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casewonnie · 9 days ago

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⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ THIS TIME

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 { PAIRING; non-idol!jake x reader, GENRE; fluff, one shot, WC; 4.7k, A/N; oh my dear readers... if this is similar to my jay one... i'm sorry. me and my dear friend are yearners and are going through it irl... }

you weren’t sure when it happened—when you went from believing love was inevitable to seeing it as an unattainable dream. maybe it was the endless string of first dates that never turned into second ones. or maybe it was the toxic relationships you clung to, hoping against hope they’d magically turn into storybook romances. whatever the cause, you’d reached a point where you stopped expecting anything real.

not that you’d stopped trying. you still went on dates, still kept a roster of potential someones. but it felt more like going through the motions than searching for something meaningful. each swipe, each match, each polite conversation on a dating app—they all blurred together, leaving you feeling hollow.

and yet, despite everything, you were still a hopeless romantic.

it was the small part of you that refused to die, no matter how much disappointment you faced. the part that wanted to be a lover girl, to feel giddy and breathless in the presence of someone who truly saw you. you craved the kind of love that filled books and movies, the kind that made people do irrational, wonderful things for each other.

when you matched with jake, you didn’t think he’d be the one to reignite that part of you.

jake’s profile didn’t scream prince charming. it was casual, understated: a beach photo, a hiking shot, and one with him awkwardly smiling in glasses. but his bio caught your attention. funny, self-aware, and laced with a dry humor that made you laugh out loud. “proud aussie trying to survive in the big wide world. once got stuck in a tree while hiking. long story.”

you swiped right.

the match came quickly, and so did his first message.

“so, are we gonna talk, or should i just send you memes until you fall in love with me?”

it was so ridiculous that you laughed, already typing back. “bold move, mate. let’s see what you’ve got.”

jake was easy to talk to in a way that felt refreshing. his messages weren’t lazy or half-hearted—he actually asked you real questions. about your day, your interests, what you liked to do when no one was watching. he was funny, but there was a sincerity in the way he interacted with you that caught you off guard.

shortly after you started talking, jake went on a trip to visit his friends sunghoon and jay. the timing couldn’t have been worse—just as you were starting to enjoy talking to him, he was suddenly busy with travel plans. you braced yourself for the inevitable fade-out. men didn’t exactly have a reputation for staying consistent, especially when they were preoccupied.

but jake wasn’t like most men.

the first message came not long after he arrived.

“landed in one piece! sunghoon tried to pick me up from the wrong terminal. classic.”

you laughed at the message, not expecting him to update you so quickly. then came the second one, only a few hours later:

“jay’s been trying to impress us with his cooking. he swears this spicy kimchi stew is top-tier. if i go silent, assume it killed me.”

and then, later that night:

“okay, i lived. barely. sunghoon said i was being dramatic, but trust me, the spice levels were a personal attack.”

his updates weren’t anything grand—just little slices of his day. but you found yourself looking forward to them. each one made you feel like you were part of his trip, like he wanted to include you in the moments that mattered to him.

a few days in, he sent you a picture. it was a poorly lit snapshot of a tiny cafe menu written entirely in korean.

“i thought you’d like this,” he wrote. “jay said this place is famous for its bingsoo. i told him i’m bringing you here if you ever visit korea.”

the thoughtfulness of it hit you unexpectedly. he wasn’t just messaging you out of politeness—he was thinking about you, even in the middle of his trip.

another message followed soon after. this time, it was a selfie of him and his friends, all grinning like idiots in what looked like a karaoke room. jake was holding a microphone, mid-laugh.

“don’t judge,” he captioned it. “sunghoon made me sing abba. killed it, obviously.”

you couldn’t stop smiling at your phone. his updates were sporadic but consistent, each one carrying a bit of his humor, a glimpse of his life, and the unmistakable sense that he wanted you to feel included.

the final message of the trip came late one night.

“tomorrow’s my last day here,” he wrote. “i’ll miss these guys, but honestly? i kind of can’t wait to get back and see if you’re as funny in person as you are over text.”

the words lingered in your mind long after you put your phone down. jake wasn’t just someone who kept the conversation alive—he made you feel seen, valued, like you weren’t just a passing thought.

and in a world where people so often disappeared when they got busy, jake’s effort meant everything.

when jake returned, he asked you out.

you agreed without hesitation, a small flicker of excitement sparking in your chest. but you kept your expectations low. you’d been burned too many times to let hope take over.

the night of the date, jake drove over an hour to pick you up. when he arrived, he stepped out of his car still dressed in his work clothes—a polo, khakis, and scuffed sambas. he rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly.

“sorry, i didn’t have time to change,” he said, his australian accent soft and melodic.

you didn’t care. in fact, there was something endearing about how casual he looked. and those glasses—god, those glasses. they framed his face perfectly, making him look irresistibly cute.

“you’re fine,” you said, smiling back.

the drive to the restaurant felt almost effortless, like the two of you had been doing this for years. jake had an easy way about him, his humor sharp but never cruel, his voice a steady presence as he shared a story about his friend sunghoon trying (and failing) to make a soufflé. his laugh was soft but infectious, the kind that made you laugh along with him even if the punchline hadn’t fully landed yet.

then he glanced at you, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. “alright, here’s the real test,” he said, his voice playful but with just enough seriousness to make you curious. “if you had to pick one for the rest of your life: sweet or savory?”

“savory,” you said immediately. “easy.”

his head whipped toward you in mock disbelief, his glasses slipping slightly down his nose. he pushed them up with his index finger, his expression turning into a grin. “savory? no hesitation?”

“none,” you replied confidently. “sweet is overrated. who picks cake over steak? or candy over ramen? it doesn’t make sense.”

“thank you!” he exclaimed, looking momentarily triumphant. “i’ve had this argument so many times, and i swear, people always choose sweet. it’s barbaric.”

“absolutely barbaric,” you agreed with a smirk. “savory has range. sweet is just sugar in different shapes.”

“exactly,” jake said, nodding as though you’d just solved a complex equation. “so now i have to know—what’s your ultimate savory food? your ride-or-die.”

“steak,” you said without hesitation. “medium rare. perfectly seasoned. there’s nothing better.”

jake let out a low whistle. “that’s a power move. you’re going straight to the top shelf. i respect that.”

“and you?” you asked, turning the question back on him. “what’s your pick?”

“steak,” he said, grinning. “medium rare, same as you. i mean, how could it be anything else?”

you laughed, feeling the warmth of the shared answer settle into your chest. “finally, someone who gets it.”

jake glanced at you briefly, his grin softening. “steak and savory? you’re practically perfect.”

“oh, don’t get ahead of yourself,” you teased. “what happens if i say i like pineapple on pizza?”

jake groaned loudly, throwing his head back against the seat. “don’t. even. joke.”

your laughter bubbled out before you could stop it. “okay, so you’re one of those ‘pineapple is a crime’ people?”

“one hundred percent,” he said, his tone dead serious. “pineapple does not belong on pizza. it’s unnatural. it’s an insult to good cheese and crust everywhere.”

“i’m so glad you said that,” you replied, trying to keep your face straight. “because i’m actually allergic to pineapple, and i would’ve had to end this whole thing if you were a fan.”

jake’s head snapped toward you, his eyes wide. “wait, you’re allergic to pineapple? like, seriously allergic?”

“not like ‘call an ambulance’ allergic,” you said, smiling at his genuine concern. “but it’s bad enough that i avoid it completely.”

“alright, good to know,” he said, nodding as though he’d just made a mental note. “not only do i hate pineapple on pizza, but now i have a real reason to keep it far, far away from you. i’m officially anti-pineapple for life.”

“forever?” you asked, feigning skepticism.

“forever,” he confirmed. “i’m boycotting it in all forms. no cocktails, no fruit salads, nothing. consider it my sworn duty to protect you.”

“wow, a real knight in shining armor,” you teased, laughing. “i’ll hold you to that.”

“please do,” he said, his grin returning. “and in the meantime, we can bond over our shared hatred for crimes against pizza.”

as he pulled into the restaurant parking lot, jake let out a relieved sigh. “finally, a parking lot. no parallel parking tonight.”

you raised an eyebrow. “would you really have made me parallel park for you?”

“absolutely,” he said, without a hint of shame. “but don’t worry, i’d have stood outside the car like a proper driving instructor. clipboards and whistles included.”

you rolled your eyes, laughing again. “remind me never to let you teach me anything.”

jake turned off the engine and looked at you, his expression softening. “but really, i think you’ll like this place. and if not, i owe you a steak dinner to make up for it.”

the way he said it—casual, but with a sincerity that made your chest tighten—caught you off guard. “i’m sure it’ll be great,” you replied, smiling back at him. “but don’t think i’ll forget about that steak dinner.”

“deal,” he said, pushing his glasses up again. “now, let’s go eat before i start a rant about pineapple and ruin my appetite.”

as you followed him out of the car, you couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through your chest. jake wasn’t just funny—he was thoughtful and intentional in a way that made you feel seen. and for the first time in a long while, you weren’t just looking forward to the date—you were looking forward to him.

dinner was at a hot pot place jake had picked out, a cozy spot tucked into a quiet corner of the city. the air was warm and fragrant as you stepped inside, the mingling aromas of broth, spices, and sizzling meat wrapping around you like a comforting blanket. the soft hum of chatter filled the room, punctuated by the occasional clinking of chopsticks and the hiss of steam rising from bubbling pots.

jake held the door open for you, gesturing dramatically with one arm like he was unveiling a masterpiece. “welcome to the finest establishment i could google in under ten minutes.”

you laughed, stepping past him. “i’m impressed by your thorough research.”

“it’s what i do,” he said, his grin widening. “stick with me, and you’ll never suffer through bad food again.”

the host seated you in a corner booth, the table already set with neatly arranged plates, dipping sauces, and a menu listing endless options. jake handed you the menu with a flourish, his glasses slipping slightly as he leaned forward to scan the selections.

“alright,” he said, tapping the page. “the key to hot pot success is balance. you’ve got your meats, your veggies, your noodles. it’s all about the perfect ratio.”

you raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. “wow. you’re really taking this seriously.”

“of course,” he replied, his tone mock-serious. “hot pot is an art form. i mean, i wouldn’t say i’m an expert, but…”

“you literally just said you were an expert,” you interrupted, grinning.

jake leaned back, pretending to look affronted. “alright, ms. medium rare steak, let’s see what you’ve got. what are we ordering?”

you scanned the menu, the playful challenge in his tone making it impossible to resist. “okay, we’re starting with beef, obviously. some mushrooms, because they soak up the broth perfectly. oh, and glass noodles.”

jake nodded approvingly, scribbling the selections onto the order sheet. “solid choices. but you forgot tofu.”

“tofu?” you repeated, giving him a dubious look.

“tofu,” he said firmly. “it’s underrated. trust me.”

“fine,” you said, shaking your head with mock resignation. “but if it ruins everything, i’m holding you personally responsible.”

“deal,” he said, grinning as he handed the order to the waiter.

when the food arrived, jake immediately took charge, adjusting the heat under the pot and guiding you through each step like he’d been born for this moment.

“okay, start with the beef,” he said, dropping a few slices into the simmering broth. “don’t overcook it, though. two swishes, max.”

“two swishes?” you echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“two,” he confirmed, his chopsticks poised like a surgeon’s scalpel. “any longer, and you’re committing a crime against meat.”

you tried to follow his instructions, though your first attempt ended with you fumbling the beef into the pot entirely. jake let out a mock gasp, clutching his chest like you’d wounded him.

“what was that?!” he exclaimed, pointing accusingly with his chopsticks. “that was at least five swishes.”

you burst out laughing, trying to defend yourself. “it slipped! i panicked!”

“no excuses,” he said, shaking his head solemnly. “you’ve disrespected the hot pot gods.”

“okay, but if this ends up tasting horrible, we’re blaming you,” you shot back, narrowing your eyes at him.

jake smirked, leaning forward slightly. “you’re just scared i’m better at this than you.”

“oh, please,” you said, rolling your eyes but smiling. “hot pot isn’t a competition.”

“everything’s a competition,” he said, winking.

as the meal went on, jake’s thoughtful nature began to shine through. he asked what you liked, made suggestions without being pushy, and even offered to scoop food into your bowl when you struggled with the slippery mushrooms.

“here,” he said, carefully placing a perfectly cooked piece of beef in your bowl. “a peace offering. no hard feelings about the swishing incident.”

you couldn’t help but smile, touched by the gesture. “i’ll accept your truce. for now.”

by the time the waiter brought dessert—a small plate of fluffy matcha pancakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—you felt like you’d known jake for years. he slid the plate toward you, pushing the fork across the table.

“you first,” he said simply, his tone soft and unassuming.

the gesture was small, but it hit you harder than you expected. you paused for a moment, staring at the fork before meeting his eyes. “thanks,” you said quietly, taking the first bite.

the sweet, earthy flavor of the matcha lingered on your tongue, but it was nothing compared to the warmth you felt at his thoughtfulness. you couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something so simple yet so meaningful.

jake watched you expectantly. “good?”

“really good,” you admitted, passing the plate back to him. “your turn.”

by the end of the night, you felt like you were floating. jake had managed to do something no one else had in years—he’d made you feel like you were on a real date. not just dinner with someone who wanted something from you, but an evening with someone who genuinely cared. someone who made you feel like you were the only person in the room that mattered.

as you walked out of the restaurant together, jake turned to you, his grin soft and unguarded. “so, did i pass the hot pot test?”

you laughed, shaking your head. “barely. but i’ll let it slide.”

“good,” he said, glancing at you with a spark of mischief. “because next time, i’m introducing you to my other favorite food. no pressure, but if you hate it, this might not work out.”

“challenge accepted,” you said, smiling as the warmth of his presence settled into your chest.

and for the first time in years, you felt a flicker of something you thought you’d lost: hope.

but life didn’t stop for romance.

jake’s friends from south korea—jungwon, riki, sunoo, and heeseung—came to visit, and his work schedule was as hectic as ever. you didn’t expect much. you’d been here before, with men who started strong but disappeared the moment things got busy.

except jake didn’t disappear.

even with his packed schedule, he found time to text you. sometimes it was just a quick check-in—“how’s your day going?”—but other times, he’d send you pictures of his friends or little jokes to brighten your day.

the night of the rave had started off on a shaky note. your friends had all bailed at the last minute, each with their own excuses—work, exhaustion, vague “maybe next time” texts. you could’ve stayed home, but something in you refused. you’d been looking forward to this for weeks, and you weren’t about to let a change of plans ruin it.

by the time you were halfway to the venue, the adrenaline of the decision had settled in your chest, buzzing faintly alongside the pulse of your excitement. the night felt unpredictable, but that was part of its allure. you had the outfit, the tickets, and the resolve to have a good time—even if you had to do it solo.

still, there was a small thread of anxiety tugging at you. it wasn’t the safest decision, going to a crowded venue alone, especially with your phone battery already warning you it was down to 20%. you thought about who to message for a quick precaution, and jake’s name hovered at the top of your mind like it belonged there.

you hesitated for a moment, your fingers hovering over the keyboard. he was probably busy. he’d mentioned earlier in the day that he was hanging out with his friends—jungwon, riki, sunoo, and heeseung, all visiting from south korea. you didn’t want to intrude, but the thought of letting someone know where you were won out.

“heading to a rave solo. my phone’s dying, so just sharing my location in case something happens. no need to reply, just a precaution!”

you hit send, slipped your phone into your bag, and tried to push any lingering nerves aside.

minutes later, your phone buzzed. you expected a quick acknowledgment—something polite, maybe a thumbs-up emoji. instead, jake’s response was immediate and direct.

“are you safe? do you need me to come get you?”

the words made you pause, your steps faltering slightly as you read them. no one had ever responded like that before. the question was simple, but it carried a weight that surprised you.

you typed back quickly. “i’m fine! just wanted to be cautious. don’t worry about it.”

the next message came just as fast. “text me when you’re home, okay? if i don’t hear from you, i’m coming to find you.”

you stared at the screen, the words settling deep into your chest. jake’s tone wasn’t just casual concern—it was sincere, even urgent. you could practically hear his voice through the message, steady and unyielding. it wasn’t something he’d say lightly.

for a moment, you just stood there, holding your phone as the realization washed over you: he cared. not in a distant, polite way, but in a real, tangible way that made your heart ache in the best possible way.

“will do,” you replied finally, tucking your phone back into your bag.

the night unfolded in a haze of lights, music, and bass that seemed to pulse directly through your veins. the crowd surged around you, bodies moving in rhythm, faces glowing under strobe lights. for a while, you let yourself get lost in it, surrendering to the energy of the room.

but even as you danced, jake’s words lingered in the back of your mind. the thought of him offering to come find you, to leave his friends and make sure you were safe, filled you with a warmth that had nothing to do with the heat of the venue.

later, as you stood near the bar catching your breath, you pulled your phone from your bag. the battery icon had dipped dangerously low—just 3% left. without thinking, you opened your messages and typed a quick update to jake.

“still alive! having fun. phone’s about to die, though. don’t worry, i’ll uber home.”

the message barely sent before your screen went black. you cursed under your breath, sliding the phone back into your bag. a tiny part of you felt anxious—what if something went wrong?—but you pushed the thought aside. you were fine. jake was just being nice.

right?

hours later, the night began to wind down. the crowd thinned as people trickled out, and the music shifted to slower, softer beats. you stepped outside into the cool night air, your body humming with exhaustion and leftover adrenaline. the city lights glittered in the distance, casting long shadows across the pavement.

you were searching for your uber when a familiar voice called out your name.

“hey!”

you turned, startled, and there he was. jake. his glasses caught the glow of the streetlights, his expression a mix of relief and something you couldn’t quite place.

“jake?” you said, blinking in disbelief. “what are you doing here?”

“i didn’t hear from you,” he said simply, walking up to you. “your phone died, right?”

you nodded, still trying to process his presence. “yeah, but i—jake, you didn’t have to come all the way out here.”

“i wanted to,” he said, his tone firm but kind. “i wasn’t about to sit around wondering if you were okay.”

for a moment, you didn’t know what to say. he’d actually come. he’d left his friends, driven all the way into the city, just to make sure you were safe.

“you didn’t have to,” you repeated, softer this time.

“i know,” he said, his lips curving into a small smile. “but i wanted to. now, come on—let’s get you home.”

you let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding, the tension in your chest melting away. “thanks, jake,” you said quietly, your voice barely audible over the distant hum of traffic.

he just nodded, leading you to his car. and as you slid into the passenger seat, you felt something settle in your chest. it wasn’t just the relief of being safe, or the gratitude for his gesture. it was something deeper—a flicker of hope, a reminder that maybe, just maybe, there were still people who cared enough to show up.

a few days passed after the rave, each one blending into the next. jake had been busy—busier than usual, it seemed. between his work and his visiting friends, your conversations had dwindled into brief exchanges: a funny meme here, a casual “how’s your day?” there. you told yourself you didn’t mind, that he had every right to focus on his life without having to entertain you constantly.

but a small part of you couldn’t help but feel the silence creeping in. you’d been here before, after all—too many times. someone would start strong, make you feel special, and then pull away. you didn’t want to admit it, but you’d started preparing yourself for that familiar sting of disappointment.

so when jake’s name popped up on your phone that evening, you weren’t expecting much.

“hey, sorry i’ve been so quiet lately.”

you stared at the message for a moment, unsure how to respond. before you could type anything, another one came through.

“i’ve been swamped with work and my friends being here, but i just wanted to say i really want to see you. i enjoy being with you.”

the words stopped you in your tracks.

jake wasn’t making excuses or apologizing out of politeness—he was being honest. he’d acknowledged the distance, but instead of letting it linger, he’d reached out. he’d made it clear that he cared, that he wanted to see you again.

your chest felt tight as you stared at the screen, your heart racing in a way you hadn’t felt in years. guys didn’t usually say things like that—not the ones you’d dated, anyway. they didn’t admit they liked spending time with you, didn’t make an effort to bridge the gaps. but jake had.

“it’s fine,” you replied, your fingers trembling slightly as you typed. “i totally get it. you’ve been busy—it happens.”

you meant it. you really did. but a small part of you wondered if that was the end of the conversation.

another message came through almost immediately.

“it’s not fine. i feel bad about it. let me make it up to you—dinner this weekend. my treat.”

you couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face, even if you’d wanted to. his persistence, his thoughtfulness, the way he didn’t let the conversation end on a vague note—it all filled you with a warmth you hadn’t felt in a long time.

“alright,” you replied, unable to resist adding a touch of humor. “but only if it’s steak.”

jake’s response came quickly.

“medium rare. anything else is a crime.”

you laughed softly, staring at the screen as the weight in your chest lifted.

the weekend came faster than you expected, and as you got ready for dinner, you couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of excitement and nerves. it wasn’t the same kind of anxiety you’d felt on other dates—the kind that came from not knowing what to expect. this was different.

with jake, you knew what to expect. kindness, humor, effort. and that was scarier in its own way, because it meant this wasn’t just another date. this was someone who could mean something.

when he picked you up, jake greeted you with his usual grin, his glasses slightly crooked from what you guessed had been a rushed attempt to get ready. “you look amazing,” he said, his voice warm and genuine.

“so do you,” you replied, glancing at his slightly rumpled shirt. “running late?”

“always,” he said, laughing. “but i wasn’t about to make you wait.”

the drive to the restaurant was filled with easy conversation, the kind that flowed naturally and left no room for awkward silences. when you arrived, jake opened the door for you, his hand hovering briefly at your back as you walked inside.

the restaurant was intimate but lively, the soft hum of conversation filling the air alongside the scent of grilled meat and freshly baked bread. jake had clearly put thought into this place—it was casual but special, the kind of spot you could tell he’d picked just for you.

over dinner, the conversation deepened. jake asked about your week, your work, your hobbies, but it wasn’t just small talk. he leaned in when you spoke, his eyes fixed on yours as though every word you said mattered.

when the food arrived—a perfectly cooked steak for each of you—jake raised his glass with a small smile. “to redemption,” he said, his tone light but sincere. “for making you think i forgot about you this week.”

you smiled, clinking your glass against his. “to good steak,” you replied. “and no more disappearing acts.”

“deal,” he said, his grin widening.

by the time the check arrived, you were reluctant for the evening to end. jake insisted on paying, waving off your protests with a playful glare. “you said i owed you a steak dinner, remember?” he said. “i’m just keeping my word.”

as you walked back to the car, the night air cool against your skin, jake fell into step beside you. his hand brushed yours once, then twice, before he finally slipped his fingers between yours.

the gesture was so simple, but it sent a rush of warmth through you. jake didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to. his actions spoke louder than words, and in that moment, you felt something you hadn’t in years: safe.

safe, and seen, and maybe—just maybe—on the cusp of something real.

disclaimer: this, in no way, reflects the idol. this is purely fiction. ✧ comments and reblogs are appreciated! ✧ give my other works a read too!

tagged; @en-dream @heeheesang @meloncreamysoda

#this is TOO cute i can't #SJEIFJVJV MY HEARTT

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casewonnie · 18 days ago

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No One Noticed...

Warnings: consistent cursing, kms/kys jokes [Subject to change every chapter]

Status: Ongoing (Start: 092124)

Taglist: @bee-the-loser @iaintseggsy @channieismylove @yangjungwonnie @luluvhs @nikiswifiee @kingofthekards @skepvids @sammie217 @sh0dor1 @sirens-dreams @starfallia @polarisjisung @minhosimthings @mochiwonz @jiiyen @strawberrieswithchocolateo3o @ritzy-dream-boy @roseangelxfuma @sugarikiz @stvrriki @eczlipse @ddolleri @dangerousgardenchild @roarr-ki | Comment on any chapter from No One Noticed... saying you want to be added to the taglist!! or send me an ask !! | bold could not be tagged :c

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A/N: No header picture because there's a limit of 30 images my bad ANYWAY ENJOY OR WHATEVER There are written parts sprinkled in with the pictures!

16. 𝖎 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚…

6:52pm

Ni-ki stood outside the door to your apartment, taking a steadying breath. He checked his reflection in his phone, giving himself a quick once-over. Running a hand through his hair, he tried to look a little more put together before knocking.

It took a couple of minutes before he heard rushed footsteps approaching, and he jumped slightly when he heard a sudden, dull thud from the other side.

"Shit," he heard you mutter.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as the door swung open. You stood there, breathless, eyes wide with slight embarrassment.

"Hey," you said, a little flustered.

"Did you just run into the door?"

"No… must've been the wind you heard or something," you said biting your lip to stop a laugh from bubbling up and glancing to the side as your cheeks tinted pink.

Cute.

He stifled a snort, but the warmth in his smile gave him away. He liked this side of you—the side that was relaxed enough to laugh at yourself. Two months ago, you barely even looked him in the eye outside of tutoring sessions. Now, you were inviting him over, letting him into your space. And more than anything, you felt comfortable enough to make jokes with him, even silly ones like this.

"Anyway sorry, I'm still finishing getting ready, come inside!" You told him, stepping aside for him to enter.

When he did, you closed the door. He took a moment to look around from where he stood. Your place was minimalist, which he kind of expected since you were only here for college, but it still had so much of you written all over it.

Lamps scattered across the space, each unique in size, color, and style, providing a warm, almost cozy ambiance. It was so… you.

There was a single coaster on the coffee table holding a cat-themed mug that seemed to have been left there for a while. A Nintendo Switch rested in its dock below the TV. The dining area was just three bar stools facing the kitchen, simple but functional. It was clear you hadn’t lived here long, but it already had a kind of charm to it—a charm that felt uniquely yours.

Before he could look any further you rushed past him, "My rooms down this way." You turned to him to nod down the hallway, gesturing for him to follow.

He trailed after you, and by the time he entered, you were already sitting at your desk in front of a small mirror, makeup products scattered around. He couldn't help but smile to himself. Two months ago, this would’ve been unthinkable, he mused. Back then, you’d kept things strictly professional—biology, study notes, and maybe a little small talk. Now he was here, watching you get ready for a night out with him and his friends.

"Wow, I've only seen your room on Facetime. It's kinda weird being here for real," He awed as he looked around. He found it to be true that a girl's room was a museum of everything she ever loved. You had posters of different bands and music artists on the walls, your desk had piles of papers, that he assumed were a mix of schoolwork and study materials, and a bunch of random trinkets.

"Look, this is where you'd put me..." He joked in faux amazement as he stood beside your chair and touched the space you'd usually prop your phone up against when you called him (or more so when he called you)

"I know, is it everything you thought it would be?" Your tone was light as you rubbed your makeup brush in blush (?) is what Ni-ki wanted to say it was.

"Kind of, who knew you were a hoarder." he teased, picking up a small jar filled with buttons, stones, and little knick-knacks, turning it around in his hand.

"Don't insult my jar of things." You lightly elbowed his side from where you sat.

"Where do you even get this stuff, do you pick it up off the street?" Ni-ki was joking, and you knew that. He looked down at you and saw the smile you were fighting as you ran the brush over your cheeks.

"No, actually. Some of those were from my house, and some are things I just… collect" You shrugged, closing the blush pallet and moving to open a tube of mascara. "Which may or may not have been picked up off the street,"

He chuckled, but inside, his heart was doing a different sort of flip. This closeness with him standing right next to where you sat, this openness, this easygoing chatter—it was new, and it made him realize just how much he liked this version of you. He knew you were still a bit nervous about meeting his friends tonight, despite the fact that you’d messaged back and forth with them. But he also knew that this version of you, the one who could laugh about running into doors and defend jars of random knick-knacks, would be just fine.

Watching you apply your makeup, Ni-ki felt a little less nervous himself. It wasn’t just that he was here in your room; it was that you wanted him here. And though he didn’t dare voice it, he hoped you’d want him around for a while.

"Did you hear anything back from the cafe? I haven't heard anything from Jungwon about it yet." He returned the jar back to its spot next to your computer.

"I did! They actually called me a few minutes ago asking if I can come in next week for an interview." Ni-kis eyes lingered on your expression as you talked. Your smile reached your eyes and your eyes had small stars in them. "I'm really nervous, but I'm also excited because I think I'll get it- not to be egotistical." You suddenly turned away from the mirror and pointed your brush towards him as if to prove a point. Ni-ki only smiled, "I was thinking earlier."

"Yeah?" He began to leave his spot next to you and wonder towards the other side of your room.

"Mhm, I think it'll be really cute to work there during the holidays! You know how all the shops around the city set up for Christmas and whatnot, with all the lights and wreaths." You continued to ramble to him as he stopped in front of your bookshelf. You had some volumes of manga and manhwas, albums from different artists, regular books, and those figurines you'd get in blind boxes.

He picked one up and inspected it, It was a duck. Its eyes were drawn as small black circles and had overdramatic rosy cheeks. Its beak was sort of downturned into a child-like pout. To complete its dorky look it had thin silver framed glasses.

"...and I think it'd be-" You turned in your chair towards Ni-ki. You smiled seeing him holding the small duck figure with furrowed brows.

"I found that at a thrift shop, I think. Isn't he cute?"

"He looks dorky," He said disinterested and placing the duck back on the shelf,

"He's cute, you just think you're too tough to think so," You rolled your eyes and turned back to your mirror. You were done with your makeup, which was just mascara, eyeliner, and blush. Now you were focused on your hair.

Ni-ki left the bookshelf and plopped down on your bed, just behind where you sat. He leaned back on his hands and tilted his head, looking at you smooth out your hair.

For a moment, he watched you quietly, almost mesmerized by how natural this felt, just the two of you, getting ready together. He hesitated, then finally asked, “So, how are you feeling about tonight? The whole haunted Halloween event and, you know… meeting my friends?”

You paused, glancing at him in the mirror. “Honestly? I’m nervous,” you admitted, setting down the brush and fidgeting with a loose strand of hair. “I mean, I’m not exactly used to stuff like this—big group outings or… being invited anywhere, really."You spun your chair around to face him, your hands pressed together and shoved between your legs shyly. "And I want your friends to like me, even though they already seem nice online. and stuff”

You felt kind of like a loser shying away from him and admitting to Ni-ki that you didn't get invited out often, But Ni-ki was fighting cuteness aggression as you did so.

Still, he nodded, listening intently, but couldn’t help feeling a bit proud. The fact that you cared about this, about them liking you, meant something to him. He nudged your shoe with his. “Hey, you’ve already won them over. Soon enough they'll start coddling you like annoying older siblings,” he said with a grin. Your lips were pressed into a thin line, still unsure. “I’m serious—they’re really excited to meet you, and they already think you’re great.”

You gave a small, bashful smile, lowering your gaze. “I don’t know… I just... don’t want to be the one weird, quiet person in the group.”

He chuckled. “First of all, that’s kind of my job. Second, you’ll be fine. Just be you—” He sat up and leaned in slightly, voice softer. “Plus, if you get freaked out at the haunted houses, you can use me as a shield.”

"I was already planning on that, don't worry." You rolled your eyes playfully, your heart settling to a steady rhythm.

Your eyes settled back onto Ni-ki. He pulled out his phone as it began to buzz. You assumed it was the others, asking where you were, however you felt no sense of urgency to get up and out the door. You felt perfectly content with Ni-ki, sitting on your bed in your room.

As he checked his phone, you took a quiet moment to watch him. It amazed you sometimes, just how natural it felt having him here, settled into your space as if he belonged. Not long ago, you couldn’t imagine anyone coming over, let alone Ni-ki, of all people—the one who kept showing up in your life, whether through FaceTime calls at random hours or by sliding into the seat next to you in biology. He always seemed to need your attention, as if your presence was somehow grounding for him.

It was new for you, this feeling of having someone who wanted you around, someone who not only noticed you but insisted on being close. And as you watched him now, texting away without any hurry, a soft warmth spread through you.

Ni-ki had become this steady presence, someone who didn’t mind your quieter moments or your quirks. He’d brought an energy to your life that you hadn’t expected, nudging you out of your routines and reminding you what it felt like to be seen and cared for. For the first time in a long time, you felt like your life was shifting, opening up. Maybe even expanding.

"You ready to go now?" He asked, pulling you out of your thoughts.

"Yeah, let's go!"

7:25pm

The moment you arrived with Ni-ki close by your side, it had been utter chaos in the best way. Jay and Sunghoon greeted you with a casual wave when they noticed you both approaching. Sunoo gave you a sweet smile, raising a hand in an overdramatic wave, his excitement visible in his eyes. Then Jungwon clasped your hands, grinning widely as he started bouncing in a circle, pulling you with him, his excitement contagious. Jake went for a dap, and though you fumbled through it with an awkward laugh, Jake chuckled, finding your attempt endearing in an older brother sort of way. Heeseung dapped you up too, then ushered you and Jake into a close circle to take a picture.

Watching the whole thing, Ni-ki had a stupid smile on his face (read: lovesick)

Now, you stand next to Ni-ki, arms crossed, trying to keep up with the chaos of everyone’s suggestions. The group has formed a loose circle just outside the amusement park entrance, and Jay holds one of the amusement park maps, pointing at different sections while everyone else bickers and talks over each other. The park is decorated with typical Halloween decorations, red and orange lights, fog that settles just above the crowd's feet, pumpkins and fake bloodies dummies scattered around the place, and of course, scare actors lurking about. You're looking all around you, taking in the scene the park has created especially for tonight. To be honest, you don't mind where you start in the park, you're just happy to be here.

Ni-ki, unbeknownst to you, has been attentive. He wants to make sure you're comfortable and not feeling left out. He wants you to have fun. He's looking at you now, your head is turned away from him, but he can still see the way your eyes flitter around in curiosity. He notices the way your mouth forms a 'o' shape when you see a guy, across the way, on stilts chug some sort of liquid and then spit out fire above the crowd, making them scream and laugh in amazement.

Ni-ki found himself fighting that feeling of cuteness aggression again. When he finally tears his eyes away from you and returns to the bickering coming from in front of him, he notices Sunoo giving him a pointed look. He raises his eyebrows at him to say 'What?'.

“Why would we go to the haunted house first? We basically get that experience out here.” Sunghoon complains, looking mildly distressed.

Heeseung grins at him, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease. “Sunghoon, just admit you’re too scared to do the haunted house right off the bat,” he smirks.

“I’m not scared,” Sunghoon protests, but his eyes dart around the park nervously, as if he’s already anticipating the jump scares lurking within.

Meanwhile, Jake is trying to rally support for the roller coasters. “Listen, if we’re going to do this right, we start with a big coaster. It’s the only way to get our adrenaline going,” he argues, but Jungwon shakes his head, muttering something about “easing into it.”

Amid all this, you notice a shadowy figure moving among the crowd at the entrance. A few feet away, a scare actor in a clown mask, wielding a chainsaw with no blade, is prowling around, clearly on the lookout for his next target. You make the mistake of locking eyes with him. Immediately, the clown tilts his head, holding your gaze for just a moment too long before raising the chainsaw and revving it with a menacing roar.

Your heart leaps, and without thinking, you latch onto Ni-ki’s arm which is shoved in the pockets of his jacket. “Riki,” you say, eyes wide as the clown starts marching toward your group, the chainsaw’s roar growing louder. Ni-ki turns to you, grinning as he realizes the source of your panic.

“Riki, Riki, Riki!” You chant his name in growing alarm, gripping his arm tighter as you try to keep your nerves in check. It’s all part of the act, you know—but the thrill of it sends a giddy sort of panic through you as you cling to him, feeling the warmth of his arm through the cool October air.

Ni-ki laughs, finding it funny—and maybe a little surreal—that you’re hanging onto him so tightly. His heart starts racing, not at the clown, but at the way you’ve buried your face in his arm. His mind spins with the idea that out of everyone here, it’s him you chose to cling to.

The clown is practically upon you two, revving the chainsaw inches from where you stand. You squeal, face pressed into Ni-ki’s sleeve, and he chuckles, entertained and a little breathless from the nearness of you.

The clown eventually shifts focus and charges toward the rest of the group, who’ve remained blissfully unaware until now. Jay, Sunoo, and Jungwon immediately start tripping over each other and scatter, their screams a mix of laughter and terror as they sprint in opposite directions. Jake’s laughter turns to a yelp as he dodges behind Heeseung, who starts to back away, wide-eyed. Sunghoon finally breaks his cool, darting off with a scream, Jake following close behind.

“Not scared my ass!” Jake yells as he disappears into the fog, with the clown in hot pursuit.

Ni-ki laughs, watching his friends flee in all directions. You finally look up, cheeks warm as you let out a breathless laugh, loosening your grip on his arm.

“You good?” he teases, eyebrow raised. “See? I told you I’d be your shield.”

“Wow, my hero,” you reply with an eye-roll, though you can’t quite hide your smile. “You sure did a lot to fend him off.”

Ni-ki grins, his heart still pounding as he shrugs. “Hey, that’s what I’m here for,” he says, a bit softer than usual. His gaze lingers on you, feeling almost like he’s in a Halloween movie himself—just the two of you against the night, your friends’ laughter and screams filling the cool air around you.

A few yards away, Jay calls out breathlessly, “Alright, now that we’ve all survived... haunted house first?”

The group slowly circles back, shaking off the scare as they recover, everyone laughing at Sunghoon’s earlier bravado. Despite the spooky atmosphere and haunted music echoing from the park, you feel more excited than nervous now, especially standing close to Ni-ki.

He gives you a playful nudge as the group starts to huddle closer together to walk toward the haunted house. “Still feeling brave, or do I need to keep an eye out for any more clowns?”

You grin back at him, heart a little steadier now. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

“Well, I'm not complaining,” he says quietly, his smile lingering as you fall into step beside him, the two of you ready to face the night together.

As everyone steps out of the haunted house, the group’s laughter fills the night air. You’re still riding the thrill of the scares, and Ni-ki has fallen a little behind, watching as you get pulled right into a lighthearted argument between Jay and Sunoo about who screamed the loudest.

“Oh please,” you scoff, nudging Sunoo. “That last jump scare? You practically launched yourself into the wall.”

Sunoo tries to defend himself, but Jake cuts in, backing you up with a grin. “She’s right, dude. Pretty sure the people behind us got scared just from your yell.”

Everyone laughs, and you lean into the playful teasing like you’ve been part of their group for ages.

Ni-ki, a few steps behind, watches with a quiet smile. He realizes that the little things—like the way you laugh at Sunghoon's jokes or casually tease Heeseung about screaming louder than anyone—are what he loves most. Two months ago, he couldn’t even get you to talk about anything other than school, and now here you are, effortlessly blending in with the people he’s closest to.

The others don’t seem to treat you like an outsider anymore either; Sunoo and Jungwon have practically adopted you as a new sibling, and even Sunghoon, the most reserved, has warmed up, tossing you a playful smirk whenever he catches you flinching from the lurking scare actors.

And in that moment, watching you interact with his friends, Ni-ki feels a surge of something he can’t quite name. Part of it is relief, a part of it pride—but mostly, it’s this unfamiliar warmth, knowing that you’ve somehow found a place in his life and his friends’ lives too. It hits him just how much he wants you to stay.

Just as he’s caught up in his thoughts, and mostly admiring you, You turn from side to side, like you're looking for something. You turn behind you and lock eyes with Ni-ki. You smile, having found what you're looking for.

"What are you doing all the way back there?" You stop in your tracks, letting Ni-ki catch up to you. "Scared of the roller coaster?" You tease, Ni-ki scoffs, and shakes his head.

"No, I'm not as jumpy as you are."

"Yeah right, I saw you jump a hundred times already."

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