I Met Him in the Library-A Namjin story

Thursday

"You're reading The Fault in Our Stars? That's unexpected."

"Really? How?"

"You were reading Misery the first day I met you. That's horror. And now you're reading YA fiction. Do you even have a type?"

"Not really, no. I'll read anything."

"You, Kim Namjoon, are a genius."

Jin was back in all of his glory. Admittedly, he had been just a little happier to see him than before, and the "genius" comment definitely made him blush a bit.

"I'm bored," Jin whined.

"I'm not your babysitter."

"But daaaaaddddd!"

Namjoon cracked a smile. "Sorry, can't help you."

Jin's face lit up in a grin. It was so genuinely surprised and joyful that Namjoon couldn't help but stare.

"Did I just get the serious sour puss Namjoon to smile?" He teased.

He rolled his eyes. "I'm not that much of a grump."

"I need to pat myself on the back for that one. Point to Kim Seokjin. And I think I'll reward myself with a coffee from a cafe down the road. And I'm going to take you with me."

"Are you now?" He smirked.

"Yep. Up you go. Check out your book because I'm taking you to coffee...or whatever kind of drink you'd prefer."

 "I checked it out yesterday."

"Perfect." Jin was already walking away, forcing Namjoon to speed walk a couple paces to keep up. "Let's go."

"I hardly know you, hyung, you could be an axe murderer."

He turned back to him. "Don't think I didn't catch that reference. I read TFIOS too, you know."

"A man with refined tastes, I see."

"I hardly shed a tear at the end."

"Liar."

"See? You know me well already."

He had to admit, it was nice to get out a bit. He didn't exactly love going to places like a coffee shop by himself; he always felt like he didn't belong. Plus, with Hoseok gone, and a mom working constantly, he had no one to go with.

Then Seokjin showed up out of the blue, like destiny telling him that it was about time he made another human connection with someone.

"Spring is invigorating," Jin commented. "It makes me feel like running all the way down main street to the coffee shop."

"Knock yourself out," Said Namjoon.

"If you didn't catch the hint, I was telling you to race me."

"We're not six."

"But we are young, and I see no reason not to. I'd win, anyway."

Jin hadn't expected that tactic to work so well. He never pegged Namjoon as the competitive type, but before he could take a second glance, he was already racing down the sidewalk. 

They sprinted down the concrete until Namjoon thrust the door to The Coffee House open with flourish.

"After you," He grinned, holding the wooden door open.

"You're smiling again!" Jin cheered. "I love it."

"And I love that I beat you," Namjoon teased. The weather along with the walk had lifted his mood greatly.

Jin crossed his arms. "You're too cruel."

"I hate ordering..." Namjoon sighed.

"No one loves it."

Jin ordered an iced coffee (insisting that it was finally the season for cold drinks) and Namjoon an iced tea.

"This place is atmospheric," Jin commented as they sat down. "We could go here to read, if you'd like."

Namjoon took a sip of his drink. "I wouldn't mind sometimes. So long as you went with me."

Jin's face tinged pink. He noticed how Namjoon's dimples showed when he smiled, and his eyes squinted. It was unexpected...and cute. He knew he hadn't made a mistake in talking to that loner in the library.

They chatted for what felt like hours. About every little thing they could think of. From school to home to books. To Jin's seeming obsession with all things Mario. To Namjoon's love of music.

Once Namjoon's shell was cracked, he was immensely odd, yet immensely intriguing. That was Jin's favorite type of person-someone he could talk to and never feel bored with. 

As for Namjoon's thoughts, he felt like he was warming up to Jin. He didn't mind it one bit. On the contrary, he was damn near thrilled.

"Hey, hyung," Said Namjoon, an idea dawning on him. "Do you think I could have your number?"

"Of course," He beamed. "Here, I'll give you my phone so you can type your contact in."

After they left the shop and parted ways, Namjoon felt a buzzing in his jean pocket.

Unknown Number: Hey Joonie~ It's me, your newest friend :)

Namjoon: "Joonie"?

Unknown Number: I thought it sounded cute

Namjoon: I'm not cute, though

Unknown Number: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Who said that?

Namjoon: Margaret Wolfe Hungerford

Unknown Number: Then I send her my best

Unknown Number: Text me once in awhile :)

Namjoon: Do I have much choice?

Unknown Number: Not at all, my friend