Siren Song | KNJ ✅

Chp. 33: It's a Bloody, Beautiful Night!

Ari's POV 🌸

I had the driver stop by my favorite restaurant so I could pick up food. I could tell the driver was trying to hide a smile when I insisted on stopping; I don't think it is a secret that Namjoon doesn't spend his free time in the kitchen. He's done so many sweet things for me that I am desperate to do something nice for him as well. I don't want him to think he's the only person putting in the effort in our relationship.

When I arrive at his door, slightly disheveled with my messenger bag slung diagonally across me while I balance the bags of takeout, his look of surprise is worth the delicate balancing act.

"Ari, you didn't have to bring dinner!" he says sweetly as he immediately relieves me of my bags.

"I wanted to. I love sharing a meal with you," I blush when I see a look of complete satisfaction wash over his face.

"You do? Do you?" he flirts with me, making the butterflies rise in my stomach. "Maybe we need to have more meals together then."

His salacious tone delights me to no end. I love all his sides, from his quiet, contemplative side, to his curiosity about life. His self-reflectiveness, and his vulnerable sweetness. I've seen him get so frustrated in the studio, where he's had to use all his restraint to control himself from having an outburst, the veins popping out of his neck. I've even seen him almost come to tears over a tragedy we've learned about in the news. In all his glorious imperfections, he feels simply perfect to me.

"So, what do you think of the food?" I ask.

"It's super interesting. It's nice to try something different. What did you say it was?"

"Their menu describes it as 'French-Asian-Fusion.' The restaurant is within walking distance of my apartment, and I was feeling down one day, long before I met you, so I took myself out on a date and tried them on a whim. I've been in love with the food ever since. So, I wanted to share it with you too!"

Joon leans over, cupping my chin, kissing me deeply, and I feel almost lightheaded from his touch. When he breaks the kiss, he leans back slightly and looks into my eyes, "I like you," he whispers, and my heart races as he presses his soft lips to mine again.

I've never had someone be so open with me before. Namjoon expresses his feelings without any hesitation. He doesn't try to play games with me, which is incredible. It makes me appreciate him all the more.

"I like you too," I whisper into his mouth, but it practically comes out as a moan.

After dinner, we cuddle up on the couch and talk for what feels like hours. I check in with him about my planned shopping excursion with Hobi on Sunday, and Joon thinks it is a great idea.

"Hobi is a true friend. He's sweet, sensitive, and unbelievably talented. A perfectionist that can be a bit tough on himself, and even with us, because he wants all our performances to be exceptional, but you'll never find someone more loyal. If you ever need someone to keep a secret for you -Hobi is your man," Joon smiles, and I love that he's encouraging me to make new friends.

We speak about what happens next in the timeline with his song with Lily dropping soon and when to expect the music video to come out. He tells me how he has already selected the show he wants Lily to perform live with him.

Joon opens up to me about his life, and I'm in awe of this man who is letting me into his world. He tells me all about how hard it has been to hide his dating life, and how it has been hard to often act as his idol persona and not wholly himself.

"Imagine if you auditioned for an acting role in a movie, and then once you got the part, you had to stay in character for the rest of your life! It feels kind of like that, and I'm outgrowing the desire to live this way. That's why introducing this new chapter in my career is so important for me. I appreciate how far "RM" has taken me in my life, but having Lily help usher in a more mature perception feels so critical to me. I need to be able to grow -I need to be able to breathe."