Chapter Text
As if there's no such thing as tomorrow
As if there's no such thing as a ''next time''
Right now, everything in front of my eyes except for you
Is a pitch-black darkness for me
“Don't forget that that reflection paper about Greek mythology is due next week. Make sure to pick out your favorite god or goddess so you’ll have fun while writing it out.”
“Yes, Mr. Kim! ,” the students responded in chorus.
“Then, that’ll be all. Class dismissed, and have a fun weekend,” Namjoon announces with a smile on his face.
The students started packing their own stuff while some immediately rushed out already prepared to leave. Namjoon started to fix his table too, arranging the papers the students messily stacked just earlier. No matter how many times Namjoon has repeatedly done this, it doesn’t feel boring to him. Teaching high school students is never repetitive. Yes, the lessons are always the same, but every student is interesting, and knowing different students makes his career interesting.
As the last student left after yelling a “Bye, sir! ”, Namjoon started turning off everything, closed the door, grabbed his laptop, and started walking towards the faculty. It was a long way, but thankfully it was at the same building.
Namjoon finally gets to the faculty, and Jimin, his best friend and an elementary teacher, is already sitting at his desk looking through—picking out—his sticky notes posted on his table.
“Hey, put those back and move.”
Jimin finally looks up at him and shows him one of his sticky notes. “You already have a plan on September 15 but none on September 12?” he nags as he stands up.
Namjoon lets out a helpless smile.
“I’ve already told you. Jin told me that he already planned it out for us,” Namjoon said, bragging.
“You still believe him after missing out on Christmas, New Year's, and even Valentine's? ” Jimin questioned while listing it out with his fingers. Normally, Namjoon would be the smartest in the room and would be the most rational one too, but not during this type of argument.
Namjoon opened his laptop as their back-and-forth continued. “He did miss it, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t put in effort, okay? He made sure I felt treasured during those moments.”
“Hyung. You sound hella dumb right now,” Jimin said with a straight face.
Namjoon just shook his head while closing all the tabs on his laptop and turning it off. He didn’t want to respond to that because he himself didn’t think that there would come a time when those kinds of statements would come out of his mouth. Jimin is right. Even if Jimin didn’t voice his opinion, he knew that missing out on all those occasions should be enough reason to doubt if Jin had indeed prepared something for his birthday and, most importantly, if he would show up.
He was always so understanding. He knew that being a husband to a very popular singer meant that he would not be there most of the time. Ever since Seokjin expressed his dreams to Namjoon, he was on board. Namjoon supported him from the start, and he will continue to support him no matter what happens.
During those times Jin couldn't spend those occasions with him, he would show off his love for him through flowers, notes on their bedside table, thoughtful gifts, and sometimes, if Jin really has the time, they'd do a Video call. Namjoon would never admit it to Jimin, but it stung because no gift can replace Jin’s presence. Even if they spent the whole day with just ramen and the TV on, if it meant being together, Namjoon would feel ecstatic.
They used to do those… but Namjoon knows… he understands.
Jimin just stood quietly as Namjoon stopped responding to him. He knows if Namjoon has fallen into a deep thought. His lips would go into a straight line, and his eyes would suddenly be sharper. Jimin sighs in defeat, “Hyung… I’m not saying not to expect him not to be there, but at least guard your heart more… and if the worst does happen, just hit me up, okay? ”
“Yes, yes, I know. You’re literally the only person who I can celebrate my birthday with.”
“There’s Taehyung too…? ”, Jimin suggests.
Namjoon looks at Jimin as if he's the dumb-sounding one now. Jimin realizes something and says, “Oh right, he's an actor now. I couldn't get used to that.”
“Honestly, me too.” Namjoon agrees as he finally packs his stuff ready to go home, “Who knew painting could land you an acting job? ”
Jimin shrugs and starts walking out of the faculty with Namjoon, “Who even knew he could act? ”
“Definitely not us,” Namjoon says, and the both of them chuckle. They both went on a different topic as they accompanied each other to go home.
༻✧༺
“Namjoon! Namjoon! My song’s trending! It's all over the internet! ”
Namjoon, who just woke up, took a second to comprehend what he just said, and then it hit him. His eyes went wide, and he looked at Jin’s phone as Jin showed it to him.
“Holy shit—1 million views?! Hyung! Congrats! ” Namjoon exclaimed in joy.Jin started jumping up and down. Namjoon joined him as well until the both of them just embraced each other.
Jin didn't notice how Namjoon’s eyes looked at him tenderly. He knew how hard Jin worked for everything up until now. His dedication towards his passion finally shined through. Namjoon always knew the Jin’s destined for greatness. His star is finally getting the recognition that he deserves.
As they kept the embrace, Jin's hands on his waist, Namjoon whispers, “I'm so proud of you, Hyung. I love you.”
“Namjoon-ah, I love you too… so much. You've always been there for me; I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you,” Jin whispers back, pecking Namjoon on his lips.
If Namjoon could melt, he would've evaporated on the spot; he gives a quick peck back. Jin smiles then chuckles. He then proceeded to hold Namjoon by the nape and finally do a deep kiss.
Oh, how they love each other.
Buzz… Buzz… Buzz…
The sound from his phone’s alarm woke him up.
Namjoon looked to his left… No matter how many months it's been, he couldn't get used to the way Jin just wasn't there sleeping beside him. Their bed wasn't that big… but right now, it is.
It is big… and cold. Tears started welling up on his eyes.
Oh, how he misses him so much.