The Light of Dead Stars | KSJ

17

Jin finds a parking spot near one of the buildings. He turns to you who's looking visibly nervous. You were quiet this morning, merely nibbling your pastries during breakfast, and you barely said anything during the entire ride to Cannes, choosing instead to look at the window.

So many times, he wanted to hold your hand and tell you that it's gonna be okay, but he didn't feel like it was the right time. For some reason, he was also scared you were going to turn him away.

So he settles for a nudge on your shoulder and a soft, reassuring smile.

"You're seeing him after a long time. That's good, right?"

"Yeah, it should. I just... it's different seeing his face on a screen and actually seeing it for real, you know? And being able to touch him, hold him... I... don't want him to be disappointed," you mumble.

"And why would he be?"

"I've changed a lot since the last time he saw me. I don't know if he'll notice."

Jin can try to come up with a dozen possible meanings to your words but he supposes he wouldn't know what they mean. You're an honest and open person, but a lot of times he finds himself not knowing you at all, and this is one of those times. What about you changed that Namjoon would be disappointed in?

"I'm sure it'll be fine, ___," he tries to assure. "So you go there and you meet him."

"Uh, I need you to guide me there, Jin. I can't even pronounce the name of the cafe."

"Ah," he chuckles, warming at the little smile you give him. "Okay."

You and Jin start walking towards a plaza, with him leading the way. You're too nervous to pay attention to him, how he's more distant and quiet, but it's perhaps just him giving you space.

"It's the one with the white awning," he says, motioning to the little cafe. "Do you see him?"

"Not yet, but he said he reserved a table for us outside. I should just give his name."

"Alright, you can go ahead and I'll leave when he arrives, okay? And then I'll stay at a cafe, too, and get some work done. Let me know when you're finished and I can get you. Take all the time you need, ___."

"You'll be okay?"

He answers a beat late, but he nods.

You smile and start walking towards the cafe and Jin watches from afar, wanting to make sure you're safe, even if you're a grown woman who knows what she's doing and who she's meeting. It's a husband thing, though, making sure his wife is okay, he reminds himself.

He sees you talk to a server and you're led to one of the tables. You're constantly checking your phone, and he notices you're still nervous. He wants to go over to you and stop you from biting your lip, but you look up before he could make up his mind. You stand up and smile at the man approaching you, one who engulfs you in a tight embrace.

Namjoon is a tall and built man. He's in a plain shirt and blue jeans, with sun kissed skin and nice, silver-dyed hair. He has his arms secured tightly around your waist while yours are around his neck; neither one of you seems to want to let go.

You finally do, and he kisses your forehead. Your eyes close and a smile tugs at your lips. You look comfortable, safe, happy.

Jin doesn't know why he's still standing there, watching you finally take your seat and hold the man's hand as you both start laughing and talking. There's a tightening in his chest that he's never felt before, a completely new experience, as every time you laughed and smiled always made him do the same.