Day Two

I wake up to the brightly lit room, the sun's brilliant rays reflecting through the pool, creating beautiful rippling patterns across the walls. Yawning, I stretch my body as I debate whether to get up or not. I instantly gasp as I look at the clock on the nightstand that reads 9:42am. It's just about three hours later than I intended on waking. I toss my blanket aside and rush into the bathroom, brush my teeth, wash my face, and head down to the kitchen following the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Pouring a cup of coffee, I decide to look for Jenn and find her upstairs by the pool, feet in the water, coffee cup in hand. "There you are. This coffee tastes amazing right now," I say, sitting down beside her and swinging my feet across the water's surface. "It's about damn time! I was about to wake you up just to keep me company," she teases. I playfully lean into her, "I know, but that bed is so damn cozy and the snooze alarm was just too tempting. So, today we're going to see the National Folk Museum, getting lunch after, and then checking out Namsan Tower?" She nods so I continue, "Ok, so I'll get ready and we can go to one of the cafes on our list for some breakfast. I'll see you downstairs." I finish my coffee, splash a little water on Jenn's lap, and run away. I can still hear her cursing when I get back into the loft.

I choose a simple white t-shirt, an unbuttoned loose-fitting grey and red plaid long-sleeved shirt, frayed blue jean shorts, and my favorite pair of red Converse. I let my hair down loose and choose simple makeup. A little eyeliner, mascara, and some plumping lip gloss. Jenn's style is more delicate and feminine than mine so she chose a floral romper, heeled booties and her sandy blonde hair perfectly curled. We look like total opposites and laugh about it as soon as we see each other. Soon after, we get to the Dilly Dally Cafe and get in line. It's fairly packed so after we finally get to order, I head to the side counter for sugar while Jenn finds us a table. As soon as I get to the counter, a tall guy finishing up with his coffee turns around in a hurry, smashing his cup into mine and sending coffee all over me and the floor. I jump back, completely in shock and holding my scalding wet shirt away from my skin. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I can be so damn clumsy. I'm so sorry! Let me help you!" I hear him apologizing but I'm too busy trying to cool down so I haven't bothered to look at him yet. He hands me napkins which I gratefully take. I can feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment. "It's okay, it's okay. I'm fine. Accidents happen," I mumble shyly. "Seriously, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did something that stupid. Let me make it up to you and buy you another coffee, at least." I can hear sincerity in his deep voice and instantly feel bad for him. But looking up at him, my jaw drops, and I'm speechless. All thoughts are gone, just like my coffee. Looking directly into my eyes is Kim Namjoon. The same man I have admired through his music and social media for the last few years is standing right in front of me. "Is that okay? Can I buy you a coffee? I would really like to make it up to you," he says. Somewhere behind me, I hear someone cough, bringing me back to reality, "U-um. . .uhh. . .I'm fine, really. . .but can I buy you a coffee instead? I'm a big fan and it would be such an honor." He bursts out laughing, my cheeks getting warmer, "I just spilled coffee on you, ruining your clothes and you want to buy me a coffee instead?" "Umm, yeah?" I shyly respond. He looks down at his feet and rubs his lower lip with his thumb, "Ok, how about I buy us both coffee and you keep me company?" I hesitate, looking around for Jenn. I spot her nearby and with her face frozen in shock. She shoos me away with her hands, gesturing for me to go. So, I smile back at him, "I guess I'll have an Americano."

He buys two coffees to go and we decide to go for a walk since the cafe was still packed. He leads me to a small park nearby until we find a bench to sit on. "Thank you, again. . .for the coffee," I quietly say. Namjoon smiles, tapping his finger on the coffee lid, "Thank you for letting me buy it. I still feel really bad about ruining your clothes. I feel like just a cup of coffee isn't enough to make up for it." Being in such close proximity with this man I've looked up to makes me feel breathless and shy in a way I've never felt before. How can this be real? I peek over at him, giving him a small smile in support, "I'm fine, I promise. To be honest, just sitting here with you is incredible to me. You're extremely talented and so humble. You're very admirable. . ." I find it sweet how concerned he is over a simple mistake. He looks down at the cup in his hands, his finger running in circles around the rim, "You really think so? Thank you. . .that actually means a lot to me. I've been struggling a bit with writing. Lately, I've been having a hard time finding inspiration. It's been making me really question myself and everything. I just don't want to let my members and ARMY down." It's heartbreaking to hear from someone I admire that they're losing inspiration while he inspires so many in return. I nervously fidget with my cup, doodling in the condensation, "Please, don't think that way. You're loved and admired, not just as RM but also as Namjoon. Fame or not, you're human, too. It's only natural to hit a rough patch in life sometimes. Inspiration will come to you when you least expect it and you'll always have your members and fans waiting for you with open arms. Don't stress yourself out. I believe in you." I look up and realize he's watching me. His eyes like silky chocolate. Embarrassed, I look away but I can hear him chuckle. "Are you from around here? If you don't mind me asking. I've been to that cafe a thousand times but have never seen you before. I would've remembered you. . ." he asks, his cheeks turning slightly pink. I peek over at him, just in time to see him biting his lip in what seems to be embarrassment. "I'm actually here on vacation with my best friend. We'll be here for a week. We just flew in last night, actually." His eyes instantly widen in surprise, "Best friend? Do you have somewhere else to be? We can go back if you'd like." I'm not quite ready to go but realize I should find Jenn, "It's okay. She saw us at the cafe and told me to go. We're supposed to go to the Folk Museum and Namsan Tower today so I probably should go, anyway." I bite my lip, wanting to hold on to this moment longer.

He walks me back to the cafe, silent and distracted the whole walk back. I turn to him before going back inside, "Thank you, again for my coffee. . . and your company. I enjoyed it." I turn around towards the cafe entrance when I feel his hand lightly grab my wrist, "Wait. . . I-I just realized I never got your name." Knowing who Namjoon already is, it never dawned on me to introduce myself, "oh, Mia. I'm Mia." Dimples form on Namjoon's cheeks, taking my breath away, "Mia. . ." He lets my name hang off of his tongue as if he's savoring it, memorizing it. He lifts his hand, nervously rubbing the back of his neck, "Since you're ARMY and I made the mistake of spilling coffee on you. . . and you came all the way to Seoul. . . would you want to meet the guys? We have a couple of days off so you and your friend can come over. I mean if you want. . ." He looks so nervous but unfairly handsome. "Guys. . .BTS? Seriously? Is that okay? I wouldn't want us to get you in trouble or anything." My mind is racing with excitement as I try to keep my cool. "Of course it's fine. We love getting to meet ARMY and I mean. . . sorry, I kind of suck at this." I laugh at how flustered he seems, "We'd love to. That would be amazing. Thank you, I mean it." He smiles, again, his beautiful dimples popping up on his cheeks. I can't help but smile up at him.

"Oh, my fucking god! I can't believe we're actually going to meet them! Who would have ever guessed that getting coffee dumped on you would be a blessing!" Jenn squeals. Laughing, I playfully smack her on the arm, "Gee, thanks! Seriously, though, we should be on our best behavior. It was really sweet of Namjoon to do this. I don't want them to get in trouble or anything." Jenn mockingly rolls her eyes, laughing, "Yes, mother, yes. I promise to be on my very best behavior. You know, he could've just bought you the coffee and left it at that. He must have really liked you to invite us to their place." I instantly laugh, "HA! Not likely! I was covered in coffee and mumbled like an idiot. I could barely even look him in the eyes. Uugh, what if I embarrass myself? Whatever, let's go. If I embarrass myself, I'm never going to see them again after this and they'll forget about me, anyway. Let's go." Jenn grabs my hand, encouraging me, "Stop, you're not going to embarrass yourself. I won't let you." She gives me a one-armed hug and we climb out of the car. I call Namjoon to let him know we're here.

Just a few minutes later, Namjoon stumbles out of a large grey building, breathless, "The guys are excited to meet you both. We rarely get to hang out with anyone besides each other and staff, especially ARMY. Thank you for coming over, really. I was hoping you would come." Namjoon's smile is so bright and infectious, I instantly relax and smile, too. I feel Jenn nudge me but I ignore it. Namjoon leads us to the nearest elevator where he introduces himself to Jenn. We hear the yelling before we get through the door. There they are. BTS. Right there, in real life, in the same room I'm in! I look at Jenn and she looks like a kid walking into a candy store. I burst out laughing and glance at Namjoon. He was already watching me, a smile on his lips. My laugh falters and I bite my lip without thinking. I see his eyes glance at my lips when suddenly "they're here!" I look over to see Hoseok jumping over the couch and running to us. Jungkook and Taehyung are glued to the TV, playing what looks to be Overwatch. Jimin smacks the back of Jungkook's head as he walks over to us laughing. Seokjin shows up out of nowhere, a saucy wooden spoon in hand. We take turns introducing ourselves, their broken English sounding even more adorable in person. Jin notices Jungkook and Taehyung are still focused on the game, "Yah! JK! Tae! Come introduce yourselves, don't be rude." Seokjin then turns to Jenn and me, "Sorry, if they seem rude. Once they start playing, it's hard to get them away from the TV. I hope you will stay for dinner. I'm making kimchi fried rice and soft tofu soup." Jenn instantly agrees without hesitation. She's only 5'2" and 105 lbs but she loves to eat. Everyone laughs and I look up at Namjoon. He smiles at me and gently places a hand on my back, barely touching me, "why don't you both have a seat? Do you want anything to drink?" Namjoon and Jin both head into the kitchen. Taehyung suddenly grabs Jenn's hand, "Come play with us! You can help me beat Jungkookie!" "Tae! Watch your hands! Be respectful of our guests," Hobi scolds as we all laugh at Taehyung's eagerness. Jenn sits down on the floor between Taehyung and Jungkook while they go back to yelling over the game. I watch as Taehyung instantly turns all attention back on the game but Jungkook's doe-like eyes are glued to Jenn. "Want a tour?" Namjoon shows up behind me, handing me a soda. "I'd love that. Hey, Jenn, do you want to see around with us?" I call to Jenn. A huge smile on her face, she responds back without looking up, "Go ahead without me. This is so much fu- NO! What are you doing?! Go that way!" Still laughing at her, I look at Namjoon, "I guess it's just us two, again." He smiles and nods, hands in his pockets.

After paying Yoongi a visit in his and Seokjin's bedroom, we walk into Namjoon and Taehyung's room. I point towards the far wall, covered in shelves of various collectibles, "Your KAWS and BearBrick collection is seriously incredible. Especially KAWS. His designs are always so cute but disturbing at the same time. It makes me think of how something that might look happy could have a dark side while something that seems dark could actually be sweet. Nothing is ever as it seems." He seems surprised, "You really think so? A lot of people just find it weird and think they're creepy." I walk towards his collection, admiring a smaller KAWS figure with delicate details, "Seriously? I love them! They're so unique and special. To be honest, they suit you." He looks away, his ears suddenly red. I take a walk around the room, lightly running my fingertips across his desk, "Can I sit in your chair?" "Go ahead", he says. Namjoon's leaning back against a wall, arms crossed, his face unreadable. I sit in his computer chair and close my eyes, leaning my head back against the soft leather cushions. I feel myself moving and I open my eyes to the room slowly spinning. I let out a giggle as Namjoon playfully spins the chair around. All of a sudden, he grabs the armrests, stopping the chair. Slowly leaning down towards me, his hooded eyes piercing into mine, his mouth slightly open. My heart beats against my chest as the butterflies in my stomach go into overdrive. He looks as if he is about to say something when someone knocks on the door. Seokjin pokes his head in, "Dinner's ready. Come eat whi-. Sorry!" Eyes wide in shock, Seokjin slams the door shut. Covering my mouth with my hands, I stifle a laugh at the sight of Namjoon hanging his head in defeat. Sighing deeply, one side of his mouth lifts in a smirk as he shrugs. Holding a hand out for me, "Hungry?"

Dinner is over and we're stuffed, relaxing in the living room. Jenn and I decide to stay for a beer before heading out to the Namsan Tower. I'm sandwiched between Seokjin and Jenn, Namjoon is on the armrest, Hoseok is on the other couch, Jimin is lying down with his head on Hoseoki's lap, and Taehyung and Jungkook are on the floor. Yoongi left for the studio. Apparently, he's been spending almost all of his free time in there lately. The guys are goofing off, making fun of Jimin for slipping off his chair during dinner while he laughed over one of Seokjin's dad jokes. "So, what are your plans for the rest of your time here?" Hoseok asks. Jenn answers, "Well, tonight, we're going to Namsan Tow-" "Oh! I love Namsan Tower! Why don't we all go?" Taehyung interrupts. The guys instantly scold him for interrupting her. "You can't just invite yourself, Tae," Namjoon scolds. "Please, Noonas! We can be your tour guides," Taehyung pleads, looking more like an adorable teddy bear than a famous Kpop idol. It's impossible to say no to him. Laughing, I squeeze his soft cheeks, "Taehyung, will you please come with us and be our guide?" He jumps up, gives me a hug, and runs out of the room. Jenn looks towards Jungkook before turning towards Seokjin, "Why don't you all come?"

We get to the tower entrance and I'm still giddy over being in a place I've seen a hundred times in Kdramas. Namjoon, Seokjin, Taehyung, and Jungkook came with us while everyone else stayed home. After waiting in line for the next cable car, the car quickly fills so I decide to take the next one and meet them at the other side. "Do you want me to come with you?" Jenn offers. "No, I'll be fine. I'll meet you there soon after so it's no big deal." Seokjin quickly pipes up, "Namjoon, why don't you go with her?" Following Seokjin's lead, Jenn pushes Namjoon out and the doors close. I laugh and look at him, "Okay then, I guess it's just us." We still have a few minutes until the next car arrives so we walk over to the overlook. The city is covered with brilliant lights. "Wow. . .It's beautiful up here," I whisper. Namjoon comes to stand right next to me, "It really is. It's one of my favorite places to bring my mom." I smile at that and just then the cable car pulls up. We climb in, pushed as other passengers get on. I go to a corner, trying to avoid the crowd. Namjoon takes notice and stretches his arms to the glass windows on either side of me, giving me a small bubble of space. I smile gratefully at him. He smiles back, his dimple popping up on his cheek. Suddenly his smile starts to fade a little and he clears his throat, "So, what are your plans for the next 5 days?" I think of the list Jenn and I made the other day, "Well, we haven't decided what we'll do when yet but we want to stop by the K-Style Hub, see Lotte World, Coffee Prince Cafe, SM Town, Olympic Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace. We have some cafes we'd like to try, too." He laughs, "All tourist spots, right? If you'd like, I could show you around like a local. . . Jenn, too, of course. . ." Shocked by his offer, I can't help but question it, "Really? But, is that okay? I mean, if you're busy, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble or fall behind or anything with work." He quickly shakes his head, "No, no, it's okay. I have some days off before we have to really get back to getting ready for promotions. It's only if you want to." Unable to resist, I answer, "I would love it if you could show us around. Thank you." A huge smile spreads across his face, that sweet dimple showing again and I instantly melt. Heat suddenly spreads across my cheeks as it dawns on me just how close Namjoon is to me. He towers over me protectively and it's attractive as hell. I look up into his face, only to find he's already watching me. Gently grabbing the side of his jacket, I hold back the urge to pull him in closer, "Namjoon. . . about what happened in your room. . .w-what were you-" My voice trails off as Namjoon moves in closer, his thumb brushing against my cheek, "I should have boundaries but with you, I want to break every last one."

The cable car comes to a halt, the other riders spilling out. As I step back out into the chilled evening air, I first notice Taehyung taking photographs of the skyline, Jungkook sulking beside him. Jenn appears off to my right, running towards me with Seokjin's jacket wrapped around her. Seokjin follows behind, "It's about time. What'd you do, Joon-ah? Break the car?" I can hear Namjoon laugh while he walks ahead to meet Seokjin. Jenn throws her hands around my neck, whispering, "Well, how was it? Jin thinks Namjoon's into you." I instantly blush, remembering our moment in the cable car, "I'll tell you later." The six of us start walking along a path, Taehyung leading the way taking as many photographs as he can of the scenery. Jenn's arm is intertwined with mine, her head on my shoulder while Seokjin and Namjoon quietly chat behind us. Jungkook quietly walks beside me, occasionally peeking over at us. "Jungkook, are you okay?" I whisper towards him. His mood completely changed since we left the Tower. He looks back at me, eyes wide like a deer in the headlights, "Yeah, I'm fine." However, I notice how his eyes flash towards Jenn. Wrapping my other arm around his neck, I playfully ruffle his hair.

About an hour later, we're walking by the Han River. Jenn now leads, swinging her arms as she sings a medley of random Kpop songs she knows by heart. Jungkook can't stop smiling while Taehyung joins in, singing along. Seokjin follows closely behind Jungkook, looking out over the river, his hands on Jungkook's shoulders. "This feels nice," Namjoon whispers in my ear. I start giggling from his breath tickling my ear, "It really is. Today has been better than I ever could've imagined. Thank you. I'm glad you all came with us." We continue tailing the group in silence, Namjoon's incredibly long legs keeping pace with mine until soon after, I feel his hand softly slide into mine, our fingers laced together. Wanting to look at him, I lean my head against his arm instead, cheeks numb from smiling so much.

It isn't long before the night erupts in a brief moment of chaos, bringing our night to an end. A distant whir of a motorbike is suddenly deafening just ahead, cutting across the path. "WATCH OUT!" Seokjin yells out. I briefly watch in shock as Seokjin pushes Jungkook aside, his arms grabbing Taehyung out of the motorbike's way. I look for Jenn but lose sight of her as Namjoon pulls me away from the pathway. The grinding screech of metal against pavement fills the air as the motorist loses control of their motorbike, tossed over the handles and into the grass. "JENN!" I call out, looking for her as Namjoon, Seokjin, and Taehyung run towards the fallen motorist. "I'm fine! Are you okay?" I hear her call out to me just as I see her running towards me. Jungkook stands just behind her, his hand clutching at his chest. If it weren't for the adrenaline rush of what has happened and the glowing lights of the Banpo Bridge, I could almost swear he's blushing.