A special place in my heart

Namjoon taps gently on the door. I look up and smile at him and he beckons me to the door. I put down the papers on the bed and cross the room.

"Hi" I say softly, giving him a small hug. "He's asleep" I tell him with a small shrug and backwards nod. I presume he has come to visit Yoongi after all.

He places one of his hands on the back of his neck and looks down at his feet, clenching and unclenching his other hand. He looks anxious and I'm immediately worried about him.

I place my hand on his arm and he looks up at me, my eyes question his.

"Are you ok Namjoon?"

"Have you got time for coffee or lunch? I'd really like to speak to you if I may?!"

He is just the most polite man. I smile and nod.

"I have lots of time for you Namjoon! Let's go now" I grab his hand and pull him along towards the ward exit.

Ten minutes later we are sitting in the hospitals Costa coffee shop, me with a fruit smoothie, Namjoon with a double espresso. It smells absolutely delicious but coffee has not agreed with me for the last couple of days. I think I've drunk enough to last a life time in this past month.

"So, what's up Namjoon? Are you ok?" I ask, sipping my smoothie. Orange and passion fruit. Fantastic. I have gotten a little hooked on these in the last few days. I almost crave one every morning now.

"Well, errr, Kenzie... well, the thing is I....... uh. FUCK!! I'm so sorry! Oh god! Please, let me start again, forgive me!" he pleads, alarm on his pale face, his eyes wide.

"Calm down Namjoon. Whatever is wrong I'm sure I can help you. Take some breaths and try again" I calmly reassure him, reaching across the table to rest my hand on his forearm.

He takes a sip of his coffee and puts his cup back in its saucer and looks up at me. He visibly straightens, pulling back his shoulders and neatly places his hands in his lap. He is clearly struggling with something, all this posturing and fidgeting a very strong signal of discomfort. Why is he so nervous around me today? I hope he doesn't have bad news to tell me.

He clears his throat and looks directly at me, an expression of total control and calm has replaced the anxiety on his face. This is the Namjoon I recognise. The strong, capable and articulate man who has been my rock this past month. The man who has allowed me to cry on his shoulder, who has comforted me at my lowest points and helped me replace all the negative thoughts in my mind with positivity and thoughts of the future. The man who has told me stories about Yoongi, their friendship and the work they adore. The man whose presence has made my daughter so giddy, helping her work through her feelings, keeping her company, encouraging her and tutoring her.

I have a special place in my heart for Namjoon.

"Kenzie! I would like you to give consideration to my dating Bo" he states firmly.

I am shocked. Not that he wants to date Bo, that has been obvious for a couple of weeks now. No, I am shocked that he has formally asked me for my permission!

Is that usual in Korean culture? I know they are a Country with very deep rooted traditions of respect and formality and I don't want to offend him. I'm not sure what I should do.

"Namjoon, are you asking me for my permission to date my daughter?"

"I am" he nods a small bow.

"You don't need my permission Namjoon, but you do have my blessing" I grin.

He sinks back into his chair, his long legs sliding forward under the table reaching my feet. He exudes relief!

I giggle at him and have another sip of my juice, my eyes wandering to the glass fronted display cabinet full of biscuits and cakes, my stomach growling loudly enough that Namjoon hears it from across the table!

We look at each other and burst into laughter, the tension lifted.

Namjoon buys me a chocolate brownie. OMG! It is SO GOOD!!