Promises

23

Seokjin sat at his table in the teacher's lounge. As he had nothing major to do, his mind wandered to what Namjoon had said last night. He really was shocked when Namjoon came clean to him. Was it possible to love a person for so long without even being in their presence? If yes, then where did his relationship with Jiwon fail even when they were constantly together. When did Jiwon's love for him start fading? Was it before the proposal? No, it had to be after that. Their engagement stayed for six months. If six months were enough to fall out of love, then why did Namjoon not fall out of love with him? Did Jiwon ever love him sincerely? Was it his fau-

"Ssaem!"

Seokjin flinched and came out of his thoughts, "Yeah, Park Sieun-shi."

Sieun tilted her head, "Are you alright, ssaem? I called you so many times."

Seokjin waved his hand, "There is nothing. What happened?"

Sieun nodded, "Okay." She started rummaging through her bag, "I came here to give you the tickets for the play that you had asked for." She gave Seokjin three tickets.

"Ah!" Seokjin took the ticket and smiled at Sieun, "Thank you, Sieun-shi."

"Ummm... Can I say something?" Sieun said, fiddling with her fingers. Seokjin nodded. "Your engagement ring is very pretty."

"Huh?" Seokjin looked at his hand and turned it around. He smiled and closed his hand into a fist. He looked at Sieun and smiled, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Sieun smiled and ran out of the lounge.

Seokjin looked at the ring again. He sighed and closed his eyes. He didn't know what to do, what to say anymore. Yes, he had taken the tickets for Namjoon and his family. But Taehyung would have done that too, right? Why would he take tickets for Namjoon? And his family. He groaned and his head fell on the backrest of the chair.

"What happened?" Hoseok hissed at him.

"I am an idiot!" Seokjin groaned again.

Hoseok laughed, "I know that. Tell me something I don't know."

"Yah!" Seokjin looked at Hoseok. He sighed, "I bought tickets for Namjoon and family."

Hoseok choked on the water he was drinking, "What? Wow! You are really progressing so fast."

"Shut up Hoseok." Seokjin glared at him.

Hoseok smiled, "I am sorry. But now what?"

Seokjin looked at him with puppy eyes and Hoseok rolled his eyes, "Oh, no! I am not going to give it to him. You bought it, you give it." He got up and started collecting his things.

"Where are you going?" Seokjin whined.

Hoseok turned back and smiled, "I have a date and then..."

"I don't want to hear it. Get out." Seokjin shook his head.

~

Namjoon came home and sighed as he smelt Japchae. He knew Seokjin was cooking it. He had learned to pick the smell when Seokjin cooked for them. After a week of his confession, he had adjusted with Seokjin better than before. They promised each other to not hide anything anymore. Though Namjoon was walking on eggshells the whole week, he was happy that Seokjin knew how he felt.

"I am home." He said as he wore the house slippers.

"In the kitchen," Seokjin yelled back.

Namjoon scurried into the kitchen and found Seokjin juggling the dishes and making dinner. He turned around and smiled, "You should go get fresh. I'll be done in about ten minutes.

Namjoon nodded and went to their room. When he came back, the table was already set. He sat in front of Seokjin and smiled at the dishes on the table. He looked at Seokjin, flashing his dimples, "Thank you."

Seokjin smiled and nodded. They started eating and chatting about the day. Seokjin had started picking Namjoon habits and routines unconsciously. He kept reminding Namjoon to eat while he was in the studio and to get back home in time. Namjoon would inform him if he was supposed to be late.

"Oh," Seokjin fumbled around in his pockets and took out the tickets, "Before I forget." He gave them to Namjoon. "I hope you are not busy this Saturday."

Namjoon read the details and his eyes sparkled, "Oh, your play."

Seokjin giggled, "Not mine. But yeah. The play. The performance is this Saturday. I hope you can come."

Namjoon nodded and smiled, "Of course, I'd come!" He counted the tickets and then looked at Seokjin again, "But, three tickets..."

Seokjin cleared his throat and looked away, "Uhhh... they are for your... parents. I hope they can come too."

"Ah." Namjoon wanted to dance right then and there. But he composed himself and nodded, "I will tell them about it. They'll definitely come."

"I hope it is not too much." Seokjin chuckled nervously.

Namjoon shook his head and smiled, "Of course not. I am really happy about this." He looked at the tickets, "I would have bought them anyway."

Seokjin stood up from the table and started to clean after them but Namjoon held his hand. Seokjin got startled and looked at Namjoon with a confused gaze.

"You must be tired from all the preparations." Namjoon took the dishes from Seokjin's hand, "You should go and rest. I will do the dishes."

"No it's-"

"Hyung..." Namjoon smiled, "I will handle it. Don't worry."

Seokjin nodded and went to the bedroom with quick steps. He shut the door quietly and then blinked thrice. He knew his face was red. He knew Namjoon saw his face turn red. Or at least Namjoon saw the ears turning red. He buried his face in his hands and groaned.

"Stupid sensitive skin!"