box of his favorite strawberry milk if he cleans up the mess of crayons on the table.
Namjoon did not react. He just kept playing with his toy dinosaurs. It’s not that the experiment did not work with him, it’s just that little Namjoon thought that other people can read his mind too, the way he can. And because of this ability too, Namjoon couldn’t talk until he was 5.
At 7, the government told Miyoung to drop Namjoon since he was another failed experiment, but she was determined to make Namjoon’s experiment a success. Namjoon, still very naive at that age, didn’t think much of it. He has friends in the laboratory, they have a teacher who teaches them what children usually learn at their age, and Namjoon, at that young and naive age, thought that’s what a normal life looks like.
They’ve never been outside the laboratory except the little garden they provided for fresh air and for the children to practice what they learned. At the age of 15, Namjoon was curious. Every morning that he looks up at the sky and sees birds flying over them, he wonders what else is there outside.
His mornings gave him the hobby of studying and reading about animals, which then led him to studying about plants which he was very curious about since he’s never seen most of them. All they have in their garden is grass.
It was Diana who gave Namjoon his first plant. He was just sitting quietly on one of the benches in their garden when Diana walked up to him, handing over a packet of marigold seeds to Namjoon.
“You wanted to see flowers, right? Plant this.” Diana said without opening her mouth. They were just looking at each other, communicating their thoughts as both mind-readers.
“Why are you giving this to me?” Namjoon asked, looking at her without saying anything.
“This garden is too boring. A few yellow marigolds would make this shithole look alive.” Diana said.
Namjoon smiled and with a small nod, he took the packet of marigold seeds from her. Diana walked away to go back to her cell and do nothing all day but write on the walls.
What they didn’t know was that Miyoung was observing them from afar. All these years, she had no positive answer if his experiment on Namjoon was a success, but seeing the two mind-readers communicate without opening their mouths, he’s about 80% sure they were talking with their minds.
“Yes, we were communicating.” Namjoon said out loud, his eyes glued on the book he was reading.
Miyoung furrowed her eyebrows. She’s on the second floor observing room, she was nowhere near Namjoon and she wasn’t talking through the intercom. She did not even move her lips.
“Yes, Teacher Miyoung, I’m talking to you.” Namjoon said, looking right at the camera attached to the building which is used to observe the experiment subjects while practicing in the garden.
“Oh my god.” Miyoung said, covering her hand with her trembling hands.
No one was more excited to see the success of Namjoon’s experiments than Miyoung. As soon as she called Namjoon to report back to her lab, she immediately hugged him tightly, patting Namjoon’s full cheeks.
“You grew up so well, Namjoon-ah.” she said lovingly, strands of gray hair falling over her wrinkled eyes. “I always knew you were going to be something great, maybe a genius, that’s why I named you Namjoon. Gosh, you’re making me cry.”
“Did you really think I was a failure?” Namjoon asked.
“Oh, no, no!” Miyoung immediately assured him, shaking her head. “Darling no. I thought there was something wrong, something I could fix, but never did I think you were a failure. You have been nothing short of amazing. You’re the best kid any parent could ask for.”
Namjoon gave her a sad smile. “You’re the best kid any parent could ask for.” If only his real mom knew the kid grew up to be.
For the next few weeks, before Miyoung presents Namjoon to the government, they tested the extent of his capability to read minds. Their biggest problem was that Namjoon can hear multiple people’s thoughts at the same time so there was never a quiet second in his brain. It did not help that the scope of his mind-reading was within the 100-meter radius, so his head never stopped hearing other people’s thoughts.
Miyoung started training Namjoon to isolate his own thoughts first, to help him filter the voices in his head. It was very hard for Namjoon. It wasn’t just mentally exhausting, but it was physically daunting as well, but he had no choice. He needs to do this.
But while they were in the middle of training, a riot in the laboratory broke out.
Everyone thought that when Diana was in her cell, she was just there because she hates interacting with other people. What they didn’t expect was that, for the past 16 years, Diana was training her mind to be strong enough to manipulate objects.
It all happened so fast. One minute Miyoung was training Namjoon to isolate her thoughts in his brain, the next she was under the rubbles from the ceiling. Miyoung was just supposed to see what’s happening outside, mediate if she could so they can continue training in peace, but when it’s been long enough that Namjoon was left alone in the lab, he decided to see for himself too.
It was chaos. The ceiling was broken from an explosion, other experiments running away while guards tackle Diana to stop her from causing any further troubles.
But they were too late. Namjoon saw Miyoung under a huge chunk of ceiling, crushing her body. She weakly looked up to him, but without saying a word, Namjoon could read what she wanted him to do.
Run.
He wanted to reason with her. He wanted to help her, get her out of that huge cement, but as he saw two guards going to get him, he gave her one last look and whispered a sad “I’m sorry” with teary eyes before running away.
Namjoon was so lost. He’s never seen the outside before, moreso explored it. There were a lot of trees and plants, just like what was in his book, and seeing it in real life gave him mixed feelings. Was he happy he finally saw them? Yes. But the thought of Miyoung still inside, crushed with a huge chunk of cement made him feel like he didn’t deserve experiencing the beauty of the trees.
He walked and walked and walked, his shirt stained with tears and dirt. He can no longer see the place where he spent his whole life, and he can’t see any of the runaways either. All he could see was a pavement – a road from what he read – and he saw what they call cars zooming through this road.
Namjoon held his stomach as he felt it growl. He hasn’t eaten anything the whole day, and he walked kilometers on foot with not even a single drop of water. He saw a brightly lit place with the name “GS25” and saw various food and drinks inside. His stomach growled louder so he went inside.
He immediately grabbed a bottle of water and drank it in one go. He grabbed a piece of triangle kimbap too and opened it, devouring it in one bite. He saw an old man approaching him with an angry expression and the man slapped his hand, spilling the rest of his water.
“What do you think you’re doing?! Do you even have money to pay for that?!” The man yelled at him.
“Money?” Namjoon asked, confused.
Back in the lab, they could grab anything they wanted from the fridge and just eat it straight away. That was Namjoon’s normal. He doesn’t know what money is, he doesn’t understand why this man was so mad at him for grabbing a drink and a small kimbap.
“Pay up now or I’m going to call the police!” The manager of the store threatened, showing his palms and asking Namjoon to give his money to him.
“I don’t… know what you’re talking about.” Namjoon said, embarrassed.
“What do you mean you don’t know?! Pay what you owe the store and leave! Don’t make me call the police on you!” The manager threatened.
In the end, since Namjoon really had no idea what money was, the police were called. They took him to their precinct, asking him simple questions that Namjoon couldn’t give an answer to except for his name and age.
When asked for his address, he couldn’t answer. He doesn’t understand what an address is. He never had one, and he never had to be asked for one. So he just sat there quietly in the precinct, not a single answer coming out of his mouth.
“Do you even have anywhere to go, kid?” The policeman, Jae Kim, asked, exasperated.
“No, sir.” He answered, shaking his head.
The policeman sighed. Namjoon was fiddling with his fingers, looking around the precinct. He’ll be even thankful if the policemen let him sleep in the small jail tonight. It’s inside a precinct so it’s obviously safer and warmer than the streets.
“I have a friend in Seoul National University looking for a janitor.” The policeman said, giving Namjoon a card with a name and the person’s number on it. “Call him tomorrow morning. All you have to do is clean. You’ll have your own lodging in the university, they will also provide you with food, heck, you’ll also get paid.”
“You’re really giving this guy a job? When he stole from the convenience store?” One policeman said. “We should be punishing him, maybe put him in a cell.”
“I would like that, actually.” Namjoon said, finally mustering up the courage.
“What?” The policeman asked, baffled.
“Can I stay the night here, please?” He asked politely. “I… have nowhere to go.”
“You can.” Jae gave him a nod.
“What?!” The other policeman was baffled again.
“We have an empty cell, he’s got nowhere to go, you want him punished, everyone’s happy.” Jae said with a shrug.
“That’s not — is it even a punishment if he willingly gets detained?!” The policeman complained with a loud voice.
“Hey, you’re the one who suggested we detain him.” Jae gave a shrug. “Anyway, Namjoon seems like a nice kid. He’s only 15, Youngdae. He’s got nowhere to go.”
“Thank you.” Namjoon said with his head low.
“Have you eaten, kid?” Jae asked.
As if on cue, his stomach started growling.
“Yeah, I figured the triangle kimbap was supposed to be your meal. And the water.” Jae said, standing up from his seat. “Can you stay in the cell now? I’ll just get you something from the convenience store.”
Namjoon nodded. Jae opened up the empty cell and he closed the gates, but he did not lock it. Namjoon sat on the floor, reading the card Jae gave him, which he ended up memorizing.
Jae came back with rice, ramen, sausages, a boiled egg, and two bottles of water. Namjoon devoured everything within a few minutes. Other than it’s exhausting having other people’s thoughts in your mind all day, he’s been walking around the streets with no final destination.
He was exhausted, so it wasn’t hard for him to fall asleep inside a small prison cell’s cold floor.
The next day, Jae figured that Namjoon doesn’t know how to get to SNU. So when he got off work, he dropped Namjoon off to SNU with a few reminders of his own.
“You take care of yourself, kid.” Jae said through his window while Namjoon’s standing on the sidewalk. “If anything goes wrong, you can always visit my precinct, yeah?”
“Thank you so much, sir.” Namjoon said, bowing to him. “I wish to repay your kindness someday.”
“Let’s get some tteokbokki once you’re settled, okay?” Jae said before bidding Namjoon one last goodbye and driving away.
Namjoon waved at him, but he couldn’t help when he heard the thoughts in Jae’s head as he drove away. “
I’m sorry this is all I could give you, kid. I’m sorry you had to be a victim of the government. I hope you learn to live a good and normal life.”
Jae’s thoughts drifted away as he got farther away. Namjoon bit his lip, realizing that the policeman probably knew he was a run away from the lab. He didn’t know if he was actually a victim like the policeman said, but he knew he was from a lab made by the government. Miyoung explained it to him as gently as she could.
When he met the friend that Jae was talking about, he was immediately accepted and was introduced to the tools he’s going to use and the places he’ll be cleaning. Apparently, Jae had already told him everything, and upon knowing that Namjoon was a “special kid”, Youngdae knew he had to take care of him.
One of which is to give him this job to live.
Namjoon was a fast-learner. In a week, the places he was assigned to clean were always squeaky clean as early as 6 in the morning. Then he goes back to the halls to clean it again at 9am after the 7-8AM student rush. Then he goes back to clean it again at 3PM after the cafeteria rush, and ends his day cleaning at 9 in the evening when all the students are gone.
Daeyoung had told him he’s working too hard, but Namjoon prefers it. He likes walking through the hallways and hearing the students’ thoughts, hearing the lectures in different classes, because he was learning while also doing his job.
When Namjoon’s not cleaning, he’s in the library, reading different books he finds interesting. One day, he heard a lecture about advanced calculus, so he read and did nothing but calculus for a week. Then he learned about philosophy so he read different books and learned about different philosophers for about a month.
For three years, Namjoon worked as a janitor in SNU, until he was asked by a professor to enroll as a College student at 18. Namjoon had doubts. He didn’t really have any formal education. When he saw the requirements needed to even take a test in SNU, Namjoon had none of it. But Professor Kim was adamant that he would take the exam and finally be a student in the university.
Fortunately, he passed. He studied art and history, finishing his College in 4 years through a scholarship from Professor Kim, the person who believed in him. He thanked her endlessly for everything she’s done for him, for treating him like her own son when he had nothing for years. He was forever grateful to Professor Kim that when he got his first job, he treated her to a nice dinner in a nice restaurant.
In those 4 years that Namjoon was studying, he never forgot to train his mind-reading ability. Every night after school and working, he spends at least an hour or two training his mind to isolate his thoughts and only read his own mind or a specific person’s mind.
And in the 7 years that he’s been training since he started working in SNU, he was able to slowly succeed. He was able to muffle other people’s thoughts, and although it’s not completely silent, it was better than hearing everyone’s thoughts all at once. His headache became less frequent, and he was less tired than usual.
Now, at his 30s, Namjoon can say that he succeeded in his training. He can turn his mind-reader ability on and off when he wants to with no problem. He trained this for almost half his life, so now he’s reaping the seed he sowed.
Namjoon’s still working in SNU, but this time, as a professor. He usually takes the train home. For years now, he’s used to not hearing other people’s thoughts while in the train, because turning it on in a public place is such a huge headache to him.
But for some reason, he’s hearing a single voice in his brain that is not his own.
“Wow, he’s very handsome.” Namjoon can hear a random person’s thoughts.
He looked around to try and see who’s thinking that based on their thoughts.
“Oh shit, he’s looking around.” He can hear in his brain. “He’s so handsome and tall, and I bet he’s also smart. That SNU lace around his neck makes him even hotter.”
Namjoon can’t pinpoint who it was since no one’s looking at him, nor even sparing him a glance. He furrowed his eyebrows and continued watching through the windows of the train.
Luckily, he’s getting off soon.
“Should I talk to him? But what would I even say? He’s handsome? Wouldn’t that make me sound like a creep? What if he thinks I’m a stalker?” Namjoon continued hearing this stranger’s train of thoughts. “But me, a stalker? With my own lethal face card? I mean, he won’t suspect I’m a stalker, right? Because I’m not?”
The train of thought wanting to talk to Namjoon continued until he got off the station. But while the train’s still there, waiting for the new passengers to enter, he can still read the strangers’ thoughts.
“Aww, he already got off.” His tone was sad. “Maybe I’ll see him again next time? I sure do hope so. It’s nice to see a cutie after a hard day at work.”
And when the train drove off, the stranger’s thoughts came with it. He tilted his head in confusion as he walked out of the station, confused why he’s hearing that specific stranger’s thoughts without him even trying.
Maybe he’s just really tired today, that’s why he couldn’t fully filter out other people’s thoughts. Yeah, that’s a logical explanation. It’s easier to blame it on his exhaustion than to tire himself out looking for a different answer.
It happened again on a random Wednesday when Namjoon was standing on the platform, waiting for the train to arrive. At first, the voice was muffled so he didn’t give it any thought. But soon, it became clearer and clearer, which Namjoon thought was because he’s getting closer to him.
“Should I get orange juice? Or apple? But I do like mango. Maybe I should just get grape juice.” The trail of thoughts continues. “I should get some carrots too, I want to make curry this weekend. Oh, potatoes too and — oh my god, he’s here. The tall, dimpled SNU guy is here. Fuck, he’s here and he looks so good.”
Namjoon looked around and he still couldn't figure out whose thoughts he was hearing. The guy’s thoughts were nothing but freaking out over Namjoon, and the latter is unsure if he’s even worth freaking out over.
When the train arrived, he got inside and he observed other people to try and deduce whose thoughts he’s hearing. And then this guy gave hints of where he was.
“This pole is too cold. But I also feel so hot. My ears are burning again, I’m not even looking at him.” The guy thought, and Namjoon immediately looked at the pole where there’s only one guy holding on to it. And for sure, his ears and neck are as red as tomatoes. “This is so embarrassing. Pull yourself together, Seokjin, you’re 33 years old, and you’re still acting like a high-schooler with a crush.”
While he was looking at Seokjin, the latter accidentally made eye contact with him and immediately looked down. His thoughts were rushing, freaking out again because of how embarrassing he was, and scolding himself for having ears that are too red.
Namjoon turned away and hid a smile. He finally caught him.
He’s not gonna lie, Namjoon had to pretend he’s not looking at the guy whose name was Seokjin (as what he said when he scolded himself in his thoughts) just to see what he looked like. He likes it when someone likes him, and he’s curious about what they look like.
There’s no pretending that Namjoon himself is attractive. Not to be a narcissist but Namjoon thinks he looks more decent than most men. He’s hygienic, and he loves grooming himself. He especially loves working out, checking how lean he’s gotten over the years. He doesn’t really want huge muscles, he prioritizes getting stronger.
Looking at this Seokjin guy with just his side profile, Namjoon can say he’s also decent. He’s got a pointed nose, and he can see that he has thick lips. His jawline is also very prominent, and his overall appearance looks okay. He looks slim in his black suit and his black backpack hanging on his back.
Too bad Namjoon had to get off at his stop again.
Seokjin’s thoughts once again trailed off in Namjoon’s brain, regretting that he didn’t talk to Namjoon again, even just to ask his name or something. Namjoon smiles, feeling better after another tiring week at work. It was nice to see that he gets checked out in public transportation, it was a good confidence booster.
They didn’t see each other again until two weeks later, at the end of another work week. Namjoon just finished giving a midterm exam to his students so he’s pretty exhausted. Meanwhile, Seokjin was also very tired from work after getting back from overseas work and being swamped with reports. They were in their usual spots: Seokjin leaning on the pole while Namjoon was six feet away from him.
Seokjin was so exhausted that all Namjoon heard from his thoughts related to him was “Thank God, the 6-foot dimpled SNU guy is here. I deserve to look at a handsome guy after working hard all week.” The rest of his thoughts were just him saying he’s exhausted, he wants to sleep, and some complaints that he still needs to meet his parents for dinner.
It wasn’t until the next stop that Seokjin’s jaw dropped at the sight of long lines. Namjoon’s eyes widened as well, not anticipating the huge crowd of people wearing squirrel and acorn headbands.
Apparently, there was a concert nearby by artist J-Hope. Seokjin knows him, he’s pretty well-known locally and overseas. He has some of his songs in his playlist, and even though he wasn’t that huge of a fan, he was able to watch him overseas before. Namjoon didn’t know who J-Hope was so the surge of both local and foreign people surprised him.
Seokjin, being light and pretty exhausted, was pushed off the pole and into the middle of the train. He was squished between people, bumping into the chest of another passenger. He muttered a small apology and as he looked up, his eyes widened.
Namjoon, despite his huge physique, was also pushed by the crowd, bumping another passenger into his chest.
“Oh my god, oh my god, we’re so close, holy shit, what the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck –” Seokjin’s panicking thoughts continued and Namjoon can hear them loud and clear since he’s just right in front of him.
Seokjin panicked for at least 5 minutes while he was literally standing face-to-face with Namjoon. When he finally calmed down, which Namjoon was thankful for, his thoughts were more about assessing Namjoon, which the latter was curious about.
“Oh, he’s a bit taller than me.” Seokjin thought, looking down at their shoes. “Perfect for nose kisses.”
This made Namjoon’s ears burn. He also looked away, not looking at Seokjin’s lips so he could stop imagining himself getting those nose kisses from him.
With their bodies literally pressed against each other in the train, one of Namjoon’s arms holding on to the highest railing above their heads, he noticed that Seokjin got really broad shoulders underneath his black coat. Seokjin was holding his black coat tonight instead of wearing them so Namjoon can see that he’s got broad shoulders in those white long sleeves.
As wide as they are, Namjoon thinks he can still wrap his arms around him.
Catching himself, Namjoon had to clear his throat and look away. He scolded himself for having those thoughts just because he’s physically close to Seokjin at the moment.
One thing Seokjin noticed while they were in that position was the way Namjoon uses his raised arm to protect Seokjin from getting hit by other passengers walking past them to get out of the train. He likes it. He loves being treated with care, he feels like a princess who needs protection, especially by a tall, dimpled prince who smells really good.
That’s the next thing Seokjin noticed: Namjoon smells really good after a long day at work. He loves the smell of perfumes which replicate the smell of fresh breeze and ocean. It’s a very pleasant smell for him, just something light and nothing heavy. Smelling this on Namjoon was very pleasant.
Until he felt self-conscious.
What if he smells bad already? He didn’t even get to put on his perfume again before leaving his work, and the last time he sprayed some was that morning at 8am. It was already 9 in the evening. He took a small step back to have a small distance between them as Seokjin tried to sniff himself to see if he still ahs some perfume left on him.
Namjoon wants to tell Seokjin that he likes the fresh, powdery smell of fresh linen coming from him. But he’ll be busted that he can read minds if he says that. That’s not a very nice first impression, isn’t it? So Namjoon took a step forward, caging Seokjin between him and the crowd of people.
Seokjin’s cheeks and ears were really red, and his nose was almost pressed against Namjoon if he wasn’t looking down. He carefully turned himself around so his back was turned on Namjoon, feeling very embarrassed for nothing.
Since Seokjin was going to meet his parents, he needs to get off earlier than Namjoon. He excused himself and carefully navigate his way to where the doors of the trains were.
Namjoon understands now why Seokjin’s thoughts get sad when he gets off first. That’s how he feels now watching Seokjin walk away from him and seeing him get off the train. He looked down and sighed, but his eyes got its sparkle again when he saw an ID on the floor with keys attached to it.
Kim Seokjin.
With no hesitation, he picked up the ID and pushed his way to the door just as it was about to close. A passenger stuck his bag on the door for him to stop it from closing and Namjoon got off the train safely. He looked back to thank the stranger just as the doors were closing.
He searched for Seokjin among the sea of people who got off the station. Luckily, Seokjin’s almost as tall as Namjoon so he was able to spot him easily.
Seokjin was already on the other side of the turnstiles when Namjoon called out his name.
“Seokjin-ssi!”
It was like a K-Drama moment for the both of them; Seokjin looking back and Namjoon stopping from running. It’s as if everything around them turned slow, and nothing matters except what’s happening between them at the moment.
For the first time, Namjoon couldn’t hear anyone’s thoughts, not even Seokjin’s. He could only hear his own labored breathing, his heart beating so fast, and
Namjoon scans his own train card behind his ID on the turnstiles and he walks closer to Seokjin, never looking away from him. He lifted his hand to show what he was holding and Seokjin gasped.
“You dropped your ID.” Namjoon said with a smile, flashing his dimples.
“Oh my God.” Seokjin said, holding his ID. “Thank you so much. Oh my God, I’m so sorry for troubling you and missing your stop.” He gave a low bow to Namjoon, apologizing to him knowing that Namjoon’s still three stops away.
Realizing what he just said, Seokjin’s eyes widened and he stood up straight.
“I mean, I know this wasn’t your stop yet, but it’s not because I’m stalking you or anything, it’s just that I always see you on the train and that’s really it. I’m really sorry.” Seokjin ended awkwardly, his ears all red.
All Namjoon did was chuckle, making Seokjin’s heart explode. If he could melt with just one laugh, he’s probably a pool of his own self now.
“I’m Namjoon.” He introduced himself, offering his hand for a shake.
“Seokjin.” He said, holding Namjoon’s hand for a shake. “As you probably know from my ID.”
“Yeah.” Namjoon chuckled nervously, trying not to get caught that he knew Seokjin’s name by hearing his thoughts and not from the ID.
There was a short awkward silence after the two let go of each other’s hands. Seokjin felt dizzy just by holding hands, and he swears his knees suddenly felt weak and it’s not because he’s exhausted from work.
“Well, um, thanks again.” Seokjin said, raising his ID that he was holding.
“Yeah.” Namjoon nodded with a pursed smile, feeling a little disappointed that Seokjin cut their interaction short.
Seokjin turned around to leave while Namjoon sighed and went ahead to the turnstile. He doesn’t know why, nor how, but maybe it’s his dizziness talking but Seokjin quickly turned around and called Namjoon.
“Namjoon-ssi!” Seokjin called.
Namjoon looked back just as he was about to scan his train card, and he looked back at Seokjin running towards him who’s red all over his face.
“Would you like to join me for dinner tonight?” It took every bit of atom in Seokjin’s body to be able to spew out those words without his voice trembling.
Namjoon tilted his head in question. “You don’t have any plans tonight?” he asked, knowing that Seokjin’s supposed to meet with his parents that’s why he got off this station.
“No.” Seokjin said, shaking his head.
“Okay.” Namjoon said with a smile, nodding his head.
Seokjin smiled at him too, his ears redder than the rest of his face. Namjoon can hear his thoughts, freaking out again, and suddenly composing his thoughts to text his parents and think of where to go.
They walked out the train station together, walking side-by-side quietly. Not for Namjoon though, he can hear Seokjin thinking of places they could go without bumping into his parents who’s also out for dinner, while also getting distracted by Namjoon's long legs which can take huge strides.
Not wanting Seokjin to feel awkward, Namjoon initiated a conversation.
“Not to sound like a stalker, but I haven’t seen you in a while.” Namjoon said. “On the train, I mean.”
“Oh, really?” Seokjin asked, but his mind was saying “Oh my god, he notices me, holy shit, he knows me!”
“Yeah.” Namjoon nodded. “Busy at work?”
“Yeah, kinda.” Seokjin nods. “I was sent for work overseas so I wasn’t around.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” Namjoon said with a smile. “Where’d you go, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“It’s fine.” Seokjin said, relaxing his shoulders. “I was sent to Australia, just had a few meetings with some clients. It was also my first time seeing a kangaroo in real life.”
“Really?” Namjoon asked with a chuckle. “Was it really big? And like, muscly?”
“It actually is, even the joeys are bigger than I expected.” Seokjin said with a smile. “It was a nice end to a work trip, really.”
“That’s good to know.” Namjoon said, nodding.
“I see you’re from SNU.” Seokjin said, eyeing the ID lace hanging on Namjoon’s chest. “You’re not a student, aren’t you?”
“Oh, no, no.” Namjoon laughed. “I look too old to be a student.”
“Hey, I was kinda thinking maybe a postgraduate student, you know.” Seokjin said, ears still so red.
“No, I’m a professor.” Namjoon said with a smile.
“Wow, really? What do you teach?” Seokjin asks.
“Art history.” Namjoon answered shyly.
“That’s amazing.” Seokjin said, genuinely amused. “I’ve been really into art lately, you gotta teach me some of it later.”
“Of course.” Namjoon chuckled.
Since it was already a little late at night, there weren't any nice restaurants available much to Seokjin’s disappointment. Most of the restaurants needed reservations, and it’s not like Seokjin could make one when he didn’t even anticipate going on a last-minute date with the hot stranger on the train.
They settled in a small restaurant owned by the sweetest old woman who welcomed them warmly herself. They were seated immediately and they were given a wobbly laminated menu to choose their orders.
“I’m sorry, I really wanted to take you to a nice restaurant but everything’s full.” Seokjin said apologetically, a small pout forming on his lips.
“No worries, I like places like this.” Namjoon said with a smile, assuring Seokjin. “It’s cozier.”
Namjoon ordered jajangmyeon, Seokjin wanted the hot jjamppong, and they agreed to share a plate of tteokbokki. The old lady complimented how handsome both of them are, and was so ready to introduce her daughter to them but Seokjin politely declined, telling her he’s a workaholic and her daughter deserves someone who’s attentive of her 24/7.
Namjoon was amused that Seokjin was able to think fast of a way to reject an old lady’s suggestion of introducing her daughter. He smiled, just watching him handle it politely.
“I’ve had a lot of parents come up to me like that.” Seokjin said shyly, taking out the utensils and laying them on the table. “I crafted different perfect answers over the years. Truth is, I’m gay. In case you didn’t know.”
Namjoon furrowed his eyebrows with an amused smile. “Of course, I know. Aren’t we on a date right now?”
Seokjin’s eyes widened, and he didn’t know he could turn even redder than before but he did. He felt his cheeks heat up, and all of a sudden, he’s choking on air.
Namjoon was quick to pour him a glass of water and Seokjin drank it immediately. He realized that he might’ve put Seokjin in an awkward position by saying that so he apologized.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Namjoon said, worried.
“No, no, I’m fine.” Seokjin said, putting his glass down. “It’s not that it’s not a date, it’s just that… I was kinda hoping it was in a nice restaurant, you know. A proper planned date. Not just a quick ask for dinner with nothing planned.”
“You don’t have to do all that, this one’s still nice.” Namjoon said, assuring him. “We have food, we’re talking, we’re not so awkward with each other anymore, I think it’s a nice first date.”
Seokjin chuckles. “You amuse me, Namjoon-ssi.”
Their first date went so great that they didn’t notice it was already past midnight. They got to know each other, talked about various things, found a common ground, made fun of things they don’t like, shared a bit about their work, and overall had a great night. They didn’t even notice the owner slowly closing her place until they heard Namjoon’s watch ring, indicating that it was 12:30AM.
Seokjin paid for their meals and left a little tip to the owner for letting them stay there for hours. The owner thanked him, encouraging them to come back next time and she will make them her special tangsuyuk that is best paired with what they just ordered.
“It was really nice meeting you, Namjoon-ssi.” Seokjin said. “I had so much fun tonight.”
“Me too.” Namjoon said with a smile.
“I’d love to talk more but I’m feeling a bit tired.” Seokjin said, his eyes getting heavy. “I’ve been up for about 24 hours now, my system’s used up all the caffeine I drank.”
“Oh my, you should go home and rest.” Namjoon said, and a car stopped right in front of them. “Thank you for the dinner, I had fun.
“Me too.” Seokjin said with a smile, opening the door of the car. “Sorry, had to book an Uber while we were walking. Have a safe ride home!”
“You too, take a good rest this weekend, Seokjin-ssi.” Namjoon said with a smile, waving at him.
Seokjin closed his door and waved at Namjoon too before the car drove away. Namjoon took his phone from his pocket to book himself a ride too and stopped in shock when he realized he forgot one important thing.
He forgot to ask for Seokjin’s number.
“Stupid, stupid, Namjoon.” He scolds himself, hitting his head lightly. “How am I gonna get in touch with him now?”
For the next week, Namjoon was really hoping to see Seokjin on the train on his way home. But Monday came, Tuesday passed, Wednesday happened, and Thursday had gone without Seokjin in sight. Namjoon felt dejected.
Did he say something wrong? Seokjin was leaving in such a hurry after their date. Did he do something to put off Seokjin? Maybe he just doesn’t like Namjoon like that. Maybe he’s just better as a mere subway crush. Whatever the reason was, Namjoon needs a drink as soon as he gets home.
He’s standing on the platform with his coat in hand, his bag on the other. He’s just staring blankly across the platform, his brain hearing the muffled thoughts of other people around him.
Until he hears a soft, clear voice in his head.
“Stupid Minjae. Should’ve let me go home first to leave this huge, stupid luggage instead of driving me straight to the office from the airport. I’m gonna kill him, really, I don’t care if he’s my boss. I’m gonna kill him. And fuck this country for having so many stairs. Not even a single elevator here, God.”
Namjoon is so sure it was Seokjin. He looked around with ears perked up and eyes sparkling, like an excited puppy looking for its owner. He didn’t even notice that a smile had spread across his face as soon as he heard Seokjin’s voice getting nearer and nearer.
As soon as Namjoon spotted Seokjin with his huge, pink luggage, he got out of the line on the platform to go running to him, calling out his name.
“Seokjin-ssi!” Namjoon called.
However, Seokjin did not look up when he called him and got inside the train instead. Hurriedly, Namjoon ran back to the platform and made it just in time to get on the train. He excused himself while walking hurriedly towards the carriage where Seokjin was just to greet him.
If Namjoon has a tail, it’s definitely wagging like crazy upon the sight of Seokjin.
Namjoon stood beside Seokjin who’s on the phone, choosing which song to play next. When Seokjin felt someone tapping his shoulder, he had to look up with an eyebrow raised.
Seokjin was prepared to tell this person to fuck off, he’s already too exhausted after a 15-hour non-stop flight from New York to Seoul, and an 8-hour work day. He doesn’t even know how he’s still standing up, but he’s just forcing himself to stay awake until he reaches home.
But seeing an excited Namjoon with the sweetest smile and sparkly eyes, Seokjin felt like he’s going to melt on the spot. Feeling his ears get warm, he removed his earpods, his music playlist already forgotten.
“Oh, Namjoon, hi!” Seokjin greeted him with a smile. “It’s been a while again.”
“Yeah.” Namjoon said, still smiling. “Going somewhere?”
“Went.” Seokjin rolled his eyes.
He just started ranting to Namjoon about his 15-hour long flight and the fact that his boss just drove them to the office without even dropping his luggage at home at the very least. Namjoon just listened to him ranting, agreeing with what Seokjin was telling him, comforting him when he could.
Both of them did not even notice that Namjoon missed his stop until they heard the name of the station right after Namjoon’s stop. Seokjin’s eyes widened while Namjoon just laughed it off.
“It’s fine, I’ll get off at your stop.” Namjoon said with a smile. “Looks like you’ll need some help with your luggage.”
Seokjin is not a huge fan of people coming over to his house, his closest friends have never even stepped foot in his apartment nor they know where he lives, but Seokjin’s just really, really tired right now that he’s willing to risk his life as long as Namjoon helps him get home with his luggage.
And that’s what Namjoon did. He helped Seokjin with his luggage as they walked towards his apartment’s building, talking about literally anything. Seokjin was a lot livelier now than when he first saw him earlier, no one would even believe he just got off a 15-hour flight and 8-hour shift if anybody saw him.
Seokjin’s apartment was not too far from the station, and Namjoon was grateful that there’s an elevator in his apartment. No one had to carry the heavy luggage up to the 12th floor where Seokjin lives.
“Thank you so much again for dropping me off.” Seokjin said with a smile, taking the luggage from Namjoon. “You should come inside, I’ll make you something. Do you want tea? Coffee? Cider?”
“No, it’s okay, you don’t have to.” Namjoon declines respectfully as Seokjin enters his home.
“Come on, you walked me here.” Seokjin said, pushing his luggage further inside his home. “Come inside and just rest for a while.”
“No, really, I don’t want to impose. I have to get home too.” Namjoon said with a smile. “Will I be seeing you Monday?”
“Yeah, sure.” Seokjin nods. “And before we both forget again, give me your number so we can text over the weekend, and meet on Monday.”
“Yeah, good thinking.” Namjoon chuckled.
Seokjin gave his phone to Namjoon and the latter entered his number. Seokjin immediately gave him a call so Namjoon could also save his number.
Namjoon went home with a happy heart that night.
“I just got home, Seokjin-ssi.
Good to know!
Thanks again for helping me get home :)
No problem.
I enjoyed your company a lot.
Me too.
See you Monday?
See you :)
♥️”
A heart? What does that mean? Should Namjoon still reply? What does getting a heart mean? It would be weird to ask Seokjin directly what it means, right?
Namjoon laid down on his bed in his fresh pajamas, staring at the heart Seokjin had sent. He bites his lower lips in an attempt to hide the smile slowly appearing across his face.
He thought about their short and sudden date before. Seokjin was cautious of his words, but he’s also very easy to talk to. His voice sounds so sweet, it’s like cradling Namjoon in its arms.
It’s also undeniable that Seokjin is very good-looking. His doll-like eyes are very beautiful to look at, and his pillow lips look very soft and it’s always glossy. Namjoon wonders what his lip gloss tastes like.
He shook his head, trying to shake his thoughts away. They just had one, quick date; do Namjoon really like him? Or was he being influenced by Seokjin’s own thoughts about him? Is it because he knows Seokjin already likes him?
“It’s better to wait, Namjoon-ah.” He told himself, staring at the ceiling. “We have a lot to assess and consider.”
Monday came and it was noticeable that Namjoon was happy. Even his students noticed that he has a different glow than usual, he’s also smiling a lot more, and is not as monotonous when talking to them. He even cracked a few jokes in class which gave a slight confusion to the student whether they should laugh or remain serious.
Namjoon and Seokjin have been texting all weekend, asking about what they’re doing or just texting some random photos and jokes they saw on the internet (Seokjin mostly and Namjoon gives him a good reaction every time).
Namjoon would’ve asked him out on a second date but Seokjin had to go out with his parents on Saturday, and they had to visit his brother and his family in Gangwon Province on Sunday. Seokjin even sent him a photo of him and his adorable nephew who was obviously forced to smile for the camera.
A man who loves children. Namjoon never thought he’d want his own kids especially after he’s gone through as a child but seeing Seokjin with a child… maybe it’s not that bad. He’s not gonna give his child to the government to endure different scientific experiments anyway.
On his way to the train station, he saw a woman on the street selling different kinds of flowers. Some were small bouquets, and she also has huge ones, as well as single stem flowers. Namjoon looked at the bouquets, thinking of getting one for Seokjin.
He thought a small bouquet would be nice. Why? Just because. Seokjin asked him out and treated him to dinner, a small appreciation in the form of a bouquet is the bare minimum. In addition, the beautiful, bright colors of the flowers remind him of Seokjin’s pretty face and beautiful smile.
He picked out a pink bouquet filled with pink carnations and roses with white little flowers all around it. He thought it was pretty, and it reminds him of Seokjin’s skin when he blushes all over his face. He smiled, paying the old woman for the bouquet.
The moment Namjoon gets on the train platform, he quickly scans the place to look for Seokjin. He couldn’t see him though, so he sat on one of the benches to wait for him.
Would it be too much to text him and ask where he was? Or to tell him that he’s already on the platform and will be waiting for him?
As if Seokjin can read his mind, Namjoon suddenly hears a voice in his head humming happily. It started out small until it got louder the closer Seokjin got to him. Namjoon looks around like an excited puppy, searching for Seokjin.
He found him walking down the stairs with a smile on his face, his hair slicked back tonight unlike his usual style covering his forehead. He looks really good, Namjoon thought. He should do that more often.
“Mmhmm. What a nice day. I wonder if Namjoon’s already here. Should I text him?” Seokjin sang in his thoughts, taking out his phone. Namjoon took out his phone excitedly as well, anticipating if Seokjin would text him or not.
“Maybe we should have dinner again. I had fun the last time we had dinner.” Seokjin thought. “But I didn’t get to reserve any restaurant. Would there be any restaurants which would accept a last minute reservation? Or maybe a walk-in guest? Or should I reserve for Friday instead? Yeah, maybe I should. Then I’d formally ask him out. I hope he says yes.”
Namjoon smiles and stands up from his seat excitedly because a small plan just popped up in his head. He decided to call Seokjin to beat him to it.
“Hello, Namjoon-ssi? I was just about to text you.” Seokjin answered the phone almost immediately.
“Hello, Seokjin-ssi. Do you have any plans tonight?” Namjoon asked.
“No, not really.” Seokjin answered. “Where are you?”
“I’m on the platform. Come quickly, I can see you already.” Namjoon said, looking at Seokjin who’s lined up at the turnstile.
Seokjin ended the call when he saw Namjoon and waved at him. He ran towards him and smiled at him, his eyes sparkling.
“Sorry, I had to finish some work.” Seokjin said with a smile.
“It’s alright.” Namjoon assured him. “I got this for you.”
Namjoon handed the bouquet of flowers shyly, watching Seokjin get amused at the sight of the beautiful pink flowers.
“Wow, thank you.” Seokjin said, taking the bouquet from Namjoon. “They’re so beautiful. What are they for? What’s the occasion?”
“I just saw an old woman selling it and they reminded me of you when you’re blushing.” Namjoon said with a smile.
“Hey, I don’t blush that much.” Seokjin said, pushing Namjoon playfully with his ears all red, and his cheeks tinted with pink.
“You’re literally blushing right now.” Namjoon laughed, teasing the other.
“Yeah, sure.” Seokjin rolled his eyes, bringing the flowers close to his face.
“Have you eaten already? I was thinking of going back to that restaurant we ate in before.” Namjoon asked.
“Really?” Seokjin asked and smiled at the sight of Namjoon’s obvious excitement. “Okay. That sounds nice.”
If Seokjin’s gonna be honest, he doesn’t want to eat there again. He just had jjamppong yesterday at his brother’s restaurant so he wanted something different. But with those excited eyes of Namjoon looking at him, he’d eat jjamppong every night for an entire week if that’s what would make him happy.
They waited on the platform, standing side-by-side. Seokjin can feel Namjoon’s knuckles grazing against his, and he looks down at their hands. When he looks up, he can see that Namjoon’s just looking ahead, waiting for the train to arrive.
“Is he hinting at something? Does he want to hold hands? Or was it just an accident?” Seokjin thought to himself.
Then he felt Namjoon’s pinky against his. He looks at Namjoon who looks at him with a smile too. Seokjin looks away, hiding the smile on his face.
“You can just ask, you know.” Seokjin said, just looking ahead.
All of a sudden, he sees a hand in front of him. Namjoon has his palms open in front of Seokjin, and when the latter looks at him, Namjoon has the biggest smile on his face, his eyes almost invisible from smiling. Seokjin couldn’t help but chuckle and took Namjoon’s hand in his shyly, intertwining their fingers together.
They both couldn’t hide their smiles, Seokjin hid his face with his bouquet of pink flowers, and Namjoon looked anywhere except at Seokjin. He can feel how soft Seokjin’s hands are, and Namjoon wants to caress each of his fingers, just admire every inch of Seokjin’s hands.
They didn’t talk throughout the train ride. They just stood there, their thumbs caressing the back of each other’s hands. Even while walking to the restaurant, they just held hands with smiles on their faces, liking the comfort of just walking around with each other close.
The owner of the restaurant recognized them immediately and gave them a plate of tangsuyuk as promised. Namjoon ordered jajangmyeon again, and Seokjin also got a bowl of jjamppong.
They started eating, still not talking to each other. Until Namjoon broke the silence.
“Seokjin-ssi, there’s a reason why I asked you here tonight.” Namjoon said.
“Hmm?” Seokjin looked up to him, slurping the noodles.
“I honestly don’t know how to say it, but this idea just came to me as soon as I saw you tonight.” Namjoon said.
“What is it? Is it good? Or bad? Or both?” Seokjin asked, eyebrows already furrowed.
“Don’t worry, it’s good. I think.” Namjoon said, placing a hand over Seokjin’s. “It’s just that… I’ve been thinking about you all weekend. And how beautiful your face is, how good you are with words, and how I want to know everything about you.”
Seokjin listened intently, his face turning red at every compliment Namjoon throws at him.
“I’ve never felt this way before.” Namjoon said, caressing the back of Seokjin’s hand. “I’ve never had my heart beat this fast before, and I get excited lately just to see you after work. I always look forward to going home just to stand with you on the train, and listen to you talk about how your day went.”
At this point, Seokjin feels his heart beat faster, his face turning hot, and his eyes getting blurry for some reason. Namjoon’s just as good with words, and he’s never had anyone talk about him so lovingly.
“You don’t have to answer immediately but… Seokjin-ssi,” Namjoon said, holding both of Seokjin’s hands. “Would you like to officially go out with me?”
“What…” Seokjin said, teary-eyed.
“You don’t have to answer now, I just wanted you to know my intentions of dating you and that I —”
“I was gonna ask you out.” Seokjin cried, tears rolling down his cheeks.
Namjoon froze and panicked at the sight of Seokjin crying. He immediately gathered the tissues given to them, and carefully patted them against Seokjin’s cheeks. He waited until Seokjin calmed down and composed himself.
He suddenly felt sorry for asking him out immediately. He thought it would be romantic to ask him out where they had their sudden first date, and Namjoon thought it would be nice to ask him out this time to let Seokjin know that their feelings are mutual.
“I was planning to ask you out maybe by the end of the week when I have finally reserved a table for us in a fancy restaurant.” Seokjin wipes his tears away, sniffing. “I wanted to get us a table and have steak, or any pasta you want, then we’ll have wine and when we finally get desserts, the waiter would serve you a box on the plate instead with a pretty necklace inside. And that’s when I ask you to officially go out with me.”
“That’s so beautiful.” Namjoon said. “I’m so sorry. I just… really wanted to go out with you. You already asked me out and I thought it would be romantic if I asked you out at the very place where we had our first date.”
“No, no, it’s romantic.” Seokjin sniffed, holding Namjoon’s hand. “I’m just being dramatic. I was the one who had a crush on you so I wanted to ask you out but you beat me to it.”
“I’m so sorry, Seokjin-ssi.” Namjoon said with a sad smile.
“Don’t be sorry, Namjoon-ssi.” Seokjin said, giving him a reassuring smile. “This is just me. I am dramatic. That’s something you have to deal with when you’re dating me. It never mattered who asks who first, it’s the relationship that matters.”
“You’re really so good with words.” Namjoon said with a smile.
“Is that why you like me? Not my pretty face?” Seokjin asked, batting his eyes cutely.
“Both your words and your face made me like you.” Namjoon chuckled.
“That’s good to know.” Seokjin smiles at him, holding Namjoon’s hand in his.
After dinner, they rode the train together and Namjoon, once again, missed his stop. Intentionally this time. He wanted to spend more time with Seokjin, talk to him, hold his hands longer, walk with him, and just be with him. So he went and got off with Seokjin, walking him home to his apartment.
Their hands were intertwined the whole time, bodies closer than they ever were before. Seokjin kept on gushing over the beautiful flowers, talking about how he wants to keep it alive for a long time. Namjoon tells him he doesn’t have to keep that one for a long time because he plans to give Seokjin flowers every week for the rest of his life.
As they stopped in front of Seokjin’s apartment, they’re still holding hands, not wanting to let go of each other.
“You want to come in?” Seokjin asked. “It’s a little chilly tonight, I can make you a cup of tea.”
“It’s okay.” Namjoon, once again, declined politely. “I have to go too, I have to be at work early tomorrow. I just wanted to walk you home and make sure you’re safe.”
“Are you sure?” Seokjin asked, scanning his thumbprint to open his door.
“Yes. Thank you for offering.” Namjoon gave him a smile, taking his hand from Seokjin and placing it lightly on the small of his back, patting him. “I’ll see you again tomorrow?”
“Of course.” Seokjin said with a smile.
Namjoon gave him one last smile before turning his back on Seokjin so he could leave. He’s afraid that one last look at Seokjin and he might actually stay the night, just so he could spend all the time he has with him.
“Namjoon-ssi!” Seokjin called just when Namjoon had taken a few steps away from him. Namjoon looked back at him with wonder. “You forgot something.”
Namjoon tilts his head, confused if he actually forgot something. Seokjin walked towards him with a smile, ears and cheeks still red, and he tiptoed lightly, placing a soft kiss on Namjoon’s cheek.
Namjoon was frozen, not expecting a kiss from Seokjin. He felt his face heat up, his chest tightening, and he’s pretty sure he stopped breathing for a moment. Seokjin pulled away from him and looked at him with a shy smile.
“Be safe on your way home.” Seokjin said.
Namjoon’s still stuck in place, a smile slowly spreading across his face and the blush creeping up his cheeks.
“What was that for?” He asked dumbly, smiling like a fool.
“Just felt like it.” Seokjin shrugged. “Did you not like it? Should I take it back?”
“No, I like it.” Namjoon said. “I’m not gonna wash my face tonight.”
“You fool.” Seokjin laughed. “Wash your face when you get home, I’ll give you another one tomorrow.”
“You’re making it hard for me to go home.” Namjoon said, dragging his steps to force himself to leave. “See you tomorrow!”
They went to little dinners every night since then, until Seokjin was finally able to book a nice restaurant. He texted Namjoon that he’ll pick him up, but Namjoon did not expect that Seokjin meant to pick him up in a car. He thought Seokjin will be waiting outside, then they’ll walk to the train station together.
He most definitely did not expect a Rolls Royce parked in SNU’s parking lot with Seokjin leaning on its hood.
“Seokjin hyung?” Namjoon asked with a puzzled look, but a smile on his face nonetheless.
“Oh, Namjoon-ah.” Seokjin greets him with a smile, standing up to give his boyfriend a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“What is this?” Namjoon asked, hand on Seokjin’s waist.
“I told you I’d pick you up, didn’t I?” Seokjin said with a proud smile.
“But I thought you were just going to pick me up and we’ll get to the train station together.” Namjoon said.
“Silly.” Seokjin chuckled, opening the passenger door for Namjoon. “Come on, let’s go. I can’t wait to finally take you to a proper date.”
Namjoon gets inside and Seokjin closes the door for him before getting on the driver’s seat himself. He made sure Namjoon was wearing his seatbelt, and his own too, before driving away.
“Why were you taking the train if you can just drive to work?” Namjoon asks.
“Well, it just so happened that there’s no tall, dimpled, cute guy in my car unlike when I take the train.” Seokjin said with a chuckle. “My car broke down and I had to take it to the mechanic. I was gonna take a taxi that night but they won’t stop for me, so I decided to take the train. Who would’ve thought that a cute, tall, dimpled guy would make me want to commute for the next few weeks?”
“You’re kidding.” Namjoon said.
“I have no regrets.” Seokjin said. “Now I have a tall, dimpled guy in my car.”
“Hyung.” Namjoon said, playfully slapping Seokjin’s arm while intertwining their fingers together. “I can’t believe you.”
“Well, believe me!” Seokjin laughed.
“You literally took the train with that huge luggage of yours after an international trip for your work.” Namjoon said.
“Well, that one, I had no choice since I didn’t have my car.” Seokjin said. “My boss drove for us so I had to take the train.”
“You should’ve taken the taxi instead.” Namjoon said, scolding him.
“Well, I didn’t think of that.” Seokjin chuckled. “I was kinda hoping to see you anyway.
“You’re so annoying.” Namjoon laughed. “But I have to tell you something too.”
“Yeah? What is it?” Seokjin asked, caressing the back of Namjoon’s hand while driving.
“I can read people’s minds.” Namjoon said.
Seokjin was quiet for a while, unsure of what Namjoon meant. But he nodded so Namjoon could continue telling his story.
“I was an experiment by the government until the lab exploded.” Namjoon said. “I know it sounds insane and unreal but it’s real.”
“Can you read what’s on my mind right now?” Seokjin asked, putting him to the test.
“That’s the thing, I can’t hear anything now but my own heartbeat.” Namjoon said. “I trained myself to isolate my own thoughts and tune out other people’s thoughts. But that day you were on the train, I don’t know why but your thoughts were so loud in my mind.”
“So you heard what I thought about you from the start?” Seokjin asked with a chuckle, blushing.
“Yeah.” Namjoon nodded. “Anyway, since we started dating, I can’t even hear your thoughts. Which is good, because I honestly feel bad hearing your thoughts. I feel like I’m invading your privacy without you knowing.”
Seokjin playfully gasped. “Did my love fix you?”
“Hyung.” Namjoon laughed, playfully hitting him. “Am I not weird to you after knowing that?”
“No.” Seokjin said with a chuckle. “I feel bad that you had to be involved in some experiment that made you hear other people’s thoughts. You must’ve had a hard childhood being taken in for experiments and always hearing other people’s thoughts.”
“Yeah, it was hard.” Namjoon nodded. “But I turned out okay, didn’t I?”
“More than okay.” Seokjin said, kissing the back of Namjoon’s hand while driving. “You can tell me all about your past so I can prepare everything for our future.”
“Our future?” Namjoon asked, blushing at the thought of Seokjin wanting him in his future.
“Yes, our future.” Seokjin repeated. “We’ll get married, travel the world, adopt a dog or a cat, or do you want kids? Yeah, whatever you want. Then we’ll have –”
Seokjin was interrupted with Namjoon’s kiss on his cheek. They stopped in front of the red traffic light, and Seokjin looked at him with adoration.
“I was worried you’d think me weird after knowing my dark past.” Namjoon said.
“I think I’ll love you even more after knowing everything about you.” Seokjin said with a smile.
With a chuckle, Namjoon leaned forward to him and captured Seokjin’s lips in his. The latter closed his eyes, heat creeping up his cheeks as Namjoon pulled away from him, looking at him with gratitude and love.
“Thank you, hyung.” Namjoon said with a smile.
“We should do that often.” Seokjin said, looking right at Namjoon’s lips.
“Do what?” Namjoon giggles, biting his lower lip.
“Kissing. Like on the lips.” Seokjin said.
“Hyung.” Namjoon whined playfully, hitting his arm. “Eyes on the road!”
“Oh, right.” Seokjin said, facing forward again. “Whatever’s on your lips got me too distracted, Namjoon-ah.”
“Just put on some love potion on my lip balm so you’re mine forever.” Namjoon joked, laughing.
“Best believe I’m already yours forever.” Seokjin said, placing another kiss on the back of Namjoon’s hand.
Namjoon placed his head on Seokjin’s shoulder as the light turned green and Seokjin continued driving.
It was the first time Namjoon felt at ease. It was the first time he felt like a normal person. He couldn’t hear other people’s thoughts, only his own thoughts and his own heartbeat. Maybe Seokjin was right; maybe his love did heal him.
Namjoon would like to believe that too.