Chapter 29

Today Jin was expecting guests. Namjoon had told him earlier that during those long years he was asleep, Jin's coworkers and hyungs never once forgot him. They visited every few months, bringing food, comfort, and even offering to help Namjoon with the bills—but Namjoon always refused. He only took Jin's last movie salary, which, as Namjoon had quietly mentioned, turned into a huge hit. The public had asked about him countless times, and the director had told everyone that Jin was injured and would return soon. Even after nearly four years, their friendship hadn't faded.

Director hyung, Bae Su-ji, and Taemin had been constant visitors, but more than that, they became Namjoon's emotional support. They gave him hope when he was at his lowest, and Namjoon—though it took time—slowly learned to see their visits not as a threat, but as genuine care for Jin. Over time, even his rage and possessiveness faded in front of their warmth.

Last week Namjoon had mentioned he finally told them that Jin had woken up and was doing well. Hearing Namjoon call them 'hyung' and 'noona' made Jin feel at peace—it showed how much Namjoon had changed, how much softer and more open he had become.

They both prepared lunch together, and soon the bell rang. Namjoon insisted Jin should open the door while he set the table. When Jin opened it, he was immediately engulfed in a warm hug. His heart swelled—it felt good to be reminded he had true friends. Namjoon, standing behind with plates in his hands, gave them a faint smile. For once, there was no jealousy or anger building inside him, only warmth at seeing Jin surrounded by love. That accident, that near loss, had changed him in ways nothing else could.

They all settled on the couch, and Namjoon brought them water before sitting quietly at Jin's side.

"Jin, seeing you awake... we're so relieved," his hyung said with a smile.

Jin chuckled, glancing at Namjoon. "If not for Namjoon, I wouldn't even be here."

Su-ji laughed, "Don't say that—you didn't see how much Namjoon suffered. I swear I prayed for him more than for you."

Jin's heart tightened but he kept smiling. "I know. And don't worry, I'll take care of him from now on." He said it gently, but with meaning, and Namjoon softened immediately.

They spoke for a while about Jin's health, all of them relieved to see him doing well. Then came the inevitable question.

"Jin, are you planning to act again after this break?" his hyung asked.

Taemin chimed in eagerly, "Yeah, hyung, your comeback will be huge!"

Jin gave a small smile. "You know me. I was never really into acting—I just wanted to try it once. Directing has always been more fun for me."

His hyung leaned forward. "Then... will you continue directing with me?"

Jin hesitated, then shook his head softly. "Not right now, hyung. I'm not in the mood to work, at least for a year. I want to take a long break." His eyes slid toward Namjoon, his smile softening. "I really want to take care of someone special."

Namjoon's face turned crimson, his heart skipping as everyone laughed knowingly. He looked down, too shy to meet anyone's eyes.

They shared lunch together, warm and lighthearted, before the guests eventually left. Jin and Namjoon washed the dishes side by side, the quietness between them no longer heavy but comfortable.

Later, Jin settled on the couch, stretching a little. Namjoon came over and sat next to him.

"Namjoon," Jin said, turning toward him, "since you took the day off today, why waste it staying home? Let's go outside."

Namjoon nodded with a small smile. "Hyung, it's never wasting time when you're right beside me."

Jin's heart fluttered at his words, his stomach tightening with butterflies. He chuckled softly, reaching over to pat Namjoon's hair. "Oh, Namjoon... don't flatter me with those words. You're too cute."

Namjoon leaned into his touch, his cheeks still flushed, and Jin couldn't help but think—this, right here, felt like home.

By the time they reached the riverside, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The glow of streetlights reflected softly on the water, making the whole place look dreamy and calm. Couples strolled here and there, children's laughter echoed faintly, but for Jin and Namjoon, it felt like their own world.

The cool evening breeze brushed against their skin as they walked across the wooden bridge. Jin couldn't help but glance at Namjoon—the way the fading sunlight softened his sharp features, the way he held himself as if always cautious around Jin. That caution stirred something tender inside him.

He reached out, brushing Namjoon's hand deliberately before catching it. "Don't act shy," Jin said with a small grin. "I want this."

Namjoon's lips parted as if to protest, but he said nothing, instead squeezing Jin's hand gently. They walked like that across the bridge, the water glimmering below, before Jin tugged Namjoon toward the shallow edge.

The water was cold, rippling lightly as they stepped in. Jin laughed as the chill hit his skin, splashing toward Namjoon playfully. "Come on, loosen up!"

Namjoon narrowed his eyes, his playful side breaking through as he scooped water back at him. Their laughter grew louder, turning into a carefree game of splashes. When Jin tried dodging one, he slipped on a smooth stone and stumbled forward, colliding straight into Namjoon's chest.

Namjoon caught him instantly by the waist, holding him firmly. For a moment, the world quieted—just their breaths mingling, the river whispering beneath. Jin looked up with a teasing smile, his heartbeat unsteady. "I knew you'd catch me."

"...Always," Namjoon whispered back, voice low but certain.

They walked on afterward, hand in hand, wet pants clinging to them, but neither cared. On one of the bridges, Jin leaned against Namjoon's shoulder, gazing at the darkening river lit by street lamps. "This... this is the life I want—with you," he murmured. Namjoon only tightened his grip, eyes heavy with emotion, unable to put his overflowing feelings into words.

By the time night had fully fallen, they had dinner outside and drove back home. At the door, Jin paused, looking reluctant. He didn't want the night to end. Turning to Namjoon, he asked softly, "Stay with me tonight."

Namjoon hesitated, shifting nervously. "Hyung... I—"

"Shower and come here. I'll only sleep when you're beside me," Jin cut him off firmly, his eyes filled with quiet determination.

Namjoon finally gave in, disappearing into his room to shower. A few minutes later, he stepped into Jin's room with damp hair clinging to his forehead, looking almost boyish. Jin, sitting on the bed with a towel around his shoulders, chuckled instantly.

"So you wanted hyung to dry your hair?" he teased, standing to grab the dryer.

Namjoon's ears turned red. "Hyung, I'll do it myself—"

"Sit." Jin's voice left no room for refusal. Namjoon sat on the dresser stool obediently while Jin dried his hair with a gentleness that made Namjoon's chest ache.

When they finally climbed into bed, Namjoon lay stiffly on his back, staring at the ceiling. Jin turned on his side, eyes soft with amusement at how tense he looked. Leaning closer, Jin whispered, "Namjoon, let me cuddle you."

Before Namjoon could react, Jin's arm slid beneath his head while the other wrapped firmly around his waist, pulling him close. Their bodies pressed together, heartbeats racing wildly. Namjoon froze for a second, but then let himself melt, resting his head against Jin's chest.

Jin tightened his embrace, engulfing him fully. "Better," he whispered, his lips brushing the crown of Namjoon's hair.

They weren't chained by obsession or fear. It was pure, warm, unshakable love.

And after four long years, they finally cuddled again—this time as two people who truly loved each other.