thank u, next ❂ namgi

5. R U COLD?

Three days flew by too fast when you wake early from cold sweats, and fall back to sleep just to repeat the same day over and over. The same nightmare, the same bottle, the same fear. Rising just to fall back into it again.

He looked at his closet door mirror, hoping maybe his outfit would bring more confidence than what he has - lacking. He figured it would be to much to dress up in a suit and tie considering the place they'll be at, but he wouldn't deny he really wanted to look nice. He wanted to look like somebody else; he didn't want to look like the Kim Namjoon who likes to watch marathons of Pucca and Garu when he got the chance, read the endings of a book first just because, and fall asleep at the crack of sunset sometimes. He didn't want to look like a mess.

Instead, he situated with things he hasn't worn in years - color being one of them. Instead of a suit and tie, he settled with a warm turtle neck, jeans, and a thick coat since Seoul has been getting cold later. Especially at night.

He tried his best to fix his hair. It was unusual, but he preferred to fix his hair with a heart-shaped fringe. Usually, he'd go on his day with coconut hair unless there was a special event. Tonight, he believed it was.

He slipped on his shoes and before leaving he grabbed his familiar wing keychain from his work bag, and clipped it onto his belt. For safety precautions. Safety.

He left his apartment and grabbed a taxi, heading over the place before 8'o clock - Chaewon's set time for the 'team dinner'.

He was already sweating in anxiety in the taxi cab, he didn't know what to do. How would he greet him? What would they talk about? Do they have anything in common? Blind dates were always sketchy to Namjoon. Especially when it was over dating apps.

He was just a little afraid. Just a little.

He looked out the window of the taxi and sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets and slouching his shoulders. He didn't like the tingly feeling in his chest, it was always a sign that something might go wrong. His heart slightly burning with the whispers "Be careful,". It already knew that it isn't as strong as Namjoon believes it is. There can only be so many cracks before it breaks.

He looked down at his palms, fidgeting fingers. They weren't always like this, they always had somebody else's hand to hold. His hand always fit into everybody's, his hands always moped perfectly with everybody else's. His palms were rough, they were soft. He kept them soft, so whenever he cupped someone's cheeks they would never ask for him to let go.
Namjoon's hands were always warm. Always.

At least, he tried to make them warm.

"Good morning, hyungs! Good morning, Haechan. Good morning, Tae- H-Hey!"

Namjoon's voice was muffled by an oversized bright red hoodie. His head popping out of the hood, and his hair becoming a soft mess. He furrowed his eyebrows and looked behind him.

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist. "Stop talking, you'll get cold."

"Taehyung," Namjoon sighed softly, tugging the sleeves over his hands and placing his sweater palms over Taehyung's hands. They were bigger than his, he loved to hold them. "... I have to greet the others."

"No you don't," He hums," It's too cold in the morning to be greeting everybody in the cafeteria," He holds Namjoon tighter, radiating his warmth onto the taller. "Come stay with me in my cabin, I snuck in some gas station food last night. I'll start a fire in the fireplace."

"... Won't your father be mad?" Namjoon says, "You know they take roll every morning after breakfast..."

Taehyung slowly starts shuffling Namjoon further and further away from the cafeteria entrance. Ignoring the curious glances from the other kids who began to file into the cafeteria for food. "We'll be back for roll call. Please, Namjoon?"

"I-I don't know..."

Taehyung groans, swaying Namjoon side to side, not letting him go. "My dad won't do shit! It's not like he can kick his own son out of his own summer camp, my mom would smack him if she has to pick me up from here."

"And I promise you won't get in trouble either," he continues, "If he tries to make you leave, then I'll start a whole riot."

Namjoon giggles, shaking his head. "You're overdramatic," he says.

Taehyung nods. "I know I am," he says, placing his lips on Namjoon's cheek, "Now come with me before I explode!"

"I'll help you warm up... If you know what I mean."

Namjoon turns around, and flicks Taehyung's forehead. "Now I'm definitely not going with you."

"Ack! Why? C'mon let's go!" Taehyung rubs his forehead from the flick.

Namjoon looks inside the cafeteria, noticing how crowded and busy it is. He sighs one last time before nodding. "... Only because I don't want to wait in line."

Taehyung smiles with the biggest smile he can muster, the box-shaped smile and moon crescent eyes. He takes Namjoon by the hand and quickly sneaks away with him.

"Wait, wait. Slow down..."

"What?" Taehyung stops in his tracks, and turns back.

Namjoon yanks him by the hand and makes him step closer to him. Looking back at him with adoring eyes, he moves Taehyung's bangs away from his eyes. Cupping his cheeks with his warm sweaters, he pecks his forehead with warm lips.

"... Can I keep your hoodie?"

"... Hell yeah."

"Sir, we're here."

[unedited]

[Q]
What's your impression of Taehyung?