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"You don't understand. I've never seen anyone as strikingly beautiful as him!"
"You should’ve gone up to him and introduced yourself."
"What? No way."
"Why not?" Jimin frowned.
"I wouldn't have known what to say. I would’ve been way too nervous,” Namjoon told him.
"You could ask him for directions or something. Ask him if he knows where the labs are."
"And give away my major? Everyone thinks medical students are uptight and full of themselves. I can't let that be his first impression of me."
Jimin burst into laughter.
"Hyung, have you seen yourself?"
"Well," Namjoon defended. "Not all of them are. But most people think so."
"I mean, it's kind of true, even though you're an exception," Jimin stated.
"Uh. Thanks?"
"But I have an idea," Jimin said, his expression turning serious.
"Yes?" Namjoon listened attentively.
"Pretend you're majoring in something else."
"You want me to make my first impression a lie?"
"Just at the beginning. And if you actually do end up getting close, you can tell him you switched majors," Jimin stated, his idea seemingly all planned out.
"I... don't want to lie that much," Namjoon pouted.
"Just put yourself in his place. If he lied to you about his major, would you hate him?"
Namjoon thought about it for a moment.
"I don't think so," he said eventually. "But he wouldn't need to lie, anyway. I'd still like him even if he was majoring in something like... I don't know. Political Science."
Jimin laughed again. "Okay, so you agree that it isn't that big of a big deal?"
"I mean, if he didn't keep up the lie for too long, and if his excuse was that he was trying to impress me, I wouldn't mind."
"See? I bet he thinks the same."
"And if he doesn't? I will have ruined all my chances forever," Namjoon sighed.
"If you don't approach him at all, you won't have any chances to begin with. And you don’t want to introduce yourself with your actual major–"
"Absolutely not–”
"–so that leaves us with only one option."
Namjoon sighed again.
"Alright. Fine. I'll think about it."
"I can help you, if you'd like. I can introduce you to him," Jimin offered.
"Thanks, Jimin-ah, but don't worry about it. I'll manage."
"You sure? You don't want to mess this up."
"I won't," Namjoon laughed.
The second time Namjoon spotted the man that had caught his eye the first time was in the cafeteria on campus.
They were both waiting in line to place their orders, when suddenly out of nowhere, said man turned to face Namjoon, squinting.
"I saw you the other day," the blonde man remarked.
"You did?" Namjoon said, surprised by the fact that he had seen him and remembered him.
"Yeah. In the library," he smiled.
"Oh, yeah. I think I remember you, too," Namjoon played it down, deciding against revealing the fact that he remembered that encounter all too well.
On that day, he had been sitting on the same table as the man whose name he didn't know, across from him.
"Quite the memorable face, right?" the man said before giggling at his own joke. "I'm Kim Seokjin," he introduced himself.
"Ah, I'm Kim Namjoon. It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you, too," Seokjin replied sincerely.
Seokjin glanced at the line of people in front of him, and when he noticed it still wasn't his turn, he decided to get to know Namjoon a little more.
"So, what do you study, Namjoon-ssi?"
There it was. The dreaded question.
"Oh. Uh, History." Namjoon decided on the spot. History students were hot, right? That had to be a stereotype someone believed in, somewhere. "What about you?" he asked.
"I'm studying Science. Medical Science, I mean," Seokjin revealed, catching Namjoon completely off guard.
True to what Jimin had said the other day, Namjoon had in fact switched majors, having been enrolled in something different before Medical Science. This was his first semester in his new course, and although he hadn't been in it for too many weeks yet, he had never seen Seokjin in any of his classes before. He was certain he would've noticed him if he was there.
But it was too late to ask him about that now, having already mentioned that he was a History student. He didn't want to reveal that he had lied this early on.
Maybe he should've just said the truth to begin with, he thought.
Instead, he tried to make a comment that wouldn't give him away.
"Medical Science," Namjoon repeated with a hum. "That must be hard."
"It is,” Seokjin said. “But I enjoy it."
And Namjoon didn't get the chance to hear any more from him, as he was called up to place his order.
The next time Namjoon met Seokjin was at the library again. Namjoon had rushed in as soon as his lecture had ended, quickly taking a seat in his usual spot – the same spot he had seen Seokjin for the first time.
He hurriedly got his laptop out, not wasting a second to start finishing up his assignment due tomorrow.
About half an hour later, he heard the chair opposite to him move, causing him to look up from his laptop screen. Sure enough, it was Seokjin again.
"Hey," Seokjin smiled when they made eye contact.
"Hey," Namjoon said, smiling back.
He noticed Seokjin didn't seem to be in a hurry or stressed at all, which confused him. Although Seokjin wasn’t aware of this himself, they both studied the same major, meaning they both had the same deadlines. How did Seokjin appear so calm despite tomorrow's deadline?
"Are you done with tomorrow's work?" Namjoon asked before he could think twice, instantly regretting it as he risked Seokjin finding out that he was lying.
Seokjin didn't know they shared the same major. They can't possibly have any work in common. Panic arose within Namjoon.
"Sorry. Ignore what I said. I don't know why I forgot we're not majoring in the same thing," Namjoon laughed, trying to play it off.
"Don't worry, it's fine," Seokjin reassured him.
Namjoon worried he wasn't convinced enough, so he kept going.
"It's just that you look like the type of person to study History. To be honest, I never would've guessed you studied Medical Science."
Seokjin visibly froze, and Namjoon was afraid he had said something wrong.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean in a bad way," Namjoon said quickly. "Just... most medical students I know are a bit... you know. But you're not."
Seokjin laughed, and Namjoon felt his own shoulders relax. "Medical student stereotypes, you're right. I hear them all the time," he said. "But I don't really believe them. In fact, I think medical students are pretty cool. Impressive, even."
Namjoon couldn't help the instant regret that washed over him for not having revealed that he was in fact a medical student from the start. If he had known it would’ve impressed Seokjin, he wouldn't have bothered lying.
He made a mental note to tell Jimin that he would never take his advice again.
"That's clearly a biased opinion," Namjoon laughed instead.
"I wouldn’t say it is,” Seokjin shrugged and smiled. “I don’t know many medical students."
"Oh, I see,” Namjoon said, not sure what to make of this information.
As the days went on, Namjoon and Seokjin met up frequently; usually at the library, but sometimes in other places around the campus. At first they were coincidences, but eventually, they started planning to meet up a couple times a week. They started to grow closer, and suddenly, Jimin’s words re-entered his mind.
If you end up getting close, you can tell him you switched majors.
But he didn’t want to lie for the second time, and he wasn’t ready to break the news just yet.
"So what is it that you like about History?" Seokjin interrupted Namjoon’s thoughts.
Namjoon hoped Seokjin couldn't tell how blank his mind had gone at the question.
"Well,” he started, not sure where he was going with this, “I've always had a passion for history, even at school," Namjoon tried his best to give a vague, yet believable, answer.
"That's exactly what I wrote in my application," Seokjin chuckled. "But of course, I changed it. It's an overused line,” he said as he waved his hand dismissively. “Personally, one of the things I like the most about History is the way it makes me think about, and analyze, things in the present."
Seokjin seemed genuinely interested in the topic, and Namjoon took note of the way he implied that there was more than one thing he liked about historical studies.
"That's true, I agree," Namjoon said. Although he wasn't actually studying History, Namjoon knew having good historical knowledge improved a person’s critical thinking skills.
"But Seokjin-ssi–” Namjoon started before he was gently interrupted.
"You can call me Hyung," Seokjin smiled at him.
"Okay," Namjoon smiled back. "So, hyung, if you like History that much, why didn't you major in it?"
Seokjin went quiet, and Namjoon hoped he hadn't crossed a line he shouldn't have.
"You don't have to answer that," he quickly added.
"No, it’s fine,” Seokjin reassured him. “You see, I think medical professionals are really attractive. So I wanted to become one."
"But you don't need to be a medical professional to be attractive," Namjoon complimented him boldly, but sincerely.
"Thank you," Seokjin replied in a suddenly much quieter voice. Namjoon didn't miss the way his ears turned red.
On one sunny day, Namjoon and Seokjin had decided to have lunch together outside on a bench. The weather was wonderful around them as they sat and talked about all kinds of different things, catching up with each other.
They almost lost track of time, until Namjoon glanced at his watch and noticed he was going to be late if he didn’t get going straight away.
“Shit, I’m sorry, I need to be in a lab now,” Namjoon gave Seokjin an apologetic smile before standing up.
“Of course, Namjoon-ah, don’t apologize,” Seokjin smiled back at him, getting up as well. “Wait. A lab?” Seokjin asked, puzzled.
Immediately, Namjoon realized what he had said.
“I meant the... computer lab. I need to use advanced software that I don’t have on my laptop.” Namjoon impressed himself with how fast he had thought of that.
“Oh. You need that in History?” Seokjin asked, looking more confused than ever.
Namjoon worried Seokjin knew something he didn’t, so he backtracked.
“No, it’s... for an elective,” he laughed nervously and hoped Seokjin wouldn’t ask for more details.
“Oh, okay,” Seokjin seemed to relax again, for a reason Namjoon didn’t understand. “Have fun!”
“Thanks! I’ll see you later,” Namjoon waved at Seokjin as he started walking away, the latter waving back at him.
Namjoon sighed in relief. That was a close call.
The next time Namjoon met Seokjin, they had coincidentally walked past each other in the hallway.
Namjoon was wearing his lab coat. Shit.
"Hi, hyung," he greeted Seokjin quickly, hoping his greeting would distract him from the bright, white coat on him, clearly not typical attire of a History student.
"Are you dressed as a historical figure? Who?" Seokjin asked, and Namjoon wasn't sure whether he was joking or not.
"Actually, it's not mine," Namjoon said, instantly regretting not playing along with Seokjin’s assumption. He quickly thought of another excuse. "I was on my way to give it to a friend, but my hands were full," he motioned his hands to show Seokjin the one singular textbook he was holding with both hands – which really wouldn't impede his ability to carry a lab coat instead of wear it, but that was the best he could come up with.
Namjoon continued, "Have you seen this book? I was told it's really useful." He showed the cover to Seokjin.
It was a medical textbook.
"Why would I need a medical textbook?" Seokjin asked, sounding confused. Then, before Namjoon had time to think much of it, Seokjin added, "What I mean is, why this one specifically?"
"I don't know," Namjoon said, even though he did know. "I just heard from another medical student that they found it useful," he shrugged.
"I'll look for it and give it a try, then. Thank you, Namjoon-ah," Seokjin said with a smile.
"Actually, you can borrow this one. I don't need it right now," Namjoon offered.
He was still aware of the fact that Seokjin never seemed to be in any of his classes, but he couldn't ask him about that. He didn't want to seem nosey, and he didn't want to blow his cover, either. So instead, he hoped offering the book to Seokjin would help him catch up on all the lectures he seemed to be missing.
"Namjoon-ah, I really..." Seokjin paused.
Namjoon extended his arm, handing the book over to Seokjin.
Seokjin took the book from Namjoon. "Thank you. What would I do without you?"
"Can you believe it? I lied for nothing. Turns out he thinks medical professionals are attractive. I didn't even have to lie!" Namjoon sighed exasperatedly. "And I still haven't told you the important part."
"What is it?" Jimin asked, intrigued.
"He's a Medical Science student."
Jimin's jaw dropped.
"But what I don't understand is why I never see him in any of my lectures," Namjoon continued.
"Wait. What?"
"Yeah. I mean, the auditorium is always packed, so at first I thought, maybe I just can't see him. But he's just never there, and I'm sure of it. He has blonde hair, I would've found him easily if he was."
"Hold on a second. That’s a lot of information all at once. You're telling me he's majoring in Medical Science? Your major?”
Namjoon didn’t reply and instead put his head in his hands.
“The same major you were too embarrassed to introduce yourself with?" Jimin continued, rubbing salt in the wound.
"Don't remind me. I regret it so bad."
"And he's never in any of your classes? Not even once?"
"Not even once."
"And you never told me he had blonde hair," Jimin pointed out.
"Oh. Yeah, he does," Namjoon said.
"That's pretty cool."
"It is," Namjoon said. "He's really cool."
"I'm sorry hyung, but this is just too funny," Jimin couldn't contain his laughter any longer.
"What? I don't find it funny! It's hard keeping up this act, especially while knowing my real major is what he really finds impressive!"
"You realize what this means, right?" Jimin said, still giggling.
"That lying is bad? That I should tell him I'm a medical student in hopes that he'll fall head over heels in love with me?”
"No. Hyung, think harder."
Namjoon sighed. “What are you implying?”
"He's lying."
"What?"
"He's lying to you. Just like you are to him," Jimin told him like he had cracked the case.
"Why would he do that? And why would anyone pretend to be a medical student, of all fields? Isn’t that hard to fake?" Namjoon didn't know how to feel about this possibly very real realization.
“And you fell for it. You’re literally in the field yourself and you didn’t think any of what he said was suspicious?” Jimin glared at him with no real maliciousness.
When Namjoon only groaned in response, Jimin continued talking.
"And he told you he likes medical professionals," he reminded Namjoon. "Maybe that was his way of trying to impress you."
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm more than certain he doesn't care that much about how I view him."
"That's the worst lie I've ever heard, and I've heard you lie about your major."
"Hey! It was your idea, remember?"
"Whatever," Jimin hummed. "So, are you gonna tell him? Or will you wait until he tells you first?"
Namjoon let his head fall on top of his folded arms on the table. "I don't wanna think about it. How did I even get myself in this situation?"
"Love makes you do stupid things," Jimin chimed in.
"I'm not– nevermind." Namjoon didn't raise his head off the table for some time after that.
"Did I mention he saw me in my lab coat. With a medical textbook in my hand," Namjoon mumbled later at some point while he was having lunch with Jimin.
Jimin paused mid-bite to stare at Namjoon.
"Don't look at me like that. How should I have known he would be there?"
"Honestly, hyung, this just keeps getting more amusing. Like, both of you are just as bad as each other at hiding the truth. How did you even manage to keep up the lie after that?"
"I told him the coat wasn’t mine. I think he believed me."
Jimin held back a snort. "He probably didn't want to ask any questions that would give away his own lie," he helpfully provided.
"So you really think he's lying too?"
"I'm sure of it."
It had been about a month since Namjoon and Seokjin had met for the first time. A month since Namjoon had started his lie.
Today, Namjoon was going to tell Seokjin the truth. He was yet to decide how he was going to tell him. But he was going to do it.
Earlier, they had texted each other and decided to meet at the cafeteria. Namjoon made his way there, ordering a drink for himself and Seokjin. He already knew his favorite.
When he had both orders in hand, he took a seat at a two-person table and waited for Seokjin, mindlessly scrolling through his social media.
“You’re wearing your friend’s lab coat again,” Seokjin’s voice startled him.
Namjoon looked up at Seokjin and smiled. He didn’t bother confirming or denying Seokjin’s statement.
“Hi,” he greeted him instead, carefully pushing Seokjin’s drink towards him as he took the seat in front of him.
“Hey. Thank you,” Seokjin smiled warmly at Namjoon before taking a sip.
They both settled into a comfortable silence. Until Seokjin spoke.
"Namjoon-ah. I want to tell you something, but please don't hate me,” Seokjin said, suddenly sounding serious and nervous at the same time.
"I could never hate you, hyung. What is it?"
"I know you're not a History student."
Namjoon froze, bringing his drink down.
"I know this because you're never in any of my classes," Seokjin continued.
It took him a moment, but eventually, realization hit Namjoon like a truck.
"You're... you're a History student?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yes, and... I know I shouldn't have lied to you, but I also don't feel too bad because I know you did the same thing,” Seokjin rambled on, “even though I'm not sure why you did it. But. I'm sorry."
“I'm... sorry, too.” Namjoon apologized back sincerely. “It was silly of me. I didn't even have a good reason to lie, I was just embarrassed,” Namjoon said.
"Embarrassed? Why?"
"Medical students are lame," Namjoon said simply, and Seokjin laughed.
"Well, you know I don't agree with that. Like I said before, I think they're attractive," Seokjin reminded him.
"Do you think I'm attractive?"
"Namjoon-ah, how can you be so oblivious?”
Namjoon thought getting called oblivious was rich coming from the person who believed his lie for several weeks.
“Of course I do,” Seokjin continued, “even when I didn’t know you were a medical student. You're gorgeous."
Namjoon smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, hyung. I'm happy you're not upset that I lied to you. And... you’re beautiful, too,” Namjoon said the last part a bit more quietly.
Seokjin looked down shyly at this drink for a second before meeting Namjoon’s eyes again. "I lied to you, too. I can't be upset with you even if I wanted to."
"Why did you lie, anyway?"
"Same reason as you. I wanted to impress you," Seokjin stated without hesitation.
"...Me?" Namjoon said, not sure why his own voice sounded so unsure.
"Yes," Seokjin giggled. "You seemed like the science-y type, and I was honestly a little surprised when you said you studied History, but I still thought it was worth a shot. It worked, though, didn't it?"
"You did impress me. But not because I thought you were a medical student. I was just impressed by you in general," Namjoon admitted.
"You know, I already like you, but if you had told me on the first day that you were a medical student, I would've liked you on the spot," Seokjin told Namjoon.
"I'm glad you like me, hyung," Namjoon said. "I like you, too.”
They each took a few sips of their drinks.
“We should go out sometime,” Namjoon spoke again after a few minutes. “Outside the university.”
"I would love that, Namjoon-ah. You're a medical student, afterall."
Namjoon kicked his feet playfully underneath the table, eliciting a laugh from the two of them.
"I'm joking. I would still want to be your friend even if you studied something else, like... Political Science."
Namjoon burst out laughing, and Seokjin did the same.
"I think we're on the same page, hyung," Namjoon said in between breaths.
"Good to know," Seokjin smiled widely.
When they had calmed down, they finished their drinks and got up, heading to the library.
"You can imagine how confused I was when I thought we were in the same classes and I never saw you in my lectures," Namjoon recalled his memory as they walked.
"Yeah, so was I,” Seokjin laughed. “At first I thought you were just skipping them all, but every time I saw you working in the library, you looked too disciplined for someone who skips every lecture.”
“That was what made you realize something was off?” Namjoon chuckled.
“Yeah,” Seokjin laughed at the absurdity of the whole situation. “I'm honestly amazed we managed to keep up our lies for as long as we did. I almost slipped up a couple times," Seokjin admitted.
“Wait… like when I offered you my textbook and you asked why I thought you needed it,” Namjoon recalled. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize!”
“I seriously thought I’d blown my cover, then,” Seokjin giggled. “But I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised you didn’t realize it. When I saw you in a lab coat holding a medical textbook, I still hadn’t put two and two together either. Can you believe it?”
“I almost can’t. It was so obvious, hyung,” Namjoon said back. “What did you even do with the textbook?”
“I just put it at home. My roommate was so confused, and I had to explain the whole thing,” Seokjin chuckled.
“This whole thing is just too funny.”
When they got inside the library, they sat next to each other instead of facing each other at opposite ends of the table. They had previously avoided doing so as they didn't want to risk the other seeing what they were actually studying.
"I can't believe I ever thought these were History papers," Seokjin said as he took a closer look at some of the sheets Namjoon had laid out in front of him. "This looks like a different language, how do you even understand any of it?"
"Well, I've always had a passion for science," Namjoon repeated what he had said a while back, except with his real major this time, and Seokjin immediately remembered the conversation he was referencing and laughed.
Namjoon hadn't been sure how Seokjin would react when he finally found out the truth, but the way things turned out weren't so bad afterall. He was glad they could laugh about it, and that the whole thing didn't cause any problems between them.
Most of all, he was happy to have made a friend that he adored so much.