Before I knew you

Your Converse High

It was busier than he expected.

Although it was a weekday, the gallery was packed with people, making him a little nervous. He was used to art galleries that were practically empty, but this wasn't just any art gallery this was a landmark. The National Gallery in London held some of the world's most famous works of art, therefore, Namjoon couldn't not pay it a visit whilst he was there.

As he squeezed past the crowds of people, hoping to find an empty spot where he could properly study a painting, something - or someone - caught his attention. Unaffected by the chaos around her stood a girl holding a sketchbook, the pencil in her hand scratching across the page. She seemed to be in her own little world, but as Namjoon watched her, he noticed her eyes dart up and look around her. He observed as she shuffled to the side, moving out of someone's way. It made him smile.

Curious, he slowly made his way over to her. Standing behind her, he looked over her shoulder at the drawing she was doing. For a brief second her pencil paused before she continued drawing and it occurred to Namjoon that she might not want her work to be examined by strangers.

"Sorry, for looking without permission."

She turned to look at him, a sad smile on her lips.

"It's okay. I've gotten used to it."

"Still, I should've asked first."

She stared at him curiously and he started to worry that she recognised him even with his hat and mask on.

"Thank you."

Turning back to face the painting, she looked between it and her drawing.

For some reason, Namjoon didn't want to end the conversation there.

"It's very good - your drawing."

She glanced back at him, a small, amused smile on her lips this time.

"Thank you."

"Are you an artist?"

"Aspiring artist, yes."

"That's so cool! My new favourite hobby is going to art galleries."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I -"

Namjoon paused as his ears picked up two words from somewhere in the room: BTS and RM.

"- I have to go. It was nice to meet you."

"You too."

He held out his hand and she put her pencil on top of her book so that she could shake it. As she did, her pencil rolled off and fell to the floor. Namjoon bent down and picked it up. It was then that he noticed her shoes. She was wearing Converse, red converse high, to be specific. As he stood up, he took in the rest of her outfit, jeans, and a white T-shirt.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Namjoon laughed. What kind of coincidence was this? How many years ago had he written those lyrics about a girl wearing this exact outfit? He noticed that she was giving him a strange look.

"I like your shoes."

"Oh! They're not my usual style, but they're comfy for standing around all day."

He was reminded that he had been about to leave when his ears picked up on his name being mentioned again.

"Right, I need to go. What's your name?"

"Myla."

"It was nice talking to, Myla. Bye!"

Namjoon disappeared into the crowd as he made his way towards the exit. It was time to try somewhere a little less central and touristy. As he looked up the way to his next destination, the image of the kind, shy, artist wearing red Converse filled his thoughts. He pushed her out of his mind. It was unlikely he would ever see her again and it was probably best that he didn't. For his sake and for hers.