I Need U (Kim Namjoon x Reader)

Chapter 9

Namjoon led you back behind the fruit stand where chairs were set up. He offered a seat and you didn't hesitate to take it. "What you did for the little girl was really amazing. I was about to do the same thing." you told him.

"That sounds like you." He chuckled, remembering when he saw you feeding all the lost cats in the area. In Namjoon's eyes, you really were too pure. "She comes a lot and I never felt the need to give one to her, until today. Today I felt the urge to," he said, trailing off as he glanced over at you. He watched as your eyes dart back and forth with the fruit display. So many colors with so many different shapes. "Thank you for standing up for me."

"That lady was just looking for a fight. I'm sure someone would have done what I did."

He shook his head. "They all look at me like I'm trouble. The fish ladies would talk about my mother and how my father left us. They blamed us for everything that happened. Only my neighbor saw something else, human I guess, and gave me a chance. My neighbor.... and you, Y/N. So thank you."

"Don't mention it. Everyone deserves a chance and I want to be someone who gives you one." Over the course of a few months,  you saw the most prominent side of Namjoon. The one that was curious and so eager to teach. He was respectful of everything around him and his eyes grew when he talks about his mother. 

The two chairs located right next to each other and in an enclosed space as a fruit stand, your knees were touching. In your stomach, you felt a tingle and your heartbeat gradually getting louder and more rapid. If it continued, you knew he would hear it. Namjoon wanted to reach out and take the hand that was on your lap, but stopped when he noticed a group of people in front of the stand.

"Can we get a few things?" one lady asked. "Attorney Kim told us the fruits here tastes great." You sighed and rubbed your temple, your mother was really something else. Namjoon began helping the ladies and you saw some of them checking him out. No surprise considering how tall he is or how dreamy he looks when he smiles. Oh no, you did not just think that, though it was a pure object thought.

But then the group grew and he was getting flustered. You sprung off from your feet and began helping like with weighing and bagging. You left the money transactions to Namjoon and he seemed grateful with the extra hand. When your mother came back, almost all of the fruits were gone and you two were exhausted. Your head leaned on his shoulder as your eyes closed.

"I don't wake her up." your mother whispered. "She's comfortable."

"It's getting cold. You should get her home." Namjoon said, though he didn't want to wake you up either and he was growing fond with the feeling of your head on his shoulder. Your mother bit the inside of her cheek and thought. It was getting late and chilly. Then an idea popped up inside her head.

"Why don't you come over for dinner?"

"Pardon?" Namjoon tilted his head slightly to not disturb you. "I don't want to intrude."

Your mother laughed quietly and waved her hand. "Don't be ridiculous. You've been teaching her for almost 6 months and we haven't even eaten dinner together yet. It's long overdue. Besides, I need your help carrying her to my car."

"Still..."

"Just come with us. I'm sure my husband and Taehyung will be happy to have you over. And certainly Y/N would like that."

"She would?" Namjoon asked, he couldn't hide the excitement coming out of his voice. His cheeks flushed when your mother noticed.

"She's shy, she wouldn't stand up for just anyone. You're a good friend to her, Namjoon. Thank you." He shook his head. If only she knew how much he had actually hurt you. She would be disappointed too. Her smile reminded him of his own mother's, the lines it produces and the ever so gentleness that it gives out. His neighbor came back soon and was delighted to see the sales Namjoon made. He denied the payment she was about to give him, but accepted the fruits to bring to his mother tomorrow.

You hadn't woken up at all during the entire car ride. Namjoon, sitting beside you, was getting nervous. "Had she taken her medicine yet?" he asked, still not completely sure what the pills are and what correlation they have to your health.

Your mother furrowed her eyebrows. You had been home all day because it was Namjoon's day off and she forgot to call to remind you. "Damn, maybe she hasn't yet. My husband and I were working all day and Taehyung was at rehearsal. She must have slacked off."

"No, it's partly my fault too. I assigned too many readings for her."

"She seems to be enjoying it though. I see her reading every night before bed."

Namjoon smiled and glanced over at you. Your head pressed against the cool window, he was scared he would leave a red mark on your forehead so he carefully laid his jacket in between. After a while, you woke up and clutched the jacket with your hands.

"Did I wake you?" Namjoon asked. Not expecting him to be in the car or so close to you, you jumped a little. Instinctively, he reached out and touched your shoulder as comfort. You relaxed under his touch and the sight of your mother in the front seat.

"Um, no. It's the smell of the jacket..." you said, looking at the piece of garment. The cotton material had fuzzes, evident of the years it had been in use.

"Smell? I'm sorry, I swear I washed it already." Namjoon reached for it but you shook your head. It was the same hoodie from that night, you gave it back to him after his first day.

"It still smells like rain." you smiled. Namjoon couldn't decipher the meaning it. He still wonders if you're upset with him, or even resent him, he hopes not. The awkwardness between you two had somewhat faded and you talk to him normally, almost like a friend. 

Your father was on his laptop writing a report on the couch while Taehyung was singing the new music out on the balcony. Your father greeted Namjoon gleefully. He, too, quite enjoy talking to Namjoon. Taehyung said nothing and went to the kitchen to help you and your mother.

"What is he doing here?" Taehyung asked. There was some bitterness in his question.

"Tae, by nice. He's just here for dinner." you answered.

"Why?"

"Why not?" your mother shrugged. She told you to go rest but you denied the offer. It was already late, your mother needed help making dinner on time. Taehyung began slicing and dicing while you put the food to shimmer in a pot. Namjoon, from the living room, watched as you laughed and sang together with Taehyung while cooking. He has never seen you so happy and he knew he wanted to see more of that smile.