Unique Friend

Untitled Part 3

~3~ I still can't believe I'm doing this. Karina thinks to herself as she sits in the booth of the cafe/art gallery where she works, knee bouncing and chewing on a thumb nervously, waiting to meet her boss' friend. Am I really considering letting a man I have never even met, who barely speaks my language, move in with me!? But the reality is that she really doesn't have much of a choice. Her roommate had ditched her with no warning, and she cannot afford the rent on her own. She has had zero other prospects, and time (along with her limited savings) has run out. Besides, Namjoon has been a great friend; he would never lead her into an unsafe situation.

He had explained his friend's situation to her that morning when she had met with him after her class, and it sounds reasonable enough. This "unique friend" is a musician/artist, moving here for a change of pace in search of new inspiration, and to practice his English. His length of stay is yet to be determined, but he is willing to pay rent for six months in full up front. Considering she had had to constantly chase her previous roommate, Brittney, for rent, this part particularly appeals to her.

Just then the bell over the door jingles, announcing an arrival to the cafe. Since it's currently after hours, Karina figures this must be who she is waiting for. Raising her eyes to peek over the edge of the booth, she catches a glimpse of him; although she hadn't really been sure what to expect, what she sees is certainly not it. The man is of average height, slender build and looks to be just a few years older than herself; but Karina can't be sure, these Koreans all seem to her to have found the Fountain of Youth. He is wearing baggy grey sweats, a letterman jacket, sunglasses even though it is nighttime, and an earflap beanie tied under his chin.

"Unique" definitely describes his fashion sense, she thinks to herself, and yet, the man wears the unseemly ensemble with such a quiet self-assured grace, that he somehow makes the quirky look work. Stopping just inside the door, he removes his sunglasses and hat, releasing a mop of dark wavy hair that brushes his dark brown eyes. Spotting Karina staring at him, he gives her a big, boxy grin and heads her way, his movements seeming fluid, his stride is so graceful, making it difficult for Karina to tear her eyes away.

"Hi," he says in a deep, velvety voice, as he makes a slight bow to her, "you must be Karina, friend of Namjoon-hyung?"

Karina isn't sure what "hyung" means, but doesn't want to seem as awkward as she feels so just rolls with it. "Hi. Yes, I am Karina," she replies, offering her hand for him to shake. He stares at it with a blank look, then glances at her quizzically, before it dawns on him.

"Oh! The shaking of the hands, yes. Uhh..handshake?", he asks as one of his big, warm hands engulfs hers in a somewhat clumsy shake. Karina stifles a giggle at his awkward cuteness.

Just then, Namjoon emerges from his office out back, "Ah, good! You're here. Allow me to introduce you two. Karina, this is my good friend from back home, Taehyung. Tae, this is my best employee, Karina, who is also in need of a roommate."

"Yes, hyung, you told me about her; but you didn't tell me she is so pretty!" Taehyung says in response.

His comment catches Karina off guard. She has always thought of herself as more of a "Plain Jane" rather than a beauty queen. She never wears makeup, her boring one-length chestnut hair is usually styled in a ponytail, and she lives in jeans, tees and Converse. She doesn't generally inspire compliments on her appearance from near strangers. Still, Taehyung had said it with such a frankness that she doesn't feel he is being a creep, merely stating an observation.

Namjoon just gives a little chuckle. "Can I get you guys a drink while we're all getting acquainted?" When they both nod affirmative, he turns and heads behind the counter, calling over his shoulder "The usual, nightcap, Karina?"

She laughs at their inside joke. While she loves coffee, Karina prefers not to drink it too late at night unless she is working on assignments from school. "You got it boss."

"And Taehyungah? You still prefer hot chocolate?" Namjoon asks the younger man, a slight teasing note to his voice.

"Ye, hyung. You know I don't like things that taste too strong, like bitter coffee, or spicy food," Taehyung answers with an adorable pout that makes him look about twenty years younger, causing Karina to let out a little giggle, which causes Taehyung to turn his gaze to hers. In the blink of an eye his expression has gone from unhappy toddler to mischievous devil. "Ah, now you have the advantage over me, Karina-shi; you know one of my secrets, but I know none of yours," he says with a twinkle in his eye that tells her he's teasing.

Karina decides right then that she likes Taehyung, but also that she does not understand him in the slightest. Still, if this is going to work, she figures it makes sense to start building some sort of friendship status between them.

"Hmm, well we can't start our friendship with you at a disadvantage, now can we," she teases back as she pretends to ponder a safe secret she can tell him. "Well, I can't sleep without a light on." As dorky as this revelation is, Karina has never really been shy about it, it is what it is.

Taehyung's big eyes go round in surprise at her reply. "Jinjja!? Really?", he exclaims excitedly. "Me same!" His big, excited grin is so adorable that she doesn't have the heart to correct his English.

Namjoon returns then with their drinks, "Ah, you two are bonding already, I see," he says, sounding somewhat relieved.

His comment gives Karina pause. She's not exactly an introvert, but she doesn't usually feel so comfortable with a person she had just met. She and Taehyung had only just met, but he had somehow put her at ease as though they were long-term acquaintances.

"Yes, I guess we are," she answers with a smile, and filled with a sudden burst of spontaneity that is not at all in her character, she turns and asks Taehyung, "So, when do you wanna move in?"