22

Arriving at the office in your usual button-up blouse and pants that flared out smoothly down your ankles, you rush towards the packed elevator before it shuts in front of your face. You were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago, but the heavens seem like it's not on your side today, because you were stuck in traffic.

Namjoon texted you this morning around six a.m., which was his daily routine: get up, freshen up, exercise, shower, and go to work. The man is never late, and he always arrives ahead of everyone else- except that one time. You still didn't know why he was late, so if you get the chance, you should ask him.

Namjoon: good morning beautiful [sent 6:03 AM]

It's crazy how a simple text can make you feel, and you'd be lying if you said you haven't read it more times than you can count.

Namjoon: I slept well, I hope you did too. [sent 6:05 AM]

Namjoon: pls come straight to my office when you get here ❤️[sent 6:15 AM]

The feeling of waking up to receive a message from someone you care about feels surreal. You don't even remember the last time you received a text that made your stomach flutter and made you want to piss your panties at the same time.

Yeah, gross. It's like you've forgotten how to act when being courted- which Namjoon isn't doing. You skim through the rest of the messages, unable to stop the side of your lips from lifting.

Namjoon: 😋😋[sent 6:07 AM]

Namjoon: ahh shit, sorry! I meant to put 🥰[sent 6:07 AM]

He's too cute. Everything he does affects you, and it's something you look for in a man. You press on the reply box.

Hi, good morningI slept great. See you then[sent 7:46 AM]

Before you can change your mind, the message is sent. Even at your age, you feel like a teenager on their first date, a bundle of nerves and anticipation.

Now, as you stand outside his office, your nervousness transforms into a steely resolve. You take a moment to adjust your collars and smooth out the fine wrinkles on your pants, wanting to present yourself in the best possible way. With a soft knock, you wait anxiously for his approval.

"Come in!"

The cue sounds harsher than you would have liked, but you gather your composure and step into his familiar office. Your eyes immediately meet the gaze of a woman who you are less than thrilled to see.

Lia.

Lia, Namjoon's girlfriend - or rather, his ex-girlfriend of one year. It may seem like a short time to get to know someone, like them, discuss the future, and eventually fall in and out of love, but for you, and perhaps even for Namjoon, it was a significant period.

Twelve months of investing yourself, your time, and your efforts into someone you believed was worth it all. That's why the sight of her, a woman he once liked, dated, and loved, unsettles you. You can't fully grasp the depth of their past, but your mind starts to draw conclusions.

Your unease isn't rooted in selfishness or a desire to possess Namjoon exclusively. It stems from witnessing the immense heartbreak he endured during their time together. You were there to witness the pain etched across his face.

Glancing over at Namjoon, you notice him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in important paperwork that's scattered before him. Your sudden presence has clearly disrupted their meeting, but that seems to be the least of his concerns right now.

The tension in his shoulders and the three undone buttons on his black dress shirt reveal the weight he carries. He longs to be home, even though the day has only just begun.

With a smile, you navigate through the awkward atmosphere in the cramped room and offer a polite bow as a greeting, saying nothing more.

"Oh!" exclaims the elegant woman, clad in a matching tweed top and skirt. Her smile is one of the most radiant you've ever witnessed, reminding you of why Namjoon fell in love with her in the first place. "Miss Park, is that really you?" Her genuine delight at seeing you after such a long time is palpable.

Your internal conflict rages on, beyond your control. It's challenging to harbor ill feelings towards her when she has always been kind to you. Her beauty is amplified as she stands at her full 5'8" height, greeting you with a kiss on the cheek.

You tense up in the middle of the room, feeling your arms hang awkwardly by your sides. "Good to see you, dear," she says, her voice soft and warm. You can't help but feel a twinge of envy as you admire her high cheekbones and captivating grey eyes. She possesses the allure of a Victoria's Secret Angel.

"Welcome back to Korea, Miss Kang," you manage to say, although the bile in your throat is hard to swallow. "I hope the flight wasn't too exhausting." Damn it, you're being pathetic, letting your emotions get the best of you over an ex-girlfriend when you have no right to feel this way.

"Oh, haven't you heard?"

You give her a confused look.

Then she says, "I arrived a few weeks ago."

Ohhh... Somehow, the news hasn't reached you. Did Namjoon know all this time? You're at a loss for words, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion.

"But don't mind me," she says cheerily, looking back at Namjoon over her delicate shoulders. Hers look more like a man's. "Namjoon and I were just discussing our new partnership. Right, Joon?"

You call him that.

The sound of a chair being pushed out reaches your ears, and your eyes automatically fall on Namjoon. He sighs, meeting your gaze.

"I apologize for disturbing your meeting," you mumble, dropping your eyes to the floor. "I'll just come back at a later time." You take a few steps toward the door when Namjoon's voice booms through the room.

"You're not going anywhere," Namjoon calls out from behind you. "Miss Kang and I are finished. She was just leaving."

"Wait, what about the marketing strategy?"

"We have our marketing team for that. They will reach out to you in no time, don't worry."

"Okay, but I thought we were gonna go have dinner and maybe catch u-"

Namjoon pushes his glasses aside and undoes the first few buttons on his shirt. "I can't. I have other plans," he says, his eyes fixed on your face.

Lia's expression is priceless, her jaw dropping with disbelief. A heavy silence descends upon the room before she finally takes her purse from the chair and walks out, slamming the door in your face.

Lia's absence makes little difference, as your heart now feels even heavier, knowing that you may be the reason Namjoon loses this deal.

"Please, don't misunderstand..."

"Your personal life isn't any of my business, Sir," you tell him, your voice laced with a cold tone that reveals the impact of Lia's unexpected appearance.

Namjoon's expression turns pained at your words. "Y/N..." he mumbles softly as he approaches you. "We're alone, you don't have to keep calling me that."

"You don't have to explain anything to me."

"It's bothering you," he points out, his eyes searching yours for a glimpse of understanding.

"I am not," you argue, although a flicker of surprise does cross your face. "I'm just surprised," you tell him, partially truthful. "I didn't realize she was back in the country," you conclude, careful not to bring up anything that could potentially impact his mood. After all, Lia is his ex-girlfriend, and they have a history. As they've stated in the past, they're still friends despite their breakup.

"Hm... Well, she's back for a couple of months for this project she's doing with us," he hums, a hint of amusement gracing his handsome face. "Something related to a fashion house. I'm not entirely sure yet, as we're still in the process of finalizing everything."

You nod understandingly, trying to process the information. For now, it seems like their interaction is purely business and nothing more. You decide not to bring up anything unless he initiates a conversation about their past.

"Did you get my text?"

"I did," you nod, not wanting to appear negligent in your duties as a personal assistant. It also reminds you that in two days, you'll be starting a new chapter in your career, and hopefully, you'll receive that call from Mr. Bang.

With just two days left, you need to ensure that Hana is settled into her new environment, and you'll be moving into your old cubicle across the hall from Namjoon's office.

"You wanted to see me?" You bring up the reason you're initially here for. Namjoon nods, his chin barely moving. "Okay, what for?"

"Am I seeing jealous Y/N right now?" Namjoon teases, running a comforting hand along the side of your neck.

"I'm not jealous," Your forehead creases as you try to push his hand away. His grip tightens slightly, and instead of feeling uncomfortable, a pleasant pulse surges throughout your entire body. How are you supposed to feel when he has his hand wrapped around your neck?

Namjoon notices your body subtly leaning towards him, and it fuels his desire to continue. He relishes in the effect his touch has on your body, and the look of sheer bliss on your face only intensifies his own desire. His pants grow tighter, and he clenches his jaw with self-restraint, trying to maintain control.

"What were you saying?" The husky tone in his voice threatens to weaken your knees.

"I wasn't jealous," you repeat, your voice barely above a whisper as you bite down on your bottom lip. "I was just surprised to see her here. She's your ex-girlfriend..."

With his other hand, Namjoon gently caresses your chin, his touch sending electric sparks through your entire being. "Y/N, you have nothing to worry about. What Lia and I had is now in the past," he explains. "None of that matters because this is purely business. I'm just helping Lia with the start-up of her business. As a friend," he emphasizes, his gaze locked with yours. "That's all, love. I promise."

Your eyes instinctively close, and your head tilts to the side, granting him more access to the vulnerable skin of your neck. Is this what heaven feels like?

"Am I even allowed to feel like this?" you utter uncertainly. There's no denying that he makes your palms sweaty and your heart race. Your body trembles every time his warm breath caresses your neck. "I don't know... It still feels so strange."

"Well, you are my girlfriend, are you not?"

Your eyes widen in disbelief. Girlfriend?! The word hangs in the air, causing a momentary silence between you and Namjoon. He gives a nervous smile, sensing your surprise. When you don't immediately respond, he continues, his voice slightly shaky.

"I guess I'm the only one who assumed we were already official," Namjoon admits, his gaze searching yours for a response.

"Hey, that's not it. I just don't remember you officially asking me..." you trail off, feeling a mix of confusion and amusement.

"I mean - I thought...last night..."

Your mind races back to the events of last night, and nothing significant comes to mind. There was no declaration or even a goodnight kiss when he left. It was simply the two of you enjoying each other's company and feeling a strong connection.

"I must have missed a chapter or something because I don't recall getting a goodnight kiss from you," you say playfully.

"I'm an idiot," Namjoon sighs regretfully. "God, I'm so bad at this. I'm sorry. It's been a while."

Your expression softens, realizing his genuine sincerity. "No, it's okay, Namjoon. It's not a big deal to me," you say, running your hand soothingly up and down his arm. "I just thought you were more of a romantic or something," you tease, eliciting a playful scoff from him.

"What's my schedule for the day?" he suddenly asks, changing the subject.

"Just two more meetings this afternoon, and then there's a seminar."

"Okay, great. Have them rescheduled for tomorrow."

"Is everything alright? Are you not feeling well?" concern laces your voice.

"I feel fine, but..." Namjoon interrupts, wrapping an arm around your shoulders, preventing your hand from moving further down his tense muscles.

"But what?"

"...But I would feel better if we spend the rest of the day together and go on a little date."

If your heart could melt, it would form a puddle right now. A damn puddle right at his feet.

"So... what do you say?" Namjoon gently squeezes the soft flesh around your waist, his fingers grazing the back pocket of your pants while his other hand travels up to the back of your head.

"Mhm..." You stupidly nod your head, as if he really cared about that right now.

"Mhm, what?" Namjoon tugs playfully on your ponytail, his fingers threading through the ends.

Suppressing a groan, you whisper ardently, "Yes. I'll go on a date with you."

Namjoon's hopeful expression transforms into one of fervent excitement.

"I love seeing you like this," he murmurs, his lips brushing against the side of yours. As he releases your ponytail and starts massaging the back of your neck, his touch gradually easing down to your tense shoulders, you open your eyes, hazy with desire.

"You look so beautiful like this," he says, his gaze fixed on your parted lips and clouded eyes. He can't tear his eyes away from your darkened irises.

"Like this?" you inquire, fighting the urge to grab his jaw and press your mouth against his. It wouldn't be appropriate in this setting. Anyone could walk in at any moment. But Namjoon seems unperturbed by any of it.

"Like an obedient little girl," he says with a seductive tone.

"Little girl?" You snort, feigning offense. "On second thought, I might just cancel that date."

He chuckles at your reaction. "Is it that bad?"

You nod, a mischievous smile forming on your lips. "Next time, just let me do all the talking, okay?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he teases, playfully putting two of his fingers in the air, mimicking a salute.

"So, where are you taking me?"

"Can't say. I want it to be a surprise."

"Seriously?" You deadpanned. "How am I supposed to know what to wear?"

He looks over your figure before a smirk graces his lips.

"I like you in this outfit," he casually muttered, causing you to glare at him.

"You can't be serious," you cross your arms against your chest. "I don't want to look like a librarian."

"What's wrong with it?" Namjoon gives you an innocent look. He was truly perplexed. In his eyes, even in your 'tacky' flared pants, he could still your perfectly shaped ass and the satin blouse showed just the right amount of skin and collarbones. He's always believed that even if you don't try, you can make anything look good.

"I want to look like someone who deserves to be seen with one of Korea's bachelors," you comment with a light tone, and while you think of this as a fact, Namjoon's face morphs with dissatisfaction.

"What does that even mean?" He seems oddly upset. "You think so lowly of yourself."

"Wrong. I just know how people think," You shrug your shoulders, unfazed. However, Namjoon's whole demeanor has deteriorated. "And trust me, you don't want to know what these people will say."

"Y/N..." He sighed, raking his hands over his face. You're just being honest.

"Well, anyway, I have to go and help Hana move her things in my cubicle," You remind him as you slowly pealed yourself off his arm. "Do you need anything else before I go?"

"Why must it be your desk?" Namjoon muttered. "There's an empty desk right down the hall. She can take that one."

Instead of answering his question, you shrug your shoulders and bite back a laugh. "Namjoon..."

"What? I'm just saying," he repeats your words from earlier.

Rolling your eyes at him, you press a soft kiss on his jawline. "I'll see you later."

✧ ✦ ✧

"You look beautiful," Namjoon greets you with a peck on the side of your cheek as soon as you climb into his car.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," You take a look at the man beside you and notice that he is already staring at you. He looks even more dashing in a black tee tucked into the same pair of slacks he was wearing earlier today. His hair is parted down the center, with a few strands falling over his eyes.

You figured he might've gone home before driving to your place. The sun has finally set, and you've had enough time to find a cropped blouse with ruffles around the cuffs, a high-waisted skirt, and one of your few expensive stilettos. An important event in your life calls for effort.

"I have an extra jacket in the backseat if you get cold," he says as he pulls out of the driveway and onto the road. It's a Monday so the traffic isn't that bad, nor good. Nothing less is to be expected in Seoul.

"Has Sooya already left?" He asks, and you hum as you cross your right leg over your left to get a better look at him.

"This afternoon when I got home."

"Oh, I was planning on buying toys for Yaji and Inso before they leave," when he mentions your nieces, the side of your mouth lifts upwards. This warms your heart, in so many ways. You're not surprised because you know he adores children just as much as you do. It makes you admire him even more and the fact that he cares about them, even if they weren't able to bond for longer.

He's everything you're looking for in a man. Someone to whom you want to show your love and affection. You're both unsure how much you're willing to give, but only time will tell.

You snap out of your thoughts and give a reassuring squeeze to his shoulder. "Maybe next time? The twins love receiving gifts, I'm sure they'll like whatever it is you give them."

Namjoon takes his eyes off the road to briefly peek at you with the most attractive smile you've ever seen. God, he's unreal. "You think so?"

"I know so." You twist in your leather seat and rest your elbow on the center compartment, where your arm brushes against his muscles. "So, will you finally tell me where we're going?"

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

You shake your head stubbornly.

"We're going somewhere. Just the two of us."

You don't look away, instead rolling your eyes. "Could you be more obvious?" You huff, finally giving up because you know he won't say anything else.