Rewrite the Rules

Just give me a chance:: Part 38

A slow smile tugged at the corners of Namjoon's lips. "Let me offer a different proposition," he began, his voice surprisingly steady. "Just give me a chance."

My gaze flickered up, searching his for any hint of the impulsive boy I'd initially perceived. Instead, I found a quiet determination.

"One date, at a time?" he suggested, his eyes hopeful yet guarded.

The simplicity of his request caught me off guard. "What do you mean?" I stammered, unsure if I'd understood him correctly.

"Just one day," he clarified, leaning in slightly. "One date, a chance to get to know each other better. We'll do this until our time in Vegas is up, and then we can re-evaluate where we stand."

A knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach. "The end of our time in Vegas?" The phrase hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the impermanence that colored our connection.

"Exactly," he said, his voice gentle. "Give me these next few weeks to show you who I am, one date at a time. No pressure, no expectations beyond enjoying each other's company. Sound fair?"

The honesty in his gaze was disarming. He wasn't asking for promises or forever, just a chance to explore the spark that flickered between us. A slow smile spread across my face.

"Okay, I think I understand," I conceded. "But what happens when Vegas ends?"

"That's the beauty of it," he replied, a hint of a playful glint returning to his eyes. "We re-assess. See how we feel, if this is something we both want to pursue further."

A warmth bloomed in my chest. This wasn't the grand romantic gesture I'd envisioned, but it held a quiet sincerity that resonated deep within me.

"There's one other thing," he continued, his voice turning serious. "I want to be upfront with you. I have a tendency to rush into things, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

My brows furrowed slightly. "So, you want to rush into..."

"No, the opposite," he interjected, a touch of vulnerability coloring his tone. "I want to take intimacy off the table for these weeks. Focus on getting to know each other, building a foundation."

Surprise flickered across my face. This was a side of Namjoon I hadn't anticipated, a thoughtful maturity that contrasted with his earlier impulsiveness.

"I see," I replied simply.

He let out a relieved breath, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Listen, I've never done this before. Been reading a lot, trying to understand healthy relationships. It's time I approach things differently."

He held my gaze for a long moment, his sincerity palpable. "If that's a hard boundary for you, I completely understand."

The air crackled with unspoken emotions. How could anyone resist this man, this complex mix of playful charm and unexpected depth? I inhaled the faint scent of his cologne, a delightful mix of spice and warmth.

Studying the sincerity in his eyes, I realized I was in uncharted territory. This wasn't a fling, not a whirlwind romance. This was a tentative offer, a chance to explore a connection that could blossom into something more.

Studying his sincerity, I realized I was witnessing a rare glimpse into his soul. This wasn't a man who readily shared his vulnerabilities, yet here he was, laying them bare for me. The honesty in his eyes sparked a warmth within me, a connection that transcended the physical.

There was a sense of familiarity, a feeling of having met this complex soul before, not just through screens and interviews. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but the connection felt real, undeniable.