leeheeso - Tumblr blog

leeheeso · 14 days ago

Text

https://survive | S.JY

serial killer!jaeyun x fem!reader warnings: please read them and do not engage if you are uncomfy!! smut (mdni), gore, murder, character death, lots of descriptions of saw like traps (mutilation and body gore), blood (ofc), guns, blackmail, unprotected sex, gunplay, petnames (baby), multiple orgasms, weirdly fluffy at the end, anything else lmk bc i guarantee i've missed smthn. w.c: 33.7k synopsis: you're trapped in a room with four other people, and there is only one guarenteed survivor. will it be you? ft. characters: jaehyun (nct), sunoo (en-), heeseung (en-), dayoung (wjsn). a/n: hi! welcome to my halloween fic that i have scrapped and rewritten 4 times lmaoo. please read the warnings and do not engage with this post if any of the above makes you uncomfy, pls put your comfort first!! i hate how this turned out and i love it all the same. it is not my usual style since i write fluffy fanfics about soulmates at least 80% of the time so if it's shit, i am so sorry! please enjoy if you do decide to read, and i hope your fave survives!

Your eyes flutter open slowly and the moment they do, a stabbing pain splits through your skull, sending your senses reeling. The world around you feels heavy, like a storm just crashed through your body and jumbled your insides. Your breath catches in your throat as you feel a strange, warm trickling sensation on your face.

Instinctively, you lift a trembling hand to your forehead, fingers brushing against a slick wetness and the coppery tang of blood hangs in the air. When you pull your hand away, the sight of thick crimson streaks running across your palm makes your stomach churn, but you feel the need to explore the source, touching the tender gash on your scalp.

“Help! We’re trapped in here!” A girl’s voice, high-pitched and filled with terror and desperation rings through the chaos. Her words stab through your clouded mind, pushing you to focus and look beyond the pain.

You force yourself to take in your surroundings. The floor beneath you is cold, hard concrete that chills your skin through your clothes. The room is wide, but the walls stretch up tall, covered in grimy, cracked tiles. Red stains mar the surfaces, some splattered haphazardly across the tiles, others pooled and dried in dark streaks. It's everywhere, like the aftermath of something disastrous.

Your gaze lifts, drawn upwards towards the ceiling. Industrial scaffolding crisscrosses high above, its rusted metal beams looming. The sight sparks a flicker of recognition - a warehouse? A factory? The place feels abandoned, yet recent, like it’s still haunted by the last horror that just unfolded.

The girl’s voice echoes again, frantic, tearing your thoughts back to the present.

Blinking hard, you try to clear the dizziness that still lingers, your breath shaky as you sit up, the pounding in your head dulls a little, but the fear remains.

Five people, including you, are in the room, all coming to grips with the nightmare you’ve all woken up in. Each person reacts differently, the tension thickening with every breath and realisation of the surroundings.

To your right, there’s a boy who looks barely out of his teens, maybe 20, 21. His blonde hair is tousled, layers falling over a set of delicate, pretty features. His dark eyes are wide as he tries to make sense of it all but failing to grasp the reality of the situation. He wears a bright, eye-catching fit - a pink hoodie with characters on it…Sanrio maybe? It’s hard to tell from the glaze in your eye. But either way, he looks so out of place against the grim backdrop. His hands are shaking slightly as they rest on his knees, his innocence clashing with the horror around him.

Opposite him stands another man, older by a few years, maybe mid-twenties, with a hardened expression that tells a different story. His dark eyes are calculating, his face carved with indifference, a nonchalant coldness to his posture. He’s dressed simply in a faded black shirt and worn jeans, but there’s something sharp about him, as though he’s accustomed to violence or pain. Unlike the boy, this man seems almost detached, unaffected by it all.

Weird…

On the far side of the room is the girl who brought you to attention, pulling you from your unconscious state. She’s banging on the large metal door, her fists bruised and bloodied from her frantic efforts. Her voice trembles as she yells, but now she turns around, her brown eyes wide with fear. Her long, tangled hair hangs around her face, and she’s covered in dirt and what looks like splashes of dried blood on her clothes - a simple white shirt and jeans that are torn at the knees.

One more boy sits close to you, clearly still feeling the effects of whatever beating he endured. His head is placed firmly in his hands as he tries to bring himself around. From what you can see, he’s around ages with you, youthful and pretty, with a sharp jawline and pretty lips. His clothes are ripped, probably struggling with whoever put him here.

The fifth person is you, but the growing dread makes you feel distant from your own body. You clear your throat, the air dry and sharp, your voice hoarse as it escapes. "W-what’s going on?" you ask, timidly, the words coming out cracked and raspy.

��We’re in a death box by the looks of it,” the older man says, his voice calm.

“What do you mean?” The colourful boy asks, his voice shaky, eyes darting around the room, looking for answers. He’s so desperate he looks to the older man hoping for an explanation or reassurance, but there’s none to be found in those dark eyes.

“I mean, look around,” the man continues, standing slowly, unfolding his tall frame. “There’s blood and piss everywhere. You can literally still smell death in the room.” He says it without flinching, his eyes scanning the bloodstained walls with no reaction, like the gore is no more unsettling than a stain he can easily get out with some Vanish.

“And how would you know what death smells like, huh?” the girl snaps, spinning away from the door with her eyes narrowing in suspicion. She’s still trembling, but now her fear has turned into a raging accusation, her fists clenched at her sides. “Are you the one that put us here?”

The bright boy, caught between the man’s cold indifference and the girl’s rising panic, shifts uncomfortably, his bright eyes flickering from one person to the next. You can feel his uncertainty, his confusion, and deep down, you share it.

The man, however, remains unbothered. He stares at the girl with a bored expression, clearly not agreeing with her that the accusation requires a response. There’s not a lot to read on his face; you can’t work out if the girl has clocked him perfectly or if she’s clutching at straws to find reasoning.

"Answer me!" she demands, her voice trembling with fury. "Are you the one that did this to us?"

“You think I put us all in here?” he replies, his tone dripping with disinterest, the accusation itself beneath him. “If I had, do you really think I’d be stuck in this shithole, bruised and battered, and having to deal with you?”

The girl bristles, taking another step towards him, a vein slowly making its presence known on her forehead. "You’re too calm-"

"And you're too loud," he cuts her off and his voice is sharp now, clearly over her dramatics. "Screaming at me isn’t going to open that fucking door."

Tension rises, the air thick with suspicion and apprehension. The boy with the blonde hair flinches at the harshness in the older man, not accustomed to raised voices. "Stop it," he pleads, his voice soft, wavering, oh so gentle. "We shouldn’t fight. We need to figure out what’s happening..."

"Figure out what?" the girl snaps, turning her frustration toward him. "We’re trapped in here like animals!"

Before anyone else can respond, a low mechanical hum interrupts the argument. You glance around, searching for the source, and then, without warning, the tile wall opposite you flickers to life. Everyone falls silent, the room filling with the eerie glow of the screen.

The image shows a boy in his early twenties standing before the camera. His face is smooth and untroubled, with dark brown hair, thick-rimmed glasses that frame his face perfectly, and a pretty nose to match. There’s no mask, no attempt to hide his identity, and his eyes twinkle with an unsettling glee, a bright grin stretching across his lips, completely at odds with the horror of the room.

"Hi!" he chirps, waving at the camera. “You’re probably a little confused, but you shouldn’t be. You all asked to be here." His voice is light and playful. To be fair, it matches his features, but you already know that what he presents isn’t the case.

"Asked to be here?" the younger boy mutters in an innocent pout, resembling a cute penguin.

The boy on the screen just continues smiling, oblivious or indifferent to the growing dread in your hearts. "Dayoung, Jaehyun, Sunoo, Heeseung and Y/N," he says, rattling off your names like he’s reading from a class roll, and he lets each name hang in the air for a moment, allowing you all to figure out who is who by the reactions. "You all answered my ad, y’know, the ones on the dark web?"

The blonde boy - Sunoo - gasps softly, his eyes wide with sudden recognition. The others exchange uneasy glances, knowing they can’t deny his claims. The older man - Jaehyun - folds his arms and glares at the screen with narrowed eyes, his expression hard and calculating.

"You all wanted me to save you, to help you out," the boy on the screen continues, waving his hand around as though explaining something trivial, like when you have to explain a new TikTok trend or why Tesco is the best supermarket in the UK. "Or rather…to help me out."

Dayoung - you presume, being the only other girl in the room - asks, her voice low and filled with bitterness. "What the hell is he talking about?"

Your kidnapper leans in closer to the camera, his grin never faltering. “I asked for a helper. Someone who wouldn’t mind getting their hands dirty. And you guys were the most promising ones who responded.”

Your stomach drops as the full meaning of his words begins to settle. This isn’t a random abduction. You willingly put yourself here.

“I know what you’re thinking,” the boy chuckles softly. “You’re thinking, ‘What did I get myself into?’ Well, let me tell you - you’re in for some fun.” The animation in his body is cartoon-like, soft and playful. He’s finding pure, unfiltered joy in whatever this is, and you don’t know whether he is reading the room wrong or simply fucking psychotic.

"No...I didn’t...I never agreed to this..." Sunoo mutters, his voice shaking.

On the other hand, Dayoung is shaking with anger once again, her face turning red. "This is a sick joke!"

But the boy on the screen doesn’t seem to care about the protests. He continues on, breezily. “You see...I have a bit of a hobby.” His grin widens, and there’s a disturbing glint in his eyes. “I like to murder people. But recently, it’s been getting...a little overwhelming. Too many bodies, too much cleanup. My hands can only do so much, y’know?” He sighs in inconvenience, clearly all the murdering is taking its toll on the boy.

The brooding older man’s jaw tightens, his eyes dark as the boy continues his twisted monologue - you can’t help but eye the man suspiciously, suddenly curious as to why he is here.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s fun and all,” the boy says with a shrug, “but even I can’t do it all by myself. So I figured - why not get some help? That’s where you come in.” He gestures toward the camera, shooting comical finger guns at you all, but absolutely nothing is funny.

“No…no, this isn’t happening,” Dayoung steps back defiantly, her body subconsciously seeking space from the boy despite his absence in the room. You can tell that she never in a million years thought that this was what she was offering help for.

In her case, all she wanted was some cash, a new job and get out of her small town. Someone suggested that the dark web is where all the highest-paying jobs are, they aren’t pretty jobs, but they are jobs. She just never expected this to happen; call it naivety. Could she clean up the blood and ask no questions? For sure. Can she help a murderer commit the crimes? Not so sure.

The murderer on the screen lets out a soft laugh, mocking. “Oh, but it is. You all wanted an escape, right? A way out of whatever hell your life was? Well, this is it. I’m giving you a purpose. A new path. You’re here to help me with my work.”

The room is dead silent now, the weight of his words sinking in like a stone. The realisation hits everyone at once: you didn’t stumble into this nightmare. You walked right into it.

The boy claps his hands together, his grin acting as his most prominent feature, looking like he is about to unlease the punchline to a joke only he finds funny. And to be fair, he is. “Alright, now that we’re all caught up - let’s talk about what happens next.”

You can feel the weight of his words crushing you like a lead blanket. Your heartbeat hammers in your chest, each thud reverberating in your ears as frisson slowly wraps its icy fingers around your throat. The others are still frozen, processing the horrifying reality of the situation. You can see it in their eyes - the slow dawning of horror.

Jaehyun is still standing stoically in the corner, his cold facade cracking ever so slightly. His dark eyes flicker toward the others, calculating, assessing.

Sunoo, is shaking, his face drained of colour. He’s clutching his knees, eyes wide, breath coming in shallow gasps. He looks so young, so fragile; he’s barely holding it together.

Dayoung’s lips tremble, but her eyes burn with an inner fire, a desperation to escape this madness, to fight her way out if she has to. But there’s a fear in her, too - a deep, raw terror that seeps into the edges of her defiance.

The boy next to you, Heeseung, just has his head down, not looking up to even peep at what his new potential boss could look like. He’s quiet, distant, and not mentally in the room with you all even if he is physically.

“I know, I know,” the kidnapper says, as if reading your thoughts. “You’re thinking, ‘This can’t be real, right? There’s no way this psycho actually expects us to help him.’” He chuckles, a soft, almost boyish sound, but there’s an edge of malice behind it. You wonder how many victims heard that laugh as the last noise before they were brutally murdered. “But here’s the thing - it’s very real. And I’m about to give you the chance of a lifetime.”

Jaehyun narrows his eyes, his arms crossed, watching the boy on the screen with a calculating expression. “What kind of chance?” he asks, his voice low and dangerous.

The boy’s smile widens, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Glad you asked!” He stands up straighter, chest protruding proudly. “See, you’re all here because you needed a way out of your pathetic lives. Don’t try to deny it - you wouldn’t have answered my ad if you didn’t. Each of you has your own personal hell, something that you want to escape or gain. And that’s what I’m offering you - a way out. A new life.”

You swallow hard, the room feeling smaller, the air tighter. His words stir something in you, a dark truth you don’t want to acknowledge. You were desperate, looking for something…that much is true.

“But,” the boy continues, his voice dropping to a soft, almost conspiratorial whisper, “I don’t just let anyone into my little...operation. No, no. You have to earn your place.”

The atmosphere in the room shifts, a heavy tension filling the space. No one speaks, the silence punctuated only by the sound of your racing hearts and the quiet hum of the projection.

“So here’s how it works,” the boy says, pacing in front of the camera, gesturing animatedly with his hands. “There are a series of tests in place. You can take a turn each, I don’t care what order, that’s up to you guys. You just need to survive. Survive the test, and you win. Fail, and…” he whistles, letting your imaginations run with conclusions of your own, his smile turning into something darker. “Well, you don’t want to fail.”

Dayoung steps forward, her face twisted in disbelief. “You want us to play some sick game for you? Is that it?” Her voice trembles, the earlier bravado she showcased cracking under the weight of the horror she’s facing. And who can blame her?

The boy tilts his head, a patronising expression plastered on his face. “It’s not a game,” he says softly, almost sweetly. “It’s a job interview. If you pass, you get to work for me. You get to leave behind whatever miserable life you were living before. Isn’t that what you want?”

Sunoo shakes his head, his voice weak, barely a whisper. “I didn’t want this...I didn’t know...”

“Oh, but you did know, Sunoo. You knew something dark was waiting on the other side of that ad. But you still clicked, didn’t you?” His tone is mocking, almost sing-song. “You all did. If you guys wanted a normal job, you would have gone on Indeed, not the dark web.”

No one moves, no one breathes. It’s hard to grasp that the lunatic is actually right, and it’s the bitterest pill to swallow.

“This is insane,” Dayoung whispers in disbelief. Sunoo’s wide eyes fill with tears, his hands shaking uncontrollably. Heeseung, a quiet figure at the back of the room until now, looks away, his face pale, as if retreating inward, trying to block out the horror unfolding around him. Jaehyun stands still, his eyes narrowing as though calculating his next move. But even he, with his calm facade, looks shaken.

The boy on the screen throws his head back and laughs, the sound bright and carefree yet insanely manic. It echoes unnervingly in the cold, bloodstained room, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. His smile stretches wider, his eyes twinkling with that same psychotic glee.

"Don’t look so dramatic about it!" he says, waving a dismissive hand at the camera. "It’s fun, I promise." No one dares speak, as if the wrong word will trigger whatever madness this boy has planned for you. The boy in the video sighs. "Now, I would get out of your scared little minds and focus if I were you. Seriously, you’re all acting like this is the worst thing in the world." He tilts his head, his smile softening, though it’s far from comforting. "It’s not. I’m giving you a chance. This could be the best thing that ever happens to you."

He pauses, letting the eerie silence settle in. You can hear the sound of your own shallow breaths, the frantic beat of your heart pounding in your ears. His feigned innocent smile never falters even within the quiet.

Dayoung steps forward, her voice filled with fury. “You’re insane. We never wanted this!” One thing you’re learning about Dayoung in this predicament; she’s loud and unabashedly, stupidly brave

The boy just chuckles again, his laugh light and almost boyish, which only makes it more unnerving. "Oh, you’ll see soon enough how much you’ll want this. But if I were you, I’d stop worrying so much about me and focus on yourselves."

The air feels heavier now, as though the walls themselves are caving inward. You feel a growing…’something’ in your gut, a sinking realisation that this isn’t just a game. This is a dream you might not wake from.

Clapping his hands together again, your captor startles you from your thoughts. “Now, let’s get to the fun part!” His energy is high, you can see how his face is lit up with glee, a clear juxtaposition to the rest of you. "The first test is coming up."

Your blood runs cold. "Test?" you murmur under your breath, feeling the weight of the word crash over you like a tidal wave.

The boy’s smile widens as he sees your reaction. “That’s right. The first of many. But don’t worry! Like I said, it’s fun. Just think of it as...an initiation. Survive this, and you’re one step closer to working with me. One step closer to getting out of this room, out of whatever sad little life you were living before.”

Jaehyun’s fists clench at his sides, his knuckles white as the pretty murderer’s words strike a nerve in his chest, but his face remains a mask of control. "What’s the test?" he asks through gritted teeth.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” His eyes gleam with twisted excitement. "I’m Jaeyun by the way. It’s nice to properly meet you all! Good luck with the interview; I’m rooting for you to survive.”

The video flickers and shuts off, the tiled wall goes back to a blank surface and the humming of the projector stops, leaving behind only the sound of your ragged breathing, the quiet gasps of terror from the others.

The shock of Jaeyun’s words hangs in the air, thick and oppressive. Sunoo lets out a shaky sob, covering his face with his hands, his body trembling. Dayoung is pacing now, her eyes darting toward the door, fists still clenched as if ready to punch her way out.

Jaehyun steps forward, his expression hard, a calculating look in his eyes. “He’s playing with us,” he mutters, his voice low but filled with barely restrained fury. “We need to be ready.”

“Ready for what?” Dayoung snaps, her voice breaking. “What the hell are we supposed to do?”

No one has an answer. The silence stretches until you feel like the room is turning into that one hallway in willy wonka. Your heart pounds, fear gnawing at the edges of your sanity. The test is coming. The only question is, will you survive?

_____

Not one of you has uttered a word in the past 30 minutes, each brain focusing on its own fears. The room has fallen into a suffocating silence, the only sound breaking through is Sunoo's quiet, shaky sobs. His soft cries echo in the dim space, bouncing off the walls, making the stillness feel even more unbearable. His breath hitches every now and then, little gasps of panic, his shoulders quivering as he tried, and failed, to keep it together. His bright hoodie, once a symbol of his sunny disposition, now seems like a cruel joke, a beacon of misplaced hope in the grim reality.

You make your way over to him, the concrete floor cold beneath your feet giving you a subtle chill biting at your skin. Kneeling down beside him, you gently place a hand on his back, feeling the tremor of fear that possesses his body. You have no words to offer; nothing you could say would fix this. Instead,you flash him a small, strained smile, trying to convey comfort, even if you don’t believe it yourself.

With your thumb, you gently wipe away the tears collecting under his eyes but the action feels hollow, not filled with the intent you need it to. You know it won’t stop his panic, but in a place as shit as this, sometimes just knowing someone’s there is enough.

Sunoo sniffles, looking up at you with wide, terrified eyes. His lips quiver, but he manages a weak nod, the faintest flicker of relief crossing his face. All he needs to feel like he isn’t alone in this hell.

Meanwhile, Heeseung is finally up, pacing the room. His eyes dart around, taking in every corner, every inch of the walls, looking for something, anything, that might be an escape. His movements are stiff, purposeful, his mind clearly racing.

He didn’t think this was real when he applied. He’s navigated the dark web more times than he could count, seen the fake ads, the scams. Every twisted job post was always a hoax, a trap set by someone looking to get a rise out of thrill-seekers. But this…This wasn’t some elaborate prank. This was real. And as much as he tries to keep a cool head, he isn’t truly prepared for any of this. Who actually would be?

Suddenly, a loud metallic creak cuts through the silence, making everyone flinch. You all turn as a hatch in the wall slowly slides open, the rusted metal scraping against the frame causing the irritating grating in your ears. A cardboard box is thrown through the abyss, it’s small but deliberate, a grotesque gift dropped at your feet. You’ve always liked presents, this one…maybe not so much.

Jaehyun steps forward first, his movements deliberate yet measured, his eyes narrowing as he approaches the suspicious box. With unnerved hands, he opens it despite Dayoung’s cries to leave it alone. Once he rips the flaps open, his face flashes with confusion.

“It’s a collar,” he informs, his voice carrying no emotion as he peers inside, leaning over just enough to pull the object out.

“Like a dog collar?” Dayoung asks tentatively. Her earlier fear has settled into cautious curiosity.

“More like a Battle Royale collar,” you say quietly, stepping up beside Jaehyun. The moment you see it in his hand, your stomach leaps. The worn leather strap is attached to a thick, cold-looking metal device with intricate wiring running along the surface. A faint red light flickers within the contraption. The collar isn’t for show and certainly won't appear on the next Prada F/W season - it’s much more dangerous than a fashion statement.

Your mind races back to all the horror movies you’ve devoured over the years - Saw, Hostel, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Even the obscure British slashers which somehow found purchase on Amazon Prime that for some reason feature Danielle Scott. You remember the collar from the Japanese cult classic - the way it sat ominously around the necks of the students, a grim countdown ticking away until their last moments. The sight of it here, in Jaehyun’s hands, sends a shiver down your spine, making the hairs on your arms stand on end, a thrill encroached in your blood.

Sunoo inches closer behind you, his footsteps tentative and quiet, afraid to make a sound. His wide, innocent eyes are filled with disbelief, his lips quivering as he stares at the collar in Jaehyun’s hand. He never planned on this being his fate. His new uni friends had dared him to answer an ad which screamed dodgy, saying he lived too cautiously, that he was too safe, too nice. They had called him boring, the good boy, the one who never stepped out of line. They wanted to see if he could do something reckless for once. So he clicked on the ad. This all started as a stupid fucking dare but now, standing here, he’s regretting every second of that decision.

Jaehyun pulls a small card from the box that had been hidden under the leather. His face hardens as he reads it aloud. “For your first task, one of you should put on the collar and sit in the iron chair at the back of the room. Strap yourselves in! It’s quiz night.” He tosses the card to the floor, his lips curling into a sneer and voice losing edge as annoyance seeps in.

The rest of you follow his gaze toward the back of the room, where a chair stands alone, bathed in the bask of an overhead light. It’s hidden in plain sight, none of you registering its existence or importance until this exact moment, which is crazy considering it’s completely unmissable. As you get closer, the details of the chair come into view. The seat is worn, darkened with age, and thick leather straps hang from the armrests, ready to bind whoever sits there. The straps are cracked and rough, but still functional, their purpose and past crimes clear. But it’s the strange contraption beside the chair that sends a wave of nausea through the room.

A twisted metal device sits on a pedestal to the left of the chair, resembling a skeletal hand. Each finger is a cold, metallic clamp, poised to cause irreversible damage. You’ve seen something like it before, it’s a trap. The kind that springs back when triggered, bending fingers until they break. You swallow hard, anticipation rising in your throat as your mind conjures up the image of bone splintering and flesh tearing.

Suddenly, a deafening screech fills the room, the sound of a tannoy system coming to life. The static drone crackles for a moment before a throat is cleared, and Jaeyun’s voice, upbeat and casual, cuts through the tension like a knife.

“Welcome to your first task, which I’ve cleverly named Quiz and Snap! A little fun game to get all your brains and bones working.”

“I hope his quizzing is better than his naming,” Jaehyun snorts, his face set in a grimace.

“I heard that!” Jaeyun’s voice whines through the speakers, an exaggerated pout in his tone. “Anyway, you’ll love this one. For this task, I need one brave volunteer to sit in my lovely antique chair, strap in, and place your hand in that cute little metal skeleton hand over there. See it?”

All eyes are on the device now, the sight of it sending a fresh wave of chills down your spine. There’s something wrong about it - something viscerally terrifying.

Jaeyun’s voice drops, the grin in his tone so palpable it makes your skin pop with goosebumps.“Once you’re all strapped in, I’ll start the quiz. Just five questions. Nothing too hard. Mostly about cleaning up blood, disposing of bodies...you know, simple stuff related to the job you’ve applied for. Easy, right?”

The way he says simple implies it will be anything but.

“What’s the catch?” Dayoung’s voice cuts through, her earlier anxiety now giving way to an edge of scepticism. “Why the hand thingy?”

“Inquisitive! Extra points for you!” Jaeyun giggles through the speaker, and you catch the faintest flicker of pride on Dayoung’s face despite the situation. You need to watch out for that. “Well, if you get a question wrong,” Jaeyun continues, his voice gleeful, “a little spring will snap, and…well, then so will your finger! It’ll bend it back and back and back until - pop - off it goes! So I wouldn’t make a habit of getting answers wrong.”

His grin is so clear in his voice that you can almost see it, hanging in the air like a sickly, invisible presence. You can feel it wrapping around you, tightening its grip on your chest.

Jaehyun lifts the collar, turning it in his hands, his expression a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. “And what’s the collar for?” His voice is steady, but you can sense the tension coiling behind his nonchalance.

“Oh, just a little accessory! Something to complete the look. Nothing to worry about, really. What you should be worrying about is which one of you is brave enough to try and pass my first test. And, of course, be in with a chance to become my sidekick. Doesn’t that sound exciting?”

Jaehyun’s eyes narrow, and before he can respond, you find yourself speaking, your voice softer than you intended. “What if...none of us want to do it?” It’s the first time you’ve spoken directly to Jaeyun, and the moment the words leave your lips, a prickly chill runs down your spine.

There’s a beat of silence, followed by a laugh from Jaeyun. “Well, pretty lady,” he says, his tone taking on a flirtatious but mocking tone, “I don’t think you want to know the answer to that question. But let’s just say, if none of you want to play, you’ll all be sleeping for a very, very long time...”

The threat is suffocating and the atmosphere shifts. The panic that had lay just upon the ocean bed of the situation now feels like a tidal wave, crashing over everyone. The room is thick with unspoken terror, a collective paralysis. Of course, being kidnapped and forced to attend an ‘interview’ doesn’t set everyone with great faith, but hearing that your life could end so blasé-like is what really sets the haunting tone in the space.

Sunoo’s sobs have quieted, but his wide, tear-streaked face looks between each of you, desperate for someone to step up and make this nightmare end. Dayoung’s hands twist nervously at the hem of her shirt, her earlier confidence giving way to hesitation. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but no words come out, only a sharp, shaky breath. Even Jaehyun, who had been so calm and composed, is frozen, his eyes darting between the chair and the collar still clutched in his hand.

Heeseung’s jaw is clenched, his fists balled tightly at his sides. He’s scanning the room again, probably still searching for an escape, but even he knows deep down that there’s no way out of this - not without playing Jaeyun’s twisted game.

You can almost feel the dread sinking in, seeping into your bones. The low hum of fear vibrates in the air, like a pressure building, ready to snap - no pun intended. No one moves. No one wants to be the first. The weight of the decision is suffocating, and you can see it in everyone’s faces - the growing realisation that if no one steps forward, the fate Jaeyun promised is waiting for you all.

“I’ll give you all two minutes to decide,” Jaeyun’s voice suddenly crackles through the speaker again, almost jovial, relishing in the tension. “But if none of you are in that seat when I come back...well…night-night.” He draws out the words, taunting, the sickly-sweet edge to his voice making your skin blister in unease.

The seconds tick by in oppressive silence. Everyone exchanges glances, the fear fairly obvious in the small, cramped space. No one wants to die, but no one wants to be the first to volunteer either. The weight of Jaeyun’s threat makes it insanely hard to breathe. It feels like the room itself is watching, waiting, pressing down on all of you, daring someone to make a move.

But who?

“Look, I-I can’t do it,” she says, her hands wringing together. Her face is like a ghost, her eyes wide and pleading as she looks around at each of you. “I’m not…I’m not strong enough for this. I barely made it through high school biology without fainting. The second that thing snaps, I’ll probably pass out, I’ll never make it.”

Her words filter through your ears but you find it hard to register them or find sympathy. Aren’t most people squeamish with blood? Hardly a solid excuse out of this.

Then again, do you have one better other than the fact that you simply don’t want to?

“I don’t think I can do it either…” Sunoo whispers, his voice trembling. “I-I’m not brave like the rest of you. I shouldn’t even be here. This was all a stupid dare - my friends, they…they told me to apply as a joke. They said I live too safely, that I never take risks. But this? This isn’t what I signed up for. I’m not cut out for this kind of thing…”

His hands tremble, his fingers twitching nervously as he shifts on his feet. Even the thought of being strapped into that chair terrifies him beyond words. His usual sunny demeanour is completely shattered, replaced with raw panic.

Jaehyun snorts, his arms crossed over his chest. “Well, none of us want to do it, kid. But the fact is, we don’t have much of a choice, do we?” His voice is sharp, but there’s a tinge of bitterness in it. He exhales, running a hand through his hair before looking at the rest of you. “Look, I’m not putting myself in that chair. I’ll save myself for harder tasks, give you all a chance to do the simpler ones. God knows what this psycho has planned.”

His words are cold, but you can see the fear flickering in his eyes. He’s not as unaffected as he pretends to be.

“He is right, we need to be smart about this,” you mutter under your breath. “I get it. No one wants to do this. But if we don’t…we know what happens.”

Heeseung, who had been eerily quiet up until now, suddenly exhales sharply and the sound pulls everyone's attention to him. His arms are crossed and he’s been watching as the conversation spirals. But now it’s his turn to speak up.

“I watched How to Get Away with Murder,” Heeseung says unexpectedly, his tone eerily calm. “I mean, I can deal with a few broken fingers in the worst-case scenario, but that show taught me a lot.”

His tone is calm given the circumstances. He stands upright to fake confidence, his eyes scanning each of you with a sharp, assessing gaze. He can see and feel the apprehension in each of you. A TV show isn’t really the best means of knowing how a murderer actually works.

“Look,” he continues, “I don’t give a shit about being Jaeyun’s lackey. Fuck, there’s no way in hell I’m working for that psycho. But if this is what it takes to get out of here, then fine. It’s just a couple of fingers, right? I get this over with, I survive, and then I’ll figure out how to end this whole thing. We need everyone to survive each test at a shot of getting out of here. There is strength in numbers.”

Jaehyun glances at Heeseung, his eyes narrowing, though a flicker of respect passes through his gaze. “You’re serious?” he asks, disbelief threading ever so finely through his voice.

“Dead serious,” Heeseung replies, rolling his shoulders back as if shaking off the weight of what he’s about to do. “Someone has to go first. Might as well be me.”

He knows - he knows - that putting his hand in that device will hurt like hell, but he’s already rationalised it in his head. Broken fingers are temporary; death is permanent. And if this twisted test is the only way to survive long enough to escape, then fine, he'll take the pain. Heeseung's not the kind of guy to back down, not when there's a way forward, however brutal it might be.

You watch him, feeling a strange mixture of admiration and awe. Someone has to make the first move, or you’ll all be dead anyway. His determination brings a sliver of clarity, cutting through the terror gripping you.

Dayoung looks away, biting her lip, her eyes filling with guilt. “But...what if it’s worse than just broken fingers? What if-”

“I’ll handle it,” Heeseung cuts in, his voice sharper now, impatient. “We don’t have time for ‘what ifs.’” He looks toward the chair, and you can see the muscles in his jaw tense, his resolve hardening. “Two minutes. That’s all we’ve got. I’m not waiting around for this asshole to put us all to sleep.”

Without another word, you all watch Heeseung move toward the iron chair, his steps slow but deliberate; he’s walking a path already set in stone. The atmosphere shifts with each step he takes, growing heavier. It’s as if even the air is afraid to stir, afraid to acknowledge what’s about to happen.

Heeseung reaches the chair, his expression still calm, but you notice the subtle way his fingers quake as he reaches out to brush the metal skeleton that holds the fate of his fingers as he takes a seat.

The strange contraption sits gleaming menacingly under the faint light. It reminds you too much of something straight out of a twisted tale you love, the kind of device you’ve seen rip apart flesh and bone on screen. But now, it’s here, in front of you, real and ready to inflict its brutal punishment.

Jaehyun approaches Heeseung, collar still in hand. “You sure about this, man?” His voice is quieter now, cautious. His eyes flit between the chair and Heeseung’s face, secretly begging the boy to not back out now.

Heeseung turns his head slightly, casting Jaehyun a brief look. “No,” he says simply, but with a grim smirk. “But it’s better than sitting around waiting to die.” His voice is calm, like he’s resigned to the pain that’s about to come. He slides into the chair, exhaling slowly as the cold metal presses against his back.

You swallow hard, moving closer alongside Jaehyun and Dayoung, feeling the collective tension in the room ratchet up to a near-breaking point. There’s no way to delay this, no way to stop it. Heeseung’s steely determination is infectious, but it’s also terrifying.

Watching him buckle the leather straps across his chest and arms is surreal, like watching someone chain themselves to their own doom. Jaehyun reluctantly straps and locks the boys wrists to the armrests, and places the collar on his neck, giving him a knowing but sympathetic look as he tightens it, the leather representing more of a noose than a fashion statement.

This is his death sentence.

Dayoung’s voice cracks as she speaks, her words faltering. “Heeseung, if you...if you can’t handle it, we’ll -”

“I’ll handle it,” Heeseung interrupts, his voice absolute. He gives her a brief, almost reassuring glance before slipping his fingers into the grooves of the trap. The device clicks, locking his hand in place with a chilling finality. He breathes in sharply but stays composed, his eyes narrowing in focus.

The room feels like it’s holding its breath, just waiting to be disrupted like still water. Then, without warning, Jaeyun’s voice echoes through the speaker, loud and bright.

“Ah! Looks like we’ve got our first interviewee. Atta boy, Heeseung,” he coos mockingly. “Now don’t look so grim, everyone. I promise this is going to be fun. Just sit back and enjoy the show. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two about the fine art of murder.”

Jaehyun snorts, though the sound is hollow. “Yeah, can’t wait for the master class.”

“Oh, someone’s still got jokes! Cute!” Jaeyun chirps, his voice taking on a teasing lilt bit you can sense the threat behind it. “Now, Heeseung, since you’re the brave soul taking a seat, let me remind you how this works. Get the question right, and you’ll walk away with your fingers intact. Get it wrong, and...well, I think you get the idea. Snap, crackle, pop!”

A sickening sense of anguish washes over you. You glance at Heeseung, whose face is set like stone, determined, though you can see the slight twitch in his jaw as he braces for the worst.

“Let’s start with something simple, shall we? Question one: What chemical is most commonly used to dissolve organic matter, particularly bone?”

The question hits like a hammer against wood, reverberating through the room. You know the answer - you’ve seen enough crime documentaries in your life to know - but the gravity of the situation is causing your brain to short circuit. Finally, you understand contestants on The Chase and seeing them seize up in pressure makes more sense. Maybe you should stop slagging them off and start empathising.

Heeseung, however, is unflinching. He knows this.

“Hydrochloric acid,” Heeseung answers coolly, eyes fixed on the trap, just in the off chance that it’s going to snap anyway despite his own assurance that he’s correct.

For a moment, there’s nothing but silence. Then, Jaeyun’s voice comes through again, delighted. “Ding ding ding! Looks like you have potential. Good for you, Heeseung! But don’t get too comfy. The next one’s gonna be trickier...”

Jaeyun’s voice continues to betray light and bouncy colours, like someone introducing a game show, but there’s a sinister undercurrent to it - a dissonance that twists your stomach into knots. That contrast of him compared to your surroundings is what makes it so much worse. If he were dark and brooding, if his voice dripped with malice, at least you’d know what to expect.

But this? This feels like a mockery of the fear gnawing at within you. The way he speaks - so upbeat, so casual - makes the horror of the situation seem unreal; you’re being taunted for even thinking this could be deadly serious.

“Oh! One little thing I forgot to mention, Heeseung, my guy.” There’s a pause between Jaeyun’s interuption, the silence stretching out ominously before he continues. “That collar you’re wearing? Yeah, if you get more questions wrong than right...let’s just say your fingers won’t be the only thing going capute, I’m afraid.”

The impact of his words hits like a Roman Reign’s Superman Punch. Heeseung’s face tightens, his composure faltering for the first time since this interview task began. The suffocating atmosphere in the room turns colder, sharper.

“W-what does he mean?” Sunoo whispers, his voice trembling. His wide eyes dart between the collar around Heeseung’s neck and the rest of you, desperately seeking answers. You notice that about him, how he seeks guidance like a lost lamb.

You daren't think how he will cope with his task.

Yet you don’t have time to think about Sunoo’s own woes as your own heart hammers in your chest, the tension skyrocketing. You try to keep your breathing steady, but Jaeyun’s words tighten around your body like a vice. The room feels impossibly small, the walls closing in, and suddenly, the bloodstains and grime seem more oppressive, more real.

Jaehyun’s brows furrow as he tries to process it all, but his voice comes out strained. “That thing…it’s rigged to kill him if he messes up too much. Fuck, this is insane.”

Heeseung’s gaze remains locked on the finger trap, but his breathing has quickened. His eyes flick briefly to the others, and for a moment, you can see the fear gnawing at him, breaking through that calm facade. But then his jaw sets again, and he straightens his back in the chair, forcing himself to maintain control. Heeseung doesn’t speak, but the flicker of doubt in his eyes tells you all that he understands the stakes now. More than just a few broken fingers are on the line - his life is teetering on a razor's edge.

Jaeyun’s voice hums back into the room, sensing the collective panic. “I wouldn’t worry too much, though,” he says, his tone still obnoxiously bright. “It’s just a little extra incentive, y’know? A bit of motivation to make sure you’re paying attention. Besides, Heeseung, you’re a smart guy! You already got the first one right. Piece of cake, really.”

“Piece of cake?” Jaehyun mutters darkly, his hands balled into fists. “This psycho’s enjoying this.”

“No shit,” you murmur in reply, yet your eyes locked on Heeseung’s collar. The device looks deceptively simple but now that you know what it’s capable of, it seems like something far worse.

Sunoo looks like he’s on the verge of tears again, his hands clasped tightly together, trembling and he holds them to his chest, clearly wishing on a prayer. “Heeseung, you...you can’t get any more wrong. You just can’t.”

Heeseung glances briefly at Sunoo, then at the rest of you. His voice is calm, but you can hear the strain behind it now. “I’ll try not to.”

“Try?” Dayoung echoes, her voice rising with panic. “This isn’t something you just try at, Heeseung. If you get it wrong...”

Heeseung cuts her off, his tone sharper now, trying to maintain control over the situation. “I know. I know what happens. But freaking out isn’t going to help. I just need to focus.” His voice dips lower, almost as if he’s trying to convince himself as much as you, if not more. You can see him getting agitated with Dayoung but you know his attitude isn’t directly pointed at her worry for him, but rather the situation he has put himself in.

The rest of you stand frozen, helpless as the seconds tick away. Time feels like it’s slipping through your fingers, and there’s nothing you can do but watch.

Heeseung's chest rises and falls a little faster now, the weight of the situation pressing down hard on him. His hands flex slightly in the grooves of the device as though testing for a way out, but there’s no escaping what’s coming.

Jaeyun’s voice returns, gleeful and dismissive of Heeseung’s pain. “Alright, folks, let’s get this party going again. Question two! Should be easy for a sharp guy like you, Heeseung.” He clears his throat, the grit of it grating your ears through the speakers.

“What’s the best way to get rid of bloodstains on concrete? Think fast!”

Heeseung’s lips press into a thin line, his eyes narrowing as he focuses. You can almost hear the gears turning in his head, calculating the right answer while also bracing for the trap to spring if he’s wrong. The rest of you hang on the edge, nerves frayed, hoping he can pull through. Because who the fuck would know this answer?

Swallowing thickly, the trapped boy can feel his adams apple collide with the metal death trap, which does nothing to clear his mind. Think, think, think. His chants of wishes are meaningless, there isn’t an episode or crime podcast that is coming to his mind that could save him.

He’s fucked.

“B-bleach,” Heeseung finally stutters out, unsure and unprepared for what the consequences are.

There’s a brief pause although it feels like an eternity, and then Jaeyun’s cheerful voice rings out again. “Ohhh, so close! It’s everyone’s go-to answer but bleach won’t get blood out of anything. You could have even said cow’s milk, but bleach is a basic bitch answer.”

Everyone stiffens. Heeseung’s jaw tightens in apprehension and his eyes flick nervously to the finger trap. There’s a moment where nothing happens, and everyone thinks that this is a hoax, that the psychotic boy is just fucking around with your minds.

But then it all happens so quickly.

Heeseung’s breath hitches as the first snap resounds through the room - a brutal, stomach-turning crack. His hand jerks, but it’s locked in place, trapped as the device rips his finger back mercilessly. The bones give way with a sickening crunch, and though Heeseung tries to hold it in and be brave, a guttural scream rips from his throat. The sound is raw, torn from deep within him. You can only akin it to an animal being tortured, and in some way, he is.

His knuckles from his right hand whiten further as it clings to nothing, his other fingers trembling uncontrollably as the trap tightens. You can hear the awful, wet sound of skin stretching, starting to split at the joints. The mechanic isn’t just breaking his fingers…it’s tearing them off.

Blood wells from the tears, trickling down his hand, the droplets splattering softly onto the grimy floor. Heeseung’s entire body trembles as wave after wave of agony courses through him and his breaths come out in ragged gasps, chest heaving violently, but there’s no escape from the vice-like grip.

Dayoung turns away, shielding her eyes from the gore in front of her. Never has she seen something so brutally evil. The worst thing she has ever witnessed was a Seagul popping under a tyre, and even then it took her 2 months of therapy to even glance at a winged animal ever again.

You can't tear your eyes away though, no matter how much you know you should. For just one finger, there’s so much blood, trickling relentlessly like a grotesque, mesmerising waterfall onto the floor, forming a pool of dark red. You hear each drip hit the ground, its quiet sound somehow more deafening than the crack of bone that preceded it. You're frozen, trapped with Heeseung in this nightmare.

“That’s one right and one wrong. Let’s hope for your sake, Heeseung, you get the next questions right. Wouldn’t want to see any more fingers out of place, would we?” Jaeyun mocks. He’s so sarky you wonder how on earth he ended up this way - so numb to all of this.

Jaehyun's attention moves down to the collar that is snugly wrapped around Heeseung's neck. His heart clenches as he realises how much worse things may get. Heeseung treated this as a quiz with consequences. However, when Jaehyun watches the blood run freely from the boy's hand, he realises that this game is far crueller than they could have anticipated. His expression remains stoic, however, disguising his terror. Without the tiny wobble of his Adam's apple, no one would have known he was anxious.

Heeseung's breathing is weak and uneven as his body trembles from shock. The acute, burning agony that had previously ripped through him begins to fade slightly, but it stays in deep, throbbing pulses. He grinds his teeth, pulling in air through his nose, attempting to endure the pain, but it's searing up his arm and into his shoulder.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he wills himself to breathe through it, to focus on something - anything - other than the pain and his other fingers twitch slightly, instinctively trying to pull away from the trap and escape their possible fate, but it's pointless - they’re trapped in there like rats on glue.

"Okay, time for the next round, folks! Are you ready, Heeseung? This one’s a real doozy. Third question!" Jaeyun’s voice is tainted with dark amusement, basking in the misery he is causing. "What's the best way to dispose of a body in under six hours without leaving a trace?"

The room becomes deathly quiet. It's a question no one could know the answer to unless they have done it before. The air feels heavy, as everyone holds their breath, or rather, gifts the air in their bodies to Heeseung. His chest rises and falls fast with your snatched breaths, his mind rushing for anything, any piece of knowledge that may rescue him.

But there's nothing.

"I-" Heeseung stammers, his speech scarcely audible. His throat is dry, his thoughts are confused, and his body is gradually giving up, wracked with distress and anxiety. He tries again, but his words are little more than rasps. "Acid?" It's a crazy and desperate guess, and the moment he says it, his face falls. He knows it's not the right answer.

Jaeyun’s laugh crackles through the speakers, high-pitched and mocking. “Oof, sorry, Heeseung, that’s not quite right. You’d need a lot more time to do that properly…Man, I should have invested in that buzzer.”

Everyone tenses again. Heeseung doesn't even have time to prepare himself before it happens. The second snap is even louder and quicker than the first: a horrific, gut-wrenching crack. His finger is violently jerked back, the bone splintering due to the pressure. This time, the device doesn't stop with a single snap. The finger bends even farther back at an unnatural angle, causing the broken bones to grind together with a sickening crunch. It makes your teeth grind together for some reason. The skin breaks more, the sharp edges of bone ripping through the flesh, blood coughing out in a fine mist and trickling down his hand in thick rivulets.

Heeseung lets out a strangled shriek, and his body convulses in the chair. His scream is muffled, halfway between a gasp and a sob, as he struggles to breathe through the unbearable pain His non-trapped fingers squeeze into fists, his knuckles becoming white as his body reacts instinctively to the sheer agony he is in. Tears burn his eyes, distorting his vision as the room around him appears to shrink, the anguish overshadowing everything.

“Looks like that one’s a little worse than the last, huh? Really fun fact for you all, the fingers located near the middle of your hand are actually attached to more nerves and have more bones than the others. So you better hope you get the next few questions right because otherwise…”

Everyone looks at Heeseung’s severed hand and comes to the same realisation. With his pinky and engagement finger already torn from his hand, his middle finger is up next, which means the most painful of all.

The tortured boy finds it hard to concentrate on the madman’s educational lesson as he sits there, trying to fight the dizziness creeping in from the loss of blood.

"Hey, Heeseung, we've had our ups and downs, right? But I bet you'll appreciate the next one! It's a little challenging, but I believe in you. Fingers crossed!"

Heeseung flinches at the mention of fingers. His entire body is shivering, his muscles taut, and his head is foggy, pain radiates from his hand in unrelenting waves. His pulse thunders in his ears, and the room spins slightly as he struggles to remain aware. Every part of him wants to give up and let the misery engulf him, yet some deep, primordial urge drives him to hold on - to survive.

Jaeyun's voice becomes more serious as he continues the interview. "Okay, listen up. If you wanted to make a murder appear like an accident, how would you shatter the victim's bones in a way that mimicked a fall from a high location without actually dropping them?"

Squeezing his eyes shut, Heeseung’s mind is beginning to race, trying to latch onto something that might help him. Documentaries, tv shows, movies, all play in his head at once like an overstimulating nightmare, and somewhere in that murky chaos, an idea forms.

“...Weights,” Heeseung mutters, his voice hoarse. It’s a shot in the dark, but it’s all he has and it’s better than no answer at all. “You…use weights…drop them…to break the bones, then stage the fall.”

The five of you hold your breath as silence falls over. Even Jaeyun appears to linger longer than usual as he considers Heeseung's response. Then, through the crackle of the speakers, Jaeyun lets out a slow, almost begrudging whistle. “Well, colour me impressed, Heeseung. That…is correct. You actually got it. Who knew you had such a devious mind, eh?”

The shock reverberates through the room because no one, including Heeseung, can believe it. His head lolls forward, and for the first time, he lets out a small, broken chuckle of relief. His chest heaves with a deep, difficult breath, and his ray of hope brightens, even if only slightly.

Sunoo stands next to you, shaking frantically. His gaze darts between Heeseung and the collar placed securely around his neck, his lips twitching with barely restrained terror. Then, unexpectedly, a faint, pathetic sob escapes him. You look at him, experiencing the genuine horror that emanates from his body.

Without thinking, you draw him closer, throwing your arm around his shoulders in an attempt to console him. His body is rigid, yet he leans into you and grabs your sleeve like a lifeline. You've only known him for an hour or so, but with these circumstances, you feel compelled to shelter him. You wouldn’t say you had maternal instincts, none at all really, but you feel a pull towards the boy; like a planet to the sun. .

“And now… the fifth and final question.” He lets the words hang as he breaks the tender moment, “You’ve made it this far, Heeseung which is impressive, but you know how this works. This is the decider. Get it right, and you walk out of here with your life. Get it wrong…”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, but everyone knows what happens if Heeseung fails. That collar around his neck isn’t just for show. It will obliterate his being if he fumbles on this last question.

There is a shared look of sorrow mixed with the tiniest specal of hope that Heeseung can get out of this, that he might have lost two fingers but he will rise from that chair with his life. It’s all anyone can hope for, particularly the boy himself.

"Alright Heeseung, last one, and let's see what you've got. Who was the first person ever murdered?”

The room freezes and you feel Sunoo’s breath hitch beside you, his body going rigid in your grasp. A ripple of disbelief washes through everyone because this question…it’s fucking impossible. You exchange a glance with the others, hearts pounding, knowing that the probability of Heeseung guessing this right is closer to zero than ten.

Heeseung stares blankly ahead, his thoughts racing. The pain flowing from his wounded hand fades into the background as he realises this is the end. His thoughts race through several clouds of despair, anxiously searching for a solution. However, his thoughts comes up empty. He has no means of answering this. His breathing quickens, his chest rising and falling wildly as the pressure builds, clamping down on him like a vice.

His gaze shifts to his hand, or what's left of it. The gruesome scene of fractured bones, ripped flesh, and pooled blood. His once-strong fingers are now disfigured beyond recognition. It appears alien to him, as if it does not belong to his body anymore, and he certainly doesn't want it to be. The agony that once overwhelmed him has subsided, replaced with a chilly, creeping anticipation of what is to come. He cannot win. He's known it for a while, but this question - this impossible, ludicrous question - solidifies it in his mind.

Heeseung’s heart sinks as the hopelessness floods in, drowning any last flicker of hope. He looks down at the collar around his neck, the cold metal pressing against his skin, and he knows, without a doubt, that it’s going to kill him. His thoughts turn dark, his pulse pounding like a war drum in his ears. The idea of death, once abstract and distant, now feels all too real, looming over him like a shadow.

His mind begins to spiral. He pictures the trap and what on earth it could do to his neck. Would it hurt? Would it be fast? Or would there be a brief moment, just a second, where he’d feel everything before the darkness swallowed him whole?

A bitter taste fills his mouth, the knowledge that he’s going to die here settling like lead in his stomach. There’s no way out. No answer that will save him. He’s done for.

“I… I don’t know,” Heeseung finally whispers, his voice cracked and hollow. It’s not a plea for mercy, not an attempt to bargain. It’s just the truth - cold, hard, and brutal to accept.

Jaeyun's voice, feigning sorrow, returns over the speakers. "That's a shame, Heeseung. According to the Bible, the first murder was committed by Abel. But that doesn't really matter, does it? You got it incorrect.

Sunoo lets out a choked sob, burying his face in your shoulder and shivering vehemently as the reality dawns on everyone.

Heeseung's fate is sealed. He's going to die.

The room is a graveyard of mourning, with the weight of what's going to happen crushing down like a thick and choking fog. Heeseung sits there, shaking, just holding on to his last scrap of hope. The pain from his fractured fingers pales in comparison to the nearing horror that looms over him.

The trap releases Heeseung's finger for just a moment before a quick, abrupt force yanks it back violently. The sound is horrible, a harsh snap that echoes across the room. Flesh shreds, tendons and muscle give way to the unrelenting strain of the pull, and the bone shatters into shards. Blood pours like a crimson rainbow, with the droplets catching the light before falling to the floor to meet their already escaped family.

His anguish is a living thing, twisting and writhing inside him, growing with each heartbeat. He feels the loss - both physical and metaphysical - as his finger is ripped from him. The pain doesn’t just echo in his hand; it reverberates through his soul, a profound reminder that he is about to lose it all. His breath comes in ragged gasps, sharp and shallow, as the world begins to fade at the edges, like a high-opacity vignette.

Amidst the hubbub, your eyes suddenly lower, and you notice it; the red light on the collar flickers like a heartbeat in the quiet. It's a warning sign for approaching disaster, a siren song that you can hear all too loudly. Each LED flicker acts as a countdown, catching everyone's attention.

Confusion sweeps across Heeseung's face, his forehead furrowing as he struggles to grasp the unexpected change in the room until he follows each of your gazes down to his fate. He observes the red glow as it pulses, and it is enough to warp the faces in the background.

He shakes his head weakly, as he attempts to wish the light away. "I…I don't want to die," he murmurs, each syllable a desperate cry that hovers in the air like a ghost. "I...I'm a good person!"

Dayoung’s heart sinks at the sound, and without a second thought, she rushes towards him, the instinct to save overwhelming any sense of self-preservation. “No! We have to get this off him!” she shouts, desperation flooding her voice.

But Jaehyun lunges forward, catching her arm before she can reach Heeseung. “Don’t! If you try and take it off, you’ll die too!” The urgency in his voice is laced with fear; while the boy in the chair’s fate is sealed, the rest of you can still have a chance.

Heeseung's eyes widen with terror and his breath quickens. Desperately, his wrists struggle to escape out of the leather straps, his legs kicking and struggling as he tries to tear himself free with the adrenaline of knowing he is dying in mere minutes, seconds. He opens his mouth, a choking sound emerging as he searches for one last idea, a desperate confession that could rescue him.

But time is no longer on his side.

In a single second, the collar explodes with a thunderous sound that resonates across the room. The blast is brutal, sending pieces of metal and flesh flying in all directions. Blood splashes the walls, mimicking a horrific shower, turning the room scarlet and crimson. Heeseung's head vanishes in an instant, skin and bone crushing under the sheer force of the collar's mechanics, spreading fragments of him throughout the universe like grotesque confetti.

Some of his skin and blood splatter on the rest of you, Dayoung and Jaehyun getting the brunt of it as they stand too close to the crime. Pieces of the boy now firmly clinging to you, his last remnants of hope in each of the lumps of his flesh, begging you to put him back together.

Silence follows, thick and suffocating, leaving everyone in the room trapped in a state of shock, their minds struggling to comprehend the unthinkable. It’s not every day that you see someone blown to smithereens.

Dayoung remains transfixed, her hands quivering at her sides with specs of Heeseung's blood covering her skin. The warmth seems surreal in juxtaposition to the icy grip of disbelief that has settled in her chest. She feels as if she has been driven into a nightmare that she can't escape, her heart beating in frantic panic as the truth of the situation breaks over her like a tidal wave.

Jaehyun's eyes are wide and unblinking, peering into the space where Heeseung formerly sat. The conservatism he wore as armour has crumbled, revealing a raw vulnerability. He feels the weight of guilt crushing down on him, thick and oppressive. He should have done something to stop this madness. But now all that remains is a terrifying quiet, broken only by the gentle patter of blood flowing from the surroundings, as if the room were mourning the loss along with you all.

With his breath hitching in his throat as he grapples with the horror, Sunoo falls to the ground, letting you go, the impact jolting him back to reality. Tears stream down his cheeks, mixing with the blood that clings to his skin. “What just happened?” he whispers, his voice breaking, a fragile thread of sound that feels more like a whistle in the wind. No one can hear him, all drowning in your own minds.

You wipe the blood from your face, spitting out little bits of Heeseung's shattered head from your mouth as you gaze at his motionless corpse, shoulders to feet still attached. There is a beautiful quiet in death, both serene and awe-inspiring. Though his screams of dread and anguish echo in your memory, you know he is finally free.

You just need to make sure you avoid the same fate.

_____

Hours pass by as the group processes Heeseung’s demise. You try to clear up as much of him as you can, finding an old brush in the corner of the room, and sweeping up his head’s ashes. It’s surreal to be sweeping up a splattered head with such a commonly used household tool. Once you finish, you see the pile of him smooshing together, you wonder what type of person he was; good or bad, happy or sad, smart or dumb. You never really got to know him in the fleeting hour you spent trapped here together, all you can run off of is your imagination.

That is easier said than done however, especially with your mind caught up in what happened; it’s hard to separate him from the dismembered mess you’re cleaning up so casually. He seemed kind, and strong-willed, though that might be the reason he’s dead right now.

Taking the first task was a brave but foolish decision. Is it wrong to be thankful that it wasn’t you? Even though you knew the answers, you wonder how your brain would have processed them if you were in the same situation as Heeseung. Like when you watch Catchphrase and get them all perfect, but as soon as you step foot in that studio, your mind blanks out from the pressure.

Sunoo and Dayoung have formed a bond through your time stuck in misery, those two you can read like a book. Both bubbly and bright, well, at least they would be if you met them under different circumstances. Dayoung is a beautiful air hostess who needs a job closer to home now that her mother is sick. When her best friend told her about jobs on the dark web, she applied for a bunch that seemed promising, dirty work that no one else would want to do - cleaning, sex work, drug transportation. She applied for them all. She is far too sweet to be here, and certainly too lovely to be a murderer's assistant.

Jaehyun on the other hand, you haven’t heard a peep, a few grunts here and there, but never a word. He’s strange, constantly working something out in his head that you can’t quite put your finger on. You think about Dayoung’s accusation again but more in-depth.

Clearly, he is not the killer or orchestrator of this entire derangement. But he is hiding something, either about his past or his present; in either case, you need to be wary of him.

"What about you, Y/N," Sunoo says with a sweet grin, "what did you do before this?"

To be honest, you haven't been paying attention to their chat recently, so the question throws you off. "Um, I…go to university."

"Oh!" Dayoung speaks out, her regular personality of sunlight shining through the mists of anxiety in her head. "I knew you were about our age."

Thrown off by the sudden attention, you stammer, “Um...I go to university.”

Dayoung’s eyes light up, a flicker of her usual sunny personality breaking through. “I knew you were about our age! What are you studying?”

Before you can respond, the air crackles to life unexpectedly with the tannoy - it's almost cheery, in sharp contrast to the strain on everyone's faces.

"Sorry, I kept you waiting," Jaeyun's voice echoes uncomfortably light-hearted. "I had some other business to take care of." His voice alone sends shivers down your spine, and the phoney civility makes it much more terrifying. "Isn't it a shame about Heeseung? I was convinced he would make it!"

Your gaze instinctively flickers to where Heeseung’s body lays, and a cold wave of dread washes over you. The atmosphere shifts instantly, becoming even more hostile; Jaeyun’s mere voice is enough to suck the warmth from Sunoo and Dayoung straight out of the room. The others seem equally disturbed - Sunoo pales, and Dayoung’s lips tremble, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

“Are you ready for task two?” Jaeyun continues, never actually expecting an answer, because let's face it, you all don’t really have a choice.

“Well, that depends,” Jaehyun mutters under his breath, bitterness tainting his words. “Is it fucking impossible?”

Jaeyun tuts mockingly, “No task is impossible, Jaehyun.” His tone sharpens, clearly irritated by the defiance. No one really talks back to killers like this, so you can understand the animosity that he holds for the older man. “Y/N, angel, could you be a sweetheart and pull that cloth over on the right?”

Your heart skips a beat as he speaks to you directly. You had not seen the big, alarming object wrapped in a thick sheet until now. It lurks in the corner of the room, producing a massive shadow that appears to reach across the ground. With trembling hands, you approach it, the others gazing in tense stillness. The cloth seems heavy in your fingers, and the structure beneath is gradually revealed as you draw it away.

It's...horrifying. The tower rises around 8 feet tall and resembles a monstrous crucifix made of cold, glistening metal. At the top, as well as at the ends of the arm and foot sections, are little contraptions linked to a gear system that is too complex for even a YouTube tutorial to describe. The mechanics look meticulously designed for one purpose: pain. Your breath freezes in your throat as you take in the whole thing.

“Isn’t it beautiful? I made it myself, believe it or not.” Jaeyun’s voice drips with pride, “Someone needs to strap themselves in, and the rest of you... well, your job is simple. Find the keys I’ve hidden-”

“No,” you cut in, your voice surprisingly steady despite the bubbling in your stomach. “Tell us what really happens. One of us goes into this trap, and what?”

There is a pause. Then Jaeyun's voice returns, a bit slower and more deliberate. "Well," Jaeyun drawls, delighting in you discomfort. "See those gears? Once you're strapped in, parts of the machine start to spin all the way around. Slowly at first and each limb gets a full twist, one by one. You've got 10 minutes to find all the keys before your neck gets twisted and...you get the jist"

A countdown appears on the wall, and you realise the terrifying truth. The floor drops out from beneath you.

"So, who's going in?" Jaeyun taunts.

The four of you exchange glances, each of your eyes betraying the same emotion - terror. None of you need to voice it. After witnessing Heeseung’s brutal demise, it's clear that no one wants to be the next victim. The unspoken tension swallows you whole. Jaeyun’s laughter still echoes faintly in your ears, mocking your helplessness as you stand before the towering metal monstrosity.

Jaehyun breaks the silence first. His hands shoot up, palms forward as though warding off any suggestion that he should take the fall. “Not me.” His voice is firm, adamant that he will not be strapped up and deemed helpless. Maybe it’s the toxic masculinity or something else, either way, you don’t really like his mentality.

He steps back, glaring at the floor as if searching for answers in the cracks of the concrete. “I’m no good to you in that trap. I’m...” He hesitates, his brows knitting together as he searches for the right words, contemplating how much he should share. “Good at finding things. Things out of sight.” His lips curl into a faint snarl as his mind thinks in ways you can’t decipher from the twitch in his brow.

Sunoo fidgets anxiously before exclaiming, "I'm really good at escape rooms!" His speech resonates with an unexpected surge of confidence, and his eyes are filled with the hope that this will pardon him. "I always find the last clue!" A short smile flashes over his lips, a proud glance that glows behind his sullen demeanour. Escape rooms require cleverness, a knack for finding hidden things, secret compartments, and codes. He’s putting himself forward as the best option for hunting down the keys. His reasoning is sound, and the relief on his face is almost palpable as he sees the rest of you nod.

You just hope he isn’t lying.

That leaves just you and Dayoung. You can feel their gaze on you, and the weight of expectation presses across your chest like a weight bar, and you have no one to spot you. The boys have already thrown out their reasons.. Now it's your turn. You open your mouth, but your thoughts are blank. How could you even start arguing your way out of this? There is no legitimate justification that will not come out as cowardly. Fear claws at your insides, and for a brief minute, you envision the machine twisting your limbs one by one, hearing the crunch of bone and muscles shredding, and experiencing the excruciating pain. The image makes you feel like vomiting.

Dayoung fidgets next to you, her eyes darting between the rest of you in search of an escape. Her face is pale and fingers tremble as she tugs on the hem of her shirt. You can see her anxiety, a mirror of yours. But underneath that anxiety is truth, and the truth is that someone has to step into the trap - you cannot let that person be you.

The painful instrument dominates your thoughts, its cold, lifeless shape sending shivers down your spine. You can hardly think straight as you look for any excuse or justification to avoid the crucifix-like monster.

"I..." you begin, your voice unsteady and hesitant. "I have quick hands." The lie emerges before you can stop it, a feeble attempt to weasel your way out. “I’m good at…opening things. Picking locks, and…I can hotwire stuff. If worst comes to worst, maybe I can stop the gears.”

The flimsy excuse hangs in the air, and for a moment, you wonder if they’ll see through it. Sunoo, to your surprise, nods quickly, accepting your words without question. His eyes flicker with a strange sense of determination, as though he’s already decided this task will be his moment to prove something - perhaps even to himself. It’s not just about who gets into the death trap anymore; it’s about whether or not the others trust you enough to find the keys and save whoever steps into that crucifix-shaped machine.

Dayoung, however, remains frozen, her terror palpable. She looks between you and the machine with a mixture of disbelief and silent pleading, as if she’s hoping someone - anyone - will speak up and spare her from what’s coming. The claggy air around you grows thicker and more suffocating. Every breath feels shallow, as though you’re inhaling the very tension that blankets the room.

“Dayoung, you get in,” Jaehyun says, his tone flat and absolute. There’s no room for argument, and you can see from the set of his jaw that he’s not going to entertain any. His words hang heavy in the silence, a command disguised as a suggestion.

Dayoung snaps out of her haze, eyes widening with horror as she instinctively goes into defence mode. Nothing like someone forcing you to possible death to spring you alert. “Huh? Why me?” Her voice wavers, panic obvious in her words. “I have twenty-twenty vision, and I’m smaller than all of you! I can squeeze into tight spaces-”

You interrupt, your voice stronger than you feel. “The three of us all have those skills covered. I’ve got good eyesight, and Sunoo is small, he can wiggle into any space that needs crawling into.” You’re desperate now, more than you’d like to admit. If they start considering her reasoning, you’ll be the one stepping into that machine, and you can’t - won’t - let that happen. You don’t know these people. You don’t trust them. What if they strap you in and fail to find the keys in time? What if they’re lying about their abilities? What if they leave you to die?

Sunoo, catching onto your momentum, pipes up next. “Yeah, and you said you were a cheerleader back in high school,” he says, trying to keep his tone light. “So that means you’re, like, bendy, right?”

Dayoung glares at him, clearly regretting ever sharing that piece of personal information. “What does that have to do with my limbs being twisted off my body?!” she snaps. “Flexible or not, they’ll still be twirled like a fucking pretzel!”

You wince at the harshness of her words, but Jaehyun, standing by the contraption, doesn't seem fazed. Instead, he glances at Dayoung, his expression unreadable as he adds, “It means you might be able to withstand it more than we will.”

The room falls silent, weighing up the truth of his statement and somehow agreeing with his logic. Dayoung, however, looks at him like he’s lost his mind, her face contorted with disbelief and horror. “Oh, and what about my neck, huh?” she snaps, voice rising. “What if you losers don’t find all the keys and my neck gets snapped? Nobody can ‘withstand’ that more.”

Her words echo in the room, and for a brief moment, everyone is stunned into silence. Jaehyun crosses his arms, clearly unmoved by her protests. He’s decided, and there’s no changing his mind.

"I don't want to die like this," Dayoung says, her voice suddenly low and broken. Her shoulders sag as the gravity of the situation sinks in. Her eyes are glazed over with terror, and you can feel her breaking. All that bravado and bite she had earlier is slowly but surely disappearing.

But Jaehyun's stare is unwavering. He takes a step nearer and rests his hand on the cool metal of the machine, his eyes surveying the intricate gearwork with detached fascination. "We won't let it go that far; just do it," he adds, almost as if he's trying to persuade himself as well as her.

Finally, Dayoung takes a hesitant step forward, her face pale as a ghost. She's resigned, like a prisoner headed to the end of the line. And you can only watch as she climbs onto the platform, her hands shaking as she fumbles with the straps, helping Jaehyun secure her into whatever fate lies ahead.

The sound of the straps and locks clicking into place makes your stomach churn and Dayoung’s breath hitches as the final buckle snaps into position, locking her neck in. You can see the panic rising in her eyes, her chest heaving as the machine stirs to life. She’s finding it hard to believe that Heeseung was so calm, and if he wasn’t, then how the fuck did he hide it so well.

“Excellent! Well done Dayoung,” Jaeyun’s unsympathetic voice bounces between the speakers and down the walls. “The countdown’ll start as soon as your right arm starts to twist! Good luck and remember, this is a team interview exercise.”

Your legs feel like cement as you wobble forward, your gaze darting over the room, looking for any trace of the missing keys. The others follow suit, but it’s clear that the tension has infected everyone’s ability to think straight. The sound of the machine's gears creaking fills the room as the clock ticks down, and every second feels like a mallet, battering you deeper into dread.

Dayoung whimpers behind you, the straps tightening as precious time slips by. The air is thick with her shallow breaths, and the hum of the machine grows louder, more menacing. You can hear the faint clicking of gears preparing to turn, and the thought of her limbs being twisted…it’s enough to make bile rise in your throat.

You can’t think, can’t focus.

The countdown is annoyingly bright and menacing in the corner of your eye as Dayoung’s breath comes in sharp, ragged gasps, the crucifix’s gears clanking ominously and telling the tale of what is to come. Her wide eyes dart frantically between the three of you as her right arm jerks in its restraint, slowly being twisted backwards, the pain already creeping up to her shoulder.

"Please! Oh my God, hurry!" Dayoung cries, her shrieking voice slicing the quiet like a blade. Her body twitches in pain as the cuff tightens around her wrist, and you watch in horror as the skin on her arm stretches unnaturally, taut like a rubber band about to snap.

The grinding noise grows excruciating as the gears yank harder, and suddenly, you hear it: crack - the first bone in her arm fractures loudly, like dry twigs breaking beneath your feet. Blood vessels begin to creep onto the surface of her skin. Her hand twitches furiously, fingers curving into odd angles as her forearm twists tighter and tighter, bones grinding against muscle.

Dayoung’s right arm twists further, the machine now dragging her elbow into an impossible angle. The skin stretches thin, almost translucent, the veins standing out against her flesh. A sickening pop fills the air as her elbow dislocates, and her screams grow louder, more desperate. Blood oozes from her wrist, the pressure of the cuff cutting deep into her skin.

You feel like you’re frozen in place, staring at the horror unfolding in front of you, but Sunoo is sueprisingly the first to break free of the trance. “We need to find the keys!” he shouts, voice tight with panic, to which you and Jaehyun nod, tearing your eyes away from the sight. You all wasted two precious minutes just staring at her when you could have been looking for the keys that could have been saving her.

You rush into action, your mind racing and your hands shaking violently as you yank every object in the room out of its designated space. As you knock it over, a chair smashes to the ground, tearing up its cushion in a blind quest for the key to stop the madness.

Jaehyun searches through a cabinet, tugging drawers out one by one, the wood splintering as he throws them away. "There must be something! Anything!" His voice shakes and you can see desperation in his eyes.

Yanking open a vent in the wall, Sunno’s hands tremble as he feels around inside, the cold metal and dust bunnies brushing his fingertips. Then, he feels a bump and his digits pinch around it, the jagged edges meaning only one thing.

“I’ve got one! I found a key!” he cries out, holding the small piece of metal high. You all rush over to Dayoung, hope surging through you like lightning. Maybe this will work, maybe you can stop it.

Sunoo's heart pounds in his chest as he wrestles with the lock on her right arm restraint. His fingers fumble with the key, trying to find the right angle, but it just won't turn, or more to the point, the key isn't fitting. "No, no, no, no!" he mutters, his voice rising in desperation. He tries again, twisting the key with all his might, but it remains stubbornly stuck.

Jaehyun takes the key from him and tries another lock on the machine. "What the hell?!" He plugs the key into the contraption's base, but the gears continue to revolve. You can hear Dayoung sobbing; the anguish is too much for her to bear.

“We’re wasting time!” you shout, looking around frantically. "Let’s just collect all the keys first, then we’ll figure it out!"

The three of you go back to scrambling around, opening drawers, and checking behind cabinets, Jaehyun even looks around Heeseung’s decapitated body, hoping that one could shine out amongst the blood.

Sunoo discovers another key buried in a crack in the wall, near a dusty old picture. "Another one!" he cries, but the desperation in his voice exposes the helplessness that grips all of you. He pockets the key, and the three of you spread out again, tearing through the room with intent.

Jaehyun is ripping apart the shelf with desperate energy, his knuckles white, when the next horrible thud of the machine resonates across the room, sending a chill down your spine. You turn just in time to see Dayoung's right leg furiously writhing in its constraint, the strap pressing further into her skin. The machine moves its brutal focus to her lower body. Your stomach clenches and nausea rises in your throat as you watch the grotesque scene unfold.

The machine's gears moan, and Dayoung's foot begins to twist awkwardly, as the rotation accelerates. Her thigh remains rigid, its muscles straining and bulging under the pressure, like a rope stretched to its breaking point. Her knee tendons swell beneath her skin, huge cables of flesh pulling and stretching in a dance of resistance. Dayoung's scream punctures the air, a primal, guttural sound that stills your blood. Her face is pallid, smeared with tears and sweat, and her eyes are wide with fear as she thrashes helplessly.

"Oh my God! Not my leg! Not my leg!" She screams with an understandable mix of fear and pain. The thin layer of skin around her knee begins to rip, blood pouring through as the strain goes above what human flesh is capable of withstanding. Her muscles twist and sag as the machine's merciless grasp tightens, and suddenly, with a horrible crack, her knee breaks sideays, making a wet, nauseating sound that echoes like thunder.

The jagged edge of her femur rips through her skin with a nauseating pop, jutting out in a jagged shard. It weirdly reminds you of Adamantoise from Final Fantasy XV. Flesh hangs in torn, ragged ribbons around the exposed bone, and blood pours in a thick torrent, pooling in a dark stain beneath her mangled limb, much like Heeseung’s fingers did, except this is a lot more blood and a lot more evil to watch.

Jaehyun stumbles backwards, panic in his eyes as he tears open another drawer, frantically pulling out a key hidden behind a false panel. His hands shake as he tries the key in the restraint locking her left leg, just in the off chance. “Goddammit! What are these for?!” His voice cracks, teetering on the edge of despair as the key refuses to budge. His breath comes in ragged gasps, desperation turning his hands into quaking fists.

Your mind is overwhelmed by the image of Dayoung's leg, which is no longer recognisable as a limb but rather a tangle of flesh and bone gushing blood. It looks like raw meat shredded apart by wolves. The room spins around you as you claw at the walls, overturning furniture in a wild frenzy, searching for anything - literally anything - to stop this.

Suddenly, Sunoo’s shout pierces the chaos. “I’ve got a gold one!”.

He bolts toward Dayoung, holding up another key as if it were salvation itself. He jams it into the restraint around her left leg, but it doesn’t turn. The machine chugs and Dayoung’s other leg is pulled taut, the bone twisting under the skin in a gruesome slow-motion torture. The sound of her muscles tearing, that awful wet rip, lodges itself in your ears, and you can't shake it.

Then comes the final, sickening snap. The bone in her shin shatters, tearing through her skin in jagged shards. A spray of blood explodes across the room, splattering onto Sunoo’s face, and your legs. It feels warm and sticky against your skin, the coppery scent filling the air and overcoming your senses. Dayoung’s screams have weakened, her voice barely a whisper now, choked with exhaustion and agony, her eyes glazed over in shock, mouth spilling out choked sobs.

It’s amazing how different the circumstances between Dayoung and Heeseung are, yet their deaths follow a similar parallel. The sprays of blood, the weakened states, the bones crushing. It shows that no matter the reason for death, everyone bleeds and breaks the same.

“We don’t have much time!” Sunoo cries, his hands shaking violently, clutching the remaining keys like they’re mocking him. His eyes are wild, filled with fear as he glances between Dayoung’s mutilated body and the infernal machine that continues its slow, merciless work. You can feel it, too - the ticking clock of doom, grinding closer and closer to its inevitable, bloody end.

It’s more daunting than the actual clock behind you.

The machine clicks ominously, and the sound alone makes your stomach lurch. Dayoung’s left arm jerks violently as the mechanical cuffs tighten around her wrist, pulling at her arm and beginning it’s torture on the perfectly in-place limb - the only one she has left. The grinding whir of the machine grows louder, almost gleeful, as though it’s savouring the destruction it's about to unleash on her fragile body. You know Jaeyun will surely be enjoying this - like machine, like inventor.

Her arm twists further, the tendons straining beneath the skin like cords ready to snap. Then, with a sickening pop, her shoulder dislocates just like her right, and you watch as the bone and muscle jut unnaturally against the surface of her skin, threatening to rip through. Blood begins to trickle from the edges of her arm, mixing with the thick pool already staining the floor beneath her mangled legs. Her head lolls to the side, her mouth opening in a weak gasp as her eyes roll back, the struggle for consciousness palpable on her ashen face.

Jaehyun is tearing apart the last piece of furniture in the room, his voice raw with frustration. “There has to be one more key!” He throws the remains of a shattered drawer against the wall, rage flooding his features. It’s supposed to be five keys for the five locks, and even though the older man knows that the likelihood of the last key working, he needs to find it for principle.

The machine doesn’t give you a moment to process that you can’t save her as a dark groan comes from behind her head. it locks into its final phase and Dayoung’s body spasms, her neck jerking in the metal collar now tightening around her throat. Her eyes snap open, wide with pure, unadulterated terror as the realisation hits her, the clock from the projector down to its final two minutes. “No! No, no, no! You said you would save me you fucking assholes.” Her scream is shrill, a piercing wail filled with desperation and horror, the kind that claws at your insides. Her chest heaves as she tries to force air through her constricted throat, her sobs now a mix of strangled cries and gurgling gasps.

The collar tightens further, pressing into her throat like a vice. Rather than spinning her around like it did her arms and legs, this one tightens, squeezing flat against her neck. Her throat bulges unnaturally under the pressure, veins pulsing as the skin stretches to its breaking point. She’s barely able to get a breath, her voice reduced to choking whimpers. “Please, please, stop it!” Dayoung pleads, her wide, panic-stricken eyes darting between you and the others, pleading for mercy, for salvation. “Don’t let it kill me! Please!”

You’re out of time. The keys don’t work and the machine has literally no mercy to offer. But Sunoo isn't going to just let someone die; it's not who he is. He begins to shake the device, kicking and clawing at it, desperation as his driving force. He attempts to remove the leather strap from her throat, but it's too tight to fit his fingers beneath.

“Y/N, you said you can hot wire! Fucking do something,” he cries out, never taking his eyes off Dayoung. He doesn’t know her but even with the dragging hours that have passed, learning about her and forming even a slither of connection, he has to do everything to get her out of this.

In a panic, you rush to the rear of the equipment ripping apart the metal plate concealing its inner workings. Inside, you can see the gears spinning, the chilly, complex system pushing Dayoung's head tighter and tighter, threatening to shatter her neck like a fragile twig.

As your fingers dig into the tangle of cables, the machine roars louder, its gears grinding cruelly, as if mocking your efforts. Sweat pours down your cheeks, and your hands tremble uncontrollably as you grasp at wires, hoping to disconnect something to halt the awful machinery.

"Y/N, hurry!" Sunoo's voice breaks with dread, and his eyes widen as he sees Dayoung's body contort even more. Her short, raspy gasps get faster and more frantic as she struggles against the collar's inexorable tightening. She can't even fight with her body, all of her limbs being held together by straggled pieces of muscle and cartilage. If you were to describe it, you would say what should be her arms and legs have turned into those childhood blankets that disintegrate through years of wear and tear. Yet this only happened in a matter of minutes.

Your fingers fumble with the cables, shaking with every quick movement. You cross some over, hoping that by some miracle, your desperate efforts may put an end to the horror unfolding right in front of you. The air is heavy with tension, and each breath is weighed down by fear and powerlessness. But suddenly, amidst the metallic clinks and grinding hum of the machine, you hear it: the unmistakable click.

The machine surges, accelerating with terrifying speed”

"Y/N! Stop it! Stop it!" Sunoo’s voice is raw, squeaking with sheer panic, but the horror is already set in motion. The machine lets out a final, deafening whir, as if announcing its triumph, and then it happens.

The sound is an abomination - a sharp, bone-splitting crunch that reverberates through the room like a gunshot. It’s not just a snap; it’s a sickening, wet crack and squelch that makes your skin crawl, as though the very marrow inside her bones has been torn apart.

Dayoung’s head shifts distortedly as it falls forward, barely hanging on. Her eyes are wide, lifeless - once filled with terror, now emptied of everything. There’s no struggle left in her, no more screams, no more gasps. The frantic twitching of her body ceases in an instant, the fight drained from her all at once, leaving only a horrifying stillness. Her limbs hang limp in the restraints, the tendons and bones within mangled beyond recognition.

Blood runs from her neck and down her body, creating a deep, black pool with a sticky surface that gleams in the harsh lights above, almost acting like a mirror. Every morsel of life have been drained from her, oozing into the concrete floor and merging with the carnage that has already taken her legs and arms. The machine comes to a slow, halting end, seemingly content with its work, leaving nothing but shattered quiet in its wake.

The silence that follows is oppressive, an emptiness so profound that it feels as if the room is closing in on the three of you. The weight of the terror bears down on your chest, making it difficult to breathe, and your pulse hammering in your ears as the realisation of what has just happened sets in. As you walk around to see the mess that you helped cause, you place a hand over your mouth, masking your emotions as your eyes trail every piece of her. Dayoung’s mutilated body hangs before you, a disturbing wreckage of blood, bone, and twisted flesh. Her limbs, once full of life and motion, now hang like shattered remnants of a body that once moved, once breathed. The machine has reduced her to ruin, her final scream still echoing faintly in your mind, haunting and relentless.

Sunoo backs up and you catch him before he falls, your left arm scooped around his waist as you hold him steady. You pat his head with your free hand, lulling him to calm down, but no amount of shushing or empathetic words can stop him from shutting down. So, you gently place him down on the ground, facing away from Dayoung’s mangled body.

The clock behind you switches from the dreaded countdown to Jaeyun, his eyes lighting up with joy as he takes in the pretty sight before him.

“Wow. That was a mess huh?” The pout on his face makes him look young, but no matter how baby his face might look, he is still evil throughout his bones. "That is such a shame, guys. Really, I am so sorry. All you needed was one mor-" he stops suddenly and it's quiet as you’re all left in suspense. He giggles and gasps in mocking shock. "Oh no…guys this is all my fault…I didn't put in the right keys...my bad"

The taunting lilt in Jaeyun's voice makes your skin crawl, the shine of the correct keys in his hands only adding insult to injury. The weight of Dayoung's lifeless body settles heavily on your chest, but Jaeyun’s words rip through that veil of despair like a sharp blade, twisting the knife deeper.

"You sick bastard!" Jaehyun shouts out, veins popping from his forehead. Hearing the murderer through a tannoy is one thing, but for Jaehyun, seeing him is so much worse. The smug grin that never leaves, the sheer enjoyment that vibrates through his body as he talks you through the torment, he can’t fucking stand it.

"Even if the correct keys had been in place, Dayoung would still be nothing more than a twisted wreck. This doesn’t change anything. Her fate was sealed the moment this game began. You didn’t find the last key."

Frustration mounts, fists clenched and knuckles whitening. There’s an instinct to lash out, to break something, to do anything to fight the powerlessness suffocating the room. "You’re lying!" Jaehyun snaps, refusing to believe or accept his own downfall in finding the key. "You hid that last key! There was never a chance to save her!"

The murderer on the screen gives a cold laugh, eyes gleaming with perverse pleasure. "Now, now," comes the taunting coo, "I wouldn’t be screaming at your potential future employee, Jaehyun."

A sharp bang fills the space as Jaehyun’s fist slams against the wall, the thud reverberating through the air. "Where is it?" The demand is firm, the need to know outweighing the anger. “Tell me where the last key is!”

A soft, condescending sigh follows. "Why do you care, hmm? Dayoung is already dead, her neck squished like a grape. Why does it matter?" The question is laced with cruelty, the words designed to provoke.

Taking a breath, Jaehyun forces the anger down, his voice dropping to a low growl. He needs to remain calm and focused right now. "Call it curiosity."

Silence hangs for a moment before Jaeyun leans forward, his gaze dark with amusement. "Curiosity, huh?" he muses. "I like that in my workers." The pause stretches on as if savouring the tension. Then, his voice takes on a more dramatic tone. "The last key…is in the eye of the beholder."

“What the fuck does that mean?" The sneer from Jaehyun is filled with disdain as his eyes narrowed in frustration. "Quit with your cryptic bullshit!"

Jaeyun’s grin widens into something grotesque. He doesn’t explain, not even a blues clues crayon drawing to help you understand. Instead, he adopts a chirpier demeanour, clapping his hands together and bringing back that game show host vibe he had at the very beginning.

"Who’s ready for round three?" The shift in tone is as jarring as it is maddening, the man’s sadistic pleasure in his own game shining through.

A whisper breaks the silence. "W-what is it?" Sunoo’s voice trembles, his body shaking and eyes glistening with tears.

"Glad you asked, Sunoo!" The glee in Jaeyun’s voice is palpable, oozing cruelty. "Round three is a favourite in our household. We like to call it...Key Cutter."

A thrill spikes as you glance toward the screen, dread and curiosity settling deep in your stomach. "What...what does that mean?" you ask, voice tight.

"It begins with a scan," he replies, his tone dropping lower and more sinister. “Y/N, why don’t you be a doll and grab the brown envelope on the table to your right?”

Swallowing hard, you nod and move stiffly toward the table, legs heavy. The envelope sits there, innocuous in appearance, yet you know that whatever it contains will be anything but ordinary. With trembling hands, you tear it open and pull out the contents. A stack of MRI images stares back at you, cold and clinical. At first, you don't register what you're seeing, but then the truth hits like a sledgehammer.

The scan shows a skull, some side view and others straight on, but within it, lodged behind the eye socket, is something metallic.

A key…the key.

“What the hell is this?” Your voice barely escapes your lips as the images tremble in your hands.

Jaeyun’s laughter reverberates through the room. "Oh, it’s actually kinda funny. The fifth key you need? It’s hidden inside someone’s skull."

A wave of nausea washes over you as his words sink in. One of you is carrying the key inside your own head.

“How the hell were we supposed to know that?” Jaehyun barks, snatching the scan from your hands quickly, eyes narrow as he studies the image and muscles tensing with each second that passes. His knuckles turn white, gripping the paper so tightly that it threatens to tear. There’s a fire in his eyes - rage, frustration, and helplessness all coiling into a dangerous tornado inside him.

“Didn’t you say you were good at finding things? You should’ve figured that out, Jaehyun.” The taunt from Jaeyun cuts deep, aimed with precision to needle Jaehyun's already strained patience, and clearly it’s working.

Sunoo, wiping his tear-streaked cheeks, takes a trembling step forward. His body is still shaking but there’s a determination now - a need to understand what the fuck is going on, even as fear gnaws at him.

“I...I want to see it,” Sunoo mumbles softly, his voice cracking as he approaches. His hand reaches out, fingers quivering as they touch the edge of the scan and pull it from the man’s grasp. Sunoo doesn’t like anger or confrontation and although he understands Jaehyun and his right to be mad, it doesn’t make him any less frightened of him.

His eyes flit across the image, tracing the lines of the skull, the shape of the eye socket, and finally, the small key embedded within. His breath catches in his throat. “Whose... whose eye is it?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

A sinister chuckle echoes through the speakers. “Why don’t you take a closer look, bud?”

Sunoo’s fingers tighten around the paper, pulling the image closer to his face and his brows furrowing as he focuses. There’s something familiar about the shape, the positioning of the skull. He’s seen this before...in a different context. His eyes widen suddenly, like a jolt of icy realisation has shot through him, freezing him in place.

“N-no...” he breathes, the colour draining from his face. His lips tremble, and his whole body runs cold, every part of him going rigid as his heart pounds in his chest, desperate to keep his blood pumping. "I-it’s...it’s mine."

Both you and Jaehyun turn toward him, the air in the room thickening with dread. Sunoo stares at the scan, barely able to process what he’s seeing. His hand lifts shakily to his face, fingers hovering near his right eye, as if he could somehow feel the key hidden inside, buried in his skull. "I-I recognise the fracture," he says, voice trembling. "I...I had an accident a few years ago...a fall. They did a scan, and it looks just like this...This is my skull."

A suffocating silence falls over the room as the three of you stare blankly at the scan, any hope that it was a hoax now ripped away from each of you.

Sunoo is the one. The key is inside him. And now, the terrible weight of what that means settles over the group like a dark cloud.

Jaeyun’s voice, dripping with delight, breaks the tension. “That’s right, Sunoo! You’re the chosen one. You’ve been holding onto the key this whole time. Isn’t it funny how life works?” The sound of his laughter twists the knife further into the collective horror.

Sunoo stumbles back, his legs giving way as he crumples to the floor, shaking violently and backing up to the wall. "No...no, no, no...this can’t be real!" His hands grasp at his face, desperate and terrified, as if he could pull the key out by sheer will alone. Tears stream freely now, the terror overwhelming him completely. It might be his imagination but as the salty liquid hits his lips once again, there’s a metallic taste to it, the key dissolving into his tears.

"Hey, hey, it's okay! We don’t need the key anymore, Sunoo. You’re safe,” you rush to comfort him, your voice strained but hoping that somehow your words will break through his panic. After all, Dayoung’s fate was sealed without that final key. What difference would it make now?

But the instant Jaeyun’s voice cuts in, your skin crawls, and you feel a chill deep in your bones. "Weeeelll..." Jaeyun drags out the word, dripping with sinister delight. You freeze. His tone alone tells you that something much worse is coming. You glance at Sunoo, who is still sitting in a broken heap on the floor, and your stomach turns.

"You see," Jaeyun continues, "those keys you’ve been gathering? They weren’t actually for task two... but you do need them for task three."

The room seems to close in as his words seep into your mind. You can feel Sunoo next to you, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. His eyes glaze over in shock, and he looks like he’s going to be sick - and you wouldn’t blame him if he projectiled all over the floor right now.

The sharp stench of fear and sweat fills the air. His throat bobs, dry lips parting as if he wants to say something, but nothing comes out because there’s nothing to say, nothing that can get him out of this. His chest rises and falls rapidly, breaths shallow, and you see the terror completely take over.

"Y-you’re lying...we don’t need the key..." Sunoo mumbles, but there’s no conviction behind his words. His body betrays him, curling in on itself, as though he’s trying to make himself small enough to disappear.

Jaeyun hums thoughtfully, as though considering. "I wouldn’t lie to you. I make it habit never to lie to my employees. You see, task three? It’s a blood sport. Literally."

A low, ominous hum begins to vibrate in the room, coming from somewhere deep in the walls. The tension mounts as Jaeyun’s explanation continues. "There’s a box in front of you, you see it? That box needs to be filled with blood. When it’s full, the door to the final interview will open. Easy enough, right?" His voice is light, almost playful. But the implications hang heavy in the air, crushing your hope.

Your eyes dart around, searching the dim room until they land on the glass box that had gone unnoticed until now, nestled against the far wall. It's ominous, with measured lines down the side of it, indicating the measurements of what it’s supposed to hold.

"The catch," Jaeyun goes on, relishing every moment of your growing horror, "is that you need all the keys to unlock the cabinet where some special tools are stored. You can’t spill a drop until you have every key in hand because you can only use the tools that I give you! And before you think about it; no, you cannot use Dayoung or Heeseung’s blood, that would be waaay too easy."

Sunoo stifles a sob as he listens, hands clenched at his sides. His breath comes out ragged, and his whole body seems to shake with barely contained hysteria. “N-no...I can’t...I can’t do this!” His voice wavers as his panic deepens. The vomit threatening in his throat seems to rise, and he swallows it back, his face going pale as his lips tremble.

You kneel down beside him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Sunoo, listen to me," you whisper, trying to keep your voice steady. "We can figure this out. Just breathe."

Sunoo shakes his head frantically, panic surging through his veins. "I can’t...I can’t-"

Jaeyun cuts in again, casually flipping the mood. "Of course, you don’t have to volunteer yourself, Sunoo. You all make it a team effort. It’s up to you, I’m all for teamwork, although, I would like it if my new assistant had most of their body intact." He chuckles darkly, the sound grating in your ears like nails on a chalkboard.

Your heart sinks as you absorb his words. You glance at the others, trying to read their faces, but the reality of what’s being asked of you makes everything seem surreal.

"Fill the box with blood, and the door opens. Simple as that." Jaeyun’s words echo, cold and final. "If you want a shot at getting out of here, you're going to need that key. So, what’s it going to be?"

Sunoo squeezes his eyes shut and wraps his arms around himself, trying to keep from falling apart completely. Fresh tears fall down his cheeks and he’s breaking down right in front of you, shaking like a leaf from the wind that Jaeyun has just knocked out of him.

His panic spirals rapidly out of control; breaths come in short, erratic gasps, his chest heaving as if he can’t get enough air. His eyes dart around wildly, searching for a way out, but there is none. His entire body trembles violently, and you can see the sweat gathering at his hairline, his skin pale as death…which is all his body is gearing him up for.

“I can’t…I can’t…I can’t!” His voice cracks, hysteria rising, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. He starts backing away, his legs stumbling over themselves as he moves like a cornered animal. “Don’t make me! Please, I can’t do it!”

The desperation in his voice rips through you, and you can’t help but feel awful. Every instinct inside you screams to comfort him, to tell him it will be okay. But the truth is, it won’t be. There’s no escape from this. You’ve seen it too many times already. If you don’t get that key, you’re all going to die.

Your throat is tight, and the words feel like acid on your tongue as you step closer to him, trying to keep your voice steady. “Sunoo…listen to me. We…we don’t have a choice.” You swallow hard, the weight of what you’re about to say crushing you. “If we don’t get that key, we’re all dead. We need it. You know that. You’ve seen what happens here.”

Sunoo shakes his head furiously, his hands coming up to clutch his head as if trying to block out your words. “No, no, no…Please…There has to be another way.”

Jaehyunhis face is twisted in frustration. His fists clench and unclench, but you can see that same terrible understanding in his eyes. He knows there is no other way.

“There’s no time, Sunoo!” Jaehyun snaps, his voice harsh but cracking with the weight of the situation. “You heard him! If we don’t do this, we’re all going to end up like Dayoung and Heeseung. Do you want that?”

Sunoo’s face crumples, his hands dropping from his head as a sob escapes him. He shakes his head weakly, his voice just a titter or a whisper. “I don’t want to die…I don’t want to…” His wide, tear-filled eyes lock onto yours, pleading for some other solution, for some mercy that clearly no one is willing to give him.

You kneel in front of him, reaching out to gently take his nervous hands in yours. The moment your skin touches his, you feel how ice-cold he is, his body in shock. “I don’t want you to die either, Sunoo. None of us want this. But if we do this right, then you won’t. If you lose an eye you can still survive.”

His breath hitches, and you can see the conflict raging inside him. He doesn’t want to do it - no one would - but deep down, he knows you’re right. You can see it in his face, the crushing weight of the truth bearing down on him.

‘I can’t believe this is happening…” he whispers, his voice fragile, broken.

“I’m sorry…” You choke on the words. “I’m so sorry…but we need that key.”

For a long, horrible moment, the room is silent except for Sunoo’s ragged breathing. He’s staring at you, his eyes wide with disbelief and fear. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he nods. It’s the smallest, most reluctant gesture, but it’s enough to get the ball rolling.

Jaehyun, seeing the acceptance wash over Sunoo, lets out a harsh, shaky breath. “Okay. Okay. We can do this. We’ll…we’ll be quick, alright?”

But you all know there’s no way this will be quick. Not if you want him to live.

You scour the room, and Jaehyun eventually finds a rusted metal spoon, one he skidded across the floor in the manic panic of the last task. He holds it up, his hand trembling as he looks at it with disgust. The idea of using something so crude for this…it’s unthinkable. But you have no other choice.

Sunoo is seated against the wall, his legs pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around them tightly. His breathing is uneven, and the tears have dried on his cheeks but his quivering lips tells you the fear he’s feeling. His eyes are wide, staring off into space as if he’s trying to disassociate, trying to be anywhere but here. He knows what’s coming, and the terror is palpable and paralysing.

Quickly, Jaehyun places the spoon in your hand, dissolving himself of all responsibility in the matter. You don’t argue with him about it though, deciding that at least you can show some compassion in the moment, unlike someone…

“Sunoo, we’re going to do this together, okay? You’re not alone.” Your voice wavers, barely able to keep steady under the pressure.

He doesn’t respond at first, his gaze locked on the floor. But finally, he nods weakly. He looks up at you, eyes glistening with tears. “Just…do it quickly, please…”

You give him a reassuring - if be it fake - nod, but your hands begin to mirror hisnshaking form as you hold the spoon, the weight of what you’re about to do making your entire body feel cold. Jaehyun stands over you, watching intently.

“We have to be careful,” Jaehyun mutters, his voice strained. “We can’t mess this up.”

Ignoring Jaehyun, you and Sunoo look into one another's souls, knowing that there’s no careful way to do this. It’s going to hurt, no matter what.

Taking a deep breath, you steady yourself, and gently place your hand on the side of his head, positioning him. His breath hitches at your touch, and you can feel him trembling beneath your fingers, vibrations trepidation making your hand unsteady. You hate yourself for what you’re about to do to this innocent little lamb, but there’s no going back.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper, voice cracking, and then you bring the spoon to his eye. “I am so, so sorry, baby.”

The second the cold metal touches his skin, Sunoo jerks instinctively, letting out a strangled whimper. “No… no… please-”

“It’ll be over soon!” Jaehyun snaps, his voice tight with panic and impatience. He isn’t a nurturing person, you can tell that much about the enigmatic man, but you guess he is trying to soothe the boy in his own, fucked up way.

You press the spoon against his lower eyelid, feeling the resistance as it digs into his flesh. Blood wells up immediately, dark and thick, as you force the spoon deeper, pushing it into the socket. Sunoo’s screams fill the room, high-pitched and desperate, his body convulsing in pain.

“I’m sorry…I’m so sorry! Shhh,” you let a few tears fall, voice jittering as you work, your hands slick with his blood which now drips freely from the socket. The flesh tears as you force the spoon in deeper, scraping against bone and wiggling it around to break the tether, until you feel the pop - the horrifying, wet pop - of his eye dislodging from the socket.

Sunoo’s screams reach a fever pitch, his hands clawing at the ground and your chest, his entire body thrashing in agony. Blood pours from his ruined eye, streaming down his face in thick rivulets, soaking his clothes, those cute characters on his hoodie now looking like they’ve failed to survive a Jason Voorhees attack.

You force yourself to keep going, tears blurring your vision, and with a sickening squelch, you pull the eyeball free, catching it in your hand as it flies free from its home. Blood drips from the dangling nerve, pooling on the floor as Sunoo’s sobs turn to broken gasps, his body convulsing in shock and pain. The once-beautiful eye now sits useless and mutilated.

“There…there…” you whisper, voice shaking. But it’s far from over.

With nervous fingers, you reach into the hollow space behind his eye, feeling the sticky, wet mess of blood and tissue. You dig deeper, wincing at the sound of Sunoo’s raw, guttural cries, apologising profusely along the way, until your fingers brush against something cold and hard.

The key.

Sunoo's soft, pitiful sobs bounce around the room as you lean closer, brushing your lips against his forehead and trailing down to kiss away the tears that spill from his remaining eye. His whole body trembles beneath you, the shock of the impromptu surgery overwhelming him, and you feel a fierce protectiveness welling up inside you. He’s like your little brother, fragile and broken, and all you want to do is shield him from the horrors that keep crashing down on him.

You whisper soothing words, your hands gently cradling his head, but it does little to comfort him. His chest rises and falls in shallow breaths, each one laboured as he fights to keep his grip on reality. You stroke his hair, once blonde now dying red with the blood on your hands.

Jaehyun, meanwhile, is moving swiftly. He yanks the other keys from Sunoo’s blood-soaked pocket, his face a mask of determination, and then reaches out to take the key you’re still holding, your fingers slick with blood. His hand lingers for just a moment, his eyes locking onto yours as if to say ‘good job’, but the compliment lacks conviction. He just wants out of here, and granted you do to, but a little sympathy for the boy in your arms wouldn’t go amiss.

The metal locks clink against each other as he hurriedly makes his way to the box and tries each key, his hands shaking but focused. He jams the first key into the lock, twists it with a click, and tosses it aside. The second follows suit, then the third, each unlocking with a sharp clank that reverberates through the room. Your heart pounds in your chest with every click, the sound marking your descent deeper into this nightmare.

When he reaches the final key - the one you pulled from behind Sunoo’s eye - he hesitates, his thumb brushing over the bloodied surface. He turns to look back at Sunoo, whose broken body is slumped against the wall, pale and drenched in blood. Sunoo’s single eye is half-closed as he fights the sleep that pulls him. Jaehyun’s jaw tightens, and then with a final, decisive twist, he unlocks the last lock and throws the box open.

Inside, the contents are far from what any of you expected. A thin, transparent tube lies coiled neatly next to a length of what looks like wire - flimsy, almost like dental floss. Jaehyun’s face contorts in confusion as he pulls them out, holding the tube and wire up to the dim light.

“What the fuck? How are we supposed to get blood with this?” he mutters, examining the odd materials in his hands. His voice wavers slightly, betraying the exhaustion and frustration that’s building beneath the surface.

You tear your gaze away from Sunoo’s spent body, trying to focus on what Jaehyun is holding and your mind races, trying to make sense of the strange tools laid out before you. Honestly, you expected a knife or a saw, but not this.

Sunoo, still groggy and weak from the pain, turns his head toward Jaehyun, squinting with his one remaining eye. He looks disoriented, his face pale and drawn, but his voice comes out in a weak rasp. “Put the tube…in my socket…” His words are a breathless whisper, as though each one costs him more strength than he has to give.

“There’s not enough blood in there, baby,” you say softly, trying to keep your voice calm, though every part of you is screaming. “We need more than that…” You pause, staring at the box, dread curling in your stomach. “What does it say on the box?” you ask, hoping there’s some instruction that might make this clearer. “How deep is it?”

Jaehyun glances down at the lid of the box, his brows furrowing as he reads the small print engraved there. His lips tighten as he processes it. “It says…the container can hold 1 litre.”

Your heart sinks at the words. A litre of blood. That’s more than any eye socket could ever give, no matter how gruesome the idea. You cast another glance at the tube in Jaehyun’s hand, and that horrible idea solidifies even further in your mind. You’d need to draw blood directly from someone’s veins, from their body - slowly, methodically, until the box fills with enough to unlock the next stage.

“Jesus…” Jaehyun mutters, running a hand through his hair. His eyes dart back to Sunoo, then to you. “We need to decide. There’s no other way, is there?”

You shake your head, the weight of the situation pressing down on you like a boulder. “No. There isn’t.”

Sunoo turns his head slightly, trying to make sense of what you’re saying, his face drenched with sweat as he goes through a cold flush. He’s still coming to terms with the loss of his eye, his body limp from the trauma, but he knows there’s more to this task and he has to push through.

His lips part as if he’s going to say something, but no words come out at first. His breath is ragged, and for a moment, you think he might pass out from the stress. But then, he swallows, his throat bobbing, and he looks at you, resignation written all over his face.

“I’ll…I’ll do it,” he whispers, his voice barely audible. “If it’s…if it’s the only way…”

“Sunoo, no-” You start to protest, but the look he gives you is so filled with sorrow and determination that it makes your heart break all over again.

“I can,” he breathes, shaking his head weakly. “I’m already…dead anyway. It might as well be me…”

Jaehyun steps forward, his eyes softening as he kneels beside Sunoo. “We’re not asking you to die, Sunoo. We just need enough blood to get through this. We’ll stop before it’s too much, alright?” His voice is low, almost gentle, trying to reassure him, but you can see the strain on his face.

None of you are sure how far this will go.

Sunoo takes a shuddering breath and closes his eye, giving the faintest of nods. He knows there’s no escape, no mercy here, and it crushes your soul to see him like this. You can only begin to imagine how vibrant and charismatic he is outwith the circumstances.

You carefully wipe the blood from his cheek and cradle his face in your hands. You can feel his body trembling beneath your fingers, the fear coursing through him and shock from the blood loss overtaking his nerves, but he’s trying to be brave.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper again, voice breaking. You wish there were something else you could say, something more you could do to make this easier. But there’s nothing.

“If you make it out, can you…please tell my mum I love her?” It’s a simple last request, but one that tugs at your heartstrings.

Tell my mum I love her. Such a simple, human request - one that breaks you more than any of the blood and horror surrounding you. You press your forehead against his gently, tears brimming in your eyes as you try to find some semblance of strength to give him the answer he needs, even if you are unsure about the fate.

“You’ll tell her yourself, Sunoo,” you whisper back, though the words feel hollow even as you say them. You both know the chances are slim but you cling to the lie because the truth is too unbearable.

His lips quiver, and for a moment, he tries to offer you a smile but it falters before it fully forms. Instead, his eye glimmers with dread and tears, his breath shallow as each exhale hitches painfully in his chest.

“We…we can do this,” you continue, voice shaking. “We can cut through your leg with the wire. I saw it in a movie once.” You don’t know if the suggestion is even realistic, but the desperation in your voice makes it sound plausible - you suppose anything can be justified if it means surviving this. “There’s a lot of blood in the leg…and then we can tourniquet it. We can use Jaehyun’s tie and wrap it around tightly to stop the blood after we fill that stupid box.”

Sunoo’s eye widens, the reality of what you’re suggesting setting in. His whole body tenses, his remaining hand clutching weakly at your sleeve, holding onto you for some last semblance of comfort. The fear is obvious in him, but so is his trust in you. It’s the worst thing - knowing he trusts you to guide him through this but also knowing you’re about to lead him into more pain.

“I know,” you murmur, brushing your thumb against his blood-smeared cheek. “I know it sounds fucking awful and scary…but I promise I’ll stop the bleeding before anything bad happens, okay? You’re not alone in this.”

His chest shudders with a sharp, ragged breath, already foreshadowing his fate with a death rattle. Still, he gives a shallow but definitive nod; he’s surrendering to the outcome that has formed in his head, giving up his life for you and Jaehyun, and it breaks something in you.

Jaehyun watches from the side, his face a stony mask, though you can tell he’s struggling, the weight of what you’re about to do hanging over all of you all like a death sentence. He moves closer, his voice low and controlled, though there’s a slight undercurrent underneath it. “Let’s get it over with. The longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be.”

You nod, trying to swallow down the bile rising in your throat. Jaehyun holds out the thin wire, its appearance belying the horrific task it’s going to perform.

Laying back against the wall, Sunoo’s body stiffen, his breaths coming in quick, panicked bursts. His lips are dry and cracked, his whole form trembles as the fear tears him apart from the inside.

“Sunoo,” you say softly, “look at me. Just focus on me, yeah? We’re going to get through this.”

His eye locks onto yours, wide and full of terror, but he nods weakly, his chest rising and falling erratically. His lips quiver, his breaths shallow and quick, as he braces himself for what’s coming next.

You quickly take off his jeans, discarding them and gently lifting his thigh over the wire, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch. The thought that in a few minutes his leg will be severed and bone sawed makes your hands shake, but you force yourself to keep moving. You can’t falter. Not now.

Jaehyun steps in to help, holding Sunoo’s ankle firmly and holding his leg in place. He glances at you, his jaw set. “Ready?”

You nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

That might be the biggest lie you’ve ever said…or one of them at least.

“I’m so sorry, Sunoo,” you whisper, and with a deep breath, you begin to saw.

The wire digs into his flesh, slicing through the skin and muscle like a knife through butter, its flimsy appearance teaching you never to judge a book by its cover.

Sunoo screams - a raw, gritting sound that rips through the room, filling the air with his agony. The sound pierces you to your core, every second of his suffering echoing in your head as the wire cuts deeper, exposing the red tissue beneath the skin.

Blood spills instantly, thick and dark, pouring from the wound and pooling on the floor. It’s warm, sticky, and the metallic of it all stifles the room, making your stomach churn.

Sunoo thrashes in your grip, his hands clutching at the ground as his scream dissolves into sobs. He’s in agony and his body convulses as the wire digs deeper into his flesh. His face slick with sweat, his eye squeezed shut as he tries to block out the pain, but it’s useless.

You keep pulling the wire back and forth, your hands covered in blood, trembling as the wire grinds through his leg, severing muscle, tendon, and bone. It’s a gruesome, horrific scene, the wet, squelching sound of flesh being torn apart filling your ears.

“Hold on, Sunoo,” you whisper for his comfort, though your voice shakes. “Just a little longer…”

His cries are ragged and throat hoarse from screaming, his whole body is shaking violently, his face twisted in pain. You can see the life draining out of him, the blood loss taking its toll, and you know you have to act fast.

With a final, desperate pull, the wire severs through the leg with a sickening slce, and Sunoo’s leg comes free. His scream echoes through the room, a sound so full of pain and fright that it feels like it’s tearing your soul apart.

Sunoo is barely conscious now, his body limp, his eye fluttering as he teeters on the edge of passing out. His breaths are shallow and rapid, and his face is ashen, the life draining from him with every second.

You drop the wire, horrified by what you’ve just done, but there’s no time to dwell on it because you have to finish this. You have to fill the box or it will all be for nothing.

Jaehyun grabs the tube, plunging it into the open wound, sucking on it to get the flow started, and soon enough the blood begins to flow through it, filling the container. The sight of it makes your chest tighten but you force yourself to watch, to make sure it works. Thick and dark crimson pumps into the small tube you’ve inserted.

It starts slowly - drop by drop, the blood pooling in the bottom of the box, each splash of liquid a reminder of the life draining from him. It feels like time is slipping through your fingers, just like the life from Sunoo’s body.

“Stay with me, Sunoo,” you whisper, voice breaking as the tears build in your eyes. You can barely see through them, but you refuse to let them fall. Not now. You reach out, carefully wiping away the blood thats still falling from his socket and smeared over his clammy skin.

Sunoo’s one good eye flutters weakly open, overridden with pain, yet still trying to focus on you. The sight of him like this - broken, scared - it tears at your heart in ways you can’t describe. “I’m sorry,” you say again, voice cracking under the weight of your guilt. You wish there was something, anything, that could make this easier, but there isn’t.

“Tell me it will be okay,” he whispers, his voice barely audible, yet the words hit you like a freight train. You swallow hard, a sob rising in your throat, but you push it down. You can’t promise him a lie, but you can’t vocalise the truth either.

You steal a glance at the box as the blood continues to flow into the container, the level slowly creeping higher. It’s almost full, almost there but it feels like it’s taking forever. And Sunoo…Sunoo is fading faster than you can process.

Jaehyun watches in tense silence, his knuckles white as he grips the tube, his face hard but his eyes betraying the same fear and helplessness you feel. His jaw clenches as he steals a look at Sunoo, then back at the box, calculating the blood flow, his mind racing against the ticking clock that seems to be counting down to Sunoo’s last breath.

Finally, the blood reaches the top of the container, the dark liquid filling it to the brim and Jaehyun curses under his breath, his eyes flickering to you, waiting for you to take the next step.

But Sunoo’s body has already gone limp. His breathing has slowed to a near stop.

“Sunoo…” you murmur, panic rising in your chest. You can’t lose him. Not after this. Not now.

“Quick!” you blurt, hands fumbling as you reach for the tie around Jaehyun’s neck. You pull it off in one fluid motion, shaking, and wrap it tightly around his leg, above the gaping wound. You’re gripping it so desperately that you lose sensation in your fingers, but the blood just keeps coming despite your efforts.

“Come on,” you beg, tears streaming freely now, desperate to stop the vicious flow of blood. “Please. Please just hold on!”

You knot the tie with shaking fingers, doing everything you can to slow the torrent, but it’s already too late. His body is cold beneath your hands and the life that was once in his eyes is slowly fading away.

The blood has poured out too quickly, too much of it lost in too short a time. You glance at the box and see it screaming victory - but at what cost? The success feels hollow, a sick joke in the face of Sunoo’s fading life.

“Sunoo, please…please stay with me. You’re going to be okay. You have to be…”

As you mutter the words, you can feel his body grow still, his breath stutters and falters. “I’m sorry,” you whisper, your tears falling onto his cold cheek. You kiss away the blood and tears, desperate to bring him comfort, to let him know that he isn’t alone in these final moments.

Sunoo’s lips part, a faint sound escaping him, but it’s not a word - it’s just a weak, broken breath. His chest rises one last time, then falls with finality, and you feel the last of his warmth leave him.

“No…” Your voice is barely a whisper, breaking under the weight of your grief. You can’t look away from him, even as the silence fills the room, thick and suffocating.

Jaehyun steps back, his hands falling to his sides as he watches the scene unfold. The tie around Sunoo’s leg is soaked with blood, useless now and only acting as a symbol of your failure to save him.

The door creaks open, signalling the end of the task, but there’s no relief, no victory. Only loss. Only the hollow, aching void left behind as Sunoo’s body lies motionless before you.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper one last time, though it feels empty now. You hold onto him, even though he’s already gone, the weight of his loss crushing your chest, making it hard to breathe.

_______

The door that you hoped would lead to freedom opens into something far worse. Instead of the grim, blood-soaked chaos you’ve become accustomed to, you're met with a blinding light so harsh that it feels like needles piercing your eyes.

You squint, trying to adjust, and the scene before you slowly comes into focus. It’s jarring - the sterile whiteness of the room, the gleaming tiles that cover the walls, floors, and ceiling, all so clean, so pristine, it feels unnatural. There's no trace of death here, no hint of the violence that has marred your every step. The air smells faintly of disinfectant, as though someone had meticulously scrubbed away any sign of life.

Your eyes are drawn to the centre of the room where a steel table sits. Its surface gleams and has two folding chairs on either side. The setting feels clinical, almost surgical, like a place where emotions have no home, and only cold, calculated decisions are made.

As your vision clears fully, you notice something on the table. It stands out against the spotless surroundings, its presence contrasting.

A gun. Black, sleek, and menacing, it rests atop the table like a predator waiting to strike. It glistens under the fluorescent lights, polished to perfection for this exact moment - a moment you don’t know if you’re prepared for.

Without hesitation, Jaehyun is the first to move. His eyes lock onto the weapon, drawn to it like a moth to a flame, his hand reaching out to grab it. His fingers are mere inches away when the room is filled with a slow, deliberate clap, echoing off the walls with a mockery that makes your stomach twist.

Both of you freeze, turning towards the sound, your hearts hammering in sync. There, stepping calmly into the room, is Jaeyun, the man responsible for all this suffering. But this time, he’s different. The game show host energy that once radiated from him has dimmed, replaced with an eerie calm. His movements are fluid and his face wears an expression of utter contentment.

“Congratulations on making it this far,” he says smoothly, his voice carrying twisted pride. “It was a tough interview, huh?” His smirk widens as he speaks, his eyes flicking between you and Jaehyun, watching your reactions like a predator savouring its prey’s final moments.

The words hit Jaehyun like gasoline on fire. He sees red, the pent-up rage, fear, and exhaustion now coming to blow. With a feral growl, he lunges at Jaeyun, fists clenched, ready to pummel him into oblivion. But before he can reach him, Jaehyun’s body jerks violently. His scream of outrage is cut short and replaced with one of agony as he collapses to the ground, muscles spasming uncontrollably.

You stare in horror, your brain struggling to comprehend what the fuck just happened. Jaeyun’s face remains neutral and his expression almost bored as he watches Jaehyun writhe on the floor. He looks at you, shrugging with casual indifference. “You didn’t think I’d walk in here without some form of protection, did you?” His voice is soft and conversational, like he’s discussing the weather and not the violent collapse of the man before you.

Jaehyun’s body finally stills, but he’s left trembling on the ground. With sheer effort, he manages to push himself up onto his knees, his face contorted in pain and fury.

“What the fuck was that?” he spits out, his tone raw with rage.

Jaeyun raises an eyebrow, almost amused by Jaehyun’s defiance. “Just a little insurance,” he says with a smirk. “A key in Sunoo’s eye wasn’t the only action my medical table got.”

You blink in confusion, trying to process his words. Jaeyun, ever the showman, sighs dramatically and points at the back of his neck. “I installed a little chip into each of you, right at the base of your skull. A ‘zapper,’ if you wanna call it that. I didn’t think I’d need to use it, but it’s nice to have, don’t you think? Keeps things…civilised.”

Digging his fingers into the back of his neck, Jaehyun’s expression twists with shock and anger. “You chipped us?” The words shake as he spits them out, his eyes wild with disbelief. “You’ve tortured us, and you’ve got the nerve to call this civilised?”

Jaeyun’s smirk widens, enjoying Jaehyun’s reaction. “Tortured? Naaah, torture is messy. I gave you choices. Every step of the way. This?” He points to Jaehyun’s shaking body. “This is just an incentive to play by the rules.”

“This is a fucking game to you,” Jaehyun growls through gritted teeth, his voice low and dangerous. “You enjoy this, don’t you?”

“It’s not a game, Jaehyun. It’s an interview. And you’ve done so well making it to the final round.” He gestures toward the gun resting on the table, its dark presence looming like a shadow over the room. “Call this the work trial.”

The silence that follows is thick, suffocating, as the weight of what comes next begins to sink in. You can feel the tension crackling in the air between the three of you, like a wire pulled too tight, ready to snap at any moment. The gun, once a distant threat, now feels like an inevitability.

Jaeyun’s voice cuts through the tense silence, as smooth as ever. “Can you both take a seat, please?”

You glance at Jaehyun, then at the gun resting ominously on the table, before you both lower yourselves into the cold metal chairs across from one another.

The gun, gleaming under the fluorescent light, is the unwelcomed third party in this macabre meeting. You can feel the weight of it, the way it pulls all the air out of the room, making it difficult to think or breathe. Across from you, Jaehyun is just as tense, his eyes flicking between you and the weapon. Although, while you’re scared of the outcome, Jaehyun looks determined, willing to do anything.

Jaeyun leans casually against the wall, arms crossed, observing the way you both wriggle in discomfort, a fun source of entertainment. “Now, this is the easiest task of all. No wicked schemes or brilliantly designed traps.” His tone is boastful, an artist revelling in his own masterpieces. “All you have to do…is shoot.”

His words hang in the air, heavy and cold like a death sentence. You shift uncomfortably in your seat, your gaze darting from Jaeyun to Jaehyun and back to the gun. There’s a pit forming in your stomach, because whatever happens next, you know you’re going to be unprepared every minute of it.

“The rules are simple,” Jaeyun continues, his voice disturbingly cheerful. “One of you picks up the gun and shoots the other. I need to make sure you’ll kill who I tell you to.” He pauses to gage your reactions, and when he sees your shaking hands and Jaehyun’s mutter of disbelief under his breath, there’s a mocking lilt to his voice. “C’mon, don’t make this harder than it needs to be, guys. I mean, you’ve already killed before, right, Jaehyun? Why hesitate now?”

Jaehyun freezes and face hardens as Jaeyun’s words strike a nerve. The shift is subtle, but you notice it - the tension in his jaw, the way his eyes darken with something unreadable. You furrow your brow, confused and suspicious.

“What is he talking about?” you ask, your voice barely more than a whisper. Your eyes search Jaehyun’s face, looking for answers, but he avoids your gaze, his shoulders tightening.

“Nothing,” Jaehyun mutters with his voice now gruff and defensive.

Jaeyun’s smile spreads wider, almost gleeful. “Oh, you wanna keep it a secret? Okay, that’s fine.” He lifts his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes are gleaming with malice. “But, Y/N, he has killed someone before. What’s to say he won’t do the same to you? You should consider taking the shot. Self-preservation, you know?”

With your mind swirling with doubt, you stare deep into the man’s deadpanned face. The Jaehyun you’ve fought beside, suffered with, suddenly seems like a stranger. To be fair, he is a stranger, yoy don’t know him from adam.

Jaehyun’s fists clench on the table, his knuckles white. “Don’t listen to him,” he snaps, his voice tight with barely restrained fury. “He’s just trying to get inside your head.”

“Am I?” Jaeyun’s tone is laced with cruel taunt now. He takes a step forward, his eyes shining with the pleasure of watching your doubt grow. “Or maybe I’m just telling the truth. I mean, how well do you know him? He’s desperate, Y/N. Desperate men will do anything to survive...ain’t that right, JaeJae?”

“Shut the fuck up!” Jaehyun growls, obviously not content with the nickname nor the underlining accusations.

Jaeyun, of course, is unfazed, his smirk never faltering. “What’s wrong, Jaehyun? Can’t handle the truth?” He leans in slightly, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Face it - you’ll do anything to get ahead. All you have to do is pull that trigger, and you get to live. Easy, right?”

Every part of you wants to scream, to run, to make this nightmare end, but you’re trapped. Trapped between Jaeyun’s manipulations, Jaehyun’s anger, and the gun on the table.

For a moment, everything is still. Then Jaehyun moves.

In a blur of motion, Jaehyun’s hand shoots forward, grabbing the gun with a speed that startles you. He stands, his chair screeching as it scrapes against the floor, and before you can even react, he’s pointing the barrel straight at your head.

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he strainly mutters, a hint of regret lacing his tone. “I’m more valuable alive than dead. I’ll make sure this bastard pays, for all of us.”

It doesn’t take him two seconds to pull the trigger, and the moment his does, time itself seems to slow. The world around you shrinks to the narrow tunnel of focus between you and the gun, its evil barrel aimed squarely between your eyes.

The sterile white walls reverberate the sudden echo of violence, making the shot even louder, more deafening. The bright lights overhead seem to flicker for just a second, casting shadows across Jaehyun’s face as he stares at you, frozen in place. The gun in his hand shakes violently, his knuckles white from how tightly he’s gripping it.

For him, the world has gone silent. His ears are ringing, his heart pounding so loudly that he can hear absolutley nothing else.

You, however, remain perfectly still.

The moment stretches on forever. The smell of gunpowder lingers in the air, sharp and bitter, mingling with the sterile scent of the room. You watch Jaehyun’s face twist from anger and sorrow to confusion. His brows furrow and eyes deplete in size as the seconds tick by and the smoke from the gunshot dissipates.

He blinks, disbelief spreading across his features. His chest rises and falls as the enormity of what should have just happened sinks in. Key word being should.

But you’re still there. Sitting calmly, untouched. Not a drop of blood, not a flicker of pain or fear on your face. In fact, there’s something else entirely.

Your lips part in a smile, a soft laugh bubbling up from deep inside you, completely at odds with the life-or-death moment that just unfolded. The sound cuts through the tension like a knife, light and eerie in the quiet aftermath of the shot. Jaehyun flinches at the noise, his eyes darting wildly between you and the weapon in his hand. His pulse quickens, his breath hitching, and you can see the tremor in his hand growing stronger as he tries to make sense of the situation.

He blinks again, harder this time, as if trying to wake himself from a nightmare. But no matter how much he wills it, you’re still sitting there, your expression composed, your eyes gleaming with something - something he can't quite place. It’s not fear. It’s not shock. It’s not even anger.

It’s amusement.

“What the hell…” he breathes, barely above a whisper. His words are broken, disjointed as his mind struggles to form any coherent thought. “I shot you. I…I shot you.”

You tilt your head, your smile widening as you lean back in your chair. There’s a smugness in your posture, a confidence that sends a chill down Jaehyun’s spine. His heart is racing, his chest tightening with a feeling he can’t quite describe. Fear? Confusion? Betrayal? Maybe all three.

“For a detective,” you murmur, your voice low and mocking, “you sure miss the mark.”

He stares at you like you’ve just spoken in a foreign language. “What-what are you talking about?” His voice wavers, the certainty he once had crumbling as the pieces of the puzzle scatter before him.

Your soft giggle echoes in the room again, and you watch as his hands shake, the gun slowly lowering from where it had been aimed at your head. He looks down at it, something he uses almost every day now something he can’t understand.

“I don’t get it…” His voice is weak now, the bravado from moments ago completely gone. The gun in his hand feels heavy, useless almost. “Why are you - what’s going on?”

Before he can even gather a clump of understanding, Jaeyun’s lips brush against your head, soft and tender, the casual affection jarring against the brutal backdrop of the room,making Jaehyun wonder if it’s the smoke or the panic of the ‘work trial’ that’s making him see illusions.

"Good job, baby," Jaeyun murmurs, his words oozing with pride.

“Baby?” Jaehyun echoes, his voice strangled with disbelief.

You stand up slowly, brushing off your clothes and shaking off the last remnants of the innocent facade you wore. Now, you’re free to reveal the truth, and the satisfaction rolls off you in waves. You tilt your head, eyes shining as you lock onto his shattered expression. “What?” you ask, pouting in mockery. “Didn’t suspect me? This is why you’re so terrible at your job, Detective Jeong.”

Jaehyun’s face twists in horror as your words settle in. You were in on this. All of it. “What sick joke is this?” he growls, desperation creeping into each syllable, thick and bitter.

You giggle at his choice of words, filling the sterile room with an eerie playfulness that makes the bewildered man’s skin crawl. "Sick? I don’t know if I’d call it sick.” You glance over at Jaeyun, who’s watching with an amused smirk, before turning back to Jaehyun. "It's so fucking funny from where I’m standing."

Jaehyun’s body jerks as he tries to push himself to his feet, the fire of defiance still burning inside him. But Jaeyun casually pulls out the small remote from his pocket and presses the button without hesitation once again. The sharp, electric snap crackles through the air, and Jaehyun screams just as before, collapsing back into his seat. His muscles lock, spasming as the shock courses through his nervous system.

Keeping his thumb on the button just a fraction longer than necessary, Jaeyun watches with an almost clinical detachment as Jaehyun’s body finally stills. His breath is ragged, and he coughs, choking on the pain. “W-why?” he hisses out, his voice barely more than a rasp, his whole body trembling from the shock.

You casually sit upon the steel table, crossing your legs with the same nonchalance you’d have if you were sitting in a café. Your smile is soft, almost affectionate, as you look down at him. "Well, I hate to pin blame on people, but this is actually your fault."

Jaehyun’s brow knit together, his mind struggling to process everything. "What...what do you mean? How the fuck is it my fault?" His voice is hoarse, broken.

“You see, we know how long you’ve been after Jaeyun. Two years, is it? You've been so relentless, so close, but never quite enough," you give as half an answer and keep your tone light, so scarily similar to Jaeyun’s, yet you sound more evil. Perhaps it’s because Jaehyun not 5 minutes ago had perceived you as a scared girl, trapped in a nightmare.

"My baby has been following you, actually. Quite closely. You spent years interviewing every possible witness, arresting suspects, trying to catch the ‘Midnight Murderer’ and yet, despite all your efforts, you couldn’t quite figure out who or where he was." You pause, watching as Jaehyun’s expression shifts, the pieces clicking together painfully. “Then, you got a tip that he was hiding in the Avenue Garage. You were so desperate for his blood, so eager to finally catch your big break, that you didn’t even question it. You just barged in and killed the first guy you saw.”

Jaehyun’s face pales, his breath catching in his throat. His eyes widen with realisation dawning slowly but surely, like a weight sinking into his gut. “No…” he breathes out, shaking his head, as if denying it could change the truth.

You lean in close, your lips dangerously close to his ear as you whisper, “But it wasn’t him, was it, Jaehyun? You knew it right after you pulled the trigger. The guilt hit you like a freight train, but yet, you still called it in. You claimed your hollow victory and got promoted from Officer to Detective.”

His eyes glaze over with the memory of that night - his hands trembling over the body of the man he killed, the overwhelming rush of panic and regret he’d shoved down deep just to survive the lie. It all happened so quickly, his head not thinking clearly - or practically not at all - just trying to find a means to justify his actions.

“And yet," Jaeyun pipes up, picking up the gun from the table and twirling it effortlessly in his fingers, "you couldn’t let me go, could you? You’ve been trailing me in secret, obsessed, haunted by the ghost of your mistake.” He chuckles darkly. “That’s why you answered the ad I so perfectly orchestrated to catch your interest. Cleaning up a ‘midnight mess,’ right?”

Jaehyun swallows thickly though his mouth is so dry it does nothing for him, his heart thudding in his chest. His worst fear, the nightmare he’s tried to bury is now staring him in the face. His entire career has been twisted into this sick, elaborate game. “So it’s both of you?” he croaks, voice trembling as he finally connects the dots.

“Oh, not me,” you giggle, twirling a lock of your hair with playful ease. “I’m a new-ish addition.”

“The best addition,” Jaeyun coos, kissing your temple and then your lips so lovingly you almost melt onto the table.

Jaehyun’s face contorts with disgust, his eyes darting between you and Jaeyun, trying to find some sense of logic in this twisted reality. “And how did he drag you into this?” he spits out, desperation bleeding through his words as he tries to prolong the conversation, desperately begging his mind for an idea that will help him escape out of this nightmare.

You lean closer, your breath fanning over his face, intimate and unnerving all at once. “Oh, it didn’t take much convincing,” you whisper, smirking as your eyes dart to Jaeyun. "He has a very persuasive tongue." You wink before sitting back up, taking the gun from Jaeyun’s hand with a playful twirl. “That, and, well...you killed my brother.”

“What? When…when did i-”

You smile sweetly, almost pitying the man before you. “That’s right, detective. The man you murdered in cold blood - he was my brother.”

The truth hits him like he just got punched by Muhammad Ali, and for the first time, Jaehyun feels truly, utterly defeated. You can see the exact moment Jaehyun breaks. His expression goes blank, his face ghostly pale as the truth settles over him, suffocating and inescapable. He opens his mouth to say anything but no words come. Because what can he say to a bereaved family member of a man whose blood is on his hands?

"My brother was innocent, Jaehyun," you continue, and for the first time, your voice trembles, just a little. “He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A good man, with a family, with dreams.” You pause, staring at the floor in an attempt to find some strength there. “He wasn’t a criminal, wasn’t a part of anything dark or twisted, he didn’t even have a fucking parking ticket. But you didn’t care. You didn’t even stop to think. You were too blinded by your ambition, too eager to make a name for yourself. You saw a body, and you pulled the trigger. ”

Jaehyun winces as your words slap him straight across his cheek. His breath quickens, his mind racing back to that night, the moment he saw a shadow move in the dimly lit garage, the way his heart pounded in his ears. He hadn’t thought twice before firing. He couldn’t afford to. It was best for catching the Midnight Murderer, or so he told himself. But now, staring into your eyes - those eyes filled with fury and loss - he knows there’s no excuse that can absolve him.

“And after you killed him,” you whisper, your voice growing hard, “you didn’t even have the decency to admit your mistake. You lied. You built your career off of that lie. How does it feel, detective? Knowing that every time you got promoted, every time you were praised for your ‘brilliant work,’ it was all built on the blood of an innocent man? My brother has been painted a murderer all because of you.”

Tears burn at the corners of your eyes, but you blink them back, forcing them down. You won’t cry. Not here. Not for him. Instead, you steel yourself, wrapping your pain in a cocoon of rage.

Jaeyun who is standing just behind you, places a hand on your shoulder, squeezing gently as he grounds you and massaging the pain away as best he can. His touch sends a wave of warmth through your body, a reminder that you're not alone in this. You lean into him slightly, drawing strength from his presence.

Jaehyun’s voice finally breaks through the silence, shaky and weak. "So what now?" His voice is hollow, like he already knows the answer, but he asks anyway, clinging to the last shreds of hope. "You gonna kill me?"

You smile, a cold and calculating curve of your lips. “Better,” you say, that peak of vulnerability you showed now pushed back to make way for your wicked side to take over once again. “You’re going to kill yourself. And we’re going to watch.”

Jaeyun steps forward as you hop off the table, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind, pulling you close. He presses a tender kiss to your shoulder, his lips lingering on your skin, his breath warm against your neck. “You did so well, my love,” he murmurs softly, nuzzling into your hair. His voice is sweet, intimate, that side of him reserved only for you.

Jaehyun stares at the two of you, his eyes widening in disbelief. “And if I don’t?”

Jaeyun chuckles softly against your skin, his lips brushing your ear as he replies, “Then we release all your dirty little cover-ups.” His voice is still blasé. “Because, Detective Jeong, there’s a lot more than just my girls’ brother.”

Jaehyun’s breath hitches, pinpointing the moment the words sink in - the moment he realises just how deep the hole he’s in really is. His mind races, replaying every cover-up, every questionable decision, every corner he cut to get to where he is. It wasn’t just your brother. There were others. He had made too many mistakes, too many wrong choices. And now they’ve all come to bite him in the ass.

"Did you think it was just my brother we knew about?" You ask, your tone deceptively light as you tilt your head and study his expression, watching the colour drain from his face. "No, Jaehyun. You’ve been sloppy. So many good people - innocent people - fell because of you. We have everything. All the proof. Every lie, every falsified report, every life ruined by your hands. And all we have to do is press send."

Jaehyun’s eyes widen in terror. “No,” he breathes, his voice cracking. He starts to shake his head, as if denying it could somehow make it untrue. "Please…no."

“You could’ve stopped after my brother. You could’ve fixed it. But you didn’t. You kept going. You chose this.”

Trembling now, the detective’s entire body shaking with the weight of his sins. He swallows thickly, mind spinning as he desperately tries to find a way out, but there’s no escape. Not now. Not anymore. If he refuses, his entire career, his reputation, everything he’s built will go up in flames. And the world will know him for what he truly is - a fraud, a murderer.

“You never wanted this life, did you, Jaehyun?” you whisper, your voice soft, almost sympathetic. “You wanted to be a hero. But somewhere along the way, you got lost. You let the pressure, the ambition, the fear of failure consume you. You couldn’t afford to make mistakes, right? But the mistakes just kept piling up.”

He squeezes his eyes shut, his hands fisting in his hair, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. "I didn’t…I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I just…I couldn’t-"

“You couldn’t afford to be wrong,” you finish for him, nodding as if you understand. “But now, there’s no way out. You have two choices, Jaehyun. Kill yourself, or we expose you for what you really are. Either way, your life is over.”

Jaeyun moves around you, stepping toward Jaehyun with a cold, predatory smile. He kneels down in front of him, swapping the blanks for real bullets in the magazine of the pistol. “You see, Detective, you’ve already lost. The only decision left is how much pain you want to feel on the way out.

Every instinct in Detective Jeong screams to fight, to resist, but deep down, he knows. He knows there’s no escaping this. His hands shake violently, the weight of his choices now crushing him.

“You’re fucking monsters. How dare you lecture me when you kill innocent people all the time! It’s hypocritical!”

A cold laugh escapes your lips and you step closer, leaning down so you’re eye-level with him, letting your eyes glimmer with a blend of amusement and scorn. “Hypocritical? Oh, hun, we kill for fun, we know we are evil. But you act innocent, gain from the lives you steal. You’ve made your entire career on the backs of the dead and innocent. You’re the real monster.”

Jaehyun’s breath hitches, and for a moment, you think you see regret flicker in his eyes, but it’s quickly swallowed by anger. “I had no choice! I was trying to do my job! You think I wanted this?” His voice rises, the desperation spilling out of him like a dam bursting. “You think I wanted to become what I am? I didn’t know it was him! I didn’t-”

“Exactly,” you interrupt sharply, straightening up. “You didn’t know because you didn’t care enough to find out. You were too busy fucking chasing glory, too focused on your own pathetic ambition to see the truth right in front of you. But now you have a choice to make, and this time, it’s not about your career. It’s about your life.”

“So, this is it?” he rasps, his voice cracking under the strain. “You think you can just toy with me and I’ll roll over?”

“Toy with you?” You scoff, placing a hand on Jaeyun’s arm, feeling the heat radiate from his skin. “No, this is about consequences, Jaehyun. You’re going to pay for what you’ve done, and whether that means taking the easy way out or letting us destroy you…well, that’s entirely up to you.”

Jaehyun’s hands shake as he grips the gun tighter, his knuckles going white. “I can’t-”

“But you can,” Jaeyun interrupts smoothly, lowering himself closer, the gun now resting against his thigh. “You can end this, Detective. You can make this your final act of bravery. You can take the burden off your shoulders.”

“And leave you both unscathed? You think I’ll just sacrifice myself to protect your twisted little game?” Jaehyun sneers, his voice gaining a hint of strength. But it’s a facade, a last-ditch effort to regain control.

“Oh, it’s not about protecting us,” you say, tilting your head slightly, a smirk tugging at your lips. “It’s about protecting yourself. The truth will come out eventually. Your secrets will spill, and trust me, it won’t be pretty. If you have any semblance of dignity left, this is your best option. But if you refuse,” you lean in, lowering your voice conspiratorially, “you’ll find yourself at the center of a scandal bigger than you could ever imagine. Your career will go up in flames, and you’ll be left with nothing but the ghosts of those you’ve wronged.”

You step back, glancing at Jaeyun, who is watching Jaehyun with a predatory gaze, a hint of excitement dancing in his eyes. “So, what will it be, Detective?”

You wave the gun in Jaehyun’s face, your movements slow and deliberate, offering him a priceless gift. His eyes follow the barrel intently as it sways in front of him. Shame flickers in his expression, but it’s quickly replaced by something darker - his pride, rising like a beast refusing to be caged.

His mind is a battlefield, caught between the unbearable truth of his crimes and the desperate need to preserve the image he’s built. Hero. Detective. A man untainted by the blood on his hands. He’d rather die with that lie intact than face the disgrace of being unmasked as a villain.

His shaking hand reaches out, fingers ghosting over the cool metal of the gun you’re dangling before him. He takes it, trembling as though the weight of the weapon is the weight of all his lies finally coming back to take revenge.

As he raises the barrel under his chin, pressing it to the fragile skin there, his eyes glisten, but whether it’s from fear or a final surge of regret, you can’t tell.

Jaeyun watches him with quiet fascination and joy, his lips curling into a cruel smile. There’s no sympathy in the room, only cold satisfaction as Jaehyun contemplates his final act.

You and Jaeyun exchange a mocking glance, and then you lift your hands, giving a small, sarcastic wave. “Goodbye, Detective~” you mock in sing song.

Jaehyun’s grip tightens, his knuckles paling. His teeth grit together as his finger hesitates on the trigger, the seconds dragging out like an eternity. His face twists into a mask of anger and despair - remorse simmering just beneath the surface, but drowned out by the relentless need to protect his pride.

“I hope you both fucking rot in hell.”

With one last shuddering breath, he pulls the trigger.

The gunshot echoes through the room, deafening in its finality. His body jerks, his head snapping back as blood and bone splatter the walls behind him. He collapses in a lifeless heap, eyes still open, reflecting the briefest remnants of the man he was - or pretended to be.

As the bounce of the gunshot fades into silence, you finally let out a long, shuddering breath. All the tension that had built up over the course of this cat and mouse game unravels, leaving you feeling light, almost weightless. It’s finally fucking over. You can hardly believe it.

Jaeyun spins you around, his hands gentle as they pull you away from the gruesome sight, forcing your gaze away from Jaehyun's crumpled body. His expression softens, a loving twinkle in his eyes. “How do you feel, baby?”

The sense of victory allows a grin to stretch across your face as you finally allow yourself to revel in it. “Fucking fantastic,” you reply, the words leaving your lips in a breathless rush.

You can’t believe you survived - not just this, but everything that came before. All the games, all the manipulation, all the close calls. Deep down, you know Jaeyun would’ve never let anything happen to you, not really. Worst-case scenario, he’d have stepped in, come up with some excuse to save you. But now, knowing Jaehyun is gone, and your brother’s death is finally avenged, you feel truly free.

Jaeyun’s eyes gleam with approval, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “You were really good in there,” he murmurs, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “I almost believed you were scared for your life.”

You chuckle, looping your arms around his neck, leaning in closer. “I really got into the acting,” you admit with a teasing smirk. Then you tilt your head, feigning a pout. “But did you really have to knock me out, though?”

Your boyfriend’s grin widens as he leans in, stealing a quick kiss that leaves you giddy. It’s exactly what you needed - this closeness, this moment of calm in his arms. You had missed him, and even though you’d only been apart for two days, it felt like too long.

“It’s all part of the experience, baby,” he whispers against your lips, his voice playful. His hands rest at your waist, pulling you close as his warmth melts away the last remnants of tension.

“It feels so much more vindicating when there’s a reason behind it,” you murmur slyly, a mischievous glint in your eyes. For months, you’ve been trying to shape Jaeyun’s approach to this game. Killing for no reason is great and all, but taking down people who deserve it - those who harass or harm others - that’s a thrill with purpose.

Jaeyun rolls his eyes, a knowing smirk curling his lips. “Are you telling me that seeing Heeseung’s head explode or Dayoung’s neck snap wasn’t entertaining?” His eyebrow arches in challenge, already well aware of how much you enjoyed yourself. No one else in that room had a clue, but Jaeyun knows you too well. He knows the rush you get from this, the thrill of taking control.

When he first met you, he saw it - that sadness buried deep within. He knew how to turn it into something else, something darker but freeing. He twisted your pain into anger, and then into joy, showing you how much fun life could be when you channel your rage outward. He’s been there with you ever since, your partner in every sick trap.

You can’t help but laugh, the memory of the ‘interview’ sending a spark of excitement through you. “Okay, okay,” you admit with a wide grin. “I loved it, especially the crucifix. You didn’t tell me you were going to add that!”

Jaeyun chuckles, leaning in to plant soft kisses along your nose, your cheek, and then your lips, each one a tender reminder of his adoration and pride. “Thought I’d surprise my baby since I know it’s your favourite,” he whispers between kisses. “But seriously, good work on speeding it up, that was clever.”

His praise sends a warm flush to your cheeks, though it’s hidden beneath the dried blood that still clings to your skin. “I remember you teaching me how it works,” you say modestly, still basking in his approval. Then a frown touches your lips, and you pout slightly. “I feel bad for Sunoo though. He was so sweet.”

“Yeah, he was cute,” Jaeyun agrees, shrugging slightly, brushing off the death of yet another innocent. He doesn’t care about people. Not unless it’s you, you are the only one in this world that gets to feel his heart beating.

He reaches down, casually plucking the gun from Jaehyun’s cold hand, inspecting it for a moment before glancing back at you. “C’mon, we should clean up.”

“Or…” your voice drops into a whisper, playful and suggestive as you jump on the table and spread your legs, giving Jayeun a clear signal.

The change in his demeanour is immediate. His eyes darken, trailing over your body with a hungry intensity that makes your pulse race. His teeth sink into his bottom lip, hard enough to show he’s seriously considering your offer. “I always forget how needy you get after a game,” he teases, his voice low and laced with desire as he steps toward you.

He’s right, the rush of excitement and adrenaline always does this. You remember the first time you watched him kill, how it awakened something in you, that desperate need to have him right there and then. The blood dripping from his fingers, the splatter across his face…you’d never seen him look more beautiful.

That’s when it hit you. All those dark romances you devoured, Rina Kent’s books that filled your mind with dangerous fantasies, altered your brain chemistry in ways you hadn’t expected. Maybe that’s why it hadn’t taken long for Jaeyun to pull you into his wicked world.

Or maybe you’re just really fucked in the head.

Jaeyun’s eyes gleam with dark amusement, fully aware of what’s racing through your mind. His confidence radiates as he steps between your legs, his lips hovering inches above yours. “What’s it gonna be, baby?” he whispers, his voice a low, seductive drawl, dripping with intent.

Feigning thoughtfulness, you tilt your head, looking off into the distance as if contemplating his question. But it’s just an act, one he knows too well. You feel the corners of your lips twitch upward before your entire expression shifts. Your eyes lock with his and a smirk etches on your lips as you slowly reach for the gun, your fingers grazing the metal. You bring it to your lips, the weight of it pressing against your mouth.

Jaeyun’s breath hitches and his throat bobs, eyes following your every move with rapt attention. You tilt your head slightly, letting your tongue slip out, brushing over the sleek barrel. The taste of cold steel and blood floods your senses as you drag your tongue teasingly, savouring how his eyes darken with every secondof your display. His gaze is glued to your lips, watching intently as you lick the gun, your lips grazing over the tip, his cock twitching in jealousy.

You open your mouth, taking the barrel between your lips, wrapping them around the gun with a sensual slowness that has Jaeyun’s chest rising and falling faster. The sight of you, so bold, so shameless, has him swallowing hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly as he tries to keep sane and not rip your clothes off right here and now.

His breath becomes ragged, gaze locked on how your lips wrap perfectly around the barrel. You pull back slightly, your tongue flicking over the metal one last time before your lips curl into a wicked smile. “I think I’ve made my choice,” you whisper, voice sultry and teasing.

"Oh yeah? Tell me, baby," Jaeyun murmurs, his smile widening as if he already knows exactly what you’re about to do.

Your hands move with purpose, putting the gun in his hands. Slowly, you guide it down your body, the metal pushing past your main organs, sending shivers through you. The exhaustion from the game still clings to your muscles, a dull ache in your bones, but none of that matters. Not now. Not when the thrill of Jaehyun’s death and the freedom it brings pulses through you.

Plus, all you can think about is Jaeyun - his touch, his heat, and the way his eyes devour every movement you make. His hands tighten their grip on your thighs, fingers pressing into your skin as he gets worked up in excitement over what is about to happen.

He is so fucking lucky he found you.

As the gun reaches just above your aching heat, The tension between you intensifies, each breath you take beaming with excitement. The gun is more than a weapon in his hands because right now it’s an extension of the fun you’re both going to have.

His gaze flickers back to you, eyes dark with intent as his fingers hook into the waistband of your pants. Without a word, he pulls them to the side, exposing you to the cool air. A shiver runs through you, but it’s not from the chill - it’s from the way Jaeyun looks at you, relishing in every second, every inch of you.

The barrel of the gun slides between your legs, the surface brushing against your heat. The contrast between your warmth and the icy, hard steel is electrifying, making the moment more intense. A low moan slips from your lips, your thighs instinctively parting wider like a silent prayer for more.

Jaeyun leans in, his breath hot against your neck as he whispers, “You love this, don’t you?” His words are lustful, knowing exactly how much you crave what’s coming next. His lips graze your earlobe before he pulls back just enough to watch your reaction, the smirk on his face deepening as your chest rises and falls with anticipated breath.

Without another word, he tilts the gun to press gently against your entrance, teasing you. You can’t help the way your body reacts - hips lifting, muscles tightening because you want nothing more than to have this gun shoved deep inside of you. Jaeyun holds you steady, fingers digging into your thigh as he slowly pushes the gun into your cunt.

The metal stretches you, the sensation making you gasp and your body instinctively tensing as you adjust to the intrusion.

The feel is foreign, dangerous, and exhilarating all at once. The weight of the gun inside you is unlike anything else, making you feel a twisted pleasure that only Jaeyun can swirl inside of you. The cold metal slides deeper and a tremor of pleasure ripples through your core.

“Oh god…Jaeyun…” you moan out, hips bucking up to let the pistol slip in deeper.

Jaeyun watches you, eyes locked on the way your body responds to his every movement, his lips parting slightly as he savours every moan, every shiverbhe’s drawing from your perfect body. His control is maddening, slow and deliberate as he moves the gun in and out of you, pushing just deep enough to make you ache for more but never fully giving in.

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he murmurs, his voice thick with lust. His eyes glint with satisfaction as he watches you fall apart under his touch, his thumb brushing against your clit, adding just enough pressure to make your back arch off the table. “No one else could handle this. Could handle me.”

Your mind is hazy, overwhelmed by the feeling of the gun filling you, stretching you, while his thumb expertly circles your swollen clit. Every movement sends a wave of pleasure crashing through you, the tension in your body building as Jaeyun continues his torturous pace.

“You’re mine,” he whispers, his voice dark and possessive. His hand tightens on your thigh, fingers digging into your flesh as he thrusts the gun deeper, the grooves of the gun dragging along your tight walls and you gasp, your body trembling with the intensity of it. The mixture of the gun inside you and his thumb on your clit is almost too much, pushing you closer and closer to the edge. “You’re always gonna be mine.”

Hiis smirk widens as he watches the way your trying to fuck yourself on the pistol and match his rhythm. “Such a good girl for me,” he murmurs, his voice thick with pride and desire. “Look at you, falling apart on my gun.”

The click of the safety being pulled off fills the room, adding a harmony to your moans and the thrill of danger just turned up to 100. There’s something about being on the end of a fully loaded gun, no safety, and your boyfriend’s finger on the trigger that makes you squeeze and suck in the barrel deeper.

It’s reckless, scary, and everything you could ever want.

You’re completely at his mercy now and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Your legs begin to rise as you lean back, searching for a deeper angle, which Jaeyun happily gives you, twisting the pistol with each thrust inside of you.

You grip the edge of the table, knuckles white as your body tenses, the heat pooling in your core ready to erupt. Jaeyun’s heart picks up pace as he leans in closer, his lips brushing against yours, barely a whisper of a kiss. “Cum for me, baby.”

And you do.

The pleasure surges through you like a tidal wave, crashing over every part of your body, leaving you breathless and gasping for air. The combination of the weapon deep inside you and Jaeyun's thumb working expertly against your clit sends you spiralling into a blissful frenzy. You feel the tension coil tightly in your core, your stomach twitching with each pulse of your orgasm.

“That's it,” Jaeyun encourages, his words vibrating through you, adding to the delicious intensity of your release. “Let it go, baby. I want to see you shake for me.”

A cry escapes your lips, a mix of pleasure and relief as you lose yourself completely in the moment. You can’t hold back, not when he’s watching you so intently, his eyes dark with lust and satisfaction.

Your back arches off the table, and for a brief moment, the world around you fades into nothing but the pure bliss that consumes you. Every inch of your body tingles, pulsing with the aftershocks of your climax, and all you can think about is Jaeyun and the way he makes you feel - like you’re both powerful and utterly vulnerable at the same time.

As your body starts to settle, Jaeyun doesn’t stop. He maintains his rhythm, thrusting the gun inside you a little faster, a little deeper, as he prolongs your high, milking every last drop of pleasure from you. “Look at you,” he breathes, his voice thick with lust. “You’re so fucking beautiful when you come apart like this. Just for me.”

You moan in response, the sound escaping you unbidden as you feel another wave of pleasure cresting, threatening to pull you under once more. Jaeyun’s fingers work tirelessly, teasing your clit, drawing out the remnants of your orgasm as the intensity builds again. The world around you fades further, Jaehyun’s body long forgotten, and it’s just the two of you - lost in your own wicked game.

“God, you’re perfect,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with admiration and need. “I can’t get enough of you.” He leans in closer, his lips finding yours, capturing your mouth in a heated kiss that sends sparks flying through your body. You can taste the lingering traces of adrenaline and excitement on his tongue, and it only deepens your desire.

Your hands find their way to his hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands as you pull him closer, desperate for more of him. The gun, once a symbol of your wild game, fades into the background, eclipsed by an undeniable craving for his body. Each thrust blurs the line between pleasure and pain, sending thrilling sensations coursing through you.

“Jaeyun,” you gasp against his lips, your voice barely a whisper, heavy with desperation. “Please…”

He pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his eyes darkened with a mix of passion and mischief. “Please what?” he teases, a smirk curling his lips that sends a shiver cascading down your spine.

“More,” you breathe, the word spilling from your lips like a prayer, each syllable thick with longing. “I need more. I want you - your cock, please, give me your cock.” The urgency in your voice is embarrassing as it rises, a fire igniting deep within you. “I need you to fuck me.”

“Is that really how you want it, baby?” His voice is a low growl, sultry and commanding, wrapping around you like a velvet chain, tethering you to him for life. “Beg for it.”

Your breath hitches, excitement flooding your veins as you lock your gaze with his. “Jaeyun, please,” you plead, not even wasting a minute. You need his cock and you need it now. “I can’t get enough of you. I want you to fill me up, ruin me, do whatever you want with me. I’ll do anything - just don’t hold back.”

A wicked grin spreads across his face, and you can see the hunger in his eyes, the way your desperation ignites something primal within him. “That’s what I like to hear,” he growls, his voice thick with lust and possessiveness. “You’re so beautiful when you’re begging.”

With that, he pulls back, putting the gun back on safety and tossing it on the table, it’s work done for the day. His hands fumble with his jeans as he pushes them down along with his boxers, both just sitting at his thighs.

Gripping your hips as he positions himself at your entrance. “Say it again,” he commands, his tone firm yet teasing. “Beg for me to take you.”

“I need you, Jaeyun, fuck,” you cry out, feeling the heat pool low in your belly. “I need you inside me. Please, don’t hold back. I want to feel every inch of you.”

His breath hitches at your words, and with a fierce intensity, he thrusts into you, filling you to the brim, his tip kissing into your cervix straight away. A gasp escapes your lips as you adjust to him, the delicious stretch making your head spin. “God, yes,” you moan, your body arching toward him, urging him to move faster.

Jaeyun grits his teeth, his eyes locked on yours as he begins to thrust, hard and deep. “You feel so good,” he groans, his voice thick with desire. “You’re mine, all mine.” Each thrust drives you higher, the heat pooling in your core as he takes you further into ecstasy.

“Jaeyun, yes!” you cry out, your body responding eagerly to his every movement. The thrill of his control, the way he possesses you completely, sends waves of pleasure crashing over you, and you can’t help but beg for more. “Please, don’t stop!”

He responds with a wicked grin, increasing his pace and angling your hips as he drives deeper into you, each thrust pushing you closer to the edge. “That’s it, baby. Let go. I want to hear you scream for me.”

With every powerful buck of his hips, the table rattles, mirroring your trembling form. You can feel the pressure building again, the heat pooling in your belly as you lose yourself in the pleasure he’s drawing from you.

The gun is great, but your man will always be better.

“Cum for me again, baby” he urges, his voice low and commanding, sending shivers down your spine. “I want to feel you squeeze me.”

With his words echoing in your ears, you surrender completely, spiralling into ecstasy as your body convulses around him. Your scream fills the air, raw and unrestrained, as the world explodes into a kaleidoscope of colours. He’s the best fuck you’ve ever had, and you’re hoping he’ll be the only one from now on.

You love him, every disgusting, brutal, tender, imprefect, beautiful piece of him.

Jaeyun groans in response, his grip tightening on your hips as he feels you clench around him, lost in the moment. “Yes, just like that,” he praises, his voice thick with desire. “You’re fucking perfect.”

As the aftershocks of your climax ripple through you, he doesn’t relent, maintaining his powerful rhythm as he pushes you higher and higher. You can feel yourself teetering on the brink once more, the world fading away as all that matters is the connection between you. His kisses are cleaning up the blood from your face and his hands are massaging your aching bones as he piledrives into you.

He leans down, pressing his lips against your ear, his voice a low growl laced with affection. “You’re doing so well, baby. Just keep letting go.” His words send shivers down your spine, a mixture of dominance and tenderness that makes your heart race.

“Jaeyun,” you moan, overwhelmed by the sensations flooding through you. “I’m yours. I love you so much.”

His grip on your hips becomes almost possessive, yet there’s a warmth in his hold that reassures you. “That’s right,” he whispers, a grin tugging at his lips as he drives deeper, his thrusts growing more urgent, more passionate. “You’re fucking perfect for me. The only one in this world that deserves to live.”

Jaeyun doesn’t know if he believes in love, or if he’s even capable of producing that emotion, but he thinks he found it in you. You’re the only shining light in this shitty world, you’re his everything.

The combination of his strength and the tenderness in his voice makes you feel cherished even as he claims you. You can feel the familiar knot tightening within you, your instincts taking over as you arch your back, pushing against him, begging for everything he has to offer. “Please, Jaeyun! Don’t stop! I’m so close!”

He rewards your eagerness with a low growl, quickening his pace as he drives deeper into you, each thrust pushing you closer to the edge. “Let go, baby. You’ve earned all of this,” he urges you on.

And then, with one last powerful thrust, the pressure within you snaps, and you’re sent tumbling over the edge, your body clenching around him as you cry out in pure ecstasy. Your senses explode, pleasure radiating through every fibre of your being as you shatter around him, the world fading into nothingness.

“Fucking perfect,” Jaeyun breathes, his voice heavy with lust as he follows you into bliss, losing himself in the moment as he releases inside you, filling you up, shots of white rope painting his name all over your cunt. The warmth of him spills, a mark of possession that ignites another spark of ecstasy within you.

As you both ride out the waves of your euphoria, your bodies entwined, you realise this moment is everything - raw, passionate, and undeniably yours.

The intensity of your shared climax begins to fade and you both sink into a comfortable silence, the aftermath of your passionate encounter wrapping around you like a warm blanket. The room, stark and gritty with the remnants of the chaotic scene you just orchestrated, contrasts sharply with the tenderness that unfolds between you and Jaeyun.

He pulls back slightly, his eyes softening as they meet yours. The moment gives way to something sweeter, and his lips curl into a genuine smile. "You okay, baby?" he asks, his voice low and warm, filled with concern even amid the chaos. You know he's asking about more than just the sex.

"I feel perfect. Thank you for letting me do all of this, Jaeyun." You press a soft kiss to his nose, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear, feeling that familiar surge of affection for him.

His smile widens, and for a moment, it feels like the world has narrowed down to just the two of you. You nuzzle your noses together, sharing a moment of softness that contrasts with the bloody carnage around you. Jaeyun’s fingers brush lightly against your skin, and you lean into his touch instinctively, savouring the warmth before reality creeps back in.

"We really should clean up this mess," he says, his tone suddenly practical as he pulls away, adjusting his clothes. His fingers deftly work the zipper of his pants, yet, his eyes never lose that lingering warmth, the way they stay soft for you, even amid the chaos.

Just as the haze of passion begins to fade, a soft, broken whimper echoes from the other room, making both of you freeze. Your heart jumps as you lock eyes with Jaeyun, confusion flickering between you. Everyone is dead - aren’t they? Who could possibly still be alive?

"Stay close," Jaeyun murmurs, his tone low, protective. His fingers find yours, gripping tight as he picks up the gun and leads you toward the source of the sound. You nod, heart pounding as adrenaline floods your veins once again.

As you step into the room, the sight that greets you is almost surreal. Among the wreckage and ruin, you find Sunoo - alive, but barely. His face is smeared with crimson, blood pumping steadily from the empty socket where his eye once was. His leg, grotesquely amputated, drags uselessly behind him as he weakly attempts to pull himself across the floor. It’s a pitiful sight, one that tugs at something deep inside you.

You weren’t lying when you said you felt bad for him. Sunoo didn’t deserve any of this. He wasn’t like the others - he was sweet, cautious, always thinking before acting. But his so-called friends had dragged him into this nightmare, trying to shame him for his care.

You release Jaeyun’s hand, crouching beside Sunoo’s trembling form. His half-conscious eye flickers up toward you, and you can’t help but throw a sympathetic pout his way as you brush a lock of blood-matted hair from his face. His body trembles as he coughs, the wet sound grating against the silence. You gently lift him, cradling his fragile body to help him sit up.

Behind you, Jaeyun clicks the safety off hisngun, this time not in the thrill of sex but the anticipation of death.

“I’ll make it quick,” he says, his tone nonchalant, like this is just another part of the routine. He wasn’t fazed by Sunoo’s suffering, wasn’t trapped in the same space as you, listening to Sunoo’s whispered pleas, hearing him beg to tell his mother he loved her before he thought he’d die.

The sound of Jaeyun pulling back the pistol’s slide makes you flinch, and without thinking, you wrap your arms protectively around Sunoo’s shaking frame. "No! Don’t," you protest, surprising even yourself with the sudden urgency in your voice.

Jaeyun stops, his brow arching in confusion. “Why not? If we let him live, he’ll just run off and tell the first person he sees.” He shrugs, shifting his grip on the gun. His impatience is palpable now like a man denied his final course after a bloody feast.

"We don’t have to kill him," you murmur, keeping your voice soft but firm, hoping to reach the part of Jaeyun that always listens to you. "Why don’t we keep him?"

Jaeyun’s incredulous chuckle fills the room. "Keep him?" He shakes his head, exasperated. "He’s not a pet, baby. He’s a boy, and a weak one at that. He’s not going to be any use to us."

You feel Sunoo shudder against you, his body convulsing as it fights to stay alive. He’s terrified, and rightly so, but there’s something in you that refuses to let go just yet. You rub small circles into his back, hoping to soothe him, even as your gaze locks with Jaeyun’s, pleading silently.

“He could help us,” you argue, voice soft but insistent. “He’s not like the others. He’s...sensitive.” You hesitate, watching Jaeyun’s expression closely. “No one would ever suspect a sweet boy like him of being involved. He could lure people in for us. Or clean up. He could take care of things while we’re busy.”

Jaeyun’s expression hardens. “Y/N, he’s not going to kill people. He’s not like us. He’s a liability,” he snaps, voice edged with frustration. Jaeyun gets like this when he can’t kill, the same way people do when they’re hungry. He’s starving right now despite the murder three-course meal he’s just devoured, and he is not appreciating the hold-up on dessert.

"Maybe not right away," you concede, "but he could be. He just needs time. We could toughen him up...just like you did for me."

The mention of your own transformation makes Jaeyun pause. His gaze softens slightly as the memory of what you once were flickers in his eyes. He’d seen potential in you, had taken you under his wing when you’d been weak, unsure. You hadn’t let him down. Maybe he could do the same with Sunoo.

You watch as Jaeyun’s expression shifts, a battle waging within him. He doesn’t like the idea of leaving loose ends, of anyone weak in your little circle. But you can see the doubt forming, the way his eyes linger on Sunoo’s frail form.

"Move out of the way," Jaeyun says finally, his voice more tired than angry now.

Sunoo’s remaining eye widens as his thin fingers clutch your shirt, his body jerking in fear. He knows what’s coming, and the thought of dying after surviving this far terrifies him. Tears spill from his eye, the hopelessness so raw it makes your chest tighten.

"No," you whisper, holding Sunoo tighter. Then you look up at Jaeyun with the soft, pleading eyes that have always been his weakness. "Give him a month," you suggest gently. "Let’s see what he’s made of. If he’s no good - if he runs or tries anything - then I’ll kill him myself."

A heavy silence hangs between the three of you, the only sound the soft dripping of blood onto the floor. Finally, Jaeyun lets out a long sigh, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

"Okay, baby," he murmurs, lowering the gun. "Anything you want." His tone softens, a warmth slipping back into it. "You know I can’t say no to you, especially when you look so pretty all roughed up like this." His eyes sweep over you, lingering on your blood-splattered face, and there’s something both tender and dangerous in the way he looks at you.

Relief washes over you as Jaeyun finally concedes. He steps forward, his fingers brushing your cheek before he bends down to kiss you, the gesture both possessive and reassuring.

“One month,” Jaeyun adds, his voice playful but tinged with a dark edge. "But if he screws up, if he even thinks about betraying us - you’ll do what you said."

You nod, feeling Sunoo’s trembling body slacken slightly in your arms as hope, fragile as it may be, flickers in his eye. For now, at least, he’s safe.

Jaeyun straightens, holstering his gun with ease. “Come on,” he says, tossing a glance at the carnage around you. "We’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do."

_____

perm taglist: @immortalvee @sunpov @heeseungspookie @strawberrysavi @monstanctiny21

@diorsyun @heexzbae @yzzyhee @baekhyunstruly @zeeloveshee

@haechonly @berryblog @no-mannerism @jaehoonii

@notevenheretbh1 @shawnyle @addictedtohobi @jiminie-08

@emberuby @nctislifue @lilyuwon @skzenhalove

@heeshlove @idkdykilr @chocminteu @y4wnjunz @rikibun

@ivesti @parksunghoonsgf @branchrkive @brownsugarbaybee

@xxbluestrifexx @bambangan @iluvikeu @deobitifull

@yawnazzz @st1llm0nster @woorcve @heeseungsbm

@star-hoon @heelee-01 @wonnienyang @alternativelix

@ikeuverse

2K notes · View notes

leeheeso · 23 days ago

Text

𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞. ─ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗡𝗘

pairing. omegaverse!au ot7 x reader wordcount. 41k

warning. abo dynamics, possessive and jealous behavior. power dynamics between alphas and omegas, dub-con, non-traditional relationship structures such as poly/alpha-omega bonds, internal conflict, and emotional manipulation are central themes. mdni. 18+

in a world where instincts rule, you're an omega thrust into the role of housemother for enhypen—a group of seven alphas. a story of power, temptation, and the fine line between duty and desire, leaving you—and the alphas—wondering how much longer you can resist.

this is a launch of my revamped 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞. series!! chapter two will will go live on the 24th including my other revamped series. for those who used to be in my perm taglist, i'm looking to list them down again, as a lot of them cannot be tagged and aren't interacting, of course there will be more rules for those who want to be added, but if you have been on it before please send me an ask! so i can add tag you on the 24th for everything once it drops. i've done my best to add people i remember!

the day had finally arrived.

the day your father decided, without so much as asking, that you were to become enhypen’s omega. no discussion, no consideration for what you wanted. just cold, calculated logic. “it’s the perfect arrangement,” he’d said, like he was laying out some brilliant business plan rather than handing over your life. “they’re on the rise. you, my dear, will help ensure their success.” you’d tried to push back, to tell him you weren’t some piece to be traded, but his words had hit like brick walls. “it’s for your own good,” he’d said, with that tone that left no room for debate. “you’ll be protected. you’ll be their housemother, a stabilizing influence. you’ll be cared for.” you knew what he meant. the scent, the intoxicating pull of an alpha’s pheromones, how it could twist you up inside and make you forget everything but them. you understood the risk, how easily your omega instincts could be triggered, leaving you vulnerable. but you also knew the allure—the way an alpha’s touch could make you shiver, the way their scent could make your body respond in ways you couldn’t control. you weren’t innocent when it came to alphas. you’d been tempted before, but your father’s iron grip on your life had kept you from falling into that world. he had no intention of letting you experience the full pull of being an omega, not under his watch. that’s why he insisted on the necklace—a thin silver chain that lay against your skin, subtle but potent. it wasn’t just jewelry. it was a suppressor, carefully designed to keep your omega instincts in check, dampening your natural scent and making sure you wouldn’t lose yourself in the presence of alphas. the necklace wasn’t simple either. it wasn’t just for show. the metal worked like a chemical barrier, interacting with your skin’s sweat and pheromones, releasing compounds that neutralized the scent you’d naturally emit. the compound in the metal regulated pheromone production, keeping you from reaching the overwhelming pull of your omega instincts. but the necklace wasn’t permanent. over time, the compound in the metal would run out. slowly but surely, it would lose its potency, and without regular maintenance or replacement, the suppressor would fail. it was a safeguard, but only for a limited time. he didn’t want you to be swept up in passion or desire. no, he wanted you to be their caretaker, not their lover. and now, here you were, standing in front of the flat where you’d be living with them—enhypen. seven alphas. seven men whose pheromones could break through every defense you had if not for this necklace. as you stepped inside, the scent of fresh paint and disinfectant filled your nose, sterile and cold. the flat was sleek, modern, but it felt like a stage. like everything was set up for you to step into a role you hadn’t chosen. the kitchen, with its marble countertops and stainless steel appliances, gleamed under the sunlight. it looked like it belonged in a magazine, not in the place where you’d have to figure out how to manage living with seven alpha men. the living room was expansive, plush couches and wide-open space, the kind of place that promised warmth and comfort, but right now, it just felt like a reminder of the unknown that was waiting for you.

you walked to the large glass windows, staring out at the city skyline, wondering if you were ready for this. if you could handle it. seven alphas, your mind whispered, the thought lingering in the back of your mind, making your pulse quicken. you sat on the edge of the couch, fingers nervously playing with the necklace. the cool metal against your skin was a reminder of the control your father still held over you, even now. it was more than a scent suppressor. it was a chain, a leash, keeping you from experiencing the full intensity of what could happen here. and you were about to meet them. your mind wandered as you thought about what their reactions would be. would they notice the necklace for what it was? would they care? or would they just see it as another accessory, not realizing the power it held? would your muted scent still call to them, or would it stay buried, hidden beneath the necklace’s magic? you looked at your reflection in the vanity mirror, catching sight of yourself. oversized hoodie, loose shorts—casual, comfortable, but you couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. your hair was loose, tumbling down your shoulders, softening your appearance. you wanted to project confidence, control, but there was a flicker of uncertainty. your eyes drifted to the pendant, and a wave of anxiety hit you. it was tarnished, dull in places, a stark contrast to the shine it usually had. panic bubbled up. you couldn’t meet these alphas looking like this. you couldn’t let them see you slipping on even the smallest detail. you rushed into the bathroom, hunting for baking soda and a cloth, determined to get the pendant gleaming again. as you scrubbed, the faint scent of vanilla—your scent—began to rise in the air. you froze, realizing the necklace wasn’t doing its job. not fully, not right now. shit. if they walked in now, if they smelled you, they’d know. they’d know how strong your scent is for an omega. you scrubbed harder, trying to finish quickly, cursing under your breath as your scent thickened in the small bathroom. the last thing you needed was for them to catch you off guard, vulnerable, your omega instincts creeping to the surface before you even met them. meanwhile, just outside the flat’s door, the sound of luggage wheels had stopped. sneakers shuffled against the floor as seven pairs of feet stood still. they had arrived, and while you were still focused on scrubbing the pendant, unaware, your world was about to collide with theirs. “I’m sick of this,” jay grumbled, frustration clear in his voice as he fumbled for the key at the door of their new flat. the crisp evening air carried the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers, but it did nothing to ease the tension simmering between them. “another housemother, after the disaster we had last time...”

“what do you mean, ‘disaster’?” jungwon asked, his curiosity piqued as he glanced over at jay. jay scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “remember that last one? supposed to be some professional omega, but she turned out to be a total psycho. always sneaking into our rooms, even when we were there. creepy as hell.” jungwon’s eyes widened in disbelief. “she was trying to seduce all of you?” he couldn’t recall her even sparing him a glance. not that he cared, but still, this was news to him. “not just seduce,” jay replied, shaking his head with an exasperated chuckle. “she tried to get us to sign some insane contract, claiming she’d be our permanent omega. even spiked our drinks one night. it was a full-blown nightmare.” jungwon chuckled, shaking his head. “i can’t believe i missed all that. she avoided me like the plague. guess i should be grateful.” “you were the lucky one,” jay muttered. “the rest of us had to deal with her hovering, manipulative bullshit.” “that’s messed up,” jungwon said, his tone more serious now. “i can’t believe she tried to manipulate you guys like that.” jay sighed, frustration returning to his voice. “that’s why i’m not exactly thrilled about this new one. i just hope she’s a professional and not some kind of psycho stalker.” jungwon, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. “well, at least the place looks great. maybe this time it’ll be different.” “let’s hope so,” jay muttered, rubbing his forehead. “i just want some peace and quiet.” sunghoon chimed in with a smirk, “the worst part wasn’t even the stalker vibes. it was her scent. smelled like burnt cabbage and old gym socks. i swear, i almost passed out every time she got too close.” “oh god, i remember that,” jake added, face scrunching in mock disgust. “it was like she rolled around in a dumpster before coming to work.”

“at least she kept the place clean,” heeseung said, always trying to be diplomatic. “her cooking was... questionable, but the flat was spotless.” “yeah, but she was suffocating,” sunoo complained, waving a small fan dramatically. “it was like she tried to smother us with her... affection.” “affection?” jay laughed, a mischievous glint in his eye. “more like desperation.” “she was like a moth drawn to a flame, but the flame was us,” niki said, grinning. “okay, enough with the moth metaphors,” jungwon chuckled. “let’s just hope this new housemother is less... intense.” “and doesn’t smell like burnt cabbage,” sunghoon added, earning a round of laughter. “so, how does this whole housemother system even work?” jake asked, curiosity in his tone. “i mean, we’re idols, we’re busy, stressed—why do we need an omega living with us?” “it’s kinda a weird setup,” heeseung explained, leaning against the doorframe. “omegas are supposed to bring balance. it’s more about emotional and physical support. keeping us calm.” “so, like a big emotional support teddy bear?” sunoo asked, eyes wide. “pretty much,” heeseung said with a laugh. “it helps with the stress, the constant pressure, and the whole... lack of personal space we deal with. honestly, sexual frustration is part of it too.” “yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve had an omega around,” jay said, turning more serious. “it’s been too long since we’ve had someone to... you know.” “it must be hard to keep everything in check,” jungwon said with a sympathetic nod.

“it’s not easy,” jay admitted. “but we manage. still, having someone around for comfort—emotional and physical—makes a difference.” “comfort, right,” jake muttered under his breath. “what we need is a good fuck.” “don’t be so crude,” sunghoon said, rolling his eyes. “we’re not animals.” “speak for yourself,” jake shot back with a smirk. “i’m a man with needs.” “and those needs are definitely being neglected,” niki added, frustration creeping into his voice. “it’s been months since my last heat.” “yeah, same here,” sunoo groaned dramatically. “i feel like i’m going to turn into a werewolf or something.” “don’t worry, sunoo,” jay said with a grin. “we’ll find you an omega who can handle your intense... needs.”

“oh, i can handle it,” sunoo said with a roll of his eyes, dripping with sarcasm. jay chuckled, shrugging. “just trying to be supportive.” “well, let’s hope this new housemother is what we need,” sunghoon said with a hint of hope. “someone who can actually help us relax.” “and doesn’t smell like burnt cabbage,” niki muttered, causing another round of laughter. jake, however, remained skeptical. “honestly, it might be worse having an omega around. either we won’t like her, or we’ll want to mate with her. there’s no in-between.” jungwon sighed, shaking his head. “let’s at least give her a chance before we jump to conclusions.” the new flat was impressive—sleek, modern, and more secluded than their last one, with the promise of better privacy. “wow, this place looks amazing,” jungwon remarked, eyes gleaming with interest as he surveyed the surroundings. “do you think we’ll each get our own room?” jungwon asks, excitement bubbling in his voice as his eyes scan the building’s exterior.

“god help us if we have to room with jay again,” sunghoon teases, earning a playful glare from jay and a chorus of laughter from the others. “it’s boiling out here,” sunoo groans, waving a small electric fan in front of his face with little effect. sweat trickles down his back, making his shirt stick to his skin.

niki, silently noticing his discomfort, offers him some tissues. sunoo grabs them with a grateful nod, dabbing his forehead as he tries to cool down. jake, growing impatient, casts a sideways glance at jay, who is still fumbling with the key, his hands full with a camera and a small bag. jake’s foot taps against the ground, his smile slipping just a bit. “what’s taking so long?!”

“almost there,” jay grumbles, wrestling with the lock, his frustration barely hidden as he tries to balance everything. jake, ever the impatient one, sighs dramatically and marches forward. “okay, enough of this,” he says, his tone light but with just enough annoyance to make the others chuckle. with a playful groan, jake grabs the door handle and twists it as if trying to break in. to everyone’s surprise, the door swings open with a loud thud, the knob slamming against the wall. the group jumps slightly at the unexpected noise, but jake bursts into laughter, clearly proud of himself. “well, that’s one way to make an entrance,” he says, grinning like a kid who just got away with something. “it was unlocked the whole time?” sunghoon asks, eyeing the open door cautiously before stepping inside. heeseung, ever the calm one, raises an eyebrow but doesn’t seem fazed. he drops his duffel bag on the kitchen counter and takes a moment to look around. “weren’t we supposed to meet our housemother here? what if she’s already inside?” heeseung wonders aloud, biting into an apple he grabbed from a fruit bowl, unfazed by the chaos around him. the others follow suit, taking in the space. sunoo, always ready for a photo op, finds a spot near the window, instantly captivated by the view. with the soft light filtering in, he pulls out his phone and starts snapping selfies, angling his face just right to catch the golden glow on his skin. jungwon and jay haul their luggage into the living room, both of them tired but relieved to finally be inside. jake and sunghoon, meanwhile, flop down on the plush sofa, sinking into the cushions with a collective sigh of relief.

“finally,” jake mutters, stretching his arms behind his head. “i thought i was gonna drop dead outside.” “this place is nice,” sunghoon adds, his eyes roaming the room, taking in the sleek, modern design. “at least we’re not roughing it.” “yeah, but where’s the housemother?” jungwon asks, glancing around the space, still half-expecting someone to appear from behind one of the closed doors. “maybe she’s running late,” jay shrugs, though the thought of being alone in the flat with no one to handle things didn’t exactly bother him. heeseung takes another bite of his apple, completely at ease. “or maybe she’s hiding, getting ready to ambush us with rules and schedules,” he jokes, but there’s a glimmer of truth in his tone. they’d had their fair share of housemothers with very different styles of managing things. “well, she better be cool,” jake mumbles, eyes closed as he lounges on the sofa. “because i don’t think i can handle another psycho.” the group chuckles, but there’s an underlying tension. the memory of the last housemother still lingers, and no one’s quite sure what to expect this time around. “you know, that last housemother was actually terrified of jungwon,” jake said with a laugh, shooting a playful glance at jungwon. sunoo snickered, his eyes lighting up with amusement. “yeah, I remember that! she’d literally run away if he got anywhere near her.”

jungwon furrowed his brow. “what? i’m not scary,” he protested, looking genuinely confused. jay couldn’t resist jumping in, his voice teasing. “oh, you’re totally not scary. you’re just the quiet guy who stares holes through people when you’re not happy. definitely not intimidating at all.” “and you always seem to know what everyone’s thinking,” sunghoon added, shaking his head with a grin. “kinda creepy, actually.” jungwon rolled his eyes. “i’m just good at reading people,” he shrugged. “it’s not my fault people get freaked out.” heeseung, grinning, leaned against the counter. “well, that skill of yours clearly intimidated some poor housemother. you probably scared her half to death.” jungwon chuckled lightly, his amusement shining through. “guess she didn’t figure out i’m actually a nice guy.” suddenly, niki’s excited voice echoed down the hall. “hyung! eight bedrooms! we each get our own room! there are eight bedrooms and two baths!” jungwon’s eyes widened with excitement, quickly mumbling, “i have to see this,” before darting off to explore the new space, his curiosity getting the better of him. jay, still managing the luggage, chuckled and waved him off. “go on, go pick your room.” jungwon began opening each bedroom door, niki close behind, both mentally claiming their spaces as they explored. the scent of fresh paint and new furniture filled the air, making the newness of the flat even more exciting. niki, always quick to spot things, pointed out a room lined with mirrors. “sunoo’s gonna love this one,” he said before heading off to find him. jungwon continued to explore, smiling to himself as their voices echoed through the flat, laughter filling the space. but something caught his attention.

as he passed the end of the hallway, his sharp eyes caught sight of a slightly ajar metal door. it seemed out of place, heavy, unlike the others. his mind briefly replayed the strange way the front door had been unlocked when they arrived. he knew they were supposed to meet their housemother here, but no one had shown up yet.

always the curious one, jungwon couldn’t resist. he pushed the door open quietly, stepping into the dimly lit room. the weight of the door was surprising, and a flicker of suspicion crossed his mind—was their housemother actually a man? the thought hung in the air for a moment before he brushed it off.

the room inside was small but perfectly neat. everything was meticulously arranged, from the framed photo on the nightstand to the carefully stacked books on a shelf. A single plant sat in the corner, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise minimal space. everything about the room spoke of control, order, and simplicity. and then, the scent hit him. vanilla. subtle, but unmistakable. it filled the air, sweet but not overpowering. it was the kind of scent that lingered softly, inviting without being intrusive. his senses picked up on it immediately, and he couldn’t help but take a deeper breath, letting the fragrance settle around him. his gaze shifted to the closed bathroom door, where the faint sound of running water could be heard. his instinct told him he should leave—this was private, and he was crossing a boundary just by being here. but something held him back, a pull of curiosity he couldn’t shake. he takes another step closer, the air thick with a sweetness that seeps into his skin, deeper with every breath. it’s not that foul mix of burnt cabbage and old socks he used to gag on from the last housemother, not the rotting stench that clung to the walls. no, this is different. way too different. this is like dessert for an alpha—a rich, creamy vanilla that wraps around his senses, teasing him, daring him to come closer, promising something he can’t even begin to resist.

jungwon’s breath catches, and his heart’s racing, a steady thump echoing in his ears. he’s never been hit this hard by an omega scent. not like this. not the kind that makes him feel like every nerve is on fire. it’s dangerous, pulling him in like it’s got him on a leash, dragging him straight toward the bathroom door where the scent is strongest.

he knows he should go, tell the others their new housemother’s actually here. he should move, but it’s like his feet are glued to the floor. fuck, he’s frozen. trapped in this vanilla haze, his body betraying him with every deep inhale.

“uh, hello?” his voice cracks, barely more than a breath.

nothing. just the sound of running water, steady, syncing with his pounding heart.

“is someone there?” louder this time, though he’s not sure if he even wants an answer.

still nothing.

his pulse quickens, excitement mixing with something darker, something raw. he’s never been this close to an omega with a scent this powerful. never this close to losing control. another step closer. the heat is building, creeping under his skin, prickling at his spine. his hand twitches, itching to push the door open, just to see who’s behind it, just to know who’s making him feel like this. “hello?” he tries again, his voice tight with something desperate now. and then the water cuts off, leaving only silence. the scent slams into him, hard. fuck. it’s like vanilla turned up to ten, all-consuming, a wave that crashes over him, drowning him in sweetness. his knees damn near buckle. jungwon’s eyes widen. he’s choking on it, heart slamming against his ribs. “fuck,” he breathes, the word rough, filled with want. his instincts scream at him—this omega is his. his to claim, his to knot, to make his. he can see it already: your skin against his, the taste of her on his lips, the way she’d shudder beneath him, taking everything he gives. “god, i’m so fucking hard,” he mutters, his hand moving to his crotch, trying to calm the ache that’s throbbing, demanding. he should walk away. leave. respect your space. but the alpha in him doesn’t give a shit about respect right now. the scent’s too strong, too damn tempting, and he’s too far gone to stop. your heart skips a beat, freezing as you hear a muffled “hello” from just outside the bathroom door. the cloth you were using to dry your necklace slips from your fingers, forgotten on the edge of the sink. you weren’t ready for this. fuck. they weren’t supposed to be here yet. you thought you had at least an hour. plenty of time to finish up and get out before anyone even noticed. but you’d grown too comfortable. if it wasn’t such a goddamn struggle with your weight dragging you down, you would’ve shut that heavy metal door to your room. now, it was too late.

the scent hits you—cinnamon, warm and thick, creeping into your lungs with every breath. it sends sparks through your body, makes your skin prickle, your knees weaken. your body is betraying you, reacting to the alpha’s scent like it’s been waiting for this. your thighs press together involuntarily, and you grip the sink tighter, trying to steady yourself, but it’s no use. the slickness between your legs is already there, a humiliating sign that your body is preparing, submitting, wanting. heat surges through you, burning hotter by the second, and all you can think about is relief, anything to dull the ache that’s building inside you. you hear more muffled words from behind the door, but they barely register. you’re too far gone, senses drowning in the need to feel, to be claimed. your tongue feels heavy, stuck, useless. your hands tremble as you take a shaky step back, catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. you look wrecked—cheeks flushed, eyes wide and desperate. the necklace you were holding slips from your fingers and hits the floor with a soft thud, barely noticeable over the pounding of your heart. your vision blurs, panic creeping in as the overload of sensations threatens to drown you completely. everything feels too much—too loud, too hot, too close. you drop to your knees, frantically patting the floor for the necklace, but the world is spinning around you, making it impossible to focus. your body is screaming for something else, something far more primal. the hunger inside you feels animalistic, gnawing at your insides, demanding satisfaction, craving the alpha that carries that intoxicating cinnamon scent. but you can’t give in. you won’t. not like this. you fucking hated your father right now and his stupid rules.

this has to be one alpha you’re supposed to take care of, and fuck, he smells like fresh cinnamon rolls—warm, sweet, and irresistible. if this was any other situation, you’d be dragging him in by the collar, begging him to take you. but you can’t. god, you fucking can’t. your pulse is racing, sweat clinging to your skin as panic surges. your mind’s scrambling, searching for a way out, but it’s like the walls are closing in, and his scent is making everything worse. you almost choke on it as it intensifies, a thick cloud of cinnamon filling your lungs. and then you see it—a shadow under the door.

he’s right there.

jungwon is standing on the other side, and fuck, he can smell you. he knows. his mouth waters at the scent of your slick, knowing full well his scent is affecting you just as much. maybe even more.

“shit, i can smell you,” he groans, voice thick with desire. he leans into the door like he’s trying to push through, desperate to get closer. “i want to see you. can i?” his voice drops, smooth and teasing, sending a shiver down your spine. “i’m jungwon.”

you bite down hard on your lip, trying to keep your body from betraying you, inching away from the door. your heart’s pounding so loud it’s deafening, your legs trembling as you fight to stay in control. you can feel the heat radiating off your skin, your thighs pressing together for some kind of relief. but it’s useless.

“you’re wet, aren’t you? i can smell it, bunny. come out here and play,” he growls, and it sends a jolt straight through you, making your knees nearly buckle. the way he’s talking about it, like it’s a challenge, makes you whimper, your body’s reaction immediate, shame mixing with raw need.

“n-no,” you barely squeak out, your voice cracking under the pressure. “can you... give me a second?”

your pathetic whimper does nothing but fuel him, his breath hitching at the sound of it. his hand twists the knob, testing it, and the frustration is palpable when he realizes it’s locked. his patience is wearing thin.

“fuck,” he mutters under his breath, leaning his forehead against the door. “please,” he begs, voice dropping to something dangerously close to pleading. “please, let me in.”

you slide to the floor, legs no longer able to hold your weight. the cool tiles offer a brief moment of clarity, the chill biting at your skin, but it’s not enough. “i can’t,” you whisper, barely able to get the words out. “your scent... it’s too much.”

he growls in frustration, his fist slamming into the door, rattling the hinges. the sound vibrates through you, shaking you to your core. you can feel his anger, his impatience, and somehow it only makes his scent stronger, more overwhelming, filling the air until you can barely breathe. slick is already running down your thighs, your body practically begging for him, even as you try to hold onto what little control you have left.

you’re fucked. completely fucked.

this isn’t how you wanted to meet them, not like this. sure, you’ve dealt with alphas reacting to your pheromones before, but this? this is different. this is bad. you haven’t been affected like this in so long.

under different circumstances, you’d be thanking the universe for sending an alpha like jungwon your way. fuck, his scent alone makes your mouth water. you can already imagine how good it’d feel to have him inside you, his body pressed against yours, the way he’d make you come undone. but you can’t think about that. you can’t.

because your father’s voice is echoing in your head, reminding you of the rules. strict rules. no matter how badly you or they wanted it, there are boundaries you can’t cross.

the pounding on the door gets louder, matching the frantic beat of your heart. “please,” jungwon’s voice is rough, strained with need. “i won’t hurt you. i just... i want to meet you. sorry if i scared you.” his tone softens, but there’s something lurking underneath, something dark and twisted that makes your instincts scream at you to stay the hell away. you can almost picture the smirk curling at the edges of his lips.

but you stay hidden.

despite everything—your body practically begging you to give in—some tiny piece of rationality keeps you from opening that door. you clutch the cold tiles, forcing yourself to stay grounded, to resist the pull of his scent that’s thickening the air, clouding your mind.

sunghoon stretches out on the plush sofa, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips as the velvet cushions sink beneath him. “man, i’m starving. think our new housemother knows how to cook? god, i hope she can actually make something edible,” he says, voice dripping with sarcasm. beside him, jake sprawls out on his stomach, face pressed against the cushions as he lets out a loud yawn, stretching his legs out and kicking sunghoon’s lightly. “if she doesn’t, we’re screwed,” he mutters, rubbing his face against the fabric. there’s something comforting about the scent lingering in the air—fresh laundry and a faint hint of pine from the air freshener. it reminds him of home, of comfort. but then, something else hits him. it’s subtle at first, like a whisper, but the more he breathes it in, the more it consumes him. vanilla. warm, sweet, and it goes straight to his core. he pauses, brows furrowed, and gives sunghoon a confused look. “you smell that?” jake asks, pushing himself up slightly. “what?” sunghoon asks, eyes still half-lidded with that lazy smirk. jake doesn’t answer right away, nose practically buried into the cushion, trying to catch more of that intoxicating scent. he looks ridiculous, really, crawling over the sofa like a bloodhound on the hunt. but fuck, he needs more of it. he doesn’t even think as he dips down, his tongue swiping across the fabric where your scent lingers, a soft groan escaping his lips. his jeans are suddenly too tight, his cock pressing hard against the denim, and it’s taking everything in him not to hump the damn cushion right there. sunghoon stares at him in disbelief, eyes wide. “the fuck are you doing?” “it smells so fucking good,” jake mumbles, momentarily lost in the sensation. it’s primal, almost feral, the way the scent shoots straight through him, making his head spin and his body ache for more. his brothers pick up on the shift immediately, the air thickening as jake’s pheromones bleed into the room, mixing with the scent of his arousal. it’s overwhelming, making their noses twitch and crinkle in response. “dude,” heeseung chuckles, though there’s a tightness to it, his shoulders visibly tensing. “stop releasing your scent. you’re gonna make me throw up.” sunghoon snorts, shaking his head. “you like that? sniffing the sofa like some damn dog?” he teases, a smirk on his lips, shoving jake playfully. jake shoves him back, not in the mood for jokes. “i’m serious, man. that’s her. i know it.” jake’s voice holds a strange seriousness now, as he pulls back, sitting up straight. “she’s the only omega in the house. that’s her scent.” sunghoon rolls his eyes. “you’re just bitchless, dude. makes your nose oversensitive.” “fuck off, i know what i’m talking about.” jake’s voice grows firmer, his eyes darkening as the primal instincts start to rise. “i’ve got a good nose for omegas. i know what i’m smelling.” he leans back into the sofa, trying to relax, though the lingering scent keeps him on edge. “it’s the kind of scent that makes you want to protect... to claim. it’s driving me nuts. bet she’s cute as fuck.”

heeseung’s grin fades, his tone turning more serious. “well, if she smells as good as you say, we better be careful. we can’t go acting on instincts.” “yeah, i know,” jake mutters, though the desire still flickers in his eyes. “but it’s not gonna be easy.” “especially with you acting like a damn pup in heat,” sunghoon smirks, earning a glare from jake. “shut up, hoon,” jake snaps, though there’s no real bite behind it. “i just hope she’s a good cook. maybe that’ll distract me.” “or maybe you’ll be sniffing around the kitchen, too,” sunghoon laughs, the tension easing a little as the conversation turns lighter. jake, still half-lost in the scent, gestures to the sofa. “try it,” he says, his voice low, daring them.

sunoo pipes up from the corner, wrinkling his nose. “i’m not going anywhere near that sofa after you slobbered all over it, you freak.”

“i’m telling you, you’re missing out,” jake says, gesturing toward the cushion, though everyone looks at him like he’s lost his mind.

“nah, man,” jay chimes in, raising his hands in surrender. “i still think you’re being dramatic.”

heeseung leans back, “honestly, i’m just glad she doesn’t smell like a dumpster like the last one,” he props his legs up on the coffee table, slumping deeper into the sofa chair. the others are still laughing at his joke, but his mind drifts back to their last housemother.

her scent had been a constant assault—burnt cabbage and stale socks, like it was trying to choke him every time she came near. he’d barely managed to stay polite, always holding his breath. the day she left had felt like a fucking blessing.

now, though, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

jake was usually the calm one when it came to omegas, the guy who always kept his head on straight. yet here he was, acting like a love-struck idiot, sniffing the sofa like it was the only thing in the world that mattered.

“you’re gonna need to get your shit together, jake,” sunghoon says, his voice firm but teasing. “we can’t let this omega turn us into a bunch of horny messes.”

“i know,” jake mutters, though the words are strained, his focus clearly somewhere else. “it’s just… fuck, she smells so good. you’ll get it when you—”

“you’re being dramatic,” heeseung cuts in with a chuckle, trying to keep things light.

“yeah, man, you’re probably overreacting,” sunghoon adds, patting jake’s back.

before anyone can say more, an overwhelming wave of pheromones hits the room. the thick scent of cinnamon, musk, and pure, raw arousal fills the air. it’s so potent it makes them all freeze, heads snapping in unison toward the source.

jungwon.

heeseung feels a tightness in his chest. jungwon’s scent always had a way of throwing him off, even when it wasn’t directed at him. now, it was making his head spin.

“jungwon, knock it off!” heeseung yells, shielding his face with his hand. “you’re giving me a fucking headache.”

“you guys always overdo it,” sunghoon groans, his nose scrunching in distaste. “you wanna fucking kill us, won?”

a sudden bang from down the hall snaps their attention to the noise, tension crackling in the air. niki, usually calm and collected, feels panic rise in his chest. the thick mix of jungwon’s cinnamon scent, now laced with a sweet hint of vanilla, is dizzying, suffocating. he knows something’s wrong. and it’s only getting worse.

niki’s eyes dart toward the hallway, searching for answers, but all he finds is a sickening sense of dread settling into his bones. he doesn’t know what to do, doesn’t know how to fix this, and it scares the shit out of him.

“something’s not right,” niki whispers, his eyes darting toward the hallway.

“where the hell is he?” heeseung snaps, his voice tinged with irritation. “i can smell him everywhere, but i don’t see him.”

jake’s eyes narrow, his senses sharpening as the pieces click together in his mind. the scent of cinnamon, now laced with vanilla, tells him everything he needs to know. his jaw tightens, a low growl vibrating in his chest.

“he’s with her,” jake says, voice dark with realization. “he got to her first.”

jay’s eyes widen in disbelief. “no fucking way—he wouldn’t—”

“i fucking know it,” jake cuts him off, then bolts from the room, his focus singular, laser-sharp as he races toward the closed metal door, desperate to reach you before jungwon does something irreversible.

“jakey boy said she smelled amazing,” sunghoon stands up, a smirk playing at his lips. “let me see what’s got him all worked up.” he crouches down, leaning in toward the sofa cushion jake had been sniffing, his expression a mix of disgust and curiosity. not entirely pleased at the fact he’d smell jake’s saliva, but the moment he inhales, his heart slams against his ribs, his entire body responding to the intoxicating scent.

“holy shit,” he whispers, eyes wide, the primal hunger clouding his thoughts.

seeing sunghoon’s reaction, the others exchange glances before moving in, one by one catching a whiff of the scent that had driven jake wild. each of them reacts the same way—shock, disbelief, and the unmistakable burn of arousal.

“fuck, he’s right,” jay mutters, his voice filled with awe and confusion.

“this is crazy,” sunoo mutters, shaking his head like he’s trying to clear it, but the scent clings, thick and overwhelming, wrapping around his senses.

“no fucking way,” niki whispers, eyes wide, fear mixing with fascination.

but heeseung’s not smiling. his mind races as he tries to think of a way to de-escalate the situation. the scent’s too strong, too dangerous. he notices they’re all barely holding on, and it’s only a matter of time before someone snaps.

“we’re screwed,” sunghoon declares, standing up straight. “no way in hell we’re holding back if she smells that good.”

what?

heeseung’s eyes snap to him, disbelief flooding his system as he shoves sunghoon aside, leaning in closer to the spot on the sofa. the moment the scent hits him, it’s like being punched in the gut. his body reacts before his mind can catch up, a sharp hunger tearing through him, raw and possessive. like your scent was calling him, promising a pleasure so intense that it could kill him.

he takes a step back, breath quickening. “shit,” he breathes, his mind struggling to process the overwhelming desire now clawing at him.

a low snarl escapes him, cutting through the room. “get jungwon out of there. now.”

his order cuts through the tension, and the others scramble into action, racing toward the hallway where jungwon had disappeared. heeseung follows, every step heavy with the weight of the situation spiraling out of control. his fists clench at his sides, trying to hold back the overwhelming urge to bury his face into the sofa and lose himself in your scent like jake had.

heeseung knew how powerful an omega’s scent could be, how it could push an alpha to the edge of madness. he’s seen it before. but this? this is on another level.

as he makes his way down the hall, your scent thick in the air, he has a sinking feeling this housemother was going to be a lot more trouble than they ever bargained for.

and fuck, he needs to know—who the hell are you?

“i’m done asking nicely. open the fucking door,” jungwon snarled, his voice booming through the room. it wasn’t a request anymore—it was a primal fucking command. every word sent a ripple through you, your body trembling, heat rising in your chest. that omega part of you, the one that wanted nothing more than to submit, stirred like it had been waiting for this moment all along. fuck, you craved him.

you were moving before you could think, crawling toward the door like something inside you had already surrendered. your breath hitched, anticipation coiling tight in your belly. every inch you dragged yourself closer made your chest ache with need. jungwon was pressed up against the door, you could practically feel the heat radiating off him, the wild energy crackling between you two. his desperation—fuck, it matched your own, mirrored in every breath he took.

“i’m gonna break this fucking door down—” his growl got cut off by the heavy thud of jake slamming into him, the sudden impact making the door shake on its hinges.

you heard the scuffle, the grunt of breath knocked out, but you stayed frozen, your body betraying you, caught between the pull of two alphas now. jake had his hands on jungwon before either of them could react, pushing him hard against the wall.

“you’re not getting to her first,” jake snarled, his grip digging into jungwon’s arm, his knuckles white with the strain of holding him back.

jungwon didn’t even flinch. “get the fuck off me,” he growled, shoving back, teeth bared. “i found her first.”

“found her?” jake spat, shoving harder, his voice shaking with anger. “you’re a fucking idiot, jungwon.”

jungwon’s eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to something deeper, darker, thick with the kind of need that made your skin prickle. “back the fuck off,” he repeated, losing himself to that alpha instinct that had him blinded with possession.

“she’s not yours,” jake sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. “she’s not even leaking for you.”

the tension between them was thick enough to choke on, neither of them throwing punches, but fuck, they might as well have been. jake’s grip didn’t loosen, his fingers digging in with a desperate intensity, trying to keep jungwon pinned down.

and you? you finally made it to the door, trembling as your hands fumbled with the lock. you had no idea what the hell was going on outside, your head clouded, body screaming for jungwon. every inch of you was numb except for the ache burning deep inside. you couldn’t wait any longer.

the door creaked open, and there he was.

jungwon—god, he was everything. his sharp jawline clenched tight, eyes burning with feral heat, hair disheveled from the struggle, wild and untamed. you could barely breathe. his skin gleamed, smooth and warm like fucking honey, and his lips, fuck, they were parted, catching his ragged breaths.

but then you saw it—jake, pinning him down.

another alpha.

the panic hit you like a tidal wave, and you slapped your hands over your mouth as the mix of their scents hit you like a brick to the face. jake’s cool, crisp scent cut through the cinnamon warmth of jungwon’s, and it was too much. the overload had you reeling, barely able to stand.

jungwon’s eyes met yours, and that feral look—fuck, it was like nothing you’d ever seen. “bunny,” he breathed, his voice broken, desperate, lying flat on his back, pain written across his face from jake’s tackle. his eyes said everything—he wanted you. no, he needed you.

but jake’s grip loosened, and the second jungwon had a sliver of freedom, jake’s attention snapped to you. his eyes blazed with fury, and before you could react, he lunged for you like a man possessed.

holy shit, he was all raw alpha energy, moving with a speed that had your heart in your throat. he stopped right in front of you, close enough that his breath ghosted over your skin, his eyes flickering as he took in every detail.

and then you felt it. fuck.

“oh god,” he growled, his voice deep, guttural, eyes dropping to the wetness pooling between your thighs. his tongue clicked against his teeth, and he leaned in, like he wanted to drown in your scent. “look at you. fucking perfect.”

his words sent a shock through you, and suddenly you couldn’t think straight. jake’s gaze roamed over you, drinking in the sight of your body, covered in that worn hoodie and shorts, but to him, it was like you were standing there bare. you were a fucking masterpiece to him, something he wanted to claim, and it had his chest heaving.

your tear-streaked face only seemed to spur him on, made him even harder. you saw it, that hunger in his eyes, the way his nostrils flared when your scent hit him fully.

he was fucking losing it.

his eyes narrowed, focused only on you, his voice dropping into a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. “the scent you left on that sofa? it’s nothing compared to having you here, right in front of me, omega.”

jake’s nose skimmed your neck, his breath hot, and you could feel the groan rumbling in his chest as he inhaled deeply. it was like he was marking you without even touching you. every second he spent close to you, you felt the tension snapping inside, the resistance crumbling.

“sorry for what i’m about to do to you,” he whispered, his lips ghosting over your ear, his hands roaming your body without shame, rough and possessive, squeezing your tits just enough to pull a gasp from your throat.

“please,” you whimpered, voice barely a whisper, your body shaking with both fear and desire. the omega in you screamed to submit, to let them take what they wanted, to give in completely.

jungwon, still on the ground, struggled to his feet, his eyes burning with possessive rage. “get your fucking hands off her, jake,” he snarled, the words dripping with venom as he watched jake’s hands all over you.

jake didn’t even flinch. “make me,” he sneered, his grip on you tightening, his eyes still locked on yours. “she’s leaking for me now, jungwon. she wants this.”

“no,” jungwon roared, voice cracking with desperation. “she’s mine.”

but jake wasn’t listening. he didn’t care. he had you now, and that was all that mattered. his hands were rough, possessive, his body crashing into yours, pinning you down to the floor, the wet stickiness of your arousal clinging to your skin. you could feel the electricity between you, the air buzzing with the raw, untamed energy that threatened to consume you both.

the sounds of your moans, his fevered kisses, the desperate way he held you—it all blurred into one chaotic mess of need. jake’s scent wrapped around you, suffocating you in a way that left you dizzy, drowning in him, in everything he wanted from you.

jungwon’s helpless cries echoed in the background, his hands clawing toward you, desperate tears welling in his eyes as jealousy burned him alive. “get the fuck off her, jake!” he roared, but it was too late.

niki appeared out of nowhere, grabbing jungwon, pulling him back before he could reach you, his own breath ragged, torn between his instincts and the chaos unfolding in front of him.

“hyung, stop,” niki’s voice was strained, his body trembling, trying to keep everything from spiraling out of control.

niki felt like a tightly wound wire, every muscle on the edge of snapping. he watched the chaos unfolding in front of him, hands twitching at his sides, every instinct screaming at him to step in. but fuck, what was he even supposed to do? his senses were shot, the air thick with pheromones and tension, making him dizzy, making it hard to think straight. his heart pounded, panic clawing at him as he watched it all spiral out of control.

jake had you pinned, and you—god, you were suffocating in his scent, the overwhelming musk of him sinking into your skin. your body shook beneath him, the heat from his body swallowing you whole, leaving you gasping, hanging on by a thread. you felt like you were about to break apart.

“you’re a fucking mess,” jake snarled, his voice rough, barely keeping it together as he buried his face into the curve of your neck. “dripping all over yourself for him, but you’re mine. you’re going to be mine.”

his words sent a shock of electricity through you, something that shouldn’t have made you shiver, but fuck, you did. and then, like he couldn’t hold back another second, jake groaned, the sound vibrating against your skin as he slipped your shorts to the side, fingers brushing over the soaked fabric of your panties before pulling them down.

“fuck, let me taste you,” jake moaned, releasing your wrists and dropping down between your thighs like he was starving for it. his tongue hit your core, messy and filthy, the sound of him lapping at your wetness loud, obscene, and fuck, you couldn’t even care. every flick of his tongue sent sparks shooting through you, your body arching, your fingers digging into the fabric beneath you as you moaned helplessly.

the way his tongue flicked over your swollen clit, licking long, slow stripes up your slit, it was like he was trying to claim every part of you with his mouth. you could hear him groaning against your skin, practically drowning in you, his hands gripping your thighs like he never wanted to let go.

his hands didn’t hesitate, slipping up your hoodie, fingers grazing over your stomach. he wanted more—wanted to feel everything—but he was too fucking focused on devouring you. jake was losing it, falling apart at the seams as he buried himself between your legs.

“shit,” he whimpered, pulling back just enough to breathe. “you taste so fucking good.”

you were a mess, panting, barely able to think, to process what the hell was happening. his voice rumbled through you, hitting you somewhere deep. “you gonna let me do whatever i want to this pretty pussy?” he asked, voice shaking with barely contained need. your fingers dug into his shirt, tugging him closer, eyes pleading for him to keep going, keep touching you, keep making you feel.

“mhmm,” you managed to choke out, your breath coming fast, chest rising and falling in a desperate rhythm. fuck, he was so good at this, too good, and you were already too far gone.

he pressed his face against your neck again, dragging his teeth along your skin, voice hot in your ear as he whispered, “wanna carry my pups? let me pump you full of my seed?” his jaw clenched, trying to stop himself from marking you right then and there, the restraint practically killing him.

you nodded frantically, everything inside you screaming yes. fuck yes.

his hips ground against you, the rough fabric of his jeans rubbing against your slick skin, the pressure against your clit sending shockwaves of pleasure through you. it was torment, the best kind, and the way he was so desperate, humping against you, made it all the more intense.

“yes,” you whimpered, voice cracking, needy, desperate. “i want it, need you inside me. please.” your words were shaky, your body trembling as you begged for him.

jake spread your legs wider, groaning as he took in the sight of you, slick and needy, completely open for him. he was unbuckling his belt, ready to claim you, but before he could go any further, something crashed into him.

jay.

he grabbed jake in a chokehold, yanking him off you with a growl that echoed through the room. “get the fuck off her, jake!” jay’s voice was rough, shaking with fury and authority, his hands gripping jake’s neck, his body taut with anger.

you gasped at the sudden emptiness, the feeling of jake being torn away from you leaving you desperate, aching for more. you didn’t even think—you shoved your fingers between your thighs, sliding them into your soaked folds, your other hand cupping your breast, desperate to replace the pleasure jake had ripped away from you.

“fucking let go of me!” jake roared, thrashing in jay’s grip, his voice edged with rage and desperation. “you fuck, let me go!”

jay’s face was strained, holding jake back even though the scent of your arousal was fucking with him too. his chest heaved, breath coming in harsh gasps as he fought to keep control, to stay strong despite the way his own body was reacting to you. fuck, he was hard—he could feel the ache in his pants, but he couldn’t give in, not like this.

“jake, snap out of it!” jay’s voice wavered, fighting to maintain control as jake struggled beneath him. “this isn’t you. calm the fuck down.”

it took everything in jay to ignore the feel of his own hard-on pressing against jake’s back, the scent of your arousal making it impossible to focus. his mind was screaming at him to stop, but his body was betraying him.

but you? you were too far gone to care about any of it. fingers buried deep inside yourself, chasing that release you needed so badly, moaning and gasping, too lost in your own pleasure to notice the chaos unfolding around you.

and it was only the first fucking day.

jay nearly lost it when he saw you—fingers buried deep inside yourself, fucking yourself right there on the floor, your body open, completely vulnerable. his breath hitched, eyes widening as he watched you, your slick fingers disappearing into your soaked pussy. the wet squelching sounds filled the room, obscene, making his cock twitch painfully in his pants.

jesus fuck, she’s putting on a show.

he squeezed his eyes shut for a second, trying to calm the raging hard-on that was killing him, but it didn’t help. the image of you stretched out, fingers pumping into yourself, was burned into his mind. fuck, his thoughts screamed, she’s wide open for the taking.

jake wasn’t handling it any better. “i said let me go!” jake’s voice was thick with desperation, his body jerking in jay’s hold as he tried to break free. “she’s mine!” he growled, voice rough with frustration, rage boiling over.

jay gritted his teeth, dragging jake more forcefully toward the living room, trying to get the situation under control, but his mind was all over the place, especially with you whimpering on the floor like that.

behind them, jungwon was losing it too. his body thrashed in niki’s grip, eyes wild and filled with pure desperation. “let me go, niki. she needs me.”

niki’s face was tight with strain, his voice barely steady. “hyung, please. calm down. you can’t help her like this.” niki’s grip was iron-tight, but jungwon wasn’t making it easy.

jungwon’s vision blurred with frustration, tears stinging his eyes as he caught another glimpse of you—your back arched, your fingers moving frantically, your face flushed with need. “niki, please,” jungwon begged, his voice breaking. “i can’t... i can’t just leave her like that.” his voice was raw, filled with pain, as he fought against niki’s hold.

just as jay was about to drag jake fully out of the room, something caught his eye on the floor—a necklace, shimmering faintly by the bathroom door. his stomach dropped as he realized what it was. “sunghoon, the necklace!” jay’s voice was sharp, cutting through the chaos as he shouted to sunghoon, who had been standing there, frozen in shock, just staring at you.

sunghoon blinked, snapping out of whatever trance he’d been in. “what necklace?” he mumbled, clearly dazed, his eyes flicking between you and the tension-filled scene unfolding around him.

jay growled, frustration bubbling up. “the necklace, sunghoon!” he barked, trying to make himself clear while holding jake back. “it’s designed to dampen her pheromones, you idiot! look for it before we all fucking lose our minds.”

it's like something clicked in sunghoon's mind yet he hesitated, but then he spotted something shimmering in the corner of his eye. there, by the bathroom door. with a curse, he shielded his nose and approached cautiously, the mix of pheromones in the air making his head spin. “fuck... where is it...” he muttered, his movements jerky, barely able to keep his thoughts straight.

even in the middle of all this chaos, sunghoon’s eyes kept drifting back to you—back to the way your body trembled on the floor, the way your eyes pleaded for something, anything. his heart pounded as your scent washed over him, nearly overwhelming his senses.

“i found it,” sunghoon finally called out, his voice shaky as he clutched the necklace tightly in his hand. it felt cool against his skin, but its weight carried so much more than just the metal—it was the one thing that had been keeping everything in control. “now what?”

his eyes fell on the delicate chain, and a sudden realization hit him like a punch in the gut. it was the same kind of necklace his sister would wear, the one that had kept her safe from the pull of alphas when she first hit her heat. a faint memory flashed in his mind—how protective his parents had been, how they’d insisted on her wearing it at all times, just like your father had done with you.

“put it on her!” jay ordered, the desperation in his voice barely contained. sunghoon cursed under his breath, his hands trembling, body shaking with restrained arousal.

with his stomach twisting in frustration, sunghoon forced himself to walk toward you. fuck, you looked like every filthy fantasy he’d ever had come to life, sprawled out on the floor, back arched, fingers buried deep inside yourself. his vision blurred as your scent invaded his lungs, thick and intoxicating, pulling him deeper into the haze.

“oh... you look so good,” sunghoon mumbled under his breath, crouching down next to you. his hands shook as he reached out, barely able to control himself as his fingertips grazed your skin.

your tear-streaked face turned toward him, and you sniffled, your voice trembling. “help me, alpha.” your words were a plea, your fingers still fucking yourself as you reached out for him, your wet fingers brushing against his knuckles.

sunghoon’s resolve nearly shattered right there. fuck. every instinct screamed at him to taste you, to claim you. he wanted to pin you down and lose himself in your scent, in your slick pussy, but he held back. barely. his breath was shaky, heart racing as he forced himself to focus.

“fuck,” he groaned, his hand pressing flat against your stomach. the warmth of your skin burned against his palm, and he bit back the urge to rip your clothes off right there. he wanted to know if you liked the way his alpha musk surrounded you, if you were feeling the same pull.

his eyes raked over your body—your hoodie shoved up, your chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. he imagined fucking you, imagined the way your stomach would bulge with how deep he could go. you’d take him so fucking well.

his voice was low, rough, barely above a whisper as he muttered, “you want it? want me to fill you up, make you mine?” he wasn’t even talking to you at that point—it was more like he was lost in his own head, entranced by the sight of you.

“yes,” you whimpered, your body arching into his touch, reacting to every word he said. “anything... help me.”

his hand trembled, fighting to hold back, his control slipping. “fuck, i want to... i want to so fucking bad,” he admitted, his voice thick with lust.

“sunghoon, what the fuck are you doing?” jay’s voice snapped him out of it, harsh and urgent. “the necklace, dumbass. it’s supposed to stop her pheromones from driving us all fucking insane.”

"i fucking know!" sunghoon clenched his jaw, frustrated as hell, feeling like jay just cockblocked him at the worst possible moment. but he knew he had to do it. fuck, why was it always him stuck with shit like this?

“why do i always get the hard jobs?” sunghoon muttered, resigned, but determined. his hands still shook as he gripped your arm, rolling you onto your side to clasp the necklace around your neck.

the second it clicked into place, your scent dampened, the intensity of it fading just enough that sunghoon could breathe again. he collapsed back on his heels, chest heaving as the haze lifted, the burning arousal still lingering but not as overwhelming.

you went limp in his arms, your body finally giving in, exhaustion pulling you into sleep. sunghoon let out a shaky breath, trying to pull himself together.

sunoo burst into the room, his face a mix of worry and confusion as he looked at your limp form. “let me take her,” sunoo said firmly, lifting you up with gentle hands, carrying you out of the room and settling you on the sofa in the living room.

sunghoon watched him go, his body still trembling, trying to shake off the intensity of what just happened. he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding his breath until heeseung’s hand landed on his shoulder, grounding him.

“you took your fucking time,” sunghoon mumbled, his voice hoarse with exhaustion and frustration.

heeseung smirked, barely fazed. “looked like you had it under control.”

sunghoon glared at him, knowing full well heeseung had been standing there watching, probably enjoying the whole damn show. heeseung always had a way of lurking in the background, and most times, no one could tell what he's really thinking about.

the living room was heavy with tension, thicker than the remnants of your pheromones, even with the necklace doing its job. the hum of the air conditioning was the only noise cutting through the uncomfortable silence. jay leaned against the wall, arms crossed, frustration etched on his face.

“so, have you two idiots calmed down yet?” jay’s voice finally broke the quiet, exasperation lacing every word. jake and jungwon, both looking like they'd just taken a beating, sat slumped on the sofa. neither one could meet jay's eyes. they were too busy staring at you, still asleep, blissfully unaware of the shitstorm they were causing.

jake rubbed a hand over his face, elbows resting on his knees. his eyes stayed glued to you, to the rise and fall of your chest as you slept, completely oblivious to the chaos you'd left in your wake. he swallowed, hard, still tasting the lingering sweetness of your arousal on his tongue.

“never been this pussy-drunk in my life,” jake muttered under his breath, his voice so low it was almost like he didn’t want anyone to hear it—but they did. his usual cocky confidence was nowhere to be found, replaced with a needy, pathetic ache. it pissed him off, but he couldn’t shake it. not when you were right there.

he was always the guy in control, the one alphas and omegas alike fawned over. but you? fuck. you flipped the script, made him feel desperate, like he couldn’t think straight. every memory of the way you smelled, the way you’d whimpered under him, it was still fresh in his mind, and it gnawed at him.

“she’s something else,” jake muttered again, shaking his head like he was trying to snap out of it. “can’t believe how strong her scent is, even with the fucking necklace.”

jay nodded, jaw tight, eyes flickering between you and the others. “we need to get a grip. we’re responsible for her, not just our own goddamn urges,” he growled. “but it’s a fucking kick in the balls that this is how we had to welcome her on her first day.”

“yeah, no shit,” jake muttered, raking a hand through his hair. “i don’t even know her name, and she makes it hard to focus on anything.” he shot a look at sunoo, who sat calmly near you, completely unaffected by the chaos that seemed to have every other alpha by the throat.

“how the fuck are you so calm, sunoo?” jake’s voice dripped with disbelief, and maybe a bit of jealousy. “seriously, what the hell is your secret?”

sunoo just hummed, a small smile playing at his lips, but his eyes stayed cool, detached. “she’s beautiful, no doubt. and her scent? it’s... nice. but it doesn’t drive me crazy like it does you guys.”

the other alphas groaned, frustrated and envious as hell. they wished they could borrow some of sunoo’s calm, bottle it up, and down it like a shot.

“you’re telling me if she begged you to fuck her, you wouldn’t cave?” jake challenged, his voice tinged with desperation. there was no way sunoo was that composed.

sunoo’s smirk widened, his calmness irritating. “i didn’t say that. i wouldn’t say no. but i’m not compelled like you guys are.”

jay rolled his eyes. “always the zen master, huh?” he let out a low chuckle, though his own struggle was clear in his tight posture. “but you’re right. we need to find that control, or we’re all fucked.”

especially me. he thought, his gaze lingering on you. the way you’d been earlier, begging for it, the way you’d let anyone take you—it had him in a chokehold. he’d wanted to knock everyone out, drag you off, and make you his. but he couldn’t admit that. not yet.

jake let out a low groan, eyes dark with something that burned hotter than frustration. “you have no idea how good she is, though. her scent, her body... fuck, her heat.” he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the other alphas’ eyes on him. “i ate her out, kissed her. full-on, tongue-down-her-throat shit.”

jay shot him a look, a flicker of jealousy crossing his face despite how much he tried to hide it. “we’re all affected, jake. it’s not just you.” he turned to jungwon, who had been eerily quiet, his gaze fixed on the floor like he couldn’t even process what happened.

“jungwon, what about you? you vanished earlier.”

niki chimed in, curiosity laced in his voice. “yeah, hyung, you weren't yourself.”

jungwon sighed, rubbing his temples, looking as lost as the rest of them. “i don’t know. i’ve never been like this. i went in because i was curious... and then, next thing i knew, i was trying to break down her bathroom door.” his voice cracked with the memory, his hands clenching into fists.

“i know how you feel,” jake said, his frustration barely contained. “the moment i got close to her, it was like her scent wrapped around me, and i couldn’t breathe. i had to get to her.”

jungwon’s jaw tightened, his voice sharp. “but you got to her first, jake. you always do.”

jake stepped closer, his voice lowering into a growl. “what are you trying to say, jungwon? that i shouldn’t have? that i should’ve let you?”

jungwon’s emotions boiled over, barely making sense in his own head. “i’m saying,” he spat, “that i lost control for the first time in my life. do you know what that’s like? i was fucking crying because i couldn’t handle it.”

niki, who had been listening closely, stepped in. “i think we’re all just exhausted from work, plus, this whole situation is insane. that’s why we’re all losing our shit.”

heeseung, who had been quiet, watching everything unfold, finally spoke. “it’s not like you to be aggressive,” he looked at jungwon, his voice softer. “but this stuff happens.”

heeseung, for all his calmness, wasn’t unaffected. he could still smell your scent clinging to the air, and god, it made him jealous. he hadn’t gotten as close as jake or jungwon, but the moment he caught a whiff of you, he knew. he wanted you.

but he wouldn’t let it show. not yet. not when he could watch his members lose their cool, spiraling, while he waited for the perfect opportunity.

jungwon sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “the moment i stepped into her room, it was over. i was completely fucked.”

heeseung’s eyes narrowed as he watched jungwon carefully, always calculating, always watching. competition. he could feel it brewing. but he wasn’t worried. not yet.

“thanks for stepping in, jake,” jungwon finally muttered, though there was an edge to his voice. “even if you got to her first.”

jake shook his head, his voice earnest. “i’m sorry, man. i didn’t mean to. i just... lost control. it was a heat-of-the-moment thing.”

jungwon nodded, the tension between them easing just a little. “yeah, i get it.”

sunghoon, who had been quiet until now, broke the moment with a chuckle. “jake, you even licked the spot where she was sitting.”

jake groaned, burying his face in his hands, his embarrassment clear.

“we all lost control,” jay said, eyes softening as he looked at you, still fast asleep on the sofa. “but we need to be better. we owe her an apology when she wakes up.”

they all nodded, the reality of what had happened settling over them. it was time to pull themselves together. no more losing control. no more giving in.

jungwon leaned back against the sofa, eyes closed, but his mind was far from resting. the exhaustion was real, but your voice—soft, needy, calling his name—echoed in his thoughts, gnawing at him. he couldn’t stop replaying it. the desperation in your tone, the way you’d looked at him, had done something to him, and it was driving him crazy.

sunghoon’s tone shifted, snapping him out of his thoughts. “good thing jay noticed she had a suppressor.”

sunghoon might’ve sounded casual, but his thoughts? they were far from innocent. he couldn’t stop thinking about how you’d begged him earlier, how your eyes, full of need, had almost made him lose control. the way you’d pleaded for his touch—it sent shivers down his spine even now. fuck, he’d wanted you so bad.

he envied jake’s boldness. if only he had been the one to taste you first. your scent was still in his head, lingering like a ghost, reminding him of what could’ve been.

jay’s voice pulled him back to the present. “looks like you know more about it, hoon. the necklace.”

"i know 'cause my sister has one too. it’s like an iud."

"what is an iud?" niki asked, his brow furrowed as he glanced around, clearly confused by the term.

sunghoon chuckled softly, leaning back against the couch. "it’s a birth control thing," he explained casually. "a little device they put in so people don’t get pregnant."

niki’s eyes widened slightly, and he tilted his head, still not entirely sure how it worked. "wait, they put it where?"

sunghoon smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "in the uterus, genius."

"oh, damn," niki muttered, clearly thrown off by the explanation. "that sounds... intense."

"yeah," sunghoon replied, shaking his head lightly. "but it’s not the same as what y/n’s necklace does. hers just messes with the pheromones, like keeping everything under control. it’s not exactly birth control, but kinda similar in that it’s stopping something natural from happening."

"wait, seriously?" niki blurted out, still processing the idea.

sunghoon nodded, his tone more serious now. "yeah. it’s a pretty strong compound in the metal that reacts to sweat and pheromones. but over time, it wears out, just like anything else."

jay nodded. “yeah. her scent being this potent means her pheromones are off the charts. we need to be extra cautious.”

niki, ever observant, caught how jay was standing—arms crossed, feet shifting nervously, leaning against the wall like he didn’t trust himself to get any closer to you. niki smirked, holding back a laugh. “hyung, you look awkward. feeling it too?”

jay glanced at you, his usually cool expression faltering for a moment. “i’d be shocked if anyone wasn’t affected,” he muttered, turning his gaze to heeseung, who had been unusually quiet.

heeseung’s eyes were fixed on you, his mind elsewhere. “i actually called management earlier. asked if there’d been some sort of mistake.”

jay’s curiosity piqued. “and?”

heeseung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “no mistake. she was assigned to us. a special recommendation.”

“they threw a rabbit into a den of wolves,” heeseung muttered under his breath, frustration clear in his tone.

jay tried to crack a smile, lighten the mood. “should we be happy or scared?”

jake’s voice cut in, sharp and careless. “can we fuck her, though?” the question hung heavy in the air, met with incredulous stares.

“seriously, jake?” sunoo snapped, his eyes darting between you, fast asleep on the couch, and jake. “she’s lying there, completely vulnerable, and that’s where your head’s at?”

jake shrugged, defensive. “come on, i know you guys are thinking it too,” he muttered, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face.

sunghoon clenched his jaw, his voice strained. “we’re supposed to protect her, not take advantage of her.” but even as the words left his mouth, the intrusive thoughts crept in—what it would feel like to claim you, to give in. he balled his fists, trying to keep his instincts in check, but the urge gnawed at him.

the necklace dulled your scent, but fuck, it didn’t stop the fantasies from crawling into his mind.

sunoo, calm as ever, moved towards you, lifting your delicate frame into his arms effortlessly. “where are you taking her?” sunghoon’s voice was laced with envy, watching sunoo carry you like it was nothing.

“i’m going to give her a bath, then tuck her in,” sunoo replied, matter-of-factly. “and no, i’m not going to do anything inappropriate.” his tone was firm, but he couldn’t help the flicker of temptation that crossed his mind. he had to remind himself to focus. you were their responsibility now.

as sunoo walked toward your room, the others watched him, a mix of frustration and admiration playing on their faces. they all knew sunoo was the best one for the job, the least affected by your pheromones. but still, it stung that he seemed so damn unaffected, while they were all barely hanging on.

“hey, sunoo, wait,” jake called after him, his voice a mix of concern and something more. “i need to ask you something.”

sunoo paused, turning back. “what is it?”

jake hesitated, his voice quieter now. “how do you stay so calm around her? it’s like you’re not even affected.”

sunoo chuckled softly, adjusting his grip on you. “i'm not a saint, jake. of course i'm affected, i’m just trying to focus on what matters.”

“but her scent…” jake admitted, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.

sunoo nodded, understanding. “it’s tough for all of us, hyung. but we have to be stronger than our instincts.”

jake sighed, nodding. “you’re right. it’s just… hard to keep it together.”

sunoo gave him a small smile before continuing down the hall, carrying you toward your room. jake watched him go, a mix of admiration and frustration bubbling inside him.

how the fuck does he do it?

the rest of the members sat in silence, watching the exchange, knowing they were all fighting the same battle. they were trying to control themselves, trying to be better, but it was a constant struggle. and it wasn’t getting any easier with you around.

“we need to set some ground rules,” jungwon finally said, his voice firm. “no one is to be alone with her unless absolutely necessary. and if anyone feels like they’re about to lose it, speak up.”

everyone nodded, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on them. the reality of living with you was sinking in, and it was going to be a test of their control and boundaries. one they hadn’t anticipated.

as they began to unpack their things, each of them wrestled with their own thoughts, their own desires. they had crossed lines today, and now they owed it to you—and themselves—to make amends.

it was time to figure out how to move forward.

they needed to apologize.

you stirred awake, a soft groan slipping from your lips as you stretched, the weight of sleep still hanging heavy on your body. last night was a blur—a chaotic mix of sensations, overwhelming scents, and a vulnerability that still lingered in your chest. as you shifted under the covers, you winced at the uncomfortable stickiness between your thighs. fuck. you were still covered in your own juices, the tackiness clinging to your skin, a reminder of just how wild things had gotten.

heat crept up your neck as bits of memory floated back—the way their scents had engulfed you, how your body had betrayed you, craving their touch. you surrendered to it, to that primal pull, knowing damn well it wasn’t just their pheromones driving you mad. you were an omega, after all, this was your nature. but fuck, you thought, it went way too far.

and yet, beneath the embarrassment, there was something else. a weird sense of power. they had struggled to keep control, they were the ones lost in you. yeah, you were vulnerable, but you weren’t helpless. you were their housemother now, and you were gonna be good at it, no matter what kind of messy shit last night had brought.

sitting up, you winced again, the sticky reminder between your legs making your face burn. god, what a fucking disaster. seven alphas, all practically losing their minds over you. it had felt intoxicating and terrifying at the same time.

with a sigh, you pushed yourself out of bed, cringing at the way your legs felt weak, the dried remnants of last night clinging to your thighs. the bathroom was your refuge, the cool water washing away the mess, but even then, the faint scent of your arousal still lingered. great, that’s not going anywhere, you thought, scrubbing your skin until you felt a little more like yourself.

you weren’t just some omega to be played with, no matter how much your body had craved it. you were their housemother. and you were determined to remind them of that.

fresh clothes, something simple but made you feel in control. you took a deep breath, squaring your shoulders before stepping out of the bathroom, the murmur of voices drifting through the door. there was laughter, but it was tense, the kind that tries to cut through something heavier.

when you walked into the living room, the conversation cut off immediately. their eyes snapped to you, and the surprise in their faces was almost comical. they didn’t expect this. they probably thought you’d still be in bed, embarrassed, maybe hiding from them after last night. but you stood tall, chin up, determined not to let them see any weakness.

“morning, boys,” you greeted, your voice steady. their wide eyes and gaping jaws made you want to smirk. clearly, they hadn’t expected this kind of confidence from you.

the room stayed quiet, all of them exchanging looks, trying to figure out how to react. a smirk tugged at your lips, amusement flickering in your eyes. good. they needed to know you weren’t a pushover.

“i hope you’re all ready for a new day,” you said, your tone firm but calm, taking control of the room. “and i think it’s time for proper introductions.”

jake was the first to recover, a sly grin spreading across his face as he leaned back. “good morning to you too, bunny,” he teased, the nickname meant to rile you up. it worked.

jungwon’s eyes narrowed at jake. that was his nickname for you, and jake knew it. “you’re lucky you’re still alive after last night,” jungwon grumbled under his breath, clearly irritated.

“name’s niki,” another voice chimed in, and you turned to see niki lounging on the sofa, smirking like he’d known you forever. “honestly thought we’d need to call an exorcist or something with the way things got.” his casual tone was an attempt to make you feel more comfortable, but there was a teasing edge to it.

you chuckled, shaking your head. “yeah, well, turns out i’m tougher than i look. name’s y/n, by the way.” your smile widened. “nice to officially meet everyone.”

jungwon’s voice was softer now, a little embarrassed. “i’m jungwon. glad to see you’re okay.” he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly still trying to process everything.

you arched an eyebrow at him, a teasing glint in your eyes. “i’m surprised you didn’t break down my bathroom door, jungwon. you were pretty determined.”

his face flushed crimson. “yeah… about that,” he stammered, looking down at the floor. “i don’t know what came over me.”

“makes sense why only your door’s made of metal. it’s to help during your heat-cycle, right?” jay chimed in, a thoughtful look on his face as he nodded toward your bedroom door.

you nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. “yeah, so i don’t accidentally cause… well, this.” you gestured to the room full of alphas still trying to reel themselves in from last night. jay grinned, introducing himself, and you nodded, chuckling. “don’t worry, i already know who you all are. they briefed me before i came.”

“figured,” jay said, flashing a bright smile.

heeseung was next, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and something else. “we’re really sorry about what happened yesterday,” he said, his voice soft, almost hesitant. “but you should try not to take off your necklace… so i don’t end up doing something you wouldn’t want me to.” the way he said it had the room freezing for a second.

the others tensed, their eyes darting toward heeseung, irritation flickering in their expressions. jake snorted, clearly annoyed. “oh, so you’re the responsible one now?” his voice dripped with sarcasm.

jungwon shot heeseung a glare. “yeah, because you’re the only one who needs to ‘be careful,’ right?”

sunghoon rolled his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. “since when did you turn into the knight in shining armor? i thought we all agreed we’d look out for her.”

heeseung raised his hands, smirk still lingering. “i’m just saying. someone’s gotta make sure we don’t all lose our heads.”

jay snorted. “you’re one to talk. i saw the way you were looking at her last night.”

“jealous much?” heeseung teased, though the tension was real now, thick in the air.

the bickering had your heart racing. they were all vying for your attention, and while it was overwhelming, it was also strangely satisfying.

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “you’re all ridiculous.” their eyes snapped back to you, their gazes softening a little. “but i appreciate the concern. let’s just try not to kill each other, alright?”

they all nodded, albeit reluctantly, the tension easing slightly. they knew they had to find a way to navigate this new dynamic. whatever had happened last night, you were the one keeping them from losing it completely. you weren’t just a pretty face or a tempting scent—you were the one holding them together, and they were starting to realize that.

“we’re lucky to have you,” sunoo said, his voice calm and genuine, making the others nod in agreement.

as the room settled into a strange calm, you stood tall, confidence radiating from you. sure, last night had been a mess, but you had a grip on it now. they might be alphas, but you were the one in charge here. and you weren’t going to let them forget it.

as the weeks passed, you settled into your role as housemother to the seven alphas with surprising ease. that initial tension from the wild encounter with jake and jungwon still simmered beneath the surface, but you focused on weaving connections with each of them. it was clear from the start that if this was going to work, you’d need to build strong bonds, and not just manage the household.

you began your mornings by waking early to prepare breakfast, the scent of food quickly luring them into the kitchen one by one. jake was always the first, his bedhead messy, eyes sleepy but lighting up the moment he saw you. he leaned against the counter, watching you as you moved around the kitchen with ease, his gaze always a little too attentive, lingering on you like you were his personal sunrise.

“morning, y/n,” he’d say, voice still heavy with sleep but edged with warmth. it became a ritual between you two. there was something about the way he said your name, slow and playful, that never failed to make your pulse quicken.

“morning, jake. sleep well?” you’d reply, shooting him a glance over your shoulder as you worked.

he would grin, leaning in just a little too close, his voice low. “better now that i get to see you first thing,” he’d say with that smirk that made it hard to roll your eyes, even though you always tried.

jungwon, however, was quieter, more reserved. he’d drift into the kitchen after jake, silently helping where he could, usually at the sink, scrubbing dishes. but you noticed the way his fingers would brush yours, just slightly too often to be a coincidence. it was the small moments with him, the silent exchanges.

“thank you for breakfast,” he’d mumble, his voice quiet but full of something more than just politeness.

“anytime, jungwon,” you’d reply softly, and for a moment, it felt like you were the only two people in the room, the tension lingering until the next person barged in.

then there was niki. always up to something, he’d sneak up behind you, trying to steal bites of food off your plate or straight from the pan, all while wearing that mischievous grin that he knew would make you laugh. but his antics, innocent as they seemed, were often followed by lingering glances that felt far more intentional.

“play a game with me,” he’d say, flashing that boyish smile that made it impossible to say no, even though you knew he was just trying to see you flustered.

sunghoon, on the other hand, was always watching from the sidelines, his gaze intense but quiet. you’d catch him looking at you from across the room when he thought no one was paying attention. his quiet presence always seemed to fill the space around you, and though he rarely said much, when he did, it was always with a softness that surprised you.

“if you need anything, just let me know,” he’d offer, voice low, the sincerity in his eyes clear, but there was always an edge to his words, like he was waiting for something, a moment when you’d turn to him.

jay was the complete opposite—always vocal about how much he admired you. you couldn’t escape the constant compliments. whether it was about how you organized the kitchen or how you handled the laundry, he made sure you knew you were appreciated.

“you’re incredible, you know that?” he’d say, leaning back on the couch after you’d tidied up the living room, his gaze warm but playful.

“i’m just doing my job,” you’d deflect, but the look in his eyes made it clear he thought you were doing more than just your job.

heeseung, though, was the hardest to figure out. he flirted openly, always testing the boundaries, his words dripping with suggestion even when his actions didn’t follow through. there was something about the way he looked at you that made you feel like he could see right through your attempts to stay composed.

“you should be careful,” he’d whisper one evening as he passed by, his voice low, teasing, but with enough edge to make you pause. “or i might just lose control.”

sunoo was different—sweet, affectionate, but with an authority that kept the others in line. he’d join you in the evenings, chatting casually, his arm casually draped over the back of your chair, always leaning just a little too close, but never pushing too far. his presence was soothing, but you could tell even he wasn’t immune to the pull you seemed to have on them all.

“you’re doing great, y/n,” he’d say, smiling softly, though his eyes betrayed a deeper appreciation.

as the days turned into weeks, the tension between you and the alphas became less about control and more about the unspoken connection that was building between all of you. they became more protective, more possessive, even in the smallest of ways. jay would always make sure you weren’t lifting anything too heavy, jungwon would hover around after meals as if waiting for a reason to help, and jake was always right there, keeping you company, offering small touches or playful remarks that kept your heart racing.

they were watching, and they cared more deeply than any of them probably wanted to admit. but you could feel it, the way they gravitated toward you, the way their eyes lingered a little too long, the way their teasing never really felt all that casual. and even though it made things complicated, there was a thrill in it, knowing you held their attention in a way that went beyond simple attraction.

the day they won first place on the chart was electric, the house buzzing with excitement and pride as the alphas celebrated in the living room. laughter and cheers filled the air, the atmosphere brimming with energy as they reveled in their success. you stood to the side, watching it all unfold with a proud smile on your face, genuinely happy for them. but as they decided to go live on weverse to share the moment with their fans, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

as the live broadcast started, you noticed a shift. their smiles were still there, but they seemed a little forced. their laughter, normally so carefree, sounded just a bit strained. it was subtle at first, easy to miss if you weren’t paying close attention, but the longer you watched, the more apparent it became. something was wrong.

it hit you all at once—your scent. it had been subtle before, controlled by the necklace you wore to suppress your pheromones, but now it was filling the room. shit. your heart skipped a beat as you realized what was happening. your heat was starting, and the necklace wasn’t doing its job as well as you’d thought.

heeseung was the first to falter. sitting on the couch, his hand gripped the back of it tightly, his knuckles white. he was trying to focus on the screen in front of him, reading comments, but you could see the strain in his face. his eyes flicked to you for just a second too long, and that’s when you knew he was struggling.

“are you okay?” one of the fans asked in the chat, their concern flashing across the screen.

heeseung forced a smile, his voice tight as he responded. “yeah, just… a little hot in here, that’s all.” but the way his eyes lingered on you betrayed him, the usual calm and collected demeanor slipping.

you swallowed hard, suddenly feeling very conscious of the heat rising in your body, the way your skin tingled. your mind raced as you wondered why the necklace wasn’t working like it should. had you taken it off too long that morning? was it faulty? you could feel it, the pull it had on the room, the way the alphas were all reacting, each in their own way.

jake, sitting closest to the camera, kept shifting in his seat, his leg bouncing nervously. he was trying so hard to stay focused on the live, reading out comments, his voice casual, but his eyes kept darting to you. his usual laid-back confidence was cracking, and you could feel the intensity of his gaze, the way he was practically staring bullets into you. there was no mistaking it—he was smelling your arousal, and it was driving him mad.

jungwon wasn’t faring any better. his jaw was clenched so tightly you thought he might crack a tooth, his shoulders tense, fingers gripping the edge of the couch as he fought to keep his composure. his eyes, usually so soft when he looked at you, were dark now, clouded with something deeper, something primal.

niki’s carefree demeanor had vanished. the youngest of the group, he sat unusually still, his eyes flicking between the camera and you, his lips pressed into a thin line. he wasn’t laughing, wasn’t cracking jokes like he normally would. instead, he seemed to be barely holding it together, his hands gripping his thighs like he was trying to ground himself, keep from doing something reckless.

sunghoon looked like he was ready to bolt. every few minutes, he’d glance toward the door, his body rigid as if he was debating whether to stay or flee. he was always the quiet one, the observer, but now he looked like he was moments away from losing control.

jay was the only one who seemed to be trying to mask it, his fingers scrolling through the live chat, pretending to focus on the fans’ comments. but you could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his grip on the phone tightened with every minute that passed. he kept throwing you glances, his expression unreadable, though the way his eyes lingered on you told you everything. he wanted you too.

sunoo, sitting beside jay, seemed to be the only one holding it together, but even he wasn’t entirely unaffected. his usual bright smile was still there, though a little more strained than usual. he helped jay read through the live chat, his voice light and teasing, but you could see the way his eyes flicked to you every so often, his control slipping for just a second before he pulled himself back. unlike the others, sunoo had a way of masking his emotions, keeping the tension at bay. but even now, you could feel the weight of his restraint, how much effort it was taking for him to stay composed while the air around you all grew thicker with every passing second. he nudged jay playfully at one of the fan comments, trying to keep things light, but even that small touch seemed to make jay’s jaw tighten. sunoo was doing his best to help distract him, it was clear that the room was suffocating them all, the scent of your arousal filling the space and gnawing at their control. the live finally ended, and as soon as the cameras were off, the air in the room became suffocating. the tension that had been bubbling beneath the surface during the broadcast now rose to a boiling point. no one was speaking, but their reactions were all too clear. they were trying to act normal, but you could feel the weight of their struggle. they were holding on by a thread, and you were the reason why. heeseung was the first to break the silence, his voice low, almost strained. “that was close.”

“too close,” jake muttered, his leg still bouncing restlessly as he ran a hand through his hair. his eyes flicked to you, filled with frustration and need, and for a moment, you thought he might say something else, but he just clenched his jaw and looked away.

jungwon stood abruptly, his fingers still flexing like he was trying to shake off the tension. “we should… take a breather.” his voice was clipped, tight, and he moved toward the door, but not without a quick, burning glance in your direction.

niki let out a heavy breath, shifting in his seat before muttering, “yeah, good idea.” he looked at you for just a second before following jungwon, his expression unreadable.

sunghoon stood as well, his movements stiff, and for a moment, you thought he might bolt out the door without another word. but he stopped, turning back to you, his voice low and soft. “we’ll, uh… we’ll give you some space.”

as the others filed out of the room, jay lingered for a second, his phone still in his hand, but his eyes were fixed on you. he didn’t say anything, just watched you, his expression conflicted, like he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. finally, he sighed and followed the others out.

once the door closed behind them, you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding. the room felt impossibly still now, the weight of your heat settling over you like a blanket. your body felt hot, too hot, and you pressed a hand to your chest, trying to calm your racing heart.

shit, you thought, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. this was bad. you hadn’t expected it to come on so suddenly, hadn’t expected the necklace to fail so spectacularly. you could feel the pull now, the way your body was reacting, the way your mind was clouding with thoughts you knew you shouldn’t be having.

once the door clicked shut behind them, the alphas filed into the hallway, tension hanging thick in the air like an electric charge. they hadn’t spoken a word since leaving the living room, but the silence was deafening, every one of them keenly aware of the other’s struggle.

jungwon was the first to snap. “what the hell was that?” he ran a hand through his hair, pacing up and down the hallway, his jaw tight, trying to shake off the lingering heat that had settled over him. his chest heaved with frustration, his fists clenched at his sides as if he was trying to restrain himself from going back in there.

jake leaned against the wall, eyes screwed shut as he tried to calm his breathing. “i don’t fucking know, man. but her scent—it’s so much stronger now. it’s like i can’t breathe without wanting to—” he cut himself off, biting down hard on his lip, trying not to finish that sentence.

sunghoon let out a low groan, slamming his fist lightly against the wall. “well, the necklace ain't doing shit.” he exhaled sharply, shifting uncomfortably as he adjusted his pants, the obvious strain beneath them making it clear that he was losing control.

“i couldn’t even sit there without feeling like i was gonna snap,” niki admitted, his voice low, almost embarrassed. he wasn’t used to feeling like this—so helpless against his own instincts. “i don’t know how much longer i can take it.”

jay was standing off to the side, trying to hide the fact that his entire body was tense, his fingers twitching as he clenched and unclenched his fists. his usual calm demeanor was gone, replaced with a mix of agitation and desire that he could barely contain. “i was reading the comments like my life depended on it,” he muttered, his voice rough with frustration. “but i kept fucking looking at her, and i couldn’t stop. she smells so…” he trailed off, his expression tight with barely contained want.

heeseung, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up, his voice low and serious. “we need to figure something out. this isn’t sustainable. we can’t all just keep… reacting like this.”

jake, still leaning against the wall, scoffed. “what do you suggest? getting an omega to help us out or something?” his words were sharp, sarcastic, but the desperation in his voice was clear. he knew they needed a solution, and fast, but the idea of bringing in someone else made his stomach churn.

jungwon shook his head, his expression hard. “a different omega? that won’t help.” his voice was filled with conviction, though it was clear he wasn’t exactly sure why.

sunoo nodded from where he was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. “we’d just be pissed off, because it’s not her.”

they all exchanged glances, the unspoken truth hanging in the air. the thought of another omega in the house, trying to help them, wasn’t even remotely appealing. in fact, it made them uncomfortable, like their bodies had already decided that it was you, or nothing.

jay groaned, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. “this is so fucked up.”

“i know,” sunghoon muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, his voice was strained, like he was on the verge of losing control. “just the thought of a different omega isn't doing it for me.” he paused, his frustration evident as he struggled to explain. "it’s like… i haven’t even thought about anyone else since meeting her."

the weight of sunghoon’s admission hit hard, and it was clear from the way the others reacted—small shifts, tense shoulders—that they felt the same way.

niki let out a frustrated breath, running a hand over his face. “so, what are we supposed to do?”

heeseung finally broke the silence, his voice low and calm, though his eyes were dark with intensity. “we need to keep our distance. for now. she’s going into heat, and we’re already close to breaking. if we don’t handle this right, we’ll lose control.”

jake narrowed his eyes, still fidgeting as he tried to adjust the tightness in his pants. “and then what? wait it out?”

“exactly,” heeseung said firmly. “we wait it out. keep busy. stay away from her until this passes.”

jungwon looked skeptical, shaking his head. “you think it’s that easy? just ignore it?”

“no,” heeseung admitted. “but it’s better than the alternative. we can’t risk…” his voice trailed off, and he didn’t need to finish. they all knew what the risk was. one wrong move, one moment of weakness, and they’d all lose control.

jake pushed off the wall, his jaw clenched. “fine. but it’s not going to be easy. she smells like—” he cut himself off again, groaning in frustration.

“like heaven,” sunghoon muttered under his breath, not even trying to hide the strain in his voice.

jay let out a bitter laugh. “heaven? more like fucking hell.”

they all fell silent again, each one of them caught in their own struggle, their thoughts consumed by the scent of you, the pull you had on them, and the storm that was coming.

the tension in the hallway was thick, the silence dragging on too long. finally, it was niki who spoke up, his voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere. “okay, so... is no one gonna talk about the fact that we’re all losing our shit over her? like, all of us?”

he looked around at the others, his eyes wide with disbelief. the realization started to settle, the full weight of it hanging over them like a cloud. jake let out a low chuckle, though there wasn’t much humor in it.

“fuck, you’re right. when the hell have we ever all gone this crazy over one omega?” he shook his head, rubbing a hand over his face, still trying to ease the tension in his body. “i don’t know what’s worse—the fact that we’re all in the same boat, or that none of us can seem to control it.”

jungwon scoffed, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. “i’ve never seen any of you react this way. hell, i’ve never reacted this way.” his jaw tightened, frustration clear in his voice. “we don’t even share like this. since when do alphas not lose their shit over the idea of another alpha getting close to an omega they want?”

jake shot him a look, smirking despite the tension. “yeah, especially you, jungwon. always acting like you don’t need anyone. now look at you.”

jungwon glared at him, his cheeks flushing with irritation. “shut up. like you’re any better. you practically have your tongue hanging out whenever she walks by.”

sunghoon let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “he’s not wrong, jake. you were barely keeping it together earlier. i thought you were gonna lose it on the live.”

“like you weren’t ready to bolt the second it ended,” jake shot back, clearly defensive. “you looked like you were about to run for your life.”

sunghoon rolled his eyes. “at least i didn’t sit there practically drooling in front of the fans.”

jay snorted, unable to hold back a laugh. “drooling? sunghoon, you were gripping your seat so hard i thought you were gonna rip the cushion in half.”

heeseung, who had been watching the back-and-forth in silence, finally spoke up. “alright, enough. the real question is... when the fuck have any of us been this affected by the same omega?” his eyes flicked between each of them, waiting for someone to come up with an answer.

sunoo, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up next, his expression thoughtful. “yeah, it’s weird. alphas don’t like sharing. it’s instinct. like, we’re all losing our minds, but none of us have tried to rip each other’s throats out yet.”

jake perked up, sitting straighter as he looked at jungwon. “wait, what about our fight the other day? we almost lost it.” jungwon, who had been sitting stiffly, nodded.

but sunoo, ever the voice of reason, raised a hand, cutting through the rising tension. “that doesn’t count, hyung. all you did was pin jungwon down. no punches, no real blood. you didn’t actually go for him.” he shrugged, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “you could’ve done a lot worse. you didn’t. you both held back.”

the room fell silent again as they all considered sunoo’s words. it was true—if this had been any other situation, they’d have been at each other’s throats by now.

“okay, but seriously,” jake chimed in, his brow furrowing as the weight of what sunoo said sank in. “when has there ever been a time where we’ve all felt like this for the same omega?” his voice grew more intense, frustration creeping in. “our types have always been different. we don’t even like the same omega scents—sunghoon goes for those citrusy ones, heeseung’s always been into something muskier, and i usually go for something floral. so why the hell is this vanilla scent driving all of us insane?”

he wasn’t wrong. vanilla wasn’t something any of them would normally be drawn to, but your scent... it was like nothing they’d ever encountered before. it was subtle, almost too soft to be overpowering, and yet, it lingered, wrapping around them like a quiet storm they couldn’t escape from. it was simple, unassuming, but it hit all of them just right in a way that felt impossible to explain.

sunghoon nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “never. that’s what’s weird about it. plus, when’s the last time we had an omega who actually... i don’t know... cared for us? like, properly?” his voice was quieter now, more introspective.

a heavy pause settled over the group as they all thought about it. none of them could come up with an answer. omegas came and went in their lives—brief, fleeting encounters driven by instinct, desire, or convenience. but the thought of someone genuinely caring for them, being there for them like you had been since day one? it was new. and they hadn’t even realized how much they needed it until now.

jungwon nodded, his expression softening. “i didn’t even realize it, but yeah. she’s been cooking, making sure we’re okay. she makes things feel... stable.”

jake laughed, though it was more out of disbelief than amusement. “and here we are, totally losing our minds because we finally have someone who actually gives a shit about us.”

“but is that it?” niki piped up, glancing around at the others. “i mean, do we… actually like her? or is it just her scent messing with our heads?”

the question lingered in the air, none of them wanted to admit that the scent could be part of it, that maybe this pull toward you wasn’t entirely genuine.

“it’s possible,” sunghoon muttered, though he sounded unsure. “i mean, yeah, the physical stuff’s a big part of it, but… she’s been here for us, even when she didn’t have to be.”

niki frowned, clearly still trying to make sense of it. “but how do we know it’s not just her scent making us feel that way? maybe we’re just reacting to her because of the heat, not because we actually care.”

sunoo sighed, his brow furrowed as he thought about it. “that’s the hard part, isn’t it? we can’t really separate the two. her scent’s a part of who she is, but it’s not everything. we’ve been around her long enough to know there’s more to it than that.”

the silence stretched on, thicker than before, until jungwon finally muttered, “this can’t be normal, right? i mean, an omega at best can only bond with one alpha.” his voice was low, almost like he was testing the idea aloud, unsure of what to make of it himself. the rest of them exchanged glances, the weight of his words sinking in.

“yeah,” sunghoon added, his brows furrowing in confusion. “once an omega bonds, their scent changes, locks onto the alpha they’re bonded to. it shouldn’t be affecting all of us like this. and it definitely shouldn’t feel like... this.”

the room grew tense again, the realization that something was off settling over them. jake, still leaning against the wall, crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowed in thought. “so why the hell are we all reacting like this? one of us should’ve scented her stronger than the rest by now, right? the way scenting works… shouldn’t one alpha be dominant over the others?” there was frustration in his voice, like he was grappling with something beyond his control.

niki sighed, running a hand through his hair. “yeah, that’s what’s supposed to happen. but none of us are being pushed out by the others. and that’s—" he paused, clearly baffled by the whole thing. "—that’s not normal.”

jay, who had been fidgeting earlier, finally spoke. “every time i smell her, i feel like i want to—" he cut himself off, shaking his head. "you know, but i don’t feel like killing any of you for it.”

they all exchanged glances, a mix of concern and bewilderment settling in. the silence stretched until heeseung finally spoke, his voice low and cautious, as if he was debating whether to say what was on his mind. "i’ve heard of something like this before," he admitted, his tone quiet but drawing immediate attention. all eyes turned toward him, curiosity and surprise flashing in their gazes. jake was the first to react, pushing off the wall and crossing his arms over his chest. “wait, what do you mean you’ve heard of this before? why didn’t you mention it earlier?” heeseung shrugged, his face serious. “because i’m not sure. i’ve read about it, but it’s rare. i didn’t think it could actually be happening here, but now... i’m starting to wonder.” he paused, running a hand through his hair, clearly mulling over the thought. “but i need to ask someone about it first, make sure i’m not jumping to conclusions.” jake, ever the one to want answers right away, raised an eyebrow. “you’re gonna ask yuki, right? if anyone would know, it’s him.” heeseung shot jake a sharp look, shaking his head quickly. “are you an idiot? i can’t ask yuki. he’ll get suspicious. you think i’m gonna bring up something like this and not raise red flags? nah, we’ll keep this to ourselves for now. yuki’s the last person i want asking questions about what’s going on here.” the room fell into silence again as everyone processed what heeseung was saying. they all knew he was right. mentioning something like this to yuki would immediately make him suspicious, and the last thing any of them wanted was for someone to start digging into whatever was happening between them and you. “so what do we do then?” jungwon asked, his voice quieter than before, but there was an edge of curiosity there, something that hinted he wasn’t entirely against the idea of finding out what was going on. heeseung leaned back, crossing his arms as he looked at the others. “for now, we don’t do anything except be grateful that we aren’t mauling each other. whatever this is... it’s keeping us from fighting. and that’s... a good thing. we should focus on that.”

"that's that, but how do we actually deal with the real problem? we all want her," jake repeated, his voice a little firmer now, the tension clear in his words. he wasn’t backing down, and it was clear none of them could avoid the truth any longer. jungwon shifted in his seat, his jaw tightening. "yeah, no shit. but wanting her and doing something about it are two different things. we can’t all just... make a move, right?" sunoo sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "but that’s the problem. we’re all thinking about it."

"and we all know how this ends if we don’t figure it out," sunghoon added, his voice calm but serious. "one of us is gonna snap eventually. it’s only a matter of time."

heeseung, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "it’s not just about who wants her. we need to think about what she wants. if we all go at her, that’s gonna mess things up. the last thing she needs is to feel cornered."

"why are we even talking about this like it’s possible?” jungwon cut in, his voice sharper than before, frustration clear on his face. “she’ll get fired if any of us cross that line. we can’t risk it.”

the reminder hit hard, and the room fell into a heavy silence again. jungwon was right—there were consequences for this, real ones. it wasn’t just their jobs on the line; it was hers too. you weren’t just some random omega. you were their housemother, and if anything went wrong, it was you who would take the fall.

jay nodded, his expression serious. “it doesn’t matter how much we want her. there are rules for a reason.”

the weight of the situation settled in deeper. they all knew the risks. crossing that line wasn’t just reckless, it was dangerous. the idea of losing you—of you getting fired because of their inability to control themselves—was enough to make their stomachs turn.

“so we need to stop even thinking about it,” sunoo said, his voice calm but firm. “it’s not worth it.”

“but she likes us too, right?” jake blurted out, his voice low, like he hadn’t meant to say it out loud but couldn’t help himself. “i mean, i’ve seen the way she looks at us... she’s not exactly pushing us away.”

the room went still again, the silence heavy as they all processed jake’s words. it was like the elephant in the room had finally been addressed, and none of them knew how to handle it. because the truth was, you weren’t pushing them away. not entirely.

sunghoon let out a long groan, rubbing his temples, his frustration clear. “fuck, don’t remind me. she does, doesn’t she?” his voice was rough, like the thought alone was enough to make his control slip a little. “it’s not just us losing our minds over her. she’s... reacting to us too.”

“or she’s just being nice,” jungwon cut in, though his voice lacked conviction. “y/n’s always been nice. maybe we’re just reading too much into it.”

jake shook his head immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly. “no, man. it’s more than that. i know what being nice looks like, and this? this isn’t just her being nice. there’ve been times…”

“like what?” niki asked, his curiosity piqued. “what do you mean, ‘there’ve been times’?”

jake hesitated for a second, glancing around the room before continuing. “you guys remember that time after practice when we were all exhausted, and she made us dinner? she was sitting between me and sunghoon, right? and we were joking around... i don’t know, maybe i was being a little too flirty, but she didn’t stop me. in fact...” he paused, his eyes flickering with the memory. “she leaned into it. like, actually leaned in. she was laughing, touching my arm... it wasn’t just friendly.” sunghoon nodded, his jaw tightening as he remembered too. “yeah, i remember that. i thought i was just imagining things, but she definitely wasn’t pulling away. it was like... she was testing the waters or something.” jungwon frowned, clearly still skeptical. “that could just be her being comfortable around us. we’ve known her for a while now. that doesn’t mean she’s thinking about us like we’re thinking about her.” but sunoo shook his head, speaking up now, his voice thoughtful. “no, jake’s right. she wasn’t just being nice. there’ve been other moments too. like the other day when she was helping me fold laundry, and we were talking... she kept looking at me, holding eye contact longer than usual, smiling in this... i don’t know, different way.” heeseung, who had been listening quietly, voiced out. “and it’s not just that. i’ve noticed the way she reacts when we’re close to her. it’s subtle, but her body language changes. she gets more... tense. like she’s aware of us, but not in a bad way.” “fuck,” sunghoon groaned again, running a hand through his hair. “this is so messed up. she’s into us too, isn’t she? but she’s probably trying to hold back because of the damn rules.” they all fell silent again, the weight of the situation settling over them like a thick blanket. it wasn’t just them. it wasn’t just the scent, or the heat, or the fact that they were all alphas in close proximity. there was something more. something deeper that none of them had really wanted to admit until now. “now what?” jake asked, his voice quieter now, the uncertainty clear. “we can’t just... ignore this. not when we all know it’s there.” sunoo shrugged, though his expression was serious. “we don’t push her. if she’s holding back, there’s probably a reason. but we can’t pretend we don’t see it anymore.” heeseung sighed, leaning back in his seat, his eyes narrowing as he thought about it. “the problem is... now that we all know it’s mutual, it’s going to be even harder to stop thinking about it.” jake let out a humorless laugh. “no shit. like it wasn’t hard enough already.” “it’s the damn necklace,” jay muttered, his fingers fidgeting as he thought about it. “it’s supposed to suppress her pheromones, but maybe it’s also messing with her ability to… i don’t know.”

“so what do we do?” jake asked, his voice quiet, almost defeated. “because if she really likes us too... we’re fucked.”

sunghoon let out a frustrated breath, leaning back against the wall. “we’re already fucked, man.”

then heeseung spoke up, his voice calm but serious, eyes fixed on jungwon. “call yuki.” jungwon’s head snapped up, confusion clear on his face. “what for?” he asked, already pulling his phone from his pocket, but hesitant. everyone else turned to heeseung, equally confused, waiting for some kind of explanation. heeseung’s gaze flickered between them, his expression unreadable. “tell him…” jungwon’s fingers hovered over his screen, waiting for the rest of the instruction. “to send over some omegas.” the room went dead silent. jungwon froze mid-text, his eyes widening in shock as he processed what heeseung just said. the others? they all stared at heeseung like he’d just suggested something unthinkable. for a moment, no one moved, no one said a word. the tension thickened, and the disbelief was palpable. “omegas?” sunghoon was the first to speak, his voice low, almost incredulous. “are you serious?”

“what the fuck, heeseung?” jake added, staring at him like he’d lost his mind. “why would you—” heeseung held up a hand, silencing the barrage of questions before they could spiral. “look, I know it sounds fucked up, alright? but think about it.” his voice was calm, but there was an intensity behind it. “we all know what’s happening. her scent, the heat… we’re all on edge. if we don’t find a way to get some relief, someone’s going to lose control. we can’t let that happen.” jungwon, still holding his phone, looked between heeseung and the others, uncertainty clouding his features. “you’re saying we need to bring in omegas... to, what? keep us in check?” heeseung nodded, his expression grim but resolute. “yeah. it’s not ideal, but it’s better than the alternative. if we don’t do something about this, one of us is going to snap. and when that happens, it won’t just be bad for us. she’ll pay for it.” as crazy as it sounded, it wasn’t hard to understand why he’d suggest it. you were driving them all to the brink, and they were holding on by a thread. bringing in omegas might be the only way to release some of that tension, to stop the inevitable from happening. jake ran a hand through his hair, letting out a heavy sigh. “fuck, man. i hate that this actually makes sense.” “you really think this is the only way?” sunoo asked, his voice quieter, more hesitant. “i mean... can’t we just handle this without bringing someone else into it?”

heeseung’s jaw tightened. “if you’ve got another solution, i’m all ears. but we’re already too far gone. if we keep pushing it, one of us is going to slip. and when that happens, it’s game over for all of us—and her.” the room fell silent again, the reality of the situation sinking in. they all knew heeseung wasn’t wrong. as much as they hated it, they couldn’t deny that their instincts were winning. and the thought of losing control around you, of making a move that could ruin everything, was too big a risk to take. jungwon finally broke the silence, his fingers tapping out the message to yuki. “alright. i’ll do it. but this feels... fucked up.”

“we’re all in a fucked-up situation,” jake muttered, his tone resigned. “at least this way, we might keep from doing something we’ll regret.”

sunghoon sighed, leaning back against the wall again. “just make sure yuki sends them quick. because if we’re stuck in this house with her scent any longer, i don’t know how much more self-control i have left.”

they all nodded in agreement, even though none of them were happy about it. it was a desperate solution to a desperate situation. they knew it. but at least it gave them a chance to keep you safe, to keep them all from crossing that line.

but even as jungwon sent the message, the nagging thought lingered in the back of their minds—no matter how many omegas yuki sent, none of them were you. and that might just be the biggest problem of all. just how could they get rid of this?

as you moved around the kitchen, preparing dinner for the boys, you tried to keep your mind focused on the task at hand. chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, setting the table—it was all mechanical, helping you push back the strange mix of emotions swirling inside. you knew the alphas were giving you space, probably doing whatever they could to keep their instincts in check, but the longer they stayed away, the more you could feel the tension building inside you.

something wasn’t right. the necklace was supposed to help, supposed to suppress your scent, but it clearly wasn’t doing its job. it hadn’t been for a while now, and you could sense the boys struggling with it, even if they tried to hide it.

as you finished setting the table, your phone buzzed in your pocket. you wiped your hands on a towel and checked the screen—yuki was calling.

“hey, yuki,” you answered, trying to keep your voice steady.

“hey, how’s it going over there?” his voice was casual, but you could hear the concern lurking beneath the surface.

you glanced around the empty kitchen, biting your lip. “uh... not great, honestly. my suppressor necklace isn’t working. i don’t know what’s going on, but the boys are... they’re struggling. and i can tell it’s affecting them. i think my heat’s coming soon, but the necklace should be controlling things better than this, right?”

yuki was silent for a moment before sighing. “yeah, that makes sense. if your heat’s approaching, the necklace might need to be replaced, but that would explain why they’re all acting on edge.”

you nodded, though he couldn’t see you, the weight of his words settling in. “yeah, i thought something was off.”

there was a brief pause before yuki spoke again, his tone shifting. “actually... the boys called me earlier.”

your heart skipped a beat. “oh?”

“yeah,” he continued, and you could hear the hesitation in his voice. “they, uh... they asked me to send some omegas over.”

you froze, your heart sinking at his words. the thought of them needing other omegas stung, even though you understood why. they were struggling to keep their instincts in check, and with the way your scent had been affecting them, it made sense that they needed some kind of release. but still... the idea of it made something you a tiny bit jealous.

“oh,” you said softly, trying to mask the disappointment creeping into your voice. “i see. i guess that makes sense.”

yuki seemed to pick up on the shift in your tone. “look, it’s better this way. they’re trying to avoid making things worse, and if your heat is coming, you’ll need to take care of yourself too.”

you nodded again, even though a part of you couldn’t help but feel a strange satisfaction. you’d driven them to the point where they had to call for help, and while it was bittersweet, it meant something. you had them so worked up that they couldn’t handle it anymore, and that knowledge gave you a quiet sense of power.

“i get it, yuki. i do. thanks for letting me know.”

“listen,” he said, his voice softening. “i'm putting in an order for a replacement, with your heat approaching... it’s only going to get harder. i’ll send the omegas over tonight, just to make sure everyone stays in control.”

just then, the front door creaked open, the sound echoing through the quiet space. the boys started filtering into the kitchen, their voices casual but slightly strained, like they were trying too hard to act normal. their scents hit you first—thick, warm, and charged with tension. it was impossible to miss. they spotted the dinner you’d prepared, the smell of the food wafting through the air, and for a brief second, their expressions softened, almost relieved.

but you could feel it. beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of something much more dangerous, something unspoken. their scents, a mix of warm cedar, musk, and a sweetness you couldn’t quite place, told the truth they were trying so hard to hide. the room felt like it was buzzing with their barely-contained instincts.

just then, you heard the front door open, and the boys started filtering into the kitchen. their scents hit you first—thick, warm, and charged with tension. it was impossible to miss. they spotted the dinner you’d prepared, the smell of the food wafting through the air, and for a brief second, their expressions softened, almost relieved. their scents, a mix of warm cedar, musk, and a sweetness you couldn’t quite place, told the truth they were trying so hard to hide. the room felt like it was buzzing with their barely-contained instincts.

you motioned to them that you were on the phone with yuki, and they nodded, sitting down at the table, ready to eat. they seemed grateful for the distraction, though you noticed jake’s eyes linger on you a little too long before he finally sat down.

yuki’s voice broke through your thoughts. “one more thing,” he said, his tone a little more serious now. “with your heat approaching, what are you going to do? you’re going to need an alpha to help regulate it, especially if the suppressor isn’t working.”

you blinked, the question catching you off guard. “uh... i hadn’t thought about that yet,” you admitted, glancing at the boys as they started to eat. “i guess... maybe i could ask hyunjin?”

the moment his name left your lips, the entire table went still. the boys froze mid-bite, their heads snapping up to stare at you, wide-eyed. there was a heavy silence that followed, tension crackling in the air again, but this time it was different. more intense. you could practically see the shift in their expressions—surprise, frustration, maybe even a hint of jealousy.

yuki didn’t seem to notice the reaction on the other end of the line. “hyunjin, huh? that could work. he’s solid, might be a good idea.”

but the way the boys were looking at each other told you something else. hyunjin? that wasn’t sitting well with them. you didn’t know why, but the second you mentioned his name, it was like you’d thrown gasoline on a fire that had already been smoldering beneath the surface.

yuki’s voice crackled through the phone again. “so, what time works for you and hyunjin? i know your schedule can get tricky with the boys around.”

you glanced over at the alphas sitting at the table, all of them focused on their food but clearly listening in on your conversation. “uh, it depends,” you said, hesitating for a moment. “some of the members will be staying back, and i don’t want it to interfere with their schedules. but... we could just lock ourselves in my room. the door’s pretty sturdy, and it’ll keep everything contained.”

yuki’s voice held a hint of concern. “are you sure? no damage or anything?”

you smiled to yourself, glancing at the sturdy metal door that was specifically designed for situations like this. “nope, no damages. the door’s reinforced—it’s meant to handle these things. it’ll be fine.”

“alright,” yuki said, still sounding a bit cautious. “i’ll have him reach out. just make sure everything’s set up. and take care of yourself, okay?”

“yeah, thanks, yuki,” you replied, your voice softer as the call came to a close. “i’ll handle it.”

as soon as you hung up and took your seat at the table, your phone buzzed again. you glanced down and saw hyunjin’s name flashing on the screen. he’d sent you a message almost immediately after yuki must have told him the plan.

hyunjin: so i hear we’re gonna be spending some quality time together. should i bring snacks? lol.

you couldn’t help but laugh at his casual tone, though you could feel the weight of the stares from across the table. all of the boys were watching you, their eyes glued to your phone like hawks, clearly trying to figure out what was going on.

you quickly typed out a response, trying not to make it too obvious that their intense gazes were throwing you off.

you: snacks would be great, but maybe something low-cal since i’ll be locked in a room with you for a while, lol.

the moment you hit send, you glanced up to see them all still watching you, their expressions a mix of curiosity and something else you couldn’t quite place—they weren’t exactly thrilled with the idea of you and hyunjin being locked away together.

“who’s texting you?” jake finally asked, his tone casual but laced with something sharper.

you raised an eyebrow, trying to play it off. “just hyunjin. we’re sorting out the details for... you know, my heat.”

that seemed to make the air in the room even heavier, and you could practically feel the boys exchanging glances, they all knew it was necessary, but that didn’t mean they had to like it.

jungwon stabbed at his food, “so... when’s he coming over?”

you shrugged, pretending not to notice the tension. “yuki’s still figuring that out. but don’t worry, it won’t interfere with anything.”

heeseung, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke up. “just make sure the door stays locked,” he said, his voice calm but his eyes dark with something unspoken.

you nodded, feeling the weight of their gazes still on you. this was going to be more complicated than you thought.

your phone buzzed again. you unlocked the screen to see a message from yuki with the details of the omegas he was sending over. you quickly skimmed through it, and then looked up at the boys, all of them still watching you, waiting for something.

“so,” you said, casually as if nothing was amiss, “the omegas will be coming over soon. once dinner’s over, perfect timing.”

you smiled as you said it, completely unaffected by the idea, and it hit the boys like a gut punch. the way you seemed so nonchalant about it—so casual, almost happy to share the news—left them feeling a strange mix of frustration and hurt. it was like you didn’t care, like it didn’t bother you at all that they had to call in other omegas for relief.

weren’t you even a little jealous?

jungwon’s jaw clenched as he chewed on his food slowly. “yeah, great,” he muttered, his tone tight. the others exchanged glances, clearly not thrilled with the situation either. they couldn’t understand how you were so cool about this.

jake finally broke the silence, trying to keep his voice steady. “so, you’re okay with all this? with the omegas coming?”

you shrugged, giving him an easy smile. “i mean, it’s not like i can do anything about it, right? besides, you guys have needs, and with my heat coming, it’s probably better this way. less tension, right?”

the words were logical, practical, but the boys were thrown off by how unaffected you seemed. they had expected... something.

sunghoon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers tapping against the table. “so, how does this usually work?” you asked, looking between them, genuinely curious now. “do you all just... go to separate rooms with them?”

heeseung nodded, his eyes on his plate. “yeah. it’s better that way. keeps the scents from mixing up too much. it’s... cleaner.”

“cleaner,” you repeated, nodding thoughtfully, like you were just trying to understand the logistics. “makes sense, i guess.”

the atmosphere in the room shifted again, the weight of your easy acceptance pressing down on them. the boys were used to alphas and omegas being possessive, territorial even. but you weren’t showing any of that. it was messing with their heads. they didn’t want you to be jealous necessarily, but the fact that you weren’t even phased by the idea of them with other omegas? that stung in a way none of them were ready to admit.

jake set his fork down, rubbing the back of his neck. “yeah, it’s pretty straightforward. the omegas handle... whatever we need, and we go back to normal.”

you nodded again, completely calm. “good to know.”

the boys exchanged more glances, the silence thick with something they couldn’t quite put into words. none of them wanted to admit it, but the thought of bringing in other omegas didn’t sit right with them. it wasn’t appealing—not the way it should be. not when all they really wanted was you.

and the fact that you didn’t seem to care at all? that was the hardest part.

“and hyunjin?” niki blurted out, his voice cutting through the thick tension like a knife.

everyone froze for a moment, the sound of silverware clattering onto plates the only thing breaking the silence. sunoo shot niki a sharp look, like he was ready to smack him for bringing it up, but the question was already hanging in the air, impossible to ignore now.

you raised an eyebrow, glancing at niki as if to say, what about him? but you didn’t respond immediately, instead taking a slow sip of water, giving yourself a moment to figure out how to address this without stirring up more tension.

jungwon was the first to speak, his voice clipped, tight with something you couldn’t quite place. “what about hyunjin?”

the room went dead silent, and you could feel the weight of their stares on you, each of them waiting for your answer. jake’s hand froze halfway to his mouth, sunghoon's jaw tensed, and even heeseung, who had been trying to play it cool, was suddenly far too still.

you set your glass down gently, the clink of it against the table sounding louder than it should have. “we... go way back, actually,” you said, your voice calm but measured. “before i was a housemother, i was an on-call omega.”

you saw the flicker of surprise pass through their expressions, though they tried to keep their reactions subtle. sunoo’s eyebrows shot up slightly, and niki looked like he wanted to ask a million more questions.

“hyunjin and i were... compatible. sexually, i mean,” you continued, your voice not wavering, though you could feel the tension creeping up your spine. “it wasn’t serious or anything, but we were... pretty friendly.”

the room was suffocatingly quiet. you could practically hear the way their breathing changed, the way their muscles tensed at your words. but they tried to keep it together, to not let the flash of jealousy or irritation show too much. it was hard to miss though—the way jungwon’s fingers curled tightly around his fork, the muscle in sunghoon’s jaw flexing as he stared down at his plate, even jake shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darkening slightly.

“really friendly, huh?” heeseung finally broke the silence, his tone casual but laced with something darker, something he was trying to mask. he shot you a glance, his smile tight.

you nodded, keeping your expression neutral, though you could feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on you. “yeah. like i said, we were compatible. and with my heat coming... i thought it’d be a good idea.”

jake let out a low breath, his fingers tapping against the table. “so, what? you two just hook up whenever your heat’s coming?”

you met his gaze, not backing down. “sometimes. it’s not like that anymore though, not since i became a housemother.”

the mention of hyunjin clearly wasn’t sitting well with anyone, and you could practically feel the way their eyes were fixed on you, like they wanted to hear more. you swallowed, trying to play it off as cool as possible. “hyunjin’s just here to help, that’s all. no big deal.”

but it was obvious it was a big deal—at least to them. the idea of another alpha, one outside their circle, coming in to help you through something as intimate as your heat? fuck that.

jake scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “right.”

“i just thought it’d be more convenient,” you said, your voice softer, trying to explain. “since it’s kind of affecting you guys too.”

but the words didn’t seem to ease the weight in the room. it wasn’t just about convenience for them, not really. you were thinking about practicality, trying to make things easier for everyone involved. but the boys—they weren’t just worried about the logistics of your heat or how hyunjin fit into the equation. there was something deeper, something that made the thought of hyunjin coming over sting in a way you didn’t fully understand.

sunoo finally broke the thick silence, shooting niki another warning glare as if to say you really had to go there? “seriously, niki? you had to bring that up?”

niki shifted in his seat, looking a little sheepish now. “i was just curious,” he mumbled, though his eyes darted between you and the others.

you hid the urge to smirk, watching how they all tried—and failed—to mask how affected they were by the mere mention of hyunjin.

if only things were different. but you let that thought be fleeting, knowing it would only complicate things even more. “guys, relax,” you said, your voice calm, though there was a teasing edge to it. “hyunjin’s just here to make sure everything goes smoothly. you don’t have to worry about it.”

but they were worried, it was like the tables had turned. now they were the ones feeling uneasy, annoyed that you seemed so comfortable with the idea of having him help you.

jungwon sighed, pushing his plate away as if he’d suddenly lost his appetite. “sorry, y/n, we’re just... a bit on edge.”

you looked at him, waiting for him to continue. his eyes flicked to the others before landing back on you. “it’s just... your scent is a little harder to manage now.”

you could see the discomfort on their faces, they were struggling, and the fact that your suppressor wasn’t doing its job had only made things worse. but despite that, they were trying to hold it together, trying to respect the boundaries, and you were grateful for it.

you offered them a small smile, trying to ease the tension. “i get it. i know things are a bit... off right now, but i don’t want you guys to feel like you have to walk on eggshells around me.” you leaned forward slightly, meeting their gazes one by one. “i appreciate that you’re being honest with me. really.”

they all seemed to relax, if only a little. jake leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. “we just don’t want things to get... out of hand. it’s been hard, and with the way your scent’s been hitting us...”

sunghoon, who had been quiet, looked over at you, his brow furrowed. “you’re really okay with all this? with... you know, hyunjin and everything?”

you sighed, leaning back in your chair. “it’s just how things have to be right now.”

sunoo, who had been nervously playing with his food, finally looked up and gave you a small smile. “thanks for understanding, y/n. we just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

you nodded. “and i don’t want you guys to feel uncomfortable either. we’re all in this together, right?”

they all exchanged glances, the tension in the room finally starting to ease. they still weren’t thrilled about the idea of hyunjin being involved, but hearing you acknowledge their feelings, and knowing that you understood what they were going through, seemed to settle some of the unease.

heeseung leaned forward, his tone more serious now. “we just want to make sure you’re okay. that’s what matters most.”

you gave them a warm smile. “i know. and i appreciate it. i’ll get the necklace replaced as soon as possible. but in the meantime, don’t stress too much, okay?”

they all nodded, the room feeling lighter now that the tension had been addressed head-on. just as the conversation began to settle, the doorbell rang, cutting through the lingering tension. you straightened up, blinking in surprise. “oh, that must be the omegas,” you said, your voice a little too upbeat as you pushed back your chair. you stood up, smoothing down your clothes, an unexpected flicker of excitement bubbling up inside you.

you hadn’t seen other omegas in a while, not since you started living with the boys, and despite knowing the reason they were here, a part of you couldn’t help but feel a little eager. maybe it was the simple fact that you missed being around your own kind, missed the familiarity of it. even though these omegas were here for entirely different reasons, it still stirred something inside you.

you walked toward the door, your steps quick, while behind you, the boys exchanged irritated glances. the shift in the air was almost palpable, their earlier frustrations bubbling back to the surface at the thought of other omegas being involved. but there was nothing they could say or do. this had been the plan, after all.

as you opened the door, your smile was wide and welcoming. “hey! come on in,” you greeted brightly, stepping aside to let the group of omegas inside.

they smiled back, though there was a sense of awkwardness in the air. they weren’t here for the usual casual visit, and everyone knew it. but still, it was nice seeing new faces, and you found yourself oddly relieved to be around them.

the boys, however, didn’t share your enthusiasm. as the omegas filed in, the alphas all glanced at each other, their expressions a mix of annoyance and resignation. none of them were particularly happy about this arrangement. their own emotions were already a tangled mess, and the arrival of the omegas only added to the complexity.

sunghoon leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he watched you chat easily with the omegas, almost like they were old friends. jungwon crossed his arms, his jaw tight, while jake ran a hand through his hair, clearly trying to mask his frustration.

heeseung, always the one trying to keep things steady, let out a quiet sigh. “well, here we go,” he muttered under his breath, exchanging a knowing look with jay.

as you turned back to the boys, you could feel their eyes on you, the tension still thick despite your efforts to lighten the mood. you smiled, gesturing toward the omegas. “they’re here to help, so... let’s not make it weird, okay?”

but even as you said it, you could tell the boys weren’t exactly thrilled. their gazes lingered on you, and you could almost feel the unspoken words hanging in the air.

this wasn’t going to be easy for anyone.

the omegas introduced themselves with smooth, practiced voices, each one clearly prepared for what the night had in store. they were impeccably dressed, their makeup flawless, and their scents filled the room—a mix of heady, pleasant aromas that blended with your own. every movement they made was deliberate, designed to draw attention. it was impossible not to notice how perfectly put together they were, like performers stepping onto a stage, confident and poised.

you were in the kitchen, wiping down plates with sunoo when he glanced toward the living room and nodded in the direction of the omegas. “looks like it’s starting.”

you frowned, looking at him, confused. “what do you mean?”

he chuckled softly, shaking his head. “you really don’t know how this works, do you?” his tone wasn’t mocking, more amused, as if he realized you weren’t aware of the process.

you blinked, genuinely curious. “what works?”

“the scent compatibility test,” he explained, leaning against the counter as he continued wiping down the plates. “they don’t just pick an omega at random.”

when you don't really know what to answer back, sunoo raised an eyebrow, glancing at you with a hint of surprise. “oh? you’ve never done this before?”

you shook your head, feeling a little out of place in this situation. “no, i haven’t,” you admitted, your voice softer than usual. “hyunjin and i were already matched... it was automatic, we didn’t go through all of this.”

sunoo’s eyes flickered with understanding, and he nodded slowly, wiping down another plate. “that explains it. you skipped the whole process. usually, alphas go through this to make sure everything lines up—scent, preferences, instincts.”

you glanced over at the living room again, watching as the boys continued to eye the omegas. it was subtle, but you could see the way they were picking up on the scents, the quiet tension in the room as they assessed the potential matches. your stomach twisted slightly, and you weren’t sure why—maybe it was the reminder of how you and hyunjin had come together so easily, without all of this... ritual.

despite their attempts to act casual, the boys couldn’t help but size them up, their eyes lingering on each omega as they made their way into the living room. while they might have been reluctant, their alpha instincts were kicking in. you could see it in the way they moved, subtly circling the omegas, already assessing, as if instinctively making their choices. they tried to mask it, but it was obvious they were drawn in, each one acting like a predator studying its prey.

“but you know,” sunoo continued, his tone thoughtful now, “it’s rare for all of them to like the same scent. their types change, sure, but usually, they each go for something different. they shouldn’t all be circling the same omega... or reacting to the same one.” he glanced at you, his eyes narrowing slightly in that knowing way of his.

you blinked, not quite catching on. “what do you mean?”

you felt a knot tighten in your stomach, his words unsettling you. your eyes flicked back to the living room, where the omegas sat on the couch, their eyes bright and expectant, clearly waiting to be chosen. and it hit you that this wasn’t just about compatibility—it was about being picked, about being the right one for the night. there was something primal in the air, a raw energy that you couldn’t ignore. you knew why this was happening, knew it was necessary, but watching the boys size up the omegas like they were picking the perfect match left you with an uneasy feeling in your chest. they needed this, sure, but seeing it unfold before your eyes made something uncomfortable stir within you. sunoo must’ve noticed the tension in your expression because he gave you a small, reassuring smile. “don’t worry,” he said softly, trying to ease the weight of your thoughts. “it’s just how things work. they need to be compatible, or it’s pointless.” you nodded slowly, still unsure how to feel about it. the boys continued circling the omegas, their eyes scanning each one, their bodies reacting instinctively. the omegas, for their part, had their backs straight, chins up, looking just as expectant as the alphas circling them. then, after what felt like forever, jake glanced at the others, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “so... who’s going first?”

the question hung in the air, and you felt your throat tighten as you waited for one of them to make the first move. it was like some strange, unspoken ritual, and as much as you tried to focus on the plates in front of you, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from the living room.

one by one, the boys exchanged looks, as if silently debating who would take the lead. it was almost a game to them, but there was an underlying tension, something deeper, something territorial simmering beneath the surface.

heeseung stepped forward first, his gaze focused as he scanned the line of omegas. the room seemed to hold its breath as he moved toward them, the unspoken choice ready to be made.

heeseung moved with purpose, his steps slow and deliberate as he approached the line of omegas. his nostrils flared slightly, taking in their scents, his sharp gaze flicking over each of them like he was calculating something only he could understand. the room had grown unnervingly quiet, every eye following his movements, tension thick enough to choke on.

he halted in front of the omega seated in the middle, his expression cold and unreadable. “stand up,” he ordered, his voice low and commanding, sending a shiver down your spine. there was no hesitation in his tone, and the omega, wide-eyed and eager, rose to her feet immediately, her body stiff with anticipation.

you watched as heeseung leaned in, sniffing the air around her, his jaw tight, like he was considering something. she stayed perfectly still, not daring to move as he sized her up, the intensity of the moment palpable. your heart raced, though you weren’t sure why. there was something about watching this—about seeing heeseung in control, asserting himself as an alpha in front of everyone—that was both unsettling and fascinating.

and then he spoke, his voice so cold and matter-of-fact that it sent a shock through the room.

“can you handle rough?”

you nearly choked on your own spit, your eyes widening in disbelief at the bluntness of the question. the casual way he said it, like he was asking her about the weather, was so stark, so raw, that it took a second for you to process it. your hand flew to your mouth, trying to hide the reaction, but you couldn’t help the way your body tensed at his words.

the omega in front of him visibly stiffened, but she quickly composed herself, nodding eagerly, though her voice wavered slightly. “y-yes, of course.”

heeseung’s eyes narrowed, watching her closely, clearly weighing her response. the room seemed to hold its breath, everyone waiting to see what would happen next. the other boys exchanged glances, some smirking, some frowning, clearly taken aback by how straightforward heeseung had been.

from your spot in the kitchen, you could feel the tension crackling in the air like electricity. this was the first time you’d ever seen something like this up close, choosing who would satisfy their needs—was almost too intense to watch.

but you couldn’t look away.

"yeah..." sunoo chuckled nervously, the sound low and uncertain. but as he placed a dry plate on the rack, you felt his eyes on you, his gaze sharp, almost calculating. he wasn’t watching heeseung or the omegas anymore—he was watching you.

his lips twitched into a smirk, clearly pleased at the way you’d reacted to heeseung’s blunt question. sunoo leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “you okay?” he asked, his voice soft but with a teasing edge.

you blinked, still trying to process the scene unfolding in the living room, but sunoo’s quiet observation wasn’t helping the heat that had crept up the back of your neck. you nodded, but it was weak, distracted by what you’d just witnessed.

“you didn’t expect that, did you?” he said, almost playfully, though there was a certain sharpness behind his tone. sunoo knew exactly what he was doing, gauging your reaction, curious about how you were handling all of this. his eyes flicked back to heeseung for a moment, then back to you.

“i’m just... surprised,” you admitted, trying to focus on the task of drying plates, but your hands felt shaky, and the image of heeseung towering over the omega kept playing in your head. the way he commanded the room, the sheer dominance in his tone—it had done something to you, something you weren’t quite ready to admit out loud.

“surprised, huh?” sunoo leaned in a little closer, his smirk deepening. “he’s always been like that, you know. in control. cold.” he paused, letting his words linger. “but it’s different seeing it up close, isn’t it?”

you swallowed thickly, trying to avoid his gaze as you put another plate away. “yeah, a little.”

sunoo chuckled again, clearly enjoying your discomfort. “don’t worry, y/n. we all have our... moments.” he leaned back, his eyes still locked on you as he handed you another plate to dry, his expression almost amused. "but it's interesting watching you react to all this."

you glanced up at him, feeling your cheeks warm under his scrutiny. "what's that supposed to mean?" you asked, trying to sound casual, but the way his eyes were narrowing told you that sunoo had picked up on far more than you wanted him to.

"nothing," he replied, his voice light but his gaze heavy. "just... interesting."

heeseung nodded, satisfied with whatever assessment he’d made. “come,” he said, his tone cold and commanding, not even waiting for the omega to react. she scrambled to follow behind him, clearly eager, her movements quick as the door to his room clicked shut with a finality that sent a shiver through the air.

the silence that followed was thick, almost suffocating, and you felt your stomach twist as the others exchanged brief glances, the tension only growing as they realized what was happening. it was real now—this was how things were going to play out, one by one.

“looks like we’re going in order then,” jay muttered, stepping forward with a casual air, though you could tell from the slight stiffness in his shoulders that he was feeling the weight of it too. he was more deliberate as he approached the line, his eyes scanning each omega carefully, taking his time to visually inspect them, though you could tell he was looking for something specific.

his gaze settled on one omega wearing a simple bracelet, something about it catching his eye. there was a moment of hesitation, his eyes flicking between her and the others, before he made his decision. “you,” he called, his voice steady but with an edge of authority. the omega perked up, clearly relieved at being chosen, and stood up.

jay’s eyes lingered on the bracelet again for a second, his fingers brushing lightly against it as if curious about its meaning, before he turned and gestured for her to follow. as they walked away, the room felt a little colder, a little more tense, with every door that shut.

the other boys watched, some with a quiet intensity, others with a flicker of impatience. sunoo glanced over at you, still wiping down the plates, and let out a quiet sigh. “looks like it’s going to be a long night,” he murmured, though his eyes didn’t leave you, almost as if he was waiting to see how you were handling all of this.

“does it always happen like this?” you asked, glancing over at sunoo.

he shrugged, his eyes flicking to the living room where the remaining omegas sat, still waiting. “it depends. the whole scent compatibility thing isn’t just some myth. they need to feel it, the connection.” he paused, his gaze locking on yours, and for a moment, it felt like he was gauging your reaction again. “but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

you swallowed thickly, feeling that same tension twist in your chest. it was hard not to think about what was happening behind those closed doors, hard not to imagine the raw, instinctual part of it. you hadn’t realized it would be this intense, this... real.

jake stood there for a moment, rubbing his hands together, clearly trying to break the tension in the room, attempting to make things feel lighter. “alright,” he said, nodding toward the omega sitting on the far end. “you’re up.” his voice was playful, but there was something about the way his eyes flicked over to you as he made his choice, the way his gaze lingered a little too long.

you pursed your lips, feeling a sudden stiffness in your body, like all the air had been sucked out of the room. jake wasn’t just casually choosing anymore—there was something in his expression that looked like resignation, like he was forcing himself to go through the motions. it made you feel uneasy, like there was something more beneath the surface, something you weren’t quite ready to face.

and then jake turned fully toward you, his eyes locking onto yours, and for a second, it felt like the whole room was watching, waiting for your reaction. the intensity in his gaze made your heart race, as if he was silently asking for something, or maybe just waiting for a response you didn’t know how to give.

before you could even process it, sunoo slipped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you slightly closer. his scent hit you immediately—citrusy, fresh, warm like sunshine on a summer day. it was comforting, grounding, even though the situation was anything but.

“you shy, jake?” sunoo teased, his voice light, though you could feel the slight tension in his grip. “can't pick because y/n’s here?” he joked, trying to break the awkwardness hanging in the air, but even he couldn’t fully mask the edge in his voice.

jake chuckled, but it was hollow, his smile not reaching his eyes. “nah, I’m just making sure I don’t screw up,” he said, though the way he kept glancing back at you told a different story. there was something more, something he wasn’t saying.

you tried to smile, but it felt forced, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. this whole night had been surreal, and now, watching jake choose an omega while looking at you like that, made your chest tighten.

“so, you’re cute,” jake said, his voice dropping into a low, flirtatious tone. the omega he’d chosen stood up eagerly, her eyes wide, practically vibrating with anticipation. “uh, thanks,” she stammered, glancing nervously between jake and the others. “um… do you have anything you like?”

jake’s smirk deepened, his eyes flicking over her with a mixture of amusement and something darker. “and eager too,” he teased, taking a step closer, his tone light but laced with suggestion. the atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, tension curling at the edges as the omega responded to him, practically buzzing under the weight of his attention.

sunoo’s arm stayed wrapped around your shoulder, his warm, citrusy scent still lingering in the air, “he’s just trying to lighten things up,” sunoo muttered softly, sensing your unease, his voice close to your ear. “don’t worry about him.”

“do you like getting eaten out?” jake asked, his tone casual as if he were discussing the weather. you felt your jaw drop slightly, eyes widening in shock, and you instinctively looked over at sunoo, whose expression mirrored your own disbelief.

sunoo blinked, then quickly recovered, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as if to play it off. “well, jake sure knows how to set the mood,” he muttered under his breath, though his eyes were still flicking between you and jake, clearly surprised by the directness of the question.

the omega jake had chosen stiffened for a moment, but then she quickly composed herself, a small, eager smile spreading across her face as she nodded. “y-yeah, I do,” she stammered, clearly trying to match his energy, though the tension in the room was palpable.

you couldn’t believe what you were hearing. jake’s boldness was one thing, but the way he’d asked it so bluntly in front of everyone—including you—made your stomach twist with something you couldn’t quite place. embarrassment, maybe. discomfort. or... something else entirely that you weren’t ready to admit.

sunoo glanced at you, still trying to gauge your reaction, “he’s just... jake,” he whispered, leaning in slightly, his breath warm against your ear. “don’t take it too seriously.”

but how could you not? everything about this night felt surreal, like you were watching from outside yourself, and jake’s question had thrown you off completely. you swallowed thickly, your hands gripping the edge of the counter as you tried to steady yourself. this was just part of the process—part of what they needed—but the way jake was looking at the omega, his words so direct, made your heart race in a way you couldn’t quite explain.

you felt sunoo’s eyes on you again, and when you glanced up, he was watching you closely, almost like he was waiting for you to say something. but you couldn’t find the words.

“why? jealous?” sunoo teased, a sly grin spreading across his face. “jake did eat you out on your first day, didn’t he? was he good?”

the playful slap you gave him was more instinctive than anything, your hand landing lightly on his arm as you shot him a look. “oh, shut up,” you mumbled, but your cheeks were burning, the memory flashing in your mind.

it had been intense—more intense than anything you’d ever experienced. jake, with that cocky smirk and the way he’d been so sure of himself, had caught you completely off guard. and then there was jungwon, the tension between them palpable as they had their mini fight over you. the whole thing had been overwhelming, but also… something you hadn’t forgotten.

you tried to play it cool, waving sunoo off like it wasn’t a big deal, but the way your pulse raced gave you away. “it wasn’t like that,” you added, trying to keep your voice steady, but sunoo’s knowing smirk didn’t falter. he could read you better than you thought, and he knew exactly what buttons to push.

“right, not like that,” he mimicked, rolling his eyes dramatically. “come on, y/n, we all saw how that went down.” his voice dropped lower, more teasing now. “bet you’re thinking about it right now, huh?”

you groaned, pushing him gently. “seriously, sunoo, quit it.”

but even as you laughed it off, trying to keep the atmosphere light, the memory of that day lingered in the back of your mind—jake’s intense gaze, the way jungwon had looked at you, possessive, like he was about to claim you right then and there. it had been a chaotic mix of desire, jealousy, and raw instinct, and even now, just thinking about it made your heart race.

“let’s go then,” jake said, holding out his hand to the omega, a cocky smile playing on his lips as she eagerly took it, her excitement palpable. without missing a beat, he led her toward his room, the door shutting with a soft click, leaving a charged silence in the air.

sunghoon, who had been standing nearby, didn’t wait around either. he moved with purpose, though his steps faltered when he caught sight of one of the omegas fidgeting nervously, fixing her hair in a clear attempt to get his attention. she was eager, her eyes bright and expectant, hoping to be chosen. sunghoon noticed, his gaze flicking toward her for a moment, but his focus wasn’t entirely there.

he tried everything in his power not to look back at you. but the struggle was real, his body betraying him as he felt the growing tension in his pants. the hard-on he’d been fighting all night was becoming impossible to ignore, and the fact that sunoo was still lingering with you, playing it cool in the kitchen, wasn’t helping.

what the fuck is sunoo even doing? sunghoon thought, his frustration mounting. the plates had been wiped dry long ago, yet there sunoo was, clearly killing time, his arm still draped casually around your shoulder, his scent mixing with yours in a way that was driving sunghoon insane.

he clenched his jaw, trying to focus on the omega in front of him, but his mind kept wandering back to you. the way you’d reacted to jake, to sunoo’s teasing—it had been subtle, but sunghoon had noticed the way your pulse quickened, the slight flush in your cheeks. he hated how aware he was of it, how much it affected him.

the omega finally caught his full attention when she spoke, her voice soft and hopeful. “sunghoon? would you like to...?”

he swallowed hard, forcing a smile, but his thoughts were elsewhere. yeah, sure, he thought, though it was clear his mind wasn’t entirely on her. with one last glance in your direction, he turned back to the omega and nodded. “let’s go.” his voice was lower than usual, almost strained, as he motioned for her to follow him.

but even as he led her toward his room, sunghoon couldn’t shake the feeling gnawing at him—the tension between him and you, the frustration at sunoo’s lingering presence, and the fact that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to get you out of his head.

niki and jungwon, who had been silently fuming, staring down at the floor throughout the entire ordeal, suddenly glanced up at you and sunoo. their expressions were unreadable, but the intensity in their eyes was enough to make your stomach flip. jungwon's gaze, in particular, was sharp, almost laser-focused on sunoo's hand resting casually on your shoulder, his jaw clenched tight.

sunoo must have sensed the shift, because he quickly removed his hand from your shoulder, stepping away like nothing had happened. “it’s your turn, hyung,” niki mumbled, not making eye contact with any of the omegas, his voice low, almost grudging.

jungwon didn’t say a word, but the way he stared—his eyes practically boring holes into sunoo—said more than enough.

“i’m up,” sunoo said to you with a playful wink, smoothing over the tension like he always did, before striding confidently toward the line of omegas. his charming smile lit up his face, and you could see the way the other omegas perked up the moment his attention was on them. a few of them blushed, clearly taken by his visuals, their eyes wide as they watched him approach.

sunoo stopped in front of one of the omegas, his smile softening just slightly. “i like your dress,” he said, his tone casual but laced with genuine appreciation. “prada?”

the omega’s face lit up instantly, her nervousness dissolving into excitement. “yes, it is!” she beamed, clearly flattered that sunoo had noticed. you could see how sweet she was, her eyes sparkling as she stood a little taller, more confident now that sunoo had singled her out.

sunoo’s charm was effortless, the way he made her feel special with just a few words. you watched as he leaned in a little closer, engaging her in quiet conversation, making her laugh softly as they shared a moment. his presence was calming, and the other omegas couldn’t help but watch with admiration, almost envious of the attention he gave so easily.

“come on,” sunoo said smoothly, flashing the omega his trademark charming smile as she eagerly hooked her hand into his arm. he sent you a quick nod, almost like a gesture of respect, before leading her toward his room. the door clicked shut behind them, and for a moment, the house seemed to hold its breath.

then, out of nowhere, a scream pierced the silence, loud and full of pleasure. “yes, oh my god!” one of the omegas cried out, the sound making your heart race. the sheer intensity of it hit you like a truck, your body responding instinctively. your heat—it was coming, and the primal reaction coursing through you was undeniable.

just hearing the way someone was clearly being pounded into the sheets, you felt your own scent slip, just for a second, and that was all it took. jungwon and niki groaned simultaneously, their reactions immediate, raw, and visceral.

jungwon, who had been holding back for what felt like forever, snapped. he stalked toward the nearest omega, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air around her, his movements predatory. “you like berries, don’t you, niki?” he muttered under his breath, though his focus was entirely on the omega in front of him, his alpha instincts taking over.

niki sighed, clearly trying to keep his cool, but the tension in his body was obvious. “i’m taking this one, then,” he said, his voice strained as he eyed the omega. “you’d like the other one.”

“fucking leftovers,” niki grumbled under his breath, clearly irritated that he was the last to choose. but when he noticed the flicker of hurt in the omega’s eyes, his expression softened just slightly. “don’t worry,” he added quickly, forcing a small smirk. “i had my eyes on you from the start.”

it was a lie, and he knew it. but the omega seemed to take some comfort in his words, her face brightening just a little, though niki’s frustration was still evident in the tightness of his jaw. he hadn’t planned on being the last to pick, and it irked him more than he’d admit.

without another word, jungwon and niki each took their respective omegas by the hand, their movements deliberate and almost robotic as they headed toward their rooms. there was no hesitation, no second glance in your direction. the tension was too thick, their instincts too strong. they were on autopilot now, their minds consumed by the overwhelming need coursing through them.

the door to jungwon’s room clicked shut, followed by niki’s a moment later, leaving you alone in the hallway, your heart pounding in your chest. they hadn’t even spared you a glance—not a single acknowledgment of your presence as they disappeared with the omegas. it was as if everything else had faded away, and all that remained was their raw, primal need.

you stood there for a moment, trying to steady your breathing, your mind racing. the sound of the omega’s earlier cry still echoed in your ears, your body responding to it against your will. your heat was coming, and the reality of it weighed heavily on you.

and now, you were alone with nothing but your thoughts, the house eerily quiet except for the faint sounds of the others behind closed doors.

you were drowning in your thoughts, unable to shake the vivid images from your mind—what was happening behind those closed doors? how good were they being fucked right now? you could almost hear it in your head, the way the omegas must be moaning, bodies tangled with the alphas who had been holding back all night. god, you thought, biting down on your lip, your thoughts spiraling out of control.

the frustration was unbearable, this constant itch you couldn’t scratch. you tried to remind yourself of your father’s strict rules, of why you had to maintain control, why you were here in the first place. you were supposed to be the one in charge, the one keeping things together. but fuck, what would it feel like to let go for once? to let those alphas do what they clearly wanted to do? what you wanted them to do?

those omegas were probably getting the fucks of their lives right now, and here you were, stuck, alone, a knot of desire and restraint that was threatening to unravel.

just as the thought hit you, your phone buzzed in your hand, startling you out of your daze. hyunjin’s name flashed on the screen, and your heart skipped a beat. you answered quickly, the sound of his husky voice on the other end making your breath hitch.

“hey…” his voice was low, rough, sending a shiver down your spine. there was a pause, like he was waiting for something, then he added, “i’m outside.”

your eyes widened, heat rushing through your body. outside? he was already here?

“you’re outside?” you bit your lip, trying to steady your breath, but before you could fully process his response, jay’s door swung open with a bang. an omega stumbled out, wobbling on her legs, her skin flushed and covered in hickeys, her expression dazed—blissful, even.

you instinctively moved to help her, catching her arm before she could fall. “are you okay?” you asked, concern threading through your voice, but the omega wasn’t distressed. in fact, she looked like she was floating in some kind of euphoric haze.

“i’m... i’m fine,” she mumbled dreamily. “i just... couldn’t keep up.” she giggled, her face flushed with exhaustion and pleasure. the sight of her—neck littered with dark marks, legs barely steady—left no doubt about what had just happened behind that door.

jay appeared behind her, his shirt rumpled, hair a mess, phone in hand. his gaze locked onto you, intense, unreadable. you could feel the weight of it, like he was daring you to react. he didn’t look ashamed or embarrassed—he looked completely unfazed, like this was just another night.

the omega smiled sheepishly at jay. “sorry, i... i couldn’t keep up,” she apologized, her voice light, and jay just stared down at you, something dark flickering in his eyes. “she’ll be fine,” he said, voice calm, though his gaze stayed fixed on you. “i didn’t push her too hard.”

you stared at him, your mind racing. the omega looked like she’d just experienced heaven, but the tension between you and jay was impossible to ignore. what had really gone down in that room?

“it hasn’t even been a few minutes?” you said, disbelief clear in your voice as you glanced between the omega and jay. the omega was already making her way to the door, while jay stood there, watching you with that same unreadable expression.

you reached for your phone, needing an escape. “hyunjin, are you still outside?” you asked, your voice shaky.

“hyunjin, huh?” jay muttered under his breath, his tone bitter. “what’s he doing here?”

the way he said it sent a chill down your spine. the shift in his tone was jarring, like he’d flipped a switch. the cocky, playful jay you knew had been replaced by someone more intense, more possessive. “here to fuck you already?” he challenged.

the question hung heavy in the air, almost accusatory. your pulse quickened, but you stood your ground. “what’s it to you?” you shot back, trying to keep your voice steady despite the tension crackling between you.

jay stepped closer, closing the distance between you, his presence overwhelming. “i just think... now isn’t a good time,” he said, his voice laced with something darker. “my omega is gone... and who do we have left?”

“you know we can’t,” you said, trying to laugh, but it came out shakier than you intended. the tension between you two was suffocating now, his stare burning into you, daring you to deny it.

“can’t we?” he asked, his voice softer now, but still filled with that same underlying heat. “because it feels like we’re both thinking about it.”

you swallowed, your hands instinctively clasping at your necklace, like it could protect you from the thick, oppressive tension in the room. jay’s eyes flicked down to the necklace, noticing your nervous gesture, and something in his gaze darkened further.

“well, looks like that’s all we’re gonna do... just think about it,” you mumbled, your voice barely above a whisper.

but the way jay looked at you, the intensity in his eyes, made it clear that thinking wasn’t enough anymore. and you couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before that line—between thinking and acting—blurred completely.

he immediately eased up, letting out a fake chuckle as he ran his hands through his hair, the tension softening, though not entirely disappearing. “i’m kidding, y/n, fuck,” he said, his voice lighter, but there was still that edge beneath it. he was trying to play it off, but the way his eyes lingered on you made it clear this wasn’t just a joke, not really.

jay stepped back, shaking his head like he was trying to shake off the intensity that hung between you. “but i’m serious... not now, okay? please?” his voice dropped, softer, almost pleading. “can you make him come another time?”

the desperation in his tone caught you off guard. jay wasn’t just asking; it felt like he was begging you to reconsider, and it was jarring. the idea of hyunjin being here, now, clearly unsettled him in a way he was trying not to show, but you could feel it in the air between you.

"why?" you asked, tilting your head slightly, clutching your necklace like it was some kind of lifeline, hoping it would ease the tension. "wouldn’t it be better for everyone? he could scent me for now... take the edge off."

jay’s jaw clenched, his gaze darkening for a moment before he exhaled slowly, trying to regain control. “having another alpha here, right now, in our house?” he shook his head. “it wouldn’t be a good idea.” his voice was calm, but what was lurking beneath was hard to ignore, and you could hear it, feel it.

and as much as you didn’t want to admit it, what jay said made sense. the house was already on edge, tension building with every second. adding another alpha into the mix would only make things worse. you could practically see the disaster waiting to unfold.

jay’s eyes softened slightly, the intensity still there but more measured now. “look, we’re all barely keeping it together as it is. bringing in hyunjin right now? that’s just asking for trouble.”

you hesitated, glancing down at your phone. "hyunjin?" you said, your voice quiet, uncertain.

"yeah, i heard," he replied, his voice calm but understanding. there was a weight in his tone, like he already knew what you were about to say, like he’d expected this.

a silence stretched between you as you wrestled with the decision. part of you wanted to say that having hyunjin here would help, that it might ease the tension... but jay’s words kept echoing in your head. another alpha in the house? that might make things even worse. “look,” he continued, his tone softening, “if it’s not the right time, I get it. just let me know when things settle down, okay?” you bit your lip, feeling conflicted.

“okay,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper. “i’ll let you know when things settle down.”

"good girl." jay’s voice cut through the silence, the low, dark undercurrent making your breath catch. the words lingered in the air, heavy and unsettling, leaving you more flustered than you wanted to admit. your fingers fidgeted nervously, smoothing down your clothes like it would ground you, but the tension was still there, thick and electric.

you swallowed, forcing yourself to meet jay’s gaze, trying to push through the haze of tension between you. "uh... do you feel better now?" your voice came out shakier than you intended, and when your eyes flicked downward for a second, you saw it—his erection, straining against his pants, even though he had just been with his omega.

what the fuck was going on with jay? he wasn’t usually like this—so intense, so... different. sure, he was cocky, always had that confident edge to him, but this? this was something else.

jay didn’t even try to hide the smirk that tugged at his lips when he noticed the way your eyes lingered. "does it look like i feel better?" his voice was smooth, dripping with that dangerous undertone that sent a shiver through you.

you laughed nervously, the sound shaky, trying to diffuse the situation. “nope...” you wheezed, the attempt to lighten the mood falling flat. your heart was racing as you watched jay’s gaze drop to your necklace, his eyes lingering on it before he stretched his arms, his muscles flexing under his shirt, his scent—tobacco, cedar, and that faint hint of vanilla—filling the space around you.

he walked toward the fridge, opening it casually, grabbing a bottle of water like nothing had happened, but his eyes never really left you. even as he twisted off the cap and took a long drink, his gaze stayed locked on yours, that smirk tugging at his lips, making you feel like you were still under his spell.

"you okay?" jay asked, his voice softer now, and the smile he flashed at you—the one you’d seen countless times—felt like a lifeline, pulling you back to some sort of normalcy. it was the jay you knew, not the one who had been so intense just moments ago. his usual, cocky charm was back, making you think maybe the tension from earlier was just in your head.

you let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, forcing yourself to smile back. "yeah, i’m good," you lied, trying to sound casual even though your pulse was still racing.

"just... didn’t think it’d be over that fast," you said, trying to keep your tone light despite the tension still buzzing under your skin.

jay’s chuckle was low, almost dismissive, as he took another swig of water. "yeah, well, i wasn’t really feeling it," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, still watching you. there was something in his tone, something almost... disappointed.

you frowned, confused by his nonchalance. “but she looked like she was, though,” you pointed out, thinking back to the omega who had practically stumbled out of his room earlier. she had seemed more than satisfied, blissed out and covered in hickeys. “you didn’t feel anything?”

jay shrugged, his smirk fading into something more serious, his eyes darkening as he set the bottle on the counter. "nah, the scent was off," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "sure, she was into it, but for me? it just... didn’t click."

you blinked, processing his words. "the scent was off?" you echoed, not sure what he meant. scent compatibility was supposed to be the foundation for an alpha and omega connection, what was the whole point of the ritual earlier then?

jay nodded, his eyes flicking up to meet yours again, and there was something raw in his gaze, something almost... frustrated. "yeah. it didn’t feel right. i thought it would, but..." he trailed off, his eyes roaming over you, lingering on your face, your lips, then your necklace. "her scent wasn’t what i needed."

your pulse quickened at his words, and you suddenly felt hyper-aware of the space between you—how close he was, how his scent was starting to wrap around you, making it harder to think clearly. the tension you’d felt earlier came rushing back, stronger now, and you could feel your body reacting to his proximity, to the way his gaze was practically devouring you.

“what do you mean by that?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

jay took a slow step forward, closing the distance between you just enough for his presence to feel overwhelming again. "you ever had a moment where the scent in the air just... wasn’t right?" he murmured, his voice dropping lower, making your skin prickle. "like you’re going through the motions, but something’s missing? something you need, but you don’t know what it is?"

your heart thudded in your chest, your mind racing as you tried to process what he was saying, what he was implying. his scent, that intoxicating mix of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla, was wrapping around you like a fog, pulling you deeper into the moment, making it harder to focus.

"and you think it’s the scent?" you asked, your voice wavering as your eyes darted back to his, trying to gauge his intentions.

jay’s smirk returned, but this time it held a darker, more dangerous edge. "yeah," he whispered, his eyes boring into yours with an intensity that made your skin prickle. then, without warning, he leaned back, his body language shifting as if he hadn’t just filled the space with this suffocating tension. like he could turn it off, just like that.

his words lingered in the air, and you weren’t sure if he was still talking about the omega or if he was hinting at something much more personal, much closer to home.

"the others are gonna take a while, probably... wanna hang?" jay’s voice was casual, too casual, as he leaned against the counter. but the way his eyes were tracking your every move? that was anything but casual.

your heart skipped a beat, the room suddenly feeling way too small, the air thickening with his scent—a scent that was doing things to your body you desperately wished it wouldn’t. instinctively, you took a step back, trying to create space, needing to breathe. "i... i don’t know if it’s a good idea," you stammered, feeling the warmth crawl up your spine, settling deep in your core. you knew how dangerous this was, how being around him, with your heat creeping in closer every day, was a recipe for disaster.

jay’s smirk faltered for a second, his eyes narrowing just a bit, but he stayed rooted in place, watching you. "come on, y/n. we’re just hanging out. what’s the worst that could happen?"

"you fucking me?" the words slipped out before you could even stop them, your eyes going wide with shock the moment they left your lips. your hand flew up to cover your mouth, but it was too late. the room felt like it had been struck by lightning, the silence deafening, the air buzzing with the weight of what you’d just said.

jay froze, his expression shifting as the words sank in. slowly, that dangerous smirk curled back onto his lips, but this time it wasn’t teasing—it was predatory, loaded with intent. his eyes darkened, filled with something raw, primal, something that made your stomach twist and your heart pound faster than you thought possible.

he took a step toward you, his gaze locked onto yours, his voice dropping low, rough around the edges. "is that what you’re thinking, y/n?" his eyes flicked down to your lips for just a second before they snapped back up to meet your gaze again, heat radiating off him in waves.

your heart raced in your chest, your hand still firmly pressed over your mouth, trying to stop any more reckless words from spilling out. but jay didn’t stop. he took another step closer, his scent wrapping around you like a blanket, making your thoughts hazy, making it impossible to focus on anything but him.

"don’t worry," he murmured, leaning in just a little closer, his breath warm against your skin, sending shivers down your spine. "i’m not gonna do anything you don’t want. but you’ve gotta be honest with yourself—what do you want?"

"to not get fired, jay," you muttered against your hand, your voice shaky, but you were trying so damn hard to regain some control. your heart was hammering in your chest, your mind spiraling, searching for an escape from this situation, from the magnetic pull of him.

jay’s smirk softened, but the heat in his eyes didn’t fade, not even a little. he paused for a second, giving you enough space to breathe, but his scent, thick with dominance, still clung to the air between you, suffocating any clear thoughts.

“fair enough,” he said, his voice smooth, though there was a darker edge to it that made your pulse skip. he stepped back a little more, but his gaze stayed firmly locked on yours, daring you to keep looking at him.

"you know we can't," you said, trying to inject some firmness into your voice despite the pounding of your heart. you were desperate to break the tension, to bring things back to normal. but jay just gave you a slow, playful wink, like the whole situation was a game to him, like you weren’t standing on the edge of something dangerous.

"i know, i know. sorry..." he trailed off, his smirk never quite leaving his lips. "just the alpha in me, you know? wouldn’t want you thinking i don’t notice how good you smell."

his words sent a jolt through you, and before you could even think of a response, jay turned, his body language casual as if nothing had happened. he grabbed the bottle of water from the counter, twisting the cap off, and took a long drink, but you could still feel his eyes on you, watching, waiting.

he gave you one last lingering look over his shoulder, eyes gleaming with that same dangerous glint, before he turned toward the door. the click of it closing behind him left you alone in the room, your legs trembling so hard that you collapsed onto the floor, breath shaky as everything that had just happened washed over you in a tidal wave.

you pressed your hands against the cool tile, trying to ground yourself, trying to make sense of what the fuck had just happened. jay’s scent still lingered in the air, thick and intoxicating, filling your lungs, making it impossible to think clearly. your body was reacting in ways you wished it wouldn’t, your mind racing with all the possibilities of what could have happened if you hadn’t stopped him.

what the fuck?

the days after that strange conversation with jay, it was like it had never happened. he acted completely normal and part of you was relieved that he wasn’t pushing the boundary any further. but there was another part of you, the one that couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said, that found it impossible to forget. the conversation played over and over in your mind, creeping into your thoughts at the worst times, making your body react in ways you couldn’t control.

the desire you’d been fighting seemed to feed into something deeper, something primal, and you could feel your heat coming on faster, hitting harder with each passing day. it was like your body was betraying you, urging you toward something you knew you shouldn’t want.

the boys had a photoshoot today, and you were doing your best to keep your mind off the growing heat that pulsed through you. the studio was busy, bustling with stylists, makeup artists, and photographers running around as the boys either sat in hair and makeup or were changing into their next outfits.

you stood off to the side, trying to keep yourself calm, but the tight grip you had on your necklace was a tell. yuki, who had been observing you from a distance, finally approached, his sharp eyes catching the way you were fidgeting.

“y/n,” he called softly, his tone concerned. “can we talk for a second?”

you nodded, stepping aside with him as he led you away from the main chaos of the studio. his eyes flicked down to the necklace around your neck, and he raised an eyebrow. “how’s your necklace been working?” he asked, his voice low so the others wouldn’t overhear.

you swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in your stomach. “it’s barely functioning,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “i can feel my heat coming in full throttle, and it’s not doing anything to help.”

yuki’s expression tightened, his brows furrowing as he considered your words. “i didn't think it was this bad, but it makes sense,” he said, nodding thoughtfully. “the boys have been on edge.”

you looked around at the boys, who were mostly distracted by their own routines, but the subtle tension in the air was undeniable. “what do i do?” you asked, feeling more vulnerable than you wanted to admit.

yuki sighed, running a hand through his hair. “no updates yet on when the next shipment arrives. but in the meantime, you need to be careful. if your heat hits full force while you’re around them...” his voice trailed off, and he didn’t need to finish the sentence. you both knew what could happen.

he glanced back toward the boys, his eyes sharp as he made sure no one was paying too much attention to your conversation. “just… try to keep your distance. i know that’s easier said than done, especially with how they are.” his gaze softened for a moment, then added, “have they been giving you trouble?”

you shook your head quickly, trying to play it off. “no, nothing like that. it’s just… it’s complicated.”

“what happened with hyunjin?” yuki’s question caught you off guard. you hadn’t thought about hyunjin since that call with jay had taken over your mind, and the fact that yuki was bringing it up now made you stiffen.

“i… uh, had to cancel,” you admitted, trying to keep your voice steady. “it wasn’t the right time, and with everything going on with the boys…” your words trailed off, not wanting to dive into the details of just how complicated things had become.

yuki’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied you. “was it the right decision for you?” he asked, his tone careful, like he was gauging how much to push.

you shifted on your feet, feeling heat crawl up your neck—not just from embarrassment, but from the ever-growing pull of your heat, lingering just beneath the surface. “i didn’t have a choice. the boys… they’ve been acting strange, and i didn’t want to make it worse.” you bit your lip, trying to find the right words. “and… jay… he didn’t think it was a good idea either.”

yuki’s gaze sharpened at the mention of jay. “jay?” he repeated, his voice low, as if confirming what he’d already suspected. “and how exactly did he convince you?”

you hesitated, feeling the tension coil inside you again. “he just... he was concerned about another alpha being around, especially with how things have been.” you tried to brush it off, but the truth of it lingered in the air between you. jay’s presence, his words, had done more to sway your decision than you cared to admit.

"did he try anything with you?" yuki’s voice dropped to a whisper, his gaze sharpening as he leaned in slightly, making sure no one else could hear.

your breath hitched, and you instinctively glanced around, ensuring no one was paying attention. you shook your head quickly, though your heart raced at the question. "no... not really," you muttered, but your words felt heavier than they should’ve. "he didn’t push anything. it was just... weird."

yuki's eyes didn’t leave yours, searching for any hint of something more. "weird how?" he pressed, his tone gentle but insistent.

"he was just... different. he kept bringing up how I smelled, how the others were on edge," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "but nothing actually happened. he backed off."

"y/n, you need to be careful… the rules," yuki whispered, his tone serious but soft, like he was trying to keep you grounded. the concern in his voice made your chest tighten, the weight of everything suddenly feeling heavier.

"i know," you murmured, looking down at the floor, your hand instinctively clutching the necklace that had been failing to keep everything under control. "i didn’t mean for things to get this complicated."

yuki’s eyes softened a little, but his voice remained firm. "it’s not just about you and them wanting you, y/n. you know the consequences if this goes too far. if any of them break those rules… you’ll get fired, and they’ll face worse. you can’t let your heat—or their instincts—push things over the line."

he paused for a moment, letting that sink in, before adding, "you have to stay in control. the boys aren’t going to be able to help themselves."

you swallowed hard, the weight of yuki’s warning sitting heavy in your stomach. "i’ll figure it out. i just need to get through this heat without everything falling apart." but even as you said the words, a part of you couldn’t shake the fear that maybe it was already too late.

as the boys started getting closer to where you and yuki were talking, yuki immediately shifted the tone of the conversation, his expression lightening as if you hadn’t just had a serious discussion about rules and boundaries.

he threw on a bright smile, his voice cheerful. "so, hyunjin? his schedule is a bit backed up, but he'll be in touch." he announced loudly enough for the boys to hear, acting as if everything was normal.

you blinked at him for a second before catching on, forcing a casual smile to your face. "can’t wait," you said, your tone playful even though the tension from earlier still clung to you. "been wanting to get a good fuck in."

the boys visibly stiffened at your words, their eyes flickering with something that was hard to miss. it was subtle—jay's jaw clenched, jungwon’s posture straightened, and jake shifted uncomfortably—but it was enough for you to feel the shift in the atmosphere.

yuki let out a laugh, clearly trying to keep the mood light. "well, i’m sure he’ll be more than happy to help out," he teased, giving you a wink before glancing at the boys as if to include them in the joke.

“y/n, can you help me with this?” sunghoon’s voice sliced through the buzzing atmosphere of the photoshoot, smooth and casual but laced with something that made your pulse race. your fingers brushed against his as you adjusted the collar of his outfit, the heat between you two almost palpable. you could feel the eyes of the other boys on you—sharp, lingering, tense—making the moment feel even more charged. before the tension could thicken any further, sunoo appeared beside you, holding a mini electric fan in his hand and flashing you his usual bright smile. but there was something calculating behind his eyes, like he was testing the waters. "so... when's he coming over?" he asked, his voice light, he was probing, not just for himself, but for the others too. the question hung in the air for a moment, and you felt the weight of every gaze shift toward you. even sunghoon’s hand stiffened slightly under yours, his playful smirk faltering for just a second before returning.

you swallowed, trying to keep your composure, but the atmosphere was thickening fast. the boys were still watching, waiting for your response, and you could sense that this was about more than just curiosity—it was about territory, control, and unspoken tension that had been building for days.

"sometime soon," you replied, your voice more steady than you felt.

sunoo’s eyes sparkled with amusement, though you knew he was digging for a reaction from the others. “hmm, bet you're excited.” he chuckled lightly but glanced sideways at the other alphas, clearly waiting for their reactions. the others exchanged subtle glances, their expressions shifting. jake, who had been adjusting his outfit nearby, suddenly seemed a little too focused on his clothes. jungwon’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stared at sunoo, and you could feel the possessive tension practically rolling off him. heeseung, who had been silent, looked up, his dark eyes locking onto you, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. sunghoon cleared his throat, stepping back slightly, though his expression remained calm. "well, if hyunjin’s gonna be handling that, I guess we should all take a step back." his voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it that you couldn’t quite ignore.

the air around you felt like it was buzzing with electricity, the unspoken tension between you and the alphas growing thicker. you forced a smile, trying to play it off as casual, but the truth was hard to escape. they were affected. and even though you were trying to stay in control, your heat was creeping closer, pushing things dangerously out of balance.

"yeah," you said, exhaling slowly, trying to ignore the way your body was reacting to the proximity of all of them. "it’s probably for the best."

sunoo’s smile widened, almost teasing as he leaned in slightly. “well, let’s hope he’s enough to handle it,” he said with a wink, the underlying challenge in his voice clear as he glanced at the other boys. you didn’t miss the way jake tensed at that, his fists tightening for just a second before he forced a casual smile onto his face, pretending like sunoo’s words didn’t bother him. “we’ll see,” heeseung finally said, his voice calm but heavy with something darker. "for now, let's focus on getting through this shoot." the unspoken tension lingered in the air as the conversation ended, and as the boys returned to their tasks, you couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when hyunjin arrived. the idea of him helping with your heat had seemed like a simple solution, but now, with the way the alphas were acting, you weren’t so sure it would be that easy.

you all acted normal—at least on the surface. they went back to their routines, throwing in their usual banter, and you tried to do the same. but every now and then, you’d catch yourself feeling lightheaded, your body’s warning signs of pre-heat becoming impossible to ignore.

it was dangerous, more than you wanted to admit. the heat was creeping up on you, and even though the boys were pretending nothing had changed, you knew they were aware. but still, they kept the act up, and you were grateful for it. for now, at least.

today, you were in the laundry room, folding clothes and trying to focus on the mundane tasks in front of you when you heard the front door open. yuki had arrived. you heard his voice filter through the flat, followed by the boys greeting him. their tones were friendly, casual. it sounded almost normal, but you couldn’t ignore the undertone of something heavier, like they were all skirting around an unspoken truth. "yuki!" jake called out cheerfully, clapping a hand on his back. "long time no see, man." "yeah, it’s been a while," yuki responded, his voice just as light, though there was something in the way he paused that made you feel like he was watching the boys carefully. "how’s everything been? staying out of trouble?" jungwon chuckled. "we’re always on our best behavior." yuki raised an eyebrow, smirking. "sure you are." as their conversation flowed, you could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on you even from the laundry room. yuki was here for a reason, after all. it wasn’t just a casual visit, and everyone knew it. you swallowed hard, your hands trembling slightly as you folded another shirt. the familiar warmth started creeping up your neck again, the telltale signs of your heat making your head feel foggy. you closed your eyes for a moment, trying to steady your breathing, but it was getting harder to ignore. “is y/n here?” yuki asked, his voice casual but with an underlying seriousness. the boys paused, their attention flicking toward the laundry room where you were. you stepped out, carrying a basket of freshly folded laundry, the scent of detergent mixing with the unmistakable sweetness of your pheromones. the moment your scent hit the air, there was a noticeable shift in the room. the boys tensed, their eyes flicking to you and then quickly looking away, trying to maintain some sense of normalcy.

“here,” you said, forcing a smile as you walked over to yuki. his gaze was sharp, but there was a softness to it, a kind of unspoken concern. he could tell what was happening, and it didn’t take much to figure out that you were nearing a dangerous point.

"come on, let’s talk for a sec," he muttered, gently steering you away from the other alphas lounging in the room. his hand rested lightly on your shoulder, leading you toward a quieter corner of the flat, away from their watchful eyes. “you okay?” yuki asked once you were out of earshot, his voice low and laced with concern. he was standing close, his presence comforting, but you could feel the heat building inside you, making it harder to focus. you nodded, though you didn’t trust your voice just yet. “yeah, i’m fine. just… getting close.”

yuki sighed, running a hand through his hair. “i can tell. your scent’s getting stronger, y/n. it’s only a matter of time before the necklace isn’t going to help at all. and the boys... they’re already struggling, aren’t they?” your breath hitched slightly. he wasn’t wrong. the way the alphas had been behaving lately, the lingering touches, the tension that hummed between you all—it was clear they were just as affected by your nearing heat as you were. "they’re… trying to keep it together," you admitted quietly.

yuki’s eyes softened. "that’s not going to last much longer."

you swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt. "what do i do?"

yuki’s gaze flicked back to where the boys were lounging, their voices faint in the background. “we’ve got options,” he said carefully, “but you need to make a decision soon. i know hyunjin was supposed to come, but if you wait too long… i’m not sure you’ll be able to keep things under control here.”

"maybe i should leave?" you repeated, a touch more uncertainty in your voice now. "stay somewhere else for the meantime?"

yuki shook his head, considering your suggestion but still unconvinced. "what would work for you? think about it. the boys still need to get to their schedules, and it’s not like they can just drop everything. they've got that award ceremony coming up, and practice sessions. it's a pretty important time for them." you sighed, running a hand through your hair in frustration. "i know, i know… but maybe i can hold out until next week? it’s just a few more days." “next week?” yuki repeated, his tone skeptical, like he didn’t quite believe you. “y/n, you don’t sound like you’re due next week. i'm telling you, it's going to take a few days before they’re all over you.” you frowned, glancing at your phone where your heat calendar was marked, the little colored dots spaced out neatly. “no, i’m sure. i followed my calendar properly. i’ve been tracking it for months.” yuki gave you a pointed look. “tracking isn’t always foolproof, and you know that. stress, changes in environment, alphas around you—it can all mess with your cycle.” you didn’t want to admit it, but yuki was right. things had been… different lately. the idea of being around them, especially when your heat hit full force, made your stomach twist with equal parts dread and something else you didn’t want to name.

"so what now?" you asked, your voice quieter, almost defeated.

"let's assume for now you have a week, okay? and keep me in the loop if it comes sooner." yuki held up his phone, signaling that he wanted updates, his tone firm but understanding. you nodded, trying to push aside the creeping anxiety, though your mind was already racing with what-ifs.

as you stood there, talking quietly with yuki, sunoo—who had been rummaging through the cupboard for snacks—caught wind of the conversation. his expression shifted slightly, a glint of knowing flickering in his eyes. he grabbed a bag of chips, his movements slow and deliberate as he cast a glance toward his hyungs, subtly letting them know he’d heard every word.

jay and sunghoon, seated on the couch, tried to act nonchalant. jay’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest while he scrolled through his phone, though his attention kept flickering back toward you and yuki. sunghoon, ever the cool and collected one, leaned back casually, but his jaw was set, a telltale sign that he was absorbing everything.

heeseung, who was currently beating niki at fifa, glanced over at you and yuki from the corner of his eye, not saying anything but clearly listening. his grip on the controller was tighter than necessary, his focus split between the game and what he was hearing. you could feel his gaze lingering on you whenever he thought you weren’t paying attention.

but jake... jake was the most restless. he was perched on the edge of the couch, his knee bouncing up and down anxiously, unable to sit still. every now and then, he glanced your way, his expression unreadable but his body language screaming that something was off. he was fidgeting more than usual, running a hand through his hair and shifting in his seat like he couldn’t quite get comfortable.

sunoo, walking back with his snacks, sent another glance toward jake, reading his agitation like a book. it wasn’t just the upcoming heat throwing everyone off—it was the underlying tension that had been building for weeks. your scent, the way the air seemed heavier whenever you were around, it had them all on edge. but now, knowing that your heat could be right around the corner, it was like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

“everything good?” sunoo asked casually as he dropped onto the couch beside jay, though his eyes never left you.

you gave him a small, forced smile. "yeah, just... trying to plan ahead."

“remember, keep me in the loop,” yuki said over his shoulder, his eyes meeting yours one last time before he stepped out.

as the door closed behind him, you could feel the shift. no one said anything, but it was like everyone had been holding their breath. the room was filled with unspoken words, desires left hanging in the air, and a tension that was becoming harder and harder to ignore.

you swallowed thickly, trying to pretend like everything was normal, but you could feel their eyes on you, the weight of the conversation, and the reality that your heat was looming closer than you wanted to admit.

"i think i’m going to rest for a bit," you said, your voice soft but edged with exhaustion. you'd just finished folding and putting away all the laundry, the routine tasks that normally kept your mind busy. but right now, it felt like too much. you needed space. you needed to breathe.

the boys glanced at you, a chorus of "thanks" filling the air as you made your way to your room. you could feel their eyes on you as you left, but you didn’t turn around, swallowing the knot of nerves in your throat as you closed the door behind you. once inside, you leaned against it for a second, your heart racing as you exhaled deeply. everything felt too much—the tension, your pre-heat, the way the boys had been reacting to you. you needed to clear your head.

on the other side of the door, the atmosphere immediately shifted.

sunoo was the first to speak up. “she’s leaving,” he said, his voice low, almost hesitant, like he didn’t want to say it out loud but felt like they needed to hear it. “she told yuki she might leave soon, stay somewhere else for a while.”

the reaction was immediate.

jake huffed, his hands balling into fists on the table. “what the fuck? why? does she think that’s gonna help?” his voice was rough, frustration barely contained as he glared down at the table like it was responsible for all of his problems. he was always the first to react, his emotions simmering right below the surface.

jungwon frowned, his brow furrowing deeply as he processed the information. “leaving?” he echoed, his voice quieter, more controlled, but the tension in his tone was unmistakable. “and what… just leave us here?"

heeseung, however, remained silent for a long moment, his expression cold, detached, though anyone who knew him well enough could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. “so that’s her plan,” he said finally, his voice chillingly calm.

sunghoon leaned back against the couch, arms crossed over his chest. “we all knew it was coming,” he said, his voice low, but there was a clear edge to it. “the way things are going... she probably thinks it’s the only way to keep things from blowing up.”

“she can’t just leave, though,” jake snapped, standing up and pacing the room. “that’s not the answer. it’s bullshit.” his jaw clenched as he tried to process what sunoo had told them, his frustration building as he paced back and forth.

sunoo leaned against the counter, his arms crossed as he glanced at the others. “she’s scared. she doesn’t know what else to do. and honestly… can you blame her?”

jungwon sighed, shaking his head. “no, i can’t blame her. but it still doesn’t change anything. leaving won’t fix this.”

heeseung, still eerily calm, stood up and moved toward the window, staring out at the city beyond. "we need to figure out a way to make her stay." his voice was low but full of conviction.

“and how do you suggest we do that?” sunghoon asked, his voice quiet but cutting. “beg her to stay?”

jungwon rubbed a hand over his face, his frustration clear. “we need a plan. something that makes sense. if she thinks leaving is the only option, then maybe… maybe we need to prove to her that it’s not.”

“we can’t force her to stay,” sunoo reminded them, his voice softer. “that’s not how this works. she has to want to stay.”

heeseung turned around, his eyes colder than usual. “so we give her a reason to stay.”

"and how do we do that?" jungwon asked, his eyes narrowing as he met heeseung’s gaze.

“we talk to her,” heeseung replied, his voice firm. “we tell her the truth. no more pretending. no more tiptoeing around it.”

sunghoon exhaled slowly, leaning back against the couch again. “she’s not going to like that.”

"maybe... we don’t have to tell her. not directly, at least," jay said, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees as he looked around at the others. "maybe we can just... give her more to do. keep her busy."

jungwon shot him a skeptical glance. "what are you talking about?"

jay shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "we keep her distracted. give her so much to do around the house that she doesn’t even have time to think about leaving. you know how she is—she won’t say no if we ask her to help."

sunghoon raised an eyebrow. "and you think that’ll work? just overwhelm her with tasks until she forgets about leaving?"

jay leaned back, his smirk deepening. "it’s not about overwhelming her. it’s about keeping her close. keep her engaged, keep her around us. she’s used to taking care of us. it’ll be natural."

niki, who had been quiet up until now, crossed his arms and tilted his head. "and what happens when she figures out what we’re doing?"

jay sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "she won’t. not if we do it right. she likes being in charge, likes feeling needed. we just... give her more reasons to feel that way."

jake frowned, glancing between jay and the others. "and what if she still wants to leave? what if that’s not enough?"

there was a brief pause before jay’s smirk faded slightly, his expression turning more serious. "there’s something else i’ve been meaning to tell you guys."

everyone’s attention snapped to him, eyes narrowing in curiosity and suspicion. jay’s shift in tone wasn’t lost on any of them.

"you remember the night the omegas came over?" jay asked, his voice lower now. "when she was in the kitchen with sunoo, and we were... you know... handling the rest?"

heeseung’s eyes darkened. "what about it?"

jay exhaled, sitting up straighter, his fingers tapping restlessly on his leg. "she definitely dropped signs that she’s just holding back."

sunoo raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "what kind of signs are you talking about?"

jay’s jaw clenched slightly as he remembered. "she was shaking when i came out of my room. you could tell she wasn’t just thinking about hyunjin. maybe i did flirt a little, but i could see it in her eyes. she hesitated. she even said, ‘you know we can’t,’ but the way she said it... it wasn’t like she didn’t want it. hell, she might even want us. she just didn’t admit it outright."

jungwon’s eyes flickered with surprise, his posture stiffening. "wait, so you’re saying she’s thought about it? thought about... us?"

jay nodded, his gaze shifting between them. "i’m saying she didn’t push back as hard as you’d think. she was thinking about it. and if i didn’t get that omega out of there... who knows what would’ve happened."

jake’s eyes widened slightly as he processed jay’s words. "you mean... she was open to the idea?"

jay nodded again. "i think she’s been thinking about it for a while. she’s just... holding herself back because of the rules."

sunghoon sat up a little straighter, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. "so, what? you’re saying she’s been wanting us all this time, and we just didn’t notice?"

jay shook his head. "i’m saying she’s human, just like we are. we’ve all been holding back, the difference is, we’re alphas. we’re used to getting what we want, but she’s got these rules drilled into her."

heeseung crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful but cold. "and you’re sure she was thinking about us? not just you?"

jay smirked, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "trust me, she wasn’t just thinking about me. she’s been thinking about all of us."

jungwon ran a hand through his hair, his frustration clear. "so what do we do with that?"

sunoo let out a low sigh. "we need to be careful. if we push too hard, she might shut down or leave."

heeseung, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke up, his voice steady but intense. "we can’t force her. but if she’s already thinking about it... maybe all we need to do is show her that we’re thinking about it too."

sunghoon nodded slowly, the idea settling in. "you’re saying we don’t have to push her, but we can... lead her in the right direction?"

jay shrugged. "we don’t have to tell her. we just have to give her reasons to want to stay. to make her realize she doesn’t need to follow the rules, not when she wants the same thing we do."

niki, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up, his voice low. "and what about hyunjin?"

there was a brief silence as the mention of hyunjin hung in the air, the tension in the room spiking.

"hyunjin’s not a problem," jay said, his voice darkening. "we make sure she knows she doesn’t need him. she’s got us."

jake leaned forward, his eyes intense. "and how do we do that?"

jay met his gaze, his voice full of certainty. "we give her what she’s already been thinking about. but on our terms."

the room fell into a thick silence, the weight of jay’s words settling over them like a storm cloud. each of them knew what he was suggesting, and though it was risky, they all felt the pull. they’d been holding back for too long, and now that they knew you’d been thinking about it too... the boundaries they’d been clinging to seemed more fragile than ever.

finally, heeseung nodded slowly, his voice cold and resolute. "we play it smart. we don’t mess this up."

the others exchanged glances, their resolve building as they silently agreed. they didn’t need to tell you directly. they just needed to show you that you didn’t need anyone else. you had them.

and soon enough, you’d realize that too.

and let me tell you, it was complete chaos. the boys suddenly threw you into a whirlwind of chores, one after the other, barely giving you time to think about anything—let alone your heat. you didn’t mind it at first, it felt natural for an omega to want to take care of her alphas. but as the tasks kept piling up, a nagging thought crept into your mind: were they doing this on purpose?

you weren’t sure. maybe you were overthinking it. but then again, niki’s request to clean up his room after he had somehow managed to scatter an inexplicable number of tissues everywhere had you raising an eyebrow. "what the hell happened in here?" you had asked, genuinely confused. he shrugged with a sheepish grin. “uh… allergies?”

allergies, sure.

the dishwasher broke right after you had loaded it full, and of course, sunoo conveniently ‘couldn’t figure it out’ even though he’d been the one using it the most.

"i swear, it just... stopped working," he said, scratching the back of his head, his expression way too innocent. you sighed, rolling up your sleeves, thinking maybe if you cleaned the filters or something, it would start again. but of course, it took hours, and sunoo stayed by your side, chatting idly, barely lifting a finger to help. he smiled, though, whenever you looked frustrated. you couldn’t help but wonder if the damn thing was broken on purpose.

jake? well, jake suddenly couldn’t find any of his socks. "y/n, have you seen my socks?" he had called out in that soft voice of his, standing in the doorway to the laundry room like some lost puppy. "i swear i put them in the basket, but they’re gone."

so there you were, scouring the house for socks. and somehow, one by one, you found them—under the couch, stuffed in random drawers, even behind the tv. “how the hell did you get them all over the place?” you muttered as you retrieved one from the fridge (don’t ask how it got there). jake just smiled sheepishly, scratching his head, offering no explanation.

jungwon, on the other hand, decided to be extra helpful. “i noticed the bathroom tiles need scrubbing,” he said, holding out a sponge. you almost snorted. "seriously? now?"

"yeah, it’s just… they looked kind of grimy. figured it’d be better if you handled it, you’re better at that stuff." you gave him a look, but he just grinned, shrugging innocently. "i mean, you are the best at cleaning, y/n."

even heeseung got in on it, somehow managing to ‘accidentally’ spill flour all over the kitchen right after you’d finished cleaning up. “my bad,” he’d said, laughing nervously as he watched you grab the broom again. “i was just trying to bake something.”

“you don’t even like baking,” you mumbled under your breath, but still, you cleaned up the mess.

it was getting ridiculous. one chore after another, and though you liked keeping busy, there was something off about it. deliberate, almost. the more you thought about it, the more it felt like they were doing this on purpose. but why?

then there was niki again. "hey, y/n, can you help me fix my bed?" you walked into his room, only to find his sheets and blankets crumpled up in a heap on the floor, pillows scattered like there had been a pillow fight. "what happened here?"

"uh... slept weird," he replied with a grin, though he looked way too smug for someone who had just woken up. "mind helping me put it back together?"

you sighed, getting to work, but your thoughts were racing. they were definitely up to something.

as you went about fixing the messes they created, a part of you couldn’t help but find the whole situation funny—how ridiculously transparent they were being. you had to give them credit though, they were working really hard to keep you distracted.

"y/n, i can't find my shoes," jay called out, poking his head into the kitchen with a frown, clearly distressed as if this was some kind of emergency. before you could even process that, sunghoon wandered in right behind him, casually leaning against the doorframe.

"yeah, and my belt's gone too," sunghoon added, like it was the most normal thing in the world for both of them to have lost random articles of clothing at the same time.

you blinked, staring at them both, feeling your patience thinning as you tried to figure out how two fully grown alphas were suddenly so helpless.

"are you serious?" you sighed, rubbing your temples. "your shoes, jay? and your belt, sunghoon? they can’t both just vanish."

jay looked down at his feet, wiggling his sock-covered toes with a shrug. "i mean, they’re not on my feet, so… yeah. pretty sure they vanished."

"and my belt? i swear it was just on the chair this morning," sunghoon chimed in, his tone casual, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. he was definitely enjoying this a bit too much.

you stared at both of them, exasperated. "how do you guys lose everything all at once?"

they exchanged looks, and you could tell they were holding back laughter. "i don’t know," jay said, pretending to be deep in thought. "maybe it’s a shoe-stealing ghost or something. want to help me look?"

you narrowed your eyes at them, highly suspicious now. but what could you do? they were playing this game well, keeping you running around with their constant needs. you were starting to think they were all conspiring together just to keep you busy.

you rolled your eyes and threw your hands up in mock surrender. "fine. but if i find those shoes and that belt in some stupid place, you guys are never living this down."

they grinned, and you could almost hear the victory bells ringing in their heads.

"deal," sunghoon said, winking as he walked off ahead, already knowing this was far from the end of their mysterious missing items saga.

you stood there, blinking sleepily, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding in front of you. heeseung stood in the middle of the living room, his hair completely covered in whipped cream, glaring at everyone as if they’d just committed the worst crime in existence. paper plates were scattered all over the floor, some still smeared with cream, and bits of it even splattered on the walls.

jungwon, looking equally guilty, had his arm mid-swing, holding yet another plate of whipped cream aimed at sunoo, who was crouched behind the sofa like his life depended on it. the tension was thick, but not in the usual alpha-omega way—it was pure, chaotic, food-fight mayhem.

“what… what the hell is going on?” you asked, rubbing your eyes, still groggy from your nap.

sunghoon suddenly bounded behind you, using you as a shield as he tried to escape jay, who was hot on his heels with a plate of his own. jake, meanwhile, had already collapsed on the sofa, his face a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction, like he had just run a marathon—or possibly thrown the best whipped cream pie of his life.

“he started it!” heeseung yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at jungwon, who had the audacity to look innocent despite still holding the plate.

“no, i didn’t!” jungwon protested, finally lowering his arm but still holding the whipped cream like a loaded weapon. “sunoo did when he missed and hit me instead of jake!”

sunoo peeked out from behind the couch, eyes wide with panic, whipped cream smeared across his cheek. “you moved last minute! that was your fault!”

you couldn’t help but laugh despite the mess, the absurdity of the situation making it impossible to stay annoyed. “so, let me get this straight. you guys left for an award ceremony, all dressed up, looking your best… and then came back to start a whipped cream war?”

sunghoon, still hiding behind you, popped his head out with a sheepish grin. “it was supposed to be a victory celebration. things… got out of hand.”

“yeah, no kidding,” you muttered, stepping out of sunghoon’s way as jay finally lunged at him with a plate, but sunghoon dodged, the plate missing by inches and landing on the floor with a splat.

“okay, okay, that’s enough!” you finally said, trying to sound stern but unable to keep the laughter out of your voice. “this is a mess. and guess who’s cleaning it up?”

immediately, they all pointed at each other.

“jungwon’s fault.”

“no, sunoo started it.”

“it’s heeseung’s hair that’s the problem!”

you sighed, shaking your head. “i don’t care who started it. you’re all cleaning it up. now.”

they groaned in unison, but none of them argued. jungwon finally put down the plate he was holding, and sunoo emerged from behind the sofa, still looking slightly traumatized by the near-hit. jake remained on the sofa, still too tired to move, while heeseung desperately tried to salvage what was left of his hair.

“i’m gonna go grab towels,” you said, stifling a yawn as you turned back toward the hallway. “you guys start picking up those plates. no more whipped cream fights, okay?”

“yes, mom,” jay called after you with a teasing grin, but you shot him a mock glare over your shoulder.

“don’t push it, jay. you’re already on thin ice.”

as you left the room, the sounds of reluctant cleanup followed you, but not before you heard jungwon mutter under his breath, “i still think it was sunoo’s fault.”

you couldn’t help but chuckle. the boys were a handful, but somehow, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

jake was wiping down the counters beside you, trying his best to look remorseful, but the pout on his face was far too exaggerated to be taken seriously. “i’m really sorry, y/n,” he said, his voice soft, eyes wide in a fake attempt to look pitiful. “we didn’t mean for it to get so messy... promise.”

you glanced at him, shaking your head with a sigh. “you guys are impossible. whipped cream? really?”

he bit his lip, the playful pout still there as he wiped a bit slower than necessary. “come on, we were just having fun. don’t be mad.” his tone was sweet, almost coaxing, as he tried to worm his way back into your good graces.

before you could respond, heeseung’s voice echoed from the bathroom, sounding frustrated. “y/n! i need help! this whipped cream is stuck in my hair, and i can’t get it out! you’re a girl, you’d know how to fix this, right? do you have any shampoo or something?”

you blinked, glancing at jake, who just smirked at you. “looks like you’re needed,” he teased, stepping aside as if to give you room to go help.

rolling your eyes but feeling a slight flutter in your chest, you knocked on the bathroom door. “heeseung, you good?”

“just come in,” he groaned. “it’s not like you haven’t seen a shirtless guy before.”

you swallowed, pushing the door open slowly. heeseung stood there, his slacks still on, but his torso was bare, his skin glistening with droplets of water from the shower. his hair, still caked with whipped cream, clung messily to his forehead and neck. it took everything in you not to gawk at the sight of him standing there, looking utterly frustrating and irresistible at the same time.

“so, any shampoo recommendations?” he asked, his tone half-joking, half-frustrated, as he wiped some cream from his eyebrow.

you quickly composed yourself, grabbing the shampoo you knew would do the trick from the cabinet. “here, use this,” you said, handing it to him. “it’s good for getting sticky stuff out.”

heeseung took the bottle, his fingers brushing yours for just a second longer than necessary, sending a jolt of heat through your body. he smirked, clearly noticing your reaction, but thankfully didn’t say anything about it. instead, he turned toward the shower, popping open the bottle.

“thanks,” he said, his voice softer now, the frustration ebbing away. “you’re always taking care of us, huh?”

you shrugged, leaning against the doorframe, trying to act casual. “someone has to,” you replied, though your mind was racing. watching him like this, shirtless, his body on full display... it was taking every ounce of self-control not to let your mind wander.

heeseung started scrubbing at his hair, glancing back at you over his shoulder with a grin. “you’re staring.”

“i’m not,” you shot back quickly, feeling your cheeks heat up. “just making sure you’re doing it right.”

he chuckled, the sound low and teasing as he rinsed his hair. “sure. whatever you say, y/n.”

you watched heeseung fumble with the shampoo, trying to scrub the whipped cream out of his hair, but it wasn’t really working. his tall frame made it awkward for him to reach all the spots, and he was clearly struggling. with a sigh, you stepped forward, reaching for the showerhead in his hands.

"here, let me do it," you offered, not giving him much of a choice as you took the showerhead from him. he stood there, still crouched slightly, watching you as you turned the water on and started rinsing his hair.

the feeling of the whipped cream, thick and sticky, made you want to grimace, but you focused on helping him, running your fingers through his hair as the water washed the mess away. heeseung was unusually quiet, his head tilted down, allowing you to work.

his back was to you, and despite your best efforts, your eyes couldn’t help but linger on the way his muscles tensed under his skin, droplets of water sliding down his spine. he was tall, taller than you remembered in this moment, and as he crouched slightly to accommodate you, his broad shoulders and lean back made your stomach tighten with a feeling you desperately tried to push away.

you cursed silently at yourself, trying to stay professional, trying to focus on just getting the stupid whipped cream out of his hair.

"you don't have to do this, you know," heeseung murmured, his voice low as he kept his head down, allowing you to rinse the remaining bits of cream.

"it’s fine," you mumbled back, trying to sound indifferent. "you’d be stuck in here all night otherwise."

he chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest, but he didn’t say anything more, letting you continue. the water sprayed over his hair, your fingers brushing against his scalp as you tried to work out the last of the sticky mess.

"am i getting it all?" you asked, feeling the tension between you growing with every passing second.

heeseung nodded slightly, his voice still soft, almost hushed. "yeah. thanks."

you could feel the heat rising in your cheeks, partly from the steam in the bathroom, but mostly from how close you were, how intimate this moment felt despite the absurdity of the situation. his wet hair slipped through your fingers, the sensation oddly grounding as you focused on rinsing it clean.

finally, the whipped cream was gone. you stepped back, handing him the showerhead, trying to shake off the tension that had built between you both.

“there,” you said, your voice a little too light, too casual. “all clean.”

heeseung straightened up, turning to face you with a smirk on his lips, water still dripping down his chest. “i guess i owe you one now, huh?”

you rolled your eyes, stepping back toward the door, eager to put some distance between the two of you before your thoughts wandered any further.

just as you thought you were done with the whole whipped cream fiasco and were about to leave heeseung behind, a soft knock echoed from the bathroom door. you froze for a second, thinking it was some sort of joke.

when you opened it, there stood jungwon, flashing you that mischievous smile, the one that told you he was up to no good. his hair, too, was covered in whipped cream, bits of it stuck in random spots. your own smile faltered, a sigh escaping your lips as you took in the scene.

"you’ve got to be kidding me,” you muttered, but he just chuckled, leaning against the doorframe like he had all the time in the world.

“need some help?” he asked, eyes twinkling, as if he knew exactly how exhausted you already were.

before you could even respond, sunoo appeared behind him, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. his hair wasn’t faring any better—whipped cream smeared across the top, leaving him looking just as disheveled as jungwon.

"guess who else needs help," sunoo said with a small laugh, though you could see the apologetic look in his eyes. he knew they were pushing it.

you pinched the bridge of your nose, trying to hold back the urge to roll your eyes again. "seriously?"

"seriously," jungwon said, that infuriating grin still plastered on his face. he was enjoying this way too much.

heeseung, still standing by the shower, let out a low laugh. "looks like it's a group session now."

you shot him a look, but it was hard to stay mad when jungwon and sunoo were both looking at you expectantly, whipped cream clinging to their hair like this was some bizarre tradition.

"fine," you sighed, turning the shower back on, gesturing for jungwon to step in. he moved beside heeseung, who barely tried to hide his smirk as jungwon ducked his head under the water.

"don't get too comfortable, heeseung," you muttered as you started working the cream out of jungwon’s hair. "you're next, sunoo."

sunoo stood off to the side, watching you as you scrubbed jungwon’s hair clean. he looked slightly embarrassed, but there was also something in his eyes—something that mirrored the tension that had been building between you and the boys for days now.

jungwon, on the other hand, seemed unbothered by the situation. his eyes stayed on you, and every now and then, he’d flash you another one of those smiles, like he knew just how flustered this whole thing was making you.

as you rinsed out the last of the whipped cream from his hair, sunoo stepped up, clearly trying to keep things light. "i think i win for most whipped cream," he said, showing off the sticky mess clinging to his hair.

"you’re definitely in the running," you deadpanned, gesturing for him to duck under the water next.

it took a few minutes, but you finally managed to clean up the two of them, the water running clear as the last of the whipped cream swirled down the drain. by the time you were done, your arms were sore, and you were mentally exhausted.

"alright," you said, stepping back, "all of you are officially whipped-cream-free. now, no more food fights."

heeseung, jungwon, and sunoo all exchanged glances, clearly amused by the whole thing, but you were too tired to care at this point. you were ready for some peace and quiet.

as you turned to leave the bathroom, jungwon called after you, his voice teasing. "you’re the best, y/n. we’ll try not to make too much of a mess next time."

you didn’t even turn around, just waved your hand dismissively as you walked out, hearing their quiet chuckles behind you.

just as you stepped out onto the balcony to hang the laundry, enjoying the brief moment of peace and the fresh air, inside the apartment, the boys were huddled together, voices hushed as they exchanged glances.

"okay, seriously," jake muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. "how the hell does making her do more chores stop her from leaving? i mean... are we really this dumb?"

heeseung leaned back against the couch, arms crossed, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "it seemed like a good idea at the time... keep her busy, right? maybe she wouldn’t have time to think about leaving if we piled stuff on her plate."

sunghoon, who was slouched next to him, shook his head. "yeah, well, now that i think about it, it’s pretty damn stupid. it’s not like she’s just going to forget about her heat because she’s cleaning up after our mess."

jungwon, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke up, his brow furrowed in thought. "all we're doing is making her more tired. if anything, it’s probably pushing her further to want to leave and rest somewhere else."

sunoo, leaning against the kitchen counter, let out a low groan. "we’ve only made it worse."

"exactly," niki added, crossing his arms, clearly frustrated. "have you seen her today? she’s already tired as hell."

jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "and here we are, acting like a bunch of idiots, thinking more chores was the solution."

heeseung’s expression darkened slightly, his jaw tightening. "so what now? we’ve been running her ragged for days, and it’s not like that stopped her from feeling her heat coming."

the room fell silent as they all considered their next steps, each of them realizing how flawed their initial plan had been. the truth was, they’d been so focused on finding ways to keep you busy that they hadn’t even stopped to consider how it might affect you, how it was only delaying the inevitable.

jay, who had been quietly observing the whole exchange, finally spoke up. "maybe we need to face reality. she’s going to go into heat, whether we like it or not. and making her do all this stuff isn’t going to change that."

jungwon nodded, sighing heavily. "it’s not going to stop her from leaving either."

niki let out a long breath, glancing toward the balcony where you were hanging clothes. "so, what’s the plan? because this... this isn’t it."

the boys exchanged a series of glances, the reality of the situation hitting them harder than before. their attempts to keep you from leaving hadn’t just been pointless—they might’ve been pushing you away even more.

“or maybe…” jake paused, his eyes flicking around the group before he continued. “maybe we do need to get her heat to come faster.”

the room went silent, every head snapping toward him. sunghoon’s brows furrowed, disbelief etched into his expression. “what the fuck are you talking about?”

jake shifted uncomfortably, but he didn’t back down. “think about it. if jay’s right, and she’s already thought about us... maybe we can push her a little, trigger it. if her heat hits, she’d have to give in. we all know how it works.”

jungwon��s eyes widened, a mixture of shock and uncertainty washing over his features. “are you crazy? and what do we do if yuki finds out? hell, what if she finds out?”

“he won’t,” jake insisted, leaning forward slightly, his voice low, conspiratorial. “no one has to know. we just... make sure it happens naturally.”

sunoo groaned, running a hand through his hair. “are we seriously considering this? i mean, come on. that’s risky as fuck.”

the room fell into silence again, the weight of the idea sinking in. they knew the consequences, the lines they were about to cross, but the frustration was boiling over. the desire was becoming unbearable, and the idea of waiting felt like torture.

niki was the next to speak, his voice quieter than usual. “are we really going to do this?”

there was a pause, the tension almost suffocating, before heeseung spoke, his voice calm, controlled. “maybe there’s a way... to induce it ourselves.”

sunghoon’s eyes narrowed as he looked at heeseung. “how the hell do you propose we do that?”

heeseung leaned forward, his expression serious. “there are ways to trigger an omega’s heat. it’s all biological. if we push her body just right, get her pheromones reacting to ours, it could tip her over the edge. and once she’s in heat, there won’t be any holding back.”

jungwon shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “this is insane. it’s one thing to talk about it, but... actually making it happen? what if she freaks out?”

heeseung shrugged slightly, though there was a dark edge to his eyes. "we don't know that. if jay’s right and she wants us, then once her heat kicks in, she’ll want it just as badly as we do. she won’t be able to resist.”

jake leaned back, his arms crossed as he considered heeseung’s words. “so, we make it happen. but how?”

heeseung’s eyes darted toward where you were, making sure you were still busy hanging clothes on the balcony before he bolted to his room. the other boys exchanged confused glances, their curiosity piqued. when heeseung returned, holding a blanket in his hands, they all looked at him like he’d lost his mind.

“what the hell, man?” jake muttered, eyebrow raised as he crossed his arms.

“wait—just hear me out,” heeseung said quickly, noticing how they were all jumping to conclusions. “we scent this blanket.”

jungwon’s eyes narrowed, confused. “and what? she’s just going to wrap herself in it?”

heeseung rolled his eyes. “no, dumbass. we scent this blanket and then give it to her, subtly. our pheromones are strong enough that if she’s around them for long enough, it might help trigger her heat.”

jake, who had been suspicious of the whole plan at first, suddenly leaned forward, a smirk forming on his lips. “that’s actually smart as hell. but how do we make sure she uses it? it’s not like she’s just going to cuddle up in a random blanket.”

sunghoon scoffed, crossing his arms. “i think she wouldn’t even want to use it if it smells like us. seven alpha scents? that’s overkill for one omega. she could get repulsed, you idiot.”

jake paused, his eyes narrowing as if considering sunghoon’s point. but then, something shifted in his expression, his eyes lighting up as if he’d just had a revelation.

“wait…” he started, a slow grin spreading across his face. “what if we…”

he trailed off, his smirk deepening as the others leaned in, curiosity piqued.

“what if we what?” jungwon asked impatiently.

jake’s smirk widened as he leaned back. “leave that to me.”

QUICK LINKS

▸ go to keuri's navigation ▸ go to keuri's masterlist ▸ add me to the perm taglist ▸ send keuri an ask

to join the perm taglist, please go to my perm taglist link above.ꜛ i will not add those who simply comment—so if you really wanna be added, make sure to follow the instructions!

@slvtella @jiryunie @jaeyunsmochi @99zspider @angelofsmlldeath

@ninalove323 @irene-soleil @heesingshoon @zara2318 @laurradoesloveu

@rubyy98 @wonnienyang @wenobueno @nyxiebabyyy @faithnsstuff

1K notes · View notes

leeheeso · 28 days ago

Text

OHMYFUCKINGGOSH

New Dynamics

synopsis ✶ You, Jake, and Sunghoon were the dynamic trio all throughout high school, until the lines of friendship blurred and you started to date Sunghoon. Now consumed with jealousy, Jake begins to pull away from the friendship. Sunghoon, observant as ever, suggests something unexpected.

content warnings ✶ threesome, mlm (kissing, oral), unprotected sex, making out, dirty talk, squirting, oral fem!receiving, oral male!receiving, cuckold, lmk if i missed any

pairings ✶ boyfriend!sunghoon x afab!reader x bestfriend!jake

Jake’s hugs had always stirred something deep within you. Growing up with him as your next-door neighbor, he quickly became a regular in your life. With his frequent appearances, you quickly learned that he could be very physical with expressing his affection. His warm, solid frame enveloping your much smaller one always made you feel so safe. Every time, without fail, you would bury your head into his chest, smelling the familiar scent of the cologne you had bought him for Christmas a few years back. He was a big hugger, something you loved about him, but it was a sentiment Sunghoon did not personally enjoy.

Sunghoon came into you and Jake’s like in the first year of highschool, a mysterious boy who quickly completed your pair, making it an inseparable trio. He was rather soft-spoken, his face often masking a stoic expression as he walked the halls, ignoring the many girls who vied for his attention. He didn’t have the luxury of time to entertain their declarations of love- he was too focused on his figure skating career, too absorbed in chasing his dreams to care about fleeting high school crushes. But even with that ambition and drive for a successful figure skating career, he seemed to have all the time in the world for you and Jake.

But things change, they always do. That shift came when Sunghoon broke his ankle during a competition, towards the end of your guys’ last year of highschool. It was devastating news, not just to Sunghoon. Watching his dreams shatter like that in front of him ruined you and Jake. Yet, with his sudden free time came an unexpected change in dynamic none of you had anticipated.

In the weeks following his recovery, you spent a lot of time with Sunghoon, often lying by his side to keep him company, helping him catch up on missed classes. Jake would’ve been there too, but soccer practice kept him busy, though not as much as figure skating had with Sunghoon. And in those quiet moments you shared with Sunghoon, something shifted. Lingering touches when you passed him a water bottle, eye contact that was a little more intimate than you’d admit became a regular between you. And Jake, the golden retriever of the group, didn’t seem to notice the way Sunghoon’s gaze softened when he looked at you or blushed when you spoke to him.

It wasn’t until after Sunghoon recovered that the tension between you finally surfaced. He confessed to you while you sat with him on his bed one afternoon, alone as usual while Jake was off at soccer practice again. Sunghoon had explained to you how he had liked you from the moment he first took you and Jake to watch one of his figure skating practices. That would’ve been the second year of highschool when Sunghoon introduced you guys to his skating rink. After that day, you and Sunghoon made things official, just before graduation. Unbeknownst to you, Jake wasn’t as oblivious as you thought. He had been noticing the subtle changes in you and Sunghoon’s relationship before things had become official, and then with the constant consummation of your new relationship, it had him feeling like the odd one out. He started to pull away after.

This new dynamic dragged into college, though Jake- never one to rock the boat- agreed to move in with you and Sunghoon to save on rent. It had been the plan since before you and Sunghoon started dating anyway. Though beneath Sunghoon’s stone cold demeanor, he remains as observant as ever. And tonight, while typing away on his laptop, he finally breaks the silence. “Jake, you can’t keep acting like this.”

Jake paused, hiding behind the fringe of his dark hair. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Sunghoon’s eyes flicked up to meet the wide eyed Jake, “Shut up, I know you’ve been staring at Y/N since before I even met you guys.”

Jake’s fingers froze over his own keyboard as he met Sunghoon’s gaze, the weight of his words sinking in. “What?”

“I know you want her.” Sunghoon’s tone was flat.

Though Jake tried to shrug it off, there was no denying the fact. By the way his heart raced, it was clear that Sunghoon’s words rang true. “Even if I did, why bring it up now?” he tossed his laptop to the other end of the couch, seemingly more interested in where the conversation was heading now.

“I wanted to see how long this crush would last, but it seems to be unrelenting.”

“What does that mean?”

“I thought it’d stop once we started dating, maybe you’d find some other girl, but it’s like your crush got even stronger.” Sunghoon observed, watching Jake for any change in expression. He was attempting to hint at another revelation.

“Ok, so what if I still like her? I’m not gonna steal her from you or anything, I’m not that kind of guy.”

Sunghoon’s voice cut through the heavy air, “What if I let you?”

“Do you hear yourself?” Jake said, eyes snapping to his best friend.

Sunghoon shrugged, a smirk appearing on his face as he went back to typing. “Just… leave the apartment tonight. Then come back a few minutes later like you forgot something.”

Jake leaned back into the couch, blinking. Before he could respond, he was interrupted by the familiar beeping of the apartment door. You bounded in, arms full of grocery bags, “Someone’s in a good mood,” Sunghoon mused, a smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at your cheerful posture.

“They had a sale in the bakery section!” you exclaimed, unpacking the bags with a grin. “So, what are we doing tonight? Are we ordering in? Watching a movie?”

“Ah, Jake is actually going over to a party tonight, so it’ll just be us.” Sunghoon answered, a smug smile on his face.

“My Jakey is going to a party?” you gasped, plopping onto the couch. “Who are you?”

“No longer a resident here,” Jake mutters, shooting a glare at Sunghoon. You brush it off, pressing a kiss to Sunghoon’s cheek and resting your head on his shoulder. You inhale his familiar cologne and smile, nestling further into his side to watch him type. With his free hand, Sunghoon reaches up to stroke your hand before trailing it down to your chin, tugging it until your lips meet.

With a bit more force, he presses his mouth firmly against yours, his lips moving in sync with yours. Aware that Jake is sitting uncomfortably close to you both, you begin to pull away, but Sunghoon’s hand moves to the back of your head to pull you in tighter. An involuntary moan escapes you, giving him the opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth. Jake shifts in his seat, trying to avert his gaze, but the sound of your soft moans fill the room. He awkwardly readjusts his pants in attempts to relieve some of the pressure in his briefs. You and Sunghoon kiss for a few seconds more, and Jake awkwardly palms his growing bulge while sneaking brief glances at you two.

“Sunghoon!” you whisper, pushing him away, breathless. You don’t bother to look at Jake, you just stand up and straighten out your top that Sunghoon had attempted to slip his hands under and run off to your room, a furious red decorating your cheeks.

In your absence, Sunghoon glances over at Jake, noticing the hard on his best friend was now sporting. He stands up, maneuvering his way to where Jake was sat. Jake starts to shift away, but Sunghoon catches his wrist, holding him in place. “If you wanna have a good time tonight, I’d suggest letting this go down naturally.” Sunghoon smirks, feeling his own member twitch.

A painful few hours go by and it’s that time when Sunghoon told Jake to leave. You and Sunghoon are in the kitchen chopping up vegetables when Jake announces that he’s leaving. “Ok, text us when you get there and when you’re leaving.” you say, smiling at Jake.

He nods, shoving a hand into his pocket as he leaves. “Do you think we should boil the pasta now or wait-” Sunghoon’s mouth is on you before you can finish your sentence, his hands traveling around your body like a map. “Sunghoon, what is up with you?” you say between kisses.

“I’ve been wanting to fuck you all day, baby.” he groans, massaging your ass in his large hands. They trail down to your thighs and you take that as a sign to jump. He catches you, moving you to the dining table. “Feel how hard I am, baby.”

He pulls your hand down to feel him through his dress pants and you moan, feeling his large member. “Fuck, you’re so hard.” You pull your hand away so you can grind your clothed heat against him, desperate for some sort of friction. Sunghoon growls in response, attacking your pulse point with bites. He rolls up your dress so that you're sitting on the dining table in just your panties.

“God, you’re such a dirty whore, sitting on the table in your underwear on display for me.” he hisses, putting his hand on your throat. You hate to admit that the pressure on your throat makes your heat slick with your own essence, becoming a moaning mess before him. “Get on your knees, baby.”

You jump from the table, unzipping his pants and dragging his briefs down to see his cock spring free. The tip of his cock was red and dripping with precum, a scene that had you salivating at the mouth. You placed your mouth on the tip, relishing in the sweet saltiness of his pre cum rolling on your tongue. Sunghoon’s hands make their way to your head like second nature and he pushes you down on his cock. Just as your head begins to bob, the beeping of your apartment door sounds and you struggle to lift your head off, but Sunghoon keeps it there. You place your hands on his muscular thighs and you look at him in confusion, wondering if you imagined the sound of your apartment door opening.

What you couldn’t see was Jake reentering, just as Sunghoon had asked. Face bright red as he watched the scene in front of him unfold. Sunghoon kept one hand on your head, the other raised in the other to motion Jake to come over and sit besides you. “Baby, look who came to join us.” he smirked, finally releasing his hand on your head.

You released him from your mouth with a pop and you turned, nearly jumping at the sight of your best friend on the floor next to you. “J-Jake?” you exclaimed, pulling your dress down.

“Baby calm down, I told him to come.” Sunghoon coos, caressing your hair. “Keep sucking my cock.” With hesitance, you slowly place your boyfriend’s dick back into your mouth, suddenly very aware of your best friend besides you. “Jake, what are you waiting for?”

“What? I’m not gay dude!” he protests, looking around nervously.

“The tent in your pants says otherwise.” Sunghoon says expectantly, using his other hand to pull Jake in next to his cock. “Now suck, or the deal is off.”

Swallowing the growing lump in his throat, Jake licks his dried lips and joins you in your endeavors. Within a few seconds, you and Jake find a rhythm around Sunghoon’s member; one licking up and down his shaft while the other presses kisses to his tip. Seemingly by accident, Jake’s lips run into yours while you're running your tongue up and down his shaft, and he opens his mouth around your tongue. He pulls you into a kiss around your boyfriend's cock, and you let out a pornographic moan, never having felt this sensation before.

You instinctively grab at whatever you can find, your hands landing on Jake’s flannel and you pull him closer to you. “Fuckkk, look at you two making out around my cock.” Sunghoon moans, stroking both of your heads. Your lips mesh with Jakes for a few more moments and then Sunghoon is pulling you up to stand with him. “Eat her out.” he tells Jake, pulling you in for a kiss. Jake rushes to pull your panties down, moving himself in between his legs while you make out with Sunghoon.

When his lips connect with your core, you gasp into Sunghoon’s mouth, dramatically digging your nails into his arms. You can feel every movement of Jake’s mouth, his tongue expertly flicking at your clit and entrance. Sunghoon tugs your head back, wanting to look at your expressions as he watches you get eaten out by another man. You shifted your body, bucking your hips when you felt a cold finger press against your cunt.

“F-fuck, Jake!” you moan, biting your lip as you intimately gazed at your boyfriend.

“Fuck, you’re so wet, puppy.” he groaned, sliding his finger between your slick folds. He could feel his member twitching in his pants, but he didn’t want to push it with Sunghoon. Boundaries weren’t set beforehand, and as much as he wanted to just whip his cock out and jack himself off while he ate you out, he would patiently wait for Sunghoon to tell him what to do next.

“Touch yourself Jake, I can see you fucking squirming.” Sunghoon said, practically reading the desperate boy's mind. Almost immediately, one of Jake’s hands flew to his pants and he shimmied out of his bottoms completely, hand wrapped around his shaft, the speed of his ministrations to his own cock following the speed in which he fingers you.

Jake’s tongue swipes your folds and you cry out into Sunghoon’s chest, “N-no more! I’m going to cum!” you squirm.

“Keep going, Jake. Make her cum.”

Jake speeds up his motions, and you’re clutching onto your boyfriend like your life depends on it. Within seconds, a warm knot forms in your stomach and you yelp, clenching around Jake’s fingers. “Fuck, are you cumming?” the boy on the ground asks, noticing the clench of your pussy on his fingers.

“Good girl, keep cumming baby. Just like that.” Sunghoon praises, talking you through your high. “She doesn’t talk when she cums, just clenches really hard.”

“That’s fucking hot.”

You collapse into Sunghoon’s arms as Jake escapes from under your legs, your essence glistening around his mouth. “Come here,” Sunghoon says to Jake. The boy stands, his cock standing erect. Sunghoon pulls him in by his collar and presses his mouth against him, clearly tasting you on the boy's lips. “Fuck, I can taste you on Jake.” He grabs both of your guys’ hands and takes you to your bedroom. “Strip.”

You do as he says, peeling off your dress, leaving you naked on your bed. Jake follows suit, stripping himself of his t-shirt and flannel. Sunghoon is the last to bare himself, ridding himself of his t-shirt and pants. “Lay down for me, baby.” he asks, patting the spot in front of you. Smiling, you lay your head down in his lap, his cock right beside your head. “Good girl…” he growls, his eyes raking over your body. “Jake, do whatever you want with her. But if you cum in her, I’ll kill you.”

Jake, perking up at the sound of his name, crawls over to you. He positions himself so he’s hovering over you, his necklace swinging above you. Your eyes followed the calm swing of his necklace, mesmerized by its movements. The silver chain hung off his veiny neck, bringing your attention to his lean body. In your observations, your eyes trailed downwards, and finally, you were getting a good look at your best friend's cock, and it was slightly girthier than Sunghoon’s. Jake, noticing your gaze seemed to catch wind of your worries. “I’ll go slow, pup.”

He settled between your legs, rubbing his head up and down your slick folds. You squirmed, overstimulated from the motions against your clit. “Tell me if it hurts.” he pushed in, his cock immediately sheathed by your warm walls. Inch by inch, he looked up to check on you, but you wouldn’t have noticed due to your eyes being squeezed shut in anticipation of the usual burning sensation of being stretched out.

“Jakeee…” you whined out, clutching at his arms as you unintentionally clenched around his member.

“Fuck, pup. Don’t do that, you’re so fucking tight around me.” he groaned, pushing in a little further. “Please tell me I can move.”

You nodded, biting your lip as tears began to prick your eyes. “Don’t cry, baby.” Sunghoon said, wiping a tear from your eyes. “You take his cock so well, my sweet treasure.”

Jake started to find a steady pattern as he began moving, his hands finding purchase in the flesh of your hips as he fucked into you. Without thinking, Jake leans forward and seeks out Sunghoon’s lips, catching them in his mouth while his cock slides in and out of you. Sunghoon, although startled by the boy's actions, falls into a comfortable rhythm of intimate kisses with him. You look up, seeing the two boys you had grown up to be so fond of, lovingly make out above you.

Frowning, you grab Sunghoon’s cock and slip it into your mouth, mentally smirking at the way Sunghoon moaned around Jake’s mouth. Jake’s thrusts begin to get sloppy, beads of sweat falling down his body as you both get closer to your climax. Your moans, muffled around Sunghoon’s cock, are also bringing him closer to his high. “Fuck, I think I’m going to cum soon.” Jake groaned, pulling away from Sunghoon.

You respond by reaching up to jack off Sunghoon and use your other hand to rub gentle circles around your clit. The air grows heavy as the three of you collectively grow silent, too focused on reaching your highs at the same time. You are the first to reach your climax, that same sensation growing in your stomach and flowing out of you all at once as Jake’s thrusts fail to slow down. “Jake- stop! I- I can’t keep-” your vision turns white, and that all familiar sensation begins to build up far too soon.

“Fuck! Just a little more, pup!” he moans, cinching his eyebrows together as his thrusts get sloppier and faster.

“Jake, I can’t!” you nearly scream, feeling your vision return momentarily only for a gush of liquid to burst out of you during his final thrust before he pulls out. “F-fuck!’ you scream, legs quivering around Jake’s waist as he pumps his own load out onto your stomach.

Sunghoon, who has been watching the whole thing, finds his own climax approach once he sees his girlfriend squirt on his best friend. He moves away from you just in time to draw out his own orgasm, watching as spurts of white cum land on your stomach and mix with Jake’s. “Fuck, did you just squirt?” Jake asks, exasperated from your actions.

“That was so embarrassing.” you mewl, too tired to talk more.

“That was fucking hot, squirting on my cock like that.”

“We need to change the sheets.” Sunghoon observes, noticing the stains all over the bed. You don’t bother moving, ultimately deciding it was the boy's problem to deal with. “We’ll take care of it, princess. Don’t worry.”

#enhypen #sunghoon x reader #jake x reader #enhypen smut

740 notes · View notes

leeheeso · 1 month ago

Text

trapped

pairing: hotel owner!heeseung x reader

genre: reincarnation au, supernatural themes, horror

synopsis: a road trip with your parents gone wrong lands you at a mysterious mansion in the middle of nowhere. after it turns out to be a hotel, your parents decide to stop over. everything about this place screams deja vu to you which is strange because you've never even heard about it. the hotel was not the only weird thing though, its handsome yet mysterious owner who looked like he stepped out of the 1920s is way too enthusiastic about your stay. every encounter with him leaves you feeling weirded out yet enamoured. but he is not who you think he seems to be. he will be the one to decide the duration of your stay here and it looks like it will not be ending anytime soon.

warnings: horror themes, suggestive content, slight yandere themes, manipulation, possessive!hee, more to be added!

note: let's ignore the fact that i have so many reports and essays to write for school rn !!!! because i HAD to release smth for halloween. this should be out by next weekkk

word count: est 15k+

comment or send an ask to be added to the taglist

ᨓ READ THE TEASER BELOW

heeseung’s words seemed to echo in the cavernous dining hall, each syllable hanging in the air like a weight pressing down on your chest.

you shifted in your seat, suddenly aware of how isolated you were from everyone else. your parents were somewhere outside, wandering the sprawling gardens with sunoo, oblivious to the tension brewing in this room. and you were here—alone with heeseung, who was studying you like you were the most fascinating thing in the world.

he leaned back in his chair, a slow, deliberate movement, his eyes never leaving yours. “this mansion has a long history,” he began, his voice low and smooth, like velvet. “it’s been standing for centuries, long before this area became what it is now.”

you swallowed, trying to keep your unease from showing. “centuries? that’s… impressive.”

heeseung nodded, his fingers tracing the edge of his plate in a casual, almost absent-minded way. “impressive, yes. but also… haunted by its past.” his eyes gleamed with something you couldn’t quite place. “you see, many who come here find themselves drawn in by the allure of the unknown. they come seeking something different, something unique. and often, they find more than they bargained for.”

you felt a chill run down your spine. the way he spoke—so calm, so composed—made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. it was as if he was telling you a story he had told many times before, one with a punchline you wouldn’t like.

“what do you mean by that?” you asked, your voice quiet but firm. you didn’t want to seem rattled, even though you were starting to feel like the walls were closing in around you.

heeseung’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “let’s just say this mansion has a way of revealing things… about the people who stay here. things they may not even realize about themselves.”

your pulse quickened. “that sounds a little ominous.”

heeseung chuckled, the sound soft and unsettling. “it’s not meant to be. it’s just… the nature of this place. it has a way of bringing the truth to the surface. you’ll see, in time.”

you didn’t like the way he said that, as if you were going to be here long enough for the mansion to work its mysterious magic on you. you were only supposed to stay until the car was fixed, and then you and your family would be gone. the thought of staying here any longer than necessary made your stomach churn.

“i don’t think we’ll be here long enough for that,” you said, forcing a small smile.

heeseung’s eyes flashed with something—disappointment? amusement? it was hard to tell. “you never know,” he said quietly, his gaze intense. “sometimes, plans change.”

you glanced away, focusing on your barely touched plate. the food that had once looked so appealing now seemed like a burden, something you had no appetite for. you just wanted this conversation to end, to find your parents and get out of this place as soon as possible.

as if sensing your discomfort, heeseung leaned back again, his demeanor shifting ever so slightly. “i didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said, though there was a glint in his eyes that told you he knew exactly what he was doing. “it’s just that… guests here tend to stay longer than they anticipate. this place has a way of… captivating people.”

the word captivating sounded too much like trapping for your liking.

before you could respond, the door to the dining hall creaked open, and you breathed a silent sigh of relief as your parents entered, laughing and chatting with sunoo, who was still wearing his unsettlingly bright smile. their carefree demeanor was such a stark contrast to the tension you’d been feeling that it almost made you dizzy.

“sweetie, you should see the gardens!” your mom exclaimed as she approached the table, oblivious to the undercurrent of unease between you and heeseung. “they’re absolutely gorgeous. i’ve never seen anything like it.”

your dad nodded in agreement, beaming. “it’s like something out of a storybook.”

you forced a smile, trying to match their enthusiasm. “that’s great. i’m glad you had fun.”

sunoo’s eyes flicked to heeseung for a brief moment, something unspoken passing between them, and then he turned his bright gaze back to your family. “i’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to explore the rest of the estate before you leave.”

you stiffened at his words, catching the subtle implication. you weren’t leaving any time soon.

heeseung stood then, smoothing down the front of his suit, his gaze lingering on you for just a beat too long before he addressed your parents. “i’ve arranged for the mechanic to give me an update on the car shortly. in the meantime, please, make yourselves comfortable. feel free to explore the mansion further if you’d like.”

your parents seemed delighted by the prospect, but you felt a knot of anxiety tighten in your chest. you couldn’t shake the feeling that this place was trying to keep you here, that every step you took deeper into the mansion only tangled you further in its web.

heeseung’s gaze slid back to you, his smile as charming and unsettling as ever. “i’ll make sure everything is taken care of. don’t worry.”

but worry was all you could feel as your family began to follow sunoo out of the dining hall, leaving you to trail behind, your thoughts spinning. as you exited the room, you couldn’t help but glance back at heeseung, who stood by the door, watching you with that same piercing gaze.

there was something about the way he looked at you—something that made you feel like a fly caught in a spider’s web.

and you weren't sure if you could escape.

𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 ©𝗴𝘆𝘂𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆𝘆 on Tumblr

˚ · .𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱

959 notes · View notes

leeheeso · 1 month ago

Text

OPERATION: LOCKDOWN

pairing -> gamer!riki x beauty influencer!fem reader

warnings -> swearing, internet trolls, + more to be added

genre -> smau, fluff, humor, maybe mild angst

synopsis -> you hated gamers. riki hated ulzzang’s (except you). so after weeks of fighting to be the top streamer, (and riki’s poor attempts to charm you), he suggests to collaborate so you could both be number one. you tried to keep it professional. but the more time you spent producing content together, the more you realized just how much nishimura riki really meant to you.

status -> september 6 2024 - n/a

taglist 1 is closed. (55/55)

taglist 2 is open! (42/50)

profiles -> nintendo sponsors | diors angels

stream 001 ; who is nishiriki2005

stream 002 ; gamer stereotypes

stream 003 ; looks but no personality

stream 004 ; angel wings

stream 005 ; miss dr jart ambassador

stream 006 ; persistent guys

stream 007 ; persona

stream 008 ; mickey and minnie

stream 009 ; for me, or for you?

stream 010 ; rainbow road

stream 011 ; resurface

stream 012 ; second first date

stream 013 ; assurance

stream 014 ; not one sided

[fin.] stream 015 ; locked down

authors note - titles are constantly subject to change

ps please dont spam like🫶

2K notes · View notes

leeheeso · 1 month ago

Text

ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 .ᐟ THINGS ENHA DO THAT MAKES YOU SECOUND-GUESS YOUR 'FRIENDSHIP'

𝓅airing ∿ hyung line! enha x f!reader ᰔ 𝒽eadcanons ; fluff, friends to lovers, 𝓌: none that I know of 𐙚 𝓌c 1682 ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓇oro's note. i did not intend for these to be so long ﹒ ꒰ 𝓁ibrary ꒱ + 𝓂aknae ver

LEE HEESEUNG ∿ being touchy

you were used to heeseung’s touch. the way he would rest his hand on your lower back to alert you of his presence, the lingering hugs where his hands would hold your waist, how he would wrap his arm around your shoulders whenever the two of you stood or sat next to each other, his fingers absentmindedly tracing shapes on your shoulder as he talked and laughed with your friends.

and the little things like reaching over to put on your seatbelt for you, holding your hand while crossing the road or following the sidewalk rule, pressing his chest back up against your chest as he helped you reach for things on a higher shelf . . . they didn't seem so little to you anymore.

the lingering hugs lasted longer, his arm that used to rest on your shoulders moved to your waist to hold you closer instead. He would play with your fingers when you guys would binge watch shows in the living room, he would rest his hand on your thigh whenever he sat next to you, playing with the hem of your top. His fingers would linger on your face to softly caress your skin whenever he would tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear.

he didn’t touch his other friends like how he touched you, he certainly didn't pull them to sit on his lap when he played video games like he did with you. Or how he would cuddle you on the couch as you watched movies, his fingers absentmindedly caressing your sides while he placed soft kisses on your cheek, forehead or temple. Yeah, he definitely didn't do that with his other friends . . .

you knew that he was aware of how it was affecting you, and you also knew that he enjoyed every minute of it. giving you that innocent teasing smile when he felt your heartbeat faster against his chest, or when he notices that flustered smile on your lips. deep down you knew the reason why he touched and looked at you like that – and he knew it too.

PARK JAY ∿ spoiling you

you noticed jay’s habit of buying things for you very early in your friendship. whenever the two of you went out to get food he always made sure to pay the bill, quickly grabbing it before you could even see the amount, waving off your protests with a sweet smile. even when you were the one to make the plans he always found a way to pay first. when you had brought it up to him he just gave you that smirk as he said “Is it so bad that I want to treat you?”

when the two of you went shopping together, he always paid attention to the things your eyes would linger on but decided not to get it because it cost too much, sneaking the items in his basket to buy them for you, along with things he just wanted to get for you. he didn't even bother to ever look at the price tag, knowing that it was going to be worth it seeing that smile on your face.

he would bring you home items from when he went on trips with his friends/family, he would come up with excuses like ‘i thought of you when i saw it’ or ‘it's just a little gift‘ and one that never failed to make you a flustered mess was ‘I saw it and knew you would look pretty in it’ he had to know he was making you feel things when he said things like that . . .

you noticed how jay would always playfully complain about buying things for his other friends, saying that they could get it themselves, but with you he did it without a second thought. you weren't the only one to notice that. your fellow shared friends had noticed it too, and of course they had to tease jay about it. but he wouldn't let it bother him, he’d continue to spoil you, buying you anything that reminded him of you.

you’d wake up to a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers outside your door every week, and almost every time you went to collect your packages there were always extra one’s, always with a sweet little note from jay ‘thinking on you’ ‘wear this tonight, i'm taking you out’ the gifts soon turned more romantic, domestic if you really think about it. but your relationship with him really changed once he gifted you that beautiful silver necklace with the letter ‘J’.

he loved watching you absentmindedly fidget with the necklace as you happily talked with your friends, or how you would always admire how pretty it looked decorating your neck. he loved to softly tug on the chain to gain your attention, or to use it to pull you closer to him. he didn't care who the two of you were with, he’d stop in the middle of a conversation to reach towards your neck and gently pull the necklace that slipped under your top, adjusting it so the ‘J’ could be seen by everyone . . . you both knew he was irrevocably claiming you as his.

SIM JAKE ∿ never corrects it when people assume your his girlfriend

you and jake have always been close, ever since the two of you met as young children – both of you were ‘forced’ to come along with your moms to a nice lunch between old friends. the two of you sat at the table, talking quietly and giggling as you raced each other to finish the mazes on the children's menus that were given. your mothers both smiling at the friendship blooming between the two of you. jake would refuse to admit it now, but his young self-did shed a few tears when he had to leave, not wanting to be away from his ‘pwetty friend’

as the years went on you only got closer with jake, he was your person . . . and you were his. but not only did he get closer to you emotionally, but also physically. and it was something that everyone noticed, the two of you grew up together hearing the hushed whispers of your moms giggling about how they would be in-laws in the future. So the topic of you two being together was something you were used to.

it was a popular misconception – that the two of you were together. anyone would think you were – with how close, touchy, and the way you guys looked at each other. And jake ever the polite, would say “oh – no we're just friends”. . . but jake found it unnecessary to correct the misconception as his feelings for you grew stronger.

he liked to see the flustered smile decorate your lips whenever someone mistakenly called you, his girlfriend. he found it adorable how shy and awkward you would get, stumbling over your words. he also really loved that moment of bliss where he could fantasize that the two of you were together – that you were actually his girlfriend. that him taking you to that cafe you loved wasn't just a friendly outing but instead a date.

you didn't know how to bring it up to him, that you noticed how he stopped correcting people, that he would always pull you closer to him when it happened. or how you noticed that big grin would always form on his lips after. that bliss you felt in that moment would quickly turn into confusion as your mind raced with thoughts on why he didn't correct them.

was it because he was just polite, that he didn't want to make the person uncomfortable by correcting them? – you really hoped that it wasn't just because he was polite. You wanted it to be because he wanted you too – that you weren't the only one to have those silly little fantasies of the two of you together . . .

PARK SUNGHOON ∿ being protective and possessive

one thing you admired about Sunghoon was how protective he was, to his family, to his friends, to you . . . with years of being best friends with him you didn't know why suddenly started to get so flustered whenever he got protective of you. maybe it was because his protectiveness was almost always accompanied with his possessiveness, and God was it hot . . .

he always follows the sidewalk rule with you and walks you back safely to your car / apartment etc., he never sits with his back to the door when you are out at a restaurant, all he wants is you to be safe. at parties he always had his arm around your waist, giving his best intimidating look to any guy who tried to come up to you, and if you were at the party without him, he always made sure to check on you through the night, staying up despite the tiredness just in case you called for a ride home.

he wasn't just protective of your physical but also your mental, he knew you better than anyone else so he could easily see whenever you were overwhelmed or going through something. he’d pull you somewhere quiet, he was there to listen to you talk about what's bothering you and giving you the best advice he could, and if you weren't in the mood to talk, he would do his best to distract you from your negative thoughts.

he sees your ex at a party? he's making sure he doesn’t come and bother you and get your mind all messed up after months of you getting better . . . he was very sensitive with you, especially if someone brought you up, he's always quick to shut down anything that's not appropriate.

everyone always assumed that the two of you were together, he was always so touchy with you in public, he had a habit of scaring off guys who had taken a liking to you, he never shot down the rumors of you together, only making them stronger . . . at this point the only two who didn't know you were dating where the two of you

ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓇oro's note. HEHE ITS FINALLY DONE !! it honestly felt like I’ve been working on this for weeks (i have oops) the maknae version will be released tomorrow !! I now have a taglist, so please comment or send an ask in my inbox if you would like to be added (please specify what taglist you would like to be added too !!) @leehansdoll is the account I will tagging you with <3 ꒰ nav ꒱

which member was your favorite?

likes, reblogs, comments and feedback are heavily encouraged !

2K notes · View notes

leeheeso · 2 months ago

Text

yours to wreck.

pairing. rabbit hybrid!sunghoon x human!reader

wc. 37k warning. contains mature themes, including explicit sexual content, plot-driven elements possessive behavior, and detailed dirty talk. sunghoon's possessive nature is a central theme, particularly during intense, intimate moments. fluff, strong language. mdni.

you never imagined that taking in a lost rabbit hybrid would turn your life upside down. can you handle the intensity of sunghoon’s feelings, or are you about to face more than you bargained for?

⚠ disclaimer: this story is a work of fiction and does not represent real-life events or the members of enhypen..

in the world you lived in, hybrids were an essential part of society. they had existed alongside humans for centuries, creatures born with the traits and abilities of animals but gifted with the unique ability to shift between their animal forms and fully human forms. the origins of hybrids had been shrouded in mystery, but over time, they had become an accepted and integral part of daily life.

hybrids possessed characteristics that mirrored the animals they resembled—rabbits, wolves, cats, dogs, and even more exotic creatures. their personalities and instincts were deeply tied to their animal traits, and these influences shaped their behaviors, relationships, and even their roles in society. while humans and hybrids coexisted, there were some distinct differences that set hybrids apart.

for one, hybrids had a natural instinct to nurture and care for those around them, especially when it came to forming close bonds with humans. their animal traits often pushed them to act protectively, especially in relationships where they felt a deep connection. these instincts varied depending on the type of hybrid—rabbit hybrids, were known for their shyness and gentle nature, while wolf hybrids were more assertive, their protective tendencies bordering on aggressive at times.

despite these nurturing qualities, hybrids were not without their dangers. some species were more territorial, their animal instincts making them volatile under stress. hybrids in heat, for instance, could be particularly unpredictable, their instincts driving them to seek comfort and companionship in ways that were often difficult for them to control. still, most hybrids managed their instincts well, learning to live harmoniously with humans.

what made hybrids truly unique was their ability to transform. though they appeared as their animal counterparts much of the time, every hybrid had the ability to shift into a fully human form. this transformation was not just a physical change—it allowed them to access a different side of themselves, blending their animal instincts with the complexities of human emotions. in their human form, hybrids often felt more vulnerable, as their instincts weren’t as sharp, but they could still access their animal traits when needed.

for the most part, humans and hybrids lived together peacefully. humans relied on hybrids for their nurturing roles—whether as companions, caretakers, or even partners. hybrids often lived with humans, forming close bonds that went beyond mere companionship, as their need for connection and loyalty ran deep. it wasn’t uncommon for humans to adopt hybrids, bringing them into their homes as members of the family.

you hadn’t planned on adopting a hybrid at all. in fact, the thought had never crossed your mind. your life was busy, overrun by long workdays, endless stress, and a boss who seemed determined to wring every ounce of energy out of you. the burnout was real—your days blended together in a haze of meetings, deadlines, and emails that seemed to multiply by the second. you were exhausted, both mentally and physically, running on fumes.

and on top of that, your personal life was... well, nonexistent. no sex, no love life, no fun. nothing. your friends joked about it, but the reality stung. your life had become a monotonous cycle of work and sleep, with no excitement, no spark to look forward to. it wasn’t like you hadn’t tried to date, but nothing ever stuck. everyone seemed to be living their lives, while you felt like you were barely keeping your head above water.

your best friend, jay, had noticed. he’d always been the perceptive type, and over the past few months, he’d watched as you slowly became more and more drained. it had started with casual comments, him nudging you to take a break, to let loose for once in your life. but recently, his concern had grown.

jay had been different ever since he adopted his cat hybrid, jungwon. he never used to be the nurturing type, but something about bringing jungwon into his life had changed him. he always talked about how having jungwon made his days brighter, easier, more fulfilling. jungwon was calm, affectionate, and somehow always knew exactly when jay needed someone to take care of him, even if he didn’t ask for it. it was like having jungwon around made life make sense for him.

jay had brought it up to you a few times—how adopting a hybrid could change your life too. but you’d always brushed him off, disagreeing with him, laughing it away. you didn’t need a hybrid. what you needed was a vacation, some time off, maybe a little bit of fun. besides, your apartment barely had enough room for you, let alone another living being.

“you’re missing out, you know,” jay had said one night as you sat in his living room, watching jungwon lazily curl up on the couch beside him. “having jungwon around... it’s like everything’s easier. i don’t know how to explain it. i just feel... better.”

you’d rolled your eyes, giving him a teasing grin. “sounds like you’re in love with your hybrid, jay.”

he’d laughed, shaking his head. “nah, not like that. but... he makes everything feel less heavy. you should think about it. maybe a hybrid would help you unwind a little.”

you’d waved him off, clearly disagreeing. you didn’t need a hybrid. what you needed was a break from life, not something else to take care of. besides, hybrids weren’t exactly cheap, and your current schedule didn’t exactly scream “nurturing.”

but the universe, it seemed, had other plans for you.

it started on a rainy afternoon after a particularly hellish day at work, thanks to your boss niki. your muscles ached from niki’s relentless demands. you love him, but damn, sometimes it feels like he’s squeezing every bit of energy out of you. you were walking home, head down, mind already buzzing with tomorrow’s to-do list, when something caught your eye. a small, battered cardboard box lying on the side of the sidewalk, soaked from the rain. it wasn’t unusual to see abandoned things in the city, but this box was different. something inside it moved.

you hesitated, glancing around. the streets were nearly empty, the rain coming down in heavy sheets. for a moment, you debated just walking away—after all, what could you really do?

but something tugged at you, pulling you toward the box.

and that’s when you saw him—a small, trembling rabbit, soaked to the bone and huddled in the corner of the box. his wide, terrified eyes looked up at you, his white fur matted and dirty. your heart clenched at the sight. he presses himself into the corner of the box, like he’s trying to disappear, to escape the cold, the rain—everything. “oh god, you poor thing,” you whisper, crouching down. “who the hell would leave you out here?” you stretch out your hand, slow and careful, not wanting to spook him.

“hey, hey... it’s alright,” you murmur, voice soft like you’re talking to a scared kid. “i’m not gonna hurt you. let's get you out of this mess, okay?”

his ears twitch, nervous, and his body tightens like he's ready to bolt. but you stay still, letting him take you in, letting him feel your intent. after a few heartbeats, he inches toward you, cautiously, testing the waters.

you hadn’t planned to adopt any pets. you didn’t even have time for one. but as you crouched down, looking into those big, sad eyes, you knew there was no way you could leave him there.

you couldn’t just walk away.

“hey, little guy,” you whispered, reaching out a hand cautiously. “it’s okay. i’m not going to hurt you… that’s it,” you say, barely above a whisper. “i’m gonna pick you up now, alright?”

the rabbit hybrid flinched at first, but after a moment, he inched closer, his eyes filled with fear but also with hope. it broke your heart, and before you even realized what you were doing, you scooped him up in your arms, holding him close to your chest to shield him from the rain.

when you first saw the small rabbit in the soaked, battered cardboard box that day, you had no idea what you were picking up wasn’t just a regular animal. you thought it was just that—a frightened, abandoned rabbit, left out in the rain by someone who didn’t care. you felt an overwhelming rush of sympathy for the poor creature, but the idea that it might be a hybrid hadn’t even crossed your mind.

you didn’t think twice about taking it home. you couldn’t just leave it there, exposed to the elements. but even as you walked through the rain, hurrying back to your apartment, you had no idea that the tiny, trembling creature in your arms was anything more than a rabbit.

you practically jog the rest of the way home, ignoring the way your legs ache. once inside, you place him gently on a towel, wrapping him snugly, rubbing his fur with soft, circular motions to warm him up.

“there we go,” you murmur, more to yourself than him. “all dry now.”

you nuzzle your nose against his fur, feeling the softness of it, damp but starting to fluff up. he stays stiff, probably still in shock, but at least he’s stopped shivering. “feeling better?”

as you check him over, your hand brushes against his hind legs, and you pause, lifting him a little to check. he squirms, a tiny sound of protest escaping him, making you chuckle. it’s almost like he’s embarrassed, how adorable.

“i had a feeling you were a boy,” you grin, wrapping him in another towel. “don’t be shy.”

he looks up at you with a mix of confusion and something else—maybe trust, maybe just curiosity—but he doesn’t pull away. you settle him near a heater, placing a cushion beside him. he sniffs at it, eyes flicking back to you like he’s still deciding whether you’re a threat or a savior.

“come on now, there you go,” you say, smiling gently. “that’s better, right? we’ll get you something nicer soon. promise.”

you watch him for a moment, trying to think of a name. something simple, something that feels right.

“i’m y/n, by the way,” you say, leaning back on your heels. “and you... you need a name.”

he twitches his nose, still sniffing the cushion, still figuring things out. you watch him with a smile, the rain still beating against the windows. it’s calming in a way, the sound of it now distant as you focus on the tiny creature in front of you.

“sunghoon,” you say, testing it out. “how about that?”

he pauses, his ears twitching at the sound of his new name. it feels like he’s acknowledging it, maybe not fully understanding, but enough. you take it as a win, not like he actually has a choice or can protest anyway.

“sunghoon it is,” you whisper, grinning. “welcome home, little guy.”

in the days that follow, you throw yourself into making him comfortable. each morning, you leave out fresh veggies, fluff up his little corner, making sure everything’s perfect. you even set up a heater just for him, making sure it’s warm enough, but not too hot. you want him to feel safe, to know this place is his. yet, despite your best efforts, sunghoon keeps his distance. his eyes, always watching, seem to linger on you from across the room, wary but... curious.

it’s frustrating, in a way. you want him to trust you, to understand that you’re not going to hurt him—that he’s safe now. but you can’t rush these things. trust takes time, and sunghoon, with his wide, fearful eyes and skittish movements, is a clear sign that patience will be necessary. every time something startles him, he flinches so hard, like he’s expecting the worst. it’s a reflex that he can’t seem to control, and it makes your heart ache every time you see it. you can’t help but think about his past, even though the thought lingers in the back of your mind. it’s not your place—not yet. whatever he’s been through, it’s clear that it left its mark on him. the way he shrinks back when he hears a loud noise or the way his shoulders tense when you move too suddenly… it’s painful to watch. painful to think about what he must have gone through to be so jumpy, so scared of the world around him.

you didn’t even want to imagine it. the very idea of someone mistreating him, of making him feel this small, made your chest tighten with anger and sadness. he was so gentle, so soft, and seeing him like this—so vulnerable—made you want to do everything in your power to make him feel safe again.

one night, while you’re curled up on the couch with a book, the quiet comfort of the evening wrapping around you like a blanket, you spot movement out of the corner of your eye. it’s subtle at first—a small shift of weight, the faintest rustle of fabric—but then you see him. sunghoon, the little rabbit who had taken up residence in your heart without you even realizing, is creeping closer to the cushion you set up for him.

he’s cautious, as always, his nose twitching as he sniffs the cushion again, nudging it with his soft nose. he pauses, glancing at you like he’s checking to see if it’s safe, before finally, with an almost comical level of hesitation, flopping down next to it. his long ears droop slightly as he settles in, and for a moment, he looks so comfortable, so at ease, that you can’t help but smile.

“that’s right,” you murmur, looking up from your book with a soft grin. “make yourself at home.”

sunghoon blinks at you, his wide eyes softer now, less guarded than usual. it’s not much, but to you, it feels monumental. after weeks of him being jumpy, flinching at the smallest noise, seeing him relax even a little feels like a victory.

he shifts a bit, his little body curling up more comfortably against the cushion, and you can’t help but let out a quiet laugh. “you like it, huh?” you tease gently, your heart warming at the sight.

he looks at you for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not to respond, and then—much to your surprise—he gives a soft little grunt, almost like a huff. it’s so unexpected, so out of character for him, that you blink in surprise before bursting into laughter.

“did... did you just sass me?” you say, raising an eyebrow as you try to stifle your giggles. “i didn’t know rabbits could be so cheeky.”

sunghoon’s ears twitch, and for a moment, he almost looks embarrassed, like he hadn’t meant to let that little noise slip. but then, to your absolute delight, he nudges the cushion again with his nose and flops even harder onto it, as if to say, yeah, and i’m gonna make this cushion mine.

“alright, alright,” you chuckle, shaking your head. “you win. the cushion is yours, sunghoon.”

he blinks at you again, but this time, there’s a twinkle in his eyes—a tiny spark of mischief that you hadn’t seen before. it’s the kind of look that makes you wonder if maybe he’s been hiding a playful side from you all this time.

as the evening wears on, you keep glancing over at him, watching as he nestles deeper into the cushion, his little nose twitching in contentment. the warmth in your chest grows as you realize how far he’s come—how, little by little, he’s starting to trust you.

“you know,” you say softly, not even sure if he’s listening, “you’re doing really well. i’m proud of you.”

to your surprise, he shifts again, and this time, he looks right at you—no hesitation, no fear. he blinks, his soft eyes meeting yours, and for the first time since you brought him home, you feel like you’re seeing the real sunghoon. not just the scared, timid rabbit who flinches at every sound, but the sweet, gentle soul who’s finally starting to let his guard down.

“this place is gonna feel like home soon,” you murmur, smiling at him. “i can feel it.”

and just as you’re about to turn back to your book, sunghoon does something that nearly makes you drop it altogether. with a soft grunt and a determined little wiggle, he hops up onto the couch and curls up right next to you, pressing his small body against your leg.

your heart practically melts. “well, hello there,” you say, unable to keep the grin off your face. “getting bold, aren’t we?”

he blinks up at you, and you could swear there’s a hint of pride in his eyes—like he knows exactly what he’s doing.

“alright, you win,” you laugh, setting your book aside and reaching down to gently stroke his soft ears. “i guess we’re couch buddies now.”

sunghoon’s eyes flutter shut, and as he nestles closer to you, you can’t help but feel a swell of warmth in your chest. he’s starting to trust you, little by little. soon enough, maybe this place will feel like home for him, and maybe you won’t just be the stranger who saved him—you’ll be something more.

and for the first time in a long while, you feel like maybe you’ve found a little piece of home too.

the rain pattered gently against the window, its steady rhythm almost hypnotic as it blurred the world outside. soft morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a dull glow over your cluttered apartment. the scene was too familiar—stacks of paperwork, your phone buzzing with reminders you were already too exhausted to acknowledge, and the coffee in your hand had long gone cold. your eyes skimmed over the endless tasks on your phone screen, the weight of it all pressing down on your shoulders.

“damn niki,” you muttered under your breath, swiping through the list of to-dos that seemed to multiply with every blink. the fatigue was bone-deep, but somehow, you pushed through. maybe it was the thought of coming home to sunghoon that kept you going. even though he was just a rabbit, and you knew he wasn’t exactly going to hop up and greet you at the door, the quiet comfort he offered was always there, soft and constant.

but today, the apartment felt too quiet. an unusual stillness filled the air as you got ready for work, the absence of the usual soft rustling from sunghoon’s corner making you pause. something didn’t feel right. your eyes flicked toward his space, where you would normally hear the gentle sound of his tiny paws or the soft shuffle of his fur as he curled into his blanket. but today? nothing.

“sunghoon?” you called out, the unease creeping into your voice as you stepped closer. silence. no scurrying across the floor, no comforting rustle of movement. the uneasy feeling gnawed at you, your heart starting to pound just a little faster. on rainy days like this, sunghoon was always by your side. always.

“sunghoon?” you called again, louder this time, moving toward his corner. you expected to see his small, familiar form curled up in his blanket, but when you turned the corner, there was something else. someone else.

your heart skipped a beat, and you froze. there, under the pile of blankets, was a figure—too large to be sunghoon. much too large. panic surged through you as you grabbed the nearest object—a ballpoint pen, because, really, what else could you grab?—and held it out in front of you like some kind of makeshift weapon.

“who the hell are you?” your voice cracked slightly as the figure stirred, the blankets shifting. your pulse thundered in your ears as you took a cautious step forward. for a split second, you considered calling the police, but then the figure finally emerged from the blankets, and all rational thought screeched to a halt.

standing before you, partially hidden by the curtains, was a tall, very naked man. his messy hair stuck up in every direction, soft, slightly curled bunny ears poking out from beneath the strands. your mind struggled to process the scene. where was sunghoon? and who the hell was this?

“what the fuck?!”

you couldn’t help the expletive that escaped your lips as you instinctively took a step back, the ballpoint pen now wobbling in your shaky grip. the man—whoever he was—seemed just as startled as you, his eyes wide in surprise. scrambling for the nearest blanket, he awkwardly wrapped it around his waist, one hand gripping the fabric while the other was held up in defense.

“wait, wait, y/n, it’s me!”

you blinked, your brain still lagging behind what your eyes were seeing. “you?! who the hell is ‘me’? i don’t know any naked men in my apartment!” the ballpoint pen was still raised, though it was clear it was doing absolutely nothing to help you in this situation.

but as your eyes slowly adjusted to the situation unfolding before you, your brain short-circuited for an entirely different reason. the man standing in front of you was not just any man.

no, he was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.

he was pale, his skin smooth and almost glowing under the soft light filtering through the window. his body, though partially hidden by the blanket he hastily wrapped around himself, was toned in a way that made your mouth go dry. not overly muscular, but lean and defined, every line of his body sculpted to perfection. the kind of physique you’d expect on a prince from a fairytale or one of those magazine models that never actually look real.

his face, though—god, his face. it was almost too pretty to believe. soft, delicate features that contrasted with the sharp line of his jaw. the slope of his nose was perfect, the kind of perfect that made you wonder if it had been carefully crafted by some divine being. his lips were full, slightly parted as he breathed, and those eyes—doe-like and wide, but with a depth to them that you hadn’t noticed before when he was just a rabbit. they were mesmerizing, and for a split second, you thought you might be hallucinating.

is this the fatigue? you wondered. or the dry spell? it had been ages since you’d had any excitement in your life. maybe you were so starved for affection that your mind had conjured up the perfect man—pale, gorgeous, and standing naked in your living room. that had to be it, right? because no one looked this perfect in real life. no one had features that sharp, lips that soft-looking, and muscles that looked like they belonged in some sort of ancient marble statue.

sunghoon blinked at you, clearly waiting for you to say something, and you just stared. there’s no way this is real, you thought. maybe i fell asleep, and this is some weird, stress-induced dream.

he shifted awkwardly, adjusting the blanket around his waist, clearly trying to cover up more of himself now that he realized you were ogling him. “y/n,” he said again, his voice softer, almost pleading. “it’s me. sunghoon.”

your eyes snapped back to his, finally processing his words. “sunghoon? as in… my rabbit sunghoon?” you repeated, still feeling like the words didn’t make sense.

he nodded, his ears twitching slightly as he winced, clearly embarrassed. “yeah... i’m a hybrid.”

for a moment, you stood there, speechless, your eyes still taking in every inch of him—his pale skin, those perfect lips, the muscles visible even under the blanket. your brain struggled to catch up, still in shock at how someone so unbelievably gorgeous could have been hiding in plain sight as your quiet, timid rabbit hybrid.

“you’re... you’re really sunghoon?” you asked, half in disbelief. your mind was still half-convinced you were hallucinating.

he nodded again, looking genuinely apologetic. “i didn’t know how to tell you. i was worried you might... freak out.”

you let out a breathy laugh, your hands finally lowering the pen you’d been clutching like a lifeline. “oh, i’m definitely freaking out,” you muttered, running a hand through your hair. “i thought you were a regular rabbit! and now you’re... this?”

sunghoon’s ears drooped, and he glanced down, clearly feeling bad. “i’m sorry. i didn’t mean to surprise you.”

you blinked again, still trying to reconcile the sunghoon you’d known—the quiet, skittish rabbit—with the literal prince standing in front of you. “okay, let’s just... back up a second.” you took a deep breath, feeling a bit more in control. “so, you’ve been a hybrid this whole time, and you just... didn’t tell me?”

sunghoon bit his lip, looking sheepish. “i didn’t know how. i didn’t want to scare you.”

you let out another laugh, shaking your head in disbelief. “well, i’m definitely surprised. i mean, not every day your rabbit turns into a man who looks like he walked straight out of a k-drama.”

his cheeks turned pink at your comment, and he shifted again, pulling the blanket tighter around himself. “sorry about the... lack of clothes,” he mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

“yeah, about that,” you said, finally pulling yourself together enough to speak somewhat coherently. “rule number one, if you’re gonna be walking around in your human form: pants. always wear pants.”

sunghoon let out a soft laugh, the sound shy but genuine. “yeah... definitely,” he agreed, his ears twitching as he looked at you, still clearly mortified.

you couldn’t help but smile, the absurdity of the situation starting to sink in. “alright,” you said, setting the pen down on the table and shaking your head. “let’s start over. i’m y/n, your very flustered and incredibly confused human, and you are...?”

sunghoon blinked at you, a small, shy smile tugging at his lips. “sunghoon. your very flustered hybrid.”

you grinned, feeling the tension in the air finally lift. “perfect. now let’s find you some pants before i start thinking this is all some weird dream brought on by work stress and my lack of a love life.”

sunghoon’s face flushed even deeper, and he let out a nervous chuckle. “yeah, pants sound good.”

as you headed toward your bedroom to find him something to wear, you couldn’t stop the small smile playing at your lips. sure, the situation was completely bizarre, but a part of you was already feeling oddly grateful that the universe had thrown this ridiculously beautiful hybrid into your life.

fatigue or not, you thought, glancing back at sunghoon, who was now standing awkwardly with the blanket around his waist. this might be the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in years.

sunghoon sat across from you at the dining table, his head ducked, and the flush on his face deepening. wearing a pair of hastily borrowed sweatpants, he fidgeted with the waistband, clearly uncomfortable. you couldn’t help but notice how he’d opted out of wearing a shirt, mentioning something about not wanting to feel too restricted since it had been so long since he stayed in his human form. and honestly, you were trying really hard not to ogle, but, god, he was unfairly gorgeous. toned muscles, pale skin, that slightly nervous expression—it was doing things to you.

you almost wanted to slap yourself for staring, but you couldn’t help it. he looked like a prince and a pretty boy all wrapped up in one. it was breathtaking and infuriating all at once.

sunghoon, clearly aware of the awkward silence, ducked his head even lower, his embarrassment growing. “i’m really sorry, y/n. i didn’t know how to tell you. i was scared you’d kick me out.”

his voice was soft, laced with guilt, and the way his wide, almost puppy-like eyes met yours made your heart skip. it was hard to stay mad at him, especially when he looked like that—nervous, sweet, and so incredibly earnest.

you sighed, rubbing a hand through your hair as you tried to get a grip on your racing thoughts. “i’m not kicking you out,” you said, your voice a little softer now. “but seriously, you could’ve... i don’t know, maybe put some pants on before revealing you’re not actually a helpless rabbit.”

his face flushed a deeper shade of pink, and he tugged the blanket tighter around himself, looking like he wished he could disappear into the floor. “yeah... um, i didn’t really think that part through,” he admitted, his voice small.

the sheer absurdity of the situation hit you all at once, and before you could stop yourself, a laugh slipped out. it was soft at first, but soon, you were giggling, wiping at your eyes as the awkwardness of the moment morphed into something lighter, more bearable.

sunghoon looked up, confused, but a hint of relief flickered in his eyes at your reaction. his ears twitched, the motion so subtle you might’ve missed it if you weren’t still marveling at how freaking cute he was.

“oh my god,” you laughed, trying to catch your breath. “i’ve been babying you this whole time, thinking you were some helpless rabbit, and turns out, you’re a grown-ass man who can shapeshift. i’m embarrassed for myself.”

sunghoon’s lips quirked into a shy smile, the corners of his mouth tugging upward as he fidgeted in his seat. “i... i didn’t mind the babying,” he mumbled, his ears dipping slightly in that way that made your heart do a weird little flutter.

you rolled your eyes, trying to ignore the heat creeping up your neck. why does he have to be so damn adorable? and why does he have to be shirtless? it wasn’t fair—none of it. you crossed your arms, trying to focus and regain some semblance of composure. “okay, so you’re a hybrid,” you said, keeping your tone as neutral as possible. “and you can just... switch between being a rabbit and a human whenever you want?”

he nodded, his ears drooping a bit more as guilt flickered in his eyes. “yeah. it doesn’t hurt or anything. it’s just... who i am.”

you exhaled, still trying to keep up with everything. your mind was reeling from the realization, but it was hard to be mad when he looked so genuinely remorseful. “and you just... never thought to mention this before?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

sunghoon shifted uncomfortably, his eyes dropping to the floor again. “i didn’t want to scare you,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “after everything with my old owner... i didn’t know if you’d still want me around if you knew the truth.”

his words made your heart clench, and you had to stop yourself from immediately asking what exactly had happened with his old owner. the way he’d said it—so soft, so filled with fear—made you wonder if his previous home had been the kind of place that left scars. but you bit your tongue. now wasn’t the time. he’s already opening up, don’t push him.

instead, you reached out, gently touching his arm. his skin was warm beneath your fingers—almost too warm—and a sudden rush of heat flooded through you, making your heart skip. you quickly pulled your hand back, feeling your face grow hot. what the hell was that? you shook off the thought, focusing on the conversation instead.

“sunghoon, i’m not going to kick you out,” you said, soft but firm. “you could’ve told me. i care about you—whether you’re a rabbit or... or this.” you gestured to his human form, trying to keep your voice steady.

his eyes widened at your words, and for a moment, he just stared at you like he hadn’t expected that response. “really? you’re not mad?”

you shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips despite the whirlwind of emotions still swirling in your chest. “i mean, i’m a little flustered, but no. i’m not mad.”

the relief that washed over his face was almost immediate. his ears perked up slightly, and his expression brightened, the weight of worry lifting from his features. “thank you, y/n,” he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. “i was so worried...”

you looked at him, your heart doing that annoying little skip again as you noticed how sweet he looked, sitting there, all shy and relieved. and yeah, okay—still shirtless, which was not helping your composure in the slightest. it was really fucking unfair, how precious he was, and also how distracting it was to have him sitting across from you like this.

“you really should put on a shirt at some point,” you muttered, mostly to distract yourself from how flustered you were feeling.

sunghoon blinked, glancing down at his bare chest before quickly looking back up, cheeks flushing even darker. “oh, right. sorry. i, um... didn’t want to feel restricted since it’s been a while since i’ve stayed in this form,” he explained, his voice trailing off in embarrassment.

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “it’s fine. just... it’s kind of hard to focus with you looking like that.”

sunghoon’s eyes widened, and for a second, you swore he turned even redder than before. he opened his mouth, probably to apologize again, but you quickly waved him off.

“don’t worry about it,” you said, smiling despite yourself. “i’ll get used to it. eventually.”

his lips twitched into a small, shy smile, and for the first time since this whole ridiculous situation started, you both seemed to relax a little. sure, the dynamic between you had shifted, but somehow, in the middle of all the awkwardness, you could see the beginnings of something stronger—something that went beyond just hybrid and owner. something that made your heart race for reasons you weren’t entirely ready to confront yet.

and, well, it didn’t hurt that sunghoon looked like he had been sculpted by the gods themselves.

you leaned back in your chair, the tension between you and sunghoon easing into something lighter, almost comfortable now. the weirdness of the morning still lingered, but you couldn’t deny that curiosity had started bubbling up inside you. there was so much you didn’t know about him, and now that the initial shock had worn off, you found yourself wanting to know more.

“so,” you began, your voice a little more playful now, “i think it’s time you tell me more about yourself, sunghoon.” you leaned forward, resting your chin on your hand, watching him with a raised eyebrow. “how old are you, anyway? because this whole time, i’ve been treating you like a baby.”

sunghoon blinked, clearly surprised by the question, but he quickly smiled—shy, but warm. “i’m twenty-three,” he said, his voice a little hesitant, as if he wasn’t sure how you’d react.

your eyes widened, and a soft laugh escaped your lips. “twenty-three? and here i’ve been babying you like you were a little bunny!”

he chuckled, his ears twitching slightly in amusement. “yeah, well... i swear i really didn’t mind,” he said, his voice soft but playful, his confidence slowly growing now that the initial awkwardness was fading.

you shook your head, still smiling. “wow, so you’re basically my age. i feel ridiculous for all those times i was talking to you like you were a helpless pet.”

sunghoon laughed quietly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “it was... comforting, actually. it’s been a while since someone treated me like that.”

your heart softened at his words, but you didn’t want the conversation to turn serious again. so, instead, you kept things light. “okay, mr. twenty-three-year-old,” you said, grinning, “what else should i know? do you have a favorite food? hobbies? secret talents? now that i know you’re not just a rabbit, i feel like there’s a whole sunghoon i need to get to know.”

he blinked, clearly not used to being asked these kinds of questions, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “well... i really like strawberries,” he admitted, glancing down at the table, his ears twitching shyly again. “and, um, i’m pretty good at reading. i used to read a lot... before.”

“strawberries, huh?” you teased, leaning forward slightly. “i guess that’s not too surprising for a rabbit hybrid.” you stuck your tongue out playfully, enjoying the way he flushed at the light teasing. “and reading? okay, now we’re getting somewhere. any favorite books?”

sunghoon looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, “i liked... adventure stories. anything with heroes and big journeys. it’s a bit silly, i know, but it helped me escape.”

you softened at that, but before you could get too wrapped up in the sentiment, you grinned and leaned closer. “not silly at all. adventure stories are great. plus, who doesn’t love a good hero moment?”

he smiled again, this time a little more openly, clearly appreciating that you weren’t pushing him too hard. “i guess you’re right,” he said quietly.

you both sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the tension of earlier now replaced by something softer, more playful. there was still so much to learn about him, but for now, you were content to keep things light and easy.

“so,” you said with a grin, unable to resist poking fun, “now that i know you’re twenty-three and have a thing for strawberries and books... are you going to tell me any other secrets? like, i don’t know, if you can do any magic tricks or something?”

sunghoon’s laughter was soft but genuine, his ears twitching in amusement. “sorry to disappoint, but no magic tricks.”

you pretended to pout. “damn. i was hoping for some shapeshifting party tricks or something.”

he laughed again, shaking his head. “maybe one day.”

“i’ll hold you to that,” you said, pointing at him playfully. “next time, i expect at least one cool trick. maybe pull a rabbit out of a hat?”

sunghoon groaned, his face turning pink again as he shook his head. “that’s a terrible joke.”

you grinned, winking at him. “you love it.”

the light banter between you both was easy now, and as you watched sunghoon relax, you couldn’t help but feel relieved. there was still a lot to figure out, but right now, it felt good to get to know the real sunghoon—the hybrid who loved strawberries and adventure stories and who was more than just the quiet, shy rabbit you had taken in.

“so,” you said after a beat, “what do you want to do now? i’m off work for a while, and clearly, you’re not a pet who needs to be fed pellets anymore.”

sunghoon tilted his head, thinking for a moment before a shy smile spread across his face. “i think... i’d like to stay in my human form for a bit,” he admitted softly. “it feels... nice, being like this with you.”

you smiled warmly, your heart giving another little skip. “i think i’d like that too, sunghoon.”

life with sunghoon had settled into a strange, harmonious rhythm. it was easy, natural, like the two of you had been living together for years instead of just months. in many ways, it felt like you were a couple—at least, you thought so. but maybe that was just you. sunghoon was always his usual sweet, shy self, but there were times when he did things that made your heart flutter just a little more than you’d care to admit.

he’d started helping around the house more, little things like washing the dishes, folding the laundry, and making sure everything was in its place. and on some days, when he wanted to be babied or just feel close to you, he’d shift back into his animal form, curling up on your lap as a small, soft bunny, waiting for you to run your fingers through his fur. it was something you’d grown to love, even though at first it had felt so strange. now, you couldn’t imagine coming home and not finding sunghoon waiting for you in some form, ready to melt into your life.

but today was different.

you’d just come home from work, dropping your bag by the door and sighing as you kicked off your shoes. sunghoon was in the kitchen, drying some plates, his usual routine. everything seemed normal—until it wasn’t. you noticed him pause, his nose twitching slightly, his ears perking up in that subtle way that told you something was off.

“y/n?” his voice called out, soft and sweet as always, but there was something else there—an edge of curiosity, maybe even uncertainty.

you blinked, glancing over at him. “yeah?”

sunghoon set the plate down carefully, turning toward you, his eyes scanning you for a moment longer than usual. his lips pressed into a thin line, and he tilted his head slightly, as if trying to figure something out. “you... smell different,” he said, his voice soft but with an undertone that made you pause.

you furrowed your brows, stepping closer. “different? what do you mean?”

he hesitated for a second, then finally said it. “it smells like... jay.” his eyes flickered toward your jacket, where the faintest hint of jay’s cologne lingered from the hug you’d given him earlier that day. it wasn’t strong, but for sunghoon, it was enough.

you blinked, processing his words. “oh,” you said, a little surprised. “yeah, i ran into jay earlier. we had coffee after work. why?”

sunghoon didn’t answer right away, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the dish towel. his usually calm demeanor had shifted slightly, something in his posture tense, almost... territorial. his eyes darted around the apartment, lingering on a few of jay’s things—his jacket that he’d left behind during a visit, a book he’d loaned you weeks ago. the scent of jay had been around for a while, but today, sunghoon seemed to notice it more than usual.

he swallowed hard, glancing back at you. “does... jay come here a lot?” his voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it that you couldn’t quite place.

you raised an eyebrow, feeling a small flicker of confusion. “sometimes? he’s one of my best friends, you know that.” you studied him, noticing the way his eyes flickered with something deeper—something you hadn’t seen before. “why? is something wrong?”

sunghoon shook his head, but the uncertainty was still there. “no, it’s just...” he trailed off, his eyes dropping to the floor. “i guess i’m just curious.”

the way he said it made your chest tighten slightly. curious? no, this felt like more than curiosity. this was something deeper. you could see it in his eyes, the way his gaze lingered on you, like he was trying to figure out how to say what he was really feeling.

“sunghoon,” you said softly, stepping closer until you were standing in front of him. “what’s going on?”

he hesitated again, his fingers gripping the dish towel a little tighter. finally, after what felt like forever, he looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions you couldn’t quite decipher. “i don’t want you to think i’m... being weird or anything,” he started, his voice low and uncertain, “but i guess... i’ve just been feeling kind of... possessive lately.”

you blinked, your heart skipping a beat at his confession. “possessive? about what?”

sunghoon bit his lip, his gaze dropping to the floor again. “about you.”

the words hung in the air between you, heavy and filled with meaning. your breath caught in your throat as you processed what he was saying, your mind racing. possessive? about you? sure, sunghoon had always been close to you, always affectionate and sweet, but this... this was something different.

“i know it’s stupid,” he mumbled, his ears drooping slightly in embarrassment. “you have your own life, and i’m just... well, i’m just here. but you’re the only human who’s ever treated me like an equal. you gave me a home, and you’ve been so kind, and... i guess i just got scared. scared that maybe... you’d find someone else and forget about me.”

his voice was barely a whisper now, and your heart ached at the vulnerability in his words. without thinking, you reached out, gently placing your hand on his arm. “sunghoon,” you said softly, your voice steady, “you don’t have to be scared. you’re important to me, okay? no one’s going to replace you.”

he glanced up at you, his eyes wide and filled with relief, but also something deeper—something that had been building for a while now. “really?” he asked, his voice barely audible.

you nodded, your hand still resting on his arm. “really. i care about you, sunghoon.”

for a moment, neither of you said anything. the air between you felt charged, like something unspoken was hovering just beneath the surface, waiting to be said. sunghoon’s eyes lingered on yours, his usually shy demeanor softening into something more vulnerable, more open.

“i just... i don’t want to lose you,” he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet desperation that made your heart squeeze.

you smiled softly, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. “you won’t lose me, sunghoon.” "but speaking of," you add, trying to keep your tone casual, "jay actually has a hybrid too. a cat hybrid named jungwon. i wanted to introduce you two, but... i thought it’d be better to let you settle in first."

sunghoon’s ears perked up immediately at the mention of jungwon, his eyes widening with curiosity. “really? a cat hybrid? do you know any other hybrids, apart from jay’s?”

you hummed, pausing to think. “jay’s mentioned that he’s thinking about adopting more, but nothing’s final yet. he’s been talking about getting someone to keep jungwon company. i could give him a call if you’re interested?”

sunghoon’s posture straightened at the offer, the excitement in his eyes unmistakable even as he sat there, casually wrapped in nothing but the blanket he’d thrown on earlier. his enthusiasm was almost contagious, but what really had you distracted was how effortlessly attractive he looked just sitting there—his dark hair messy, his soft bunny ears twitching slightly as he tried to play it cool.

the combination of his shyness and his sculpted features had your heart racing a little too fast for comfort, and you found yourself fumbling with your phone, trying to focus on dialing jay’s number.

the line rang twice before jay’s voice crackled through the speaker, warm and familiar. “hey, y/n! what’s up?”

“hey, jay,” you said, throwing a quick glance at sunghoon, who was watching you with wide, expectant eyes. “i was just wondering if you had any updates on the hybrids you were thinking of adopting. sunghoon’s interested in meeting some others, maybe making a few friends.”

“oh, that’s great!” jay replied, clearly pleased. “i’ve been looking into a few, but nothing’s set in stone. though, there’s a puppy named jake who’s caught my eye. jungwon seemed intrigued by him when we visited the center. you know how it goes—cat and dog vibes. but jungwon didn’t seem to mind at all.”

you heard soft rustling on jay’s end, followed by a faint meow. jay chuckled. “speaking of jungwon, he’s acting all shy now that we’re talking about jake.”

you laughed softly, imagining jungwon’s reaction. “that sounds promising! sunghoon’s really excited about the idea too. we’ll definitely keep him in the loop.”

“great! let’s set up a time to meet soon,” jay said brightly. “just let me know when you guys are free.”

after hanging up, you turned back to sunghoon, who looked like he could barely contain himself. he was sitting at the edge of his seat, his ears twitching slightly with excitement.

“so?” he asked, his voice soft but brimming with anticipation.

“jay’s on board,” you said with a reassuring smile. “he’s really excited too. we’ll set up a meetup with jake and maybe some other hybrids soon. i think it could be fun for you.”

sunghoon’s cheeks flushed a light pink, and he gave you a shy nod. “i’d like that,” he murmured, glancing out the window as if he was already imagining the possibilities. the way his eyes sparkled with anticipation made you smile, but it also made your heart flutter in a way that caught you off guard. there was something so endearing about how innocent he seemed—like a kid excited for his first playdate. it was almost too cute to handle.

“you’re really looking forward to this, huh?” you teased gently, leaning back in your chair. “you’ll get to meet jake, and maybe jungwon too. i’m sure you guys will get along.”

sunghoon smiled, his expression softening as he shifted a little in his seat. “i hope so,” he admitted quietly. “i’ve never really had... friends like that. other hybrids, i mean.”

your heart clenched at his words, and you felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and comfort him. of course he hadn’t had many friends—he had been abandoned before you found him, and whatever life he’d lived before wasn’t one where he had companionship. it made your chest tighten, and without thinking, you placed a hand on his arm.

“you’re going to love them,” you said, your voice gentle but firm. “and they’re going to love you too, sunghoon. i know it.”

he looked up at you, surprise flickering in his eyes before his smile grew a little wider, his cheeks still tinged with pink. “thanks, y/n,” he murmured, his voice softer than before. “you always know what to say.”

your heart skipped at that, and you quickly pulled your hand back, feeling a rush of warmth flood your face. why does he always do this to me?

“it’s nothing,” you said, trying to brush it off with a wave of your hand. “just... you know, the truth.”

sunghoon’s gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before he glanced back toward the window. the soft light from outside framed his features perfectly, making him look even more angelic than usual, and you couldn’t help but find yourself staring for a second too long.

“you really care about everyone, don’t you?” he asked after a long pause, his voice so quiet you almost didn’t hear him. “jay, jungwon... even me.”

the way he said it—like he was still surprised by how much you cared—made your chest ache. of course you cared about him. you had from the moment you’d brought him home, and even though things had changed since then, that hadn’t.

“of course i do,” you said softly, your voice warm. “you’re important to me, sunghoon. and i mean that.”

his ears twitched, and you saw him bite his lip, something uncertain flashing across his face before he quickly masked it. he held your gaze, though, more intense than before. it was subtle, but the shift was there, a quiet, smoldering intensity behind those soft eyes.

and then, he asked, “how important?”

the question hit you harder than it should’ve. it wasn’t just curiosity in his voice; it was something deeper, something that made your heart skip a beat. the way he was looking at you now—his eyes locked onto yours, his jaw clenched ever so slightly—was unlike anything you’d seen from him before. this wasn’t the sunghoon you were used to.

your throat went dry. “what do you mean?” you asked, your voice catching just slightly as you tried to read the expression on his face. he wasn’t just asking for a friendly reassurance—there was something more behind his words, something almost... possessive.

he didn’t answer right away. instead, he stepped closer, his eyes dropping to where your hand rested against his arm. you could see his fingers twitch, like he wanted to reach out and touch you but was holding himself back. when he finally spoke, his voice was low, almost a whisper. “you’re the only one who’s ever treated me like this. like i’m more than just... something to take care of.”

your breath hitched, the words sinking in. “sunghoon...” you began, unsure where this was going, unsure if you were ready to face the direction it was heading.

but he didn’t stop. “i’ve never had someone like you before,” he continued, his eyes dark and focused on you. “someone who makes me feel like... i could be more than what i am.” his hand hovered at your waist now, close but not quite touching, like he was waiting for your reaction, waiting to see if you’d pull away.

you felt your pulse quicken, your mind racing to catch up with what he was saying. this wasn’t just a confession of affection—it was something deeper, something that felt almost instinctual. the way he looked at you wasn’t just sweet or shy like you’d seen before. there was a hunger there, a need. and that possessiveness... it was something new, something that left you breathless.

“i don’t want anyone else to have you,” he said, his voice barely audible now, his breath ghosting over your skin as he leaned closer. “i want you to be mine.”

his words sent a shock through you, your breath catching in your throat. this is too much. you felt flustered, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all, and yet... you couldn’t pull away. you wanted to say something, to break the tension, but all you could manage was a shaky, “sunghoon, this is...”

his eyes flicked to yours, and for a split second, you saw the conflict there—the way he was teetering on the edge of something he couldn’t quite control. his hand moved, just the faintest touch against your waist, and you felt your body respond before your mind could catch up.

he blinked, and then, suddenly, he pulled back, his expression shifting. “shit, sorry,” he muttered, his ears flattening slightly as he stepped away. “i didn’t mean to... that was too much.”

you exhaled, your heart still racing. “no, it’s okay, i just... wasn’t expecting that.” your voice was steadier than you felt. inside, your mind was whirling. what the hell was that?

sunghoon rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered now, but he tried to play it off, giving you a shy smile. “yeah, uh, sorry. guess i got carried away.” he chuckled nervously, like he was trying to laugh it off. “i was just... you know, talking. nothing serious.”

but it was serious. you both knew it. there was no playing that off. you stared at him, your mind racing, and suddenly, you were hyper-aware of the way he was still so close to you, the way his presence seemed to fill the space around you. his eyes darted away, avoiding your gaze, but the tension was still thick in the air, impossible to ignore.

“right,” you said, forcing a small laugh, though your face was still warm, your heart still pounding. “just talking.”

but now, you were going to be thinking about this. a lot.

sunghoon cleared his throat, still avoiding eye contact, but you noticed the way his shoulders were still tense, the way his ears were twitching slightly. “anyway,” he said, his voice lighter, “let’s... not make this weird, okay?”

too late for that. you nodded, trying to act like everything was fine, like your entire perspective on him hadn’t just shifted in the span of a few minutes. “yeah, sure,” you replied, though your voice sounded too tight, too awkward. “it’s fine.”

sunghoon smiled, his usual shy, innocent look returning, but you couldn’t unsee the intensity from moments before—the way he had almost claimed you with just his words. and now, as he stood there, trying to brush it off like it was no big deal, you were left wondering how deep that possessive side of him really ran.

you caught his eye for a brief second, and there it was again—a flicker of that intensity, just beneath the surface, masked by his usual soft, sweet demeanor. but now you knew it was there, and you couldn’t ignore it.

and you were sure as hell not going to stop thinking about it.

the afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the streets as you and sunghoon made your way to the hybrid center. you were meeting up with jay and jungwon, finally giving sunghoon the chance to meet the hybrid you’d been telling him about. your heart thumped in your chest, a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness at how sunghoon would react to jungwon.

you reached the center just as jay pulled up, his car gleaming under the sunlight. he parked and hopped out, grinning the moment he saw you. “well, well, look who’s early for once,” jay teased, his eyes twinkling as he walked over to you.

you rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips. “early? i think you’re confusing me with someone else, jay. it’s you who’s always late.”

jay laughed, shaking his head as he closed the distance between you, pulling you into a quick, friendly hug. sunghoon, still in his rabbit form, was nestled in your arms, his soft fur pressing against your chest as you greeted jay.

as jay pulled away, his eyes flicked down to sunghoon, who had stiffened ever so slightly at the proximity. “so, this is the famous sunghoon, huh?” jay asked, leaning down a bit to get a better look. “he’s a cutie.”

you chuckled, giving sunghoon a little scratch behind his ears. “yeah, he’s been a little nervous about meeting jungwon.”

jay’s eyes softened as he stood back up, giving sunghoon a reassuring smile. “don’t worry, jungwon’s good with everyone. they’ll get along just fine.”

as you stood there chatting with jay, sunghoon’s little nose twitched, his ears perking up. though he couldn’t speak, you could feel the subtle shift in his posture. he was studying your interaction with jay, his instincts sharp as ever. he could feel your heart race slightly, but it wasn’t from nerves—it was more out of excitement. there was nothing romantic or lustful in the way you talked to jay, nothing that made sunghoon feel like he had anything to worry about. the playful teasing, the easy way you laughed with jay—it was clear to him that your bond with jay was purely platonic, and that knowledge brought him an unexpected wave of relief.

sunghoon nuzzled closer to you, his little body relaxing as he soaked in the warmth of your chest. he could tell—he could feel—how your heart beat differently when you were around him. and that made him happy.

“all right, let’s not keep them waiting,” jay said, clapping his hands and gesturing toward the car. he opened the backseat door, revealing jungwon in his sleek, feline form. the black-and-white cat hybrid stretched lazily, his tail flicking as his bright eyes locked onto you and sunghoon.

“hey, jungwon,” you greeted him with a soft smile, watching as his gaze flickered over to sunghoon with quiet curiosity.

jungwon blinked slowly, his tail swaying gracefully as he regarded the little rabbit in your arms. then, almost as if giving his approval, he let out a soft, rumbling purr.

“why don’t you let them have the backseat?” jay suggested, leaning in to scratch jungwon under his chin. “we’ll sit up front, give them some space.”

you laughed. “wow, they get the royal treatment.”

“of course,” jay grinned, holding the door open for you. “hop in.”

you slid into the passenger seat, and jay closed the door behind you before circling around to the driver’s side. in the backseat, sunghoon was still a bit tense, his little body rigid as you set him down next to jungwon. but jungwon didn’t make any sudden moves. instead, he sat elegantly, his posture calm, almost regal, his tail curling gracefully around his paws as he observed sunghoon.

“no need to be nervous,” jungwon seemed to convey with a slow, deliberate blink. his presence was confident, but not overwhelming, as if he knew exactly how to handle new situations without causing a fuss.

sunghoon, on the other hand, was a bit more hesitant. his ears twitched nervously, his eyes wide as he glanced around, unsure of how to respond to the calm, composed feline beside him.

jungwon tilted his head slightly, his tail flicking in a lazy arc. then, with a slow, careful movement, he leaned over and nudged sunghoon lightly with his nose, a simple, quiet gesture that said, “you’re safe here.”

sunghoon blinked, startled by the sudden contact, but something in jungwon’s calm, graceful demeanor seemed to settle him. he let out a soft, hesitant little hum, his ears twitching less anxiously now. the tension in his tiny body began to ease, bit by bit, as jungwon’s presence soothed him.

as you and jay chatted up front, oblivious to the quiet interaction in the backseat, jungwon and sunghoon’s bond began to form, slowly but surely. jungwon, ever the confident, composed hybrid, seemed to understand sunghoon’s nervousness without needing words. he didn’t rush anything, didn’t push—he simply stayed close, offering a quiet reassurance through his calm energy.

after a while, sunghoon, though still a little guarded, seemed to relax enough to nudge jungwon back, a tentative but clear sign of trust. jungwon’s tail flicked in response, his body language showing approval.

the sight of the two of them—jungwon’s quiet grace and sunghoon’s shy attempts at bonding—was almost too adorable for words. you glanced in the rearview mirror and couldn’t help but smile at how well they were getting along, even if it was subtle. “looks like they’re doing okay back there,” you noted, your voice warm with relief.

jay glanced in the mirror as well, a proud grin spreading across his face. “told you jungwon was a pro.”

sunghoon, now a bit more comfortable, nestled closer to jungwon, who let out a soft purr in response. the two of them, in their own quiet way, were starting to form a bond, and you could tell that sunghoon was finding comfort in jungwon’s calm, steady presence.

“they’re going to be good for each other,” you said softly, more to yourself than to jay. but sunghoon, ever attuned to your emotions, seemed to sense the quiet contentment in your words. he glanced up at you from the backseat, and for the first time that day, his little body was fully relaxed. he was happy.

as the car cruised along the road, casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the windows. you sat in the passenger seat, glancing at jay with a spark of curiosity flickering in your eyes. there had been something on your mind for a while, something you’d been itching to ask.

“hey, jay,” you started, your voice laced with intrigue. “be straight with me.”

jay shot you a quick glance, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips before he returned his focus to the road. “sure, what’s up?”

you leaned in slightly, lowering your voice as if sharing some kind of secret. “can jungwon transform too? like, into his full human form?”

jay’s reaction was instant—his eyes widened slightly in surprise, and you could feel the atmosphere in the car shift. from the backseat, the playful pawing of sunghoon and jungwon suddenly stilled. their attention, though silent, was now entirely on your conversation.

jungwon’s ears perked up, his tail flicking with interest as he exchanged a quick, knowing glance with sunghoon, who had been nervously fidgeting just moments before. it was almost like a silent conversation was passing between them—a shared understanding, something only they could pick up on.

jay chuckled softly, pulling you back to the conversation. “well, jungwon can definitely transform. he’s got the ability to shift between his hybrid and full human forms, but honestly, he doesn’t do it much.”

sunghoon’s ears twitched, and you could see him side-eyeing jungwon now, the curiosity clear in his expression. what does jungwon look like as a human? the question hung in the air, but neither you nor jay were fully clued in to the exchange happening behind you.

jungwon, clearly picking up on sunghoon’s curiosity, let out a soft rumbling purr, almost too quiet to be heard, his tail swaying lazily behind him. sunghoon’s response was a subtle flick of his ears, a low hum vibrating through his throat. it was a conversation neither you nor jay were part of—something instinctual, wordless, and uniquely their own. jungwon’s eyes glinted with amusement as if he found the whole situation more entertaining than he let on.

“does he—” you started, only to be cut off by jay’s playful chuckle.

“does he what?” jay teased, throwing you a grin before focusing back on the road.

you rolled your eyes but grinned back. “does he use his full human form often?”

jay shook his head, still laughing softly. “nah. jungwon prefers staying in his hybrid form. it’s more comfortable for him, and honestly, it draws less attention when we’re out. but yeah, he can shift if needed.”

from the backseat, you caught a soft, almost amused meow from jungwon, like he was confirming what jay had said in his own way. his tail flicked again, brushing lightly against sunghoon’s arm.

sunghoon leaned in slightly, his voice barely a murmur as he “spoke” to jungwon. it wasn’t verbal, not in the way you or jay communicated, but rather through subtle movements—an ear twitch here, a low hum there. jungwon responded with an easy flick of his tail, eyes half-lidded as if amused by the conversation only they could understand. there was a bond forming in those quiet, wordless moments, a connection between hybrids that you and jay could only glimpse from the outside.

“so, jungwon,” sunghoon finally murmured softly, glancing at him with curiosity written all over his face. “what’s it like? being fully human?”

jungwon, lounging comfortably in the backseat, turned his head toward sunghoon, a small, playful smile tugging at his lips. his tail swayed lazily as he gave sunghoon a slow blink, the kind that conveyed understanding, trust, and a dash of teasing. “it’s different,” he replied quietly, though you and jay only heard the faintest rumble of a purr. the rest of the meaning was communicated through body language—a relaxed posture, a flick of the ear.

sunghoon tilted his head slightly, his nose twitching in thought as he processed jungwon’s nonchalant response. “and you don’t miss it? being fully human?”

jungwon’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he let out a low, almost inaudible purr that vibrated through the space between them. “nah,” he seemed to say through that small, amused movement, “i’m good like this.” and then, for a bit of fun, he added through a slow, deliberate flick of his tail, “if i went full human, you’d all be too jealous.”

sunghoon blinked, his ears twitching as he let out a soft huff of amusement, though his eyes lingered on jungwon, still intrigued by the idea. the exchange between them was easy, fluid, and it felt like they’d known each other far longer than they actually had.

meanwhile, you and jay were none the wiser, oblivious to the layers of communication happening just out of reach. you laughed at jungwon’s meow, not quite catching the teasing undertones he shared with sunghoon. “you’re probably right,” you teased. “if he shifts, you’d have to warn us. not sure we could handle that.”

jay grinned, his eyes flicking to jungwon in the rearview mirror. “trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet. when he shifts, heads turn. there’s a reason he doesn’t do it often.”

jungwon, ever the quiet trickster, swatted lazily at jay from the backseat, his tail flicking with a feigned annoyance. but behind that playful swat, there was a quiet confidence, an almost smug acknowledgment between him and sunghoon.

“don’t oversell it, jay,” jungwon “said” through a flick of his ears, shooting sunghoon an almost conspiratorial glance.

sunghoon, relaxing into the backseat now, let out a quiet huff, his earlier nervousness easing away. he was starting to settle into this new understanding of jungwon—seeing him not just as another hybrid but as someone with his own complexities, someone he could relate to on a deeper level. there was an unspoken camaraderie forming between them, rooted in a shared experience you and jay could only guess at.

jungwon’s eyes twinkled as he glanced back at sunghoon, his tail swishing contentedly. “maybe one day,” his body language seemed to say. “i’ll show you.”

sunghoon blinked, surprised but intrigued, his ears twitching with a quiet excitement. “i’d like that,” he responded, a soft, shy smile creeping onto his face as he settled back into the seat.

as the city lights blurred outside the car window, you and jay carried on your lighthearted banter, but in the backseat, sunghoon and jungwon shared something more—a connection built on instinct, unspoken understanding, and a quiet sense of belonging. it wasn’t something that needed words. it was simply something they knew.

as the car pulled into the parking lot of the center, you couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of excitement. you glanced back at sunghoon and jungwon, the two hybrids now comfortably lying together in the backseat. jungwon’s head rested gently against sunghoon’s side, and despite sunghoon’s initial nervousness, he seemed to have found some comfort in jungwon’s presence. the quiet purring of the cat hybrid had worked wonders, creating a calm atmosphere that allowed sunghoon to relax a little more.

“ready to meet jake?” you asked, turning in your seat to look at sunghoon, who perked up at the sound of his name. his wide eyes held a mixture of excitement and anxiety. jungwon gave him a nudge with his head, as if silently reassuring him that everything would be fine.

you smiled, leaning back to give sunghoon a gentle pat on his soft head. “it’s okay, sunghoon. you’ll do great.” you felt his little body relax just slightly against you, as if taking comfort in your words.

jay parked the car and shot you a grin. “looks like jake’s here, and as energetic as always. i think he’ll be a good match for sunghoon. he’s got that playful energy but knows when to hold back.” jay opened the door, and you carefully lifted sunghoon from the backseat, cradling him in your arms. you could feel the nervous tension in his body, but there was also a flicker of curiosity that you knew would soon win out.

as you and jay stepped into the shelter, the familiar scent of the center greeted you—clean, but with the earthy undertone of animal fur and fresh linens. the staff welcomed you both with warm smiles, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, they led you toward jake’s enclosure.

the sound of playful barks filled the air, and you spotted jake immediately. the golden retriever hybrid was bouncing around, playing with a colorful toy, his tail wagging so hard it was a wonder it hadn’t knocked something over. when jay called out to him, jake’s ears perked up, and he bounded toward the glass wall, his eyes bright and full of excitement.

“hey, jake!” jay greeted him with a chuckle. “ready to meet some new friends?”

jake’s tail wagged faster, his enthusiasm contagious. as jay opened the enclosure door, jake trotted over, his eyes immediately locking onto sunghoon in your arms. the golden retriever hybrid’s energy was undeniable, but there was something else, too—a sense of understanding that was clear in the way he slowed his pace as he approached.

“this is jake,” jay said, gesturing toward the puppy hybrid. “and jake, this is sunghoon. he’s a little nervous, so take it easy.”

sunghoon tensed slightly in your arms as jake approached, his wide eyes fixed on the golden retriever. but jake, sensing the apprehension, slowed down and gently sniffed the air around sunghoon, his tail wagging in slow, cautious movements. sunghoon’s ears flicked nervously, but he didn’t pull away.

“it’s okay, sunghoon,” you said softly, stroking his fur. “jake’s just saying hi.”

jungwon, who had followed you into the room, sat down a short distance away, watching the interaction with interest. his soft purrs filled the air, as if to reassure his new friend. jake glanced at jungwon briefly before focusing back on sunghoon, his gaze soft and gentle despite the playful energy that radiated from him.

after a moment, sunghoon seemed to relax, just slightly. he took a hesitant sniff at the air around jake, his little nose twitching as he processed the new scent. the two hybrids stared at each other for a long, quiet moment before jake gave a small, friendly nudge with his nose. sunghoon tensed at the contact, but when he realized there was no threat, he let out a soft hum, edging a bit closer.

“looks like jake’s making a good impression,” jay said, watching the interaction with a satisfied smile.

you nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. “yeah, i think they’re going to be good for each other.”

but as you observed sunghoon’s growing comfort with jake, you couldn’t help but notice something else—a slight shift in sunghoon’s demeanor. though he was still hesitant, there was a glimmer of something in his eyes, a flicker of interest in jake that went beyond simple curiosity. sunghoon wasn’t just relaxing around the new hybrid; he seemed almost... drawn to him. it was subtle, but you knew sunghoon well enough to pick up on the change.

as jake playfully nudged sunghoon again, this time earning a small, tentative hop in return, you realized that sunghoon’s possessiveness, which you’d always felt toward you, was being redirected. he wasn’t just wary of jake—he was intrigued by him, fascinated in a way that made you wonder if sunghoon’s instincts were kicking in. the dynamic between the two hybrids was unfolding right before your eyes, and it was... adorable, in a way. jake, with his boundless energy, was slowly coaxing sunghoon out of his shell.

jungwon, meanwhile, sat back, purring softly, watching the interaction with a knowing look. it was as if he’d expected this all along.

the three hybrids were so absorbed in each other that you and jay turned your attention to the shelter staff, discussing the logistics of jake’s adoption. but as you spoke with the staff, one of them cleared her throat, her expression shifting from casual to slightly serious.

“jay,” she began, her tone quiet but concerned, “there’s something we need to discuss about jake’s behavior. nothing major, but it’s something we’ve noticed since his last check-up.”

jay’s eyebrows raised in concern, and you felt sunghoon shift slightly in your arms, as if he sensed the change in the atmosphere too.

“what’s wrong?” jay asked, his voice steady but clearly curious.

the staff member hesitated, glancing at jake, who was now lying down beside sunghoon, his tail still wagging gently. “well, jake’s heat cycles have been... more intense than we expected for a hybrid his age. he’s going to need some extra attention, especially when he’s in heat.”

you felt sunghoon’s body tense again, and you instinctively held him a little closer. his ears flicked back as if he were processing the new information, and you couldn’t help but wonder how this was going to affect his relationship with jake. sunghoon had always been a bit possessive, especially when it came to you, but now... there was something about jake that seemed to draw him in, and you weren’t sure how it would play out.

jay, ever the optimist, nodded thoughtfully. “okay. anything specific we need to know? how can we help him during those times?”

the staff member smiled, appreciating jay’s concern. “just make sure he’s comfortable. he tends to get a bit clingy, and he needs reassurance. it’s important not to leave him alone during those times.”

jay glanced over at jake, who was now snuggled up to sunghoon, his tail still wagging softly. “well, he’s certainly found some good company.”

you smiled, watching as sunghoon and jake seemed to settle into a quiet companionship. despite the initial nerves, it seemed that sunghoon had found a connection with jake, one that you hadn’t expected. the possessiveness was still there, but now it was tempered by something else—a growing bond between the two hybrids.

“looks like we’ve got a lot to look forward to,” you said softly, glancing at jay, who nodded in agreement.

and as you watched sunghoon nuzzle closer to jake, his initial hesitation melting away, you couldn’t help but feel that this was the beginning of something special.

“how old is jake?” jay asked, his voice curious as he watched the way jake seemed to easily draw sunghoon out of his nervous shell.

the staff member glanced at the two hybrids, a soft smile on her face as she responded. “jake is about three years old in hybrid terms, so that’s roughly the equivalent of a twenty-one-year-old human. he’s still quite young, but as you can see, he’s full of energy.”

jay let out a low whistle, nodding as he took in the information. “makes sense. he’s got that youthful energy about him.”

you glanced down at sunghoon, who was starting to relax even more now that jake had settled beside him. despite being a little older than jake, sunghoon had always been more reserved, and seeing him warm up to the golden retriever hybrid was like watching a quiet miracle unfold.

“and sunghoon?” jay asked, turning to you with a raised eyebrow. “how old’s he again?”

you smiled softly, giving sunghoon a gentle pat. “he’s about four years in hybrid terms, which makes him roughly around twenty-three.” you looked at sunghoon, who glanced up at you with wide, soft eyes, his little nose twitching as if he understood the conversation.

“ah, so he’s the older one here, huh?” jay teased with a grin. “no wonder he was a bit hesitant. probably didn’t want to look uncool in front of the younger hybrid.”

you chuckled, shaking your head. “sunghoon doesn’t need to worry about that. he’s cool in his own way.”

the playful banter brought a lightness to the moment, but as you looked back at the two hybrids, something else stirred in you. there was a growing connection between them, one that seemed to deepen with every small nuzzle and shared glance. sunghoon, who had always been a bit possessive of you, seemed to have found a balance now, with jake’s warmth and playful energy drawing him in.

jake, for his part, seemed to sense sunghoon’s need for comfort. though his natural exuberance was clear, he had toned it down for sunghoon’s sake, offering gentle nudges and soft, playful gestures that invited sunghoon to trust him. it was almost like jake understood sunghoon’s unspoken needs, and the way the two were starting to bond made your heart swell.

“looks like they’re getting along better than i expected,” you said, watching as jake stretched out beside sunghoon, his tail still wagging gently.

“yeah, it’s actually kind of cute,” jay added, leaning back with a satisfied smile. “they’re already acting like they’ve known each other for ages.”

but as you observed the scene, you couldn’t help but notice something else—a flicker of possessiveness in sunghoon’s eyes when jake shifted a bit too close to you. even though he was warming up to jake, that instinct to claim his space, his bond with you, was still there. it wasn’t aggressive, but it was subtle, like a quiet reminder that, no matter what, you were his person.

you held sunghoon a little closer, feeling his small body relax into yours. his possessiveness was something you had grown used to, and it wasn’t unwelcome. in fact, it was one of the things that made sunghoon... sunghoon.

but now, as he started to build this new bond with jake, you wondered if that dynamic was shifting. there was a softness in the way sunghoon interacted with jake, as if he was slowly learning that he didn’t need to be on guard all the time. jake was showing him that it was okay to share, to let others in.

“what do you think, sunghoon?” you murmured, gently scratching behind his ears. “you think you and jake are going to be friends?”

sunghoon gave a soft hum, his eyes closing slightly as he leaned into your touch. and while he didn’t say anything, you could feel it—the way his body relaxed, the way he no longer seemed tense in jake’s presence.

“i think that’s a yes,” jay said, grinning as he watched the two hybrids interact.

you laughed softly, nodding in agreement. “yeah, i think so too.”

as the conversation with the staff member continued, you found yourself glancing back at sunghoon and jake more often than not. the way they were starting to understand each other, to communicate in their own quiet way, was heartwarming. sunghoon’s possessiveness was still there, but now it felt... different. less about keeping others away and more about finding a balance between his bond with you and his growing friendship with jake.

“so, what’s the next step?” jay asked the staff member, shifting gears back to the adoption process.

the staff member smiled, handing over some papers. “well, once the paperwork is sorted, you’ll be able to take jake home. just keep in mind what i mentioned earlier about his heat cycles. it’ll take some time for him to adjust, but with sunghoon and jungwon around, i’m sure he’ll be just fine.”

you and jay exchanged a glance, a mixture of excitement and anticipation bubbling between you. this was the start of a new chapter, not just for jake, but for sunghoon as well. and as you looked at the two hybrids lying contentedly beside each other, you couldn’t help but feel that this was the beginning of something special.

“looks like we’ve got a lot to look forward to,” you said softly, echoing your earlier words with a smile.

jay nodded, his expression warm. “yeah, we really do.”

the staff member's words hung in the air, catching both you and jay off guard. "i'd suggest you consider living together or in close quarters," she said, her tone casual but pointed. “are you two a couple? just to make sure you can keep tabs on your hybrids.”

you blinked, exchanging a quick, surprised glance with jay, whose expression mirrored your own mix of shock and amusement. “uh, no,” jay replied, laughing lightly as he shook his head. “we’re not a couple.”

“definitely not,” you added, laughing as well, though you could feel sunghoon tense slightly in your arms. his ears flicked, his little nose twitching as he tried to process the conversation. you could almost feel his possessiveness creeping back in, like he didn’t quite enjoy the suggestion of you and jay being more than friends.

the staff member raised an eyebrow, clearly oblivious to the tension brewing between sunghoon and jake in their quiet, instinctual way. “oh, i see. well, it’s just something to consider, especially with how attached hybrids can get. being close by helps with bonding and keeping them comfortable.”

jay gave you a playful nudge. “i guess we could always rent a place together,” he teased, grinning as he looked down at sunghoon and jake. “just to make sure the boys get along, of course.”

“yeah, right,” you shot back, rolling your eyes but smiling. “because i’m sure sunghoon would love that.”

at your words, sunghoon gave a soft, almost indignant hum, his body pressing closer to you. his possessiveness was bubbling just beneath the surface again, especially with jake’s proximity. though he was warming up to the golden retriever hybrid, there was no mistaking his need to keep his bond with you clear. you were his person, and no one, not even jay, was going to challenge that.

jay chuckled, noticing sunghoon’s subtle reaction. “looks like someone’s not a fan of that idea.”

“yeah, i think he’s making his opinion pretty clear,” you said, unable to suppress a smile as you felt sunghoon relax slightly at your reassurance. jake, ever the carefree spirit, wagged his tail in the background, clearly oblivious to the subtle possessiveness playing out between the rabbit hybrid and his new friend.

“anyway,” the staff member said, breaking the moment with a professional tone, “just keep in mind that hybrids can form strong attachments, and living close to one another can help with socialization. it’s something to consider if they’re going to be spending a lot of time together.”

you nodded, glancing at jay with a more serious expression now. “we’ll figure something out,” you said, thinking about how sunghoon might handle the shift in dynamic once jake joined your little world.

as you headed toward the door, sunghoon nestled even closer into your arms, clearly staking his claim. but as you glanced back at jake, whose bright eyes were still fixed on sunghoon, you couldn’t help but wonder what this new chapter would bring.

there was something about jake that intrigued sunghoon, even if he didn’t fully realize it yet. and as you left the shelter, the playful energy between the two hybrids hinted at a friendship—or maybe something more—that was just beginning to unfold.

after jay finalized the paperwork for jake's adoption, the three of you made your way back to the car, with jake trotting happily beside jay and sunghoon nestled securely in your arms. the day had been eventful, and as you opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat, your mind wandered back to the staff member’s suggestion about living together. the idea had been a little... awkward, but it lingered in your mind now as you buckled in.

jay got into the driver’s seat with jake hopping up in the back, his tail wagging with excitement. sunghoon, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed now, resting his head against your chest, though his ears twitched from time to time, like he was still processing the idea of another hybrid in his space.

“so, that whole ‘living together’ thing,” you started, turning to jay with a raised eyebrow. “are we really going to just gloss over that? i mean, it was kind of weird, right?”

jay let out a laugh, starting the car as he shook his head. “yeah, that was definitely something. i mean, we’re not a couple, but i guess from the outside, it probably looked like it. spending so much time together with our hybrids and all.”

you rolled your eyes, a playful smile on your lips. “well, for the record, i think sunghoon would lose his mind if i shared space with you. he’s already protective enough.”

“yeah, i noticed,” jay teased, glancing at sunghoon nestled in your arms. “he’s been eyeing jake like he’s trying to figure out where to place him in the hierarchy.”

before you could respond, you felt a sudden shift in the backseat. jungwon, who had been lounging casually beside jake, was now moving toward you, his sleek, graceful form slinking across the seat until he climbed up onto your lap. his eyes locked onto yours, and for a moment, you froze, unsure of what he was trying to communicate.

“jungwon? what are you doing?” you asked, your voice tinged with confusion as he stared at you, his eyes intense, almost... human-like in their focus. his tail flicked lazily, and he seemed to study your face, as if contemplating something.

you glanced over at jay, who was watching the interaction with raised eyebrows. “uh, jay? is this... normal?”

“huh,” jay muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at jungwon. “i think... i think he’s trying to tell us he wants to shift. hybrids usually give off certain signals when they want to change into their human form.”

your heart skipped a beat, and you looked back at jungwon, his gaze still locked onto yours. is that what this is? you thought, feeling the weight of his stare. he blinked slowly, as if confirming jay’s theory, before hopping back to his seat beside jake.

but then you remembered something important—they’re naked when they transform.

“oh shit,” you blurted, your eyes going wide. “jay, if he shifts, he’s going to be—”

“naked, yeah,” jay interrupted, his eyes widening with realization as he scrambled for something in the back. “hold on, i’ve got a blanket somewhere.”

jungwon, clearly aware of the commotion he’d caused, let out an amused little purr, as if he was enjoying watching you and jay panic over his impending transformation. you could swear there was a hint of mischief in his eyes as he watched jay fumble for a blanket.

“seriously, jungwon, now?” you muttered under your breath, feeling the heat rise to your face as you glanced back at the cat hybrid.

just as jay finally pulled a blanket from the glove compartment and throwing it towards them.

and then it happened.

right before your eyes, jungwon began to shift. his sleek, feline body elongated, and his fur began to recede into smooth, tanned skin. every movement was fluid, deliberate, and with every stretch, his muscles flexed subtly, revealing a figure that was far more masculine than you had expected. his transformation was quick, and as his body took on its full human form, you couldn’t help but stare, utterly shocked by what you were seeing.

jungwon was gorgeous.

broad shoulders, toned muscles, and a tall, lean build. he moved with a grace that was almost inhuman, every muscle in his body perfectly defined, like someone who knew exactly how to control every inch of himself. his hair, still tousled from the transformation, gave him a wild, yet effortlessly cool look, falling over his forehead in soft waves. but it wasn’t just his physique that caught you off guard—it was his eyes.

those same cat-like, magnetic eyes. they hadn’t changed at all. even in his human form, they were still sharp, intense, and piercing in a way that made your breath hitch. they gleamed with a mix of curiosity and confidence, like he was perfectly aware of the effect he had on you, and he wasn’t about to shy away from it.

he stretched, his body moving with the same feline grace he had in his hybrid form, and as his muscles flexed subtly under his skin, you couldn’t tear your eyes away. his movements were mesmerizing, and despite his lean build, there was a raw power behind every subtle shift of his body. he seemed younger than sunghoon—maybe it was the mischievous spark in his eyes or the slight smirk on his lips—but there was no denying how masculine he was.

you felt your mouth go dry as you tried to process what was happening. jungwon was hot. impossibly hot.

“uh...” you stammered, still trying to find your words as your gaze flicked between his broad shoulders and those hypnotic, cat-like eyes. “jungwon?”

jay, who had been watching the whole thing from the driver’s seat, let out a low laugh, shaking his head as he glanced over at you. “told you so,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “i wasn’t overselling it. jungwon’s... well, he’s hot.”

jungwon, noticing your reaction, tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a playful smirk. “something wrong?” he asked, his voice low and smooth, as if he wasn’t fully aware of the effect his transformation had on you. but those gleaming eyes told you otherwise—he knew.

“n-no, nothing’s wrong,” you managed, feeling your cheeks heat up as you tried to look anywhere but at the way his muscles flexed whenever he moved. “just... didn’t expect that.”

jungwon chuckled softly, his smirk widening. “i get that a lot.”

he sat back, his body relaxed but still exuding that quiet, controlled strength. you tried to pull yourself together, but it wasn’t easy when he was just sitting there, looking like something straight out of a magazine. and god, those eyes—still sharp, still magnetic. no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t shake the feeling that he could see right through you with them.

“well, now you know,” jay said, still grinning as he glanced between you and jungwon. “jungwon may look young, but don’t let that fool you. he’s more than capable of keeping up with the rest of us.”

jungwon leaned forward slightly, his gaze still locked on you as he added, “glad i didn’t disappoint.”

before you could respond, jake suddenly barked happily from his spot in the backseat, his tail wagging furiously. in one excited leap, he jumped into jungwon’s lap, his energy practically radiating off him as he nuzzled his head into jungwon’s chest. jungwon let out a surprised laugh, his earlier intensity melting away as he instinctively wrapped an arm around jake, ruffling his tousled hair.

“easy, jake,” jungwon chuckled, his voice light as he tried to keep the overexcited golden retriever hybrid from toppling them both over. jake, however, seemed oblivious to everything except his desire to play, his tail still thumping wildly as he barked again, nudging his head against jungwon’s chin.

you couldn’t help but smile at the sight. despite jungwon’s usual calm, collected demeanor, it was impossible not to see the playful side of him come out as he tried to manage jake’s relentless affection. the dynamic between them was almost too cute—jake’s energetic, puppy-like excitement bouncing off jungwon’s cool exterior, which was now softened by the affectionate way he handled jake.

jungwon’s smirk softened into a genuine smile as he scratched behind jake’s ears, a fondness in his eyes that made you realize just how much warmth he carried beneath that smooth, confident surface.

you swallowed hard, nodding as you finally managed to tear your eyes away. “yeah... no disappointment here.”

jungwon glanced at you again, his expression softer now, the intensity fading from his eyes.

sunghoon, who had been quietly nestled in your arms, seemed to notice the shift in your reaction to jungwon. his ears twitched slightly, his soft fur brushing against your skin as if he could sense the quickening of your heartbeat. the way your breath hitched, the way your eyes lingered on jungwon’s perfectly toned figure—it didn’t go unnoticed by sunghoon. and the tiny, shy rabbit hybrid wasn’t sure what to make of it.

you felt sunghoon stir against you, his head lifting slightly as he peered over at jungwon, who was still lounging in the backseat with that smirk playing on his lips. there was curiosity in sunghoon’s gaze, but there was also something else—something possessive, like he was trying to figure out why you were so captivated by jungwon. it wasn’t jealousy exactly, but it was close enough.

without a word, sunghoon shifted in your arms, his little paws pushing against your chest as he hopped out of your lap and made his way to the backseat. you blinked in surprise, watching as sunghoon landed softly on jungwon’s lap, his tiny frame looking even smaller compared to jungwon’s broad, muscular form.

jungwon raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the sudden interaction. he leaned back, watching sunghoon with those cat-like eyes, a knowing smirk still tugging at the corner of his lips. "looks like he wants to transform too," jungwon remarked, his voice low and teasing, but there was no malice in it—just pure curiosity.

sunghoon, for his part, didn’t respond right away. instead, he stared at jungwon, his little nose twitching as if he were studying him, trying to figure out how someone like jungwon could be so... well, jungwon. it was a look of curiosity, but also determination. sunghoon wasn’t one to be outshined, not by jungwon or anyone else. and it was clear that being around the confident cat hybrid was pushing him out of his usual shell.

after a few seconds, sunghoon made his decision. with a soft hop, he shifted off jungwon’s lap and onto the seat beside him. then, just like before, his small, delicate frame began to change.

his body elongated, his soft fur giving way to smooth, pale skin, his small frame transforming into that of a young man. when it was over, sunghoon sat there, blinking up at you with wide eyes, his ears—still rabbit-like—twitching slightly in his human form. he was... beautiful, almost ethereal, his features delicate but striking.

“holy shit,” jay breathed from the front seat, quickly throwing the blanket over sunghoon to cover him. “you didn’t tell me he’d be this pretty.”

you blinked, taking in sunghoon’s transformation, your heart racing as you struggled to find words. god, he was gorgeous. his features were almost too perfect—his pale skin, the soft slope of his nose, his large, expressive eyes. it was like looking at a prince, or maybe something out of a dream, and you suddenly wondered if the fatigue and dry spell you’d been going through were messing with your mind.

sunghoon, meanwhile, gave you a shy, hesitant smile, his cheeks flushing a soft pink as he pulled the blanket tighter around himself. he seemed both proud and nervous, like he wasn’t quite sure how you’d react to seeing him like this.

jake barked, wagging his tail as he bounded closer to sunghoon, his excitement evident. jungwon, ever the calm observer, let out a low, approving purr, his tail flicking as he watched sunghoon with interest.

sunghoon, however, was far less composed. he was bundled up in the blanket, his ears—still twitching adorably even in human form—drooping slightly as he blushed furiously. “um... hi,” he said softly, his voice still shy, his eyes darting between you and jungwon.

jungwon glanced over at sunghoon, his lips curling into a small, teasing smile. “you okay there, sunghoon? first time shifting around people?”

sunghoon nodded, clutching the blanket tighter around his bare chest. “yeah, I just... I wasn’t sure how it’d feel.”

jungwon’s eyes glinted with amusement, but there was no malice in it—just that same mischievous, playful energy he always had. “you’ll get used to it. besides,” he added with a wink, “it’s kind of nice not being stuck in our animal forms all the time.”

jay let out a half-choked laugh from the front seat. “yeah, well, next time, warn us before you two decide to strip down in the car.”

jungwon rolled his eyes playfully. “where’s the fun in that, jay?”

meanwhile, sunghoon, still visibly flustered, peeked at jungwon from under his lashes, his face turning an even deeper shade of pink. “you... um...” he hesitated, biting his lip before blurting out, “you’re... really pretty.”

the car fell silent for a beat, jungwon’s eyebrows raising in surprise as a smirk slowly spread across his face. jay’s eyes went wide in the mirror, and you couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, the tension breaking in the most unexpected way.

jungwon’s smirk turned into a full grin, his sharp features softening slightly as he responded. “well, thanks, sunghoon. you’re not too bad yourself.”

sunghoon’s blush deepened, and he ducked his head, hiding his face in the blanket as if that would somehow make him disappear. you reached over, giving him a reassuring pat on the arm. “hey, it’s okay. no need to be embarrassed.”

before anyone could react, jake barked loudly, startling everyone in the car. “oh no,” you muttered, eyes widening as you watched jake’s body begin to elongate and morph into his human form.

jay yelped, his hands jerking on the steering wheel as he tried to keep control of the car. “whoa, jake! easy!” he shouted, his voice strained as the car swerved to the next lane.

jay, still trying to regain control of the car, glanced back in the rearview mirror, his expression torn between panic and disbelief. “oh, for the love of—jake, what the hell?! i’m driving here!”

his body grew taller, his broad, muscular frame emerging as his fur receded into his skin. it was a transformation that left you momentarily speechless—jake’s human form was nothing short of stunning. he was sculpted to perfection, every inch of him exuding masculine power. his chest and arms were toned and chiseled, like a man who’d spent every day of his life either surfing or working out. his wavy, slightly tousled hair framed his rugged, handsome face with an air of effortless charm, like a surfer dude who knew how to get all the women with just a smile.

and god, he looked like he knew it.

but jake, now fully transformed and sitting in the backseat without a stitch of clothing, simply grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “i just had to!” he exclaimed, his voice full of energy. he shifted forward eagerly, as if he couldn’t sit still, like the transformation had charged him with even more adrenaline.

jay, finally managing to pull the car over to the side of the road, turned around in his seat, looking both exasperated and amazed. “jake, what the hell, man?” he groaned, running a hand through his hair. “you could’ve warned us! we almost crashed.”

but jake, clearly too amped up to care, just flashed a mischievous grin. “sorry, sorry. i just... i didn’t want to be left out,” he admitted, his tone almost boyish in its excitement. his hair fell in messy waves over his forehead, giving him that signature rugged, carefree look that somehow made him even more attractive.

jungwon, ever the voice of reason, let out a long sigh, though you could see the faintest smirk on his lips. “jake, you nearly got us killed just because you wanted to join in?” he asked, his tone dry but with an edge of amusement. “couldn’t you have done it when quietly?”

jake shrugged, completely unbothered. “i didn’t want to miss out on the fun.” he leaned back, his muscular arms resting behind his head in an effortless pose that made his already striking physique look even more impressive. “besides, i wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

sunghoon, still bundled up in his blanket, stared wide-eyed at jake, his gaze darting from jake’s broad chest to his tanned skin, then back to you as if to ask, is this really happening?

you couldn’t help but laugh, though your cheeks were burning with embarrassment. “well, jake, next time, maybe give us a little warning before you go full... surfer dude in the backseat.”

jay, still holding the wheel, groaned and pressed a hand to his forehead. “seriously, jake. you scared the hell out of me. not to mention... you’re naked.”

jake glanced down at himself, seemingly noticing his lack of clothing for the first time, and then shrugged again, completely unfazed. “no big deal. we’ve got a blanket, right?” he said, grinning as he reached for the one sunghoon was using.

jungwon rolled his eyes but remained calm, even as he shifted back into a more comfortable position, though there was no real annoyance—more like mild exasperation mixed with amusement.

sunghoon, still flustered from the sudden transformation, whispered to you, “i didn’t know he was... like that.”

you glanced down at sunghoon, who was clearly trying not to stare at jake’s impressive form. “yeah, me neither,” you murmured, biting back a smile.

jake, however, seemed to sense sunghoon’s discomfort and gave him a playful nudge. “don’t worry, sunghoon. you’ll get used to it. i’m pretty fun to be around, you know.”

sunghoon blinked, clearly unsure of how to respond, but he managed a shy nod. “yeah... i guess so.”

jay, trying to process everything that had just happened, finally glanced back at jungwon with a bemused expression. “okay, i’ve got to ask... why did you decide to transform too? not that i’m complaining or anything, but what’s up with the timing?”

jungwon, never one to shy away from a bit of drama, stretched his arms behind his head, a grin playing on his lips. “well, you guys were talking about living together,” he said casually, as if he were merely commenting on the weather. “i figured i’d join the conversation, considering it directly affects me too.”

jay nearly choked on his own laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. “you transformed just so you could be part of that conversation?”

jungwon shrugged, his smirk never fading. “well, yeah. it’s a pretty important topic. can’t leave all the big decisions to the humans, can we?”

you couldn’t help but let out a laugh at jungwon’s smooth delivery, though the situation was still slightly awkward. “i guess he’s got a point,” you said, glancing at jay. “we’ve been talking about them like they aren’t right here. maybe it’s only fair.”

sunghoon, still wrapped tightly in his blanket, was watching the interaction with wide eyes, his cheeks flushed from both the transformation and the ongoing conversation. “so, uh... are we really gonna be... living together?” he asked softly, his gaze flicking nervously between you and jay.

jay, still grinning, leaned back in his seat. “well, the lady at the center did bring it up. and with the way jake, jungwon, and you seem to be bonding, it might make sense.”

jake, who had been quiet for a few moments, suddenly perked up at the mention of his name. his wavy, sun-kissed hair fell into his eyes as he leaned forward from his spot in the backseat, a wide grin spreading across his face. “wait, wait, is it really happening?” he asked, practically bouncing in his seat. “because I’m all for it!”

his energy was infectious, and you couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. jake had this way of bringing lightness into any conversation, his excitement so genuine that it made you feel like this living arrangement could actually work.

“of course you’d be into it,” jay teased, glancing at jake in the rearview mirror. “you probably just want someone to wrestle with all day.”

jake laughed, throwing his hands up in mock innocence. “well, yeah, that too! but seriously, I think it would be fun. we’re already getting along, right?” he said, glancing at jungwon and sunghoon with a hopeful look in his eyes.

sunghoon, who had been nervously biting his lip, gave a small nod. “i mean... i guess we are,” he admitted softly, his gaze flicking between you and jake. “it’s just a big step, you know?”

jungwon leaned back, clearly enjoying the conversation, his arms casually resting behind his head. “big step or not, it makes sense. you can’t leave hybrids like us on our own—we’re pack animals,” he added with a grin. “and besides, jake would probably tear the place apart if he didn’t have someone to keep him in check.”

jake let out a playful bark, crossing his arms as he leaned closer to jungwon. “oh, please. you wish you could keep up with me,” he teased, though his tone was lighthearted. “but for real, I think it’s a good idea. we’re already comfortable with each other, and living together would just make everything easier.”

you couldn’t help but glance between the three of them, their interactions now flowing naturally. jake’s carefree spirit, jungwon’s smooth confidence, and sunghoon’s quiet thoughtfulness—it all seemed to balance out, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together.

“so, what do you think?” jay asked, turning his attention to you. “they seem pretty on board with the idea.”

you took a deep breath, considering everything. “i mean... i’m not against it,” you said, your voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling in your chest. “but we’d have to set some boundaries, you know? we can’t just jump into this without a plan.”

“boundaries? sure, sure,” jake said, nodding enthusiastically. “but seriously, it’d be fun. i promise to keep things lively.”

jungwon raised an eyebrow at jake. “lively? more like chaotic. but... you do make a good point.”

sunghoon, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his voice soft but firm. “if we do this... we’ll have to take care of each other, right?” he asked, glancing between you and jay, his gaze steady. “i don’t want to be a burden.” your heart swelled as sunghoon spoke, his voice soft but gaining confidence with every word. it was such a big moment for him, learning to express himself around others, and the way he glanced between you and jay with such earnestness made your chest tighten with affection. you couldn’t wipe the smile off your face even if you tried. it was like watching him come out of his shell, slowly but surely, and it made you proud in a way you hadn’t expected.

you caught jay’s eye, and he was already looking at you, his expression mirroring yours. a knowing, affectionate look passed between the two of you—an unspoken acknowledgment of how far sunghoon had come since that first shy encounter. jay raised an eyebrow slightly, smirking as if to say see? he’s growing.

“so, sunghoon,” jay starts, glancing at the rearview mirror with a teasing smirk, “i know you’re kind of possessive over y/n, would you want to live with us?”

sunghoon’s ears twitched slightly, and his eyes widened as he shot a nervous glance toward you, his cheeks immediately flushing. “i... i’m not possessive,” he mumbled, though the way he fidgeted in his seat told a different story. his gaze flickered to jay, then to you, and finally settled on his hands, which were clenching the blanket he’d wrapped around himself earlier.

jake let out a laugh from the backseat, leaning forward with a playful grin. “come on, sunghoon, you know we’re just messing with you. but seriously, would you? live with us?”

sunghoon was quiet for a moment, his eyes still on his lap as if he was thinking it over. the teasing had clearly flustered him, but beneath it all, something deeper seemed to stir. you could feel the tension in the air shift as he finally took a deep breath and lifted his head.

“i like the idea,” he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “i like being around you guys... more than I probably show.” his eyes darted to jake and jungwon, and for the first time, there was a hint of something vulnerable there. “but... i don’t really know how to say it.”

jungwon, who had been watching the entire interaction with his usual calm, raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly, his voice low and gentle. “you don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for, sunghoon. it’s just us here.”

sunghoon nodded, taking another shaky breath before speaking again. “it’s just... i’ve never really had this before. people to care about, people who... actually like me back.” his words came out haltingly, as if he wasn’t used to expressing his emotions so openly. “i didn’t think I’d like the idea of living with others, but now...”

his voice trailed off, and he glanced toward you, his expression softening in a way that made your heart ache. “i like jake and jungwon, even if I don’t always show it. they’re... good to me. i feel safe with them.”

jake’s grin softened into something more genuine, and he leaned back, giving sunghoon an encouraging nod. “that’s because we like having you around, sunghoon. you don’t have to worry about showing it or not.”

“yeah,” jungwon added, his cat-like eyes locking onto sunghoon’s. “you’re part of this too. you belong with us.”

sunghoon swallowed, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke again. “but... i also want to make sure i have y/n.” his eyes met yours, and there was an intensity there that you hadn’t seen before. it wasn’t just possessiveness—it was deeper, rawer. “you’re the one who took me in, who made me feel like i had a home. i don’t want to lose that. i don’t want to lose you.”

the sincerity in his voice hit you hard, and you felt your chest tighten at the weight of his words. this wasn’t just about living together or sharing space—it was about trust, about the bonds that were forming between all of you. sunghoon wasn’t just protective; he was scared. scared that he’d lose the one thing he had clung to for so long.

“you’re not going to lose me, sunghoon,” you said softly, reaching out to touch his hand. his skin was warm under your fingers, and he looked up at you with wide, hopeful eyes. “i’m always going to be here for you. no matter what.”

sunghoon’s shoulders seemed to relax, a quiet sigh escaping him as he squeezed your hand gently.

"but isn’t this all happening too fast?” you say to jay, a laugh escaping your lips, as you try to process the bizarre situation. the weight of everything hits you—the idea of living together with three hybrids, the emotional confessions, sunghoon’s intensity, and jake’s boundless energy. it’s all happening so quickly, and you can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed.

jay, keeping one hand on the wheel, shoots you a smirk from the driver’s seat, clearly amused by your reaction. “fast? maybe. but when have things ever gone at a normal pace for us?” he chuckles, shaking his head. “honestly, i’m just rolling with it at this point.”

you glance back at the hybrids. jake is still grinning like a puppy, his energy practically bouncing off the car walls. jungwon, calm as ever, is lounging with that knowing smirk on his face, while sunghoon—quiet, shy sunghoon—sits closer to you than before, his gaze flicking between you and the others as if still processing his own emotions.

“it’s... definitely a lot to take in,” you admit, rubbing the back of your neck. “i mean, one minute we’re talking about living arrangements, and the next, sunghoon’s practically confessing that he wants to be by my side forever.” you laugh, though there’s a nervous edge to it. “it’s a bit overwhelming.”

jay chuckles again, this time more softly, understanding the weight of your words. “i get it. but, y/n, look at them,” he gestures to the backseat, where the three hybrids are sitting. “they’re not just pets, you know? they’re real, living beings with emotions, instincts... and yeah, sometimes those instincts come on fast and strong.” he gives you a knowing look. “but they care about you. all of them. maybe that’s why it feels like it’s moving fast.”

you nod, biting your lip as you think it over. jay’s right. jake, jungwon, and sunghoon aren’t just hybrids—they’re forming connections, bonds that run deeper than you’d expected. even though things seem to be moving quickly, it’s clear that the emotions behind it all are genuine.

jake suddenly barks playfully from the backseat, cutting through the moment. “hey, fast or slow, i’m in!” he grins, leaning forward with excitement. “this is gonna be fun!”

jungwon rolls his eyes but smiles, his voice cool and teasing. “leave it to jake to simplify everything.”

sunghoon, still sitting quietly beside you, looks up and adds softly, “it might be fast, but... it feels right.” he blushes, glancing away after he says it, but there’s no denying the sincerity in his words.

you can’t help but smile at his honesty, your heart warming despite the chaos. “yeah... i guess it does feel right, doesn’t it?”

jay lets out a soft laugh, glancing at you again. “so, maybe it’s not about speed. maybe it’s just about... letting things happen the way they’re supposed to.”

you sigh, leaning back into your seat, your smile growing wider. “i guess you’re right. it’s just... wild to think about how much things have changed.”

“also, you’re the ones having to make the adjustments,” jay said, shooting you a playful grin. “my place is big enough for everyone.”

you raised an eyebrow, laughing at the sudden shift in conversation. “oh, is that right? are you just offering up your place now?”

“yup,” jay said confidently, glancing over at you. “i’ve got the space. besides, think about it—less hassle for you, no need to rearrange your life completely. and i’m already used to having hybrids around.”

jake, immediately catching onto the idea, perked up. “wait, seriously? we’d all stay at your place?” he practically bounced in his seat, the excitement in his voice evident. “that sounds awesome! your place is huge!”

jungwon, his usual calm self, nodded in agreement. “yeah, i’ve been there. plenty of space for all of us.”

you felt sunghoon tense beside you, clearly processing the thought of moving into jay’s place. his eyes flicked toward you, as if silently asking for reassurance. you gave him a gentle nudge with your elbow, offering him a soft smile. “sunghoon, what do you think?”

he hesitated for a moment, chewing on his bottom lip as he considered the idea. “i mean... if everyone else is okay with it,” he said quietly, though there was still that subtle hint of possessiveness lingering in his voice. “i just want to make sure... it’s still us, you know?”

you understood what he meant—he didn’t want to lose the closeness, the bond you two had built. moving into jay’s place with everyone would definitely change the dynamic, but you knew it wouldn’t change how you felt about him.

“it’ll still be us,” you assured him gently, your hand brushing against his. “we’re all in this together.”

sunghoon’s eyes softened, and he nodded, though his grip on the blanket tightened just a bit. “okay,” he whispered, his voice still unsure but trusting.

jay glanced in the rearview mirror, smirking. “see? problem solved. my place is big enough, and we won’t have to turn y/n’s life upside down. plus, i’ve got a yard.”

“oh, now you’re just bragging,” you teased, shaking your head. “but fine, if it’s easier for everyone, i guess we’ll take over your place.”

jake fist-pumped the air in excitement. “yes! this is gonna be great!”

jungwon leaned back, his smirk widening. “it’s settled then. we’ll all move in.”

sunghoon, still holding onto his usual shyness, glanced at you, his voice soft but carrying a small smile. “as long as we’re together.”

you squeezed his hand gently. “always.”

moving in with jay felt surreal. in the six years you had known him—ever since high school—it was crazy to think that things had reached this point. you’d never expected to be living under the same roof again, and this time, with three hybrids who had quickly become a huge part of your life. but here you were, standing in the middle of jay’s massive house, boxes scattered around as you tried to process how much had changed in such a short time.

the transition was smoother than expected, though. after all, jay’s place was spacious, with plenty of room for everyone. there were areas where the hybrids could be themselves, without feeling cramped or restricted. but despite the adjustment to living together, the hybrids seemed to thrive in their new environment.

sunghoon, who had once been shy and hesitant, was no longer the timid rabbit he used to be. in fact, he and jake were practically attached at the hip these days, always finding something to do together. whether it was running around in the yard, roughhousing like puppies, or simply hanging out and talking, the bond they formed was undeniable. sunghoon had grown so much—his confidence bloomed in ways that made you smile every time you saw him. his laughter came easier, and the way he interacted with jake was playful and relaxed, as if his old insecurities had faded away completely.

“hey, y/n! look what sunghoon taught me!” jake called out one afternoon, grinning as he bounded into the living room with sunghoon trailing right behind him. the two of them looked like excited children, eyes gleaming with mischief.

sunghoon laughed, shaking his head. “it’s not that impressive, jake.”

“come on, it’s awesome!” jake insisted, practically bouncing on his toes.

you watched them with a fond smile. they were always like this now—happy, teasing, full of energy. it was heartwarming to see sunghoon so comfortable, especially considering how shy he had been when you first met him.

meanwhile, jungwon was... well, jungwon. he maintained his cool, laid-back demeanor, never letting anything ruffle his feathers—or fur. he was often the calm in the storm, just chilling out in his favorite spot, usually by the large window that overlooked the garden. the others naturally gravitated toward him when they needed to relax, though jungwon, being a cat hybrid, definitely valued his alone time.

but even jungwon had adapted well to the new dynamic. he liked it—having more company around besides just jay. “it’s not so bad,” jungwon had once said, stretching lazily across the couch while sunghoon and jake wrestled playfully nearby. “better than it being just me and jay all the time. it’s... fun.”

and if there was anything that had really changed, it was the fact that all three hybrids now preferred their human forms most of the time. at first, they had stuck to their animal forms out of habit or comfort, but gradually, they seemed to embrace their human sides more. jungwon, for instance, liked the freedom it gave him—being able to stretch his legs and move around without the restrictions of his smaller form. sunghoon, too, had come to enjoy the confidence that his human form offered. and jake? well, jake just loved the energy and fun that came with being human, always up for a new adventure.

“so... this is it, huh?” jay said one night, as you both sat in the living room after the hybrids had finally crashed for the evening. “we’re all living together, like some weird hybrid-human family.”

you laughed, shaking your head at how ridiculous but true it all was. “yeah, it’s crazy. i never would’ve thought this is where we’d end up. but it’s... nice.”

“nice?” jay grinned, leaning back on the couch. “it’s wild, y/n. but yeah, i get it. it’s good.”

and it was good. everything had fallen into place in a way that felt almost too perfect. the hybrids had settled into their new home, and the connections between all of you had deepened. there were still occasional moments of chaos—like when jake would accidentally knock something over with his boundless energy, or when jungwon would disappear for hours to enjoy some alone time—but those moments only made life more lively, more real.

sunghoon had grown into someone who wasn’t just attached to you anymore—he had friends, people he trusted, and he was learning to share that trust with jake and jungwon. but despite the new bonds forming around him, one thing hadn’t changed: sunghoon still looked at you the same way he always had. with that quiet, steady affection that made you feel like, no matter what, you’d always be his.

life wasn’t perfect, but it was good. and with this unusual, yet wonderful group of hybrids and humans by your side, you knew things were only going to get better from here.

for months, things had gone smoothly, with the group settling into a routine that felt almost natural. but there was something you'd started to notice. jake had already gone through his heat cycle once, and when that happened, he was handled by the center—given a space for it to pass until he could return home. you’d expected sunghoon to experience the same at some point, but strangely enough, there hadn’t been any signs. nothing at all.

it wasn’t like you were eager for him to go through something as intense as a heat cycle, but the fact that it hadn’t happened yet made you curious. maybe even a little concerned. so, one day while lounging on the couch, your laptop balanced on your knees, and jay typing away beside you, you decided to ask.

“sunghoon?” you started, glancing over at him as he sat near the window, flipping through a book but clearly lost in thought. he looked up at you, his soft eyes locking onto yours.

“yeah?” he replied, his voice quiet, as usual.

you hesitated for a moment, trying to phrase your question carefully. “do rabbits go into heat? i mean, i know hybrids do, but… well, you haven’t shown any signs.”

jay, sitting beside you, stopped typing for a moment, his interest clearly piqued by the question. he glanced over at sunghoon too, raising an eyebrow as if wondering the same thing.

sunghoon’s expression changed slightly. he looked a little flustered, his cheeks tinging with pink as he shifted in his seat. “uh… yeah, we do,” he mumbled, glancing away from your curious stare. “it’s just… different.”

you tilted your head, curiosity deepening. “different how?”

sunghoon fidgeted slightly, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of red as he avoided your gaze. “well… rabbit hybrids do go into heat, but it’s different. it’s… uh, more intense when it happens.”

you glanced over at him, watching the way he shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation. there was something about the way he looked so flustered that made your stomach twist—something you weren’t sure you should be noticing. you leaned in slightly, sensing that there was more to this than he was letting on. “what do you mean by intense?”

sunghoon swallowed hard, his voice quiet but steady. “once we hit a certain age... around a year old, we can mate more frequently. like, every few days.” he hesitated, fingers tightening on the book he was clutching. “for some of us, after that, it’s common to want to mate with multiple partners in a short period—like, four to six in a week.”

“holy shit, in a week?” jay’s voice cut through the growing tension, his eyes wide in disbelief as he leaned forward in his chair. “four to six? that’s insane.”

sunghoon’s face flushed even darker, clearly uncomfortable, but he nodded. “yeah... it’s a lot.”

you could feel the air thickening around you, the weight of sunghoon’s words making your pulse quicken. four to six times in a week?

your mouth went dry at the thought, heat rising in your chest as you struggled to shake the mental image. “so... what happens when it hits?”

sunghoon hesitated again, clearly uncomfortable with where the conversation was going, but he forced himself to continue. “it’s... it’s hard to control. when it happens, it’s like this overwhelming need. most rabbit hybrids, they... they mate with multiple partners to deal with it. but...” he trailed off, biting his lip as he glanced at you briefly, before quickly looking away again. “but i don’t want that.”

“you don’t?” you asked, voice soft, the heat between you almost palpable. you didn’t miss the way he kept avoiding your gaze, his body rigid with tension.

sunghoon shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “no. i don’t want anyone else. just... one person.”

your breath caught in your throat, your pulse racing as the weight of his words sank in. just one person. it didn’t take much to realize who that one person was. your heart pounded in your chest, the realization hitting you hard. the air around you felt thick, heavy, and suddenly you couldn’t look away from him, the quiet intensity in his voice making it impossible to ignore.

jay, sensing the shift in the room, raised an eyebrow and glanced between the two of you, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “so you’re saying, when you go into heat, you’d only want to be with y/n?”

sunghoon’s eyes met yours for a brief moment before he looked away again, his voice barely a whisper. “yeah.”

the heat between you intensified, and you felt your face flush as your mind raced. this was more than you were expecting, more than you could even process in that moment. but the way sunghoon was looking at you—the quiet, almost desperate need in his voice—it made your heart race. this wasn’t just about instinct. it was about something deeper, something raw and undeniable.

jay let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “damn, man…. and you’ve been dealing with this all on your own?”

sunghoon nodded, his face still flushed. “i didn’t want to make things weird. i didn’t want to... push anything on her.”

you swallowed hard, your mouth dry as the tension between you grew thicker. he’d been holding back all this time, dealing with it on his own? “so... when you’ve gone into heat, you’ve just been... handling it yourself?”

sunghoon’s eyes flickered with something dark, something raw, and for the first time, his voice wavered as he answered. “yeah. i didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, and i don’t want to... hurt you.”

jay raised an eyebrow at sunghoon’s tone, clearly noticing the shift as much as you had. “hurt her? what do you mean?”

sunghoon’s jaw tightened, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of the blanket. “if i... if i let go during heat, i wouldn’t be able to hold back. it would be too much. i would be too much.”

your breath hitched at his words, your heart racing. too much?

the tension in the room was thick, almost suffocating now, and you could feel the intensity in sunghoon’s gaze as he finally looked at you, something dangerous flickering behind his eyes.

“sunghoon,” you whispered, barely able to form the words, “what do you mean by too much?”

he hesitated, his eyes darting between you and jay, before he finally spoke. “i could wreck you.”

the words hung heavy in the air, and the second they left his mouth, jay’s eyes widened in shock. “whoa, man,” he muttered, sitting up straighter in his chair, clearly caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. “that’s... i did not expect this conversation to get to this point.”

you felt a shiver run down your spine, your body reacting to the sheer weight of sunghoon’s words.

wreck you.

the thought sent a wave of heat through you, making your pulse quicken. there was no denying it now—the tension, the attraction, the raw need in sunghoon’s voice.

jay let out a nervous laugh, trying to ease the tension. “shit, man, you’re not holding back, are you?”

sunghoon shook his head, his gaze steady, his voice low and serious. “i’m not trying to scare you,” he said, his eyes locking onto yours again, “but when it hits, it’s like nothing else and i don’t think i could stop once i start.”

your heart pounded in your chest, your mind racing as you processed everything he was saying. the way he was talking, the way he looked at you—it wasn’t just desire, it was something primal, something instinctual. and the fact that he’d been holding this back for so long, just for your sake...

sunghoon sighed shakily, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. “sorry, y/n,” he muttered, his voice low and hoarse. “i think i’m gonna go hang with jake for a bit.” the way he said it felt like he was pulling away, trying to create some distance between the two of you after laying so much out in the open.

you watched him, the intensity of what he’d just said still lingering in the room. wreck you.

his words played on repeat in your mind, sending a hot rush through your body that you couldn’t shake.

jay cleared his throat, his eyes still wide, processing what sunghoon had just said. “yeah, uh… good call, man,” he muttered, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. “maybe… maybe that’s a good idea.”

sunghoon stood up slowly, the blanket still wrapped around him, and you could see the way his shoulders were tense, the weight of everything he’d just admitted bearing down on him. he shot you one last look before walking out, leaving the room feeling emptier than before.

for a moment, the silence between you and jay stretched out, thick and awkward. you were still trying to process everything that had just happened, your mind racing in a thousand different directions.

“well… that escalated quickly,” jay said, finally breaking the silence with a nervous chuckle, glancing at you with wide eyes. “i didn’t see that coming.”

you decided to ignore jay’s comment and quietly made your way to the kitchen, your mind still reeling from the conversation with sunghoon. the tension hadn’t left your body; it simmered just under your skin, his words—wreck you—echoing in your mind, over and over again, sending a hot, embarrassing pulse through your veins. fuck, why was this affecting you so much? it wasn’t like sunghoon hadn’t been close before, but now… this? there was no denying it anymore. the air between you had shifted in a way you couldn’t shake.

you gripped the edge of the counter, trying to steady your breath, but the thoughts kept coming—sunghoon’s quiet, steady voice, the intensity in his eyes, the way his words made you feel like something deep inside you had been set on fire. he could wreck you. the thought sent another heat wave rushing through you, making you feel unsteady. was it wrong that you were even thinking about it? you knew it had been because he had no one but you before. when you found him, he was so broken, so timid. he clung to you out of necessity, and at first, you didn’t really think he meant anything by it. he needed comfort, a sense of safety, and you were that for him. it was natural, given everything he’d been through. so when he started saying things, dropping little hints about wanting more, you chalked it up to attachment. a need for connection.

but now... now it felt different. he could wreck you. the way he said it, the intensity in his eyes—it didn’t feel like some desperate plea for affection. it felt real, like something he’d been holding back, something he was barely managing to control.

you didn’t really think he meant what he said back then before when you had just found out he was a hybrid. when he said he wanted more with you. not at first. not when he had no one but you. how could he know what he wanted? you were just the one who saved him, right? but the more you thought about it, the more you realized that maybe... maybe he did mean it. and maybe he had for a while.

the sound of footsteps pulled you from your spiraling thoughts, and without turning, you knew it was jay. of course it was jay. you could feel the weight of his presence as he stopped in the doorway, and you knew he wasn’t going to let this go.

“so you’re just gonna ignore me, huh?” he teased, but his tone was serious enough to let you know he was pressing the issue.

you let out a breath and glanced over your shoulder. “what’s up, jay?” you asked, pretending like you didn’t know where this was headed.

jay glanced around the kitchen, making sure no one else was nearby, before stepping in closer. his smirk was familiar, the one that always said he knew more than he let on. “we gotta talk about sunghoon,” he said, leaning against the counter.

your stomach tightened at the mention of sunghoon, the tension immediately returning. you hadn’t expected that. “what about him?” you asked, trying to sound casual, but your voice came out more clipped than you intended.

jay chuckled softly, crossing his arms. “come on, y/n. don’t play dumb with me. he basically just told you he wants to fuck your brains out, and you’re acting like it’s nothing?”

your heart skipped a beat at jay’s blunt words, and your pulse quickened. fuck, why did he have to be so direct? you shifted uncomfortably, pretending to focus on the glass of water in your hands, but the tension between you and sunghoon had been undeniable for weeks now. you’d chalked it up to his past, to him just being attached after you gave him a home, but now… this?

“he’s just… attached,” you said, though even you could hear how weak the words sounded. “you know, after everything he’s been through.”

jay rolled his eyes, clearly not buying any of it. “bullshit,” he said bluntly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “y/n, come on. he’s into you. and not in some cute, innocent way. he wants you.”

you swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise up your neck. you couldn’t deny it anymore. the way sunghoon had been acting around you—the lingering touches, the way he looked at you like you were the only person in the room. and fuck if it wasn’t making you think things you hadn’t allowed yourself to think before.

“i... i don’t know,” you muttered, your voice weak as you avoided jay’s gaze. “he’s never really said anything.”

jay snorted, leaning in a little closer. “he doesn’t have to say it. the guy’s practically panting around you. it’s written all over his face. and don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way he touches you, the way he looks at you. he’s possessive as fuck.”

your face flushed at jay’s words, your body reacting in ways you weren’t proud of. “he’s just protective,” you said defensively, though even you weren’t convinced by your own argument.

jay raised an eyebrow. “protective? sure, but it’s more than that. he’s jealous. and i’m pretty damn sure he’d be all over you if you gave him the chance.”

your breath caught in your throat, the thought sending a jolt of heat through you. would he really? the idea of sunghoon, usually so soft and shy, being possessive, intense—fuck, it was hard to ignore how much that stirred something inside you. something you didn’t want to admit. a nervous laugh escaped your lips, though it didn’t do much to ease the tension. “you’re really going there, huh?”

jay leaned back, his smirk widening as he watched your reaction. “oh, i’m going there. and let’s be real, does he make you wet?”

“what the fuck, jay?” you shot back, though the heat in your voice betrayed how flustered you actually were. “are you seriously asking me that?”

jay shrugged, completely unfazed. “just saying what everyone’s thinking. it’s clear as day he’s into you. and honestly, it’s not that weird.”

you blinked at him, thrown off by his sudden change of tone. “what do you mean it’s not weird?”

jay gave you a look like you’d just said something insane. “are you serious? y/n, people literally choose hybrids for this exact reason. companionship, partnership… whatever you want to call it. hell, some women prefer hybrids because of how loyal they are, how connected they feel. it’s not some taboo thing.”

“wait... really?” you asked, your voice soft, genuinely surprised.

jay nodded, looking almost amused by your surprise. “yeah. i mean, i’m not into jungwon or jake or anything,” he added quickly, shooting you a look, “but it’s normal. hybrids aren’t pets, y/n. they’re... like us. emotionally, physically. some people prefer it.”

you stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. “but... isn’t it still a little strange? i mean, sunghoon... he’s still him. and we’re...”

“and you’re human? sure,” jay said, cutting you off. “but that doesn’t change the fact that sunghoon’s got feelings for you. real feelings. and judging by the way you’ve been reacting, i’d say you’ve been thinking about it too.”

your heart pounded as you stared down at the glass in your hands, his words hitting way too close to home. the truth was, you had been thinking about it. more than you wanted to admit. the way sunghoon looked at you, the way he touched you, the quiet intensity behind his gaze—it was hard to ignore.

you shot jay a glare, but there was no real heat behind it. “you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“a little,” jay admitted with a grin. “but mostly, i just want you to realize it’s not weird. it’s not some scandal. it’s just life. hybrids are loyal as hell, and you don’t have to worry about them running off with someone else.”

you bit your lip, feeling conflicted, but his words were sinking in. maybe it wasn’t weird. maybe it was just... something you hadn’t allowed yourself to think about before.

“so... you promise you really don’t think it’s weird?” you asked again, your voice softer now, still needing reassurance.

jay chuckled, softer this time. “not even a little. if anything, it’s kinda sweet. sunghoon cares about you. a lot. and you’ve been dry for months, y/n. don’t lie.”

“fuck you,” you muttered, still grinning, raising the glass of water to your lips as if it would cool the heat that had been building inside you. the conversation with jay was doing something to you, something you weren’t ready to admit out loud. but then, jay had to go and ruin it, like always.

“damn, jake wouldn’t be happy if you and sunghoon end up fucking,” he said, his tone way too casual for the bomb he just dropped.

you nearly choked, coughing into your glass, your throat burning. “what?”

jay leaned back against the counter, looking far too pleased with himself, arms crossed like he had all the time in the world. “you remember when jake went into heat?”

you frowned, your brain trying to catch up with where this conversation was going. “yeah, how could i forget? he wouldn’t leave me alone, and we had to take him to the center to calm down.”

jay’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and there was something in his tone that made your stomach twist in anticipation. “yeah, about that. there’s something you didn’t know.”

your heart skipped a beat, nervous curiosity flaring up. what now?

“what are you talking about?”

jay chuckled, the sound conspiratorial, like he was letting you in on some big secret. “when we took him to the center, they tried to get him to mate with other hybrids, you know, to ease his heat. standard procedure.”

“okay... and?” you prompted, feeling a strange knot forming in your stomach.

jay’s grin widened. “and jake refused.”

your eyes widened in shock. “what do you mean refused?”

“he wouldn’t go near any of the other hybrids,” jay continued, enjoying every second of your reaction. “they brought in a few different options, but he didn’t want any of them. he only wanted you.”

your breath hitched, your heart pounding in your chest as the weight of his words sank in. “wait, what? are you serious?”

jay nodded, his grin still plastered on his face. “yep. they tried everything. he was fixated on you. wouldn’t even consider mating with anyone else. so they had to let his heat pass naturally.”

you stared at him, the memory of jake’s heat flashing in your mind. the way he had followed you around, the way his touch lingered just a little too long, the heat in his eyes whenever he looked at you. “but... why didn’t anyone tell me?”

jay shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “probably didn’t want to freak you out. figured it was easier to just let it pass without making it a whole thing.”

you swallowed hard, your mind spinning. jake wanted you? the thought was almost too much to process. and yet, it made sense—the way he’d been around you, so close, so needy. “so... jake was basically...”

“into you,” jay finished for you, his smirk widening. “yeah, pretty much. that’s why he was all over you. his instincts were screaming that you were the one he wanted.”

your face flushed, the heat from earlier now rushing back tenfold, settling low in your belly as you tried to process what jay was telling you. “but we took him to the center,” you mumbled, your voice weaker than you intended.

“doesn’t change the fact that jake’s feelings didn’t just disappear,” jay pointed out, completely unfazed. “they’re still there. sure, he’s not as obvious as sunghoon, but trust me, the guy’s got it bad for you.”

you stood there, your mind reeling, feeling like everything had shifted all over again. jake and sunghoon? the thought of both of them wanting you like that sent a shiver down your spine.

“what if this screws up their friendship?” you blurted out, the words tumbling out before you could stop them.

jay raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening slightly. “honestly? i think they’d work it out. they’re close, but hybrids are wired differently. when it comes to someone they want, they just figure shit out.”

“figure shit out?” you repeated, feeling a little out of your depth.

“yeah,” jay said, his tone more serious now. “look, sunghoon’s possessive as hell, but he’s not blind. he knows jake’s into you. hell, they probably both know.”

your mind flashed to the way sunghoon had looked at you earlier, the intensity in his gaze when he said he could wreck you.

jay leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. “and you? how do you feel about all of this?”

you hesitated, biting your lip as you tried to sort through your swirling emotions. how did you feel?

you weren’t sure. the heat in the air was overwhelming, and the idea that both sunghoon and jake had been harboring these feelings for you... it made your heart race in a way you hadn’t expected. but there was something else too—a desire you hadn’t wanted to admit. you wanted them.

“fuck, jay... this is a lot,” you finally said, running a hand through your hair, feeling your skin flush under his gaze.

jay just smirked. “yeah, but it’s not like you haven’t been thinking about it, right? you’d be lying if you said you weren’t tempted.”

your silence said everything he needed to know.

“thought so,” he said, grinning as he pushed off the counter. “well, good luck with all that. i’m sure you’ll figure it out. just... try not to let it get too weird, alright?”

you shot him a look, but deep down, you knew he was right. you had been thinking about it, and now, you couldn’t stop.

sunghoon stepped into the living room, still feeling the weight of his confession with you pressing down on him like a boulder. the tension in his chest hadn’t loosened—it only tightened the longer he replayed the conversation in his head. jake, lounging on the couch with one arm thrown lazily over the back, perked up the moment he noticed sunghoon’s mood.

“hey,” jake greeted, though there was an underlying curiosity in his voice that didn’t match his casual tone.

sunghoon gave a small nod and sat down at the other end of the couch, leaving a noticeable distance between them. the silence was thick, the kind that hung in the air before something heavy dropped.

after a beat, jake leaned back, giving sunghoon a knowing smirk. “so... you gonna tell me what happened, or are you just gonna sit there sulking?”

sunghoon let out a deep breath, rubbing his face with his hands. “fuck, man. it’s the heat. it’s messing with my head.”

jake straightened up slightly, his expression sharpening. “so... you told her?”

"told her that i'd wreck her if i lost control." sunghoon’s voice was hoarse, and jake’s eyes widened slightly before a laugh broke through his lips.

"you really said that?"

"yeah. not exactly my smoothest moment."

jake chuckled but kept his eyes on sunghoon. "so how'd she take it?"

sunghoon leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling. "she didn’t freak out... but it was awkward. i’ve tried to tell her about the heat before, but i always chickened out. this time... i couldn’t hold back, but it was only because she was the one who asked about it."

he let out another sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to release the pressure. “and then fucking jay had to ask me if i only wanted her. like, what the hell was i supposed to say? i wasn’t gonna fucking lie about it.”

jake nodded, the smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “and you didn’t, huh?”

sunghoon shook his head, his voice quieter now. “nah, i told him. told him it’s only her. that’s it.”

jake smirked, nudging sunghoon’s leg with his foot. “so what now? you gonna keep holding out or are you finally gonna do something?”

sunghoon looked at jake, his gaze steady. "i’m not just gonna lose control and ruin things. but you already know that."

jake leaned back with a shrug. “sure, man. i get that. but you’re not the only one struggling with it.”

sunghoon’s eyes flicked to jake, narrowing slightly. “what’s that supposed to mean?”

jake’s smirk widened, but his tone remained casual. “you know exactly what it means.”

sunghoon let out a frustrated breath, already knowing where this was headed. “i know who you were calling for during your heat, jake. you weren’t subtle.”

jake’s smirk faltered for a split second before he shrugged it off. “yeah, well, instincts are a bitch, aren’t they?”

sunghoon’s jaw tightened. “so you’re into her too?”

jake didn’t even bother denying it. “i mean, come on. who wouldn’t be? but I know you, man. you’re not the sharing type.”

sunghoon’s lips curled into a bitter smile, his possessiveness radiating off him. “damn right. i’m not sharing.”

jake chuckled softly, leaning back against the couch, his tone playful but edged with something deeper. “you’re not mad?”

sunghoon let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair, trying to push down the possessiveness clawing its way to the surface. “mad? nah. i already knew. i’ve seen the way you look at her.”

jake’s smirk faded slightly, his eyes locking with sunghoon’s. “doesn’t bother you?”

“of course it fucking bothers me,” sunghoon snapped, but his voice was quieter than before, almost resigned. “but i trust her. and i know where i stand. i’m just not about to let anyone else get in the way.”

jake’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “look, man. i’m not looking to steal her. i respect what you have with her. but you gotta admit... it’s hard not to feel something when she’s around.”

sunghoon’s voice came out low, barely controlled, his fists clenched tight. “jake, can you shut the fuck up?”

jake’s eyes flicked up to meet sunghoon’s, the smirk fading slightly but not completely gone. “just being honest, man. you know I don’t sugarcoat shit. we’ve been living under the same roof, and you can’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way she affects people.”

sunghoon leaned forward, his gaze hard, his voice tight with barely contained anger. “she’s mine. don’t fucking forget that.”

jake raised his hands in mock surrender, the gleam in his eyes still unreadable. “hey, I’m not saying she’s not. but you’ve gotta understand... she’s not just some girl, man. she’s special, and you’re not the only one who sees it.”

sunghoon’s jaw clenched, his pulse racing. “i don’t care who else sees it. they’re not me.”

jake chuckled softly, shaking his head. “you’re right. they’re not. but if you’re so sure about her, you need to stop holding back. ‘cause right now, man... you’re acting like she’s already slipped through your fingers.”

sunghoon stood up, his fists still balled at his sides. “she’s not slipping through anything. stay out of it.”

jake stood up, stretching his arms lazily. “look, man, I’m just saying. she’s not gonna wait forever. if you want her, make a move. don’t let someone else do it first.”

sunghoon stayed quiet, his jaw tight, knowing full well jake was telling the truth.

“besides,” jake added with a playful smirk, “you know I wouldn’t swoop in... unless you wanted to share.”

sunghoon shot him a warning look, his possessiveness flaring again. "not a fucking chance."

jake grinned, throwing up his hands. "just making sure we’re clear, man."

sunghoon shot him one last glare before turning and walking out of the room, his chest tight with frustration, anger, and something else he couldn’t quite place.

as he left, jake let out a long breath, shaking his head, mumbling to himself, “damn, man. you’ve got it bad.”

just as jake settled back onto the couch, jungwon stepped into the room, his movements fluid and cat-like. he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"so," jungwon drawled, clearly enjoying the tension in the air. "that was... intense."

jake looked up, raising an eyebrow. "how long have you been standing there?"

jungwon shrugged, the smirk growing as he pushed off the doorframe and sauntered into the room. "long enough. heard the whole thing."

jake let out a soft chuckle. "of course you did."

jungwon plopped down on the couch next to jake, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "sunghoon’s really wound up, huh? poor guy’s practically vibrating with jealousy."

"yeah, well, it’s his own damn fault for holding back," jake muttered, leaning his head back. "i told him, she’s not gonna wait forever."

jungwon’s smirk deepened as he looked at jake, his voice a little too knowing. “and what about you, huh? can you really stop yourself from swooping in if he doesn’t?”

jake gave a lazy grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. “not unless he gives the green light, you know? but... can't say I wouldn’t be tempted.”

jungwon laughed softly, shaking his head. “you're both idiots, honestly. she’s got both of you wrapped around her finger, and she probably doesn’t even realize it.”

jake let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his hair. “tell me about it. but hey, sunghoon’s gotta get his shit together first. the guy’s ready to explode.”

jungwon’s smirk returned as he stretched out on the couch, clearly amused by the conversation. "yeah, well, maybe she’ll surprise us all and pick neither."

the next day, an ache settled in your chest the moment you opened your eyes. the empty space beside you felt colder than usual. sunghoon wasn’t there, his warmth missing from the bed, and it hit you harder than you expected. every morning, you’d gotten used to waking up next to him, his soft fur brushing against your skin, his small body curled up close like he always needed to be near you.

last night, you’d waited for him, hoping he’d eventually come back to you, to snuggle up in that comforting way he always did, but he never arrived. the silence in the room was almost deafening, and the absence of his presence only made that ache in your heart grow stronger.

you rolled over, staring at the spot where he should’ve been, your fingers brushing the empty sheets. it was strange—how quickly you had become accustomed to him being there, his warmth, his soft breathing beside you. and now, without him, the bed felt too big, too empty.

you sighed, sitting up, running a hand through your hair as the memory of yesterday replayed in your mind. he’s pulling away, you thought, the weight of his words still lingering. maybe it was because of what he’d said, or maybe it was because you hadn’t known how to respond, how to face the truth of what he wanted. maybe it was both.

the room felt emptier without him.

“sunghoon?” you called out, your voice soft but edged with worry as you stepped out of your room. the apartment felt unusually quiet, except for the faint sounds of cooking coming from the kitchen.

as you made your way toward the kitchen, the sight before you stopped you in your tracks. there was jay, casually making breakfast like it was any other morning, his back to you as he flipped something on the stove. but what really caught your attention was the small, curled-up forms lying on the couch.

there was sunghoon, in his rabbit form, tucked into a small ball, his soft fur rising and falling with each breath. nestled right beside him was jungwon, in his cat form, his tail draped lazily over sunghoon’s back as they slept next to each other. they looked peaceful, their bodies close, like they had found comfort in each other during the night.

you felt a twinge of something—maybe jealousy, maybe sadness—because sunghoon hadn’t come to you. instead, he was here, curled up with jungwon, far away from the warmth of your bed.

“morning,” jay’s voice broke through your thoughts, turning around with a spatula in hand. “didn’t expect you up this early.”

you blinked, pulling your gaze away from the two hybrids on the couch. “yeah... i, uh, couldn’t sleep much.”

jay raised an eyebrow, giving you a knowing look as he leaned against the counter. “noticed sunghoon’s not with you, huh?”

you nodded, biting your lip, unsure of what to say. it felt strange, seeing him like that—choosing to sleep away from you after everything that had happened. the ache in your chest hadn’t subsided, and the sight of him so close to jungwon made it worse.

jay watched you for a moment, his gaze flickering from the hybrids on the couch back to you. "they crashed there after we talked last night," he said, his voice softer than usual. "figured they needed some space."

you nodded, staring at sunghoon, his small, peaceful form curled up beside jungwon. "i thought he’d come to bed," you murmured, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

jay gave you a sympathetic look, flipping the eggs on the pan. "he’s probably just trying to figure things out. give him some time."

you sighed, feeling the weight of everything from the day before press down on you again. "i know... it’s just, i’m used to him being there. and now—"

jay cut you off with a small laugh, glancing at the couch. "i think jungwon’s been keeping him company. those two have gotten pretty close, huh?"

you couldn’t help but smile a little, despite the ache still lingering in your chest. "yeah... i guess they have."

there was a comfortable silence for a moment as you watched sunghoon and jungwon sleep, their forms rising and falling in sync. but the sight also stirred something inside you, a reminder that the closeness you shared with sunghoon was shifting. everything was changing.

"hey," jay said suddenly, breaking you out of your thoughts. "why don’t you sit down, have breakfast. give them some time to wake up. maybe you and sunghoon can talk after." he gave you a reassuring smile, motioning to the chair across from him.

you hesitated, glancing back at sunghoon. his soft breathing, the way he was curled up so tightly next to jungwon, made you feel conflicted. but you knew jay was right. space might be what sunghoon needed—what both of you needed.

“yeah... okay,” you said softly, moving to sit down at the table. the sound of the spatula hitting the pan filled the air, a quiet distraction from the turmoil in your chest.

but as you sat there, your mind kept drifting back to sunghoon. what if this distance becomes permanent? you wondered. the thought scared you more than you were willing to admit.

just as you settled into your seat, trying to make sense of the swirling thoughts in your head, the quiet of the morning was suddenly interrupted by the door swinging open with a loud thud. jake, in all his usual energetic glory, burst into the room, his presence a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere that had lingered just moments before.

“morning!” jake called out, his voice booming as he strolled in, practically vibrating with energy. he stopped short when he saw you and jay at the table, his wide grin softening a bit when he noticed the serious air between you.

“whoa, what’s with the mood?” he asked, his eyes flicking between you, jay, and the hybrids still curled up on the couch. his gaze lingered on sunghoon for a second longer before he turned back to you.

jay chuckled softly, flipping the last of the eggs onto a plate. “just another morning, man. you’re the one coming in like a damn hurricane.”

jake shrugged, clearly unfazed. “well, someone’s gotta keep things lively around here.”

but as he walked toward the kitchen, his usual grin faltered when he glanced over at you. he had picked up on the tension, and something in the way his eyes narrowed told you he knew more than he was letting on.

“so...” jake started, sliding into the chair next to you, leaning back casually but with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “everything good with you and sunghoon?”

you felt jay watching you carefully from the stove, but you kept your gaze on jake, trying to find the right words. “yeah, i mean... i think we’re both just... figuring things out.”

jake nodded, though his smirk never fully faded. “figuring things out, huh? well, i hope it’s nothing too serious. he was pretty worked up when i talked to him last night.” he leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just enough that only you and jay could hear. “you know how he gets.”

the subtle reminder of sunghoon’s possessiveness sent a jolt through you, and you couldn’t help but think back to yesterday’s conversation. the heat in his voice, the way his eyes had darkened when he said he could wreck you. you swallowed hard, feeling a familiar tension building again.

jay, sensing the shift, broke in with a lighthearted tone. “jake, you’re gonna scare her off with that talk.”

jake grinned wide, flashing a playful wink at you. “what? me? nah. i’m just looking out for my buddy.” his grin softened a little, and his voice dropped lower, more serious. “but seriously, y/n, you’re good, right?”

you nodded, though the question stirred something deeper. “yeah, i’m fine. just... fine.”

jake tilted his head slightly, watching you for a beat longer before turning to jay. “well, whatever’s going on, i’m sure it’ll work itself out. can’t have our house all moody. it’s bad for the vibe.”

jay snorted, placing a plate of scrambled eggs in front of you. “yeah, because you’re all about vibes, right?”

jake shot him a grin. “you know it.”

but beneath the playful banter, there was a tension that hung in the air. you could feel it, and you knew jake could too. sunghoon and jake had always been close, but there was something unspoken between them—something that had shifted recently.

as you sat at the table, picking at your breakfast, the soft sounds of stirring from the couch caught your attention. jungwon and sunghoon were beginning to wake, shifting in their animal forms, still curled up next to each other. you glanced over just as sunghoon’s eyes fluttered open, his soft, sleepy gaze immediately finding yours.

the moment he laid his eyes on you, his little ears drooped slightly, and you couldn’t help but feel that familiar ache in your chest. his small, delicate form looked even more vulnerable like this, and for a second, all the tension from yesterday faded, replaced by the instinctual urge to comfort him.

jungwon stretched lazily beside him, his tail swishing slowly as he blinked awake, but sunghoon kept his eyes on you, ears still low as if unsure of where things stood after everything.

jay noticed and gave a quiet chuckle. “looks like they’re finally up.”

you nodded absently, but your focus was still on sunghoon. he seemed hesitant, like he didn’t know if he should come over or stay curled up on the couch. you saw the conflict in his eyes, and it tugged at your heart.

without thinking, you reached out, patting the space next to you on the chair. “come here, sunghoon,” you said softly, your voice filled with warmth.

for a moment, he hesitated, his ears twitching slightly as he considered whether to move. but then, slowly, he uncurled from his little ball, hopping down from the couch and making his way toward you. his fur looked even softer in the morning light, and as he came closer, you could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

when he reached you, you picked him up gently, placing him on your lap. his small body pressed against yours, and he snuggled close, like he always did, but this time it felt different—he felt different. the weight of what he had confessed to you hung between you, but neither of you spoke about it.

you stroked his soft fur, feeling his small heartbeat against your hand, and after a moment, his ears perked up slightly. though he still looked at you with those wide, vulnerable eyes, the tension in his body seemed to melt away just a little.

jay leaned back in his chair, watching the interaction with a faint smile. “guess he missed you.”

“yeah...” you murmured, your fingers gently brushing through sunghoon’s fur. you could feel him relax against you, his small form melting into your lap as if he had been waiting for this all along.

jungwon stretched again on the couch, letting out a small yawn as he lazily watched the two of you, his tail swishing back and forth as if completely content with how the morning was unfolding. jake, on the other hand, was busy stuffing his face, but every now and then, you caught him glancing over, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

“wanna talk?” you asked sweetly, your voice soft as you looked down at sunghoon in your lap, his ears perking up slightly at the sound of your voice. his eyes flickered with uncertainty, but he gave you a small nod in response, shuffling a bit as if preparing to hop away toward your room.

but before he could move, you scooped him up gently, cradling his soft, warm body in your arms. “hey,” you smiled, “i can carry you.”

sunghoon looked up at you with those wide, expressive eyes, his little nose twitching as if he wasn’t used to being carried around like this anymore, but he didn’t protest. instead, he leaned into you, nuzzling into your chest, his ears pressing back as he settled into your embrace.

you felt your heart swell at the closeness, and as you made your way to your room, you couldn’t help but notice how different it felt now. before, it was just sunghoon being his shy, quiet self—but after everything that had been said, there was something heavier lingering between the two of you, unspoken but very much there.

when you reached your room, you gently placed him down on the bed, his small form looking even more delicate in the soft light filtering through the curtains. he sat there, his ears twitching slightly as he watched you with those deep, thoughtful eyes.

you settled down beside him, your hand brushing softly through his fur. “so… what’s on your mind?” you asked quietly, hoping to coax him into opening up.

he gives your hand a quick nudge with his nose, then hopping off the bed before he shifted in an instant, leaving him completely naked in front of you, just as it always did when he transformed. your eyes instinctively darted downward, catching a glimpse of his... thing before you quickly looked away, heat flooding your cheeks. the sight made you bite your lip, the sudden surge of emotions and tension catching you off guard. you could feel the heat rising in your face, embarrassment mixing with something far more dangerous.

you immediately jump off the bed straightening up as you stood there stiff, avoiding his gaze at all costs, nervous, horny, god this was more intense than you had ever expected. but then his voice cut through the thick air between you, low and commanding. “look at me.”

a shiver ran down your spine at the tone, sending your heart racing even faster. you hesitated, your body still tense and flustered from the overwhelming intimacy of the moment. slowly, you lifted your gaze, forcing yourself to meet his eyes, trying to ignore the flutter in your stomach.

sunghoon didn’t look away. his gaze stayed locked on yours, dark and intense, filled with something that made it impossible for you to turn away. the way he stood there, so confident, so exposed, left you feeling more vulnerable than ever.

“please, don’t look away,” he repeated, his voice softer now but still firm, a quiet demand for your attention.

“sunghoon…” you whispered, your voice barely steady, but the tension in the room was so thick it felt like it might suffocate you. you could feel the heat radiating off him as he stepped closer, the small gap between you shrinking to almost nothing. his hand reached out, gently brushing against your cheek, and the touch sent a shock of warmth coursing through your body.

“why do you keep looking away?” his voice was softer now, almost pleading, but there was still that edge of intensity that made your heart race even faster. “i’m sorry i scared you, i never meant to. my feelings for you are real.”

but it wasn’t fear that made you look away—it was the overwhelming desire that was building inside you, the way your body reacted to him, the way every fiber of your being seemed to scream for more. and when your eyes flickered down again, this time lingering on his cock for just a moment too long, you felt a fresh wave of heat flush through you. your stomach flipped, embarrassment mixing with something far more dangerous.

his breath hitched slightly, and you could almost feel the tension spike between the two of you. he noticed where your eyes had gone, and the way his body reacted didn’t go unnoticed either. you could see the slight shift in his posture, his muscles tensing as if every nerve in his body was just as tightly wound as yours.

"please, don’t look away," he said again, his voice a little more vulnerable this time, but still firm, still commanding in a way that made it hard for you to do anything but obey.

you swallowed hard, forcing yourself to meet his gaze, though your eyes briefly flickered downward again, catching sight of the way his cock seemed to harden under your gaze. your throat felt dry, your body buzzing with the intensity of it all.

“i’m not afraid, sunghoon.” you finally managed to say, though even as the words left your mouth, you weren’t sure if they were entirely true. “i just… wasn’t expecting this.”

"i'm sorry, y/n," sunghoon whispered, his voice strained, as if it took everything in him to say the words. his eyes fluttered shut for a moment, and you could see the tension in his body, the way his chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. his heart was pounding, and you could feel it too—the raw energy between you, something more than just the closeness. it was intense, overwhelming, like a storm brewing beneath the surface, ready to break.

his body trembled slightly, and you knew it wasn’t just from nerves. it was his heat, the instinctual pull that had been building for so long. the way he stood there, vulnerable yet powerful, sent a shiver down your spine. he was trying to control himself, but you could see it in the way his fists clenched, the way his jaw tightened—he was barely holding on.

you took a shaky breath, feeling your own heart race as the weight of his words settled over you. you weren’t sure what to say, how to even begin to process the feelings that were stirring inside you. all you knew was that the air between you felt thick with something unspoken, something that had been building for months, maybe even longer.

“sunghoon…” your voice was soft, barely above a whisper, but it seemed to pull him back, his eyes opening slowly, dark with desire and frustration. he was so close now, his skin warm against yours, and you could feel the heat radiating off of him, see the way he was struggling to keep himself in check.

"fuck, i—" he cut himself off, his hand shaking slightly as it hovered just inches from your waist. "it’s too much. being this close to you, your scent, everything—i’m trying, but it’s really getting harder, y/n."

his confession made your breath hitch. you could feel the tension in the room shift, growing heavier, almost suffocating. his heat, his need—it was all too real, too intense, and it was pulling you in, making it harder for you to think clearly.

"you don’t have to apologize," you managed to say, though your voice was shaky. "i know it’s your heat, and i know you’re struggling."

his gaze darkened, and he stepped closer, his body inches from yours now. “i don’t want to hurt you, but... fuck, it’s getting so hard to hold back.”

his words sent a pulse of heat through your body, and you swallowed hard. you didn’t want him to hold back anymore. the thought made your stomach twist with both excitement and fear. you could feel the desire pooling in your belly, mixing with the overwhelming tension between you both.

"sunghoon..." you breathed out, your voice shaking with a mix of nerves and something darker, more intense. his grip on you was tight, almost frantic, like he was barely holding it together. you could feel it—the way he was fighting for control but slipping fast. your hands slid down his back, hesitant, until they found his soft, fluffy tail. you gave it a gentle squeeze, thinking it might calm him, offer some comfort. instead, it had the opposite effect.

sunghoon's breath stuttered when your fingers closed around his tail, his entire body tensing up as a deep, guttural sound rumbled from his chest. his forehead pressed against yours, his breath warm and ragged, eyes nearly black with desire. the softness of his tail against your hand only made things worse, not the comfort you’d hoped it would bring. instead, it was like you’d lit a match to gasoline.

“you don’t even know what you’re doing,” he rasped, his voice low and rough, teetering on the edge of losing control. his hands gripped your waist tighter, fingers digging into your skin, like he needed to hold on to something, anything, to keep himself from completely giving in. his usual cold exterior had cracked, and all you could see now was something raw and dangerous.

your heartbeat quickened, and your breath caught in your throat. “sunghoon, i—” but before you could finish, his lips brushed your ear, sending a wave of heat down your spine.

“please don’t fucking push me,” he warned, the words trembling in his mouth, like he was barely holding himself back. “i’m trying to be good. trying to be patient.”

the weight of his body against yours, the heat of his breath on your neck—it was too much, and you felt your legs wobble. you wanted to say something, anything, but the only thing you could focus on was the way his scent wrapped around you, thick and overwhelming, clouding your thoughts. your hand squeezed his tail again, this time intentionally, testing the reaction.

he let out a sharp breath, his hips jerking against you. his grip tightened to the point where it almost hurt, the tension between you crackling like a live wire.

“shit,” he groaned, his eyes narrowing into a dangerous glare. “you think this is a fucking joke?”

you stared up at him, breathless, your chest rising and falling rapidly. the look in his eyes—it was nothing like the sweet, patient sunghoon you thought you knew. that version of him was gone, completely stripped away. now, there was only raw, untamed hunger staring back at you, barely contained, like he was on the verge of snapping.

"what? no—i just—" you stammered, your voice shaky, trying to explain, but the words caught in your throat. "y/n, please." his voice was low, rough, almost pleading as his hands gripped you tightly, pushing you down onto the bed. before you could even react, he was on top of you, his body pressing into yours, overwhelming and heated. "i'm about to fucking lose it," he gasped, his breath ragged, chest heaving with each pant. sweat dripped down his forehead, his skin glistening under the dim light. you stared up at him, mesmerized, completely shocked at how beautiful he looked in that moment, how much he wanted you—how much he fucking loved you. you could feel it in every shiver that ran through his body, the way he was trembling, barely holding himself back.

you gently placed your finger on his lips, silently shushing him, your touch soft but firm. with your other hand, you carefully tucked away a few strands of hair that had stuck to his forehead, your eyes meeting his. he hovered over you, his pleading eyes wide, desperate, filled with so much love it made your heart race. the moment you touched him, he sucked in a sharp breath, swallowing thickly, his gaze never leaving yours. he looked at you like he was committing every detail to memory, the sight of you beneath him, the way you felt in his arms—it was everything to him. "baby..." the word slipped from your lips softly, and it hit him like a punch. it was the first time you'd called him that, and it showed. his whole expression shifted, eyes widening briefly before his entire body seemed to melt. his jaw went slack, lips parting slightly as he bit down on his bottom lip, trying to control himself. you could see the way it affected him, like hearing that one word from you broke whatever composure he had left. and just like that, no words were needed to show him how much you felt for him. the way your eyes softened when they met his, the way your body instinctively leaned into his touch—it all told him more than any confession ever could. he felt it too, how deeply you wanted him, how completely he filled that emptiness in your heart you hadn’t even realized was there until he entered your life. lying beneath him now, you couldn’t help but silently thank the universe, the gods—whoever was out there—for bringing him to you.

without thinking, you pulled him closer, letting him collapse on top of you. your arms wrapped around his neck, and as soon as your lips met his, a soft whimper escaped him. the sound made your stomach flip, sending a shiver through you. his moans grew louder as the kiss deepened, his body trembling against yours, finally letting go of every bit of restraint he had been holding onto for so long.

“y/n,” he gasped, his voice barely holding steady as he kissed you again, his lips crashing into yours with an urgency that made your head spin. his hips rocked against you, the friction between your bodies setting your skin on fire. it was too much—every touch, every sound, every sensation sent shockwaves through him, making him shake. he pressed himself harder against you, his cock throbbing, his movements growing more desperate, more erratic, until he couldn’t keep his eyes open, his brow furrowed with the effort of holding back.

“i love you,” he whispered, his voice cracking with the weight of it, like the words were the only truth he had left. “i love you so fucking much,” he murmured, his voice thick, raw, and it made your heart feel like it was going to explode. you arched your back into him, a soft moan slipping from your lips as his bare skin pressed against yours, hot and electric. his hands, shaking with urgency, fumbled at the waistband of your pajamas, desperately trying to pull them down, needing to feel you, to touch your skin.

but when you whispered, “i love you too,” everything stopped. his hands froze, his fingers curling into the fabric of your clothes, gripping it tightly as if he was afraid to let go. his breath hitched, and for a moment, he was completely still, his fists clutching the soft material like your words had knocked the wind out of him.

you swore you saw a tear slip from the corner of his eye as he squeezed them shut, his breath ragged and uneven. a low growl rumbled from his chest, but it wasn’t from lust. it was deeper than that—something raw, something vulnerable that made your heart clench. he buried his face against your chest, pressing his ear to your skin like the sound of your heartbeat was the only thing keeping him grounded.

the tension in his body slowly eased, his muscles softening as he melted into you. you could feel everything—how much this moment meant to him, how much you meant to him—with every shaky breath he took. he wasn’t just holding onto you; he was clinging to the sound of your heartbeat, the way it sped up under his ear, knowing it was all for him. and only him.

his voice cracked as he exhaled a shaky breath, “i… i can’t lose this, y/n.” his lips brushed your skin as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “only me. only i can make you feel this... only i can make your heart beat like this.”

the desperation in his voice cut through you, a mixture of fear and possessiveness, like he was terrified you might slip away from him if he didn’t hold you close enough. his body trembled, overwhelmed with emotions—love, need, vulnerability—all laid bare for you.

you threaded your fingers through his hair, gently soothing him as you held him, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing down on both of you. the intensity of it all was almost too much to handle, but in that moment, there was nothing else in the world but the two of you. his ear stayed pressed to your chest, his breathing slowly evening out as he whispered, voice soft and pleading, “only me… please, only me.”

“only you, hoon,” you whispered, your voice soft but firm, the words sinking deep into him. his whole body seemed to shudder at the sound, a mixture of relief and overwhelming desire flooding through him. he lifted his head just enough to look at you, eyes glazed with emotion, and you could see the effect those three words had on him. it was like something snapped, like every last bit of restraint he’d been holding onto finally broke.

“fuck,” he breathed, his voice low, almost guttural, as his lips found yours again. the kiss was messy, desperate, all teeth and tongue as he poured everything into it. his hands, once hesitant, now tore at your clothes, yanking the fabric down with a need so raw it almost made you dizzy. his fingers brushed over your bare skin, sending a wave of heat through you as he moaned against your mouth, the sound deep and needy.

he pulled away just long enough to look at you, eyes dark with lust, panting heavily. “you have no fucking idea what you do to me,” he growled, his voice strained, like he was barely holding himself together. his hips ground against you again, harder this time, the friction almost too much as his hard cock rubbed against you through the thin layer of fabric left between you. “i can’t—fuck, i need you.”

his hands were shaking as they slid down your body, gripping your hips tightly, pulling you closer, almost like he couldn’t stand the space between you anymore. the desperation in his movements, the way he pressed himself against you, made you lose whatever sense of control you had left. your hands tangled in his hair, pulling him down to you, your legs wrapping around his waist to close the gap.

“take it off,” you gasped, breathless, your voice barely holding together as you tugged at your own clothes, desperate to feel him, all of him. “hoon, please.”

his hands shook as he helped you pull off the last bit of clothing, but instead of diving in, he paused, his breathing heavy, his eyes burning with something darker. “you think i haven’t been waiting for this?” he rasped, voice low, almost dangerous. his hands slid up your thighs, gripping tightly, like he was grounding himself. “you think i haven’t been losing my mind every time i look at you?”

he pressed closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he spoke, his voice raw, filled with pent-up emotion. “every fucking heat, y/n… every goddamn time, i had to deal with it by myself. all i could do was think about you, your face, your body…” he growled, his hips grinding harder into you, and you could feel how much he’d been holding back.

“i would watch you sleep. i’d watch your angelic fucking face while i rubbed myself raw, one time after the other, just to make sure you never knew, so you’d never wake up and see me fucking losing it over you.”

your eyes widened in shock, every confession felt like a punch to the gut, your heart racing with the intensity of it. “sunghoon…” you managed to whisper, but he didn’t give you a chance to respond.

before you could say anything else, he was already moving, his lips traveling down your body, hands spreading your legs wide as he settled between them. he didn’t hesitate, didn’t hold back—his mouth latched onto your core with a desperation that took your breath away. his tongue was relentless, flicking against your clit then licking long and hasty on your slit.

his mouth felt hot, and it only made your pussy even wetter. lapping at you like he was starving, like every second of pent-up need was pouring out of him.

“fuck,” you gasped, your head falling back against the pillow, overwhelmed by the sensation. his hands gripped your thighs tight, keeping you in place, and his whimpers mixed with your moans, the wet sounds filling the air as he devoured you like his last meal.

his name fell from your lips in a broken moan, your hands gripping the sheets as he worked you over, your body trembling under his touch. it was too much, too intense, but you couldn’t stop it, couldn’t stop the way your body reacted to him.

then, you felt it—his fingers, trembling slightly as they slid inside you, pushing in knuckle-deep without hesitation. he let out a low, broken moan against your core, his body visibly shuddering, like he was on the verge of breaking down completely. "fuck," he gasped, his voice shaky, almost like he was sobbing from the sheer feeling of finally having you like this. his fingers curled inside you, finding that spot that made your back arch off the bed, your hands fisting in his hair.

he didn’t let up for even a second, his fingers pumping into you with the same rhythm as his tongue as he continued to flick it against your swollen nub. his moans growing louder the more you trembled beneath him. “you taste so fucking good,” he groaned, voice muffled against your soaked folds as he pressed his face even closer, his body quivering with need. "i've needed this for so long," he mumbled between ragged breaths, his tongue flicking against your clit before sucking it into his mouth with an intensity that had you seeing stars.

his hips were grinding into the mattress as if he couldn’t control himself anymore, so lost in the moment, in you. each whimper that escaped him was desperate, needy, and his fingers moved faster, harder, hitting just the right spot as his mouth stayed locked onto you, the sounds of him sucking you were almost obscene.

“hoon—” you gasped, but your words were cut off by the sheer pleasure coursing through your body, your legs shaking around his head, barely able to handle the intensity. he didn’t stop, his pace never faltering, as if he was determined to make you come undone completely.

his fingers suddenly picked up speed, fucking into you so fast it left you breathless, your body trembling uncontrollably. the pressure built up inside you, growing impossibly tight until you couldn’t hold it back any longer. with a loud cry, your release hit, and you squirted all over him, your hips bucking as the sensation ripped through you.

sunghoon groaned loudly, his deep, guttural sound vibrating against your core. his tongue darted out, eagerly chasing after every drop, trying to drink you in. the way he moaned, practically worshipping your release, only made it more intense. he didn’t stop—his fingers kept plunging into you, relentless, determined, even as you were still shaking, riding out the aftershocks of your orgasm.

he growled, "fuck, you're so fucking perfect," his voice hoarse, almost desperate as he lapped at you, licking up everything you gave him, the wet sounds mixing with your breathless cries. he kept going, pushing you further and further until you were screaming, your body jerking beneath him.

“hoon—hoon, it’s too much,” you gasped, the pleasure becoming overwhelming, your legs trembling uncontrollably as he continued, his fingers still pumping in and out of you, tongue flicking messily at your sensitive clit. but he wasn’t stopping, not yet. he groaned again, so caught up in the moment, completely lost in you, savoring every second of watching you unravel under him.

his hands gripped your thighs tightly, holding you open as his tongue and fingers pushed you right to the brink again, his groans mixing with your desperate pleas.

"another one, please, holy fuck, you're gonna make me cum," he groaned, his voice low and breathless. you barely had time to process his words before your body was thrown into another wave of pleasure, his fingers working relentlessly, pushing you closer and closer to the edge.

your eyes widened in disbelief for a moment, stunned by the sight of him—sunghoon, completely lost in it, his hips grinding into the mattress, his body jerking with every movement. and then it hit you: he was actually fucking coming undone just from eating you out. the realization had you thrashing beneath him, your hands gripping the sheets as your body shook.

“fuck,” you gasped, your mind reeling from the intensity of it all. sunghoon’s groans only fueled the heat between your legs, the way his lower body jerked as he came, his own release triggered by the sheer desperation of devouring you.

god, it was so fucking hot—the way he fell apart, his fingers never slowing down, driving you straight into your own release. "sunghoon," you whimpered, unable to hold back the moan as your body gave in.

"holy shit, did you actually cum just from eating me out?" you moaned weakly, still breathless, your body trembling from the aftershocks.

it was overwhelming—the sight of him, the raw desire in his eyes, his lips parted as he panted, his chest rising and falling heavily.

he looked up at you, completely wrecked, his lips curling into a faint, satisfied smirk despite the desperation still etched into his features. "fuck, sorry, i couldn’t help it," he rasped, voice hoarse and shaky. "you’re too fucking much… i can’t—" his breath hitched, his hands squeezing your thighs, holding you in place like he needed to steady himself.

"you drive me insane, y/n," he confessed, his voice a low growl, still dazed from his own release. "i don’t care what it takes... i’ll do anything to make you feel that good over and over again."

his fingers finally slowed, easing out of you, and the loss of his touch made you shiver. you couldn’t tear your eyes away from him, still completely stunned by the way he’d come undone for you, the way his body had betrayed him from nothing but the taste of you.

"fuck, hoon..." you whispered, your voice barely above a breath, completely overwhelmed. “you’re perfect.”

"no," he murmured against your soaked pussy, pressing soft kisses that trailed along your inner thighs, each one sending a ticklish shiver through you. his lips sucked at your skin, leaving little marks of his desperation behind. "you are. you're so fucking perfect for me," he growled softly, his voice thick with need. "god, i want to see you cum again, please. can i?"

you shook your head, your chest still heaving from the relentless pleasure he’d just given you. "hoon," you managed to whisper, your voice hoarse and shaky, "you’ve made me cum twice without a break." his desperate pleas tugged at you, but you were too overstimulated. "it's supposed to be about you. you’re the one in heat."

he groaned, burying his face between your thighs again, his breath hot against your skin. "fuck," he muttered, "but i can’t stop. i don’t care about me. i just—" his voice cracked, desperate and raw. "i need to feel you falling apart again."

his fingers twitched against your hips, but you grabbed his hand, pulling him up towards you. "no," you insisted gently, cupping his face and pulling him in for a soft kiss. "come on, baby, put it in," you urged, your hand wrapping around his cock, and your eyes widened in shock at the thickness, clearly not prepared for just how big he was. taken aback, you looked up at him, expecting him to ease in slowly, but he didn’t give you any time to brace yourself.

with one deep, forceful thrust, he pushed himself inside you, knocking the breath from your lungs. your jaw fell slack, and a loud moan tore from your throat, one that you were sure everyone in the house could hear. "holy shit," you gasped, your body trembling as he filled you completely.

"fuck—hoon, god. you’re…" your words trailed off, unable to form a coherent sentence, the sensation of him stretching you overwhelming your senses. his pace was relentless, no hesitation, just raw, animalistic need as he moved inside you, his eyes dark with desire.

as soon as he was fully sheathed inside you, sunghoon let out a long, drawn-out moan, his voice trembling, almost sobbing from how good it felt. "fuck," he choked out, his body shaking with every inch of you wrapped so tightly around him, your warmth pulling him deeper into a frenzy. “shit, i’m actually inside you, y/n. god your pussy is amazing," he babbled, his words spilling out between heavy pants. "so warm, so sweet—god, you feel so fucking good around me."

his hips snapped against yours with a pace so fast and brutal that you couldn’t even keep up. all you could do was gasp, your eyes rolling back into your head as he pounded into you, his voice filled with desperation. "i’ve thought about this—fuck—so many times. how your pussy would feel around me, how tight you'd be when i finally—shit," he groaned, his breath hitching as he kept going, barely holding back from completely unraveling.

his words, the sheer filth spilling from his lips, turned your body into a screaming mess. every thrust had you falling apart, your brain slowly turning to mush as his fantasies spilled out between gritted teeth, each dirty confession sending another wave of heat crashing through you. he was relentless, his grip on your hips almost bruising as he dragged you down onto him harder, faster, with every word making you lose yourself completely.

"fuck, you're perfect," he groaned again, his voice almost broken, eyes locked on you as your body shook beneath him. "i can’t fucking stop—i don’t want to stop."

"shit, hoon," you gasped, your breath coming in ragged, desperate pants. "wait—i’m coming, shit, slow down."

but his response was immediate, his hips driving even harder into you. "no," he growled, his voice low and firm, the sweet innocence gone.

"not when i finally have you like this." his eyes locked onto yours, dark and filled with pure, raw need, and he gave you a crooked, almost boyish smile that somehow made the moment even filthier. "i told you, i’m going to fucking wreck you, and i mean it."

his words, laced with that dirty yet innocent charm of his, made your entire body quiver, sending shockwaves straight to your core. he wasn’t holding back, not even a little, each thrust deep and precise, like he was determined to pull every last bit of pleasure out of you.

"i’m gonna pump you full," he growled, his voice thick with need, each word dripping with raw lust. "until your pussy can’t take any more... until you’re so fucking full of my cum, you won’t know what to do with it." his hips snapped harder against yours, relentless, and the thought alone had your head spinning, the sensation of him deep inside you overwhelming every sense.

"you’re gonna feel me for days," he panted, his breath hot against your skin as his grip on your hips tightened. "every time you move, every time you think about this, you’re gonna remember how i filled you—how i fucking wrecked you."

the sheer intensity of his words, the way he was so consumed by you, made you tremble beneath him. every thrust sent you closer to the edge, his voice, his hands, his cock—everything about him pushing you further into a spiral of pleasure you couldn’t control.

"you want that, don’t you?" he groaned, his pace somehow picking up even more, each thrust more desperate than the last. "tell me you want it, baby. tell me you want me to fill you until you can’t take anymore."

"fuck, yes, i want it," you gasped, barely able to breathe as he pounded into you, his pace brutal, relentless. "fill me up, hoon, please—fuck, i need it." your words seemed to drive him even wilder, his grip on your hips tightening as he slammed into you harder, your entire body shaking with each thrust.

"that's it," he growled, his voice rough, his eyes dark with lust. "you want me to fuck you full, don’t you? want me to make sure you're dripping with my cum, so fucking full you can't take it?" his breath was ragged, and his movements were desperate, like he was completely lost in the feeling of you wrapped around him. "god, you feel so fucking good, y/n. your pussy’s so tight, so fucking perfect for me."

his words sent another wave of heat crashing through you, your body trembling as he continued to fuck you into the mattress. "i’m gonna cum so deep inside you," he moaned, his pace picking up even more, slamming into you with everything he had. "gonna fucking fill you until there’s no room left, until you're begging for me to stop."

your eyes rolled back, the intensity too much, the pressure building in your core again. he was merciless, pounding into you without hesitation, his cock hitting so deep you could barely breathe. "fuck, hoon—" you moaned, your body trembling as you felt yourself getting closer and closer to the edge, his filthy words driving you insane.

"you're gonna fucking take it," he grunted, his voice low and rough. "every last drop. i’m not stopping until you're completely fucking wrecked, until you can’t even walk. you want that, don’t you? want me to fuck you until you're ruined for anyone else?"

the filth of his words, combined with the way he was relentlessly driving into you, pushed you over the edge again, your body convulsing around him as you came hard, your vision going white.

"fuck, yes—cum for me, baby," he groaned, feeling you tighten around him. "that’s it—fuck, i’m gonna fill you up." his thrusts became erratic, and with one final, deep thrust, he let out a guttural moan, his hips jerking as he emptied himself inside you. "take it all," he panted, his voice thick with pleasure.

just as you thought he was finally done, maybe needing a moment to recover, you realized with a shock that his cock never went soft. your eyes fluttered open, breathless, your body numb and trembling from how intensely he had just fucked the life out of you. but when you looked up, all sunghoon did was push himself back, leaning on his ankles, his dick still buried deep inside you. he hadn’t even pulled out, and you could feel his cum seeping out from where his cock met your pussy, dripping down your thighs.

he groaned at the sensation, his hips slowly thrusting in and out again, and the wetness between you two only made the sound filthier. "fuck," he muttered under his breath, his hands gripping your ankles. without a word, he took a firm hold, pushing your legs up and folding you completely in half, your knees pressed against your chest, your body contorted and helpless under him.

"you thought i was done?" he rasped, his voice raw with lust. "not even close." he smirked, eyes dark with determination, his cock still hard and throbbing inside you as he started moving again, deep and deliberate, each thrust sending shockwaves through your overstimulated body.

in this position, he hit even deeper, the angle making you cry out, your pussy gripping him tighter as he pounded into you. your mind was a haze, barely able to form a coherent thought, your body completely at his mercy. "you feel that?" he groaned, his voice thick with pleasure. "i’m not fucking stopping. not until you’re a mess for me."

his pace quickened, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room as he drilled into you relentlessly. "fuck, you're still so tight," he growled, his grip tightening on your legs as he kept you folded in half, his cock sliding in and out with ease thanks to the mixture of cum and slick pouring out of you. "you’re gonna take it again, aren’t you? gonna let me fuck you until you can’t even think straight?"

each thrust sent shockwaves through your body, and all you could do was moan, eyes rolling back as the pleasure built once again, your overstimulated body unable to keep up with the intensity of his pace. sunghoon wasn’t letting up—he was going to take everything he could from you, and you were completely at his mercy.

you started moaning, the sounds coming out in broken, unintelligible gibberish as sunghoon’s relentless pace drove you to the edge of sanity. your body was trembling beneath him, completely overwhelmed by the pleasure coursing through you. every deep thrust made you scream louder, completely abandoning any care for the noise, the sound of your moans filling the room.

sunghoon grinned, his expression wild with lust as he continued pounding into you, getting off on every scream that escaped your lips. "that's it," he groaned, his voice low and thick with satisfaction. "let jake fucking hear you. let him know how good i’m making you feel."

his words only made you moan louder, the thought of someone else hearing you, hearing how wrecked you were, only fueling the fire between you two. he thrust harder, his hips slamming into yours, his cock hitting deep with every stroke. "you want him to hear, don’t you?" he growled, leaning down, his face hovering above yours as he fucked you with a savage intensity. "want him to know that only i can make you scream like this?"

your vision blurred as the pleasure became too much to handle, your body shaking uncontrollably as another orgasm built inside you. your hands gripped the sheets, your back arching off the bed as sunghoon’s cock drove into you again and again, relentless and unforgiving. he was lost in it now, just as much as you were, pushing you closer to the edge, determined to make you fall apart completely.

"fuck, you're so loud," he groaned, his pace never faltering. "let them all hear how good i’m fucking you. you’re mine, y/n. all fucking mine."

you came undone beneath him once again, your body trembling violently, every nerve on fire. the pleasure was too much, too overwhelming, and instinctively, you tried to pull away, to escape the intensity. but the more you squirmed, the more it fueled sunghoon. your attempts to run only seemed to stoke the heat in him, his grip tightening around your hips as you cried out, your legs weak from the euphoria coursing through you.

tears welled up in your eyes, a mixture of pleasure and overstimulation, as you tried to escape his grip. he knew it wasn’t you trying to stop, but the sheer euphoria overwhelming you, and seeing you like that, so vulnerable, only made him hungrier for more. just as you managed to pull yourself slightly off him, your thighs trembling, you whimpered at the feeling of his thick cum dripping from your ruined pussy, the mess of it all sending a shudder through you.

but sunghoon wasn’t done. before you could crawl away, he pounced on top of you, his weight heavy and dominant as he pressed you face-down into the bed, his body covering yours completely. his cock, still hard and throbbing, was already searching for your entrance again, desperate to be buried inside you once more.

"oh no you don’t," he growled, his voice low and possessive as he nipped at your shoulder, his teeth grazing your skin. you whimpered, your body pliant under him, trapped between the sheets and his overwhelming presence. his hips pressed into yours, his cock finding its way back inside your soaked, abused pussy, and the moment he pushed in again, you screamed in a mix of agony and pleasure, the overstimulation sending shockwaves through you.

"oh, you’re not going anywhere," he groaned, his breath hot against your ear, his hips moving slowly but deeply, filling you again. "you feel too fucking good for me to stop. i’m gonna keep you like this, pinned down, until i say you’re done." his hands gripped your wrists, holding you in place, his cock sliding in and out of your swollen pussy, and all you could do was moan, your mind lost in the haze of pleasure he was forcing through your body.

“don’t you love how good it feels?” sunghoon’s voice was dripping with lust, his hips slamming into you, each thrust making your body shake beneath him. “listen to those fucking sounds your pussy is making,” he groaned, his breath ragged as he kept going, his cock gliding in and out of you, slick and messy. “shit, you’re clenching so tight around my dick. wanna piss yourself? fuck, you love it, don’t you?”

his filthy words filled the air, sending your mind into a spiral. you couldn’t even respond, your body too overwhelmed, too consumed by the raw intensity of his movements. your moans were muffled against the bed, but he kept going, relentless, a dark smirk crossing his lips as he felt you trembling under him.

“i bet i could make you squirt just like this,” he grunted, and with a particularly deep thrust, he hit that perfect spot inside you, making you scream into the sheets, your fists clenching the fabric as your body convulsed. “fuck, there it is,” he growled, driving into you harder.

“fuck, it’s too—shit, i—” you gasped, completely undone, the pleasure building to an unbearable peak, your body writhing beneath him. “fuck!!”

but sunghoon didn’t slow down; he kept going, his hands gripping your hips tighter, keeping you pinned to the bed as he chased that high. “yeah, that’s it, baby. scream for me. i wanna hear how fucking good it feels. gonna make you fucking lose it all over my cock.”

his fingers tangled roughly in your hair, yanking your head back so your neck was exposed for him, his lips instantly trailing hot, wet kisses down the curve of your throat. you moaned, your breath hitching as he licked his way across your skin, the sensation sending jolts of electricity through your already trembling body. he didn’t stop there—his mouth found your ear next, licking and sucking on your earlobe, and when his tongue darted inside, wet and hot, you thrashed violently beneath him, your entire body twitching from the overstimulation.

“fuck,” he groaned, loving the way you squirmed, the way you reacted to his every move. “you can’t handle it, can you? feels too fucking good, doesn’t it?” he nipped at your earlobe, his breath hot and heavy in your ear, his hips never losing rhythm as he kept pounding into you, the slick, wet sound of his cock filling you mixing with the sounds of your gasps and moans.

your back arched, your hands clawing at the sheets as he kept you in place, the sensation of his tongue teasing your ear and his cock slamming into you overwhelming every nerve. the combination was too much, and you found yourself shaking uncontrollably, your mind barely able to process the intensity. he gripped your hair tighter, pulling your head back even more as he whispered into your ear, his voice low and dirty, “you’re gonna fucking come again, aren’t you? i can feel you shaking, y/n.” his voice was like a dark promise in your ear, low and rough as his breath fanned against your skin. "you can't stop it, can you?" he taunted, his hips snapping against you mercilessly, driving himself deeper with every thrust. "you're gonna come again, and i’m gonna make sure you fucking scream."

your body was betraying you, shaking uncontrollably beneath him as the relentless pressure built inside you, each thrust pushing you closer to the edge. his fingers tightened in your hair, holding you steady as he licked a slow, wet trail along the curve of your neck, then back to your ear. the feeling of his hot tongue swirling around your earlobe, teasing you, licking inside, had you thrashing against him, your body reacting on pure instinct.

"fuck—hoon," you gasped, barely able to form a coherent thought, your voice breaking with every word. "i can't... i can't hold it—"

"don’t," he growled, his hand leaving your hair to grip your hips roughly, his nails digging into your skin. "don’t hold back. let it fucking happen."

his cock slammed into you with a brutal rhythm, the sounds of your bodies colliding echoing through the room, each thrust hitting deeper, harder, the wetness of your arousal making it even louder, filthier. you were lost in it, your body shaking uncontrollably as he fucked you with everything he had, no mercy, no breaks.

“come for me, baby,” he rasped, his voice thick with raw desire. “come all over my cock. show me how good it feels, how much you fucking love it.”

with one final deep thrust, your body shattered, your orgasm crashing into you with such force that it felt like every nerve in your body was on fire. your back arched violently, your vision going white as you screamed his name, the pleasure overwhelming everything else. you could barely breathe, your mind fogged, your body trembling uncontrollably as waves of pleasure coursed through you, your pussy clenching tightly around his cock.

"fuck, yes," sunghoon groaned, feeling your body convulse beneath him, your pussy squeezing him so tight it was almost unbearable. "that's it, baby. fucking perfect."

even as you came, he didn’t stop, his hips driving into you again and again, drawing out every last bit of pleasure, until your body was limp beneath him, completely wrecked.

just as you felt yourself slipping into the haze of exhaustion, your body on the verge of passing out from the overwhelming intensity, you were jolted back into awareness by the sudden shift. sunghoon pulled out of you, flipping you onto your back effortlessly, his strong hands settling you into position. before you could even process what was happening, he was back between your legs, his face buried in your soaked pussy.

you were too tired, too exhausted to fight back, every part of your body trembling from the pleasure he'd wrung out of you. but the moment his tongue touched you again, lapping at the mess of cum he’d just filled you with, your eyes widened in shock. he didn’t care that you were dripping with his cum; he sucked it all up, his tongue working greedily as he devoured the mixture of your releases like it was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted.

“fuck,” he moaned against your folds, his voice muffled by your skin. “we taste so fucking good together.”

the sheer filth of it made your mind reel, your body instinctively responding despite the exhaustion. his tongue moved with purpose, sucking and licking every drop of cum from you, making obscene, wet sounds that filled the room. he was relentless, his mouth hungrily devouring the mess he’d made, his fingers gripping your thighs as he pulled you closer, refusing to let go.

“hoon,” you whimpered, your voice shaky, your body too overstimulated to take much more. but he didn’t stop, his tongue dipping inside you, gathering everything before licking back up to your clit, sucking it between his lips with a deep groan of satisfaction.

he looked up at you, his eyes dark, lips slick with your combined releases as he grinned wickedly. “i’m not done, baby. not until i’ve tasted every fucking drop.”

"wanna sleep?" sunghoon whispered, his voice soft, almost tender, despite the hunger still burning in his eyes. his lips hovered just above your trembling core, his fingers tracing lazy circles on your thighs. "you can rest, y/n. close your eyes if you want."

you could barely keep them open, your body too spent, every inch of you aching from the intensity. but just as your head started to sink deeper into the pillow, his hand slid up to cup your cheek, guiding your gaze back to him.

"but please," he murmured, leaning closer, his breath hot against your skin. "let me keep fucking you? i'll be gentle... i swear. just let me feel you a little longer."

his words sent a shiver down your spine. the exhaustion weighed heavy, but the thought of him—inside you again, so desperate and needy—had your body stirring despite itself. he pressed a soft kiss to your inner thigh, his voice dripping with sweet desperation.

“i’ll be gentle,” he repeated, his cock brushing against your swollen entrance, already twitching with need. "you won’t even have to do anything, baby. just let me stay inside... let me feel you."

but how the hell were you supposed to fall asleep like this? sunghoon really did try. he had you wrapped in his arms, spooning you from behind, his chest pressed to your back as he slowly thrust into you. it should’ve been gentle, should’ve been something you could relax into, but it was impossible. each thrust, though slow, was too deep, too precise, hitting that spot inside you that had your body quivering all over again.

you were limp in his arms, your body completely spent, but that didn’t stop the overwhelming pleasure that shot through you with every slow roll of his hips. it felt like heaven and hell all at once, the overstimulation so intense that every few thrusts had you squirting uncontrollably. the sensation drove sunghoon wild, his moans filling the room, louder with every tremble of your body.

"fuck, baby," he panted, his voice wrecked with pleasure, "you’re so fucking perfect. you keep squeezing me so tight—so wet." his words tumbled out between ragged breaths, his lips brushing your ear as he whispered filthy, sweet praise. "look at you, so fucked out… god, you feel so fucking good."

your mind was a blur, lost in the haze of pleasure, tears welling in your eyes from the overwhelming sensation. but sunghoon noticed immediately, his hand moving to gently wipe them away as he thrust into you slowly, lovingly.

“shit, please,” you whimpered, your voice shaking as your body trembled from the overstimulation. “sunghoon, i don’t think i can take anymore.”

his hips slowed slightly, his breath hot against your neck as he nuzzled into you, pressing soft kisses to your skin. “you can, baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with need but laced with a gentleness that had your heart pounding. “just a little more… i’ll be gentle, i swear.”

his cock still slid in and out of you, slow and deep, and every movement made your body shudder with a mixture of pleasure and exhaustion. you could feel his restraint, the way he was trying so hard to keep it slow, but the way he groaned, the way his grip tightened on your hip told you he was losing it.

“fuck, you feel so good. i can’t stop,” he panted, his voice strained with desperation. "just let me have this... you’re so perfect, baby. just a little more, please."

even as your body protested, your mind clouded with the sensation, and you found yourself nodding weakly, barely able to form words. his hands roamed your body, his lips brushing your ear as he continued whispering sweet, filthy praises, the overwhelming pleasure threatening to pull you under once again.

your body couldn’t take it anymore—the constant pleasure, the way sunghoon’s hips never stopped, his cock filling you so completely, so perfectly. his whispered praises, the feeling of him inside you, it all became too much. your mind was spinning, every nerve in your body on fire, and then it happened—you slipped into unconsciousness, your body finally giving in to the exhaustion and the intensity.

sunghoon felt it the moment your body went completely limp against him, your breathing evening out as you passed out in his arms. but even then, he didn’t stop, his hips still moving slowly, savoring every last second of being inside you.

“oh, y/n,” he groaned softly, his lips pressing tender kisses to your neck, his hand caressing your side gently. “you’re so fucking perfect.”

he knew you were out, completely spent, but he couldn’t help himself. he thrust into you a few more times, his cock twitching inside you before he finally reached his own release, groaning softly as he spilled inside you, filling you up one last time.

with a soft sigh, he held you close, his chest pressed to your back, his arms wrapped protectively around you as he finally let himself relax. "sleep, baby," he whispered, kissing the back of your head. "i've got you."

at this point, sunghoon had already cum inside you an unhealthy number of times. his release was everywhere—his cum practically flooding the bed, pooling around your stomach, soaking your thighs, dripping out of your pussy with each slow thrust. the blanket beneath you was completely ruined, drenched in a mess of sweat and cum, the sticky wetness clinging to your skin. the room smelled intensely of sex, so thick with the scent of him that it hung heavy in the air, almost suffocating.

it was that bad. so bad that you couldn’t even remember how many times he’d filled you up, your body barely able to keep up with him, completely drained and overspent. every time you thought he was done, every time you thought your body couldn’t handle anymore, he’d find a way to keep going—pulling more moans from you, pushing you to the brink over and over again.

his cock twitched inside you, still hard, still pulsing with need, even after everything. “fuck, look at you,” he whispered, his voice thick with awe and lust. “you’re so full of me… it’s everywhere.” his fingers traced the cum that dripped down your thighs, the mess pooling beneath you only spurring him on. “god, i’ve filled you up so many times… i’ve ruined you, haven’t i?”

his hands caressed your waist, his lips brushing against your ear as he let out a satisfied groan. "the room smells like us," he muttered, sounding almost proud, "like i’ve claimed every inch of you. fuck, you look so good like this… completely wrecked, covered in my cum."

he held you tighter, his chest pressed to your back as he slowed his thrusts, savoring the feel of you. “so fucking perfect. i can’t stop, y/n… i don’t want to stop.”

the next morning, the room was an absolute disaster. sunlight crept through the curtains, illuminating the chaos from the night before—sheets drenched, blankets ruined, the unmistakable scent of sex hanging heavy in the air. your entire body ached, a dull reminder of just how much sunghoon had pushed you to the brink.

you stirred slowly, your limbs heavy, your thighs still sticky from the aftermath. the sheets beneath you were soaked, a mess of sweat and cum that clung to your skin. sunghoon, lying behind you, was still holding you gently, his arm draped over your waist like a protective shield. he felt warm, his body pressed close, completely different from the night before.

as you shifted slightly, the slickness between your legs reminded you of just how much he had filled you—again and again. you winced, feeling his cum still seeping out of you, sticky against your inner thighs.

sunghoon stirred beside you, letting out a soft yawn before his lips pressed a gentle kiss to your shoulder, his voice still soft and boyish. “morning,” he mumbled, his tone sweet, almost innocent—like nothing happened. “you okay?”

you let out a breathy laugh, your body so tired you could barely move. “i can’t feel anything, hoon.”

his eyes widened in concern for a moment before a shy smile curled at the corners of his lips, his hand brushing softly over your hip, still gentle, but there was a subtle glint of something dirtier in his gaze. “s-sorry... i, uh… might’ve gone a bit overboard,” he said, sounding sheepish, though his hand wandered down, grazing over your sticky skin, clearly not too sorry. “but you were just… so perfect.”

you rolled your eyes playfully, but a flush crept up your neck when his fingers traced the dried cum along your thighs. “we really made a mess,” he muttered, his voice a little softer, a little shyer, but you could still hear the satisfaction in it. "look at you..." he whispered, his thumb tracing the outline of where his cum had dried, “you're still all messy.”

you couldn’t help but laugh weakly. "yeah, whose fault is that?"

his lips curled into a grin, and he pressed another soft kiss to your neck, his voice a little more daring now. “you took everything i gave you, didn’t you? every single drop...”

he shifted closer, wrapping his arms around you, his tone sweet but laced with that dirty edge that made your heart race. "maybe we should... clean up. but," he paused, his breath warm against your ear, “you know, if you wanna rest, i can clean it up for you...”

“you’re unbelievable,” you muttered, trying to ignore the way your body shivered at his words, his soft tone somehow making it even filthier.

he chuckled softly, resting his chin on your shoulder. “can we go again? i promise i’ll be gentle this time.”

one of my very mid-works, not really that satisfied with this but i hope it's still ok :((

want to join my perm taglist? [click here] ♡⸝⸝ be sure to check out my navigation page for all my stories, updates, permanent taglist, and a sneak peek at upcoming content! everything you need is right there.

── .✦⸝⸝ @dollyyun @inishij @in-somnias-world @jwnghyuns @nyxtwixx @love4hee @loljaeyunz @lhspeachie @strxwbloody @nshmrarki @leesura @slvtella @jiminie-08 @wonnienyang @seonghwasbbgirl @doublebunv16 @jiryunie @jaeyeons @loljaeyunz

3K notes · View notes

leeheeso · 2 months ago

Text

prince charming's mismatch

pairing: prince!heeseung x princess!reader

synopsis: you and prince heeseung have been rivals for as long as you can remember. what began as childhood clashes has grown into a deep-seated animosity over the years. but when your sister runs away on her wedding day, you're forced to take her place and marry heeseung—the last person you ever wanted to call your husband.

now bound in an unwanted marriage, you’re faced with navigating the tension between your unresolved hatred and an unexpected attraction. as palace intrigue and looming threats surround you both, you must confront the truth of your feelings. will the bitterness between you tear you apart, or will it ignite something far more powerful?

genre: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, arranged marriage au

warnings: highly suggestive content!!! kissing, hee and reader are mean at first, insecurities, jealous!hee

note: i've been meaning to write this plot for an year now, im happy with how it turned out! e2l with hee is always soo fun to write. enjoyy

word count: 11.5k

royally yours masterlist next: jay

if you liked it please reblog or comment to give me your feedback! <3

the first time you met prince heeseung, it was at a grand summer garden party hosted by your parents in the palace’s sprawling grounds. you were barely six years old, and he wasn’t much older, yet even then, the air between you crackled with something akin to competition. your governess had dressed you in your finest lace frock, with your hair tied in perfect ribbons, but none of that mattered. you were too busy building a grand sandcastle near the fountain, your little fingers carefully patting the turrets into shape.

that was when heeseung appeared, his shadow falling over your castle like a storm cloud. he crouched beside you without so much as a polite greeting, his royal title apparently excusing his lack of manners. his eyes, sharp for a child, surveyed your handiwork critically.

“that’s not right,” he declared, reaching out to touch one of your towers. “the walls need to be thicker, or it’ll fall.”

you frowned, already bristling at the unsolicited advice. “it’s my castle. i know what i’m doing.”

he smirked, a small, superior thing that made your blood simmer even at that tender age. without asking, he began "fixing" it, his hands too rough as he demolished what you had so carefully crafted.

“stop!” you cried, shoving him back with all the strength your little body could muster. heeseung stumbled, landing awkwardly on the grass, but instead of being chastened, he merely laughed.

“see?” he said, gesturing at the collapsed sandcastle. “i told you it would fall.”

tears of frustration welled in your eyes as you glared at him. “you ruined it! i didn’t ask for your help!”

heeseung stood, dusting off his fine clothes, a boyish smirk still plastered on his face. “you should thank me. i was doing you a favour.”

from that day forward, any time your families met, it was as if an unspoken rule had been established—whenever you were in the same room, you and heeseung would find something to argue about. it didn’t matter if it was who deserved the biggest slice of cake or who could recite their latin conjugations faster; the two of you were constantly at odds.

as the years passed, your mutual disdain only deepened. by the time you were ten, heeseung had already earned a reputation as the golden boy of his kingdom, a future king who excelled in everything he touched. your own accomplishments were always impressive—your parents had ensured you were well-versed in languages, history, and the fine arts—but whenever heeseung was around, it felt as though all your achievements paled in comparison.

“did you hear?” one of your tutors asked one morning as you sat in the drawing room, diligently practising your embroidery. “prince heeseung has been awarded top marks in his studies again. he’s to receive a commendation from the royal academy.”

you didn’t look up, but your needle paused for the briefest of moments. “how wonderful for him,” you muttered, the words heavy with sarcasm.

that evening, at another royal banquet, you couldn’t help but bring up your own accomplishments, eager for even a crumb of recognition.

“i’ve been practising my archery,” you said proudly to the gathered guests, though your eyes couldn’t help but flick toward heeseung, who lounged nearby, looking as regal and aloof as ever. “i managed to hit the bullseye several times this week.”

heeseung glanced up lazily, catching your eye with that familiar, insufferable smirk. “impressive,” he said in a bored tone, “though archery isn’t quite the same as, say, fencing. that requires real skill.”

your fists clenched under the table, your pride wounded by his casual dismissal. but this was the way it always went. no matter what you did, heeseung always found a way to make it seem insignificant, as though he were the sun and you were merely a star dimmed by his brilliance.

by the time you were both teenagers, the animosity between you had grown more complicated, though no less intense. you found yourselves at the same royal gatherings, balls, and court functions, and each time, it was as if the entire room held its breath, waiting to see what you and heeseung would clash over next.

at one particularly grand ball, you had been feeling proud of your debut. you wore a gown of the finest silk, and you’d received more than a few admiring glances from the eligible noblemen in attendance. you were certain this was your night to shine—until heeseung approached.

“you look well enough,” he said, his voice smooth but with an edge that set your teeth on edge. “though i hope you don’t trip during the quadrille like last time.”

your cheeks flushed, remembering all too well the minor misstep you’d taken at a previous ball. “i won’t,” you snapped, glaring at him. “and even if i did, it’s better than fencing yourself into a corner like you did at the tournament last month.”

his smile faltered for just a second, but that was enough to make you feel victorious.

yet, despite the constant barbs, there was something else simmering beneath the surface now—a tension you refused to name. you hated the way your heart raced whenever heeseung was near, the way his presence seemed to fill every corner of a room. and, though you’d never admit it, you hated even more that part of you missed the old days when your squabbles were simple, childish things.

it all changed the day your sister’s engagement to heeseung was announced. the prince who had been your lifelong nemesis was now to become your sister’s husband, the future king of your kingdom. it was a match made for political alliance, but it felt like a betrayal. you had expected more from him—well, not more kindness, but certainly more rebellion. yet, heeseung accepted the engagement with the same cool composure he did everything else.

for the first time in years, he stopped seeking you out, stopped picking those fights you had come to expect. he no longer bothered with sharp remarks or smug smiles. instead, he kept his distance, as though you were beneath his notice.

you told yourself it didn’t matter. after all, what did you care if heeseung ignored you now? he was going to be your brother-in-law, and that was enough reason to keep things civil. and yet, a strange, hollow feeling settled in your chest whenever you saw him and your sister together. he was colder now, more mature, but somehow more distant than ever.

little did you know, your rivalry with prince heeseung was far from over. if anything, it was only just beginning.

the night your world fell apart, it started with a simple knock on your chamber door. the palace had been abuzz with preparations—florists arranging garlands, tailors hemming gowns, and courtiers whispering about the grand union that would strengthen two kingdoms. you had spent the evening rehearsing your duties as maid of honour, biting back any remnants of bitterness that still clung to your feelings about the match. it didn’t matter that you had spent your entire life despising heeseung; your sister loved him, or at least, she was supposed to.

you were preparing to retire, brushing your hair by the dim glow of candlelight, when your sister slipped into the room, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. you’d never seen her look so frantic. your heart sank before she even said a word.

“i’m not going to marry him,” she whispered, wringing her hands in the folds of her silk nightgown. her voice trembled, but it was steady enough for you to know she wasn’t joking.

your heart lurched. “what are you talking about? the wedding is tomorrow!”

her wide eyes darted to the door as if she feared someone might overhear. she leaned in closer, gripping your wrist with trembling fingers. “i can’t marry heeseung,” she said urgently. “i don’t love him. i’m leaving tonight.”

the words hit you like a physical blow. “you’re what?”

“i’m eloping,” she said, her voice firmer now, as if saying it out loud gave her courage. “with lucien.”

lucien. you barely knew the man, a minor noble from another court, but he had charmed your sister quickly. he was handsome and witty, but far beneath her station. you stared at her, disbelief mixing with fury.

“lucien? are you mad? you can’t just abandon your duty for—”

“for love?” she interrupted, her voice rising in defiance. “yes, i can. i won’t be trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who cares nothing for me.”

you swallowed hard, your mind racing. heeseung, distant and cold as he had been with you, had shown no signs of affection for your sister either, but this was bigger than personal feelings. the marriage was political, a union meant to secure alliances, peace, and power. your sister fleeing would bring nothing but chaos.

“you’ll ruin everything,” you whispered, your voice thick with the weight of the consequences. “our families, the kingdoms—this is bigger than you.”

her eyes softened with a mix of guilt and determination. “i know. but i can’t live my life for duty, not like this.” she stood, gathering a small satchel you hadn’t noticed before, already packed and ready for her escape.

“you won’t stop me, will you?” she asked, her gaze pleading.

you wanted to scream, to shake her out of this madness, but your throat tightened. she was your sister. you loved her. and you knew, deep down, that nothing you said would change her mind.

“i should,” you said, your voice quiet, brittle. “but no. i won’t.”

your sister smiled, a fragile, relieved thing, before pulling you into a tight embrace. the hug felt final, like the end of something neither of you could come back from. when she finally let go, you stood frozen in the middle of her room as she slipped out the window and into the night, her footsteps fading into the shadows.

the palace remained blissfully unaware of the catastrophe until morning, when your mother’s scream shattered the early dawn peace.

the palace was in chaos the next morning. servants rushed through the halls, panic etched on their faces as whispers spread like wildfire—the bride had run away. you stayed in your chambers as long as possible, trying to gather your thoughts, your emotions, trying to prepare for the inevitable fallout.

when the summons came from your father, it felt like a death knell. the walk to the throne room felt endless, each step heavier than the last. the moment you stepped through the grand doors, you saw heeseung standing beside your parents. his face was a mask of icy calm, but his eyes…his eyes were darker than you’d ever seen them, cold and unforgiving.

he didn’t even glance at you as your father spoke.

“your sister has disgraced this family,” your father’s voice boomed, his tone laced with anger and disappointment. “but the marriage cannot be abandoned. the alliance with heeseung’s kingdom is too important.”

you stood still, your stomach churning as you braced for what was coming.

“therefore,” your father continued, his gaze hard as stone, “you will take her place.”

for a moment, the words didn’t register. you couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. you? marry heeseung? no, it wasn’t possible. you had spent your entire life in a silent war with him. the idea of marrying the man who had been your nemesis since childhood was unthinkable.

your mother’s voice, soft but firm, broke the silence. “the arrangements have already been made. the wedding will proceed as planned. you will become heeseung’s bride.”

“no.” the word slipped from your lips before you could stop it, your heart racing. “i can’t.”

your father’s eyes narrowed, and your mother’s expression hardened with disappointment. “you will do your duty,” your father said coldly. “this is not up for discussion.”

duty. it always came down to that. your entire life, you had been prepared for moments like this, but not this moment. not like this.

finally, you turned to heeseung, desperate for any sign of protest, for him to say something—anything—that would stop this madness. but he was silent. his face remained expressionless, as though none of this affected him. he looked at you as if you were just a piece of the puzzle, another part of the kingdom’s grand design.

“is that all i am to you?” you asked, your voice shaking. “just a replacement? a stand-in for the bride who ran away?”

for the first time, heeseung’s gaze met yours, and for a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes—something unreadable, buried deep beneath the coldness. but his words cut through you like ice.

“you’re a princess,” he said, his voice quiet but sharp. “your role is to serve your kingdom. that’s all that matters.”

a bitter laugh escaped your throat. “you’ve hated me for years, heeseung. and now you expect me to just—what? pretend none of that matters?”

his jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. instead, he turned away, his indifference stinging more than any of the insults you had traded over the years.

your father spoke again, his tone final. “the marriage will happen. prepare yourself.”

the grand hall was suffused with the glow of flickering candles and soft sunlight filtering through stained glass windows. the scent of fresh roses—your sister’s favourite, not yours—hung heavily in the air, mocking the gravity of the moment. you stood at the entrance of the hall, your hands clenched so tightly around the bouquet that your knuckles were white. the murmurs of the courtiers echoed around you, a constant hum of speculation and judgement. no matter how well you carried yourself today, the whispers wouldn’t stop.

the switch of the bride was the scandal of the century, and you were at the centre of it.

ahead of you, heeseung stood tall, his face as unreadable as stone. the same detachment was in his eyes, his expression cool and composed as if this marriage was merely another political manoeuvre for him, another step toward the throne. he didn’t look at you with warmth, or even a hint of care. to him, you weren’t his wife—you were the replacement for the woman who had run away.

you walked down the aisle, every step heavier than the last, the reality of your situation crushing you. heeseung’s gaze was steady as you approached, but it wasn’t the gaze of a man looking at his bride. it was a look of cold calculation, a man who had resigned himself to duty.

when you finally reached him, your heart thudding loudly in your chest, you barely registered the priest's words. the vows—sacred, binding—felt hollow, like a cruel twist of fate. how could you stand here, repeating the words meant for your sister? they weren't meant for you. you were never supposed to be the bride.

heeseung took your hand, and the warmth of his skin was a sharp contrast to the chill that ran down your spine. his grip was firm, not gentle, but not cruel either—just dutiful. he spoke his vows with a steady voice, each word sounding rehearsed, as though they meant nothing to him beyond their formality.

and then it was your turn. you hesitated, the weight of the kingdom on your shoulders, your pulse quickening. your voice trembled slightly as you repeated the vows, feeling the eyes of everyone in the hall on you—expecting you to fulfil your role, to be the perfect princess. you could barely choke out the words, but somehow, you managed. and with every word, you felt the invisible chains of your new life tightening around you.

when the priest finally pronounced you husband and wife, heeseung’s lips brushed yours in the briefest of kisses—so cold and devoid of feeling that it felt more like a business transaction than the union of two people. the cheers of the court erupted around you, but in that moment, the applause sounded like the closing of a cage. you were trapped, bound to him, to this life.

as you turned to leave the altar, heeseung offered his arm, the tension between you palpable. his eyes flickered to yours for a brief moment, but there was no warmth there. just that cold, resigned look you had grown accustomed to. you were both playing your roles, just as you had been trained to do your whole lives.

but this wasn’t a game. this was your future, and it felt like a noose tightening around your neck.

the wedding feast had been a blur—a cacophony of forced smiles, hollow congratulations, and polite toasts that masked the underlying tension. you had barely spoken a word to heeseung throughout the entire affair. he hadn’t made any attempt to speak to you either, remaining as distant and composed as ever.

now, as you stood alone in the chambers that were to be yours and heeseung’s, the reality of your new life settled heavily on your chest. the palace chambers were far too quiet, the air thick with the tension that had been building between you and heeseung for years. as you stood in the centre of the room, staring at the enormous bed draped in rich fabrics, it felt like the walls were closing in. the room was elegantly decorated—ornate tapestries hung on the walls, and the grand four-poster bed was fit for a queen. but none of it mattered. the splendour felt like a mockery of the situation you found yourself in. tonight, this room was not a sanctuary but a gilded cage.

your breath caught in your throat as the door creaked open. heeseung entered, his presence commanding even in the subdued candlelight. the tension between you was palpable, stretching like a thin, fragile thread that could snap at any moment. his gaze flicked toward you briefly, but he didn’t speak, and the silence that followed was suffocating.

heeseung moved with practised grace, his movements calm and deliberate. he began undoing the buttons on his ceremonial jacket, the fine fabric sliding off his shoulders and landing in a careless heap on the chair by the vanity. you stood frozen, unsure of what to say, what to do. this wasn’t how you had imagined a wedding night would feel—though you had never dreamed this night would be with heeseung, of all people.

his back was to you now, his broad shoulders tense, though he did nothing to betray any emotion. you could feel the distance between you both, even though he was just across the room. heeseung had always been composed, guarded, but tonight, his coldness cut even deeper than usual.

he finally broke the silence, his voice low but steady. “it’s late. you should rest.” there was no affection in his tone, just the same sense of duty that had hung over the entire day. you weren’t his bride by choice, and he wasn’t your husband by desire.

you bit back a bitter laugh. rest? as if you could simply close your eyes and pretend this was normal. pretend that this marriage was something other than a trap. “is that it, then?” you asked, your voice sharper than intended. “we go to bed and pretend everything is fine?”

heeseung turned to face you, his expression as unreadable as ever. he didn’t answer right away, as if weighing his response carefully. “what do you want me to say?” his tone was measured, but there was an edge to it, a hint of frustration that matched your own.

“i don’t know,” you admitted, your voice trembling with the weight of your emotions. “this wasn’t supposed to happen. i wasn’t supposed to marry you.”

something flickered in heeseung’s eyes, though it disappeared as quickly as it came. he regarded you for a moment, his gaze unreadable, before he spoke again. “do you think i wanted this?” his words were quiet but laced with a bitterness that surprised you. “i didn’t ask for this any more than you did.”

you swallowed, feeling a lump rise in your throat. you hadn’t expected this admission from him, hadn’t expected him to show any vulnerability. “then what are we supposed to do?” your voice was softer now, the anger ebbing away, replaced by uncertainty. “how are we supposed to live like this?”

heeseung sighed, running a hand through his hair, a rare moment of frustration breaking through his calm facade. “we do what’s expected of us,” he said, though there was a heaviness to his words, as if he was trying to convince himself as much as you. “we fulfill our duties. that’s all we can do.”

“duties.” the word tasted bitter on your tongue. it had always come down to that, hadn’t it? duty to the crown, to the kingdom, to your family. and now, duty to heeseung.

the silence stretched on, thick and uncomfortable. heeseung turned away, moving toward the window where the heavy drapes framed the view of the darkened palace gardens. his silhouette was stark against the faint glow of moonlight, his posture stiff, almost defensive.

after a long moment, he spoke again, his voice softer this time. “i’ll sleep over there.” he gestured to the chaise near the window, a fine piece of furniture that now seemed woefully out of place in this awkward, tension-filled room. “you can have the bed.”

you blinked, surprised by his offer. it was the last thing you expected from him, but it was a relief nonetheless. “you don’t have to—”

“i’m not doing this for you,” he interrupted, his voice firm, but not unkind. “i just don’t want to make this any more difficult than it already is.”

with that, he moved toward the chaise, gathering a pillow and blanket from the wardrobe. his actions were efficient, almost mechanical, as if he had already resigned himself to this fate. he didn’t look at you as he arranged the blanket over the chaise.

you stood there, feeling a strange mix of emotions—relief, awkwardness, and something else, something heavier that you couldn’t quite place. this was your wedding night, but it was nothing like you had ever imagined. there was no closeness, no warmth—just two people bound together by obligation and circumstance.

finally, you moved toward the bed, the thick carpets muffling your steps. the soft fabric of your gown felt heavy as you climbed beneath the covers, though they provided no comfort. you lay there, staring up at the intricate canopy above, your mind racing. this bed, this room—none of it felt like yours.

heeseung settled on the chaise, his back to you, the distance between you both feeling vast despite the small room. the silence was oppressive, each second dragging on longer than the last. you wondered if he was as uneasy as you were, or if he had already steeled himself to this new reality.

for a long while, neither of you spoke, the only sound in the room the faint rustling of fabric as you shifted beneath the covers. the weight of the day, of the vows, of your new title, pressed down on you, making it hard to breathe.

finally, you couldn’t stand the silence any longer. “heeseung,” you whispered, unsure if you even wanted him to respond.

he didn’t turn, but his voice was low and steady when he answered. “what?”

you hesitated, searching for the right words. “do you think... do you think this will ever get easier?”

there was a long pause before he responded, his voice quiet, almost resigned. “i don’t know.”

and with that, the conversation ended. heeseung remained silent, his back still turned to you, and you knew there was nothing more to say. you turned onto your side, pulling the blankets tighter around you, though they offered little warmth. the room felt too big, too empty, despite his presence.

eventually, exhaustion crept in, dulling the sharp edges of your thoughts. but even as sleep began to claim you, a cold, sinking feeling settled in your chest. this was your life now—bound to a man you barely knew, a man who had been your enemy for years, and yet, somehow, your husband.

and as you drifted off into uneasy sleep, the last thought that crossed your mind was how strange it felt to be lying just feet away from heeseung, yet feeling as though he was a world away.

the morning after the wedding dawned cold and gray, mirroring the lingering tension between you and heeseung. you woke up in the large, empty bed, the space next to you untouched, a stark reminder of the distance that had been established on your wedding night. the air in the room felt thick, suffocating, as if the very walls were pressing in on you, reminding you of your new reality.

as you sat up, the unfamiliarity of your surroundings only worsened the tightness in your chest. this was your new life. not just this bed, but this room, this palace—heeseung’s palace—and you would share it with a man who barely spoke to you, who looked at you with that same cold distance he had always shown.

you dressed quickly, your movements mechanical, trying not to think too much. the maids moved around you silently, well-trained and efficient, but you could feel their eyes on you. it was impossible to escape the fact that everyone knew. the entire kingdom knew the story—the princess who had run away, and her sister forced to take her place. the whispers would never stop.

when you finally made your way downstairs to the grand dining room, heeseung was already seated at the long table, a plate of food in front of him. he didn’t look up when you entered, simply continued cutting into his meal with precise, practised movements. you hesitated for a moment, then took your seat across from him.

the silence was unbearable.

you picked at your food, barely tasting it, glancing at heeseung from time to time. his expression was as unreadable as ever, his attention focused on the papers beside his plate—likely matters of the kingdom that required his attention. he was already immersed in his duties, the weight of his impending kingship pressing down on him just as heavily as your new role as his wife weighed on you.

finally, you couldn’t stand it any longer. “do you plan to ignore me for the rest of our lives?” you asked, your voice sharper than you intended.

heeseung didn’t look up immediately, taking his time to finish his bite and set down his utensils with deliberate care. when he finally met your gaze, his expression was cool, detached. “i’m not ignoring you.”

you scoffed, unable to hide your frustration. “you’ve barely spoken to me since the wedding.”

he raised an eyebrow, his tone as calm as ever. “what would you like me to say?”

the question took you off guard. you hadn’t expected him to be so blunt. you opened your mouth, then closed it again, unsure of how to respond. what did you want him to say? that he regretted everything as much as you did? that he hated this arrangement, too? or perhaps you wanted him to acknowledge the years of bitterness between you, to admit that this marriage was a farce.

instead, you said, “we’re married now, heeseung. we have to live together. we can’t keep pretending the other doesn’t exist.”

his jaw tightened ever so slightly, but his voice remained calm. “i’m aware of that.”

you waited for him to say more, but he didn’t. the silence stretched on once again, thicker than before, suffocating in its awkwardness. you pushed your plate away, no longer interested in eating. “fine,” you muttered under your breath, standing abruptly. “i suppose i’ll just get used to it, then.”

you turned to leave, but his voice stopped you. “you don’t have to like this any more than i do, but we have responsibilities now.”

you paused, your back to him, your hands clenched at your sides. “responsibilities,” you repeated, your voice barely above a whisper. it seemed like that was all your life had ever been reduced to—duty, obligation, and responsibilities.

without another word, you left the dining room, the heavy doors closing behind you with a soft thud. you could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on you even more as you walked through the halls of the palace, each step echoing in the vast emptiness. you weren’t just trapped in this marriage—you were trapped in this life.

days passed, and though you and heeseung were forced to share the same space, your interactions remained minimal, stilted. in the mornings, you would find him already at the breakfast table, poring over documents and barely acknowledging your presence. he would spend his days attending council meetings and handling matters of state, leaving you to navigate the palace on your own, feeling more like a guest in your own home than its mistress.

at night, he would retire to the chambers late, often when you were already lying in bed, pretending to sleep. he would quietly take his place on the chaise near the window, far enough away to avoid any awkwardness, but close enough that his presence was a constant reminder of the divide between you.

it was during these nights that the loneliness settled in most heavily. the silence of the room, broken only by the occasional rustling of fabric or the soft crackle of the fireplace, was suffocating. you had grown accustomed to sleeping alone, but now, knowing heeseung was just a few feet away, the distance between you felt almost unbearable. there was an unspoken understanding that neither of you wanted to bridge the gap.

one evening, after yet another day of awkward meals and tense silences, you found yourself in the library, one of the few places in the palace where you felt at peace. the vast room was filled with shelves upon shelves of books, their spines worn and familiar. you had always loved to read, finding solace in the stories and histories of others when your own life felt too overwhelming.

you were seated by the window, the late afternoon sun casting a soft glow over the pages of your book, when the door creaked open. you looked up, surprised to see heeseung standing in the doorway. he paused for a moment, as if uncertain whether to enter or leave, his eyes scanning the room before they settled on you.

“may i join you?” he asked, his voice unusually soft.

you blinked, caught off guard by his request. this was the first time he had sought you out since the wedding, and the suddenness of it left you momentarily speechless. you nodded, unsure of what else to do. “of course.”

heeseung crossed the room, moving with his usual grace, and took a seat in the armchair opposite you. for a moment, neither of you spoke, the quiet of the library enveloping you both. he seemed content to sit in silence, his gaze wandering to the bookshelves that lined the walls.

finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. “this is... one of the quieter rooms.”

you raised an eyebrow, a small, incredulous smile tugging at the corner of your lips. “it’s a library, heeseung. of course it’s quiet.”

to your surprise, he chuckled softly, though it was a dry, humourless sound. “fair enough.”

silence fell again, but this time it wasn’t as suffocating. there was something almost... peaceful about it, the weight of your shared presence not as unbearable as it had been before. you watched him out of the corner of your eye, noticing how tired he looked. the weight of his responsibilities was evident in the slight furrow of his brow, the way his shoulders sagged ever so slightly.

after a while, you set your book down on your lap, deciding to break the silence. “it must be difficult,” you said quietly. “taking on so much.”

heeseung didn’t answer right away, his gaze still focused on the shelves, but eventually, he nodded. “it is.”

you hesitated for a moment, then spoke again, softer this time. “you don’t have to carry it all alone, you know.”

he turned to look at you then, his expression unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—something softer than the cold indifference you had grown accustomed to.

“and what would you suggest?” he asked, his voice quiet but not unkind.

“i don’t know,” you admitted. “but we’re in this together, whether we like it or not.”

heeseung’s gaze lingered on you for a moment longer, and then he nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement. it wasn’t much, but it was the first step—however small—toward something more than just forced cohabitation.

the shift in your relationship came faster than you expected. it started with a challenge—a reckless, unspoken dare that neither of you could resist.

it had been a clear, crisp day, the first after several weeks of rain. you were restless, tired of the palace walls and the constant burden of your new role. you had gone to the stables, hoping to take one of the horses out for a ride, needing to feel the wind in your hair and the ground beneath you. but when you arrived, heeseung was already there, adjusting the reins of his own horse.

you paused in the doorway, surprised to see him. “you ride?”

he glanced up, one eyebrow raised. “you sound surprised.”

“i am,” you admitted. “i’ve never seen you ride before.”

he chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. “there’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

the challenge in his voice was unmistakable, and you couldn’t resist rising to it. “care to prove it?” you asked, moving toward your own horse.

heeseung’s smirk widened. “what do you have in mind?”

you mounted your horse swiftly, the thrill of the challenge already coursing through your veins. “a race.”

heeseung raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “you think you can beat me?”

“i know i can,” you shot back, turning your horse toward the open field beyond the stables.

without another word, you spurred your horse into motion, not waiting for his response. behind you, you heard heeseung’s laughter, low and rich, before the sound of hooves thundering against the ground told you he had accepted the challenge.

you raced through the fields, the wind whipping through your hair, the thrill of the chase making your heart race. heeseung was right behind you, and you could feel the tension building, the competitive edge between you sparking like fire. it was like being children again, challenging each other at every turn, pushing each other to the limit.

but this time, it was different. the stakes were higher, the tension thicker, and the way heeseung looked at you when he finally caught up to you sent a shiver down your spine.

when he finally pulled his horse beside yours, you were both breathless, your faces flushed with adrenaline. you glanced over at him, and the look in his eyes—intense, dark, heated—made your pulse quicken.

“not bad,” he said, his voice low, rough around the edges.

you smirked, trying to ignore the way your heart was pounding. “you almost kept up.”

heeseung leaned in just slightly, his gaze locking with yours. “almost?” he murmured, his voice sending a jolt through you.

you swallowed hard, your throat suddenly dry. the space between you was too close, the air charged with something you weren’t quite ready to name. his eyes lingered on your lips for just a moment too long, and you could feel the heat of his presence, the tension that had always existed between you now manifesting in a way that was far more dangerous.

before either of you could say anything, heeseung pulled back, his smirk returning as if nothing had happened. “we’ll call it a draw,” he said, though there was a teasing edge to his voice.

you let out a breath you hadn’t realised you were holding, shaking your head with a laugh. “you wish.”

but as you rode back to the palace, the tension between you remained, simmering beneath the surface. it was no longer the resentment of old enemies, but something far more complex, far more dangerous. and for the first time, you found yourself wondering what would happen if that tension ever boiled over.

later that night, the air was thick with the remnants of the day’s energy. you couldn’t sleep, your mind still racing from the ride and the way heeseung had looked at you—how close he had come, how your heart had nearly betrayed you in that moment of suspended anticipation.

you wandered the halls of the palace aimlessly, your footsteps soft against the marble floors. the palace at night was a different place, quiet and still, the shadows long and heavy. it felt like a place where secrets lingered in every corner, where the walls whispered of things that could never be said aloud.

as you passed by the study, you noticed the faint glow of light beneath the door. curiosity piqued, you pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. heeseung was there, seated at the desk, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. he was reading, his brow furrowed in concentration, his lips slightly parted as he focused on the page in front of him.

you hesitated, but before you could turn away, he looked up, catching sight of you. for a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence between you heavy with unspoken words. then, without breaking eye contact, heeseung set the book aside.

“couldn’t sleep?” he asked, his voice low, intimate in the quiet of the room.

you shook your head, stepping into the room. “no. you?”

heeseung’s gaze flicked over you, his eyes lingering on you in a way that made your skin heat under his scrutiny. “i’ve been thinking,” he said, his tone soft but laced with that same dangerous tension that had been building all day.

“about what?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper as you moved closer, drawn to him in a way you couldn’t quite explain.

heeseung’s eyes met yours, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. “about you,” he said quietly. “about us.”

the weight of his words settled in the space between you, thick and intoxicating. about you. about us. it echoed in your mind, stirring something deep within you that you had tried to ignore for far too long. you weren’t sure if it was the late hour, the dim candlelight, or the fact that you had been dancing around each other for weeks now, but something inside you snapped.

your breath hitched as you looked at him, his eyes dark and full of something you couldn’t quite name. but it was there—undeniable, pulsing in the space between you. and now that it had been spoken into existence, you couldn’t unsee it.

“what about us?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. it wasn’t just curiosity anymore. it was a challenge.

heeseung’s gaze flicked to your lips, and the tension in the room intensified, coiling tighter and tighter until it felt like the air itself might shatter from the pressure. he stood slowly, his movements deliberate, and took a step toward you, closing the already-small distance between you.

“there’s always been something between us,” he said, his voice low, rough. his eyes never left yours, burning with intensity. “even when we hated each other.”

your heart was pounding now, so loud you were sure he could hear it. you wanted to deny it, to tell him that he was wrong, that it had always been pure hatred. but that would’ve been a lie. you knew it as well as he did—whatever had always been there between you, it had never been simple.

“and what is it now?” you asked, forcing yourself to meet his gaze even though every instinct told you to look away. to run.

heeseung took another step closer, his hand reaching up slowly, as though giving you the chance to pull away. but you didn’t. you couldn’t. his fingers brushed against your cheek, the touch so light it sent a shiver down your spine. his hand lingered there, his thumb tracing the line of your jaw.

“maybe we’ve been fighting the wrong battle,” he murmured, his voice softer now, almost tender. the warmth of his breath ghosted over your skin, and you felt your pulse quicken.

your throat tightened. every word he said felt like a dangerous line, one that you were teetering on the edge of crossing. the tension between you had always been a fire—burning too hot, too fast. and now, it felt like it was about to consume you both.

heeseung’s thumb brushed over your bottom lip, and your breath caught in your throat. his touch was tentative, as though he wasn’t quite sure if this was real or if you would pull away at any moment.

but you didn’t.

instead, you took a step closer, closing the gap completely. the air between you was charged, thick with unspoken desire and the weight of all the years you had spent fighting against each other. your body was betraying you, leaning into him, drawn by a force you had denied for too long.

heeseung’s eyes darkened as he leaned in, his lips barely an inch from yours, the heat between you almost unbearable now. you could feel the tension in every muscle, the way his hand trembled slightly as it cupped your cheek, the way your own body was responding without your permission.

then, in a breathless moment that felt like it stretched on forever, he closed the distance.

his lips pressed against yours—soft at first, testing, as though he wasn’t sure you would let him. but the moment your lips met his, something ignited between you. the kiss deepened, filled with all the pent-up frustration and longing that had been building for so long. it was a clash of emotions—anger, desire, need—all colliding in that single moment.

you responded instantly, your hands reaching up to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more. the kiss was rough, almost desperate, as though you were both trying to make up for years of missed chances in that single moment.

his hands slid down to your waist, pulling you flush against him, and you gasped against his lips at the feeling of his body pressed so close to yours. the intensity of it was overwhelming, but you didn’t want it to stop. you didn’t want to think. you just wanted to feel.

but then, as quickly as it started, heeseung pulled back, his breathing ragged, his forehead resting against yours. his hands still gripped your waist, holding you in place as though he couldn’t quite let go yet.

“this isn’t... what i expected,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. his breath was warm against your skin, and his eyes searched yours, as though he was looking for an answer in your gaze.

you swallowed hard, trying to steady your breathing, trying to make sense of what had just happened. “what did you expect?” you asked softly, your fingers still tangled in his hair.

heeseung’s grip on your waist tightened for a moment, his eyes darkening once again. “i didn’t expect you to feel this way.” his voice was low, almost a growl, filled with the same intensity that had been building between you all night.

you opened your mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. you had no idea what to say, no idea how to explain the maelstrom of emotions swirling inside you. all you knew was that everything had changed in that kiss.

“i don’t know what i feel,” you admitted quietly, your voice barely audible in the heavy silence of the room.

heeseung’s lips twitched into a small, almost sad smile. “neither do i.” he stepped back, finally breaking the physical contact between you, and you immediately missed the warmth of his body against yours.

“but whatever this is... it’s dangerous,” he continued, his eyes locked on yours, as though warning you. “we’ve always been enemies. we don’t know how to be anything else.”

you felt a lump form in your throat at his words, because deep down, you knew he was right. but that didn’t stop the ache in your chest, the desire for something more—for the possibility of what could be.

“i don’t want to be your enemy anymore,” you said softly, the confession surprising even you.

heeseung’s eyes widened slightly at your words, his expression unreadable. for a moment, you thought he might say something—might admit that he didn’t want to be your enemy either. but then, he shook his head, the walls between you coming back up, brick by brick.

“this doesn’t change anything,” he said quietly, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.

and with that, he turned and left the room, leaving you standing there in the soft glow of candlelight, your heart pounding and your mind reeling from the kiss that had shifted the entire balance between you.

as the door closed softly behind him, you exhaled a shaky breath, your fingers brushing your lips where his had been moments before.

everything had changed.

the royal court was buzzing with tension, and for once, the tension wasn’t between you and heeseung. the kingdom was on edge, not from war or rebellion, but from something far more insidious—political manoeuvring. rival noble houses were plotting against heeseung’s rule, questioning his right to ascend to the throne, especially after the sudden marriage to you. the whispers had grown louder over the past few weeks, the courtiers’ gazes sharper, waiting for the first misstep.

you had known court life would be full of power plays and alliances, but this was different. it was personal. every snide comment, every hushed conversation behind closed doors, felt like an attack on your marriage, on your family’s legacy. and worst of all, it felt like an attack on you.

one afternoon, as you made your way through the palace corridors, you overheard a group of nobles—close to your family—voicing their displeasure over your sudden marriage to heeseung. it was the same old song—how your sister should have been the bride, how you were never meant for this role, how heeseung marrying you was a strategic disaster.

you felt your blood run cold, but you kept walking, your head held high. you had grown used to these remarks, but today, they stung deeper. not because they questioned your worth, but because they reflected the deep-seated insecurity you had always carried.

that night, you found yourself alone in the study, staring out the window at the darkening sky. the weight of the court’s judgement, the impossible standards, the constant comparisons to your sister—they were suffocating. and then there was heeseung, whose coldness had thawed just enough to show you glimpses of something deeper, something real. but he was still heeseung—your husband, your childhood rival, and now the man who held your future in his hands.

the door creaked open behind you, and you didn’t need to turn to know it was him. you had grown attuned to his presence, the way the air shifted whenever he entered a room.

“what’s wrong?” his voice was quieter than usual, but still carrying that edge of command. he always knew when something was off, as if he could sense the turmoil swirling inside you.

you didn’t answer immediately, your gaze fixed on the stars outside. “they’re saying we’re not suited for each other,” you murmured, finally turning to face him. “that i’m not fit to be queen. that you made a mistake.”

heeseung’s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek. he stepped closer, his eyes narrowing in that familiar way, but this time, it wasn’t directed at you.

“let them talk,” he said flatly. “they’re just waiting for us to fail.”

“and what if they’re right?” the words slipped out before you could stop them, the fear and doubt bubbling to the surface. “i was never meant to marry you. this isn’t the life i was prepared for.”

heeseung stared at you for a moment, his expression unreadable. then, to your surprise, he closed the distance between you, his hands gripping your shoulders firmly, forcing you to meet his gaze.

“i didn’t choose you because you were an easy choice,” he said, his voice low but intense. “i chose you because you’re stronger than you realise.”

you blinked, taken aback by the conviction in his words. heeseung wasn’t one to offer praise lightly, and hearing it now, in this moment, felt more intimate than anything he had ever said to you before.

“there are plenty of people who want to see us fail,” he continued, his grip tightening slightly. “but they don’t matter. what matters is that we don’t give them the satisfaction. we fight together.”

the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine, and for the first time, you saw beyond the cold exterior he had always shown you. there was something deeper there, something raw and unspoken. a partnership.

but the closeness also brought something else—a heat that had always been there between you, simmering beneath the surface. his hands lingered on your shoulders, his thumbs brushing the bare skin just above your collarbone, and suddenly the room felt smaller, the air thicker.

“you think i’m strong?” you asked, your voice quieter now, tinged with something more vulnerable. something real.

heeseung’s gaze flicked down to your lips, just for a moment, before returning to your eyes. his voice was rough when he spoke, low and filled with an unspoken promise. “i’ve always known.”

the charged air between you was impossible to ignore now. his fingers slid from your shoulders to your arms, the touch sending a jolt of warmth through you. it wasn’t just the weight of responsibility pressing down on you—it was him, his closeness, the undeniable pull you had both been dancing around for weeks.

you could feel the tension in every inch of your body, your heart racing as heeseung’s hands rested on your waist, pulling you closer, but still leaving just enough space for doubt. he hesitated, as if waiting for you to push him away, to remind him of the enmity that had defined your relationship for so long.

but you didn’t. instead, you leaned into him, your hands tentatively reaching up to rest on his chest. the fabric of his shirt was soft under your fingers, but beneath it, you could feel the steady beat of his heart, as rapid as your own.

“maybe i’ve been wrong about you,” you whispered, your breath hitching as the tension between you reached a breaking point.

heeseung’s eyes darkened at your words, his lips hovering just inches from yours. “maybe you have,” he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. but there was something softer there too, something almost tender.

before you could talk yourself out of it, you closed the distance between you and kissed him.

the kiss was like nothing you had ever experienced—fierce, desperate, and full of the years of unresolved tension between you. it was as if all the walls you had built around yourselves were crumbling in an instant, leaving nothing but the raw, undeniable attraction that had always simmered beneath the surface.

heeseung responded instantly, his hands tightening on your waist, pulling you closer as the kiss deepened. his lips moved against yours with a hunger that matched your own, and you could feel the heat radiating off him, his body pressing against yours as if he couldn’t bear to let you go.

it was overwhelming, the intensity of the moment, the way your bodies seemed to fit perfectly together, the way every touch sent a shockwave of desire coursing through you. you had spent so long fighting him, fighting this, and now, as his hands slid up your back, holding you close, you wondered why you had ever resisted.

when you finally pulled back, both of you were breathless, your foreheads resting against each other. heeseung’s grip on your waist didn’t loosen, and you could feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest, his heartbeat as wild as your own.

“we can’t keep pretending,” you whispered, your voice shaky, your lips still tingling from the kiss.

heeseung’s eyes met yours, the vulnerability and uncertainty in his gaze mirroring your own. “no, we can’t,” he agreed, his voice rough with emotion.

for a moment, the world hung in the balance. you had crossed a line, and there was no going back. everything between you had shifted, and the question now wasn’t whether you would move forward—it was how.

heeseung’s thumb brushed gently against your cheek, his touch so tender it nearly broke you. “we’re in this together,” he said softly, the weight of his words heavy with meaning.

this time, there was no need to say anything more. you both understood what had changed between you, even if neither of you was ready to fully admit it. and though the path ahead was uncertain, you knew one thing for sure: you weren’t facing it alone anymore.

weeks passed, and with each passing day, things between you and heeseung slowly shifted. the cold, sharp walls that had once kept you apart were crumbling, revealing a warmth and understanding that neither of you had anticipated. where there had once been biting words and icy glares, there was now laughter, quiet conversations, and small gestures of affection.

the palace felt different. it was lighter now, with the growing sense of partnership between you and heeseung. your bickering had been replaced with genuine care, and though the wounds of the past hadn't fully healed, you were both learning to forgive. but it wasn’t just the emotional connection that was shifting—there was something deeper brewing beneath the surface. unspoken feelings, simmering tension.

it wasn’t until a grand banquet in honour of a visiting prince from a neighbouring kingdom that these feelings came to a head. you stood at the centre of the ballroom, dressed in a gown that glimmered under the candlelight. it hugged your figure perfectly, catching the attention of more than just heeseung. the prince—prince seojun—had been particularly charming throughout the evening, his eyes lingering on you a little too long, his compliments a little too bold.

“you are by far the most captivating presence in this room, your highness,” seojun murmured, his voice low as he leaned in slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “if i had known such beauty awaited me here, i would have visited sooner.”

you laughed politely, glancing over your shoulder, searching for heeseung in the crowd. he was across the room, deep in conversation with some nobles, but even from the distance, you could feel his gaze on you, sharp and intense.

seojun continued, his hand brushing lightly against your arm as he leaned closer. “perhaps we could steal a moment away from the crowd? i would love to know more about the woman behind such an enchanting smile.”

before you could respond, a sudden shift in the air caught your attention. heeseung appeared at your side, his posture tense, his expression a mix of barely contained irritation and something else—something more possessive.

“princess,” heeseung’s voice was smooth, but there was a dangerous edge to it. his hand slid around your waist, pulling you firmly against his side. the claim was unmistakable. “i believe your dance card is full for the evening.”

seojun’s smirk faltered slightly as he glanced between the two of you, sensing the tension. heeseung’s eyes never left the prince, cold and unyielding.

“of course,” seojun replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. “i wouldn’t dream of overstepping. after all,” his gaze flickered to you, then back to heeseung, “she’s your wife.”

the words hung in the air for a moment, charged with unspoken meaning. seojun bowed slightly, a smirk still playing on his lips, before taking his leave. but even as he walked away, you could feel the lingering weight of his gaze.

you turned to heeseung, about to make a light-hearted remark about the interaction, but the look on his face stopped you. his eyes were dark, his jaw clenched, and his grip on your waist was firm—almost possessive.

“did he touch you?” heeseung asked, his voice low and tight.

you raised an eyebrow, surprised by his tone. “barely,” you replied, trying to play it off with a soft laugh. “why? are you jealous?”

his eyes flickered with something dangerous as he leaned down, his breath warm against your ear. “you’re my wife. i don’t like other men thinking they can take what’s mine.”

your heart skipped a beat at his words. the possessiveness in his tone, the way his body pressed protectively against yours—it was unlike anything you had ever experienced with heeseung. you had always seen him as cold, distant, but this... this was different. there was fire in his eyes, and you could feel it burning between you, a tension that neither of you had acknowledged until now.

“and what if i enjoy a little attention now and then?” you teased, testing the boundaries, wanting to see how far he would go.

heeseung’s eyes darkened even more, and in one swift motion, he pulled you even closer, his hand cupping the back of your neck as he leaned in, his lips barely grazing the shell of your ear. “i don’t care how many men look at you, but remember this—” his voice dropped, sending shivers down your spine, “you belong to me and i belong to you.”

a thrill ran through you at his words, and for a moment, you were speechless, your mind spinning from the intensity of his claim. the ballroom, the crowd, even prince seojun—all of it faded away as heeseung’s gaze held you captive. you could feel the heat of his body against yours, the possessiveness in his touch, and for the first time, you realised that this wasn’t just some marriage of convenience anymore.

heeseung cared—more than he was willing to admit.

your breath hitched as you looked up at him, your eyes searching his, trying to read the emotions flickering behind them. “and what about you, heeseung?” you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper. “do you want me to be yours?”

his eyes softened for just a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features before he leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against your temple. “you already are,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “and i’m not letting you forget it.”

the banquet had left the air between you and heeseung charged with an intensity that neither of you could ignore. his possessiveness, the fierce look in his eyes when he claimed you as his wife in front of prince seojun, had stirred something inside you—something that had been simmering for far too long.

as the last of the guests departed and the palace quieted down for the night, the tension remained, lingering like an unspoken promise. heeseung walked beside you in silence as you both made your way through the dimly lit corridors toward your chambers. though no words passed between you, the air was thick with anticipation, the unspoken pull between you stronger than ever.

when you reached your shared chambers, heeseung opened the door for you, his gaze never leaving you as you stepped inside. you could feel his eyes on you, burning with a need that matched your own. the soft glow of the candlelight cast long shadows across the room, but all you could focus on was the man standing behind you, his presence overwhelming.

you moved toward the vanity, fingers trembling slightly as you began to remove your jewellery. you were acutely aware of heeseung standing behind you, the weight of his gaze almost tangible as he watched your every movement. his silence spoke volumes, filled with desire and unspoken emotions that neither of you had fully confronted until now.

the tension was unbearable. finally, unable to stand the silence any longer, you glanced at him through the reflection in the mirror, your voice soft but steady. “you’ve been quiet,” you murmured, meeting his intense gaze. “what’s on your mind?”

he didn’t answer immediately. instead, he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush against the bare skin of your shoulder. the touch was light, tentative, but it sent a shiver down your spine. his fingers lingered, tracing the delicate curve of your shoulder before he leaned in, his breath warm against your neck.

“i didn’t like how he looked at you,” heeseung finally admitted, his voice low and rough with suppressed emotion. his eyes met yours in the mirror, dark with jealousy and something more—something deeper. “or the way he made you laugh.”

your heart raced at the possessiveness in his tone. you turned to face him, taking in the tension in his jaw, the way his eyes blazed with something primal. his emotions were raw, laid bare before you in a way that heeseung had never allowed himself to show before.

“it was harmless,” you replied, stepping closer to him, your voice softening. “but i can’t say i minded the way you stepped in.”

his gaze darkened, his hand moving to your waist, pulling you flush against him. you could feel the heat of his body seeping into yours, the hard lines of his frame pressing against your softness. his eyes locked onto yours, filled with unspoken desire, but also with something more—something tender.

“i’m not the kind of man who likes to share,” he said, his voice a low growl as he leaned in, his lips hovering just above yours. “especially not when it comes to you.”

your breath hitched at his words, your pulse quickening as the fire between you flared even hotter. you couldn’t deny the thrill that ran through you at his possessive tone, the way his hands gripped you as though he couldn’t bear to let you go.

“and what are you going to do about it?” you whispered, your voice daring, testing the boundaries as your lips brushed his, teasingly close but not quite touching.

heeseung’s response was immediate. his lips crashed against yours, fierce and hungry, as if he had been holding back for far too long. the kiss was searing, filled with all the emotions you had both kept hidden. his hands roamed over your body, possessive yet tender, as though he was staking his claim but also worshipping every inch of you.

you responded just as fiercely, your hands tangling in his hair as you pulled him closer, needing to feel every part of him against you. the tension between you, the unspoken desire, it all poured out in that kiss, in the way his body pressed against yours with a need that matched your own.

heeseung’s hands slid down to your thighs, lifting you effortlessly as he carried you toward the bed. the air between you was electric, charged with desire and the intensity of emotions that neither of you had allowed to surface until now. he laid you down gently, his eyes never leaving yours, his gaze dark and filled with a hunger that made your heart race.

for a moment, he paused, his fingers brushing over your cheek with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the intensity of what had just passed between you. his eyes softened, and for the first time, you saw the vulnerability behind them—the raw emotion that he had been hiding behind his cold exterior for so long.

“are you sure?” he asked, his voice husky but laced with care, as if he was giving you one last chance to pull away, to stop this before it went too far.

you gazed up at him, your heart swelling with the overwhelming emotions coursing through you. heeseung, the man you had once considered your rival, your enemy, was now looking at you with a tenderness that took your breath away. you reached up, cupping his face in your hands, your thumb brushing softly over his cheek.

“i’m sure,” you whispered, pulling him down into another kiss, softer this time, but no less filled with the emotions swirling between you.

what followed was slow, deliberate, and filled with a tenderness that you had never expected from heeseung. his hands moved over your body with care, as though he was savouring every touch, every breath. the fierceness from earlier softened into something more intimate, more meaningful, as he explored you with reverence, his lips following the path of his hands.

your name fell from his lips like a prayer, whispered against your skin in the quiet moments between kisses. heeseung’s touch was both possessive and gentle, as though he was claiming you but also offering himself to you in return. the intensity of the moment was overwhelming, but it was the tenderness in his gaze, the softness of his touch, that made your heart ache with something deeper than mere desire.

and as the night stretched on, your bodies moving together in perfect harmony, you realised that this wasn’t just about passion—it was about the connection you had been fighting against for so long. the rivalry, the bickering, the walls you had both built between you—it all crumbled away, leaving only the raw truth of what you felt for one another.

when it was over, you lay beside each other, your breathing heavy, your bodies tangled in the sheets. the room was quiet now, the only sound was the soft rustle of the fabric and the faint crackle of the dying fire in the hearth.

heeseung turned to you, his hand reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair from your face. his eyes, once so cold and guarded, were warm now, filled with an emotion that made your heart skip a beat. he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you and holding you against his chest as though he couldn’t bear to let you go.

you rested your head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. it was comforting, grounding you in the quiet aftermath of everything that had just passed between you. his fingers traced lazy patterns on your back, soothing and gentle, as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head.

neither of you spoke, but words weren’t necessary. the silence was filled with a sense of peace, of contentment that neither of you had known before. heeseung’s touch was soft now, filled with care as he held you close, his body warm and protective against yours.

and in that quiet, intimate moment, you realised something: this was more than just passion, more than just desire. it was something real, something lasting.

heeseung’s hand continued to trace gentle patterns on your back, his lips brushing your temple as he whispered softly, “are you alright?”

you smiled against his chest, your heart swelling with warmth at the tenderness in his voice. “more than alright,” you murmured, snuggling closer to him.

heeseung let out a soft sigh, his arms tightening around you as if he never wanted to let go. and as you drifted off to sleep in his arms, the weight of the past finally lifted, leaving only the warmth of the present and the promise of a future you were both ready to embrace.

the next morning, you woke to find heeseung already up, standing by the window of your shared chambers, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of the early morning light. he looked deep in thought, his expression pensive as he gazed out over the kingdom.

quietly, you approached him, wrapping your arms around his waist from behind. he stiffened for a moment at the contact but quickly relaxed, his hands covering yours as he let out a soft sigh.

“you’re up early,” you murmured, resting your cheek against his back.

“i couldn’t sleep,” he replied, his voice thoughtful. “i was thinking about everything that’s changed.”

you smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder. “a lot has changed, hasn’t it?”

heeseung turned in your arms, his expression soft as he looked down at you. “i never thought this would work,” he admitted, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “but i’m glad i was wrong.”

you gazed up at him, your heart swelling with warmth. the man standing before you was the same heeseung you had known all your life, but now, you saw him for who he truly was—not your enemy, not your rival, but your partner. your husband.

“i’m glad too,” you whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. he leaned into your touch, his eyes closing for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips.

and in that moment, you knew that this was your new beginning. the past, with all its bitterness and tension, was behind you. what lay ahead was a future you hadn’t expected but one you were ready to embrace—together.

as heeseung pulled you into a gentle kiss, the warmth of the morning sun streaming through the window, you knew that this was the start of something beautiful. your marriage, once forged out of obligation and resentment, had grown into something real, something lasting.

and as you stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, you realised that sometimes, the best love stories were the ones you never saw coming.

˚ · .𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱

taglist: @punchbug9-blog @firstclassjaylee @capri-cuntz @addictedtohobi @jaysfavoritegirl

2K notes · View notes