CREATURE OF THE SHADOWS

usual

The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the lecture hall. Jin sat at the front, his back ramrod straight against the worn wooden chair, everyone's gaze fixed on the professor's impassioned lecture about the species. The droning voice bounced off the walls, creating a rhythmic hum that lulled him into a state of half-attentiveness. He was just beginning to feel like himself again, the lingering effects of his recent illness receding like a receding tide.

His eyes momentarily drifted to the back of the lecture hall. He noticed Jinnie, his twin brother, leaning forward, his brow furrowed in concentration. But Jinnie’s attention wasn’t on the lecture. He was whispering something to RM,and both of them were erupting in hushed laughter. Jin watched them, a sliver of warmth blooming in his chest. Jinnie had always been the life of the party, his infectious energy a constant reminder that life was meant to be enjoyed.

Across from Jinnie, Namjoon sat impassively, his gaze fixed on Jin, an unreadable expression playing across his features. Jin found his gaze unsettling. Namjoon had been quiet the past week, his usual boisterous demeanor replaced by a somberness that made Jin feel uncomfortable. He hadn’t mentioned it, but the worry in Namjoon’s eyes, the way he’d lingered by his side, offering silent support, had been unsettlingly invasive.

A week ago, Jin had been confined to his apartment, his body wracked by a relentless fever. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so ill. It had been a strange, unsettling sickness, leaving him drained and weak. He’d barely been able to make it to the bathroom, let alone keep up with his classes.

But then, Namjoon had appeared in his room. He’d brought food, medicines . He’d even stayed with him late into the night, reading aloud from his favorite book, his voice a soothing balm to Jin’s aching head. Jin hadn’t questioned his sudden, fervent care. He’d simply accepted it, grateful for the unexpected kindness.

Now, as he watched Namjoon staring at him, Jin felt a prickle of unease. It was almost as if Namjoon was waiting for him to acknowledge something, to reciprocate a sentiment that Jin couldn’t quite grasp.

The class ended, and Jin gathered his things, his mind still buzzing . As he walked out of the lecture hall, he saw Namjoon was waiting outside. Jinnie was still chuckling about something, talking something to RM. Namjoon , however, was silent, his eyes fixed on Jin with a fervent intensity that made Jin’s stomach twist with a sense of apprehension.

'Hey, you two,' Jin said, forcing a smile. He was aware of Namjoon's gaze following him, his silence a heavy weight in the air.

Jinnie grinned, his eyes sparkling. 'Hey, bro. How are you feeling?'

Jin shrugged. 'Much better. Still a bit tired, but I'm making progress.' He glanced at Namjoon, who remained silent. Then he looked at RM..'What were you two laughing about back there?'

Jinnie's grin widened. 'Oh, just some inside jokes. You wouldn't get it,' he said, winking at Namjoon.

'Right,' Jin said, feeling the tension in the air thicken. It was clear that there was something Jinnie wasn’t telling him, something he was hiding behind that unsettlingly intense gaze.

Namjoon cleared his throat, his voice a soft rumble. 'Actually, Jin, there's something I wanted to tell you.'

Jin's heart skipped a beat. He felt a prickle of unease. “What is it, Namjoon?”

Namjoon hesitated, his gaze flickering to Jinnie, who was now studying him with a knowing smile. 'It's about when you were sick… I… I wanted to make sure you were okay,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jin stared at him, his mind racing. 'Okay?' he echoed, his voice uncertain.

Namjoon swallowed hard. 'I… I was worried about you. You were so sick, and I couldn't stand to see you like that.'

A wave of confusion washed over Jin. 'Why? We're just known each for a month maybe , you're just a student! But what u did was really I appreciate ".

Namjoon's eyes widened, a flash of something akin to pain crossing his features. 'Just student? Jin, you're my professor. And you were… you were…,' he trailed off, his voice breaking.

Jinnie nudged him gently, his eyes filled with unspoken understanding. 'Namjoon, it's okay. He'll understand.'

Namjoon glanced at Jinnie, then back at Jin. 'I… I didn't mean to… I just…' He faltered, his voice cracking.

Jin stared at him, his heart pounding. He felt a sudden rush of understanding. Namjoon wasn't just worried about as his student; he was worried about Jin. He had taken care of him not just out of duty, but out of a deeper, unspoken feeling.

As realization dawned on him, Jin felt a wave of warmth flood through him. He felt a strange sense of gratitude, intertwined with something else… something akin to affection.

Jin took a step towards Namjoon, his heart beating faster with each step. He met his gaze, his own eyes filled with a newfound warmth.

'Namjoon,' he said softly, his voice carrying a different kind of intensity. 'I'm okay now. And I'm glad you were there for me.'

Namjoon's eyes widened, surprise and relief flickering across his features. His silent gaze, the one that had made Jin so uneasy, now seemed to hold something else… something hopeful.

As Jin's gaze locked with Namjoon's, he knew this wasn't just the beginning of a new understanding; it was the beginning of something else, something that might just change everything.

💝