come home ; ym | tk | nj

16.

Song of the chapter:

You're Not The Only One by Sam Fender

~

Kim Seokjin is indeed an excellent actor. Not that Namjoon has ever doubted it, not at all. He knows how passionate Seokjin is about his major and how much time and effort he puts into it. But saying he isn't a tiny bit surprised at how genuine and simply good Seokjin is at portraying his characters would be a lie.

It's October, a little while after their first kiss. Outside, it's cold and windy; earlier, it rained, and even though it has stopped for now, Namjoon is sure that it'll continue once he leaves the warm safety of the auditory.
Contrary to the unpleasant weather outside, the lights inside the building are warm. The stage has been transformed to a beach; the ocean, a tarpaulin, is deep blue, and the background shows mountains.

Seokjin's role is a rather ungrateful one: he plays a young, selfish prince who falls in love with a mermaid. Driven by the frustration of unrequited love, he orders a wizard from his country to cast a spell and make the mermaid human. Once it has been done, he forces the mermaid to be his wife, but she manages to flee; by the end of the play, both the wizard and the prince meet their tragic deaths, but while the wizard is revived and given a second chance, the prince is left at the beach, in a large pool of blood and a sword in his chest.

Seokjin is convincing either way, and when every actor returns to the stage one last time and bows, the audience doesn't hesitate to applaud a tad louder for him. Namjoon smiles proudly.

"You were amazing," are his first words when he meets Seokjin in the foyer, "I can't believe you haven't let me see you play until now!"
Seokjin's face relaxes at the sight of Namjoon. He lets out a relieved sigh and engulfs Namjoon in a tight hug. Namjoon chuckles.
"Oh my God," Seokjin breathes, "Did you see the whole play?"
"Of course," Namjoon says, "And I loved it. You were perfect."
A soft blush appears on Seokjin's cheeks. He tries to hide it by lowering his face.
"Stop it," he mumbles with an embarrassed smile, "'t was alright."
"Liar," Namjoon says, "I like the way they did your hair."
At that, Seokjin takes a step back and furrows his brows in doubt.
"Really? I feel like it's weird," he says and carefully touches his hair. It's parted down in the middle and the fringe forms a rather huge and exaggerated wave. But Namjoon likes it, and if he is honest, anything would probably look good on Seokjin.
"It's not," he replies and grabs Seokjin's hand, "I love it."
Seokjin has to suppress a smile. "If you say so."

Some people approach them; professors and other students, mostly, congratulating Seokjin on his great performance. He thanks them all and smiles happily.
"See, I'm not lying," Namjoon says and nudges him playfully. Seokjin rolls his eyes.
"I know you're not lying," he mumbles. Namjoon raises his eyebrows.
"Then why do you argue my compliments?"
At that question, Seokjin is quiet. He lowers his head and stares at the tips of his shoes. It's unusual to see him so shy instead of loud and proud. A hint of worry sparks up in Namjoon's chest.
"Hey," he says and steps a bit closer, "What's wrong?"

It takes Seokjin another few moments before he dares to look up at Namjoon. He seems a bit uncomfortable, but before Namjoon can get the idea that it's because of their proximity, Seokjin has taken his hand.
"I don't know," he mumbles, "It's... different when you say it." He rubs the back of Namjoon's hand. "Do you... want to come to my place?" he asks. Namjoon smiles softly.
"Sure," he says, "I was hoping we could spend a little time together."
Seokjin glances at him, then looks back down at their hands. "Okay, let's go, then," he whispers before he pulls Namjoon along with him, through the foyer that's still filled with people. Once they step outside, they are hit with cold air; it doesn't take Namjoon long to realize that it is raining.
"Crap," he hisses, ducking his head, "I didn't bring an umbrella."
"The car is not too far," Seokjin says and just keeps walking, paying the rain no mind. Namjoon follows him quickly. By the time they arrive at Seokjin's car, the front of his jeans is completely soaked. He can't wait to get in the car and drive home. Well, to Seokjin's apartment, that is.
But Seokjin stops right in front of the car and turns around. Namjoon raises his eyebrows.