The next day arrived quickly, ushering in a crisp morning that felt alive with anticipation.
At Namjoonâs home, he sat at his desk, scribbling in his leather-bound diary with a concentration that shut out the world around him. His pen scratched against the paper, mapping out last-minute notes for the party preparations. Lost in thought, he almost didnât hear the doorbell ring.
The sharp chime pulled him back to reality. Assuming it was Taehyung, Namjoon stood up, adjusting his glasses before heading to the door.
Without hesitation, he opened it.
"About damn time you're here, Tae. I wasâ" His words halted mid-sentence.
Standing on his doorstep was not Taehyung, but Jin.
Namjoon froze, his expression shifting from confusion to something softer, though still guarded.
Jin stood there, dressed in a simple sweater and jeans, his hands tucked awkwardly into his pockets.
He avoided Namjoonâs gaze as he spoke, his voice steady but tinged with unease.
"I⦠um⦠Taehyung called me about the food preparations for the eve," Jin explained quickly, his eyes darting to the side as if searching for an escape.
Namjoon blinked, momentarily stunned. It had been almost a year since Jin had set foot in this house. His sudden presence was jarring, stirring memories Namjoon had buried deep.
Clearing his throat to mask his surprise, Namjoon stepped aside. "I⦠uh⦠yeah.
"Come in," he said, his voice laced with hesitation.
Jin nodded slightly, walking into the familiar space. His steps were slow and measured as his eyes roamed the living roomâa place he once called home. The layout was the same, but there were a few additions: new paintings on the wall, a cozy throw blanket draped over the couch. It was both familiar and foreign.
Namjoon gestured for Jin to take a seat on the couch, then sat down on the chair across from him. The silence between them was thick, neither quite sure how to bridge the gap.
"So," Jin began, his voice soft as he broke the tension. "What kind of cake do you want for the eve?"
Namjoon looked up, his expression neutral but his tone polite. "Um⦠maybe butterscotch as the main cake. And blueberry as a side."
Jin nodded, jotting it down in a small notebook he pulled from his bag. They spoke for a while, mostly about the menu, carefully skirting around any personal topics.
Though the tension between them lingered, both seemed content to focus on the task at hand.
The doorbell rang again, snapping them both out of their cautious conversation. Namjoon stood up quickly. "Iâll get it," he said, his tone clipped.
Jin simply nodded, watching as Namjoon disappeared down the hall.
When Namjoon opened the door, a familiar figure greeted him. "Took you long enough," he said with mock annoyance, his arms crossed.
Taehyung stood there, grinning mischievously. "At least Iâm here," he quipped, his tone playful.
Namjoon rolled his eyes but couldnât hide the small smile tugging at his lips. Taehyung stepped inside, but before Namjoon could say anything more, the sound of another car pulling up outside caught their attention.
Jungkook approached the door with Jaybum in his arms.
The toddler had clearly just woken up from a nap, his small hands rubbing at his sleepy eyes. Without hesitation, Jaybum reached out for Taehyung as soon as they stepped inside.
Taehyung instinctively took him from Jungkookâs arms, cradling the little boy close.
Jaybum buried his face in the crook of Taehyungâs neck, his soft breaths tickling Taehyungâs skin. "Is Jin hyung here already?" Taehyung asked, absentmindedly running his fingers through Jaybumâs hair.
Namjoon nodded, but he didnât catch the fleeting glance Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged at the mention of Jin.
Soon, the four adults were seated in the living room. Jin and Namjoon sat across from each other, while Taehyung and Jungkook occupied the couch.
Jaybum had curled up in Taehyungâs lap, his tiny hands clutching at Taehyungâs sweater as he drifted back to sleep.
The conversation naturally flowed toward the New Yearâs Eve preparations.
Taehyung led most of it, his energy contagious as he brainstormed ideas for decorations and last-minute touches. Jin chimed in with his input on the menu, his expertise shining through.
Namjoon and Jin, however, remained slightly guarded around each other. Despite the lingering tension, both made a conscious effort to focus on the planning rather than the past. For the moment, their shared goal was enough to keep the unease at bay.
Moments passed quietly as Jaybum stirred awake from yet another nap. His small hand rubbed at his eyes as he blinked up at Taehyung.
The room was filled with a soft hum of conversation as the four adults were nearly done organizing their notes and finalizing plans.
"TaeTae," Jaybum's soft voice broke through the quiet, catching everyoneâs attention. "I'm hungry. Can I have something?" he asked, his tone sweet and innocent.
Taehyung smiled warmly, gently brushing the boyâs messy hair. "Yes, Bun. I'll get something for you," Taehyung said, starting to move Jaybum off his lap.
Before Taehyung could stand, Jin intervened. "Tae, you stay. I'll make something quickly," Jin offered, his tone kind but firm. He had noticed how comfortable Jaybum was nestled in Taehyungâs arms and thought it better not to disrupt the moment.
Taehyung blinked in surprise but gave Jin an appreciative smile. "Thanks, Hyung," he said, settling back down. Jaybum immediately snuggled closer to Taehyung, content with the arrangement.
Namjoon and Jungkook remained engaged in a conversation about the final presentation details, their voices low but focused.
Jin, meanwhile, headed to the kitchen. His steps slowed as he entered the spaceâa room that once held memories he hadnât dared to revisit in over a year. The soft light of the afternoon illuminated the counters and shelves where he had spent hours preparing meals, snacks, and desserts that Namjoon loved.
His hand rested on the counter as a wave of bittersweet nostalgia hit him.
He couldnât help the small, sad smile that crept onto his face.
Memories of laughter, shared meals, and quiet moments surfaced, tugging at his heart. A lump formed in his throat, and a single tear threatened to escape, but he quickly brushed it away.
Determined to focus on the task at hand, Jin began preparing a quick snack for Jaybum.
He chopped fruits and arranged them on a plate, deciding to find a small bowl to complete the presentation. Jin opened one cabinet, then another, searching for a suitable dish.
As he reached for a higher shelf, his hand stilled. There, stacked neatly, was a collection of bowlsâhis bowls.
Jinâs breath caught in his throat. These werenât just any bowls; they were from his café. He had sent them anonymously, slipping them into orders or delivering them through others, each one a silent gesture meant for Namjoon. He had never expected Namjoon to knowâor care.
Yet here they were.
Jinâs fingers trembled as he pulled one down, cradling it carefully. The weight of it felt heavier than it should. His eyes welled up with tears as realization struck. Namjoon had known. He had recognized every bowl Jin had sent and had kept them all. Not only kept but stored them securely, treasuring each one.
Tears spilled down Jinâs cheeks as he clutched the bowl to his chest, his heart aching with a mix of sorrow and longing. How much had Namjoon understood? How much had he kept to himself?
Namjoon had more bowls stored in his personal closetâJin knew that. But now it was clear heâd needed extra space, and the kitchen cupboard had become a safe haven for the overflow.
Jinâs quiet sobs filled the otherwise silent kitchen as he sank to his knees, clutching the bowls close. Memories of their time together flooded his mind, each one sharper and more painful than the last.
He wished desperately that things could have been different, that he could have told Namjoon the truth without fear, without hesitation.
Jin was still quietly sobbing when hurried footsteps startled him. He quickly wiped his tears, placing the bowl back in the cabinet.
When he turned, he found Taehyung and Jungkook standing in the doorway. Worry was etched across their faces,
Taehyungâs eyes brimming with unshed tears.
âJin Hyung! Namjoon Hyung, heââ Taehyungâs voice cracked as he tried to speak.