Namjoon's POV 🪴
I'm trying to control my breath as Lily, and Yoongi leave the studio. I can tell Ari has moved from being bold about the pictures she took of me to being shy about showing me her artwork, and it is nice to see a side of her that isn't cold.
Maybe she isn't as cold as she seemed when I first met her. I should try and be friendly; we are going to have to work together, so I should at least learn how to be cordial with her.
"If you are uncomfortable, you don't have to show me your work, but I'd love to see it. The sketch I saw briefly was amazing."
A rosy pink glow rises on her cheeks, and I watch her chest rise and fall quickly.
"Hardly!" She half-whispers. "I wasn't even close to being done..."
"That makes it even better." My tone is warm as I try and convey some kindness instead of this awkwardness that seems to exist between us for some unknown reason.
She takes a deep breath and hands me her phone, freely letting me scroll through her feed. As I start to scroll through her account, I can't get over the work she has done. It's so interesting. Some are sketches, others are paintings.
"Wow! Ari, your work does not disappoint. I love that you try so many different styles. I see Expressionism, Realism, Surrealism -you really dive right into trying a myriad of styles. Not many people can pull all these different techniques off so beautifully! Have you studied art?"
When I don't receive an answer, I look up to find her perfect, pouty lips parted, and she is just staring at me. I don't think she was expecting me to be so knowledgeable about art, and her reaction is amusing to me. It's like she just unlocked some secret knowledge about me that is impacting her, and it would be a lie if I claimed I'm not enjoying her response.
"I, umm, I did for a little bit, but then I had to stop. My work is...it's okay..." she finally utters, blinking at me in disbelief.
I turn back to her account and scroll some more to discover photographs of outdoor adventures she has taken all over Korea. They are selcas where she seems to be holding the camera herself, though.
Is she going on all these adventures all by herself? She likes to hike?
"You like to go hiking with your friends?" I ask strategically.
"Umm, honestly, I don't really have friends. I've been so busy working and with family stuff the last few years...I really lost touch with people, so I just go on solo adventures. That's okay, though, I love being outdoors it really feeds the soul! Do you know what I mean?"
Do I know what she means? Is she serious right now? Universe! What are you doing to me?
"I actually do. I hike a lot and enjoy riding my bike everywhere. It does a lot to clear my head from all the bullshit. I have a great career, but it's been..ummm, difficult...however I find that nature helps ground me. Nature and art mean a lot to me...."
Before long, Lily and Yoongi return, and I try to pretend not to notice that they both look a little disheveled and that they probably attacked each other's mouths as soon as they left this room. I'm sure it is hard to pretend like they aren't together when they are used to being free to be themselves in this space.
Ugh, so many feelings to navigate. How do I untangle all these thoughts?
"Hey, you two, let's head out to the kitchenette and eat. We should take a break from this room and free our minds from it for a while. Come on!" Lily requests as she leads the way out of the studio and across the hall to a small break area.
There are some plate glass windows letting in a ton of natural light with a few small tables scattered around the room with chairs tucked in around them. One wall houses a counter with a sink, and I see there is a coffee maker and an electric tea kettle set up. Below it are cabinets and a small refrigerator. The cabinets are painted Kelly green color that anchors the room and balances well against all the natural light.
As we dive into our meals, Lily speaks up, "So, Joon, what did you think of Ari's Instagram?"
"It's phenomenal!" I smile as I gather some noodles up while noticing a shy smile spreading across Ari's face.
"Seriously, I almost shit my pants when I saw how much you two have in common. It's uncanny." Lily lets out bluntly, and for a moment, I wonder if she is up to something.
I let Lily's words evaporate, not engaging in them too much. "I especially like the painting of the cherry blossoms you have on your feed. Is that your work as well?" I question between bites.
I watch the shade of pink return to Ari's cheeks as she finishes chewing. "Yes. I can be pretty critical of my work, but I admit, I really do love that one, I have it on the wall at my apartment," she smiles.
"Honestly, though, I would like to find a quiet spot where I could set up my easel, observe some cherry blossoms in full bloom, and just paint all day. I can't imagine what a nice day that would be; I think I would feel inspired."
"Joon, don't you go to see the cherry blossoms in bloom every year? Have any spot recommendations?" Yoongi pipes up with his nose scrunched like he is trying to recall a spot Ari could go.
"Maybe near the duck pond, Joon?" Lily questions.
"Maybe..." I agree while trying to rack my brain of a spot that would be good for Ari to paint without too many people interrupting or disturbing her work. "I'll think about it, and if I come up with a great spot, I'll let you know."
"Thanks a bunch," Ari smiles, and it strikes me how much I enjoy that smile.
Well, fuck, I wasn't expecting to feel like this!
The rest of the day is spent with Lily, Yoongi, and me working on different beats and ideas while Ari quietly floats around us, taking photos, and video clips, working on her computer, and volunteering to refill coffee cups and Lily's giant mug which she fills to the brim with tea.
When Yoongi and I head out for the day, I watch as Ari walks down the hall in front of me. I can't help when my eyes graze over her form. I watch as her backside sways down the hall, her hair sliding across her shoulders. This woman is just...attractive...beautiful...interesting.
I hear Yoongi clear his throat, and I look over to see him watching me, and he smirks. I ignore him and look forward again, trying not to focus on Ari's hips and instead mind my business looking down the hallway in front of us. As we reach the front entrance, Ari makes a detour for her desk.
"Not going home?" I ask in a friendly tone, a little disappointed that she wasn't walking out with us.
"No, I have so many ideas swirling! I just want to work on a few more things before I head out. When I get that creative feeling, I like to strike while the iron is hot!" She smiles. "You two have a great night. It was fantastic seeing you guys and Lily in action today!
Her tone is laced with excitement like a fire was lit in her, and I admired her work ethic. It reminds me of how we work over at BH. When the creativity hits, none of us walks away until we get it down.
"Have a great night, Ari," Yoongi breaks in, bringing me back to reality.
"Yes, have a good evening," I offer.
"Yoo too! See you tomorrow!" Ari replies with a cute wave, and we walk out the door.
When Yoongi starts his car, I notice he is still smirking.
"What's the look for, Hyung?" I ask, crinkling my forehead at him.
"You think I didn't watch your eyes glued on her all day?" He laughs. "Come on, who are you fooling?"
I roll my eyes at him as he pulls out of the parking lot.
Were my eyes really glued on her all day?

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Siren Song | KNJ ✅
FanfictionCan Namjoon change the trajectory of his life? 💜 When Joon returns from his enlistment, his outlook on love and life as an Idol completely shifts. He begins to question who he is and if being an idol is what he wants any longer. Joon turns to Lily...