Work Text:
Namjoon sits on his desk, failing to put words into his notebook.
Kim Namjoon, one of Korea’s best selling authors, is known for his impressive skills in crafting exciting and colorful stories. A magical journey of yellow, a jungle adventure of green, a sea escapade of blue, and even a murder mystery of red.
But recently, Namjoon has entered one of those slumps. Everything he writes is too lacking, too muted. They don’t exude the pretty colors that catch and please people’s eyes. His words are still beautiful, but they don't meet Namjoon’s standards of what his readers deserve.
After hours and hours of staring at his blank notebook, Namjoon feels like it might be a good idea to go out, to get a breath of fresh air, and to hopefully get inspiration.
What is seen in his books and what Namjoon sees in his surroundings are very different. Colors of the rainbow in so many pages but a single color in the city he currently calls home. His creative mind always saw past through this, being able to paint the image of said city with vibrant hues which grow into ideas for some of his best works.
But today seems to be different, because all Namjoon sees is the one color.
Gray.
Gray buildings, gray cars, gray roads, and gray sidewalks.
“This isn’t gonna work…” Namjoon mumbles to himself. It’s not that he has anything against the color, but he’s not sure if he can create something great out of it. Gray is one of those colors that a lot of people would consider 'boring'. It’s reminiscent of dull afternoons, the gray newspaper in hand, while grayish clouds float in the sky. Namjoon thinks it would be difficult to create something exciting out of all this.
Namjoon continues to walk, taking in his surroundings. Gray clouds continue to grow in the sky and Namjoon suddenly notices drops on his head. The sensation continues to increase and he immediately moves to a place for cover. He sighs. “I forgot my umbrella at home…”
He sits down on a bench that’s nearby— thankfully , he comments—and continues his search for inspiration. He’ll have to settle with what is in his field of view right now since the rain doesn’t look like it’ll stop anytime soon.
Namjoon likes to think the sky is crying for his slump. “It’s okay, I’ll overcome this.” He smiles slightly, trying to stay positive.
Living in the city, the world feels fast most of the time. People are always on the go, cars are always filling the streets, and for some reason there’s always a road or building being renovated somewhere. The same is seen by Namjoon right now. The crowd walking towards their different destinations, the continuous lines of cars moving, and a building across the street that’s being constructed into who knows what.
But oddly, everything feels so slow.
Namjoon watches as the cars move less than an inch every second. The people barely move through the crowd as they constantly bump their umbrellas into each other. The building being renovated isn’t actually being worked on right now, it simply stands there, unfinished, with construction signs surrounding it.
The only thing that feels fast is the sound of the rain drops, but even the rain itself falls so slowly.
Namjoon sighs heavily and grabs onto his head. Maybe I should’ve stayed at home… It doesn’t look like today’s a good day to go out...
“Excuse me... are you okay?”
Namjoon slowly lifts his head up and is met with a man with neat silver hair staring back at him with his shining dark brown eyes.
“Oh, uh… yeah…”
Namjoon's gaze falls on the man's lips. It reminds him of a soft, and slightly glittering, peach.
“You should come in. It doesn’t look like the rain’s gonna let up anytime soon.”
“Ah, no it’s okay. I… uh… like watching the rain. So it’s fi—” Namjoon interrupts himself with a sneeze.
“You look like you’re freezing out here.” The man looks at him with puppy eyes and Namjoon finds himself unable to resist.
He sighs in defeat and stands up. “I apologize for the trouble.”
The man smiles and Namjoon feels his chest constrict. Wow, he’s really pretty. He follows the man inside and is hit with the strong scent of flowers and leaves. Oh, so this was a tea house...
Namjoon sits down and is handed a menu. “Pick anything you like. We’ve got a wide selection for you.”
I’m not fond of tea to be honest. Namjoon is one of those people who prefer coffee over tea, and perhaps he likes coffee a little bit too much. Drinking it at almost every meal and even during breaks. It's my lifeblood, he argues whenever someone comments about his coffee situation—not an addiction.
He ends up choosing one of the cheapest things on the menu and something he’s tasted before so he’s sure he’ll enjoy it at least a little bit. “A medium green tea, please.”
“Green tea medium coming right up.” The silver-haired man smiles at him then walks away.
Namjoon sighs again and leans back on his seat. At least this place feels comfy… I could use a break anyway.
Wooden chairs and wooden tables, brown of varying shades.
Warm and cozy lighting, yellow like an early morning.
Decorative plants and flowers, different colors that add life to the place.
It almost reminds Namjoon of home, from long ago.
A young Namjoon would get out of his room and walk through the hallway, passing by all the plants his mother cares for and cherishes as if they’re her own children. He would reach the kitchen—the sun’s rays faintly pierce through its open windows—and would be met with the smell of his mother’s signature japchae, four plates of it ready on the brown wooden table, alongside his mother’s cup of tea, his father’s cup of coffee, and two glasses of water for the two children of the family.
“Food’s ready, Namjoon-ah.” His mother would smile, exuding warmth, just like everything in the room. The lighting, the temperature, the food, and the presence of his family.
Namjoon snaps out of his moment of nostalgia. I went out for inspiration but I’m out here missing my family… Hm, maybe I could write something family-related. He jots down a few ideas on his notebook, as well as a reminder to call his family up later. These are pretty rough still but any idea is worth noting.
Pleased that he’s making a bit of progress, he looks around more. Both standard chairs and tables as well as cushion chairs with low tables are laid out across the tea house, all of which, Namjoon just realized, are empty.
Huh… It doesn’t look like this shop is too popular.
A saucer with a white cup is suddenly placed in front of him. "Here's your green tea."
"Oh, thanks." The green liquid sits itself inside the cup, almost overflowing. It's piping hot and fresh based on the trails of smoke that rise from it. "Wow, that smells great."
"As it should." The man laughs. "Do you mind if I sit here?" He abruptly asks.
"Here?" Namjoon looks around the empty shop. "Uh, sure…"
“I hope you don’t mind me using you to kill time. I’m Jimin.” The man says as he extends his hand out, to which Namjoon promptly grabs for a shake.
“I’m Namjoon. And killing time? Shouldn’t you be working?”
“I’m sure you can see how empty the place is right now." Besides the two of them and a lone customer sitting in the corner of the shop, there's not a single person here. It's quiet besides the sound of the spinning of the ceiling fan, the tapping of laptop keys, and the gentle hitting of ceramic against ceramic. "There’s barely anyone during this time of day but luckily you came around.”
“So you invited me in not just for sales?” Namjoon raises an eyebrow at him.
“‘Not just for sales’. Oops. Was it that obvious?" Jimin chuckles sheepishly. "Well, every business owner does care about sales after all. Though I have to say, you were sitting on a customers only chair.”
“Ah… sorry. I was too distracted.” Namjoon looks away in embarrassment. It's not often that he goes into a slump, but when he does, he tends to tune out most of his surroundings save for anything that may be a source of even just a little inspiration. The fact that he sat on a customers only chair certainly wasn't one of them.
“You looked like you were. It took me a while to get your attention." Jimin places his elbows on the table and rests his head on his hands. "Was kinda close to giving up but I can’t stand idling and there’s still a couple hours till customers rush in. It’s so boring, you know?”
“Oh so it’s not always like this here?”
“Never heard of this place?" Jimin's eyes widen as he genuinely looks surprised, leaning back on his seat and crossing his arms. "We’re quite popular on social media these days. I’m assuming you’re not a fan of tea?”
“Nope. Not a fan. But honestly, this,” Namjoon takes a sip. “This is nice.”
“Thanks, I take pride in my tea.” Jimin balls his hand into a fist and puts it against his chest as he smiles.
"So you own this place?"
Jimin shakes his head. "Not yet. This tea house's my grandmother's, but on slow days, she just leaves it to me. Planning on inheriting it though."
“Gonna be a full-time business guy, huh.”
“Yep. You into business?”
Namjoon laughs. “No thanks. Parents made me go into business but I dropped out to be an author.”
“Author? Wait, are you Kim Namjoon?”
“The one and only.”
“Oh my god, my brother loves you." Jimin quickly fishes inside his apron's pocket to grab his phone. "Do you mind taking a picture with me? I wanna brag to him that I met the love of his life.”
“Sure, go ahead. But… ‘the love of his life’?”
“He’s a big nerd and says your words are hot. Not a fan of books myself so I can’t comment on that.”
“You’re not a fan of books and I’m not a fan of tea. We’re pretty compatible aren’t we?”
“Is that flirting, Mr. author? My brother’s gonna be so jealous.” Jimin giggles then lifts his phone in front of them. “Now smile for the camera.” Jimin and Namjoon smile at the camera as the phone makes a clicking sound. “You have dimples, that’s cute.”
“Flirting? Maybe a little bit. But for the most part, I just found it amusing.”
“ Just a little bit?" Jimin places his palm on his own chest, pretending to be shocked. "After I called you cute, I’m slightly offended.”
“You called my dimples cute, not me.”
“Well, you’re really cute, Mr. author Kim Namjoon. Did you really think I called you in the shop just because you were sitting on a customers only chair and because I’m bored?”
“Yes? Sounds reasonable enough.”
“Have you never been flirted with before? You look like a catch. I’m killing time so obviously I’d get some quality entertainment.”
“So I’m just entertainment?” Namjoon playfully sighs.
“You sound dissatisfied. Depending on how entertained I am, that could change.” Jimin smirks.
“You seem pretty confident that I wanna date you.”
“Do you not?”
“We’ll see.”
“Mysterious. I like that.”
The two take a moment to drown out their surroundings. Feeling only each other’s presence, they drink from their warm cups of tea, no sounds heard except for the porcelain being lifted and put down, as well as the sipping.
“By the way, what are you drinking? The smell’s really strong and good.”
“Oh, is Mr. not a fan of tea taking interest?” Jimin chuckles.
“Hey, I want to pass the time too, so why not learn something new. Might make a book about tea if this goes well. Not really, but who knows.”
“Damn, that’s really hot. You could rope me into reading with that." Jimin giggles. "But to answer your question, this,” Jimin takes a sip from his cup, “is Earl Grey, a classic.”
“Earl Grey ? Doesn’t look gray to me.”
Jimin chuckles. “Yeah it’s not. It’s named after Charles Grey, some British Prime Minister from a hundred years ago. A Chinese person gave the brew to him as a gift.”
“So a Chinese guy made it but it was named after him?”
“Well, the story’s not a hundred percent confirmed. But that’s what’s believed.”
“Hm… What about my green tea? What’s the story? Or should I say, what’s the tea?”
Jimin laughs loudly as he puts his hand on his own mouth. “That was lame. You’re supposed to be an author?”
“Sorry…" Namjoon blushes in embarrassment. "I’m an author, not a comedian. I don’t really make jokes like that normally. Something possessed me.”
“It’s cute.” Jimin grins. “But about green tea, it was one of those happy accidents. A Chinese emperor accidentally drank water that was boiled with a dead leaf. He liked it so he made it a thing.”
"Wow, you really know your stuff."
"Grew up with it, it all stuck. What about you? Got any fun facts?"
Namjoon tilts his head and scratches the back of his neck. “Fun facts? My recent novel was a murder mystery and I don’t think that’s a good conversation starter.”
“Really? Sounds exciting to me. Then again we don’t want the government to overhear us or anything.” They both laugh at that comment.
“Tell me about yourself then. Hm… you’re an author so… inspirations?”
“Ah, yes, every reporter’s favorite question.”
“Are you mocking me?” Jimin pouts.
“Oh no, I would never mock someone as beautiful as you.” Namjoon sends him a playful smile and Jimin giggles as he tucks one of his loose silver strands behind his ear. “But hmm... To be honest with you, I’m low on inspiration right now and that’s why I went out today. But it rained and I ended up here—which isn’t a bad turn of events.”
“I agree on that last part.” Jimin grins and takes a large sip of his tea. “Must be tough though, but with enough tea, your brain should be back to making bestselling books.” Jimin winks at him and holds out his cup of tea as if he’s filming an advertisement.
“I’m not sure if tea can do that.”
“And who’s the tea expert here?” Jimin puffs out his chest and puts his hands on his hips.
“Then Mr. tea expert, what would you recommend to an uninspired soul?”
“Let’s see… Yours looks like a serious case. I’d recommend the special Park Jimin brew... but it’s not cheap.”
“And how much would that be?”
“Let me calculate…” Jimin tilts his head and purses his lips. “That would be more visits to the shop, and maybe a date?”
“Wow…” Namjoon chuckles heartedly. “That was smooth. I’ll have to see if it’s within my budget though.”
“It’s a limited time offer, discounted just for you.”
“Tell me more about this special Park Jimin brew, then maybe I’ll consider.”
They go on for what seems like hours, talking about a multitude of things, from Jimin’s teas to Namjoon’s stories and from explaining how they cook their eggs in the morning to debating the existence of aliens.
But eventually, their long conversation was interrupted by the soft ring of a bell. Jimin glances at the clock and a subtle frown appears on his face.
“Looks like our date is over, busy hours are coming soon. Feel free to stay of course but I gotta get to work.” Jimin stands up and shoots Namjoon a smile. “Thanks for helping me pass the afternoon, Namjoon.”
“Feeling’s mutual.” Namjoon smiles at him, his dimples slightly showing.
“Oh and before I forget.” Jimin grabs a pen from his pocket and a tissue from their table then quickly writes something down. “See you around.” Jimin winks and hands it to him before heading to the shop’s counter.
[ ##-###-###-#### feel free to come by again and help me kill time ;P good luck on your next book <3 ]
Namjoon chuckles and pockets the piece of tissue. I’ll end up liking tea at this rate.
He sits there, drinking his almost empty cup of tea, and watches all the seats slowly fill up, the tea house becoming livelier. Families, co-workers, students, friends. They all occupy the previously empty seats. He wasn’t lying about this place being popular.
More staff members join Jimin in catering to the customers. They all move around with smiles on their faces while carrying either a notepad or a tray of orders.
Amongst the scenery of people with hairs of black and brown, Jimin’s unique color stands out.
At that moment, he realizes, maybe he can write something pretty in gray.