Secret Coach (A BTS Fanfic)

Chapter 19: Too Strong

"Lunch?" you turn to look at Namjoon, and he gives you a shy smile. 

Was it already time for lunch? You check the time via your phone only to discover you have a text from an unknown number. 

"This is Yoongi, " the text reads. "I have a puppy. I need someone to take care of her this weekend. I will not be here. You seem to like dogs. Could you take care of her?"

You look up at Namjoon to bring up the text. Curious, he asks if he can read the message on your phone, which you let him hold your phone. He nods as he reads over the text silently.

 "I guess the dog sitter that usually takes care of his dog is not going to be able to watch Holly," he shrugs. "Yoongi is not quick to trust new people though. I am a bit surprised," he admits to you, and you nod in agreement.

"Do you think he would actually be okay with me watching his dog? Plus, my apartment isn't pet-friendly," you comment, avoiding eye contact by looking out at the city.

"I will talk to him later, okay?" he runs a hand through his hair, contemplating his next step. "I am really hungry. Would you want to get lunch with me?" he changes the subject. You look at Namjoon again and notice him smiling at you, almost nervously. 

"Sure," you accept his invitation, to which Namjoon responds by springing up from the bench quickly and brushing off his pants. 

"Alright, let's go then," he says, twisting around so he can look at you. "I know a great place," he offers his right hand out to you, and you can't help but notice how large his hands are. You are hesitant to take his hand, but slowly place your hand in his to stand up. However, he pulls your hand to help you, but his strength is too much and you get lurched forward from the pull.

"Oof," you try to regain your balance, and Namjoon quickly puts his other arm out to try to catch you. Your knees buckle as your ankles roll into the ground. Namjoon moves his body forward so he catches you and attempts to push you back upright with his arm. He places his other arm behind you to help you regain your footing in the dirty.

"Ya, sorry," he apologizes as you finally stand on your feet again, and you shake your head.

"Nearly pulled my arm out of its socket, Namjoon," you rub your shoulder, joking with him. You don't mention the pain in your ankles, as you didn't stumble very gracefully and were embarrassed.

"You okay?" He crouches down so his eyes are level with your own, and you realize how tall he really is in comparison to your 5'2" stature. You nod your head as you feel wet tears start to develop at the corners of your eyes. You attempt to hold back, even though your ankles feel like they are on fire. You go to take a step forward to prove you are okay, only for your ankle pain to intensify. You breathe through your teeth sharply, but don't look at Namjoon as you can bear the pain. As you take another step, limping slightly, Namjoon puts a hand on your shoulder.

"Gee, are you hurt?" he asks, growing concern in his brown eyes. 

"I rolled on my ankles, but I'm okay," you try to explain and softly take two steps backward to lower yourself on the bench again. "I just need a minute,"

"Ah," Namjoon says with panic in his voice. "I think I saw a food cart nearby, I'll go see if they have ice," he rushes off, putting his face mask back on.

"No, it's okay," you try to holler at him, but he is already halfway down the incline that leads to the clearing. You wince as you feel another pain in your ankle, and you lean over to brush the dirt off your sneakers and ankles. You notice a scratch on your inner right ankle, probably from a branch on the dirt ground, and it stings as you touch it. It's a thin scrape, so there is no bleeding, but it burns like a papercut.