Crimson Shadows

Chapter 2

The cozy ambiance of the small cafe provided a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. Soft jazz music played in the background, mingling with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of coffee cups. Namjoon pushed open the door, a gentle bell chiming overhead, and stepped inside, grateful for the warmth.

He had taken a liking to this particular cafe since moving to the city. It was a peaceful spot where he could sit with his books and enjoy a cup of coffee. He ordered his usual—a caramel macchiato—and found a seat by the window, pulling out a well-worn notebook.

As he settled in, he failed to notice the sharp eyes that followed his every move from a corner booth. Seokjin sat with his back against the wall, his posture relaxed but his expression cold and unapproachable. His men flanked him, their presence a silent warning to anyone who might think of disturbing them.

Seokjin had not forgotten Namjoon. The boy’s innocence and genuine fear from that night had left a lasting impression. He found himself inexplicably drawn to Namjoon’s purity, a stark contrast to the darkness of his own world.

One of his men, Taehyung, leaned in and whispered something, but Seokjin waved him off, his eyes fixed on Namjoon. There was a softness in his gaze that was reserved only for the boy who had stumbled into his life by accident.

"Sir, should we—" Taehyung began, but Seokjin cut him off with a glare that could freeze fire.

"Leave him." Seokjin said curtly, his tone brooking no argument.

Namjoon, oblivious to the tension in the room, focused on his notebook, occasionally glancing out the window. His peaceful solitude was interrupted when the chair opposite him scraped against the floor, and someone sat down.

He looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "Seokjin?"

Seokjin's cold demeanor melted slightly at the sound of his name. "Hello, Namjoon."

Namjoon's surprise turned into a warm smile. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"I like this place" Seokjin replied, his tone softer than it had been with anyone else. "It's quiet."

Namjoon nodded, a bit nervous but pleased. "Me too. It's a good spot to relax."

Seokjin leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Namjoon's face. "How have you been?"

"Good..." Namjoon said, fiddling with his pen. "Just trying to get used to the city."

"It's a big place..." Seokjin remarked, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Easy to get lost."

Namjoon laughed, the sound light and musical. "Yeah, I've learned that the hard way."

Seokjin's men watched the interaction with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Their boss, usually a pillar of ice, was practically warm in Namjoon's presence. It was as if the boy had a magic touch, thawing Seokjin's cold exterior.

"Would you like something to eat?" Seokjin asked, signaling to the waiter.

"Oh, no, I'm fine" Namjoon said quickly, but Seokjin waved off his protest.

"Bring us two slices of the cheesecake." Seokjin ordered, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

Namjoon blushed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by Seokjin's generosity. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it," Seokjin said, his eyes softening as he looked at Namjoon. "It's my pleasure."

As they chatted, Seokjin's demeanor remained gentle and attentive with Namjoon, a stark contrast to his usual coldness. The cafe staff and patrons couldn't help but notice the unusual sight—Seokjin, the feared mob boss, being kind and almost affectionate.

Namjoon, for his part, was blissfully unaware of the stir they were causing. He found Seokjin's company comforting and was genuinely happy to have made a friend in the big, intimidating city. Little did he know that his innocence and sweetness had already begun to chip away at the walls around Seokjin's heart.

When the cheesecake arrived, Namjoon's eyes lit up. "This looks amazing."

"Try it" Seokjin urged, watching with satisfaction as Namjoon took a bite and his face lit up with delight.

"This is so good!" Namjoon exclaimed, savoring the rich, creamy dessert.

Seokjin chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it."

As the evening wore on, the two continued to talk, laughter and smiles filling the space between them. For a moment, Seokjin could forget the darkness of his world, basking in the light that was Namjoon. And Namjoon, in his innocence, had no idea just how deeply he had affected the cold-hearted mob boss sitting across from him.