It was late. Really late. The roads are empty and it is quiet everywhere. Jin yawned, he was bored. He really hated night shifts but the pay was higher and he needed a job. He sighs and sits down. Working night shift at a 24 hour convenient store is really boring during the night. No one ever comes here during the night and the wifi here . Jin takes out his phone and he began to scroll through Facebook and Instagram, smiling and laughing at some of the funny posts.

Namjoon was walking down the stairs, sleepy and hungry. He had been working all day and night without eating anything and now he is famished. He taps his pocket to ensure that his keys and his wallet are there. He walks towards the convenient store that was just opposite his apartment to buy something hot to fill his tummy. He yawned and his eyes became teary. Namjoon blinked a few times and immediately walk into the glass door. He thought it was an automatic door but unfortunately, it was semi auto where the button was needed to be pressed for the door to open.

Jin was startled at the loud banging sound. He immediately looks up and saw Namjoon rubbing his forehead, where it had a red mark on it. He pressed the button and the door opened, he walked towards the counter, with his eyebrows furrowed. Jin looked at him and tries very hard not to laugh. But in the end, he failed and he laughed.

“Are you okay?” Jin asked while still laughing.

“Yeah.” Namjoon said and continues rubbing his bruised forehead. “I’m okay.” He said and smiled.

Jin smiled and gave Namjoon an ice pack he got from the drawers. He always keeps them there in case anyone needs it. Namjoon took it and place it on his bruise.

“Thanks.” He said.

“Be careful next time.” Jin said and chuckled.

“I just thought that the door is an automatic door.” Namjoon said. “But it’s not.” He laughed.

Jin laughed. “Remember to press the button next time.”

Namjoon smiled and he went off to pick up his stuff. He made coffee and took out one of the frozen pastas in the fridge. He puts the pasta into the microwave and waited for it to be done. Namjoon went and paid for his food and sat down by the table next to the window and waited.

“You’re eating this late?” Jin asked and looked at the clock on the wall. It was 3am.

“Yeah.” Namjoon said and nods. “I got hungry while working.”

“Oh.” Jin nods his head. “You live nearby?”

“My apartment’s over there.” He said and nods towards his apartment building.

The microwave went off and Namjoon stood up, almost knocking the coffee cup off the table. Jin smiled. Such a clumsy kid, he thought. Namjoon walked towards the microwave and was ready to stick his hand into the flaming hot microwave.

“Careful!” Jin shouted but it was too late.

“Ouch!” Namjoon shouted. “Why did I do that again?”

Jin shook his head. He walked towards Namjoon and pulled him towards the sink in the back. He ran cold water over Namjoon’s finger and he looks at him.

“Are you okay?” Jin asked.

“I’m okay.” Namjoon said. “I’ve burned myself more than 10 times over the past week.”

Jin looked at him, shocked. “Why?”

Namjoon laughed. “My friends always tell me that I am clumsy.”

Jin smiled and gave Namjoon a band aid. He then helps Namjoon to slowly take out Namjoon’s hot pasta out of the microwave and sets it on the table. Namjoon thanked him and sat down to have his first meal of the day. Jin looked at him and smiled, he was sure that he had seen Namjoon before, but he didn’t know where. Jin continues to stare at Namjoon for a while and went back to paying attention to his phone.

“I’ll be going now.” Namjoon said and stood up. “Thank you for this.” He said and raised the ice pack that Jin gave him. Jin smiled and waved. He looks at Namjoon walking towards the door and once again, he forgot to press that big red button by the door and walked into the glass door again.

Jin laughed. He felt sorry for laughing but he just couldn’t help it. He walked towards the door and pressed the button for Namjoon. Namjoon looked at him and smiled with embarrassment. He quickly walked out and ran towards his apartment opposite of the mart. Jin smiled and shook his head, he then walked back towards the counter and sat back down.

Namjoon woke up late the next day. He had been up all night trying to finish writing his song. He was prepared to go submit his final draft and he walked downstairs excitedly and peeked into the mart, hoping to see Jin. But he didn’t, Jin wasn’t supposed to work until 12am that night. He had always worked on night shifts and attends classes at noon. Namjoon shrugged and walked slowly towards the company he was working with.

After submitting and getting approval of his draft, he walked happily back home, hoping to be able to have a whole lot of sleep after not being able to sleep comfortably for a few days. He was walking while humming when he suddenly walked into a tall guy who was wearing glasses. His glasses fell and Namjoon picked it up.

“EH? Namjoon looked at him, eyes widen.

Jin took his glasses from Namjoon and he puts them on. He saw Namjoon staring at him and he smiled.

“Aren’t you that guy from last night?” He asked.

Namjoon nods slowly.

Jin pushed his glasses slightly and he laughs. “Didn’t know that I could meet you here.” He said.

“You live here?” Namjoon asked, pointing towards the pink coloured door that was on their right.

Jin nods. “What about you?” He asked. “You live around here?”

Namjoon nods and points towards the door next door. Jin’s gaze followed Namjoon’s gesture and he smiled. “Didn’t know we were neighbours!” He said happily.

Namjoon smiled. He really liked Jin and his warm smile he gave Namjoon every time he sees him.  He bid Jin goodbye and the two of them carries on with their work. Namjoon went straight back to bed and Jin went to his classes.

That night, Namjoon woke up hungry again. He cursed at himself for sleeping the whole day without achieving anything. He took a glance out of his window to look at the mart downstairs. He changed his clothes and walk downstairs to buy something to eat. He crossed the road and saw Jin sitting inside the store, his eyes on his phone again. Namjoon stopped in front of the door and he remembered the press the button this time. He smiled at the little achievement he had done and walks in.

“Oh, you’ve pressed the button!” Jin said and smiled.

Namjoon blushed. “Yeah.” He nods. “I’m not walking into the door ever again.” He laughed.

Jin laughed at Namjoon. He liked this guy. He liked how clumsy he is and how awkward he is. Namjoon once again walked towards the fridge to pick what he wanted to eat, he grabbed a packet of kimchi fried rice and a can of coffee. He hesitated a while before popping the rice into the microwave. He then walks to the counter and paid for it.

“Don’t stick your hand into the microwave again.” Jin said while handing him the change.

Namjoon laughed. “I won’t.” He said. And just as he finished saying that, the microwave went off and he head towards it. Jin stares at him, afraid that he might do the same thing again. Namjoon pop open the door and he carefully use the oven mitt provided beside the microwave and took out rice carefully. Jin smiled, he remembered.

Namjoon walked carefully to the table and place the packet down. He then remembered that his coffee was still on the counter and he turned around, wanting to head back to the counter to grab his coffee, only to see Jin standing behind him, their faces just a few inches away. Jin blinked and he blushed. He hands Namjoon his coffee, turned away and walk back towards the counter.  Namjoon was blushing too as he sat down.

“So I was wondering…” Jin said as he sat down Namjoon. “Why do you always come here late at night?” He asked.

Namjoon sips on his orange juice and looks at him. It was the third night in a row he had went to the store late at night. He gulps and smiled.

“I actually am a songwriter.” He said. “And I’ve been working overnight these few days. So yeah. And at times, I tend to overwork myself and forget all about lunch and dinner.”

“What about breakfast?” Jin asked.

“I don’t need it as I always sleep at like, 6 am. And I will wake up at 1pm.” Namjoon said and smiled.

“That’s unhealthy.” Jin said and frowned.

“Well I have to.” Namjoon said and shrugged. “Those ideas keep on coming at night.” He laughed. Namjoon paused and thought for a while. “Hold on, you’re living unhealthily too! You’re having the night shift!”

Jin blushed. “Well I have no choice too.” He said. “I’ve got classes in the afternoon and I needed a job…”

“In the afternoon? What time do your classes start?”

“About 2pm.” Jin said. “Sometimes I forgot that I have morning classes and I overslept.”

“Morning classes?” Namjoon asked. “Don’t tell me you went straight to class after finishing your shift.”

Jin nods. “Yeah. I got off shift at 6am and straight off to class at 8.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Namjoon looked at Jin with his eyes widen. “How can you even concentrate?”

“So that’s why I sometimes dozed off in class.” Jin said and laughed. “But it’s fine, the classes that I’ve chosen to have in the morning are usually just easy classes like language classes.”

Namjoon frowned. “You should at least get some sleep.”

“I’ve tried but I’ll only get more tired.” Jin said.

The two of them paused for a while.

“Oh by the way…” Namjoon suddenly said. “My name is Namjoon.”

“Oh, I’m Seokjin but my friends call me Jin.”

Namjoon smiled. “Nice to meet you.” He said awkwardly. Jin smiled and he nods.

“So uhm… You live alone?” Jin asked.

Namjoon nods. “Yeah. You?”

“Me too.” Jin said. “I mean, don’t you fell bored living alone by yourself?”

“Not really…” Namjoon said. “I mean because I am always working and all that…” He laughed and said slowly.

“Ah…” Jin said. “Well if you don’t mind, I usually have dinner before I start my shift and I was thinking since we’re neighbours, we could have dinner together…”

“Huh?” Namjoon looked at him, confused.

“I mean I’ll cook…” Jin said slowly. “You want to come over tomorrow?”

“Sure!” Namjoon nods and smiled. “It’s been a while since I ever had dinner with anyone.”

“Okay then!” Jin smiles. “I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow night!”

Namjoon smiled. He really liked Jin’s friendliness. Namjoon had been isolating himself too much because of his work and because of that; he rarely has any human interaction at all. He felt happy that he could finally have dinner with someone.

Jin sat down by the table, waiting for Namjoon to come over. He looks at the clock and raises his eyebrows. It’s 7.30, thirty minutes later than the time that they have agreed on. He stood up and walk towards the door, wanting to go knock on Namjoon’s door. Just as he was turning the doorknob, a knock was heard. Jin opened the door and saw Namjoon standing there, confused.

“Sorry for being late.” Namjoon said. “I was… uhmm…”

“Fell asleep?”Jin asked, trying hard not to laugh.

“Yeah…” Namjoon said while rubbing his nape. “I fell asleep.”

“It’s okay.” Jin said and smiled. “Come on in. I’ll go heat up the soup.”

Namjoon stepped inside and his eyes widen. Jin’s apartment is way neater and cleaner than his. His own apartment is full of books, manuscripts and most importantly, clothes. Namjoon never has enough time to do any laundry and he had them in every direction. On the sofa, on the floor, even on the dining table there is a pair of pants sitting there. He carefully walks towards the dining table and sat down. He quietly waits for Jin to come back from the kitchen while looking around. And while looking around, he noticed that Jin really likes the colour pink.

Jin walked towards the table carefully, carrying a huge bowl of soup. He placed it on the table and smiled. “Well, let’s eat!” He said and sat down. Namjoon smiled and picked up the chopsticks that were placed by the table. He ate the glass noodles that Jin had made and his eyes widen.

“WOW!” He said and swallowed. “This taste great!”

Jin blushed. “You’re exaggerating.” He said. “It’s just okay.”

“No, I’m being serious.” Namjoon said. “You could open up a restaurant!”

“You know I planned to do that.” Jin said. “Well, planned. Past tense.”

“What happened?” Namjoon asked while continue stuffing his face.

“Got rid of that idea and went to engineer school.” He said. “End of story.”

“Oh…” Namjoon said and his eyes dropped. “Well, that’s sad.”

Jin shook his head. “Not at all. Now I just cook for fun.”

“You can always cook for me!” Namjoon said and Jin looks at him.

Jin laughed. “Sure! Why not!”

Namjoon smiled and continues eating away. Jin is happy that finally there is someone that he can cook food for.

“Can we exchange numbers then?” Jin asked after dinner while Namjoon was helping with the dishes. “You know, so that we can contact each other when needed.” He blushed.

Namjoon nods. “Just take my phone and call your number.” He said while handing Jin his phone.

Jin took it and dialled his own number. His phone rang and Namjoon looked at him.

“What?” Jin asked and looked at Namjoon.

“That’s the song that I wrote.” Namjoon said.

“Really?” Jin asked. “That’s my favourite song!”

Namjoon smiled. He really likes it when someone likes his songs. Even though he is not the recording artist, he still feels appreciated and great.

“BANG!” A loud bang was heard and Jin turned his head.

“GODDAMNNED IT!” Namjoon shouted and rubbed his forehead. He had once again, ran into the glass door.

Jin couldn’t help but started laughing till he couldn’t catch his breath. He was laughing and laughing until he couldn’t stop. He didn’t even stop laughing when Namjoon was in front of him.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Jin was still laughing.

“That’s not very nice of you.” Namjoon said and pouted.

“Goddamned it Namjoon!” Jin said while wiping away his tears. “I even stuck a piece of paper on the door clearly stating that you should press the button before entering!”

Namjoon blinked and looked at the door. There was indeed a piece of paper stuck on the door and he walk towards it. He peeks out of the door and reads it. Well, it is as Jin had said, the notice clearly stated that the button should be pressed before entering.

“Hehe…” Namjoon let out an embarrassed laugh. “Guess I wasn’t paying much attention.”

“That’s the third time this week.” Jin said. Namjoon had been coming over every night to get coffee or snacks and he had been walking into the door quite a few times. It’s a miracle how the door is still holding up and had not yet shattered.

“Come on, you’re exaggerating.” Namjoon said. He paused for a while and think. “Wait, did I really?”

Jin nods and continues laughing.”Could you please be more careful next time?”

“I’ll try…” Namjoon said. “But it’s not like I want to be this clumsy.”

“I know.” Jin said and clears his throat. “Sorry for laughing tho.”

“Nah it’s fine.” Namjoon said and pushed his glasses. “I find it funny too.”

The two of them have been chatting off almost every night. From the start of Jin’s shift till the end.

“Coming for dinner today?” Jin asked while they were walking across the road back to their apartments.

“Hmm…” Namjoon thought for a while. “Yup.” He smiled.

“Now don’t be late or else I will eat your share.” Jin said while unlocking the door.

“Come on.” Namjoon said. “At least shout my name through the balcony.”

“Nope.” Jin said jokingly. “Not gonna do that.”

“You’re mean.” Namjoon said.

Jin laughed. He knew that Namjoon would be late that night so he started preparing later. Just as he was done, Namjoon opened the door and went in.

“Aha! I was not late!” Namjoon said.

“You still are.” Jin said and nods towards the clock on the wall. “I just started a little later.”

“Oh come on!” Namjoon said and sat down. “Oh and by the way, can you please lock your door? I know you’ve said that it doesn’t matter because you’re at home. But hey, that’s unsafe.”

“It really doesn’t matter.” Jin said while setting the table.

“I’ll make sure to come in early in the morning to scare you.”

“I don’t get scared easily.” Jin said and sat down. “Now eat your food Namjoon. You have a meeting at 9, did you forget about that?”

Namjoon glanced at the clock. It’s 8pm.

“OH .” He said and began eating quickly.

“You’re sure to choke on your food.” Jin said calmly and sips on the soup.

And he is right. Namjoon started coughing and Jin got him a glass of water. Namjoon flashed him a smile and once he finished his meal, he thanked Jin and dashed off back to his apartment to get ready for his meeting. Jin shook his head.

“He’s just a kid trapped in a grown up’s body.” He said to himself and smiled.

Namjoon was rushing to pack his things. His manuscripts are everywhere and he couldn’t even find his coat. He rummage through this bags and ran from his bedroom to the living room. After gathering everything he needed, he rushed outside and slammed the door. Jin heard the slam and he jumped. He raised his eyebrows and shouted.

“KIM NAMJOON BE GENTLER!”

“Sorry!” He heard from outside and he smiled. He continues eating his food slowly and he saw Namjoon’s phone on the table.

“Oh come on.” Jin muttered. “How forgetful can he be?” He said and grabs his phone and dialled Namjoon’s number. The phone in front of him ranged and he face palmed himself. “Right. I’m an idiot.” He said and stood up. He cleared the table and put on his coat. He knew where Namjoon is and he went out. It was drizzling outside and Jin grumbled as he got on his motorcycle.

Namjoon was muttering, looking for his phone while walking out of his company’s building. “Great. Third one this year.” He said and sighed. He heard a honk and he saw Jin, sitting on his motorcycle with his helmet off. Namjoon ran towards him, confused.

“Jin?” He asked. “Why are you here?”

“You forgot this.” Jin said and waved the phone in front of him.

Namjoon’s eyes widen. “Where did you get it?” He asked.

“It was on the table.” Jin said. “Can you stop being so forgetful?” He asked and ruffled Namjoon’s hair.”

“Thanks.” Namjoon blushed and took the phone. “How long have you been waiting outside?” He asked.

“Oh just a couple of hours…” Jin said. “Since 9.”

“WHAT?!” Namjoon was shocked.

“Its fine.” Jin said. “I did went off to get a snack though.”

“I’m sorry for letting you wait this long…” Namjoon said and pouted.

Jin smiled. “Want me to fetch you back home? It’s late.”

Namjoon glanced at his watch. It was already 11.45pm and Jin’s shift starts at 12.

“Will it be okay? Will you be late for your shift?”

“I’m off for today.” Jin said.

Namjoon looked at him. “Can you give me a few minutes? I need to grab my stuff first.” He said.

“Sure go ahead.” Jin said and he leans on his motorcycle. He looks at Namjoon walking away and he shouted. “KIM NAMJOON!”

Namjoon stops and look back.

“Hurry up. It’s going to rain.” He said and smiled. Namjoon smiles and nods. He walks faster and went back inside. Jin looks around and he hums. He didn’t know what to do once Namjoon leaves. He smiles at the thought of Namjoon. He liked that kid. He didn’t know since when did that feeling started but he liked that kind of feeling. Namjoon ran back towards Jin once he got his stuff. Jin hands him a helmet and Namjoon hops on.

“Where do you want to go then?” Jin asked and Namjoon got confused.

“Aren’t we going home?” Namjoon asked.

“Since I’m on a day off, want to go anywhere?”

Namjoon thought for a while. “Let’s just go to Hangang and you know, get some supper.”

Jin laughed. “You really like convenient store food don’t you?” He asked and Namjoon chuckled.

Namjoon frowned. It was raining heavily and he had to get home. He was stranded at the bus stop and he didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t call Jin to come get him cause Jin was in class and his phone’s battery died anyway. He sighed and got his bag over his head, said his prayers and ran all the way back home. It was not easy as the wind was blowing so hard and the raindrops are coming in huge droplets. He got home and he sighed, he left his keys in his office and the spare keys are inside his apartment. He sat down and leaned on the door and he fell asleep there, wet from head to toe. Jin came back two hours later and was very shocked to see a half-dried Namjoon sleeping by the door. He shook him gently and Namjoon woke up, blinking.

“Why are you sleeping here?” He asked.

“I forgot my keys in my office and the spare key is inside.” Namjoon said and he laughed awkwardly.

Jin looks at him in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re wet!” He said. “Come on, let’s get inside my apartment and get a shower first.”

Namjoon stood up and followed Jin into his apartment. Jin then pushes him into his room and threw a towel towards him. He then laid out sweater and pants out for Namjoon.

“Hurry up and shower.” He said. “I don’t want you to get sick.”

Namjoon flashed him a smile and walk into the bathroom. He took a hot shower and changed into Jin’s clothes. Jin had a wider frame when compared to Namjoon’s so his sweater just hangs on Namjoon. He was walking towards the living room but he felt dizzy suddenly. He tries to grab onto the door frame but he missed and he fainted. Jin heard the crashing sound and came running. He got shocked and immediately carried Namjoon back into the bedroom. He measured his temperature and he found out that Namjoon had a fever.

Jin panicked. He didn’t know what to do. He piggyback Namjoon downstairs and he is figuring out ways to get him to the hospital with his motorcycle.

“Namjoon can you hear me?” He asked. “Namjoon?”

Namjoon murmured something that Jin didn’t understand.

“Promise me that you’re gonna hold on me tightly.” Jin said and Namjoon nods gently.

Jin got Namjoon on first and he got on the motorcycle himself. He got Namjoon’s hands wrapped around his waist tightly. He was worried that Namjoon would fall off that he got one hand grabbing Namjoon tightly and one hand manoeuvring the motorcycle. He got to the hospital and piggyback Namjoon to the clinic. Apparently Namjoon got a serious flu and fever together and he need to be hospitalized.  

Jin sighed and sat down beside Namjoon’s bed. He blamed himself for not realizing earlier that Namjoon was sick. He hold onto Namjoon’s hands and looks at him.

“Namjoon ah. Get well soon.” He said to the sleeping Namjoon.

Namjoon was sleeping peacefully on the bed and he was breathing calmly. Jin smiles and stood up and went and poured glass of water for himself. He looks at Namjoon while drinking his water. Without him realizing, Jin was already leaning towards Namjoon’s face. He was staring at the sleeping guy as his face move closer and closer. He leaned in closer and gave him a gentle peck on the lips. Jin immediately shot right back up after he realized that he had just kissed Namjoon.

“Why did I do that?” He murmured as he paced up and down the room. “That’s just wrong. Kim Seokjin what have you done?”

“What are you doing?” Namjoon’s voice can be heard.

“You’re awake!” Jin looked at Namjoon, alarmed. “That’s great!”

“Why are you pacing here and there?” Namjoon asked while giving him the widest smile that showed his dimples.

Jin began to feel nervous. He walks towards Namjoon and he sat on the bed.

“The thing is….” Jin began to stutter. He didn’t notice the smirk that was on Namjoon’s face. Suddenly, Namjoon grabs Jin and their faces were just inches away.

“Just tell me that you like me.” Namjoon said and Jin’s eyes widen.

“What do you mean?” Jin asked.

“You’d think I didn’t realize the kiss just now?” Namjoon asked and laughed.

Jin pulled away from Namjoon and covered his mouth with his hands. “OH MY GOD! YOU’RE AWAKE?!”

Namjoon laughed and he moves closer to Jin. He gave him a kiss and this time, he made sure that Jin could not pull away. After a few minutes of kissing, Namjoon finally lets go of Jin and the both of them were panting.

“Yeah.” Jin said while looking into Namjoon’s eyes. “I like you. A lot.”

Namjoon smiled. “I knew it!” He said and gave Jin a tight hug.

“So, where do you usually go after you get off work?” Hoseok asked and Jin looks up.

“Home. Bed.” Jin answered short.

“I was thinking, you know…” Hoseok said and looks at Jin. “We could go and have a coffee or something.”

“Sorry bout that.” Namjoon said and popped out from the pantry. “But this one’s taken.” He said and put his arms around Jin.

Hoseok looks at the two of them and he was stunned. “Oh. I’m sorry about that.” He said and quickly paid for his stuff and walks away.

“You’re such an overprotective boyfriend.” Jin said.

“Gotta keep an eye on my perfect little boyfie.” Namjoon said and ruffles Jin’s hair.

“You know, you don’t have to work here with me so that you can keep an eye on me.” Jin said and rolled his eyes.

Namjoon shrugged. He decided to take on two jobs, one as a songwriter where he works when Jin is in campus for classes and one, working a late night shift with him and later going back home to snuggle with him.

“Well, I have too.” Namjoon said and poke Jin’s face. “Because I love you.”

“EWWW.” Jin said and ran away from the counter. “You’re gross.”