Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Half asleep, Namjoon slumps into his desk chair in his homeroom class. He buries his head into his arms on his desk hoping for a short nap before classes actually begin. He shouldn’t have stayed up so late reading The Prince of Tennis last night. He sits up in alert as soon as the teacher announces a pop quiz, immediately regretting his choices from the night before even more. He’s never this unprepared for a day of learning. He doesn't even have his backpack!

Luckily he finds a pencil in his coat pocket, but when he pulls it out, he realizes the eraser is completely used. It seems he must become a lowly beggar now. He turns to his right to see Jimin sitting like the natural prince he is, as usual. He doesn’t want to bother him, but that’s really Namjoon’s excuse to not admit how little courage he has to speak to his crush. Instead, he turns to his left to ask Jin for an eraser.

“Sorry bro, I need mine more than you do,” Jin replies.

“Namjoon, you can borrow mine.”

Namjoon’s surprised by the sudden offer from Jimin.

He shakes his head profusely. “No. No. I couldn’t.”

“It’s fine. Really. I have an extra one.” Jimin waves his other eraser with a smile.

Namjoon can’t possibly say no to that smile.

He’s so prepared, and so nice…

“Ok…” Namjoon gives into the temptation and receives the eraser with both hands cusped. “Thanks, Jimin.”

Namjoon regards the eraser as if it’s the most precious thing in the world. It’s been used quite a bit on one end, so he pulls it out a little more from its paper cover in preparation for the quiz.

His heart drops.

The cute doodles drawn on the eraser stab his heart with love arrows, but what crushes his heart whole is the name written in the center accented by hearts: SEOK.

Hoseok?...

Namjoon looks up to stare at the person’s back who sits immediately in front of him. His hands are frozen in place holding up the eraser as if trying to match the name to the body it represents.

This means… Jimin likes… Hoseok?

Namjoon feels hopeless. It’s one thing to not have the courage to confess to your crush, but it’s even worse to know they’re looking at someone else with heart eyes.

As if hearing his thoughts, Hoseok turns around to pass a quiz paper to Namjoon . He panics to cover the eraser again, but the eraser flies out of his hands and lands on the floor.

No, no, no, no, no! Namjoon braces for impact as if he was the one falling.

Hoseok quickly picks it up and returns it to Namjoon’s desk while muttering, “Sorry,” then turns back towards the front of the classroom.

He didn’t see it, did he?

Namjoon opens his eyes, which he didn’t realize he had closed in the first place. He finds Hoseok is still facing forward. Namjoon sighs in relief, but then Hoseok slowly glances back at him with a puzzled look.

Namjoon holds his breath.

“Seok?” Hoseok asks.

Fuck. He saw it.

“It’s not mine!” Namjoon reflexively announces.

“Then whose is it?” Hoseok looks determined to find the truth.

Namjoon starts forming Jimin’s name in his mouth before realizing that he shouldn’t let Hoseok know about Jimin’s crush because he’s now his rival. The only thing he can do is fib. “I lied. It’s mine.” Namjoon lowers his head in embarrassment. He’s certain things will be awkward with Hoseok now.

“Oh... Ok.” Hoseok turns back around to quietly work on his quiz.

Namjoon is surprised at how nonchalant Hoseok’s reaction is. For some reason, he can’t stop thinking about it, which makes it difficult for him to focus on his own work. The only thing he’s able to figure out is his decision to tell Hoseok the truth about Jimin’s feelings, but in private.

After everyone turns in their quizzes, Namjoon catches Hoseok in the hall, and with a serious face he asks, "Can we talk after school? On the roof?"

Hoseok nods silently.

Namjoon gives him a thumbs up before awkwardly turning on his heel and returning to the classroom.

Okay, I'll set everything straight.

Shyly, Namjoon returns the eraser back to Jimin in its original covered state. “Thanks, Jimin.”

“Did you see?” Jimin asks with a slight blush staining his cheeks.

“I…” He tries to lie, but he can’t dare to do so to Jimin, so he nods.

Jimin looks a bit embarrassed, but he surprisingly thanks Namjoon.

“What for?”

“For not making fun of me for it.” Jimin smiles so purely.

Namjoon’s heart melts a bit at how cute Jimin looks. “Why would I do that?”

Jimin shrugs his shoulders. “It’s silly to doodle like that. Plus, it’s not the typical hetero crush.” He practically whispers the last part.

For some reason, Namjoon didn’t think anything of it because of his own gay feelings, but Jimin makes a valid point. It’s rare to see same-sex couples hanging out in their school.

“I don’t think it’s silly.” Namjoon smiles to comfort Jimin. “I think it’s cute. Plus, you can’t help who you like. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Gulping, Namjoon tries to be brave for once by giving Jimin a hint at his own feelings. “And you’re not alone on that end.” He winks.

Jimin’s eyes light up. “Really? You like someone the same way?”

Namjoon nods.

Jimin suddenly takes Namjoon’s hands into his. Namjoon’s heart stops and he swears he can’t breathe. “Let’s cheer each other on, hyung!”

“I-”

“But please…” Jimin interrupts, “don’t tell him. I want to do it in my own way… eventually.”

Fuck.

Namjoon hums in agreement, but despairs on the inside. What’s he supposed to tell Hoseok now? He can’t go against his promise and hurt Jimin. Why does Jimin have to be so kind-hearted?

Once on the roof, Namjoon is surprised to see Hoseok is already waiting there. He drags his feet in approach. They both stand in an awkward silence for what feels like a never-ending moment.

I’ll just tell him to keep it a secret. I don’t care what he thinks about me, as long as I can keep my promise to protect Jimin’s feelings.

With a deep breath Namjoon bows and finally shouts, “Please don’t tell anyone!”

Peeking up from his bow, Namjoon notices that Hoseok has bowed, as well. Namjoon swears he also heard Hoseok say, “I’m sorry.”

They both straighten again.

Namjoon rubs the back of his neck. “People will talk if they find out, so please keep the eraser a secret.”

“Of course I won’t tell… but I don’t have anything special to-” Namjoon loses focus on what Hoseok is saying.

He’s really not gonna tell… What a great guy. Namjoon pats Hoseok on the shoulder. No wonder Jimin’s “in love with you.”

Namjoon’s eyes bulge. He didn’t mean to say that part aloud.

Hoseok steps back. “Namjoon, if there’s anything I’ve done to make you think I feel some type of way for you, I’m sorry.”

“That’s not what that meant just now.” Namjoon is starting to sweat. This is too stressful.

Hoseok’s brow pinches. “What did it mean then?”

“What I’m trying to say is…” Namjoon’s losing patience. The conversation is going nowhere, and it can’t go anywhere if he wants to protect Jimin. “Just forget it all, okay! See ya later.” Namjoon pivots on his heel to return to the stairwell.

“Are you really okay with that?” Hoseok asks from behind.

Stopping in his tracks, Namjoon turns to Hoseok.

Ughhh! Why can’t he just end this?

Hoseok shyly looks away from Namjoon’s glance. “I just don’t think it’s healthy to ignore your feelings.”

Out of nowhere, Namjoon’s brain decides to suddenly remember the time Jimin gave him the last cupcake he made for Valentine's Day last school year, which he realizes now was originally meant for Hoseok. A fire in Namjoon’s chest ignites. Hoseok doesn’t know how lucky he is to have Jimin’s heart.

The fire has spread to burn at the back of Namjoon’s eyes as his throat tightens. “Hoseok…” Tears begin to fall. I’m so jealous of you, is what he tries to say, but can’t get it past his quivering lip.

“I can’t reject you when you’re crying.” Hoseok says as he awkwardly shifts weight on his feet.

It’s not like I wanna cry… Namjoon wipes his eyes.

Hoseok suddenly bows again. “I’m sorry! I can’t date you.”

Namjoon stills. He’s been hyper focused on his feelings for Jimin that he forgot what Hoseok was actually talking about the whole time, and now he just wants to punch the guy for the misunderstanding.

Without the strength to fight his urge, Namjoon’s arm moves on its own. His clenched fist hits the wall behind Hoseok, caging Hoseok against it.

Hoseok is too good. I had no chance with Jimin. “I was stupid to fall in love.” Namjoon calms his breathing and turns toward the stairwell again. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Sorry, bro.”

“That’s it!” Namjoon really needs to hit this guy, if not for Jimin but for his own jealousy.

Namjoon turns back around and slaps Hoseok on the face, then leaves for home.

Chapter Text

The next day Namjoon decides to eat his lunch on the roof to get away from everyone. His heart is too broken to watch Jimin smile and laugh towards Hoseok. He also doesn’t want to accidentally mention anything about what happened yesterday to any of his classmates, especially in front of Jin, who can be pretty loud with his reactions. To top it all off, he feels a little guilty for hitting Hoseok. It’s not like the guy knew his ignorance, and he should've kept his hands to himself. Namjoon prefers being out in nature, anyway. Luckily, the weather is nice enough to be outside.

He pauses mid bite of his sandwich at the sound of a noise similar to a cat meowing. Turning to his left, he finds an actual cat is staring at him through the guardrail along the roof ledge.

Namjoon coos and lifts his sandwich in the cat’s direction. “Are you hungry?”

The cat mewls. Its nose twitches.

If only this fence wasn’t in the way. “Don’t worry. I’ll feed you, kitty.”

Namjoon begins climbing the fence as the cat watches him. “Maybe then you’ll like me.”

“Namjoon!”

Before he can blink, Namjoon finds himself slammed onto the roof, lying horizontally.

Did I slip?

The initial shock wears off, and he finally notices Hoseok leaning over him, whose hand is gripping tightly onto Namjoon’s shirt.

Hoseok’s eyes glare with determination. “No matter how heartbroken you are, you can’t give up on everything. There’s so much more to life.”

What?... Namjoon is confused. He’s not sure when Hoseok arrived, let alone why he looks so serious. Maybe it’s payback for slapping him yesterday. Whatever the reason, Namjoon starts paying more attention to the pressure of Hoseok’s toned body over him. Namjoon’s imagination runs wild causing the warmth from Hoseok’s grip on his shirt to start seering through it.

“Get off me, it hurts.” Namjoon pulls away in a panic to sit up straight.

They both stand, dusting themselves off.

Namjoon points to the roof ledge. “I was just trying to feed that cat.”

“What cat?”

Rolling his eyes, Namjoon looks over to where he dropped his sandwich, but the cat is no longer in sight. The commotion must’ve frightened it.

Namjoon grunts. “Nevermind. Why are you up here anyway? To make fun of me or something?”

“No. I just…” Hoseok fidgets with his own earlobe. “I wanted to make sure you weren’t crying.”

“I’m not crying!”

“But you were crying yesterday, and then today you seemed down in the dumps when I saw you head to the roof, and then I saw you trying to jump off…” Hoseok looks down at his feet. “It scared me.”

Namjoon’s surprised at how much Hoseok is thinking about him. He thought that Hoseok would be relieved after their conversation yesterday, or maybe even mad, at the very least, for slapping him.

He really is a good guy…

“Well, I’m sorry for scaring you, but I’m fine already. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. You can return to your life as it was.”

“But I can’t not think about you now.”

Namjoon looks at Hoseok and realizes how sincere his words are, but it still doesn’t make sense to him. “What do you mean?”

Hoseok shrugs. “I think I want to hear more about it. About what you said yesterday. I can’t stop thinking about it now.”

What did I say yesterday again?... Namjoon can’t recall everything he said because of how much went through his mind yesterday. I have no idea where this is going, but why does it feel so awkward?

“To be real with you, I don’t have much experience with those kinds of emotions…” Hoseok continues as he fidgets with his earlobe again. “What’s it feel like to like someone?”

Namjoon sucks in a breath. He had been crushing on Jimin for so long that he didn’t realize it was possible for someone to live through high school without that kind of feeling at some point in their life until then.

“You mean, you’ve never liked someone your whole life?” Namjoon asks in amazement.

“Nope.” Hoseok shakes his head. "Nothing romantically. I like my family, of course, but I assume that's different."

Namjoon’s jaw drops. He’s dumbfounded. He thinks of how lucky it is that Jimin hasn’t confessed yet, and also of how this gives himself a better chance with Jimin. He must confirm Hoseok is not just in denial of any feelings first, though.

“Well, do you have a type at least?” Namjoon prods.

“Type of what?”

“Like, do you prefer dark or light hair?”

“I guess light? Maybe?” Hoseok tugs on some strands of his own hair.

Jimin is blonde right now, so that’s a check.

Namjoon continues his interrogation. “What about hands? Do you like them small and petite or long and strong?”

“Small…?”

Jimin has small hands, another check.

“What about personality? Do you prefer someone who is outgoing or maybe quiet…?”

“I guess someone who can sense the atmosphere?”

Damn. Three for three. “Perfect match!” I’m doomed.

Hoseok looks concerned. “And someone who knows their worth!” Hoseok suddenly adds.

“Oh. Like someone with a good attitude?”

Hoseok nods, and then asks, “What about your type?”

Namjoon is a bit surprised by the question. “My type?...” He starts picturing Jimin. “It’s nothing fancy. Someone with a nice smile, and someone who is thoughtful and kind.” Namjoon grins. “And I get happy whenever they talk to me. Eventually it turns into love for no reason.”

Namjoon looks at Hoseok, who is listening intently as if everything he says is going to be on a test.

Namjoon attempts to make the conversation feel lighter. “It’ll all make sense once you find someone you like.”

Hoseok hums in deep thought, and they sit together in silence for a brief moment.

“Please say something. It’s embarrassing what I told you.” Namjoon blushes. He’s never told anyone about his feelings before, even if it’s cryptic.

“You’re very straightforward,” Hoseok stares intently at him before continuing, “and I think that’s nice.”

Nobody’s ever described Namjoon that way before. People typically say he’s a space case for always being in his head or doing things on his own.

“Thanks… I think.” Namjoon seems to always be embarrassed whenever Hoseok is near. In fact, he can’t get this strange chill that’s been creeping up his back to go away.

Hoseok clears his throat. “Let’s at least start out as friends, Namjoon.”

“Huh?” What does he mean by ‘start’? Namjoon flails his arms in front of him. “But why? I already told you that I’m fine. You turned me down, so we move.”

Hoseok shakes his head. “I take back what I said yesterday. I was too quick to judge without getting to know you first.”

“But I-”

Hoseok gently rests a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. “I’ll think about it thoroughly, so be patient with me.”

What!

The school bell rings.

“I’ll head to class now.”

As Namjoon watches Hoseok retreat into the stairwell, chills spread from his shoulder down his arm.

What is this feeling?

Throughout the rest of his day, Namjoon keeps thinking of Hoseok’s serious expression and warm touch. He doesn’t know why that makes him feel so strange. And he can’t stop staring at Hoseok’s back in class, noticing so much more about his physique, his movements.

It’s nothing. He’ll realize how silly this is and finally turn me down completely. Namjoon thinks to himself. It’s not like I really like him anyway…

Namjoon begrudgingly sweeps a broom across the hallway floor. His thoughts were trapped in his current love triangle situation that the teacher punished him with cleaning duty for not paying attention in class. He doesn’t mind the chore, but Jin is uselessly leaning against the lockers and making fun of him for slacking in class, which isn’t helping the job get done any faster.

“Well, would you look at these two buddy-buddies…” Jin announces.

Namjoon looks up from the floor to see Hoseok and Jimin walking towards them side by side. He’s happy to see Jimin, but he doesn’t want to interrupt what could possibly be the beginning of a confession, so he returns his focus to his chore, and reprimands Jin. “Leave them alone.”

“We were just coming from the student government meeting, is all.” Jimin inserts once they approach.

Namjoon then hears the rustle of a bag from behind. He turns around to see Hoseok picking up the bags of trash that Namjoon had tied up earlier.

“What are you doing?” Namjoon asks while quickly grabbing the bags from Hoseok. You should be talking to Jimin. A couple of his fingers land on Hoseok’s hand, sending Namjoon into a frenzy from the electricity of the touch.

Before Hoseok could say anything, Namjoon tugs the bags out from Hoseok’s hands and runs outside to toss them into the dumpster.

Whatever that was, it's best I ran away. Hoseok can now spend time with-

“Jimin!” Namjoon is startled after turning back around to head home. Jimin is standing shyly at the edge of the trash area. “What are you doing here?”

“I got nervous.” Jimin’s smile holds a hint of regret.

It seems we’re similar, Jiminie…

“I started thinking way too much on what to talk about so I ran away.” Jimin giggles at himself. “I don’t think too much when I’m with you, though. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about crushes for once.”

“Y-yeah…” If only I could be honest with him. “But what about our other classmates? They love to gossip like that.”

Jimin shakes his head. “It’s not the same. They’re not all friendly like you.”

Did I just get friend-zoned? Namjoon laments.

“See you tomorrow!” Jimin waves then heads home for the day.

Namjoon drags his feet along the sidewalk to his home, staring at the ground in defeat.

When will things start going my way?

Chapter Text

The winter festival has arrived, which means Namjoon’s class has to decide on what to do for their booth. The girls suggest hosting a cafe, and the guys suggest a haunted house. An anonymous vote is held, and the class president announces that the winning booth is the cafe.

“Yes,” Hoseok quietly cheers to himself.

Namjoon is surprised at the reaction. “Did you want the cafe?”

Hoseok turns around in his desk seat and nods his head. “Don’t tell anyone…” He rubs the back of his head shyly. “...I get scared easily.”

Cute. Namjoon chuckles to himself. Wait. What am I thinking? He shakes his head. “I won’t. I promise.”

As the jobs get divided up, Namjoon notices that Jimin and Hoseok haven’t volunteered for anything yet. The moment their class president announces the next task, Namjoon raises Hoseok’s arm for him with one hand while trying to get Jimin to join him with the other with his own form of sign language.

“Excellent!” The class president says. “Hoseok and Namjoon will do the decorations.”

Namjoon freezes. “Wait! But I-”

“May I have my arm back?” Hoseok asks patiently.

“Sorry.” Namjoon jerks his hand away. Dammit! I’m such an idiot! Now Jimin can’t spend extra time with him.

“It’s cool.” Hoseok smiles. “We’ll get to spend more time together.”

Eyes wide, Namjoon panics slightly. When will this misunderstanding end?

The students spend the afternoon on their individual tasks, and one by one they leave for their after-school programs as they finish. Eventually the decorating team, Namjoon and Hoseok, and the dessert team, Jimin and Jin, are the only ones left in the room. Namjoon is super focused on getting balls of paper flowers prepared to hang above the desks, but he keeps ripping the thin paper as he tries to fluff them.

“May I help?” Hoseok asks.

Namjoon nods in defeat. “Sorry. I keep ripping them, so I’m super slow at this.”

“It’s okay. You’re doing your best.” Hoseok picks up one of the decorations from the table and begins fluffing it out in a way to hide the imperfections. “And look, it still looks great.”

Namjoon inspects Hoseok’s work, and he’s impressed. This guy is talented. “How did you do that? It actually looks like flower petals now.”

Hoseok giggles. “You’re funny, Namjoon.”

A warmth spreads over Namjoon’s cheeks. “Why don’t you go help Jimin?”

“Okay.” Hoseok walks over to see what Jimin has been working on.

He’s so nice… Namjoon realizes he’s been staring at Hoseok. Stop it, Namjoon! He returns to the paper in his hands and takes some deep, determined breaths to focus on the box of flower ornaments in front of him.

“Hey Namjoon, how are things going with your crush?” Jimin’s voice startles Namjoon a bit.

Looking up, he realizes Hoseok and Jin have left the room, possibly to throw trash away.

“I-uh…”

“Have you confessed yet? Who is it? Can you tell me?” Jimin continues.

Jimin looks so pretty up close, and Namjoon can’t believe Jimin is so interested in his love life all of a sudden. He can’t make things awkward by saying it’s him, though.

“I-no, I haven’t, and I can’t.” He waves his arms defensively, accidentally knocking over his water bottle.

The top of the bottle wasn’t securely fastened, resulting in water spilling all over the table, soaking up all of the paper decorations he spent so much time preparing.

Jimin tries to help him wipe them dry, but they’re already soggy and ruined.

“Why are you still here?” Jin asks as he enters the classroom with Hoseok.

“Oh...” Hoseok stops in his tracks.

Namjoon is on the verge of tears, he’s so frustrated at himself. “It’s all my fault. I keep messing things up. I’m useless with this kind of thing.”

Hoseok steps closer and squats to be eye level with Namjoon. “How about we all work together to make new ones? We’ll finish sooner that way.”

Namjoon sniffles. “But what about your practice?”

“I can skip it sometimes. No big deal.” Hoseok smiles, warming Namjoon’s heart. “It’s not like you did it on purpose. I know how hard you worked on it. So don’t worry too much, we’ll get it done.” Hoseok pats Namjoon on the head.

“I won’t.” Namjoon’s heart begins to race. He suddenly feels more aware of what he’s doing: where he looks, where his feet are, what his hands are doing. It’s a nervousness he’s not used to.

The four finish making even better decorations than the originals.

Jimin stands while stretching his back a bit. “Thanks, everyone, for all the help. And thanks for skipping your practice, Hoseok.”

Nice one, Jimin. Compliments can be flirtatious. Keep it up and you'll be dating Hoseok in no time. Namjoon roots silently for him.

“It was fun.” Hoseok says while cleaning up the leftover materials.

A knock on the classroom door gets everyone’s attention. Their homeroom teacher tells them from the doorway that it’s late and they should go home.

As they all exit the building, Jimin points to the right. “I live this way, so I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“I live that way, too.” Jin says as he steps to walk with Jimin.

Dammit, Jin! You’re always in the way!

“And I live this way.” Hoseok points in the other direction, the same way Namjoon walks everyday.

“Same.” Namjoon responds with melancholy as he heads home with Hoseok by his side.

I’m so sorry, Jimin... Namjoon hates how he hasn’t been able to help Jimin at all with getting time with his crush. I’ll try harder from now on, he determines to himself.

“Are you still feeling down?” Hoseok asks, distracting Namjoon from his thoughts.

“Hmm? No.”

“I’m glad.”

The two walk in silence for a moment until Namjoon says, “You helped me a lot today.”

“You did a great job, yourself.”

Namjoon’s heart starts beating fast again. What’s wrong with my heart? The one I like “is Jimin.”

“What about Jimin?” Hoseok asks.

Shaking his head, Namjoon quickly changes the subject of his thoughts. “We should thank Jimin, too.” He really needs to stop letting his thoughts escape through his mouth like that.

Hoseok nods his head. “You’re both similarly absentminded sometimes.”

“That’s rude to Jimin…”

“Working with you guys today made me see how you both give your all to whatever you do.” Hoseok smiles. Namjoon’s starting to enjoy that smile.

Nudging Hoseok on the shoulder with a fist, Namjoon says, “You’re slow to the program. Jimin has always been great. You’ve said this already about your type, and he’s a perfect match.”

“Why are you recommending Jimin to me?”

“You’re both smart and kind. You’d be nice together.”

“But that doesn’t mean that we have to be tog-”

“If you don’t try, you’d never know.” Namjoon puts his hands in his pockets. “I already knew from the start that someone like me had no chance, but I can at least wish for the person I love to be happy.”

“You’re so kind, Namjoon.”

“What? No, I’m a coward.”

“You are kind. Although you might not have experienced much, it’s not right to think so low of yourself.”

Why is he so nice to me? And why do my emotions always decide to malfunction around him? Namjoon fights his tears, which warps his voice. “Not cool, making me cry…”

“It has gotten cool outside.”

Namjoon is relieved with Hoseok’s occasional hearing loss. He tries to inconspicuously wipe his face as he attempts to control his emotions.

Hoseok stops walking and stares at Namjoon’s face. “You got something on your-” Hoseok freezes, and his brows crease. “Why are you crying?”

Namjoon quickly looks away. “It’s glue!” He shouts and then runs the rest of the way home, leaving Hoseok in his dust.

What are these feelings? Why can’t I control myself?

Chapter Text

No one has ever encouraged Namjoon so much with his self esteem as Hoseok has lately. All night he had trouble sleeping as thoughts of every nice thing Hoseok had said to him played on repeat. It got him asking questions online about these strange new feelings, which led him to titles of BL manhwas. He got sucked into the world of one in particular that felt very similar to his current situation. Despite staying awake to read it all night, he was still reading it on his phone on the way to school.

When will the main guy realize his feelings?

“Watcha reading?” Jin catches Namjoon by surprise from over his shoulder.

He must be closer to school than he thought. Namjoon quickly darkens his phone screen.

“Mornin’, Hoseok!” Jin shouts and waves at Hoseok, who’s crossing the street.

Why? Why? Why? Namjoon frets as Hoseok gets closer and closer.

“Good morning, Jin and Namjoon.” Hoseok greets.

Namjoon just grunts in response, his lack of sleep finally catching up to him.

Hoseok ends up walking ahead of them instead, most likely due to Namjoon’s lack of manners. He’ll most likely regret that later, but all Namjoon can do as he follows Hoseok into their school is try to slow his heart rate. He’s hyper focused on Hoseok’s every move.

What if I actually do fall in love with him? Namjoon worries to himself as Jin blabbers on about something.

“Jimin! Good morning!” Jin’s voice finally pierces through Namjoon’s thoughts.

What am I thinking? I could never. Namjoon chuckles to himself at the ridiculous thoughts. I need to stop reading those stories.

The class president stands at the front of the room to make an announcement as soon as their homeroom teacher leaves for lunch.

“You may have noticed we’re down a couple classmates today. Our hosts for the evening festival performances tonight are out sick with a cold, so we’ll need a couple volunteers to step in their place.”

“We’re all pretty busy with our own performances.” One girl says.

“Very true…” The class president ponders as he scans the room. “What about you, Hoseok? You’re not performing, right?”

Hoseok hesitates to answer. “I wasn’t planning on it, no.”

“Would you be willing to be our Tuxedo Mask host?” The class president eagerly asks.

Tuxedo Mask? Namjoon doesn’t recall anything about a theme for the evening show. He giggles to himself at the thought of Hoseok being in character to introduce the performers, though.

“I-I guess it wouldn’t hurt…” Hoseok obliges, and the class cheers.

“Who’s gonna be Sailor Moon, then?” Another girl adds.

“Hmm…all the girls are busy…” The class president points to Jimin. “You’d be the perfect height difference!”

Namjoon blushes imagining Jimin in a skirt and make-up.

Jimin waves his hands frantically in front of himself. “No, I’d be too scared in front of everyone like that.”

“C’mon, you’ll be fine,” the class president says.

Jimin clearly doesn’t look comfortable with the idea.

Namjoon raises his hand high. “I’ll do it!”

The class goes silent.

“That would definitely be entertaining.” The class president says before everyone joins him in laughter. “Alright. That’s settled. Thanks for volunteering, Hoseok and Namjoon. Time to get ready for the festival!”

Everyone cheers in excitement. Some students move to their locations for the cafe while others go to practice their performances a little more.

Jimin lightly grabs Namjoon’s arm to pull him aside. “Thanks for saving me. I would’ve died on stage.”

Namjoon smiles. “No problem at all. It’ll be fun.”

"You like him, don't you?" Jimin asks in a low voice.

“What? No, I-”

"I don't blame you." Jimin interrupts him. “He’s so kind.”

“Y-yeah…” Namjoon feels uneasy.

“And handsome.” Jimin smirks.

Namjoon doesn’t want to ruin Jimin’s chances with Hoseok, but he also doesn’t not like Hoseok. He’s a good friend now. That’s all. But before he can find the words to explain that, Jimin leaves for the dessert station where Jin is setting out their pastries for the customers soon to come.

After their cafe booth closes, the girls of the class help Namjoon with his make-up and hair to complete his Sailor Moon costume. He catches sight of himself in a mirror and is completely embarrassed.

What was I thinking?

He stands up and the class goes crazy at the sight of him in the dress and wig.

“I didn’t realize Sailor Moon was so muscular,” Jimin says with stifled laughter.

As flattering as it is to hear that from Jimin, Namjoon feels too exposed. He tries to adjust the dress to cover himself a bit better, but it just bounces back into the original position after every tug.

“Wow. You look nice.” Hoseok says from behind, a tinge of shock in his voice.

Namjoon turns to find Hoseok standing in a well-fitted black and white tuxedo and cape, a black top hat and a white-rimmed mask. He’s taken aback at how handsome Hoseok looks.

Hoseok offers a gloved hand and a smile towards Namjoon. “Ready for this battle, Sailor?”

Namjoon hesitates for a moment before taking Hoseok’s hand and following his lead to the school gym. He overhears classmates hooting and hollering at them, and the occasional squeals from girls. He wants to hide so badly from the embarrassment, but the warmth of Hoseok’s gentle hold keeps his cowardice at bay. He’s sure it’s just part of the act, which he has to give Hoseok props for, but a tiny part deep down in him is starting to hope that Hoseok wants to hold his hand.

They arrive at the stage of the gym, and each grab a microphone.

Their costumes are a huge hit with the school, and luckily everything is written down for them to read off before each act. Despite being slightly embarrassed at the silliness of it all, Namjoon is having fun standing next to Hoseok all dressed up.

They say their final words, and Namjoon turns to exit stage right, but his shoe slips on a part of Hoseok’s cape. Namjoon falls backwards, his arms flailing to catch his balance. He braces himself to hit the floor, but Hoseok catches him by the waist in time to save him. When Namjoon opens his eyes Hoseok’s face is close enough to his own that he can feel his breath.

“Are you okay?” Hoseok asks.

The audience goes wild. They surely think this is part of the act, but Namjoon couldn’t have done anything like this on purpose if it could save his life. The warmth from Hoseok’s hold along his back is starting to burn through his skin. He quickly stands up straight and adjusts his dress.

“Thanks.” Namjoon mutters quickly before running backstage.

Hoseok was a true prince just now. Namjoon tries to cool himself down with a wave of his hand. What happens if I start loving him?

“Hey, Namjoon! Can we take photos with you?” Jin asks while running up to him from down the hall.

“Let’s take one with everyone,” Jimin adds from behind. “Hoseok! Come take a picture with us.”

Namjoon’s heart pounds loudly in his ears as Hosoek joins them. He ends up shoulder to shoulder with Hoseok as they squeeze together for the photo, which makes it impossible for Namjoon to look at the camera. He can only stare at Hoseok when he’s so close.

He really is handsome…

“Aww…” Jin nudges Namjoon on his side. “These two look good together as prince and princess.”

“Shut up,” Namjoon nudges Jin back, then tries to hide his face on his way to go change in the restroom as a warmth begins to radiate from his cheeks.

It’s just the costumes… Namjoon insists. No need to get worked up.

Chapter Text

The next morning Namjoon feels like a zombie. Every time he’d closed his eyes to sleep the previous night he’d see Hoseok’s handsome face, and then butterflies swarm in the pit of his stomach. The only way he could keep the strange feelings at bay was to lay staring at his ceiling for most of the night.

Now waiting for school to begin, he sits at his desk staring at the classroom door. With one hand holding up his head, he watches as his classmates enter, not thinking of anything but of how tired he is. His eyes start to feel heavy by the time Hoseok appears at the threshold. Namjoon’s heart jumps into his throat. The butterflies return. He looks down at his notebook to try to calm them.

“Good morning,” Hoseok says as he sits at his desk in front of Namjoon.

“Mmm,” Namjoon grunts, refusing to glance up.

The rest of the day remains like that. Namjoon grunting in response to anything Hoseok says, practically ignoring his presence. In the halls and during lunch he’d turn the other way and hide at the sight of Hoseok. Everything is going fine that way until he returns to his desk. A Pokémon bread package is set on top of it.

Namjoon’s eyes widen. He’s not sure if someone left it there by accident or purposefully. Upon closer inspection, though, there’s a sticky note attached to it.
It reads:

Namjoon, Fighting!
~Hoseok

He’s shocked. He’s shocked at how nice it was of Hoseok to give him something. He’s even more shocked nobody tried to steal it. The bread has become super popular in their school lately.

As much as he wants to thank Hoseok for the courteous gesture, Namjoon needs to be resilient. He can’t let a little present persuade him to interact. His life needs to return to normal, and avoiding Hoseok is the only way it can. Besides, his studies have been slacking lately, so it’s for the best.

Hoseok smiles when he passes classwork back and sees Namjoon secretly munching on the bread from behind his textbook. “I’m glad you like it,” he says quietly.

Without thinking Namjoon looks up, crumbs on his lips. With food in his mouth he can only nod, but he quickly looks away because Hoseok’s smile has burned its way into Namjoon’s brain.

Dammit!

For the next week, each day continues in the same manner. Namjoon avoids Hoseok, but Hoseok continues to leave treats with words of encouragement on his desk. The habit eventually becomes an expectation for Namjoon. However, it seems that others have started to notice the gesture, as well.

“Isn’t he so nice?” Yunjin, the girl who sits behind Namjoon startles him.

Namjoon turns to see Yunjin looking pointedly at the note still in his hand.

“Yeah.” Namjoon quickly hides the note in his backpack where all the other notes stick to each other at the bottom. He doesn't have it in him to throw them away. “He really is…”

“I like guys like that.”

Is Hoseok doing this with her, too?

Namjoon peeks up and down her desk, but doesn’t see any treats or post-it notes. Relief washes over him.

“You l-like him?” Namjoon starts to worry, for Jimin, of course.

“I’m gonna confess to him.” She takes a deep breath. “I think I’m finally ready to.”

Namjoon tries his hardest to sound supportive. “Oh really…”

“Yeah. At his next practice.”

“Today?” Namjoon shouts and then gulps.

Yunjin shushes Namjoon and nods. “I’m so nervous.”

At a loss for words from the shocking news, Namjoon glances over at Jimin, who looks pretty sitting at his desk studying from a book.

I can’t let this happen to you.

“Why the rush? Have you thought about his feelings?” Namjoon’s first attempt to stall her confession plans.

“I’ve thought about it for a while now. Hoseok has helped me realize these feelings.”

“Oh…” Namjoon can’t respond as he wracks his brain to remember ever seeing Hoseok talking to Yunjin. “I didn’t realize you two were close.”

She shakes her head. “Oh, not really. But after today, hopefully we will be.”

Adrenaline begins coursing through Namjoon’s veins. A fire has been lit within him to act. He can’t allow someone else to confess to Hoseok before him. Or rather, before Jimin.

For Jimin. This is all for Jimin. He reminds himself.

Namjoon must do something, but what that is exactly he doesn’t quite know, which is how he soon finds himself sneaking under the metal bleachers by the tennis courts after school ends for the day.

Disguised in sunglasses and a cap with the hopes to not be discovered by anyone, he patiently watches Hoseok practicing on the far end of one of the tennis courts. But before Namjoon can begin formulating any kind of legit plan to intervene, he sees Yunjin walking up to the side fence along the court perimeter. Namjoon gasps at the sight of her waving for Hoseok to meet her at the fence gate, a gift bag in her hand and a huge smile on her face. Namjoon’s heart races. He can’t move an inch.

Namjoon’s heart sinks as Hoseok walks over to the gate and opens it. He loses all other senses as he watches the scene play out before him in a torturous slow motion.

Yunjin is blushing as she nervously says something to Hoseok while handing him the gift.
Hoseok accepts the bag in his free hand while nodding.
Yunjin covers her blushing face with her hands and then rushes back into the school building.
Hoseok lifts the gift bag for a closer peek at whatever is written on it, then glances towards the bleachers.

Shit. Namjoon spins around hoping he wasn’t spotted.

His heart is pounding in his ears as the scene keeps replaying in his head.

Hoseok’s voice startles him from behind, “I can see you, Namjoon.”

Namjoon slowly turns to face Hoseok. The gift bag dangles from Hoseok’s fingers. The only things standing between them are rows of bleachers and the rising storm of emotions, disappointment that Hoseok accepted someone else’s confession, anger at himself for feeling this way, embarrassment for being caught stalking him for no real reason.

“And I see you!” Namjoon yells back before running as far away as his legs and lungs can take him. Tears fly off his cheeks in the wind until he slows towards a park bench.

He sits down and removes his glasses and hat before wiping his face with the cuffs of his sleeves.

Why am I upset? This is good. He can forget the whole mix-up. And I can be there for Jimin when he finds out.

Someone approaches him from the corner of his eye. Namjoon takes a deep breath to compose himself again. He looks up to find it’s Hoseok joining him on the bench.

“Still upset?” Hoseok asks, concern in his eyes.

Namjoon looks ahead to avoid further eye contact. “I’m sorry I was so rude. I only hope for the best for you and Yunjin.”

“Huh?”

“You’d rather be with a pretty girl like her, right? You get what liking someone feels like now?”

Hoseok chuckles quietly. “You can’t compare when it comes to love.”

“I don’t understand.” Namjoon is starting to feel even worse. He doesn’t know what could be so funny to Hoseok about all this. He starts to think that maybe he isn’t as nice of a guy as he thought he was.

“I think I know what the feeling of love is now. And Namjoon,” Hoseok pauses until Namjoon turns to look at him, “is it possible that I like you?”

Wait… “What?” Namjoon holds his breath, afraid to miss anything else Hoseok says.

Hoseok raises his brows as he stares into Namjoon’s eyes in search of his answer.

“How should I know?” Namjoon blurts.

Hoseok chuckles again. “I really love your honesty.”

“Shut up! Don’t praise me out of nowhere…”

“Maybe it’s too early to put a title on it,” Hoseok takes a deep breath, “but I hope that you and I can turn what we have into a relationship someday.”

Namjoon pinches himself.

Ouch! So I’m not dreaming…

Suddenly, Namjoon understands why he’s been so confused, and decides to finally give into his racing heart. “I wish you’d want to date me one day, too.” Namjoon feels lighter accepting his own feelings. “For real.” Even if his wish never comes true, he’s relieved to at least say it aloud.

“Then, should we…” Hoseok starts.

Namjoon holds his breath again. This could go any which way. Which type of embarrassment will he have to bear this time?

“... try dating?” Hoseok smiles shyly.

Eyes widened, Namjoon freezes as he tries to process what he thinks he just heard.

“But what about Yunjin? Didn’t she just confess to you?” Namjoon finally asks.

Hoseok scoffs. “She did.”

“Then how can-”

“She confessed her love for Jaehyuk on the tennis team.” Hoseok lifts the gift bag from the ground.

Namjoon was so upset earlier he didn’t even notice Hoseok was still carrying the bag, and now, staring him in the face are bold, handwritten letters that spell JAEHYUK. He feels so stupid.

“He had to leave early today, so I was gonna deliver it.”

The humiliation fills Namjoon’s face red. All he can muster is an, “Oh…”

“She also helped me understand my own feelings better.” Hoseok places the bag back on the ground and then turns back to face Namjoon. “Because she couldn’t help but look at him and wonder what he’s doing or thinking. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.” Hoseok smiles and looks up at the sky. “And that’s how I felt with you lately. Even when you were distant, I wanted to care for you.”

Namjoon thinks about all the gifts he’s received from Hoseok recently. Hoseok was watching him this whole time, and he was trying to make sure he was feeling alright. Namjoon feels a stabbing pain in the back of his throat as if he’s about to cry.

“So,” Hoseok clears his throat and turns to Namjoon again, “I’d like to try dating you, if you’re okay with it, too.”

Tears are puddling at the bottom of Namjoon’s eyes. He nods, unable to speak, the tears spilling in the process.

Hoseok gently wipes the liquid from Namjoon’s cheeks with a thumb. Despite feeling vulnerable and exposed, Namjoon couldn’t be more comfortable in this moment. All his senses are finally cleared.

Then the rest of reality returns.

Fuck. Jimin is gonna hate me.

Chapter Text

Namjoon is a muddled mess of emotions. He’s ecstatic to be going on a date with Hoseok, but should he be? This all started under false pretenses, and at the expense of his first crush, Jimin. Namjoon has been pacing about his bedroom as his thoughts churn a storm in his chest. He’s half dressed, and he pulls the same shirt over his head for possibly the twentieth time in the last five minutes. An alarm on his phone stops him from removing the shirt for the twenty-first time.

Oh shit. I’m gonna be late!

Namjoon rushes to grab his bag and quickly fixes his hair in the mirror one last time before heading out on his bike.

He rides down a small alley in the local shopping plaza, and slows to park his bike at the storefront of a cafe. After ensuring his bike won’t fall, he checks his reflection in the glass. His outfit looks fine, but his hair is windblown. He adjusts the strap of his bag across his chest, then fights with the stubborn strands of hair when movement behind the glass catches his eye. His eyes focus and he’s met with Hoseok smiling and waving at him from a table.

A wave of embarrassment washes over Namjoon, but it quickly breaks at the sudden feeling of excitement. A smile spreads uncontrollably across his face. He takes a deep breath in an attempt to calm down and walks into the cafe meeting Hoseok at the table.

“You weren’t waiting too long, were you?” Namjoon shyly asks.

“No, not at all,” Hoseok replies, still smiling. “Please, join me.” He motions towards the chair in front of him.

Namjoon pulls the chair out and sits. He has trouble looking at Hoseok, though. He’s not used to seeing him in clothes other than their school uniforms, and the way the neckline of his shirt exposes his chest is making Namjoon realize how thirsty he suddenly is.

As if sensing the air around them, a server walks up to them and places two drinks on their table. Hoseok thanks them and they’re alone again.

“I went ahead and ordered so we wouldn’t have to wait too long. I don’t know your preferences yet, so I hope you like-.”

Namjoon quickly grabs the glass with both hands and takes large sips through the straw without really knowing what it was. Soon he’s slurping up the last drops and settling the empty glass back down on the table with a loud exhale.

Hoseok’s face is frozen in shock, but when their eyes lock Namjoon coughs, and Hoseok immediately starts laughing.

Namjoon nervously chuckles along while rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, I was thirstier than I thought…” he thumbs towards his bike outside, “must’ve been the ride here.”

“Glad to know you don’t hate lemonade.” Hoseok takes a sip from his own drink with a smirk.

“Yeah…” Namjoon sits on his hands to make his nervousness less apparent.

“So, what do we do on a date?” Hoseok asks.

Namjoon was so focused on his own nerves that he didn’t notice how Hoseok has been fidgeting until now. He forgot how new this all was to both of them.

“Just spend time together, get to know each other, I guess…” Namjoon shrugs.

“Do you like movies?”

“I love movies!” Namjoon starts thinking of the latest trailer he saw for an animated movie about a cat. “I really wanna see Flow.”

Hoseok looks interested. “What’s it about?”

“A cat that goes on an adventure. It looks so cute.”

“Alright, let’s go see it then.”

“Really?” Namjoon confirms excitedly.

Hoseok nods.

“Okay.”

Once outside, Namjoon kicks up the kickstand on his bike and pats the back bars. “Hop on.”

“You sure this’ll work?” Hoseok hesitates to sit.

“Of course.”

Namjoon feels their weight distribute over the tires when Hoseok sits on the bike. The warmth of Hoseok sitting so closely behind him makes Namjoon more aware of the situation he just created, and he now realizes how he’s always been the one to stare at Hoseok’s back. It feels all too strange the other way around, yet it’s not uncomfortable either.

He lifts a foot off the ground and starts to pedal, but the jolt forward forces Hoseok to grab Namjoon by the waist, sending a shockwave of adrenaline through his veins.

They silently ride to the movie theater, wind beating their cheeks, uneven pavement bouncing their bodies just enough for Hoseok’s hands to adjust even tighter over his shirt.

At the entrance of the theater Namjoon parks the bike, but Hoseok doesn’t move.

“Hoseok?” Namjoon looks over his shoulder to find Hoseok with his eyes shut tightly.

How can he be so cute, too?

Namjoon chuckles to himself. “Hey, Hoseok. We’re here.”

Hoseok opens his eyes then abruptly pulls his hands away and moves off the bike. “I knew that.”

“Never ridden on the back of a bike before?”

“Can’t say I have.” Hoseok looks up as if retracing memories. “It seems I’m having a lot of firsts because of you.”

Namjoon feels heat flushing his cheeks. “I’ll get the tickets!” He shouts quickly and then turns to run to the box office in hopes Hoseok didn’t notice how flustered he makes him. He’s still trying to understand his feelings and how his body reacts to Hoseok. It’s always so embarrassing. If only he could be as cool as Hoseok is about everything.

Movie tickets in hand, he sets a goal for the rest of their date to act cooler.

No more panicking. No more crying. You got this, Namjoon.

Namjoon steels himself as they exit the theater. His lower lip traitorously quivers, to which he bites down on it in punishment. He walks slowly ahead of Hoseok on the sidewalk, no planned destination.

Hoseok breaks the silence, “Everything okay, Namjoon?”

Namjoon pauses in step to nod, not looking back at Hoseok.

“Was the movie that bad?”

He turns to Hoseok, determined to maintain a stoic facade, but one look into Hoseok’s concerned eyes and his walls immediately fall down. “Why was it so sad?” Namjoon shouts followed by deep sobs. He tries to get more words out about the movie, but it’s all just gibberish through his crying.

“Oh, Namjoon…” Namjoon places his forehead on Hoseok's chest. Hoseok’s hand rubs the back of his head. “There, there. It’s just a movie.”

Namjoon sniffles. “I know, but still…” He lifts his head. Hoseok is stifling giggles. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it’d be like that!”

Hoseok hands Namjoon a napkin from his pocket. “It was a good movie, though. I enjoyed it. And I liked watching it with you.”

“You liked it?” Namjoon was worried he chose the worst movie for a date.

“Yes,” Hoseok nods. “How can I cheer you up?”

Wiping his face with the napkin, Namjoon shakes his head. “I’m okay.”

Hoseok raises a brow. “You sure? There’s nothing you wanna do as a couple today?”

“Couple?” Namjoon stills. Is that what we are now?

“Is that not what dating makes us?” Hoseok scratches his temple. “Maybe I got it wr-”

“Well…” Namjoon interjects. “There is one thing, but I don’t know…” he trails off, too shy to speak a fantasy to life. All the stories he’s been reading recently showed the couples walking hand in hand. It got him curious how his hand could feel in Hoseok’s.

“What is it?”

“I don’t want you only doing what I want, though.” Namjoon sniffles for the last time.

“If there’s anything I want to try I’ll let you know for our next date. How’s that sound?”

Next date. Namjoon likes the sound of that. His smile finally returns. “Call!” He raises a pinky for the promise.

Hoseok loops a pinky around Namjoon’s. “Good. So what is it you had in mind?”

Namjoon focuses on their locked deal between them. “I was kinda hoping to hold hands.” He quickly pulls his hand away. “But it’s okay, we don’t have to if that’s too much for you.”

Hoseok sighs as he reaches for the hand Namjoon pulled away. “Stop overthinking.”

Namjoon holds his breath for a second, watching Hoseok’s fingers card through his own, their palms hugging. Hoseok’s skin is soft and warm.

It’s all still surreal, but so perfect. Namjoon lets Hoseok lead the way back down the sidewalk towards his bike. Their steps begin to match in beat. Their arms graze. He doesn’t want the moment to end.

The sidewalk feels like clouds on the way to school. Namjoon’s steps are lighter than air, his first date with Hoseok replaying in his mind the whole trip. His imagination seems to run wilder than normal because he can still feel Hoseok’s skin on his palm.

His hand feels a squeeze, and in his ear a whisper, “Good morning.”

Namjoon shakes his head out of the clouds. He looks to his side, his hand intertwined to the one from his daydreams. “Hoseok,” he smiles. “Good morning.”

“Sleep well?”

Namjoon nods.

“Good morning, love birds!”

Startled, Namjoon pulls his hand free and shoves it in his pocket. Jin waves to them from ahead. Jimin seems to be not too far behind in tow.

“W-what’re you talkin’ about, Jin?” Namjoon scoffs in an attempt to play it off in front of Jimin.

The sight of Jimin lays a blanket of dread over Namjoon. He still has to find a way to break the news. He didn’t plan this to happen, but Jimin still has every right to break their friendship because of it.

Could Jimin ever trust me again?

Jin jogs up to them at the school entry and throws his arms around both Namjoon and Hoseok’s shoulders. “I saw y’all holding hands,” he whispers.

“Whaaat?” Namjoon scoffs again. “I just tripped and-and Hoseok was helping me.”

“So you were falling down at the theater, too?” Jin teasingly perks a brow.

“How do y-”

“Good morning, guys,” Jimin smiles as he approaches. “Have a good weekend?”

Was that a wink?

“Y-yeah, it was okay.” Namjoon clears his throat. “Just stayed in.”

“No, you d-” Namjoon elbows Hoseok in the side. Hoseok’s brows knit in confusion.

The four enter the school. The air around them feels odd, though. Namjoon can’t put a finger on it, but is everyone staring at them?

Maybe I’m overthinking again like Hoseok says.

Once their teacher leaves, the class erupts into chatter.

“Is it true?” Namjoon hears Yunjin whisper behind him.

“Didn’t you see the picture?” another student replies.

“If you got a question, just ask it upfront,” Jin suddenly shouts, hushing the whole room.

Namjoon meets Hoseok’s gaze as he looks around and mouths What’s going on?

Hoseok shrugs his shoulders.

Then the class president clears his throat. “As president I’ll speak for everyone just to get the chatter to stop.” He pointedly looks at Namjoon.

“Are you and Hoseok dating?”

Namjoon freezes. His heart pounds and his face feels hot. “Wh- Why are y-” He looks over to Jimin, who seems to be waiting with bated breath for an answer. His throat is starting to tighten, tears are starting to form. “N-Not, what d-”

“Yes.” Hoseok sternly answers. He gently covers Namjoon’s shaking hands with his own on top of Namjoon’s desk.

Gasps echo in the room. Namjoon shakes his head in an attempt to stop this moment from happening.

Hoseok nods in encouragement. “Yes, Namjoon and I are dating now.”

Namjoon tightly closes his eyes and tries to breathe. He has to beg Jimin for forgiveness now. He didn’t want to do it so soon, let alone in front of the whole class, but he has no choice if he wants to try to remain friends.

“I’m sorry, Jimin!” he shouts in the silence of the room, but he swears he heard his name, as well. Opening his eyes he sees Jimin bowing towards him.

“Why are you apologizing?” Namjoon asks bewildered. “I’m the one who stole your crush!”

“What are you talking about?” Jimin says with a chuckle.

“Your eraser…” Namjoon lowers his voice after noticing the whole class is still their audience. “You wrote S-E-O-K on it.”

Jimin blinks without a word as he processes. His eyes move between Namjoon and Hoseok until a light bulb seems to light from behind his eyes.

“Oh my goodness, Namjoon,” Jimin chuckles. “You mean this whole time you thought…” he trails off and covers his face with a hand, then after a breath looks back to Namjoon. “It was Seokjin, not Hoseok.”

Namjoon looks over to Jin, who smiles while knowingly raising both brows.

Jimin leans closer and whispers, “And thanks to you we’ve opened up about our feelings. We’re dating now, too.”

Namjoon’s eyes widen. Relief floods his veins. He can breathe again. He looks up to Hoseok, and around at all the staring eyes.

“Yes, Hoseok speaks the truth. We’re dating,” Namjoon shyly announces, anticipating arguments, but Hoseok’s warm hands ground him. He feels they can take on anything together.

Whistles and applause echo within the classroom.

“It’s about time,” Yunjin says from behind him.

Namjoon is taken aback at the response.

“We’re so happy for you guys,” the class president says. “Now, can we stop gossiping?”

The class agrees in unison while Namjoon chuckles to himself. He never could’ve imagined an outcome like this. Maybe he should stop reading fiction.

Throughout the rest of the day classmates congratulate Namjoon and Hoseok as they pass. It’s quite embarrassing, but Namjoon can’t stop smiling because Hoseok proudly grabs his hand after every message.

Namjoon ends up walking with Jimin at the end of the day as they head out to meet their boyfriends. He can’t believe it’s real. He feels even lighter than in the morning now that he’s sorted out the confusion with Jimin, but one thing’s been bugging him throughout the day still. “So what were you apologizing for earlier?” he asks Jimin.

“Oh, I was the one who saw you two at the theater,” Jimin replies through gritted teeth, but then quickly explains, “I took a picture only to show you how cute you two look together because I wanted to encourage you, but I ended up capturing you holding hands.”

“Oh…” Namjoon feels shy all of a sudden. He was too focused on Hoseok during their date to think of anyone else around them.

“In my excitement I shared it with Jin.” They reach outside where Hoseok and Jin are waiting, and Jimin continues, “Then this blabbermouth,” Jimin elbows Jin in the stomach, “sends it in the class group chat.”

Jin is rubbing his stomach. “I deleted it as soon as I realized, Mochimin,” he whines with pouted lips.

Jimin rolls his eyes. “You need to pay more attention to what you’re doing.”

Jin hugs Jimin from behind. “Like this?”

Jimin, embarrassed, pushes him away, but his smile doesn’t disappear.

“That explains the fuss this morning,” Hoseok adds.

“Well, no need to apologize. Neither of you did anything to be mean.” Namjoon looks at his friends, his heart warm and full. “Thanks for being my friends.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. See ya love birds tomorrow!” Jin pulls Jimin away with a wide wave.

Namjoon sighs.

“Ready to go home, Joonie?” Hoseok holds his hand out for Namjoon to hold.

Namjoon blushes at the nickname, but without hesitation he grabs Hoseok’s hand. “Yes, I’m ready for anything.”