Hidden Behind A Smile (JIN) CH5 - The Message

Hidden Behind a Smile (JIN) CH5 - The Message

(SEOKJIN POV)

I walk into the shop, immediately noticing Y/N slumped over at the register. I walk over.

"Hey! How'd the fan meet go?"

"Ugh," she groans, "I totally embarrassed myself in front of Jin. Again. Last night was a whirlwind of emotions."

"Really? What happened?" I ask.

"So, the other members all went fine, but when I saw Jin I like, stopped breathing?" She chuckles, "He was so gorgeous, you wouldn't even understand, J. He was wearing this red shirt, anyways! So when I got to him, I was so focused on him that I wasn't looking where I was going and totally tripped in front of everyone."

"Oh no!" I said, grinning like a fool beneath my mask that she thought I was so attractive she tripped.

"He was super nice about it though! We joked for a bit and then he signed my album. He was even more amazing than I thought he'd be..." She trails off.

"Is that it?" I question. Surely she noticed my note, right?

"Yep! That's all." She smiles, "It was great though! Thank you so much for the tickets."

"Did you read what he-, what the members wrote to you?" I'm completely fishing at this point. Saturday is tomorrow! I need her to read it if my plan is to work!

"No, I figured they just write their signature or something"

"Really? Well I heard that they write little notes on the photo books. I've seen screenshots of people who's idols even asked them out or gave the fan their phone number! Hey, maybe Jin asked you out!" I tease.

"Oh please, why would Jin like me? He could have any girl."

But I want you...

"Just sayin'. It's worth checking, right?"

"I guess." She mumbles, "Stop getting my hopes up though! I'm just happy that I was able to meet him at all. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to work."

I sigh and leave the shop. What if she doesn't read it in time? What if she's disappointed and doesn't show up? What if she realizes it's me and doesn't like me at all anymore?

———————

(YOUR POV)

I clock out of my shift and walk home. On the way, I think about what J had said.

What was that about? Was he trying to tell me something? He seemed so serious about reading the messages...

I brush it off as I walk through my door. After putting my stuff away, I sit down at my desk where I left the album yesterday. Opening up the photo book, I begin reading what they wrote. I laugh and smile reading through them. Memories from yesterday fill my mind and I gush at the amazing experience.

After reading all the others, I flip to Jin's page. Before I begin, I think back to what J said. What if he did ask me out?

"Don't be silly, Y/N. That sort of thing only happens in fan fiction."  Say out loud. I start to read the page.

Dear Y/N,

Thank you so much for listening to our music and coming to the signing today! Your support means the word to us. I'd like to see you again. Wanna meet at Lotte World this Saturday at 10:00 am?

I'll be waiting for you,

Your Jinnie

If it wasn't on the desk, I would have dropped the book. Jin, THE Jin, wants to meet ME? A random girl who couldn't even afford the tickets to the fan sign? Some worker at a convenience store? Me? He wants to meet me at Lotte World?

"Wait, Friday, Saturday, tomorrow.." I mumble to myself, "TOMORROW IS THE DAY I'M SUPPOSED TO MEET HIM?" I practically scream.

I rush to my closet and flip through the clothes.

"No, no, no, not good enough!!" I yell.

I crumble to the floor. Not because I can't find something to wear, but because the reality of the situation hit me.

"If anything he just thought I was cute, and when he gets to know me he'll find out I'm a total weirdo with 7,000 pictures of him on my phone." Right as I say that, my phone buzzes. I'm relieved to find that J had messaged me.

J: I know you're off your shift by now. Did your sweetheart leave you a message? 😉

Me: J.., This is crazy

J: What? Did he actually?

Me: He asked me to meet him at Lotte World tomorrow..

J: Oh wow! It looks like your crush finally noticed :) congrats!

Me: No!! This is a problem! He's gonna meet me and think I'm insane!

J: And why would he think that?

Me: I can't believe I'm telling this to you...

Me: I have like- a million photos of him,

Me: He's my phone lock screen,

Me: I didn't even buy the ticket myself,

J: I don't see why he wouldn't like you because of THAT

Me: I'm friends with this weird guy named J,

J: Hey! You take that back! I'm the only reason you get to go on a date with Jin tomorrow 😡

Me: You're just jealous because you wish it was you on a date with me ;)

J: Nope. A date with Jin, though, I am jealous of that.

I laugh and set my phone down on my bed. J always has a weird ability of making me feel better. I decide to go to bed to be sure that I'm well rested before my date tomorrow.

Coffee and Violets (SUGA) CH1 - Hoseok

    You glance up after hearing the bell ring, signaling someone came into the cafe. A boy with dark hair and a bright smile walks in.

    "Hello! What can I get for you today?" you greet.

    "Could I get a caramel macchiato?" He asks.

    "Yep! Will that be for here or to go?"

    "To go, please." He responds.

    You begin to make his drink as he leans against the counter. Soon enough his drink is ready and you package it up, sliding it across the counter to him.

    "Thanks!" He takes a sip of it, "Hey, this is really good! I'll have to come here more often."

    "Thank you!" you respond, proud of your skills.

    "Actually, I've been meaning to bring this up the whole time, but I run the flower shop right next door."

    "No way!" You respond, genuinely surprised. You guess you had a blind spot for that shop, you never bothered to check it out.

    "I'm sorry I never came by! I guess I should introduce myself then. My name is Y/N"

    "Nice to meet you Y/N! I'm Hoseok."

    You two talked about running businesses, funny exchanges with customers, and the struggles of living on your own. Since it was a slower afternoon in the cafe, you welcomed the conversation.

    "So, do you run this place all by yourself?" He asked, tilting his head.

    "Yeah. I tried getting someone else working here once, but it didn't work out too well." you answer. He nods in response.

    "Do you run your shop by yourself?" You ask him.

    "Actually no!" He responds, "I run it with my friend Yoongi. We've known each other for years now, so we work pretty well together."

    "That's awesome!" You say, "It must be nice having a friend you've known for so long"

    There's a pause in the conversation while he seems stuck on what to say. You notice and add, "I'm just kind of introverted, is all. I had a best friend I was really close with in elementary school!"

    "What happened to them?"

    "We drifted apart in middle school. Once we went into high school, she moved away."

    "I'm sorry to hear that..," He says.

    "We weren't really into the same things anymore. I was busy with my writing, she was caught up with other things. We'd only call every few months and when we did, we'd have nothing to talk about."

    "I see" He said before taking a sip of his drink.

    "I'm sorry for rambling on so much! We don't need to have a pity party, that was years ago. I'd be glad to have new friends though. Maybe you can be one?" You trail off, a little embarrassed at your directness.

    "Of course! Let me give you my number."

    You pull out your phone and he types in his number. He sends a quick text to himself before grabbing his own phone to save the contact.

    "You said you were a writer?" He asks.

    You nod in response. "I have been since I was young, but as I got older I became consumed in my fictional worlds. I'd always be drafting new plots or naming new characters. Sometimes I'd even draw my own characters, though I'm not much of an artist" You laugh.

    "That's so cool! I'd love to read your work sometime!"

    "Yeah! That'd be nice" You respond.

    "Alright. I better get back to the shop, but I'll talk to you again soon, 'kay? Maybe next time I can bring Yoongi along."

    "Sure! Enjoy your drink" You smile.

    He leaves the shop and you sigh to yourself, delving into your thoughts. That was so much fun, I haven't had a conversation like that in forever. Maybe it'll be nice having a new friend to talk to.

You pull out your phone and check your recent messages. His name had been saved as 'Hoseok :)'. You laugh to yourself. "His positive vibe sure is contagious."

Written in the Pages (RM) CH1

 𝄆𝄞 Late January, 2013 𝄇

I wrap my scarf loosely around my neck and step out of the house. I stare down at the familiar path of bricks under my feet as I walk to school. The sky is the same shade of gray and despite the brisk wind, there are no leaves on the trees to be rustled.

When I get to school, I sit down at the back of the room and pull out my book to read. My classmates bicker around me but I don't look up, lest I be reminded of my own loneliness. I shut my book tightly once the bell rings, noticing someone sitting only a few desks in front of me. It was Namjoon. I had liked him since around November but learned better than to get my hopes up. He wouldn't even be friends with someone like me. It's not that he was necessarily popular, but he did have some friends. I rarely spoke, so he most likely didn't know my name.

Lessons began and I tried to keep myself from staring. It isn't like anyone would really notice though, as I am in the back corner. It's better if I don't encourage myself and just suppress these feelings like I always have.

Soon enough my classes are over and I'm walking back home. As I go, I notice two girls around my age chatting with each other. They're laughing and seem to be having such a good time, I can't help but feel envious. I haven't had a best friend like that in such a long time. I only start to feel worse listening to what they're saying.

"I know! Taehyung really is so hot... if only he'd notice me!"

"Yeah, but have you seen his friend? What was his name..."

"Namjoon?"

"Yes! He's in one of my classes, I want to get to know him"

"You should!"

"But what do I say?"

"Don't worry about it! I'm sure he likes you back anyway"

"I hope so"

I keep my head down and continue walking. Still, their words get to me. They were both so pretty...oh course he'd go for someone more like them. I'm confident in who I am. Really. It's just that Namjoon is nothing like me. He has plenty of friends and admirers, all of them do. He is going to date someone in his social circle, like them.

Once I get home I grab some banana milk from the fridge and sit down at my desk. Pulling out a pen, I work on my manuscript.

𝄆𝄞 Namjoon POV𝄇

"What's her name?"

I turned to my friend Hoseok and smiled.

"y/n"

"Wait... how long have you had a crush on her?"

"Since spring last year, around April"

"It's almost been a whole year!" Jungkook whined, "why are you only telling us this now?"

"I was nervous! I haven't even talked to her..."

I looked up at my friends who were shocked by my confession. Finally, Jimin spoke up:

"You need to make a plan soon if you ever want her to notice you. You're both graduating this year, remember?"

"I know, but what do I even say to her? She's just so... so perfect. I don't want to ruin any chance I have by saying something stupid"

"Well, you've liked her for this long. Do you know of anything she likes?" Taehyung questioned.

"Hmmm, she's really intelligent. She also really likes books, every time I see her she's reading one. Would that work? Should I try talking to her about that?"

They seemed to approve of that. After talking for a bit longer, I went home and made a plan. Tomorrow I will try talking to her before class starts.

𝄆 𝄞 𝄇

The next day I got up earlier. I walked to class and didn't get distracted talking to people. I was determined. I didn't realize until I settled down in my seat that there were still over fifteen minutes before homeroom would start.

After waiting for only a few minutes, she walked in. She took my breath away, though she was just wearing our school uniform. I started fiddling with my hands under my desk, the nerves getting to me. Slowly I stood from the desk and approached her.

"Um... hi" I mumbled.

She glanced up from her book and immediately her eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Did I upset her?

"I just uh.... Wanted to know what book you're reading?"

"Oh." She hesitated, "it's just... something I found in the library. It's in a series actually"

"Nice. Sounds good"

She nodded and looked back down to the pages.

"...maybe I'll check it out"

With that I returned to my seat, hoping it wasn't too obvious how flustered I was. That was my first time actually talking to her! It was so awkward though... Does she not like me? Was something I said wrong? She seemed so indifferent.

𝄆𝄞 Y/N POV𝄇

I stared down at my book but unable to focus at all. What was that? Did my crush actually just talk to me? What is happening?

I sigh to myself. He probably just likes reading too, and wanted to know what book it was. I'm sure it's nothing personal, he doesn't even know my name. Still, a part of me feels excited, like maybe I have a chance.

Hidden Behind a Smile (JIN) CH1 - Card Declined

As I'm checking someone out, a masked figure enters the shop. I continue scanning the items for the current person, but when they leave, I glance at the cameras around the store and find him browsing the aisles.

When he comes to the register, I scan his items like normal. He gives me his card to pay with, and instantly a beeping rings through the store and a red message pops up: "DECLINED".

"Oh no, I'm so sorry, I'll go put it back..," He mumbles, a blush of embarrassment present on his face.

I sigh, "it's not that much. Just take it."

"Are you sure? I don't want to steal and-"

"It's no big deal. Have a good day, sir." I respond.

"I'll repay you, I promise! Thank you so much!" He grins, running out the door.

——————-

The day was moving very slowly. Despite being 6 hours into my shift, it felt like a million had passed. I don't see anyone in the store, so secretly I pull out my phone and begin scrolling through social media.

"Umm... is this register open?"

"Oh! I'm so sorry, I got distracted. Yes, it is!" I toss my phone to the desk and begin scanning items.

I was so busy scanning that I hadn't even looked at the customers face before asking for a payment method. When I did, I felt myself fall back a bit, catching myself on the counter.

"Y-you-... you're"

"Haha, yeah." He muttered.

"I'm sorry, you probably get that all the time. How will you be paying today?"

"Cash." Jin replied.

He passed me some money and I counted, "Um, I'm not sure we have change for a $100..."

"It's alright, keep the change." He smiled.

"I'm afraid I can't do that J- er, sir. What you're buying is only $17.89" I stutter.

"It's a tip. Call it a gift from a friend" He winks, then promptly exits the store.

I stand there 🧍 starstruck, a bunch of 20s in my hand. Initially, this day was going pretty terribly. First the incident this morning that I was going to have to pay for, then 6 hours of boredom. Now, I got to meet Jin AND got a huge tip?

The grin doesn't leave my face for the rest of the day.

————————-

When I get home, I turn on my K-pop playlist and begin washing the dishes. Whenever Jin starts singing, I smile to myself.  I can't believe that happened!! Was that even real?

Written in the Pages (RM) CH3

𝄆 𝄞 Namjoon POV 𝄇

"Why do you want to talk to me?"

I froze up. Why do I want to talk to you? Because I like you... But now is too early for a confession like that. Am I that awkward? Is she bored of me? Why is she asking a question like this, is it not enough to just have lunch with someone new?

"I-"

"Namjoon, we're going to be late! Let's go!" Yoongi calls out from a distance.

I start to follow him as I walk towards my next class, turning around to say to her:

"Because

I

like

you"

It was the only thing I could think of. That was the reason, after all. I just hope the noise of the crowd around us was enough to block out my unplanned confession. Nervously, I ran to my next class to ensure I'd be there on time, the blush still covering my face as I left.

𝄆 𝄞 Y/N POV 𝄇

As he ran off into the hallways, he said one last thing to me. Though I saw his mouth move, the only words I could make out were 'Because I'. That doesn't really answer my question, but he has a certain look of sincerity in his eyes that makes me believe him. Maybe he doesn't need a reason to be friends with me, maybe I only blend in because I've never tried to stand out. Maybe I'm more than what others have led me to believe.

𝄆 𝄞 𝄇

This evening as I sat at my desk, I scrolled through Instagram on my phone. In the suggested accounts for me to follow, Namjoon's was there. I can tell by the profile picture and posts he made of him and some of his friends whom I met today.

My thumb hovers over the follow button, still trying to decide if it's too soon or not.

Before I have a chance to make a decision, my cat jumps onto my desk and rattles the table. Petting her a few times, I look back down at my phone and realize I accidentally already clicked follow.

oh

no

When I come back to my room after having dinner, I check my phone, surprised to find two new notifications. 'One new follower' and 'one unread message'. I open up the app and see that he followed me back, but what surprises me more is the DM.

"Hey :)"

Written in the Pages (RM) CH2

Today when I enter the classroom, something unusual happens.

"Hey Y/N!" Namjoon says once I walk in.

Are we this close yet? I've never even talked to him before aside from yesterday...

I smile and give a small wave before sitting down at my desk. I couldn't focus during the remainder of class, my thoughts always returning to him. Why is he trying to be friends with me? He already is popular, I blend into the background. 

Eventually the bell rings and students are rushing out the door to lunch. I stand and pause to sort out my supplies in my backpack. I hear footsteps entering the classroom and mumbling, but disregard it.

"Come on, you can do it!" A voice whispers, "Just ask her!"

"Okay okay,"

Suddenly I feel like someone is looking at me. I slowly look up and almost jump when I find him in front of me. 

"H-hi Namjoon" I say under my breath. 

"Hey!" He says a little nervously, "We were wondering if you wanted to have lunch with us"

"...us?" I ask.

"Oh! I didn't introduce myself. I'm Jimin" A slightly shorter boy says as he walks out from behind Namjoon, "You must be Y/N then, right?"

"Yeah... wait, how do you know my name?"

"Namjoon told m-"

"Haha, why wouldn't he know you? This is a small school after all" Namjoon interrupts while slightly kicking the boy behind him.

"So, what do you say? Are you busy?" Namjoon asks.

"N-No..." I admit, still wondering why on Earth they, some of the most popular people at this school, want to have lunch with me.

𝄆 𝄞 𝄇

We arrive at the busy cafeteria, loud and busy with people walking over to meet their friends, talking and calling out to each other. Suddenly a hand waves us over to a table, and I follow the two boys in front of me. 

When we get to the table, we're greeted by five others. Namjoon motions for me to sit down in-between him and Jimin. Though I know who all of them are, I still feel awkward sitting here. Eyes watch me from around the room, because everyone else can see how I don't belong at this table. They are too popular for me. 

"This is Y/N, everyone" Namjoon thankfully saves me from having to introduce myself. 

"We know who she is! I'm Jungkook though" Yells out the boy sitting across from me. 

They continue going around the table introducing themselves. I try to stay calm and greet each person. I try to make eye contact with them but eventually fail, looking down at the floor. 

Once they were done introducing themselves to me, the conversation moved on to other things. I was too flustered to make out what they were saying until something caught my attention.

"What? We have to learn the choreography for it already?" Namjoon starts complaining, "I only just finished learning the last one"

"What choreography?" I asked curiously.

"W-well," He stutters out, "I'm training to be a K-POP idol... We're all in a group actually"

"Really? That's so cool." I reply, "I could never do that. I'm terrible at dancing"

"So is he" Jimin responds with a laugh.

"Hey! I'm not that bad..." He retorts. 

We all laugh and they continue talking about their choreographies and practices. Eventually the bell rings again, signaling for us to go to our next class. 

"It was really nice meeting you today, Y/N!" Taehyung says to me as he disappears into the crowd. 

I wave goodbye to all of them, until only me and Namjoon are left. I look up at him only to find that he's already looking at me. A slight blush forms on my face as he begins to speak.

"Uhm, I had a lot of fun today. Want to have lunch with us again tomorrow?" He asks me.

"Sure" I say. 

Despite the fun I had, the same question still plagues my thoughts. I have to ask him. 

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Mhm" he hums. 

"Why do you want to talk to me?"