Unexpectedly Regular | Kim Namjoon

28

As far as she had overheard from his conversation, the pictures were released by a sasaeng who had stalked Namjoon since Korea. They suspected the same woman who had been on the restaurant on Namjoon and Nara's first date. Instead of blackmailing Namjoon, his company or even making a kind of an auction between the press and the involved people, as it was common practice, she posted the pictures on her twitter and now she was giving interviews to the press who quickly helped to spread the news. It was already viral. Namjoon explained what was about to happen from that moment on. The company still had decisions to make but the current decision taken by Namjoon, the other members and his managers was that they should confirm the dating rumors, as the pictures were clear: Namjoon was making out with a girl on the streets of São Paulo. They would let the case rest, as after his return he was actually supposed to go to the army, anyway. Time would help people to forget it. Time could heal the fans' broken hearts, but Nara was not sure it would heal hers.

-My intention is to protect you from all this craziness, Nara. I'm the one to deal with that, you have never chosen to have this life. But it's your decision too. What do you want to do?

Nara shared her painful experience of shortly reading the news and expressed her doubts. Would she be resilient to see so many precious aspects of her life being affected by that on a daily basis, for the rest of her life?

-We still don't know how things will work out. And I promise, there are many good things that could come from this situation as well. Can you imagine having your work appreciated by people all around the world? Wasn't that your goal?

He tried to be optimistic, but his voice was weak.

-I will get lots of hate and little appreciation for my writing. The world will not be so fair to me, you know? Actually, it's already happening.

-I know, babe. And you have all the right to choose to leave this life whenever you want. I'll understand you and I'll support you. – Namjoon finally left the table and sat next to Nara on the sofa. - I'll miss you, if you think this should be over. But whatever happens, I'm with you too.

Nara hugged him and he pulled her so she could be on his lap. He gave her all the time she needed and the warmness of his embrace was enough to protect her from the feelings she had. There were no fears or pain inside his arms, as he shielded her and kept the pain for himself. She looked into his eyes and saw a boy who had experienced enough of that kind of painful struggle. He was strong to support her now, even though it was also clear he was broken too. She felt thankful, and willing to do the same for him, somehow.

-So let's just be with each other for a while.

Hearing his heartbeat calmed her down, and after a while she felt like moving on from that drama. She laughed weakly when she recalled their discussion last night. It was ironic how they were then talking about a future so far from them and now, just because it scared her to face the troubles that came up, she didn't want to ever let go of him. He decided to stay and act as if nothing had happened, and his reaction lead her to make up her mind. She realized she was used to live one day, one problem, one obstacle at a time with him, so they just had to keep doing the same, and why not do that forever?

-So what, now? – She asked after taking her moment to calm down.

-Now you teach me the name of all the fruit I've bought and we have breakfast. The coffee smells so good.

-Right. – Nara enthusiastically stood up, as if she hand't been upset minutes ago. - What do we have here?

As soon as she had reached the bags, she heard her phone ringing. She was decided to just turn it off but she couldn't.