Serendipity: The Amazing Journey Of A Soulmate

34. Someone's waiting for you

"Inna," Namjoon starts, his voice low and serious. "I'm aware of the fact that you didn't have many friends here and that this country has been difficult to accommodate to, especially after all the things you've been through. I just want you to know that you are not alone anymore. You have me. And Jimin, who absolutely adores you, and everyone else from the house. They all seem to like you a lot" he reassures me with a small smile, touching my lower lip with his thumb. "Thank you! For that and...for being here. Aaaaand, for taking care of me" I say, trying to move the conversation to a safer and more cheerful place. "You didn't have to come and collect me from Itaewon. I would've gotten home eventually"
"Of course I had to come! You're my girlfriend. It is my job to care for you and protect you," I smile at his sweet words and take his hand in mine. "You also need rest. You're barely sleeping these days as it is, with practice and the new album. There's no need for you to worry about me or wander around the city to pick up my drunk ass. Which by the way was pretty embarrassing. I don't usually do this. Get drunk like this or party in the city, I mean" I say avoiding his gaze.

Man, I'm so ashamed. Now that I have cleared my head enough, I realize I've been acting stupid last night. I was never the one to go party all night or drink until I can no longer stay on my feet. Yes, I would drink my glass of wine at a restaurant or the regular beer I have at home after work, but I never go overboard. Last night was an exception. I can count on the fingers of one hand the times I partied hard like last night.
"I don't mind doing it because I like spending time with you. And also" he says, gently grabbing my chin and turning my head to face him again, "I don't judge you for your escapade. On the contrary, I think you needed that. Besides, I enjoyed having my dimples pocked and seeing you talk to all the inanimate objects you encountered on our way back" he chuckles and I almost pass out. A flash of an image with me touching and talking to a plant in the building lobby crossed my head and I cringe at the sudden memory. Jesus Christ, what else did I do? Noticing the panic on my face he says, "If you're thinking what else have you done last night, I must confess you were really hot ordering me around to get rid of my clothes" he barks a laugh, unable to control it and I just want the floor to open up and swallow me in this instant. Covering my face with one hand, while the other is still held by Namjoon, I want to slap myself. I bet there was nothing hot about drunk me doing that, who is he lying to? "I'm sorry, but that was quite a night" he continues, his chest shuddering from too much laughter, but he slowly calms himself.
"Honestly, I have been thinking about you all day yesterday. The thought of you just gave me a good vibe. I feel very productive and inspired these days. Relaxed even. Like things are finally settling in" he confesses playing with my fingers. "I'm glad you feel that way, Joonie. But don't overwork yourself. Rest as much as you can. A long year is ahead of you all. Promise me you'll take care of you." He just brings my hand to his lips and places a kiss in my palm, nodding. "Yes, ma'am. There is actually something I wanted to discuss with you" he carefully says.
"What is it?"

"The next few months are going to be hectic. You already know we're releasing a new album soon. Besides all the work behind it, practice and recording and songwriting, we have to promote it. A tour is inevitable, although I can't tell you at this point just how far in the future is going to be or how long is going to take," I nod in understanding, encouraging him to continue.
"This means that I will be gone abroad for long periods of time and even when I'm here, we won't be able to spend that much time together. I will find time for you. I will always find time for you, but I hate that it has to be like this and I'm sor-" he starts apologising but I interrupt him. "Hey, hey. You don't have to apologise. This is your work and your dream. You, pursuing it and doing what you love, can never be something wrong. I know how hard you worked for this and you still do. All of you do. I can only stay by your side and support your dream. We're going to make this work. I will wait for you. Always. All you have to do is go there in the world and show them what real talent and hardwork are. Save some lives. And when it gets too hard, remember that there is something you can return to. Someone who is waiting for you. Until then, let's focus on the present. It's the most precious thing that we have." He looks at me with so much affection that it almost makes my heart stop beating. Then he pulls me into a tight hug, burying his face in the nape of my neck as he whispers against my skin. "You're a wonder, Inna. I won't let you down." Although I find it hard to breathe, either from the tight hug or the emotions in my chest, I manage to reply "I know you won't."