Serendipity

5

As the days passed, Jin and Joon found themselves meeting more frequently, relishing every stolen moment of togetherness. They became closer and more comfortable with each other. But Jin still hadn't told his family about Joon. He didn't want to tell his parents right now. He felt it was too soon. He wasn't sure how they would react to his relationship with Joon. He wanted to wait for the right time and the right way to tell them. Plus he knew his parents can get conventional. Once he introduces Joon and they would sure be running around for wedding rings. But for now, he kept his secret and enjoyed his time with Joon.

Jin walked into Namjoon's office with a smile on his face. He was walking beside a tall and handsome man who had a camera around his neck. "Namjoon, remember him? Lee Min-ho, the photographer from the café?" Namjoon looked up from his desk and frowned. He didn't like the way Lee Min-ho was eyeing Jin with admiration. He stood up and shook Lee Min-ho's hand politely. "Yes, I remember him. Nice to meet you, Lee Min-ho. What brings you here?" Namjoon asked.

Lee Min-ho smiled charmingly and said, "Well, I'm here to offer Seokjin a great opportunity. He has the perfect face and body for modeling. Since I took his pictures on the café, the modelling industry is going crazy. I asked him if he was interested in becoming a model and he said yes."

Jin intervened, "Isn't it great Joonie?" Jin chirped happily but Joon just kept quiet as Jin continued, "So, what do you think?"

Namjoon turned to Jin and said, "No."

"No? But why?", Jin was surprised by Joon's revelation.

"Jin, you asked my opinion and I just told you. I don't want you to become a model."

Jin's face fell. "Namjoon. It's always been my dream to be in front of the camera and show off my style, my beauty and personality. Lee Min-ho said he can make me a star. He is giving me a platform. He can get me contracts with big brands and magazines. He said I have what it takes to be successful in the modeling industry."

"And movie industry", Lee Min-ho added excitedly as he continued, "Remember models are becoming actors too in today's world. Who knows? Jin can be anything he wants. He has the charisma, style and confidence".

Jin was super excited and blushing under Min-ho's praise. Namjoon shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't understand why Jin would want to expose himself to the public eye and risk his privacy and safety. He also couldn't stand the idea of other people ogling his boyfriend and touching him inappropriately. He said, "No, Jin. My answer is still no."

Jin's face fell. He looked at Namjoon with hurt and confusion. He said, "Why not? Why are you being so adamant? Don't you want me to be happy? Don't you trust me?"

Namjoon sighed and said, "Of course I want you to be happy and I trust you. But this is not a good idea, Jin. Modeling is not as glamorous as it seems. It's a cutthroat business that will exploit you and use you up. You'll have to deal with a lot of pressure, criticism, harassment, and competition. You'll have to sacrifice your time, your health, your dignity, and your relationship for the sake of fame and money. Is that what you really want?"

Jin bit his lip and said, "But Namjoon, this is my chance to do something I love. This is my passion. This is my dream. Don't you have dreams too? Don't you support me?"

Namjoon felt torn between his love for Jin and his fear for his future. He wanted to support Jin but he also wanted to protect him from harm. He said, "I do have dreams, Jin. And one of them is to be with you for the rest of my life. Look you asked for my opinion and this is mine. Rest I will leave it to you."