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Namjoon didn't know why he was as nervous as he was. His hands were a bit clammy, and his forehead and neck we're unusually sweaty. He would expect this if it was his first date, or first meeting of his date, but it wasn't. He was going on his fifth date with Jimin. The thing about Jimin though was it was different. He felt different. He always felt unbearably nervous, at a loss for words, or not being able to stop his rambling of facts and randomly collected knowledge. With all the data collected, Namjoon could only contribute his massive dorkiness and sweatiness to actually liking Jimin and wanting them to become more than just casual dates.
Namjoon knew he was the farthest thing from being considered cool. He loved learning, had an intense passion for rapping and music, and had a surprising adoration for anything cute. He was gangly and clumsy, he was constantly accidentally breaking things, and never really got in with what was considered normal and acceptable.
He was okay with that though. His mother loved him and encouraged him to be himself without feeling any shame. She pushed him to learn and create. She had always told him, “Joon-ah, what makes you unique and different will attract someone with a pure and gentle heart, who will see you in all of your differences and will cherish and treasure them. Anyone who tries to change you does not truly love you.”
Meeting Jimin was a fluke. He worked as one of the producers at a smaller music company. Jimin worked as a backup up dancer, trying his hardest to get noticed to make it on his own as an idol. It happened as normal as any other couple meeting for the first time.
Namjoons intern had called him saying he wouldn't be able to come into work that day as his mother was sick and needed help caring for his sister, which Namjoon understood and sent well wishes to his intern. The only thing that was a mild hindrance would be Namjoon having to interact with one of his artists outside of the recording booth, and he was already dreading it. Not necessarily because he disliked Jungkook, here loved the younger aspiring artist, but he'd have to interact with way too many people on the way there.
He made the walk down to the basement where he knew that Jungkook would be practicing. He had the flashdrive in hand with the finished title track so he could stay preparing the dance for his comeback.
On his way down to the basement level he managed to only clumsily bump into two people, which was quite a success in his book. The door to the room was wide open, laughter spilling into the hallway with loud chatter.
Jungkook was young and ambitious, but the kid had a lot of talent and humility. He was one of the few Namjoon actually enjoyed producing for.
He knocked on the door, gaining the occupants attention. Jungkook smiled, “Hyung! Where's Minhyun hyung?”
Namjoon chuckled, “Home with his mom, so it's me today, kid. I have the finished track, officially given the thumbs up by PD-nim himself.”
Jungkook hurriedly went up to him and snatched the flashdrive from him, “Thank you hung!! I feel really good about this comeback, since I have you working on the music.”
Namjoon smiled, looking up to see Jungkooks dancers come closer. A boy with bright pink hair took Namjoons attention. Plump pouty lips curved into a gentle smile as he listened to the song. His cheeks were tinted red from the earlier dancing, and his eyes were looking fond and wistful at Jungkook.
“His name is Park Jimin,” Jungkook said.
Namjoon jumped, whipping around to look at the artist by his side, smiling mischievously at him. “What?” He stuttered out.
“His name is Jimin, hyung. He's the best dancer in here, and he wants to sing. He's so talented, but he's not been given a chance. He's also incredibly kind and warm-heated. In fact, he's my closest friend,” Jungkook shared.
“Why are you telling me this?” Namjoon asked.
“Because during this entire conversation he's been watching you as well,” Jungkook smirked.
“What? No, he's been looking at you!” Namjoon argued.
“Why? I'm nothing new. He's known me for years. You're the one holding his interest,” Jungkook said.
“He would never like someone like me, Jungkook. I'm way too odd,” Namjoon admits.
“Yeah, well it must be a trend because he likes odd people and things,” Jungkook laughs, “now go over and introduce yourself. Maybe ask for his number?”
Jungkook pushes him forward, and Namjoon awkwardly walks up to the pink haired man. What was he supposed to say? He awkwardly bows to Jimin. “Hello, I'm Namjoon… I was wondering if I could have your number? And maybe take you out to coffee sometime? It's okay if you refuse! I would totally understand as this is coming out of nowhere.”
Namjoon watched Jimin smile softly at him, his cheeks turning pink at the proposition, before he said anything. “Hello, my name's Jimin. Do you have your phone?”
Namjoon was struck with just how cute Park Jimin truly was. The boy had the slightest of lisps, and he talked quietly and gently. It was soothing to listen to such a voice.
He patted his pockets in search for his phone and came to the realization that he left it in his office. “Ah… I left it in my office…” Namjoon said, kicking himself over it.
Jimin smiled, “That's okay, I have my phone. I can text you!”
Namjoon followed Jimin to the mirrored wall where bags were skinned over unattended by their owners. Jimin searched inside his gray suede bag, before pulling out the smart phone with a cracked screen. “Yikes, your phone must have taken quite the fall,” Namjoon sympathizes. His phone had also made a couple of swan dives onto hard flooring and smashed the screen.
“Yeah, it's easily fixable, I'm just having up the money. Rent takes priority,” Jimin smiled, unlocking his phone. “What's your number?”
Namjoon rattled off the numbers, and Jimin typed away.
“Ok! I sent you a text,” Jimin announced, placing his phone in his bag once more.
“Thank you. So Jungkook says you're trying to be an idol… Do you have an audition tape or demo?” Namjoon asks.
Namjoon remembered walking out of that room with a text waiting for him from an overly cute boy and a flash drive that would literally change both of their lives for the better.
It didn't take long for Namjoon to go to bat to push the company's plans to debut Jimin. Not only were the two meeting for coffee and breakfast outings (he wouldn't consider them proper dates as they talked about work the majority of the time) when they got the chance, but they were now working together. Namjoon as Jimins main producer for his debut album. After the second proper date, Namjoon had finished what he was sure would be Jimins title track, the song he'd debut with.
It was a wistful song. A song yearning for that special person. Namjoon wrote with how he thought he would feel when his romance with Jimin would deepen.
Namjoon had read and watched romances play out. They were always portrayed as having such dramatic problems and toxic foundations. Nothing portrayed falling in love as something gentle and easy, as an admiration for the other. Love could be sweet, and it was when it came to Jimin.
It would explain why he was so damn nervous. He'd never felt what having a romantic love was. He'd been on dates, but nothing really sparked. Being with Jimin was invigorating. There was a softness to him, and a subdued sensuality. He had gentle eyes, and amused lips often turned upwards in a grin. He had soft, squishy cheeks. His hair was wispy and silly despite it being dyed. Jimin intrigued him. The boy could be quiet and patient, but also loud and rambunctious when it came to the dancers, and even Jungkook, playing and teasing him.
Jimin had an aura that drew people in. It helped that he was unbearably cute, but Jimin was also a tender-heart. He felt such empathy and compassion for those around him, whether it was to people or animals.
Namjoon soon found out that the empathy and compassion Jimin felt to others did not translate back to himself. Jimin was immensely insecure with his weight and looks, unable to see just how cute and unconventionally attractive he was.
The stylist noonas always coos over him, speaking words of compliments and gentle affection toward him, encouraging him to be confident. Namjoon would do what he could, always complimenting him when he noticed the other was a bit down or just looked especially nice.
Jimin wouldn't be a human if he didn't have some flaws. He knows he has plenty. Seeing that only made him fall for the other more. Seeing the other as another human who was insecure and had doubts made him feel more connected to him. They could share their insecurities. They wrote about their doubts, placing their angst into lyrics that would never see the light of the day, but we're cathartic for them in releasing the unhealthy emotions and burdensome thoughts.
With everything that's been building up, and Jimins success as an idol, winning his first couple of stages, Namjoon decided it was time to properly treat and celebrate Jimins success.
Holding the bouquet of yellow and white arranged lilacs in his hand, did he finally enter the classy, uptown restaurant.
The hostess smiled at him, “Welcome. Do you have a reservation?”
“Uh, yes, two for Kim Namjoon,” Namjoon says.
“Right this way, Mr. Kim,” the hostess says, leasing him to a table in the corner with perfectly dimmed lighting and a candle burning perfecting the ambience of the night.
“I'll bring your date when they arrive, sir,” the lady says, placing menus on each side of the table.
He thanks her. He looks briefly at the menu, before fiddling with the leaves on the flowers. Namjoon looks up to check out his surroundings, seeing the other couples, families, and businessmen and women at dinner.
Couples had their heads bowed closer to one another, whispering softly and laughing. Families were reigning in their independent toddlers and rebellious kids. The business men and women were talking loudly and drinking plenty.
He was glad to be sitting away from the noise, so he'd be able to hear Jimins gentle and airy voice. Namjoon couldn't help watch the door.
A familiar head of sandy blonde hair entered the building. Namjoon smiled at the man. Jimin was dressed in a nice pair of slacks with a blue dress shirt tucked in. His sleeves were rolled up and the top two buttons undone, revealing a thin black choker wrapped snugly around his neck. His eyes were lined with black eyeliner, and his hair styled messily.
Jimin looked gorgeous, the blue accenting the dewy skin and soft hair. The hostess directed him to their table, to which Namjoon waved to him and stood up. Jimin smiled at him.
“Enjoy your meal, your waiter will be out shortly,” the hostess said.
Jimin easily hugs Namjoon. Namjoon hugs back before pulling away and gesturing for him to sit, “Please, sit,” Namjoon smiles.
Jimin does.
Namjoon is nervous. He shouldn't be. He knows Jimin and knows how kind the other man is, even when he acts strange and is a bit weird.
“Why are you so nervous, hyung?” Jimin asks, an amused smile on his lips.
Namjoon laughs, shy that his date had caught on, “You have that effect on me, Jiminnie,” Namjoon admits, “don't want to mess this up.”
“You'll only mess it up if you don't talk to me,” Jimin teases.
“You're right,” Namjoon laughs.
“But not about work,” Jimin says, “promise me.”
“I promise, no work talk,” Namjoon concedes easily, “would you like something to drink?”
“Just water for me, I'm not a big fan of alcohol,” Jimin admits.
“Me as well,” Namjoon smiles, “but I will try one of their iced tea.”
The date went better than expected. They could make conversation without bringing up work. They laughed together, and enjoyed their meals. They shared bites of food, blushing as they fed the other.
It was an ordinary date made special by the person. Namjoon nervously had his hand on Jimins lower back as he hailed a taxi for him.
.
“You're still okay being seen with the likes of me,” Namjoon teases.
“Moni, you knowing my heart is most important when it comes to this industry. This industry likes the superficial, but you know all of me and still cherish me. I would never exchange that for someone who might better promote my career, nor would I dishonor you in that way. You helped give birth to my career, and I will always appreciate that,” Jimin says gently, “have a little confidence.”
Namjoon smiles, leaning in to press a cheek to Jimins cheek, “Thank you, Jiminnie.”
Namjoon successfully caught a taxi and settled Jimin in, paying and tipping the man upfront. He waved to Jimin, heart clenching just a little at the sight of watching him go.
As Jimins career progressed, so did their relationship. It was announced to the media in a company statement to which Jimins fans reacted surprisingly well. Namjoon want surprised. Fans were an extension of the celebrity, and often shared similar traits and beliefs. Jimins fans were some of the sweetest and loving fans out there.
They jumped to their defense and held anyone accountable for being cruel.
Jimin was relieved. He wasn't ready for his career to end, but he also wasn't willing to hide his relationship. He wouldn't compromise on the latter.
Namjoon was thankful things worked out as they did.
He wasn't used to paparazzi following him around while doing normal, menial tasks like grocery shopping or going for a bike ride. He endured knowing it was good for Jimin in the long run.
Jimin, his official boyfriend. Namjoon felt incredibly lucky to have him. They were South Korea's favorite couple. They were praised for the longevity in their relationship. They were asked how they made it work. They were complimented about how they were role models for the younger generation portraying a healthy romantic relationship.
And they were. They had ups and downs, but they worked through it. They talked and apologized. They forgave and made sure to do better, to press into one another and build each other up and to be there when they fell. It was a mutual giving and taking relationship.
Namjoon got the better end of the stick. He was able to expand his career. He was on variety shows now, he promoted his first mix tape that was immensely successful, and starred on rap competition shows as a guest judge. It was exciting. Namjoon favored the times when he was with Jimin though, as things were much more comfortable.
Jimin was a pleasant warmth, a nice security to the uncertainty of the days events. He felt confident when Jimin was with him. Jimin was there to help clarify or just to continue the joke or story.
Jimin was a natural on variety shows. He shined, and their sunbaes ate him up.
They starred on a talent show together as guest judges and coaches. They worked well together. They had the best results with the contestants. Again, they were praised for being able to work with one another while being together romantically, which was quite the feat.
The contestants had raving reviews. They adored how gentle and patient Jimin was, but also respected Namjoons honesty and advice. They were never cruel, but helped steer them into a direction in which they would be able to succeed.
One of the most bizarre things to happen was Namjoon actually releasing a title track himself, and having to perform and compete against Jimin who was in his last week of promotions.
The two ended up as the final two, with Jimin winning by only a few hundred points. Jimin launched himself into Namjoons arms, a rushed apology falling off of his lips.
“Don't be, you deserve this. I'm so happy for you, baby,” Namjoon says, refusing to let go of his grip on Jimins waist.
Jimin smiles, “You deserve it just as much.”
“I'll win another time, preferably when I'm not up against Park Jimin and his powerful fan base,” Namjoon teases.
“They're your fan base too,” Jimin protests.
“Yeah, but you're their little prince, and you'll always be their number one,” Namjoon says, “as it should be, baby.”
They were interrupted with the flowers and trophy being handed to Jimin. Jimin easily took them and the microphone, asking for another one as he handed one to Namjoon.
“Think it's only fair to keep him up here. Thank you to all my fans, your support always manages to surprise me. Thank you for also supporting Joon hyung as well. You guys loving him makes me incredibly happy. Thank you Moni for your work on my song and for being a supportive producer and encouraging boyfriend. Thank you to my company for taking a chance on me. I'm so thankful to all of you and I have so much love for you guys,” Jimin smiles, “Next week let's get Moni a win, hm?”
He got his win a week later. Jimins fans were powerful and dedicated to make their little prince happy.
Nothing was more special though then being able to go home and change into comfy clothes and snuggle up with Jimin on their shared bed in their apartment. Being able to openly and comfortably touch him without any regards to cameras and people watching was a relief.
Their love was easy and sweet. He would never change that.
When the universe was first made
Everything has been decided
Just let me love you”
Serendipity by BTS