𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙚 / 𝙠𝙣𝙟

𝙫𝙞𝙞

As they made their way back along the riverside path, Namjoon kept stealing glances at Y/N. The quiet between them felt peaceful, the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled with words. Yet, beneath the surface, Namjoon's emotions churned. His heart raced every time their shoulders brushed or when Y/N flashed him one of their easy smiles. He wondered how much longer he could keep pretending these feelings were nothing more than friendship.

Y/N let out a soft sigh, breaking Namjoon's thoughts. "I really needed this today. It's nice to just... be in the moment, you know?"

Namjoon nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets to stop himself from reaching for theirs. "Yeah, it feels good to escape sometimes. Life's too heavy otherwise."

Y/N smiled at him, a warmth in their eyes that made his chest tighten. "You always know how to make things feel lighter, Namjoon. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He felt his heart stumble at their words, and for a brief second, he considered saying everything he had been holding back. But the fear of changing things, of risking their friendship, clamped down on his courage. So, instead, he smiled and said, "I'll always be here for you. You know that."

They continued walking, the city lights gradually appearing in the distance. The sun had fully set, and the air was growing cooler, but neither of them seemed in a rush to get home.

"Wanna take the long way back?" Y/N asked, glancing at him. "I'm not ready for the night to end just yet."

Namjoon grinned. "I'm always up for an adventure."

They wandered through the quiet streets, the glow of streetlights casting long shadows. Their conversation was light, drifting between random topics—old memories, embarrassing moments, and plans for the future. But Namjoon found himself lost in the present, savoring every moment with Y/N.

At some point, they stopped in front of a small convenience store, the neon lights buzzing softly above them. Y/N pointed at it. "Ice cream?"

Namjoon laughed. "You read my mind."

They picked out their favorite flavors, and Namjoon paid before Y/N could argue, earning him a playful glare. As they sat down on a nearby bench to eat, Y/N's face lit up with delight at the first bite of their ice cream.

"Why does food always taste better at night?" they mused, swinging their legs as they sat.

"Probably because everything feels a little more magical after dark," Namjoon replied, his gaze lingering on them. The way the moonlight caught the edges of their features, the soft glow of the streetlight highlighting their smile—it made his heart ache in the best way.

Y/N laughed softly, finishing off their ice cream. "You're such a poet."

Namjoon smirked. "It's what I do."

They both laughed, the sound echoing softly in the quiet street. Namjoon felt a surge of happiness, like nothing else mattered in that moment but the two of them sitting there, together.

As they sat in comfortable silence, Y/N suddenly leaned their head on Namjoon's shoulder, their voice soft. "This has been one of the best days I've had in a long time. Thank you."

Namjoon's breath caught in his throat. He wanted to tell them how much they meant to him, how much he had grown to care about them—more than a friend should. But he just smiled and said, "I'm glad. I had a great time too."

They stayed like that for a while, Y/N resting against him, Namjoon soaking in the moment. He could have stayed there forever.

Eventually, Y/N lifted their head, stretching their arms. "We should probably head back before it gets too late."

Namjoon stood, reluctantly agreeing. "Yeah, let's go."

As they walked back toward the city, Y/N slipped their arm through his, leaning into him slightly. Namjoon's heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his cool, savoring the warmth of their touch.

When they finally reached Y/N's building, they stopped outside the door. Y/N turned to him with a smile. "Thanks again for today, Namjoon. You're the best."

Namjoon smiled back, his heart swelling. "Anytime. You know where to find me."

Y/N gave him a quick hug, lingering for just a moment longer than usual. "Goodnight, Joon."

"Goodnight, Y/N," he replied, watching them disappear inside before turning, hopping on his bicycle and riding away.