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Tear the petals off of you
Make you tell the truth

-PETALS by Hole-

Namjoon's eyes widen in open shock as he stares into the eyes of the past.

He couldn't believe that she stood in front of him. Her beautiful light dirty-blond hair has taken on a new look; it is wavier and has highlights, but what mesmerized him were her sparkling cognac eyes and sweet dimpled smile. She was still flawlessly pale, but still gorgeous. The girl who gave him the four happiest years of his life at university The girl who taught him how to love himself and who owned his heart He thought he would marry and have a family with this beautiful girl.

"Celine...how... when...?"He whispered in English with total awe. She grinned widely as her white, sparkling teeth glowed in the light. Namjoon was just shaking his head in surprise.

Frosty stood there just watching how Celine's thin, pale arms suddenly embraced Joonie with so much excitement and pure joy in her demeanor. She even pecks him enthusiastically on both cheeks. Namjoon's dimpled smile was wide, and his eyes were sparkling when he looked at his gorgeous ex-girlfriend. Her face was radiant from the unexpected treat she got by running into her ex-boyfriend.

"Oh, my gosh! Namjoonie... You're still as gorgeous as you were a few years ago. How quickly time passes!" She gushed as her gaze wandered over his muscular build and calm, relaxed persona. He's still hot, even though he's a few years older. Namjoon only smirked at her apparent admiration for him. He turned to face the quiet blonde girl next to him, who was watching their exchange with interest. He unconsciously grasped Frosty's soft hands in his, which made Frosty smile joyfully.

Her gaze shifted with a frown to the lovely, calm blond next to Joon. She then glanced at him with interest. There was an inexplicable spark that aroused her curiosity. Is this Namjoon's girlfriend? She kept a close eye on Frosty and was pleasantly delighted when Namjoon chose a local lady. She pondered how Frosty got her platinum hair to look so natural; there weren't even any dark traces in her roots. Her gorgeous blue-grey contacts were captivating. She wondered what brand it was. Namjoon has a beautiful girlfriend-a little too young, but well.

She gave Frosty a warm bow and a toothy smile. Frosty answered the greeting with a half-smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Celine Abbot, and I'm from the United States. Namjoon's acquaintance. Erm, Namjoonie, you have a lovely girlfriend." Her dark brown brows arched and her rose-pink lips smirked as she gazed at him, especially because she observed the adorable blush on his cheeks, but to Frosty's astonishment, he didn't correct his ex.

"Please forgive me, Celine. This lovely lady next to me is Kwon Vincenza-you can call her Frosty-and this is Celine, my ex-girlfriend from university." Namjoons' eyes sparkled with deep delight as he gazed at a beaming Frosty, who had a brilliant smile on her lips.

"Hello, Celine. It's a pleasure to meet you." Frosty bows and smiles at Celine.

Namjoon furrowed his brows and glanced at Celine with a strange spark in his eyes. "So, Celine, what brings you to Seoul after all these years? You look great, by the way," he says as she blushes delightfully at his attention.

Celine smiled slightly, but her eyes were troubled. "My company... sent me to an International Architects Convention. I'm here for a week with my team. They're waiting for me at a restaurant," she said with a smile. She'd just left the restroom when she ran into her ex-boyfriend. How cool was that? She was nervous about calling him and asking him to meet her after breaking his heart by leaving Seoul.

"Wow, I'm glad you still have a passion for Asian designs," Namjoon replied with a grin on his face. You were one of the top students at SNU."

Celine's eyes light up. "I love it. I created a few Asian malls and restaurants, and we are currently working on a high-rise corporate complex in New York. --- I don't want to waste your time, Joon. You and Frosty look busy. Can we meet for a drink...to catch up before I leave next week?" She looked hopeful at him and a little warily at Frosty.

She missed her charming ex after three years, even if she secretly stalked him on social networks.

Namjoon inhaled deeply and nodded. " We can meet up. Is your number still the same? "He took out his phone and went through his contacts.

Her lovely, round face is graced with a gleaming smile. "Omg! That will be fantastic. Yes. I didn't want to lose my varsity contacts, let alone you. It hasn't changed.' She responded quietly.

Namjoon grins. "That's great to hear. Is Trevor going to join us? I recall you mentioning he'd want to see Seoul?"He glanced around as though he were about to appear unexpectedly.

She took a long breath and responded, "Er... no. I'm not sure if you heard anything from our old university friends. Trevor died six months ago in a parasailing accident-" her voice had a slight crack. Her fiance's death was still fresh in her mind.

Namjoon could see the sadness still lurking in her eyes. When she left Seoul, she got the most lucrative offer from one of the most sought-after architectural firms in the US. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. It broke both their hearts when she made that life-altering decision to accept the offer.

They broke up and walked away from their four-year relationship, leaving traces of deep pain behind. Namjoon hasn't moved on from the girl he loved since then. She met Trevor a few months later, a new architect who joined their firm and " fell in love", and they started dating for almost three years until death tore them apart.

Namjoon looked saddened by that fact and said, "I'm sorry to hear that. But are you okay?"

"Life goes on... I'm still grieving, but things are improving." She sighs deeply and eagerly embraces him again, oblivious to Frosty's wrinkled brows that accompany her bold motions.

"I missed you..." She whispered in his ear. Frosty noticed Joonie's eyes widen for a split second before he nervously smiled with a conflicted expression.

"I'll call you, and we'll meet for a drink, ok? Please have fun at your convention. Yoongi will be overjoyed if he hears you in Seoul." Namjoon responded with a grin. She simply smiled, bowed to them, and turned to walk in the direction of the restaurant, waving happily.

Namjoon breathed heavily as he glanced guiltily at a thoughtful Frosty.

He can't believe they just happened to see Celine. Why is that? FATE?

When he turned to face the blue-eyed girl who was standing quietly in front of him, he awkwardly touched his neck.

"Frosty...what an unexpected turn of events. We were just talking about Celine when she appeared. It's so surreal," he murmured, furrowing his brows and shaking his head.

Frosty smiled. "She's nice," she said softly. The appearance of Celine made her feel insecure. Why is life so unfair to her?

Namjoon nodded. "She is..." His eyes had a far-off expression, still stunned at meeting his ex.

"Who is Trevor? She looked very heartbroken when she talked about him." She inquired quietly.

"It was her fiancé." He replied solemnly. Frosty wondered, a little afraid, if the game had changed for Namjoon. His ex-girlfriend is now free. He may still harbor strong feelings for Celine. Frosty sighed, disappointed. There is no chance for her now.

"Oh," she simply said, biting her lip with uncertainty.

Namjoon gives a slight smile. "Celine is my ex-girlfriend. Frosty is my past. We agreed to be friends after our breakup. We parted on good terms." He attempted to soothe Frosty's uneasiness.

Namjoon sighed as he cupped her face upward and glanced down. Frosty's eyes were a touch tearful, and Namjoon could tell his blonde friend was distressed.

His gaze scans her pale face, and he strokes her cheek tenderly. "Why are you looking so terrified, Frost?"

Frosty shook her head and bit her lip. ""Non ti preoccupare di me. Io sono... Silly. Don't be worried about me. I'm just...silly." She tried to evade Joon's piercing stare.

They were still standing near the window of the Louis Vittone store. Namjoon despises seeing Frosty so distraught.

"Tell me what's wrong, Frosty? ...speak out. I won't be mad," he assures her as he unexpectedly pulls her into a tight embrace.

"Joon I'm worried that you'll never want to see me again. I'm a Poco invidia little envious of Celine. She's so lovely and now single, and she still looks like she likes you, and you might," she muttered into his chest, her arms tightly snaked around his waist.

Namjoon's chest trembles as he laughs quietly: "Frosty. I won't stop seeing you. And, as I said, Celine is my past, and I won't lie to you... I still have a soft spot in my heart for her. But don't be worried; we'll just catch up, okay? I'll still spend time with you, as I promised. Being with you is a refreshing experience, and we had great fun completing all of the unrelated items on our list. So don't worry. I don't intend to date Celine again," he reassured her again.

But his heart is at odds because of his and Shan's upcoming engagement. He will just see what the future holds.

Namjoon felt relieved when Frosty lifted her head and smiled softly.

"What do you think? An authentic Korean meal at one of the restaurants or... designing our pizza at...my place," he burst out laughing when he watched Frosty's eyes widen with excitement.

"I'm making pizza at your place," she chuckled. "Oh, Joon. You want to show me around your place..."She appeared to be quite excited. Full of renewed enthusiasm.

He nodded and smiled. "I noticed a few items on your bucket list that you can do at my place-and no, Frosty, not items 33 or 40." As she began to pout, he raised his finger and tapped her on the nose. Joon's apartment is the ideal location for those items.

"Oh, Joon!" She moaned as Joon guided her to the exit.

"Frosty, you're too innocent for that," he replied, raising his gaze to a smirking Frosty as they walked briskly with their hands intertwined. They appeared to any stranger to be an ordinary, happy couple.

"Joon I'm 23. I promise I can do it; sono una grande ragazza, e sono legale, I'm a big girl, and I'm legal," she says sweetly.

"Oh, No! Your grandma will kill me. And I want to be in her good graces and look after you," he replied. How can he say no to this little seductress? Especially when she uses all her cuteness on him.

Frosty merely scoffs, "Come on, Joon. Please allow me to show you."

Namjoon seemed concerned: "Oh, Frost, don't you dare plead with those gray-blue eyes of yours on me. It's not fair." But he had a feeling Frosty would come out on top.

Frosty nodded and said, "OK." She just said Namjoon looked at her with a surprised expression. She just gave it Just like that. He scoffed.

When they get to the car, Namjoon unlocks the passenger door for her and enters, but before he starts the car, his phone beeps a familiar tone. When he got the notification on his phone, he exhaled deeply.

"My dear Eomma...," he continued, looking into Frosty's inquisitive eyes. "She wants me to come to the office right away, but I'm not going. I'm hungry, and I'd like you to prepare me a real Italian pizza. Will it be all right? First, make a beeline to my house. I can rest and then meet with the clients later."

Frosty's eyes enlarge. "Won't your mother be upset?"

Frosty spotted his scary mother during the wedding. That mother of his appears to be very rigid and formal. She is overjoyed that Joon wants to spend time with her and prioritizes her over his business. Frosty's face lit up at the possibility of being alone with Joon in his personal space.

"She'll get over it. The meeting was intended to be managed by her and Mi-young." He grimaces. He needs a break. Just to go away from everything for a week and go write. He suspects Mi-Young may have told his mother about his secret outings. Except for Bangtan, he hoped nobody knew about him and Frosty.

"OK, let's go," Frosty says with a happy smile. "All right, let's go make some pizza. Do you have any----?" She inquired about the ingredients for their pizza. In his kitchen, he has everything. They will make the pizza from scratch in his penthouse kitchen. He had a pizza oven installed some time ago.

Namjoon seems pleased to welcome Frosty to his penthouse residence, saying, "We can do at least four items on the bucket list at my apartment."

They both chuckled as Frosty played loud music on the way to his place, making the ride quite joyful.

......

They entered the private penthouse elevator when they arrived at the high-rise structure that had left Frosty breathless. Inside the elevator with them was a sophisticated middle-aged couple. They'd enter, smiling and bowing to the young, cheery couple.

Namjoon suddenly smiled at Frosty, who was standing at the back of the elevator. The pair in front of them were speaking quietly.

Namjoon looked up at Frosty, who gazed at him puzzledly. "What?" she asked quietly.

"On our bucket list... no. 27," he beams as Frosty pulls the crammed list from her backpack. As she nods, she smiles widely.

Namjoon inhaled deeply and began rapping a popular song by one of Yoongi's new debut artists, startling everyone in the elevator.

16. In the elevator, sing a song.

The couple smiled with wide, surprised eyes as Frosty laughed loudly, clapping, and Namjoon began to rap, using Frosty's whimsical pens as a microphone.

The couple applauded in astonishment and praised him for his amazing voice. As a small gesture of gratitude for entertaining them, the wife offered him one of her dark red roses from her bouquet. He smirked, bowed slightly, and took the rose, presenting it to a delighted Frosty. The couple got off on the 24th level. Frosty was shocked at Namjoon, who wasn't even embarrassed.

"Oh, Joonie, my goodness. You nailed that song. I thought of singing in the elevator, but not you." She shook her head in awe. Who would have imagined he could rap like a real idol?

Namjoon smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "I'm a man with a lot of hidden abilities." He waggled his brows. Frosty snort.

"Lo vedo questo, I see that," she chuckled as she linked her arm with his. Namjoon grins as he stares down at Frosty.

They make it to the 38th story, the penthouse floor. This floor has only two penthouse suites. One apartment belonged to a young CEO couple who ran a fashion company. He is never at home, however, because he is a global citizen. Namjoon is usually the only one on this floor. They arrive at a dark iron door.

Namjoon enters his security codes and unlocks the door, allowing Frosty to enter first. The penthouse provides security and peace of mind with 24-hour concierge service, video-controlled entry, and restricted elevator access. Frosty was quite surprised.

Frosty's eyes widen as she looks around the penthouse. This is his private zone, where he can be himself and relax.

"Oh, Joonie, you have a beautiful place," Frosty said quietly. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with every convenience. Gosh. " She dashed into the kitchen and stroked the marble countertops."

Namjoon grins and says, "Oh, yes, my Hyung, Seokjin loves to cook for us when we get together for our weekly club activities. It also has a separate 1,200-bottle wine cellar. When he noticed Frosty's eyes glittering, he just grinned and shook his head. She is not going to taste his wines while he is present.

"Oh, come on, Joon!" She rushed up to him, grasped his hand in hers, and shook it pleadingly.

"Okay, Frosty. As you can see, you're in my entertainment area, which is large enough for cocktail parties. Outside, the penthouse offers enormous private outdoor decks. On hot days, we enjoy barbecuing outside. It also has a jacuzzi. "

Frosty grinned as she beamed up at him, saying, "Wow, it looks like a nightclub." With the neon lights inside, all of the cabinets look amazing.

They climbed the spiral staircase made of glass. Frosty glanced down from the top floor at the open-plan lounge and dining room with a table surrounded by ten seats.

Frosty was surprised that he showed her his master bedroom as they entered through a glass door. Namjoons' escape from the city is equipped with a dressing room and spa-like master ensuite. The residence also has a fully equipped gym. Two guest bathrooms and five ensuite bedrooms An office with shelves filled with his favorite authors' books.

They headed down to the kitchen after an exhilarating tour of Namjoon's five-bedroom residence.

When they reach back into the kitchen area, Namjoon smirks as he throws one of his aprons to Frosty as they rummage through all the cupboards for the ingredients to prepare the pizza. He turned on some soothing classical music and poured him and Frosty glasses of non-alcoholic sweet wine. He can't afford to offer Frosty anything stronger. He has apprehensions about what she is capable of doing while under her influence. So it's better to be safe than sorry.

17. Make your pizza.

They make their toppings out of salami, turkey, mushrooms, chili, black olives, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese. Namjoon preferred seafood toppings as well. They made a gigantic pizza.

They returned their attention to their creation. Frosty and Namjoon took a selfie while eating their first authentic, homemade Italian pizza.

Namjoon smacked his lips and murmured, "Now I'm hungry like a wolf." He had to set the table for them in his lovely dining room. He set out drinks and hot sauces on a platter.

"Just as my mom and I prepare back in Verona. I got the recipe from Pablo; his uncle owned a little pizzeria in Verona. We used to eat there a lot. Next time, I'll make you one of our best pasta recipes." Frosty grinned as she admired their handiwork.

Frosty smirked as she placed the pizza in the midst of the two of them, and they ate their pizza in a serene mood. Chatting about their respective careers in the literary and art worlds.

Frosty enjoyed his time with Namjoon. When she has to return to Verona, she will undoubtedly miss him.

Namjoon sighs after six large slices: "Now I'm full. Anything you want to do here, because I saw you write anything on the list with my name next to it."

The list and pen were placed at the far end of the table.

"Oh yes! I'm not going to repeat the Valen-Joonie-tines blunder. Some tasks will be assigned to you alone, others to me alone, and some to both of us. So...on the list, I'm going to reorganize your CDs alphabetically." She triumphantly uttered

"Oh my goodness, Frost... I have well over a hundred CDs in my cabinet. It'll take a long time." He almost choked on his side, perplexed.

Frosty dismissively shakes her hand. "All right, I'll only do the bottom shelf then. If you don't mind, I'd like to color-code your shirts in your room as well. If you don't think I'll go overboard, I vow to be respectful in your bedroom. I'm not going to seduce you, so don't worry." Her eyes twinkle at his lifted brows.

She couldn't be talking like that; his imagination had already wandered into unfamiliar territory following their hot make-out session on the yacht. He will not allow it to happen under any circumstances. He seemed conflicted.

Frosty gave a gentle smile and said, "Ok... I see you're a little uneasy, so let's cross that one off the list." She sprang up to move briskly to the dining room table's edge, where she placed the pen and crumpled up the bucket list. Namjoon intervened just as she was going to take the pen to erase that item.

"No, it's on the bucket list. We will complete it. You are free to organize my clothes according to your color palette." He sighed, wiped his mouth, and drank the remainder of the soda in his glass. Frosty joyfully clapped her hands as she went to him and yanked him from his chair.

"Frosty! Wait!" he laughed as he followed her to his lounge area.

"Come on, we'll clean up the dining area before we leave. It's time to get to work," she said, her voice tinged with glee. She enjoys being in Joonie's personal space.

Frosty bursts out laughing as they enter the lavish lounge with the stunning in-built bar. It looked like an exclusive club. Her gaze was drawn to his entertainment center, where all of his CDs were arranged in six rows. But, as they agreed, she was only going to do one row.

Frosty smirked as she gazed at an amused Namjoon, who sat relaxed on the leather couch beside his shiny piano.

"Joonie, if you want to go to the office at four o'clock, you need to help me right away. So, raise your lovely butt and come help me. I'll start with the bottom row." As she sat on the carpet in front of the TV stand, she giggled.

Namjoon shook his head and sat next to her with his legs crossed, pulling all the CDs from the lowest shelf and letting them be strewn about in a heap.

Frosty smirked amusingly as she shifted it to her side. The CDs will be grouped alphabetically by title.

"All right, then." Let us begin with our infamous bucket list-reorganized Joonies' weird CDs." Namjoon shoved her on her shoulder until she almost fell flat on the carpet, grinning at his scrunched-up face. His musical sense is superior to Hyungs-Seokjins'.

Namjoon grimaced. "My taste in music is exquisite."

Frosty's blue-gray eyes glistened teasingly, "Hmm... Se lo dici così, Hmm. If you say so," she shrugged and sat down with the CDs.

18. Reorganize your CDs.

"What type of music do you like, Frosty-the Little Mermaid soundtrack...or Disney?" scoffs Namjoon. His eyes glowed with amusement as he observed that Frosty was not amused.

"Excuse me!" Frosty said with a deadpan expression," If you had said "Frozen," you would have been killed.I like both Western and Korean artists. I adore Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendez, and J'lo. Don't judge. I'm a girly girl. I'm not a fan of hard-core music. Let's see your titles, for example. Morphine and whisky Alexander Jean, "Oh my goodness... Like I needed U-keshi,... Can you comprehend mind and body combined? At your best: Aaliyah, Walking Joe Eun, Joonie Your taste is rather strange." She clicked her tongue and dropped it to the ground. Namjoon smirked as he took his phone, navigated to his playlist, and selected a song at random.

He instantly cradled Frosty's face and brushed over her flustered cheeks with his cool hands. She was startled by his quick moves and noticed a little smirk on his face before he inserted his earpods into her ears for her to listen.

Namjoon smirked at her nervous gestures following the unexpected proximity, and she grinned.

"I love hip-hop and R&B." Namjoon chuckles. He took the CD from her and arranged it in alphabetical order with the titles of the other CDs. Frosty laughed every time she read the title track.

It took them less than an hour to sort and re-shelf the CDs.

"Wow, we're finally done. Let's take over your cupboard right now." Frosty celebrated by clapping her hands. Namjoon rose to his feet. He reached out his hand to assist Frosty in rising from her seat on the floor.

"Well, let's do our nr. 19-color code your shirts or clothes-..." He smiled, took Frosty's hands in his, and guided her upstairs on his glass-winding staircase to his sanctuary.

A/n: An unexpected run-in with an ex.

Shout out to all the loyal Namjoon-stans. Thank you for still voting, commenting, and adding the book to your readers' lists. It is highly appreciated.

NancyDaniels5 user932454854836 spyalsogood jigzzz99 himffic

1. What are your thoughts on meeting Namjoon's ex?

2. Do you think Frosty has reason to feel insecure?

3. Do you think Namjoon must come clean to Frosty about Shan or wait and see how things work out?

4. Do you think Celine might still have feelings for Namjoon and vice versa?

5. If you were Frosty, would you still see Namjoon or stop your friendship with him?