Chapter Text
Soon he’ll be home.
Soon he’ll be sleeping soundly in his bed, adjusting to the jet lag.
But not soon enough.
Yoongi’s palms sweat as he tightly grips on his phone, thinking, thinking, and thinking. Thinking about what to do, what could distract him, and what could make him forget about the fact that he'll soon be thousands of feet above the ground.
He opens his phone and mindlessly swipes through his installed apps, not having an idea what to use as he taps on random ones then exits them almost immediately. He closes his phone after a while, as it fails to hook his attention, then he looks around, trying to find something else to focus on.
To his left is a window and to his right is an empty seat.
In most cases, Yoongi would be relieved and thankful for having no one beside him as he's a man of solitude, but this isn't one of those times. Right now, he's willing to do whatever he can to ease his increasing flight anxiety, and that may include chatting with a stranger. Well, as long as they're nice.
However, considering that take-off is soon and it doesn't look like anyone new is coming, the odds are that it's not a taken seat, in which case Yoongi would put his backpack there for easier access.
But if his seatmate happened to be horribly late, conversation might not be so smooth either. Since he is flying from the US to Korea, most likely the person is an American (or it could be anyone whose primary language is English) like most of the people around him, as the language that he's not that confident in reaches his ears. He wouldn't be able to converse properly due to the language barrier, hence distraction may be ineffective unless he's lucky enough that his seatmate, if he'll have one, can speak enough Korean.
He looks out the window and sees the different airport staff doing their jobs, then he looks inside the airplane and sees most of the passengers settled in their seats while the flight attendants walk around and cater to people. His gaze switches between these two scenes as he passes the time, all the while fiddling with the hem of his hoodie.
He at one point takes out his earphones and puts a playlist on shuffle, hoping to calm even just a bit of his nerves with some of his favorite tunes. He taps his right foot along to the beats, focusing hard on this. But he eventually gets tired of it and so he sinks into his seat and closes his eyes.
And that is when he suddenly hears a deep exhale near him. He opens his eyes and sees a man visibly panting in the aisle outside the seat next to him, constantly checking his phone and the area around him. The man sighs in relief and pockets his phone, then turns to face Yoongi.
" Hello ." The man speaks in English with his deep voice and smiles at Yoongi, before sitting down and dropping his bag on the ground.
Yoongi is startled at his presence as he didn't think anyone would arrive at their seat this late, and at the same time he questions if who's in front of him is real or if he started hallucinating because the man, with sun-kissed skin and disheveled brown hair, is too good-looking. But before he can contemplate any further, he realizes that he's been staring then snaps out of it. "Oh, h-hello ." He stutters out, not expecting the greeting.
The man shoots him another smile, dimples now almost showing, but then his face turns into surprise as a ringtone plays. The sound seems to be coming from the man's behind, which he reaches out to and grabs his phone from.
"Hello? Yes, I made it to my flight." He chuckles shyly. "Sorry, I put it down while I was eating but I forgot to put it back in my pocket..."
Oh my god. Yoongi thinks as he listens to the man speaking on the phone. Am I hearing things now too? Because what are the odds that his seatmate would be a very nice-looking man and that Yoongi would understand every single word he's saying? His Korean sounds so natural too.
"Hm... I think it's around 12 or 13 hours. Anyway, how's Monie doing? Aww, hi baby. Daddy will be home soon, okay?"
There's an announcement heard throughout the airplane, which Yoongi doesn’t pay much attention to, it's something about departing soon, since his focus is mostly on the man beside him.
"Ah. Gotta drop the call, we're taking off soon. See you."
Yoongi returns to the situation at hand, his blood running cold as he absentmindedly listens to announcements by the pilot and instructions by the flight attendants. The safety demonstration video starts playing on the screen in front of him, reminding Yoongi that the plane is about to be lifted off the ground very soon.
Distraction... Yoongi looks around and thinks, his mind and heart racing. I need... His eyes settle on the man beside him who's using his phone.
"Excuse me, uhm..." His mouth ends up opening before his mind properly comes up with anything then he starts panicking, not knowing what to do. He tries to think of something to say, attempting to form an idea while his brain is freaking out and running with too many thoughts.
Yoongi catches a glimpse of the man’s phone and sees the Korean characters all over the screen then blurts out. "You can speak Korean?" He mentally slaps himself for asking a stupid question. Of course he can speak Korean, he listened to his whole phone call and can clearly see the symbols in his phone, all of it is in Yoongi's native language. At least he didn't ask anything like how's the weather... Yoongi cringes at that thought.
Surprise appears on the man's face as he stares at Yoongi. "Oh, you're Korean too?"
'Too'? Yoongi then realizes, the man definitely can speak Korean because he is Korean. He feels dumber now but he didn't want to assume. For all he knew, he could've been some other kind of Asian or an Asian-American who happens to have learned Korean, which Yoongi doesn't mind if that were the case but it's somewhat comforting to know that he's seated next to a fellow native.
"Y-Yeah." He answers, trying not to focus too much on anticipating the movement of the airplane. "Came to the US for a vacation."
"Me too!" The man extends his hand towards Yoongi. "I'm Namjoon."
Yoongi stares at his hand and freezes. The normal thing to do right now would be to extend his own hand for a little handshake but his hands are currently sweating and slightly shaking. Shit, what do I do... Yoongi's gaze flickers between Namjoon's hand and his face, a smile still plastered on it. It'll be rude to refuse the handshake but he's not sure if giving him his sweat would be any better.
When he thinks he's already taking too long, he quickly wipes his hand on his pants then grabs Namjoon's hand in his, earning him a questioning look. "I'm Yoongi." He utters in a low voice then retracts his hand. He notices that Namjoon's expression switched from confusion to something resembling worry.
There's a few seconds of silence between them before Namjoon asks. "Are you okay?"
"Uh... W-Well." Anyone can actually see that he's tense, and it's much clearer after feeling the sweat and tremble in his hand. He sighs in defeat. "N-Not really."
Namjoon takes a moment to think, the safety demonstration video ending before he speaks. "Ah, flight anxiety?" He asks, to which Yoongi looks down then nods, receiving an understanding look from Namjoon. "Will talking help or does that make you more nervous?"
"It helps." Yoongi subconsciously picks on the skin of his fingers. "Usually it helps."
"Not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty good at conversation." Yoongi hears the shift in Namjoon's voice. It's friendlier and more casual but gentle at the same time.
"Did you come to America alone?" Namjoon asks, shifting closer and fully turning his head towards Yoongi.
"No, I came with my family."
"Oh?" Namjoon looks around, searching for people nearby that resemble Yoongi, but they are nowhere in sight. "Are they not here?
"Uh... There were some problems and I ended up getting s-separated." Yoongi says with a little shake in his voice as the plane starts to move.
He was supposed to ride with his family, the same people he went to America with, but some mix-ups and document problems later, he ended up getting separated for the flight back to Korea. Though even with them, he would still be very anxious, but having some familiar presence around does help. The flight to the US was quite tolerable too as he chatted with his brother for nearly the entirety of being in the air.
"We'll arrive at around the same time though, in about... a lot of hours..." Yoongi adds, now tightly gripping on the fabric of his pants as his breathing shallows.
Namjoon seems to have sensed Yoongi's stress as he immediately continues. "I came alone. I travel a lot and it's really fun. Going with family or friends is fun too but there's just something about immersing in places all by yourself, you know?"
"I get that." He suddenly pauses as the plane starts moving again. He shakes his head and does his best to focus on their conversation. "I don't like t-travelling much but I love my alone time."
"I usually visit museums and parks. There's a lot of people around but it's quiet enough and it's so easy to get lost in thought. Where did you and your family go?"
Yoongi and Namjoon continue to chat, exchanging their recent experiences in the country that they're about to depart from, with Yoongi occasionally pausing and stuttering due to nervousness.
Yoongi and his family stayed for around a week, visited some relatives, went to amusement parks (where he sat out of everything, just walked around, and ate some food), and shopped for souvenirs. It was a classic family trip where Yoongi let himself be dragged around to wherever his family and other relatives wanted to go.
Namjoon meanwhile was in the country for two weeks and at some points briefly ate together with some friends who were in the area, but he spent most of his time in parks and museums like he mentioned. His trip was very flexible and he did whatever he wanted, and even added new places to visit as he pleased.
They completely stop talking when the plane tilts backwards, pushing their bodies to lean on the back of their seats as the plane starts to lift off from the ground. Yoongi is unable to speak as his breathing picks up pace and so Namjoon rubs his shoulder soothingly and assures him that it'll be okay.
Shortly after, the plane is now smoothly flying through the sky. The flight attendants start roaming around again and are handing the passengers their food.
"Oh god... We're finally in the air." Yoongi heaves a big sigh of relief, still nervous but less than before. "I'm sorry about that. Thank you, Namjoon. Now I need to survive the rest of this long-ass flight..."
"It's okay, I understand how scary riding a plane can be. We can keep talking if you'd like."
"No, it's fine." Yoongi shakes his head. "I don't want to force you to keep going just to calm my stupid anxiety."
"It's not stupid." Namjoon states seriously before a grin appears on his face. "I'm happy to help and you're not forcing me, I enjoy talking with you and won't mind doing it for longer. I only ever sleep or watch movies I've seen too many times during flights anyway." Namjoon laughs then is interrupted by a flight attendant giving him his food, to whom he replies with a 'thank you'.
Yoongi simply watches him, not knowing how to respond to his kindness. He agrees with part of what Namjoon said though, he enjoys chatting with him, despite only doing so for a short time so far, and can see them go on for literal hours. They've only met but somehow his presence is so comforting.
Namjoon opens his packaged meal of beef and rice, with a separate container filled with vegetables. He's about to take a bite but then he notices that Yoongi is doing nothing except for occasionally looking at his phone. "Did you not get any food?"
"Oh, I don't eat on flights. I get very sick. Last time I ate on a flight, I threw up and I don't really want to do that again."
"But you'll get hungry, we have a long flight ahead." Namjoon grabs a spoonful of food. "At least grab some peanuts?" He says before putting the spoon in his own mouth then continues to fill it with more food.
"Maybe later. I ate a bit before leaving."
Namjoon seems to accept that for now but Yoongi has a feeling that he might have to actually eat later on.
Yoongi listens as Namjoon mentions the different kinds of airplane food he's tasted, some of his words muffled as his mouth is stuffed with food. Namjoon comments how airplane food has variety as they serve things that don't even taste like food while there are also dishes that look like they're part of a gourmet course meal, the latter being on first-class flights, which Namjoon doesn't usually go on but occasionally would for the experience. After complimenting his favorite affordable airline, Namjoon begins to list some recommendations for airlines and their dishes. Yoongi wouldn't put the knowledge to use himself but he still listens attentively as if he will (though he also thinks about forwarding it to some of his friends and family members who would appreciate it).
"I have a diary for when I travel. I write everything from the flight details to all the places I visit." Namjoon leans down and grabs his bag from the ground. "I'm not artsy so it's only simple entries with some photos I've taken." He rummages through his bag, bringing a few miscellaneous items out of it, then something accidentally falls out.
Yoongi is about to pick it up but instead pauses. Are those... shoes? Wait...
"Are you a dad?" Yoongi asks in shock, causing a puzzled expression to appear on Namjoon's face.
Namjoon then spots the object that fell out of his bag, mouth forming an 'o' in realization. "Oh! No no, I'm not, I don't have any kids or anything." He chuckles as he picks them up, a pair of brown baby shoes. "How come you sound so surprised?"
"Ah, well... You don't look that old? I don't know." He utters unsurely then awkwardly laughs. "So the shoes are for your relatives'?"
"I bought them for myself because they're so cute." Namjoon giggles as he holds each pair in both of his hands. "I do want to be a dad one day though."
Wow... Yoongi's heart clenches. He's so cute, what the hell?
"I'm sure you can." Yoongi tells him. "You're still young... I say that but I don't know how old you are."
"I'm 23, I guess it is kinda young? I'm single though, while a lot of my friends are in relationships. I meet so many people but haven't gotten together with anyone." Namjoon sighs with a small frown on his face.
"Come on, that is young. I'm older than you and I'm also not with anyone. Though I don't actively seek people, I let it happen when it happens."
"Oh so you're my hyung! How old are you?"
"Just turned 26 last month."
"Hey that's not that much older than me, I'm turning 24 in September so it's only a two year gap. You called me young as if you're at least 5 years older than me."
"But I do feel old." Yoongi leans against his seat. "I think my bones are starting to break." He jokes, making the both of them laugh.
Namjoon finally finds his travel diary, a small black notebook closed with a string, and shows its contents to Yoongi. They browse through each page, Yoongi occasionally complimenting the pictures attached to it. After reaching the latest entry, Namjoon closes the notebook, then their conversation simply continues. It shifts to being more about themselves, where they find out they have quite a lot in common. They start with discussing their music tastes which are mostly rap and hip-hop, then they at one point move to gushing about each of their dogs who are at home and who they love deeply.
"His name is Monie." Namjoon shows Yoongi a picture on his phone, a white American Eskimo dog sleeping all wrapped up in a red blanket. "He's cold sometimes but I love him to bits."
"He's really cute." Yoongi comments as they browse through more pictures of Monie, Namjoon smiling while explaining each photo.
Yoong then opens his own phone, a fond smile forming on his face as he scrolls through a folder filled with images of his dog. "Not to make this a competition but my puppy is the cutest in the world."
He taps on an image then turns his screen towards Namjoon. "Here's my son Holly." In the photo is a brown Toy Poodle dog sitting on a pillow and wearing a blue full-body outfit.
"I won't argue with you because he is adorable, but as someone with my own dog, I can't agree with you on him being the cutest in the world."
"Let's agree to disagree then." The both of them chuckle as Yoongi proceeds to swipe through the rest of his picture collection.
About an hour or two of various topics passes, they are currently in the middle of criticizing the capitalist system but then are suddenly interrupted when the seatbelt sign lights up and a voice is heard through the PA system.
" Ladies and gentlemen, we will be experiencing some turbulence up ahead. Please make sure to stay in your seats and that your seatbelts are fastened. Thank you. " The announcement is said twice then is followed by a Korean translation.
Yoongi's heart drops and his throat closes up as the words reach his ears and the meaning registers.
"Fuck..." Yoongi mutters, word slightly choked. His nervousness grows rapidly and his breathing starts to pick up its pace. Fuck... He repeats in his head.
Namjoon straight away notices him and first checks if both of their seat belts are buckled. He then rubs Yoongi's back to comfort him. “Hey, it’s gonna be okay.” Namjoon assures him softly. “Breathe with me.”
Yoongi doesn't hear him at first as his mind is occupied with thoughts of possible and terrible outcomes.
Namjoon leans closer and calls out to him. "Yoongi-hyung, it's okay. Breathe with me."
Yoongi now attempts to follow him, inhale then exhale, inhale then exhale, and inhale then exhale. He continues to do so until the plane starts to shake, causing him to freeze up and for tears to form in his eyes. Out of panic, he grabs Namjoon’s hand and holds onto it for dear life.
“It’s okay, hyung. This is normal and we’ll be okay. You’re gonna be okay.” Namjoon repeats to him, squeezing Yoongi’s hand. “Remember, breathe.”
They go on like this for minutes, Yoongi gripping onto Namjoon’s hand even harder during particularly strong shakes of the plane. "Yes, that’s it. Breathe in, breathe out." Namjoon doesn’t stop talking to him, constantly reminding him that it’ll be alright. Yoongi keeps his eyes closed and tries hard to focus on Namjoon's voice and on his warm and firm grasp.
The shaking finally stops as the plane makes it through the area of turbulence, returning to smooth flying.
Namjoon doesn't let go of Yoongi, left arm wrapped around him as he continues gently rubbing his left shoulder and right hand locked together with Yoongi's own right. Eventually, the heavy breathing lessens, Yoongi's eyes slowly open, and the tight grip on Namjoon's hand slackens just a little.
"Need some water?" Namjoon asks and Yoongi takes a number of seconds to respond then simply nods. Namjoon releases his hold but quickly replaces his right hand with his left, keeping Yoongi's hand occupied before grabbing and opening a bottle of water.
Yoongi takes it and chugs it, the cool liquid entering his throat and causing his body to relax. He ends up finishing the half-filled bottle then passes it back to Namjoon who throws it away.
Yoongi lets out a deep and shaky breath. "S-Sorry, I got really anxious."
"No worries." Namjoon assures him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm o-okay. Thank you." He stutters, body still trembling and hand still tightly clutching onto Namjoon's. Yoongi honestly doesn't want to let go, the fingers interlocked with his own are just so nice, so comforting, and so warm. But then he reminds himself that Namjoon is someone he just met and has already helped Yoongi enough, he shouldn't be obliged to keep doing so. "You can l-let go of my hand now." Despite saying this, his grip doesn't release, and this isn't unnoticed by Namjoon.
He shakes his head in response and gives Yoongi a smile. "We can stay like this if you want, I don't mind."
Yoongi stares at him, internally debating whether to take Namjoon up on his offer. He feels guilty for taking his attention, but at the same time he loves how Namjoon has such a warm presence and is able to calm him down so well despite being a stranger (or perhaps they’re friends now after all the bonding?)
He bites his lip as he hesitates. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Namjoon answers immediately as he squeezes Yoongi's hand. “I’m very sure. Physical contact is helpful in these types of situations and hand-holding is nice. But if you really don't want to, I'll let go.”
Yoongi is surprised at how kind Namjoon is being and finds it hard to reject him. “My hand is sweating a lot though...”
“It's fine, that's normal anyway. And we can always wipe it with some tissue.” Namjoon lightheartedly suggests and chuckles.
"Okay." Yoongi gives in and tightens the grip on Namjoon's hand. "Thank you again, Namjoon. You've been a great help."
"I'm happy to help. I'm experienced with flying and have gone with people who don't handle it well either, like my mother and some friends, so I understand."
Yoongi rests his head on the back of his seat. "Is it alright if I nap? I'm so tired..."
"It's completely alright." Namjoon massages the back of Yoongi's hand with his thumb. "Go get some rest."
Yoongi slowly drifts off into sleep, his hand still intertwined in Namjoon's.