goroaix

[goroaix]

Genshin Impact | Lumine & Aether

[goroaix]

Heavenly rains submerge: the heart wilts

Lee Hoseok x Fem Reader x Lee Ten

Superhero/abilities AU. Angst and slowburn with a happy ending

Explicit gore and depictions of violence; dementia mention; self endangerment.

42k as of chapter 2/3

『 One might argue that there is little difference between a hero and a civilian: bravery, hubris, perhaps loyalty.

Could a Ren breathe in this foul odour, tolerate how his words - once prophetic - were now nothing more than heresay? Could a civilian listen to inaudible whispers, feel the sting of his teeth breaking skin?

Did it really matter when it all bled into one? 』

Ping pong.

Ten watched the ball go back and forth, his eyes on the small white circle that bounced back and forth between the paddles. He didn’t play this often, if ever, and he certainly didn’t think he was half as good as either of them as the ball ricocheted from one end to the other.

“You’re so bad at this,” she taunted Hoseok, her hand loosely wrapped around the handle as she grinned. “Put your back into it. You scared of versing Ten?”

His gaze shifted, eyes burning into the side of Hoseok’s skull as he gauged the man’s reaction.

Hoseok smiled despite his faux show of exasperation. “Scared? I thought I’d let you win so I can see you eat shit later on.”

“Wow.” Her eyebrow was raised, looking over at him with an expression that he knew was full of mischief. “You hear that? You’re held in high esteem.”

Something warm bubbled within him, almost unpleasant if not for the smile that tugged at the edges of his lips. “You need to get better before you compete against me.”

“Uh, don’t get cocky.” The ping pong ball soared with the ferocity of a bullet, hitting him in the leg and he winced despite himself, trying to discreetly rub the area of impact. “I let you win.”

“ You get too cocky,” he couldn’t help but retort, narrowly dodging yet another ping pong ball that threatened to go straight through him. “What’s the score?”

“8:3,” Hoseok replied, placing his paddle down onto the table as he stretched - arms behind his back while Ten stared for a moment before changing his line of sight and hindering his desire to linger on the taunt muscle. “I admit defeat.”

“Step into the ring,” she said, Hoseok moving aside to let him into his space, the faint smell of leather lingering in the air. Ten ignored it, choosing to keep his peace of mind intact.

With his body in the arena, he prepared for the storm - the category 5 hurricane that came in the form of a ping pong ball being shot at his stomach with force enough to bruise.

“Are you trying to kill him?” Hoseok quipped, leaning closer as if to see if the ball had seared a hole through the sinewy muscles.

Not even a glance up was offered as she batted the ball back that Ten served. “Does he look dead?”

Despite himself, a small smile made the corner of his lips twitch when Hoseok looked at him. “Are you dead?”

He hummed, tilting his head so soft, honey skin was exposed. “Do you want to check?”

The flustered expression on the older man was worth it.

As much fun as badminton had been, there was something so much more fun about a game where he wasn’t continuously dominating. Though, strangely, ping pong was proving to be more tiring than he thought it would be.

This time, he lost on the best to best to ten, failing when he was distracted by Hoseok for a split second as the mansquirted water into his mouth from his squeezy bottle.

The phone buzzed and Hoseok stepped aside, disappearing to the bathroom to answer the call before returning once again. “I have to go.” He looked at his phone, a pensive expression on his face. “Eomma is asking for me.”

“Oh, is she okay?” She asked, paddle dropped onto the table and Ten watched it bounce, the sound ringing in his ears before it fell still. Her eyes remained on Hoseok, the man’s nod almost missed had Ten not glanced at him at the last second.

Yet… there was something strange that nagged at him, a feeling that Hoseok wasn’t being honest. But he had no basis for this, and he had no intention of antagonising someone who was his friend’s close friend.

The phone was shoved into his pocket. “Yes, don’t worry. I just don’t want to keep her waiting.” Brown eyes met his, and Ten blinked - surprised by the sudden and unexpected eye contact. “Sorry for leaving early. I’ll make it up to you.”

“No, it’s okay. You should prioritise your mother.” He waved off the apology, not seeing a need for it (be it sincere or otherwise). “We’ll see you later.”

When Hoseok left, it was with an air of swiftness, his jacket half off his body as he left, giving them both one more glance before bowing his head and heading through the door - the sound of it closing echoing through the room.

Ten picked up the paddle, an eyebrow raised in invitation and she took it after a moment of watching the door. He ignored the way his stomach knotted.

“You look at him like you like him.” The words were light with a teasing lilt, though he focused intently on her expression, trying to decipher even the faintest flutter of her lashes.

The paddle was held up across her body, like she was preparing to launch the most powerful smack of all time onto him. “You look like you need to shut up.”

“Is that confirmation or denial?��

“I like him as a friend,” she replied, and the knot tightened.

For some reason, he couldn’t help but push on this. “Really?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t mind being more but we’ve never spoken about it and I’m not going to be the one to bring it up.”

God. He should have just dropped it.

“I see.” Ten batted the ball, lacking the lustre he had just a few minutes ago. When he looked up, she didn’t meet his gaze. “Does he not show interest?”

“I don’t know. We’re the same as always.” She shrugged and Ten forced his mouth shut, not wanting to ask anymore questions that he wouldn’t like the answer to. “Hoseok’s really nice, yeah. I honestly thought you’d like him. He seems like your type.”

Now, Ten couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows. Sure, he thought Hoseok was extremely handsome, as did anyone with eyes, but his type…? “What do you mean?”

“You know, you said you liked older men, the kind and strong type. He’s basically that, no?”

For once, he was unsure of what to say. “I guess.”

The ball hit his face, her laughter following. “If you like him, I’ll wing woman for you.”

“Shut up.”

“Ten and Hoseok sitting in a tree-”

By now, he should have been used to her stupid comments. They normally passed right over him, but this one was getting on his nerves. “Don’t even finish that.”

Her hands were held up in surrender. “Yes, Sir.”

This silly woman…

Ten smiled despite himself, passing the ball to her again and they resumed their match - the ball never once leaving its designated area. He tried to focus on the back and forth, attention locked on the flicks of her wrist as she tried to get him out with random bursts of energy or pathetic swipes.

But, his mind was occupied. “What does Hyung work as?”

“He’s an insurance broker at Sachin,” she replied, gaze flickering between the table and him.

He mouthed the words, tasting them on his tongue and they left a strange after taste - one that was difficult to discern. “That’s really good. How long has he been there?”

“For a long time, actually. I think he got in on an internship when he was a teen?”

That achievement was impressive, especially considering how lucrative Sachin was with their staff and hiring process. “Wow. He must have been really lucky to get in.”

The ping pong ball flew past his arm in the split second of distraction. “Lucky like me”-Ten rolled his eyes-“yeah. But he’s told me he doesn’t know how he feels about the job anymore. I mean, it was obvious. He works part time but he’s really burnt out.”

“Why doesn’t he quit?” Hoseok hardly seemed like he was struggling for money, considering the random luxurious items he would catch on the man, from the diesel cut out shirts to the Graff watch on his wrist.

“He’s in a contract with them for another 4 years, and it’s not worth the hassle to get out of it, supposedly.”

Ten nodded, knowing a little too intimately what it was like to be trapped at a dead end. “Oh. I hope it gets better.”

“Yeah.” She served once again, the ball flying by and she laughed loudly. “You’re losing your touch already.”

Oh hell no. He was not taking that lying down!

20 minutes later, with their time almost up, they had scraped their way into a draw that was unbeatable. Even though they wanted to play another round, the people were already outside and waiting for the hand to hit the hour.

“Next week I’ll beat you,” she promised, tucking the rackets away as Ten wheeled in the table, pretending to crush her between it and the wall. “Sore loser.”

“You didn’t even win.”

“Don’t care.”

With one last side eye, Ten parted ways with her at the reception desk - watching her leave through the revolving doors.

Just as he was about to leave, his eyes caught onto the record book, and something told him to go closer. Ten glanced at the page, flickering through them all before he stopped on the comment he had left weeks ago after the hall was left a little messy.

Underneath, in neat, meticulous writing was a note he had neglected to see: ‘Sorry for the mess ㅠ_ㅠ. Hope it was better for you this time! - Hoseokie-Hyung ♡’

Read the rest on AO3

[goroaix]

Obsessed with the thought of sweets lately idk

[goroaix]

〘 As eligible of a bachelor as he was, there was nothing more interesting to him than a certain foreign diplomat.〙

Hendery x gn reader. Yandere themes and general lack of consideration for someone else's feelings. ! not a reflection of who he is irl !

♕ It was hardly a secret that Kunhang was reaching the age where betrothal was on the horizon - something closer to reality than a fantasy that had seemed so distant in its implausibility. He was the prince of this empire, of course, but he was also a bachelor (as his mother so often pointed out).

♕ He used to dread It. The idea of being with someone he barely knew, of having to awkwardly shuffle around the fact that he would always be their superior even when the dynamic should have made them equal. Looking for a spouse was hardly in his list of favourite activities, and neither was looking through the choices his mother had.

♕ If she were to have it her way, he would have married at 18 to a distant heir of the land. His mother, as much as he loved her, hardly understood the intricacies of romance. But, could he blame her? Kunhang, himself, hardly understood what it meant to feel this thick pool of desire and want until he'd attended a ball in the neighbouring country of Kheya just last year.

♕ It had been like every other ball, something he attended out of obligation and because his sisters didn't particularly want to attend. As the youngest, he had to hold tight on to the short end of the stick no matter how thorny.

♕ And who was Kunhang if not the dutiful younger brother? The one that saw his sisters as the young women they were with the burden of the world on their shoulders. He didn't want to add to this weight, to have them sag under his incompetence.

♕ He'd smiled, waved and was polite to everyone and everyone that glanced his way. People flirted, gossiped and said things that he didn't understand. Nevertheless, he persisted.

♕ Kunhang turned to the buffet table, gazing at the pastries on display with his heart set on something sweet but not too sweet. But he didn't know what was what and he didn't quite have the heart to ask someone.

♕ "Are you having trouble deciding?" You'd asked and Kunhang turned, eyes falling on one of the most beautiful people he had ever seen. Your features were foreign to him though no less gorgeous. Every soft little curve, the slope of your nose and the delicate beauty mark here and there, caught his eyes.

♕ "A little," he had managed to say, feeling like his throat was suddenly parched and the hours of fruitless speech had caught up to him. "I wanted to try something sweet."

♕ Your eyes looked over the table before gently picking up a fried pastry with a serviette, the dough chewy and deliciously familiar. It was exactly what he'd wanted. "This is Binangkal. It's extra delicious with some tea," you informed in this way that felt genuine rather than condescending. "It's one of my favourites."

♕ He could hardly call himself one for pointless idle chatter when it wasn't required. Even so, he found his lips moving, glossy from his food. "Are you from here?"

♕ "I'm here on business," and your reply was vague enough to make him want more, to sink his teeth into the flesh of your cheek while he pretended it was this new and tasty dessert he had in his hands.

♕ (Kunhang was sure you'd taste even better.)

♕ He took the bait. "What kind?"

♕ "I don't want to bore you while you eat."

♕ The corners of his cheeks started to ache with how hard he was trying not to smile. It was so stupid to be thrilled by this small exchange. It was hardly anything crazy, either.

♕ Did you know he was a prince?

♕ "You're not boring me. May I know your name?"

♕ he memorised the syllables, mouthing them to himself until they'd engraved themselves into his DNA, wound into the very fabric of his being.

♕ "And you?"

♕ "Wong... Hendery."

♕ "A lovely name." So you didn't recognise him. "Have you also travelled in?"

♕ He took another bite, the dough still warm in the centre. "Am I so obviously a tourist?"

♕ "A little," you smiled and he just wanted to bask in it. Was it stupid to like someone so fast? (The answer was unimportant.) "Don't worry. It happens to the best of us. The first time I was here, I ate unripe jackfruit and had an upset tummy for three days."

♕ It was through some careful dancing, the kind that involved a mental goalpost for the conversation: your name, your job, and where you were from.

♕ There was no such luxury as growing up in the royal court and remaining ignorant. I'm a world of murder or be murdered, the poison always had to remain in his chalet to distribute.

♕ And, through just an hour of conversation beside the table, his eyes on your lips as you licked away delicate crumbs and droplets of sweetened tea, he found out all that he wanted to know.

♕ You were close to his age but experienced. 'A diplomat,' you'd shared, who specialised in 'facilitation of trade and human resources.' Just hearing you talk about it had him fantasising about things that were too forward - too fast.

♕ Just from the way you gestured, how you spoke, Kunhang could tell that you were assured in your capabilities. Someone like you was incredibly valuable just from a political standpoint.

♕ What little hunger he had in his stomach had been replaced, coaxed into something larger, more voracious.

-

♕ To protect his people was his sworn duty. He had to be aware of the important and influential figures that moved in and out of the country. Hence, ordering a detailed background check on you was hardly concerning.

♕ Everything from your institution of education, family, tax compliance, previous jobs and even your favourite food had been noted down for him by the palace scribe.

♕ No less than excruciating detail would be presented. Kunhang made sure of it.

♕ "What do you think, Jiejie?" He asked, eyes wide and shiny like a dolls. How could someone say no to him?

♕ He was their baby.

♕ The eldest two exchanged glances. He'd learnt by now to decipher these looks with pinpoint accuracy and his heart felt fit to burst.

♕ "They're a good choice," the youngest sister of the three said, her nod of approval punctuating her sentence. "I think Mama and Baba will be happy to hear about this."

♕ After what better way to save their grey hairs than to find himself a spouse?

-

♕ There was no way he could lie under another false pretence. Meeting you for the umpteenth time at these social gatherings was far from coincidence, and you were smarter than to think so.

♕ "I have a feeling there's something you want to ask me."

♕ You were right. When weren't you? Kunhang had calculated that atleast 86% of all of your proposed ideas had gone through to be a success.

♕ "Would you be willing to negotiate jade trade between your country and mine?" He asked, proposing this faux call to action that he had only half an intention to stick by. "I've been wanting to speak to you about this."

♕ "I see." Then you laughed, and he thought he'd lose composure there and then. "I was waiting for His Highness to say something along those lines."

♕ "You knew? Why didn't you say so?"

♕ "I thought it would be rude to not let you have your fun."

♕ This was nothing short of unfair. Not in the traditional sense. He'd be foolish to think you'd be blinded for long.

♕ No. It was unfair because all he could think of was how nice it would feel to kiss you, to throw inhabition to the wind and let himself act out of want rather than strict regulation. Sometimes, the feeling of his nails digging into his skin was the only thing grounding him from blurting out something he would regret.

-

♕ To be honest, your to-be-spouse was none of his concern. Kunhang hadn't even blinked when his servant had informed him of such, telling him that they had proposed just a week before you were due to arrive at the palace.

♕ Instead, the only thing that had come of it was the knowledge that he needed to act in haste. Everything was meticulously filed and sorted, the contracts ready to be brought to life.

♕ It was nothing short of torture to hide his smile as he changed the terms of the contract to better suit them both. Trade would be easier when both parties were aligned in matrimony. This was politically beneficial, he told himself.

♕ Marrying a diplomat would strengthen their country's bond and knew that it was one of the better choices for a spouse he could make. There was nothing appealing to him about wedding a person who had no navigational, or real world skills. To him, there was no worse moral failure than being useless.

♕ He dressed to the nines, using a hanfu that had been specifically made to order in advance for this occasion. His engagement clothes were royal in red, embroidered heavily with a red sash that wound snuggly around his body. Kunhang had requested you wear your finest clothes, and he knew you'd listen.

♕ He knew your proficiency in spoken Cantonese was far from what it could be, let alone the written version that only natives really used and understood. It was easy to get away with it, to bite the inside of his cheek raw and pinch his thigh over his clothes while you signed your name and wove that red string around both of your souls.

♕ Maybe he should have felt remorse upon seeing your confused expression at the congratulations - his sister's and parents teary eyed at the sight of their only son finally married to someone that would help him prosper. The youngest and the most fragile was now in good hands.

♕ But you'd kept a sweet smile on your face regardless, ever poised. Oh. How he loved this trait of yours.

♕ Hardly anyone ever had a bad word to say about you and this was why. He couldn't feel anything other than pride.

♕ "I think there's been a mistake," you murmured, fingers gripping tightly onto the paper he'd given you - translated in your language with the altered version of what you'd just signed. "We were supposed to sign a business partnership, Your Highness."

♕ "I prefer Qin ai de."

♕ For the first time since he'd met you, you looked confused and at a loss for words. It made him want to pinch your cheeks.

♕ "I'm sorry, I'm confused."

♕ And he was happy to explain. "It's okay. I know it's a new thing to get used to, but the contract has no mistakes. We're married now!"

♕ "What? What do you mean...? I am already promised to someone back home."

♕ Your composure cracked, fine lines appearing under the pressure.

♕ Nonetheless, Kunhang had quite the hand at pottery. They didn't matter. They'd never matter. Who could compare to the prince of an empire? And who could deserve you more than himself?

♕ "I can't- I can't accept this, I apologise. I had no idea. I didn't mean to sign something like this-"

♕ "Will you contest it?"

♕ He hated being stern. There was nothing that gnawed at him more than having to bring out this part of himself that he preferred to keep burrowed in the depths. Kunhang liked playful, upbeatness that kept his spirits high. This was their wedding day, and he didn't want to hear any objections to something he'd so meticulously planned.

♕ "...Your Highness, I must leave."

♕ "If you leave, I'll take it as a declaration of war." Your movements stilled, muscles tensed. "We both know your economy can't handle such a blow."

♕ But, he was no monster. He couldn't bear to turn a blind eye to the frustration in your eyes. You poor thing. From now on, he'd kiss away all your tears and make sure that your talents were recognised with the reverence they deserved.

♕ He'd cup your face in his hands and look into those endless eyes of yours. The heartbreak would ease eventually.

♕ After all, your king wouldn't mind exchanging one person for the masses.

[goroaix]

〘 It was hard to express how he felt under normal circumstances, let alone when he felt like he would turn to slush should he dare to gaze upon you. 〙

Winwin x gn reader. Yandere themes. Unhealthy obsessions. The general jist of all things yandere.

✧ It was a funny thing, really, to know that the nicest person in the whole office didn't like you. People would dismiss it, say you were reading into miniscule things without bothering to listen. To them, you were dirtying your nails digging for diamonds in a barren site

✧ But you knew it. You knew Dong Sicheng didn't like you. It was obvious to you how he would go out of his way to avoid you, to purposely disengage whenever it was your turn to talk in a meeting. You'd long since given up on expecting any replies to your emails, too.

✧ 'How can he hate you? He's just shy. He takes a while to warm up,' Jaehyun would say, echoing the words of everyone before him and the inevitable ones after him.

✧ Maybe he was shy, you'd entertained that idea. Maybe it because he didn't know how to approach someone in the adjacent department but not his own. Or perhaps he was just unsure of how to break the ice now that it had been months since you'd been onboarded.

✧ Regardless of what it was, you were certain. It was just dislike. Hate was a harsh word, and you didn't think you'd done anything to warrant such a visceral reaction from a man you'd only said 'hi' and 'hello' to once or twice (to a silent audience, as it were).

✧ Whatever, you thought. It was just whatever. If Sicheng didn't like you then that was his problem. All you cared about was if he did the work; all other matters were unimportant.

✧ But... Dislike and admiration was a fine line. Easy to cross, one might say.

-

✧ When Sicheng first saw you, he didn't think too much of it. Of course, you were one of his new coworkers and he had some semblance of interest in saying hello

✧ And he was going to! He told himself that it would be today. Tomorrow. The next time he saw you at lunch or when he passed your desk by...

✧ There was this lump in his throat, something not foreign to a man that had worked from the bottom up to land this job despite his naturally introverted personality and tendancy to hide away in his own thoughts. Even then, he'd always managed to choke out small talk. Being introverted didn't mean he was incompetent.

✧ So why was this feeling debilitating when it came to you?

✧ Why did he go home and think of all those vague glances he caught of you when you walked by his desk - always giving him a polite smile when when he couldn't muster the courage to fully look up. Sicheng knew that own day you would stop smiling at him, and he'd only have himself to blame. He'd spend hours staring at the ceiling, cheeks hurting at the corners from smiling.

✧ Damn. He was going crazy.

✧ Nevertheless, crazy was subjective and Sicheng could tell himself that he was just shy. That's what everyone said: he was shy. It was normal to think about someone and want to talk to them. There's nothing wrong with wanting to try some of the sweet smelling hand cream that you always seemed to have on your desk.

✧ So he did. When he knew you were on holiday, he reached into the bottom cabinet and pulled it out, fingers gripping tightly onto the packaging before he pressed some into the palm of his hand and scurried away within seconds.

✧ Of course it was decedent, melting into his skin like butter and leaving them soft, shiny, supple. This was how your hands must have felt all the time.

✧ You wouldn't know that he went out and bought the exact same one, that he'd swapped it with the one in your desk so he would have the one that you touched, used.

✧ No harm done, right? Sicheng doubted you would notice if he used a few of your pens or sat in your seat. He helped himself to one of the snacks you kept hidden, savouring the quality chocolate that coated it before replacing it once again. He wasn't stealing if he was replacing.

✧ When you returned, the smile of a person who was mentally and physically refreshed on your lips, Sicheng found himself mirroring it (even if he ducked out of view).

✧ He watched, watched and learnt. All those minutes he spent admiring at you from afar had culminated in this. Sicheng just wanted some pictures, something that he could look at. Besides, you were beautiful in every angle, whether tired or fresh faced. Every moment of your routine was engrained into his timetable, from when you'd leave the house to how you'd spend your first few minutes setting up.

✧ Log in. Have a sip of your drink. Scroll through your emails. Reply on teams. Then, get up and talk to some coworkers.

✧ Rinse and repeat.

✧ In his heart, he was well aware that he could just speak to you. Becoming part of this routine wouldn't be hard. All he had to do was say hi. He could easily use all he knew about you to start a conversation.

✧ It was awkward, and you seemed surprised. He did it regardless, stopping by your desk just moments before he knew you'd be leaving for lunch.

✧ "Hi," he'd said, fiddling with the box of raspberry pastries he had in his hands. Sicheng had seen you eat them - taken a few too many pictures when you licked the tart fruit from your lips. "Are you busy?"

✧ "Uh, no. I was just going to go for lunch." Just as he'd guessed. "Did you want to talk?"

✧ You were so cute. So... So... Cute. Could adults be this cute?

✧ "Do you mind if I join you?"

✧ Obviously, you agreed. You never said no when someone asked to have lunch with you. Sicheng was already planning on suggesting the amazing sushi restaurant just down the road - the exact one you always went to on this day.

✧ "I'm surprised," you missed, walking by his side and he moved himself closer, brushing his shoulder against yours whilst pretending like it did nothing to his already trembling heart. No matter how many times he'd sprayed your perfume on his pillows, it paled in comparison. "I thought you didn't like me."

✧ His lungs felt like they would implode. He could feel his pupils dilating, the heightened rush of blood. "I've never disliked you." I could never.

✧ And he meant it. He understood what had kept him awake all this time, had burrowed under his skin and rewired his nervous system.

✧ "Really? Well, I'm glad. I didn't want to have accidentally offended you."

✧ Sicheng smiled, the apples of his cheeks warming into this peachy shade of pink. "You didn't. I just tend to be a little... shy."

[goroaix]

〘 If only he could taste the sweet pastries from their hand every day... 〙

Hendery x gn reader

I am trying out a new style to just get out my thoughts on certain concepts - of which may or not be expanded upon

⚔︎ A day wherein the crowds gathered, admired the procession that has been on the tips of everyone's tongues for days coming and will be for days gone. There's hardly anyone that could say they weren't interested in seeing the lustre of royalty coming down the decorated streets, with lamposts covered in banners and specially uniformed guards. There's gongs sounding, the steady rhythm of the army as they walk - ever vigilant even amidst civilian territory.

⚔︎ Most people's eyes were on the King. After all, he was the one making every decision, the one that had managed to oversee the largest harvest and crop yields in over a decade.

⚔︎ But, a select few didn't look at him. Instead, they watched the king's prized guard: the one that had been hand selected from the top 0.1% of warriors in the empire.

⚔︎ Wong Kunhang.

⚔︎ Dressed elegantly in a cream hanfu, accented in deep red hat wound around the hems of his sleeves and down to his feet in trailing branches. Precious jewels lined his ears, embedded deep in the prongs of his jewellery, each given for every year of dutiful servitude. Kunhang was the one with the face that looked like it had been crafted with nothing short of love, endless devotion with magic on the tip of his nose and dedication imbedded into his honey toned skin.

⚔︎ Only, he knew you were looking. He knew you from the weekly rounds you would make to the palace kitchen with to-die-for cream pastries and wonderous flavours of cake. Even your milk tea - something he was notoriously picky about - was delicious. He knew you were watching because he made eye contact with you, brown eyes boring into your own until you smiled and his heart felt like it was beating harder than the rhythmic thump thump thump of his horse's trot.

⚔︎ And it was Kunhang who took a moment to seperate from the King's side, coins clincking in his pocket as he walked into the bakery after the procession had ended and everyone was headed back to the palace. It's fine, he told himself, his workers were competant and he would only be here for a short while.

⚔︎ Yet, that short while turned into too long when he saw you waiting, a too large mug of milk tea already waiting and a smile on your face as you pushed back his generous payment.

⚔︎ "I can't drink this much," he'd said, and you laughed, the sound so sweet it made him feel this sickly saccherine spark in the pit of his stomach. "I'm being honest!"

⚔︎ "I've seen you drink more," you replied, fingers tapping against the counter with a packaged box of treats that he knew the King would hoard in his room - not that Kunhang blamed him. "Would you like something to eat?"

⚔︎ Perhaps if he was a little braver, he would have replied with a 'yes, you', but Kunhnag was a coward in all matters unrelating to his position. Even if he wanted to say something cheeky, to bare his neck for you to strike, he couldn't bring himself to do it just yet.

⚔︎ So he stared. He stared at the display and pointed to wherever his finger fell while he watched you move, stable hands and delicate fingers despite being up in the early am's to prepare for a day of baking.

⚔︎ "Why don't you try a bite here?" And even though he knew you would say such a thing, he felt the workings of a blush crawl up his ears, tinting the edges of them coral as he nodded. The cream was as sweet as always, the hint of lychee so delicious he wanted to keep eating. Instead, he licked his lips (ignoring how your eyes followed) and hummed.

⚔︎ "It's good." Perhaps the understatement of the century, but, once again, Kunhang was a coward. He could swing his sword with precision to cut atom from atom, yet this was his limit. "You know, His Majesty would happily give you a space in his kitchen."

⚔︎ "I'm aware. I just prefer my own scenery."

⚔︎ I could see you more often, he thought to himself. He'd give up the gems on his ears so long as it meant that he could pester you in the kitchen - ask a thousand questions on the guise of curiosity and not this desire rhat distracted him from his duties.

⚔︎ So he just hummed, drinking down the tea that he loved so much because he had nothing better to be doing. Kunhang could talk (too much, as his sisters would say) and he wouldn't call himself quiet. Nonetheless, he couldn't find the words.

⚔︎ I like you? I want to spend more time together? I'd ask for some holiday just to be around you?

⚔︎ What to say... What to say...

⚔︎ "What did you think of my horse?"

⚔︎ When you blinked, he just smiled awkwardly.

⚔︎ "She looked very well groomed. You must take care of her." Maybe he should have been focusing a little more on your words rather than your face, but who could blame him? "Hey, you dropped some cream on your clothes."

⚔︎ Yet when he looked down, there was a small splodge of cream just on the front. God. Was he a child?

⚔︎ And then you wiped it a way with a napkin, delicately blotting at the silken fabric so nothing was left behind and he swallowed - hearing it in his ears. Suddenly, being a child coddled by you felt like a dream.

⚔︎ If only he could bring himself to reach out, to curl his fingers in the soft fabric of your clothes and tug you forward until your forehead was to his and he could inhale your exhales

⚔︎ instead, he kept the same smile whilst willing the burn on his cheeks to die down.

⚔︎ He told himself if the gongs hadn't played in that moment, that maybe he would have mustered the courage to do as he pleased.

⚔︎ but he knew he wouldn't. Not right now.

⚔︎ ....Maybe after he drank a few more litres of this tea

[goroaix]

Heavenly rains submerge: the heart wilts

Lee Hoseok x Fem Reader x Lee Ten

Superhero/abilities AU. Angst and slowburn with a happy ending

Explicit gore and depictions of violence; dementia mention; self endangerment

23k as of chapter 1/3

『 One might argue that there is little difference between a hero and a civilian: bravery, hubris, perhaps loyalty. Could a Ren breathe in this foul odour, tolerate how his words - once prophetic - were now nothing more than heresay? Could a civilian listen to inaudible whispers, feel the sting of his teeth breaking skin? Did it really matter when it all bled into one? 』

A two for one deal on broccoli, or another pack of prime rib?

This was the decision currently plaguing Hoseok’s mind as he stood in the middle of the fresh meat aisle, eyes glossing over the red cuts of beef that lay on the shelf in neat patterns - the dates and times letting him know that they had been stocked less than an hour ago.

Ugh.

If he bought the broccoli, he’d be getting his vitamins in, as well as his five a day. Yet his gaze wandered back to the pristine cuts. They were lean, the fat cap minimal and it was the perfect size to last a few dinners.

Pick me, it called.

Choose me, it begged.

Love m-

“Are you okay?”

Hoseok turned his head, ears quickly becoming warm as he cleared his throat into his fist. He couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at his own mundane musings. “I’m fine. You?”

“You’re staring at the beef,” his friend said, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she regarded him. “In a way that’s not normal.” She added.

“Is there a normal way to stare at beef?” Came Hoseok’s quick rebuttal but, of course, he was no match for her.

“Yes, and you’re not doing that. It seems like lust.”

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes. It’s like she purposely found the most outrageous thing to say even in the most normal of situations. How could someone look at beef with lust of all things?

The scoff that escaped him came from deep within his chest, punctuated by his arms crossing over his chest. “Should you be saying these things to a customer?”

“Depends,” she replied, tapping her name tag out of habit and he read it despite himself - counting out each syllable in his head, “does the customer want discounted sirloin?”

Now she was talking, and it wasn’t nonsense for once. “You have some? I was looking earlier and I couldn’t find anything.”

Her smile was coy, not quite at its full potential but he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Not in plain sight. You know that Seojun guy?”

“The one who drank your peach tea?” Hoseok asked, vaguely recalling this name and character from one of her abundant stories about her coworkers.

“Yeah. Him”-she looked around for a moment- “he hid some to take to his family when his shift was over. But fuck those kids, you know? They don’t need three sirloins, especially not when their daddy is a thief.”

“...Right.” No matter how hard he tried to school his expression into something serious, he just couldn’t. “How much is it?

“You’re not going to tell me how immoral that is?”

“He was immoral first. Two sirloins is enough to feed the family.”

Her smile widened and held up her finger, motioning him to wait before she disappeare around a corner that was definitely not in the meat aisle. Had Seojun hidden it in another freezer section? What a cheeky man! He thought.

For a few minutes, he was left to stand there with one hand on the shopping trolley and the other on his hip. This store was one he visited frequently because of how close it was to his place, and also that he could weasel his way into various discounts using his friend’s employee status. It was also big enough that he never needed to go anywhere else after. He was all too familiar with the plain white walls and different aisles.

Then, she came back with a deliciously large slab of meat and a pretty yellow sticker that said exactly what he needed it to: reduced.

“Here you go.”

It was handed over, cradled in Hoseok’s arms before he set it down tenderly into the trolley with her watching his every move. “Thank you. I was stuck between broccoli or more meat.”

“No problem, but, um, why not just get both? The broccoli has a deal on.”

“I want to stay on budget,” he replied, shrugging and she suddenly laughed, confusing him. “What’s funny?”

“The budget fits two cuts of beef but not broccoli?”

The red on his ears returned tenfold. “I have vegetables at home.”

“Mm. That's what they all say.”

“Don’t you have a job to do?” Hoseok asked, tempted to push his trolley towards her and see if he could run it over her croc's covered feet. He decided against it. “One that doesn’t involve judging my shopping?”

“No, actually. This is customer service.” She moved to the shelves, picking up an item that was in the wrong place and moving it over. “Come here, it makes it look like I’m helping you with something.”

Hoseok obliged - but not without an eyeroll.

“How much protein do you have in a day?”

“Around 200-300g depending on the day, why? You interested in building muscle?"

“Kind of. I think my days of eating pudding for breakfast are over,” she mused, looking at the gravy sachet in her hand before putting it away.

The constant background noise of the freezers filled the air, humming quietly behind them as an elderly woman shuffled past them in the aisles. For a moment, she peered at both of them before turning away to examine the poultry. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little sweet treat in the morning. You look pretty healthy as you are, anyway.”

“Maybe right now, but I don’t think my arteries will thank me for it in the future.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, “you’re right. If you need any help with a meal plan, just let me know and I’ll help you out.”

At this, she smiled, a hand moving to the end of the trolly with her fingers wrapping around the metal hatching. “I’d ask for your workout routine, but I think I’d collapse from heart failure.”

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Your bicep is the size of a newborn. But, yeah, if it’s not too much trouble?”

Even if it was a little bit of trouble, Hoseok would have readily and willingly drafted out a fitness plan for her - if she asked, of course.

She let go of the trolley. “Okay, I need to go now. I can feel my manager getting pissed at me for taking too long. I’ll talk to you later?”

He nodded. “We’ll talk later. When do you finish?”

“In 5 hours. I started an hour ago.”

“They reduced your hours again?”

This time, her expression was more like a grimace than anything humorous, her nod stilted and rather annoyed. Don’t ask me about it right now, it said, and Hoseok was wise enough to heed that warning.

“Okay, bye.” He nodded his head, reversing out of the aisle with his tolley.

“Bye bye.”

And, just as he left the aisle, he saw someone approaching her, their head of shaggy black hair glistening under the phospholorescent lights and their voices falling just short of his ears.

Hoseok turned away, ready to pay for his items and get out of there.

Read the rest on AO3

[goroaix]

never-ending performance trio

[goroaix]

xiao

[goroaix]

[Kokomi, Furina and Nilou] 🫧 AQUA DREAMS🫧 「𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒔」

New Single Release! 2024.04.12 FRI

prints and posters available!

[goroaix]

I love you in every universe

[goroaix]

ARLECCHINO ❖ DIRE BALEMOON

Staring into my eyes is ill-advised. I can't promise you'll like what you see...

[goroaix]

"Ley Line Overflow" Event - Double Drops From Blossoms of Wealth and Blossoms of Revelation!

During the event, successfully challenge a Blossom of Wealth or Blossom of Revelation to double your rewards.

〓Event Duration〓

2024/04/15 04:00:00 – 2024/04/22 03:59:59

〓Eligibility〓

Revitalize a Blossom of Wealth or a Blossom of Revelation

〓Event Details〓

● During the "Ley Line Overflow" event, successfully challenge a Blossom of Wealth or Blossom of Revelation and consume Original Resin to double your rewards. You can double your rewards up to 3 times a day!

[goroaix]

My only companions are the stars (perhaps you are coveted by the endless night)

Dong Sicheng x Fem Reader

Soulmates AU. Angst with a happy ending/Slow burn

Emotional manipulation; emotional abuse; toxic relationships; diet culture; narcissistic tendancies; downward mental spiral etc.

49k as of chapter 8

『 The moon and the stars had existed long before the whispers of life - of fated others. Rays of light surrounded him, bathed him, and the echos of celestial bodies that had been engraved onto his body should have been comforting. Yet Sicheng feel like tearing his own flesh from bone just to rid himself of it all. What defined humanity if not their imperfection? 』

When Sicheng did something, it was to the best of his abilities. If there was one thing he took the most pride in that wasn’t his dedication to his craft or endless hours of labour, it would be that he refused to let things pass him by unless he deemed it perfect.

So it was no wonder that he could feel sweat dripping down his back and his lungs burning in the way he had become intimately familiar with. The hanfu he wore was flowy and breathable, but no amount of breathability could negate hours of moving and calculating every step.

White fabric danced along with him, following with his footfalls yet never slipping down his sleeves when he held them above his head, fingers straight and palms facing upwards. Each move was practised and he did not hesitate with the leap, able to manoeuvre through the air like he had feathered wings and land with the grace of a feline.

In the few moments that he focused on the crowd, he saw blurred, indistinguishable faces that all had one thing in common - their undivided attention on him. They watched him with awe, surprise and some with apathy though to him it was all the same. Dong Sicheng was the one they had come to see and he intended to give them a performance worth every won.

Stage lights quickly became blinding when he looked down to see it reflecting off of polished floors, stars lighting up in his vision until he could only work on reflex and memory.

Mist began to collect at his feet, filling the stage yet not daring to drift upwards and he found refuge in knowing that he was almost at the end and his want to head home and retire was mere minutes away. Even so, he did not falter and made sure to extend his arms fully, to perform every turn efficiently with his clothing painting the perfect picture of a travelling bird free of all worldly restraints.

His attention narrowed to the last few steps and he jumped into the air, limbs moving into position with ease and he landed without flaw.

Thin sheets of silk twirled around his ankles, lifting up higher and revealing layers of detailed hemming whenever he took a step. Various eyes followed, lingering on the designs before, ultimately, travelling up to his dewy face doused in sweat and determination.

A few more twists, several more controlled waves of his body, and he was curling into himself, hidden by the smoke as the curtains drew across the stage and he was allowed the relief of knowing he had done his best until the very end.

Sicheng stood up and he felt unsteady, nothing like the confidence he had exuded only moments ago and even his smile felt draining.

“Good job,” the stage manager complimented sincerely, “you’re a dream on stage.”

“Thank you. I hope everyone enjoyed it.”

“We did.” Their hand patted his shoulder and the material stuck to his skin uncomfortably, telling of its much needed trip to the dry cleaners. “Go get some rest, you look like you’re about to collapse.”

“I will. Please tell everyone ‘thank you’ on my behalf.” He left soon after, taking his bag with him with muscles that felt gelatinous. It had just broken daylight when he arrived and now the skyline was bathed in hues of pink and amber; Sicheng didn’t have the energy to take a picture of this either despite his long standing habit of remembering each sunset as though it would change its cycle if he didn’t.

His eyes stung with the need to sleep and he thought about curling up in the backseats of his car with the heating on low, to finally let his aching body have the rest it needed.

Alas, the thought of not being home to eat dinner with his lover kept him awake and alert enough to drive the twenty minutes back to their shared home. It was the notion of Yinuo waiting for him that made him rush up the stairs when he saw that the lift had become stuck on floor number five when he lived on the fourth. Sicheng was a man who’s heart desired simple things and his grumbling stomach even simpler.

He had yet to change out of his clothing and he supposed that if his neighbours were to see him now, they would ask him if he had been out working or give him a look from the corner of their eye that said all that their lips dared not; a man in complete traditional dress was not the norm for this building and he had no intention to make it so.

Fumbling with the key, he unlocked the door and looked around, expecting to see her on the sofa or even hear noises from the kitchen but there was nothing. “Yinuo?” His voice echoed back at him and he peered through the doorway after removing his shoes. “Angel, where are you?”

No response.

The beginnings of exhaustion trickled into his movements in waves, making him pause midway in his walk to the kitchen. He needed to eat something and sleep soon or he would end up in an unruly heap on the wooden floor.

With his girlfriend unresponsive to his calls, he assumed she must have fallen asleep and he couldn’t hold it against her. They both had early starts - him with his job and her with an exercise class that demanded 8am attendance or paying a hefty ‘no show’ fee. She had always insisted on going, even on days where she looked like a gust of wind could have knocked her over but he never did try to dissuade her from her passions.

Opening the fridge led to nothing of substance and only reminded him that a grocery run was needed lest they starve to death, but he remembered that she had promised to cook and looked at the stove in hopes of something delicious.

Thankfully, there was a golden pot and he lifted the lid. Oh, he could already feel his mouth watering-

A small amount of curry remained, just enough for half a bowl with rice.

Sicheng tried to nurse the disappointment that surfaced within him. It seemed like she had made just enough for one person but hadn’t eaten it all.

Likely, she had been so tired that she’d fallen asleep and lost track of time. He supposed it was nothing to be angry at.

Picking up a bowl, Sicheng heated up the remaining food and sat at the island in silence. Only his phone made any sort of noise and even then the sound of music made his ears ache to the point that he could no longer bear it. Hours of listening to the same sample over and over had his patience thinning until a single chord could grate on his nerves. Right now, all he wanted was peace and to feel at ease.

His clothing no longer stuck to him but the feeling of dried sweat was uncomfortable. It persisted even when he tried to ignore it, focusing mostly on his food, but the discomfort prevailed and he scarfed the rest of it down. At least he had a day off tomorrow and he intended to spend all day with no obligations. The most he had planned was an outing with Yinuo since he hadn’t spent quality time with her for over a week now.

As much as he loved his job and was thankful that he could put his talents to use, he had to admit that it could get extremely tiring.

Washing his bowl, he headed straight to the shower and opted for the less than perfect makeup removal of letting almost scalding hot water remove his makeup, the glitter on his eyelids melting away and streaking down his skin. Little droplets of skin coloured water mixed in with the sudsy excess and he scrubbed again at his face with a washcloth to make sure all of it was gone.

However, maybe choosing hot water wasn’t the best option for his fatigue because his drowsiness increased tenfold and it was hard standing up when all he wanted to do was close his eyes. It had been a long time since he was this tired but the endless week of constant rehearsals, performances and making sure he was completely perfect in every aspect had been draining in ways he wasn’t expecting.

The water was changed to cold and it hit him head on, sending shivers down his spine as he sped up his motions before stepping out with a towel on his head and around his waist.

When he looked in the slightly foggy mirror, he saw a man with bags under his eyes and an expression of something akin to defeat: slumped shoulders and the weight of the world making him hunch over.

He dried his hair quickly, carelessly, and threw on an outfit that he searched for blindly with only comfort on his mind. Sicheng thought only of reaching his side of the bed and his relief was unmatched when he finally sank a knee into the plushness of his haven. Sicheng made sure to move slowly, willing the springs not to creak as he made his way under the covers and beside his lover.

Her breaths were soft and her phone was mere inches away from her face, held loosely in her hand. Gently, Sicheng took it from her and placed it on the bedside table, his fingers smoothing across her cheek moments later while a small smile blossomed on his lips.

She had always looked so pretty when relaxed, her face free of any tension and he felt lighter knowing that she was unburdened. As tired as he was, he couldn’t deny himself the opportunity to admire her, his eyes running over the straight slope of her nose and along the chub of her cheeks. Yinuo had always been baby faced and she looked even younger in her sleep.

Wandering fingers moved from its current location to her hair, brushing it away from her mouth and tucking it behind her ears. The strands were black, stark even against the darkness of their shared bedroom, and they draped across his hand like silk, trickling through the gaps with a water-like quality.

He raised it to his lips, leaving a soft kiss on them before letting go and sliding further into his space. The mattress moulded to his body and he had no problem finding a comfortable position, his worldly aches alleviated within moments and, when he finally closed his eyes, it took no longer than five minutes for him to fall asleep.

When he woke up, it was to light pouring into the room and over the bed - mere inches away from his face. The other side of the bed was empty and the warmth from her body had completely faded, leaving behind only an imprint.

Sicheng opened his eyes ever so slightly, looking at his phone and realising that it was almost the afternoon: 11:23.

Sitting up, he took a few moments to absorb the fact that he was awake and rubbed the grogginess from his eyes. It was in this position that he spent 20 minutes scrolling through his various social media and looked at the pictures the job from last night had sent of him. They looked professional, capturing the mood of the lighting and stage without hindrance and he played the perfect part of a muse. Sometimes seeing these pictures felt as though he was looking at a whole different person altogether, the makeup and clothes so far removed from his daily life.

Eventually, Sicheng got up and he looked around, trying to see where his girlfriend had disappeared to. She wasn’t in the living room and again, she wasn’t responding to his calls of her name.

Sicheng: Are you out?

Sicheng: let me know where you are ^^

Sicheng: I thought we could go on a date today. I’m free all day

There had been nothing made in the kitchen, the room left in the same state he had found it last night. It was now that he finally got a clear view of the counters, free of hsi hazy mind and fatigue.

They, rather unpleasantly, were littered with dirty pots and dishes. There were a good many of them as well, rather than the one or two that was typical. Normally this was his chore to complete and he had no complaints, but he had asked if she would be able to do it for him this one day since he already knew he wouldn’t have the heart to when he came home.

Oh well, he thought to himself, already pushing up his sleeves and picking up a sponge, it must have slipped her mind.

Sicheng liked to think of himself as someone that was fair. He liked to split the housework and on days that he could, he did more of it so she wouldn’t have to deal with the smell of cleaning products that gave her a headache. And, if he was really honest with himself, he liked to do it because he knew it made her happy to come back to a clean environment. His friends had picked up on this habit, often teasing him for it but he had no problem playing the role of a house husband.

The dishes were cleaned, dried and put away within ten minutes. The counters were wiped and he even put away the washing that had remained in the dryer from the day before.

Sicheng checked his phone again; there was no message from her.

Since he had nothing better to do, he started to hoover the floors and swept the kitchen, his back aching but he powered through it within a couple of hours and worked up a positively viscous appetite. Yes, he could have made something to eat himself but he wasn’t the best cook (often eating whatever Yinuo made or ordering food) and he wanted to eat somewhere with her.

Sicheng flopped down onto the sofa, melting into the soft and almost excessive cushions. They surrounded him and he moved to lie down instead, his stomach gurgling loudly with only water in his system to soothe it. It had been three hours since he’d started cleaning and five since he had first texted her.

Sicheng: Is everything alright, tian xin*?

Sicheng: it’s almost 3

Sicheng: send me a message when you can

With no reply yet again, he wondered if it would be better to order in food and have a date at home. What was he thinking of having? Perhaps some sushi? No, he wanted something warm and easy to eat. Ramen sounded good.

Sicheng wondered if she wanted ramen also.

Just then, the key turned in the front door and he sat up, a smile forming on his lips as he heard footsteps and the sound of jingling from her multiple chains and keys. Like a puppy waiting for its owner after a long day, he couldn’t wait to see her and his wide grin was a clear indicator of this.

All fatigue disappeared the moment he saw her come into the living room, her hair slightly tousled from the wind and her cheeks a pretty pink from the temperature and the blush she liked to apply to the apples of her cheeks. His eyes smoothed over her features, feeling a comfortable sense of familiarity when she was near - like she carried a piece of home with her wherever she went. Sicheng didn’t feel those waves of longing for his hometown so long as he knew she would be with him - the best cure for heartache had to be having something else to fill that hole.

“You’re back,” he said, excitement slipping into the syllables despite wanting to be a little more firm. She hadn’t texted him back for almost the entire day and he felt like it would have been easy just to send a little something indicating that she was well. “Where did you go?”

“Just shopping”-she held up the bag she had dangling from the tips of her fingers-“I wanted to be the first one at the store for the perfume deal.”

“Oh, did they have something on sale?” She nodded. “What fragrance?”

Reaching into the luxury bag, she produced a still packaged box of tom ford perfume. His eyebrows almost shot up into his hairline.

“How much was that?”

“500k.”

Sicheng blinked. “What was the original price?”

Turning the bottle in her hand, she looked at the base of the perfume. “Almost 600.”

“You’re being serious?” Another nod and she set the bag down, things tinkling from within and he looked within to see some tubes settled to the far left. He couldn’t quite make out what they were and, when he reached out to pick up the bag, it was suddenly snatched from him before he could have a secure grip. Plush lips parted, about to say something but it all died when he saw her pouting.

“Don’t look, it’s a surprise.”

“You can’t say that to me. You know I don’t like surprises.”

The bag was held to her chest and the bottle clasped in a tight fist. “I know but you can’t look. Promise you won’t?”

Sicheng let it go. It was nothing to him anyway and he looked forward to seeing whatever it was when she revealed it “I promise.” And then his stomach growled. “Have you eaten yet?”

“I had coffee.”

“Just that? You should eat breakfast before you go, shagua*.” This was his perfect opportunity and, fortunately, he was already dressed accordingly. “Do you want to go out now? We can bring something back for tomorrow, too.”

“Like what?” The perfume was put in the bag and it dangled from her fingers once more.

“I was thinking ramen? Something simple.”

The expression she pulled showcased anything but excitement for this suggestion. “Ramen? I had that yesterday.”

What else could he suggest then?

“How about sushi?”

“Do you want Japanese food or something?” Tinted red lips stretched into a thin line. “That’s boring. Let’s have something with meat instead.”

“Steak?”

“Steak tartare.”

He shrugged, happy to taake her wherever her heart desired. “Fine with me, let’s go now so we don’t get caught up in the lunch time rush.”

Her smile was enough satisfaction for him and she rushed to put away her things while he pulled on his shoes and socks.

“Ready?”

“Yes, let’s go!”

They arrived at the restaurant within fifteen minutes, the drive there easy and free of any congestion delays. Sicheng had let her pick the songs on the way there and he was surprised to hear Korean hip hop music playing through the speakers. She never had been one for these kinds of songs before.

“You like this song?” He’d asked, glancing at her briefly while she typed on her phone, her foot tapping to the rhythm.

“Yeah.”

“Since when?”

This time, she looked up from her phone and he noticed her furrowed eyebrows. “You don’t like it?”

“It’s not what you normally play. You’re not feeling pop today?”

“No.”

Thinking she was experiencing a change in taste, he didn’t comment further and instead focused on driving, letting the wheel under his palm take up his attention instead. Occasionally, he heard her giggle - the sound like a cool breeze on a sweltering summer’s day and the discomfort of being hungry became secondary.

Sicheng held open the door, letting her in first and they were greeted with a young woman who looked as though she was still in or fresh out of high school. It was obvious she was making an effort to not look at Sicheng and he didn’t mind, knowing that Yinuo tended to get jealous easily.

“Table for two?”

“Yes.” Yinuo answered for them and they were guided to a booth in the corner, the padded seats yet to be worn down while still exuding a comfortable and homely aura.

With the menus placed down infront of them, the waitress smiled at them once again and very briefly looked at Sicheng - not wanting to ignore him completely. “Here you are. If you need me, just shout.”

“We will, thank you.” He opened up the menu and she did the same, looking through the options before settling on a Korean spicy beef soup. “Would you like any sides?”

“I don’t know. Do you want any?”

“How about kimbap?”

“…There’s too many options.”

There really were. At least six different types were listed and even he hadn’t tried all of them in his years of living in Korea. “I’ll ask the waitress for her opinion when she’s back.”

At this, Yinuo snorted. “She does look like she knows what's the best here.”

Sicheng closed his menu and instead looked through the drinks, debating whether he was in the mood for soju or not. “Yeah. She might try to push the most expensive one though, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Another light scoff. This time, he looked up.

“You okay, baobei?”

“I want to order now.”

Now was his least favourite part - making intense eye contact until the waitress noticed him and finally walked over - her smile still pleasant whilst directed almost exclusively at his girlfriend.

“Have you decided on what you would like?”

“Yes. I’ll have the steak tartare.”

“And I’d like the spicy beef soup.”

From the corner of his eye, he could see her lips pursing again and she refused to look at the waitress, avoiding her gaze and forcing the woman to look at him instead for an answer. “Is that everything?”

“Oh, uh- which kimbap would you recommend?”

Checking the notepad, she thought for a moment. “For the spice, I’d recommend the cheese and kimchi kimbap. Or the cucumber kimbap.”

“We’ll have the cheese and kimchi kimbap, thank you.” He stole a glance towards her but she stared at the table before pulling out her phone.

“Any drinks?”

“Just tap water, please.”

She left the table and Yinuo followed her with her eyes before huffing again, cheeks puffed out in a child-like manner. “She was all over you.”

“Yinuo-ah,” he sighed, “she was just asking for the order. You didn’t answer her.”

“She smiled at you.”

Even though it was silly, it was endearing to him that she cared so much and felt jealousy when she didn’t get all his attention. As long as it was within reason, it made him feel wanted - as pathetic as that sounded.

“She smiled at you aswell.”

“That’s different.” Chewing on her cheek, brown eyes searched his. “Did you notice? She didn’t blend out her contour properly. It looked like dirt on the side of her cheek.”

“Oh. I didn’t notice.”

“Of course you didn’t, you’re not a girl.”

Sicheng let his fingers drum against the table, his thoughts incohesive with half on his girlfriend and the other on his food. Something that would burn on its way down would be ideal even though his stomach might not agree with him later on this matter.

“And the cheese and kimchi suggestion is so weird. Why would that be your first choice?”

“Hm.”

“Look, you don’t even care. Do you think she’s cute?”

“You know I only have eyes for you,” he said, already skilled in the art of dodging her accusations. They’d caused him to fumble more than once in the beginning five years ago but by now they were nothing to him and he could navigate these situations with his eyes tightly shut.

More pouting followed and she pulled out her compact mirror, touching up her foundation with some powder pressed to her nose and the surrounding crevices. “Maybe I should offer her some. There’s a lot of oil on her face and it’s making her look greasy.”

For this, the best route was to simply nod and not say anything else to aggravate her.

The compact clicked shut and the water was brought out, ice clinking in the glasses as they were set down on the table and he thanked the waitress who simply nodded, not making eye contact again. However, this wasn’t good enough for Yinuo and her jealousy had already flared with no end in sight.

“You like her a lot, don’t you?” She said the moment that the waitress was out of earshot. “Is she your friend?”

“Not at all. You know all my friends.”

“She could be a secret. You’re being so nice to her.”

His stomach grumbled again, the ice cold water doing little to soothe it. “Yinuo-ah, do you want to be the one to speak then? If you’re not happy with me saying something, then you’re welcome to do all the talking.”

“I think I will,” she said curtly and he slumped a little in his seat in relief.

Silence fell over the table and he took out his phone, already used to this petty bickering.

“Hey, don’t ignore me.”

“I’m not ignoring you. I’m still listening.”

“Would you leave me for her?”

“Is that a serious question?”

Her arms were crossed over her chest. “Answer it.”

“Not even for a moment would I consider doing that.” Yinuo said nothing else, instead looking down at her own phone. Her smile was small but it graced her lips nonetheless and he couldn’t have been happier that he’d avoided an argument in public. For a few minutes there were no words exchanged between the two of them until he’d had enough of scrolling and decided to talk again. “Do you have anything you want to do for our anniversary?”

There was only a grunt in reply and she typed something before putting her phone on the seat beside her. “It’s been so long.”

There was no inkling of shame when he smiled almost from ear to ear, almost unable to believe the fact himself that they had been together for so long. “Almost 5 years.”

“Yeah…”

She looked down at the table, staring at the wood grain of the table with a certain kind of look in her eyes. It was one he knew himself and was intimately familiar with, having seen it within his own gaze when he lingered on this subject. How lucky he had been to be blessed with knowing his soulmate was the same person he had grown up alongside and fallen in love with.

When Sicheng woke up at her side, he saw flashes of the girl he used to play games with in the front graden, that he would chase for hours without a hint of exhaustion and laugh in delight when she would tease him for silly things. She wasn’t shy and never had been afraid to go for what she wanted - a trait that persisted into adulthood that Sicheng had come to adore. He was all too happy to please, and when he knew what she wanted, that made it all the more easy.

From dawn until dusk, from the age of eleven to almost twenty-five and the moments they had spent together, he had not one moment of doubt. Even amongst the occasional feelings of discontent, Sicheng wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

He wouldn’t have had it any other way. After all, there was no other way; they had been written in the stars with the last stroke of their destiny ending with the echo of one another. For them, this came in the form of a tattoo-like marking on the right side of their body, positioned neatly just above their collarbone and nestled within the dip of the skin. A fully pictured sun with differently weighted rays was stark against the colour of their skin, both the left and right of the figure eclipsed by shadowy clouds and a crescent moon. It wasn’t big enough to be distracting, though Sicheng knew every detail of it by heart and could draw it with no mistake in the proportions.

Right now, her mark was covered by a plain black shirt with only the edge of the moon showing their tie to one another.

He allowed himself to pause on it, to find joy in knowing that the one person he had wanted with his whole heart and soul would be the one to remain at his side. “Hopefully we have many more.”

“Mhm.”

The waitress returned with a tray, placing down the tartare first before his steaming bowl. He thanked her quickly, paying attention solely to the delicious smell.

“You smiled at her.” His hand paused in midair, confusion in his eyes as he looked at Yinuo.

“Huh? I didn’t mean to, I was just excited for the food.”

Her jaw tightened, unhappy with his words.

“Baobei,” he sighed, syllables dragging ever so slightly, “she has a soulmate. Why would I care about her when I have you? You should enjoy your food.”

Picking up her fork, she mixed the yolk with the meat and the other condiments on the plate though never raised it to her lips.

Sicheng chose to eat his food, breathing out the hot air in an attempt to cool down his burning mouth. Occasionally, he would look at her plate and see that nothing had been moved.

“Do you want to try some?” The spoon was held out and she didn’t spare it a single glance.

“I’m not hungry anymore.”

“You haven’t tried even a bite. Maybe your appetite will come back if you do?”

Her scoff was loud, attracting a few looks from the other patrons.

“Why would I be hungry when my soulmate is eyeing other women infront of me?”

“Yinuo…”

“No. I’m not hungry. You can have it and that kimbap.”

“Do you want to take it out and eat it at home instead?”

“No.”

“You haven’t eaten all day either.”

She picked up her phone and Sicheng felt his stomach turn, a ball of anxiety beginning to stir within him when she refused to eat even a crumb after he had managed to have half of his. He never liked it when she did this because it always ended in her tears - something he would have shifted mountains to avoid.

“You’re going to give yourself digestive problems, baobei,” he attempted once more, trying to keep his smile on his lips before it disappeared with her huff. With her phone now infront of her face and blocking his view, all he could do was call over the waitress and ask if they could get their things to take away.

“Did you not enjoy the food? The waitress asked, seeing that she hadn’t touched a single atom of her tartare, every bit of it as pristine as when it had reached the table. However, her act of genuine customer service only backfired and Sicheng winced when he saw her expression twist. Pretty, pouting lips pulled up into a sneer and she gave a painfully fake smile - resembling more of a grimace than anything else.

“I’m fine,” she snapped. “Bring us the bill.”

The waitress looked visibly confused though only nodded, mumbling that she would be right back and Sicheng couldn’t help but sigh once again.

“You don’t have to speak to the staff like that.”

“Now you’re defending her. What’s wrong with you?” Throwing her hands up in the air, the dreaded tears formed in her eyes and he felt his heart twist. “Should I just sit here and take it?”

“You know it’s not like that, Yinuo-” Her glare was red hot through the tears and he shut his mouth, knowing nothing he said now would console her. Instead, he took the containers without making eye contact and took her plate, packing the food away as swiftly as he could and pouring the remainder of his into the other.

The kimbap had remained untouched.

“Will you be paying together or separate?” The waitress asked, fidgeting a little from the awkward atmosphere and he mumbled a ‘together’ before tapping his card against the card reader. “Thank you.”

“Yes, thank you.” There was no hesitation to take the plates and she disappeared, intent on avoiding them from now on and Sicheng thanked the heavens for that. “Let’s go?”

Yinuo got up, her knuckles white around her phone as she pulled her purse to her side. Her steps were hurried, eager to be infront of him.

The air around them both felt heavy, suffocating as Sicheng placed the food on the rear seats and used the belt to secure it. Her eyes bore into his skin, goosebumps lining his arms before he dared to turn around and meet her gaze.

Oh, how Sicheng wished she wouldn’t cry so easily. His heart couldn’t take the glimmers of tears against her cheek and the wobble of her bottom lip, the urge to apologise until she forgave him for whatever he had done (whether intentional or not) similar to that of bile rising up the throat.

Silence became endless smog, obscuring his vision and tensing his muscles until he ddin’t have the strength to turn the key in the ignition. “Yinuo?”

“I don’t want to talk to you,” she said, staring straight ahead with a tissue pressed against her waterline. “How could you humiliate me in there?”

“I’m sorry,” were the first words out of his mouth, leaving him on reflex rather than by any true admission of guilt - though he did feel guilty for her reaction. “I wanted us to have a nice dinner. I didn’t think that we would have problems with the waitress.”

And they didn’t, but Sicheng dared not say this outloud.

“We wouldn’t if you only paid attention to me.”

If only she could see inside his head. The extent of which he only thought about her and paid attention to her was almost frightening. He would wake up and his first thought would be about her, whether she had slept well and if she needed any breakfast. Sicheng would end his day in the hopes that he would be able to cuddle beside her and this was not an anomaly for him. The routine he had fostered over the course of their relationship was built on this desire to give all his attention to her - to understand her better than she knew herself.

“I only care about you.” If his words were pleading then he did not care, desperate for her to understand. “I just don’t want to be rude to workers for no reason, Yinuo. I would never entertain a woman that isn’t you.”

“You say this everytime I bring it up!” Stunned into speechlessness at her raised voice, he stayed silent. “Everytime we go out, you make me feel like you don’t care. You just want to make me jealous by looking at other people.”

Tears continued to roll down her cheeks and his fingers twitched, wanting nothing more than to reach out and wipe them away in the hopes that it would soothe whatever hurt she was nursing within her to feel this way.

I’ve never loved anyone the same way I love you, he thought to himself, wishing he could verbalise this devotion in a way that she would understand, I would pluck the stars from the night sky and gift them all to you in ribbons of gold.

“Maybe we should go home for today then,” he said after moments of consideration. “I don’t want to argue endlessly with you. You’re my soulmate, Yinuo, and that’s all.”

The engine rumbling underfoot was louder than normal, filling the lull in conversation for most of the drive back.

He kept his eyes on the road, the nagging voice in the back of his mind telling him to turn to her and smooth out any problem now rather than later.

So, he did.

“Please don’t cry.” The car stalled, pausing at the side of the road with the light of an early-lit street lamp shining down on her, illuminating the curves of her profile. “I don’t want to ever upset you. How can I make you feel better?”

There was nothing for an eternity, the sky progressing from sunset to night to daylight before she sniffled and the world righted itself on its axis. “Can we get boba?”

“Yes,” he breathed out, willing his pulse to calm down before he got ahead of himself. “Do you want to go inside?”

And, by the grace of whoever had listened to his silent pleas, she responded. “Yes, please.”

Thankfully, rerouting to the shop wasn’t difficult and he only had to do a right turn instead of a left to get back on track, his mood better knowing that she would eat something today. Nonetheless, he wouldn’t push his luck too far today and chose not to linger further on the topic unless she brought it up.

“Cheng?”

“Yeah?”

“Can we share a dessert?”

He inhaled.

“Which one?”

“The strawberry cream cake, please.”

Despite not looking at her, he knew exactly what she was doing. Her top teeth were pressed against her soft bottom lip, biting on it nervously while stealing glances towards him. Sicheng knew her habits like the back of his hand and this one was no exception.

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you.”

She found a seat for them both in the corner of the store, the only people still here at this hour being students who were willing to pull all-nighters. None of them paid attention to them and he found solace in the fact that the person at the counter was a man.

“Could I have one jasmine milk tea with 70% sugar, and an oolong milk tea with coconut jelly? Oh, and a slice of strawberry cream cake, please.” The bobarista took his order without any other questions, having taken his order a few times before. He took this opportunity to will his heart rate into something normal again, hope blossoming within him for a night where they wouldn’t be separated from one another.

From where he was standing, he could see her phone screen and the fact that she was messaging someone. More than likely it was one of her friends back home and he averted his gaze, not wanting to intrude on her privacy when he had already managed to upset her once that night.

He only sat down when the food was ready, placing the cake between them and her oolong tea infront of her.

Her sip was slow, tasting it to see whether it was to her liking before her eyes widened and she picked up the drink to inspect the bottom of it. “Did you order extra jelly?”

“I did.”

“It’s good. I like it.”

The reduced sugar of his drink was more than enough to leave a honeyed taste on his tongue.

This time, the quiet that settled over them wasn’t tense and he let the strain in his shoulders melt away. He wanted, more than anything, to enjoy himself.

“How is yours?”

“It’s good. Not too sweet.” Tilting it towards her, she took a sip and hummed approvingly. Pride flared within him at this, satisfied with his choice and at the affirmation.

“It’s not sweet enough for me but I like it.”

“You should try it with 100% sugar next time.”

“Maybe.”

Condensation dripped from the bottom of her cup onto the table, creating a faint ring that she rubbed away with her sleeve. It was easy to recognise when she had something weighing on her mind but he would wait for her to speak first lest he receive another lashing. Instead of drinking more, she took one of the forks and cut into the cake.

It was a nice and delicate sponge made in house. The cream was light, airy with just enough sweetness to complement the fresh strawberries rather than overpowering them and it was no wonder that Yinuo liked it so much.

“Is it what you wanted?”

“It is.”

Despite her wishes to share, he didn’t take his share and didn’t plan to either. He had eaten while his soulmate hadn’t and if this was what she desired, then he would let her have her fill without hindrance.

It was as she swallowed down her second mouthful that the emptiness between them was filled. “Sorry,” she murmured, cheeks bulging ever so slightly with pearls she had stored in the fat of them. “I was stressed today. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

Despite himself, his cheeks lifted into a relieved smile - the sweet taste of his drink heightening the euphoria. “Mhm. Was something bothering you?”

“The sales lady was rude to me when I bought the perfume. She made me feel like I wasn’t supposed to be there.”

“Oh, Xin gan*, you shouldn’t pay attention to people like that.” Her appearance and reputation had always meant a lot to her. Sichneg had observed this from their childhood: how she would spend hours on her outfits before they left to play together or how pouty she would be if she found out that someone had said something even slightly negative regarding her. “You deserve to buy nice things as much as any other person.”

Sweet; saccharine. That was how Sicheng would describe her smile that made him feel as though he could have changed the orbit of the earth around the sun to revolve around her instead. There were no adjectives powerful enough to succinctly detail every rapid beat of his heart, how the blood in his veins moved in a tempo that whispered her name and told a story of how long and how passionately he adored her.

“Thank you.” A piece of cake was sectioned off, perfectly aligned on the fork before being lifted to his lips. “Say ‘ah’?”

They curled into their own little smile, the apples of his cheeks rounded with joy.

“Ah.”

The fork brushed against his lips; this cake had never tasted more delicious.

Tian xin* meaning sweetheart

Shagua* term of endearment meaning silly person

Xin gan* term of endearment

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[goroaix]

[goroaix]

In the leftover image of you that I cannot erase, you are my vivid dream

Sohn Hyunwoo x fem reader

Lumberjack/historical sort of au

16k

Graphic depictions of injuries. Very slight hint of an ED/controlling parents. Also it's a little bit of traditional gender roles but nothing egregious, I promise.

『 To know that the generations before him had tilled these lands, planted each seed, tended to each crop - it was enough for Hyunwoo. The simple life of a lumberjack was all he needed to feel fulfilled. Yet, he, alone, could not eat every fruit from his ancestor's trees. 』

Today was a night like any other. The outside was quiet, only the sounds of crickets and nocturnal animals disturbing the tranquil blanket of the moon and stars. The air was still and Hyunwoo had tucked everything away in preparation for the morning - where he would spend a good majority of his day chopping up wood of trees that he had felled.

He had just managed to close his eyes, about to relax into the softness of his bed and newly bought pillow, when he heard something odd.

It was unlike anything else he had ever heard from the forest. It sounded like weeping, wailing of some sort that picked up and died down within seconds of the other. Normally, he would have thought of it as something that the wind carried as it blew through a hollow but it was too… alive for that.

Hyunwoo frowned, his eyebrows knitting together as he got up on one elbow, scratching his ear with his free hand. For a moment, there was silence.

Then it started again and he thought to ignore it and continue with his plans for an early night - chopping wood did take lots of energy after all and he needed every last wink. Yet he He couldn’t shake this nagging feeling that it wasn’t something to let fade into the background. Hyunwoo wasn’t the kind of man to have things that irked him be left unattended.

So, with a half sigh and half grunt, he swung his legs out from his bed and sat up, his lips pursed before he pulled on his slippers and left his bedroom. This was where the sound became louder, no longer hindered by the wooden door and instead it wafted in through the slightly ajar windows, pausing again before picking up.

He wouldn’t say that he was someone that was easily spooked, and he wasn’t really scared but he did feel a little uneasy. This was worth investigating; he’d sleep well knowing it was nothing in the end.

Grabbing an oil lantern, he lit a match and turned it on, stepping out of the back door that was situated directly on a path to the forest. During the day it was beautiful, a vast expanse of greenery that spoke volumes on the wonder of nature and its intricacies. It stood tall against the azure of the sky, dwarfing his cottage that stood alone on the outskirts, and that difference was only more stark at night where the trees turned to gnarled limbs that swayed in tune with the wind, the shadows twisting into something more evil than delicate.

But Hyunwoo paid no mind to that. Honestly, it hardly bothered him anymore. Everything in the forest was easily recognised and he knew it inside out from his years of exploring both with his parents and unaccompanied.

Rubbing his eyes, he closed the door behind him and began making his way down the path, entering the forest’s domain. Here, the sound was the loudest and it seemed to echo around him, bouncing off the barks of various trees and travelling around him. The lamp’s light was bright, having recently been filled with more oil, and he was able to use it to efficiently navigate the darker routes.

With every step he took he got closer to the source and the sounds seemed more alive, like something was weeping from pain. A pang of concern rushed through him and he went closer, pushing throughthe bushes before he reached the area where it was coming from.

It was hard to see from this distance but it seemed to be something white that had curled up into a ball.

Hyunwoo held out the lamp, letting it illuminate the creature - only to have the shock of his life.

For it was no animal, but a human woman that was crying, her face hidden by her hands before she looked up upon the shine of his lamp, confusion clear in her eyes.

Oh. This was… definitely not normal.

"Are you okay?" He asked, not knowing what else to say in this situation. Animals were more his area of expertise. "Are you hurt?"

Her lips pursed and she looked down at her feet, the fabric of her rather intricate dress covering them up. Then, with great care and trembling hands, she moved the material to reveal the true cause of her pain.

A wolf trap.

"Oh no," he uttered to himself, eyebrows furrowed. Who had left this inhumane device behind? It certainly wasn't him! He never hunted the predator animals that passed by.

Blood seeped from the puncture marks, the sharp, metal teeth buried in the soft flesh of her ankle and rendering her immobile. Purple inflamed skin surrounded the broken tissue, bruising forming around the fresh wound and he spied the cuts on her crimson coated fingers - likely from trying to pry it open.

No wonder she was crying, he thought, these traps were made to capture large, wild animals. She would be lucky if she didn't have any sort of permanent scar.

"I'll get you out," he reassured, setting the lamp down and inspecting the trap. It was an older model that was triggered by the slightest touch, the spring recoil made to be harsh and powerful to stop the animal there and then. Such a thing would only spell disaster for a delicate human ankle. Had it been a bear trap then the only mode of removal would have been to sever her foot from her leg.

Hyunwoo kneeled beside her, mindful of the fact that she was likely scared and exhausted. His hands, while calloused and hardened from manual labour, were gentle as they touched swollen skin. It was tilted to the left to allow him a clearer view of the mechanism but she hissed in pain despite clearly trying her hardest to contain her exclamations. "Oh, I'm sorry," he mumbled, thumb rubbing the uninjured skin in apology.

The lamp was pulled closer, eyes narrowed to get a better view and he saw that there was a small button within. It had a faded symbol that had rusted over, making it illegible.

His left hand pushed into the small gap, fingers patting around the confined space to reach it when his index finger brushed over it. The placement was purposefully inconvenient, not intended to be undone by the animal or until the owner was sure that their kill had parted ways with this world. He wasn’t an advocate for these types of traps simply because of how inhumane they were, making the animal suffer until its last moments or it was desperate enough to bite off its own leg in order to escape.

He pursed his lips in concentration, pressing down harder on the button despite the awkward angle and the way the edge of the metal dug into his skin. Then, a few seconds later, it popped open and she sighed in relief. The damage was done and it was worse than he had initially thought, the teeth of it having torn almost all the way through the meat and into the muscle with blood dribbling from the now exposed wounds. Honestly, he wondered how she hadn’t passed out from shock.

“Thank you,” she murmured, voice shaking and thick with congestion. Hyunwoo simply nodded, trying to give her a comforting smile despite wondering what on earth he could do now. There was no feasible way for her to walk on that ankle and he would never leave anyone to die in the woods.

“Is it okay if I take you home? It’s down there, the cottage by the road.” He pointed in the general direction but it was dark and the only light was that of his lamp. This woman had no choice but to trust him and he wouldn’t dare to betray it.

“...Yes, it’s okay.”

Lifting her wouldn’t be a problem for him; Hyunwoo would easily lift upwards of 200kg with the work he did. No, it was the fact that he had to be incredibly mindful of her ankle and any other injuries that she might have sustained.

“Please tell me if this is uncomfortable.” With his voice barely above a murmur, he reached around her back and under her knees, lifting her as though she were a doll. The lamp was cradled in her arms, held for them both and her leg dangled uselessly. “I’ll walk us back now.”

She nodded and said nothing else, body tense in his hold though he couldn’t blame her. It was with great care that he made his way to his cottage again, feeling guilt ebb through him when her leg grazed against his side and she tried her hardest to contain the gasps of agony.

It did confuse him in the moments that he could think about something other than this woman’s safety and injury, that someone wearing such expensive and silken clothing would be out in the middle of the forest. The fabric intertwined with his fingers was made with care and quality - the kind of thing that he would only buy after saving for years upon years.

But Hyunwoo had more important things to worry about than this, and he continued on the path home.

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[goroaix]

〘 In this calm, easy going life was where Kunhang found most fulfillment. But sometimes, he missed the small signs.〙

Hendery x gn reader. No warnings but reader wears makeup

Some would say that Kunhang was rather... Oblivious. That wasn't to say he was inattentive - no, far from it. Kunhang was a master of looking deeper into things, of finding meaning where others would draw blanks, but this ability came with a blindness to the other more obvious things going on in his life.

"Will you ever learn how to cook?" They asked him, having caught a glimpse of his bin that was full to the brim with takeaway containers and paper bags. "All the money you earn goes to your stomach."

"It's too much hassle," was Kunhang's reply to his dear friend, a napkin wiping at the oil left behind on his lips from the malatang. "I can't make it taste like they do." The wooden chopsticks held up some of the delicious, slippery noodles. "You want some?"

They nodded and he laughed, knowing that no one could resist a good bit of delivered food. In his opinion, it was the best thing to have ever been invented. The convenience, the ease and the ability to do other things while waiting - all of it was just on the checklist of positives.

Yes, most of his money from his grocery store job did go towards this but he thought it was money well spent.

"If you're so shit, you can ask Kun for help. I'll even make meals for you if you want." Again, Kunhang laughed at the offer. He didn't want to inconvenience them, though it did make his chest feel warmer that they offered.

"It's okay. Don't worry about me." And he meant it. He was fine as he was and he didn't mind his lifestyle right now - despite the countless scoldings from his mother.

Their eyes met his, endless irises meeting dark brown, and he felt heat blossom from the base of his neck that was only hindered by his awkward cough and offer of more noodles.

To him, there was nothing deeper to this.

"Hey, do you want to sleepo- Oh." He looked down at them on the sofa, their eyes closed as they had curled up into a tight ball. It reminded him of the cats that Ten owned, the way they had tucked their face into their arms and knees to their chest. In a way, it was cute.

His fingers gently poked their side, prodding them to see if they would rouse from their slumber. They didn't.

His eyes fell to their face as he gently moved them to their back, pulling a blanket over their body to let them rest. It had been a long day of doing nothing and Kunhang knew firsthand how tiring this could get. Then, he noticed that they hadn't removed their makeup and he frowned, lips pulled into a straight line.

"You shouldn't sleep with makeup on..." He muttered more to himself than anyone else, and he disappeared into his bathroom to bring out the bottle of makeup remover he had kept in there. He didn't wear makeup himself but he knew that his place was their second home and he'd picked it up for moments like this.

He knelt down, knees to the rug, and brought out some cotton pass he had stashed away. It was doused with the remover and he scanned their features - eyes roaming over the soft curves and sloping edges of their face. For a moment, his eyes lingered on their lips and he had to tear his gaze away to focus on the matter at hand.

When he wiped away the makeup on their face, he did so with a certain kind of tenderness. He kept his touch light, fingers pressing down with no more weight than a feather so that they wouldn't feel it.

It was just a nice gesture, Kunhang told himself and to his suddenly hammering heart. They would do this for me.

The cotton pad was changed for another one after he had done half their face, revealing their natural skin underneath. With or without makeup, he thought they looked beautiful either way.

When he was this close, he couldn't help but focus on the small details: how their lashes were long enough to touch their cheeks, the soft pout of their lips and the detailed contour of their nose.

Kunhang shook his head quickly, trying to push out these unnecessary musings and carry on with the task at hand. Eyeshadow, mascara, highlight - all of it was removed and he moved on to the next part of his canvas.

Whenever his fingers brushed against bare skin, he felt a jolt through his body, heart hammering with the threat of giving out. Yet, he dismissed it as nothing. It was nothing, he repeated.

Once he was done, he did one more final swipe to pick up any remaining residue before he looked at them, feeling that same warm feeling within his chest. His gaze lingered for a few moments too long before he sighed, discarding the used cotton pads.

"Whatever," Kunhang murmured to himself. "It's nothing that serious."