Chapter Text
“Ok, everyone, please take your seats. Class will begin in just a moment,” said the teacher. It was the middle of the semester and I was already ready for the year to be over so I could go home and relax. This was my 3rd year in college and while things had been running smoothly, it was soooo boring. I sat down in the middle of the classroom, my regular spot. Not too close to the teacher and not too far from the exit. I began to drift off into sleep as the class began and I sat with my textbook on the desk. Suddenly, a new person walks in. I had never seen this man on campus before and I was sure I probably wouldn’t have been able to overlook such a handsome (and quite sexy) young man. “Everyone, I would like you to meet our newest student: Mr. Kim Namjoon. He’s a South Korean exchange student and I would like it if you all welcomed him to the class,” said the teacher. I stared at him wide-eyed as he stood there in all his glory. He truly was a sight to behold. Nearly 6 feet tall, he was so muscular, his hair was cut short and dyed a deep blond, his dark dragon-like eyes scanned the room before eventually stopping on me. I felt the world stop and my heart began pounding loudly in my ears as he briskly and gracefully made his way to the seat next to me. I caught a whiff of his scent...an intoxicating vanilla. Throughout the day, I couldn’t help but glance at the new student every now and again. He was absolutely stunning and through class, he proved to be an amazingly intelligent student as well. Once in a while I caught him glancing at me but I dismissed it...even if it did feel like I was floating on air each time.
When lunchtime came around, I stood up and picked up your backpack. Before he could leave I ran up and grabbed a hold of his arm. “Hey! Namjoon? Um...it’s nice to meet you. I’m Lyiana. I uh...welcome to the school,” I stuttered, holding out my hand.
“Lyiana you say? Such a beautiful name...and thank you. It’s nice to meet you too and I’m happy to be here,” he said with a stunningly bright smile.
“So uh...I was wondering if maybe....oh I don’t know...you um...you wanna go grab some coffee? I-I know this little cafe down by the mall. Me and my friends go there a lot. I think you’d really like it,” I said, looking down and playing with my hands.
“Sure! I think that would be nice,” he said.
“Cool...cool...I uh...you wanna walk down together? With me? I mean...if that’s ok? Is that ok? Let me stop talking. You probably don’t want to-...do you?” I stuttered out again, looking like a complete fucking fool.
“That would be nice too,” he said, grinning at my silliness. We walked to the café together and I just couldn’t help but gaze at him. He was so handsome. Like...did God just take all the handsome in the world and put it in this one guy? Because it sure seemed like he did. He almost seemed majestic as the sun beamed on his beautiful brown skin and twickled in those bright brown eyes.
We finally made it to the café and thank God, my best friends Jungkook and Rena were waiting there for us. While I admit, I wouldn’t mind being alone with Mr. Kim Namjoon for a minute or two if you catch my drift, I didn’t think I was quite ready to be alone with him just yet. Jungkook and I had known each other since the last year of highschool. His parents had moved here after his dad found a new job at the same place my mom worked so we got to see each other often in and out of school. Rena had been my best friend since preschool. We knew basically everything about each other and when I texted her about a new guy, she knew she had to see this train wreck for herself. Asshole but she was my asshole. They were chatting away when we walked in and suddenly stopped dead when their eyes caught Namjoon. For the first time in 22 years, I think Rena actually was speechless. “Namjoon. These are my friends Rena and Jungkook. But sometimes we call him Kookie,” I said, smiling and winking at Jungkook.
“Hey! That’s embarrassing,” Jungkook said, blushing away. Such a shy boy. I nearly giggled until Rena walked up.
“Holy fucking shit. She was telling the truth,” she said, walking around Namjoon...a little too close.
“Rena! You’re scaring the shit outta him! Stop it before someone hits you,” I scolded.
“Just checking to see if this was some kind of sick trick. Last time you called a guy “hot”, he was anything and “not”,” she teased.
“RENA! Holy fuck! Why do you talk so fucking much?!” I nearly yelled, feeling myself blushing. I heard Namjoon behind me let out a low chuckle that almost made me drop to my knees. In more ways than one. If you know, you know. “UH...why don’t we find a table huh? It’s hot and we’re all tired right? RIGHT?” I said glaring at Rena who gave that same ugly little smirk she always did whenever she knew she was getting under my skin. They say never hit a person with glasses but sometimes I wish I could hit her with her glasses. “Here’s one over by the window. It will get Lyiana a better look at her new boy toy,” Rena teased.
“Rena, I swear to God, you are one word away from me punting you into the deepest darkest depths of hell with one smack to the face. Do you understand me?” I fumed. She just giggled but thank heavens Namjoon didn’t hear her say that shit. He was preoccupied with Jungkook. Whatever they were talking about must have been pretty exciting because Jungkook was smiling the hardest I had ever seen him smile in a while. I loved his smile. It always reminded me of a bunny and feel like he knew that because he always smiled whenever he knew he fucked up and he always got away with everything. It was kinda cute.
We sat down at the table and started chatting while we drank our coffee. “Sooo...Namjoon. Seen anybody particularly interesting on campus?” Rena asked.
“Holy fuck, Rena, the man just got here. Can he just roam the campus in peace just once?” I said, rolling my eyes.
“No, it’s ok. I haven’t really noticed anyone particularly “outstanding” yet but I couldn’t help but notice there are many beautiful women at this school,” he said with that damned beautiful smile again. I knew he likely wasn't talking about me, I look like a fucking bag of beans with makeup smeared on it, but it felt nice to think about it. “Shame...I’m sure there’s a few young ladies around here who would just love to have a bit of attention from you,” Rena jested. Jungkook nearly choked on his coffee. Namjoon blushed and I could feel myself turning a shade of red I didn’t even think was possible. “Well from what I’ve heard, there’s someone who’s already got their eye on me,” Namjoon said, looking at me with that DAMNED smile AGAIN. Me. Fucking me. I wanted to disappear. If it weren’t for my nails, I probably would have ripped the hair straight from my head but sometimes, stiletto nails are a blessing. I could tell both Rena and Jungkook were smiling at each other even though I covered my face. They liked to see me suffer. That’s the only reason they behaved they way they did.
“Ah shit! I got an 11:30 class to get to. I’ll see you all later,” Rena said, springing up from the table.
“It’s only 11:15 and you don’t have an 11:30 class,” Jungkook protested.
“You’re right, Jungkook. I don’t have an 11:30 class. WE have an 11:30 class. You know...the one with Mr. Billiard. On the other side of the campus. Far away from here…”she said through her teeth. What the fuck is she up to? “Oh...OH! Right, right. Mr. Billiard. Yeah... definitely don’t wanna be late for that,” Jungkook said, grabbing his backpack and standing up.
“We’ll see you two later,” Rena said with an innocent little smile. This bitch here. She was gonna leave me here. With him. “Rena?” I said sweetly.
“Hm, beloved?” she said back sweetly, batting her eyes.
“Don’t let your ‘fro get stuck in the door this time,” I said with just the right amount of salt.
“Don’t worry about me, booboo. Worry about that itch you try so hard to take care of at night,” she sneered with a smirk. She stuck her tongue out and I stuck out mine. That’s just how we worked.
I was so relieved when she finally left with Jungkook but now I was alone until class time with...Namjoon. “You 3 really seem to get along well,” he joked.
“After all of these years, you would think they would have better manners but nope. Here we are,” I sighed.
“It’s ok. They’re just curious and concerned about their friend. I actually have 2 brothers who are quite like them,” he said with a chuckle.
“God, if they are anything like those 2, I’m not religious but I will pray for you,” I said with a slight laugh.
He laughed at the thought and I could help but smile. He had a contagious kind of laugh. I liked it. No. Shut up. I fucking loved it. He’s perfect.
We decided to make our way back to class and before we knew it the day was over. We were assigned a team project and holy fuck well would you look at that? Me and Namjoon ended up being partners. Predictable as fuck right? Well at least I got to spend more time with him outside of class, even it it was just for some dumb history project. He seemed like a nice guy anyway. It’d be nice to get to know him a bit more. I already knew he was super hot and apparently had a lot in common with Jungkook which, not going lie, scared to me a certain amount, but hey. At least Jungkook had another guy to hang out with now besides just our other friend Min Yoongi. We all loved Yoongi but sometimes he seemed so...sleepy. Like me but to a new degree. As we were about to leave, the teacher called both of us over. Wonder what this was about. Hopefully not changing partners. No thank you. I’m perfectly fine with the one I have. “Liyana. I know this might make you a bit uncomfortable (uh-oh) but I have some unexpected news for the both of you. (fuck fuck fuck fuck) Lyiana, I know you enjoy having an apartment all to yourself (what?) but because of the shortage in rooms and dorms, the placement managers were forced to place Mr. Kim in the same apartment as you. Now I know this is unusual, especially to have two people of the opposite sex to share a dorm but I’m sure with time you both can find a way to make yourselves comfortable. And! And...if it’s too much within a week, I will talk to the managers about potentially finding a new arrangement,” the teacher said as calmly as possible.
Share an apartment? With Namjoon? The hottest man in my school? I mean yee-fucking-haw but holy fucking shit. We looked at each other in surprise and stared at each other for a moment. “I don’t think that will be a problem but as long as she’s ok with it…”Namjoon started.
“Me? I-I guess I’m fine with it. It’ll take some getting used to having another person in my room (especially a man I had just met) but I think we can work it out,” I said, trying to sound convincing. I had to convince myself more that this wasn’t some kind of sick dream and not reality.
“Well alright...but as I said, if it gets too uncomfortable for either one of you, let me know,” the teacher said. Well. This would definitely make the project a lot easier. As for everything else...well shit.
“Come on, Namjoon. I’ll drive us to the apartments,” I said. We walked down the stairs to the parking lot without a word the whole way. Fucking say something pleeease. I left him at the exit as I went to go find my little white Honda Civic. A nice little gift to myself. I rolled up on the side and picked him up. “You can just shove all that shit in the backseat, I’ll make sure to take it out later,” I said, pointing at the pile of extra clothing sitting in my passenger seat. He shrugged and threw it all back as he climbed in. Holy shit he was in my car. “I never would have taken you for the yoga kind,” he said with a smirk as we pulled off.
“Oh holy shit you saw those? Yeah I uh...my sister-in-law got me into it. I’m not really good at it but it helps with my back I guess,” I said calmly. I guess not calmly enough because he noticed my knuckles turning white as I gripped the steering wheel for dear life.
“Hey, it’s ok. Nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m not exactly flexible myself. But maybe one day you can show me some of your moves,” he said. He was staring straight at the road but I could have sworn I saw him bite his lip. He bit his lip. I fucking knew it. I could feel it. He bit his fucking lip. Damn he had some gorgeous ass lips. Oh fuck! Right. Focus on the road, Liyana.
I turned into the parking lot and parked in my usual spot. I didn’t really have to because no one was here but me and now Namjoon but it felt right. We hopped out of the car and I helped Namjoon with his extra bags. I guess the movers had stopped by and dropped off his things. They couldn’t get in because I’m the only one with a key and frankly, I never liked the idea of other people in my home while I was out.
Namjoon sat all of his things in the living room and stopped for a moment. I walked in and almost stopped, dropped, and rolled my way into Hell. All day Namjoon had on this little white hoodie and now he had taken it off, standing in my living room in a plain white tee that was so tight, it might as well have been paint. I tried not to stare but holy fuck how do you NOT? He closed his eyes and brushed his hair back, letting out a deep breath. Holy fuck he was beautiful. So so beautifu-...well fuck he saw me. He smirked as he walked toward me. I felt my body tense as he took his left hand and placed his fingers under my chin, bringing my face up to meet his. I stared into his eyes and felt my soul leave my body instantly. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you? It’s not nice to stare,” he said in a low, deep voice. He let go of my face and walked outside. I stood there, still astounded and speechless, my mouth hanging open. Usually my pride would have told me to fight back but for some odd reason, I just didn’t have the right thing to say. I usually protest people touching me so for him to get that close was...different. I shook it off and started moving some of his things to the spare room next to mine. He came back in and helped me and I left him to do his unpacking.
After a few hours, about 9 o’clock, I came to check and see how he was doing. I knocked on his door and waited. I heard some rustling around and after a minute or so, he came and opened the door with a bright smile on his face. Dimples. I hadn’t noticed it before but he had dimples. Oh great. Just what I needed right now. “Come on in. I’m just finishing up,” he said, ushering me in.
“Oh woooow! Namjoon! I love your room! It’s so...rustic and at the same time kinda vintage. I like that,” I said, marveling at his decor.
“Well thank you. It’s not much but it reminds me of my room back home,” he said with a sad smile. Oh that’s right. I had forgotten about that part. I walked over and sat on the bed next to him. He let out a heavy sigh and stared at the floor. I felt so bad but I didn’t know what to do to show it. Damn. I was never great at comforting people but I decided I had to do something. I slowly, not too slowly… reached my hand over his shoulder and gave him a tight hug. Wasn’t really sure if that was the right way to go but I hoped it worked. He shuddered under my touch and let out a deep breath. “It’s ok to cry you know?” I said, still holding onto him. My little arms barely fit around him but at the moment, he seemed to fit so perfectly into my grasp as he began to relax and cry. He cried. Oh my gawd he cried. I sat there and held him. Just held him in my arms. I heard him sniffle a few times and patted him on the back as he sat up. “I-I’m so sorry. I don’t usually cry like that. I promise,” he said with a light chuckle, tears still falling from his eyes.
“There’s no need to be sorry for that. Everyone needs to cry sometimes. You miss home. It’s understandable,” I said. He looked at me and nodded. All I could do was give him a sad smile. “You’re a really sweet person, Liyana. Most people wouldn’t sit here and watch a grown man cry. Much less comfort him,” he said.
“It’s alright. Hey look. It’s getting pretty late and I’m sure you’re tired, I know I am, so why don’t you get some sleep. It’s been a long day especially for you, so it’s better if you get some rest,” I said standing up to leave.
“Hey wait,” he said, standing up.
“Huh?” I asked, turning around to see him walking over to me. I stopped dead as he wrapped me in a tight embrace, laying his chin on my shoulder. Holy fucking fuck. “Thank you,” he said next to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
“N-no problem,” I said, smiling silly. He let go of me and I rushed out of the room and into mine as quickly as I possibly could without looking too suspicious. Holy shit, holy shit, holy fucking shit. I snatched my phone out of my back pocket and texted Rena:
Girl holy fucking shit this man just hugged and girl I feel LIFE
Rena: I told u u had a thing for him
Girl stfu it wasn’t even nothing like that
Rena: um dafuq u mean “it wasn’t even nothing like that”
He was cryin so u knoe I just gave him a hug and talked to him or whatevr
Rena: so you hugged HIM
Yes bitch yes. wht was I gonna do??? let him cry?
Rena: u coulda said sumn WITHOUT hugging him but ok
You always on sum differnt shit
Rena: bitch did he touch you or nah because it’s like 11 at night and i got class
He did but like i got scared
Rena: you a pussy gn
Whatever ugly you just mad gn
Well that was pointless but I mean...I really don’t expect much from Rena. Jungkook maybe? I decided to text him because I knew he would be awake.
Hey buddy
Jungkook: hey
Can i ask you sumnthing
Jungkook: shoot it at me whts up
Nun rlly but am i a nice person???
Jungkook: u txted me at 11 at night 2 ask if ur a good person?
Maybe
Jungkook: y
Namjoon had a bit of a moment and he said something about me being a “sweet person” and i just need to know if he was fr or was he like…
Jungkook: flirting????
Yeah
Jungkook: that’s btween u 2 but dont look 2 much into it.
Thank u Kookie
Jungkook: np gn bestie
gn bestie
Ok so he was slightly more helpful. I could always count on my Kookie. I laid my phone on the bed and ran into the bathroom to take a quick shower. Kookie had a point. Maybe I was thinking too much into it. I mean it was just a simple thing. He was upset. I get that. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it for some reason.
After I got out of the shower I dried off and wrapped my towel around my body. I brushed my teeth and wrapped my hair before going back to my room and sitting on my bed. I was flipping through my phone notifications when I heard a bit of commotion come from Namjoon’s room. I didn’t want to be nosy but I’m a nosy person so it didn’t really bother me that much. I slipped on my silk blue nightgown and tiptoed across the hall. I put my ear up to the door. I could hear him moving something around and while that didn’t really concern me, what I heard him say did. I guess he was on the phone but he was obviously talking to someone. “Ugh Tae. You just don’t understand. She’s amazing. I know it’s only been a day but...I know! Give it time, Tae. I’ll prove I made the right decision. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Gotta go. Bye,” he said to whoever he was talking to. “Amazing”? Who was he talking about? Me? Our history teacher? Someone else? I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard his footsteps getting closer. I was about to back up and run but I froze as soon as he opened the door. Damn. He caught me. “You know it’s not nice to listen to other people’s conversations,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“O-oh..oh shit I am...so sorry. You know what? Lemme just...I’ll go now. Sorry,” I stuttered, looking down and turning around to leave. Before I could even take a step in the opposite direction, he grabbed me by my shoulder. Holy FUCK . I turned around to meet his gaze. His eyes burned through my very soul and if that wasn’t even enough, he was standing right in front of me completely shirtless. Oh...fuck. “It’s alright. I was just talking to my brother. I’m not sure how much you heard but I meant what I said. I do think you’re amazing,” he said with a smile. That damned dimpled smile. I was wheeled. Beyond wheeled. I was FLOORED. “I-...uh um...I-I-I gotta...you know it...I-...Thank you,” I stammered, stumbling away to my room like an idiot.
I got in my room and slammed the door behind me, locking it for extra security. Just in case. I plopped down on my bed and groaned. LOUDLY. He said I was amazing. He fucking said...I was amazing. It’s hard to tell that about someone you just met that day but I was feeling the same way about him too. As hard as it was for me to admit at the moment. I didn’t want to feel like a little schoolgirl with some stupid ass crush on some guy I had just met but it seemed like he was returning the feeling so it couldn’t be that bad right? I shook it out of my head. “We’re just new friends, roommates, classmates and that’s all we’ll ever be,” I thought to myself. I laid my phone down on the little nightstand next to my bed and fell asleep much quicker than usual.