Spring Day

Chapter 21

'We might of met before.'

The room fell silent after Jae's words and Namjoon was painfully aware of all eyes on him. Both you and Jin were looking at him for an explanation to the uncomfortable feeling that now befell the room.

He suddenly regretted not having a chance to explain anything to either of you. He had never told Jin why he was rushing so quickly to your side and Jin had never asked, he had sensed the leaders urgency and rolled with it in the way he did best. And with regards to you, well you had both been so busy working through other issues that he had almost forgotten about the other man stood before him. The man that made his blood boil.

'I think it's time for you to leave isn't it?' Namjoon spat much to your surprise.

'Namjoon!' You scolded. 'It's fine Jae, you should stay and eat with us.' You said, not dropping your disappointed gaze from Namjoon's eyes. He shot you a look back, a look full of hurt. He was perfectly aware that you didn't know why he was being like this but he couldn't remove the feeling from his stare.

Jae nodded simply in reply and Jin moved to help him serve everything out.

'What was that about?' You asked Namjoon as you moved to his side, instinctively taking his hand in yours despite the feeling of annoyance that was rising in you.

'He's not quite what you think he is.' Namjoon replied and nodded in Jae's direction. You shook your head and removed yourself from the conversation, helping the other boys to set up dinner.

Namjoon stood and watched the three of you. Even Jin seemed to be getting on with Jae, as much as he could with the language barrier. The thought momentarily crossed his mind that maybe it was him who wasn't seeing the real Jae, but he quickly reminded himself of the horrible phone call that they had both been a part of.

You were easily taken in by the kindness of others and always wanted to see the good in everyone. This was a quality that Namjoon treasure in you. A quality that he now wished would disappear long enough for you to see the truth behind Jae's heart. It was also a quality that you shared with Jin. One of the many qualities you shared with Jin when he thought about it.

Namjoon watched Jae, observing his movements closely. He seemed to know his way around your small kitchen well and that bothered Namjoon far more then it should. Had he really been here that many times? Was the man before him really a close friend of yours?

'Namjoon, it's ready.' Jin said, clicking his fingers in front of Namjoon's eyes to bring him out of his trance. It was only then that he realised Jae had been watching him too. Namjoon nodded at Jin and moved to sit next to you at the table.

The meal was awkward as hell and Namjoon wished more then anything that you had let Jae leave when he had suggested it.

No one was sure what language to speak in as you and Namjoon were the only ones that spoke both Korean and English well enough to have a proper conversation. Jin tried his hardest but wasn't able to keep up. Jae spoke only to you and to Jin in simplified sentences, but simply glared at Namjoon from across the table. Eventually you all gave up and ate in an uncomfortable silence.

As soon as the meal was over you all took a large breath and sighed with relief. You and Jin stood to go and wash up the dishes, leaving Namjoon and Jae to talk out the differences that were weighing heavily on them both.

'How the hell did you even get here so quickly? You were half way across the world as far as Y/N told me.' Jae was the first to speak, and his words were said through grit teeth.

'I have my ways. I told you, you have no idea who I am or what I can do.' Namjoon lent back casually on his chair, acting as if the fire in his chest wasn't reflected clearly in his words.