ᴘᴀsᴛᴇʟ ʙᴏʏ. || ᴍ.ʏɢ + ᴘ.ᴊᴍ ✔️

twenty-two: didn't ask for a heartbeat

"Ah, Namjoon," the redhead turned his attention towards him, "I was just about to get you. Here, this is Taemin."

Taemin, a handsome young man with silver hair and full lips, smiled pleasantly at Namjoon and shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you," he said. "Your first time here?"

"Yup. Lookin' forward to Seokjin's Uno. Sounds wild."

"It is! He had to wear lipstick and kiss the carpet last year as punishment. All credit to Hoseok for that one."

Again, the third time, and it was still hilarious.

At some point, his eyes drifted over to the party host who was still setting some things up, going back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room to transfer cups and plates and other things. And Namjoon couldn't help but wonder why none of the boy's friends were offering to help. Luckily Hoseok noticed his curious glances and answered the unspoken question.

"Don't feel bad," he said, giving Namjoon a nudge. "Jin wouldn't let any of us help even if we asked. Believe me, we've tried. He just gets fulfillment outta doing this on his own and has fun with it, ya know?"

"I suppose." Namjoon hummed, watching as Seokjin carefully set a bowl of punch down on the table. "Cute apron."

"Tell him that and he might hit you."

"Noted. Are there any other people we're waiting on?"

"Jungkook, which surprises me. I didn't think he'd agree. Also Youngjae. Funny guy. He almost beat me in Uno once."

"What was his punishment for losing?" Namjoon asked curiously.

"Fetching me a glass of water."

"You really do just like to target Seokjin, don't you?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?"

▫️▫️▫️

By 7:30 p.m. everyone was here: Hoseok, Namjoon, Jungkook, Taemin, Jackson, Youngjae, and of course, the host of this lovely little gathering, Kim Seokjin.

"Gentlemen and gentlemen of the jury! I've prepared tea!"

"What flavor??" Exclaimed Jackson.

"Chamomile, sweetie, you know me." He pretended to flip his hair and Namjoon snorted. He's funny.

It was certainly unique. Most high school parties these days consisted of way too many teens listening to loud music, dancing, and getting drunk. Instead, here, Jin was serving chamomile tea, having made a home-cooked meal for his party guests, and was entertaining everyone effortlessly with nothing more than his words and exaggerated facial expressions.

It was a nice change.

"So when's the Uno tournament start?" Namjoon asked, just as Seokjin placed a cup of tea in front of him.

"After dinner, be patient, child," he scolded.

"When's dinner?" Jackson piped up.

"You know full well dinner is served after tea, don't make me smack you."

"What's for dinner?" Taemin joined.

"You know full well we're having bulgogi and cucumber kimchi."

"CUCUMBER??? I'M OUTTA HERE-"

"Youngjae, you know full well I'm just kidding, sit down!!"

"Is the punch safe to drink?"