Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Unspoken Moments

The morning passed in a blur of lectures and assignments, but Y/N couldn't shake the thought of Namjoon. His unexpected offer to take her to lunch had left her conflicted—there was something undeniably different about him. She had known him as a calm, collected CEO, a man of few words, but today he seemed... almost tender. And it wasn't just the gesture of offering to take her to school or lunch—there was something in the way he looked at her, something that tugged at her heart, even though she tried to ignore it.

By the time her last class ended, she was ready to get out of the classroom and clear her mind. She stepped outside and walked toward the front gates, her thoughts still scattered, unsure of what to expect when she saw Namjoon again.

The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the campus. As she reached the gates, she spotted him leaning casually against his car, waiting for her. His usual composed demeanor was still there, but there was an edge of familiarity, of comfort, in the way he stood. It was strange to think that just a few days ago, he had been a stranger, a mere customer at her store. Now, he seemed to have become a regular part of her life in a way she hadn't anticipated.

Namjoon straightened as she approached, offering her a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

"You're on time," he remarked, his voice low but warm. "I was starting to wonder if you'd be late."

Y/N forced herself to smile, trying to push away the unexpected flutter she felt at his words. "I don't like keeping people waiting," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Without another word, Namjoon opened the passenger door for her, a familiar gesture that made Y/N feel oddly special. As she got in, she couldn't help but notice the faint scent of cologne lingering in the car—subtle but unmistakable.

"So, where are we going for lunch?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the strange, almost intimate atmosphere between them.

Namjoon slid into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel with ease. "I thought we could go to that little café by the park. It's quiet, and I know the food's good."

Y/N nodded. She had never been to the café, but the idea sounded peaceful—something she hadn't realized she needed. The drive was smooth, the car humming steadily along the road, but Y/N couldn't help but feel the growing tension in the air, the feeling that this simple lunch was turning into something more, something she wasn't sure she was ready for.

When they arrived, Namjoon parked the car in front of the café, and they both got out. He held the door open for her as they entered, the quiet chime of the bell overhead signaling their arrival. The café was a cozy, hidden gem—soft, warm lighting gave the room an inviting glow, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the comforting aroma of baked goods. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and mismatched vintage furniture added a touch of charm. The hum of quiet conversation and soft music made the space feel intimate, like a haven away from the world.

The hostess led them to a corner table by the window. As they sat down, Namjoon removed his jacket, revealing a dark blue shirt that fit him effortlessly. He looked even more handsome in the laid-back setting, his sharp features softened by the warmth of the café.

Y/N glanced at the menu, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options. Namjoon, however, seemed unfazed. He ordered first—"I'll have the grilled chicken sandwich with a side of fries, and a cappuccino, please"—before glancing at Y/N, as if waiting for her to decide.

Y/N hesitated, scanning the menu. "I'll try the tomato basil soup with a sandwich, and just water for me," she said, feeling a little self-conscious about her simple choice.

Namjoon smiled, nodding at her choice. "Good choice," he said with a slight chuckle. "The soup here is really good."

As they waited for their food, Namjoon's gaze never quite left her, his attention subtle yet constant. Y/N tried to keep the conversation light. "So, what do you usually do after work?" she asked, looking for something to talk about.

Namjoon leaned back in his chair, the faintest smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I like to visit places like this. Somewhere quiet. It's hard to find peace in the middle of everything, but here, I can just relax. What about you?"

Y/N shrugged, a little unsure. "Same, I guess. I like to go to quiet places, too. It's nice to have a break from everything."

The waiter soon arrived with their food, placing the steaming bowl of tomato basil soup and a sandwich in front of Y/N, while Namjoon's grilled chicken sandwich was served with a side of crispy fries. The soup smelled incredible—rich and creamy with just the right balance of flavors. She took a cautious sip, savoring the warmth and depth of the taste.

Namjoon watched her, his eyes focused on her reaction, a small but pleased smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "How's the soup?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

Y/N blinked, surprised by how much she enjoyed it. "It's actually really good," she said, smiling back at him. "Better than I expected."

Namjoon's smile deepened, his gaze softening. "I'm glad. I knew you'd like it."

She looked down at her sandwich, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. There was something about the way he paid attention to her, the way he noticed the small details—like her choice of food—that made her feel… cared for, in a way she hadn't expected.

The rest of the meal passed in a comfortable silence, broken only by quiet conversation. They spoke about school, work, and the little things in life, their words flowing easily between them. Namjoon never seemed to rush, always listening, always present.

When they were finished, Namjoon leaned back in his chair and looked at her, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "We should do this more often," he said quietly, as if the words were only for her.

Y/N nodded, the thought lingering in her mind long after the meal had ended. "I'd like that," she said softly, unsure why the simple words felt so significant.

Namjoon paid the bill without hesitation and stood, offering her his hand as they left the café. The cool air outside felt refreshing, the world moving around them in a blur as they walked to his car.

He drove her back to the school campus, the conversation easy and light once again. As he parked near the entrance, he turned to her with a soft smile. "I'll see you soon, Y/N," he said, his voice as steady as always, but with a hint of something more.

Y/N smiled, her heart beating a little faster than usual. "Thanks for lunch, Namjoon."

He nodded, his eyes locking with hers for a moment longer than usual before he spoke. "Take care of yourself."

With that, Y/N stepped out of the car and watched as Namjoon drove away. As she walked back to her building, the warmth from their time together lingered. The way he had made her feel... it was unlike anything she had experienced before. There was a comfort in his presence, a quiet reassurance that maybe—just maybe—she wasn't alone in this.