Chapter 11
Chapter 11: A Shoulder to Lean On
The buzz of the convenience store lights was familiar, almost comforting, as Y/N started her night shift. But tonight, she felt different—heavy, weighed down by the cruel words that replayed in her head like a broken record. Her ex-friend and those she called her new "friends" had taken every chance to tear her down earlier.
She bit her lip, trying to shake the memory as she stacked shelves. It wasn't worth crying over anymore, she told herself, though her chest still ached.
The bell above the door chimed, and she looked up, expecting another late-night customer. Instead, Namjoon walked in. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the ache in her chest dulled.
"Working late again?" he asked, his voice as warm as the coffee he always seemed to drink.
"Yeah," she replied, managing a small smile. "The usual."
Namjoon stepped closer, his gaze sharpening as he studied her face. "You okay?" he asked softly.
She shrugged, avoiding his eyes. "Just a long day. Nothing big."
He frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You don't look fine."
Y/N chuckled lightly, though it sounded forced. "I'm fine, really."
But Namjoon didn't let it go. "Y/N, come on. What happened?"
"It's a long story," she muttered, fiddling with the edge of the counter.
Namjoon leaned on the counter, his tone gentle but firm. "I've got time. I'll be waiting out there after your shift." He nodded toward the small round table just outside the store. "Take your time."
---
Y/N had thought he might give up and leave, but when her shift ended, Namjoon was still there, scrolling on his phone. He looked up as she stepped outside, his expression softening.
"Come sit," he said, pulling out the chair next to him.
She hesitated but sat down, the cool night air brushing against her tired face. Namjoon didn't rush her, just waited, patient and steady.
"I don't know where to start," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Anywhere," he encouraged. "I'm here."
The words felt so simple yet so heavy, and before she knew it, she was spilling everything. She told him about Hannah, about the betrayal, and how her ex-friend had mocked her today. She shared the harsh words, the way they made her feel small and worthless.
Namjoon didn't interrupt, just listened, his gaze never leaving her. As she spoke, the weight of it all overwhelmed her, and tears began to fall.
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, trying to wipe them away quickly. "I don't know why I'm crying."
Namjoon leaned forward, a concerned crease forming on his forehead. "Hey, don't apologize," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
Before she could say anything, he awkwardly pulled her into a hug. It wasn't polished or practiced—it was clumsy and earnest, the kind that made her feel safe.
"You've been through so much," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "It's okay to let it out."
She sobbed against his chest, the walls she'd built around her emotions crumbling. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel the need to hide.
---
When her tears finally stopped, Namjoon pulled back slightly, looking at her with soft eyes. "Wait here," he said, standing up and heading into the store.
Y/N watched, puzzled, as he returned moments later with a small bag in his hands. "What's this?" she asked, sniffling.
Namjoon opened the bag, revealing a tub of ice cream and a mix of snacks. "Emergency happiness kit," he said, smiling lightly.
She laughed softly, the sound shaky but genuine. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," he replied, offering her a spoon. "Here, try this. It's my favorite flavor."
Y/N hesitated before taking a bite. The cold sweetness melted on her tongue, and for the first time all day, she felt something other than sadness.
"See?" Namjoon said, watching her reaction. "It's not so bad."
As they shared the ice cream, Namjoon's expression turned serious. "Y/N," he said, his voice low, "you're not what they say you are. You're not average or useless. Everyone shines in their own way, and you're no different."
She looked down, her hands gripping the spoon tightly. "It's hard to believe that," she admitted quietly.
Namjoon reached out, gently lifting her chin so she had to meet his eyes. "You don't have to believe it yet," he said. "But I do. And I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone, Y/N."
Her chest tightened at his words, and she blinked back the tears threatening to spill again. "Why are you so kind to me?"
Namjoon's lips curved into a soft smile. "Maybe I just don't like seeing you sad."
Despite her doubts, she felt herself relax. There was something about him—something steady and genuine—that made her feel like maybe she didn't have to carry everything alone.
---
To lighten the mood, Namjoon began telling stories. "Have you heard of the Monkey King?" he asked, his eyes lighting up.
Y/N shook her head, and he launched into the tale with enthusiasm, his animated expressions and gestures making her laugh. For the first time in what felt like forever, her laughter rang out into the night.
As Namjoon watched her smile, he felt something stir in his chest. She had been through so much, but here she was, resilient and kind. And he couldn't help but admire her strength.