Archive of Our Own

The worst part of owning a shop was that Hoseok needed to pretty much be there every day. 

Don’t get him wrong, he loved his work, but some days the movement was low and he’d give anything to go meet some friends and go to someone’s house and spend this sunny day in the afternoon near a pool, sitting on the grass, dancing in the studio… 

But he needed the money and he was good at it too. 

His job was to make homemade bracelets, earrings, necklaces with plastic beads, shiny ones, or even some random pretty stones he’d find. To his surprise, people liked them and he even had the opportunity to make some jewelry for a magazine photoshoot.

He opened a little shop with Jimin, his friend, and he was also very good at it.

Jin, Jimin’s brother, and Hoseok’s ex-boyfriend - they dated a long time ago -, also helped them try to find some festivals, gigs, open fairs or anywhere where they could sell their stuff.  

They were very talented and what people really loved about it was that each piece was unique. 

But, right now, he was the only one at the shop and the radio songs were repeating themselves which only got him even more bored. The sun was bright outside and people were walking down the street with ice creams in hand, laughing… It was a perfect summer day.

He sighed a little annoyed but remembered that if he weren’t there in his own shop, he’d probably be wearing some suit or something and working inside of one of those expensive buildings downtown not even seeing the weather outside. 

There was nothing he could do about growing older and having bills to pay, at least he found a way to make money doing something he liked.

He decided to start a new bracelet just to kill time and stop stalking Jimin’s (and his other friends') Instagram stories. 

The workday was almost over when he heard the bell over the door rang. 

For a brief moment, he held back the wish to roll his eyes at the person who thought it was ok to show up only at the end of the day.

For a really brief moment.

Because as soon as he saw the man walking his way, with his gorgeous purple hair, his shy smile, his blue baggy clothes, and holding a really cute dog in his arms, Hoseok could swear that maybe he was hallucinating due to the hot weather. 

"Uhm, hi?" The man said and Hoseok blinked twice because that was the moment he knew it was not something his mind made up just for him to endure the boring day at the shop. 

"Hello!" Hoseok greeted him with a big smile, not only because he was amazingly handsome, but mostly because, even though he'd rather be outside, finally something was happening and he would no longer have time to sulk about losing summer inside of that small shop, at least for a moment. 

"I've seen you before." The purple-haired man started and Hoseok frowned a little. 

"Yeah?"

"At the festival last week, you were selling these cute things there and I got a flyer, hm, I didn’t talk to you, so, yeah… I was passing by and wanted to check it out" The tall man completed and Hoseok smiled widely. 

He didn’t remember him, but that festival was amazing and Hoseok had a great time there. 

“I’m glad you decided to stop by. Thank you.” He paused. “What’s your name?”

“Namjoon. Kim Namjoon.”

“Well, Namjoon. Kim Namjoon. I’m Hoseok, Jung Hoseok.” He tried to imitate Namjoon’s deep and raw voice, which made the purple-haired one smile. 

And, for fuck’s sake, this guy had dimples!

Hoseok, then, decided to stop staring at the stranger’s smile and said:

“Well, we have some bracelets and necklaces there-” He pointed to some jewelry displayed, but we can also customize jewelry for you.” He smiled more. “I can do it now or you can tell me what you want and we can set up a delivery day or something-”

“I don’t know if it’s ok to ask you to do one right now. It’s getting late and I know for a fact that you’re almost closing.” Namjoon said and Hoseok looked at him, confused. 

How did he know that? 

And as soon as he noticed Hoseok’s confused eyes, he pointed to the big board behind Hoseok - which detailed their working hours. 

“Oh… Yeah, it’s getting kind of late, but it depends on what you want me to do. I’m available, so I can stay… Don’t worry about it.” Hoseok started. Of course, Namjoon was handsome and he wouldn’t mind talking to him, but he could - and needed - to sell and even if it wasn’t Namjoon there, he’d be willing to stay. 

It’s not like he and Jimin were rich and they had bills to pay. 

Namjoon bit his lip. 

“Hm, I also need to get going-”

“Oh.”

“So I can just order one so I can pick it up tomorrow? Or any other day, I don’t know how busy you are-”

“Namjoon-ssi, it’s ok. You can pick it up tomorrow.” Hoseok smiled relieved, for a moment there he thought Namjoon would not buy anything. “Tell me, what would you like?” 

“Do you do all of these? One by one?” He asked instead and Hoseok nodded, proudly.

“I do most of them, yes.” He said, what was true. Jimin learned to do jewelry too, but people could tell when it was Hoseok’s work and when it was Jimin’s. 

They put their heart and soul in those pieces and it showed .

“Wow, that’s impressive!” Namjoon exclaimed and he seemed really impressed. Hoseok felt his heart warm a little. “I… I would like something simple, maybe a simple bracelet with black beads?”

Usually, people would ask Hoseok to do crazy bracelets. He could say that he never did a “simple bracelet”, but, for some reason that fit Namjoon’s personality - for what he saw until now. 

“Oh, ok.” 

“You don’t seem impressed.”

“It’s not that! People always have these crazy ideas, I guess I’m surprised, that’s it.” He smiled at Namjoon. “A simple black bracelet… It fits you.”

“Is it a compliment or are you calling me boring?”

“No, no, no-” Hoseok tried to take his words back, he didn’t mean that!

Namjoon laughed and adjusted his dog in his arms.

“It’s ok. I was just teasing you and I guess I do give off this vibe, huh?” 

“No! Definitely, not! That’s not what I meant.” Hoseok paused. “You’re wearing jumpers and I would never dare to call someone with jumpers a boring person.” He said and Namjoon smiled widely, showing his dimples once again. “I think it suits you, your vibe…”

“It’s ok. You don’t have to explain, I really was just teasing you.” His eyes were crescents and Hoseok bit his lower lip. 

“Give me your hand.” He shifted his gaze to the dog. “You can let him on the floor, we love dogs here. I don’t mind.”

“What?” He asked, but stretched his hand as soon as he placed his dog, Monie was its name, on the floor. 

Hoseok used a yellow ribbon to measure Namjoon’s wrist.

“I need to know the size of the bracelet, so it fits perfectly.” He was focused now and missed Namjoon’s red cheeks as soon as he felt Hoseok’s pinky caressing involuntarily his wrist. “Good!” 

“Uh… Is that it?"

To be honest, he didn't need to measure his wrist, but why not? 

“Yes. I can give it to you tomorrow… Are you sure you can’t stay? I don’t mind staying a little more to do it for you-”

“I really can’t, but tomorrow I’ll be back… Earlier than today.” Hobi nodded and they talked more, just enough to set up the payment - which Namjoon did right away, not even really asking the price of it. 

“It was nice meeting you, Hoseok.-ssi” Namjoon said and Hobi smiled at him. 

“Same. It was nice talking to you Namjoon-ssi.” He nodded and walked around the counter just so he could crouch on the floor and caress Namjoon’s dog. Monie was cute and small. “Bye bye, dog-”

“His name is Monie.”

“Bye bye, Monie. You’re too cute!” Hobi was talking to the dog with a high pitched voice, he was a sucker for dogs. “Hope I can see you again.” He caressed its head once again and stood up. 

“See you tomorrow, Namjoon-ssi!”

“See you!”

Namjoon left the shop and Hoseok stood there watching the door for a few minutes, daydreaming a little.

He felt giddy to know that he would see Namjoon again the next day. 

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and recorded an audio message to Jimin. 

“I know you’re enjoying your day off, but I’m here to let you know that I just met the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

He was about to record another message, but just when he started Jimin was calling him.

“ What do you mean?! Where did you meet this man? I thought you were at the shop-”

“I’m here… He showed up, with his cute little dog and he is probably the best thing that could've happened today!” Hobi bit his lower lip before adding. “He’ll be here tomorrow. I have a bracelet to make… Maybe you’ll see him.”

“I’ll be back tonight, you know that. I have a few deliveries tomorrow, but I’ll make time to meet this man.”

Hoseok didn’t even notice he was smiling. 

“See you tomorrow, Jiminie. Tell Yoongi I miss him too!”

“I will!” Jimin chuckled. “ See you tomorrow!”

--- x ---

Hoseok took his time making Namjoon's bracelet and it was an easy one so he could've done it in minutes, but he wanted it to be perfect - and he had a lot of time to spare.

Jimin was by his side taking care of some packaging and some deliveries he’d have to do today and he, of course, realized how much time Hoseok was investing in that bracelet. 

“Are you still perfecting it? I think it’s amazing already, hyung.”

“I’m just making sure-”

“I’ve never seen you this invested.” Jin, Jimin’s brother - and Hoseok’s ex-boyfriend - was also there and also thought Hoseok was overthinking what he was doing.

They had a really nice relationship, they dated a long time ago and, right now, Jin usually helped him and Jimin to find festivals, events, or places where they could go to sell their stuff. 

“I’m not invested , it’s my work… Yours too.” He looked at Jimin. 

“I offered to do it! You said you wanted to do it yourself!” Jimin replied.

Hoseok huffed.

Jimin smiled. 

“Tell me more about him. I’ve been waiting for you to finally start this conversation, but you’re clearly keeping it all to yourself.” Jin started and Hobi frowned. 

“How do you know about it?”

“You should know by now that my brother and I have no secrets… And by that I mean Jimin likes to gossip just as much as I do so-”

“There’s not much to talk about. He’s handsome, polite, has a cute dog, and likes our work.”

Jimin was obviously trying to read whatever was going on inside Hobi’s mind, but he was interrupted when Yoongi and Jungkook entered the shop, loudly.

“Hyungs, you have to help me!”Jungkook sounded desperate and all three of them looked at him. “I fell in love!” He continued, intensely, and Yoongi laughed. 

“Again?” Hoseok asked, but the blonde maknae got closer with his deer eyes, almost pleading:

“I need your hand skills.” Jungkook said focusing on Jimin and Hoseok and, while laughing, Jimin looked at Yoongi, answering in a playful voice:

“You’ll have to be more specific because I happen to be amazing with my hands.” 

“Ugh.” Hobi closed his eyes and chuckled. 

“Too much information!” Jin complained, a pained expression on his face.

Yoongi smiled proudly.

“Oh my God, no!" He exclaimed after realizing what Jimin was implying. "I mean, bracelets, necklaces, gifts…”

“That we can help you.” Hobi said and quickly added: “I’m kind of busy right now, but Jimin can help you after he packs these. Is that ok?” 

“I actually have to deliver these-”

“Jin-hyung can do it, right?” Jungkook asked the oldest. 

“No way, I have places to go.”

“Do you really?”

“Maybe.”

“Ugh, Yoongi-hyung can do it!”

“You do know that I don’t work here, right?” Yoongi rolled his eyes.

“C’mon, hyung, it’s a beautiful day outside, you’re on vacation-” Jimin started.

“And I’m desperate!” Jungkook added. "And in love!"

Hoseok smiled.

He knew Yoongi had a soft spot for Jungkook. 

“Alright.” 

Jimin smiled.

“Love you!” He said blowing a kiss quickly getting back on taping some orders.

--- x ---

Hoseok didn’t really hear what Jungkook needed help with, him and Jimin already working on whatever Jungkook needed in the corner of the shop and Hobi was really distracted scrolling through his Instagram feed again .

This time it was a little better because, at least, his friends were there too, and even though they were busy - or just hanging out like Jin-, he didn’t feel lonely.

It was better to have them around… Until Namjoon showed up.

At the same time, he did the day before, no dogs in his hands this time. 

Hoseok took a second to reply to Namjoon's greeting because he was wondering how it was possible for him to look even better than he did the day before.

He was wearing a white shirt, light pants, and his hair was styled back.

He looked amazing and fresh .

“Hey!” Hoseok’s voice came out too loud. Loud enough to catch the younger’s ears and for them to look at him right away. 

Jimin, of course, could imagine who that tall guy smiling at Hoseok was and he gave him thumbs up when he was sure Namjoon wouldn’t notice.

Jungkook was clearly trying to make sense of what was going on and Hobi prayed to all the angels out there for Jimin not to say anything about what he called “Hoseok's crush” on Namjoon. 

“I hope this is a good time.” Namjoon started and Hoseok’s attention went back to the man in front of him and, oh God, he was glowing .

Oh, maybe it was Hoseok’s imagination.

Was it possible to crush on someone that hard so fast?

Jungkook would probably say: yes.

“I was waiting for you! It’s done… It was an easy one, so it was a fast one to do.” He smiled and Jimin, who was now behind Namjoon, crossed his arms smirked a little. 

He knew Hoseok was lying. 

“Hobi-hyung, can you give me some of those wristbands?” His friend pointed behind Hoseok.

“Oh, of course.”

“You must be the guy who Hoseok told me about.” Jimin looked up at Namjoon’s face. 

“Erm-... I don’t know.”

“The one with the cute dog.”

“Yeah, Monie is cute so it might be me.”

“Jimin-ah, this is Namjoon. Namjoon, this is Jimin.” Hoseok paused. “This shop is ours and he also has some pieces here on display. Jimin-ah is really good with jewelry as well.” He added because it was true. Jimin was amazing in everything he put his mind to. 

Something seemed to cross Namjoon's mind right away and he was blushing. Hoseok was confused, but he didn't mention it, afraid to embarrass the man in front of him.

"Here it is!" Hoseok changed the subject and Jimin thanked him, grabbing the bands he asked for from Hobi's hands.

Jimin's eyes were still studying Namjoon.

Suddenly, another voice cut the silence with:

“So you are the cute guy with the dog.” Jin stated when he also got closer to them and Hoseok blushed violently. "I think I've seen you before-" The oldest was talking again, but he was interrupted when a loud thump on the door caught everyone’s attention.

"I'll never do this again!" It was Yoongi's raw, strained voice coming from the door. "It's way too hot outside and I had to literally wait for some of your clients to show up where you told me! Next time you need a delivery person, don't count me in!"

Jimin laughed at him, endeared, and quickly forgot about Hoseok's crush on Namjoon, pulling his boyfriend close and kissing his pouty lips. 

“Thank you, babe. You’re the best.” He kissed Yoongi again. 

“Ok, I may think about doing it a few more times if you keep kissing me…”

“You’re disgusting! I’m trying to actually work here!” Hoseok nagged at them and the couple split for a second just to look at Hobi and Namjoon. 

Yoongi remembered what Hoseok mentioned the day before on the phone - Jimin told him - and said: 

“You must be the cute guy with the dog.” That made Jin laugh and, this time, Namjoon was also blushing.

That was enough for Hobi to shoot daggers at him with his eyes and Jungkook, who was laughing in the corner, came to rescue Hobi taking the couple and Jin far from them. Yoongi was asking "What did I do?" while being pushed away.

“S-Sorry…” Hoseok bit his lower lip, hoping Namjoon didn't realize he's been talking about him to all of his friends as the cute guy. “They’re a mess.” He completed, a little embarrassed still.

“Don’t worry, they seem fun!” He said, but he was blushing a little. 

He was indeed very cute.  

“They are.” Hobi smiled and finally grabbed Namjoon’s bracelet under the table and was thankful that Namjoon simply didn’t mention the cute topic. “Would you like to try it on?” He was proudly showing the bracelet to Namjoon and the purple-haired man was smiling, but said:

“Uh… Not really. I’ll just take it home, I’ll wear it some other time.”

“Oh.” Hobi looked at the bracelet again wondering if Namjoon didn’t like it.

“You’re clearly overthinking it… I’m just not in the mood for any accessories today.”

Namjoon was smiling still, warmness radiating from him and, indeed, he had no accessory on him. 

Hoseok couldn’t remember if he did have some the day before. 

“Of course! it’s ok! You don’t have to explain, it’s yours!” He sounded embarrassed and Namjoon smiled fondly at him.

“You’re cute.” The taller said out of the blue and Hoseok gasped, not really expecting that. 

That was probably his answer to his friends mentioning clearly - and more than once - that Hobi talked about Namjoon as " cute guy with the dog" before.

“Uh… Thank you, I guess.”

They were looking at each other for a while now and Hoseok’s was the one breaking the eye contact, but Namjoon was the one who started talking. 

“So… Thank you for the bracelet. I’ll be back, for sure.” He smiled again, showing his dimples and Hoseok wanted to kiss them badly. “Thank you.” He said again and Hobi just nodded. 

Hesitantly, Namjoon left the shop, and, as soon as he did, Hoseok took a deep breath, not really recognizing himself.

He, of course, already had been attracted to a stranger but this time was a whole different feeling. He really wanted to get to know Namjoon more.

"That was painful to watch." Yoongi was the one manifesting his thoughts and Jungkook burst out laughing. "You do know that you missed the chance to ask him out, right?"

"He's a client-

"He said you're cute." Jin pointed out.

"I don't say people are cute out of politeness." Jimin was the one manifesting.

“I should have said he was cute too.” Hoseok shrugged his shoulders. “I mean, he obviously knows I think that thanks to you-” He squinted his eyes scanning through his friends. “But I should've said it back . ”

“If he ever shows up again, ask him out!’

“Don’t know if he’ll come back, not sure if he liked the bracelet I made.” At that, Jimin frowned and was a little offended.

“Excuse me?”

“He didn’t want to put it on, not even to see it on his wrist…”

“You're overthinking it." Yoongi tried and Hoseok smiled weakly. "If he shows up again, ask him out. The worst that can happen is some kind of rejection and we'll be here to talk trash about him if he does reject you."

"Don't think he would, he was as smitten as Hoseok when they were clearly eye-fucking each other." Jungkook was the one talking now.

"We were not-"

"Ok, eye-loving, eye-admiring…" Jungkook joked and Hobi threw a paper ball on him, missing it and hitting Jimin instead. 

"Hey!"

“But, seriously, I think you have a chance with him… And he seems nice… If he comes back, ask him out.” Jin reasoned and his friends agreed.

"If he shows up again, I'll do it!" Hoseok said with all his mighty earning proud smiles from his friends. 

He was decided. He would do it given the chance! 

He should do it!

--- x --- 

He didn't do it. 

Kim Namjoon went back to his shop after that. 

And after that… and after that. 

Now, he was kind of a regular client, showing up at least three times a week for one month straight, and he always bought new accessories.

The ones Hoseok made because, as he said once, they fit his style. 

Hoseok never saw him wearing any, but Jimin said that maybe he used them when going out and not to go to a shop in the middle of some hot afternoon.

He had a point.

Hoseok and Namjoon talked more especially because lately he would wait for Hoseok to make him the accessory and even stayed there talking if Hobi had more work to do… They exchanged numbers and also texted a lot. 

Hoseok didn't gather the courage to ask him out.

Yet.

This afternoon it wasn't much different. Hoseok was focused, making a blue bracelet with moons and stars to Namjoon. The taller one sitting by his side, behind the balcony, and talking about random things that happened the day before.

"You're too nice, Hoseok-ah." Namjoon said out of the blue and Hobi wasn't sure if he had finished his story already. 

"Huh?" 

"You're focused and I kept talking… you didn't ask me to shut up at any time."

"I like to hear your voice." Hoseok let out and right away realized what he said, shifting his gaze to a smiling Namjoon. "I mean, I like to talk to you."

"Me too." 

"I'm almost finishing this one, it's an easy one…" 

"Is Jimin or Jin here?"

"No, Jimin had some deliveries and would go home right after. I have no idea of where Jin-hyung is, as usual” He chuckled. “I'm the one in charge of closing the shop today."

"Huh."

"Why? Did you want to talk to them?” 

"Should we go eat together after you close?" Namjoon asked, ignoring Hoseok's previous question and Hoseok widened his eyes.

“W-What?” He stuttered his words and he could swear he heard it wrong. 

“Aren’t you hungry? It’s been a while since I last ate and I was planning on having dinner out tonight… I thought you would want to join me.” Namjoon seemed nervous and Hoseok was having a meltdown inside. “It’s ok if you don’t feel like it, you must be tired-”

Hoseok smiled widely, his heart-shaped smile before saying: “Where are we going?”

And that’s how Hoseok ended up on his first date with Namjoon. 

Namjoon didn’t call it a date, but it was one nonetheless. 

Namjoon took Hoseok to one of his favorite places in the city, a place with burgers and milkshakes two blocks away from Hoseok’s shop. 

A place Hobi never knew about. 

After they had dinner together at one small table, Namjoon said they should walk a little and, maybe, go to the nearest park - a big one in front of the city’s university - and talk, enjoy the night a little. 

Hoseok was too smitten to say no, so even tired he agreed. 

“I can’t believe you actually agreed to come here with me.”

“Why not?” Hobi asked, still drinking his milkshake - that was almost totally melted by now. 

“I don’t know, I’ve been meaning to ask you to hang out for a while now, but not sure if you were just nice because I’m a client or if you genuinely think I’m a nice guy.”

“You are a client, but I thought we were also friends.” 

That made Namjoon smile. 

“I like that.” 

Hobi also smiled at him and found a bin near them so he could throw away the plastic cup he had on his hands. 

“Do you want to hear something funny?” Namjoon started as soon as they sat on one empty bench. “When I met you, at the shop, I thought Jimin was your boyfriend or something… But right after, Yoongi-hyung showed up and it was clear he wasn’t.”

Hoseok didn’t hold back his laughter. 

“Oh, God, no!” He exclaimed, still laughing and Namjoon chuckled. “I already dated his brother, it would be too weird.. And also he’s my best friend!”

“Wait, his brother? Seokjin-hyung?”

“Yes.” Hobi bit his lower lip. “Jin-hyung and I used to date a few years ago. He’s my friend still, as you’ve noticed. We were not meant to be together as boyfriends, but we do get along quite well.”

“Oh.” Namjoon had a surprised expression on his face. “I had no idea.” 

“It doesn’t matter, actually. It was a long time ago.” Hoseok sustained his look. “And I kind of like someone else right now, so… It really doesn’t matter.”

They kept looking at each other in silence.

“Thank you for inviting me to hang out, Joon-ah.” He shifted his gaze. “It’s been a while since I went out-” He paused when he realized he was about to say they were on a date. “With a new friend.”

“Yeah, me too.”

They talked for almost two hours and it was getting kind of late. Hoseok wouldn’t mind spending more time with Namjoon, but he needed to go home. 

In their time together, Hoseok finally understood Namjoon’s work. He wrote song lyrics to a famous label and that’s why he could spend days by Hoseok’s side at the shop. 

They had a lot in common even though they were almost opposites. 

Hoseok was an extrovert and he knew he was fuzzy, happy, warm, loud, affectionate… And Namjoon was calm, assertive, just as intense as Hoseok, but in a less chaotic way. 

“We should do this more often…”

“Have dinner together?”

“Yeah, hang out outside the shop… I assume it’s nice being there, but it’s your workplace after all.”

“I like the idea of dinner dates every now and then.” Hoseok said, knowing exactly what he was doing and Namjoon looked at him. He had question marks all over his face, clearly wanted to make sure Hobi meant it that way but said:

“So we’ll do it.”

Hoseok nodded and for a moment there he started to believe that maybe Namjoon did like him back. 

--- x --- 

Three days later, Namjoon showed up again. 

With food.

This time, the others were nowhere near to be found and Hoseok was pretty sure it involved Jimin trying to act like a cupid for Jungkook and the man he’s been trying to impress in the last month. Yoongi and Jin went out with them, so they probably are recording it from afar which Hoseok was really thankful because he always loved to watch Jungkook stumble in his own words whenever he tried to talk to a guy he was interested in. 

It was cute. 

Namjoon was there with him, this time he asked for a colorful bracelet, which was a new request and Hoseok was excited to do it. 

As soon as they finished the food and their milkshakes, Hoseok got comfortable on his work desk.

“What do you mean by colorful?” He asked. “What colors would you like me to use?”

“Any color you want.” 

Hoseok smiled widely looking at Namjoon who was already sitting by his side. 

“You spoil me too much. I can’t get used to clients who let me do whatever I want.”

“You should, your pieces are amazing.” 

“Thank you, it means a lot.” Hobi bit his lower lip. “When I was starting this shop with Jimin I thought more than once about leaving all of this behind and trying to find a stable, boring, job.”

“I’m glad you kept doing what you love.” 

“It was rough at the beginning, but things are better now.” He added, proudly. “The shop is small, but it’s exactly what Jimin and I wanted from the start.”

“... And Jin, right?” 

“Jin helps us a lot, but he doesn’t work here. He’s a model, actually, and that’s why whenever he’s not shooting or doing something fancy he’s here with us. It’s great to have him around, he helps a lot with the events and gets us inside every time.” He chuckled. “Being that handsome and walking with famous people has its perks, I guess.”

“You said you dated him a long time ago…” Namjoon started and Hobi nodded, not knowing where this conversation was going. “And I’ve noticed how comfortable you are around each other…”

“If you’re trying to ask if there’s any kind of spark between us, you can stop right there. There is not. We’re just good friends and I’m pretty sure he’s dating some photographer girl… We’re definitely over each other.” Hoseok felt the need to explain, not really knowing if he should. “And I told you before, I like someone else.” Hobi completed with a smile and Namjoon was paying full attention to his lips, shifting his gaze only when Hoseok pressed his lips together in a fine line waiting for the younger to say something.

“Yeah, right. You told me… I guess I was just curious about you… Getting to know you better.”

Hoseok shifted his gaze to the closed packs of colorful beads, choosing which ones he would use to make Namjoon’s bracelet when he gathered the courage to say:

“What about you? Are you, I don’t know, seeing someone?” Hobi asked, trying to not sound eager to hear the answer for it, quickly adding: “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

Hoseok didn’t look at Namjoon, but he could hear the smile on his voice. 

“No, not really.” The purple-haired paused for a moment. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something…” He added and he sounded a little nervous, enough to make Hoseok look back at him. 

Is this the moment when he asks me out? , Hoseok wondered and he was a little nervous too. 

He was curious and trying to calm down his heart a little. 

“I’m…” Namjoon then, scratched the back of his neck, visibly nervous now.

“Yeah?”

“I want you to teach me how to make cute bracelets… I mean, I know I’m no professional and I-” He took a deep breath. “Let me try again.”

Hoseok was so confused: “Ok, what?”

“I want to give a customized bracelet to a person. A guy that I’m interested in.”

“Oh.” 

The silence stretched between them. 

Of course, Namjoon would like someone else. 

“Oh.” Hoseok said again, a small voice this time. “You can tell me what this person likes and I can do it for you, you know? I won’t charge you for it-”

“Yes, but I wanted it to be more personal… And for some reason, I believe this would be perfect .” Namjoon bit his lower lip, eyes expectantly. “Would you help me?”

Hoseok could feel his heart breaking in a thousand pieces when he replied: “Of course, I’ll help you.”

Namjoon smiled widely, dimples showing and Hobi sighed. “You’re amazing.”

“You can try making one while I make this one for you.” He paused. “And before you leave today, you can have some of these packs. He pointed at the small plastic bag with colorful beads.” 

“That would be great.”

Hoseok shifted his gaze to his desk once again. 

He had no right to be this disappointed, he could only blame himself - and his friends - for believing Namjoon liked him back.

He just wished he’d found out earlier because he let himself like Namjoon, let himself really like him.

They made the bracelets calmly, especially because Hoseok was helping Namjoon at first. 

"It looks nice!" Hoseok cheered Namjoon up. 

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah, I really do." Hoseok smiled weakly. "I think you should try to tie it a little tighter, but it's nice!"

Namjoon looked proud and it made Hoseok's heart swoon. 

He felt his heart clench right after. 

They spent a little more time together, but Hoseok said he would go home as soon as Jimin showed up. He told Namjoon he had a headache and they promised to text each other and meet a few days from now, at the shop.

Jimin was genuinely worried when Hoseok said he had a headache because he usually never complains and rarely got sick. 

“I’m ok, Jimin-ah, I promise. I guess I’m just a little tired.” He tried and Jimin made him promise to take care of himself and that if he needed anything he would call the others. 

Hoseok agreed because he was lying, he didn’t have a headache. He just got a little under the weather, that was all.

Before sleeping, he felt lonely in his apartment and decided to turn on the TV and was ready to search for a movie when he got a lot of notifications at once. 

Firstly, Hoseok really believed he was being spammed with memes by Jungkook or some of his friends, but as soon as he read the name texting him, he widened his eyes. 

It was Namjoon.

Are you feeling better?

Sorry 

You’re probably sleeping

damn

hope you turned off the notifications or this will be annoying

i should stop texting

tell me if you’re ok!!

Hobi locked his phone without replying, he wasn’t in the mood for it, and talking to Namjoon, a worried Namjoon, would probably mess with his head.

(And his heart)

He chose the movie and turned off his cellphone, not really wanting to worry about text messages from anyone. 

He was feeling lonely, but he needed that time by himself.

--- x --- 

Namjoon stopped texting eventually. 

And didn’t come by the shop.

It’s been 8 days since Hoseok last saw him and he was starting to get worried and that was exactly why he texted Namjoon earlier this morning. 

When he told his friends that Namjoon was interested in another person, they all seemed to not believe him, but the fact that he disappeared from the shop was changing their minds. 

“I can’t believe he used you like this!” Jimin complained, trying to focus on some earrings. “He bought a lot of jewelry and then just vanished from your life as soon as you taught him how to do it by himself!” 

“Maybe he wants to sell his own bracelets.” Yoongi said and that made Jimin even angrier.

“Do you think he would-”

“No, guys. I think he bought enough jewelry and that he must be busy or something… Or maybe he noticed my stupid crush on him. Maybe he just doesn’t want to talk to me anymore… Maybe-”

“Ok, we got it! But he should, at least, reply to your texts!” Jimin sighed. “I thought he was nice.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Hoseok continued staring at his phone screen until:

“I’m sorry, Hobi-ah, I know you liked him…” Yoongi was the one speaking.

“It’s ok, hyung… It’s not the first or the last time I crushed on someone that doesn’t like me back. It’s ok, really.” He answered, trying to sound convincing. 

He’s been thinking about Namjoon non-stop, he even dreamed about the guy!

He really wished things were different between them, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Hoseok dived in work that day trying hard to focus on anything that wasn’t the fact that Namjoon was probably avoiding him. 

He wanted answers, but it was clear that he would not have them. 

In the afternoon, the shop was empty again, only Hoseok there trying to help Jimin with some orders when a guy, a really handsome one with his black messy hair entered there in all his glory. 

He looked like a celebrity or something. 

“Hello!” Hoseok greeted him and the man smiled widely, his boxy smile in full display.

“Hello.” His deep voice caught Hobi’s attention. 

“What can I help you with?” The man was still smiling and seemed to blush a little before saying: “Uh… A friend, a special friend… I mean, I don’t know if he’s my boyfriend?” He was trying to put in words what he was thinking and Hobi thought he was adorable, stumbling in words just like Jungkook when nervous. “Hm… He gave me this.” He, then, showed up his wrist with a cute bracelet.

A bracelet that wasn’t made by Hoseok.

And by the style of it, it wasn’t made by Jimin either. 

But it was clearly their materials.

He knew that because the smiley faces on the yellow beads were made by hand and Hoseok would recognize it anywhere. 

He gave a lot of packages full of colorful beads to Namjoon.

Could this be the guy Namjoon was interested in?

That’s when Hoseok also noticed there were hearts on that bracelet.

Hoseok blinked a few times and looked back at the stranger’s face. 

“He gave me this and I kind of loved it so he told me I could find more here… He told me he knew the owners… I mean, he probably knows you. He’s-” 

“Yeah, I know him.” Hoseok interrupted the stranger who was still a little embarrassed. 

“I’m Taehyung, by the way. Kim Taehyung.” Hoseok smiled at him too, Taehyung was being polite and really nice… 

Maybe that was what Hoseok needed to finally manage to get Namjoon out of his system. 

“So… I'm going to show you some bracelets we have on display, but we can also make one for you if you want to…” 

--- x ---

“I know you liked him, but you can’t hide here forever.” Jin was literally whispering when he got inside the really small bathroom in the store, where Hoseok was hiding. 

The reason he was hiding: Namjoon. 

After he didn’t show up for almost two weeks, he came back. 

And he was just outside, talking to Jimin - who was clearly not being his nice self right now. 

Hoseok rushed to the bathroom and Jimin understood he should say Hobi was not there. 

“I can and I am.” He said to Jin, the oldest rolling his eyes. 

“I think it would be good if you guys could talk, maybe put all the cards on the table… You could be friends, you know?”

“Not sure if I’m this cool. I’ve been thinking about him for a while and I met his boyfriend, friend, whatever…”

Jin wanted to say more, but Hobi covered his mouth with his hand, trying to hear what they were talking about outside. 

Namjoon said goodbye and said he would text Hoseok. Jimin didn’t say goodbye. 

“He’s gone!” Jimin let them know and Hoseok relaxed taking a deep breath, his shoulders shrugging. 

“I’m not hiding, I’m just not ready to face him… I feel stupid.” He explained to Seokjin who was still staring at him. 

“You should at least text him back… Or you can let him know you don’t want anything from him, not even his friendship… Avoiding him like this is just cruel.”

“He avoided me first!”

“You don’t really know that.” Jin reasoned and Hobi bit his lower lip.

He didn’t, indeed. 

He didn’t give Namjoon the chance to explain why he went missing for a few days. 

Hoseok hated when his friends were right. 

---x --- 

The next time Namjoon showed up, Hoseok was again alone at the shop and this time he couldn't really just hide. 

"Hey, Hobi-ah! You're here!" Namjoon exclaimed as soon as he got inside the shop. His warm smile displayed on his lips again and Hoseok could feel in his body how much he missed Namjoon's voice ringing in his ears. "I was hoping I would see you here. I've been trying to get a hold on you, but I think you didn't get my messages…"

"I've got them, I've just… being busy." Namjoon's smile faded a little but was still there. 

"Oh, right. Jimin told me you were busy with some orders and some stuff going in your life… is everything ok?" The relaxed posture he had shifted and now he was a little stiff. "It's ok if you don't feel like talking about it."

"Yeah, I really don't want to talk about it." Hobi was trying not to sound bitter or angry because he really wasn't. He was just disappointed at himself and felt stupid, didn't really know how to act near Namjoon again. 

"Ok." He was still smiling a little. "It's almost time to close… Would you like to grab dinner with me? I kind of miss talking to you." Namjoon tried.

Hoseok bit his lower lip. 

"I really can't today, Namjoon-ah. I have a place to go and I should go right after closing." 

Now, by Namjoon's expression, it was clear that he picked up how there was something wrong. 

"Oh, alright. Of course. I just stopped by hoping you would be free, but it's ok. We can hang out another day, right?"

"Sure, of course." 

"I… I managed to do the bracelet! Been meaning to tell you that." He added, kind of shy and Hoseok felt a pang in his heart when he remembered the handsome man with a messy bracelet with hearts and smiles on his wrist.

"I'm glad it worked out. I hope he liked it." 

Namjoon didn't answer that and he was clearly considering saying something, Hobi could see it in his expression.

He remained in silence. 

It didn’t take long for Namjoon to leave the shop, promising to come back so they could hang out some other day. 

--- x --- 

It’s been a week since the last time Hoseok talked to Namjoon, by text. 

He was doing a pretty good job trying to take his mind off Namjoon, but he could see how that distance was clearly annoying the younger one. 

The thing was that Hoseok really liked Namjoon and he wished he could be ok being friends with him - and only it. 

But Namjoon messed with his head, with his heart and he needed the space. 

Being around Namjoon, talking every day would only hurt him. 

Hoseok felt stupid because he didn’t even know Namjoon for that long and he was already lovesick.

It was a sunny, hot day and Jin found them a new gig. 

A music festival downtown during the whole day, which made Hoseok glad for wearing a hat and light clothes, it was way too hot. 

Jimin and him finally placed all of the pieces they’ve made especially for this event on display and they were waiting for their friends to tag along and luckily help out. They really could use some extra money this month and they were lucky that these kinds of works were trendy enough to catch the eye of every person there. 

Hoseok had a conversation with Jimin the day before about Namjoon and the younger said that he should tell the truth to Namjoon, this way the other would understand Hoseok’s actions and they could even try to be friends someday… 

Jin also had said something similar before.

Jimin said that he didn’t like that Namjoon lead him on (Hoseok assured him that he didn’t), but he said that Namjoon was always a nice person and he probably was wondering if he did something wrong. 

Namjoon and Hoseok needed closure.

Hoseok wished he could just pretend nothing ever happened and go back to where he was a few weeks ago. 

Again, Hoseok drowned in work so he could get a little distracted. 

It worked. 

Or maybe the hot weather was already frying his brain and he couldn’t really focus on anything. 

Until he was readjusting the necklaces on display when he heard:

“Hoseok-ssi?” It was Namjoon's low, raspy voice. 

It sounded so good. 

Hoseok loved his voice. 

But Namjoon was definitely the last person he wanted to see today. 

Looking up, he finally saw Namjoon. 

The purple-haired man was wearing matching clothes and he looked so good. 

The usual smile on his lips was not there, though. 

“Hey, Namjoon.” He paused. “Didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Yeah… A friend called me-”

“Oh, the one you like?” He asked, but before he could add to the question, trying to make friendly conversation - and thinking of ways to get out of there - Namjoon asked:

“Can we talk a little?”

Hobi was about to say no, not only because he had no idea of what to say or how to act around the man he’s been daydreaming about for weeks now, but also because it was a busy day. 

“He can.” A loud voice reached Hoseok’s ears. It was Jin. 

“I’ll help Jimin, Hobi-ah. Go on.” 

“You hate doing this…”

“Don’t make me regret, I’ll be here.”

Hobi shifted his gaze back to Namjoon who was now smiling, thankful to Seokjin. 

He bit his lower lip and said:

“Ok, then, let’s talk.”

They managed to find a place with some shadows from the trees there, so it was nice and a breath of fresh air to Hoseok who was standing up in the sun until now. 

Hoseok was about to talk about the weather when Namjoon said:

“Hoseok-ah, did I do something? Are you upset with me?”

That was one of the things that he liked about Namjoon, how he always went straight to the point when making questions.

And he thought for a second about lying.

But Jimin’s voice echoed in his head. 

He sighed and Namjoon’s brown orbs were staring at him, waiting. 

“You didn’t do anything, Namjoon-ah. I’ve just… I just needed some space.” 

“From me?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

Hobi lowered his eyes, avoiding Namjoon’s and that’s when he noticed:

“You’re wearing it.” He said, ignoring Namjoon's previous question.

He was really surprised

Namjoon was wearing the first bracelet Hoseok made for him.

“Yes, I am. It looks cool, doesn't it?”

“I thought for the longest time you didn’t like the bracelets I made for you.”

“What?”

“You never wore them.” He paused. “I mean, never when I saw you.”

“Why did you need space from me?” Namjoon went back to the topic. “Was something I said? I really am lost here. I thought we were getting along, but suddenly you stopped answering me and I got the feeling you were avoiding me, but I have no idea why.”

“I like you, Namjoon.” Hoseok blurted out, fast. 

Namjoon widened his eyes.

“And that’s why I needed space. I like you and you’re just so nice, so handsome, so smart, so-”

“Hoseok-”

“I saw the guy you liked. I must assume he’s your boyfriend, right? He seemed to like you very much when he stopped by the shop.”

The stunned expression on Namjoon’s face changed and now he looked genuinely confused.

“Who?”

“Taehyung.” He paused. “I met him. He went by the shop with a handmade bracelet, but it wasn’t my work… Or Jimin’s.” Hobi took a step back. “He said a special friend gave it to him. It was you, wasn’t it?” He bit his lower lip. “You did a great job, the bracelet was pretty… With all those mini hearts and smiley faces-”

“Hobi, I have no idea of what you’re talking about.”

That made Hoseok laugh, no humor in his voice. 

“I like you, Namjoon.” He repeated. “It’s good to finally say it out loud, but I met him and he had heart eyes looking at his bracelet, the gift you gave him.” He smiled, weakly. “He’s really lucky to have you, he is. I just need some time, some space to take you off my mind. I can’t be around you right now. It messes with my heart and I don’t want to get hurt-”

“Hoseok-ah, you’re not listening to me. I don’t have a boyfriend. What are you talking about?-”

They were interrupted by Hoseok’s phone blowing up with text messages, a lot of them. 

It was Jungkook saying that he needed to get back fast because he wanted to introduce his new boyfriend to Hoseok. 

And Hoseok was thankful because he really didn't want to be there for any longer than necessary.

"I have to go."

"Hobi, let's talk. You're confusing things…"

His phone rang.

"I really have to go."

--- x --- 

"So, hyungs, this is Taehyung." Jungkook was smiling widely, clearly completely in love with the man by his side. "Taehyung, these are my friends."

Taehyung looked good and reached for Jungkook's hand, holding it. 

Hoseok blinked a few times. 

"Wait." He said loud enough for anyone to stop talking right away and look at him. "You were dating Namjoon."

That took everyone by surprise. 

"Namjoon? As in Kim Namjoon?" Yoongi asked. 

"You what?" Jungkook asked in a small voice, his wide smile fading.

"Who?" Taehyung asked and Hoseok felt his mind racing.

"What is he talking about?" The blonde maknae had his big deer eyes wide open. 

"Who?" Taehyung asked once again, he was lost.

"Are you with someone else?" Jungkook asked but didn't let go of Taehyung's hand. 

"What are you talking about, Hoseok?" Jimin asked. 

"The bracelet… Your bracelet."

"What?" Taehyung was so confused. 

"Namjoon gave you the bracelet…"

"Jungkook gave him the bracelet, hyung." Jimin explained, frowning."I helped him."

And then everything fell in its place.

Hoseok couldn't believe it. 

The others were still waiting for Hoseok to say something.

He opened and closed his mouth a few times trying to think of what to say…

"I made the bracelet for you." 

It was Namjoon's voice coming from behind Hoseok. He went after Hobi to finish their conversation. 

Hobi turned to look at him. 

"What?" He asked. "But… You told me you would make the bracelet to the guy you liked… I thought Taehyung's bracelet was the one you made. I didn't know Jungkook made one too!"

"I'm so lost, Namjoon likes Taehyung?" Yoongi asked Jin.

Jin laughed and asked Hobi, genuinely amused with the situation:

"You ignored Namjoon because you believed he was dating Jungkook's new boyfriend?"

"I didn't know! It made sense!" He covered his face with his hands. "I'm so embarrassed!" He looked at the couple once again. "Sorry Kookie, I-"

Jungkook was smiling again, he understood what happened.

Taehyung was still confused. 

"Wait!" He voiced loudly again. "If you," he looked at Namjoon. "Made a bracelet for me… Am I the guy you like?" 

Namjoon smiled, not really answering.

"You like me back." Hoseok stated, almost in a question. He was saying it out loud to make sure it was really happening. Namjoon tilted his head and blushed. It was understandable since everyone around was looking at them.

Namjoon, then, took a black bracelet out of his pocket. 

It was almost the same as the one he was wearing. 

Namjoon made Hoseok a matching bracelet. 

"I know it's not as pretty as the one you made for me, but I think it looks really nice. I put real effort on this..." He stretched his arm giving the gift to Hoseok.

Hobi was still surprised and didn't know how to react.

"Is this-"

"The guy I like is you! It's been you for a while now. I didn't know how to ask you out on a date or how to say what was on my mind so I decided to make you this bracelet… I'm sorry it took so long. I'm sorry you thought it was for someone else, I think I ruined it… it should've been a romantic surprise-"

"Kiss him or I will!" Jin exclaimed and Hoseok finally had a reaction: he smiled widely, his heart-shaped smile on full display.

It took Hoseok exactly three seconds after that to get close to Namjoon and kiss him. 

He kissed Namjoon and it was better than in his dreams.

The kiss was fast because his friends were cheering them on and Hoseok took a step back, blushing a little. 

"You like me back!" He exclaimed this time and put the bracelet Namjoon gave him on his wrist. Namjoon quickly took Hoseok's hand in his and kissed Hobi's fingers, hand and wrist. 

Hoseok was sure he was going to explode.

He didn't believe that was happening.

A few minutes ago he was sure Namjoon had a boyfriend! 

"I have to tell you, I don't really use any kind of jewelry, but I kept coming back for you."

"You're unbelievable."

Namjoon leaned on again and placed a quick kiss on his lips. 

"I like you." Namjoon said once again, this time only for Hobi to hear.

"Me too." They whispered against each other's lips and for a brief moment they were in their own bubble, not really caring about people around them, about Hoseok's friends teasing them. 

"Can I steal you from them for the rest of the day?" Namjoon kept whispering.

Oh, God, how Hoseok loved his voice.

"Where are we going?" He asked also in a whisper.

"A date, a proper one this time."

Hoseok smiled, nodding right away. 

"They can cover for me."

"Good." Namjoon, again, pressed his lips against Hoseok's and the older was the one who deepened that kiss, finally being able to feel Namjoon's warmth through it, letting himself get lost in it. 

Finally being able to wrap his arms around Namjoon's neck and kiss him as he wanted for so long.

Hoseok broke the kiss only for a second, huge smile dancing on his lips.

"You know what, Namjoon? I'm glad destiny found a way to tie our lives together, after all."