"The heart knows what it wants, but sometimes the
mind is the last to catch up."
-Vespera

The morning sunlight filtered through the half-open curtains, casting a warm glow on the room that bore the signs of a passionate night-tangled sheets, pillows askew, and a faint scent of lingering cologne and vanilla. Namjoon stirred first, eyes fluttering open as a satisfied smile crossed his lips. The sight of YN, still curled up and peaceful beside him, filled his heart with a warmth that reached deeper than any business victory ever could.

Quietly, so as not to wake her, he slipped out of bed and went to the kitchen. The polished wooden floors creaked softly under his bare feet as he prepared a warm hotbag. Returning to the bedroom, he sat beside YN, placing the hotbag gently against her lower back and beginning a slow, soothing massage. His touch was light, careful, and filled with care.

A soft sigh escaped YN's lips as her eyes fluttered open, a drowsy smile spreading across her face as she took in the sight of Namjoon, his eyes tender and attentive. "Good morning," she whispered, voice still thick with sleep.

"Good morning, my love," Namjoon replied, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He paused for a moment, just taking in her beauty, her tousled hair framing her face in a way that was both innocent and alluring. "How do you feel?"

"Happy," she said, her eyes sparkling as she reached up to touch his face. They both chuckled, the sound echoing like a melody in the quiet room.

Namjoon's expression grew serious for a moment, the weight of his next words palpable in the air. He took her hand in his, pressing it to his chest as if to let her feel the steady drum of his heartbeat. "YN, let's move into my house. I don't want to spend another night apart. My parents passed away last year, and that house... it feels empty, haunted with memories that echo loneliness. But with you, it could become a home again, filled with laughter and life. You're my light, YN. Without you, even the grandest house feels like just walls and silence. Will you make it our home?"

YN felt her heart swell, tears of joy pricking at the corners of her eyes. She squeezed his hand, sitting up to face him fully. "Namjoon, being with you has given me more happiness than I ever thought possible. You see me, you make me feel safe and loved in a way I never imagined. I would be honored to make your home our home. I never thought I'd find someone who makes me feel this whole, this cherished. Yes, I'll move in with you. You're my everything, too."

Relief and joy washed over Namjoon's face, and he pulled her into a tender embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of promises and shared futures. The room around them, once marked by loneliness, now felt like a sanctuary where love had laid its claim.

The morning passed as they both freshened up, exchanging smiles and playful glances as they got dressed. Namjoon wore a crisp white dress shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, while YN chose a soft sundress that made her look radiant. Hand in hand, they made their way to Namjoon's house.

The drive was filled with shared glances and the occasional squeeze of hands. As Namjoon pulled into the driveway of his expansive home, YN's eyes widened. The house stood grand and inviting, with tall windows and ivy creeping up its stone facade. The garden was lush, with roses blooming in hues of red and pink, and a path of cobblestones that led to a white porch with a swing swaying gently in the breeze.

"Welcome home, YN," Namjoon said as he opened the door for her.

YN stepped inside, her eyes taking in the high ceilings, the sweeping staircase, and the light that streamed through tall windows, illuminating the polished wooden floors and elegant furniture. She turned to Namjoon, wonder written all over her face. "It's beautiful. And my café is so close to here... it feels perfect." She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. "Thank you, Namjoon."

Namjoon held her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "This home is all yours too, YN. And soon, it will be official." His eyes sparkled with a hint of something more-a silent promise, an unspoken proposal that left her heart pounding.

They shared a gentle kiss, filled with the quiet excitement of what was to come. Time slipped by as Namjoon left for the company and YN returned to her café, their daydreams interwoven with the memories of their morning.

As the day waned, Namjoon finished up at his office, checking the time eagerly before heading out. He couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face at the thought of seeing YN again. The ride to her café felt longer than usual, anticipation building in him like a slow flame.

When he arrived, YN was just locking up. She turned, her smile lighting up her face when she saw him. "Ready?" Namjoon asked, leaning against the sleek car, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Always," she replied, slipping her hand into his as they drove home.

That evening, the kitchen was alive with laughter as they cooked together. Flour dusted YN's nose after Namjoon playfully tapped it, and she retaliated with a flick of water, laughter bubbling between them. They chopped vegetables side by side, shoulders brushing and smiles exchanged with every glance. The kitchen, once quiet and pristine, now felt like the heart of the home, full of warmth and the scent of garlic and herbs.

Namjoon stirred a pot of pasta sauce while YN set the table, candles casting a soft glow across their faces. When dinner was ready, they sat down, clinking their glasses together. "To us," Namjoon said, his voice deep with affection.

"To us," YN echoed, their eyes meeting with a shared understanding of how far they'd come.

As the days turned into weeks, their routine became a dance of love. Namjoon would work tirelessly at the company, but always, at the end of the day, he would find himself outside YN's café, waiting with a smile. And every evening, they would return home together, basking in the knowledge that they had found what they were both searching for: each other.

The days between Namjoon and YN flowed effortlessly, their love growing deeper with every shared smile, whispered secret, and moment spent in each other's arms. One evening, as they sat on the porch watching the last rays of the sunset paint the sky with streaks of orange and pink, Namjoon reached for YN's hand and brought it to his lips.

"I have to leave for LA tomorrow morning, my love," Namjoon said softly, a hint of regret in his voice. "It's an important business meeting, but I promise it won't be long."

YN's heart sank for a moment, but she quickly replaced the disappointment with a smile. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "No problem, love. I'll be here waiting for you. Your work is important, and I understand."

Namjoon's eyes softened as he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. "I love you so much, my lady," he whispered, the words vibrating with sincerity.

She pulled back slightly, a playful glint in her eye. "Just make sure to take a tight belt for your pants, Mr. Kim. You know how many girls would try to get in them," she teased with a smirk.

Namjoon chuckled, the deep sound rumbling in his chest as he leaned closer, brushing his lips against her ear. "None of them know how to open it except my lady." Their laughter blended with the soft chirping of the evening crickets as they stood wrapped in each other's warmth.

They headed inside to pack, Namjoon's arm wrapped around YN's waist as he led her into the bedroom. Clothes were laid out haphazardly on the bed as YN picked out suits and ties, handing them to Namjoon with a twinkle in her eye. "You really look dashing in this navy-blue suit," she said, smoothing out the fabric on his chest.

"Is that so?" he murmured, stepping closer to her so that their faces were mere inches apart. "Then I guess I'll have to wear it for you, won't I?" He leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Their bodies pressed together, and for a moment, time stood still.

YN pulled back, blushing as she pushed his shoulder playfully. "We need to finish packing, or you'll miss your flight," she said, breathless.

"Packing can wait," Namjoon countered, pulling her back into his arms. His hands roamed gently over her back, and soon the room was filled with the sound of shared laughter, playful teasing, and soft gasps. When they finally finished packing, both were flushed and smiling, eyes sparkling with a love that ran deeper than words could express.

The next morning, the sun barely peeked over the horizon when Namjoon stood by the front door, luggage in hand. YN's eyes were tired but full of affection as she wrapped her arms around his neck for one last embrace. "Be safe and come back soon," she whispered.

Namjoon pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I'll come back before you can even miss me," he said with a wink before stepping into the car and driving off, leaving YN waving after him until he disappeared down the road.

The day dragged on for YN. She threw herself into her work at the café, chatting with customers, serving drinks, and trying to fill the empty spaces Namjoon left behind. But every time the bell above the café door rang, her heart would leap, only to settle back down when it wasn't him. By evening, the loneliness had set in deeper. She locked up the café, sighing as she walked back to the house alone, the silence pressing in around her like an unwanted companion.

When she opened the front door, she was greeted by a sight that made her heart stop. There, sitting casually in a chair, was Namjoon, his dark eyes focused on her with an intensity she couldn't place.

"Namjoon!" she gasped, a smile spreading across her face as relief and joy flooded her veins. She dropped her bag and rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

"You're back so soon! I knew you couldn't stay away. I missed you so much," she said breathlessly before pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss.

The man she believed to be Namjoon stiffened for a moment, his body caught between surprise and uncertainty. But as her warmth enveloped him, he gave in, responding to her kiss with equal fervor. For a heartbeat, the world spun and nothing else mattered.

YN pulled away, eyes sparkling as she caught her breath. "Let me make you some tea," she said, turning to head into the kitchen, leaving the man sitting there, staring after her with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue.

His mind raced. Who is she? he thought, watching her as she hummed softly to herself, unaware of the storm of questions brewing behind his eyes.

To be continued