✮`,— ZARIA .ᐟ.ᐟ @ridiculouslyxmyg - Tumblr Blog

CUDDLE BUDDIES | KNJ

ｒｉｄｉｃｕｌｏｕｓｌｙｘｍｙｇ

☾ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Namjoon can't sleep more than three hours. Eden's in desperate need of fast cash. When a desperate girl and exhausted idol meet through a cuddle service what starts as a miserable arrangement builds into something more.

☾ 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Idol Namjoon x Black Fem OC

☾ 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 18+ MDNI, Profanity/Coarse Language, Namjoon can be rude at times, Insomniac Namjoon, Emotional Distress, Anxiety, possible slow uploads

☾ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Slow burn, Strangers to Lovers, Black Reader, Angst, Forced Proximity, Contractual Intimacy (Non sexual), Cuddle Service AU, Mutual Healing, Eventual Smut

☾ 𝐖𝐂: 7k

Status: ONGOING

FIVE

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ

A rapid fist slammed against the bathroom stall, causing it to rattle. "Aish! Can you get the fuck out we've been waiting forever!"

Eden looked over her shoulder in distress. She knew Sunhi was full of shit when she swore she wouldn't have more than three drinks if they went out to celebrate her latest cuddle buddy success. Yet here they were holding up the bathroom line in some random nightclub in Hongdae, Sunhi kneeling over the toilet while Eden rubbed circles into her back.

The muffled sound of Jay Park's Mommae could be heard through the walls giving Eden something else to focus on as Sunhi emptied her guts. She wasn't nearly as drunk as her friend, the result of only nursing a sex on the beach all night.

Eden wasn't one to go out often, but every once in a while Sunhi could convince her to throw on a cute outfit and hit the town. On those nights, Eden became the designated everything.

Designated bag holder.

Designated cab caller.

Designated babysitter.

Because lord knows, the both of them drunk off their asses would do them no good.

Another groan came from Sunhi. They were for sure gonna have a long talk about drinking responsibly in the morning.

The banging on the door continued.

Eden's body was moving before her brain could even process her actions. The culprit on the other side of the stall almost falling on her ass at the force of Eden yanking the door open.

"Do you not hear her throwing up in here bitch?!"

Okay...maybe she was a little more tipsy than she thought.

"Y-you're holding up the line! There's only three stalls," she stuttered. "You should be more considerate."

Eden stared at the girl like she had three heads. Be more considerate???

"Would you rather her throw up on them dirty ass shoes you have on? I'm confused??? Should I get her to aim at them?" She tapped Sunhi's shoulder. "Sunhi babe don't aim for the toilet, she wants it all over here."

A few gasps and snickers could be heard from the line.

Face red, the girl huffed and rushed out of the bathroom muttering curses under her breath.

Eden turned to the rest of the line, "Anybody else have something to say?"

Suddenly, everyone found the floor interesting.

"That's what I thought," she muttered, closing the stall.

Sunhi, finally done, looked up at her smiling. "I am so proud of youuuuu," she slurred, head bobbing back and forth. "You stuck up for me! You love me!"

Sunhi was going to be the death of her.

Eden reached down to pull her up, "Alright girl. Time to get you home."

Stumbling into the apartment Eden dropped Sunhi on the couch. Tired wasn't even the word right now. She felt like she needed one of her own cuddle sessions the way her knees threatened to buckle from exhaustion.

Forcing herself up, she trudged to the kitchen in search of water bottles and medicine for Sun's definite headache in the morning. She glanced at the time on the microwave. 2:13 AM. They were going to regret this so bad tomorrow.

She found what she needed and traveled back to the living room. Sun hadn't moved an inch since she was thrown on the couch, dead to the world. Rolling her eyes, Eden grabbed the blanket they kept on the back of the couch and draped it over the girl. Sunhi curling into it on immediate contact.

Eden checked to make sure the front door was locked before she made her way to her room. The sight of her bed almost bringing her to her knees. It was just what she needed.

Quickly, she stripped her club outfit and did a half ass night time routine, one of Sunhi's moomoos her outfit of choice for the night. She fell face first onto her pillow and drifted off into a deep sleep, neglecting all else.

Morning came quick. The sound of birds chirping and the harsh glare of the sun through her curtains bringing her back from the land of the dead. She reached over to her bedside table for her phone, curious of the time only to come up empty handed.

Confused, she sat up and looked around. Where the hell did she put her phone? Shuffling around she looked in the sheets, under her pillows, even the side of her mattress, and came up with nothing. Weird.

In the distance she could hear Sun moaning out complaints.

Eden wrapped a blanket around herself to fight against the cold air before she shuffled to the living room. Sun was hanging half way off the couch, arm covering her eyes, a look of pain on her face.

"Ughhhhhhh I'm never drinking again."

"Exactly what you get," she muttered, lowering herself to the floor by the girl's head.

"Don't lecture me right now."

"You're lucky that's all I have to say right now cause the way you were throwing up last night I should definitely be on your ass."

Sunhi's hand found Eden's lips, "Hush now child."

She swiped the girl's hand away, "Have you seen my phone?"

"Nope, but you can track it on my phone. I think it's in my boot."

Too lazy to stand, Eden rolled over to the girl's boot and retrieved the phone. All hope she had crushed when she saw the location of her's.

Hongdae.

"What the fawkkkk," she complained.

How the hell did she leave her phone at the club?!

"That doesn't sound good."

She shot a glare at Sunhi, "This is all your fault. Now I have to go back to that shitty club and get my phone."

"Blaming little old me is insane. You can't be mad at the ill."

Eden rolled her eyes. She wasn't actually mad at her friend, just irritated she had to go back to the damn club.

She looked at the time.

11:47 AM

"OH MY GOD!"

She had a shift at Far Ben in an hour.

Phone long forgotten, Eden rushed to her room. Hara would kill her if she was late. When Eden heard her coworker needed someone to cover the later half of her shift, she jumped at the opportunity. Now, she regretted all of her life choices.

She got to Far Ben with two minutes to spare. The familiar smell of coffee beans and fresh pastries hitting her nose immediately. Behind the counter, Hara's shoulders visibly relaxed. Without a second thought she clocked in and slid behind the counter. The afternoon rush was starting soon, and she knew the girl was eager to leave.

"Thank you so much Eden. I owe you!"

She waved the girl"No problem Hara. I hope your appointment goes well."

The afternoon rush hit like a tsunami. Customers running in and out. BTS fangirls popping in. Mobile orders coming through every two seconds. It was a lot, but the team moved in sync easing the stress for everyone. By the time six o'clock rolled around Eden was dead tired. The adrenaline of the rush wearing off.

It seemed like all the hours of sleep she missed was hitting her all at once. And not having her phone made it worse. She had no kind of stimulation to keep her mind going.

Resting her head into her arms on the table she ignored the ring of the door, too tired and far away to greet anyone. Her eyelids threatened to close - the calm chaos of the cafe lulling her to sleep.

She felt the table move - probably just Juhoon coming to take his break too. They always hid away at this table on their breaks.

"You've been ignoring me."

Every muscle in her body went stiff.

Lifting up slowly, she came face to face with Namjoon. Mask resting beneath his chin. Jaw tight. A piercing look in his eyes that immediately told her he was annoyed.

Maybe even worried?

"How did you know I was here?"

"Don't ask dumb questions," he scoffed. "Why haven't you responded to me?"

Her brows furrowed. She was too tired for his shit today.

"What were you going to do," he continued. "Take the money and disappear?"

Eden just stared at him, then dropped her head back onto her arms.

"Here you go being an asshole again."

"What do you expect me to think Eden? I send you all that money and I haven't gotten a response since."

Silence.

"Eden."

Still nothing.

"Can you say something? Like what the fuck. Are we children?"

The condescending tone of his voice set her off.

"First of all nobody is ignoring you, and even if I was, you aren't entitled to a response. Second, I lost my god damn phone in Hongdae so NOBODY has been able to get ahold of me."

She leaned forward. "If you're going to sit here and be an asshole and accuse me of shit, you can leave. I'm not in the mood."

The man in front of her sat speechless, a dumb look on his face. She didn't mean to snap at him like that, but this assuming the worst of her bullshit was starting to get on her nerves. Right along with his bipolar attitude.

"I apologize."

She rolled her eyes.

"What are you doing here Namjoon?"

His gaze held her's a little too long.

"I wanted to see you."

Eden didn't know if she should be concerned or flattered. If this was any other client she probably would have reported them to the police by now.

Randomly showing up to her place of work, causing arguments like he's her man, the way he touches her...all things that cross the line. Yet the only thing that crossed her mind when the words spilled from his mouth was how much she missed the feeling of his body on her's.

Platonically of course.

"You know this is borderline harassment right?" she asked, head cocked to the side.

A small smile tugged at his mouth, "Arrest me."

"Yeah let me just get my cuffs from the back."

His smile grew wider, dimples on full display. "You into that?"

She looked down at her watch flustered. She only had five minutes left of her break.

"I have to go back soon. Are you going to continue being a weirdo stalker or tell me why you're really here?"

He started to play with her fingers that rested on the table, "I told you already. You were ignoring my messages."

She snatched her hand away.

"Boy what are you doing?!" She hissed, looking around the room to make sure no one saw.

He pulled it right back.

"Don't pull away from me."

Eden looked at him with wide eyes, "Do you not know who you are? WHERE we are???"

"Nobody is looking at us," he said voice deep and smooth. "Just relax - I haven't felt you in days."

She hated when he said shit like that knowing damn well it could be taken another way. At this point, she was wondering if she was the real weirdo the way her vagina was telling her to jump his bones right then and there.

She cleared her throat. "Okay, but what did you want in your messages?"

He didn't say anything for a few seconds, just traced the lines on her palm.

"Namjoon I have to go soon."

"I know."

"Then tell me why you're really here."

"Just wanted to see when you could come over again," he mumbled, so quiet she almost couldn't hear it over the sounds of the cafe.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"That's it?"

"Did I need another reason?"

She didn't expect him to want her back over so soon. Normally he only requested a session once a week or every other week. This was new.

"I'm not really sure...I'm fully booked on Mondays and Thursdays, I work here every Wednesday and on the weekends, and classes take up my Tuesdays and Fridays."

He finally looked up at her, fingers still twisting with hers.

"You could always go to class or work from mines in the morning. I could have the car drop you off."

She pulled her hand away - his words sounding a little too domestic for her liking. They were breaching forbidden territory and she knew she couldn't let it get any further. He was her employer and she had a strict duty to uphold.

"Staying over was a one time thing Namjoon."

"It doesn't have to be though," he argued.

"You're forgetting that this is an actual job for me."

He lifted his black cap to run his hand through his hair. She could tell he was growing frustrated.

"Why are you getting upset?"

"You basically just told me you don't have time for me, and when I come up with a solution you shut me down," he gritted, through clenched teeth.

Her coworker's voice across the room cut their conversation, "Eden are you back soon? We just got a huge online order."

She sighed. She hated leaving the conversation like this, but she had priorities and she couldn't put this one at the top of her list right now.

"Look, I'll text you when I get my phone back. We can work something out then."

Raising from her seat she gave him a small bow before going back to clock in.

"Who were you chatting with?" her coworker Mina asked, bumping her shoulder playfully.

"Just someone from school. No one special."

Mina shifted to the tip of her toes to get a better look in Namjoon's direction. "Ooo is he cute?!"

"Can you put the stickers on the cups for me?" Eden rushed out, attempting to divert her attention from the idol. "I'll get the food ready."

"Sure thing!"

She could feel Namjoon's stare on her as she worked, but she refused to look his way. He had this way of convincing her to do things with a simple look in his eye, and Eden knew if she looked at him now, she'd fold like a pretzel.

It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of him walking past the counter and the sound of the bell that she allowed her shoulders to relax.

She could finally think again.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

The rest of her shift went by quickly, mostly consisting of cleaning, and making a latte here and there. An easy night she was grateful for considering the amount of pain her body was in. She didn't even party that hard and still she was feeling the effects.

After waving goodbye to Mina, she headed to the station. Hongdae wasn't exactly close to the cafe, so if she wanted to catch the last train, she'd have to get a move on.

Even though it was late the streets were still filled with people. Coworkers going for night caps, students hunting for cheap food, couples stumbling around hand in hand doing kdrama level pda.

Nothing out of the usual.

By the time she stood outside of the sleazy club from last night, patrons were already lined up at the door, ID's in hand, feining for entry. Her eyes scanned the line that wrapped around the building. Girls in their little dresses, guys looking for their next hookup, a random group of ajusshis definitely out of place.

Yeah absolutely not. She was not standing in this line.

She walked right past them and approached the bouncer.

"Excuse me," she said politely. "I left my phone here last night and was wondering if I could just run in and grab it?"

The massive bald man looked down at her with a cold stare. "Back of the line."

Eden blinked.

"Sir I don't think you heard me I just need to grab my pho-"

"Back! of! the! line!"

She jumped back, his voice startling her.

Oh so he was one of those.

"I just need to grab my phone you can literally walk me in and out!" she argued, not taking no for an answer.

"I said Bac-"

"Yejoon," a new voice cut in calmly. "Let her in."

Eden peered behind the bouncer, mouth dry as she locked eyes with one of the sexiest men she's ever laid eyes on.

He was a tall glass of water dressed in all black. Tattoos peeking beneath his rolled sleeves and open collar.

He beckoned her forward, his fingers moving in a come hither motion.

He could definitely do that again in her pus-

Her thoughts were cut off.

"You comin?"

She blinked. Right. He was letting her in.

Eden followed the man into the nightclub. The loud music blaring from the speakers giving her flashbacks of the night before. Never did she think she'd be back here again so soon.

They walked behind the bar until they reached an office. It was a nice size, tucked away in the back hall. He gestured for her to have a seat while shutting the door, '2 on' by Tinashe completely drowned out now.

He settled in the chair across from her.

"So you're the girl who's phone has been going haywire on my desk all day."

Eden winced. "That bad?"

"Considered throwing it against the wall a few times."

"Valid."

He leaned back.

"Popular girl."

The teasing in his voice made her squint.

"You didn't think to answer any of the calls?"

"Not my place."

She couldn't argue with that.

Holding out her hand she smiled, "Well thanks for keeping it safe. Lord knows I've been going crazy without it."

He opened his drawer and retrieved her phone. Then paused.

"Interesting profession by the way. I could use a cuddle session or two."

Her eyes narrowed. "What happened to not your place?"

The man shrugged, a look of amusement on his face. "Curiosity killed the cat."

She hated how attractive he was.

"What exactly do you do around here?" she asked. "You the manager?"

"Owner."

Of course he was. Everything about him screamed it.

She accepted her phone and stood, "In that case I have a complaint."

His brow lifted.

"Y'all need way more stalls in the bathroom. Three definitely doesn't cut it."

He rubbed his chin in consideration.

"I'll keep that in mind."

A comfortable silence fell between them. Well comfortable to him.

Eden squirmed in her chair, hyperaware of his stare. She sprung from her chair when she couldn't take it any longer. "I should get going. Thanks for holding my phone."

He followed her to the door towering over her as he held it open. 'Sexy Nukim' now at full volume. She groaned internally, of course Namjoon would haunt her at a time like this.

The strong scent of his expensive cologne brought her back to the moment.

"I was serious, you know."

"About what?"

"Booking."

Eden laughed. He had jokes.

"I guess you'll just have to find me."

He bit his lip, "Oh I definitely will."

Her smile fell from her face. Oh he was serious.

Heat rising up her neck she sped walked out of the room before she could say anything else stupid. His gaze following her all the way outside.

What a gorgeous, gorgeous man.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

Namjoon looked down at his phone with a frown. It had been two days since his talk with Eden and she still hadn't texted back.

rpwprpwp: Did you not get your phone back?

rpwprpwp: Hello?

rpwprpwp: If you don't text back I'm going to assume your phone is gone and send you money for a new one.

He got a response two minutes later. Of course that got her attention.

gardenofeden: Do not do that...

Namjoon could feel his blood start to boil. That was all she had to say?

rpwprpwp: You've had your phone this whole time?

rpwprpwp: Why are you still ignoring me?

He knew he sounded obsessed, but he just couldn't understand the sudden change in behavior. They had such a good session last time, and now she couldn't give him the time of day.

He looked at the date on his phone and sighed. They were leaving for a short trip to film some things tomorrow and he was hoping to have a session with her before then, but it seemed impossible.

gardenofeden: Not ignoring you

gardenofeden: Just been busy

She was driving him crazy. Why was she being so short?

rpwprpwp: Come over tonight?

gardenofeden: I have homework

rpwprpwp: Bring it with you

Namjoon rolled around in his bed waiting for a response that never came. After an hour, he sat up dejected.

At this rate he was never going to sleep again.

Trudging to the living room he sat in his normal spot and turned the tv on. If he was going to be up all night he might as well find something good to watch. He was debating between starting a new show or watching YouTube when his doorbell sounded.

His whole body relaxed when he saw the familiar orange hair on the intercom.

She came.

Holding his composure he opened the door cooly. "Hey."

She returned his greeting and slipped inside.

She was in her pajamas, a pair of snorlax sleep pants and an oversized black hoodie. Cute.

Namjoon took notice of the large black bag on her back, "You really brought your homework?"

She looked up at him through her curls as she traded her converse for slippers. "Yeah, you said it was cool right?"

"Right."

Humming softly she walked into his living room clearing the table off like she was right at home. He watched fondly as she set up her work station in front of his usual spot.

"I won't be able to cuddle you right now, but I figured any type of contact was better than none so I thought I could sit between your legs?"

He thought for a second. A few weeks ago he would have been completely fine with that, the pressure of their thighs touching doing it for him. But now? He wasn't so sure. Their last couple of sessions changed the game.

Not wanting to make things difficult he agreed. It wasn't like it would be that way the whole time.

"Sounds good."

He settled into the couch, placing a cushion on the floor in front of him to give her some kind of comfortability. He watched as she sank down between his legs, the moment she rested between them he knew it wasn't going to work. He could barely feel her.

He tapped the side of her neck, "Mm mm scooch up. I'll sit behind you."

She moved up without a word, creating enough space for him to slip behind her on the floor. His chest connecting with her back. He wrapped his arms around her waist, head resting in the crook of her neck. Her usual smell of vanilla and brown sugar taking over.

This was better.

They sat there for a while, unmoving, just taking in each other's presence before she leaned forward attempting to break his hold.

"I have to sit up to take notes."

"Pull the table closer," he muttered into her neck, lips brushing against her slightly.

He took the hint when she pushed forward again, much stronger than the last.

"Just let me take notes from this video and respond to the discussion post. Then I can sit back," she said, looking over her shoulder.

He let her go. "Fine."

Body twisted, he reached behind him for the remote. Might as well find something to keep him busy. He scrolled through his apps looking for something until a familiar title caught his eye.

Scandal

He peered at the girl in front of him. She had her headphones on dialed in to her lecture.

Maybe he'd see what all the hype was about.

Once the show was on he moved his hips forward a little bit to lean further back into the couch. His hands rested on Eden's sides rubbing small circles on her hips.

Surely the lecture wouldn't be that long.

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Eden was in agony.

She hadn't been able to focus since she stepped foot into Namjoon's. It had been one of the many reasons she didn't want to come over tonight, but the guilt of blowing him off for days was eating her alive, so she sucked it up and came over. Dragging herself and her two ton backpack halfway across Seoul.

What she didn't expect was this version of him greeting her.

Soft, quiet, and needy.

She had gotten a glimpse of it the last time they were together, but it was quickly shut down by the version of him she knew. The difficult version of Namjoon. The asshole. The stubborn man who argued just to argue.

This was just unsettling.

The feeling of his hands resting on her hips broke her concentration. She could no longer focus on the PESO Model, the only thing running through her mind - the hands burning a hole through her sweatshirt.

She looked down at the timestamp of her lecture.

42:34.

New record. She was impressed she lasted that long.

Headphones off, her ears perked up at the familiar voice of Olivia Pope.

She squealed, "Omg you started Scandal?!"

Namjoon jerked awake behind her.

She turned to the side giving the man an apologetic look. "I didn't realize you were asleep," she winced.

Reaching forward he pulled her legs over his lap, hugging her closer. "It's okay baby I wasn't fully asleep."

She pushed her head off his chest, "Stop calling me that."

"Sorry. Just a habit," he mumbled into her hair, eyes still closed.

A habit from where? She didn't know.

She took in his appearance. Back all hunched over and eyes droopy. He couldn't be comfortable on the floor like this.

"Come on, let's move to the couch."

She stood first, turning off the tv, then pulled him to follow. His body hit the couch, arms open to invite her in. She crawled in beside him facing his chest. His large hand resting on her back.

"Sorry I had to bring my homework."

Namjoon's hands continued their movemenst. "It's okay," he murmured. "Just glad you came."

Her shoulders relaxed at his admission. She was glad she came too.

"Have you been sleeping ?"

"A little. Not like when I was next to you though."

Her face tightened. "Namjoon that's not healthy."

"I know."

"I'm not going to be around all the time to help you."

He stayed silent.

"You're going to have to make this insomnia your bitch one day Joon."

"You don't think I've tried?"

"I'm not saying that."

"Then stop talking about it."

Eden didn't say anything else, not in the mood to argue. She knew how to pick her battles, and she'd much rather deal with this version of Namjoon than his asshole side.

She flipped her body around so her back was against his chest. Surprisingly he didn't say anything, just let her get comfortable.

"I didn't mean to snap at you."

"I know."

"I know you were just trying to hel-"

She cut him off, "Just sleep Namjoon."

Neither of them spoke again. The silence saying enough for the both of them.

Soon enough his breathing evened out. The sounds of his soft snores in her ear.

As much as she wanted to join him, she still had work to do.

AirPods in and lecture video pulled up, she attempted to focus, making it through another good chunk of her notes, before once again, the universe interfered.

*NEW MESSAGE REQUEST!*

moonxkairo: Told you I was serious about booking

She stopped breathing. It couldn't be...

moonxkairo: took me like an hour to find you but I'm always up for a challenge.

She clicked his profile photo to get a better look. It didn't show his face, but the tattoos were undeniable. It was him.

gardenofeden: You're insane

moonxkairo: I told you I was curious

moonxkairo: Your fault for not believing me

gardenofeden: Well you've came and you saw

moonxkairo: But I didn't book

gardenofeden: There are plenty of wonderful cuddlers on here for you

moonxkairo: Yeah...

moonxkairo: But I want you

Her face grew hot. What was up with men being so forward these days?

gardenofeden: You'll have to get in line

moonxkairo: So how does next Saturday sound? I have a pretty comfy couch.

gardenofeden: Stranger Danger

moonxkairo: Cute

moonxkairo: I'll send you my address

gardenofeden: I literally don't even know your name...

moonxkairo: It's Kai

moonxkairo: See you Saturday

Eden stared at the screen. This man was ridiculous.

Super attractive, but ridiculous.

Before she could think of a response, movement behind her pulled her attention away. She forgot where she was for a second. His grip on her waist had tightened, pulling her body closer to his like they weren't close enough.

She gave up on studying.

There wasn't much time left in their session anyway, and she definitely couldn't do anything with his iron grip, so she accepted her fate and relaxed into him.

Her timer went off an hour later causing her to groan quietly, she had just started to drift off. Hand on the bridge of her nose she let out a deep sigh before pushing herself up. Quickly, she gathered her things and headed for the door.

"Eden?"

She froze. So much for a successful escape.

"I'm heading out."

She could see the disappointment immediately.

"You really can't stay?"

For a terrifying second she almost sat back down.

Almost.

"You know I can't," she sighed. "We talked about this."

His jaw clenched.

"Doesn't mean I like it."

It was like he knew exactly what he needed to say to make her stay, but once again she ignored all of the noise in her head, and followed her gut instead.

"Well you're going to have to. It's just how this works."

She retreated from the penthouse before he could say another word.

He was dangerous. Too dangerous for her.

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She was bored and needed some excitement in her life.

Nothing more, nothing less.

That's what she told herself as she stood outside of the club owners third floor apartment, rocking back and forth on her heels.

She would be lying if she said she wasn't a little nervous.

When she got a text with the address earlier that morning she fully prepared to ignore him and go on about her life.

Then Sunhi got involved.

"Come on E! Aren't you a tiny bit curious?!" she said, voice bouncing off the bathroom walls.

The roles had reversed. It was her turn to bug Eden while she was in the shower.

"I don't have the time Sun. Plus, he just looks like trouble."

"Those are the best kind of men!"

"And how many of those men have worked out for you?" Eden called over the shower curtain as she shaved her legs.

"I- that's not the point!" she said, gagged. "The point is the fact that you have this sexy ass man asking you to come over and cuddle and you're just blocking your own blessings! I see how robotic you've been moving lately E and it's not healthy."

Eden could hear a hint of concern in her friend's voice at the end of her sentence.

It was kind of true. She had been moving a little weird lately, the cost of staying booked and busy. She had developed a routine over the past few weeks since she started her cuddle buddy journey and every day she stuck to it.

The only anomaly being Namjoon.

Most days she felt like she was on a never ending merry go round, then he'd text with an "urgent" request to have a session and throw her all off balance. But she liked when that happened. In a way he always kept her on her toes.

But Namjoon was gone, and had been for a few days.

"I just don't want to jump into this and be disappointed." she spoke, as she wrapped herself in a towel and stepped out the shower. "I've had such good luck with both of the guys I have now that I'm scared he'll be the one to ruin it all."

Sunhi's eyes softened.

"Look I know you're a firm believer in 'if it ain't broke, don't fiddle with it' but I think this could be good for you."

"I don't know Sun."

Sunhi followed behind Eden as she made her way to her room. "You're getting paid to cuddle an unbelievably sexy man E. You have to do it so I can live through you!"

"You could easily sign up to do it yourself."

"Not as exciting if I do it."

"Like I said I'm not sure. Let's just drop it for now."

The longer the day went on, the different her answer was. An 'I'm not sure' turned into a maybe, turned into 'I'm thinking about it', into 'I'm on my way over there now.'

The click of the door brought her back to the present. It swung open revealing Kai in all of his glory, decked out in the sluttiest outfit a man could wear.

A compression shirt and sweats.

She stared a little too long.

"I knew you'd come."

"I was bored."

The corner of his mouth twitched.

"Sure you were."

Stepping aside, he motioned for her to come in.

"I got everything all set up."

Eden followed him inside and immediately could see why he chose the place. It suited him entirely too well.

Massive factory windows stretched almost floor to ceiling, the city lights spilling inside painting the brick walls in warm light. The black metal railing framing the staircase and loft felt right at home with the hard wood beneath her feet. Everything felt so expensive, but lived in at the same time.

A large black leather sofa lined the living room sitting on top of a vintage style rug. He had books on floating shelves lining one wall, framed art scattered everywhere, and even an area with vinyls littered on the wall. It all fit perfectly, everything spaced just right so nothing felt cluttered.

His tv was huge. Like a movie theater screen, and Eden couldn't help but imagine herself cuddled up in a blanket on the couch watching a movie.

The apartment was attractive.

Just like the owner.

It was hard to believe an apartment building like this was in the same area as Namjoon's penthouse. For them to be almost five minutes away from each other the vibes were completely different.

She followed the man deeper into the house until they were in the living room.

Kai dropped onto the couch first, his arm spread out on the back cushion.

Then he smiled at her.

"I'm nervous."

Eden's steps faltered.

He was nervous? She was literally vibrating under his stare.

"I should be the one that's nervous," she argued. "Stranger danger remember?"

His laugh was low and warm. "Well here's a start.

She followed his gaze to the coffee table. A woven basket perched in the center filled with all of her favorite snacks.

Pepero, honey butter chips, oreos.

All things she vaguely remembered listing on her cuddle buddies profile.

Folded beside it was the fluffiest blanket she'd ever seen.

She laughed in surprise, "You actually read that?"

"Couldn't get the American candy, but I'll have it by your next visit."

She lifted a brow. Next visit? He was confident for sure.

"You don't have to do that. This is way more than enough, thank you."

"I'm glad you like it."

He leaned forward to grab the remote.

"Want to watch a movie?"

She thanked the heavens above. Finally a session with some entertainment.

"That sounds great."

"How does Transformers sound?"

"Never seen it."

His eyebrows scrunched in confusion, "How have you never seen transformers?"

She shrugged. It had never been on her list of things to get into.

"That's actually criminal."

"It's that good?"

"A cinematic masterpiece. We are watching it."

His back was turned as he got up to set everything up for them. She leaned back and watched as he made a spread of the snacks on the table and unwrapped the blanket.

"You cool adding an hour? The movie is kind of long."

She glanced around the apartment looking at the snacks, the blanket, the movie, the man...

"That's cool."

The anxiety of the real reason she was here came rushing back. She still had to cuddle this man.

When he sat back down he looked across the couch at her expectantly like he was waiting on something.

"Do you come to me or do I come to you?"

Her cheeks were on fire at his words, and her hands were shaking but she managed to grab the folder out of her bag.

"The basic positions are on the first three pages."

He sat for a moment flipping through the pages before he got to the end.

"These aren't available?"

"Oh those are for repeat clients."

He hummed. "Interesting, the butt pillow definitely looks tempting."

She was going to kill Sun.

"How about you drape your legs over my lap for now. Then we can spoon when you get done snacking."

She nodded her head afraid if she talked she'd ruin the moment.

"Here."

He shifted closer then gently lifted her legs and settled them across his lap.

The blanket followed a second later, draping over the both of them.

"Comfortable?"

Eden swallowed.

"Yeah."

He handed her a box of pepero before prompting her to rest her head against his chest. His hand resting on the blanket where her knee was.

For a while they watched the movie and every so often his fingers drifted along the outside of her leg. Nothing inappropriate or anything she would complain about, but each pass still made her hyperaware of where he was touching.

The movie didn't really catch her interest, but she forced herself to focus on that rather than his touch and the smell of his cologne.

They were halfway through the movie when he was ready to spoon. He laid down first before Eden made her way down in front of him arm stretching behind them for a quick moment.

"Before we get comfortable." Eden plucked the throw pillow from above their heads and placed it between them as a barrier. "Safety first."

Kai stared at the pillow.

Then at her.

Then back at the pillow.

"Cute."

His arm wrapped around her waist pulling her flesh against him.

This was exactly why she needed the pillow.

No longer interested in the movie she inspected the piece that covered his whole arm.

The body of a dragon curled around his forearm in intricate detail, soaring through falling petals of a sakura tree, a lone warrior standing on its back.

"You can touch it. I don't mind."

She didn't have to be told twice.

Her fingertips followed the curve of the dragon's body, tracing the individual scales etched into his skin.

"What made you choose this?

He looked down at her, eyes softening for a split second before they returned to normal.

For a moment, something flickered across his face.

An emotion Eden couldn't quite pinpoint. Just something heavier than what she's seen from him so far.

"It's a story for another time," he said softly.

She nodded. Whatever the meaning was behind the tattoo clearly wasn't first session territory so she let it go.

Her hand fell back to her side as she returned her attention to the movie once more.

"Would you ever get a tattoo?"

She looked up at him with a smile.

"I actually have some."

His eyes locked with hers.

"Really? Where?"

"Just a few small ones scattered around." she shrugged. "I don't think I could commit to a huge piece or a sleeve yet."

"You definitely seem like the type to overthink for a few years before committing to anything."

She gave him a playful push.

"I'll have you know I got a few of these on a whim."

He raised his hands in surrender, "Okay, okay my bad for assuming."

"Serves you right."

By the time the credits were rolling, Eden was fighting a yawn. She hadn't realized how late it had gotten, or how much of the movie they spent talking.

Kai spoke as she rose up from the couch. "You may have gotten away with not watching the whole thing this time, but we will be watching number two next time. No distractions."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."

She helped clean up before she gathered her things to leave. He insisted she leave the blanket for their next cuddle sessions which she was happy to oblige.

As she slipped her shoes on by the door, she found herself looking back toward the living room.

The blanket was still draped over the couch, snack basket half empty on the coffee table, and the tv ready to play the second movie.

A few hours ago she was convinced everything and anything would go wrong. Instead, they spent half of the movie talking and laughing.

She caught herself smiling.

Somehow, it had all felt easy.

Eden stood in the doorway of his apartment unsure of how she should say goodbye. She wanted to express that she had a good time, but didn't want him to take it the wrong way. Lucky for her he took the reins.

"Get home safe."

"I will."

He played with a curl on her shoulder.

"Text me when you get there?"

Eden laughed.

"What are you my dad?"

"No," he agreed.

His fingers released her curl.

"But if something happens to you, I wouldn't know who to contact for my refund.

Her mouth opened in shock, a few breathy laughs filling the hallway. "Oh fuck you!"

He waved her off with a smile.

"See you next time little red."

Shaking her head, Eden turned towards the stairwell door with a dumb grin on her face.

So annoying.

She took her time walking down the stairs, so caught up in the night she just had she didn't notice the man passing her had stopped to stare.

"Eden?"

She froze.

"You're Eden right?"

She turned slowly meeting the eyes of no other than Jungkook.

Her breath caught in her throat. "W-what are you doing here?"

"Uhh I own the building...What are you doing here?"

She knew whatever she answered she would be in a lose-lose situation. If she told him the truth he'd for sure know who she was just with, but if she lied it opened up a lot of different doors for assumptions.

She chose the latter.

"I was working."

Jungkook frowned.

"Working?"

"Yep."

"With Kai?"

How the fuck did he know that?!

She tried to play it off. "Sorry can't answer that."

Jungkook laughed.

"He's the only other person living in the building right now. My other tenants are idols on tour."

Eden closed her eyes for a second.

Of course.

"It's alright I won't bring it up to him if I see him."

She immediately relaxed.

"I would appreciate that."

"No problem. Cuddle buddy confidentiality, right?"

"Exactly."

He pulled his phone out like he remembered something.

"You should stop by Rapmon Hyung's. All he did was complain the whole trip about not having you nearby for a session."

Eden's stomach dropped a little.

Right. Namjoon.

She had completely pushed him out of her brain for the night.

"Actually I can call him right now! I'm sure he'd be glad to see you."

She almost jumped to grab the phone out of his hand.

"No no no! No need. I'm sure he'll text me if he needs me!"

Jungkook looked at her weirdly as she waved her hands around frantically trying to keep him from calling his friend.

"Okay..."

"It's just we have a process you know?" she chuckled nervously.

"That makes sense. I know hyung can be a little anal sometimes."

"Exactlyyy you get it!" she said. "Well if you'll excuse me I think my cab is outside."

"Okay see you."

She started to move before pausing once more. "Oh Jungkook?!"

He peered back over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"Can you not tell Namjoon you saw me? You know client confidentiality and stuff."

He smiled, his bunny teeth on display.

"Of course. Your secret is safe with me."

She returned the smile before taking the stairs down two at a time.

What a close one.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

The FaceTime call rang three times as Jungkook walked in front of his large window that overlooked the city and the ground below.

On the fourth ring Namjoon's face filled the camera, hair wet from his shower.

"What's up?"

"Hyung you would not believe who I just saw..."

A/N: Of course her secret was not safe with that man.

☆ MASTERPOST

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