The Prince | NAMJIN

07

"Love is very manipulative if you think about it. Makes you fall for someone you never thought you would." Hoseok spoke. They were sitting in the college yard on the bench with Namjoon having his face buried into his knees. He was so embarrassed he couldn't face his best friend. Even though he was nineteen, he never actually fell for anyone before so it was all new for him. Hoseok chuckled. "Why not admit it already?"

"Huh?" Namjoon looked at him but quickly looked away. "What exactly?"

"You've fallen for Seokjin, haven't you?"

"I think... I have." Namjoon whispered. "But I can't even explain it. It's... I never felt this kind of way."

"There is nothing to be ashamed of. As I said, love can be manipulative, it can make your life a living hell but it can also make you the happiest person."

"I guess I'm the first case."

"Why so you think that way? I know for certain he wouldn't hate you if you told him." Hoseok said. He massaged Namjoon's back gently. He knew his best friend too well. He was the kindest and sweetest person and Seokjin was so lucky to have Namjoon fall for him. But was Namjoon lucky? Time can only show what his feelings would bring him. It was supposed to be just an act but somehow Namjoon's heart got caught up in the meantime.

"Why should I ever tell him?" Namjoon asked.

"Why not? Life is too short, Joon. People keep silent about their feelings which makes you feel even worse. It's better to be open about everything." Hoseok said. He shook him a bit. "Hey, even if he does reject you, it's easier to cope with not being able to have someone than dreaming about them every day with only standing in one place."

The way Hoseok spoke to him that day made Namjoon feel somehow courageous. He made up his mind to visit Seokjin. Even though it was dark outside, he was standing in front of his door and clutching onto the pink paper bag. He could feel his heart speed up and his palms getting sweaty. Why wouldn't he try? He didn't expect anything but maybe it would make him feel better around the older. He gathered up the courage and knocked on the door. I'm so sorry for doing this!

The door opened but it wasn't Seokjin who opened it. A woman with long, red hair was standing in front of Namjoon, her mouth forming in a small letter o. Namjoon's eyes widened a bit.

"You were right, Seokjin. It's the blonde boy!" She said while staring at Namjoon. Seokjin appeared and stood beside her, his face blank as always. Namjoon was devastated. "Well, it's time for me to go! I will see you some other time!" She said and smiled at him before she made her way down the balcony. Namjoon stared at her back untill she disappeared before he turned his attention back to him.

"Who is that? Is she your... Friend?" Namjoon mumbled.

"She gave me a ride home." Seokjin said.

Namjoon squeezed the bag behind his back. He lowered his head, trying his best to keep cool and not tear up. "Don't you think.. You should stop having night stands? It's a bit nasty when you think about it."

"What?" Seokjin asked. "Don't speak that way, that's not what happened at all. Why do you even care anyways? It's not like we're together."

"You're right."

"It's not your problem what I do in my private space."

"It is my problem."

"How come?"

Namjoon couldn't look at him. If he did, he was sure he would break down in a second. "I don't.. I don't like it when you have women around... Because...Because I like you."