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From his seat in the living room, Seokjin can see his cat, Bul, pawing at the front door. He glances at the clock. 3:15, he’s right on time.
Every day, often exactly at 3:15 in the afternoon, Bul begins to paw at the door, wanting to go out for his daily walk. It’s not a normal walk, either. It’s a walk that he takes on his own. Seokjin merely opens the door for him and closes it when he returns.
Bul has always been fairly well-behaved but he’s also curious. He enjoys exploring and getting out of his dad’s apartment but he also knows his dad is the one who feeds him every day. He’d never abandon that or the comfort of his moon-shaped bed.
Bul simply enjoys walking around the fourth floor, saying hello to those who pass him by, then returning to his home within the hour. Seokjin was hesitant to let him go alone at first, unsure if Bul would actually come home or not, but he always does.
It started as Seokjin taking him on walks with his harness and leash but soon enough, Bul proved he no longer needed such things. He enjoys roaming freely but he’ll always come home at the end of his adventures.
Most of the other residents know Bul by name, stopping to pet him if they see him. They all know which apartment he belongs to so if he ever gets in trouble, they know to bring him straight to Seokjin. However, they’ve never had to.
Should Bul ever encounter someone that hasn’t met him, though, he does wear a collar with Seokjin’s information on an ID tag. Seokjin can only recall one person having to use it but it was simply because they forgot which apartment Bul resided in.
Seokjin rises from his seat, walking over to his front door. He cracks it open, allowing Bul just enough room to worm his way out. “Be careful today!” Seokjin calls out to his cat. Bul only meows in return, as he normally does.
A typical adventure for Bul looks something like this: He’ll walk around their floor, roll around on the ground for a bit, maybe take a short cat nap, say hello to a few residents, then promptly return home.
Given that he has an hour before his cat makes his grand re-entrance, Seokjin decides to watch an episode of a drama that he’s been following. It’s the easiest way to waste time before Bul comes home.
Most times, Bul returns before the episode even ends but today is different. When the ending credits begin to roll, there’s still no sign of Bul. It’s not exactly a cause for concern, as Bul has been gone for longer than 45 minutes before so Seokjin decides to watch another episode.
And yet, nearly an hour later, Bul has still not returned. Seokjin isn’t worried, just a bit confused. He contemplates for a moment before deciding to investigate the whereabouts of his feline.
He walks over to the front door, poking his head out into the hallway. He looks left and sees nothing. He looks right and can’t help but laugh to himself. There, standing directly in front of someone’s door, is Bul.
Bul is staring at Seokjin’s neighbor’s front door, almost like he’s waiting for it to be opened for him. He must’ve confused this door for his own, thinking Seokjin locked him out without warning.
“Bul!” Seokjin calls out. Bul doesn’t look his way. Instead, he remains focused on the stranger’s door.
Seokjin knows most of the people that live on his floor, as they’re all well-acquainted with Bul and his adventures. However, this neighbor is new. They just moved in about two weeks ago and Seokjin hasn’t had the chance to introduce himself or Bul.
He sighs, stepping out into the hallway. He walks towards his cat, somewhat startling him. Bul was entranced by the door, for what reason Seokjin doesn’t know. At least, not until he stands as close as Bul is.
From inside, he can hear the softest, most delicate music playing. It sounds like a piano track but he can’t be too sure. Either way, he’s put the puzzle pieces together. Bul must’ve been distracted by the music, causing him to stop and stare for so long.
“Come on, Bul-ah, time to go home.”
Seokjin swiftly picks up his cat, prompting a meow to erupt from him. He fights to stay for just a moment longer but his cat strength is no match for Seokjin’s human strength. He carries him back to their apartment, closing the door with his foot.
“Staring at stranger’s doors is creepy, Bul!” Seokjin says to him as he scurries off to another room. He plops onto the couch, ready to resume watching the tv show. He shakes his head with a soft chuckle, “silly cat.”
The following day, at 3:14 p.m., Bul begins to paw at the front door, just as he always does. As is their routine, Seokjin opens the door, allowing his cat the freedom to roam the halls of his apartment complex.
When an hour passes and Bul still hasn’t returned, Seokjin grows curious. His mind flashes back to yesterday, how Bul stared with so much intent at his neighbor’s door. Maybe he’s there again, Seokjin thinks to himself.
Sure enough, as soon as Seokjin leans out into the hallway and looks right, he finds Bul laid out in front of his neighbor’s front door. He seems fairly comfortable, too. And there’s no telling how long he’s been there. It could’ve been five minutes, it could’ve been for the entire hour that he’s been gone. Who knows for sure?
Like yesterday, Seokjin goes to retrieve his pet, picking him up from his cozy spot on the floor. Again, he can hear soft piano music coming from inside the unit. If he had known Bul was so fond of pianos, he would’ve played that music for him a long time ago.
However, it would’ve been from a streaming app and not straight from the piano itself, which is what it sounds like is happening inside. The music is sweet and gentle, it’s no wonder Seokjin hasn’t been able to hear it from inside his own apartment.
In order to hear how beautiful the melody is, one must be right next to their front door, just as Bul has discovered. Despite how much he enjoys it, Seokjin can’t have his cat lingering outside someone’s door for this long. He carries him back home, shutting the door behind them.
This cycle continues for the next week and a half. On day four, Seokjin wanted to test his cat. After only twenty minutes of free time, Seokjin leaned into the hall, searching for any sign of Bul.
Sure enough, he was nestled up in front of the stranger’s door, half asleep. Seokjin couldn’t bear to remove him so he allowed Bul another thirty minutes of relaxing piano music before going to retrieve him.
Bul has never shown any interest in music but this stranger, Seokjin’s neighbor, has changed his mind. The melodic tune has softened every bit of Bul’s heart and mind, lulling him to sleep every time he hears it.
Every time Seokjin opens his door now, he knows where his cat will end up. He knows exactly where to find him. It becomes almost routine for Bul. The moment Seokjin opens the door, he heads straight for the neighbor’s door, hoping to hear the soft notes of the piano.
Seokjin has yet to introduce himself to his neighbor. He’s tried to catch them during their comings and goings but they keep missing one another. If his neighbor doesn’t know Bul and his tendency to wander the halls, stumbling upon him might startle them. Stumbling upon him outside their own door might surprise them even more.
Seokjin was hoping to avoid a situation like that but the universe had a different idea in mind.
It’s been exactly three weeks since the first time Seokjin caught Bul outside his neighbor’s front door. He’s slowly fallen in love with the music coming from next door, despite his father telling him he shouldn’t be staring at strangers' doors.
Bul left for his afternoon hallway walk only twenty minutes ago, meaning he shouldn’t be back for at least another half hour. Seokjin isn’t expecting any guests either so he’s a bit surprised when someone knocks on his door, which is quickly followed by Bul scurrying inside via the small crack Seokjin left for him.
Before Seokjin can reach his door, a head peeks into his apartment. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude.”
Seokjin feels his throat close and his chest tighten. Standing in the doorway of his apartment is the most beautiful human being he’s ever laid eyes on.
His hair is the perfect shade of honey, skin glowing as if the sun itself was shining down on him. His smile is radiant but incredibly shy. Seokjin has never been more entranced by another person before.
“I found your cat, Bul, in the hallway. I wanted to bring him home but he jumped from my arms before I could knock. I guess he knew where I was taking him.”
“Oh. Um, yeah, thank you.”
He nervously laughs and Seokjin, who has finally made it to where he’s standing by the door, can feel the tiny butterflies forming in his stomach. How can a person be so beautiful?
“He was actually asleep outside my door. It was a very sweet surprise as I was leaving.”
The dots finally connect for Seokjin. “You live next door, right? We’re neighbors?”
“I do! I’m Yoongi and if you’re Bul’s owner, that must make you Seokjin. I saw your name on his ID tag.”
Good to know that tag is actually useful for some.
“Yeah,” he nods. “I’m Seokjin.”
Yoongi smiles. His cheeks are like freshly baked bread, his skin golden. “It’s nice to formally meet you, Seokjin. Bul, too! He must’ve been quite sleepy to fall asleep outside my door. Do you let him out often?”
“Oh, um, yeah. I do. He likes to take walks around the floor. Though, lately, he’s been stopping outside your door. I think he enjoys the music that you play?”
“The piano!” Yoongi cheerfully answers. He quickly backtracks, “well, I assume it’s the piano. That’s the only music I’ve been playing. I didn’t realize it could be heard through the door, though.”
Seokjin nods his head. He’s heard the music for himself. He knew it was the piano or something very similar. Bul can’t get enough of it. “That’s it, yeah. Bulie really enjoys it. I didn’t know he was so fond of music until you moved in.”
Yoongi’s laughter is just as sweet as his appearance. Seokjin is barely holding it together. Yoongi is the kindest and warmest person he’s ever met. “Perhaps I should leave my door open for him, then. I’d hate to keep him from the music.” He pauses. “If that’s alright with you?”
“Of course. I’m sure he’d love that. Though, he might not want to leave. I’ve had to retrieve him from outside your door more than a few times.”
“I suppose you’ll just have to come over to get him, then. Maybe you can stay for a while, too? I don’t know if you enjoy the piano as much as Bul but I’d love the extra company.”
Seokjin feels like he’s been invited on a date. Even though he knows for a fact this wouldn’t be a date. It would just be a chance for Bul to hear the music that he’s grown to love up close and personal, rather than through a door.
It’s most definitely not a date.
Yoongi adds, “maybe… if you’re free… we could have a nice meal, too. I’m a pretty decent chef so I’d be happy to make something delicious for you to enjoy. We could get to know one another?”
Strike that. It is most definitely a date.
Seokjin attempts to respond but the words are lodged in his throat, forcing him to clear it in order to speak. He’s a nervous wreck in front of Yoongi. They’ve only just met. He shouldn’t have such a visceral reaction to everything Yoongi says or does but he can’t help himself.
If he had known someone as beautiful and as good-hearted as Yoongi was living next door, he would’ve introduced himself ages ago. He would’ve baked him a housewarming pie or something.
“Oh, y-yeah. That would be nice, Yoongi. I’d like that.”
“Great,” he says with a grin. “How’s tomorrow night sound? I’ll be out for the rest of the evening or else I’d offer to meet tonight.”
His heart is beating faster than ever before. “Tomorrow is great. Bul and I will look our best,” he tries to joke, cracking a quiet laugh.
Yoongi beams. “I’m sure you’ll look wonderful, Seokjin. Come over anytime after six, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” he softly repeats, smiling at Seokjin. Yoongi must know the effect his smile has on the pet owner. Seokjin is a blushing mess and Yoongi has a look of fond endearment in his eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Seokjin.”
Seokjin nods. “See you tomorrow, Yoongi.”
As soon as he closes his front door, Seokjin silently screams, fighting the urge to release any sound. Yoongi would be able to hear him and that alone would be enough embarrassment to last him an entire year. Maybe two.
Seokjin turns around, eyes searching the room for Bul. He finds him near his moon-shaped bed, beginning to climb into it and make himself comfortable. He walks over to his cat, squatting down beside him. He pets Bul’s head, bringing forth sweet purs.
“You silly, piano-loving stalker. You somehow managed to get your dad a date tomorrow night.” Bul quietly meows. “You’re something so very special, Bul-ah.”
The following day, promptly at 6:00, Seokjin gathers his things, Bul included, and mentally prepares himself for the night ahead. He can’t back out. He’s already agreed to meet Yoongi. Plus, they’re neighbors. If he doesn’t show up, Yoongi will likely come looking for him. He has to do this.
With Bul in his arms, he exits his apartment unit, making the ten second walk down the hallway to Yoongi’s. With a shaky hand and even shakier breath, he knocks twice, hoping that alone will be enough to alert Yoongi.
Moments later, the door opens and Yoongi appears. He's dressed in a white button-up shirt and a pair of light-wash denim jeans. He looks so relaxed yet so well put together. Seokjin is wearing something similar, though he opted for a nice black shirt rather than a button-up.
Before he can greet his neighbor, Bul jumps out of Seokjin’s arms and runs straight into Yoongi’s place. Oddly, he saunters right over to Yoongi’s piano, exploring the area.
Yoongi chuckles, “has he ever seen a piano before?”
“Not at all. He’s just very smart.”
“I’m sure he gets that from his dad.”
If Yoongi continues to compliment him like this, it’s going to be a very long and difficult night for Seokjin. He nervously laughs, nodding. “Maybe.”
“Why don’t you come in? I’ve made us something delicious,” Yoongi giddily says.
“Sure,” he answers, stepping inside.
Truthfully, Seokjin doesn’t remember much of dinner. He only knows Yoongi complimented him more than enough times. He’s pretty sure Yoongi called him ‘cute’ in passing, too. After the fourth set of overly kind words, Seokjin blacked out.
His cheeks are beet red and burning hot from blushing so much. Yoongi must know. He must see it. He hasn’t stopped smiling at Seokjin since the moment he walked through the front door.
The only thing that has kept Seokjin sane throughout this night is Bul. Every time he finds himself too nervous to speak, he looks to Bul, using him as a distraction. He’s the perfect one, too. It’s very easy to focus on a cat and his silly antics instead of the personification of honey sitting in front of him.
As soon as they move from the dining table to the piano, Seokjin understands.
He understands why Bul has fallen so deeply for this stranger. Yoongi plays the piano so delicately. His moves are so precise and chosen with such care. The way his fingers move from key to key leaves Seokjin in a trance.
Not to mention the music itself is so beautiful. It’s like honey. Sweet. Seokjin doesn’t know what song he’s playing but he never wants it to end. He never wants any of this to end.
During the musical piece, Seokjin eyes Bul, who is gazing at Yoongi. Sensing his father is watching, Bul murmurs a soft meow, wondering what his father might need. Seokjin can only smile at his furry friend.
If it wasn’t for Bul, Yoongi and Seokjin likely wouldn’t have met. At least not for some time. And certainly not like they did. Seokjin wouldn’t be here right now, falling for the guy next door.
Slowly, the song comes to an end and Yoongi turns on his bench to face Seokjin. “Well, what did you think?”
“Play another,” Seokjin subconsciously answers. “Please.”
Yoongi blushes, eyes turning into crescents. “For you? Anything.”
Seokjin doesn’t recall what time he returned home that night. If he did at all.