Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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INSPIRED BY “PRIVATE AFFAIR” BY THE VIRGINS.
Keep me boy
and New York's a jungle
Lovers wanted
Cope the knife companion
I wipe the sweat from my face
In the summertime
I fear I'm gonna lose my mind
But she's always avoiding falling in love
Yes, it's due to a life of a private affair
She's always avoiding falling in love
Yes, it's due to a life of a private affair
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COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PROTAGONISTS:
KIM SEOKJIN; WANNABE ACTOR/RICH GUY
KIM YONGSUN; WANNABE HOOKER/RICH GIRL

CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS.
NOT FREE FROM LINGUISTIC ERRORS - ENGLISH IS NOT MY NATIVE LANGUAGE.
DON'T BE A GHOST READER. LIKE, REBLOG, COMMENT ON THIS STORY IF YOU LIKE IT :))
DEDICATED TO EVERYONE WHO'S READING THIS STORY. BUT ESPECIALLY TO @taexual WHO HELPED ME WITH THE DESCRIPTION AND MANY OTHER THINGS.
CHECK OUT MY OTHER STORIES AS WELL:

Chapter Text

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It was spring and Seokjin could sense it. Even though officially it had been spring for quite some while now.

He didn’t feel it by rising temperatures or the sun appearing for more hours than usual though. No, he could sense it by the way he felt lonelier than ever before. Because all of a sudden he realized having already spend a whole year in that strange city. He sighed, turning around in his sheets. His eyes meeting the big glass windows the walls were almost completely made of. Staring outside at the skyscrapers and neon lights. The night was like any other. Like all the other long and quiet nights, which just passed by. Maybe not completely quiet in a city that never slept. But quiet for someone like him up there.

It was just another lonely night for him in his New Yorker apartment.

He exhaled deeply and closed his eyes again. Trying to sleep, too many thoughts preventing him from that. It wasn’t like he was insomniac or didn’t want to sleep. More the opposite -he didn’t want anything more than sleep. Somehow he couldn’t though.

This feeling inside him eating him alive. Or at least so it felt. This feeling wasn’t anything new to him though. He had felt it ever since he had set foot in this concrete jungle. Little by little it grew bigger and bigger. Some days more, some less. Winter had been the hardest so far, but he had somehow managed to survive it. When the sun was shining while he was walking through the streets and parks he felt it less. But on cloudy days and nights it got intenser.

Seokjin wasn’t an extrovert neither did he enjoy being in constant company by people. The people he saw on a daily basis would be enough for him. But the emptiness he felt when returning to an equally empty apartment made him realize just how lonely he actually had been.  Weekends usually passed by without him even parting his lips once to speak. The only exception being if talking on the phone with his family or friends back home.

The rest of the time he just spent in silence. Sleeping, eating, playing video games and reading. By now someone would assume that he would already been used to that as he had already spend a year like this. And he somehow was. Nevertheless, that didn’t change the fact he felt lonely and wanted someone to talk to occasionally. Someone outside of the people he saw every day. Someone in his free time. Someone like a friend.

It was useless though. He didn’t have friends. At least not in this city. Not real ones. His real friends were literally on the other side of the globe. And he just couldn’t bring himself to consider any of the people he saw from Monday to Friday as real friends. They felt more like acquaintances he could have small talks with in between of classes but nothing more. They were nice -well most of them- but they were just not his type of people to hang out with outside of college.

He didn’t regret coming there though. It had been his own wish and decision after all. And he had only one more year to go anyway. No, that wasn’t it. The college wasn’t the problem. It had even exceeded this expectations. The real issue was getting used to living in this different culture with no one but himself. No one to talk to. No one to hang out with. No one to share anything with. Just so he wouldn’t have to talk to himself and feel insane each time he caught himself doing it. Just to break the silence.

Because all the wealth couldn’t fill this little emptiness inside his heart.

“Useless,” he angrily mumbled then. Tossing his sheets away. The little tiredness that had brought him to bed a little while ago, was completely gone by now. There was no point in trying. So he got up, ignoring his clock telling him it was past midnight. He put on some clothes and his sneakers, grabbed his jacket and left. Heading to the underground carpark. A few minutes later already sitting in his car and driving in the empty streets of New York City.

He didn’t know where he was exactly going, nor what he was looking for. He just had the urge of driving around to clear his mind a little in the sea of lights. An maybe look out for what he needed that night -another person.

He drove and drove, not noticing he was already in the Upper Eastside and slowly leaving Manhattan. He might have lived there for a year, but it wasn’t like he already knew all parts of the city and wouldn’t sometimes even get lost without the GPS on his phone. However, he hadn’t turned it on this night. Not thinking he would go much far from his place anyway. He only noticed when his glance fell on the clock. He had been mindlessly driving around for over half an hour. And it was only then when he noticed a sign on the side of the street. Half covered by leaves from a crooked tree which were rustling in the night breeze. He was in the Bronx.

As far as he remembered he had never been there before and from all he had heard, he had never wanted to anyway. This wasn’t really a good place for a foreigner with an expensive car to be at past midnight. He swallowed hard nervously tightened his grip around the steering wheel. It was alright, he just had to stay calm and take a turn back to the city.

The traffic lights went red though, forcing him to stop. Even though he wanted nothing more than floor the gas pedal and simply rush out of there. Anxiously staring at the light to turn back green, while switching on the GPS. A sudden knock against the car window then making him slightly jump in his seat. His heart skipped a beat as he was sure that his end had come. “So this is how it ends. On the streets of a foreign city by a stranger with a gun or a knife or maybe even something worse,” he thought to himself when slowly turning his head. Already preparing himself for a tragic death, when all he saw was a girl waving at him instead.

With furrowed eyes he cranked down the window, allowing her to fold her arms on the frame. “Hey, pretty,” she smiled. Her dark brown waves cascading from her shoulders. Her eyes were as dark as the night itself or so they seemed due to the only source of light being a street lamp close by. She lightly cocked her head then as her eyes wandered from his eyes, to his lips and back to his eyes, which were just widely staring at her like a deer caught in the headlights. Blinking anxiously. To say his reaction didn’t confuse her would be a lie. “You want some company?”

For a moment he just stared at her perplexed. Knowing exactly what she meant with ‘company’. However, he did need company after all, didn’t he? This was the reason he went out in the middle of the night after all.

So without thinking much he slowly nodded, watching the corners of her lips tucking into a wide smile.

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Chapter Text

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It was one of these nights again. These windy nights of New York, where you would prefer stying in your cozy bed instead. However, not someone like her.

Yongsun slept in strangers’ bed each night. That was her job. Well, side job to be precise.

New York was a jungle after all and there would always be lovers wanted. It was strange to accept it like this, but she did. She did it more or less, because she wanted to after all. She wasn’t forced or in need. There wasn’t anyone out there, for who she would stop doing it either. No one cared for what she wanted anyway. So she stopped caring about what others wanted as well.

She made her way down the dark and empty streets of Hunts Point, New York’s neighbourhood for business like hers. Her black overknees making noises on the silent ground. Hugging her long leather coat closer to her body as a light summer breeze blew. While walking down to her spot at the main street, she occasionally crossed paths with others like her. Some leaning against the walls and chatting while waiting for clients. Others leaning through car windows and flirting. Sometimes they would exchange some nods with her, sometimes they would ignore her. She was fairly new in that part of the neighborhood, so not a lot of her ‘colleagues’ knew her yet. Just another pretty face among others.

Yongsun was glad she didn’t have any friends at this place though. She didn’t want anyone to know her or her background. Otherwise this would quickly become Hell’s Kitchen for her. Someone like her taking away their clients? -Bad idea.

Even though to be fair, she wasn’t taking away that many clients. She was quite picky because she could. She could more or less choose who she wanted to get her body. The others usually didn’t have the privilege. They had to accept almost anyone who came, though of course they would refuse as well if a guy gave them weird vibes.

And obviously none of the few actual friends she had, knew anything about her side job either. They only knew she had one. That was all. That was all she allowed them to know.

Whatever she did, she did because she wanted to. But none of them would understand that.

It was the feeling of indipendence which she liked the most. And obviously the fun. Instead of Tinder she met them on the street. She could decide who was good enough for her. It wasn’t about the money. The money was just a bonus. One or two guys per week would be enough.

It was the feeling of tiredness that led her to this part. Tired of her surroundings telling her what to do with herself and what not.

Of course, it was also a dangerous 'hobby’ she had chosen, but she usually measured people correctly and nothing had happened -until now. And if she ever happened doing a mistake after all, she could still use her self-defense skills if needed. No, Yongsun wasn’t afraid. She was cautious, but not afraid.

The cold wind caused her tightening her black coat around her petite body even more. Summer nights were never warm in a city like this.

After awhile, the girl finally reached the main street and walked it a bit down. No cars could be seen yet. She sighed and leaned against a brick wall near the crossroads. Sooner or later someone had to come this way. It was the only way if you wanted to return to the city.

And she was right. After some minutes of waiting a black car stopped at the red light. She arched a brow. It looked expensive. She could tell apart genuine and fake expensive things. It came with experience. To be honest, it wasn’t a rare view for her. It was pretty rare for that part of the city though. Rich guys didn’t show up there often. They usually got their needs from expensive escort ladies. To be honest, she wasn’t keen about some old guy. She preferred ones about her age, of course. Nevertheless, curiosity caught her and she walked closer to it, trying to catch a glimpse of the driver. And much to her surprise, it was a young guy. She couldn’t see more due to the lack of light though. Only some of his face features, caught by the streetlamps. And she liked what she saw.

With a deep breath she walked up to the passenger’s side. The guy didn’t seem to notice her, since he nervously stared at the traffic lights. Was he afraid?

This place wasn’t one to be afraid of, Yongsun thought, laughing under her breath. Rather one to be ashamed of. But maybe she could take away the fear of him, while earning some extra money. So she carefully knocked at the window, seeing him wincing a bit at the sudden sound. He slowly turned his face towards her then. She smiled and waved with her fingers, waiting for him to make a move.

“Hey, pretty. You want some company?” she asked sweetly, when he cranked down the window. She lightly cocked her head then as her eyes wandered from his eyes, to his lips and back to his eyes, which were just widely staring at her, blinking. To say his reaction didn’t confuse her would be a lie. She had to admit though that he wasn’t the worst looking one out of all her clients. More the opposite, he was cute.

After a moment of hesitation he finally nodded, making her smile and she opened the door, sliding into the passenger’s seat.

The light turned green then, but he didn’t drive away. He was nervously tapping his fingers on the steering wheel instead. Lost in thought. She quietly giggled at his anxiously seeming behaviour.

“W-why are you laughing?” he asked. A nervous laughter escaping his lips.

She continued giggling. “You haven’t done this before, have you?”

He bit his buttom lip, shaking his head. Her laugh died down and she just smirked at him. Praying he wasn’t one of those handsome psychos, she gently placed her hand on his leg, leaning closer. “This won’t last long. I promise,” she whispered.

He remained silent for a moment. Peeking at her with a shy smile. “W-would it be okay if..” he started. His brown eyes leaving her. Yongsun quietly observed him, while he was struggling finding words. It was quite interesting for her to see a rich guy who wasn’t smug and conceited for once. God knew how many of those she had already met in her life to know what she was talking about. However, this guy didn’t seem to be like that on the first glance. Maybe she had been wrong and he wasn’t wealthy after all though.

“If what?” she asked then with a soft voice, wondering what he was trying to ask her. She knew some people had weird kinks, so she was mentally preparing herself for this being the case there as well. So his answer surprised her even more.

“If we didn’t.. well, sleep with each other?” It sounded more like a question, but it still took her aback. If he didn’t want sex then what did he want? “Sure. You’re the one paying after all,” she shrugged and leaned back in her seat. “What else could you want from someone like me though?”

“I just need someone to talk to,” he quietly said then, not daring to look her in the eyes.

She furrowed her brows first, not fully understanding but she nodded nevertheless. Not being disappointed about her not having to sleep with him and still getting money.

“It’s alright. I can still be your private affair.”

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Chapter Text

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"So where are we heading to.. to talk?"
Emptiness was spreading over the streets that night as Seokjin's car headed back to Manhatten, trying to escape the possible danger which was hiding in every corner of this part of New York.

Stopping in front of another red light, he let out a deep, but silent sigh.

He ran a hand through his longer becoming hair, before placing it back on the steering wheel. His grip tight. He still wasn't sure what the hell he was doing.
"..I'm not sure, actually."
Yongsun's brows rose as she gave him a questioning look.
"What does 'I'm not sure' mean?"

"I guess it means that I'm not sure," he shrugged, patiently waiting for the traffic light to turn green again.

She exhaled and turned her attention back to their surroundings. Only to peek at him from the corner of her eyes. His expression telling her he had calmed down by now compared to when she had first laid eyes on him.

He seemed to be the type of guy who worried a lot or easily. At least that was the expression she got. Maybe he grew up not having to worry about anything, so now every little unknown thing would scare him.
However, maybe she was wrong after all. Maybe she was just misjudging him. Maybe this guy, whatever his name was, wasn't like the other rich guys she knew.

Should she ask for his name?

No.

Yongsun had rules. Mainly to protect herself, but also her clients. One of those were to never learn anything private from a client. This also went the other way around.
That was for normal clients, though. This guy wasn't a normal one. He didn't want what usually everyone wanted from her.

Slowly taller buildings and skyscrapers appeared on each side of the road. Their windows and glass facades reflecting their passing car and blurry streetlights. Neon lights, the cracks in the pavement luring her away. Yongsun only now realising where he was driving to.

"We're in Manhatten," she stated unimpressed.

"Uhm yeah," was all he said, turning into another street. He glanced at the brunette beside him. She was sunk in her seat. The long coat she was wearing and which was only loosely held together by a belt, being slightly opened. Her bare shoulder peeking through, covered by a thin strap of the dress she was wearing underneath. His eyes wandered back to the road. The Central Park being seen in the distance. 

After awhile the car stopped in front of a gate. Her brown irises widening. She knew that building. It was one of the most expensive apartments buildings of the whole upper Eastside. Her head turned to the guy next to her, seeing he had cranked down the the window to type in a code on a small board. So he was indeed rich. 

That wasn't good now that she thought about it.

Trying to keep her cool as the car drove inside. She got out, following him to the elevator. Seeing him pressing the button for the last floor. Penthouse. Her eyes low, not noticing him peeking at her every now and there. He had seemed calm to her, but in reality he was a mess on the inside.

"Vivaldi.."she mumbled then. Interrupting his train of thoughts. He frowned when realising what she meant. The elevator music. "I guess so," he said, not being sure. Sliding his hands in his pockets. It surprised him. Not because of what she was. Rather because it was classic music and well, who was listening to that nowadays?  "How do you know?" For a moment it seemed she was taken aback, but her expression quickly changed.

She shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back while folding her arms in front of her chest. The slick material sliding from her other shoulder as well. "Happened to hear it somewhere." He simply hummed, not thinking much about it.

The doors opened then, both stepping out silently. Seokjin getting out his keys and unlocking the heavy door. Yongsun's eyes falling on the name tag under the doorbell. 'Seokjin Kim'. She laughed under her breath. This guy really had made her break not one but two of her rules without any warning. Now she knew where he lived and what his name was.

"Since that won't be one of my normal jobs.." she said while they made their way through the entrance and into the living room. "Well, my name's Yongsun."

She held out her hand. A stern look on her almond eyes. Taken aback by her sudden move, he took a quick look at her hand before grabbing it. Giving it a light squeeze. It was cold, but soft. "Seokjin." And for the first time this night, she saw him smiling.

"Seokjin," she repeated under her breath. Watching him nod.

"You can call me Jin though."

That was also the first time she noticed the slight accent in his voice. "You're Korean, right?"

He nodded again. "You, too. Right?"

"Yeah. Well not really. I was born here." Another personal information she just gave away like that. She abruptly let go of his hand, pursing her lips. She had to stop it. He was a client after all. Even if not a normal one, she couldn't risk him knowing too much of her.

She couldn't risk anyone knowing about her two worlds. It was better if her friends thought she was just a normal employee living in Brooklyn and if her clients believed she was just another hooker from a fucked up family.
The last one wasn't that far from reality anyway.

Seokjin watched her blowing away a brown curl which had fallen on her face. A frown on her eyes. Doubts starting filling his mind as he observed her.

Was it a mistake to bring her to his apartment? But he had no other place to go to this late at night.

Yongsun hadn't been in such an apartment for a long time. It was actually how she expected a guy's apartment to be like. Small piles of video games and movies stacking up right under the big flatscreen. Countless figurines lined up at several shelves next to it. 

Curiously, Yongsun went up to the figurines then. Video game and anime characters, she recognized them. "Nice collection," she mumbled, "Especially this one. It's cute." She pointed at a Kirby plushie. She turned her head then, catching him looking at her.
"You like videogames?" he asked as he placed his keys down on the coffee table. Walking up next to her. 

"No, not really. But Mario was my childhood." She straightened herself then, facing him. Seemingly making him nervous. He was terrible at looking someone in the eyes for too long. And it made her grin. "I'll ask again, what do you wanna talk about?"

Her question making him sigh as he sat down on the couch next to them. Facing the large glass facade. Truth was, he had almost forgotten about the reason she was there. She took that as a sign and sat next to him, staring at the skyline of New York City along with him.
His head was a mess. Now, of all times it was messed up. Not a single clear thought. Rather hundreds of small ones, racing around his mind.
Yongsun stayed silent, noticing his inner torture. It wasn't difficult to do so though. His eyes saying it all.
She slowly took off her black coat, feeling warm. Revealing her black dress with this décolleté neckline her usual clients liked. However, he didn't seem to pay much attention to it. Not that she minded, but to be honest all this time something inside her had doubted that he really only wanted to talk. It seemed he had said the truth though. Making her lose a bit of the tension she had felt.

"You know," she cleared her throat, trying to get his attention away from whatever thoughts he had, "How about you tell me what a rich guy from Korea is even doing here in the first place?"
His eyes left the night scenery in front of them, taking a moment to look at her. "Why do you think I am rich?" he smirked.

"You must be, otherwise you couldn't effort living in a place like this," she countered.

He nodded, eventually giving in. It was probably not very hard to guess after all.

"I'm doing my master's degree," he shyly smiled then. Feeling a little proud whenever he mentioned that to anyone. She hummed, propping her cheek on her hand. "Let me guess, it's in some total boring subject, right?"

Her comment made him laugh out. He didn't expect that. "Depends. What would be a boring one to you?"

She shrugged, her eyes wandering over the sea of lights. "I don't know.. Business administration, law, economics.. all that boring stuff most rich people study."

He chuckled, finding her blunt way of talking amusing. She was quite outspoken and he liked it. "Sounds boring indeed. But no, my master's in drama. Except if that sounds boring to you as well," he added with a playful expression. Watching her arch a brow at him. Seemingly surprised. "Drama?" she repeated, "No, that actually sounds interesting. At least more than economics.. I'm pretty sure there are colleges in Korea for that though."

"Sure and I did attend one. But I also wanted to attend Juilliard so I-"

Yongsun almost choked on her own saliva. Cutting him off. "Y-you got accepted into Juilliard? Damn.." She was trying her best to suppress her astonishment. "Surely wouldn't have guessed that. You must be a great actor then."

Embarrassed, he scratched the back of his neck and shrugged. "At least I like to think that." 

She leaned back. Seeing him so shy all of a sudden made her giggle. If it wasn't for her red lipstick and dark eyeshadow she would have looked really cute. "I'm more impressed by that than anything else to be honest."

His lips tucked into a small smile. It wasn't about what she said. At least not only because of that. However, it was rather because he had simply missed talking like that with another person.

"This is quite awkward, isn't it?" he said then laughing. Feeling his cheeks and ears blush. A small attempt to change subjects.

Yongsun thought for a moment, shaking her head. "Have been in more awkward ones."

"Like what?"

"Like-" She wasn't going to break any more rules. "Maybe I'll tell you another time," she smirked then, "You're paying me to listen to you talking. You ain't paying to hear my stories."

"To be exact.. I needed someone to talk to. So I wouldn't mind it going both ways." 

She furrowed her brows. Who wanted to know anything about a hooker? "Yeah, but you see.." she cleared her throat, turning slightly in her seat to face him. "..one of my rules is to never reveal too much personal information to a client. And I've already broken that rule by telling you my name.  Because I read yours on the door bell. And one exception is enough. I don't wanna make more."

For a moment, he simply held her intense gaze. Not saying anything. If it wasn't for his soft features, he would have seemed intimidating to her. 

"What did the ocean say to the beach?" he asked out of nowhere. Yongsun backed confused. "Huh?"

His features softened then, his expression not being as serious as seconds before anymore. No, it was rather a mischievous one. Making her almost laugh.

"What did the ocean say to the beach?" he repeated with a grin.

"I honestly have no clue," she replied, still puzzled. But also curious.

 "Nothing," he exclaimed then, "It just waved!"

Yongsun's brown eyes widened. Her red-painted lips pursing, only to break into a fit of giggles seconds later. "That was so awful!" she whined. And still, she couldn't help but not giggle about how terrible it was.

And he smiled to himself. 

He was definitely glad she had knocked on his car window that night.

She furrowed her brows. Who wanted to know anything about a hooker? "Yeah, but you see.." she smirked then, turning slightly in her seat to face him. Drawing closer to him as she began leaning in. Her face inches away from his. "..one of my rules is to never reveal too much personal information to a client. And I've already broken that rule by telling you my name. Because I read yours on the door bell and wanted to be fair. But one exception is enough. I don't wanna make any more."

For a moment, he simply held her intense gaze. Not saying anything. The sweet sense of her perfume lingering in his nose. If it wasn't for his soft features, he would have seemed intimidating to her. 

"What did the ocean say to the beach?" he asked out of nowhere. Making Yongsun back off confused. "Huh?"

His features softened then, his expression not being as serious as seconds before anymore. No, it was rather a mischievous one. Causing her to almost laugh.

"What did the ocean say to the beach?" he repeated with a grin.

"I honestly have no clue," she replied, still puzzled. But also curious.

 "Nothing," he exclaimed then, "It just waved!"

Yongsun's brown eyes widened. Her red-painted lips pursing, only to break into a fit of giggles seconds later. "That was so awful!" she whined. And still, she couldn't help but giggle about how terrible it was.

And he smiled to himself. 

He was definitely glad she had knocked on his car window that night.

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Chapter Text

Chapter Text

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"So.. what are we gonna talk about today?"  Yongsun brushed past Seokjin. Letting her coat slide down her shoulders. He closed the door, observing her heading straight to her usual spot on the couch.

"I haven't really thought about it," he admitted with a shy smile and followed her. "I usually don't think much. I'm rather impulsive and decide spontaneously."
She hummed, her eyes wandering around. Trying of coming up with something herself to help him a little. "Are those your friends?" she asked then, pointing to a photoframe that was standing on a shelf. He nodded.
"How about you tell me about them?" she suggested. Him not finding her idea too bad.

"Let me think.. I have lots of acquaintances and friends actually."
She scoffed playfully. "Really? Since when?"
He stifled a laugh as well, realising how ironic it must sound considering he couldn't manage finding any there and had to literally pay someone like her as a substitute.
"Listen, it's way easier for me back home than here," he defended himself, continuing. "Anyway, I know lots of people. But I'd say my closest friends are the six guys on the photo."

"Are six people not a bit too many to have as best friends? Usually you'd have like.. I don't know. One or two. Three max." 

He shrugged, not knowing what to tell her. She might be right, however, that was how it was. He had six. "I guess I'm not like most people then," he grinned confidently. "They're all my best friends. But to be honest, we're all quite different. Personality and age wise. I honestly don't know how we made it work," he laughed then.

Yongsun was quietly listening. Noticing a small glimpse of happiness and nostalgia in his eyes while talking about his life back in Korea.
"Are they older than you?"
He shook his head. "No, actually I'm the oldest one. But really when I'm with them, I rather feel like the youngest one," he quietly said and looked down on his hands. "They're all quite funny and chaotic though and we laugh a lot when we hang out together."

She nodded, trying remembering the last time she had hung out with her own friends. It had been a while. Everyone being busy with their own lives. She wondered if others struggled to see their friends often, too. Well, at least he did. Because they were in different countries though.
"Sounds like a fun bunch," she mumbled while bringing her knees close to her chest. "You probably talk to them on the phone often ."
"No, not really. There's this annoying time difference after all."
"Oh, right."
They grew quiet.

"What about your family? Are you close with them as well? "

He thought for a moment, humming while doing so. "Yeah, a lot. I mean, I hated my brother when I was younger as he was always teasing me. But we're alright now," he smiled. She just nodded, looking straight outside.

Even though last time she had felt some kind of resemblance with him, she didn't really this time. She couldn't relate to him at all.

And she somehow envied him for that.

Seokjin noticed the change in her look. He wasn't sure but it seemed to him like she was.. sad. And he wondered why his words made her feel this way.

He didn't ask though. He knew it would have been pointless, remembering her rules.
So he decided to simply change subjects in an attempt of lightening the mood.
"There was a park I saw once. I don't remember where exactly it was anymore, but it looked really pretty. It was locked though, which I found.. strange? I didn't know parks got locked here at night."
Yongsun frowned, making a thinking expression. Unsure of what kind of parks he was talking about. Her brows rising then. "Was it maybe a private park?"
"Private?"
"Only for residents of the area around it."
He hummed. Assuming she was probably right. Ut had to be something like that. Much to his surprise, he saw her standing up then all of a sudden. Walking towards the door. "Come," she said, motioning with her chin towards it, "I wanna see that park."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't remember exactly where it was. It's been awhile since I saw it."
The woman simply shrugged unfazed. Her lips tucking into a smirk. "Then we'll look for it."

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"I remember this street.. I think."
"You said that like.. five times already," Yongsun laughed out. Hugging herself tighter when a stronger breeze passed by. Her eyes big as she looked left and right for any signs of that park. 
Seokjin sighed then. Smiling shyly. "Sorry. Told you I can't remember."
"It's alright," she sighed. The clicking of her overknee boots on the concrete the only sound surrounding them, besides the rustling of trees whenever the wind decided to blow.

Occasionally peeking at the taller guy beside her, she noticed his waves swaying underneath the snapback along with each step. His hands stuffed in his jacket. His head slowly turned then, their gazes meeting. "W-why are you staring at me?" he awkwardly laughed. Blinking a few times.
He did that often when speaking to her. Blinking like that. She seemed to make him nervous, considering he also often blushed. And she found it interesting.
"No reason," she shrugged nonchalantly. Redirecting her eyes to the empty street in front of them as they passed by some houses and parking lots. Only a few cars sometimes riding past them at this hour and this neighbourhood.

They were somewhere in north Brooklyn. Walking throught the streets in alleys in hope for him to remember where that park was. He only remembered it was near a cinema he had gone to that one evening.

"Wait," he excitedly exclaimed then, "I do remember this sign there. It must be close by." Taking out his phone, he looked on the streetmap if there was any park marked near and indeed, there was one right on the next sidestreet.

"Is this the one?" Yongsun asked then, pointing at an iron gate in between of two walls covered by ivy. Seeing him nod vigorously. "That's it." They walked closer until standing right in front of the gate. It was locked. Just like he had said.
Peaking through the iron bars, they could see the beautiful park laying behind it in silence. She took a step back, inspecting it. 
"Anyway, we found it now but we can't enter. Making this whole search quite pointless," he mumbled then, scratching his head.
"Don't say that," Yongsun objected with a lopsided grin. She had something in mind, he could tell by her mischievous look. Making him curious. 
"And why so? Are you planning to climb over?"
"Exactly."

She said it so casually that he had almost overheard her answer.
"W- are you serious?" he asked astonished. "I thought only the people living around the edges were allowed in."
She arched a brow at him. "And you abide by rules like that?"
"No, no I don't," he quickly said with a grin, "I do what I want."
He watched her smile and grab two bars. Setting a foot on a horizontal bar then, she pushed herself off the ground. Putting her other foot also on the bar. Step by step climbing higher until reaching the top.

A victorious smirk on her lips as she was sitting right on the top with a leg on each side of it. Seokjin observing her in awe. She really had guts.
"You're next," she said then. Starting climbing down.
His eyes widened. He didn't want to chicken out. If she managed doing it with high heels and a short skirt, he should be able doing it as well.

So without thinking much, he also grabbed the iron bars, heaving himself with an abrupt move.
Climbing over the gate, he jumped down the last feet. Playing it cool.
They walked further inside then. Getting an actual full view of the park hidden behind walls and trees. Lamps illuminating the space.
It wasn't anything too fancy. However, it was surely bigger than it had first appeared from outside. There were different paths along tall trees and at the end a mowed meadow with a few park benches here and there.

It was peacefully silent. Only some nocturnal insects making a sound in between as they walked out of the trees, towards one of the benches underneath an oak.

"There's something engraved here," Seokjin noticed then and bent down. Trying deciphering the letters with the faint lighting. "For E who loved this garden from T who always sat beside her."
Yongsun stepped next to him with arms folded in front of her. It being much chiller in there than outside on the street. "Huh some people do spend their whole life together," she quietly said then. Eyes laying on the letters.
He straightened himself. "Seems so."

Yongsun didn't know exactly why she got all emotional suddenly when reading those words, but she did. She swallowed then, taking a seat on the bench. Her gaze wandering up to him.
"Come, sit next to me." The smile on her red lips still visible in the half-dark. She patted the spot next to her and he nodded. Sitting down as well.

And for the first time Seokjin didn't mind sitting with her in silence.

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Chapter Text

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"Do I really have to?" Seokjin was trying his best to prevent himself from groaning. His dad's request having thrown him off. He had other plans for this weekend. Mainly studying, napping and perhaps meeting up with his hooker friend again.
Now thinking about it it made him internally laugh out. Hooker friend. It was probably quite farfetched to call a girl he barely knew for a month and who he paid for to keep him company, a friend. Regardless though, she had felt more than a friend than any other person in that city.

He knew they weren't actual friends and he knew she was only doing it because of the money. It was her job after all. Still, sometimes it seemed to him she would genuinely enjoy their little talks as well. At least her bright laugh when he was jokingly boasting with his looks or the way her replies seemed well-thought and not as she wouldn't have paid any attention, gave him this feeling. Perhaps he was wrong though. Perhaps she simply was better in acting than him.

"Yes, you do. Don't be so impolite. The fact Kim Chungbin-hyung invited you to his anniversary party is a big deal."

"Why? Are we somehow related to him?"

"No, no. He's from the Nagan Kim clan," his dad explained on the other phone line, "We're not related. But he's an old university friend living in New York now. And when he heard my son is studying there, he wanted to meet you."

Seokjin huffed, sinking more into his seat on the black couch. The sun was slowly setting behind the tall buildings. Coloring them orange. "But I live here for a year now. Why didn't he want to meet me earlier?"

He heard his father sigh deeply. Clearly annoyed with his smart-ass of a son. "We didn't speak in years.. I only recently got to talk to him again. Now stop complaining so much. It'll be just an anniversary party."

"Will there be food at least?"

For a moment his father remained silent. "I assume so. Is that all you care about?"

"Kinda.."

"Jin, listen. Chungbin-hyung is quite wealthy and an important Wall Street broker. He has lots of connections, which might help you in the future. He even knows people in the American and Korean entertainment industry. So I expect nothing less than your best behavior in front of him. Are we clear?"

He pursed his lips. His father usually wasn't the strict or demanding type. So him being so serious about his son attending his old rich friend's party, indicated Seokjin how important this was for his dad. Probably also because he didn't want him or their family getting any bad reputation by l not accepting or showing up there. 

So with a dragged sigh, he nodded. Remembering his father couldn't see him. "Fine. But I'm only doing it for you."

He heard his dad laugh then, making him grin. "I know you normally won't do anything you don't want to. So thank you. Oh and don't forget to wear your best suit when attending."

He abruptly straightened himself. "Suit? I have to wear a suit?"

"Obviously. It'll be an festive occasion after all."

And this time he couldn't suppress the groan.

»»»

"Look!"

Yongsun took a small run-up, before her hands grabbed the metallic pole and she swung her body upwards. Gliding and wrapping around the cold metal. On the top, she spread her arms widely. Proudly grinning. Her face when doing so reminding Seokjin of a cartoon character.
It was a cute contrast to her usual elegant and classy appearance. Despite being what she was. The way she talked, the way she walked - there just was something about it that didn't quite match with the job she was doing.

He quickly clapped his hands then, looking at her in awe.

It had been some weeks now since he had first met her. To be honest, he hadn't believed to ever see her again after that first night. Not after telling her every joke he had been able to remember. Even though she had kept laughing at almost all of them. Partially because of how bad they were, partially out of genuine amusement. Or at least he had hoped so. Maybe it had only been because he paid her.

He was still glad though. Also because it saved him time from finding someone else he could hang out with like that. Unfancy, just talking about whatever nonsense he wanted.

"Told you I could!" the girl smirked, slowly gliding in circles around the pole between her legs. "It's quite easy actually."

"I doubt it is though," he chuckled and sat down on the cushioned floor of the building's private gym. "Why did you learn pole-dancing anyway?"

He watched her adjusting her position. Now hanging there headlong. Her hair cascading down like a waterfall. "Simple. Because I wanted to."

"You always do what you want, don't you?" he smirked. Lying if saying he wouldn't also enjoy that view. She wasn't the tallest person, but when she had been up there her legs had looked endless.

"Well, yeah. Of course!"

"Sounds like me," he dramatically sighed then, glancing out into the dark, "Everyone complains about me doing what I want though."

"People always complain," Yongsun stated then matter-of-factly, "It's just how people are. Especially boring ones. So just do what you wanna do."

He laughed out, nodding in agreement. "Always do. Life would be quite depressing if not. Right?"

She nodded as well, still hanging there upside-down like a kid on a climbing frame.

"How long have you been doing that?"

"What? Pole-dancing? About four years."

"Four years? That's quite a long time. How old are you even?"

"Tw-" She cut herself off, smirking. "Nice try, but you know the rules, Jinnie."

He huffed, propping his cheeks on his fists. "Oh c'mon. I asked for your age, not your birth date or anything actual private."

"Sorry, but nope."

He hummed, tapping his finger on his chin. "What about twenty bucks. Would you tell me then?"

"Nope."

"Thirty?"

"Go higher."

He glanced back at her, seeing her now slowly gliding down on the pole.

"Fifty? My last offer."

Giggling under her breath, she stepped off the pole. "I was just joking, but alright." A playful look on her eyes. "I'm twenty-nine. Now you gotta tell me yours."

"Sure," he nodded, before a lopsided grin spread over his lips, "How much?"

Yongsun's eyes widened, but she played along. "How about five bucks?"

"Only five?" He sounded offended, which made her laugh. "I gave you ten times as much!"

"Yeah, but I'm not so eager to hear yours, so.." She trailed off, while twirling a curl around her finger. Making her way to where she had left her high heels.

"Okay fine," he sighed, giving in. There didn't seem to be any point in trying negotiating. "I'm twenty-eight."

She held out her hand for him and he only now noticed that she was standing in front of him. Looking at him with a soft smile. "So I'm older than you." "Seems so," he said and grabbed her hand to pull himself up. "Wouldn't you have to call me something if we were in Korea?" she asked then, giggling as they made their way back to his apartment. "Something to show respect or whatever. I remember my dad mentioning that when I was younger."

"If we were in Korea, yeah. You want me to?" he teased. She shook her head though. "Nah. I'd feel pretty old if you did."

"Say.. how comes you don't speak Korean?"

She shrugged, entering the elevator. "I know some words.. but my parents never really taught me. In fact, I even have an English name. You know, which I used in school and work. As a kid I never understood why."

"Sounds tiring," he mumbled. Leaning back, he shoved his hands into his pockets. "I think if I had to choose an English name it'd be Alex."

"Huh and why so?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Doesn't it sound cool? Alexander the Great and stuff," he grinned, to which she held back a laugh. "Yeah sure. Why not."

They grew quiet, reaching the last floor. After fumbling a bit with his key, he managed eventually open the door. Letting her enter first, he followed behind her. Watching her small figure making its way to the big couch. Leaving her black coat on it, she sat down. Flipping her hair on one side.

"What was your English name?" He wasn't sure why he even asked, as she would surely not answer him anyway. But he did anyway. Hoping she wouldn't feel too annoyed about his straight way of asking things.
Tilting her head lightly, she looked at him expressionless.
"Nevermind, I forgot you have your rules," he sighed.

However, much to his surprise, he only saw her giggle and folding her arms. Pushing her back off the couch. "You really don't give up, I'll give you that." Leaning herself towards the guy next to her. Their faces only inches apart. He could smell her sweet perfume again. Like always when she was this close to him. It made him unintentionally blink. "Maybe I'll tell you some other time," she said mischievously, "But until then, how about you tell me why a pretty boy like you needs company from a hooker like me. You don't seem like the type who struggles finding friends considering the many you have in Korea. And I'm sure all the women are wild for you as well."

He laughed out, shaking his head. "'Wild for me' would be quite the exaggeration though," he mumbled, embarrassed. Feeling his cheeks burning. "Even though I am quite handsome.." he added then. Wiggling with his eyebrows playfully. Making her laugh out loudly with his boldness.
The only reason she had asked was because she had seen guys with less attractive faces and personalities having all kinds of social interactions. Then again, he might actually have tons of friends in New York for all she knew. And that was why she was so curious.
"But I think," he continued then, "the main reason would be that I'm an introvert in a foreign country. And the only people I get to talk to are other students at college. Who are nice and everything. I'm just not as outgoing as them. And some of them are also quite.. sophisticated? And a bit snobby. And I'm just tired of all those sophisticated, snobby people."

Seokjin hadn't intended to be this honest with her, but somehow those words had just left his lips without him thinking much about them.

He was preparing to hear her laugh at him or at least hear her huffing and telling him to stop complaining. However, much to his surprise she didn't do any of these. No, instead he watched her sink into her seat. A sad, almost melancholic look covering her eyes.
"Sophisticated, rich people suck. I feel you on that one," she plainly said. Laughing under her breath. "Am I right?"
He didn't know why, but the laugh felt forced. It didn't match the look of her dark, tired eyes. It was almost as if she didn't want to bring down the mood. Something he tended to do as well and maybe that was why he noticed.

He simply nodded. Offering her a small smile as well. "By the way, we can't meet next Saturday. I have somewhere to go."
"That's alright," she simply said. Her eyes wandering outside. Noticing the dark, heavy clouds hanging low over the skyscrapers. Raindrops hitting the glass.

She stood up and walked towards the window. Her fingers slowly sliding over the cold window.
"It's raining."
Seokjin perked up, seeing her petite figure standing against the big skyline. And for a moment he simply looked at her.
There was just something about her he couldn't really name.
"I can drive you home later, if you want," he said then. Knowing very well she would deny that as well.
However, she didn't say anything. Maybe she hadn't heard him. Absentmindedly observing the falling raindrops.
"I like summer rains and thunderstorms."

Her random confession took him aback as it was definitely something personal about her she had just shared. He chose not to comment on it though.
Instead he simply went to the big glass facade. Observing the rain and occasional lightning in the distance next to her.

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Chapter Text

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Seokjin was standing in the entrance hall like a lost puppy.
Not exactly knowing if he should wait for someone to greet him or if he should just follow the other people in suits and fancy dresses heading to further inside. He assumed the main lounge area as loud chatting and laughing was coming from there.

He really didn't want to be there. He hated loud, crowded places more than anything. His introverted self really shining through in situations like this. It had only been a few minutes and he already felt uncomfortable in that ridiculously big urban villa in the middle of Park Slope -one of the places the richy rich people of New York seemed to prefer. At least it seemed so when he saw the houses and cars in that area.

Obviously he had also seen and lived in pretty wealthy areas in his life - but he had never seen an actual mansion in the middle of a city. It rather looked like a modern, miniature castle from outside.

His thoughts revolved around just leaving and having made a promise to his father. So with a dragged sigh, he followed the direction of the loud chatter and noises. The place everyone else was disappearing to.

Having assumed correctly, he entered a big lounge area. A crystal chandelier hanging over the heads of middle-aged rich people, who were filling up the tiniest space. Laughing at each other with their champagne glasses in one hand and niblets in the other.

Seokjin had to admit to himself that this wasn't exactly what he had expected. Neither had he found himself in a similar situation before and he felt quite overwhelmed in that moment. He swallowed hard. His fingers gliding through his hair, forgetting he had neatly combed it back. Wondering if his dad ever made his brother attend such parties. 

Calm down, he told himself then, just greet dad's friend to show that you came and then leave.

It sounded easier than it really was though. Especially since he had no damn clue how this friend even looked like.
So until finding out, he decided to just maintain a low profile and stay somewhere in a corner. Avoiding to talk to any of those strangers at all costs. Not that he would run away in panic if someone did speak to him, but he really wasn't in the mood to fake-laugh and pretend he would understand what they were talking about.

Time passed while observing those strangers and he decided to at least make use of the situation by grabbing something to eat. Even though the food wasn't exactly food but just small portions. He would have rather called them snacks if anything.
Mentally making a note to instantly go and grab a burger or kimchi stew after escaping this place -if his favorite Korean restaurant in uptown was still open.

He started mingling through the crowd then, hoping to hear someone call this friend's name somewhere, so he could finally greet him and leave already.
However, that idea was quickly dismissed as he had managed to go from one side of the room to another and he was still as clueless as before. Now standing between a large staircase and some expensive looking painting of naked people.

"May I get your attention, please?" A short Korean man, probably in his 60s, suddenly declared from the side. Standing on a small, one foot tall stage. He was grinning into the microphone, holding up a champagne glass. The crowd suddenly going quiet. Even the group of silver-haired men who had been obnoxiously loudly laughing on the opposite side of the room.

"First of all, I wanted to thank you all, my friends, relatives and business partners, for joining me tonight in my modest home." 

The boy pursed his lips, biting back a laugh. Modest home? Where?

"Today is a very special day for me as you all know. Today marks the 40th anniversary of my company starting off on the Wall Street. Forty-five years since I came here to the States. A simple Korean boy, freshly out of university, who came here and made his dream come true."

The crowd applauded. Seokjin quickly pushing himself off the wall and joining them. Finally knowing who his father's friend was, so he could easily proceed with his initial plan now.

"However, I'd like to thank all of you for your support and love. Especially my wife, Jennifer, who's been supporting me since the beginning.. Come, come. Don't be shy," he laughed then and waved to somewhere in the crowd. A little later a woman around his age joined him on the small stage. The crowd cheering once again. The woman clearly being embarrassed. "And of course my two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Michelle. Jessica even having gifted us with a grandson recently."

Another round of applause began as a young woman stepped on the stage as well. Joining the man and the woman.

His dad's friend then covered the microphone, leaning towards his wife and daughter. Whispering something to them. The expression in his face changed slightly. He was clearly trying his best not to show that whatever they told him, upset him.
"I hope you can excuse my daughter Michelle for being late. There had been a small issue with her dress apparently -you know how women are," he laughed. Seokjin instantly knowing it was a fake laugh though.

"I'm here, I'm here!" someone yelled then from upstairs. Footsteps being heard on the staircase above him as someone in a long dark blue dress rushed it down. Everyone's eyes shooting up, laying on the person who was quickly making her way through the crowd and up to the stage. Not seeming apologetic or embarrassed at all for making the guests wait and even whisper to each other. Probably frowning upon her.

Seokjin chuckled quietly, finding the whole situation quite amusing. His eyes following the top of her head among the guests who were stepping aside, making space for her. Eventually reaching the stage, she joined her family on it. Her dark pink lips spread into a wide grin.
And Seokjin froze. This smile. His lips parted. Those long, dark waves.

"Now that Michelle is also here, I may continue," the older man said. He shortly coughed, facing the crowd again. "Once again I thank you my dear guests for coming tonight. It means a lot to celebrate such an important date with everyone. I remember how I met each of you. Yes, even you, Baker! You still owe me twenty bucks from that night!" He laughed, making the crowd laugh along with him. "Anyway, enjoy yourself and have a nice evening!"
A loud wave of cheers rolled over the room. The crowd clapping enthusiastically as the host stepped down from the small stage, along with his family members. 

Except for Seokjin whose eyes were fixed on the woman with the blue dress. Carefully leaving the stage, not to step over the expensive fabric. Her father had called her Michelle, however, it had to be her. He would recognize those pretty brown eyes and wide grin with the puffy cheeks anywhere.

It was Yongsun.

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Chapter Text

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Seokjin was squeezing himself through the crowd. Apologizing every few seconds to whoever he was bumping in on his way to the front of the stage.
Kim Chungbin and his family members were lined up in from of the stage now. Receiving congratulating handshakes and wishes from some of their guests.

To say he was confused and shocked would be an understatement. But then again, maybe he was wrong after all. Maybe Michelle and Yongsun are indeed two different women and he had just confused them from the distance. However, he simply had to find out. Curiosity along with lots of questions clouding his mind as he almost stepped on some old lady's dress.

"Excuse me," he quickly mumbled, lowering his head. Continuing heading towards the stage.

It had been crowdier there though. Almost everyone trying to shake Kim Chungbin's hand to smooth-talk him for their business relations. Soon an actual line had formed that led to him and the other family members and Seokjin had no choice but actually lining up there as well. Which was convenient to be honest, as he also had to greet him anyway.

He started getting impatient though. Slightly bopping back and forth on his feet like a child that was stuck somewhere boring. Occasionally tiptoeing in an attempt to catch a glimpse of Michelle, Yongsun or whatever her name was.
Eventually, the line slowly moved forward and after what felt an eternity, he finally reached the older man whose brows rose as soon as he spotted him.

Trying his best not to peek at the girl standing at the end, he bowed politely. "Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Kim Seokjin." The older man grabbed his hand, shaking it vigorously as soon as he heard his name.
"Oh, you're Seojun's son! Glad to see you here. I talked to your dad and he told me about you. Hope you're enjoying the party so far."

"I do! Thank you for the invitation." It was obviously a lie but nevertheless he bowed again. Earning a pat on the back.
"Don't mention it! Enjoy yourself!" And with that he moved onto greeting the next person.
Again, he bowed to the wife and the oldest daughter, when his eyes finally met those of who he was anticipating to.

Even though he had mentally prepared of what he would say to her, nothing came out of his lips as he was standing right in front of her. Seeing her slightly tilt her head to the side, waiting for him to unfreeze from his stare.
"Thank you for coming," she said in a formal tone, sticking out her hand.
He simply stared at her, then the hand, then back at her. His mind spinning.

The face, the voice, the hair - they all belonged to Yongsun. But the way she was standing there in front of him and speaking like that made him believe she hadn't recognized him. That she was a stranger after all.
Coming back to his senses, he quickly nodded. Taking her hand in his. It was cold but soft. Just like he remembered it. And without saying anything, he left. The line continuing moving.

For a moment he felt dizzy. Had this really just happened? Had she really not recognized him? Or was she just a perfect double of the girl he had been meeting the past weekends?

Perhaps it was indeed that. After all the girl he met was a hooker. Someone who got paid to sleep with strangers -or in his case, keep company to strangers. Those people usually did it for the money, because they needed it.
Michelle didn't seem to need the money though. She was rich as hell. Probably from the richest family he had ever personally met.

Rubbing his eyes, he grabbed one of the champagne glasses off of a waitress' tray and drank it all in one chunk. Spilling a bit on his suit as he made his way to the side and to his previous spot next to the staircase.
"Where you heading to, pretty boy?" a voice behind him said then.

He stopped dead in his tracks. Instantly recognizing it. And this time it didn't sound so distant as minutes ago. He glanced over his shoulder. Seeing none other than Michelle (or Yongsun after all?) standing there with an amused look on her pretty features. Arms crossed in front of her chest. Covering the long jeweled necklace she was wearing.

Seokjin turned around then, still unsure whether it was his hooker-friend or not.
"Oh so you do know me?"
She frowned, taking a few steps forward. Now standing right in front of him. Her brows still furrowed. She huffed then, flicking her finger on his chest. "What kind of dumb question is that, Jinnie?" she smirked then, "Of course I know you. Why?"

He exhaled deeply. Throwing back his head as he laughed out in relief. He wasn't insane after all.
"Because you acted like you've never seen me before back there."
She rolled her eyes, leaning next to the expensive painting of naked people. "Obviously. What would I've told my family where I know you from? The dentist?"

He nodded eventually, having to admit she was right. "I get it. But another question -you're rich. Like really rich. Like actually... I don't know of any cool expression in English. But you're crazy rich," he laughed out. Peeking at her with a baffled expression. She shrug nonchalantly.
"My family is, not me."
"Still!" he exclaimed, "I have hundreds of questions right now!"

The way he acted so shocked, but didn't seem mad at her for never telling him this little fact about herself, made her giggle. And she hadn't done that all week long.
"You wanna see a cool place?" she suddenly asked then. Changing topics.

"Maybe.. if you answer my questions first," he smirked, making her playfully scoff. "Alright, alright. I'll answer them all. But not here. Okay?" He sighed dramatically. Giving in. "Fine."
Yongsun smiled contently. Having once again managed getting her way.
She gently grabbed his hand then, tugging at it as she pushed herself off the wall. "Then come with me."

Passing by the bar, she snitched a bottle of red wine from the counter on their way out.
Leaving the party behind them, without anyone noticing they went to the large garden. Past the flower beds and small sculptures. Sitting down on a stone bench at the edge of it. The lights of the anniversary party still visible. Along with the loud chatter and laughter which got mixed with the music and night air.

Yongsun opened the wine bottle. Starting taking large gulps out of it. Wiping her lips with the back of her hand then. Smudging her lipstick. Seokjin observed her silently.

Them sitting in the dark, chunking down wine they had sneaked out, reminding him of some teenagers who had stolen some cheap booze and were now quickly drinking it on a parking lot, fearing of getting caught.

"Here," she grinned then, holding the bottle towards him. He took it, also taking a swig. It was a good wine for sure. He glanced down at it then, reading the label. Dom Pérignon Vintage 1955.
His eyes widened. Not that he was a wine expert, but that sounded like they were emptying a very expensive bottle all on their own.
"I hate those parties," she exhaled next to him. Stretching her legs in front of her. "They're so boring and exhausting."
He nodded, agreeing. "I'm only here 'cause my dad wanted me to."
"Well, same."

Looking up at the dark sky, she couldn't see anything but black. No stars visible in that damn city. A light breeze swept above them then. She grabbed the bottle out of his hand, taking another gulp. Feeling her tongue loosening.
"I hate it. I really hate it. This pretentious life of my family. I hate those fake laughs and fake people."
Seokjin looked at her, seeing her frown at the sky. Absentmindedly staring at it with an intense look on her eyes.
"I assume this is somehow connected to why you're doing that specific job?"
"Yeah.. somehow."
He shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "If you wanna talk.."
She nodded. Adverting her eyes from the empty firmament, glancing at him. He was staring at the ground now. His once combed back hair now loosely falling in front of his eyes. The brown waves looking soft under the dim light.
"Maybe later," she said then, "But right now I'm hungry. You think they'd deliver a pizza to a bench?"

His head perked up, bewildered. He first thought she was joking, but her questioning look told him otherwise. He chuckled, shaking his head then. "Don't think so. But I mean.. we could also just go grab one ourselves," he shrugged. Also starting feeling hungry. The tiny nibbles not able filling his stomach for too long.
"Let's go then," she grinned and instantly got up. Heading towards the parked cars at the front of the house when noticing him not following her. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing him still sitting there with wide round eyes staring at her. "What are you waiting for?" she giggled.
"Don't you wanna change your outfit first?"
"Nah, let's go! You have to drive though, I drank too much."

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Chapter Text

»»»

"Alright I want a large pizza with salami, mushrooms and green pepper." Yongsun had one hand on the counter, pointing with the other on the menu hanging above them. Almost disappearing in the sleeve of Seokjin's suit jacket, which was way too big for her. Only wearing it as she had started shaking a bit in the cool night.

She hadn't said anything when he had given it to her, besides a 'thanks'. However, she had found this small gesture of him quite nice. She didn't know guys like this still existed.  

"And put extra cheese on it. I want it to really be dripping down," she continued explaining the guy behind the counter exactly what she wanted. She turned her head to Seokjin then. "What about you?" He hadn't heard her though. Having spaced-out.

"Yo, Jinnie," she giggled, waving a hand in front of his eyes. Startled, he blinked a few times, glancing down at the shorter girl. "Huh uhm yeah. I'll just have the same as her."
The guy behind the counted typed their orders into the display in front of him and nodded. "Alright that'd be 19$."
Yongsun opened her purse, ready to fish out her credit card when she saw Seokjin having already got his out and handing it to the cashier.
"Are you guys coming from some prom by the way or what's with the fancy dresses?"

"Ah yeah, something like that," Seokjin grinned. Thinking it would be the best to simply agree and not beat out how they were actually coming from a fancy anniversary party with some of New York's richest habitants.

The guy nodded, while handing him his receipt. "Pizzas will be ready in about fifteen minutes."
Seokjin looked around then. Spotting Yongsun on a table in the back. Stuffing her long necklace into her purse.
He walked up to the table and sat down opposite of her.

"Will you be able surviving another quarter?" he joked, watching her eyes widen in shock.
"Seriously?" she groaned quietly, stretching her arms over the table. She folded them, laying her chin on top of them.
"So, your English name is Michelle?"
She mumbled a 'yeh'. Slightly feeling her head heavy, the alcohol beginning kicking in. "But I prefer Yongsun," she said then, staring outside. He nodded, another thought coming up then. "Yong?" She hummed. "Why did you keep spending time with me if it wasn't for the money?"
Her tired eyes shot open. Staring at him bewildered. Him quickly looking away. He really wasn't the best in holding eye contact. And her intense stare didn't make it better.

"Isn't it obvious? Because I like spending time with you," she grinned then, "You were the first rich person I met who wasn't a snob. You were actually cute and funny. And interesting."
He was blinking. Feeling his ears being definitely red by now. She noticed along with how he slightly pursed his lips, trying not to smile. "Aw, are you getting shy now?" she cooed, propping her chin on a hand. Watching him cough, looking away. 
"No, I'm just not used to someone being so honest and direct. Besides maybe my friends. But they're my friends and I know them for years. I mean, I don't mind. I can be quite straight forward, too. It's just, I'm not used to a woman being so direct to me and-"
"It's alright," she interrupted him. He was rambling by now. Making it only clearer to her that he was embarrassed and it made her smile. She found him even cuter now. Being so much different from any other guy she had ever met, whether rich or not. "And if you wanna know, I actually donate all the money I get from my side-job." Her eyes traveling outside again to the passing cars and people. "But to be honest, I was also spending time with you because I actually envy you a lot."

Her confession took him off-guard. Not being able to come up with any reason why. "I'm not that wealthy, you know. Your family is surely wealthier than mine."
She quickly shook her head though. Her long waves sliding down her shoulders. Her eyes glumly under the neon light. "It doesn't have anything to do with money. It has to do with what you told me. About your family and life in Korea.. You didn't get to really see a lot of my family. But they're the exact opposite of yours. That's why envy you."
Seokjin bit down his lips, nodding. Unsure of what to say, he decided to change topics. "Did you know our dad's were actually friends in university?"
"I didn't. But that explains why you got invited. Was wondering what your name was doing on the guest list."
Causing his eyes to widen. "So you knew I was coming?"
"Yup. Saw 'Kim Seokjin' on there and put one and one together. There aren't many rich Koreans in New York and there's only you with that name," she smiled at him and he smiled back.
"You're quite sneaky. You know that, Yongsun?"
His words made her actually laugh out. Her chubby cheeks popping out. "Yeah, I know."

They grew quiet. The pizzas still nowhere in sight.
Maybe it was the alcohol in her system, but she decided she could trust him. At least up to a certain point.
"Being a hooker isn't my main job, you know," she blurted out then, "My parents made me study marketing back then, so I'm a boring marketing director now."
"So hooker is your.. side-job, hobby?"
"Pretty much." She played with the satin fabric of her dress. "It might sound dumb and cliché, but I just wanted some kind of small independency in my life. Like sleeping with strangers every now and then. And also getting paid for it. So scandalous!" A sad laugh escaped her lips. "I understand if you don't get it. Not everyone would. But if your whole life was decided for you without you being able to object.. you tend to overreact. Even though my sister didn't seem to struggle much. But I've always been the black sheep in the family so.."

"I do get it," he said, causing her to glance up at him. A stern look on his features. And this time he held her gaze. "And I don't judge you. I think I'd have gone mad crazy if my parents had pulled something like that on me. I can't stand others telling me what to do and what not. So I was quite lucky in that case. But you were not."
She nodded. Her eyes falling down to her lap. "Thanks," she whispered then, smiling at him. "You were one lucky guy having a dad who supported you in studying drama. You know what my dad would've said at a degree in any performing art? Waste of time and money."
He arched a brow, smirking. "Is that so? Then I wonder why he didn't have the guts to tell that to my dad."
"Probably didn't care because you're not his son." Seeing their pizzas coming from the distance then, she jumped up in her seat. "Food!" she exclaimed happily. And Seokjin couldn't help but smile when seeing her instantly grab the largest piece and stuffing it into her mouth. The cheese dripping, just like she ordered it. It only smudging her lipstick more. But she didn't seem to care. She was enjoying her food. And so he didn't mind digging into his own as well.

"Want to hear a dad joke about pizza?" he grinned then in an attempt to lighten the mood. Watching her eyes widening in anticipation as she took another large bite. "Eh it's too cheesy, nevermind."
Yongsun's eyes widened in confusion. Only when he started laughing, not able to contain his laughter, she got it.
Also burstinh out laughing. It wasn't so much the poor pun itself that made her almost choke on her food. It was his face and the sound of his laugh.
"Don't-" she coughed. "Don't say jokes while I'm eating. I might choke."
"You mean you might die of laughter?" He pursed his lips, holding back abother laugh.

His jokes really weren't funny at all, but they always caught her so off-guard. It was the suprise, randomness and how bad they were.
"Shut up!" she whined frustrated, wiping herself with a napkin. She took another slice of pizza then. Pushing the greesy piece into his mouth. Stuffing it to keep him from talking any longer. "Eat!" she demanded laughing. Making him also laugh while munching on it.

He swallowed then, smiling. "Hey, Yong." She perked her head up. "I like spending time with you, too."

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Chapter Text

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Yongsun flinched and turned away from the bright sunlight. Feeling her head heavy, she groaned while trying heaving it. Failing miserably as it just fell back on the pillow right away. Covering her face with the blanket then to protect her eyes. And she fell back asleep like this.

Only waking up hours later. The sun having moved away, not lighting up the room so brightly anymore.

Her headache wasn't gone yet, but it surely felt better so she dared to heave her head again. Seeing she didn't collapse, she slowly sat up. Her eyes blinking a few times, getting adjusted to the light. Recognising the furniture of her room, she noticed some painkillers and a glass of water on her nightstand.
Confused, she took one of the pills and swallowed it with a sip of water. Ending up chunking it all down. Being thirstier than she thought.

She grabbed her phone from where it had fallen on the ground, seeing some texts from her sister. Asking where she had disappeared to. She decided to reply to her later, when her head stopped spinning.

When did she even get here?
She couldn't remember a thing. Her gaze fell down then, seeing she was still in her blue party dress from the night before. Getting up, she propped her hands on the mattress and looked around. The last thing she remembered was sitting in Seokjin's car with him at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Staring at the skyline of Manhatten on the other side of the bay. And she was pretty sure she remembered him telling her a story. Not sure what it had been about. But it had made her laugh.

No, wait. Had it been a drinking game? She had to drink whenever he made her laugh? Something like that?

Her head felt dizzy when trying reminding herself of any more details. It would explain her hangover though.

After getting out of the dress and into her Pyjamas, she sat down on her bed again. Staring out of the window.

What the fuck was she doing?

Realisation falling upon her all of a sudden.

In her intoxicated state she had told him almost everything about herself. Obviously not everything, but enough. Her family issues, her real job and why she was doing that side job.

To be honest, she should have seen it coming. After all she had known he would attend the party. So obviously he would have found out about her background.
However, everything else -her bad relationship with her parents, the reason she chose to be a hooker- would not have necessarily got revealed. And she could have prevented it all if she had avoided him on that party. That goddamn party.

She could have left or hid somewhere. There were enough places she could have done so in that enormous house. But no. She had chosen to go after him. To talk to him. To run away from the party with him.

Again, what the fuck was she doing?

She had rules. She had extra rules when it came to hooker clients. However, it seemed she forgot every single one of them when it came to the guy with the soft eyes. 

But then again, could he even be considered a client anymore? Probably not. And that was a problem.

She abruptly got up then, took out a notepad from a drawer and started scribbling on it. Staring down at the piece of paper. Unsure of whether to proceed with it or not.
And then she remembered how she had done that before and groaned. Why had she done that? Why had she told him to contact her and hang out again?

Because she had found him funny and interesting to be around with. Besides, he had seemed to be done with the high-society life as well and it had felt nice having another ally.
She couldn't lie though, it was also partly because he was so handsome. Making her groan again. No!

Another flashback coming back then from the pizza place they had gone to. And how her half-drunk idiot self had told him she found him cute. And that she enjoyed his company.
The second-hand embarrassment for her intoxicated self only growing more and more.

And she decided she needed to deliver that new piece of paper as well.

»»»

It was Monday morning when Seokjin's alarm went off. Without opening his eyes, he extended his arm until reaching the vibrating device and shutting it off.

After bringing the drunk Yongsun home, he had returned at his own apartment at dawn. And after sleeping in, he had spent the whole Sunday lazing around. Not leaving his place once, despite the nice weather outside. He was too worn out from the night before.
It hadn't bothered him though. After all he hadn't had so much fun in a long time.

And he would be lying if saying he wouldn't enjoy Yongsun's carefree company as well. Sometimes she reminded him of himself. Or at least of his old self, back in Korea with his friends. Somehow he had lost that impulsive and carefree side of himself little by little all this time he had lived in New York. And he had missed it. Even though he was always the introverted type who stayed inside all day long, his friends managed getting him out at times.
So he had missed just strolling through the night without a clear destination. Just having fun, while talking about nothing while eating at the river. Sure the East River wasn't like the Han River, however, at night every city looked alike. It was just bright lights in the darkness reflected on the water.

He stood up then. Deciding there wasn't any use in procrastinating. He would otherwise be late for his first class. So after getting ready and eating something quick for breakfast, he picked up his backpack and rushed out. Sensing his shoe almost slipping, he noticed something being stuck under the sole of his sneaker then. Puzzled, he bent down. Seeing a piece of paper.

"We shouldn't see each other anymore.

-Y"

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Chapter Text

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Yongsun kicked the door shut. Exhaling deeply. Work had been a torture once again. She was just glad being home now and being able to lay in bed for the rest of the day. Maybe order some food.
Or so she hoped, until the door bell started frantically ringing all of the sudden.

Annoyed, she pushed herself off the door. Taking a breath to calm herself down and swung the door open.
"Yes h-huh?" Her eyes widened. Seeing Seokjin standing there in front her. Arching a brow, he eyed her up and down. A chuckle escaping his lips.
"Since when are you dressing so formally?"
She looked down at her light pink blazer, not finding it that formal at all. "I just came back from work. My actual work. And what are you doing here?" Though she could guess why he had decided to pay her a visit.

And her assumptions got confirmed as soon as she saw him getting a now wrinkled piece of paper out.
"Care to explain?" he asked then. His voice holding some kind of annoyance. "I was worried something happened to you. But you seem to be fine.. I mean, it's alright if you've had enough of me and my random babling. Just.. say it to my face instead of leaving me notes like a school kid."

She folded her arms, looking away. The primary reason she had written him a note was so she didn't have to deal with him face to face and now she has to do it after all. However, he had been right. Even though she hadn't expected him to care so much about her anyway.
"Forget about it, I take it back," she mumbled then, not knowing what exactly to do. Another question popping up. "How do you know where I live anyway?"
He frowned, tilting his head. His longer becoming waves swaying along. "Don't you remember? You told me when I brought you home that night. After the party."
She closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing her temple. "Right. Sorry, I don't remember much after emptying the rest of the wine." She glanced up at him then. "I guess the water and the painkillers where from you as well?"
He nodded shyly, scratching the back of his neck.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome," he muttered and turned around. Ready to make his way down the stairs, when she called out for him.
"Come in," she plainly said then, motioning with her chin inside. For a moment he hesitated, unsure of what to expect but he followed her nonetheless.
"I'm sorry for being a coward by the way," Yongsun admitted then as she went to the living room and sat down on the white couch. To say she felt awful and embarrassed would be an understatement.

Seokjin observed her silently as he took off his backpack. It slowly growing heavy after carrying it around all day long.
"As I said, you can just say if you got bored of me. I almost slipped on your note," he awkwardly chuckled, rubbing his arm.
Making Yongsun shake her head. "I didn't get bored of you. It's just.." He watched her let out a frustrated groan, pinching the bridge of her nose. His eyes growing wide, confused of what he had done to make her react like this. "It's just that you make me break all my rules. And it really makes me disappointed in myself."
"Oh, I almost forgot about those," he laughed under his breath, "What were they again?"
"The rules I have for my hooker clients, Jin," she said rolling her eyes playfully, "And you make me break one after another and I honestly don't know what to do with you. No names, no physical addresses, no personal information.." She paused, glancing at him. "You made me break them all in the very first night."
Scoffing, he folded his arms in front of his broad chest."I didn't ask for your name."
"No, but I saw yours written on the door bell of your apartment, where you took me to. And now you also know my address, after we hung out together."
"If I remember correctly, it was you who dragged me away from the party," he started ranting, "And I had to get your address since you were sleeping on the backseat and I couldn't leave you there. Besides, I didn't purposely find out about your family background. So.."

Dragging out a sigh, she looked around her sparsely furnished living room. A big flatscreen on a sideboard, a few plants next to the balcony door, a coffee table and obviously the couch. She kind of hated it, now that she thought about it. It was too clean, too cold. His had at least some figurines and plushies. Something personal. While hers looked like no one would actually live there.
"And again, thank you for bringing me home.."
"Don't mention it."
A small smirk appearing on her lips then, peeking at him. "Well, since we already broke almost all my rules, I guess we can just continue hanging out. If you still want to." The last part sounded more like a question. Unsure whether he would even still want to. Not that it mattered anyway. Even though there was a part in her that hoped he would still want her to keep him company.

However, Seokjin remained silent. Contemplaiting each option. Truth was he did enjoy her company a lot. However, he didn't feel like making things so complicated for neither her nor him. He understood that she had her rules and it made sense in a job like that. They had surely crossed the line, probably since the beginning.
In his defense though, she hadn't seemed to mind it. Neither did he. 

He took a deep breath then, settling on an option none of them had thought about so far. "Let's stop seeing each other like that then and just.. hang out."
She perked up, glancing at him confused. "You mean like friends?"
He shrugged, looking away. "Yeah why not? I mean, let's be honest, this never was a normal hooker job anyway," he shrugged, "So why not keeping it simple. This way you wouldn't have to break any rules anymore and I wouldn't feel bad for forcing a stranger to keep me company. And since you don't care for the money anyway and did it because you liked talking to me.." A cocky smirk spreading over his lips, recalling her little confession at the pizza parlor.

Yongsun stared at him. Half in awe for having the guts to just be so direct and ask her to be friends, like kids in pre-school. Half in annoyance as he had reminded her of that embarrassing night where she basically turned herself into an open book.
"Fine," she said then with a wide grin, sticking out her hand at him, "Friends?"
He glanced down at it and smiled. It reminded him of the night they had met.
"Friends," he said, shaking it.

And just like that they broke another one of her rules.

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Chapter Text

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It was pouring outside. The grey sky looking threatening over the tall buildings. Seokjin sighed, standing up from his couch. He wasn't a big fan of storms. Especially not when living on the last floor.

So he decided to distract himself and instead focus back on the new script that had been given to them last week. After reading, underlining and taking notes for about an hour, he looked up from his desk. The weather not having calmed down. It had at least stopped raining though. Even though the passing hour tinted the sky in an even darker shade of grey now.

The door bell suddenly rang then, interrupting the silence. He frowned, not expecting anyone but went to check nevertheless. His lips curling up when peeking through the door viewer.
"I'm still not used seeing you in normal clothes," he chuckled when opening the door to Yongsun.
She was wearing a simple sweater and jeans. Quite the contrast to all the other times he had seen her, where she was either in her hooker outfit or an extravagant party dress.

The girl furrowed her brows at his remark. A smirk spreading over her lips then as she brushed past him. Putting her seeping umbrella on the side. "I could continue coming in my satin dresses and leather skirts if you want, but that wouldn't really suit an amicable meeting. Don't you think?"
His lips parted, not knowing what to say. Feeling his cheeks turning pink along with his ears.
"What are you doing here anyway?" he asked then, changing topics. He hadn't seen her in over a week and her suddenly standing in front of his door like that surprised him.
"I was close by, visiting my sister," she said then, taking a seat at the kitchen counter, "Didn't you see my text?"
His eyes widened. Instantly rushing to his bedroom where his phone was laying on his desk. And indeed, there was a text message from her. From half an hour ago.
"I assume you didn't," he heard her from the other room.
He laughed out, scratching his head. "Sorry, I was studying," he said, going back to her. Seeing her brows rising. "Oh, are you busy right now? I can leave."
"It's alright," he smiled, "I'm done for today anyway. My brain feels like melting." 
She nodded, propping her cheeks on her fists.
"I'm hungry. Are you hungry?" he asked then, watching her head perk up. Nodding vigorously. "Yes! But you think anyone would deliver with that weather?"

He shrugged, walking to the other side of the counter. "Or I can just quickly cook something."
She stared at him wide-eyed. "You can cook?"
He laughed, slightly confused at her reaction. "Yeah, why?"
"I don't know.. I hardly know any wealthy person who cooks for themselves. I had to learn since, you know, I don't like depending on others. But otherwise.."
"But Yong," he smirked then, leaning over the counter. His face close to hers as he arched a brow. "Thought you'd already know I'm not like most wealthy people you know."
She held his gaze, letting out a small laugh under her breath. "Almost forgot."
He straightened himself. Starting looking through the cupboards to check if he even had enough ingredients. "You eat Korean food, right?"
"Sure. Though I don't know that many dishes to be honest.."
Shaking his head, he sighed. "I have to show you so many good ones then."
"Are you even a good cook? Or does your food get all burnt?" she teased then. Making him huff audibly. "For your information, I don't only look extraordinarily good, I also cook extraordinarily well," he grinned smugly, "And I can prove it."
Yongsun couldn't help but laugh out at his extraordinary self-praise. Then again, he wasn't lying. "You sure are confident," she grinned back then. Seeing him standing up, his arms stuffed with all kinds of things. They almost slipped from his grip, but he luckily put them down on the counter in time. "I'll make something easy now though. So we won't starve."

She hummed in agreement, watching him get out a large bowl. Putting one ingredient after another in. Sugar, flour, water, kimchi. She knew that one. "I ate that a lot as a kid."

"Ah, so you're a real Korean after all," he grinned. Starting chopping green onions. He did it quickly, like one of those chefs in cooking shows on tv. She was in awe.
"You like cooking, don't you?"
"Hm yeah.. almost as much as eating." He poured the batter into a pan."It's been quite awhile since I made food for someone though. Kinda missed it."
"You can cook for me whenever you want," Yongsun giggled, dangling her feet. "I'm usually too lazy to make anything after work. I just eat cornflakes."
"That.. doesn't sound healthy," he chuckled. Watching her stretching her arms over the counter. The smell of the kimchi pancake filling the air. He carefully let the pancake slide from the pan to a plate. Content with his work, he presented it to her. "Wanna try?"

She bit down on her lips and nodded. Her hand reaching out to grab the chopsticks laying next to the plate. Tearing off a piece of the spicy pancake. Her eyes widening.
"Damn, that's really good." Her seemingly satisfied expression when taking another bite making him smile proudly. "And you know what?" she said then while starting munching on her third piece, "I already know the perfect dessert."

»»»

"This better be the best cake ever though or I'm suing," Seokjin joked, avoiding yet another puddle. "I'm not even that much into sweets. Why did I agree on going to that cake shop?"
"Stop whining like a baby," Yongsun laughed. Nudging him with an elbow as they stopped at a traffic light. "I promise it was worth it. It's the greatest chocolate cake you'll ever get. There's even liquid chocolate inside of it!"
She looked so excited for that cake, she was seemingly in love with it. It was quite adorable for him to observe. So he just pursed his lips and stopped complaining.

It might have stopped raining, but the humidity was still palpable in the atmosphere. Their shoes making splashing noises with every step. New York after a summer storm was quite poetic. Especially since it seemed like abandoned. Only a handful of people strolling through the usually busy streets. Only the amount of cars was the same, if not even more.

Yongsun abruptly stopped then, making him bump into her. She had spotted a bench under some trees at a small park next to the skyscrapers. And eager as she was about eating the cake, she walked up to the bench and sat down. Her eyes lighting up when opening one of the paper containers and seeing the brown and glossy cake. Grabbing it out carefully with one of the napkins she found in the bag, she took a large bite. Almost moaning at the taste of it.

"Ith tho goood!" Her words muffled due to her mouth being stuffed with the pastry. Chocolate frosting all over her lips. Making it hard for him to understand her. He grabbed his own paper container then and took his piece of cake out. Taking a bite as well. And indeed, it tasted better than he had expected. In fact, it tasted like pure heaven.
"Tho good!" he said with his own mouth filled.

Yongsun laughed then, swallowing. "You got so much chocolate on your face!" she grinned. Making him playfully scoff. "You're not better!" He grabbed the other napkin then, wiping it over his lips. "And now?" She shook her head. Sighing when watching him wipe it again and failing. Taking the napkin out of his hand, she wiped the remaining chocolate off his cheek herself. Not noticing his blushing.

Thunder was heard in the distance then, both tensing up. Soon sensing small cold drops on their burning skins. "It starts raining again," he stated worried and put his cake back into the box. He got up. "We should go back quickly."
The rain now starting pouring down harder. Yongsun nodded, putting the boxes back into the plastic bag. Suddenly feeling something thrown on her head. Confused she flinched back. Seeing his jean's jacket laying on top of her head.
"Come!" he yelled over the louder becoming rain. Holding his hand out for her. Staring at it for a moment, she grabbed it and stood up. Pressing the bag with the two cakes close to her chest with one arm, while the other hand was engulfed by his.
And they started running through the streets of Upper Eastside. Not letting go of each other or caring about stepping into one puddle after another. It was too late to worry about that anyway.

Her eyes fell on his side profile though. His long waves swaying over his forehead as heavy rain drops rolled over his face. And for some reason it had felt like back then. When she had first seen him. Back then she had also only seen his side profile.With that same stern look on his soft round eyes. A contrast she couldn't forget. It was the same expression he had now.
Back then it had been anxiety. She was wondering what caused it now. Perhaps he simply worried of them getting soaked.

They stopped at a traffic light then, Yongsun's hand clutching even firmer around the bag with the pieces of cake. Trying catching her breath. He didn't seem to be out of breath yet. Seemingly having much better stamina than her.

"Hey, Jinnie.." Her eyes fell on their intertwines hands, then on the wet ground. Her biting down on her lip. "Why are you doing this? Why do you always come along when I have one of my random ideas?"
She kept staring on the concrete, waiting for a reply. But all she got was silence. Making her frown. She looked up, seeing him staring at her with furrowed brows. His hair completely drenched now. His free palm went behind his ear then. "Did you say something?"

Her brows rose. He hadn't heard her because of the rain. And for some reason she got frustrated. Frustrated because she felt embarrassed. Too embarrassed to repeat the question. And in an abrupt manner, she grabbed his ear and pulled him down to her level. Making him his eye grow wide, freezing in his tracks. "Idiot!"
She let go of him. Leaving Seokjin staring at her bewildered. His lips parted. However, the traffic light turned green. Feeling her hand tugging his. "Come on or we'll get soaked for good!" she laughed and they started running again. And he couldn't help but smile as well.

Yongsun confused him. She confused him a lot. But he enjoyed it.

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Chapter Text

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A sudden sound made Seokjin jump in his seat. He rose his head from his arms, flinching. It started aching. He must have strained a muscle while sleeping on the desk. Yawning, he noticed that he still felt tired. The whole day long in fact. He could actually fall asleep again right there and then.
He looked around then. The library was almost empty. He was only able spotting one other student a few tables away. She was also from the drama department, he recognised her.

He stretched himself. Seeing he had crumpled some of his notepad's sites while sleeping on it. He tried straightening them, vainly.
His eyes fell on the big, silver shining clock on the wall. Almost 9pm.
There was no use, it was too late to continue writing his course paper. So he packed everything and left. Exiting the library building. A wave of cool air hitting his warm cheeks. Making him pull up the hood of his jacket. A poor attempt of shielding himself off the cool night breeze as he made his way to the nearest subway station. It was supposed to be summer by now. However, somehow it didn't feel like it. The weather got colder or at least this was what it felt like to him that day. Having been freezing almost all the time. What confused him was that no one else seemed to feel this way. Everyone wearing their summer clothes.

The station was quite crowded as he was waiting for his train to arrive. His head throbbing more and more from all the noise and voices. Only two more minutes.

The train eventually arrived and he had to fight the urge to fall asleep while sitting there. Deciding it was the best to be standing for the rest of the ride.

About twenty minutes later he had reached his apartment, dragging himself with every step. Feeling exhausted and tired. He only managed taking off his shoes before letting himself drop onto the soft covers of his bed. It was quite early, but he simply didn't have any energy left. Falling asleep right away.

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Chapter Text

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Yongsun was repeatedly ringing the penthouse door bell. Slowly getting worried.

He wasn't answering the door. The only reason she could enter the building was because someone had been exiting right when she was standing in front of the entrance.
He hadn't replied to any of her messages either. 

It was weekend, meaning they would usually hang out. However, it seemed he had forgotten and wasn't home. 

Disappointed and a little sad, she turned around ready to leave. Hearing the door slowly opening then. "He-"
Seokjin couldn't even complete a word before frantically starting coughing. The girlturning around when hearing him. Brown eyes widening when seeing him standing there with tousled hair and a pale face. His eyes tired while he was wrapped in a blanket.
"Jinnie.. are you sick?"
He just nodded, trying to keep himself from another fit of coughing. Pulling the blanket closer. Going back inside, he left the door open for her to enter. His misery state explaining why he had been like vanished those past days.
"Oh no.. Is it a summer flu?"
He shook his head. "Just a cold," he whispered. Trying his best not to cough. He couldn't suprass some small coughs though as he sat down on the couch.
"That doesn't look like a simple cold though," she objected, a caring look on her eyes. He seemed so weak. Not at all like the guy she knew. It kind of broke her heart. She walked up to him then. Carefully brushing away the strands on his forehead, she placed her hand on it.

His skin was warm. More than warm. It was burning. "You're warm," she stated.
"You mean hot." A faint smirk on his lips. a small laugh escaping her lips. At least he hadn't lost his sense of humor. She shook her head then. "No, warm. As in you definitely have a fever." Seokjin coughed again. Looking at her with a weary smile. His cheeks pink from the temperature. "Then leave or you'll get sick as well."
Pursing her lips, she stared at him in silence.He was right. Then again, she would feel terrible leaving him on his own like that. 

And then she remembered how a few days prior there was a summer storm and they had come back all soaked. Only because of her and her dumb idea of getting cake.
Pursing her lips, she gulped. That must have been the reason he was now sitting in front of her in that state. Making her feeling even worse.
Despite his tall figure, he looked like a child that needed someone to take care of him. Or maybe that was just her motherly side and how she always took care of everyone around her. She was used to it. But in this case, it was also guilt.
"I'm not leaving," she said then, her voice almost demanding, "And you should go to bed."

Much to her surprise he didn't object. Mainly because he simply didn't have the energy to, having used up most of it when standing up and answering the door. However, also because he didn't want to be alone right now. He felt miserable and like dying. He didn't want to go through that alone.
So he quietly stood up and made his way to his bedroom. With the big blanket trailing behind him on the ground.
Yongsun sighed and left her bag on the couch. Looking around, she spotted some pill bottles and cough medicine. The pills were for colds, but they were obviously not affective enough. She went to the bathroom and started looking through the cabinets then. Not really being keen in snooping around, but she needed to see if he had any useful medicine around. After awhile she found some painkillers but nothing more. So she decided to go and buy some pills she knew were effective for sure.
"I'm taking your keys, okay? I'll be right back," she announced. Unsure whether he had actually heard her or not. Being rolled up in his bed like a sushi roll, eyes closed. He looked quite pieceful and cute she thought as she grabbed his keys from the sideboard and left.

The apartment fell back into silence. Assuming Yongsun wouldn't come back after all and leave him there to die alone, he fell asleep. Only to someone shaking him rather roughly. Forcefully waking him up.
He blinked an eye open. Seeing the girl with the long black waves kneeing next to his bed. Looking at him with a serious glare. "Jinnie, wake up!" she whined, "I bought you some medicine you need to take." Two yellow pills and a white one were laying in her open palm. A glass of water in the other. "Take them."

Slowly, he sat up. Feeling his body aching and shaking as soon as the covers slid off his shoulders. He took the pills from her hand and swallowed them down with the water. Emptying the whole glass, before going back to his previous position under the pile of blankets.
"You have to take another two of the yellow at night. I leave them here." He watched her placing more pills on his nightstand. Along with the package. "And tomorrow you'll have to take two yellow in the morning, two at noon and two in the evening. And the white one at noon. Got it? Or should I write it down?"
He mumbled a "got it", but it didn't really convince her. After setting another glass of water next to him, she also put the pack of white vitamine C pills next to it. Deciding to write down her instructions on a piece of paper she found on his desk. Being pretty sure he hadn't heard anything of what she had told him with his clouded mind. Placing it on the nightstand as well.

She glanced down at the sleeping guy then, biting down her bottom lip. He was sick and it was her fault. And yet, she couldn't help but find his sleeping self cute to look at. The way his long soft waves were gently falling on his closed eyes. His flushed puffy cheeks and red plum lips.
With a sigh she kneeled down again. Her fingers gently brushing a few streaks of hair from his eyes.
"Get well soon, Jinnie," she whispered then with a smile, "I'm sorry you have to go through this because of me." And with that she planted a light kiss on his forehead and left.

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Chapter Text

»»»

Yongun's eyes lit up when seeing Seokjin opening the door. He still looked a bit worn out, but surely better than the previous day.

"Hey," she smiled. She was wearing her usual office attire, dark jeans and a blazer. This time it was a white one. It was around noon on a Monday and she had decided to check on the sick patient during her lunch break. "I brought you soup," she grinned then, holding up a paper bag, "And a big sandwich for me."

Even though he started feeling a little bit better - compared to the previous days where he had just felt like pure crap - he couldn't say he was totally fine yet. Still, his lips couldn't help but curl up into a smile when seeing her bright grin.
Besides, he started feeling hungry not having been able to properly eat anything the past days. "Thank you," he awkwardly said and let her enter.
He was grateful to her for caring enough to even spend her lunch break checking on him. On the other side he felt somewhat embarrassed. Sure the other day he had wanted her to take care of him. But only because in his feverish delirium he couldn't think straight and felt like dying. Now looking back, it had been quite childish.

Yongsun put the bag on the kitchen counter, starting unpacking the food. "So? How are you today?"
"Better." Though his statement got quickly quashed as he started coughing all over again. Causing her to tilt her head at him. Her brow arched. "You sure? And how's your temperature?"
Before his lips could even part, she already pressed her hand on his forehead. Making him freeze in his tracks as he observed the thinking expression on her face. "Hm.. still warm. Did you see my note?"
He quickly nodded, smiling. "I did take the pills. Don't worry."
Her brows rose, and she looked away. Feeling her cheeks blush, she lowered her hand. "Good," she mumbled and went back to unpacking the meals. "After eating, take another two and go to sleep."

Seokjin didn't reply. He just took a seat next to the counter, propping his chin on his fist. Feeling his eyes getting heavier. Truth was, he still felt quite fatigued and cold. It was one of the warmest days of June outside, but he was wearing a thick knit jacket.
"Here." Yongsun's voice made him perk up. He opened his eyes, seeing a soup bowl in front of him. "Eat before it gets cold," she laughed, taking a large bite from her sandwich. A strand of hair getting in her way, blowing it away, getting it out of her face.

"Thanks for taking care of me," he said then, giving her a tired smile, "I don't know why you do that, but thanks."
"I mean, it was kinda my fault you got sick after all.."
"Huh, why?"
"I made you run around in the rain.."
He pursed his lips. He hadn't even thought about this connection. However, now that she said it, it was a possibility.
He still wanted to object though as he didn't want her to feel bad, when she spoke up again. "And I kinda pity you. Being sick sucks and having no one to help you, makes it harder. But besides that, we're friends now, right? Friends take care of each other," she said matter-of-factly, giving him a lopsided smirk. Causing him to laugh under his breath. She was right again.

However, he also found it kind of her. She was a kind person. A caring person. He remembered the first time he had laid eyes on her and how nervous he had been. Now he didn't feel nervous at all. More the opposite. He felt at ease. "True. That's what friends do."
They grew quiet then. Eating their meals in silence. Occasionally peeking at each other. It was still nice. Not having to sit there alone.

Seokjin hadn't had any other human interaction all day long as he had spent it sleeping or just laying in bed. His muscles too sore to move. However, it became quite boring and lonely. It reminded him of his life in New York before meeting Yongsun. Maybe even worse as he couldn't even go to college to see other people. So it was nice feeling her presence beside him.

After finishing, he went to take the other two yellow pills. Her also making him take one of the white, vitamin C pills.
Laying down in his bed then, he quickly pulled the covers up to his nose. Starting shaking all over again. Which was ironic as his face felt like burning.
"Yong?" he said then as loud as he could. Feeling his throat sore. Her footsteps coming closer. She was soon standing at the door, waiting for him to speak up again. "Could you bring me the cough syrup?" She simply nodded and disappeared again.

A minute later Yongsun returned with a brown bottle and a spoon. But much to her surprise, Seokjin seemed to have fallen asleep already. His eyes closed as his chest calmly rose and fell. Cheeks still lightly flushed. She could even tell in the dim lighting that was shining through the door into the dark room.
One of his hands was laying beside his face as the other was buried underneath the pillow. His peacefully sleeping self making her smile. Internally groaning then. Her lunch break was almost over and she still had to get back to the office.
Would she make it in time?

After checking a last time that he had everything he needed, she was about to walk out. Stopping in her tracks then. Her eyes falling on the sleeping guy in the bed. Something inside her aching.

It was normal to take care of a friend. Right? She had taken care of her friends before. And her friends also took care of her.
However, it still felt different this time. Maybe there was a line to how much friends should take care of each other. And maybe she had crossed it without noticing. Without realising, because it simply had felt right with him.
She couldn't help though. Seeing him like this without having anyone else in that gigantic city made her heart ache. And it wasn't just guilt. Maybe it wasn't even friendship.

"I didn't only do it out of pity or guilt. And maybe I didn't only do it because we're friends either." She paused. Contemplating whether to speak out those words or not. She hadn't really admitted it to herself before either and she also wasn't sure when exactly it had happened. However, since he seemed to have fallen asleep, it probably didn't matter anyway. Maybe it was better this way. Maybe it was better if he didn't hear it.
However, as she observed the sleeping guy and the calm expression on his face, part of her hoped he wasn't completely asleep yet.
"Because.. maybe I see you as more than a friend after all."

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Chapter Text

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Seokjin's eyes shot open. He sat up straight, the covers sliding down from his body.

Looking around, he saw nothing but his apartment laying in darkness. His head feeling dizzy then as he put one of his hands on his forehead. It was cool, dripping with sweat.

He swung his legs over the bed's edge then, groaning. His muscles being still sore. Grabbimh his phone from the night stand, he unlocked it. A few text messages and a missed call from his friends. His eyes falling to the clock. 7:23pm.
How long had he been sleeping? The last thing he remembered was eating lunch with Yongsun and then -- Yongsun.

He wasn't sure if it was a dream or not. But he was sure hearing her voice in his half-sleep.
Shaking his head, he ran his fingers through his sticky hair. No, it must have been a dream.

He let himself fall back onto his pillow. Staring the dark ceiling above him. What if it hadn't been a dream after all? It had to be a dream though. Why would someone like Yongsun see him as anything more than just a friend after all?

Sure he was funny, or at least he tried to be. And sure, he wasn't too bad-looking either. That was it though. He wasn't anything special. Just a wannabe actor who was too much of an introvert to manage making any friends on his own. He was a simple guy, who liked food, video games and movies.

Meanwhile, Yongsun.. Yongsun was quite unique. She wasn't afraid of anything or anyone. She was bold. And smart. And funny. And witty. And caring. And kind. And beautiful. And for some reason she laughed with his lame jokes.
And then next moment she had that intense glare of hers, which made the blood in his veins freeze.

Maybe it was wishful thinking of a lonely guy in a foreign city after all. Wishful thinking coming from something he hadn't thought much about, as he usually didn't think too deeply about things.
But sometimes.. sometimes he thought that 'just friends' didn't look at each other like that. Like the way he looked at her. And the way she looked at him.
However, how would he know?
Sure there had been some girls back during his school and later university years. Those had been rather superficial teenage crushes and flirts though. Sometimes a bit more as it had also got physical.
But having genuine feelings? He wasn't sure. Not that he didn't want it. It just never happened.
Maybe it was nothing but a superficial crush with Yongsun. Or she was just a simple friend after all.

"It was a dream," he eventually sighed, deciding to go take a shower and eat something.

However, if, whatever he felt for Yongsun, wasn't anything beyond friends or a crush, then why was he so disappointed about her words only having been a dream?
His eyes fell on the brown bottle on his nightstand. The memory of him asking her to bring him cough syrup slowly coming back. She must have brought it when he had been already sleeping.

And he couldn't suppress the little hope raising inside him.

So had her voice not been a dream after all?

»»»

Yongsun was laying on her bed. Observing the sun light creating small patterns on the white wall. Her eyes then falling back to the phone in her hand. Unlocking it for the fifth time in the past two minutes. Still no reply.

She had texted him hours ago and he hadn't even read it. Sure, he was probably still sleeping. Especially if he was as sick as the previous days. That was what the logical side of her brain told her after all.
However, the other, irrational side told her he was avoiding her. Avoiding her because he had heard her little confession and simply felt awkward now.

Yongggie (11:45am): i have to meet up w my sister during lunch break
Yongggie (11:46am): so i can't come today :((
Yongggie (11:46am): but i could come after work :D

Then again, it was her own fault. Who even said something like that in such a situation?
-No one who had their head on straight.

And had it even been the truth? Maybe she had mistaken her own feelings to be something they weren't. Maybe they had been friendly feelings after all.
However, the longer she kept staring at the dark display, the more she felt something inside her aching. A feeling she had quite often when it came to him.
In the beginning it was small and sporadic and she was ignoring it, not taking it serious. Perhaps because it had felt like an eternity since the last time she had any romantic feelings for a guy. Since the last time a guy seemed worthy of her attention and company. The last time she met someone who genuinely enjoyed her company and didn't find her weird. Someone whose obnoxiously loud laugh she adored and whose simple stare made every fibre of her body burn.

She almost felt like a teenager right now. Like her 14-year-old self who had been posting cryptic love messages, hoping for her crush to get them.
Obviously she wouldn't do that now.
However, laying there on her bed, waiting and hoping for a guy to text her back, was very much alike with her juvenile behavior.
And she didn't like it. She didn't like being like this. So vulnerable.
Maybe that was how it was when you had feelings for someone though. It wasn't different back in college.

The thought of it made her groan out loud. It still embarrassed her. Not so much the past, but rather the fact that her only source of experience was this one relationship ages ago. And movies and tv shows, for that matter.
There were 17-year-olds with way more action than her. At least when it came to flirts, crushes and relationships. Not so much when it came down to sex. She was pretty sure she knew a thing or two more about that, thanks to her side job.
She froze.

Right. Her side job. Her hooker side job. It felt like months since the last time she walked on the streets of hell's kitchen and climbed into cars of good-looking strangers.
But it had only been two months. Two months since the last time she had done it. Since she had started spending her saturday nights differently. With him.

The door bell rang then, causing her to jump up. Interrupting her thoughts. She pressed the button to open the main entrance downstairs. Soon her sister with her little nephew appearing on her doorstep.
"I really hate your apartment," her sister complained as soon as she closed the door behind her, "Those stairs are killing me each time."
"I consider it my daily workout," Yongsun giggled and rushed to take the baby in her arms. Cooing at it, while lightly swaying it in her embrace.
"Aw, why are you so cute? Yes, you are. Cute, cute."
"You sound quite dumb when talking in that baby-voice."
"Shut up, Yonghee."
"Jessica, please."
"I prefer Yonghee. Or would Big Yong be better?"

She heard her sister exhale deeply, rolling her eyes at her. She brushed past Yongsun then, taking a seat on her couch. Her feet almost killing her.
"So, what are we gonna eat?"
"I thought of something Korean, if you don't mind." Yongsun said then. Wiggling her fingers in front of her nephew, making him laugh.
Yonghee's brows rose. "Okay. Will you order or-"
"No, I'll cook myself."
"Huh. How come?"
Yongsun shrugged, smiling to the baby. "I don't know. Someone.. a friend told me there are many great dishes. So I felt like trying it out."

For a moment her sister didn't say anything and just observed the younger girl's happy expression each time she managed making the baby smile.
"When will you get one?"
"Get what?"
"A koala.. A baby obviously."
The long-haired girl ignored the annoyed tone, taking a thinking expression then. Eventually shrugging. "Why? Do I need to?"
She obviously loved babies and wanted one some day, but her family wad annoying about it, so she surely wouldn't admit that to her.
"Oh Yongsun," she sighed then, shaking her head, "When will you finally grow up? Mum and dad are worried you'll end up alone."
Yongsun laughed under her breath. Not able to surprass the sarcastic undertone. "Aren't mum and dad rather worried about their reputation though? Having a daughter who can't manage finding any good man to marry must be a big gossip topic around their friends."

She carefully sat down then. Trying getting her nephew's attention by making funny faces.
The older sister shaking her head once again. "You can't hold that against them though. You haven't had any serious relationship in years. Obviously people will be wondering why's that. They'll be wondering if something is -"
"What? Wrong with me?" Yongsun scoffed. "As if it's my fault every guy I ever meet turns out being a jerk."
"How many guys are you even meeting? You never leave the house except for work after all. You should go out more. Meet people."
She giggled absent-mindedly. "Oh, I meet planty of people, don't worry.."
Yonghee once again rolled her eyes. Taking her son from her sister's arms. "Your friends don't count. I don't get why you're so shy about meeting new people."
The younger girl shrugged, looking away. "I don't know. I just am. Well, except when-" She quickly pursed her lips, cutting herself off. She almost blabbed. "Anyway, I'll go prepare the food," she said then and abruptly got up. Noticing her phone display lighting up then.

Jinnie (2:01pm): it's alright you don't have to come

Yongsun was staring at the message. Feeling disappointment raising inside her.
Okay, sure. It was alright. He probably just didn't feel like seeing her a third day in a row. He was sick after all. He didn't need her blabbing. Still, it hurt.

She was about to leave the room, seeing the display lighting up again. And again. Her eyes widening.

Jinnie (2:02pm): i'm not a baby!
Jinnie (2:02pm): and i feel much better
Jinnie (2:02pm): can we meet tomorrow instead?

She smiled to herself. Being certain now. Her feelings were definitely not just friendly ones.

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Chapter Text

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"Ah, the food was really great." Yongsan sighed contently. Patting her stomach as she got out of the car. "I can barely move. My belly is about to burst."
"Glad you enjoyed it," Seokjin grinned. Getting a bag out of the backseat, before closing the car door behind him. Locking it. "Wasn't sure how else to pay you back for helping me out."
She nodded quickly, fishing out the keys from her bag. "Not that you had to pay me back. But food is always a good idea, really. You can't go wrong with that," she giggled and opened the main entrance door. Holding it for him to enter as well. "But how often do you even go to that restaurant? Everyone seemed to know you there," she added then. Trying hiding the surprised undertone.

Seokjin laughed out, following behind her as they claimed up the stairs to the fourth floor. "Nowadays not that often. But I used to go every week. Whenever I missed Korean food."
"And then you say you'd suck at meeting new people.." She smirked over her shoulder.
"I do though.. I might be very social for an introvert, but I'm also very awkward."
"Aw, but I don't find you awkward at all."
He let out a small laugh under his breath, remembering the first few times they had met and how awkward he had been. She was only trying being nice. However, he knew exactly how awkward his nervous self could be.

It was around eight o'clock on a Friday evening when they finally reached Yongsun's appartment door.
"You know," she said then, taking off her sneaker after entering. She turned around then, standing in front of him with a bright grin. Her long waves swaying in the high ponytail. "I was glad you asked to meet today. I thought you were avoiding me."
He frowned, glancing at her while taking off his own shoes. "Why would I avoid you?"
She shrugged. Still smiling. "I don't know. Forget about it." She turned around then heading to the living room.
Her answer confused him even more, however, decided not to ask further. He followed her. Finding her sitting on a large pillow on the floor.

"What's that?" she curiosly asked then, pointing at the plastic bag he was carrying and which she only now noticed.
A shy smirk spreading over his lips. "Here," he said then, holding it out as he sat down next to her. Making her eyes grow wider. "More food for me?"
She grabbed it, recognising the logo on it. Excitement overtaking her. "Ohh, is it--" She quickly opened the paper box, finding a piece of her favorite chocolate cake in it. "It really is!" she exclaimed happily.
He laughed at her reaction. Reminding him of a kid. "Can't forget the dessert."
"Considering this cake was the reason you got sick in the first place.. it's quite ironic," she giggled then, closing the box. "But thank you."

She got up then, leaving it on the table before going to the kitchen. "I also got us something!" she yelled then. He could hear her rummaging through the cupboards.
"And what?"
His eyes falling on the bookshelf on the other side of the room. Photos of her and her friends in between of piles of books. It must have been quite old ones as she had short hair in some of them. However, they suited her well, he thought to himself. He got up, taking a closer look. There were also some old Amy Winehouse CDs. He hummed. So she liked this kind of music. He realised there were many things he didn't know about Yongsun yet.
He heard her steps then. Seeing her coming back with six small bottles in her arms and two shot glasses. "Soju!"

His eyes lit up. "You got soju?"
"Yup," she grinned and sat down next to him again. "I thought after eating Korean, it'd be the perfect drink. And since it's preferred to drink it with company, I thought you probably haven't drunk it in awhile and missed it. Am I wrong?"
"No, it's been.. quite awhile. Especially with company," he admitted, giving her a small smile. He sat back on his previous seat along with her. Grabbing one of the bottles she put on the table and shaking it. Opening the cap. Pouring the clear liquid in both glasses, he pushed one towards her. "Have you drunk soju before? Or are you a fake-korean again?"
His grin causing Yongsun to huff loudly. "Of course I've drunk it before! Although.." Her voice trailed off as she grabbed her glass. Bringing it to her lips. "It's been awhile. You may have noticed, I'm not a big drinker," she giggled, peeking at him. Referring to her falling asleep on his backseat after drinking quite a lot of wine that one time. "And I never drink alone."
She stared at the glass for a moment, before drinking it in one go. 

Seokjin observed her for a moment. Also grabbing his glass. "Let's play a game," he said then, smirking at her mischieviously. Trying to lighten the mood. "You know son-byung-ho?"
She furrowed her brows. "Obviously not. How do you play it?"
"Each of us holds five fingers up," he explained, turning in his seat to face her better, "Then each of us takes turns. You say something you've done. If I've also done it I take a finger down. And so ob. The first person with no fingers left, drinks."
"Reminds me of 'never-have-I-ever'."
"Is it played like that as well?"
"Almost," she grinned, pouring herself another glass, "I say something I've never done. And if you have done it, you drink. But if you haven't done it either, I must drink."
"Oh, this way we'll get drunk quite fast," he chuckled, "But alright. You start."

The girl thought for a moment. Trying her best to come up with something he surely must have done, so she wouldn't have to drink. "Never have I ever.. stolen something from a store."
He arched a brow at her, biting down his lips. "Does it count if I was a child?"
She grinned, her chubby cheeks popping out. "Of course it counts."
Seokjin sighed then, chugging it down. He wiped his mouth then with the back of his hand. "Now it's my turn," he grinned, "Never have I ever.. broken the law as an adult."
Yongsun shot him an annoyed glare. "If you wanna play dirty, we play dirty. Because you also broke the law as an adult when we entered that park without permission," she smirked, watching his grin drop. Taking a shot along with her.
It was her turn again. "Never have I ever paid someone to keep me company."
Pursing his lips, he glanced at her. Laughing under his breath. "Sneaky." And with that he took another shot.
Without noticing, they had emptied six bottles in no time. In between also eating the slice of chocolate cake as it fit quite well with soju.
Cheeks flushed from the alcohol in their system.

"Okay, okay, I got it," Seokjin slurred then giggling. Putting his glass down with too much force. A thud echoing through the silent room. "Never have I ever kissed a complete stranger." Much to his surprise Yongsun didn't drink this time though. The first time this whole night.
"Are you already that drunk you can't remember?" he laughed. Her only giggling. "Noo, I'm not that drunk.. I've just never done it."
He hummed, confused. "I just thought because.. nevermind," he mumbled chuckling, filling his glass. Taking a shot.
"I know what you thought. But no," Yongsun laughed out, almost spilling her drink. Her smile fading away. "A kiss is way too personal for me. It's not like my one-night stands. I can sleep with someone for fun or money or to revolt against my parents. But for a kiss.. I need to be able looking the other in the eyes, you know?" She paused, suddenly feeling her head heavy. Trying to sort out her clouded thoughts. "A kiss is like a hug. Just like I can't hug any stranger, I can't kiss any stranger either." She glanced at him then, seeing his eyes laying on her.
"I get it," he nodded then. His head laying back on the couch behind them. Feeling it also getting heavier.

The sun had set hours ago. Leaving them both in almost complete darkness. A small lamp in the corner of the room the only source of light.
"I couldn't kiss a stranger either."
He heard her hum in response. Soon sensing her head on his shoulder. Her hair tiggling his neck.
"I wanted to revolt against my rich parents with my side job.. but I think I also did it for the same reason you paid me to keep you company."
Her sudden confession took him slightly aback, but he stayed silent. Only grabbing her hand that was lying next to his. Sensing her smile then.
Both realised they hadn't been so different after all. Just two lonely souls in search for someone that one night.
"Yong?" His voice was not above a whisper. "Why did you think I avoided you?"
"Huh?"
"You said you thought I was avoiding you."
He felt her tense up. A sigh escaping her lips then. Closing her eyes. "Nothing really. I thought.. I thought you heard something I said before leaving your apartment. That's all."
They grew quiet. Seokjin breathing out deeply. His eyes closingas well.

"What if I did hear you?"

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Chapter Text

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"What if I did hear you?"
Yongsun stayed silent. Her mind feeling sober all of a sudden. Like she had never drunk in her life.
"Did you?" she eventually spoke up after a few moments. Unsure what answer she would prefer to hear.
"I'm not sure. Maybe."
She let out a tired giggle. "You either heard it or not. There isn't an inbetween."
"I'm not sure," Seokjin quietly repeated, "I'm not sure because there's no way what I heard was anything but a fever dream."
"Depends on what you heard," she smirked, "Maybe you didn't hear me after all."
"Well.. tell me what you said and I tell you if it's what I heard," he countered with a chuckle.
He felt her shaking her head on his shoulder. Laughing under her breath. "Better not. I don't want you to avoid me for real."
"I promise I won't," he quietly smiled. "Just tell me. There's no way what I heard was real anyway."
"Why are you so sure about it?"
"'Cause there's no way someone like you could've feelings for me."

Yongsun froze. The darkness around them lying like an invisible weight on her. With eyes wide open, she felt her lips trembling. She wanted to say something, but didn't know what. A lump formed in her throat.
"What.. what do you mean someone like me?" she eventually chocked out. Perhaps the alcohol did effect her mind after all, since she didn't understand. There wasn't any distance between them or so she believed at least.

"Yong.." he breathed out. Eyes blinking tiredly in the dim light. Trying settling his thoughts, which were wandering around. "You, you're.. you're such a badass. And feisty. And a sunshine. You're a real sunshine." He was rambling mindlessly, just blurting out every word that came up his mind when thinking about her. Drunk giggles escaping his lips in between of sentences. Being completely out of place, making his words sound like another one of his jokes. Although they were genuine. Completely forgetting that she was in fact right beside him. "And kind and caring. And besides you're.. you're neomu aleumdawo." His words were followed by another chuckle as he closed his eyes. "So damn beautiful. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are? So why would someone like you.." His voice trailed off then. Leaving them in silence once again. 

Yongsun heaved her flushed cheek from his shoulder, staring at him bewildered. It would be an understatement to say she was taken aback by his blunt words. However, he had caught her so off guard that she simply didn't know how to probably act in her state.
A small giggle escaping her lips. Followed by another. Evolving into a fit of giggles. Startling him a bit as he didn't expect such a reaction. But as his mind wasn't that clear either, he started laughing along with her.
The whole situation seeming quite funny to both of them.
Even in her intoxicated state she was able recognising his every feature. His full lips, his puffy red cheeks and the soft eyes. And the sound of his laughter filling the air.

Her fingers grabbing his hand firmer as their laughs died down.
This time she couldn't sense that aching feeling inside her. The feeling she had been so used to when being with him. No, it wasn't aching at all. It was burning.
She felt her chest burning the closer she got to him.
"Jin, hey," she smiled, lightly patting his cheek. Forcing him to open his glossy eyes. He held her gaze as he watched her draw even closer to him. "Don't you dare sleep on me again," she whispered then. Their faces inches apart. The expression in her eyes having changed to the intense and serious one that always made something inside him freeze.
Her hand was still on his right cheek. And without thinking much, she sat down on his lap. Thighs on each side of his. He could feel her warm body on top of him.
Her fingers leaving his grip then, wandering to his face as well. And she lightly squished both his cheeks. Making his plum lips pout like a puffer fish, as she thought. Causing another small giggle to escape her lips.
"Since when do you think so low of yourself?" Her voice not above a whisper. "Where's my super confident Jinnie? The guy who knows how amazing he is?"
"Maybe I just pretend being confident."
She shook her head, smiling. "I don't believe that. Not you."
He smiled as well. His brown irises still resting on hers. "You're right. But I still don't think someone as great as y-"
"I really don't know where this low self-esteem suddenly comes from," she quietly said then. Interrupting him as she couldn't hear it again. Those words breaking her heart. As if she would be someone better, someone out of reach. Someone untouchable.
She brushed a streak from his forehead. Smiling. "But I do have feelings for you."

For a moment, he just stared at her, a sad small forming on his lips. "I'm just a shy, introverted, wannabe actor," he muttered. His gaze falling to the space between them.
The way he put it bringing that ache back to her chest. And she squished his cheeks more.
"I'm actually a very shy and introverted person, too, you know? You might not pretend being confident, but I do pretend being badass. So I won't seem vulnerable and easy to get advantage of."
Her voice holding a sadness that made his heart drop. His eyes met hers again. Seeing this lovely smile of hers still being on her lips. "Except with you. I never pretended when being with you. I don't know why. I just never felt like I did."

He stopped breathing for a second when sensing her hot breath on his skin. And he smiled to himself. His hands slowly leaving the ground then. Gliding over her thighs, to her hips. Eventually wrapping themselves around her lower back.
"Maybe that's why I broke one rule after another right from the start," she continued, "You never wanted to take advantage of me. You were just being your adorable and funny self. And I could see that you were just as lonely as I was. And still you managed to always make me laugh. You were just the kindest guy I've ever met and besides, you're so damn handsome! I know you often joke about it, but has anyone ever told you that?" Her copying his previous words made him laugh. At least as much as he could with her hands still squeezing his cheeks. Feeling her body vibrating against his.
And he felt happy. He felt happy in that moment.

Her hands cupping his cheeks even more then as she slowly leaned in.
"So why wouldn't someone like me have feelings for you? Besides that it makes me break my number one rule."
He felt his heart beating hard against his broad chest. It felt like a fever dream or a delirium rush and he wasn't sure if it was coming from the soju or just the mere sense of her so close to him. He could almost taste the liquor on her lips.
The corners of his lips tucked into a smile. "But Yong," he breathed out. His hand finding its way on the back of her neck. "Those rules were for clients and we were always more than that."
His lips closing the gap between them.

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Chapter Text

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A light shiver caused Yongsun to wake up. Her head feeling like a hammer hitting against her skull. Slowly she opened an eye. The room was still quite dark. The sky outside a deep light blue. The sun preparing to rise soon, she could tell.

She squeezed her eyes shut again, turning around. Something hard underneath her making her shift uncomfortably. Confused her fingers started gliding over the uneven surface. Realising it was moving up and down underneath her cheek. Propping herself with one hand, she sat up. Recognizing Seokjin's silhouette in the faint lighting.

They were laying on the floor, on the big pillows they had used to sit some hours ago. His arms still around her, just like she remembered.

Tiredness overtook her then and she fell back on his chest. Snuggling into his t-shirt, when the low temperature of the dawn made her shiver all over again. With a dragged sigh and a heavy head she stood up. Shaking the sleeping guy.
"Jinnie, stay up," she sleepily demanded and shook him again. Only earning a groan of him. "Come, let's go to bed."
Without objecting he slowly stood up. Yongsun wasn't sure if he had actually heard her or not as his eyes were closed and he rather looked like sleepwalking. So she took his hand in hers and frisked through the dark, somehow managing to find the way to her bed. Gently pushing him onto it, she followed and laid down next to him. Pulling the covers over them, she felt herself still shaking lightly. And without thinking much in her half-sleeping state, she shifted towards him. Falling back asleep in his arms.

Hours passed and the sun eventually came out. Tinting the sky a lighter and lighter shade of blue.
It was around noon when Seokjin woke up with a groan. Even though his hangover wasn't as severe as it has only been three bottles of soju - and he managed drinking four- he still head a light headache.
Rubbing his eyes with one hand, he tried to turn around. Something heavy laying on his arm though, preventing him from doing so.
Blinking a few times to get adjusted to the light, he came across Yongsun's sleeping face right in front of him. Peacefully breathing in and out. And for a moment he was simply staring at her. Confused.

She looked incredibly cute. Her cheeks still slightly tinted pink due to the alcohol in her system.
He wasn't sure how they had ended up in her bed, nor being able to remember all details from last night. However, judging from the fact they were both still wearing their clothes, he assumed nothing more than the kiss had happened.

Thinking about it, a kiss was kind of a big deal as well. Especially for her, as far as his memory allowed him to remember. She wouldn't kiss strangers. She wouldn't kiss someone she didn't have genuine feelings for. That thought made him actually smile. A kiss meant more to her than sex.

He tried raising his torso then. At least as much as the sleeping girl on his arm allowed him to. In search for a clock to tell him the time. Finding the one on her nightstand. 11:43am.

He internally groaned then. Eyes falling on the girl next to him, he pursed his lips. Slowly, he started pulling his arm out. Doing his best not to wake her up.
She suddenly started shifting though, making him freeze. A frown spreading over her face before she turned around. Releasing his arm, like she knew.

With a deep breath he carefully stood up, leaving the room quietly. Going straight to the kitchen to drink some water as his throat felt like having wandered through a desert.
He drank one glass after another when suddenly hearing the bedroom door open. The sound of fast and heavy footsteps on the floor.
And just in that moment, the corner of his eye caught Yongsun running down the corridor in front of the kitchen door.
Only for the loud thud of a door being slammed echo through the silence.

His brows rose peeking into the corridor. Walking to the bathroom door, he knocked on it worriedly. "Yong? Are you alright?"
"No! I feel like dying," he heard her whine then, followed by the flush of the toilet. Her clearly not handling the three bottles as well as him.
"Is your hangover that bad?"
For a few seconds he didn't hear anything. Wondering if she fell asleep when the door swung open. Making him take a step back.

Yongsun was standing in front of him. Her ponytail hanging loosely on the side, her long waves a mess. "I puked out the whole cake," she pouted, rubbing her blood-shot eyes. He couldn't help but pout as well with her cute expression.
"I'll buy you a new one," he smiled then. Seeing her nod tiredly. She brushed past him then, making her way to the kitchen.
After rummaging in a shelf, he watched her taking out a small basket filled with all kinds of vitamin pills. Seeing her opening one after another and popping them into her mouth. Eventually swallowing them all with a big glass of water.

He chuckled. "Is it even healthy to take so many at once?"
Yongsun shrugged, holding the basket out for him. "Vitamins are good when having a hangover. You want some as well?" she asked with an arched brow. He waved his hand though. "Nah, I'm alright."
"Really? You don't have a hangover?"
"Not really.."
She huffed, laughing. Holding a hand against her forehead. "My head is about to explode and you're all fine? Quite unfair."
"Guess men can handle a bit more than women," he grinned and leaned against the door frame. "Guess so," she mumbled then she and left the kitchen. Going straight to the living room where she curled up on the couch.

She was seemingly not feeling well and he pitied her. But he didn't know what to do to help her. Remembering something one of his friends had told him once.
He looked around the kitchen then, finding a package of cookies in a cupboard and juice in the fridge.
Filling a big glass with it. Carrying everything into the living room.
"You need to drink and eat something," he smiled and sat next to her head. Putting the glass and package on the table.
She groaned, forcing herself to sit up. Propping herself on one hand, she grabbed the glass with the other. Emptying it in one go, before setting it back on the table and grabbing the cookies. "And that's the right thing to eat?" she asked with furrowed brows.
"Your system needs sugar. Trust me. My friend Yoongi told me that once and he's smart, so it must be true."

She still seemed sceptical, not really convinced about what this friend of his had said. Especially since she felt nauseous and didn't know how her system would take chocolate chip cookies. However, she didn't have the energy to object so she simply nodded. Taking a few cookies out and starting munching. Going back to her previous position then. Only this time she rested her head on his lap instead. His legs being her pillow.

Seokjin didn't say anything. Quietly observing her closed eyes and calm expression. It seemed like she had fallen asleep again. Her chest raising and falling slowly.
His fingers wandered to her waves then that were cascading over his thighs. Starting playing with a loose strand of hair. Twirling it around a finger.

And they stayed like this. Silently.
None of them sure of whether to mention the previous night or not. After all they had drunk quite a lot and their minds had been more than clouded.
Yongsun smiled then. "I like when someone plays with my hair."
Seokjin hummed. Picking up another curl. His eyes wandering to the shelf on the other side of the room and the CDs. "You never told me what you wanted to become when you were younger."
"What a random question," she giggled.
He let out a chuckle, realising it must have been random indeed. "I just realized there are lots of things I don't know about you yet."
She exhaled deeply. Eyes still closed. "Stewardess."
"Huh. Never would've guessed that."
"I liked the idea of traveling around the world, you know," she smiled at the memory of her younger self.
"I don't like traveling that much," he admitted then. Causing her to gasp. "Why? It's exciting."
"And tiring," he laughed out. "Being cramped up in a small space for hours.."
"You don't have to travel on the other side of the globe though."
"True. That's why I prefer traveling to close places."
She stayed quiet. The way his fingers played making her drawsy.
"Did you always want to become an actor?"
"Mh yes. There wasn't really anything else."

Nothing helped though and Yongsun knew she had to address it sooner or later and she chose to get over with it.
Although again much like the previous night, she wasn't even sure what answer to expect or hope for. Also feeling quite dizzy.
Perhaps that was better though. It prevented her from overthinking it.
She shifted, turning and laying on her back then. Opening her eyes, she met his also looking down on her.
"We kissed," she quietly stated then. Watching him blink rapidly. He did that when he was nervous, she remembered. He seemed taken aback of her taking the initiative, but then again she was usually the one doing it between them.

Seokjin nodded then. A faint smile ghosting over his lips at that memory. "We did.. Do you regret it?"
Her eyes widened. Having almost forgotten how straight-forward he could also be.
"No," she instantly replied, "You?" "No. After all, I do have feelings for you, too."
His words making her smile as they stared at each other quietly. She sat up again. Her hair gliding from his fingers. "Jin, what even are we?"
She seemed calm and collected, but on the inside she felt like puking. She felt sick to her stomach. And that not only because of her hangover.
Her heart beating faster and faster with each second that passed with him just holding her gaze but not replying. It made her nervous as well.
He eventually sat up straight. "I know as much as you do," he said, looking down at his fingers. "We're more than friends, aren't we?"
"I'd say so.. at least I don't kiss my friends," she awkwardly laughed out. Causing him to also chuckle under his breath. "Yeah, me neither.."
"I wished there was a word for that.."

Yes, they were by far more than friends. However, they weren't anything more either. It was frustrating to say the least and he could see it in her face how she was struggling as well.
"Look, Yong," he exalted deeply. Seeing her staring at him with a hint of anticipation in her brown eyes. "If it was up to me, I'd ask you out. On an actual date. And at the end of the night, we'd be together." He paused. Glancing at her with a sad smile. "But I'm not sure if you'd even want that. Are you ready to give up a bit of your independence? Your freedom? I'm ready to do that. But you? And I don't want to be like your family and force you into doing things you don't want to. Even if this independence of yours means to sleep with others." His hand raised and he cupped her cheek. She swallowed hard at the intense stare in his dark eyes. "Although it's killing me a little when thinking about it," he whispered, "But I respect it. So I let you decide when you're ready for me."

His words made Yongsun speechless. Staring at him bewildered, she felt her lips parting. Wanting to say something, to protest. Unsure of what to protect against though.
After all everything he had said was right. And everything sounded logical. But logical didn't always mean right.
However, the thought of him taking her out on an actual date made her excited.
Sure, they had been hanging out together a lot. An actual date was different though. Especially when it wasn't between teenagers but actual adults. It would most likely lead to something serious.

Was she ready for something this serious though?
Was she ready to give up this independency she had built up for herself?

Her breathing became unsteady. For some reason she felt herself tearing up. Perhaps it was the remaining alcohol in her body making her so emotional. Perhaps it was also because his words had hit a nerve.

She slowly nodded then, not able to disagree. Even though she wished she could. Her eyes closing when feeling him placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Get some rest," he whispered, before standing up. And he left. The thud of the entrance door clicking shut echoing through the silent apartment.

And she missed his touch already.

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Chapter Text

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Seokjin was staring at the sunlit skyline of Manhattan in front of him. He felt drained and that not only because of the heat - despite his air-conditioner - or all the time he had spent the past days studying for his upcoming finals. It was rather an emotional draut.

He simply missed Yongsun. He missed her mischievous grin and her beautiful eyes.

It had been a week since they had last spoken with each other. And as much as his optimistic side tried to encourage him, with each passing day it became more difficult.
After all he couldn't know if and when this unpredictable woman would feel ready to actually date him. Both knowing that if they started doing it, it would be something serious right from the start. And who knew if Yongsun would ever be ready for that. Ready to quit her side-job for him.

Perhaps she would never do that. Perhaps there wasn't a soul out there she would do that for. Especially not a guy she had met months ago through that exact side-job.

It was annoying. He usually considered himself to be a quite simple-minded person. He was never one to overanalyse situations or people. He was never one spending hours awake thinking about past mistakes or what could happen tomorrow. He usually didn't think too deeply.
However, he simply couldn't stop thinking about Yongsun. And he couldn't stop thinking about her smile  before he kissed her. And the way her lips felt, moving against his. He could still see it clearly in his mind's eye each time he closed his eyes. And he couldn't stop thinking about what could be and what not.

With a sigh, he forced himself to stay up and do something productive. Seeing his phone lighting up then. A small spark of hope making him perk up and go grab it. Only to find a few new message in the group chat of his theater theory class. Someone asking the other members if they wanted to have a drink after their last exam.
Along with another notification popping up from the group chat of his friends in Seoul. Asking him how he was doing and when he would fly over to visit them again.

He didn't have a concrete answer to any of those questions. So he simply locked the phone again and went back to studying.

»»»

Yongsun was sitting in her office. Eyes glued on some pattern drafts in front of her. Trying to decide which ones to include in the corporate design of the new subsidiary of the label.

In all honesty, she didn't like either one. However, those had been elected as possibilities and now she, as the marketing director, had to make the final decision. She dragged a sigh, pushing the papers away. They were simply too ugly for her liking. Or perhaps she just wasn't in the mood for it right now.

However, it annoyed her. She didn't like feeling distracted while doing her job. There was nothing she could do about it though. Seokjin occupied each of her thoughts and mind for the past two weeks. His laugh still lingering in her memory like a ghost. Them not talking to each other only intensifying that haunting feeling of emptiness.
And she wanted to text him. She wanted to go over to his place and tell him she was ready. But was she?

With each day passing she felt more convinced that he had been right. That she indeed wasn't ready to give up this tiny piece of freedom she had while being single and on her own. The tiny piece of freedom she felt when wandering through the dark streets of New York City at a Saturday night in her short dresses and her leather coat.

Then again, it had been quite a long time since she had last gone out for that one purpose. And the reason was him. Because she had usually spent Saturdays hanging out with him. Somehow completely forgetting about her side-job.

Her fingers ruffled through her hair, almost messing it up out of frustration. She always knew what she wanted in life. She never had any issues with choosing what to do next. Although it did sometimes take her some time as well. Still, usually she didn't struggle this much.

Her gaze wandered outside of her window. Another sunny Friday afternoon.

Maybe it was time to go out tomorrow night again.
Maybe it was time to see if that lifestyle still suited her. To get the answers to her questions.

Even though deep down she already knew what she wanted. She knew it. She had known it ever since that morning after.
She just wanted to ensure it before facing him again.

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Chapter Text

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It was a bit before midnight on a Saturday. Seokjin was driving back home through the warm night. Almost having reached his apartmant. It wasn't late, but he still felt tired for some reason. Despite having gone out with his classmates for a couple of drinks, he hadn't drunk too much. Obviously also because he couldn't, having to drive his car back but also because he simply didn't feel like getting black-out drunk. He felt like falling asleep even without alcohol. He was just glad he was done with all his exams now. Unsure that he would have had any more energy left for more.
Besides, he wasn't sure what he had done if he had really become completely drunk. He might have showed up at Yongsun's doorstep and embarrassed himself. And he simply couldn't do that. He wasn't a teenager anymore.

Furthermore, the last time he had got completely wasted was years ago, at the farewell party his friends had thrown back in Seoul. He didn't know how his body would react to that now. Generally, he felt like having grown way too old this past year.

Maybe getting completely wasted wouldn't have been such a bad idea after all though . It was better than bathing himself in self-pity over Yongsun not being able to commit to him.
Well, at least she was still talking to him. Stopping at a red light, he took his phone from his pocket. Checking if she had replied to his text.

Yongggie (10:11pm): hey

Yongggie (10:11pm): what are you up to ?

Jinnie (10:20pm): i'm out w some classmates

Yongggie (10:31pm): oh okk :)

Jinnie (10:35pm): haha why, what are youu up to?

She hadn't replied though. It was alright though. She was probably busy.

He tossed the phone back onto the passenger's seat. Seeing the light having turned green then. With a dragged sigh, he drove off.

Even if she said she had feelings for him- at least that was what he remembered her saying back then. However, he couldn't be sure what what exactly those feelings were.
It could have been anything from a crush to love.
However, even if it was love, being in love wasn't always reason enough to actually be with someone. Some people simply weren't meant to be and maybe he and Yongsun were part of them as well.

Obviously, this thought made his heart ache a little, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. It wasn't in his hand, it was in hers.
He could show up at her doorstep after all, not drunk and with flowers. Begging her to take him.
But wouldn't that rather draw her further away of him?

Driving down the dark roads, past the bright store lights he started absent-mindedly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
And then it hit him that he hadn't bee. any better. He hadn't specified his feelings either. Because he hadn't been entirely sure what they were either. He had only known that it was way more than a simple crush. His feelings went deeper than that. But he hadn't been sure how deep.
He had been too intoxicated to think straight and just wanted to kiss her with her lips so close to his. Neither had he realised it when they had breefly talked in the morning.
He internally groaned then, his eyes wandering to one of the neon lights he passed by. A giant heart with a smiley.

What if that was the reason she was taking so much time?

Turning right, he entered his street. Already seeing the sign of the coffee shop next to his apartment building. He was finally home. Feeling more exhausted than before. Not wanting anything more than just lay in his bed and sleep.

Stopping the car in front of the entrance of the underground carpark, he lowered his window. Starting typing in the gate's code when suddenly hearing a knock on the passenger's window.

Startled and ready to face a cold death, he looked over his shoulder. His eyes widening when seeing none other then Yongsun opening the dpow and climbing in. Sitting down in the seat next to his.
Her frowning as she started shifting uncomfortably. Her hand grabbing his phone out from underneath her. Looking at it confused.

"Uh, hey?" He was unsure on how to react. Taking a better look on her clothes. A short red jumpsuit and her long leather coat. Her long waves cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes framed by dark eyeshadow and eyeliner and of course, her red lipstick.
He knew that look. Of course he knew it. It was her hooker outfit. Something inside him breaking.

Yongsun nodded shyly. "Hey."

He pursed his lips and simply sat back. Watching the gate in front of them opening, he started the engine again and drove the car in. Parking it at his spot. Both awkwardly sitting there then.

"So?"

"So?"

"So.. what are you doing here?"

She just shrugged. "I was waiting for you to come back."

He glanced at her, confused. "How long have you been waiting?"

"About an hour, I guess. I didn't know when you'd come back."

"Why didn't you just tell me you were here waiting? I'd have left earlier for you."

A small smile forming on her lips. Her eyes wandering to her fingers as she was fumbling with the fabric of her jumpsuit that was peeking out of her coat. "You were with your classmates and had fun. You weren't lonely for once. So I didn't want you to leave earlier for me."

Seokjin didn't say anything. He was just staring at her for a moment, before taking the key out of the ignition. Opening his car door then, he slided them into his pocket. "Come, let's go," he said then motioning with his head outside. She silently followed and they left the underground carpark. Entering the elevator to the penthouse.

"Oh," she said then. Staring at him bewildered. "Did you cut your hair?"
In a reflex, his hand went up to his indeed shorter hair. Running his fingers through the waves. Smirking down at her. "Yeah, a little. I was bored and felt like it."
Her eyes widened more. "You cut it yourself?" she asked buffled. Her hand tugging at one of his strands lightly as he nodded. Feeling his ears blushing at her touch. She hummed, letting go.
Folding her arms then, leaning back at the mirrow behind them. "I liked your longer hair a lot. But I guess with that face you can wear them however you want and still look great."
Her comment making him laugh out amusedly. "Right? I'm just insanely handsome no matter what I do," he grinned. Causing a giggle escaping her lips as well. Seeing him being his usual silly self was something she had missed quite a lot. Shaking her head then, she looked away. "You are."
He smiled, huffing. "You're saying it as if you weren't beautiful.."

She swallowed.

Hadn't he said that during that one night as well? Or was it just wishful thinking?

The doors opened then and he didn't say anything. His eyes laying on her for a few more seconds before he adverted them and got out. Her following behind quietly.

After reaching his door, he unlocked it and they entered the dark apartment. Him switching on some lights while kicking off his shoes. Her also slowly taking off her pumps, leaving them at the entrance while walking up to him. Letting her coat slide down her shoulders, leaving it on the couch.
Her steps holding an uncertainty till she eventually stood right beside him. In front of the big glass window.

"You didn't ask me why I was waiting for you though," she quietly said then. Seokjin tensing up. Eyes fixed on one of the many lights in the distance. Sensing her glance piercing him through the reflexion in the window.
"Maybe I'm just too afraid to ask."
"Why?"
"Because I might not like the answer."
For a moment there was silence. Nothing but an empty echo spreading around them. The illuminated skyline shining through the darkness outside and into the dimly lit room.
"Jin, look at me." Yongsun's voice was stern, yet fragile. It was one of the rare moments she was insecure and shy. One of the rare moments only he got to see.
Seokjin didn't dare to move though. He didn't dare to look her in those dark eyes.

"Jin.." she repeated quietly and he felt her delicate fingers on his cheek. Her hand cold against his burning skin. Forcing him to eventually lay his eyes on her. Slowly turning his whole body towards Yongsun. And they were standing there, breathing deeply. Her staring into his big, soft eyes. Her hand still on his cheek.
"I came here to tell you, you were right," she breathed then, "I wasn't sure if I was ready. But I am sure now. I'm ready."

Seokjin's lips turned into a sad smile. His hand gently grabbing her wrist, lowering it. "Yong." He sighed.
It wasn't like he was the jealous type. He wasn't that at all. However, the possibility of her having been with someone else that night, almost killed him. He had to know. "You were out tonight, right? As.. as a hooker."

She bit her lips, not able to deny it. "I haven't slept with anyone though," she said. The expression on her face serious. Making him believe her words. "I.. haven't gone out as a hooker or slept with anyone since.. pretty much since I met you. After all, we were spending the days I'd normally go out together. I didn't need anyone else for company. I.. didn't need anyone else to have a nice time with. Or feel less lonely. I had you."
"And why were you out tonight?" he whispered.
"Because of what you said," she said, taking a step closer to him. "I wanted to be sure that I'm indeed ready to give up this part of my life. This small part of my independence. And after wandering around and letting every car pass by, not feeling like getting into anyone of those, I was sure I was ready." Slowly her heels rose from the ground and she drew him closer to her, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Because I much rather wanted to be here, with you."
He smiled, sensing her warm breath on his lips. His arm wrapping around her lower back while the other caressed her cheek.
Slowly bending towards her. Her face close to his. He could see her smirk in the dim light. And it made his heart melt. He loved her cheeky smile. He loved her having her arms around his neck. And he loved her.
"Saranghae. You know what that means?"
"I know. And I love you," she whispered and kissed him.

Soon sensing the straps of her jumpsuit sliding down her shoulders.
Her hands wandering down to his chest, gripping his shirt then. Tugging on it lightly until he took it off.
Not breaking the kiss as they made their way to his bedroom. And they kissed until she let herself fall onto the cool sheets. Her dark waves spreading around her. Contrasting with her skin.
Him reconnecting their lips as his body followed hers. Her fingers gliding over his torso, eventually finding their way again to the back of his neck. And they still kissed when his arms wrapped around her hips.
And they kissed until they weren't only kissing anymore.

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Chapter Text

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Yongsun was pouting when reaching the elevator. "You really don't have to though."
Seokjin rolled his eyes. Slowly getting annoyed with her repeating the same phrase over and over again. "Don't complain so much. You complain way too much for someone who's about to eat food."
"'Cause it'll be a fancy restaurant and I had to put on a dress. Even though you know I'm too lazy for that." She pouted even more.
"It's not that fancy, I promise."
Her pout grew bigger as she tugged at her short, long-sleeved dress. She didn't mind wearing dresses. She just disliked most occasions she had to wear one. "Let's go home and order something instead. Or we could cook."
"Can't do that," he said and pressed the button. He looked at her then with a mischievious smirk. "I promised it after all. And I keep my promises."
"You didn't promise it though.." Yongsun objected, giggling. "And you didn't say anything about it having to be fancy. You just said you wanted to ask me out on an actual date. That's all. So theoretic-" His finger on her lips interrupted her rambling as he was shushing her with a smile. Lightly smudging her lipstick.
"Told you, it's not very fancy. I know you don't like that. But it's a little fancy, since it's our first official date after all. Just let me do this right, okay? I promise to only go to fast food places after this." He peeked at her with a slightly pleading look, redirecting his eyes back to the opening door in front of them
She dramatically sighed then. Biting back a smile. It was quite cute after all how much this seemed to mean to him. So she decided to do him the favor and play along. "Fine. Don't forget noodle bars though. I like noodle bars, too."
He chuckled, nodding as they got in. "Sure, noodle bars as well. I'll take you to all the noodle bars you want."

Yongsun observed the floor numbers changing on the display. Truth was, she was hungry so at the end she didn't really care. As long as the food was edible.
"See," he grinned as soon as the elevator door opened in front of them. Revealing a rooftop restaurant, with fairylights hanging around ivy-covered brickwalls and tables with candles were scattered around the area. "It's not that fancy an-"

"Last year of highschool," Yongsun suddenly interrupted him. Seemingly excited. "One of my friends celebrated her birthday here. Oh, I remember now! They changed the name, but I'm pretty sure that's the place. I remember us wearing the ugliest outfits, but they were totally in fashion back then."
Seokjin couldn't help but laugh as at her expression. Even though the surprise kind of failed as she already knew the place, she still seemed to enjoy it. So he took it as a win.
"You definitely need to show me those photos," he smirked then as they made their way to an empty table, "I want to see how you looked like in school."
She vigorously shook her head though. A playful panic on her features. "Never! It was a dark time. You don't wanna see that."
"Now I definitely wanna see it."
"Only if you show me your school photos," she grinned. Seeing his expression change into a grimace. "Aw c'mon. Mr. 'I-am-so-handsome-and-I-know-it' is suddenly insecure?"
"It was a different time back then," he laughed as they sat down. "Wait, how did a highschooler effort celebrating her birthday here?"
He saw her shrug. "Her parents paid. Her family is rich just like mine." She stood up then, leaving her bag on her seat. "I'll go to the restroom real quick. If the waiter comes, order me a red wine and whatever you think I'd want to eat."
"And if you don't like what I pick?"
She grinned. "Then I'll make you eat it."

Watching her leaving, he sighed. His eyes wandering to the skyline around them. A sudden sound making him lightly jump up in his seat then. He looked around, realising it was coming from Yongsun's bag. It was her phone. It soon stopped though, whoever had been calling probably giving up as no one was picking up. At least so he thought until it started ringing again. The caller persistent.
Seokjin contemplated whether it was okay for him to just pick it up. But as some people from the tables next to theirs seemed annoyed, he decided to just answer it.
"Finally, Shelly! Why weren't you picking it up?" a high-pitched female voice on the other end of the line said annoyed. "I'm having a mental breakdown right now!"
"Uhm, hey?"
For a moment there was silence. The caller seemingly irritated by hearing Seokjin's voice.
"Where's Shelly?"
"You mean Yongsun?"
"Yeah, Yongsun. Where is she?" The caller now confused.
"She's at the restroom. But I ca-"
"And who are you?"
He pursed his lips. Not sure what to reply to this question. He didn't know who she was and if Yongsun had told her about him. Then again, what else should he say?
"I'm Jin, her -"
"Oh my god, you're the boyfriend she mentioned!" The woman was now giggling. Causing him to be the confused one now."I'm Gabriella, her friend," the woman finally introduced herself, "Tell her to call me whenever she can, okay?"
"Sure, yeah."
And with that, Gabriella just hung up. Leaving him furrowing his brows at the phone in his hands.

"Who was it?" he suddenly heard Yongsun's voice behind him. Seeing her returning to her seat.
"Ah, sorry. It was ringing all the time and people got annoyed, so I picked it up."
"It's okay," she smiled and took the device from his hand. Tapping on it. "Gab? What did she want?"
"Not sure.." he mumbled, "Something about having a mental breakdown and you calling her back."
Dragging out a sigh, she nodded. Sliding the phone back into her bag.
"Won't you call her back?"
"It's probably because of the wedding again. She's just overreacting about anything lately. Last time it was about the flowers. Wonder what it's this time."
"And she's calling you?" he chuckled.
"I'm the only one who's patient enough for her whining and ranting," she laughed out. "But I'm just used to it at that point."
Seokjin nodded, giving her a mischievious grin then. "You told her about me?"
Her brows widened, looking up. "I mean, she's my best friend. Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know," he shrugged. "I just wasn't sure you would."
She frowned. Taking his hand then, she smiled. "I told all my friends about you."
He smiled back, holding her gaze. Another question popping up then. "Why did she call you Shelly though?"
"It's a nickname for Michelle. My english name, remember? I don't really like it, but she just keeps calling me like that."
"Maybe I should also start calling you Shelly," he smirked, making her huff.
"Don't you dare."

They finally saw a waiter approaching them, when Yongun faced him again. Hesitating first, but eventually asking him now that the conversation kind of went in that direction.
"Do you.. wanna come with me to her wedding?" She wasn't sure why she had been so nervous about asking him earlier. It wasn't a big deal and they were dating now after all. Still, taking someone with you to a wedding could be seen as kind of a big deal. Then again, she knew people who would literally take strangers with them as wedding dates.
Seokjin glanced at her for a moment. Smiling then. "Sure. I'd be a terrible boyfriend is I let you go alone after all," he shrugged, "Besides, free food. Right?"
"Exactly."

»»»

"Do.. do your friends know about me? Us?"
They were sitting besides the East River on the hood of his car. The Brooklyn Bridge in close sight.
Yongsun's little frown told Seokjin she had been worrying about it. Not understanding why though.
The straw of his drink slipping from his lips as he smiled. "Of course. They were being super noisy about it. Asking questions about you, how you look like and.. yeah." He let out a small chuckle, taking another sip from his milkshake. "They mean no harm though."
Yongsun giggled, also taking a sip from her Coke. Whenever he was talking about his friends he pretended being annoyed by them. But she could tell by his smile and look in his eyes that in fact he really missed them. 
"And what did you tell them about me?"

Without any hesitation he took out his phone, unlocking it. "Here," he said and put it down, turning it towards her. Surprised by his bold move, she picked it up. Her eyes scanning over the chat conversation. Only for her expression to instantly drop. "I.. can't read it."
"Oops, forgot," he grinned then. She glared at him. She should've known that he was just once again messing with her. "How about I teach you Korean?"
"Are you serious?"
He shrugged. "Hwagsilhan."
"Huh?"
He sighed. "Sure."
"Good luck though. When it comes to other languages I'm a very slow learner." She continued scrolling through the cryptic chat messages, about to return the phone, pointless to continue, when a photo caught her eyes. "What the - Is that a candid photo of me eating ramen?"
"Told you, they wanted to know how you look like."
"And you didn't have any better one?" she whined. "My cheeks are filled with food here. I look like a hamster!"
"I found it cute," he shrugged nonchalantly, "And they also said you looked cute so.."
She groaned, pushing back her long waves that had been falling over her shoulders. She was about to say something else, when another thought crossed her mind.

"Is everything okay?" he asked with a raised brow, slurping loudly on his drink. Nudging her lightly as she was clearly lost in her thoughts. She blinked a few times, shaking her head then. "My parents will be there. At her wedding."
He arched a brow at her. "And so.. oh." He understood. "They don't know about us?"

"Nope."

"You think they'd mind though? After all our dads know each other."
Seokjin tried being optimistic about it. And he did have a point. Still, Yongsun wasn't sure if that was enough for her parents not to start another argument with her.

"I.. I don't know. I mean, oh god, you study drama. I told you how ridiculous my dad finds artistic jobs like this."
"He didn't seem to mind it when my dad told him that."
Yongsun huffed, folding her arms in front of her chest. "Yeah, because back then you were just his friend's son. He didn't care. But having you date his daughter? I don't know."

"I see.." Seokjin mumbled, looking down at his hands. To say his ego wouldn't be hurt if that was true, would be a lie. However, he didn't care. He didn't care what someone like her father would think of him. Sure he would prefer making a good impression on him and her father liking him. However, he wouldn't force it.
"But Yong, since when do you care about your parents' opinion?"
She looked up, seeing his soft eyes looking at her warmly. A smile on his lips. "You never give a damn about anyone's opinion and just do your thing. And I love that about you. So why do you care now?"

Pursing her lips, she bit on them. He was right after all. She never cared about anyone's opinion. Her eyes went up again, meeting his. "It's not that I care. I'd obviously continue being with you even if he was against it. I am an adult woman after all. It's just.. I'm sick of the family drama. And I don't want to make things complicated for you. I don't want to cause you trouble.."
"Why would you?"
She inhaled deeply, her eyes wandering to the night sky. "When my dad doesn't like someone he makes it very obvious. And very uncomfortable for this person. And he also knows people. Even people in Korea. Maybe I'm paranoid but -"

"Hey, hey. Calm down," he cut her off. Putting his arm around her shoulder, he squeezed it lightly. Cradling her. His voice low. "I'm an adult as well. I can handle someone not liking me. Would I prefer him liking me? Yes. But if he doesn't, I won't beg him to." He gave her an encouraging smile then. "Don't worry, okay?"
Yongsun nodded slowly. Also sharing a smile with him. "Did you tell your parents?"
"I did."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "And what did they say? "
He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Obviously my mum didn't mind at all. She was even excited? I guess she had lost all hope for me," he laughed, "And dad.. he was quite surprised about it, but he didn't seem to mind either. He did seem worried about your father's opinion as well though.. He probably knows your dad wouldn't be too excited."

She nodded. She was glad hearing that at least his parents didn't mind their relationship. A small grin tucking on her lips then. "Jin?"
He looked up from his empty drink then. Arching a brow at her in anticipation.
"You know I do care for your opinion."
He smiled, putting the empty cup aside. He drew her closer to him then. "And I care for yours."

»»»

Chapter Text

»»»

Seokjin didn't understand his girlfriend sometimes.

1. Yongsun would always laugh about his lame jokes. Although he knew she didn't always find them funny or didn't even get them. She still laughed though, which made him happy.

2. Sometimes she would absent-mindedly stare somewhere. Only to then abruptly shake her head and frown or smile. Always making him wonder about what she had thought about.

3. To her friend's wedding, she was wearing her hair up in a bun. Even though she had told him once she wouldn't like that. As her hair was so long the bun would end up too big. However, now it suddenly didn't matter since it would suit her dress.

4. After arriving at the church, she would occasionally take his hand and squeeze it tightly out of nowhere. Like she was afraid of something or someone. A frown on her face, looking around among the other guests.
But when he asked if something was wrong, she only shook her head and smiled: "No."

5. She was her usual cheerful and happy self while being around her friends. Teasing Gabriella in the backroom while helping her getting prepared. However, later when the ceremony started, he could see tears in the corners of her eyes when her friend was standing in front of the altar. Trying to secretly wipe them away with her fingers, she turned away. He didn't understood why she was crying. But he still held her hand and offered her a tissue, which she surprisingly accepted without saying anything.

6. She was also very good in recognising classical overtures. Even if he had never seen her actually listening to any classical music. He had noticed it from the first night they had met.

They were walking through thr Four Seasons Hotel, where the celebration was taking place at. Ans once again she recognized one that was playing at the reception of the wedding.
"Mozart," she randomly mumbled while passing by the band. And he just glanced at her, not replying as he knew it was like a reflex she had. Sometimes not even realising she was saying it out loud.

7. She would take the lead while they were dancing under the dim colorful lights in the flower-decorated ball room. However, whenever a slower song started playing, she wrapped her arms around him. Resting her head on his chest. Allowing him to take the lead and sway her to the rhythm.

8. She also didn't seem happy at all when spotting her sister sitting at a table among the other guests. First he didn't understand, but then he did. She hadn't told her about him either. And he didn't get why. The two were close after all.

"W-what are you doing here?"
"I came instead of mum and dad," her sister shrugged, "They had to fly over to Boston and asked me to come instead. And.. who's that handsome guy? I think I know you from somewhere." Her question clearly directed to Seokjin standing behind her younger sister. Eyeing him up and down. And he could sense Yongsun tensing up in front of him. Only to soon relax again. A smile appearing on her lips as she looked up at him before facing her sister.
"This is Jin. My boyfriend," she simply stated. There was no sign of hesitation or uncertainty in her voice. Even though it first seemed she was.
"Your what? When did that happen? Sorry, I just didn't expect that," Yonghee laughed out and stuck out her hand to him. Not seeming offended by her little sister not telling her anything.
He grabbed her hand then, shaking it. "Nice to meet you," he nodded politely.

9. He also didn't know she was good with children. Only when Yonghee left them with her son as she needed to go to the restrooms, he noticed. Yongsun holding Ryan in her arms and playing with him. A wide grin on her lips whenever the baby reacted to one of her funny faces. She looked happy. And he couldn't help but smile.

10. She would also pretend not wanting something, even though she did. Like when she went to the bar and got him one of those small pink drinks they had. Secretly sipping from his glass everytime he turned away. Quickly putting it down and acting like nothing happened when he glanced at her.
"Why don't you just get one for yourself?"
"Because I don't want one. Just wanted to see how it tastes."
It was ridiculous, but also amusing to him.

11. She got annoyed whenever he stuck one cocktail umbrella after another into her bun. However, she eventually ended up laughing and accepting her ridiculous new hairstyle anyway. Even walking around like that confidently, not taking them out.
He couldn't let her embarrass herself alone though, so he quickly joined. Also sticking some of the small paper umbrellas in his hair. Both looking ridiculous in the middle of a fancy wedding.

He didn't get it.

He didn't get Yongsun at all sometimes. But he still enjoyed it.

»»»

Yongsun didn't understand her boyfriend.

1. Sometimes when he was thinking, he quietly hummed. It was a cute habit of his.

2. He insisted in helping her get better in Korean, even though she was terrible at it. Usually not understanding anything as his pronunciation was too difficult for her.
But he never got mad or made fun of her. He just laughed and patted her head whenever she got something wrong.

3. Whenever she asked him to do something ridiculous, he always immediately said 'okay'.

"I'm bored. Let's ditch the rest of the wedding and go somewhere else," she randomly blurted out. Resting her head on her hands as she was absentmindedly observing the other guests around her. "Sure," he shrugged, adverting his gaze from two little kids fighting over a piece of wedding cake. "Where do you wanna go?"

4. He also never asked why. Whatever she asked him to do, he just did it.

They were walking down the hotel corridor, leaving the party after bidding goodbye to everyone. Her suddenly freezing. Recognizing one of her old clients standing in front of the entrance of another ball room. Eyes widening in panic when seeing him and his acquaintances walking towards their direction. So she quickly grabbed Seokjin's arm, dragging him to a corner. Ignoring the confusion in his face when she pulled him down, whispering "Kiss me!" in a demanding tone. And she pressed her lips on his. Hiding herself behind his broad shoulders from the people passing.

"T-that was quite.. random," he chuckled then. Trying catching his breath from the sudden make-out session.
Straightening himself then, not able preventing a mischievous grin to appear on his lips. Making her laugh out.
To be honest, she was glad he didn't ask. That part of her life belonged to the past now and she didn't want to bring it up anymore.

5. He never really got angry. Sure, he would sometimes start rambling real fast and get upset when something was bothering him. But he never got angry. At least not with her. Not even when she accidentally bumped him with the car door as she was getting in. Apologizing multiple times to him as he had been visibly wincing in pain.

6. He was also quite stubborn. He insisted it didn't hurt. Which she didn't buy. After all she could see it in his expression. She knew it was aching and it was her fault, but he simply wouldn't admit it. Probably so she wouldn't feel guilty. Like back then with the cake.

7. He also acted slightly differently around certain people. Or at least when talking to them. Like with his friends.
One of them called him while they were sitting at a noodle bar. Slurping on some ramen. He was loud, almost yelling on the phone. And the way he talked was different, too. And very fast. Not that she understood anything besides some words anyway. She found it funny to observe though.

8. "You wanna come with me to Korea next month?"
He could also be quite blunt. Like her. But his bluntness was often on another level. Making her almost choke on her noodles. They had only started actually dating a month ago after all.
Wasn't it way too early for something like this? What if it didn't even last till then? What if she met his family and friends and then they broke up?

Her eyes wandered up, catching him looking at her with a nervous smile. And a small sparkle in his eyes.

It wasn't like those worries disappeared. However, she wanted to believe they were just superfluous. She wanted to be hopeful that they wouldn't break up so soon, but actually stay together for a long time. "Sure, why not," she laughed. And she was even more ensured when seeing his face beaming with joy. Seemingly happy with her answer.

9. He also had something of a scaredy cat sometimes. She could easily scare him.
It was always entertaining to her seeing him jump up, screeching in panic. However, he would act all tough and brave when she was the one being scared. It almost seemed like he wanted to be brave for her.

"You heard that? There's something behind that bush," she quietly whispered. Staring at the rustling leaves a couple of feet away. With a stern look he jumped off the car's hood. Heading straight to the bush.Yongsun swallowing down a squeal as she was nervously observing him nearing the suspicious plant.
Only to soon hear him laugh out loud, turning around with a relaxed face. "It was just a stray cat!"
Both sighing in relief.
She knew he had been afraid it being something else as well. Appreciating his action even more.

10. It was quite ironic though, because most of the time he acted confident and like he knew exactly what he was doing. And she knew he was indeed very confident. But not always. And she simply couldn't understand why. Seemed like even the most confident people had an insecure side at times.

11. He also liked playing with her hair a lot. Like he did when they were sitting at their usual spot by the East River. Watching the bright skyline reflecting on the waves. Her head laying on his lap as her now untied hair was flowing over his legs.
He claimed being really good at doing braids. Even the best. Trying braiding her some that night as well.
But he was in fact quite awful in that. Strands sticking out everywhere when finishing his work.
She still loved it though.

She loved all the things he did for her.

»»»

Chapter Text

»»»

Seokjin blinked, trying getting adjusted to the light coming from the window. It was Sunday and way too early to get woken up by sunlight. In his opinion at least. However, apparently not in Yongsun's, as he caught her sitting in front of her dressing table. She was wearing nothing but her underwear while watching herself in the reflection of the mirror. Her hands trying and failing to tie her long curls into a bun.
He saw her frustrated pout before giving up. Her waves flowing back down.

"It's way too early, but I can't complain about the view," he chuckled while rubbing his tired eyes. Making her jump a little in her seat by his voice breaking the serene silence.
"Did I wake you up?" she worriedly asked, looking over her shoulder. "I tried being as quiet as possible."
"It wasn't you, but the sun."
Her eyes widened and she giggled. "Ah yeah.. we forgot to lower the blinds last night." There had been too busy doing other things after all, totally forgetting about them. "And I didn't want to wake you up by doing it now.. Seems I failed either way."
"It's alright," he smiled and sat up. Stretching himself as the sheets slid down his bare torso. "Why are you getting ready anyway?"
She sighed. "I have to go to my parents later, remember?" Pausing, she turned around in her chair. Facing him with an arched brow. "And don't you have your rehearsal today as well?"
He nodded, letting himself fall back to his pillow. Snuggling into his sheets. "In the afternoon, yes."

Yongsun observed him for a moment before walking to the bed. He had just woken up and was still in a drowsy mood. Making him look incredibly cute she thought as she laid down next to him. Burrowed her face in the crook of his neck as her arm wrapped around his torso.
"I don't wanna go to my parents," she mumbled against his warm skin, "I wanna stay in bed with you instead."
Letting out a small laugh, he also wrapped his arm around her. Eyes still closed. "Then don't go. Stay here with me," he said, "Why do you have to see them today?"

"I don't know," she groaned, "Dad called in a family meeting to talk with us about some things."
He just hummed. Caressing her arm. Her skin cool against his. "I can drive you there, if you want."
"Or we just stay here like this."
He peeked at her, smirking. "I don't mind. Don't feel like going to the rehearsal anyway.." He let out a deep sigh then. "But it's the final one before the actual performance.. I have to go.."

"When's the performance again?"

"Tomorrow, 8pm."

She nodded and abruptly sat up. His arm gliding down from her shoulder. "I'll have time to change my clothes after work then," she smiled.

He glanced at her for a moment, squeezing his eyes shut again. "I'm actually nervous of you being there," he admited and laughed out. Half-jokingly, half-seriously. Making her eyes widening in confusion. "Huh why? Shouldn't you be used acting in front of others?"
"I am. But there's a difference between strangers and you. I don't care about embarrassing myself in front of strangers.."
Yongsun looked at his closed eyes and flustered cheeks. Huffing audibly then. "That's dumb. I should be one of the last persons you'd fear doing that."
"Technically, you're right," he said then, opening one eye to look at her. She was still pouting and it was adorable. "But I wanna impress you after all and show a bit off with my skills."
She couldn't help but let out a giggle. "You're a total idiot, you know that?" Her bright grin making him smile as well.
"I know. But at least I'm a handsome idiot."

»»»

Seokjin's car stopped in front of the mansion's gate -or what Seokjin preferred to call it: the castle. He always joked that it looked like one of those crazy houses celebrities lived in and did house tours of. And Yongsun didn't like to admit it, but it indeed looked like coming straight out of MTV Cribs from the outside. It just didn't have any pools of colorful balls or a room just for funny hats, like some of the celebrity houses did.
There was a room for her mum's porcelain figurines though, so maybe it was similar enough after all.

"I really don't wanna get out of this car," Yongsun mumbled. Bambi eyes staring almost frightened at the enormous building behind the gate's bars. Even though she had grown up in this house, it never really felt like an actual home to her. It was too pretentious to be one.

"C'mon, I'm sure it won't be that bad."His words couldn't seem to calm his girlfriend down though. She was overthinking about the possible reasons her parents had called her and her sister to their home. After all, it usually wasn't for any pleasant reason. Either related to something dry like business, some event they had to attend or family matters like inheritance or when someone messed up -mostly her.

He dragged out a sigh and grabbed her hand. Pressing it lightly. "Just go and see what they'll tell you. It might be something random after all. No need to think so much and stress out."

Yongsun quietly nodded. Her eyes fixated on the dashboard in front of her. She didn't feel like seeing her dad or mum. And having them asking and commenting on her life again. She somehow felt like a little kid again. And Seokjin couldn't understand where his usually confident girlfriend went.
"Ahhsh, come here," he dramatically dragged a sigh and pulled her closer. Placing a kiss on her forehead. "It'll be fine. And if not, just call me."
She nodded. Feeling much better knowing that at least she wouldn't have to be alone with her upsetness this time. Seokjin would be there later. Probably having to listen to her rant and cheer her up.

A harsh knock on the driver's window made both tense up then. Slowly directing their gaze to the man in a cobalt-blue tracksuit standing in front of it with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Staring at them with an arched brow. Making them swallow hard.

"I don't wanna interrupt you and your lover, Michelle, but you guys are blocking the entrance to my house."

»»»

If someone had to describe the awkward tension surrounding them, Seokjin would probably describe it as a mix of torture and suffocation.

His eyes were focused on the glass table in front of him. Hands folded between his thighs. Not daring to look up and possibly have any eye-contact with Yongsun's father. He had a straight face, making barely any expressions. He almost looked like a statue. With his arms crossed in front of his chest. 
Him being way more intimidating when not smiling than he remembered him from the last time they had met at the anniversary party. Even though now they were sitting in one of the smaller lounge rooms in the main building now, not the large ballroom in the west wing back then.

It felt like ages ago.

Last time he had felt this uncomfortable was as a teenager, when he had walked into his brother's room while his brother had been with his then girlfriend. Secretely obviously, so no one including Seokjin, had known she had been there.

The situation now felt ten times worse though. Back then he could blackmail his brother at least.

And thinking about it now, sitting there like a scaredy cat probably wasn't giving a good impression either. So he sat up straight, just like his mum had taught him and dared to at least turn his head to her father's direction. Face as serious and stern as possible. For fuck's sake, he was an actor after all! He should be able putting on a poker face with no problem.

"So.." her father began than after a long period of silence. "I know you, right? You were at my party. You're Seojun's son."

He just nodded lightly, before adding a quick "Y-yes, sir". His voice low.

He heard her father hum, followed by another pause.

"And you're dating my youngest daughter now.."

"Yes, sir.." 

"I assume you guys know each other from the party then," the older man continued what felt like an interrogation.

Seokjin's brown eyes quickly peeked at Yongsun who was silently sitting next to him on the couch. Glancing right back at him. She was close enough not to create a gap, but not too close to provoke her father. Both almost simultaneously responding with "Yes!" then.

Another dreadful silence followed. Only interrupted by her mother entering the room, followed by Yonghee behind her who seemed surprised when spotting him there.

"Jessica is here now, too. We're complete," their mother announced. Taking a seat next to her husband on the velvet sofa. Straightening the wrinkles of the fabric of her long, dark blue skirt. 

Yonghee quietly sat down on an armchair. Staring at her sister wide-eyed and with an expression that was asking what was going on. To which Yongsun responded by lightly shaking her head. Her eyes telling her to better not ask.

"Did you know about your sister and Seojun's son dating?" their dad suddenly asked, his gaze wandering to Yonghee. For a moment she wasn't sure what to say, but eventually sighed. Finding this whole thing ridiculous. "Yeah, I knew," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"So your sister knew, but we had to find out by catching you making out at our driveway."

Yonghee instantly shot them a shocked look. Again asking with her eyes if that was true. To which Yongsun vigorously shook her head. "First of all, we didn't make out. He just kissed my forehead. And second of all, obviously I told her first. I knew she wouldn't make a whole drama out of this."

"You created the drama by not telling us yourself. Having us finding it out like that.." her mother said with a calm, yet disappointed voice. Shaking her head. "I thought we taught you some decent manners. But seems like we failed."

Yongsun was about to say something, but didn't. Exhaling deeply in frustration, she let herself fall back in her seat. Folding her arms. Of course they had to twist it like this. Nothing new from her parents. They never failed to make her feel like a troubled teenager, when in fact she was a grown-up woman.

Seokjin saw Yongsun's sulky expression and wanted to reach out to her, but kept himself from doing so in front of her parents.

"As you know," the man continued then, redirecting his gaze to Seokjin, "I know your father from university. And I think high of him. He's quite a successful man. But, if I'd be totally honest, I'm not sure if I can say the same about you."

"Dad!" Yongsun instantly blurted out angrily and sat up. Only to feel her boyfriend's hand on her arm. Holding her back.

"I can see why you think that," he calmly replied then, "I'm not a business man like you two. So naturally you'd think that of me."

For the first time this noon they saw Kim Chungbin smirk. It was a quite sarcastic, almost evil one though and everyone could tell. "Well, can you prove me otherwise?" he huffed, "You're 28, correct? And studying drama."

"Correct," he nodded. No trace of nervousness in his features or voice. And that not only because of his acting skills, but also because he slowly felt his ego and pride returning. "The only successful thing about me would be that I'm still studying drama as I had to often interrupt my studies back in Korea because of actual acting jobs. And now I'm doing my master's in one of the world's leading drama schools."

Everyone fell silent. Staring at him in awe. And even her dad slightly rose his brows. Seokjin taking it as a sign of him being impressed.

"You never told me you had actual acting jobs," Yongsun whispered from the side. Nudging his elbow. "How could you not tell me?"

"You never asked," he whispered back. Not taking away his gaze from her father. 

"See, dad, he's successful. Now can we move on to the actual topic you called us here?" Yonghee spoke up then, looking at her watch. She had left her son with the babysitter and she didn't particularly liked doing so.

"Jessica, don't be so impatient," their mother scolded her.

"Yon- Jessica is right," Yongsun said then in an attempt to change topics, "Why did you call us here?"

"That can wait," their father announced, holding up a hand to her. "We're not done yet."

"Done with what? You interrogating my boyfriend?" Yongsun muttered under her breath. She was getting pissed and Seokjin could tell. The look on her eyes said everything. "He's studying at a prestigious college, he comes from a wealthy family and you're even friends with his dad. Why can't we move onto the next topic?"

"'Cause I have to make sure he's good enough for you," her father stated, matter-of-factly.

The room fell silent. Yongsun standing up then. A wide grin plastered all over her face. "Well, good thing I'm an adult and can judge for myself." And there she was, the confident woman Seokjin knew. Observing her in awe as she walked out, into the entrance hall. "Jin, we're leaving!"
He quickly bid goodbye with a simple nod and followed, running after her outside. 
Spotting her standing with her back against a pillar.

"You were so badass," he laughed but paused when seeing her gloomy face. He touched her arm then, banding down a little to be able seeing her better. "Hey, you okay?"
Her eyes wandered up, meeting his. And he noticed her struggle keeping herself from tearing up. And it hurt his heart.
She pushed herself from the pillar then, wrapping her arms around him. His instantly embracing her tightly.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled against his chest then. A tear eventually running down her cheek. Wetting his t-shirt.
"It's okay," he said. "Every parent just wants the best for their child.."
"That's not even the case here," she retorted, getting upset again, "He wanted to make sure you're good enough for them. Not me. They're just in their bubble of made up reputation and fake high society friends." She stepped back, her gaze stern as she wiped her cheek. "Please don't listen to what he said. You are good enough. In fact, you're more than good enough."

Seokjin stared at her silently. At her flustered by anger cheeks and slightly puffy eyes. Noting she looked indeed adorable when being upset. He laughed out then, patting her head.
"Silly. You forget my self-confidence."
"True, I forgot," she smiled. However, Yongsun knew it probably still hit him. Even if he wouldn't admit it. Because sometimes he doubted himself after all. And she knew. Even though she couldn't understand why.
He grabbed her hand then and they both started walking towards his parked car outside of the gates. "Come, let's grab some food and pretend this awkward encounter didn't happen."

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Chapter Text

»»»

Yongsun was struggling opening the bag of chips in her hands. The packaging squeaking and scratching under them.
Her tongue was sticking out as she tried one last time and failed again. Her fingers slipping.

Seokjin, who had been observing her this whole time, sighed. It was cute, but at the same time tiring. So when they stopped in front of a red light, he grabbed it out of her grip. Abruptly pressing the bag between his large palms, making it pop open on one end.
Yongsun's eyes widening at this new technique. "Thanks," she grinned and took it back. Starting munching happily on her potato chips. They were her favorite ones. Extra spicy barbecue flavor.
"How can you even eat this?" he said in disgust. Watching her shoving another handful of chips into her mouth.
"Wha? The are delithious!" she mumbled with a stuffed mouth. Making him chuckle. "Not really, but whatever."
Swallowing, she grinned at him. "I love spicy food."
"That's not even spicy."
"It is!"
"Nah," he shook his head as the traffic light went green. "You haven't tasted actual spicy food if you think these are spicy."

Yongsun huffed, continuing munching on her chips as they walked down the Broadway. Reaching the Lincoln Center and place of his college.
"You sure I'm allowed to watch the rehearsal?" she asked, unsure while passing through the entrance of the theater hall on the building's side.
It was her first time at that place and she already felt like she didn't belong there. Not only because besides some karaoke and dancing when she had been younger, she didn't have anything to do with the world of performing arts.
She somehow had this cliché of drama students being very pretentious as well and her unsocial self wasn't sure how to face any of them.

"Yeah, don't worry," Seokjin ensured her then with a smile, "There are always some random people watching. So it shouldn't be a big deal."
"Thought I made you nervous though," she mumbled and put the chips bag into her small backpack. Taking out a wet tissue then to clean her sticky fingers.
"You do.. But maybe I get used to you now, so I won't be so nervous tomorrow," he grinned and opened the door for her. Letting her enter first.

Yongsun's brows raising when seeing all the students on and around the large stage in the distance. Some with scripts in their hands, some preparing props. Some others just sitting and chatting.
They started climbing down the stairs next to the seats. And indeed there were a few people who didn't seem being part of the performance either.
"Just wherever you want."
She nodded. "Alright, I'll be observing your performance from here."
He pursed his lips. Feeling his ears turning red as she sat down on one of the seats.

Maybe taking her to his rehearsal hadn't been a good idea after all. Perhaps seeing her from the stage, especially with no actual audience to hide her in the mass, would make him forget all his text.
Then again, he couldn't leave her alone and act like nothing had happened after the encounter with her parents a few hours ago.
She had been too upset and he wanted to take her mind off things.

He went downstairs then. Yongsun seeing him approaching some of his classmates.
She propped her arm on the armrest, resting her cheek on her fist.
To be honest, she didn't really like theater performances. She preferred tv shows and movies over the theater. And she knew he did the same but had to join because of his studies. Being glad they had to do a short film instead as a final project next year.

Her eyes wandered around then when her eyes caught another group approaching him. A girl talking to him. She seemed excited. Her ponytail swaying while talking.
Yongsun snorted. What could possibly be that exciting?
Someone called them and they disappeared backstage.

She hadn't noticed, but she had been frowning this whole time. Making her forehead ache.
She shook her head then and rubbed it. Her phone lighting up. Yonghee messaged her.

Big Yong (4:26pm): talked to mum and dad
Big Yong (4:26pm): they calmed down
Big Yong (4:27pm): dont worry

With a sigh, she locked it again. Obviously she was glad her sister had managed to calm them down a little, but that didn't necessarily mean they wouldn't continue their nagging.
She decided to finally forget about them and instead watch the rehearsal.

Noticing some students were wearing their costumes now. At least she assumed since those didn't look like normal clothes someone would wear nowadays.
She spotted Seokjin then coming from backstage. And this girl again. Tucking at his costume, sewing something on it. She was most likely one of the costume designers or stylists.
She watched her leaving then and he stood along with some other drama students, discussing something.

His gaze wandered towards the audience then. Their eyes meeting. And he smirked.

She might not be really interested in theater, but she surely was in awe seeing him standing there on the big stage.
And she couldn't help but smile at him.

»»»

"This was the script I found back then on your desk, right?"
Seokjin shrugged, pushing open the entrance door. The cool evening air brushing over their cheeks. They hadn't noticed how late it had become outside.
"Probably, can't remember," he said then. Peeking at her. "Did you like it?"
"I actually did. The plot was interesting," she grinned and linked her arm with his as they walked under a scaffold. "But you still have to tell me everything about those acting jobs you kept a secret."

He let out a deep chuckle, shaking his head. "I didn't keep them a secret. I just never mentioned them."
"Still, what were they? Did you play in movies? Or k-dramas?"
"Ay, you're such a curious-cat."
She whined, tucking at his sleeve. "C'mon, tell me."
"They weren't even big roles. Mainly secondary ones.."
"I don't care. Tell me so I can look them all up and watch them."
His eyes widened. "Now I surely won't tell you," he laughed. Making her only frown all over again. "You're frowning a lot today," he teased her then.
"Then don't make me."

They fell silent as they walked past shops and billboards, turning into a sidestreet then.
"Can I ask you something?"
He sighed. "Fine, in one I played the protagonist's assistent. That's all I'm gonna say. "
Yongsun giggled. "No, that wasn't what I was about to ask. But thanks for the info, definitely gonna check it out." She paused, stopping in her tracks. Making him stop as well. He , noticing they were next to a park. Her eyes wandering to him then.
"No, I was about to ask.. why did you come here? I mean to New York, to Juillard? You already had an acting career after all. Why putting it to an halt just to come here?"

Seokjin looked at her, holding her gaze. He shrugged then, unsure of what to say. "I simply.. felt like it. After getting one degree, I wanted to get the other as well. And when I got the chance to audition for the famous Juillard, I just did it. I didn't have anything to lose after all."
"But what about your acting career in Korea?" she silently asked. She seemed worried and he pursed his lips.
"I only paused for two years. I'm sure I can continue when returning. Especially when having a degree from a famous drama school."
"You're something.."she laughed out then, not being able to counter anything to his endless seeming optimism. And it was his life after all. He could do what he wanted. "Going to live in a whole other continent just because you felt like it.. I could never."

His gaze went up to the slightly rustling trees above them. He exhaled deeply. His eyes suddenly dull as he lowered them again.
"I often thought about dropping out, actually," he admitted then with a sad smile. "Living here in this city.. It did take a toll on me."
He watched her nod with a sad smile.
"This city can be cruel. Especially to strangers. But at least you didn't give into it."
He laughed under his breath, glancing at her as they continued walking. "You're the reason why," he smiled then. Watching her face turning into an astonished expression. Seemingly confused.
"The month we met, I felt the worst ever. But then I met you. And you made this city bearable."
Yongsun remained silent, listening to his words while observing a passing car. "I haven't thought about it too deeply before," he continued, "But thinking about it now, I realise you were my excuse for staying enrolled. If I went back to Korea, I couldn't see you anymore."

Yongsun was taken aback. And it sincerely moved her. After all, she had never expected to ever have such an impact on someone.
And usually she would find something like this ridiculous, but in this case she was glad it was this way.
Because this city would be boring and drowning without him. As she had said, this city could be cruel to everyone. And she hadn't been any exception.
And after all, he influenced her life as well.

Her arms wrapped tighter around his as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm glad you didn't leave."
"Me too," he whispered.

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Chapter Text

»»»

1 year later

Yongsun was nervously staring at the phone in front of her. She had extra left work earlier that day, but he still wasn't anywhere to be seen. Neither had he called her back yet.
And it was driving her insane.

Her gaze went left and right. Only seeing unknown people passing by. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably, the wooden bench being quite hard to sit on for too long.
Her phone suddenly started ringing in her hand, startling her.

"Where are you? I'm waiting for half an hour!" she huffed.
"I'm almost there. Where are you?"
"Next to the fountain."
"I think I see you," he said. A smile audible in his voice. "Are you wearing a white shirt and your baggy jeans?"
She giggled. "Yes, you stalker!" She hung up, looking vigorously around until spotting Seokjin jogging towards her with a grin.

"And?" Yongsun yelled when he was in earshot. "Are the results out?"
He abruptly stopped in front of her, almost knocking her out. Quickly grabbing her shoulder so she wouldn't fall back - and to keep himself from falling.
"They're out," he said then, his expression turning into a serious one suddenly. His eyes looking away.
She frowned, lightly punching his chest. "Stop trying to fool me. You were grinning just a second ago," she scoffed then. "They accepted it, right?"
He dramatically sighed then, looking around while kicking a pebble. "Well.. you see.."
"Jin.." She started getting annoyed and the suspense was killing her. "Yes or no?"

Eventually, his lips tucked into a wide grin and he nodded. "They accepted my thesis."
Yongsun almost screamed when hearing those words. Instantly throwing herself on him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're gonna get your diploma!"
Her excitement made him laugh as his arms also embraced her smaller body. He paused for a moment though, cradling her.
"Have you thought about it yet?"

He felt her freeze in his arms when hearing his question and she shook her head against his chest. "I'm still thinking about it."
He internally sighed, trying not to show any sign of disappointment. He didn't want to pressure her in any way. However, there wasn't much time left. The clock was ticking. Especially now that he would get his diploma in a few weeks.

And the wait for an answer from her was making him more than anxious.
Still, he didn't regret it. He didn't regret asking her. Because not asking her wouldn't have made much sense either. At least to him.
"It's alright," he said then and stepped back. His hands holding her arms as he forced himself to smile to change the topic. Even though Yongsun could tell it was a fake one. She pretended she couldn't. "Let's go."
And he grabbed her hand as they left the fountain behind them.

»»»

"Finally home."
Seokjin watched Yongsun instantly kick off her highheels as soon as she walked through the door of her apartment. Her feet hurting from all the standing and walking at the graduation ceremony and the after party. She went straight to the kitchen then, opening the freezer.
"What are you looking for?" Seokjin asked while taking off his tie and blazer. Leaving both on the jacket holder. Being left with his button up shirt and suit pants.

Now thinking about it, he spent quite a lot of time in her apartment. Almost half of his time. It felt like his second home by now. Smiling when spotting the photo of them back in Gyeongju on a shelf.
"After the champagne I need some ice cream," she said matter-of-factly. Interrupting his train of thoughts. Taking a container of caramel ice cream out. Along with two spoons. "You want some, too?" An almost seductive smile on her lips. The red lipstick having almost faded away.

"Sure," he said. Even if he wasn't the biggest fan of sweets, he couldn't say no to ice cream. He watched her hopping on the counter then, shifting a bit in her dress to get comfortable. She took a big spoon of ice cream then. Licking it with relish, she hummed a little while doing so. Her feet dangling.
Seokjin had to bit down his lips as he walked up to her. Standing in front of her, he couldn't help but notice the little joy in her eyes. He took the second spoon from her hand then, digging it into the sweet.

"Not bad," he mumbled while tasting it, seeing her shoving another spoon of it in her mouth.
"I love caramel," she said with her wide cartoonish grin. Happy as a child. And he couldn't help but also smile at the sight of her.
"I like cotton candy."
Her eyes widened. "That's a good one, too."

And they were standing there in her kitchen way past midnight, eating ice cream silently.

"Still can't believe I finally graduated," he mumbled then absent-mindedly while taking another spoon of ice creme. She glanced up, smiling.
"You're finally done! Never writing any exams or term papers again."
He just nodded silently. To be honest, he was quite tired from the whole day. And the whole week, frankly speaking.
He loved his parents and he was grateful for them coming all the way to New York to be there for his graduation. But having to show them the city this whole week, from morning till evening, had been physically draining. Especially since his parents liked to stay up early and he.. well, he didn't.

Yongsun observed him being obviously lost in his thoughts. Eyes blankly staring at the ice cream container in her arma. Standing in front of her between her legs.

Her gaze wandering up, mischievously peeking at him while taking another spoonful. He had unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Revealing his collarbones. Her eyes laying on his broad chest underneath it. And without thinking much, her legs wrapped around his hips. Pushing him closer to her. Watching his eyes widen as he almost dropped his spoon.

"Caught you," she whispered with a smirk on her lips. Her eyes piercing his.
His brow arching. "Are you sure about that?" His voice low as he put the ice cream and spoon on the side. Never breaking the gaze with her. His arms wrapping around her lower back then. Embracing her tightly. And in an swift move, he heaved her up. Holding her in his arms.
She giggled, and he felt her hands going around his neck. "You're tired, aren't you? And I'm heavy, you can't keep me up here for too long."
"Wanna bet?" Both his brows rose as he looked at her in challenging manner. "What am I supposed to do with you otherwise?" His voice trailed off as he leaned his face closer to hers.
She smiled, closing her eyes. "I could think of a thing or two.."

»»»

Yongsun was staring at the dark ceiling above them. The lights of the never sleeping city outside creating patterns through the window blinds. Cars rushing down the empty streets in the distance occasionally breaking through the silence.

Even though she had also been quite tired from the long day, her mind was too occupied with thoughts to be able sleeping.
The sleeping guy next to her on the other hand didn't seem to have any problem. However, he had been tired as well after all.
Still, she found it unfair.
She was laying there, not able closing an eye and he was just peacefully sleeping there next to her. It made her angry in a way.

She sighed, turning to the side. Facing his profile as he was quietly breathing.
Although it would be a lie to say she wasn't scared at all. Because she was. More than of anything else up to this point in her life.
She hadn't been scared of living a second life as a hooker, even if it was only for once a week. She wasn't afraid of getting caught by the police or getting recognized by someone. She was also not afraid of her parents finding out.

However, when he had asked her some weeks ago to move to Seoul with him, she panicked.
She didn't have any commitment issues. Never had. But this was a big step after all.
Moving to another country to be with someone? And if the relationship didn't work out, then what? Go back or stay in the new country?

She really didn't want to be this pessimistic, especially since they genuinely loved each other and he was her best friend. Sure, they sometimes quarreled over stupid things, especially when one of them was in a bad mood. But that was normal.
When actually being with him, she had less of those thoughts. She felt less scared about all these possible things going wrong. Because he made it easy for her. Easy for her to trust him. Easy for her to let go. Easy for her to stop over-thinking. And easy for her to love him.

However, when left alone all the anxious thoughts would crawl back. And she wondered what she should do. It sounded easy to just go to another country but it wasn't. Beside the totally new culture you had to live in and the new language you had to learn, abandoning your old life and all the people in it to build a new one somewhere else was hard.

Then again, besides her friends and her sister there wasn't anything else that mattered to her in this city. Especially not the city itself.
Then again, weren't her friends and sister reason enough to stay?
Sure. But they all also head their own families to go to. And with what would she be left back? Nothing.
Because not going with him would most likely mean the end of their relationship.
And she didn't want that. Just the mere thought of not being with him, not hearing his obnoxiously loud laugh or feel his embrace anymore, made her heart clench and her chest hurt.

Besides, how bad could living in Korea be? Sure she wasn't totally fluent in the language yet, but she had improved a lot with his help. And she already knew his friends and family and they all got along well.
And surely, she would somehow manage making at least one friend on her own there as well. Besides, she had a marketing and communications degree from one of the best  universities of the United States. She shouldn't have a big issue finding some kind of job there. Right?

Her eyes fell on his dim silhouette in the dark room then. Observing his sleeping self next to her. She could recognize his chest slowly raising and falling under the covers. Head tilted towards her. 
One of his hands wrapped around his pillow while the other was on his torso underneath the covers.
And she could feel his warm breath on her shoulder.

And she thought, how bad could living in Seoul be if he was by her side?

»»»

Seokjin woke up in the early morning hours. It was the time when the sun hadn't come out yet but was soon preparing to.
Announcing itself by the sky getting tinted a lighter and lighter shade of blue with a mix of grey.

The reason he woke up wasn't anything special to be honest, he just heard the backfire of a motorcycle outside on the street. And the loud and sudden noise made him abrubtly jump up in his sleep.

However, when he shifted and turned around he noticed Yongsun wasn't in her bed anymore. The space next to him empty. Which usually wouldn't have been anything weird. But he knew for a fact that she would never stay up early, especially not this early, on a sunday. Making him wonder where she had gone to.

Rubbing his eyes, he got up. The chill morning air brushing over his bare skin as the sheets slid down. He quickly put on some clothes and made his way to the rest of the apartment. Yawning as he entered the living room. Spotting his girlfriend sitting on the couch. Knees brought up to her chin, her arms wrapped around her legs.
And she was just staring out of the balcony doors. Absent-minded.

"Why are you up already?" he asked and sat down next to her. Fighting the urge of falling asleep.
She blinked a few times, as she had only now noticed his presence. And she shrugged, not taking her eyes from the buildings and trees outside.
"Couldn't really sleep, so I watched some tv.." She paused then. A faint smile tucking on her lips. "I like this hour," she said then, "It's the only time of the day the city seems to be quiet. As it would take a rest from being nosey and busy."

Seokjin glanced at her, then outside. The street she was living was a rather quiet one anyway, to be honest, but he got what she meant. And he agreed.
It was indeed like the last people went to sleep an hour ago and now there was a tiny gap before the next people would stay up.

They remained silent. Him not asking why she hadn't been able sleeping. Something inside him already knew anyway.
So he just kept sitting there next to her. Hearing the first birds starting their chirping.

"My answer is yes," Yongsun eventually spoke up then. Turning her head to face him with a smile. And it didn't take him a second to know what question she was answering to.
And he grinned as well.
"You really tortured me by taking so long," he whined then in that tone he always had when complaining. And it made her laugh under her breath.
She pouted then. "I know.. I'm sorry. Wasn't on purpose." Giving him puppy eyes.
He laughed out, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He was just glad she would be coming with him to Korea. He didn't care about having waited for a month for that answer.
He kissed her temple then, drawing her closer. "I know, I know."

And they stayed there until sunrise.

THE END

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