Blindsided

Blessings

ᴤᴤᴤᴤᴤ

Namjoo was absentmindedly stirring her noodles when he opened the door. The signal of the bells jingling made her raise her head. Sehun pulled on a smile when she saw him.

"How come you didn't eat?" he wondered sitting down.

"I was waiting for you." Her round eyes sat on him. Sending a mix of gratitude, gratefulness, elation, and melancholy through him. Seeing, for the first time, the child Junmyeon mentioned. In Namjoo.

Having forgotten in his moment of bliss that the entire world had weighed on her. At one time crushing her in its depths. Folding her beneath its cruel fingers.

"I'm back, so lets eat." He said. Adding a smile to encourage her.

Unaware of the emotions swinging through him Namjoo picked up her fork. Sehun pretended to focus on his bowl but stole a glance. Feeling his heart settle.

When they finished their bowls Namjoo collected their dishes and brought them into the kitchen. Getting up Sehun walked over to the counter pulling out his wallet. "How much is it?"

"Junmyeon said you don't have to pay." Chorong told.

"I mean, for my bowl." Sehun said.

"There's no fee." Chorong repeated. Smiling a tiny bit.

A sense of surprise started passing through Sehun. His attention shifted when Namjoo reappeared. Taking out a slip he handed it to her, "Then, think of this as a tip."

Chorong eyed the five-dollar bill. Accepting it. Satisfied, Sehun walked over to take Namjoo's hand. "Lets go outside for a bit."

"Why?" Namjoo wondered.

Fresh air wafted into their faces. The warm sun caressing their cheeks as he pushed the door open. Bliss roared through him. Pulling her to the side alley where he'd previously stood with Junmyeon he pivoted her against the building. Crushing his mouth against hers. Touching the side of her face. Savoring the faint taste of noodles, the warm beat of her breath; her body to his.

Kissing her with unsaid promises. Hoping she could taste the sincerity of his feelings. Understand that he was here for her. Would stay with her in her moments of weakness, glory, trauma. And he would protect her, always, even after death.

His chest rose and fell when he slowly removed himself. Trying not to breathe too heavily.

"What was that for?" Namjoo's cheeks turned red.

His hand slid from her face to the wall. "Just...for existing."

He received a funny look.

"What did Junmyeon say to you?" Namjoo asked.

"It's a secret," was his best answer, "between us."

Another funny look from her.

"He didn't tell me off, so we're good." Sehun added for effect. Just because he wanted to he fingered her hair. His heart going out to her.

He would be good.

He wouldn't make her cry.

Pulling on a warm smile, because he was happy she was alive. What a blessing in disguise it had been that night when he met her. Totally taken by surprise.

Sehun let his hand fall. Tucking it into the space between her back and the building. Burying his face into her hair toward her neck. Sinking into her. Another moment and he felt Namjoo put her arms around him. Quietly passing the moment together.

That weekend he picked Namjoo up for dinner. She'd gotten her phone a day late. He had no heart to punish her, but their next meal was on her and at a place of his choice. Her friends were aware of him, but there was no other special treatment. They still walked together at night. Circling the neighborhood over to the next. Holding hands. Hugging with a kiss before departing. Like that they became a couple.