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lorenztired · 1 month ago

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❥ 𝙰𝚌𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎

Le Sserafim! Nakamura Kazhua x F reader: You and Kazuha both come into a tight spot. She needs a 'fake girlfriend' to make her parents happy, and you need to help your dad, who needs dire help. How will the rich and popular girl and a nobody like you help each other out?

Word Count: 6.3 k

Author's Note: Writing this one actually came so easy to me, like it was so refreshing😭. ANYWAYSSSSS I'll be working on a few fics this month FOR SURE since the break is coming up! I'll have a few things coming up in school, and college WILL be kicking my ass but before and after all that, I'll try and update as much as I can.

The warm aroma of miso soup filled the air as you ladled portions into bowls, your movements practiced from countless nights spent at your father’s restaurant. The steady sizzle of tonkatsu in the hot oil, the clinking of glasses as men toasted as a celebration, and the occasional chime of the register felt as natural as breathing.

Your father fixed the dishes on a large tray: two bowls of miso soup, steaming plates of tonkatsu with rice and curry, a platter of salmon sashimi, and some plain green tea. He handed it off with a nod, and you hoisted the tray onto your shoulder, carrying it to a table where a young couple sat, lost in their little world.

Returning to the counter, you set down the tray and started wiping down tables, each swipe bringing closing time a little closer. After wiping down the last tables and cleaning the floors, you closed the register and changed out of your uniform.

“Otosan! I’m heading out!” you called from the door. Your father looked up from his notebook and calculator long enough to wave goodbye, immersed in tallying up the day’s earnings. Hopping on your bike, you pedaled home under the quiet night sky, planning to tackle your homework before bed.

This was your daily routine: mornings at university, afternoons helping your dad at the restaurant, then late nights finishing assignments. It wasn’t an amazing lifestyle, but you and your dad were getting by, and that was enough.

The scholarship you’d earned was the key to giving your father a better life, and you were determined to keep it that way. Whether that meant long hours studying or missing out on having any kind of social life, you didn’t mind. As long as you succeeded, that was what mattered.

But life wasn’t smooth sailing either. You attended a prestigious university filled with classmates from the country’s wealthiest families. You’d worked hard to pass the grueling entrance exam, clinching one of the top scores that earned you a scholarship for a business degree. That meant you had to work 10 times harder to keep your spot in school.

Now, you sat at your desk, fingers nearly flying over the keyboard as you worked on a project for business class. The computer was slow—a model you’d saved up for after countless shifts—but it did what you needed, even if you had to be patient with it. You then finished up as quickly as possible, just before you were extremely exhausted and crashed into bed.

You woke up to the harsh blare of your alarm at five in the morning, practically slamming it off as you dragged yourself up, feeling like you’d just been hit by an earthquake. Stretching the sleep from your limbs, you quickly showered threw on a plain polo, a knitted sweater, and some hand-me-down jeans. With classes starting at seven and living an hour away by bike, this was your routine—always the first one in the classroom.

As other students trickled in, you were already immersed in your textbook, laptop open, barely noticing the bustle around you. “This is why you have no friends,” a voice teased, pulling you out of focus. You looked up to see your best friend, Tanaka Anna, grinning at you.

“Then why are you here?” you shot back, smiling as she took the seat beside you. Despite being one of the “rich kids,” Anna quickly became your closest friend in that first week of school. Both of you were some of the top students in your class, and the bond you formed was effortless.

Meanwhile, across town in Osaka, Nakamura Kazuha was just stirring awake. Even fresh out of sleep, Kazuha exuded an effortless beauty. With her family’s prestige, she was known for her grace, wealth, and status—a girl who seemed to have it all.

Kazuha’s morning began in her usual luxurious bubble. She opened her eyes to soft light filtering through silk curtains, stretching slowly against the plush, oversized pillows. As she got out of her bed, she slipped on a velvet robe and made her way to the bathroom, where everything—from the marble countertops to the gold fixtures—yelled rich in anyone's face.

She took her time in the shower, letting the warmth ease her into the day, before wearing a high-end light blue blouse, matching skirt, and short white heels. The final touches were a pair of delicate pearl earrings and a designer bag to match.

By the time she came down her grand staircase for breakfast, the family’s chef had already prepared a large spread: sliced fruit arranged like art, freshly baked pastries, and perfectly poached eggs. She settled in at the long dining table, enjoying her home's quiet and refined atmosphere. But it wasn’t long before her parents joined her, each with their usual aura of authority.

“Kazuha, darling,” her mother, Mitsuko, began, setting her teacup down with a slight clink. “Your father and I wanted to discuss something important.”

Her father, Ichiro, nodded. “The company ball is next month, and it’s…well, you know how it is. We’d like you to bring a date this year.”

Kazuha paused, her fork hovering mid-air. “A date?” she asked, the idea feeling suddenly foreign. She was used to being in the spotlight on her, but with a date?

“Yes, Kazuha. You’re at the age where these things are expected,” her mother replied gently. “You’ve been so focused on yourself, but you need someone who can stand beside you, someone accomplished. It would make a good impression.”

Her father added, “It’s a chance to meet someone who’s not only a match in standard but also has the intellect to keep up with you.”

Kazuha swallowed, the weight of their expectations settling over her. She had high standards, and finding someone who was smart and emotionally intelligent, especially in her circle, felt nearly impossible. The clock was ticking, though, and she knew her parents would be relentless until she found someone. He parents weren’t one to judge, but they had some expectations that not many people reached.

Later, in the school cafeteria, Kazuha shared her dilemma with her two closest friends, Yunjin and Chaewon, as they sipped their lattes. “I just… I have no idea who I could find that’s… I don’t know, like that? They have to be smart, like really smart, and have a good head on their shoulders. But most people here are either too shallow or stupid.”

Yunjin began thinking for a second, then raised an eyebrow. “Maybe~, you’re in luck. Y/n. Top student, really smart, doesn’t exactly live in a bubble like most of us but could probably act like it.”

Chaewon nodded in agreement. “Y/n’s definitely a good option. Not a pushover, but they won’t embarrass you either. I think they’d be convincing enough to your parents.”

Kazuha thought for a moment. Y/n wasn’t exactly the first person she’d ever consider as a “date,” but you had the qualities she needed, at least from what she was hearing from her friends. And perhaps, with the right incentive, you might just agree to help her.

During your lunch break, you were scanning over some notes when Kazuha appeared before you, looking both determined and slightly nervous.

“Y/n, I have a proposition,” she began, choosing her words carefully. You looked there confused, never imagining someone this famous talking to you. “My family is hosting a ball next month, and I need a date. It’s important that they’re…well, someone smart, someone good with people. And I think you’d be the perfect choice.”

You raised an eyebrow, barely glancing up. “No thanks, I’m not really interested in being someone’s date.”

Kazuha’s expression shifted as she leaned in, desperation flickering in her eyes. “Look, I’m willing to make it worth your time. I’ll pay you—100,000 yen.”

That caught your attention. You looked at her properly, noting how she tried to maintain her usual composed expression despite the obvious urgency in her voice. “I’ll think about it,” Kazuha took that response, nodding furiously as she took a piece of paper from your notes, writing something down.

“Here’s my number. If you make up your mind, just give me a text,” You were about to say ‘okay,’ but she anxiously walked away, going back to her table. Your fingers trail to the paper, looking at the number but paying no mind to it as Anna comes to sit with food in her hands.

You told yourself you’d think about it later. “What was Kazuha doing here?”

“Huh?” You look at Anna in surprise. She hands you a sandwich, her brows raised in interest. “Oh, she was just asking me about Professor Ito’s class,” you try saying confidently, which works as Anna just shrugs and begins eating her food.

Anna had already started chatting about her morning, sharing the latest gossip and complaining about her calculus homework, which you gladly offered her help with after work on call.

After lunch, you headed to your next class, slipping into your usual seat in the back. The professor discussed business ethics, but your mind drifted back to Kazuha’s offer. The idea of pretending to be her date for a month—just to impress her family and their high-society crowd—felt entirely out of your comfort zone.

As the class ended, you tried to shake off the lingering thoughts. You had work to do and didn’t want to be distracted by a girl like Kazuha, no matter how much money she offered.

Your next stop was the library, where you planned to work on your project. It was a presentation, so you had to make sure it was perfect to save yourself from embarrassment. The quiet hum of the library was a relief after the loud and crowded hallways, and you found a secluded spot to set up. As you opened your laptop and began typing, you noticed a familiar face a few tables down—Kazuha, of all people, was sitting with Huh Yunjin and Kim Chaewon. They were talking in low voices, and every so often, Kazuha would glance around as if worried someone might overhear.

You tried to ignore them, but their conversation kept drawing your eye. Eventually, you buried yourself in your notes, focusing on your work, determined to stay on track. As minutes passed, you got into a rhythm, typing away as the library around you faded into the background.

By the time you finished, the sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow through the library windows. You packed up your things, feeling accomplished after making some serious progress on your project. Heading out, you passed by the university’s main quad, where groups of students were sprawled on the grass, enjoying the evening air. You caught sight of Anna again, now sitting with a few friends, laughing at something on her phone.

You waved to her and kept walking, mind back on your to-do list.

It was now after your shift, and you were doing your nightly cleaning of the restaurant, but a low, tired sigh interrupted that. You look at your dad, who was doing his usual finance check, but his hand gripped the side of his head, and he shook it in disappointment. With concern, you go over to him, sliding your hand up and down his back.

“Everything okay, otosan?” you asked, your tone light, though you’d noticed the tension in his shoulders and the tightness around his mouth. He shook his head and lowered his reading glasses, his gaze fixed on the old open notebook.

“It hasn’t been for a while, Y/n,” he admitted, his voice drowned in stress. You glanced down at the page filled with columns of numbers, each line a reminder of the months he’d been struggling to keep up. Your stomach sank as your eyes settled on the red circle at the bottom.

“80,000 yen?!” you exclaimed, your voice rising as the reality of the number hit you. Your father nodded, the faintest tremor in his hands as he pushed the book toward you.

“If we don’t pay by the end of this month, we’ll have to close down,” he said, his voice cracking. You felt your chest tighten as you watched him lower his head, shoulders sagging under the weight of shame he tried to hide as tears began dropping.

Before you knew it, you were reaching over, wrapping him tightly. He leaned into you, his struggles now fully visible. “I’ll find a way to keep this place open,” you murmured, feeling the promise settle deep in your bones.

“Y/n,” he started to say, pulling back to look at you, but you just nodded as pure determination coursed through your veins. You knew it wouldn’t be easy, the restaurant’s debt being too large for your dad to handle alone.

After helping your father close up for the night, you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, your mind racing with thoughts of how you could come up with such an amount so quickly. The scholarship helped with university fees, but that was about all the financial freedom you had. The rest was a constant scramble to save and help out however you could.

You couldn’t—wouldn’t—let your father’s efforts be for nothing.

Yet you were stumped. Thinking of ways to help him, even if it were just a short solution. Your eyes then drift to the pocket of your raggedy jeans that hung on a hanger on your closet door. As if a light bulb went off, you rush over to the pockets, taking out the wrinkled paper that held Kazuha’s number.

You reached for your phone, texting her quickly, and sighed as you hit send.

Kazuha had been lying in bed, eating some chips as she watched a movie before bed. Feeling the buzz of her phone, she read the message that made her smile: It’s Y/n. I’ll accept your offer.

The feeling of relief sank in quickly, deciding to respond back just as fast: Got it. We’ll talk in person tmmr.

Kazuha couldn’t contain her excitement, texting her group chats with a big grin stuck on her face.

Zuha🦢 SHE SAID SHE’D HELP ME OUT EEEEEEEEEEEE Jen🐍 woah wasn’t expecting that to actually work out Chae🐯 wait what about her status? ik Y/n isn’t rich 🤔 Zuha🦢 i got that handled. ill talk to her about it tmmr Jen🐍 goodluck with that then 🤩

With the good news, Kazuha’s sleep was amazing that night. So the next day, during your break after your business and statistics class, you barely sipped your coffee when you noticed Kazuha approaching. She seemed more put together than yesterday, her expression a mix of confidence and happiness as you felt the peppiness from a mile away. She stopped just in front of you, a polite smile on her face.

“You free now?” You nodded, which had her quickly taking a seat across from you. “So let’s talk about the ball first,” she started. “It’s formal, of course, with a lot of people from my father’s company, some rival companies, and family friends attending. I need you to play the part of a rich, smart, and well-behaved girlfriend.”

“Alright…” you nodded, leaning in as Kazuha launched into more details.

“And as far as your ‘background’ goes, we’ll need to smooth over a few things,” she added carefully, her gaze flickering over you as if assessing what she was working with. “Tell me about you first.” “Well, uhm, my mom passed away from a heart disease when I was four years old, so it’s only been my dad and I. I’m on a scholarship here, and I work in my dad’s restaurant. She fought for a long time, and…well, my dad’s been managing on his own since,” as you finished the short summary of your life, Kazuha couldn’t help but feel sad for your mom.

Kazuha’s expression shifted immediately, her eyes softening as she nodded. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly, her usual composure breaking just enough to reveal a genuine sadness in her gaze. She reached out momentarily as if to offer a comforting touch, then thought better of it, folding her hands instead. “I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like for you. Really.” You waved your hands frantically at her, passed the pity and grieving stage. “It’s been a long time, don’t worry about it.”

Kazuha tries to move past the subject. “So you’re gonna be the child of a successful family, then. Your father owns a chain of restaurants,” she said, pausing as if trying to gauge your reaction.

You raised an eyebrow but decided to go along with it. “Alright, we’ll leave out the real specifics,” you said, slightly grinning. “If your parents are convinced, that’s all that matters, right?”

“Exactly,” Kazuha replied with a relieved smile, then hesitated, her expression softening.

Kazuha nodded thoughtfully as if committing everything you’d said to memory. “Alright, for our story, your dad’s chain will be ‘up-and-coming.’ We won’t mention the name; I’ll handle any questions from my parents.”

“Right,” you replied. “So…what’s the next step?”

Kazuha’s face lit up a little, her businesslike expression slipping back into one of enthusiasm. “First, we need to make it believable. If people see us together, the rumors will spread, and my parents will hear about us before we even have to introduce you. So, a slight makeover and some new clothes.”

You raised an eyebrow; the idea of a “makeover” is not exactly high on your list of priorities. “New clothes? Aren’t people just going to think we’re…together if we’re seen in public a lot?”

“Exactly. That’s the point. We want to make it believable to everyone else first, so my parents buy into it,” Kazuha explained with a sly smile. “Trust me, it’s easier that way.”

You sighed, wondering just what you’d signed up for. “Alright, fine. Lead the way.”

The next day, you met Kazuha in the city, feeling more nervous than you’d anticipated. She took you to a luxurious shopping district that, honestly, you’d only ever seen in passing. Her eyes lit up as she led you through the marble-floored entrance of the first boutique.

“Alright,” Kazuha said with a determined smile. “Let’s find you something that says, ‘sophisticated and slightly out of everyone’s league.’”

In the first store, she handed you a blazer and high-waisted pants, then a chic blouse and dress slacks, each piece seemingly more expensive than the last. You tried on outfit after outfit, and Kazuha would look you over, making tiny adjustments to the sleeves or tilting her head thoughtfully before approving or rejecting each one. Soon, there was a stack of ‘approved’ items in her hands, and you were only beginning to realize how committed she was to this whole “couple” thing.

After several bags of clothing, she led you to a high-end salon in the district. The place was sleek, and the stylist practically glowed when Kazuha told them what she was envisioning for you. You barely had a chance to speak before you were in the chair, caped and ready. They added soft layers and volume to your hair, trimming it in a way that made it frame your face, and the stylist styled it with effortless waves, adding a sense of ‘rich’ vibes to you.

Once the haircut was done, Kazuha gave a little approving nod, almost as if she were admiring her own handiwork. “Perfect,” she said, a small smile of satisfaction creeping onto her face. “Now, for the ball…”

She led you to yet another store, where you noticed her eyes darting between the dresses on display and the sleeker suits on the other side. Finally, she grabbed a tailored navy blue pantsuit, complete with a fitted blazer and high-waisted pants. The fabric looked soft, and the cut was elegant.

When you tried it on and stepped out of the fitting room, Kazuha’s smile widened. “That’s it. It’s perfect on you.” She handed the attendant her card without another word, leaving you feeling both flattered and somewhat stunned at the transformation.

Over the next few days at school, you and Kazuha started hanging out in the open, just as she’d planned. You sat beside each other during lunch, walked to classes together, and even laughed at each other’s jokes like an actual couple.

It wasn’t long before people started talking. Anna finally cornered you at lunch with a smirk on her face. “Alright, spill. What’s going on with you and Kazuha?” Anna nudged you, raising her eyebrows knowingly.

You gave her a shrug, trying to play it cool. “It’s…kind of complicated,” you started, but Anna was already crossing her arms, ready to hear all the details.

With a sigh, you explained the situation, from the fake relationship helping her with the ball to the makeover Kazuha had insisted on to your father being in debt, and you do all this for him. Anna just shook her head with a laugh. “So, you’re basically the prince in this Cinderella story, and she’s…what, the princess in disguise?”

“Something like that, I guess,” you chuckled, though you could sense how strange this all sounded. Still, you couldn’t deny the thrill of it. You’d been helping your dad as usual but found yourself waiting for each break to see what Kazuha might come up with next.

All of this was beginning to feel too real to you. On a random school day, you and Kazuha had been hanging out on campus at a place with a good view. Just the two of you, sitting on a bench as her head leaned on your shoulder. “You know, this isn’t so bad,” she says as she stares off, and you find yourself staring at her as she speaks.

“These past few weeks have probably been the happiest I’ve been in my life.” You smile at her words. But when she looked at you directly in the eyes, your heart skipped a beat. Her eyes are large as she looks at you so hopelessly. Your heart raced as she smiled with genuine happiness.

On a different day, a rainy afternoon, you and Kazuha found yourselves tucked away in a small coffee shop off-campus. The rain had started out of nowhere, and after a rushed dash to find shelter, you both ended up laughing as you brushed the rain from your jackets. It was quieter than usual inside, only a handful of people scattered throughout the cozy café, and you and Kazuha snagged a booth by the window, watching the rain drizzle against the glass.

Kazuha stirred her hot chocolate absentmindedly, a small smile on her face as she leaned across the table toward you. “I think we make a pretty cute couple,” she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

You raised a brow, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. “Do you, now?”

“Mm-hmm,” she hummed, a playful grin spreading across her lips. She reached over and took your hand, threading her fingers through yours without hesitation. Her touch was warm, her thumb grazing the back of your hand in soft circles, and her expression turned softer, her gaze lingering on your joined hands as though they fit perfectly together.

“It’s kind of unfair, don’t you think?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What is?” you asked, your voice quiet in return, as if the moment was too fragile to break.

“That you get to look at me like that,” she replied, meeting your eyes, “but I’m the one who can’t look away.”

Her words hit you like a sudden rush, leaving you speechless. Her gaze was tender, searching your face as if trying to memorize every detail. She leaned a little closer, her free hand reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear. For a second, you thought she might pull away, but instead, she stayed, her eyes lingering on yours with such intensity that you couldn’t help but feel your heart race.

You opened your mouth to say something, anything, but Kazuha’s soft smile stopped you. “You don’t have to say anything,” she whispered, still holding your hand. “I just… I’m glad it’s you.”

With the act almost becoming real, the rumors spread quickly, just as Kazuha had hoped. You started noticing curious looks and hearing whispers as the two of you walked down the halls every day. It didn’t take long for the rumors to reach Kazuha’s parents as other kids were beginning to tell their parents about the visual-like couple.

But not everyone seemed thrilled by it. Tsuki, a girl you wouldn’t usually see around Kazuha before, started lurking nearby during lunch, watching the two of you with narrowed eyes. Finally, one day, she approached your table, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Kazuha,” she began dismissively, looking Kazuha up and down with a disdainful expression. “Is this the best you could do?” She snorted, her gaze lingering on you. “I thought you had standards. Isn’t she…a bit out of your league?” You were surprised, trying to hide it. She was talking to you, saying Kazuha was out of your league? You could almost laugh at the comment.

You clenched your jaw but stayed silent, waiting to see how Kazuha would respond. Kazuha’s eyes darkened as she opened her mouth to retort, but you placed a gentle hand on her arm, shaking your head slightly. You turned to Tsuki, keeping your voice steady.

“Funny,” you said, meeting Tsuki’s gaze. “I didn’t realize other people’s standards were your concern.” You offered a polite but firm smile.

Tsuki glared but huffed, turning on her heel and walking away, though not without a parting sneer. Kazuha looked at you, her tension easing as she let out a relieved breath. “Thanks,” she murmured, a hint of a smile returning to her face.

Finally, the night of the ball arrived. You dressed in the tailored pantsuit, running a hand through your styled hair and taking a deep breath as you checked your reflection. When you arrived at the large venue hall to meet her parents, you found yourself on edge, but Kazuha reassured you with a warm smile.

Her parents, Mitsuko and Ichiro, greeted you with polite smiles, though you could tell they were evaluating you closely. As you settled into introductions, Mitsuko eyed you thoughtfully. “So, Y/n,” she said smoothly, her eyes flickering to Kazuha with a hint of warmth, “we’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

“Only good things, I hope,” you replied with a smile, and Ichiro chuckled.

Kazuha’s hand brushed yours briefly as she added, “Yes, all good things. You’ve been such a huge support with my studies and…well, life in general.”

Her parents exchanged a look, the conversation continuing as the ball’s formalities began. You mingled, keeping up the act seamlessly as the night went on, and found yourself growing more comfortable in the role. Each smile from Kazuha felt a little more real, every glance just a little warmer.

The ball was in full swing, with the lights of the crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the elegant scene. You and Kazuha mingled effortlessly with her family’s guests, moving from one conversation to the next, and each time someone asked about Kazuha’s new “girlfriend,” you surprised yourself with how naturally the words flowed. You talked about her with such ease and admiration that anyone listening would have believed you were truly in love. Kazuha noticed, her gaze lingering on you with a mix of curiosity.

At one point, she pulled you aside to thank you, whispering, “You’re really selling this, you know? My parents adore you.” She had said it as a joke, but her eyes showed unmistakable warmth.

You grinned. “What can I say? I’m a natural.”

As the night wore on, you found yourself enjoying the warmth of her hand in yours, the comfortable way she leaned into you as you navigated the crowd together. Yet, as much as you were swept up in the moment, a pang of guilt ate at you. This was Kazuha’s world, not yours, and even though you’d agreed to this arrangement, you couldn’t shake the weight of knowing why you’d accepted it in the first place.

Needing a moment to gather your thoughts, you excused yourself and slipped outside to the balcony. The cool night air wrapped around you as you leaned against the railing, trying to calm the flood of emotions that had crept up on you out of nowhere.

Kazuha must have noticed your absence because a few minutes later, she appeared beside you, her brow furrowed in concern. “Hey… is everything okay?” She placed a gentle hand on your shoulder.

You took a deep breath, deciding that it was time to be honest. “I… Kazuha, I took your offer because my dad’s restaurant is in massive debt. It felt like the only way I could help him. I know I shouldn’t feel bad because you asked, but—”

She cut you off with a soft smile, shaking her head. “Y/n, you don’t have to explain. This was my idea, remember? If anything, I should be thanking you. You’re helping me way more than I expected, and… honestly, I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side right now.”

Her words were gentle and understanding, but she could tell you still felt uneasy. So, she took your hand, looking up at you with an earnest expression. “You’re always talking about how much you love your dad’s restaurant. How it’s more than just a place to work—it’s part of who you are. And I get that. So…” She paused, her voice softening. “I want to help you. I want to invest in the restaurant, help with renovations, whatever it takes to keep it running.”

Your eyes widened, and you were at a loss for words for a moment. “Kazuha, you don’t have to do that…”

“I want to,” she replied, her gaze steady. “You’re doing this for me. Let me do this for you.”

At that moment, the full weight of her offer, of her kindness, settled over you. She wasn’t doing this out of pity—she genuinely wanted to help. And that thought, that selflessness, made you see her in a completely new light.

She flashed a grin, hoping to lighten the mood. “Plus, just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they realize their favorite restaurant got a glow-up, courtesy of Nakamura Kazuha.”

You laughed, feeling some of the tension in your chest dissolve. “Alright, alright. But don’t think you can just buy your way to my heart, Nakamura.”

“Oh, please,” she teased, nudging your shoulder. “You know I don’t have to buy anything.”

As the weeks passed, Kazuha threw herself into the project with as much passion as you had for the restaurant. She helped with renovations, shared updates on her social media, and made sure her friends and family spread the word. When the grand reopening day finally arrived, a line stretched down the block. The place was packed, the sound of laughter and conversation filling the air as your dad greeted customers, overwhelmed by the support.

At this point, she didn’t even have to pay you the 100,000 yen. This was so much more than enough for you and your father.

“Y/n,” he started, pausing as if searching for the right words. “Your girlfriend… she gave us a second chance at life.”

You looked up, surprised by the emotion in his voice. He rarely spoke like this, always focusing more on action than words. He noticed your silence and continued, his gaze softening in a way you hadn’t seen in years.

“I remember when your mother and I first opened this place,” he said, a hint of nostalgia in his tone. “Back then, it was just the two of us, struggling to make it work, but it was worth every late night, every sacrifice… because we had each other. And now, seeing you and Kazuha—she’s doing for you what your mother and I did for each other. Giving you support, standing by you.”

Your father’s eyes gleamed as he placed a hand on your shoulder. “She didn’t have to help us, go out of her way. But she did, all for you. That says something. Don’t take that for granted.”

You nodded, processing his words as they settled into your heart. He smiled knowingly, giving you a soft pat on the back. “I can tell how much you care about her. And I know it scares you a little. But don’t let that stop you. Hold on to her. People like that… they don’t come around often. And when they do, you don’t let them go.”

Your throat tightened, gratitude welling up inside you. Hearing your dad’s approval, especially about Kazuha, meant everything. You thought of all the small moments—her smile, her laughter, the way she showed up for you without asking anything in return. It all hit you at once, the depth of what you had.

“Thanks, Dad,” you murmured, a smile pulling at your lips. “I really do like her.”

He chuckled, ruffling your hair like he used to when you were a kid. “Good. Then don’t let anything hold you back.”

Watching from a distance, you couldn’t help but glance over at Kazuha, who stood beside you, taking in the bustling scene with a proud smile. “This is all thanks to you,” you said quietly.

She met your gaze, a soft glint in her eyes. “No, Y/n. It’s thanks to us.”

Months had passed, and with each shared moment, your feelings for Kazuha were now real to you, basically official. Every late-night conversation, every stolen glance, every quiet laugh over shared secrets had pulled you closer to her, and it was clear now: you were completely, undeniably in love with her.

One evening, Kazuha’s parents invited you over for dinner, a formal yet comfortable gathering at their home. The dining room was elegantly set, with an array of food laid out on the table. As you sat beside Kazuha, her hand resting discreetly on your knee beneath the table, you tried to focus on the food and polite conversation, but the weight of her parents’ glances didn’t go unnoticed. Something about how they looked at you tonight was different—almost piercing as if they were assessing you anew.

Midway through the meal, Kazuha’s mother, Mitsuko, set down her glass and fixed her gaze on you with a soft, almost too-knowing smile. “Y/n, we wanted to tell you how wonderful you’ve been for Kazuha. We’ve seen her happier and more at ease, especially these last few months. We’re grateful for that.”

Her father, Ichiro, nodded in agreement, though his gaze was more reserved. “Yes. And we noticed your father’s restaurant has been doing much better since… well since it became known that you’re dating our daughter.”

You felt your pulse quicken, sensing a shift in the room. They were putting the pieces together, tracing Kazuha’s involvement in your life and her influence on your father’s business. The implications were there, and you realized they must be questioning if any of this was genuine.

Kazuha’s hand tightened on your knee, a silent reassurance, but you couldn’t ignore how her parents’ gazes seemed to look through you, waiting for an answer. Taking a deep breath, you decided it was time to be honest. You looked at both of them, then turned to Kazuha, the words coming from your heart.

“When Kazuha first asked me to help her… I agreed, partly because my dad was struggling. I knew it was risky and how that might look to you now. But the truth is, I never expected this to happen. I never expected to fall for her.”

The room went silent, and Kazuha’s parents watched you with unreadable expressions. Heart pounding, you looked directly into Kazuha’s eyes, unable to hold back the feelings that had been building over the months. “Kazuha, you’re… so much more than I ever imagined. You’ve been there for me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. And somewhere along the way, I stopped pretending. I fell in love with you. Completely. I want this—for real, if you do, too.”

Kazuha’s eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly as she took in your words. Her cheeks flushed, and for a brief moment, slightly embarrassed with her parents there. She looked as if she were struggling to breathe. Her eyes began to glisten, and a tear slipped down her cheek, though she made no effort to wipe it away. She reached for your hand, her fingers intertwining with yours as she nodded, a smile trembling on her lips.

“I’ve been hoping you’d say that,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Because I’ve fallen for you, too, Y/n. And I’m tired of pretending.” Her voice grew stronger, her gaze fierce as she held your hand tightly. “I want this. Us. For real.”

Kazuha’s parents exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they took in the scene before them. Her mother leaned forward, a gentle smile on her face. “Well,” Mitsuko said softly, “it sounds like you two have found something real after all.” She looked at you, her approval evident in her eyes. “We only want what’s best for Kazuha, and if that’s you… then welcome to the family.”

Kazuha’s father nodded, a small but genuine smile gracing his usually serious expression. “Take care of each other, and take this real relationship seriously,” he said simply, with respect in his tone.

As you left that evening, hand in hand with Kazuha, you couldn’t believe how everything had unfolded. The guilt that had weighed on you for so long was gone, replaced by a new feeling—a warmth, security, knowing that this was real. Kazuha leaned her head on your shoulder as you walked. The night air cooled around you, and you smiled, kissing the top of her head.

“Looks like we’re not pretending anymore,” you murmured, and Kazuha laughed softly, her arm wrapping around yours.

“Not even a little bit.”

149 notes · View notes

lorenztired · 1 month ago

Text

❥ 𝙰 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝙰𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚈𝚘𝚞

Le Sserafim! Kim Chaewon x F reader [Soulmate AU]: In a world where, by the age of 18, you and your soulmate are gifted a book that links you to each other. You disliked the thought of a book dictating who she’ll spend the rest of her life with. Meanwhile, after years of owning the book, Chaewon realized you didn’t care to write in the notebook, using it as her personal diary, ESPECIALLY when the idol industry was beginning to fuck her over.

Word Count: 5.9 k

Author's Note: ya'll idek what to say, writing this was just so much fun, but it does feel a bit rushed so pls have mercy on meeeeee👹👹. BUT ONTO THE NEXT RAHHHHHHHHH

➳ Character Concept - Na Y/n

You were at home, buried in a stack of paperwork your boss and coworkers had piled onto you. The nine-to-five life shouldn’t be this brutal, but the workload hit you hard again. Being the new hire came with a catch: everyone seemed to drop their tasks onto you, and you weren’t in the position to refuse.

As you leaned back and stretched, your eyes drifted away from the papers, landing on the tall bookcase in your workspace. You weren’t much of a reader and rarely touched any of the books lined up there.

Most were your sister’s, left behind each time she visited, and when she didn’t bother taking them back, you’d eventually set up the bookcase instead of reminding her. It turned out to be the perfect place for one book in particular—the one you always avoided.

The book was a beautiful thing, really. It had a hardcover in a muted tea green, soft and elegant, with details engraved in dark green, gray, and sage. Intricate floral patterns ran along the edges, almost like ivy climbing an ancient wall, making it the most mysterious-looking book among them all.

Your name was delicately written on the spine in white cursive. As you looked at it, you had to admit it was the kind of book that could draw anyone in—if it didn’t carry the purpose it did.

In this world, everyone was destined to have a soulmate. From birth, every person had one match waiting somewhere, and at eighteen, you received a book like this one—a "mirror book," as people called it. The book was always explained as “one book split into two,” and each soulmate would receive a half.

Whatever your soulmate wrote would appear in your book, and whatever you wrote would show in theirs. It was a way to communicate without knowing each other’s names, faces, or locations, a silent promise between two people meant to be together.

When you first received it, you thought it was a fascinating concept: a link to someone the world had chosen just for you. The book had arrived out of nowhere, in a plain box on your doorstep.

You’d been a little curious then, but as the years passed, you left it unopened, letting it collect dust on the shelf. It had lit up often enough—sometimes three or five times a month—meaning your soulmate had written something. But you never looked.

Right on cue, the book started glowing faintly, the light seeping out around the spine and pages, a warm, soft pulse calling for your attention. Before you could even consider reaching for it, though, your phone rang, breaking your gaze.

“Yes, boss?”

“...”

“I’ll have it done by morning.”

You hung up, rolling your eyes at the extra load. This was going to be a long night.

“Unnie, manager-nim asked for you!” The call echoed through the building, and Chaewon turned, catching the eager wave from the maknae, who gestured for her to hurry. Chaewon sighed, walking down the maze of hallways toward the conference room. Awards season was approaching, and she assumed this would be a meeting about the group’s recent success.

Inside the conference room, several higher-ups sat around a long table, each one wearing a mask that hid their faces and reactions. Their eyes shifted around, avoiding direct eye contact with her, which was never a good sign.

“Chaewon-ssi. Please, take a seat.” One of the men, scrawny and stern-looking, gestured toward the chair in front of them. She complied, sitting as they exchanged uneasy glances.

The man cleared his throat and spoke, “Your latest comeback did amazing. With everything the group has gone through in the past year, this is a positive step forward.” Chaewon nodded, grateful to hear some acknowledgment of their hard work. But she could see through the act he was putting on. Their body language said more than their words.

A woman seated near the end of the table, probably the senior among them, coughed and caught Chaewon’s eye. “This isn’t enough, though,” she began, her tone dripping with the authority they always tried to wield over the idols.

Chaewon adjusted herself in the seat, looking directly at the woman. “Not enough? Sales exceeded expectations, and the public response has been better than any release in recent months,” she replied. As leader, she knew their numbers inside out, and there was no way they could brush off the group’s success.

The woman only shook her head. “Still, it’s not enough. We need a broader reach and more engagement. We have high expectations for you all, you know?”

Chaewon’s jaw tightened, but she kept her tone measured. “So, what now?”

A man leaned forward, expression blank but voice patronizing. “You’ll be entering a public relationship with TXT’s Yeonjun. We’re aiming for a six-month duration.”

Chaewon’s stomach twisted. She and Yeonjun had always been friendly, but this? It wasn’t what she’d signed up for. She was aware of the shipping and that some people even liked their friendship, but she didn’t think it would cause her to be in this position.

She knew her job required sacrifices, but the pressure from HYBE had been pushing everyone in LE SSERAFIM to their limits lately. Scandals over the past months had put the entire company on edge, and the members felt it—a growing resentment they couldn’t afford to show.

One misstep and they could lose everything they’d worked for. So, they remained civil, swallowing their frustration to keep moving forward.

Chaewon forced herself to keep a neutral expression, nodding as if this decision was acceptable. But inside, frustration was simmering, her fists clenched under the table. As soon as the meeting ended, she left, biting back any words that might betray her true feelings.

Back in the privacy of her dorm, she took a shaky breath, pulling her soulmate book from a drawer on her nightstand. The cover was a deep tea green, with dark green, gray, and sage details, and her name was written in fine cursive.

The book had been her lifeline whenever she felt overwhelmed or needed an escape. She opened it to a blank page, the edges of earlier entries slightly frayed from countless hurried scribbles over the years.

Chaewon hadn’t heard from her soulmate, not once since receiving the book. At first, she’d wondered if they just weren’t interested, but over time, she’d pushed that thought aside. Her schedule left little room for those kinds of distractions anyway. The book slowly became more like a diary, a safe place where she could let out the thoughts and frustrations she didn’t share with anyone else.

With a sigh, she picked up a pen and began to write.

Today was another reminder of how little control I have while I’m in this industry. They’re forcing me into a relationship with Yeonjun. He’s a friend, and this feels so wrong. I wish things were different. Sometimes, it feels like my life isn’t even my own. I joined this world to entertain and make music, to perform. But now, everything is about to be carefully planned and scripted, right down to who I’m supposed to “love.” They say it’s for the group’s success, to keep the fans engaged in any way, but I’m being used. I’m literally just a pawn in this damn company. And Yeonjun�� deserves better than this, too. This just isn’t fair to either of us. I can’t even talk to the members about it. This is something I have to deal with myself. The members are trying to fake it and avoid conflict with the higher-ups. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if I could share all of this with my soulmate. If they’d understand. Or maybe they’d just tell me to hang in there, to keep going… But you’re silent, as always. Maybe that’s for the best. Maybe they’d just think I was selfish, complaining about things that most people only dream of. But sometimes I feel trapped, more than I ever expected.

She paused, staring at the ink as it dried on the page. The book remained silent as always, no answer appearing on the next page. She hadn’t let herself think too much about why her soulmate had never written back. Right now, it was almost better this way—just her and her thoughts.

As she closed the book, she felt a little lighter, the weight of the day lifting just enough. Even if her soulmate didn’t write back, having a place to confide gave her a sliver of peace.

It was your day off, and things were going smoothly despite the usual workload. Your sister, Haeun, was visiting with your two nephews, who were busy turning your home into their personal playground. Meanwhile, Haeun sat on your couch, deeply engrossed in her own mirror book. Of all the books she’d left at your place over the years, that one was never one of them.

She had already met her soulmate, Junseo, years ago, so it puzzled you as to why she still read it so often. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Haeun asked in her usual goofy tone when she caught your stare.

You kept typing on your laptop but glanced up. “Just wondering why you still read that book so much. You and Junseo met six years ago.”

Haeun gently shut the book, setting it on the coffee table. “Because I like reminiscing about when we used to write to each other.”

Her response made you raise an eyebrow. You’d never understood the interest in the concept of it. “I don’t get it,” you admitted bluntly. “How can anyone let that stupid book dictate who they spend their life with? Isn’t it kind of deranged? I mean, sure, the world picks your soulmate based on your preferences or whatever, but preferences change all the time. What’s so magical about it?”

Haeun smirked, clearly amused by your usual skepticism. “You’re so closed-minded about the mirror book,” she said with a shake of her head.

“You don’t have to choose your soulmate. You can end up with anyone you want. But the soulmate from your mirror book? That’s a unique connection. It’s not just about preferences—it’s about something deeper. Like…” She paused, searching for the right words. “It’s like the red string of fate.”

Her explanation caught you off guard. All your life, you’d thought the mirror book only matched people based on their likes and dislikes by your mother and father. Yet Haeun was making it sound like it was something much more deeper.

“When I met Junseo a month after my 18th birthday,” she continued, her voice soft with the memory, “it felt like a part of me I didn’t even know was missing suddenly clicked into place.”

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, trying to dismiss the strange sensation her words stirred in you.

“When you meet your soulmate,” Haeun said, her eyes warm and knowing, “it’s not just love. It’s a kind of happiness you can’t find anywhere else.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yeah, sure. Sounds like a fairy tale to me.”

Haeun groaned, clearly irritated. “Look, you don’t have to believe me right now. But there’s no harm in reading your book, you know?”

Her words lingered as the day went on. You spent time with your nephews, running errands, baking cookies, and even decorating a small cake for Haeun. These were the moments you loved—putting smiles on faces with little things. Yet, in the back of your mind, her suggestion gnawed at you.

That evening, after everyone had gone home, you found yourself sitting in your office, the tea-green book in your hands. Its presence felt heavier than it should, as if all the weight of the past seven years had settled in your lap.

You stared at the intricate cover, tracing the engraved details. The accents of dark green, sage, and gray caught the dim light, and your name on the spine gleamed in delicate white cursive. This book had followed you from place to place, always hidden—stuffed in boxes, shoved on high shelves, or buried in your bookcase.

Taking a deep breath, you opened it for the first time.

The pages were filled—hundreds of them, written over the course of seven years. The first few entries practically radiated excitement.

I can’t believe I got my book! I wonder what you’re like. Do you like music? Because I love it. I hope we have that in common.

The enthusiasm made you chuckle. Your soulmate seemed like a hopeless romantic, pouring her heart onto the pages. She mentioned being a trainee at Wollim Entertainment, and her youthful optimism was almost contagious.

But as you flipped through, the tone shifted. She grew demoralized, apologizing repeatedly for your silence, even wondering if she’d done something wrong. Then came a time jump—2018.

Wow, it’s been a while. I almost forgot this book existed. I don’t know if you’re reading it or if you’ve even opened it, but I think this book will be my diary from now on. Today, I finally debuted. It’s not under Wollim, but it’s a step. We’re going to be big. I just know it. The members are amazing, and we’ve already bonded so much over the course of a few months. I’ll always have their backs, no matter what happens.

You paused, curiosity piqued. She hadn’t debuted under Wollim?

Further entries painted a bittersweet picture. Two years later, there was another major update:

After a great two years, we finally disbanded. It was a bittersweet end to this chapter of my life. Our last concert was… emotional. Wonyoung and Yujinie wouldn’t stop crying. I don’t know what comes next for me. Back to training, I guess?

Tear stains dotted the page, their presence tugging at something in your chest. Her sadness felt strong, your heart feeling heavy at the sight of it, her uncertainty painful. You skimmed forward, finding more messages filled with longing for her old group and tentative hope for the future.

Finally, you reached the most recent entry, written just a week ago:

I don’t know how to feel. They’re making me go into a public relationship with Yeonjun. It’s for the group’s image, they say. I know it’s just business, but it feels wrong. I wish things were different.

The words sent a chill down your spine. Yeonjun? You didn’t keep up with K-pop much, but the name was vaguely familiar. You grabbed your phone and typed “K-pop Yeonjun” into the search bar. As the results loaded, one name stood out:

Kim Chaewon.

Your heart skipped a beat. Kim Chaewon? As in Chaewon from IZONE? Chaewon of LE SSERAFIM?*

Your fingers tightened around your shirt as your heartbeat quickened. Your soulmate is Kim Chaewon?

The thought left you reeling. She was a celebrity, and you? You were just an ordinary office worker. Insecurity crept in, making your stomach churn. What would she even think of you?

But maybe… maybe the first step was to stop overthinking and just write back. You reach for a pen, trying to piece together the first words you’d ever be telling her.

Hi. I don’t even know where to begin… I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not writing back all these years. I promise it wasn’t because I didn’t care. I just—I didn’t know how what to think of this, to be honest. The idea of a soulmate… seemed fake to me. I thought it was better to live my life without the pressure of this book defining who I should love or be with. But after reading everything you’ve written… I realize how unfair that was to you. You’ve poured so much of yourself into these pages, and I left you alone in it. For that, I’m deeply sorry. I also didn’t expect you to be… well, you. I figured from context your Kim Chaewon. You’re not just anyone. You’re someone the world knows. Someone who’s achieved so much, worked hard, and faced many challenges. You’ve gone through a lot, and I can’t imagine how lonely it must’ve been to write in here, not knowing if I’d ever read it or respond. I’m also so, so sorry about what you’re going through with this “relationship” situation. You don’t deserve that. I don’t know what to say other than it’s unfair, and I wish there was something I could do to make it better. I’m not sure if this is enough to make up for all the silence, but I’m here now. If you want to talk, I’ll listen. I promise.

Chaewon was sprawled on her bed, the dorm oddly quiet for the first time in a while. Most of the members were out at the company for various schedules, but Chaewon had managed to secure a few hours to herself.

She had been trying to relax, scrolling aimlessly through her phone, but her thoughts were heavy, weighed down by the fake relationship looming over her.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, her mirror book began to glow.

She froze, her phone slipping from her fingers onto the blanket. The soft, ethereal light from the book seemed almost unreal, and her heart leapt to her throat.

It had never glowed before. Not once.

Her hands trembled as she reached for it, hesitant. The idea of opening the book and finding nothing—a cruel glitch in the universe’s matchmaking—was terrifying. But what if there was something?

Taking a deep breath, Chaewon flipped open the book to the latest page. Her eyes scanned the handwriting, unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. With each word she read, her chest grew lighter.

She pressed a hand to her mouth, emotions crashing into her all at once. Relief. Sadness. Hope.

Your apology softened the ache she’d carried for years. The acknowledgment of her struggles, of her loneliness, made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t expected. But more than anything, she was just grateful. She was grateful that her soulmate had finally reached out, even if it was just this once.

She let out a shaky breath, wiping at her eyes before they could spill over. Grabbing a pen, she carefully began to write her response, her hand steady despite the storm of emotions she currently felt.

Hi! Thank you for writing to me. You didn’t have to, but I’m so glad you did. I won’t lie. There were times I thought you might never write back, and I convinced myself that was okay. But seeing your words today… it means more than I can put into words. You don’t need to apologize. I get it. This whole soulmate thing is overwhelming. Honestly, it scared me, too, when I first got my book. I kept thinking, “What if they don’t like me? What if I’m not enough?” But you are enough. You’re more than enough. Don’t ever feel like you’re not because of who I am or what I do. I’m just a person. I get scared and confused, too. I want to know more about you. Who you are, what you like, what makes you happy. Anything you want to tell me, I want to know. And if you’d rather take things slow, that’s okay, too. No pressure. Just… thank you for responding. Even if it’s only this once, it means the world to me.

Chaewon closed the book, her smile wide and genuine. It had been years, but finally, you made yourself known to her. The weight of uncertainty, the questions she had carried for so long—they didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and opened the group chat with her members.

Chae GUYS. MY MIRROR BOOK GLOWED.

The chat quickly exploded with notifications.

Zuha WOAHHH No way?? Are you serious?! 😲

Smiley Potato Well finally!!!!! What did they say???

Kkura unnie finally?? after all this time? what did you write back?? 🫣

Jennifer HOLD UP …what if it’s a scam? 🤔 soulmate catfishing could totally be a thing.

Chaewon rolled her eyes, laughing softly as she typed her response.

Chae i don’t think it’s fake! they wrote about stuff that only someone who read a lot of the book would know like the PR thing with Yeonjun 👹 they even apologized for not writing all these years

The chat went silent for a few moments, as if the group collectively held their breath.

Smiley Potato okay, but like are you sure they’re genuine?

Chaewon i am it didn’t feel fake it felt… real like they’ve been holding back for a long time but wanted to make things right 🙂‍↕️

Zuha awwwwww that’s so sweet 🥹

Kkura unnie well, don’t scare them off just take it slow

Chaewon nodded to herself, grateful for their support, even if some of them were skeptical. For the first time in a long while, her excitement replacing the weight of her worries.

The next morning, you sat at your desk, the tea-green book lying closed in front of you. Your gaze lingered on it, anticipation bubbling in your chest. When you finally opened it, the latest entry made you smile.

Chaewon had accepted your apology. She hadn’t held onto any anger or resentment. Instead, her words were warm, curious, and welcoming. It felt nice on your conscience knowing she didn’t hate you.

You leaned back in your chair, staring at the blank page in front of you. Your mind raced with what to write. It was weird, wasn’t it? Sharing your life with someone you didn’t even know? Still, she’d written so much about herself over the years. The least you could do was give her the same.

Picking up your pen, you began to write.

Hi again. I wasn’t sure if I’d write back so soon, but your reply made me smile. Thank you for not hating me after all this time. I guess I should tell you a little about myself? But, to be honest, I think you might find me pretty boring. I work a dumb office job that keeps me way too busy, but it pays the bills, so I can’t complain too much. My real passion, though, is baking. I love making cakes, cookies, pastries—you name it. I dream of opening my own little bakery one day, but, well, starting a business here isn’t exactly easy. My parents live in Jeollanam-do, in a small village near Boseong. You’d love it there—the green tea fields stretch on forever. I visit when I can, but it’s tough to find time with work and everything. My sister, Haeun, lives closer to me. She’s married and has two kids who are absolute terrors but in the cutest way possible. They keep me on my toes whenever they visit. Oh, and my favorite color is green, probably because of where I grew up. It reminds me of home, of peace, of the simpler times before life got so… complicated. Anyway, that’s me. Just an ordinary person in a very ordinary life.

You paused, biting your lip as you reread what you wrote. Did it sound too plain? Too uninteresting? Shaking off the self-doubt, you finished your entry.

I hope this isn’t too boring for you to read. I’m sure your life is much more exciting. But I’d love to hear more about you, too. If you don’t mind, that is.

Setting the pen down, you closed the book, feeling both nervous and hopeful. You weren’t sure what would come next, but for now, it felt good to share a piece of yourself with her.

The next day, Chaewon’s schedule was packed with photoshoots and rehearsals, but her mirror book sat discreetly in her bag. During a break, she pulled it out, the soft green glow catching her attention. She flipped it open, her lips curling into a smile as she read your latest entry. Your awkwardness, your humility—it was endearing in a way she hadn’t expected.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “So ordinary, huh?” she muttered to herself, the amusement lingering in her expression. Her heart felt lighter, and for the first time in days, she didn’t feel so weighed down by everything else.

As the crew shuffled around, prepping for the next shot, she quickly grabbed a pen and began to write back.

I don’t know why you think your life is boring. Reading your words makes me feel like I’m learning about a whole new world. Honestly, your passion for baking? It's amazing. I can’t even crack an egg without causing a disaster, so I’m already impressed. Life on my end… it’s exciting, but not always in good ways, like this whole PR relationship thing. It feels like I’m constantly trying to prove something to the world, even when it doesn’t feel like me. Training life was hard, but this industry is even harder sometimes. There’s always something—rumors, hate, expectations. And now, with this, I can already feel the negativity piling on, even though I’ve been avoiding social media the past few days. My members, though, have been helping me get through it. Well, mostly. They’re a little skeptical about you, but I can’t blame them for being cautious. But you feel real to me. Your letters, your thoughts— calculated. They’re just you. And you’re cute, by the way. The way you write, stumbling over your own words like you’re nervous about sounding silly? It’s adorable. I hope you know that. I really hope we can meet one day. I don’t know when or how, but the idea of finally seeing you face-to-face makes me… excited. Nervous but excited.

Chaewon closed the book just as the photographer called her name. She tucked it away, a soft smile still on her face as she returned to the set.

What she didn’t realize was that fate was already weaving its threads, and it was only a matter of time before your paths crossed for real.

It was a random day when, Haeun, insisted on introducing you to a friend of hers over lunch. You hadn’t thought much of it at first—Haeun was always the social butterfly of the family, her circle of connections ranging from neighbors to industry professionals.

The three of you met at a cozy restaurant downtown. Haeun’s friend, Sojung, was sharp, poised, and had an air of effortless confidence about her. As the conversation flowed, you shared polite smiles and nods while your sister took the lead. But when the topic shifted to your baking, Sojung’s interest piqued.

“Haeun tells me you’re amazing at baking,” Sojung said, her tone warm and encouraging.

You waved it off, feeling a little self-conscious. “It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed. Nothing big.”

Haeun, of course, wasn’t having it. “Nothing big? Please. Y/n’s been dreaming about opening her own bakery for years. She’s just never gone out of her way to try and do it.”

Sojung leaned forward slightly, her eyes lighting up. “Actually, I’ve been looking for a new business venture. I’d love to help you make this dream happen.”

The words caught you off guard. You blinked at her, unsure if you’d misheard. “You’d… help me? Really?”

“Of course,” she replied, smiling. “I’ve got the resources, and if you’ve got the talent and the vision, we could make something incredible together.”

So the two weeks that followed were a whirlwind. Your mornings still began with your mundane office job, but your evenings and weekends became consumed with planning. Together with Sojung, you toured potential locations, sketched ideas for the bakery’s design, and worked on everything from color schemes to menu concepts.

It was exciting, yes, but also exhausting. Balancing your office work that your boss, Younghyun, gave with the demands of setting up the bakery left you with little time for anything else. Even writing to Chaewon, which had quickly become a bright spot in your life, had to be put on hold.

But when the bakery finally opened, it felt surreal. The storefront was everything you’d imagined—soft pastels, elegant displays, and the warm aroma of freshly baked goods greeting every customer who walked through the door. But in the chaos of launching your dream, you realized you hadn’t told Chaewon the name of the store.

That night, once the rush of the grand opening had died down, you finally sat down with your mirror book. Opening it, you felt a pang of guilt as you saw Chaewon’s last message still unanswered. Picking up your pen, you began to write.

Chaewon, I’m so sorry for not writing back sooner. These past two weeks have been insane. My sister introduced me to a friend who offered to help me open my own bakery. It’s been a dream of mine for so long, but I didn’t think it would ever happen. Now it’s real, and I’ve been so busy trying to balance my job and getting everything ready that I haven’t had a moment to breathe. We finally opened today. It’s small but cozy, and I love it. I wish I could tell you where it is, but honestly, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it even exists. Maybe one day, if we meet, I can show you in person? I hope you’re doing okay. I know I’ve been terrible at keeping up, but I’ve thought about your letters a lot. Even in the chaos, they’ve stuck with me. I’ll try not to disappear again, I promise.

With a deep breath, you closed the book, hoping Chaewon would understand. What you didn’t know was that your words would soon light up her mirror book, bringing a smile to her face during her own chaotic days.

The message from Chaewon came later that night, her handwriting as neat and lovely as ever.

Hey, Don’t apologize, really. I’m just glad you’re chasing your dreams. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, but I’m happy to know life’s heading in the right direction for you. Your bakery sounds so cozy, and I can already picture how it must look. I hope it becomes everything you want it to be. If we ever get the chance to meet, I’d love to visit. Don’t stress too much about writing back. Life gets busy, and I understand that. Just know that I’m always here, and I’m cheering you on from afar.

Reading her reply, you couldn’t help but smile. The warmth in her words, the genuine support—it was unlike anything you’d felt before.

In the days that followed, you did your best to keep up with her letters despite your increasingly hectic schedule. Your office job, under the relentless supervision of Younghyun, had become more demanding than ever. He piled project after project on your desk, and there were days you barely had time to think.

When you weren’t drowning in work at the office, you were juggling the new bakery, My Sweet Home. It was bustling with customers from the moment the doors opened. With only two employees to help you run the place, every day was stressful but you loved everything about it.

Even with everything going on, you brought your mirror book everywhere. During rare quiet moments, you would pull it out to read Chaewon’s latest messages, finding comfort in her words. Her letters became a kind reminder that someone out there cared about the small victories and struggles you were facing.

The following week, Yunjin heard about the opening of a bakery in Seoul that had been trending locally. Intrigued by the buzz, she convinced Kazuha and Chaewon to join her for a visit.

“It’ll be fun!” Yunjin chirped as they left their dorm. “And we can go incognito. Hats, masks—the whole deal. No one will know it’s us.”

Chaewon hesitated but agreed, curious about the bakery herself. The trio arrived at My Sweet Home to find the place packed with customers. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of fresh pastries and cakes, and every table was full.

“Wow, this place is popular,” Kazuha said, her voice muffled under her mask.

Yunjin nodded approvingly. “Told you it was worth the trip. Let’s grab a seat while we wait.”

Chaewon followed them inside, her gaze sweeping over the cozy décor. There was a warmth to the space that immediately made her feel at ease.

In the back, you were pulling trays of cupcakes out of the oven, each one perfectly golden and ready to be decorated. You had no idea that three idols were sitting in your café, let alone Chaewon herself. With a practiced hand, you quickly piped frosting onto the, now, cooled cupcakes, adding a sprinkle of edible glitter before carrying the tray out front.

As you stepped into the bustling café, your eyes scanned the crowd—and then froze.

There she was. Even with the mask and hat, you recognized her immediately. Her eyes locked with yours, and at that exact moment, your mirror book, tucked in the office area, began to glow faintly.

You saw the recognition in her gaze too, the moment she realized who you were.

Chaewon’s breath caught as she took in the sight of you. Despite the flour dusting your apron and your slightly messy hair, she thought you were beautiful, your eyes like a small puppy and your lips opened due to the shock.

You hesitated for a second before signaling toward the back with a nervous gesture, hoping she’d understand. To your surprise, Chaewon nodded and quietly slipped away from the table, leaving Yunjin and Kazuha to distract themselves with the menu who never noticed her disappearance.

In the small back room of the bakery, you paced nervously until Chaewon appeared. She closed the door softly behind her, pulling down her mask and revealing a warm, slightly nervous smile.

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the reality of meeting for the first time sinking in.

Then, without warning, Chaewon stepped forward and wrapped her arms around you. Her embrace was gentle yet firm, and the faint scent of lavender surrounded you, soothing your nerves.

“Hi,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the emotions you both were feeling.

“Hi,” you whispered back, still processing the fact that she was here, that she was real.

“Uhm… I don’t even know what to say,” you tell here as the two of you came apart and she chuckles. “Well, I don’t think either of us were actually expecting this.”

"How bout' you start off with your name?"

You shake your head in a frenzy, "R-right. I'm Na Y/n. Nice to meet you, Miss Kim Chaewon." You reach out your hand for a handshake, but she gives you another hug, this one feeling more softer than the last. Welp, at least you now knew she was a hugger.

She then began to think, “So~ My Sweet Home is yours?”

You nodded shyly as she looks around, making herself comfortable quickly. Chaewon’s eyes then fall onto some papers and a four trays of mint green cookies beside them. She points then looks at you, “Those are?”

“Oh, matcha cookies and mint chocolate chip cookies,” you tell her, showing her the paper of the recipe you formulated a week back. As if Chaewon’s eyes sparkled, she yelps in excitement. “I love mint chocolate chip! …Is it okay if I try one?” You giggled, finding her cute, and nod. The cookies were still warm as she took a bite.

As she tasted its flavor, she made cute noises and did a little dance, shimmying her body back and forth, with her cheeks puffed up full of sweets. You just couldn’t help but giggled at her antics, she was too cute for your heart to handle.

“Yeah, having a soulmate definitely isnt so bad,” you blurted out. You didn’t mean to admit that out loud, but you did mean it. Chaewon looks at you, her curious eyes looking playful as well. “Really?” She asked in a tiny voice, struggling to speak with her mouth still full.

You nod with a smile of your face, “Really.”

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lorenztired · 1 month ago

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➛ 𝙰 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚄𝚜 - 𝙲𝙲𝙱

𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝙽𝚊 𝚈/𝚗 (99’) 𝙺𝚒𝚖 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚠𝚘𝚗 (00’)

𝙼𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚝: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙵𝙸𝙼 𝚊𝚜 𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙵𝙸𝙼 𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝚈𝚊𝚗𝚐 𝚈𝚎𝚗𝚊 𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝙹𝚎𝚘𝚗 𝙷𝚊𝚎𝚞𝚗 𝙳𝙰𝚈6 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚐𝙺 𝚊𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚘𝚜𝚜 𝙿𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙶𝙾𝙽 𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚎 𝙻𝙰𝙳𝙸𝙴𝚂’ 𝙲𝙾𝙳𝙴 𝚂𝚘𝚓𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚋𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝙷𝚈𝙱𝙴 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚜 𝙷𝚈𝙱𝙴 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚎𝚜

𝙰 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚄𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗... - 𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚎

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lorenztired · 2 months ago

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❥ 𝚁𝚊𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜

ITZY! Racer! Shin Ryujin x F reader x tripleS! Racer! Park Sohyun: In Seoul’s street racing scene, there has always been a long history of rivalry. Caught between two fierce racers, Y/n tries to find herself as she's entangled with the two. In a world where loyalty is risky, and feelings blur the finish line, some connections might be more dangerous than they seem.

Word Count: 12.5 k

Author's Note: IM SO BACK WITH THE LONG FICS, YUH. This was actually keeping me distracted with everything going on in this country rn...🤩. YES, I'm still working on Ambivalence. But I needed some new ideas to keep me going. This is also likely A TWO PARTER pls keep that in mind😭.

The streets were full of life, filled with people buzzing with excitement. The air was thick with the smell of gasoline while the low rumble of engines set the scene. Every racer, car enthusiast, and spectator gathered at the finish line, eyes locked on the flashing headlights in the distance.

The roar of red, purple, green, and blue cars thundered down the street, each one edging forward, only inches between victory and defeat. Five feet to the line, the purple car shot forward, tires screeching as it surged past the finish line in a final burst of speed.

The crowd erupted into wild cheers, everyones energy at an all time high as they waved their hands and whistled. In the blue car behind, the driver slammed a fist against the steering wheel, frustration stained across their face.

Emerging from the purple car, Shin Ryujin stepped out with her signature whisker-like smile, her confidence clear as day. She tossed her hair back, running slender fingers through the locks that had made their way to her face while some of her crew flocked around her, voices echoing with awe.

“The unbeatable Ryujin does it again,” Jaemin says, voice dripping in sarcasm as he tapped away at his phone, causing her to nudge him in the side.

Ryujin laughed, the sound warm and mischievous. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep you guys in check,” she shot back in a joking manner, sparing a mock glare at Jaemin.

“Someday, someone’s gonna dethrone you, noona,” Jay joked, lounging with Sohyun and Jake. He glanced at Sohyun, who looked surprised when Ryujin signaled in her direction.

“It'll likely be you, Hyun,” Ryujin suggested, and Sohyun’s eyes widened. “You’re undefeated, too, right?”

“Yeah, she’s 6-0,” Jay chimed in, patting her on the shoulder, proud at his best friend.

“Not 23-0, though,” Jaemin muttered, rolling his eyes as he scrolled through his phone. Ryujin gave him another playful shove, unfazed. “Come on, Min. She literally just got started like a month ago.”

As they joked, Ryujin’s eyes sparkled, and she checked her phone, her expression shifting to one of excitement. “Guys, next week’s Turf Races,” she announced, a grin spreading across her face. The boys exchanged eager looks while Sohyun’s brows furrowed in confusion.

Ryujin chuckled and explained, “Turf Races happen every three months. It’s like the biggest showdown for Korea’s racers—groups from all over the country come together to race, and every city brings their best.”

Jaemin scoffs, glancing at the younger racer, “Or, as Incheon calls it, a contest to see who’s ‘the king or queen of racing.’” His tone was evidently sarcastic, and Sohyun noticed Jake and Jay shaking their heads in irritation.

“Do we not like Incheon’s groups?” Sohyun asked, catching the tension.

Ryujin sighed, flicking Jake and Jay’s forehead lightly. “It’s not like that. Seoul and Incheon have always been the rivals of the country. We’ve got the biggest crews, the toughest records, and a deep history of…let’s call it a friendly competition.”

Jake crossed his arms, nodding. “Cheuksin versus Djinn. We were the first crew, the oldest at that, the one every group respects.”

“But Djinn’s a different story,” Ryujin said, taking a sip from her nearby water bottle. “The Turf Races were always meant to be a friendly way for solo riders to meet. You know? To network and even possibly join a crew. But Djinn’s founder created their group for one reason—to compete with us. Ever since we’ve had this…complicated history.”

Jaemin leaned in, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. “Their current leader? Yeh Shuhua. First Taiwanese racer to lead a Korean crew. She’s no joke; she raced her way to the top, and no one was shocked when she took over. But she’s got a reputation…not the nicest attitude.”

He shrugged. “She doesn’t bother me, though. I can match her freak.”

Everyone chuckled, knowing Jaemin wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge. But Sohyun’s gaze was thoughtful, her heart racing a little at the thought. “We’re racing them next week?”

Ryujin smiled at her, nodding. “Don’t worry, Hyun. You’ll do great. Besides, we’ve got a record that’s pretty hard to beat.” Jay raised his hands in mock celebration. “It’d take them winning every race for the next five years just to catch up to us.”

Ryujin laughed, then focused on Sohyun, her tone suddenly serious. “Stay with me until eleven tonight, okay? We’re going to work on a few things.”

Sohyun nodded, gripping her keys as she made her way to her car. In the parking lot, her father’s Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 awaited her, shining under the lights. The blood-red paint job gleamed, always a beauty to look at in her eyes. Climbing into the driver’s seat, she traced her hand along the wheel, memories flooding her mind. She could almost feel her dad’s presence beside her, guiding her hands like he had at so many races.

Sighing, she ran her fingers over the sleek dashboard, thinking back to the countless races he’d won. He’d been a Cheuksin legend, and even after his passing, making Sohyun a famous legacy amongst all of Cheuksin’s members.

A sudden knock on her window jolted her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see Ryujin grinning, tapping her wrist to signal the time. Not noticing how much time had passed, Sohyun started the car, feeling the smooth purr of the engine as she pulled out of the spot and followed Ryujin up to the upper parking lot level.

Ryujin’s purple Mustang Shelby GT350R awaited her there, alone against the expanse of concrete pillars. Sohyun pulled up beside her leader, lowering her window as Ryujin did the same on the passenger side.

“So, tonight, we’re focusing on drifting,” Ryujin said, nodding toward the concrete columns ahead. “In real races, especially on Turf Race tracks, you’ll hit some crazy turns and obstacles. Drifting can make or break those moments.”

With that, she revved her engine and gave a quick demonstration. Her car slid smoothly around each pillar, tires squealing in perfect curves, leaving clean arcs of rubber on the ground. Sohyun watched in awe, barely blinking as Ryujin returned to the starting spot and rolled down her window, laughing at the look on Sohyun’s face.

“It’s all in the timing and control. You’ve got the skills already, legacy,” she said, using the nickname with pride. “And we’ve got a week to perfect this. You’ll be ready.”

With a determined nod, Sohyun rolled up her window, heart pounding as she steered toward the pillars. She took a deep breath, then let her car fly forward, mirroring Ryujin’s graceful maneuvers.

Hours passed in a blur of tire squeals and engine roars, but finally, Ryujin clapped as Sohyun completed her last round. “You’re ready for Turf Races,” she said with a proud smile, knowing her protégé would succeed in the upcoming races.

—--

It was Friday afternoon, and people were beginning to gather at the Turf Races location—a spot quite far enough from Seoul that closing off streets for the races had been an easy task. The night air hung heavy with the scent of gasoline, mingling with the distant echoes of engines revving while a wave of people crowded the dimly lit streets.

Ryujin leaned against her car, scrolling through Cheuksin's group chat on her phone, occasionally glancing up to spot anyone from her crew in the crowd. Her fingers moved quickly, sending messages to keep track of everyone's whereabouts.

She was too focused, barely noticing the shuffle of heels clicking nearby—until she heard a low whistle and a gentle voice. “That is one nice Shelby.”

Ryujin looked up, expecting a casual compliment. But what she saw made her pause.

You were just… breathtaking.

The beaming streetlights glazed over your skin, bringing out the sheen of your pink glossed lips, which formed a slight pout. Ryujin’s gaze dropped to your outfit—a pair of white stilettos, a light blue A-line skirt that brushed just above your knees, and a crisp white collared blouse with a bow that held your hair in a high ponytail.

You looked so out of place in the sea of leather jackets, jeans, boots, and sneakers, yet the fact that you’d called her car a Shelby instead of just a Mustang hinted you knew precisely where you were.

Realizing she was staring, Ryujin blinked and felt her face warm as you laughed, shrugging casually. “I get that reaction a lot.”

Ryujin snapped out of her trance, waving her hands nervously. “No, no, I didn’t mean to stare! I just—” She struggled for the right words. “You… don’t look like the racing type.”

You tilted your head, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. “And what does the racing type look like?”

Ryujin winced, stumbling over her words. “I didn’t mean it like that, I just—”

You interrupted with a soft laugh. “Relax, I’m just pulling your leg.” Your eyes traced over her car, lingering on the glossy curves and soft edges of its body. “But really, that’s a beautiful Shelby. A GT350R?”

Ryujin’s jaw dropped slightly, and her usual cool shattered. “Y-you know cars?” she stammered, her voice betraying her surprise.

“My older brother’s a mechanic,” you replied, brushing an invisible wrinkle from your sleeve. “I work with him, so I’m around cars like this all the time. Especially street racers.” Your eyes drifted back to the car, admiration sparking in them. “But this one’s a standout—those decals are insane.”

You nodded towards the deep purple paint job with the bold image of a dark blue dragon that was outlined with black, almost swimming across the hood. The creature’s scales shimmered under the streetlights, each one meticulously outlined. “Any reason for the blue dragon?”

A smile broke out across Ryujin’s face, and she looked completely at ease for the first time. “Yeah. It’s because my name’s Ryujin. Dragon and Sea God in Japanese.”

Your eyebrows lifted, and you nodded, letting out a soft, “Ahh.” After a moment, something seemed to click. “Wait, Ryujin? As in Shin Ryujin of Cheuksin?” A flicker of pride flashed across Ryujin’s face before she tried to play it off, giving a casual shrug. “You know who I am?”

You gave her an amused look, eyes gleaming. “Who doesn’t know the leader of Cheuksin?”

Ryujin’s confidence faltered slightly as she remembered her reputation. But then you extended your hand, that same knowing smile on your lips. “I’m Y/n.”

Ryujin took your hand, shaking it carefully, her fingers lingering just a second too long. “Y/n from…?”

“Oh, I’m not with any crew.” You chuckled, letting your gaze drift back to the race preparations in the distance. “I’m just here supporting a few friends tonight.” Ryujin nodded, intrigued. “Is that why I’ve never seen you at Turf Wars before?”

“Sort of.” You glanced down briefly, your smile fading a little. “My brother’s shop keeps me busy most Fridays. This is a rare night off, so I thought I’d check it out.”

Ryujin hesitated, curiosity getting the better of her. “Any reason you’re dressed… like this?”

You blinked, looking genuinely confused until her meaning registered. “Oh,” you chuckled, glancing down at your outfit. “I had lunch with some friends earlier. Didn’t have time to change before heading out here.”

Ryujin thought about this, taking in your polished look. “You from Incheon?”

You laughed softly, eyes wide with surprise. “Good guess. Yeah, I am. How’d you know?”

Ryujin rubbed the back of her neck, suddenly looking away. “Just a wild guess,” she murmured, hoping you didn’t notice the slight flush on her cheeks.

You nodded, checking your phone as the time ticked closer to the race’s start. “I should get going. But it was nice to meet you, Miss Shin.” You smiled, your expression warm yet mysterious as you turned to leave, each step measured and confident.

Ryujin watched you go, the sounds of the crowd fading into the background. She wanted to reach out, call your name, and ask for a way to keep in touch. But something in her held back, an unspoken understanding that tonight’s meeting was all it was meant to be.

As you disappeared into the crowd, she felt a pang of regret—and maybe just a little curiosity, too.

As Ryujin’s focus shifted to her phone, you found yourself drawn to the side of the street, where a frustrated grunt caught your attention. “Don’t do this to me now,” a girl muttered, hands digging under the hood of what appeared to be her car.

Her face was half-hidden behind messy wisps of hair and tilted glasses, and she was so engrossed in her work that she didn’t notice you watching.

Without a word, you glanced over her shoulder, spotting the issue almost immediately. “Your spark plug’s shot,” you noted, your voice catching her by surprise as she jumped, hitting her head against the hood. “Didn’t mean to scare you,” you said smoothly, barely looking at her as she rubbed the spot, eyes widening.

“Oh, no, that’s not on you,” she mumbled, visibly flustered. “It’s just been… a day,” she added, glancing back at the car.

“Got any tools in the trunk?” you asked, not exactly offering to help, just curious. She blinked, seeming to process the question, and quickly rushed to the back, rummaging through an assortment of random supplies before returning with an entire toolkit and a handful of spark plugs.

You let out a small laugh, barely contained. “Didn’t need all of that,” you murmured, taking a single plug from her and rolling up your sleeves.

“Oh, uh… okay,” she stammered, clearly uncertain but watching you carefully as you got to work. “You’re… you know a lot about this stuff?”

“Just enough,” you replied, already busy disconnecting the battery. “How long’s it been sitting here?”

“Uh… maybe an hour?” She seemed unsure of herself, her hands fiddling with her sleeves.

“You must be new to this scene,” you commented, your tone neutral, keeping the words light. She laughed nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Is it that obvious?”

You nodded slightly, finishing the repair without meeting her gaze. “Let’s just say most people check their engines before Turf Races.” The barest hint of a smirk tugged at your lips as you caught her watching you, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

“I only started a month ago,” she admitted shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Guess that makes you a true rookie,” you remarked, finally shutting the hood and dusting off your hands. “Try it now.”

She slid into the driver’s seat, her eyes wide as she turned the key. The car purred to life, and she looked at you with pure relief. “Thank you… I—I don’t even know what to say.” She reached out, shaking your hand with surprising energy, a grateful smile breaking across her face.

“Don’t mention it,” you replied with an easy wave. “You should be good now. Just keep an eye on it next time.”

“Still… thank you so much…” she paused, tilting her head as if waiting for you to fill in the blank.

“Y/n,” you said simply, letting her linger on the name before nodding towards the road. “Good luck out there.”

As you turned and melted into the crowd, you felt her gaze trailing after you, a mixture of awe and lingering nerves etched on her face. She watched until you disappeared completely, her hand still on the steering wheel as if replaying the exchange in her mind.

After a few minutes, all of Cheuksin gathered at the dead end of the deserted street. Sohyun leaned against her car, spacing out as nerves twisted within her, each stray thought building up in her mind. The distant roar of engines and hum of voices buzzed around her, snapping back only when she saw Ryujin rambling to Jaemin, who practically paid no mind to her.

“Can’t pay even a smidge of attention, unnie?” she teased, rolling his eyes though a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Some girl’s cast a spell on her, and now she can’t stop talking about her or looking for her.”

Ryujin’s gaze roamed over the sea of racers, scanning faces in search of someone who clearly wasn’t there. Sohyun, curious and unused to seeing her mentor distracted, followed her line of sight—but neither of them spotted the mystery girl.

"So," Jay’s hand clapped Sohyun’s back, jolting her. She felt her heartbeat quicken from the scare. "Think you’re ready?"

Sohyun shrugged, the weight of nerves still heavy. "Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess."

"Hey, lighten up a little, Hyun," Ryujin reassured, playfully patting her head. “You’ll do great.”

“So, who are we up against, noona?” Jake asked, leaning casually on Sohyun’s car.

“It’s Seoul versus Incheon and a few smaller groups,” Ryujin replied, looking at Sohyun with an encouraging smile. “Traditional match-up. You’ll go against Djinn’s second-in-command. They seemed to have taken an interest in you since I’m training you, so they put you up against someone with experience.”

Sohyun's fingers tightened around her keys. “Anything I need to know?”

Ryujin’s gaze sharpened. “The racer’s name is Choi Yeonjun. Skilled, but… he doesn’t play fair.”

“‘Doesn’t play fair’ is one way to put it,” a voice interjected, slicing through their conversation like a blade. Everyone turned toward the middle of the street, where a woman with sleek black hair stood, exuding a presence as sharp as her smirk. “I call it ‘determined to win.’”

Sohyun straightened instinctively. ‘That must be Djinn’s leader,’ she thought, noting the woman’s confident stance and the air of authority she exuded.

“Determined to win?” Jaemin cut in with a sneer, tauntingly folding his arms. “It’s desperation, Shuhua. When was the last time Yeonjun won without trying to pit someone's car?”

Shuhua arched an eyebrow, amused by Jaemin’s challenge. “Oh, poor Min-Min,” she purred, her voice laced with mock sympathy. “Still sore about the last race, hmm? Yeonjun knocked you right out, and guess what? He won.”

Jaemin’s fists clenched, but Ryujin stepped forward, blocking his view of Shuhua with a calm, confident smile.

“Always here to stir up trouble, aren’t you?” Ryujin said coolly, her eyes never wavering. Shuhua flicked her hair back, sending Ryujin a look meant to rattle—but Ryujin didn’t flinch. She never did, and that’s what made Shuhua hate her even more.

“Shin Ryujin,” Shuhua drawled, her smirk sharpening. “Always a pleasure.” But her eyes said otherwise, sparking with the rivalry that ran as deep as the roots of their crews. “Why don’t you guys just prove it with your racing?”

With that question, Shuhua’s face becomes serious as her eyes land directly on Sohyun, who almost shivers at her gaze. “We definitely will. Especially after Yeonjun beats that precious new protégé of yours.”

Ryujin let out a soft chuckle, her gaze falling on their newest racer. “So you’re so worried about a girl I’m training that you need to pull a cheap stunt?” she said, her voice steady but cutting. “All for what, Shuhua? Just so Yeonjun can snag a win, and you can say you’ve beaten someone I’m teaching?”

“No,” Shuhua replied, stepping closer until she stood directly across from Sohyun. The only thing separating them was the sleek, red car, and the street went silent as every eye turned toward the standoff.

You worked your way through the gathered crowd, just catching sight of Shuhua and the girl you’d recently helped. Rolling your eyes at Shuhua’s usual games, you already knew this routine—the intimidation, the taunts, all the flair that made her notorious as Djinn’s leader.

With a cocky tilt of her head, Shuhua’s voice carried confidently. “Not only do you train her, but little Miss Park Sohyun here is Cheuksin’s legacy.”

Your eyes widened at the revelation. So the ‘helpless girl’ from earlier was no ordinary racer—she was someone with a name, a history. You smirked, finding it endearing that she was carrying on her family’s reputation.

Shuhua’s gaze lingered on Ryujin, her smirk ever-present as she gestured toward Sohyun. “I just wanted to see what she’s made of. And since I’m racing you,” she paused, her eyes flicking back to Ryujin with a look as sharp as it was smug before settling back on Sohyun, “I figured Yeonjun would be the perfect opponent to push her limits. Don’t you think?”

Ryujin’s stance relaxed, confidence radiating as she glanced at Sohyun. “He would,” she replied smoothly, taking a few strides closer, which made Shuhua instinctively step back from Sohyun’s car. “And I promise you this—Sohyun’s going to be the one to knock Yeonjun down a peg or two.” She reached out, patting Shuhua’s arm with a smug smile that held no hint of doubt.

Shuhua’s smirk wavered, and with a scoff, she turned away, motioning to her crew, who immediately fell in line behind her. Jay placed a reassuring hand on Sohyun’s shoulder, sensing her nerves. “Don’t worry about them, Hyun. They’re just trying to get under your skin,” he said, and Ryujin nodded in agreement, her steady gaze a quiet reassurance.

You, meanwhile, stepped through the crowd toward Shuhua, catching her attention. She turned, her face lighting up as she saw you approach. With that familiar flirtatious smile, she closed the distance, sliding her arms around your waist. “You finally made it,” she murmured, her voice dripping with a mixture of excitement and mischief. You rolled your eyes, but her smirk only grew.

“And you’re back to causing a scene,” you replied dryly, though your tone held a hint of annoyance.

“Come on,” she purred, her voice dropping as she leaned closer, “Don’t be like that, baby.” She pulled you into a kiss, her fingers pressing into your back as if to draw you closer, oblivious to the crowd around you.

Across the lot, Ryujin had started making her way back toward her car, only to pause mid-step when she spotted the two of you. Her expression shifted, her eyes narrowing as something unspoken flashed across her face. The sight of Shuhua’s hands on you—and the intensity of a kiss—made her visibly tense. “Shit.”

Sohyun and Jaemin only caught Ryujin’s reaction, both their eyes following the direction of hers. The younger girl’s eyes widen at the view, “fuck,” she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Jaemin, noticing the tension, followed their gaze and immediately grasped the situation. “There’s no fucking way,” he muttered, hitting his forehead with his palm as the realization hit him fast. This was something that was surely gonna bite them in the ass. He just knew it.

———

Two hours passed, and multiple races had come and gone, but Ryujin and Sohyun remained seated in their cars, each lost in thought as time dragged on.

Inside the darkness of her car, Ryujin’s fingers tapped restlessly against the steering wheel, her gaze distant as she fought the tension inside her. She knew she couldn’t allow herself to feel drawn to you. It was wrong; every logical part of her told her so.

You were with Shuhua—the woman who led the crew that had been a nuisance to Cheuksin for years, the woman whose antics often fueled the bitter competition between them. It was like craving forbidden candy, the temptation all the more potent because she knew it would end in pain.

Meanwhile, Sohyun sat in silence, her hands gripping the wheel as her mind circled over recent events. A pang of frustration rose in her chest as she chided herself for being so easily captivated. She barely knew you, yet in that brief encounter, you had gone out of your way to help her. The way you’d helped her with her car, saving her from further distress—it shouldn’t have meant so much, but it did like the calm within a storm.

While the two women of Cheuksin sat in deep thought, you sat in the passenger seat of Shuhua’s sleek car, feeling the weight of her gaze on you that never seemed to leave.

You stayed quiet, absorbing the silence, something you’d grown accustomed to despite the label of “girlfriend” she’d given you. The relationship felt like an empty shell—just a surface attraction without depth.

Five months ago, she’d spotted you at a high-end lounge, captivated by your looks, and that was that. She took you out, but the dates were more about her than the two of you.

Shuhua would talk endlessly about herself, and you’d sit back, downing glasses of liquor to drown out the sound of her voice. By the fifth date, she’d asked you to make it ‘official’, and you’d agreed with little hesitation, not for love or even real interest, but for the easy fun of it.

It was shallow, you knew that. But you also knew Shuhua didn’t see you as much more than a trophy herself. She paraded you around, prideful in her claim over you, flaunting her arm candy like an expensive piece of art that she wasn’t willing to sell.

But lately, the fun had worn off, and Shuhua’s true self had begun to show. Even if you didn’t feel strongly for her, you had always valued loyalty. As empty as this relationship was, you held onto it with a strange sense of commitment, keeping things monogamous out of habit more than anything. Shuhua, however, had other ideas—she flirted with other women openly, craving their attention as if you didn’t exist in her life.

It was only a matter of time, you felt before you’d see her taking it further, and the thought of it was slowly beginning to anger you.

You knew your worth and valued yourself. A famous crew leader wasn’t about to change that.

The scene with Cheuksin was no different from the usual problems she liked to cause, but watching Shuhua’s antics up close made them hit differently. You’d heard plenty of rumors about her behavior at these events, and tonight only confirmed them. At one point, you believed she might’ve been genuinely passionate about racing—it showed in how she talked about her past wins and accomplishments. But now? It was hard to tell what motivated her anymore.

The thought always had the cogwheels turning in your mind. Was it the popularity? The money? The constant attention? Whatever it was, it seemed like her motivations shifted every time you blinked.

As she glanced your way, you felt a pang of discomfort that was getting harder to ignore. The time you spent with her was becoming more exhausting by the second, and you’d reached your limit. You took a deep breath, your voice steady as you murmured, “How about we stop things here?”

Shuhua looked at you, confusion etched across her face. “Stop what here?”

You sighed, trying to keep things calm, even though frustration simmered beneath the surface. “This. Us. Or whatever you want to call it.” Her eyes widened, panic flashing over her face in a way you hadn’t seen before. “W-what? We were perfectly fine.”

“No, we weren’t,” you replied, unable to hide your irritation. “You don’t really like me like that, and I don’t feel that way about you. We’re not even dating,” you continued, watching as her expression changed again. As if she let her mask drop, she caught herself quickly, masking any vulnerability with her usual smirk, her cockiness returning as she leaned back.

“Oh, please. You wouldn’t leave me, Y/n,” she said, her voice dripping with confidence. “You wouldn’t leave what we had.”

You shot her a disbelieving look, letting out a scoff. Opening the car door, you exited, pausing only to lean in briefly. “Watch me,” you said, your voice firm as you slammed the door shut behind you.

Shuhua’s initial shock quickly morphed into a steely gaze as she studied your leaving figure, trying to gauge whether you were serious. “You’re not being serious, right?” she scoffed as she rolled her window down and crossed her arms. “Why now? Just because I’ve been giving Cheuksin shit?”

You shook your head, keeping your voice level despite her accusatory tone. “It’s not even close to being about that. I just… don’t feel it anymore.” You paused, carefully choosing your words. “We both know this was never really… deep. It was fun for a while, but I’m not looking to be an accessory.”

Shuhua’s smirk faded, her eyes narrowing. “So you’re really leaving. Just like that.”

“Just like that,” you confirmed, keeping your tone neutral. You didn’t want to argue or drag this out any longer than necessary.

For a second, she looked almost vulnerable—a rare crack in her otherwise unshakable confidence. But it disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by a bitter smile. “Fine. Go then. Let’s see how long it takes before you’re crawling back.” She looked away, dismissively waving her hand as if to say you were already forgotten.

You didn’t respond, merely nodding once before completely walking away from her. You took a deep breath, feeling a strange weight lift off your shoulders. Shuhua’s car drove away without so much as a backward glance, her headlights vanishing into the parking lot.

The roar of engines, laughter, and voices of the crowd drew you back to the Turf Races, and you found yourself wandering back to the main area. You couldn’t help but feel lighter, the tension that had been building in your chest finally dissipating. As you scanned the crowd, your gaze was drawn to Ryujin’s car once again.

Ryujin, still in her seat, hadn’t noticed you yet, her expression intense as she mentally prepared for the upcoming race. She looked calm and collected on the outside, but there was a storm behind her eyes as if something weighed on her mind.

You hesitated before approaching, knocking lightly on her window. She looked up, startled, but when she saw it was you, her expression softened, and she quickly rolled down the window.

“Hey,” you greeted with a small smile, trying to hide the way your heart sped up at her gaze.

Ryujin’s eyes flickered with surprise, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Back again? Thought you’d left with…” She trailed off, realizing what she’d almost said.

“Yeah, about that.” You let out a soft chuckle, shaking your head. “Guess I’m flying solo tonight.”

Her gaze lingered on you for a moment, as if she was taking in every word and gesture. “Well,” she said, her voice softer now, “you’re always welcome here. And… good timing.” She nodded towards the starting line. “Our newbie is up next.”

“Good luck to her,” you murmured, feeling a pang of something you couldn’t quite place as she flashed you a confident smile. She was so proud to show off her protégé and for the first time in a while, the care made you smile. It was enough to make your stomach flip, but you quickly shook off the feeling, stepping back as she revved her engine.

Ryujin nodded once, her usual cool returning as she focused on the race. As Sohyun pulled up to the starting line, you found a spot near the crowd to watch, anticipation building as you leaned against the barrier. The crowd’s energy buzzed around you, but all you could focus on was the dark, sleek Camaro Z/28, and the determined glint in her eyes flickered with the nerves that bundled up.

A girl in some risque clothing walked in the middle of the street, holding a red flag and counted them down. As she sees the flag wave down, Sohyun shot off the line, the red car tearing down the deserted street, the roar of the engine echoing through the night. You couldn’t help but feel captivated. Despite being a younger racer, to your knowledge, being a legacy was a big deal in the racing scene. So you definitely need to keep your eyes peeled for her.

The Camaro Z/28 barreled forward, taking an early lead as Sohyun’s focus sharpened. She had a unique style: precise but aggressive, weaving through the tight curves with a confident and raw grace. Every turn felt like a statement—one that said she belonged here, no matter who she was up against.

You could see why Ryujin had taken her under her wing. There was a familiar intensity in how Sohyun handled herself on the track, a hunger that reminded you of what you heard about Ryujin in her early days—relentless, almost reckless, but with an undercurrent of something deeper. Pride, maybe. A desire to prove herself.

The crowd roared as she maneuvered around a particularly sharp turn, her tires screeching as she held control like a pro. You found yourself smiling, a genuine admiration bubbling up as you watched her push the limits of her car and her own nerves. Something was refreshing about it, watching someone new pour their heart into the race, unburdened by the rivalries and egos that clouded the rest of the scene.

The groups track was around the area and quite shorter, giving you a good view of everyones skills. It was down the road, into the parking lot where they’d have to reach to the top, come back down, lap through a different street, and come back. A drone that had a camera would follow so when the track got further, everyone would be able to watch on their phones.

You glanced over at Ryujin, whose eyes were glued to the track as she held her phone tightly, her expression intense but glowing with pride. She didn’t look at you, but you could sense the connection between her and her protégé—a mentor’s pride that softened her usually tough exterior.

The race stretched, and the gap between Sohyun and the other racers widened. You noticed Yeonjun, notorious for his cutthroat tactics, trying to close in on her, his car creeping up at an alarming speed. But Sohyun held her ground, skillfully blocking him, anticipating his moves. You could see Yeonjun getting frustrated, tapping his fingers impatiently on his steering wheel.

As the racers get deeper into the track, you pull up the stream on your phone, watching every cars movement as best as possible. Then, almost predictably, Yeonjun attempted to close the gap with one of his signature dirty tricks—clipping the edge of Sohyun’s car just enough to throw her off balance.

But Sohyun, sharp and resilient, managed to stabilize, shifting gears quickly to compensate. She didn’t flinch, her focus unwavering, and she sped up, leaving Yeonjun behind with a furious glare. The crowd’s energy erupted as Sohyun soared toward the finish line, crossing it with a triumphant roar from her engine.

She had won. The cheers drowned out everything else, filling the night air with an infectious exhilaration. You found yourself grinning, almost surprised by how invested you’d become in her victory. But then, you felt someone’s gaze on you and looked over to see Ryujin watching, a satisfied smirk on her face.

“Not bad for a ‘newbie,’ huh?” she said, her tone both teasing and proud.

You chuckled, nodding. “Guess she’s full of surprises.”

As Sohyun stepped out of her car, greeted by thunderous applause and pats on the back from fellow racers, you saw a spark of something bright in her eyes. Ryujin made her way over, pulling her into a side hug, whispering something that made Sohyun’s face light up. It was a warm moment—a rare one for Ryujin, who tended to keep her emotions tightly under wraps.

After Sohyun’s thrilling race against Yeonjun, the crowd was buzzing with adrenaline and chatter about her victory. You congratulated her again, catching the smile that hinted at something more, a small flicker that made your heart stutter. As you exchanged a few words, you noticed Shuhua’s gaze, dark and unreadable from across the track. She hadn’t moved closer, hadn’t even pretended to hide her irritation, and the silent tension simmered in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Just then, the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, “Alright, folks! Up next the leader race! This is the one everyone’s been waiting for. Alleyways, sharp turns, open highways – you know what it means! Get ready for Ryujin, Shuhua, Johan, and Breeze!”

All eyes turned to the starting line as the crowd buzzed with fresh anticipation. A drone zipped into position above the track, hovering like a spectator ready to capture every move, every maneuver. Ryujin pulled her purple Mustang Shelby GT350R up to the line, its sleek body gleaming under the lights, while Shuhua’s car sidled up next to hers, engine growling with an intensity that matched her own unrelenting energy.

The flag girl took her place, each step deliberate as she raised their flags, drawing cheers and shouts from the crowd. Your gaze drifted back to Sohyun’s Camaro parked just off the line, a reminder of her quiet but fierce skill. She caught your eye for a brief moment, her calm presence an anchor amid the chaotic excitement.

And then—the flags dropped.

With a deafening roar, Ryujin and Shuhua’s cars, beside the two others, shot forward, leaving a cloud of dust and the roar of engines in their wake. The drone followed close behind, streaming the race live to the crowd gathered around screens and phones, and every heart raced with them.

As the cars tore through the narrow alleyways, Ryujin held precise control, her hands gripping the wheel firmly, while Shuhua was fierce, pushing forward with aggression. She taunted Ryujin, nudging close to her bumper, then trying to overtake her on every sharp turn, leaving no room for mistakes. Ryujin kept her cool, but you could see the tension etched in her jaw each time Shuhua’s car swerved dangerously close.

The crowd gasped as Shuhua attempted a risky move on a sharp curve. She nearly clipped Ryujin’s Mustang, her car jolting slightly with the force, but Ryujin held steady, her focus evident. The highway stretch came up, and they accelerated side-by-side, a blur of purple and dark metal under the streetlights, as the drone struggled to keep pace.

But Shuhua’s relentless aggression eventually worked against her. In her haste to push ahead, she miscalculated on a hairpin turn, skidding too wide. Ryujin seized the moment, her Mustang gliding forward in a flawless maneuver that left Shuhua behind, forced to regain control as Ryujin sped through the final straight.

The crowd erupted as Ryujin crossed the finish line first, her Mustang roaring in victory while Shuhua’s car coasted in moments later. Applause and cheers echoed, and Ryujin climbed out, raising an arm with a confident grin, though her eyes searched the crowd until they found yours.

The look she gave you was unmistakably triumphant, but Shuhua’s dark gaze lingered on you from the sidelines, the subtle resentment now impossible to ignore.

“Celebration at Cheuksin’s usual spot. You coming?” Ryujin asks you, as she walked closer with a proud smile on her face.

As the cheers erupted for Sohyun and Ryujins’s victory, you noticed Shuhua glaring from across the lot, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, jaw clenched. She leaned against her car, eyes narrowed in your direction, her expression a mix of irritation and something sharper—betrayal, maybe. It was clear your choice to congratulate Sohyun and Ryujin with a triumphant look on your face, Cheuksin racers, had struck a nerve.

You tried to ignore her, focusing on the buzz of the crowd, but Shuhua’s stare felt like a weight on your chest. When her car door slammed shut, you couldn’t help but glance back at her. She was watching as Ryujin pulled you into the fold, her gaze seething with resentment. A knowing smirk played on Ryujin’s face as she noticed, clearly enjoying the fact that you’d chosen her side over Djinn’s tonight.

Shuhua didn’t bother hiding her irritation, stepping forward with quick, almost hostile strides, stopping just shy of where you stood. “So this is what you’re into now?” she asked, her voice low but laced with disdain. “Congratulating the enemy?”

The bitterness in her tone caught you off guard. You’d expected her to be angry, but this was something else—pettiness. You squared your shoulders, keeping your expression neutral as you met her gaze.

“It’s not about sides, Shuhua. Sohyun earned a win against Yeonjun, and she won against you fair and square. I’m just giving credit where it’s due.”

Her lips twisted into a scowl, her eyes flashing with anger. “Funny. Didn’t see you applauding anyone on our team like that. Maybe I should’ve guessed you’d switch sides eventually.”

You opened your mouth to reply, trying to express that it was your first time at a Turf Race since your brother's time, but the sound of Ryujin’s voice interrupted. “Problem here, Shuhua?” Ryujin’s tone was cool, almost mocking, as she leaned casually against Sohyun’s car. Her gaze drifted between the two of you, and you could see the hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Shuhua’s eyes narrowed further, her posture stiffening. “Nothing that concerns you, Ryujin.”

“Right.” Ryujin pushed herself off the car, raising an eyebrow. “Then maybe you should get going. You’ve got a lot of angry teammates waiting for you over there.”

For a moment, it seemed like Shuhua was going to retaliate, but she only gave a scoff, her glare burning holes into you. She took a step closer, her voice barely more than a whisper, but her words were sharp enough to cut. “Fine. Go ahead, get cozy with Cheuksin. But don’t come running back when things go south.”

Without another word, she turned on her heel, her car roaring to life a moment later. She drove off, her headlights cutting through the dark as she disappeared into the night.

The sound of her car receding left a strange emptiness, but at the same time, you felt lighter, as if her departure had freed you from some invisible weight. You took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension, but Ryujin’s eyes were on you, her smirk turning into something softer.

“Guess she didn’t take that well,” she said, an amused glint in her eye.

“Guess not,” you replied, managing a wry smile. “But I didn’t expect her to, anyway.”

Ryujin’s expression softened just a bit. “You know, you’re always welcome here. Djinn doesn’t seem to appreciate what they’ve got, anyway.”

“Yeah, well…” You let out a small chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. “Guess I’m flying solo tonight.”

Ryujin’s gaze lingered on you, searching your face as if trying to read something in the expression you didn’t realize you were wearing. “Well,” she said, her voice softer now, “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been a while since we’ve had anyone new rooting for us.”

She nodded toward the starting line where Sohyun was grinning with some other Cheuksin racers. You felt a warmth in her words that you hadn’t felt from Djinn in a long time—a genuine sense of belonging that had been missing.

After a beat, you gave a small nod. “That invitation, by the way, I’ll come with.”

Ryujin’s smile grew, a rare, unguarded one that softened her whole expression. “Good. We’ll save you a spot.” She gave you a casual, two-finger salute before heading off toward Sohyun, her energy as bright as the streetlights that lined the makeshift track.

As you watched them go, you felt a sense of belonging you hadn’t felt in a long time, even if only for the night. And maybe, just maybe, this was a new beginning—a fresh start in a world as thrilling as it was ruthless.

Ryujin’s offer lingered in your mind as you climbed into the passenger seat of her Mustang. The engine hummed beneath you, the low rumble almost soothing as the night air washed over you through the open windows. Silence settled between you both for a moment, but it wasn’t awkward. Instead, it felt oddly comfortable, like the two of you had known each other for a long time.

As she shifted gears, Ryujin glanced over at you. “So, if you don’t mind me asking… what’s your story? I mean, everyone here’s got one, right?”

You hesitated, not out of reluctance but because it was rare that anyone wanted to know about your life in Incheon. “It’s… not much, really. I grew up in Incheon with my older brother, Jeon Wonwoo. He owned a mechanic shop where I work.”

Ryujin’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Wait, that Wonwoo? The racer who used to sweep the Incheon street race scene in 2010 and 11?”

You chuckled softly, nodding. “Yep, that’s him. He’s a legend in his own right. He started teaching me to drive when I was thirteen. It was mostly just us. Our parents… well, my mom wasn’t around much, and my dad left when I was a kid.”

Ryujin’s expression softened, and she seemed to choose her next words carefully. “I didn’t know. I mean, everyone talks about how tough Djinn racers are, but… sounds like you’ve had to be strong for a while.”

You shrugged, smiling to break the heaviness of the conversation. “Guess I have. I wasn’t ever really a part of Djinn. I raced a little since it was a way to keep close to Wonwoo—and stay sane. We kept to the Incheon territory, though. Only moved closer to Seoul recently, just about half an hour away from his shop.”

Ryujin let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. “You’re full of surprises.”

The atmosphere was exciting when you arrived under the bridge—a secluded spot by the river where Cheuksin’s celebrations were already underway. A few makeshift tables were set up with snacks and drinks, laughter and conversation echoing in the open space. The crew was relaxed, celebrating Sohyun’s recent win and Ryujin’s victory over Shuhua. You felt eyes on you as you joined the group, but it wasn’t the judgmental kind; it was welcoming, curious, and like they were excited to have you here.

As the night wore on, you found yourself drawn toward Sohyun more than anyone else. Sure, you couldn’t deny how insanely hot she was, her dark eyes reflecting the night lights with a gleam that seemed to have its own gravitational pull. But there was something else, something deeper about her that you found irresistible—like the way her laughter sounded so genuine, effortlessly soft and warm, or the way her smile reached her eyes, giving her a look that was both tough and vulnerable. It felt rare, almost raw, and you found yourself wanting to know more, drawn to that spark of authenticity.

You both seemingly found your way to a quieter spot under the bridge, away from the noise of the crew’s celebration, and found a spot to sit near the edge where a thin stream of water reflected the glow of the city. The muffled sounds of Cheuksin’s laughter and music drifted over, but it felt like you were in a different world with her. She kicked a stray pebble into the water, watching it ripple across the surface. Her gaze grew distant, and thoughtful, and after a moment, she began to share a piece of herself with you.

“My dad was a racer, too,” she said, her voice soft, filled with both pride and sadness. “He was a legend in Cheuksin. He wasn’t just some guy who raced; he was… someone people really looked up to. People here still talk about his driving—how he could handle sharp turns without flinching, how he somehow always knew when to make his move. It was like he had a sixth sense for the road.”

Her eyes drifted down, and a faint smile touched her lips, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “When he passed… well, it felt like everything changed. It felt like I had to carry on that legacy, you know? Like I had this responsibility to him, to keep his memory alive by doing what he taught me.” She paused, her fingers trailing over the pavement as if drawing strength from it. “He was the reason I even fell in love with racing. It was never just a sport to him. It was life.”

You could feel the weight of her words as she spoke, and you found yourself moved by the quiet passion and pride she held for her father. At that moment, you could almost see her as the little girl who looked up to a hero, chasing his shadow on the track, trying to fill the shoes he’d left behind. There was a part of you that felt a pang of envy, a longing for the kind of bond she’d had—a parent who was present, who inspired something so profound in her.

You gave a small, understanding nod. “I can’t say I know exactly how you feel, but… I get it. My brother, he’s the one who taught me everything I know about cars, about driving. He’s… he’s my family, my reason for even being here. But it sounds like your dad was really special, Sohyun. Not everyone gets that kind of relationship.”

Her gaze softened as she looked at you, and for a moment, you could swear her eyes held the tiniest shimmer of tears that she quickly blinked away. “Thanks, Y/n. It’s nice… having someone who gets it.”

You nodded, feeling a twinge of something you couldn’t quite name—maybe it was a sense of admiration mixed with envy. “I get that. My brother’s the reason I’m here, too. He taught me everything. I mean, I guess we’re both following in someone’s footsteps.”

She tilted her head, studying you with a softness that made your heart race. “Why don’t you race more, then? I mean, you were taught by someone amazing. You have to be good.”

You looked out over the water, her question hanging between you. “Honestly? I don’t know. Maybe… I just haven’t found the right people to race with yet.”

The answer seemed to satisfy her, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Well, Cheuksin’s not so bad, right?”

You laughed, feeling a warmth spread through you. “Not at all.”

As the hours passed, you found yourself mingling with the rest of the crew, exchanging stories and laughter. Jaemin sat near Ryujin, loosening up a little because of the tiny pinch of liquid courage he had. Jay and Jake kept the atmosphere lively, sharing wild race stories that had everyone cracking up. Ryujin stood back, watching you integrate seamlessly, a small, proud smile on her face.

At one point, you approached her, raising a half-full cup. “You’ve got a good crew, Ryujin. They’re something else.”

She clinked her cup against yours, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “And they like you, too. You know… you’d fit in here better than you think.”

For a moment, her words lingered between you, unspoken possibilities sparking in the space. The night wore on, filled with laughter, shared stories, and the warmth of connection. And as you glanced at Sohyun, who caught your eye and smiled back, you realized that this was more than just another night. It was the start of something new, something that felt like home in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time.

The smell of motor oil and hot metal filled the air as you leaned over the open hood of a sleek Porsche 911 GT3, tools in hand. The client had told you that the engine had been sputtering lately, and you were elbow-deep in diagnosing the issue. You twisted a wrench on the intake manifold, fingers smudged with grease and listened to the steady hum of your brother’s voice as he spoke from the other side of the car.

"Djinn's really falling apart these days, huh," Wonwoo said, shaking his head with a hint of frustration. He’d been listening to you tell your story with Cheuksin, and he had always had some strong opinions against Djinn. “They’ve always had this attitude, you know, acting like they’re untouchable. But it’s more than just confidence—it’s arrogance. And then there’s Shuhua… that whole situation just proves it. She’s part of what’s turning Djinn into something darker. I’d rather keep my distance from.”

Wonwoo’s gaze grew distant as he continued, his voice rougher, almost fed up. “Back when I first started, Djinn had always been messy, playing dirty every now and then, but they had the skill. Now? They’re obsessed with their image and that tough Incheon reputation like they’ve got something to prove. Djinn’s way of doing things—it just never sat right.”

He gave you a pointed look. “You’re better off where you are now. You need people who will have your back, not those who act like you’re replaceable.”

You let out a small laugh, nodding. “Yeah, well, she and I didn’t exactly end things well, and I think she’s just bitter that I’m hanging around with Cheuksin. Honestly, it feels different there. They don’t just race together; they’re family.”

He grunted in agreement. “Anyway, I’m glad you found people who get it.”

Your brother glanced over, his expression softening. “I don’t get in your business, but Shuhua… I never liked her. She was just wrong for you.” He gave you a look, one that was protective but warm. “Oh, I knew that very well,” you say, giggling as your brother just shakes his head with a smile.

“Glad you got out of it, though. You deserve better.”

You just nodded, letting his words sink in as you leaned over to adjust the throttle position sensor, thinking of the people who had reached out since Turf Races—Sohyun’s soft smile and Ryujin’s confidence among them.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed, and Ryujin’s name lit up the screen. She’d texted, asking if you could take a look at her car. Something’s off with it, she said, though you had a suspicion she was also using this as an excuse to see you.

Within an hour, Ryujin pulled up outside the shop in her deep purple Mustang, the engine rumbling smoothly despite whatever mysterious problem she’d reported. She stepped out, her gaze trailing over you as you wiped grease from your hands on a rag.

You were still in your navy cargo pants and a black tank top, your hair a bit messy in a bun, dirt-streaked on your skin. She saw the slight muscles in your arms, as your veiny hands gripped around a wrench.

Her smirk widened, clearly taking in the whole scene. “Didn’t realize I’d be walking in on a dirty Y/n,” she said, eyeing you playfully. “It’s… a nice look.”

“Should’ve called ahead, then,” you shot back with a smile, feeling her gaze linger a second too long.

She only laughed and nodded toward her car. “All right, it’s got a weird rattling noise, but it only happens at high speeds. I thought I’d better bring it to someone who knows her way around a proper car.”

You crouched by the front tire, checking over the suspension. “Let me guess—started happening right after that race with Shuhua?”

Ryujin’s mouth curved into a grin, clearly impressed. “You got it. That girl drives like she’s out to kill people on the road.”

After a quick check, you found the issue—loose bolts in the wheel well. You went to work tightening them, Ryujin leaning against her car, still watching. Her eyes sparkled with amusement and interest, clearly captivated by this side of you.

Wonwoo stepped out of the office as you tightened the final bolt, wiping his hands on his rag. His gaze moved between the two of you, and he raised an eyebrow, clearly picking up on the energy.

“Ah, so you’re Ryujin,” he said with a slight nod. “Y/n’s told me about you—quite the leader of Cheuksin, right?”

Ryujin’s eyes widened briefly, almost like she’d just met a legend herself. “Jeon Wonwoo, the solo racer of Incheon. You’re kind of a big deal, you know?” she said with a smile, clearly flattered and maybe a bit nervous.

Wonwoo chuckled, giving you a quick look that conveyed a silent approval. He practically sized her up, his gaze landing back on you with an approving nod. Unlike how he looked at Shuhua, his eyes softened, silently telling you he approved.

Ryujin grinned, crossing her arms. “Well, I’m glad she decided to check us out. We’re actually having another race soon, with some Seoul crews next week. It’s a bit of a tradition—a weekly thing for us. What do you say, Y/n? Want to come back for round two?”

You glanced at Wonwoo, who shrugged, his expression encouraging. “Go have fun. I’ll hold down the shop.”

Looking back at Ryujin, you nodded, feeling a spark of excitement. “Yeah, I’ll be there. Could be fun.”

Ryujin’s smile grew, and she extended her fist for a bump. “Can’t wait to see what you bring to the table this time.” She winked, casting one last glance your way before heading out to her car, her gaze still lingering a bit longer than usual.

“So that’s who you're crushing over? I’m gonna have to see this Sohyun girl, too, if Ryujin has some competition.” You rolled your eyes as your brother laughed. Beginning to think out loud, you asked, “What if I raced in Seoul next week? I can also visit Isa and stuff.

Your brother looked at you in surprise as you shrugged, “Why not, right? It could be a fresh start for me. Besides, they aren’t that far from my house.”

Those words you last told your brother that week had you excited. The days leading up to the race were filled with a sense of anticipation that you hadn’t felt in a while.

You had always loved the thrill of racing, but this time, it felt different. It felt refreshing, like the start of something new. It had been a while since you’d felt this spark, and the thought of joining Cheuksin again made your heart race faster than any car ever could.

The morning of the race, you set out for Seoul three hours earlier than you needed to, giving yourself plenty of time to soak in the city vibe and clear your head. You revved up your car—your pride and joy, a classic 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in a sleek black that gleamed under the early morning sun. The sound of that engine roaring to life was music to your ears. The streets blurred as you drove through the familiar roads, heading straight to the city.

Once you reached Seoul, you made a quick stop before the race. It had been months since you last saw Isa, and now that she had moved to the city, you figured it was the perfect chance to catch up. You parked your Mustang in a nearby alley and made your way to the café she owned, a cozy little place tucked between two buildings, its warm lights glowing in the early afternoon.

You pushed the door open, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Isa was behind the counter, a broad smile spreading across her face as she spotted you.

“Y/n!” she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she set down the coffee she was making. You couldn’t help but grin as you stepped up to the counter.

“I know, I know,” you said, holding up your hands. “I’m a little late, but I had to stop by the shop and—"

“Don’t tell me you’ve been racing again!” Isa interrupted her tone, a playful mix of disbelief and amusement. You had caught her up, just a little bit through messages

You laughed and nodded. “Not yet, but I’ve been getting to know some people from Cheuksin. Remember the crew I told you about on the phone?”

Isa raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. “The ones you’re crushing on?” she teased, clearly enjoying the situation.

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at your lips. “Stop it,” you muttered, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. Isa always knew how to tease you. “It’s not like that,” you added, though you weren’t entirely sure she’d buy it. You hadn’t talked about Ryujin or Sohyun much with her before, and suddenly, it felt like maybe you’d said too much.

Isa smirked but didn’t push further—at least not yet. “Uh-huh, sure. So, what’s going on with these two? You’ve never mentioned anyone like that before.”

You bit your lip, unsure whether to share everything. But Isa was your best friend, and she always got the full scoop. After a beat, you decided to show her.

"Okay, fine," you said, pulling out your phone and unlocking it. "Here's Ryujin," you said, flipping through to her socials and handing Isa the phone.

Isa started scrolling through the pictures, pausing to glance at Ryujin’s confident smile in one photo a close-up shot of her behind the wheel of a car in another. Ryujin’s feed was full of racing shots, casual selfies, and posts about her crew. You could tell she had a strong presence.

“She’s definitely a looker,” Isa said, flicking through more pictures. “But, hmm, there's this whole vibe to her, right? I get it, though, girl. I mean, she’s got that ‘don’t mess with me’ thing down… How do you feel about her?”

You hesitated. "I don’t know. She’s intense, but in a good way, I guess? But there’s something... about her. I can’t really put my finger on it yet."

Isa raised her eyebrows and handed the phone back to you. “Okay, well, who’s the other one?”

You quickly scrolled to Sohyun’s profile. “This is Sohyun. She’s a little different, though. Her whole vibe is a lot more laid-back, a bit shy at times, and gets nervous pretty quickly.”

Isa peered at the screen, studying the photos of Sohyun—mostly candid shots, some from races, some from everyday life. Her feed wasn’t as flashy as Ryujin’s but had a more subtle elegance.

“She is one fine specimen,” she mumbles, ensuing a laugh out of you. “She seems more relaxed,” Isa said after a moment, tapping the screen. “I get it—there’s this calm confidence about her. And I can tell she’s serious about racing, too.”

You nodded. “Yeah, exactly. She’s got this whole history with racing. Her dad was a legend before he passed, and she’s been carrying that legacy. It’s... kind of inspiring, honestly.”

Isa leaned back in her chair, taking in all the new information. “Okay, so? Are you gonna be picking one of them?”

You let out a breath, feeling the weight of it all. “Isa, I literally just met them a week ago. How about, I get to know both better before I go feral.”

Isa smirked again, clearly entertained by the situation. “It’s never simple. But don’t let this drama distract you from the racing. You’ve got some big things coming up, right?”

You chuckled, grateful for the distraction. “Yeah, I guess so. Gotta keep focused.”

She grinned, her teasing tone lightening the mood. “Just make sure you don’t let those girls distract you too much. But hey, love triangle or not, I’m all in for the chaos. Go for it, Y/n.”

As Isa started talking about her life in Seoul and her new job, you leaned back in your chair, the conversation drifting, but your mind still lingering on the races and what was unfolding with Ryujin and Sohyun. This was just the beginning, and the more you thought about it, the more it felt like a new chapter was taking shape.

You sipped your drink, feeling the cool sweetness hit your tongue as you leaned on the counter. “Yeah, I’m gonna have to head out to the race in a bit.”

Isa chuckled, reaching under the counter to grab a fresh pastry. “The queen of speed herself coming back. And I can see you getting all excited about this. What happened with Shuhua, by the way? You said something about her in your texts last week.”

You sighed at the topic of her, hearing the name irritating you slightly as you took another sip from your iced latte. "Well, let’s just say I broke up with her then she wasn’t not happy that I hung out with Cheuksin that night. Things got pretty heated between us."

Isa narrowed her eyes, clearly curious. “So to clarify, she’s your ex now?”

“Yeah, she is.” You could feel the tension in your shoulders begone as you said the words. Isa’s gaze was soft and understanding.

“So, you’re really going back to race with them, huh? And you’re excited about it?” she asked, her smile returning.

“I am,” you said with a laugh, finally feeling the weight of the conversation lift. “It’s a fresh start. I get to race, and I get to hang out with people who actually feel like a crew, a family. Djinn? They were never that for me.”

“Yeah, I remember you telling me how messed up they were,” Isa replied, shaking her head. “You’ve been through a lot with them. It’s about time you found a better group of people.”

You gave her a grateful look, feeling her words sink in. “You’re right. Honestly, I think tonight's race will help me figure out what I want to do.”

Isa grinned, leaning against the counter. “You’re going to crush them. I just know it. But, hey, I’m excited to see you get back on track. Just don’t forget about me when you become famous… again.”

“Of course not,” you said, laughing. “I’ll come visit you and make sure you’re not drowning in coffee orders.”

She handed you a snack—a small chocolate muffin, rich and velvety, the kind you couldn’t help but indulge in. “Here, a little something for the road. Go kick some ass tonight.”

“Thanks,” you said with a smile, wrapping your hands around the tiny baked good. “I’ll send you a message later. Maybe we can hang out after this whole thing is over.”

With that, you waved goodbye to Isa, leaving the café with a renewed sense of energy. The city felt different as you returned to your Mustang. You couldn’t wait to see where the night would take you, but you knew this was only the beginning.

You slid into your car, revving the engine as you made your way to the race location, your mind buzzing excitedly. This was your time to show everyone the “old” you.

As you cruised through the streets of Seoul, the excitement in your chest was palpable. The city lights, the neon signs flashing by, the hum of your Mustang’s engine—everything felt busy. The streets were crowded with cars, each one heading toward the race location, and you could feel the buzz of anticipation building with every turn you made. It was unlike anything you had ever experienced.

This wasn’t just another street race—it was the race in Seoul, where some of the best drivers gathered, and you were about to make your debut.

You reached the location in the middle of the city, an intersection where the hum of engines roared in the night, and the air was thick with the sound of revving engines.

This was on another level. The streets were lined with cars—muscle, imports, classics—all ready for the challenge. Crowds of spectators lined the sidewalks, many with their phones out, recording the race or chatting with friends about who they thought would win.

Ryujin, Sohyun, and the rest of Cheuksin were already there, and they couldn’t help but gawk when you pulled in. The black paint and muscle-car design was a contrast to the newer, sleeker cars around it, but it stood out in a way that made heads turn.

Sohyun’s eyes lit up as she walked over to your car. “You have a Fastback?” she asked, her voice filled with excitement. “It’s… it’s my dream car. Before I got my dad’s car, I used to have posters of this thing everywhere.” Her hands brushed against the hood.

Ryujin stepped forward with a grin. “I gotta say, I didn’t expect you to show up with such a beast. Are you racing tonight?” she asked, her voice teasing but with an edge of respect.

You gave a quick nod, excitement building in your chest. “Yeah, I’m racing tonight. I didn’t come all the way out here just to watch.”

The group watched you intently as if waiting for you to prove yourself. And then Jake, stepped up, an eager grin on his face. “Hey, you racing tonight? We wanna see the ‘famous’ Y/n in action.”

You found his friendly smile endearing and his words fairly genuine, so you were ready. “I’m game,” you said, the thrill of the night flooding your veins.

Everyone gathered around, watching as Ryujin became the flag girl for the race. She stood at the starting line, holding a signal flag with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Alright, you know the rules,” she called out to everyone. “Keep it clean—aggression is allowed, but no dirty tactics. We race fair in Seoul.” She grinned at you. “And most importantly, have fun.”

You gave a confident nod, tightening your grip on the steering wheel. The drone hovered overhead, its camera poised to capture every moment. The countdown began, and the crowd grew hushed, all eyes on the street in front of you.

With a roar, the flag dropped, and you slammed your foot on the gas.

The Mustang surged forward, its engine roaring to life as you pushed it into the streets of Seoul. The roar of the engine, the shifting of gears, the screech of tires—it all blurred together as you tore down the road. The night air whipped past you, but the focus was on the road ahead. The sharp turns of the city tested your skill, but you barely slowed down. You shifted, braked, and powered through every curve, your car hugging the asphalt with precision.

You were so far ahead of the pack that it felt like you were in a different race altogether. As you drifted through a tight corner, the car sliding sideways and gripping the road as if it were an extension of you, you knew the others were starting to realize something—you were no amateur.

The drone followed closely, capturing every drift, every move, as you expertly navigated the tight streets. Pedestrian cars honked as you narrowly avoided them, but your eyes never left the road. The cityscape blurred as you shot through alleyways and highways, your Mustang handling every turn with an almost unnatural precision.

It was a battle of skill and speed, and you could feel your heart racing along with the engine. But as you neared the finish line, you knew you had this. The familiar area near Cheuksin came into view, and you gunned the engine one last time.

You crossed the finish line in a blur, the crowd erupting into cheers. As you slowed down, you could hear the sounds of approval—whistles, cheers, the buzz of phones as people recorded the moment.

Ryujin and Sohyun were already looking at their phones, and as soon as they saw you pull in, their eyes widened. They instantly knew what they had just witnessed. They both exchanged a glance, knowing they were far more impressed than they had been just moments before.

Ryujin’s gaze lingered on you for a moment before she gave a satisfied grin. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. You definitely brought it.”

Sohyun nodded, her expression soft but filled with admiration. “I’ve never seen anyone handle a car like that. You’re something else, Y/n.”

As the adrenaline settled in your veins, you leaned back in the seat of your car, a satisfied smile on your lips. Tonight, you had shown them what you were capable of—and it was only the beginning.

You smiled, feeling the rush of the race still pumping through your veins. “Thanks for inviting me. I couldn’t have asked for a better competition.”

Ryujin chuckled, glancing at Sohyun, then back to you. “Well, you definitely made him work for it. But I gotta admit… you’ve got me hooked. Can’t wait to see what else you’ve got.”

Sohyun nodded, her lips pulling into a soft smile. “Yeah, same here. It’s clear you know exactly what you’re doing.”

As the two stood before you, it seemed as their energies shifted, and you could feel it. It wasn’t the usual camaraderie, the easy banter they had earlier. There was now tension between them—something unspoken that made the silence around them almost too loud. You couldn’t quite place it, but you knew both of them were holding back in a way they hadn’t before.

Ryujin leaned casually against the side of your car, glancing at Sohyun with a faint smirk. “So, what now? Are we done for the night?”

Sohyun didn’t answer immediately, her gaze flicking briefly to Ryujin, then back to you. “I think… I think we’re just getting started.” Her voice was almost too soft, but there was a weight behind her words that caught you off guard.

For a split second, the world seemed to slow down. It was clear. Both of them were feeling something more than admiration. Something that wasn’t supposed to happen—not between the two of them, especially not in this moment.

Ryujin’s eyes flickered, her usual teasing tone replaced with something more guarded. “We’ll see about that,” she muttered, though the edge in her voice made it sound more like a challenge than anything else.

Sohyun stood a little straighter, but there was a softness to her expression, a vulnerability that hadn’t been there before. “We’ll see,” she echoed, her eyes lingering on you for a fraction longer than was comfortable.

The silence hung between the three of you for a moment, tension threading through the air, neither of them willing to break it first. You shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond, but before you could say anything, a shout from the crowd broke the moment, pulling everyone’s attention away.

As the noise swelled around you, both Sohyun and Ryujin looked away at the same time, their faces neutral but with something deeper lingering beneath the surface. You could feel the shift in the air as both women subtly moved apart, the unspoken competition between them growing stronger by the second.

‘What the actual fuck just happened???’ You thought, extremely confused at what just occurred.

You stood there, caught in the middle, your heart still racing from the adrenaline. It was the first time you had ever felt a distance between them. And for the first time, you couldn’t help but wonder how this would all play out.

But for now, you were the one with the upper hand. You’d won the race. Now, you need to think about what to do with these two.

122 notes · View notes

lorenztired · 3 months ago

Text

Running into You

Synopsis: You're just an ordinary person, but your life is about to take an extraordinary turn. Your friend Somi, a die-hard Blackpink fan, drags you to their concert. You stumble upon a quiet backstage area and bump into none other than Rosé, the main vocalist.

Word Count:6.9K (long one)

The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of your living room, casting a soft, golden glow over the space. You were curled up on the couch with a book, trying to lose yourself in its pages, but your attention kept drifting. The words blurred together, the story losing its grip on you as your thoughts wandered.

Lately, everything seemed to have fallen into a predictable pattern, one that you couldn't quite break free from. Work, home, the occasional hangout with Somi, and then back to the routine. It wasn't that you were unhappy—just... stuck. There was a restlessness growing inside you, a need for something different, something that would shake up the monotony of your life.

"Why do you look like you're about to fall asleep?" Somi's voice cut through your reverie, pulling you back to the present. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the coffee table, her laptop open with several tabs displaying concert dates, fan forums, and YouTube videos.

You glanced up, startled by her sudden question. "I'm not about to fall asleep," you replied, closing the book with a sigh. "I'm just... not into this book, I guess."

Somi's eyes sparkled with that mischievous look she often had when she was up to something. "Maybe you need to do something more exciting tonight," she suggested, her voice light but full of energy.

You raised an eyebrow, curious but cautious. "Like what?"

"Like coming to a concert with me," she said, her grin widening as she leaned forward, clearly excited about whatever she had planned. "There's this band I've been dying to see live, and I've got an extra ticket. You should totally come with me!"

You frowned slightly, hesitating. "A concert? I don't know, Somi. You know I'm not really into crowds, and I don't even know who this band is."

Somi rolled her eyes, clearly having anticipated your reluctance. "Come on, it's Blackpink! Even if you're not familiar with them, I promise you'll have a good time. Their shows are legendary, and the energy is just insane. Plus, it's been forever since we did something fun together outside of this apartment."

"Blackpink?" you repeated, the name vaguely familiar, though you couldn't place it. You might have seen it online somewhere, but you couldn't recall ever listening to their music. "I don't know..."

Somi wasn't one to give up easily. She moved closer, her tone becoming more persuasive. "Please? It'll be a blast! And who knows, maybe you'll even meet someone interesting." She winked, the playful grin on her face impossible to resist.

You chuckled, leaning back against the couch as you played along. "Oh yeah? You think I'm going to find the love of my life at a concert?"

"Hey, it could happen!" Somi teased, nudging you with her foot. "I mean, you're single, ready to mingle, and you've been in a bit of a rut lately. What better place to shake things up?"

You rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your lips betrayed your amusement. "Right, because that's exactly how these things work."

Somi's grin only grew wider. "You never know! Besides, I've got a good feeling about this one. Who knows, maybe you'll even catch one of the members' eyes. There's this one, Rosé—I think you'd really like her."

"Rosé?" you repeated, trying to remember if you'd ever heard that name before. "Is she famous or something?"

Somi nodded eagerly. "Yup! She's the main vocalist, and she's absolutely gorgeous. I've always thought you two would be a perfect match."

You laughed, shaking your head in disbelief. "Now you're really dreaming. What would someone like her see in someone like me?"

"Don't sell yourself short," Somi said, her tone becoming more sincere. "You're smart, kind, and beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to be with you."

You smiled softly at her words, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. Somi always knew how to lift your spirits. "Thanks, Somi. But still, it's not exactly realistic, is it?"

"Maybe not," Somi admitted with a shrug. "But hey, at least come for the music and the experience. If nothing else, you'll get to see what all the hype is about."

You considered her words carefully. The prospect of something new, something different, was tempting. Maybe a night out was exactly what you needed to break the monotony.

"Alright," you finally said, giving in with a smile. "I'll go with you."

Somi's face lit up with excitement. "Yes! You won't regret it, I promise."

— — — —

The days leading up to the concert seemed to fly by, with Somi's enthusiasm never wavering. She tried to introduce you to Blackpink's music, playing their songs while you both worked around the apartment or during your commute together, but the details mostly flew over your head. The melodies were catchy, but with your busy schedule, you never really took the time to learn the names or faces behind the voices.

Each evening, after work or on lazy weekends, Somi would excitedly share a new song or music video, pointing out her favorite moments, but you only half-listened. It wasn't that you weren't interested; it was more that the music felt like background noise to everything else happening in your life. There was always something else to focus on—work deadlines, family obligations, and the usual demands of daily life.

But as the concert date approached, you couldn't help but notice a growing sense of anticipation within yourself. Maybe it was Somi's infectious excitement, or perhaps it was just the idea of doing something out of the ordinary, but you found yourself looking forward to the night more than you had initially expected.

The night of the concert arrived faster than you expected. As you and Somi got ready in your apartment, the excitement in the air was palpable. Somi was practically bouncing off the walls as she applied the finishing touches to her makeup.

"You look amazing," you said as you watched her in the mirror, genuinely impressed by her ability to transform her look for the occasion. Somi had gone all out, wearing a stylish outfit that perfectly captured the concert vibe—bold, chic, and a little edgy.

"Thanks! So do you," she replied, turning to give you a once-over. "See? I knew you'd get into the spirit of things."

You glanced at your reflection, feeling a bit more confident in your outfit. Somi had helped you pick out something that made you feel good—something that was still very much you but with a bit of flair. For the first time in a while, you actually felt excited about going out.

As you slipped into your jacket, you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. There was something different about you tonight—a spark that you hadn't seen in a long time. It wasn't just the outfit or the makeup; it was the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone, of embracing something new.

"Okay, let's go before I change my mind," you joked, grabbing your jacket as you headed for the door.

Somi laughed, linking her arm with yours as you left the apartment. "No backing out now! We've got a concert to catch, and who knows? Maybe you'll even run into Rosé.”

You rolled your eyes playfully. "Yeah, because that's totally going to happen."

The journey to the concert venue was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Somi kept the conversation light, chatting about her favorite songs and how incredible the band was live. You listened with a smile, feeling more at ease with each passing minute, even if you couldn't quite keep track of all the band details she was throwing at you.

As you got closer to the venue, you could feel the energy around you intensifying. The streets were crowded with fans dressed in various shades of pink, holding signs and light sticks, all buzzing with anticipation. The atmosphere was infectious, and despite your earlier reservations, you could feel your own excitement starting to build.

"This is crazy," you muttered as you and Somi made your way through the throngs of people.

"Isn't it great?" Somi replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is what it's all about—the atmosphere, the anticipation, the music. It's going to be amazing."

The crowd outside the venue was massive, with fans buzzing with anticipation as they waited to get inside. The energy was contagious, and for the first time, you felt a genuine thrill of excitement.

As you approached the entrance, you could feel your nerves creeping in again. The noise, the crowd, the unfamiliarity of it all—it was a lot to take in. Somi must have sensed your apprehension because she gave your hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, if it gets too much, just let me know, okay?" she said, her tone gentle. "We can take breaks, step outside if you need to. I want you to have a good time, not feel overwhelmed."

You nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Thanks, Somi. I appreciate it."

Once inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric. The stage was set up with massive screens and lights, and the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. You and Somi found a spot with a decent view, and as you settled in, you started to feel a bit more comfortable. But as the minutes ticked by, the noise and the crush of the crowd began to get to you.

The venue was buzzing with life, the energy palpable as fans eagerly awaited the start of the show. You glanced around, taking in the sight of people decked out in merchandise—T-shirts, hats, light sticks—all proudly displaying their love for Blackpink. It was a world you didn't fully understand yet, but there was something exhilarating about being a part of it.

Somi was in her element, chatting excitedly with a group of fans nearby who were just as hyped as she was. You tried to focus on the conversation, but the noise and the sheer volume of people were starting to feel overwhelming. The venue, which had felt so thrilling moments before, was now beginning to press in on you, the weight of the crowd a little too much.

You took a deep breath, trying to ground yourself. "I'm going to step outside for a bit, just to clear my head before the show starts," you told Somi, hoping she wouldn't mind.

She looked at you with concern but quickly nodded, understanding. "Sure thing," she said, giving you a thumbs up. "Just don't take too long! You don't want to miss a second of this."

You smiled, appreciating her concern, and started to make your way through the crowd. It took longer than you anticipated, weaving through the throngs of people all eagerly chatting and finding their spots. But eventually, you reached the exit and stepped outside, into the cool night air.

The contrast was immediate and stark. The noise of the venue was replaced by the quiet hum of the city at night, the air cool against your skin. You took a deep breath, savoring the stillness, the way the world seemed to slow down out here. It was a much-needed reprieve from the overwhelming energy inside.

You walked for a bit, letting the tension in your shoulders ease as you moved further away from the noise and the crowd. The streets around the venue were quieter, less chaotic than you expected. You turned a corner and found yourself in a small, dimly lit alleyway. It wasn't particularly scenic, but it was peaceful, and right now, that was exactly what you needed.

Leaning against the wall, you closed your eyes for a moment, letting the quiet wash over you. The city sounds were distant, muted—cars in the distance, the faint murmur of voices, the occasional breeze rustling the leaves of a nearby tree. It was a soothing backdrop, one that allowed your mind to slow down and process everything.

You hadn't realized how much you needed this, this moment of solitude. The excitement of the evening, while exhilarating, had also been draining. But here, in the stillness of the night, you could finally breathe, let go of the nerves that had been building up.

Your thoughts began to wander, unbidden, back to Somi's words earlier. About Rosé. You couldn't help but smile to yourself. It was a sweet thought—Somi's belief that you and a global superstar could somehow be a perfect match. It was unrealistic, sure, but it was nice to have someone believe in you like that, even if it was just in jest.

The idea of meeting someone like Rosé felt like a distant dream, something far removed from the life you knew. But in the quiet of the alley, with nothing but your thoughts for company, it didn't seem so far-fetched. You let yourself imagine it for a moment—what it would be like to meet someone who could see you, really see you, beyond the surface. Someone who could connect with you in a way that felt real and meaningful.

You shook your head, laughing softly to yourself. "Get a grip," you muttered under your breath, pushing off the wall. This was silly, getting lost in such thoughts. It was just a concert, just a night out. Nothing more, nothing less.

But as you began to make your way back toward the venue, something caught your eye. The door to a side entrance was slightly ajar, light spilling out into the alleyway. Curious, you hesitated, wondering if you should take a peek inside. It was probably just a maintenance entrance or something equally mundane, but the idea of stepping into a quieter part of the venue was appealing.

With a quick glance around, you gently pushed the door open and slipped inside. The hallway was dimly lit, the sound of the concert preparations muffled in the distance. It was a stark contrast to the chaos outside, a pocket of calm in the midst of the storm.

You wandered down the hallway, the cool air inside a welcome change from the warmth of the crowd. There was something almost surreal about the quiet here, like you'd stepped into a different world entirely. It was a world where the noise and chaos of the concert didn't exist, where you could just be, without any expectations or pressures.

As you rounded a corner, lost in thought, you collided with someone. The impact was gentle but unexpected, and you both stumbled slightly, caught off guard.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" you exclaimed, your hands coming up instinctively to steady the other person. "I wasn't paying attention, and—"

"It's okay," a soft voice interrupted, gentle and reassuring. "Really, no harm done."

You looked up, and your breath caught in your throat. The woman standing in front of you was stunning. She had long, blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with a warmth that immediately put you at ease. There was something ethereal about her, something that made the world around her seem to blur at the edges.

"Are you sure?" you asked, still flustered as you took a step back to give her some space. "I wasn't paying attention, and I—"

"I'm sure," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I've been in your shoes before—lost in thought and bumping into random people. It happens."

You let out a small, relieved laugh. "Well, I'm still sorry. I don't usually run into people like that."

"It's no big deal," she replied, her tone soft and kind. "Like I said, it happens. You're not hurt, right?"

You shook your head, still a little stunned. "No, I'm fine. Just... a little embarrassed."

"Don't be," she said, her smile widening a fraction. "It's actually kind of nice, having a normal interaction for once."

You blinked, caught off guard by her words. "Nice?"

"Yeah," she said, her voice taking on a thoughtful tone. "It's not often I get to just... be, you know? Without all the noise and expectations."

You nodded slowly, trying to process what she was saying. There was something about her, something in the way she spoke, that made you feel like you were in on a secret, like she was sharing something with you that she didn't often share with others.

"So, are you here for the concert?" you asked, hoping to steer the conversation into safer territory.

She nodded, her smile returning. "Yeah, I'm here for the concert."

"Me too," you said, relaxing a little now that the conversation had found its footing. "Well, sort of. My friend dragged me along. She's a huge fan of this band, but I don't really know much about them."

She chuckled softly, the sound warm and comforting. "That's actually kind of nice. You get to experience it all for the first time, without any preconceived notions.”

"Yeah, I guess so," you agreed, though you still felt a little out of place. "It's just a little intimidating, you know? Everyone else seems to know so much about them, and I'm just here trying to figure it all out."

"That's the beauty of it," she said, her tone light but sincere. "You get to see everything with fresh eyes. It's a rare thing, and it makes the experience all the more special."

You found yourself smiling at her words, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. There was something about her that made you want to keep talking, to keep this conversation going, but you weren't sure what to say next. The silence between you was comfortable, though, filled with a sense of understanding that didn't require words.

"So, what do you think so far?" she asked after a moment, her eyes curious.

"About what?" you replied, a little caught off guard.

"About the whole experience," she clarified, her smile softening. "The concert, the music... everything."

You took a moment to think about it, trying to put your feelings into words. "It's... overwhelming," you admitted. "But in a good way, I think. I didn't expect to feel so much... energy."

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It can be a lot to take in, especially if you're not used to it. But that's what makes it so powerful, I think. It's this shared experience, this connection between everyone in the room, all feeling the same thing."

You looked at her, really looked at her, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of you. There was something in her eyes, something deep and genuine, that made your heart skip a beat. You wanted to ask her more, to keep this connection going, but the words didn't come.

Finally, she broke the silence, her voice gentle. "I should probably get back. The show's going to start soon."

You nodded, though you felt a strange reluctance to let this moment end. "Yeah, I should too."

She smiled at you, a smile that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, and for a moment, you thought about asking her to stay, to talk a little longer. But before you could find the courage, she turned to leave.

"Maybe I'll see you around?" you found yourself saying, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

She paused, turning back to look at you, her eyes soft. "Maybe," she said, her voice holding a promise that made your heart flutter.

And then she was gone, disappearing down the hallway and leaving you standing there, wondering what had just happened. You felt like you'd just experienced something rare, something precious, but you weren't sure what to do with it.

You stood there for a moment longer, trying to collect your thoughts before heading back to the concert. As you made your way through the crowd to find Somi, your mind kept replaying the encounter, the way her eyes had seemed to see right through you, the way her smile had made you feel like you were the only person in the world.

When you finally found Somi, she was practically vibrating with excitement, her eyes wide as she talked to a group of fans. "There you are! You almost missed it!"

You forced a smile, trying to push the encounter out of your mind, at least for now. "Sorry, I got a little lost."

Somi waved it off, too excited to care. "No worries! Come on, the show's about to start!"

You followed her into the crowd, but your thoughts kept drifting back to the woman in the hallway. There was something about her that you couldn't shake, something that made you feel like you'd just missed out on something important.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, you tried to focus on the stage, on the music, on the experience that Somi had been so eager to share with you. But your mind kept drifting back to the woman in the hallway, to the way she had looked at you, like she had seen something in you that even you hadn't noticed.

And then the music started, and the stage lights came up, and you found yourself staring at the group on stage. The woman from the hallway was standing in the center, microphone in hand, her voice soaring over the crowd. Your breath caught in your throat as you realized who she was.

She was Rosé.

And she had been singing just for you.

— — — — —

You stood frozen, your eyes glued to the stage as Rosé sang. The realization of who she was—and who you had just been speaking to—sent a shockwave through you. Her voice was even more powerful in person, filling the entire venue with a warmth and intensity that made your heart race.

Next to you, Somi was cheering loudly, completely caught up in the performance. But you were still processing everything, your mind racing as you watched Rosé move effortlessly across the stage. She was captivating, her presence commanding every bit of attention from the audience, yet all you could think about was the conversation you'd had just minutes ago.

You hadn't recognized her. How could you have not recognized her?

The thought was both embarrassing and oddly exhilarating. You'd spoken to Rosé, not as a fan, not as someone who knew everything about her, but as yourself. And she had spoken to you, not as a celebrity, but as a person. The memory of her eyes meeting yours, the warmth in her voice—it all felt so surreal now.

As the performance continued, you found yourself unable to tear your gaze away from her. Every note she sang, every movement she made, seemed to resonate with you on a deeper level. It was like she was speaking directly to you through the music, and for a moment, the crowded venue and the thousands of fans faded away, leaving just the two of you.

But then the song ended, and the crowd erupted into applause, snapping you out of your reverie. You glanced at Somi, who was practically glowing with excitement, completely oblivious to the inner turmoil you were experiencing.

"This is amazing!" Somi shouted over the noise, grabbing your arm. "Aren't they incredible?"

"Yeah," you replied, your voice a little shaky. "They really are."

Somi didn't seem to notice your unease, too caught up in the next song as it started. But you couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. Rosé was right there, on that stage, singing her heart out—and yet, all you could think about was the brief, fleeting connection you'd shared with her backstage.

As the concert went on, you tried to focus on the music, on the energy of the crowd, but your thoughts kept drifting back to her. You kept replaying your conversation in your head, analyzing every word, every look, trying to make sense of what had happened.

Had she recognized you? Did she know that you didn't realize who she was? Was that why she had seemed so intrigued by you?

The questions swirled in your mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. Even as the concert reached its peak, with the crowd singing along and the lights flashing in time with the music, you felt a strange sense of detachment, like you were watching everything from a distance.

It wasn't until the final song that you finally managed to pull yourself back into the moment. The music slowed, and the stage lights dimmed, casting the group in a soft, golden glow. Rosé stepped forward, her voice filling the venue with a hauntingly beautiful melody that sent chills down your spine.

You watched her, completely mesmerized. There was something raw and vulnerable in the way she sang, something that seemed to echo the conversation you'd had earlier. It was like she was laying herself bare for the world to see, and yet, somehow, it felt like she was singing just for you.

As the song came to an end, Rosé's eyes swept over the crowd, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, they met yours. You held your breath, wondering if she recognized you, if she remembered the conversation you'd had. But then her gaze moved on, and the moment was over, leaving you with a strange mix of emotions that you couldn't quite untangle.

The concert ended with a final burst of energy, the crowd erupting into applause as the group took their bows. You clapped along with everyone else, but your mind was still elsewhere, lost in the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that Rosé had stirred up.

As the lights came up and the crowd began to disperse, Somi turned to you, her face flushed with excitement. "That was incredible! I'm so glad you came with me!"

"Yeah, it was amazing," you agreed, though your voice lacked the enthusiasm that Somi's held.

She didn't seem to notice, still buzzing with the afterglow of the concert. "We should totally do this again sometime! I can't believe how good they were live!"

You nodded, forcing a smile. "Definitely."

But as you made your way out of the venue, your thoughts kept drifting back to Rosé. The concert was over, but the memory of your encounter with her lingered, leaving you with a sense of unfinished business, like there was something more to be said, something more to be done.

You couldn't shake the feeling that you'd missed an opportunity, that there was something important that had been left unsaid. And as you and Somi walked through the crowd, your mind raced with possibilities, wondering if you'd ever get the chance to speak to her again.

— — — — —

The ride home was a blur of neon lights and distant chatter. Somi was still gushing about the concert, replaying her favorite moments and showing you clips she'd captured on her phone. You tried to engage, to share in her excitement, but your mind was elsewhere, still stuck in that dimly lit hallway where you'd spoken to Rosé.

By the time you arrived back at your apartment, Somi had finally started to wind down. She flopped onto the couch with a satisfied sigh, scrolling through her phone for more Blackpink content.

"That was seriously one of the best nights ever," she said, glancing up at you with a grin. "Thanks for coming with me."

"I'm glad I did," you replied, and you meant it. Despite the overwhelming emotions, there was something about the night that felt... significant.

Somi yawned, clearly exhausted from all the excitement. "I think I'm going to crash," she said, standing up and stretching. "But we should totally talk about this tomorrow. I want to hear all your thoughts about the concert."

You nodded, watching as she headed to her room, leaving you alone with your thoughts. The apartment was quiet now, the only sound the faint hum of traffic outside. You sank onto the couch, finally allowing yourself to process everything that had happened.

Your mind kept drifting back to Rosé, to the way she had looked at you, the way her voice had sounded in that quiet hallway. There was something about the encounter that you couldn't shake, something that felt unfinished.

Without really thinking, you pulled out your phone and opened up a search engine, typing in "Rosé Blackpink" out of curiosity. As the search results popped up, you were greeted with countless images of her—performing on stage, attending events, posing for photoshoots. She looked just as stunning in the photos as she had in person, but there was something different about the woman you'd met.

In the photos, she was polished, poised, the image of a global superstar. But the Rosé you had spoken to in the hallway had been different—more relaxed,

more real. There had been a vulnerability in her eyes, a warmth in her smile, that you hadn't expected.

You found yourself scrolling through the images, searching for that same warmth, that same realness, but it wasn't there. In the photos, she was Rosé, the idol, the star, but in the hallway, she had just been... herself.

As you continued to scroll, you came across a video of the concert you had just attended. Curious, you clicked on it, watching as the camera panned over the crowd before zooming in on the stage. The energy of the concert was palpable, even through the screen, but your focus was solely on Rosé.

The video captured the final song, the one where Rosé had looked out into the crowd, her voice filled with emotion. You watched as she sang, her eyes sweeping over the audience, and for a moment, you could almost convince yourself that she was looking at you.

But as the video continued, you noticed something that made your heart skip a beat. Just before the song ended, Rosé glanced off to the side of the stage, her expression shifting subtly. It was a brief moment, barely noticeable, but it felt significant.

You replayed the video, watching that moment over and over, trying to decipher the meaning behind it. Was she looking for someone? Was she thinking about your conversation? Or was it just a trick of the camera, a coincidence that meant nothing?

The questions swirled in your mind, making it impossible to focus on anything else. You tried to push them away, telling yourself that it was just a chance encounter, that it didn't mean anything, but the doubts lingered.

Finally, you set your phone down, running a hand through your hair with a frustrated sigh. You needed to stop overthinking this. It had been a moment, a brief, fleeting moment, and nothing more.

But as you lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, you couldn't help but wonder. What if it had been more? What if there was something deeper, something that you hadn't fully grasped?

The questions haunted you as you drifted off to sleep, leaving you with a strange sense of anticipation, like you were standing on the edge of something important, something life-changing, but you didn't know what it was.

— — — —

The next morning, you woke up feeling restless, the events of the previous night still fresh in your mind. Somi was already up, humming to herself as she made breakfast, but you couldn't bring yourself to join her. Instead, you grabbed your phone and headed out to the small balcony attached to your apartment, hoping the fresh air would help clear your head.

As you stood outside, your thoughts drifted back to the concert, to Rosé, and to the way she had looked at you. There was something about that moment, about the way she had spoken to you, that you couldn't shake. It felt like there was more to it, something left unsaid, something unfinished.

You stared out at the city, trying to piece together the puzzle of the night before. Why had Rosé taken the time to talk to you? Why had she seemed so different from the image you had of her—a global superstar with thousands of fans at her feet? The encounter felt significant, but you couldn't put your finger on why.

Somi's voice pulled you from your thoughts. "Hey, you okay out there?" she called from the kitchen.

"Yeah," you replied, though your voice lacked conviction. "Just thinking."

Somi appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame as she looked at you with concern. "You've been quiet since last night. Did something happen?"

You hesitated, not sure how to explain what you were feeling. "It's nothing, really. Just... processing, I guess."

She gave you a knowing smile. "The concert was pretty intense, huh? I saw the way you were watching the stage. It's like you were in a trance."

You nodded, your thoughts drifting back to Rosé's performance, the way her voice had wrapped around you, pulling you into a world where only the two of you existed. "Yeah... something like that."

Somi grinned, pushing off the doorframe. "I knew you'd come around! I'll make a Blinks fan out of you yet."

You forced a laugh, trying to match her enthusiasm, but the unease lingered. There was something more to last night, something you couldn't quite grasp. And it was gnawing at you, refusing to let go.

After breakfast, you decided to take a walk to clear your head. You needed to get out, to think, to figure out what was bothering you so much. Somi offered to come with you, but you declined, telling her you needed some time alone.

The streets were quieter than usual, the weekend morning lulling the city into a slow start. You wandered aimlessly, your feet carrying you without direction, your mind replaying every detail of the night before. The way Rosé had looked at you, the way she had smiled—there was something there, something that made you feel seen in a way you hadn't expected.

As you turned a corner, your thoughts still tangled, you nearly bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction. You looked up, an apology ready on your lips, but the words died in your throat when you saw who it was.

It was Rosé.

She was standing right in front of you, dressed casually in jeans and a simple jacket, a baseball cap pulled low over her eyes. For a moment, neither of you moved, both caught off guard by the sudden encounter.

"Hi," she said, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

"Hi," you echoed, your heart pounding in your chest. You couldn't believe it—what were the chances?

Rosé looked around, as if checking to see if anyone was watching, then back at you, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

"Me neither," you replied, your mind racing to catch up with the situation. "Are you... are you following me?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, then she laughed, a sound so genuine and warm that it made your heart flutter. "No, not at all. I'm just... I don't know. I guess it's fate or something."

"Fate?" you repeated, the word hanging between you like a question that neither of you could answer.

She nodded, her smile fading into something more serious. "Yeah, maybe. Or maybe I just... I don't know, wanted to see you again."

Your breath caught in your throat. There was something in her eyes, something that made you feel like this moment was teetering on the edge of something bigger, something you couldn't quite grasp.

Before you could respond, she glanced around again, her expression shifting. "Listen, I know this might sound strange, but... would you mind walking with me for a bit? I'd like to talk, if that's okay."

You hesitated, still trying to wrap your mind around the fact that Rosé was standing in front of you, asking to spend more time together. "Sure," you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper.

She smiled, a genuine smile that seemed to reach her eyes, and motioned for you to follow her. The two of you started walking, side by side, the city moving around you as if in a different world. Neither of you spoke at first, the silence between you comfortable, but charged with anticipation.

As you walked, Rosé glanced over at you, her expression contemplative. "You know, I don't get to do this often," she said quietly.

"Do what?" you asked, curious.

"Just... be myself," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Away from the cameras, the expectations. It's nice to have a conversation without all the noise."

You nodded, feeling a deep sense of connection to her words. "I can imagine. It must be exhausting, always being in the spotlight."

"It is," she admitted, her eyes distant for a moment. "But last night... talking to you, it felt different. Like I could just be me."

There was a softness in her tone, something that made your heart ache with a strange mix of emotions. You wanted to say something, to tell her that you felt the same, but the words were stuck in your throat.

The two of you continued walking until you found yourselves in front of a small, cozy café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It was the kind of place that looked like it was straight out of a postcard, with ivy creeping up the walls and a charming little sign that swung gently in the breeze.

Rosé hesitated at the entrance, then turned to you with a smile. "Do you want to grab a coffee? My treat.”

"Sure," you replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The café was warm and inviting, with the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Rosé led you to a table in the corner, away from the few other patrons, and the two of you sat down, the atmosphere between you comfortable, but still tinged with something unspoken.

As you both sipped your drinks, the conversation began to flow more easily. Rosé was surprisingly down-to-earth, sharing stories about her life, her travels, and the little things that made her happy. You found yourself opening up as well, sharing stories from your own life, laughing at shared experiences, and finding common ground in unexpected places.

The connection between you grew stronger with each passing moment, and for a while, it felt like the outside world didn't exist—just the two of you, talking and laughing over coffee.

But then, just as you were beginning to relax completely, Rosé's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at it, her expression shifting slightly, but then she smiled at you and put the phone face down on the table, clearly not wanting to interrupt your time together.

"You're popular," you teased lightly, trying to keep the mood light.

Rosé chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "It's probably just work stuff. I try not to let it interfere when I'm enjoying myself."

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," you said, feeling a warmth spread through you.

She looked at you, her gaze softening. "I really am. This is... nice. Just being able to sit and talk like this."

There was a moment of comfortable silence between you, and then Rosé's phone buzzed again. This time, she let out a small sigh and reached for it.

"Sorry, let me just check this quickly," she said, her tone apologetic.

"Of course," you replied, trying to ignore the slight pang of disappointment.

Rosé glanced at the screen, her eyes widening slightly as she read the message. A small smile tugged at her lips, and then she looked up at you, her expression somewhere between amused and mischievous.

"Everything okay?" you asked, curious about what had caused her reaction.

She nodded, biting her lip as if holding back a laugh. "Yeah, it's just... do you trust me?"

The question caught you off guard, but there was something in her tone, in the playful glint in her eyes, that made you smile. "I think so... why?"

She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Because I just had a crazy idea, and I think it could be a lot of fun."

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "What kind of crazy idea?"

Rosé grinned, her excitement almost contagious. "How do you feel about a little adventure? Something spontaneous?”

Your heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, the idea of doing something completely

out of the ordinary both thrilling and nerve-wracking. "What did you have in mind?"

She looked around the café, as if making sure no one was listening, then leaned in closer. "Well, I just got a text from one of the girls in my group. They're doing something kind of wild today, and they dared me to bring someone along. Someone... unexpected."

Your eyes widened in surprise. "You mean... you want me to come with you?"

"Yeah," she said, her smile widening. "If you're up for it. It's nothing dangerous, I promise. Just a little spontaneous fun."

You hesitated for a moment, your mind racing with possibilities. This was definitely not what you had expected when you woke up this morning, but the idea of spending more time with Rosé, of being part of whatever adventure she had in mind, was too tempting to resist.

"Okay," you said, feeling a rush of excitement. "I'm in."

Rosé's eyes lit up with excitement. "Great! Let's go before we change our minds."

As the two of you quickly finished your drinks and prepared to leave the café, your heart raced with anticipation. Whatever was about to happen, it was sure to be something you would never forget.

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

Text

your honor, she's a simp 😌✌

business matter — chapter 118.

↳ synopsis: two of the most important kpop companies covet a partnership with a huge global brand, only to be surprised when the deal is extended to both labels. fearing potential sabotage and cynical strategies to secure exclusivity for just one of them, both CEOs resort to desperate measures. in a bid to maintain trust and prevent betrayal before the signing, they come up with a pact: forcing a fake relationship between the leaders of their star girlgroups. if one side attempted to fail the other, they threaten to expose it all to the conservative south korea.

masterlist | prev | next

[written chapter]

karina wandered among the people trying to find her friends, she didn't know exactly where they were because the place they had positioned themselves was at the center of the dance floor where all the people were crowded together. she asked for permission and passed between strangers, but realized she was circling the place to no avail, she assumed they would have gone to sit at their table so she started moving in that direction. she proceeded to keep running groupings of the path, finally emerging from the crowd and being spit out to a clear passage on the side, left so that they people could walk through.

she examined both sides, trying to mentally locate herself in the club and guessing where her table was based on her location. she made her way to the left slowly so she could watch carefully to find her friends.

"jimin." she heard at the same time someone tapped her shoulder.

she had clearly done things wrong as she was paying for her karma. the universe kept sending her challenges as if she was odysseus himself, the only difference was that she didn't have the will nor the motivation to overcome them and just wanted to disappear before she had to solve a worse problem.

"jimin." repeated that voice that, unfortunately, she couldn't mistake for any other.

she spun on her heels, her face serious, she wouldn't even dare to give him a surprised reaction because he didn't deserve any emotion related to good things.

"do you need something, kim jongin?" her stance was rigid, facing him ready to defend herself or attack him for anything he had to say.

"to apologize." the boy had a droopy attitude, he wanted to sound honest.

"that's very empathetic of you, but i don't need your apology." she was going to keep walking, but he grabbed her shoulder again to make her look at him.

"i'm really sorry for how it all ended." he continued. "i acted like an idiot, i didn't understand you." he admitted doing his best to look like a wet dog.

"whatever you say, bye." again she was stopped by the boy as she wanted to run away. "jongin, i don't care what you have to say."

"listen, i know i was wrong, that i was selfish." he held her from both sides to keep her from trying to walk away from the conversation. "but i want to show you that i can be better."

"jongin-" she pinched the bridge of her nose as if to help her stay calm, but as the boy's words sank in she looked at him abruptly. "what do you mean by that?"

"that i'm sorry for not knowing how to act at the time, but i want to make amends." explained with tenderness in his eyes. "if you want too, i want to try again." he clarified.

karina paused for a second, completely stunned, it seemed that the music had faded and people were no longer dancing. she inspected the man's features looking for a hint of honesty in them, she wanted to decipher if he really believed in what he was saying,

because if he did then he was the most disgusting person she had ever met.

"jongin, are you an idiot?" she removed his hands from her body roughly. "no, in fact, do you think i'm an idiot?" she pressed her own chest with her index finger pointing at herself. "that you can find me by chance at a party, put on an innocent face, say three stupid things you read on the internet and get me back?"

"things aren't the way you think they are." he denied with a sad expression. "i really miss you."

"why are you doing this?"

"because-"

"did sehun leave you?"

kai was silent, paralyzed, wondering how the woman had figured that out, going over in his mind all the people who could have told her.

"see how stupid you are?" the girl reaffirmed.

"how do you know about sehun?" he asked dumbfounded.

"i saw it." she clarified, feeling a little embarrassed as she remembered her tactics.

"you saw us?" the boy was surprised, afraid of what they might have been doing when they were discovered.

"i saw your chats." she elaborated.

"you went through my phone!" now jongin was angry, it showed on his face and in his voice, he wouldn't in his most jealous moment have done that.

"i didn't check your phone, jackass, your chats were open on your computer!" she revealed, flustered at the oldest's accusations.

"how long have you known?" he cocked his head to the side, the times and jimin's actions didn't make sense no matter how hard he tried to combine them. "were you with me for these last few months even knowing?" there was some hint of hope in that question, as if it meant she could forgive him.

"i would never be consciously cuckolded, i found out when we broke up." she didn't think much about her words because of the repulsion to the idea that he would think she would let herself be played that way.

"were you at my house after we broke up?" the volumes of jongin's voice rose brutally. "are you crazy?"

"i wanted to give you back your clothes and you weren't there!" she defended herself.

"so you broke into someone else's house without permission?" he rebutted.

"hey, don't change the subject, you cheated on me!" karina reminded.

"you crashed my house!" kim was totally offended at this new information he was getting.

"you were with someone else for seventy percent of our relationship!" she was annoyed at the lack of interest the boy was showing in the subject.

"you committed a crime!"

"damn, come on, jongin, i don't think it's a crime if i have your door code and we were boyfriend and girlfriend, i need you to use your brain." yu tapped his temple lightly signaling him to think.

"don't do that!" he grabbed the girl's wrist away from her body and directed her downward, roughly.

"hey!" exclaimed jimin, it hadn't hurt, but she was shocked by the action.

she was ready to complain and now add this to her list of things to fight about, but was distracted from further yelling when someone stepped between the two of them.

"leave her alone." between kai and karina was now serim, who calmly tried to push the boy away without using much force.

"great, my favorite person." said jongin wryly.

"the appreciation is mutual." she flashed him a smile with the same energy.

"this isn't about you, so i'm going to ask you to leave." jongin tried to run her off, but serim wouldn't let her.

"i don't think you have anything to talk about." dismissed the girl. "so you'd better get on with your life, okay?"

serim brought her hand to karina's back and rested it there to guide her in the opposite direction of the man. feeling the contact, the younger one wrapped her arms around her body, clinging to her. she just wanted to feel her once again, to breathe in her scent, but if she complained she'd say it was to get jongin to stop bothering.

"listen, you." jongin addressed jang with an annoyed tone. "you have already intervened too much in my relationship, stop meddling in matters that don't concern you." he demanded with a defiant tone.

"i think you're the one who's out of line now." the newcomer contradicted. "go away."

"no, you should go." he refused to listen. "i am settling some stuff with my girl, you have no business here." he was impatient.

"you cheated on me!" exclaimed karina, tired of saying it.

"she's my girl." serim stated at the same time.

"i'm your girl?" the younger girl turned to look at her perplexed.

"shut up, this isn't the time." jang ignored her.

"but this is about me!" complained jimin.

"is it because of her that you're doing this whole circus?" jongin accused the blackhaired one. "you want to feel less guilty about falling in love with her when you were with me." he assumed.

"what are you talking about? you had a whole boyfriend behind my back!" at that point karina really thought jongin must be hallucinating.

"why can't you admit that you cheated on me?" the boy questioned.

"but you were on a break." interrupted serim, lifting her index finger in the air pointing out her fact.

"and you were cheating on me!" shouted jimin in despair.

"so did you!" replied the man. "and besides you're all over her right now in front of me!" he grabbed serim's arm jerking from it, as if trying to pull her toward him to get her away from yu's grip.

"don't touch her!" a new voice joined the argument. "can you stop? i know you're still dating sehun." it was kyungsoo, helping her friend.

"but look who it is." announced kim when he saw the boy. "did you have something to do with all this?"

"no, this is your fault and your fault alone." now the one speaking was jennie. "you have a history of being a cheater, don't play dumb." he didn't know what to say seeing his other ex-girlfriend there.

"and i just don't like you." sejeong joined all her friends who had gone to accompany serim.

"thank you." muttered jimin to the new one since she was the closest one.

"i kind of dislike you too." she informed, causing karina to nod in understanding and fall silent.

"i heard we were terrorizing kim jongin so i came." one more person appeared.

"ryujin." spoke the attacked one.

"i hate you." she made clear. "go away and leave my friend alone for once." she proposed. "if you are not together today, it's because you handled a difficult situation selfishly, and also cheated on her." she reminisced. "you don't want to put yourself in the victim's place, this is your fault."

"leave her alone already." jennie took the lead again. "weren't you gay?"

"i'm bisexual." he put a hand to his chest in offense.

"stop hurting karina." the other man interfered. "and please don't start hurting sehun." he advised.

"it's over between us, jongin, it's over." finished karina.

the boy paused to look at them all with annoyance, but quickly realized that this was a war he would not win. he lowered his head in frustration and left without another word.

"thanks guys." expressed serim to everyone once he was away.

"thanks for that, i thought you guys hated me." said karina.

"we don't like you, but we like jongin less." expressed ryujin.

"ryujin." her best friend gave her a puzzled look.

"i'm just being everyone's voice." proclaimed the named one exalted.

"i can't believe i was with that guy for so long." the girl was still attached to serim's body as the older one, focused on the discussion, hardly noticed that karina was hugging her and hadn't pushed her away, so she took advantage of the closeness to rest her head on her shoulder seeking comfort. "it's the worst thing in the world."

"sure, yes, i agree." serim raised her hands in the air to indicate that she wasn't reciprocating her so she should also pull away.

"let her go." sejeong tapped yu on the shoulder to make her understand that she was talking to her. "let her go." she said again, now tugging on her waist.

"stop it, jimin." now commanded her best friend, to whom she did listen. "you better go do that outside." she ran to the side, clearing the way for them to pass.

"what?" serim was astonished.

"jimin needs calm, go with her, you were the one who was there for her all through the jongin situation anyway." she suggested, leading them outside.

"what about you?" she looked at shin confused.

"i can't, i have a cold." she pretended to cough.

led by a force by the name of ryujin, karina and serim ended up alone in the club's courtyard where people went to smoke.

"what are you doing?" jang's friends questioned her.

"you don't understand." she hedged upset. "i have a manhwa to update."

outside, jimin and serim stood in silence, separated by a significant distance from each other. neither could find anything that wasn't awkward to say, and maybe serim didn't even want to, this one pulled out the box of cigarettes she had in her pocket and lit one, starting to smoke it.

"namu." called the younger one.

"don't call me that." she reminded her.

"semmie?" she tested.

"only my friends call me semmie." she was right, she had never earned the place of a friend.

"serim."

"that's my name." the addressed stated sarcastically.

"i didn't know you'd be here tonight." she clarified. "sorry if you came to distract yourself and i showed up."

"that's okay, i didn't think you came on purpose." they both nodded, closing the subject.

"and thanks for helping me with jongin." she added.

"it's no problem." jang brushed off. "you know i can't stand him." she laughed softly.

"thank you anyway." she restated. "and about that thing about me being your girl..." mentioned with a playful tone.

"i just wanted to make him mad." she cut her off quickly. "don't get excited."

"i already got excited, now don't try to stop me." karina joked. "do you usually refer to a lot of strangers as 'your girl' or is it just me?"

"what are you talking about?" serim raised an eyebrow, lost.

"it's good to see you again, jang serim-ssi." she gave a barely noticeable bow with her body.

"ah, you're still at it?" took a puff on her cigarette. "i remember telling you not to bother me, though."

"one thing you should know about me is that i'm very stubborn." jimin had switched to using a flirtatious tone. "and i tend to get my way." she tilted her head to the side, a leaned smile painted on her lips.

"why do i get the feeling i already knew that?" she corresponded the game.

"how strange." the youngest feigned disinterest. "we must be connected."

"or you look a little crazy." she held up her hand, demonstrating with it the word little.

karina let her mouth open indignantly at the response, then let out an almost soundless laugh and averted her gaze to the front. "can i confess something to you?"

"as yu jimin-ssi or as the girl who used to live in my apartment?" she flicked the cigarette butt she had left.

"from jimin to namu." she replied, serim motioned with her head for her to continue talking. "i almost kissed a girl today." she suddenly shared.

serim kept silent, she furrowed her eyebrows, easy to tell she was thinking about how she should react to that confession, she brought her tongue to the side and pressed it against the inside of her cheek, stifling the opinions that formed in her brain that impulsively attempted to come out. she swallowed saliva, gave a long sigh, it was requiring all of her to keep calm.

"i don't want to listen to this." she decided, turning around to go back inside with her friends.

"namu." jimin managed to catch her jacket and hold her in place. "nothing happened with her." she made clear.

"then why are you telling me?" the woman was starting to get agitated, not being able to hide that it hurt.

"nothing happened because of you." she explained, moving her grip up to her chest where with each hand she grabbed both sides of the zipper of the jacket serim was wearing.

"i don't know what you mean." she felt her eyes getting wet. "if you're telling me this to hurt me..."

"serim, i don't want to hurt you anymore." she stated. "i don't want to cause you or me any more pain." assured, feeling her emotions welling up. "i'm telling you this since i didn't want to kiss her because i couldn't stop thinking about you, so you can see that i don't want to and can't be with anyone but you." the girl confessed. "namu." now she held her face gently. "my namu." she looked into those eyes she loved so much, which now looked sad, on the verge of breaking. "i know that i should have treated you better, do you think we can start again?"

serim wondered if jimin might be lying.

she had hidden things and avoided her feelings, but would she lie to her? after neglecting her heart, would she lie to do it again? serim wanted to give herself to karina, there wasn't a single fiber of her body that didn't want to belong to her, or that didn't already claim to be hers,

but you are what you did, and what did her actions make of jimin? if she was a coward, it was nothing that couldn't be solved with a spontaneous burst of courage. was that what was going on? was this question her finally plucking up courage, was she finally fighting for her like she wanted her to?

and if so, should serim trust her again?

"i've had too much of you already." she whispered, almost inaudibly. "it scares me that you're not being honest and that you will ruin me again." she completed. "i don't know if you deserve another chance." she sentenced and then walked back inside, losing herself in the crowd the further she went.

(!)

— taglist [CLOSED]: @yoontoonwhs @cwpiqwon @aliceiwk @xen248 @gtfoiydlyj @rinapomu @aeriuchinarga @multiliker @somedaydream @impossiblesharkcashrebel @yjiminswallet @nwjnsloona @yerimbrit @73vyn @dni-unavailable @yizhuobberi @sewiouslyz @yeetaberry127 @masuowo @yallatalla @aerithykly @chaenniefirst @minfolio @starrynini05 @hotluvlet @wmnrhot @mineige @lisaswifey @brocoliisscared @fae-the-wanderer

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

Text

➢ 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚌 𝙲𝚕𝚞𝚋 𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜

⚠︎ Directions ⇒ Main | Chapter 1 Abyss- A bond that formed during high school, the five girls met in their school's music club. One was a beginner guitarist who wanted to learn more about music and how to get better. The other was a girl with a passion for singing. The last two were girls looking for new hobbies.

On the other hand, you became friends with the four and excelled in multiple instruments, and they let you join their makeshift band. After all those years, you girls are doing your best to put your group's name into the world.

Cha Y/n 03' Liner | Vocal, Bassist, Maknae The so-called "Miss Popular Perfectionist" during her high school years you weren't able to make many genuine friends. This was especially something that became an issue for you during your first year until you managed to come across one of the older music rooms being used by the four girls.

You started meeting up with the girls every day, and they were all intrigued by your musical talents. Karina herself asked you to join their band as the official bassist.

Things Y/n has said: "You can talk shit about me. I'll just be your worst nightmare after." "Maybe if you used your brain before speaking, we wouldn't be hearing bullshit all the time." "I feel bad for you. Do your two remaining brain cells ever work properly?"

Yu Jimin, aka Karina 00' Liner | Drummer Karina wanted to graduate from school while making a statement for herself, so she took matters into her own hands. The first of the girls to join the club, Karina was actually the first person to talk to the music teacher about starting a band within the music club.

With Karina being one of the teacher's favorite fourth years, it was an easy start-up. She had the school providing the instruments. Karina just needed the people for the next step.

Things Karina has said: "I'm all for world peace unless you eat my food in the fridge or talk shit about Minjeong. Then it's war." "Sorry about Giselle, she can be a hot mess sometimes... she's just an extra hot mess today." "Are you here to join the band, or are you here to just try and get some head for tonight?"

Uchinaga Aeri, aka Giselle 00' Liner | Rhythm Guitar The resident "hot girl" of their school was Karina's best friend. The oldest herself asked the girl to join, and Aeri obliged willingly, wanting to learn an instrument for a long time now.

She had worked with Winter and one of the music teachers to become the guitarist she is today. Knowing nothing about holding an instrument, to becoming the rhythm guitarist of their band.

Things Giselle has said: "I had to pair the top and shoes, or else I would literally jump off a cliff. My reputation is on the line here." "So I play this cord and this cord, but what are the little turny thingies on the top?" "The pattern of your skirt was totally last season. It's spring in 2024. Get with the program."

Kim Minjeong, aka Winter 01' Liner | Lead Guitarist The shy third-year girl all those years ago is now currently Karina's girlfriend. She had previous basic knowledge of reading music and playing an electric guitar. Once she saw the dorky flyers of the music club looking for more members, she quickly joined without another thought.

She was the first to reach out to the music teacher, and she was happily taught, becoming one of the most well-known musicians in their school.

Things Winter has said: "Maybe let go of the guitar if you don't know shit :3." "I wouldn't let a man or woman come near me with a ten-foot pole. Jimin is the only exception." "I didn't know a girl who was literally so good at everything couldn't do something as simple as read between the lines."

Ning Yizhuo, aka Ningning 02' Liner | Lead Vocal, Guitarist The outgoing, extroverted second year of the band at the time. She always flaunted her vocal capabilities and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

You and Ningning didn't have the best relationship when you first met. Ning was prideful and had a massive ego, so your presence kind of intimidated her. Along the way, Ningning found your love for music admirable and became your best friend.

Things Ningning has said: "I auditioned for the lead role in my musical theater class in middle school. The rest were told to just 'go home' 'cause I was so good." "This kid in my class, Gyuwon, asked me out in class today, and I just laughed in his face." "Y/n is the best friend who would hug me out of love or try to choke me 'cause of the stupid shit I say. There's no in-between."

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

Text

➢ 𝙳𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐

IVE! Band! Yujin x Band! F reader: You and Yujin didn't have the best relationship, and it has only gotten worse over the time you've known her. Although she doesn't expect those feelings and emotions to change overnight... but it does?

Word Count: 4.4k

Author's Note: This song is used in the fic, but the lyrics I've gone with are the English version just so it isn't confusing. BUT GUYS THE SONG IS SO GOOD. I HEARD IT ON BUILD-UP AND NEVER LOOKED BACK🥹.

⚠︎ Directions ⇒ Main | Previous | Next

It was a normal Friday at a rented studio. The sound of vocal warm-ups and the quiet strums of a guitar filled the air. Ningning sat on the velvet blue sofa, relaxing her mouth as she let out several loud, odd noises. Karina sat behind her drums, beating the snare drum lightly while waiting for everyone to get ready.

Winter and Giselle could be found sitting next to Ningning, checking out their guitars. The four girls' peaceful ambiance lets you sit on the plush yellow lounge chair, legs crossed, as you focus on the pen and notebook in your hands.

Your eyes never wavered off the paper as Ningning stood tall and proud from her seat, “I’m ready!” Her loud voice echoed throughout the room. Winter chuckles, “Of course you are,” and shakes her head. Giselle grabs your bass, heading towards you to give it. “She finally ready to go?” you ask your unnie as you shut the book and take your instrument. Giselle nods, shaking her head at Ningning’s usual antics. You sling the guitar strap over your shoulder, walking to the center of the room.

“So, what songs are we playing for this setlist?” Winter asks, tuning her guitar slightly. “As far as I’m aware, the owner wanted Spicy, Armageddon, and Lucid Dreams,” Karina tells you. “Isn’t that such a super short set?” You ask, and the others look at each other, “what?” Ningning rubs the nape of her neck, “It’s cause Yujin’s band is a majority of the first set.”

Winter nudges the younger girl, and you can’t help but roll your eyes when hearing the name. Ahn Yujin is the girl you deemed to be your rival in every aspect. It wasn’t a secret that you two hated each other. You were sure everyone who knew the two of you was aware of that.

It all started when you and Yujin were six years old, both small girls from Daejeon who loved discovering new hobbies and talents. The two of you met in grade school and have been getting along well since you first met. You remember it so clearly: Yujin came up to you during recess, her puppy-like eyes sparkling as she gave you the friendliest smile you’ve seen. “You're the pretty girl who sits in front of the class, right?” You were taken aback at her enthusiasm and compliment, “Uhm, I do sit in the front?” You say, more as a question.

“You are her! Y/n, right?” Asked with her jumping in excitement, “Yeah?”

“I’m Ahn Yujin,” she introduces herself with her arm reached out. “Cha Y/n?” You shake the girl's hand hesitantly. “Let’s be friends from now on!” Yujin gave you no choice, which still confused you, but in the long run, you didn’t seem to mind it. You enjoyed the newfound friendship, sitting next to each other in class, hanging out at each other's houses, basically, everything you’d expect friends to do. At some point, you even believed that she was your best friend. You guys had much in common: wanting high grades, loving music, liking sports, and even your favorite songs were the same.

It all changed when you guys turned ten years old. You began feeling resentment from Yujin, and you believed it was because people began heavily comparing you two. Being super alike didn’t really help; your parents, friends, teachers, and practically everyone seemed to say something good about the other and then proceeded to belittle the other. I was like a broken seesaw.

“Yujin is such an amazing singer, probably because she took vocal lessons. I told you we should’ve enrolled you in those classes,” your parents would say as you ate dinner.

“Yujin-ah, Y/n’s grades are spectacular again this year! All A’s again. You're like a daughter I wish I had,” Yujin’s parents would say when picking up Yujin from your house.

“Yujin is the MVP of this football (soccer) game. You were a close second, though, Y/n,” one of your friends said.

Those little comments slowly caused a rift between you two, and soon, the two of you began competing to be the best at anything the other was interested in. Yujin began participating and studying in school to try and beat your grades. You began to take vocal lessons and practice at home while watching YouTube videos. You would run around more in physical education to better your endurance for any sport.

By the time you both reached middle school, you had lost any friendships. Both find new groups of friends, become popular, and even compete in that aspect. In the early days, you were hurt, and it felt like Yujin was slowly becoming your ‘enemy,’ but that all went away once you heard Yujin talking about you behind your back while you were still “friends.”

You were going to turn the corner of a corridor when you heard a familiar voice using your name, “Oh, Y/n?” Your steps paused, and you could recognize your “best friend” 's voice from a mile away. You stood still, back leaning on the wall as you listened. “I’m better than her at everything. I mean, come on, I’m the Ahn Yujin. I sing better, play sports better, have better grades, better friendships. I’m basically the better and prettier version of her. Don’t you agree?” You hear her new friends giggle and agree, feeling yourself fuming with anger from what you heard.

That's when you decided to stop being friends with her, and every interaction that followed was hostile and always had an insult.

When college came around, you were still fated to be in the same school, and the competition stayed in course. The popular girls of the university were known as sworn enemies by everyone. During that time, you joined bands around the same time and graduated. Now, here you were, feeling as if Yujin was haunting you even when she wasn’t around.

“Are you kidding me?!” you scoff at the news Ningning shared. “You guys always seem to share the spotlight,” Winter points out, and you roll your eyes again. “Yeah, and for once, I’d like the world to divert our paths.”

“Hey, it’s not so bad. We’re going to be recognized even more because of this gig, and I know you know this, but your gonna have to suck it up, baby bear,” Karina voices, and you nod reluctantly. “Now, how about we get to practice? We’ve been here for thirty minutes, and we haven’t started. Chop chop girlies,” Karina says as she hits her drumsticks together to get us all in place and to get this show on the road.

The five of you entered the buzzing club, equipment and instruments hauling behind you. Hearing the blaring instruments on the speaker, you began nodding your head to the song. You kept appreciating the music, and you went through the sea of people through the back but quickly halted once your eyes lingered onto the stage. There you saw them, Elysium.

They were good, and they always have been. You weren’t going to deny that, but your eyes traveled to her, holding the mic stand as she sang her heart out. “This must be their new song,” you hear Giselle say beside you, and you shake your head. “Like I could give a shit,” you express. You’d rather be caught dead than be seen by Yujin ‘admiring her work’ as she would like to say.

Since college, every performance Yujin caught you watching had her irritating you every chance she could. You knew Yujin’s flirty personality when it comes to women, but you knew she did it to you just to get on your nerves. The winks, smooches, comments as she looked at you dead in the eyes. It was all a scheme to piss you off. So you decided to ignore it usually, and this time, like usual, you did as you all made your way to the backstage area.

The five of you changed your outfits and checked on your equipment. After 20 minutes of doing that, club music began blasting on the speakers, and Giselle suggested, “Maybe we should take a small shot before our performance tonight.”

“I’d be down,” you say, standing up from the guitar case on the floor. None of you were exactly lightweights, so a small shot would help calm everyone's nerves. Going back into the sea of sweaty drunks wasn’t usually your cup of tea, but you did just to get to the bar area. “Hey, five tequila shots, please?” Karina asks the bartender, who quickly whips up the drink. The four girls begin talking as you observe the location in your world, standing at the edge of the five girls.

“Well, if it isn’t the famous Cha Y/n,” you bite your lip in annoyance at the voice and turn around to see no one other than Yujin herself, holding a cocky smirk on her face. “What do you want?” you said, practically sneering at her as she took a swig of her drink. “Can’t I just greet my long-time friend?” she says, leaning into you. You stand your ground and stay in place. “Did they let you out of the psych ward again? The delusions are kicking in,” you tell her, and the latter raises her brows. “Fighting back again, I see?”

“When haven’t I stood up against you, Ahn?” you tell her, straightening yourself and getting more in her face. “Didn’t say you never did. You’ve just never won against me.”

“Says who?”

“Says me, babe,” she says, emphasizing 'babe' as she gets even closer to your face. “Babe, my ass, Yujin. Now maybe go talk to someone else who might give a shit about anything that comes out of your mouth.”

“Feisty, just what I’ve always liked about you, Cha,” she says, finally ending the annoying interaction as she walks away, not without giving you a seductive wink. “Maybe, I don’t know. You guys should just fuck and let bye-gones be bye-gones,” Ningning butts in as they hear the end of your conversation, taking your attention off of Yujin’s dramatic exit. “Girl, I’d have to be trying to get out of a crime for you to even get me there,” you joke, and she giggles.

“She isn’t wrong, though. I know you always say she does it to piss you off, but the damn sexual tension couldn’t even be cut by a damn chainsaw,” Giselle says with her brow raised as she holds the tequila shot in her hands. “You guys know she does that to get a rise out of me.”

“Well, clearly it works since you don’t back away from her when she comes close to you,” Karina says and hands you the shot, “but enough of Y/n’s weird dynamic with her mortal enemy, let’s have a good time since we aren’t here for a long time,” the eldest declares as she raises her shot glass for a cheer.

You all follow and down the entire shot, feeling the warm liquor cascade down your throat. You wince at the feeling but feel refreshed as you bite the lime. “Alrighty then, let's head on back so we can set up the stage?” Winter suggests, and you all agree, following one another to the back.

Once you guys finished setting up and were given the okay to go on stage, you stood on the right of Ningning, holding your cherry red bass in your hands. “What’s up, everyone!” Ningning says, the crowd already cheering at the sight of you five. “Well, we hope you guys are having a fantastic night, and we hope we can make it even better! So enjoy our first track, Lucid Dreams.”

You quickly came in on the intro, and to your surprise, many people in the club began singing along. Your smile grew wide as you chuckled, combing your hair back slightly to focus on the crowd. Without a care in the world, you strummed your bass as you got into the groove, your head lightly moving to the rhythm.

Yujin watched from the far corner of the crowd, admittingly enjoying the view. She wasn’t going to admit it to your face, but you were beautiful, and the bass made you very attractive in her eyes. The way you focused on playing, not caring about all the eyes and people that drooled over you. It was a pleasant sight, almost reminding Yujin of your old self back in the day. Those thoughts took her by a wave of emotions, her slight smile slowly disappearing.

She didn’t know where it all went wrong, but she did know that most of it was her fault. Yujin couldn’t blame you for the attitude that you always gave her. Did she hate you? She would've said yes if you asked her that ten years ago. Now, it was just something she got used to. After some time, Yujin couldn’t find the heart to ‘hate’ you any longer, but the constant fighting and bad-mouthing just became something that she was used to. Maybe she found comfort in it? She wasn’t too sure herself.

It’s why, when you got into college, she just decided to interact with you more through teasing and flirting. It felt as if she missed the person you once were or the friendship you once had, so to feel that old feeling, she resorted to this. Her thoughts get cut off by the sound of Spicy beginning to play.

Yujin’s eyes find your figure on stage again, and she sees you as the background vocals for the song as you sing lightly into your microphone. Your delicate-sounding voice and Ningning’s power made the song even more fun. The song called for sassiness and a lot of personality. Your playful facial expressions entertained Yujin as your eyes took a glimpse at the crowd. Your smile was addicting, causing Yujin to reciprocate it.

Was it possible to go back to the way it was?

That event was a month ago, a month of peace and quiet. You, Ningning, and Giselle decided to spend the day at Karina and Winter’s apartment. Winter had to run small errands, Karina was fixing clothes in their room, and Giselle and Ning chose to watch some Netflix. You sit in the balcony area, the same notebook and pen in hand, scribbling a line and revising it to your liking.

Your eyes followed the pages of lyrics, and after a year of working on it, it finally felt completed up to your standards. Ning peeks her head out and finds you closing the thick book. “Finally finished the song?” she asks as she reveals the rest of her body. Yeah, I think I finally have,” you nod with a tinge of happiness filling your voice. “Take a look?” you ask, handing her the notebook with it open to the pages. “Drowning?”

“Yeah, it felt fitting, you know?” You say as Ning reads the book, looking like she’s immersing herself in the book. “Y/n! This is so good! What key are you envisioning the song being in?” She asks, continuing to read the lyrics. “I was thinking an A flat major like,” You then begin to hum the melody, and Ning smiles at it. “It sounds amazing, baby bear,” she squeals excitedly.

“Guys! Come look?” Ning yells as she brings your book back into the apartment, and you follow. You see, Winter was just getting home with grocery bags in her hands while Giselle and Karina were now sitting on the couch. “She finally finished it?!” Giselle claps as she recognizes the book in Ningning’s hands. “Finally,” Karina says, smiling, knowing you’ve been working really hard on it. “Do you have the melody in mind?” Winter says tiredly as she plops her body down on their egg-looking chair.

“I do, but I still have to record the arrangement. I’ll send it to you this week, unnie?” You ask Karina, and she nods, “Well, I think I’ve found the perfect time for you to debut the song,” she says with a mischievous grin. “They actually responded?” Winter’s brows go high while the rest of us look evidently confused. “So wanna keep us in the loop, or are we invisible right now?” You asked.

“So last week I reached out to the Blackout, the venue that went viral on TikTok, and they replied that they wanted to hear our songs. It sounds pretty promising, so I’ll send them our tracks and tell them we have one we want to debut at their place.”

There was a pause, which felt like an eternity before the other four of you began jumping and cheering like excited little puppies. “I’ll literally work on it first thing in the morning and send it to you ASAP!” You collected your things and dashed out, making your way to your apartment. You dashed into the recording room that you set up and worked your magic.

…You basically stayed up all night to finish, but by eight in the morning, you sent the track with the vocal demo to Karina and were knocked out.

Within the next week, you were finishing up your part-time job at the local cafe in your area and felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. You take your time slot card out of the machine and head out, fishing your phone out. It was the band's group chat and Karina chatted.

MinMin Unnie🤓 FYI Blackout confirmed our schedule on Saturday night Be there or be square

You chuckle at the ‘loser’ like comment in the end as you put on your headphones, listening to the proper recording of ‘Drowning’ on your phone. You and Ningning decided to record the vocals of the song last week, and it sounded perfect. It was the first time your voice was being used as a lead vocal in the song. It was a pretty nerve-wracking experience for you, but Ningning assured that you sounded great. So now you guys find yourself at Blackout, setting up ahead of opening time.

“This is actually happening?” You hear Ningning ask, almost as if she was spacing out as she unraveled the mic cord. “Yeah, Ning, come on now,” Giselle giggles at the girl as she shakes her head. “You think we’ll fill out the venue?” You ask as you sit on the edge of the stage with your bass in your lap.

“You guys sure will,” You hear, and you turn to see the owner coming into the building with the social media manager. “Did you guys even check Blackout’s story?” The manager says, pointing to her phone. Karina gets her phone from her bag, tapping away and gasping once she sees something.

All of you looked at each other and rushed to her side to see what was so surprising. You see the long, messy line everyone was forming outside. “Are you kidding?!” Winter asks the two, and they nod, “Well, before anything even happens tonight, I’ll say congrats. You guys are gonna be a big hit.”

“Holy shit-” You voice, still staring at the story from Karina’s phone. “I know we’re all really excited, but it's time to get ready in the back guys.”

You all make your way to the back, doing hair, make-up, outfits, and warm-ups. Feeling pumped for tonight, you were just filled with excitement. Little did you know, Yujin’s bandmates informed her of your band’s performance, so they all decided to check it out. The line was horrendous, though, and the group felt bored despite nearing the front of the line.

“Did they actually get this many people to come watch them?” Chaewon asked, genuinely surprised at the fans you all garnered. “I didn’t know they were this well known,” their tall youngest asked. “Wony, I’m sure it's a mix of their fans, regulars, and tiktok fanatics that saw the venue,” Yena said as she saw so many people on their phones, watching the exact video that went viral.

After about forty-five minutes, the four girls make it into the venue. Yujin’s ears practically only heard the bass of the music, and it was so loud near the entrance. Her eyes scan the large building, the place already being halfway filled, in spite of the long line that was still outside.

She feels her hand being dragged deeper into the crowd, shimmying through the sea of bodies. They somehow made it through to the right end of the room to find the bar. The bartender was just being swarmed with people; the group just sat down and waited till everyone settled down.

“Can we get one old-fashioned, two mojitos, and one club soda, please?” Chaewon says, ordering for everyone. The three other girls settle beside her, and Wonyoung scrolls through her phone to see their promo set list for tonight. “Have you guys seen this? I think they're playing a new song tonight,” she flips her phone to the front, showing her unnies the question mark on the end of the setlist next to the number 10. “I guess we have to wait and see then,” as if on cue with Yujin’s words, you and your band step out onto the stage. Everyone in the venue is hyping you guys up, whistling, cheering, and even just flat-out roaring. Yujin and her girls couldn’t help but look at your guy's outfits, finding the slight hints of coordination pleasant. As Yujin’s eyes linger on your body, she almost has to do a double-take. She had never seen you look so… hot.

Yes, she admits you’re usually attractive, but fuck, did you look good. The tight body suit clung onto your upper half, showing so much skin. You practically glistened under the stage lights. Your set began, and these were all songs that the group had heard before. However, that didn’t stop the four girls from dancing hard with the rest of the crowd.

As you were on stage, the higher production of lights caused you to see less of the crowd, but you didn’t mind as it calmed the nerves for tonight. Due to your lack of vision, you focused on playing like no one was in the room. It actually felt freeing to play this way despite having one of your senses practically taken away from you.

Yujin, not noticing how many songs had passed, was surprised when the group began speaking. She sees Ningning smiling at the crowd, her exhaustion evident due to the heavy breathing. “So~, how did you like our songs, guys?” Everyone cheered at Ning’s words, which caused you to smile. “It has been a great show, huh? But like all good things, they must come to an end,” Karina tells the crowd, everyone responding in sadness. “Okay, maybe a little too much. We’ll always have more shows to come,” You say while looking at Karina, who laughs at you, calling her ‘too much.’

“Well, you all must be wondering what this last song is?” Winter asks the crowd, and you hear small ‘yeahs’ from around the venue. “We’re actually debuting a new song tonight, and you guys get the first listen,” Karina says in a hushed manner as if it were the biggest secret in the world. You hear the buzzes of ‘oh’ and ‘ah,’ and you feel the butterflies in your stomach already emerging.

“So this song is actually composed and produced by my lovely best friend, Y/n, here,” Ning states, giving you a side hug as you give a small bow at the hyped-up crowd. “She’s actually the one singing our final song tonight.”

Ningning’s words rang heavily in Yujin’s ears. You were gonna sing? Tonight?

Only if she had a seat on hand, she would’ve been sat already. She watches you come up to the front and center of the stage, bass carried behind your back as you speak into the mic. “So for the for time, you guys are gonna get to hear me sing,” many of your fan girls respond with ear-piercing screeches.

You chuckle, leaning your head back slightly so it wouldn’t pick up on the mic so much. “Well… are you guys ready?” Everyone cheers again, and the lights dim down low.

The silence killed people until they heard Winter’s guitar strumming a grungy yet slow and mellow sound. Then Giselle’s guitar comes in, layering the two sounds as the lights begin increasing a bit in brightness. The slight pause in the song counts you, Karina, and Ningning in, and people begin to hear your voice.

I was madly in love We argued so much You left first It's been raining all day here It quickly reached the tip of the chin I'm out of breath

Yujin listened to your velvety voice as it filled the entire venue. Everyone almost listened in silence, not only because it was a new song but also to cherish their first time hearing you. The lyrics interested the girl, and many thoughts flowed in her mind. ‘Who was this about?’ She thought.

The pendulum of my heart holds me deeper and deeper

Ningning seeming sang the backup vocals, having everyone nod their head through the build-up of the song.

Oh, I'm drowning It's raining all day, yeah-yeah (Yeah) I can't (Yeah) breathe, yeah Oh-oh, I'm drowning Oh, I'm drowning Oh, I'm drowning Oh, I'm drowning You're taking my life from me

Hearing the words, Yujin couldn’t help but think this was about her but in a love song. Feeling conceited even thinking about those words. Your emotions were overflowing, and everyone felt them while listening intently. You seemed to be expressing the hardships and burdens you felt in your heart.

As you sang the chorus, you kept your eyes shut, and the R&B sounds with hints of soul, no one in the crowd realizing that this was the voice you’d hidden from them. It was powerful; Yujin almost felt her skin crawl because of your voice. Your face somehow looked in pain, yet as the spotlights focused on you, Yujin couldn’t help but just stare. For the first time, Yujin saw you in your element.

It made her almost tear up; the way you sang tugged on her heart, and she felt as if she had to protect it by keeping her right hand on her chest. “You feeling okay?” Wonyoung asks, and the latter can only nod, just paying attention to you and only you.

After a few seconds, you seemed to get into the groove, as you looked much more relaxed on stage. You release the mic stand, and your hands find the strings of your bass easily without any hesitation. The realization settles into Yujin as she blanks while staring at you, just admiring every part of you.

…Is she starting to actually like you?

“Im so fucked.”

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

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➢ 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝙰𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚜

⚠︎ Directions ⇒ Main | Chapter 1 Elysium- Once the party girls of Langso University. The four met during a mutual friend's party. Yujin, Yena, Chaewon, and Wonyoung become close as they practically partied weekly with each other. Soon, the girls find out Yujin's love for music finding it interesting.

When the girls found out Yena's older brother had multiple instruments, the Choi household became their hangout spot. They fooled around with the guitars and drums until they became a real band.

Ahn Yujin 03' Liner | Lead Vocalist A girl who realized her massive ego had come in the way of her many friendships. Every enemy she had made throughout her life was because of her own jealousy and insecurity as a child.

Your former best friend turned enemy. Yujin loves flirting with anyone and everyone, but when it comes to you, you always feel like she just wants to torture you with her 'charms.'

Things Yujin has said: "Stop trying to fool yourself. You're clearly falling for me." "I can do anything and do it perfectly." "Y/n? She's a hot girl who hates me. Is the feeling mutual, though?... I'm not too sure anymore."

Choi Yena 99' Liner | Drummer As the party host of the group, Yena had been the girl who was known for holding the grandest of parties during their university days. She met the girls through her friend, Minju, who invited all of them to her 'first day of school party', and she hit it off with the three.

Yena's older brother was previously an independent artist who decided to not pursue the career, instead heading into an office job. After knowing the girls for some time, their hang-out spot would usually be Yena's garage, which held all her brother's old instruments.

Things Yena has said: "You guys wanna see me do a backflip into my bed?" "I have this new mix of drinks I wanna try. Come try it with me, please~?" "I literally came to class five minutes late because I almost ran over a squirrel... How is that my fault?"

Kim Chaewon 00' Liner | Lead Guitarist Chaewon, the so-called 'responsible mother' of all three girls, had always been the partier who took care of all their friends. She would stop them from drinking too much on school nights, have one drink as she was usually their designated driver, and put them into bed if they were too out of it.

Funny enough, Chaewon and Winter had been friends during university due to their similar appearances but soon drifted apart. Chaewon met all the girls at the party only because she was holding Yena's hair up after a long night of drinking and took care of the three afterward.

Things Chaewon has said: "Pabo-ya, I told you not to drink so much. Now you're throwing up like your lungs are about to come out." "You guys know you're not paying me to be your driver... right?" "This is so embarrassing. Wony, please teach Yujin how to use the formula for her physics class."

Jang Wonyoung 04' Liner | Lead Keyboard, Rhythm Guitar, Maknae The baby giant of the group, Wonyoung, was known for her studious ways. She held herself to a high standard in school all the time. An old friend of hers suggested to go to the first day of school party Yena held so she can come out of her shell, and she did.

Wonyoung had her first drinks, parties, and every fun experience you could think of with these girls. She was also the one who initially suggested forming a ban when they were fooling around in Yena's garage as a joke, but two weeks later, they turned it into a serious thing.

Things Wonyoung has said: "Guys, I have an exam tomorrow morning, I can't party too hard." 3 hours later: "The professor loves me. He'll let me take a makeup exam." "If two plus two is four, and five times five is twenty-five, then you and Y/n equal what kind of fuckary?"

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

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➢ 𝙰𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 ⚠︎ A Short Written Series ⇒ IVE! Band! Yujin x Band! F reader

Synopsis You and Ahn Yujin have been rivals for as long as you can remember. From the time you were four, everything was a competition—grades, sports, hobbies, clubs, even who was more popular. As you both enter college, the rivalry takes on a new form: you’re in two different bands that constantly go head-to-head.

When entering the years of young adulthood, she begins teasing and flirting with you, her competitive edge softening into something more mischievous. At first, you think it’s just part of the game, but her behavior starts to blur the lines between rivalry and attraction.

Warnings Alcohol, smoking, excessive language, possible angst (?), possible substance abuse (?)

Status ongoing...

Profiles ⇒ Music Club Loners | Party Animal Regulars

Chapter 1 - Drowning Chapter 2 - ... Chapter 3 - ... Chapter 4 - ...

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lorenztired · 4 months ago

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❥ 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎

iland 2! Mai x 04! trainee! F reader: Iland fans were currently waiting patiently for the sequel to the first. With the new faces involved, the fans love your interactions with the visual trainee.

Word Count: 4.2k

Author's Note: Ya'll this fic was killing me since i didn't entirely watch iland BUT TRUST AND BELIEVE I DID MY BEST. I'll be working on my next fic right after this tho🤓.

Clip #1 🎬

The large enclosure rotated for the next team to appear. Koko, Yuju, Yui, and Y/n grasp each other's hands tightly, and they cheer when they see the other trainees seated in front of them. Before exiting, the girls bow down slightly in confusion due to the new environment. Noticeably, the team seemed to be chic yet “cool” due to the outfits worn. Koko and Yuju wore leather jackets, Yui wore a black sweater, and you came out with a dark blue demin jacket over your outfit. “They’re total hot girls,” you hear one of the unfamiliar trainees say.

The four stepped down and took their seats as their profiles began appearing on screen. Y/n is the last profile to be shown, and many of the girls gasp when they see the facts and photos. “#All-rounder?” you hear from one of the trainees sitting below. You were ranked as one of the top trainees, and the room filled with many amusing sounds once the production showed many clips of you singing, rapping, and dancing exceptionally well.

“#Former HYBE trainee?!” the girl you recognized, Fuko, said in surprise. Despite not being a formerly known trainee like your friend Jeemin, who you knew was in the show, many of the girls under the company respected you due to your kindness. Although, that was usually never enough. With your talents, every trainee found you as a threat, which led to many fake friendships along your training journey. “#Dancing AI,” Koko, being a close friend of yours, giggled as she read it. “What does that mean?” Gyuri asks, looking at you with her big doe eyes.

“Y/n unnie can learn almost any dance within a few minutes!” Yui says, ecstatic about her teammate's skill. You nod, giggling at the younger girl's excitement. “I’ve been dancing since I was three, so it comes to me quickly.” The rest of the girls nod, and some clap slowly out of shock. “Sometimes it takes me four hours to get one dance right!” Nana, despite her shy demeanor, says in Japanese, and you chuckle.

As you were mentally preparing yourself for the show, it was time for the final team to arrive. Before you could even process anything, you see the enclosure turn open, finding four girls who ranked quite high… and are clearly going to be on the same team. You heard some girls calling them the Avengers, and you were aware that Jeemin wasn’t there yet, so you were ready to give her a happy welcome. However, that plan changed when you made eye contact with a girl whose feline-like eyes captured your attention.

If only you could show so much emotion right now, you probably would’ve fallen out of your chair at the sight of her beauty. She was absolutely gorgeous, and you almost couldn’t hold back the cheesy grin. Your eyes travel down to her name tag, reading ‘Mai’ in your head. Along with the other girls, you clapped for them but never kept your eyes off of her. Thankfully, the camera was focused on this last unit, or else you probably would’ve been flamed by everyone who was watching the show.

You shake your head slightly, trying to get your head back in the game without messing up your hair. Soon after NaSURI and the weird robotic lady voice welcome you all and give you the rundown of everything, performances were to begin shortly. All of the girls stood up at the sight of the countdown and shrieked in shock. We were asked to change and moved to another set.

Everyone sat down, anticipating and anxious with each performance that was called. The first was Unforgiven which was performed by Minsol, Sarang, Jiwon, and Juwon. You weren’t one to react so much, so your eyes stayed focused as the girls showed their talents. When Sarang begins the song, your eyes widen slightly, shocked by the younger girl's stability and presence on stage. It's a fierce song, and out of all the girls, you almost always nodded every time Sarang was center, somewhat giving your ‘approval’ as a long-time trainee.

When coming into iland, you had the mindset of being quite strict and stern with not only yourself but every other trainee. You were one of the oldest amongst the girls and had one of the longest training periods, so you thought it was only fair to think this way. After every performance after, you felt that each performance had a ‘stand out girl’ and the rest didn’t seem to catch your interest in comparison to the rets of the teams. But your mindset of being a judge mentally came to a pause when it was your teams turn.

Knowing the stakes of getting into iland were very low, almost lit a fire in your eyes. You, Koko, and Yui begin the performance by standing over Yuju, shaking your jeans as the music begins. After Koko’s intro, your deeper voice sang as you dance with much energy. The rest of the girls looked in awe as you and the girls performed such a heavy hip hop dance. You and Koko shared the center during the chorus, many of the girls watching impressed with your facial expressions. Behind the scenes, Taeyong and Monika nod as they jot down their notes on you. “She’s very good at portraying the song through her facial expressions,” Lee Jung states, nodding as she points at the screen with her pen.

“It’s ironic, she’s a strong performer, but off stage, she looks like a puppy,” Monika says, making the other coaches giggle, and the production put a cute photo of you on screen. You guys were getting to the end of the song, going strong throughout the entire performance, even with the difficult choreography. As you guys hit the ending poses, you do your best to regulate your breathing as the camera pans to each of you. “How? Y/n unnie doesn’t even look tired?” Saebi says, looking at her teammates like she just saw a superhero flying in the sky.

Now, you believe your team did great. I mean, Monika and Lee Jung even gave you such high remarks. “Out of all the girls, you were one of the ones we had high expectations from, and you went above those expectations. We were impressed by your performance today,” Lee Jung finishes when the camera suddenly cuts to Monika’s face. “Your dance was strong, your voice was stable, and I definitely felt the charisma and stage presence. Just try to mellow down, depending on the rest of your team. Being too strong can sometimes make the team feel unbalanced in the fan's eyes,” you nod, understanding Monika’s warnings.

There were a few mishaps, but as you were the final girl to receive her iland votes, you were a bit anxious, especially with the unexpected vote for the rest of your team. Yuju held your hand, and you smiled through the anxiety that was literally about to consume you if they didn’t show your results fast enough. Thankfully, though, all the cards turned in one, showing the purple and pink design on all five, and you sigh in relief with hands over your chest. “I don’t think it was gonna be a secret for Y/n to make it in with 5 i-cards,” Jeemin says out loud, but almost saying it to herself, being so proud of her friend.

With everyone focus being on the current emotional team, no one notices Mai’s attention being on your face. Through her team, she found out a lot of the trainees found you extremely intimidating in spite of your sweet personality, yet all Mai could really focus on was how cute your face was with the bright smile after your success of getting into iland. Your cheeks puffed out, almost holding back the tears after the stress you felt for you and your teammates, and Mai cooed at the expression.

Once your team takes their seats, you take a deep breath for the sad and good results. You guys didn’t actually have time to think, as the Avengers team was quickly next. Now, after all the stress, you just wanted to enjoy the performance. Your eyes go the largest it's ever been through the show as you see the slices and red peeking out of the black stage set up. The outfits of the four girls gave the song choice away, but you were getting excited. Sure, you wanted to see Jeemin perform for the first time in person, but you also didn’t want to admit that you were about to be so focused on Mai.

As Jeemin starts off Drama, you smile widely, seeing your long-time friend start off VERY strongly. She then moves back smoothly, and Mai’s eyes truly captivated everyone and the camera. When hearing her tone going ‘ziggy ziggy zag, I’m new. Cause i go biggie biggie bad, it’s true~’ you were surprised at the nasally yet unique tone that definitely impacted the song. Mai’s facial expressions also added to her presence, which had your jaw hanging low. You weren't sure if Mai was just that good of a performer, but you weren't exactly someone who was easy to impress, yet here you were, staring at the girl with hearts in your eyes.

As the performance ended, you huffed out a loud breath and thought, ‘Well… this is just sooooo great for me.’

Clip #2 🎬

After spending time with many of the iland girls, you had gained many friendships. You and Jeemin became closer as time went by, and you even found yourself getting closer to other trainees like Fuko, Sarang, Jiyoon, Sujung, and Juwon. The girls gave you a sense of comfort, but due to past friendships, you never wanted to keep them too close. Once you all got close, feeling hurt was inevitable, especially on a survival show.

In the upcoming weeks, it was finally time to prepare the signal song, Final Love Song, and you were appointed as the center of the stage by Jungeun after much consideration. The younger girl believed you and Juwon were the best candidates for the job, but in the end, Jungeun picked you.

Now, it felt as if every day, you were in that practice room dancing and singing every moment you could. You were aware that you had to take care of your body, but you wanted to guarantee your center position was safe. Every day was nine hours in the practice room, only taking five-minute breaks for water and a quick stretch.

You were, unconsciously, training much harder than usual. The title of center was something you believed you were capable of. Yet the judges had put an insane amount of pressure on you and another trainee. It seems as though the producers needed to keep the viewers entertained. So behind the scenes, staff brainstormed new ideas, and they finally came up with something.

Now all of a sudden, the new topic was ‘Y/n versus Saebi.’

The judges created this narrative on the show that the two of you are similar, have great centers, star quality, good expressions, good dancing, and are tall in height. Viewers even noticed the comparison was beginning to affect you. It was a mental warfare in your mind, and it was quickly physically draining you. At first, it was a friendly competition, a common thing amongst trainees, but it seemed like every comment the coaches said to the two of you was blatantly pitting the two of you against each other, and it seemed like Saebi was on the winning end of it.

It was now nearing the day of the performance, and you sat in the upper-performance room alone. The rest of the girls were loud and enjoying each other's company on the lower floors, dancing and singing with loud music on. Unbeknownst to you, the Japanese beauty was looking for you, and out of all the girls, you were the only one missing. The two of you may not have been as close as the others, but throughout every practice, it was like a silent trade of care. You would give Mai water and little smiles while Mai gave you vitamins, snacks, and comfort every time you were compared to Saebi.

She finds you in the far corner of the practice room staring off into space and she softly knocks to get your attention. Startled from the sound, you snapped out of it to find Mai staring through the window, mouthing if it was okay to come in. You nod and try getting yourself together, combed your hair with your fingers and rubbed your eyes lightly.

“Why are you all alone up here?” Mai asks, sitting next to you. You sat there, not knowing how to respond to the question. Yet it felt like Mai understood you even if you didn’t say anything. You guess it’s a blessing in disguise as she was the first one to approach you this time.

“Why’d you leave them?” Mai let out a short chuckle at your question as she shook her head, “No deflecting the question, Y/n. Why are you here alone?” You sighed, feeling tired all over again at the thought of the situation. “I needed to ‘think’ about everything because of the coaches this week,” you say with your face distraught, tucking your head into your knees. “About… you and Saebi?” You just stayed quiet, and the lack of response gave Mai the answer. “Y/n, they just wanna create drama and stress. You don’t actually believe you and Saebi are that similar… right?” She asks in a concerning tone, not a single hint of disdain.

“At first, I thought that was the case but it feels like everything I’ve said or shown, no matter how good it is, I’d just be compared to Saebi every single time. Don’t get me wrong, Saebi is great and it’s kind of a good thing that she’s now my ‘rival’ but it’s just messing with my head. They make me feel like I’m chasing the wrong dream for myself,” you express, tearing up as Mai rested her arm around your shoulders.

Your brain wasn’t even processing that you and Mai were getting closer or rather that she was even holding you. You just needed someone to listen and stay. “Y/n…”

Mai began but paused, “hm?” You asked and looked up at her. “Every person here brings something special to the table,” you nod and she continues, “Your special, one of the most talented people I know on this show. Just because the judges are creating this rivalry between you two, doesn’t mean its a bad thing. Saebi is Saebi, you are you. No one is able to exactly compare to you.”

Your eyes tear up at the statement, for the first time since you got into iland, someone was able to calm you down and alleviate your nerves. You let out a shaky breath, wiping the tears away as you give her a small smile. “You didn’t answer my question though,” you say as you straighten your posture. Mai looks over, eyes enticing you like always, “I couldn’t imagine having as much fun as them without you around.” Your heart was close to bursting out of your chest at the statement.

You already had many Mai + Y/n fans, but especially after this moment, you both just gained an entirely new fandom.

Clip #3 🎬

All the remaining girls were excited to the newest mission, the 1:1 position battle. You were currently in the room with team B and decided your positions together. After several challenges and showing your strengths, you decided to go for the main vocal position. The girls has agreed and as excited as you were, it became another rivalry with main dancers becoming main vocalist this mission as Sujung became the main vocal of Team A.

This mission didn’t put much stress on you, though. You were confident in your skills, and since the signal song test, there hasn’t been much stress put on you. As time passed after your interaction with Mai, the two of you seemingly got closer. Many fans noticed the several interactions and how close you’ve gotten to the point that your duo was trending on Twitter, and many edits began circulating tiktok.

When these videos started, it was due to the last episode when Mai got extremely happy with you staying in iland and gave you a small kiss on the cheek. You were seen blushing and smiling hard as you gave her a hug, and this clip went viral amongst the community.

Fans began calling you “star-crossed lovers’ because it seemed as though the two of you were never on the same teams on this mission. That didn’t seem to stop your bond though, no matter what mission it was, no matter what team you both were on, the two of you would take breaks and visit each other when you could. Everyone loved it and didn’t know how much better it was gonna get for them until today.

As confident as you were, the situation was riskier as you were sharing the main vocal position with Jiyoon. So not only was it a 1:1 battle, it was a 1:1:1:1 battle for you, Jiyoon, Sujung, and Gyuri. Leading up to the performances, the practices had been great for you. There were no mistakes, nothing stressful, and it was an exciting mission overall. Yet a strike of bad luck hit you like a truck. On performance day, you find yourself waking up feeling very sluggish and weak.

You were sick and had a fever.

Getting out of your room was a difficult task in itself, you practically dragged your body out to go and get ready with the makeup team. When sitting on the tall chairs, the artist applies makeup on your face as you drift in and out of sleep, taking little cat naps.

Mai, who was sitting right next to you, takes a glimpse at you, brows furrowing a little at the look of your paler complexion. “Y/n? Are you feeling okay?” You truthfully shake your head, “I’ll push through it, though.” Mai winces, listening to the rough and groggy voice you let out. “But your throat sounds and looks painful for you to even talk,” she stares as you massage your throat a bit. “I’ll rest after the mission,” you nod at her, face painted with pain.

You changed into a light blue top, and rehearsal began. Your hoarse voice was too noticeable, and many of the girls told you to rest instead. Jiyoon was even kind enough to give you candy that helps with sore throats, and Koko made a small cup of tea for you.

So when performance time came for team B, you could imagine how bad it went for you. Dancing caused slight dizziness now and then, which caused you to lose balance at times, and you were evidently in pain as you pushed through the performance. Mai watched with the rest of her team, her eyes looking very uneasy. The camera would cut to her, and every time it was right after showing you, her hands were clasped together tightly, almost wishing you were going to finish strong.

You couldn’t as the performance ended; you collapsed on one knee as the exhaustion weighed on you like a ton of bricks. Mai jolts up from her chair, wanting to run to you immediately, yet holding herself back. The result wasn’t shocking, but you lost hard in that mission and were sent to the grounder level.

The next time Mai sees you, you were slouched over, paler, and sweating as you walked in and Mai does her best to not hug you. As much as she wanted to, you likely needed space and just someone to support your body. The camera followed the two of you as she took your arm and supported you weight, leading you to the bedroom area and settled you into bed. She let you rest while running around getting medicine, water, and some snacks as she had to go back to filming with the other girls.

“I’ll come back as fast as I can and help you settle into bed Y/n, just change into your pajamas first,” Mai says out of breath as she laid your pajamas on the edge of your bed, nearing your arms. She gave you a quick hug and dashed out. You changed at such a slow pace and felt your body going sore as you finished and laid back down.

After eating the crackers Mai left, you took the medicine and were knocked out instantly. Your eyes flutter open as you feel a wet feeling on your forehead. You see a bare-faced Mai with a bowl of soup in her hands, stirring it as she blows the steam away. “Mai?”

Mai looks at you a bit startled, but smiles at your cute looking face. You were still in a daze from the medicine so you didn’t really mind the cameras being still on… not that you were even aware at the time. “Are you feeling any better now, sweetie?”

Not feeling sure if you just felt even worse at the moment, but you feel your body heat up at the pet name. “Uhm, yeah yeah, I’m feeling a bit better,” You stutter out and Mai nods as she stirs the warm bowl, “good good.”

She begins feeding you spoonfuls of the delicious soup, “how was the mission,” you asked. Mai gives you a sweet yet regretful smile, “it went okay, I won the one v. one.”

You do your best to sit up and give her the widest smile you possibly could in your current state. “Mai, that’s great! You can be happy for yourself,” you tell her softly, grabbing her hand with a small smile. “Your win makes me happy enough,” you said with much more sincerity as you made eye contact with her. She smiles wider, “I am pretty happy about it,” you giggle at her happy face, and she continues feeding you as you keep looking at her beautiful face.

It was a week before the finale, and the girls decided to have a final get-together in one of the bedrooms. Some of the remaining girls huddled up on the three beds as they shared snacks and sipped one drink as the room filled with sounds of laughter.

Mai, Jiyoon, Jeemin, Gyuri, and Yuju decided to heat up some warm snacks while the rest stayed back. You and Koko were giggling, and Jungeun gasped at the video on her phone. “Y/n unnie~,” she calls out and walks over to your bed. You and the other Japanese look at the younger girl, and she flips her phone to display it to the two of you. Once you see Mai’s face, you take a closer look and softly take her phone. Suddenly, you hear a squeal beside you, “Unnie~, an edit of you and Mai unnie?!” Koko asks, shaking you as she looks so giddy.

You just laughed and continued watching. It was a video comprised of all the hugs, small kisses, and sweet moments. Your face couldn’t hold back the blush when you saw the clips of the first episode, with you staring at Mai with lovey-dovey eyes. Koko and Jungeun slap your arm playfully, and the girls from the kitchen start pooling back into the room. Mai sees the interaction between the girls. “What’s going on?” Mai sets the food down on the side table and swiftly lays in your arms. You hold the phone down to her face and show the video.

Mai watches as IWALY plays as the songs edit, and she wiggles in your arms, hearing the addictive tune. Jeemin takes a peek at your phone and giggles, “Only if all your fans knew, they would probably be the happiest fanbase in the world. " You nod and laugh as Jiyoon looks at the three of you confused. “Knew what?” she asked, and Jeemin pointed at the two of you, “That the two of them have BEEN together all this time.”

Mai sits up a bit, staring up at you as she pouted. You gave a quick peck and squeezed her tighter, not being able to handle how cute she was. “Hold on, when did you guys even meet?” Gyuri asked, laying on the end of the bed as she kicked her feet like a child asking their parents for their first interaction.

“It was two years ago at a modeling gig here. We worked together for three days and started hanging out of work, and we found out we were both trainees. A year later, I asked her out, and here we are,” you summed it up as Mai squeezed your hand and kissed the back of it. “You can say the rest is history,” Mai giggles as you pat her head, and the girls tease their unnies for the rest of the night.

Note: Yall this fic was literally beating my ass... my BraIN AiNT FunCtiONiNg prOPerLy.

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