“Young master, I do believe you have been staring at Seokjin-shi for long enough now.”

“What?” Kim Namjoon – who had his entire face squished flat against the window as he peered out – reluctantly tore his intense gaze from the little café across the street, and turned towards his frowning personal assistant. With face as pale as paper and beads of sweat trickling down his temples, hands balled into tights fists and teeth chattering, it seemed likely that he was on the verge of passing out; again.

In fact just a few moments ago, the woozy lad had been hurriedly attended to by his personal doctors. And after an injection (that hurt like hell) and some pills Namjoon had at least managed to regain sufficient consciousness. It was exceedingly ignominious for a twenty-two year old to get all shaky for no apparent reason. But truth be told, Kim Namjoon had, and will continue to suffer many physical and mental breakdowns due to the existence of a certain blonde-haired, sweet smiling male who he was convinced came from heaven – Kim Seokjin.

“Might I remind you that you are required to attend an important meeting with the Board of Directors in an hour,” She paused to squint at her not-even-a-second-late watch, “fifty-seven minutes to be precise. If you wish to speak to Seokjin-shi, now would be the time to do so.”

“Yeah…yeah I should probably go…err-talk to him.” Namjoon couldn’t tell if he was expressing agreement, or if he was attempting to coax himself to stop acting like a child and finally get out of the limo after nearly two hours of hiding. Never in a million years would he expect himself - who took pride in being fairly intelligent, mature and composed for his age – to be afraid of the idea of speaking to Seokjin (who happened to be his biggest crush for the longest time ever though he was too shy to voice it aloud).

Every single time Namjoon came to conjure courage and grab hold of the door handle, one mere look at a certain smiling barista made his fingers turn to jelly; and he found himself retracting his hand in an instant as if it was on fire. Even his cheeks felt like they were burning, earning a brief look of annoyance from the female who silently tapped her foot.

“Y-you know what? Maybe just another five minutes.” Namjoon stuttered, automatically calming himself down by counting prime numbers in his head – an act that brought peace for as long as he could remember. ‘2,3,5,7,11…’ He breathed with each count.

“That was what you have been saying since two hours ago,” Her tone was void of any amusement as she diligently scanned through Namjoon’s schedule for the day to ensure that everything was well coordinated, and that no important tasks – meetings with important investors and shareholders for example - were left out. “I do not understand your hesitation, young master.”

“I’m just…nervous, you know?” Groaning, Namjoon’s hands unconsciously made frantic gestures, “Whenever I see him, somehow my brains turn into mush jelly and I act like a complete retard. Not just a retard, a retarded retard. There was this one time I was going to recite a poem I had written on paper, but I brought along the recipe for vegetable stew instead. Oh god…” The defeated lad covered his face in shame as he had a flashback of the embarrassment felt when he called Seokjin a broccoli.

“As the youngest director, successor and future CEO of Kim Corporations, owning and controlling almost a hundred businesses worldwide,” After a silent pause, she lowered the documents in hand and fixed him a look, “I do not believe it is possible for your brains to be mush jelly, neither are you a retarded retard, young master.”

“Oh please, those are irrelevant and frankly, completely insignificant when it comes to Seokjin,” He scoffed and a loud sigh eluded at the thought of said male, “He’s just so kind, smart and patient. Have you tried his coffee? It’s just…amazing-I mean he’s amazing-ugh-I don’t know…He’s perfect. I feel like a nothing compared to him. I bet he would like someone as perfect as him.”

“Is that why you stared at your phone for the past week till you came down with a fever, paced back and forth mumbling and nearly tumbled down the stairs, yet still did not successfully contact him?”

Namjoon froze, stuttering in embarrassment from having the truth exposed, “W-well…I err-I tried but you know…”

“Perhaps you should make it known to Seokjin-shi that you happen to be his employer’s employer, the very reason he is still able to work at a café built on land belonging to your soon-to-be company. That might serve to help you overcome your inferiority to him.” She smiled, voicing her suggestion with such sincerity that Namjoon couldn’t find it in him to roll his eyes.

“Thanks, Lucy.” With a gentle pat on the shoulder and a forced smile to dismiss her idea, Namjoon was grateful for her advice, “But I’m pretty sure that’s how you get someone to hate you, not err-well like you.”

She blinked, mind contemplating and forming the proper words this time before speaking, “I am not familiar with the arts of courtship, but…I am certain Seokjin-shi would never come to mind whatever flaws you think you possess, young master. He is, as you say, kind. If so he must come to love you for who you are, just as how you love him for who he is.”

As if he was drawn by an invincible force, Namjoon’s eyes darted towards the café once more, heart thumping loudly and still visibly shaking; yet the desire to see Seokjin was way greater than the fear he was battling. He could picture his warm smile, the way his hearty laughter resonated across the room as he attentively listenend to Namjoon's awkward, silly attempts of conversations - such as him blabbering about the weather and doughnuts – with encouraging nods.

“That is unless you’ve come to doubt Seokjin-shi?” Her owl-like orbs were watchful through the lens of her spectacles, tone taut with challenge and question even though she knew his answer even before his voice was heard.

“No,” Namjoon sighed as the frown of his gradually faded, and the deep crease was eventually replaced by a smile instead, “I don’t think it’s ever possible for me to.”

……….

Jimin was enjoying his cup of Americano as usual, with his dangling feet swinging back and forth like a bobbing pendulum as he sat on a stool far too tall for his rather small stature; but of course Seokjin did not have the heart to tell him that.

“So as I was saying, Tae is absolutely, one hundred and one percent dead convinced that he and his crush are soul mates, because he said ‘hey’ to Tae when they were in the hallway.” Jimin scoffed a little too obviously for the annoyance laced in his words to not be noticed, before taking another sip of his beverage to wash the frustration down. “I mean they had eye contact for 5 seconds tops and he’s already making such a big deal out of it.”

Seokjin chuckled, able to clearly picture the love-struck lad annoying a frowning Jimin in his mind with ease, “I really must meet this crush of his someday. He seems really fun.”

‘And really loud, and really annoying, and just like Kim Taehyung.’ Jimin did not voice his thoughts, but the apparent eye roll he gave was more than clear for the barista to hear it as if he did. “He keeps telling me about this-” The younger made a weird gesture with his petite hands, “-tingly feeling, a spark he said. Whenever they meet there’s this supposing ‘feeling’. I just don’t get it, hyung. And he’s driving me insane trying to get me to understand.”

“Is that so?” Gently, Seokjin carefully lowered the fragile cups balanced in hand onto the counter, while a smile made way to his lips, “Well, I agree that it may not make much sense. But Taehyung is right though - about the feeling.”

The younger nearly spat his drink out as his mouth fell agape, “He is?”

“Yeah…in a way. I mean it’s different for everyone. But you just get this-I don’t know-peculiar feel when you’re in love with someone. Trust me, I thought it was utter bull too when I first heard it.” Seokjin could not suppress a hearty laugh upon Jimin’s look of bewilderment, as he recalled the utter confusion he too felt when his mother had attempted to explain it to him – something about her feeling warmth whenever his father had a cheeky smile on (despite wanting to strangle him to death).

“I don’t think I’ll ever come to experience it though,” With his chin rested on one palm, Jimin lazily swirled the cup of coffee with his free hand, watching the liquid slush around in a whirlpool, “or fall for someone.”

“That’s just because you haven’t met the right one yet, Jimin.” Chuckling, Seokjin reached forward to ruffle said male’s fluffy hair, earning a playful smack from the younger for messing his perfectly styled ( more like hand-combed ) locks up. “I’m sure you’ll understand someday.”

“Who knows,” Jimin snickered, “Maybe I’ll become a monk and stay single for life. That sounds pretty decent. But god my mum would probably kill me if I did. She’d make sure I never step foot in Busan ever again.”

The mention of Jimin’s home sparked Seokjin’s memory as he exclaimed, immediately motioned for the younger to sit still and wait before running towards the storage room, all the while with an excited grin plastered on while Jimin basked in confusion and curiosity. The younger male perched over the counters to get a better look, but the view was obscured by tons of brooms, mops and supplies falling from their once neatly organised positions - thanks to Seokjin’s frantic rummaging of course.

“You need help there, hyung?” Jimin raised his voice a little but was only answered by a soft, muffled ‘no’.

After several minutes and much clattering of falling objects – and Jimin was sure he heard a few unknown items break in the process – Seokjin reappeared with a fairly large brown envelope carefully resting in both his palms as he trotted over, grinning and finally ing said object towards a muddled Jimin.

“What’s this?” The younger lad cocked his head, thoroughly studying the package in front of him and quirking a brow upon looking at the barista’s exhilarated expression.

“A present.” He grinned.

Jimin’s curt and slightly disappointed laughter followed, “Did you forget my birthday? Because it’s nowhere near October and-”

“Just open it.”

With a mixture of hesitation and intrigue, the younger finally took said gift and gave it one final inspection. Seokjin’s reassuring grin and silent invitation rendered him tearing the seal open to sneak a peek inside. Once assured that nothing disgusting was about to pop out (like the time Taehyung placed a frog into his parcel and took delight in Jimin’s scream), he reached into the envelope and felt his fingers brushed over the smooth surface of what seemed to be paper.

And the second Jimin – who had both eyes widened as pure shock washed over his dainty features – realised it was an insanely breathtaking drawing of the one place he longed to be more than anywhere else, he almost could not believe it was real. Jimin’s stare was so intense it could’ve burn a hole.

“Hyung,” Jimin whispered in absolute awe, brown orbs never leaving the beautiful piece of art in hand as he greedily drank in the sight.    

“Know where that is?” The barista giggled, leaning forward in anticipation and if he hadn’t recoiled on time, would’ve definitely suffered from a concussion with Jimin raising his lowered head all of a sudden.

“Know this place?”, Jimin’s eyes glint with glee as Seokjin watched his excitement bubble up from within, “Of course I do, hyung! Oh man this brings back so many memories. I used to come here with my brother every weekend!”

“I thought you’d like it.” The proud barista gave his own shoulder a mental pat for successfully hanging a wide, gummy, joyous grin on the younger’s lips. Jimin ran delicate touches all over the drawing with his fingers, tracing the lines and marvelling over the beauty; and it was so realistically drawn he swore he could’ve even felt sand on his fingertips.

“It’s beautiful,” He whispered; as if able to smell the saltiness of the ocean, hear the strong waves washing ashore in a steady rhythm, the laughter of his brother who tells him to catch up from a distance while he chased. Jimin couldn’t properly explain it with words, but it brought back memories that made him silent, and he greedily indulged in the moment – remembering his home.

“Thank you, hyung. Did you-”

There was no need for Jimin to continue his question as Seokjin was aware of what he was implying. “What me? No, no.” The sheepish-smiling older immediately shook his head in denial, “I wish I was that good. I mean you’ve seen me draw.”

“Right,” Laughing, Jimin couldn’t help but wince a little upon recalling all the failed attempts of Seokjin ‘drawing’ (more like scribbling random shapes and lines in hopes that it’ll look recognisable), and him possessing art skills far worse than that of a two year olds. “Then who did?”

“It was a customer the other day,” Seokjin smiled, resting his chin on one palm while pointing at the piece of paper Jimin grabbed onto like a child holding his favourite toy, “I saw it and he was kind enough to let me have it when I mentioned about a homesick friend - I meant you by the way - from Busan.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Yeah, but he told me not to mention his name,” Seokjin shrugged, “even removed his name at the bottom. I didn’t think he'd be a shy one though.”

Jimin casted his gaze towards the corner of the paper and realised that there were in fact, some wordings that had been carefully erased, leaving behind only a slight impression that was impossible to read. “Oh well, I guess the mystery is an added charm.” Jimin’s laughter was hearty and warm – the best one Seokjin had ever heard from him since ages, “But if by any chance you do see him again, please thank him for me. Tell him that I love it, and that he has some crazy serious badass skills so he should really be more confident.”

“I will but-”A small, cheeky grin made Seokjin’s lips curve, “I must say though…he’s a real hottie. I think you’d like him.”

“I’m not going to fall for a guy I’ve never met and just because I have his drawing, hyung.” Jimin scoffed, but the tightening of his grip onto the sheet of paper and the slight warmth he unconsciously felt in his heart was a dead giveaway – completely rendering his declaration void though Jimin was still unaware.

“Well if you do,” Seokjin began and held a finger up to silence the younger – who was about to retort and make some snarky comments, “I’m sure both of you will make a lovely couple.”

“Not as lovely as you and Namjoon though,” Jimin sneered and was a little too carried away, before noticing the way Seokjin’s smile disappeared into oblivion within a nanosecond.

“I-I’m sorry, hyung! I didn’t mean-”

Smiling, though Jimin could not see a single trace of genuine in it, Seokjin shook his head, “It’s okay, Jimin. I…I think he must’ve realised I’m not that great of a person after all. I feel bad for getting his hopes high.”

It was true that Seokjin did not find himself an entertaining or extremely enjoyable person to be with, given how he is the oldest of the family he has always been slightly more mature and sensible than others at his age. Namjoon is young and the kind of gentleman everyone dreams of falling in love with, and is also free to choose anyone he deemed was good enough – but apparently Seokjin was not one of them.

“Hyung,” Jimin couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt in his chest too upon looking at the barista’s contorted expression, though a part of him was furious that some jerk decided to hurt Seokjin’s feelings. Reaching forward to grip Seokjin’s forearm, Jimin gave it a strong, reassuring squeeze as he spoke, “Don’t be sad. You are the greatest person anyone can fall for and I will kick his if I ever see him again.”

“Thanks,” Feeling Jimin’s sincerity, the older smiled a little less forcefully, enveloping Jimin’s knuckles with his big palm and returning a grateful squeeze. “I’m fine really. Just…a bit disappointed I guess.”

“I didn’t think he would be such a douche.” Jimin clicked his tongue, feeling a fire burning from the pit of his stomach.

“He’s not, Jimin.”

“He is.”

Seokjin felt much better as he chuckled at Jimin’s tantrum, and a liberating sigh loosened the tension he had built up over the week from desperately waiting for Namjoon to appear at the café, for a phone call, for a text; for anything that meant Seokjin wasn’t the only one who felt that they have a chance.

“Well, if I do see him again,” Seokjin was hurt, but he would never ever come to blame Namjoon, “I will apologise for wasting his time. And that I am sorry.”

Jimin was beyond angered at the fact that the older belittled himself, and was completely oblivious of his own worth and charm - capable of attracting a huge crowd should he decide to find a companion.

“Are you serious, hyung? I mean the least he deserves is a sla-” The last syllable, unfortunately, was caught in Jimin’s throat as he watched Seokjin’s pupils dilate. The barista was frozen with his gaze fixated on the glass door and two seconds later, the familiar jingle of the bell was heard, announcing the arrival of a customer or to be more precise: who he was longing to meet – Kim Namjoon.

“What?” Jimin turned around to find a shy looking, smartly-dressed male taking small and hesitated steps towards them without lifting his gaze from the floor. Jimin was about to and would have kicked Namjoon in a fairly inappropriate region if it weren’t for Seokjin’s unconscious smile at the sight of said male that held him back.

Namjoon’s strides came to a halt a few meters away from them, as if he wasn’t sure if he was permitted to come any closer given the way Jimin shot death glares. The sweating lad awkwardly shifted his weight from one foot to another, tightened fists clutching onto the fairly sized (surprisingly) bouquet of Hyacinth for dear life.

“Jimin,” Seokjin softly tapped said male, “it’s okay.”

Seeing how the older had a calm smile on, eyes void of any signs of hesitation and discomfort, Jimin took it as his cue to excuse himself, giving Namjoon one final look that clearly meant ‘don’t-you-dare-screw-up-or-I’ll-make-you-pay-big-time’ on the way out the doors.

After many ticking of silent seconds later, Namjoon finally approached the barista – who watched him warily as if he couldn’t decide whether to be happy or angry – with cautious steps, afraid of causing any more uneasiness between them. “Hey,” Not trusting his voice, Namjoon blurted the single word out quickly with his breath hitched; hand mechanically rose to greet Seokjin.

“Hey,” The barista replied with a rather blank expression, rendering Namjoon even more flustered than before.

“I got you some flowers,” The younger shyly handed it over while silently praying that Seokjin wouldn’t trample on it. Thankfully he did not.

“Thanks. Do you…want something to drink?” The older smiled at the beautiful bouquet.

“Y-yeah. Coffee please, black coffee.”

Nodding, Seokjin immediately his heels to prepare his beverage, glad to have his back facing Namjoon to mask the mixed feelings shown on his face. All the while, Namjoon however, never took his eyes off the barista who skilfully brewed a warm cup of coffee. The familiar scent made his heart flutter – reminded him of the moment he first fell in love.

“I want to apologise,” Namjoon blurted all of a sudden, startling the older who almost poured the entire jar of coffee beans into the grinder. “For not making contact sooner.”

Seokjin’s heart was pounding, but he took deep breaths to calm down. Turning around, he walked over to the counter where Namjoon was seated and stood right before him. Seizing the opportunity to study Seokjin’s face up close, Namjoon concluded that Seokjin was still as beautiful as he remembered.

“You don’t have to, Namjoon.” The barista gave the other a small, sad smile before continuing, “I get it. It didn’t work out.”

“What didn’t?” The younger tilted his head in slight confusion, an invisible question mark floating in the air.

“The date. Us. Well I mean I know I’m not as good as you thought I was. And you probably had a hard time thinking how to break it to me that we’re not going to work out after all.”

“WHAT?” Namjoon slammed both hands onto the counter as his orbs widened in frenzy, extremely confused as to why Seokjin – the most amazing human alive – would ever think of himself as being unfitting in any way. The abrupt action caused the other customers in the café to look at him in an odd manner. Muttering a small apology, the sheepish lad took a seat once more and started mentally counting prime numbers again.

“You alright?” Clear worry was written all over the barista’s face as Namjoon looked up; a dazed smile unconsciously crept up his face as he stared at the older.

“You’re really beautiful, you know.” Namjoon whispered softly, but loud enough for Seokjin to hear it as a flush of red tainted his cheeks; and he struggled to not scream out loud.

“I was scared,” The younger began slowly, eyes not meeting those of Seokjin’s as he spoke, “that you’d think I’m not worthy, not the other way around. I’m a natural idiot but in front of you I become an ultimate idiot.” Namjoon chuckled, “I figure you would like someone mature, and capable, and smart. So I tried really, really hard to be that someone and failed miserably.”

Seokjin stared at him with his mouth slightly widened, softly whispering ‘no’s and shaking his head as he listened to Namjoon’s words.

“I don’t know why you’d think that you are anything less than perfect, and maybe you find me annoying.” The younger gave a small but genuine smile, “But I think I’d be an even bigger idiot if I didn’t…didn’t tell you that I love you.”

Silence fell between them.

“I-I mean I get it if you don’t feel the same. I promise I won’t eve-”

“Me too.”

“What?” The quizzical younger looked up. They locked gazes for some time and as each second passed by, the more the feeling Seokjin had described earlier on swarmed his entire being, sending electrical sparks all over his body; and he was sure Namjoon felt the same.

“I’m an idiot myself,” Seokjin's voice was shaky, but he couldn't stop a smile from appearing. “and I’ve fallen…for this other idiot. He's really kind, and tries really hard in everything he does. I...have always thought that he is perfect.” Hesitantly, the barista slowly reached forward to hold a wide-eyed and mute Namjoon’s hand, felt the comforting heat of both their skin and took another breath, before he uttered the words Namjoon never expected to hear.

“I love you too, Namjoon.” A melodious laughter escaped Seokjin's lips.

Though Namjoon could never decide which was the happiest moment he experienced up till then, but he was absolutely certain that this very one was in fact, the one and only moment he would ever remember for the rest of his life; as Kim Namjoon jumped and practically screamed at the tops of his lungs innumerable ‘I love you’s to a laughing (and teary eyed) Kim Seokjin.