Chapter Text
The early morning fog laid heavy like a blanket on the city as Namjoon stepped out of his apartment. The streets of his neighborhood were mostly quiet, except for the distant purr of a street cleaner and a the chatter of a few of his neighbors starting their early commute to work. He took a deep breath, letting the heavy air fill his lungs as he started his usual walk to the nearby park, his mind lost in the lyrics of a song he was working on. The world around him was grey and dim, covered in layers of concrete and flickering street lights still on from the night before.
It was here that he first noticed the posters. They were striking, confident bold strokes and loud colors that seemed to come alive on the wood poles they were stapled to and the concrete walls they were wheat-pasted on.
Curiosity piqued, Namjoon found himself searching for more of these mysterious works of art during his walks. He felt a strange kinship with the anonymous artist, as if they were speaking directly to him. The posters became his personal treasure hunt, each discovery feeling like a message just for him. He'd stop and study them, appreciating the burst of color they always brought to the mostly gray city. The art was special, raw, a mirror of the artist's soul. Out of the dozens Namjoon had discovered all over the city, there was never a signature.
~~~
8 hours spent in the studio with no breaks, Namjoon walked home. He tried to change his route home a little everyday, hoping to increase his chances of finding new artwork by the mysterious artist. He decided to take a road he hadn't in a while, one with many shops and restaurants on the first floor and apartments and studio spaces on the floors above. His eyes scanned each sidewalk board put out by each business advertising various products and foods. He could always tell when a shop had an artist working for them based on how many doodles were accompanying the swirling hand-painted chalk words on the board. Looking at them made him smile. It reminded him just how many artists are among us.
Namjoon's eyes grew wide with excitement as he stumbled upon one sign for a local art exhibit. He loved any opportunity for a museum visit or art exhibit. He checked the time on his phone, an hour and a half left in the exhibit. Perfect. He stepped into the dimly lit space, surrounded by various mediums of art. Each piece was more mesmerizing than the last. He took his time, making sure to stop and admire every detail. The room grew warmer the further he went in, a nice reprieve from the nipping cold, the conversations around him seemed to fade to a low murmur as he approached a poster that was displayed more prominently than the others. This one was different. He got closer, curious, and when the realization hit him, he stopped dead in his tracks. He recognized this style, these bold colors and free flowing lines. Just like the posters he's been chasing after for months. But this time something was different. It had a name scribbled in the corner - Jungkook.
The name seemed familiar, like he had heard it in a a dream. He took a step closer, his eyes scanning the way the colors bled into each other. The emotions captured in the artwork were palpable, and he found himself lost in the story it told. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice, and he looked up to find a handsome young man with a shy smile and shining round eyes.
"This is one of my favorites"
Namjoon was speechless at first, couldn't believe he finally placed a name to the art he had come to admire so greatly. What are the odds? He's never felt so lucky. He spent so long looking for any clues only to just accidentally stumble upon the answer r- He suddenly realized he was standing there, jaw dropped, not responding. He quickly closed his mouth, A flush overcame him knowing he probably looked a little silly just staring at this handsome man in silence. His brain starts working hard to formulate a response but he panics.
"Um yes. Me too as well also"
What? Me too as well also?? God. Namjoon is embarrassed.
The handsome man smiled brightly, his eyes crinkling with joy. "Thank you"
Namjoon was confused. Very confused. His mind was still reeling from receiving so much information at once, he was having trouble piecing together whatever was happening now with handsome man.
Apparently, his confusion was visible.
"This one's mine." Jungkook said, gesturing shyly to the poster namjoon had been so invested in previously.
Namjoon stared at him. And stared. and stared.
Jungkook looked around, wondering if he was missing something.
"I'm Jungkook."
Nothing.
"Nice to meet you?" he stuck his hand out hoping the action would break the man out of his daze like some sort of cutscene.
"...Oh my god."