SIXTEEN // ITALY

Jimin usually finds surprises never surprising.

but today, one at the school really had surprised him. for the first time in a while, the infatuated and grieving boy was surprised. he walked into the school this morning, ready to take on his day filled with kids until he stumbled across a lady at the reception desk. she met his gaze after he noticed her first and they ended up smiling.

Jimin didn't expect to see Serenity as his first blessing of the day.

he didn't get the chance to ask what she was doing here as he signed in his attendance before leaving to get to his classroom on time.

ever since the silent interaction, he's been thinking about the smiling girl all day and he's sure his mind is tired. it's tired of thinking too much about a girl who isn't important to him. his focus on work has been fine sure, but he can't wait to see her again. what was she doing here? why is he excited?

at break time, Jimin finds out Serenity's here as a volunteer. his heart leaps a little at the thought of her being so considerate and helpful. she's here to help kids and lessen the burden for teachers. she's being a pious person.

he watches her work with her allocated class. the boy likes how Serenity doesn't notice him because it gives him the chance to really observe her, what she's like when she's not with him but when she's with other people. she's not on guard or sceptical about her actions. he realises she's helpful, kind and a good listener. she's in the right profession and he can tell she has some experience with children.

throughout the slow day, Serenity and Jimin catch each other's glances as they walk through displayed corridors. unfortunately, they're both occupied with tasks from their superior teachers and never get the chance to speak to each other. they so badly want to speak to each other, find out why the other is here but things remain strictly professional with stolen glances and timid smiles. a burning sensation ripples in their stomachs until they can speak.

then, towards the end of the day, Serenity walks through the empty corridors as her eyes look around for Jimin. she's hoping she can spot the smartly dressed boy and speak to him. she hasn't had the chance to all day!

then a cough is heard behind her. Serenity swiftly turns, excited grin spreading across her lips as she follows Jimin into the copier room. no one is present and they silently cheer, both smiling at the chance to finally converse in a setting they never expected. what are the chances they'd end up at the same workplace?

"am i dreaming?" Jimin teases as soon as she walks inside.

"no this is real." Serenity laughs as her eyes meet Jimin's in the small room. there's papers everywhere and anyone could walk inside, question what they're doing.

they're just talking, no harm right?

"why are you here?"

"i need some experience in a school, with kids." Serenity answers, head nodding as she crosses her arms over her chest. she notices Jimin's gaze, his brown eyes look up and down her.

"now i have to control myself at work too?"

Jimin enjoys the warm climate. it's full of teasing and promises meant to be broken. Jimin feels his stomach clench as he bites down on his lip. it's so obvious they're both resisting the urge to kiss each other hysterically.

"perhaps you do, can you do that?" Serenity responds cockily. Jimin almost rolls his eyes in pleasure at her tone. she's so confident in manner sometimes that he wonders if he's ever seen her shy. but he has, he's seen multiple sides to the girl and he hasn't known her that long. what sides of him has she seen? does she like what she's seen?

"if i can't... at least you'll be there though." Jimin wiggles his eyebrows. he doesn't know where the playfulness has come from and it scares him. he hasn't felt this comfortable around someone in a very long time.

"don't be so dirty!" what we have is dirty.

"no no, i am pure for you, and you for me." Jimin changes the topic. if they grow any flustered, he's not sure what he'll do. the atmosphere of the copy room is stuffy now as he pretends to look around. from the corner of his eye, he's just looking at Serenity. "you like kids?" he questions, curious in her and why she's here to work with kids. she could've worked with any age group but when people choose kids, it means more.

"i don't mind them." Serenity replies. Jimin likes the way she's always ready for his questions. it's as if she's been asked them several times. preparation is key to the female and he knows it. him, on the other hand isn't one to prepare. he wings things and is well spoken. "i grew up with my siblings and cousins so i guess i know what i'm doing. you?"

Jimin, as mentioned, wings the answer. "i used to babysit my cousins so i like to think i'm good with kids." he hopes he is. he thinks he's doing a good job with his assigned classroom. even the teacher he's paired with has learnt to appreciate his effort. he's becoming comfortable in the schooling environment and wants to continue making kids enjoy their days so they never give up on education, not the way he did.

"that's cute. i'd love to see." Serenity smiles a small smile, one that takes over her pretty lips. the same lips Jimin has kissed multiple times, each time being different they're not glossy or perfect, they're dry, thin and Jimin's eyes end up raking over the rest of her growing familiar facial features. she never wears makeup. although she has the option to cover the red pimples on her chin, she chooses not to. Jimin can't help but notice the bags under her eyes and feels that he's finally found someone just as sleep deprived as him.

"they love me honestly." Jimin can't help but mention. a part of him wants to boast because Serenity only knows so little about him. there's more to him than a good body and grieving attitude. he's charming with kids and hard work is his forte (sometimes). "it took me a while to settle down but it's not too bad." since when do you care what she thinks? who says you care when you don't care about anything?

"this is nice." Serenity nods as she leans back on her hands against the shelves stacked with papers. "i like the atmosphere of the school." in which Jimin agrees with.

"it distracts you right?"

distraction is what we need, Jimin thinks, chest tight with feeling.

"it does."

Jimin clears his throat. "do you want to walk home together?"

"sure. i'll met you at the front gate." they smile politely. the situation that they find themselves in makes them feel the need to act professional. it's strange for the two with no label.

they walked home, discussing their separate and different day's and their opinions on certain children. as they arrive at Jimin's standard apartment, the boy fiddles with his keys in the lock. he stares back at Serenity as she stands behind him. "man, i got to spend a whole day with you."

Serenity was planning on just dropping her friend back to his place before leaving. Jimin wants her to stay, they both know that and she can't get enough of the powerful specimen. she can't say no. "come inside with me." he murmurs, hands pressing against her jaw as he cups her face.

Serenity just nods.

in Jimin's apartment, the two did what was on their mind all day. Jimin's lips made contact with every part of Serenity's body, hand tracing along stretch marks that he made sure to admire. "you are so damn beautiful." he murmurs, kissing along the stretch marks around her hips as she blushes.

"no, you are."

the truth is, they both felt beautiful with their sober thoughts as the golden sunlight filtered through the windows the next morning.

//