Chapter 9: Unspoken Moments

The café was quaint, with a soft ambiance that made it the perfect backdrop for a casual meeting. YN sat across from Namjoon, feeling a bit out of place. The last time she had been in such a setting, she was much younger. Namjoon, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, his large frame relaxed against the chair. His casual style suited him a plain black t-shirt that clung to his toned body and a pair of ripped jeans that showed just enough of his confidence. A silver chain hung loosely around his neck, catching the light every now and then. His whole aura was one of effortless charm.

YN couldn’t help but glance at him from time to time, her thoughts conflicted. *What am I doing here?* she thought to herself, stirring her coffee absentmindedly.

After spending a little time in the café, Namjoon stood up, offering her his hand with a bright smile. "Come on, let’s go for a walk. The air is perfect tonight," he said, pulling her gently from her chair.

As they began walking, Namjoon broke the comfortable silence, turning to her with a playful grin. "You look really pretty today, YN."

YN immediately shook her head, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "I'm too old to be called pretty, Namjoon. Maybe that’s a word you should save for your college girls."

Namjoon stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowing slightly as he looked at her. "Too old?" he repeated, his voice soft but firm. "Who told you that? You don’t have to be a certain age to be called pretty. It’s not about age. It’s about who you are."

YN felt a warmth rise to her cheeks, unsure of how to respond to the sincerity in his voice. They continued walking, her eyes fixed on the path ahead, while Namjoon occasionally glanced at her, lost in his own thoughts.

After a while, they found themselves walking along the beach, the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore adding to the tranquillity of the evening. Namjoon pulled out his phone, snapping a few pictures of the sea, then turned the camera toward YN. "Let me take one of you."

"No, no! I look terrible!" YN protested, raising her hands in front of her face.

Namjoon laughed, lowering the phone. "You look perfect, YN. But fine, I’ll settle for the view." He turned back toward the ocean, but his mind kept drifting back to her, admiring how the soft evening light framed her face.

As they walked further, they stumbled upon a small amusement park near the beach, its ferris wheel lit up in colourful lights. YN’s eyes lit up as she looked at it, a rare expression of excitement crossing her face. "It’s beautiful here," she said softly, watching the wheel turn against the backdrop of the dusky sky.

Namjoon, however, was staring at her. Not as beautiful as you, he thought but kept the words to himself, unsure if he should say them out loud.

They spent some time playing a few games, their laughter filling the air as Namjoon, for the first time, saw YN let her guard down. They bought some candies from a small stand, the sweet taste reminding YN, of her younger days. For a moment, she forgot about the age gap, about the insecurities that gnawed at her. She laughed, genuinely laughed, and it was the most beautiful sound Namjoon had ever heard.

As the evening wore on, they walked back toward the beach, the sky now painted with the deep orange hues of the setting sun. The waves gently lapped at their feet as they walked along the shoreline, the cool water splashing softly against their ankles. Namjoon, without thinking, reached out and took her hand in his. His large palm completely enveloped hers, and YN froze for a second, feeling a rush of emotions she couldn’t quite name.

He’s up to something, she thought to herself, but she didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she allowed herself to enjoy the moment. His hand was warm, strong, yet gentle, and she couldn’t help but notice the way his fingers fit perfectly with hers.

Namjoon, on the other hand, couldn’t stop glancing at her. The way her hair softly fell from the bun, the slight curve of her lips as she smiled at something he had said earlier, her small figure next to his towering height it all captivated him. He didn’t know when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, YN had become more than just a fleeting attraction.

Suddenly, Namjoon let go of her hand and ran ahead, turning around with a teasing grin. "Catch me if you can!" he shouted, his deep laugh echoing across the beach.

YN raised an eyebrow but couldn’t help but smile. "Namjoon!" she called out, trying to sound annoyed, but she couldn’t hide the amusement in her voice. He was acting like a child, but it was infectious.

She started running after him, though not very fast. Namjoon burst out laughing at her awkward run, doubling over with laughter. "You run like you’ve never run before in your life!"

"Shut up!" YN said, breathless but laughing. She picked up the pace, her feet sinking into the soft sand as she chased him.

When she finally caught up, she grabbed his arm, pulling him toward her. But in her attempt to stop him, they both lost their balance and stumbled together. Before she could process what was happening, YN found herself pressed up against Namjoon’s chest, his arms instinctively wrapping around her to steady her.

For a moment, everything stood still. Both of them were breathing heavily, their faces inches apart, hearts pounding against each other. YN looked up at Namjoon, her breath hitching as she realised just how close they were. The sound of the waves, the distant chatter of people, everything faded into the background as she stared into his eyes.

"This is how you spend your break time, YN?" Namjoon teased, his voice low, almost a whisper.

YN couldn’t speak. She nodded slowly, still trying to catch her breath.

Namjoon’s eyes softened as he gazed down at her. Without thinking, he pulled her closer, the height difference between them becoming more apparent as she leaned slightly against him. YN was small, and standing next to Namjoon made her feel even smaller. His presence was overwhelming, his body radiating heat, his scent intoxicating.

The air between them thickened, charged with something neither of them could name. Slowly, Namjoon began to lean in, his face getting closer, his lips just inches away from hers. YN’s breath hitched, her heart racing as she closed her eyes, knowing exactly where this was going.

But just before their lips could touch, YN’s eyes snapped open, and she gently pushed him away, breaking the moment. Her heart still pounded in her chest as she took a step back, her mind swirling with confusion.

Please Vote.