Work Text:
System Error
Namjoon could cry. He can’t remember the last time he cried, really. But now frustrated hot little tears threaten to spill over because it’s always him. He tries so hard to be careful, not to drop or spill or break things but it always happens.
It’s his first day at his new job. It was supposed to be a fresh start, a clean cut new chapter. It’s been months since Daejung. You can say his name, Namjoon-ah. Yoongi’s voice bleats in his head. And this, now, just reminds him that nothing has changed and he’s still just as useless as he’s always been.
He clicks a few more buttons. Namjoon tries everything except pulling the plug out and blowing on it.
System Error. System Error. System Error.
He doesn’t even know who he’s supposed to call. A week ago a smiley guy called Hoseok who was wearing a lanyard with a thousand little pins and buttons on. Showed him around the place and told him to come find me if you need anything!
But Namjoon doesn’t want to come and find him now because then he’ll have to admit he’s fucked up and it’s too early for his pride to feel this bruised.
He groans and slams his hands down on the keyboard.
The screen flashes black. Namjoon can feel his eyes pop out of his head in panic. His collar starts to scratch and his tie feels too tight.
The screen flashes blue.
Fuck. Shit. There’s a small moment of clarity that pulls apart inside Namjoon. It couldn't be worse. He resolves. There’s absolutely nothing else that could go wrong and it brings him this little light of peace.
He gets out his chair and heads to the break room to make himself a cup of coffee.
The coffee machine is broken.
Namjoon resists the urge to sob out loud. Instead a weird kind of choked off groans bubbles out. He sighs and pulls out a little paper cup to make himself green tea instead.
“Are you okay?” Someone gently taps his shoulder.
Namjoon gasps. “Sorry! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you jump!” The guy says, there’s light laughter tucked behind his voice.
Namjoon turns around and swallows down another gasp.
The guy is pretty . His hair is curled around his face down his nape. There’s little silver loops through each of his ears. His skin looks soft like he smells of talcum powder and Namjoon wants to reach out and touch but he knows how creepy that sounds and he can’t bring himself to care. His lips are round, slick and plush. Like a ripe strawberry split in half. His cheeks are rosy and he smells like vanilla and Namjoon wants to fall to his knees.
“Uh.” Namjoon bleats when he realises it’s been at least twenty seconds since the guy spoke. “I’m uh— I’m okay. It’s just been… it’s been a day. Y’know?”
“It’s not even noon.” The guy teases. “Are you new? I haven’t seen you before?”
Namjoon puts his cup down and wipes his sweaty palm on his pants. “Namjoon. Kim Namjoon. I just started today.” He holds his hand.
The guy keeps looking at him like Namjoon is the funniest thing he’s ever seen. It doesn’t feel mean, but it makes Namjoon feel too aware of his body.
“Jimin.” He smiles. “Park Jimin. And I didn’t start today.” He grins, his teeth poke out of his plush lips. “I work in the IT department.”
Namjoon almost forgot about his computer. “Really? I, um, I think my computer is broken. Well I don’t think it’s broken. I know it is. And I’m sorry for asking but you said you work with IT and I thought—“
Jimin giggles and another little spark sets off in Namjoon’s chest. “You want me to take a look?” He interrupts.
“Please.” Namjoon mumbles.
“Lead the way.” Jimin smiles. He’s so smiley . His cheeks bunch up when he smiles like two full dumplings and Namjoon just wants to bite—
He walks out the door before he gets carried away. “Don’t forget your tea!” Jimin takes the cup off the counter as he follows Namjoon out the door.
“Ah.” Jimin mumbles from where he’s sitting at Namjoon’s desk.
Namjoon looms over him. “Is it bad?” His legs ache. He sits cross legged on the floor.
Jimin looks at him like he wants to laugh. “Hm.” Jimin says, mostly to himself. “Have you tried unplugging it and blowing in the outlet?”
Namjoon flounders. He knew he should’ve done that.
“I’m kidding.” Jimin laughs. “It’s not too bad. I can fix it. Don’t worry.” He soothes. He reaches down and puts a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. Namjoon can feel sweat beads on his temples and neck.
They stay silent whilst Jimin fixes his computer. Namjoon thinks about how to make small talk, any ice breakers he’s picked up on but all he can think about is Jimin’s hand still on his shoulder and how he chews on his lip when he’s concentrating.
“Where did you work before this?” Jimin asks.
“Library.” Namjoon states. “They, uh, they didn’t let me use the computer.”
Jimin laughs. “I can see why.” The screen lights up again. “Is that why you started working with a firm that uses computers? Rebellion?”
“No!” Namjoon says, voice far too loud for the quiet office. “I’m going back to school. I want to, um, be a teacher.”
Jimin smiles down at him, it’s not teasing this time. “I think that’s brave. Changing your life around like that.”
Namjoon’s heart does a funny thing in his chest. “Thank you.” He tucks his chin into his neck.
“I think you’ll be a good teacher. You’re a little weird but I can just tell you’re good. Kind spirit.” Namjoon can feel his face flushing hot. “Good luck.”
“Thanks.” Namjoon mumbles.
After a moment Jimin stands up. “Done. I don’t know what you did. But if you do it again, just come to my office and I’ll fix it, okay? It’s not a problem.”
And Namjoon actually believes him. He doesn’t want Jimin to go yet, for the first time all day Namjoon feels a little calmer. Something soothed on his chest like aloe vera balm.
“Hey.” Namjoon blurts. Jimin turns around from where he’s about to leave. “Do you— um— would you like to get coffee? Sometime? Y’know, just so I can say thank you. For saving my ass.”
Jimin’s cheeks push up. “What time do you finish?”
“Five.” Namjoon answers.
“Me too. I’ll meet you here when we finish, okay?” He smiles with his teeth this time and closes the door behind him.