Unique Friend

~5~

~5~

Monday morning dawns with Karina groggy and aching from head to toe after a weekend full of moving, cleaning and rearranging everything in the apartment, as well as a couple of very busy shifts at the Swan. Groaning, she hauls herself out of bed and heads to the kitchen to start the coffee. She is just stirring in her milk when she hears a small intake of breath behind her. Somewhat puzzled, she turns to see a very rumpled and sleepy looking Taehyhung staring at her with wide eyes, before he abruptly averts his gaze. "Uh, sorry....", he mumbles, turning and making a hasty retreat to his room, leaving her completely baffled. Shrugging it off, Karina goes about her morning routine, her mind on her classes.

Just as she is about to leave for school, she can hear Taehyung coming down the hall in a hurry. "Karina," he calls in his velvet voice and cute accent, "wait please." Turning, she sees him pulling on his jacket, hair done and outfit immaculate, looking like he just stepped out of a magazine. How do these Korean guys do it? she wonders.

"Oh hey Taehyung, I've gotta get to class. Do you need something?', she asks, somewhat impatient. She had spent a lot of time that weekend showing him the place and explaining how everything works; he had had a lot of questions.

"Ani. Ah, not-no," he mumbles, then clears his throat. "I will walk with you to school!" he announces proudly.

"Um, that's really not necessary, Taehyung. I've been walking by myself for two years now, I'll be ok," she replies.

"I know. You are very, um," he pauses, in search of the right word, "independent woman. But I want to see where your school is, and also I should make sure my roomie is safe," he answers with such big, innocent puppy dog eyes that Karina finds it hard to say no. Plus, she is running late and really doesn't have the time to argue.

Smiling, she says, "Ok, let's get going then, I don't want to be late."

The walk to her school is somewhat quiet, Karina not being much of a morning person, and accustomed to walking solo. They do share some small talk, she answering his questions and pointing out landmarks such as restaurants and the small local grocer she likes. She can't help but smile at Taehyung's somewhat childlike amusement and wonder at everything he sees, finding him an intriguing mix of smart, sophisticated man, and curious, mischievous boy.

"Ok, this is my school," Karina announces as they reach the beginning of the campus grounds. "You'll be alright to find your way back?" she asks, suddenly feeling somewhat protective of Taehyung.

"Do not worry, Karina, I'm fine. And I can always call Namjoon-hyung if I need to."

"Ok, well have a good day Taehyung. I'll see you after work this evening I guess," she says, suddenly feeling awkward for no reason. She gives him a quick smile she is sure looks more like a grimace, then quickly turns and heads inside.

*******

Karina's day goes by fast, with one of her professors even announcing an early end to the semester for his class, and all of her assignments handed back with great marks. She's smiling as she walks into Black Swan for her shift that afternoon.

"Hey Karina! You look to be in a good mood," Namjoon greets her by way of hello.

"Hey Joon. I am. Things are finally starting to be less stressful for me; all my assignments got good grades, one class is ending this week, and I now have a roommate so my finances are only desperate rather than dire," she replies.

"Hey, that's all great news! So I take it Taehyung has settled in ok and you guys are getting along?" he asks, looking genuinely concerned that they may not be getting along.

"Um, yeah I think so. He certainly is a curious one," she laughs, "he kept me busy with a lot of questions. But I think it will work out ok while he's here."

Namjoon looks relieved at this. "Good, good," he answers distractedly. Karina has the impression he wants to say more but just then his cell phone rings and he heads back to his office, leaving her to herself. Monday evenings are generally pretty quiet, so she often works them alone, using the quiet time to study. She doesn't see Namjoon again until just before closing.

"So Karina, we have a new art event coming up!"

"Oh that will be great! When is it? What will the theme be?" she asks with excitement. While not at all creative herself, she does enjoy art, and especially the buzz of excitement a new art event at Black Swan creates.

"Um, well, I'm leaving the theme part up to the artist this time," he says with a bit of a chuckle. Noticing her puzzled expression, he elaborates. "The event is showcasing Taehyung. I'm leaving everything up to him, cuz the Gods know no one can understand any theme he comes up with." he explains with another chuckle.

"Ah. Yeah he is...eccentric, isn't he? You two are so different I am still not sure how it is you became friends," she teases.

"I know right! The first time I saw him, I thought 'This kid ain't gonna listen to me', and I was right. He does his own thing, his way. Always," Namjoon muses fondly. Karina chuckles, her curiosity peaked at this tidbit into the guys' shared history. Knowing he won't answer anyway, she turns the conversation to practical things like planning for the event. They talk details as they close up, Namjoon even letting her off a bit early. "You go ahead, you still have to walk home, and there's not much left to do here anyway. Don't worry, I won't dock your pay," he says with a wink and a flash of his gorgeous dimples.

"As long as you're sure? There's still dry stock to be refilled, and the dishwasher is not fully emptied, and-" he cuts her off.

"Karina, go. I have a few more things to take care of in the office, so I can finish up those little tasks as well. I did manage to run this place ok before you came along, you know." he winks again to let her know he is teasing.

"Okay, okay. Thanks Joon. Have a good night," she replies before heading out back to hang up her apron and grab her backpack.

It's a nice, mild evening for her walk home, and Karina takes in a big breath of the balmy breeze that hints at the warm summer weather to come, calming her. In fact, she realizes this is the most calm she has felt in quite a while. Perhaps years. A small, dark part of her warns her not to get too comfortable, because you never know when everything will fall to pieces, but she gives her head a shake and takes another deep breath, unwilling to let past demons intrude on her current peace.

Having made her way up the three flights of stairs, she is rummaging in her bag looking for her key when she hears a deep voice call her name from inside her apartment, just before the door is suddenly yanked open.

"Finally, you're home!," Taehyung greets her with a big excited grin, grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her inside. "Surprise!" he giggles, spreading his arms wide to display his surprise to her.

Surprise is an understatement. Karina is shocked. She gasps as she takes it all in. Furniture, Taehyung surprised her with furniture. He has filled the apartment with brand new, high end furniture, art, a massive flat screen TV and gaming consoles.