♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

If someone looks into my heart,

it's only about you

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Recap: The atmosphere was filled with stunned silence.

"What!" you gasped.

You had been frozen in place; your jaws dropped in shock.

....

You furrowed your brows in complete shock. What on earth did he mean? Remaining frozen, you were visibly perplexed by Namjoon's unexpected words, and your heart raced dangerously fast.

Did he imply that falling in love with you was a mistake? It was baffling!

Namjoon was almost at the entrance when you snapped out of your stupor. With sheer determination, you briskly ran after him. He needed to explain himself.

"Hey! Wait!"

You caught up just in time to enter the museum through its huge glass doors. Panting, you gestured to the security guard that you were with Namjoon, who appeared stoic. Inside, the foyer was vast and empty, exuding a clean atmosphere with faint, old scents typical of museums. This renowned history museum in Seoul was set to host the Joseon dynasty theme. The floors featured a rich blend of dark brown and caramel marble, while massive marble pillars in the foyer added an authentic beauty.

Your fascination for museums was kindled, and your gaze wandered keenly. In a corner, a glass enclosure showcased artefacts, while a delightful shop within the museum enticed visitors with the merchandise.

Namjoon briefly observed you as you ran your fingers through your unruly hair. He appeared slightly uneasy, perhaps contemplating his earlier words. However, you sought clarity regarding his meaning. A painful ache in your heart made you crave reassurance that dating you wasn't a mistake. Inhaling deeply, you noticed him conversing with the museum's senior curator.

Namjoon nodded at you before redirecting his attention to the older, handsome man.

Smiling slightly, Namjoon said, "Arin, this is Mr. Park Jin. He'll assist us with the assignment. Mr. Park is a family friend who offers insider information aligned with your studies. His extensive knowledge of archival studies will address any questions you may have."

Mr. Park beamed as he turned toward you. You reciprocated with a friendly greeting, "Good day, Mr. Park. Thank you so much for assisting us. Your help is highly appreciated, especially in this challenging semester of archival studies."

With interest, Mr. Park looked at you and asked, "Are you the Arin from the master's degree program?" Your puzzled expression prompted a glow on his face.

"Yes, just Arin," You smiled, glancing at Namjoon with a frown, both puzzled by Mr. Park's demeanour.

Bickering and bantering from a side opening caught your attention. Three students, clad in hoodies and track pants, approached with backpacks. You widened your eyes, recognizing one from your year and another slightly older, pursuing a Ph.D. in history.

Namjoon greeted the two older guys with a wide smile. However, the identity of the cute younger one remained unknown; he seemed unaffiliated with your university, absorbed in texting on his gold Samsung flip phone.

"It's great to see you here with Nam Arin," the handsome man said, acknowledging their friendship. Namjoon and the man exchanged glances, making you curious about their unspoken conversation.

"Heya, Yul," Namjoon cheerily greeted his handsome friend.

The student body, aware of your volatile relationship with Namjoon, watched in awe as you stood in his presence without hostility. They speculated if you and Namjoon had reconciled.

However, you harboured no intention of becoming friends or amicable with Kim Namjoon again. You aimed to maintain a professional working relationship, complete the assignment, and achieve the highest possible grade.

Namjoon smirked, "Oh, um, Arin is partnered with me by our history professor. Mr Jo, I'm her mentor for this assignment."

You despised that professor, who always favoured Namjoon in any matter-typical curry favour. Furrowing your brows at the guys' little snort, it seemed they had an inside joke about you. However, you paid no mind as another guy caught your attention, smiling goofily at you.

Inwardly rolling your eyes, you had rejected his advances several times, having no interest in dating again. Relationships were a chapter you considered closed.

Mr. Park smirked as he introduced, "Ms. Nam, this is my nephew, Park Dan Goo, and my only son, Park Jimin, a student at Korea National University. They're working part-time at the museum for some cash, and that's his friend, who also serves as his peer mentor for the same assignment as Dan Goo." His smirk persisted as you looked surprised at Dan Goo.

Seniors Yul and Namjoon observed with interest and displayed a friendly demeanour with your classmates. Yul appeared flabbergasted at your sweet tone directed at Dan Goo, who seemed overly giddy with your attention. Jimin, Dan Goo's cousin, snickered loudly at his cousin's embarrassment, knowing about Dan Goo's unrequited feelings for you.

"Wow! Small world! So you're Mr. Park's nephew. Interesting. No wonder you love archival history," you smiled brightly, noticing Dan Goo getting flustered, his ears turning slightly red. Your friendliness surprised Namjoon; he had never seen you so mellow and friendly, with a new light in your eyes. The question lingered: Did you like Dan Goo as well?

Namjoon furrowed his brow at the unexpected snickers from the guys, realizing that Park Dan Goo had a soft spot for his ex-girlfriend. He had repeatedly heard you reject him, making it a topic among the boys. Poor Dan Goo believed that one day, you would be his.

Namjoon wasn't very impressed with his pursuit of the hellraiser. Inhaling profoundly and pursing his lips, he looked at Mr Park, avoiding the conversation and the sight of Arin being friendly with another guy in front of him. Dan Goo's open admiration for Arin made Namjoon uncomfortable, perhaps because Arin had become cold and rude.

Yul smirked as he whispered in Namjoon's ear, "Danny boy is whipped. Look how he opens up like a cherry blossom in Arin's presence. Your ex has an uncanny allure. Lots of seniors go gaga for her."

Namjoon snorted with an uninterested voice, "Good for them. And good luck. She isn't a very approachable girl-"

On the third floor of the Seoul Museum of History, you can find the permanent exhibition focusing on the Joseon era. Following Mr Park to the back of the archives, he explained interesting information about artefacts as you walked past glass enclosures. Arin asked insightful questions and was adamant about noting them in her diary.

Namjoon was pleasantly surprised by her vast knowledge of preserving sensitive artefacts. Dan Goo trailed behind Arin like a spellbound pet, even carrying her backpack, irritating Namjoon immensely. He shook his head at the unexpected jealousy he felt towards Dan Goo.

It seemed Arin enjoyed the attention, and Namjoon wondered what she was trying to accomplish-making him jealous. He thought her actions were silly, but the scratchiness in his throat made him wonder if he was truly affected by their smiling faces.

Yul and Jimin grinned inwardly as Namjoon followed the group with a stoic expression.

Upon reaching the archives, you were all highly energized by the beautiful relics for the upcoming Joseon exhibition. Three museum staff workers opened boxes and displayed artefacts on a long stone table. You greeted them warmly and listened attentively to Mr. Park's soft voice. You instantly liked this friendly man who answered your questions patiently without being impolite.

Mr Park gestured to the containers and boxes filled with artefacts. His eyes sparkled, "In the other exhibition rooms, you can find lacquered boxes with mother-of-pearl inlay, celadon vases, porcelain bowls, and silk gowns with embroidery of various symbols, including dragons, among others. Some of the porcelain bowl designs are believed to have influenced Japanese designs. Of course, Korean porcelain bowls have also been influenced by China but have evolved through the craftsmanship of Koreans on the peninsula." His voice trailed off as you looked with interest at the porcelain bowls.

You turned around and looked at Namjoon, saying, "Mr. Kim, please be careful around these pricey items. You know you have a high IQ for breaking things," she said, giving him a forced smile.

Yul and Dan Goo laughed at Namjoon's narrowed eyes, responding to your blatant jab at his clumsiness. "Very funny, Arin," he retorted sharply.

"It's just a friendly reminder, Namjoon. There's no need to be salty. I don't think some of these artefacts can be restored if something unexpectedly tragic happens to them," you said in a light, arrogant voice, smirking at the dangerous glint in his eyes.

He hated being embarrassed. Yul patted him on the back to calm him, sensing another altercation on the way.

Dan Goo giggled, "I heard Namjoon-hyung accidentally broke three microscopes from the science lab, and his Appa donated ten new microscopes with the latest technology, specially imported from Germany-" he snorted behind your back. You pressed your lips, not wanting to aggravate your ex.

Jimin laughed, "My Appa won't be impressed if he does break these priceless artefacts. So please be careful. I still need to ask for more money from my Appa, and I don't want him in a bad mood-" he pouted for emphasis. Dan Goo informed you that Jimin was a dance major in his final year, winning three consecutive international dance competitions as a dancer and choreographer. No wonder he looked so well-proportioned. He was texting his girlfriend, a piano music major.

Mr. Park smiled as he gestured to another room in the archives, "Inside are various documents and an electronic document room where you can digitally scan whatever information you need, Arin. Dan Goo and Yul, you two can head with Jung Uk and the little staff worker Jungkook to the other side. I will let you take pictures of the bronze incense burners and the wooden furniture. But remember the rules on Instagram or any social media pics of the articles in this museum-"

Dan Goo grinned and saluted his uncle, "Don't fret, Uncle Jin. We will be careful. Yul is a young master of assignments."

Yul rolled his eyes and said, "Don't think I'll be doing all the work, Danny-boy. Here, take the camera, and let's get rolling. We have less than three hours to capture your desired articles."

Dan Goo looked regretful at you, "Erm, Arin... er, can I take you on a dessert date one of these days? I promise I'll be a gentleman." He looked pleadingly at your conflicted expression.

Why was he asking in front of his friends and family? You sensed Namjoon waiting with bated breath. Despite not wanting to play the villain, it was just dessert; you loved sweet and succulent treats.

Biting your lip, you inhaled deeply, "Erm, okay. Talk to me after the assignment is handed in. Okay?" You nodded, and the audience looked stunned for a second as you noticed Dan Goo's eyes starting to glow brightly. He triumphantly threw his hands in the air as his cousin patted him.

"Congratulations, bro... You fought the good fight of faith and conquered at last. I hope you can sleep tonight," Jimin teased his cousin.

Yul looked stunned, but Namjoon just pursed his lips tightly. You smirked and rolled your eyes at the silliness of the boys.

Namjoon cleared his throat, "Arin, sorry to break the love fest... but can we finish today's checklist? I need to be somewhere else."

Yul and Dan Goo smirked as Arin scrunched up her nose with irritation. They knew Namjoon wasn't very happy with him asking the girl of his dreams out. But she gave him hope; he might get her as his girlfriend even if she has a sharp tongue. He likes her just as she is.

They bowed to you and waved a friendly goodbye, following Mr. Park and Jimin from the third floor.

You inhaled deeply as you moved deeper into the archives. Rows and rows of boxes dated to the 1600s awaited, and the excitement in your body started to accelerate. Preserving the past was your passion, and you couldn't wait to explore the Joseon Dynasty to its fullness.

Namjoon looked around quietly at the boxes dated or documented for the Joseon period.

You smiled as you took out your cell phone to capture the whole room as an introduction. You couldn't remember how many times you dreamt of being in this Joseon period. Sometimes, you felt that you were in that period, wishing you were a time traveller. Your girlfriends, especially the sceptic Bong, always teased you about your weird dreams and being an old soul.

Namjoon looked sideways at you as you opened your backpack, "I hope you don't take Dan Goo for a ride, Arin. He likes you, and it will be ferocious to lead him on."

You turned abruptly around, seething, "Since when is he your business? I know he's a good guy, a little goofy and naive, but I like his tenacity. Unlike people I know, he knows what he wants... and that's me. So get out of my business, Namjoon. Didn't you say falling for me was a mistake, " A little crack was evident in your voice as you turned away, walking to the digital projecting machine to scan and transfer images to your phone.

Namjoon sighed profoundly and pulled you back by your arm to face him, "Arin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like that. If you like Dan Goo, go for it."

You gulped deeply, "Thank you. I'm going for it, Namjoon. Please tell me why you made that statement. Did you fake all those sweet words, those caring and loving touches, and your kisses? Did you fake it? It's your opportunity to come clean, Namjoon. It's all I want to know. Did you fake loving me?" Your eyes held his gaze with deep hurt buried inside.

Namjoon closed his eyes momentarily, "Arin, I was so ashamed. The whole dating of a naive first year was a bet from Jackson and Felix. They dared me to ask you out, make you fall for me, and I had to break up with you in a month without falling for you."

Tears welled up in your eyes, "So... you dated me to get favour from your spoiled rich kid friends. You never actually liked me at first. I was just a flipped bet and an easy, ugly target." You bit your lips to stop the trembling.

You now understand why your friends were so surprised that the third-year hottie was interested in you. He was obviously beyond your knowledge and hot as hell. You wondered about the first time he approached you, helping with a stack of books. You were nerdy, with big glasses and no makeup. Everything changed when Kim Namjoon started to take an interest in you. It left your friends flabbergasted, considering you were not his prominent type. You were a very poor freshman with stars in your eyes, and he belonged to a super affluent Chaebol family dynasty.

Namjoon looked at you with remorse and shame, "I know, but... I thought I would take you out and not get emotionally attached to you. I was already betrothed to my now-girlfriend, but I fought against it."

Your lone tears started streaming down your cheeks, "But you dated me for three months. Why didn't you dump me? Why let me fall for you so deeply, Namjoon?"

Namjoon inhaled deeply, looking into your devastated eyes, "I was supposed to... but then I fell for you also. I know it was wrong to lead you on, Ari. I'm so sorry. Jackson and San told you that I wasn't serious with you at that party, embarrassing you like that. I'm so sorry for not telling you it was a bet, but my biggest mistake was falling hopelessly in love with you. But the damage was already done. You were furious, and you didn't want to hear any excuses. The fact that my 'fiancée' Min-Ju was present, mocking you in front of everybody, made it much more inexcusable. I'm truly sorry. I apologise, but you just dropped out of university, registered for online courses, and returned the next year. You were changed. You were so hateful and cold that I didn't know how to approach you. You didn't want me in your presence, Ari." His voice broke, and he felt remorseful, wanting to apologize, but she was ice-cold with a new, slashing tongue, unyielding. Their feud continued for six years and intensified when he officially started dating Min-Ju on Valentine's Day.

Arin was devastated when he saw her face once when he kissed Min-ju in public.

You wiped your eyes with your jersey sleeve and shook your head wordlessly, breaking loose from his grip and turning your back on him toward the machine.

Namjoon followed you, standing behind you. He could hear you sniffing away some sobs.

"Ari, please believe me. I'm so, so sorry for hurting you like that. But every touch, every kiss that we shared, and every confession were real. But I knew I couldn't go on. I was already in an arranged engagement, but... I truly liked you." He tried to plead for you to understand.

You sniffed softly, "Easy for you to say. You could pick up where you left off with your life. I gave you my whole heart, Namjoon. You were 'it' for me, and hearing that our relationship was fake broke me. The taunting and mocking were too much to bear. I became a social pariah because of you. Students were laughing behind my back everywhere I went, but after a year, I returned and dared to face adversity. I had to have a steel backbone to regain my confidence, seeing you so satisfied and joyful as if I were just a cheap, discarded toy. You took my innocence and discarded me like used toilet paper."I hated you, Namjoon. You were so happy with Min-ju while I lived a life of misery and broken dreams." You looked at him with a fierce, cold expression and grabbed your backpack purposefully. The emotional overload had become too much for you, and you had to flee from his presence.

He looked stunned at your coldness.

"Yes, Namjoon... do not look so flabbergasted," you said, shaking your head. While you enjoy a carefree college life, I had to deal with my ruined life. Depressed and in a dark place- giving birth to your baby... all alone!" You scoffed as you saw his stunned, shocked face. His jaws were dropped to the ground, and his face became pale at your confession of a secret you had kept for years.

With one look at his open jaws, you ran out of the digital archive room, past the boxes and containers.

"Wait! What! Arin!"-Namjoon shouted, shocked behind you, and followed suit. But, being his clumsy self, he tripped over a box container. To his dismay, a beautiful display of a green emerald artefact on a stone wall got ripped by the force of his hands when he tried to stop his fall...

Arin turned abruptly around just in time to see the relic gain a life of its own. In front of you and a stunned Namjoon, who shoulder-bumped the wall, a bright white light emitted from the flying relic, and a sudden shake of the ground made you and Namjoon both be thrown by a force field towards the opposite stone wall of the archive room.

Everything darkened as you got lost in time and space...