NJ : Please~

Seol Ah, contrarily, couldn't grasp on the action that just transpired. She stood numb.

NJ : Please~ (-sniffles-)

However, that baby sniffle sparkled her senses and the moment she perceived his warmth, her eyes shut close. She slowly broke into a silent cry as if surrendering to something.

NJ : (-low voice-) Please, don't go.

Words that held the weight she couldn't budge or pass over, volumed her cries into a loud and muffled sob.
Seol Ah's arms spontaneously wrapped around his back. As much as the simplicity of that action, it brought an immense amount of relief and hope to Namjoon.

NJ : I will treat you better. And I am sorry for all the times, I made you cry. I don't see why you should still be with me. But, please do.

Seol Ah chuckled between her cries and sobbed even harder to remain consistent at one emotion.

With her wails taking the lead, he stopped his own to become the shoulder she could lean on and the hide to her vulnerability.

NJ : (-gently stroking her head-) I am sorry. 

With his pampering and soft caress, she was gradually solaced to calm down in the next few moments.

Didn't have the count on time that they have been locked into each other's arms, both weren't complaining.

Nevertheless, they learnt a little more about the science behind it. The bonding hormone realeased inside their bodies due to the long embrace, calmed their agitated nerves, rhythmed their heartbeats and aided the hurt.

Could be thought as a healing process for the souls, the two had similar thoughts— until the other consciously parts, let's not pull away first.

A desire to properly get a whole of their faces after such long, they finally tore apart; together and at once. The feeling of absolute relaxation was transparent in their calm countenances, eyes feasting at the sight they were longing to look at.

Namjoon, with his long and slender digits, brushed her slightly messed hair strands of the front caused by the snuggle, and carefully wiped the corners of her eyes after.
Seol Ah's arms still locked around him, she innocently stared at him with an eye smile. She wasn't letting go of her hug while his arms lazily rested on her waist.

Namjoon couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable face. With another unhelped urge, he pecked her lips in a quicky, causing her eyes to widen a little. She consciously blinked and stole glances, cheeks tinted a faint crimson red.

NJ : (-nudges her cheeks softly-) Ooh, look at the blood flow here. (-cups her face-) It's warm too.

Seol Ah detached herself from him immediately and stretched her long sleeves further to press it against her warm and red cheek muscles. She turned to look at the sea, but wasn't able to focus her mind to anything with her stunned self.

Namjoon quietly grinned to himself as he joined her— so much relieved and peaced with the choice they dared to alter.

NJ : I am aware of the consequences we might have to face. But since, our works are still going to be the priorities, I hope people would be able to see and accept our sincerity. Hence, it is to our official first day. Congratulations, Seol Ah-ssi.

Seol Ah looked at him proudly, seeing his perceptible attempts and efforts. However, covered under her sleeves, Namjoon couldn't study her expressions well.

NJ : I am sorry, do they call it something else?

SEOL AH : (-grins removing the cover-) No, it was right. And you don't have to try things that others do. Just being the true you, will be most gladly appreciated. Since, it is not concerned to what 'so and so' does while dating.

Namjoon had a satisfied and pleasant look in his mien as she continued.

SEOL AH : Since, it is you who I like, not the societal idealism.

NJ : You like-

SEOL AH : (-whips back-) I said no word. I was quiet all along.

She was back to cover her face with the stretched sleeves. Good that the material had a firm and durable elasticity.

Namjoon giggled at her timidity and lived the moment without any complaints. It still felt so much like a dream. The one where you don't want to wake up from it.

Looking at her direction, Namjoon wished not to waste the time in such thoughts even if it was a beautiful and an uncanny subconscious reality.

NJ : Would you like some coffee?

SEOL AH : (-nods-) Sure, 'love it.

NJ : (-smiles-) I will be back in a few minutes.

She nodded with a smile back and Namjoon marched to the kitchen, leaving her in the artificial garden. It was the needed space he wanted to give them both after the new and unexpected twist of events in the last hour.

.

.

.

NJ : Ah, I already made the toast.

SEOL AH : (-clicks her cup to his-) There's no hard and fast rule that we cannot cheer now.

Namjoon smiled, agreeing to her and felt the warmth in his palms against the melamine cup. Through the quietude, as she sipped her coffee, she was prompted to carry out an usual conversation.

SEOL AH : How is everyone else? Especially, Ha Neul-ssi.

NJ : I heard that she went abroad to pursue her modeling. Don't know about present. Must be doing well.

After SK entertainment racing to its downfall, Ha Neul's grandfather gripped the edge, saying it shouldn't suffer the consequences of a bad master. Therefore, supported its run financially.
Ok Tak, although, not the direct head, is majorly handling the agency now alongwith the board of directors. The CEO chair is still empty, however.
Regardless, the showtime of the agency has long gone and now was mediocre. Being tossed— among the several others, fighting to climb to the top again or being sold off to the ones in spotlight.

SEOL AH : And about Chae Ri-ssi. How is she doing?

NJ : (-didn't expected such a question-) Fine, probably.

SEOL AH : Aren't you in touch with her?

NJ : Imm, I am not. Although, attorney Wang did find her whereabouts after you left, I asked him not to let me know.

Just with the assurance that Chae Ri was carrying off well was enough for him to live peacefully in that context. He least wanted to appear before her and complicate things again.

SEOL AH : But, aren't you curious at all?

NJ : (-casually-) Is that possible? She managed me for a year and was like a close friend to me afterall.

SEOL AH : How about you meet and say the words you always wanted to? Wouldn't a settlement ease you both?

NJ : Of course it would. But, I don't want to deliberately summon her for my sake. If it occurs so that we are both called upon to settle things with a play of chances and coincidences, I would sure welcome it then. And have the talk that's required.

SEOL AH : (-smiles-) I will try not to get weird ideas and be understanding at such an hour then.

NJ : (-nods-) Imm. Wait. What do you mean by that?

Seol Ah looked ahead and calmly sipped her coffee. It was still vivid in her memories, the night where he returned home drenched in alcohol and could hardly carry himself around.
She realized then that Chae Ri meant more to him than he admitted- to be spewing out her name even in that wasted form.

SEOL AH : (-not looking at him-) Chae Ri-ssi wasn't just a close friend to you, was she?

Namjoon was speechless and nonplussed at her words. But, more because he found himself unable to counter them. Even the cover of a lie didn't reach his mouth then.

It was either the worst or the best decision to gift him the truth he didn't realize he was running from. No matter the outcome, Seol Ah wanted to face it.
The fact that he was still unconsciously holding onto her memories somewhere lied between that untold truth, she believed.

After a long and frightening silence, Namjoon broke it through with a serious voice.

NJ : Past is unchangeable. Future is unpredictable. What matters most to me, is the present. (-with sheer sincerity-) And you are my present. The only truth I want to live right now.

He came back with a reply she did not expect to be the best for that moment. She only wanted to watch the sincerity he held for her and their relationship and Namjoon graciously expressed it. 
A huge smile lingered on Seol Ah's lips as she tried to lighten the mood after the brief examination.

SEOL AH : Did anyone say anything? Don't feel like you have done something wrong, 'cause it isn't so. From this moment, we can just promise to be honest with each other, regardless of the tense.

NJ : (-smiles in genuine agreement-) Right. Let's do that. And thanks for understanding.

SEOL AH : See, what did I tell you? I will try to do that. And hopefully always do.

NJ : Ah, should I call myself lucky in that case?

They grinned, cementing the first brick into building themselves a harmonious space of a healthy relationship. No secrets, no obligations, just sincere hearts with authenticity.

In some more time, as the emptied coffee mugs now rested on the small table, Seol Ah noticed him going through the call list in his phone.

SEOL AH : Do you have a call to make?

NJ : (-searching a name-) There's someone, I have to tell about us.

SEOL AH : ALREADY?

NJ : Onh, it's alright. We can trust him.

*Over the call*

NJ : Onh, Yi Seob-ah, it's me.

YI SEOB : Onh-.. wait a second. This feel is weird. You sound different. Are you dating?

NJ : (-chuckles-) Yes, you punk. As I said, you will be the first one to know. I kept my words.

YI SEOB : Yaah, Big NEWS. I have to-

NJ : (-cutting him off-) I told you as a friend. Don't reveal anything before any confirmation is made by my agency.

YI SEOB : That's unfair.

NJ : Instead when it's revealed, I will do the documentary you wanted me to do since forever.

YI SEOB : For REAL!? You promised! Don't bail out, later.

NJ : I never promised though.

YI SEOB : I took it as one. Anyway, who is it? A celebrity? An idol? Maybe actress? Or a foreigner? No? Do I know her personally too?

NJ : I am hanging up.

YI SEOB : Yah! Don't be-

Namjoon hung up with a small smile before Yi Seob passed on his comment.

SEOL AH : By any chance, was it, reporter Jo Yi Seob?

NJ : (-shocked-) Yes, how do you know him?

SEOL AH : I once booked your meeting appointment with him. Besides, he is your friend so I kind of remember him.  Somehow.

NJ : That-.. That has been so long. Why do you remember all that unimportant information?

He was helplessly being jealous.

SEOL AH : (-goofs-) Hehe, well I tend to forget the important ones.

Namjoon chuckled, tucking the phone back into his pockets and raised his hands towards Seol Ah.

NJ : You little doe...nut.

Immediate realization struck in as he became aware of his unconscious actions. He was squishing her cheeks against his palms while she gave him a stupefied reaction with a seriously deformed pout. He instantly withdrew his hands and cleared his throat to bold up his voice from the awkward moment.

NJ : (-changing the topic-) Yi Seob is not a reporter anymore.

SEOL AH : (-playing along-) Oh, is it? Did he quit? (-awkward-)

NJ : You can say(?) I kinda feel like it was because of me, even though he wouldn't admit.

SEOL AH : Why? What did you do?

He clearly recalled the day when it was the final hearing in the court. Standing against his job as a reporter, Yi Seob chose to protect and guard Namjoon, instead.

NJ : Well, he has been doing well now too. Films documentaries of celebrities and other famed personalities. It just lessens my guilt a little, I would add.

SEOL AH : Ah, that's well managed then. Also, you should be grateful to him for his friendship instead of bearing the guilt. Who knows, maybe he is happier in his current work? And all thanks to you, if it wasn't for you, maybe he wouldn't have summed the guts to quit.

NJ : Am I really allowed to take it that way?

SEOL AH : You are allowed to take it optimistic. Things get easier once you try to look at the positive side. No matter how bad the negative scars you.

NJ : You. (-looks at her-) Didn't you regret being my manager back then?

SEOL AH : I did, before I signed the contract with you. And even after you pretending to delete my channel. I was indeed angry but never resented you for that matter.

Namjoon let her have the space to continue, as she seemed having more to say.

SEOL AH : Because, that gave me another chance to think, if YouTube is what I really want to do in my life. If I can still fit myself in some other platform. Only to realize, it is where I belong. It is what I actually want to do.

Her words were slowly freeing him off of some weight he had been bearing, like a spell of magic.

SEOL AH : We shouldn't regret that happens unfortunate, it only becomes a reason to be grateful about in future. It's like a gym to your personality. It is not always very pleasant to work out, but if you persistently do so, it is only for your own good shape and healthy living.

All these time, he had been feeling remorseful to recruit her as his manager. He believed, if it wasn't her, things would've occurred differently. But, maybe destiny has its own cards to play that mortals cannot defeat.

SEOL AH : Now, I appreciate it more. I value it more. 'Everything that happens, happens for a reason', as they say.

While she was busy admiring the tranquil scenery of the fast changing sky above them— from a crimson yellow to a faint navy blue— Namjoon went behind her. Stretching his shrug to fit her inside as well, he scooped her in a back hug.

Seol Ah was taken aback at the unexpected skinship, but calmed down slowly as he spoke.

NJ : And I am so glad, you happened to me.

His chin lightly resting against the side of her head, they breathed placidly in the intoxicating aura built around them.

SEOL AH : (-brief pause-) Frankly speaking, it is a little weird though.

NJ : What is?

SEOL AH : 'Us'. I mean, it kinda feels selfish too.

NJ : We are not talking about that again. (-speaks calmly-) I know, it's going to be hard. And it harms a lot even with a single hate comment. But, can we stop that without being 'us'? We had bad mouths at us before today and we will continue to have some tomorrow as well.

SEOL AH : That is a truth indeed. But, you know, I have a friend who is a huge fan of yours. On top of that, she seems to love you a lot too. It feels like I am betraying the only friend I have in Korea.

Having no response from him, Seol Ah continued to speak. She didn't want to leave out anything she was feeling then.

SEOL AH : Among such a big fandom. Don't you think, there might be at least some, who genuinely loves you and would be dreaming to have a story like in those fictions? To all those innocent feelings, I can't but feel sorry.

NJ : Loving and letting go. Trusting and being considerate to one another is how humans co-exist on earth. Since, we cannot have it all, we must learn to let go of some to keep the other few.

Seol Ah turned around to face him but the latter didn't move an inch from his position and stared into her eyes. She raised her hand and gently placed her palms against his cheeks, wanting to confirm if he was real.

NJ : I understand your heart and concern too. But, destiny will bring them the ones who would love and care for them. Not as their fans but as their significant other.

SEOL AH : (-moistened eyes-) Then, am I allowed to have you?

NJ : (-touches forheads-) We are allowed to have "us". (-hugs her-) Seol-ah, people might be strong and brave to let go. But, I can't. I can't let go again.

Seol Ah's eyes glittering with a smile, she softly patted his back to comfort.

Under his closed orbs, he experienced a surreal moment forming in his sight. The far stretched figure covered in all black finally raised its head and looked at his direction.

It felt foreign but he could tell the familiarity in its features, as the figure passed him the purest smile to ever exist.

Namjoon attempted to step towards it and this time unexpectedly, he could move ahead, no shackles preventing him. Just about to reach it, he experienced his head bumping into some form of solid.

Before his open eyes instants apart, he could only see Seol Ah—looking at him from the real world.

SEOL AH : (-softly-) Are you okay?

It was that instant when he realized, that figure was none but himself. Seol Ah had only been the mirror inbetween.
She was the light that was a pre requisite, the source to see, the screen to reflect, to look at himself.

To learn once again, who he was. What he looked like. To realize his wounded soul's ardent wish and how he was wrecking it.

Namjoon had finally reached the stoppage of acknowledgement. It was a pure epiphany. He completed the puzzle with Seol Ah as the only missing piece and watched before him, a play. A series that it was essentially her, who began to bring the changes in him since the very beginning.

How she deliberately meddled with his past, how she persistently willed to bring out the Namjoon he had been under the dark. Everything effortlessly fell into the right format and linked to one another.

A sharp feeling of immense gratitude flourished in the now completely lit up palace inside him. Embellishments of the enchanting florets‐ together forming a garland of honor, smite, cherish and solicitude‐enhanced its beauty further.

And with the scene zooming out from the balcony of the black mansion to the starry night sky, Namjoon quoted the final line in his mind.

"It took me long, long to reach the station.
You had always been the precious screen, the mirror to

My Reflection"

《▪︎☆- The End -☆▪︎》

_____

🧚🏻‍♀️
Author here!

Thank you so much for the great patience and sticking around till the end.

Each one of you matter to me. ♡
Have an awesome day!

I still have things to tell in the special chapter. 😌

So, look forward to it. 😚

I can't date, but it will come out soon.

~MJ's out!🚣🏻‍♀️