#█ ▌ ♕ genre: ❜ angst ❜

[wongyuseokie]

Theories & Heartstrings | k.m.g (series masterpost)

p.s please read this entire post mainly because it's long but important. ☆ 18+ minors dni |☀︎fluff | ☁︎ angst | ♕smut | ♥ completed works Summary: As a writer with a mildly cynical take on love, you’ve always believed people have a “type”—a pattern they never stray from when it comes to dating. And Kim Mingyu? He’s the textbook definition of someone who wouldn’t go for someone like you, nor would you go for him. But you test your theory when a fateful run-in with your charming neighbour sparks an unexpected attraction.

The plan? Go on dates with him and count how many it takes before your heart gets involved—if it ever does. But Mingyu is unpredictable, effortlessly breaking down your carefully constructed walls with every smile, every late-night conversation, every moment that feels too easy to be just an experiment.

The real problem? Secrets never stay secrets for long. And when Mingyu finds out the truth behind your so-called theory, will it prove you right, or that love doesn’t follow the rules you thought it did?

Total Series Word Count: 69,093

Pairings: Neighbor! Mingyu x Journalist! Female Reader

Genre/Trope(s)/AU(s): Neighbours AU! Fake Dating AU! (but only one is fake dating. It’ll make sense when you read it, lol). Non-Idol AU!

Content Warnings: Strong language, sexual content, injuries (nothing serious, yn is clumsy, and so is Mingyu). Alcohol consumption (a lot of it). Unrequited love (not from Mingyu). Screaming, shouting, some very unnecessary insults and bitchy moments featuring the rest of Seventeen. Best friend Joshua and fellow roommate Wonwoo, and sometimes is a little shit at times, but it's just fiction. Most of Seventeen features here, too, but only a few are particularly snippy with YN, but it’s warranted. 

Chapter 1: Love at First Collision WC: 18,732 Chapter 2: Cuddles and Chaos WC: 16,477 Chapter 3: Fucked Up, Still Falling WC: 15,457 Release date: May 15th 2025 Chapter 4: Speaking First and Thinking Much Later WC: 10,645 Chapter 5 & Epilogue: Forever Bonsai'ed WC: 7782

Smut Warnings: there will be plenty of smut, and the specific warnings will be given per chapter <3

Author's Note 1: if you wish to be tagged lmk <3

Author's Note 2: If you haven't seen this post, this fic will be my last fic. Now, who knows if I'll come back one day and be like, nvm, here's a fic, but for now, this is my goodbye present to you all. So I hope you enjoy!! 💕

[tobiotetsu]

the beast’s beauty

fushiguro toji x f!reader

description: because of your father's mistake, the infamous toji zenin forced you into imprisonment in order to pay his debt. however, what you never expected was to fall in love with the monster he was.

genre: angst, historical au, 18+, mini series

warnings/tags: explicit smut(vaginal penetration, unprotected sex, ) violence, mentions of stockholm syndrome & misogyny, blackmail, character injury, blood, profanity, mdni, grammar mistakes

a/n: to welcome our fav dilf to the jjk screen, here's a little beauty and the best retelling for toji:) reblogs are truly appreciated <3 (taglist: open) (wc:1k)

general masterlist

part one ♕ part two ♕ part three ♕ part four ♕ part five

You never enjoyed the company your father kept. Drunks, assassins, mobsters, gamblers. You would always find yourself pulling him out of taverns in the early hours of 2 to 4 am. Usually, fear would course through women’s veins if they had to enter an establishment of this kind however, that wasn't your case. You were predisposed to bars, and whore houses since you were 10.

Now here, age 22 as you make your way through the liveliest bar in town. The air stank of beer and fresh cigarettes; a smell that you've grown more than used to. Your upbringing was merited to being the only daughter of a single father. Your mother died in childbirth and your father never chose to remarry. When you were younger you thought of it as romantic, but as time went on you saw it for what it really was.

He gained a free pass to hoard whores. Your house doors welcomed a new woman every week. The most motherly advice you gained was how to seduce a man and how to keep your tits perky.

The bar was more full than it usually was. Sweaty bodies stood, all facing the same direction. A poker game was at play. By the looks of the chips stacked in the center, it looked rather intense. Your feet began to move faster as a small anxious feeling nipped at your stomach. Shoving arms and legs, you squeeze into the front of the table.

Two men were sitting at opposite ends of the table. The left side of the table was far more crowded than the right. Women were draped over the man who was seated. A hand covered the majority of his face so all that was in view were his eyes. Dark green eyes shined brightly, even though the mess of dark hair was in front of it.

‘He looked focused’ you thought. He stared ahead, not giving any attention to the women around him. You could see why they were all interested in him. Physically, he was very attractive. His legs were spread out under the table, arms crossed and sat straight. His shirt fit on his body like a glove. His shoulders, chest, and even the muscles on his torso were visible through the cloth.

Before you could notice anything a familiar voice caught your attention. At the other end of the table, you see a familiar ratted navy coat. With a far lonelier crowd, your father was squinting at the four cards in his palm.

“All in” he shouted as he pushed all his chips closer to the dark-haired man.

“Dad!” you jumped to him, clasping your hand on his wrist. As you opened your mouth to protest, a deep voice intercepted.

“Sorry, cap.” was all the man said as he displayed his cards. The faces and noise around you felt dull. Muffled voices and blurry vision were all you had as you watched your father’s cards get trumped by a royal flush.

“How much money did you bet, Dad?” The urgency in your voice was a cover for the panic. He had no money. Whatever money he did earn at his sales job was put towards the tavern and prostitutes. Whatever was left was the sum you had earned at the library.

“Sweet pea, I-I messed up,” there was a shake in your father's voice. One that you had never heard before. “It wasn’t money. Gu- I need to get”

You couldn't understand the slurred speech your father spewed.

“Gu? What are you saying, Dad?” you held your father steady near the back entrance of the building.

“Guns” your body jumped at the sound of another voice joining your conversation. You spun around to be faced with familiar eyes. They look much darker at night. The only thing illuminating the scene was a candle hanging beside the door in between you two.

“He didn’t bet money. Your father owes me guns.”

Your eyebrows pinched together in confusion.

He must be confused with someone else.

In an effort to clear your father's name you turn to him for reassurance, but all you are met with is disappointment.

“Mmm sorry. I sold the guns and I didn’t have anything else to give” Your father's voice fell flat.

“Dad, What are you talking about? Why do you have guns? What are you in?” your hands grasp his arms and shake his drunk body hoping to shake the truth out of him.”

“Your father works for my business. And he fucked up and sold my guns for bitch money.” the man said. His head tilted to the right, allowing for his face to be seen. The first thing you saw was a scar that ran through the right corner of his mouth. He was taller than you assumed he was. As he inched towards you his size grew.

“What do you want?” your voice dripped in fear.

“Well, your father here, he bet me something to act as a placeholder, till I get my guns.” he fished in his pockets as he spoke those chilling words. He retrieved a small syringe from his pocket.

Your worried eyes turned to your father but before you could protest, rough hands brushed your lips, pressing your mouth shut. You felt your skin break as a cool needle was stuck in your neck. Tears welled up in your eyes as your fear was confirmed.

You felt your own body turning into mush, your muscles stopped protesting the man's actions and started to skin into him. Your back hit his chest and your head rolled onto his shoulder. With what little power you had you flailed your limbs, but all of your efforts were met with failure.

You couldn't hear anymore, couldn't distinguish voices. Couldn't yell and scream at your father for pimping you like a whore to a beast. You didn't know whose voice it was but you were hoping their word was true, as those were the last words that you heard before you blacked out.

“I'll take care of you, I promise.”

[ jjk gen taglist: @meepmoop12w @thepsychicartist ]

[jmvore]

wild thought(s) m.list | pjm.

› Synopsis » Jimin used to write his thoughts and wishes down in a blog he kept online for people to read. That is until he met you and eventually he stopped because all the fantasizing in the world never amounted to the real thing.

» Legend › Smut [🔞] | Fluff [☀] | Angst [ ☁ ] | Completed [✓] | Writing [✍] follow the tag for updates! #wildthoughts!jm

› RATING » 18+/Explicit › UPDATED » coming soon › GENRE » angst, smut, fluff. › AU » diary, established relationship › CHAPTER(S) » three › PAIRING(S) » Jimin x f!Reader (ft. other members) › STATUS » INCOMPLETE › PERMANENT TAG WARNING(S) » sub!jimin, domme!female reader, bi!jimin, pan!reader, kink shaming (by Jimin's past lover(s) not reader), Jimin is a soft boy, other warnings will be given on each chapter.  › A/N » this was a series I had on my http-pjm account. I decided to bring it back because I wanted this to be a interactive series. meaning: you can send request for this! I already have three chapters I need to upload and some other ones that's been in the works but feel free to send something in for this!

request here ↠ please check this list of thing(s) that are off-limits. all I ask is that you respect my decision for not writing these things. ↠ hard NO list

──── · · · Chapter(s) ♡

01 › window shopping ↺ you & jimin have s*x in front of your kitchen window. 02 › restaurant fun ↺ you have some fun in a restaurant. 03 › picnic date ↺ outdoor s*x 04 › cater to you ↺ you notice jimin's been stressed, you want to help him | request 05 › friend with benefits ↺ you invite a friend into your bed.

──── · · · Drabble(s) ♡

01 › yours and Jimin fav activities together | request 02 › jimin gets jumped on the way home from the market | request 03 › stressed out Jimin after injuries

──── · · ·  Blurb(s) ♡

♕ | blurb one | R: ☀ ╰› SYNOPSIS » the one where Jimin is sassy to an intern. ♕ | blurb two | R: ☀ ╰› SYNOPSIS » the one where it’s Jimin’s first time at the office ♕ | blurb three | R: ☀ ╰› SYNOPSIS » the one where Jimin dyes his hair and he's excited to show you. ♕ | blurb four | R: ☀🔞 ╰› SYNOPSIS » the one where you give Jimin a blowjob in your office.

© 2021 - 2023 › jmvore || All Rights Reserved. 🐰 DO NOT Copy, Translate, Re-Upload, or Steal ANY of my work. Thank You!

[sourbinnie]

♕ cicuta.mp3 ♕

-> genre : non!idol au | angst | smut | fluff | all of it one bowl

-> pair : ot8!skz x fem!reader

-> warnings : this teaser contains mentions of smoking, swearing and cheating (mentioned).

-> plot : so how did you end up surrounded by the biggest rappers from the underground seoul scene? your brother was making it big (even if your parents didn't believe that was a real job) and you decided to join him at one of the finals to see him. let's say that's where it all went downhill…

-> appeareances from other idols, stay tuned!

a/n -> dude first fanfic ever in kpop world. i'm gonna try to update it whenever i can but i feel like i'm gonna be writing often since i'm putting my heart and soul on this one, might be a bit weird, a lil too explicit at times and a lil messed up but it's my baby.

✘ intros ✘

♕ bangchan ♕

chan got into freestyle and battles when he was 14. he always found it his safe space to go to the park with friends and engage in it. now many years later he still is fond of competitions and likes to participate whenever a global event takes place, he easily became a pro and one of the most known rappers in the scene. he knows he changed, knows that his face tats and his sleeves aren't really who he was when he started. but he likes the new him, likes how it makes him feel and what it shows. 

✘ 1997

✘ sydney

✘ 7 wins (2 international)

♕ k-now ♕

minho didn't know how he fell in love with the scene, he just did. he wasn't that much into rap but after seeing so many battles, he started composing his lyrics and his need to be in competitions grew. at first he stumbled, he got made fun of but that only made him want to participate more. with time he got better and eventually as the man he stood today, he had 4 official wins in korea. his next goal was to make it through the international wave and he was so ready.

✘ 1998

✘ gimpo

✘ 4 wins

♕ changbin ♕

changbin is probably the biggest name you could hear. he grew from the underground scene all the way to the top, being the korean artist with the most international wins. he didn't think much of it though, he was a down to earth man who just enjoyed rapping and if he happened to win, he just accepted it. the public would be surprised if he didn't win but he would just accept it. he didn't crave the tournaments, it was the other way around. everyone just wanted to have a piece of him but he ain't offering. 

✘ 1999

✘ yongin

✘ 9 wins (4 international)

♕ hyun ♕

hyunjin just started his career. he used to be a watcher, a little kid watching his favorites fight it out and he knew he wanted to become a part of the scene and not stay in the crowd. now full of piercings, a bunch of tats and addiction to nicotine later, he was ready. he showed skill, he was promising was what the crowd thought and what he knew himself. he didn't have an ego problem (yes he did) but he knew he was good and would continue to smash it if they gave him a chance.

✘ 2000

✘ seoul

✘ 2 wins

♕ han ♕

jisung knew he was born with the gift of freestyle. not only was he a fan of rap and hip-hop but he would compose so many bars at such a young age, even his friends from school would ask him to rap for them. so it was obvious that when such a young boy joined the scene, only to kill it in every verse that it would cause such a huge impact. he didn't think that when he flew to new york, he would win his first international competition against bangchan. yet that was the best moment of his life and he did not regret a single bit.

✘ 2000

✘ incheon

✘ 6 wins (1 international)

♕ b.o.k ♕

felix was just starting to grow, his deep voice and calm aura were key to it. when he first arrived and saw what was happening on the parks, the way the crowd would act up with whoever was rapping, yeah needed to do that as well. he concentrated when the time would arrive and then would kill it slowly on the mic but it still wasn't enough to earn him wins. he needed to be more brutal, more threatening, have more courage, he had it in him at the end of the day. he needed to stop being afraid of fucking it up first though.

✘ 2000

✘ sydney

✘ 2 wins

♕ min ♕

seungmin wasn't caught up in the rap scene at first. he was always the one who would put the vocals in their tracks, doing the chorus now and again but he got tired of it. he knew he had the lyrics to make it work so why not give it a try? needless to say that his fans absolutely loved the change. he was really well known already but as soon as he started the competitions, there was a shift to how he would act. let's stay he wasn't that friendly anymore but the fans ate up that image so? who cares what anyone else thinks?

✘ 2000

✘ seoul

✘ 3 wins

♕ i.n ♕

jeongin learned what he knew from changbin. he looked up to him in a way he couldn't explain and his hyung taught him everything he needed to know. of course this brought a lot of bars against him in competitions but he would respond in such an effective way that no one dared to fight back. he wasn't covered in tattoos like changbin or had an intimidating voice like felix, but boy did he rap fast. he's got the flow, he's got the skills, he just needs the wins now and as the scene gets tighter, he knew he had to make it out.

✘ 2001

✘ busan

✘ 2 wins

✘ teaser ✘

"so you're mingi's sister?" bangchan asked or at least that's what i thought his name was. can you blame me? i'm not familiar and this is my first time here. i couldn't say though that i wasn't intrigued and a bit intimidated because he had a weird aura about him (or it's probably the face tattoos).

"yeah, it's the first time i'm seeing him compete." i said as i looked around because i thought he was right behind me but i lost track of him. i sighed as he probably got distracted with the first thing he saw or the first person he came across. "i don't know much about rap competitions though but i heard my brother and he's pretty good."

"oh yeah he's incredible. he was in the same group as wooyoung and hongjoong, they killed it in the scene back in the day. wow i'm sounding old as fuck." he said as he crossed his arms and i got a peek at the different designs that were covering him. "oh i'm chan by the way, kind obvious since that's almost my stage name but yeah whatever."

"i'm (y/n), nice to meet you." i said with a smile and he smiled back, damn dimples okay. not like i had a thing for dimples and tats at all, nope. it was easy to lie to myself but i needed to pull myself together, this was my brother's friend at the end of the day. 

"already flirting with someone? you've got a girlfriend christopher." another guy said as he approached us, oh my god more tattoos kill me now. but now i knew that chan was off limits and i would stick to being good, not gonna get involved in a cheating scandal, that's not me!

"shut the fuck up! this is mingi's sister dumbass." chan said and the other dude made the most shocked expression. okay so mingi did not talk about me at all which was good and bad, good because i did not like to be mentioned around but also if i knew it was full of guys like these, i would've liked them to know my existence. then again it wouldn't have been good because i would constantly be thrown around in verses.

"oh shit, hi i'm changbin. you probably heard of me because i'm wooyoung's best friend and he's very close to mingi." he said and of fucking course, how did i not recognize him? dude is practically one of the best rappers in korea. the fact that i was standing by two people that were masters of not only this scene but of music was huge to me and the fact that they were nice just made it better. 

"hi, yeah wooyoung is at my house a lot. please come pick him up, he practically lives there." i said, rolling my eyes, which caused them to laugh and god what a beautiful sound. no, boundaries (y/n) please, stay true to yourself and don't fall for the man with tats again. 

"(y/n) what are you doing with these old men? oh wait never mind, i'm older than bin by two days." he said as he got close to you and greeted chan and changbin with a smile. "i didn't expect you two here and it seems like you met my sister." 

"well changbin obviously came by to support jeongin since you're competing with him today. i have no idea what i'm doing here man, i practically live here." chan said, lighting up a cigarette which i found kinda odd since we were backstage and not outside but i was guessing no one really cared about that shit here.

"dude is a freestyle ancient, he has to be in all competitions." changbin said which earned him a punch in the shoulder from chan and a laugh from mingi and myself. "but yeah i gotta support my boy but i wish you the best as well."

"thank you man, really appreciate it." mingi said and looked at me, giving me a little smile which i gave him back as i hugged him. "gotta go on stage, don't drift too far away and fucking pray that i win."

"duh dumbass, that's why i came here!" i said smiling and giving him a pat on the back as he went out, all the lights focusing on him and the so-called jeongin or i.n. also there were the judges who were mostly composed from ex freestylers, rappers and previous winners. 

"let's get this show started." changbin said and chan just nodded as he looked at the screen but then he looked back. 

he gave me a wink and of fucking course i blushed. yeah this wasn't going to end well for me wasn't it?

[star1117-archives]

𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 / 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 - 𝐉. 𝐘𝐇

Part of the Mental health comforts series

♕ pairing: jung yunho x gn!reader

♕ genre: angst + hurt/comfort (?)

♕ w/c: 524

♕ cw + tw: anxiety / panic attack (unspecified), intimacy, breathing problems, crying, breathing exercises

♕ a/n: yet again this is a very!! triggering!! topic!! so please dni if it may harm you in any way, shape or form.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄 + 𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 ♡ -𝟏𝟔’𝐬 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈

YUNHO RUSHED FROM THE SOFA WHEN YOU STRUGGLED TO CALL HIS NAME, TONE CLEARLY DISTRESSED AS HE THREW THE DOOR TO YOUR ROOM OPEN.

You were under the covers, chest heaving as you struggled to breathe from crying so hard. He quickly pulled back the sheet, sitting down and scooping you into a hug, wiping your tears despite the futility of the action. When he noticed how bloodshot your eyes were, a wave of guilt washed over the male, wondering just how long you’d been crying for. However, that wasn’t important at the moment, he needed to calm you down.

He placed his hand firmly on your back, grounding you as he tucked you underneath his head, giving your forehead a kiss before resting his chin on you. Snaking his hand between the two of you, Yunho found yours and interlocked your fingers, drawing circles on your palm. His voice was level and understanding as ever, tone soft as he spoke quietly.

“Hey, hey. I’m here, you’re fine. C’mon Y/N, deep breaths. Just like we practiced, in and out.���

You shook your head quickly against him, breathing so laboured that it was painful. You were breathing, yet no matter how hard you breathed it was if your lungs weren’t responding. It was as if someone had you by the throat, choking the air and the life out of you. Rasping, your fists began to ball up his shirt, desperately trying to cling to Yunho. He cupped your cheek with watery eyes of his own, but the sight wasn’t visible through your tears as he spoke with a shake, urgency in his voice.

“Y-Y/N baby, c’mon. It’ll be okay, h-hm? Let’s do our b-breaths.”

He began to breathe in and out, taking air through his nose and expelling it from his mouth. You tried to follow suit, mimicking the action at a significantly faster rate. Carefully pushing your hair out of your eyes, Yunho continued his actions with you tirelessly, pausing every few seconds to praise you. The two of you stayed like this for the better part of an hour, slowly working you down to a normal breathing pace. When you finally reached it, your body was still shaking slightly, but the tears had nearly stopped. Yunho pressed a kiss to your cheekbone, enveloping you in a hug as he murmured into your ear.

“You did so well, baby.”

Sniffling, you pressed a grateful, shaky kiss to his cheek, finally able to hug him back. Your throat was dry, and your voice cracked as you spoke.

“T…hank yo..u.”

Yunho nodded, placing his hand on your stomach and rubbing it in small circles, just how you liked it.

“Just call me before it gets so bad, hm? I’ll always help you Y/N, no matter how stupid you think it is.”

This time you didn’t answer him, instead opting to lean into him and close your eyes. Biting his lip, Yunho kept on speaking, filling the silence just like you always wanted him to.

“Your feelings are valid, and any reaction to your feelings is valid too. There’s no reason to beat yourself up over it.”

♕ SFW Taglist !! ♕

@violetwinters @m4rsluv @multidreams-and-desires @jaeyunnies @like-a-butterfly1026 @jwnghyuns @soft-teddybear @galaxybam2 @a1sh1teruu @softkpopplace @plutoneu @hijirikaww @deja-vux @xuxibelle @waezennie @a-soft-hornytiny @lynnsqueendom @anowamij @xye-weirdo @owjohny @csngf @leo-seonghwa

Apply for the taglists here -> ♕

[bae-del-moon]

From the Heavens || Sangyeon

SERIES MASTERLIST

Paring: Sangyeon x F!Reader

Word Count: 39.7k

Rated: M (for Suggestive and Violent themes) 

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Angst, Supernatural, Strangers to Enemies to Lovers, Star-Crossed Lovers, Royalty AU 

Summary: The sun has set. The moon has risen. The night has end, and another day has begun. Happy birthday to you. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it does. It’s time for you and the only other Gifted in the world to partake in the crowning ritual. Only one with the gift of summoning may rule. So who’s it going to be? You? Or the Lee Heir who might have stolen your heart?

a/n Almost two years later after I started writing this, but it’s finally here. E- your 23rd birthday fic almost 2 years late. I hope you enjoy it!  

Trigger Warnings available in actual chapter descriptions! 

♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕

C1 

> If the throne was so certainly to be yours, what harm could come from exploring the castle a bit? 

C2 

> You had to be the biggest idiot around to do as he wanted. But perhaps you could find an advantage to this.

C3

> What’s this? At last, an outing with the man you’re going to marry. 

C4 

> You had felt like you were walking on clouds, living in idyllic bliss while your conscious remained in the glasshouse miles away. But, things made of glass are easy to break. Handle with care: Fragile. 

C5

> A sharp sword & a training dummy are great for venting. And yet, they aren’t enough. 

C6

> Under a sky that doesn’t change, and a forest that doesn’t want to set you free, the trial you’ve been waiting for your entire life is finally here. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but was it always meant to be this hard? 

C7

> Bells are ringing. The earth is shaking. The crown has been taken. THE END

[piercethelenn]

❝♕Stalemate!❞

ㅤㅤJake Sim

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤSocial media AU

ㅤ

♔Pairing: Chess players! Jake and F!Reader.

♖Synopsis:

Stalemate, also known as the last resort for the losing player in a chess match; if performed correctly, can lead the game to end in a draw instead of succumbing to your opponent. This was the most valuable lesson Jake had learned from his girlfriend, Y/N, and never in his life had he imagined how her words could take a totally different meaning.

♕Genre: Lovers to enemies to lovers. College! au, lot's of fluff, heavy angst in the middle, tried humor but as usual I can't promise you'll laugh</3

♗Warnings: Lots of swearing and friendly teasing, mentions of cheating and manipulation. Slightly suggestive content. Yoon Jeonghan (yes, he deserves his own warning)

♕Featuring: Enhypen members, Kim Sejeong (soloist), Sumin, Isa, Seeun (Stayc), Jeonghan (Seventeen)

♘Status: Discontinued

♙Schedule: Irregular updates until I'm done with exams</3

ㅤ

ㅤ Profiles 1 | Profiles 2

You were adopted from the zoo.

Freak on a leash.

Wrong smau, donkey.

ㅤ

♔Disclaimer:

I do not own any of the pictures used.

This is obviously a work of fiction, all the ships present are merely for plot purposes.

English is not my first language.

I would greatly appreciate any kind of feedback🥺

♕A/N: Third smau, yup. I am yet again showing how nerd and lonely I am by creating a whole story revolving around my favorite sport (yes, sport👍). Hoping to show under the tags bc I'm genuinely tired of getting cockblocked by tumblr. Also, the banner was such a pain to make, not recommended.

ㅤ°• Thank you for the interest!

[frogtanii]

♕ STARRY NIGHTS

a shinsou hitoshi x gender!neutral reader smau

love can be a fickle, complicated, confusing thing. when shinsou decides to give it a shot by using a matchmaking service, he’s afraid that everything that can go wrong, will. even as he makes even bigger changes to himself and his life, he’s determined to find his one—here’s to hoping that’s you.

genre. tattoo artist!au, college!au, matchmaker!au, quirkless!au, angsty angst, crack, (my attempts at) humor, fluff fluff, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-ish, erm

warnings. angst angst, drinking, cursing, deku, katsuki being katsuki, suggestive themes / language, slow burn (??), (will be added on to!!)

taglist. closed !

status. ongoing !

00. profiles !

01. no regrets

02. *pees suspiciously*

03. dramatic ass mfs

04. tat journey, start!

05. shidded on em

06. sooo drujk ;)

…

SERIES TAG !

# ♕ starry nights

[onsunnyside]

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘀 & 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 ➺ 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨

Categories: MCU - AU

╭ Read the warnings. Some are dark/have dark elements, contain A/B/O, contain explicit sexual content etc. Your media consumption is your responsibility. ╯

✎ = New fics added! - #Galore Update

✧˖*°࿐

MCU: one shots, series, headcanons, drabbles, blurbs

Fluff ✎ (MCU/AU, soft!steve, meet cute, crushes, established relationship...)

Smut [I] [II] ✎ (MCU/AU, PWP...)

Angst ✎ (MCU/AU, cheating/infidelity, major character death, break ups...)

Avenger/Enhanced/Inhuman!Reader ✎

Pre-Serum!Steve, 1930s & 1940s ✎

Doctor/Scientist!Reader & Stark!Reader ✎

Fake Relationship, Secret Relationship & Accidental Marriage ✎

Neighbours & Roommates (MCU/AU)

✧˖*°࿐

... to Lovers (friends, enemies, ex's)

Age Gap & Dad!Steve ✎ (MCU/AU, single dad, dad's best friend, best friend's dad, mom's boyfriend, stepdad, dilf...)

Steve Rogers x Reader x Bucky Barnes & Stucky x Reader ✎

Dark Fics [I] [II] ✎ (dark!steve, dark!reader)

Series [I] [II] ✎ (MCU/AU, 2+ parts, all genres)

Misc. [gems♕] ✎ (ft. greaser, librarian, personal trainer, lumberjack, movie aus, priest, mechanic, rockstar au...)

✧˖*°࿐

AU/Alternative Universe: one shots, series, headcanons, drabbles, blurbs

A/B/O

Biker AU & Mob/Mafia AU ✎

Boxer AU/Doctor AU

CEO AU & Sugar Daddy AU

Flower Shop AU & Coffee Shop AU

Fratboy AU & College AU, High School AU & Professor/Teacher!Steve ✎

Royal AU

Soulmate AU

Tattooed!Steve/Tattoo Artist!Steve ✎

[wongyuseokie]

Theories & Heartstrings | k.m.g

Chapter 1: Love at First Collision

Summary: As a writer with a mildly cynical take on love, you’ve always believed people have a “type”—a pattern they never stray from when it comes to dating. And Kim Mingyu? He’s the textbook definition of someone who wouldn’t go for someone like you, nor would you go for him. But you test your theory when a fateful run-in with your charming neighbour sparks an unexpected attraction.

The plan? Go on dates with him and count how many it takes before your heart gets involved—if it ever does. But Mingyu is unpredictable, effortlessly breaking down your carefully constructed walls with every smile, every late-night conversation, every moment that feels too easy to be just an experiment.

The real problem? Secrets never stay secrets for long. And when Mingyu finds out the truth behind your so-called theory, will it prove you right, or that love doesn’t follow the rules you thought it did?

☆ 18+ minors dni |☀︎fluff | ☁︎ angst | ♕smut

Word Count: 18,732 words im sorry i couldnt stop yapping

Pairings: Neighbor! Mingyu x Journalist! Female Reader

Genre/Trope(s)/AU(s): Neighbours AU! Fake Dating AU! (but only one is fake dating. It’ll make sense when you read it, lol). Non-Idol AU!. 

Content Warnings:  mentions of blood (nothing graphic), wonwoo is also yn's housemate, but they have a mildly flirty relationship. joshua cares too much about plants. strong language and mentions of food and alcohol. Y/N is pretty confused, quite lost in general about her feelings, and very much in denial. quite a bit of arguing, no one here is good with their emotions. Y/N will be very annoying here. I apologise, but the girl has trust issues. they go back and forth, I’m very sorry. she’s feeling insecure, but nothing too intense (she got sad because of alcohol). Smut Warnings: protected sex (sadly this happens once in the first chapter, and that’s it lol), oral (m & f receiving) big dick! Mingyu, because duh! Sex toy usage (using it on y/n and it’s a vibrator, it’s red if that helps?), multiple orgasms, overstimulation. Lots of spicy moments with a ton of teasing. Shower sex. Author's Note 1: I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the lovely people who helped beta this monster of a story. thank you @lovetaroandtaemin @nebulousbrainsoup @strxwberry-skiess for your patience time and love thank you guys so much!! Author's Note 2: welp here it is guys my last fic, ever, but good news, this is only chapter 1! Series Masterlist

“I am not picking up your tree, Joshua.” You held the phone to your ear, exasperated, as your best friend whined like a child on the other end.

“Y/N, please. First of all, she’s a plant, not a tree! Second, that plant is my baby. She can keep everything else in the breakup, but she’s not getting Lydia!”

You blinked. “You named a tree?”

“She’s a bonsai,” Joshua sniffled, voice wobbling with heartbreak. “And my bitch of an ex left her out on the front step to die. Lydia’s gonna freeze, Y/N.”

You sighed. “You’ve really lost it.”

“Nope. I gave her a human name on purpose. So now you feel guilty abandoning her.”

You groaned. “You’re emotionally manipulating me with a bonsai.”

Joshua smirked through the phone. “And it’s working, isn’t it?”

“Fine,” you grumbled. “But I swear to God, if I have to hear about Julie one more time—”

“Nope! Just Lydia,” he said quickly. “Please rescue my plant baby. I love you, bye!”

The call ended before you could protest again. You let out another sigh, tossed your phone on the desk, and returned to your open document.

Writing had always been your dream—getting to pour your thoughts into something tangible, something that made people feel. You’d started at your company writing fluffy lifestyle pieces—“Make Your Apartment Your Sanctuary,” and “7 Houseplants That Won’t Die Instantly”—but lately, you'd taken control.

Now you led the Lifestyle and Well-Being column, tackling everything from relationship advice to self-love, and yes, even that viral review on the best adult toys on the market. The one that made your editor blush and your DMs explode.

You smiled faintly at the memory. You were making people feel seen—and that meant something.

“Done for the day?” Your boss asked, pausing by your desk.

“Yeah, you need me to stay late?”

“Nope. Just wanted to say—your latest article? Stellar.”

You beamed. “Thanks.” With a wave goodbye, you packed up and headed out—ready to play plant savior.

“Damn, she is cold,” you muttered, spotting the sad-looking bonsai on Julie’s icy doorstep. You scooped Lydia up like a wounded pet and drove her straight back to your apartment.

~~

“Shua?” you called as you stepped inside.

“Lydia!” he gasped dramatically, leaping from the couch. 

You blinked. “You greeted the plant before me?”

“And?” he said, completely unapologetic.

“I rescued it for you!”

“Can I water my girl first and hug you after?” he asked sweetly.

You laughed, tossing your bag onto the sofa. “Fine.” Ten minutes later, Joshua returned from the kitchen, Lydia perched happily on the windowsill and a bottle of wine in hand.

“She’s adjusting well to her new home,” he declared, pouring you both glasses. “And hydrated.”

“How nice,” you deadpanned. “Jealous of a plant now.”

“Oh, don’t pout. I’d hydrate you too, but unlike Lydia, the last time I sprayed you with the hose, you got mad.”

You snorted. “Why the hell is her name Lydia anyway?”

“She looked like one.”

You raised a brow. “Okay, then what do I look like?”

Joshua smirked. “Horny.”

You glared. “I will drown your bonsai in wine.”

He grinned. “C’mon, your last article must’ve left you a little pent up.”

“Shut up,” you said, throwing back your drink.

By the time the wine bottle was empty, you were curled into Joshua’s side on the couch, the warmth of alcohol and his comfort loosening your guard.

“Seriously though,” you murmured. “Why’d she dump you?”

He gave a bitter chuckle. “Said I was too nice.”

You blinked slowly. “Wait? How is that an issue?”

He smiled. “You’re drunk.”

“You always do that,” you muttered, suddenly pulling away.

“Do what?”

“Assume I’m just a drunken mess.”

“Well, right now you kind of are. And... you’re really close.”

You recoiled further. “Right. Wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Come on, I didn’t mean it like that,” he groaned.

You didn’t answer. You just grabbed your phone instead.

Joshua sighed. “Okay, I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”

You poured yourself another glass—your third—just in time for Wonwoo, your other housemate, to walk through the door.

You were sprawled on the couch, one leg dangling over the edge, a half-empty wine glass resting when Wonwoo walked in, looking devastatingly handsome in his work attire.

He was wearing a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his toned forearms, and a pair of perfectly tailored black trousers. His tie was slightly loosened, and his hair was slightly tousled like he’d run his fingers through it a few too many times. You couldn’t help but stare, your wine-hazed mind fixating on how effortlessly attractive he looked.

“Wow,” you murmured, not realising you’d said it out loud until Wonwoo’s eyes flickered over to you, a small, amused smile appearing on his lips.

“Did you just... wow me?” he asked, shutting the door behind him and shrugging off his coat.

You didn’t even have the decency to feel embarrassed. Instead, you just giggled and nodded, lifting your wine glass in a mock toast. “You look outstanding, Woo. Like, unfairly good.”

He arched a brow, walking into the living room and leaning against the arm of the couch, towering over you. “Have you been drinking alone?”

You waved your hand dismissively. “I started with Joshua, and then he got all snippy. But thankfully, you’re here now looking like a model from a GQ spread. Seriously, do you just walk around looking like that?”

Wonwoo chuckled, the sound low and almost too attractive for your mildly intoxicated state. “It’s called having a job, Y/N. You should try it sometime.”

You scoffed, pretending to be offended. “I have a job! I just... don’t have to wear a suit for it. Or look that good doing it.”

He gave you one of those half-smiles that made your heart thump. “You look pretty good right now. Maybe it’s just the wine talking.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, poking his arm lightly. “Are you flirting with me? Or just being nice because I’m a little tipsy?”

He glanced at your wine glass, then at you, eyes softening. “A little of both, maybe.”

That made you giggle again, and you scooted over, patting the empty spot next to you. “Sit. You’ve been working all day. You deserve to relax.”

Wonwoo hesitated, but eventually lowered himself onto the couch, his shoulder brushing yours as he leaned back. You could smell his cologne now, something warm and woodsy that made your stomach do a little flip.

“So,” he said gently, “what’s with the sad eyes? It’s Friday.”

“Joshua’s pissed at me, I think.”

Wonwoo nodded. “He’s not the best with drunk people.”

You pouted. “So you think I’m drunk too.”

“I think you’re not sober,” he teased, pulling you easily into his lap.

“You’re really pretty, you know,” you mumbled.

Wonwoo glanced at you, one brow raised, clearly fighting a smile. “You’re definitely drunk.”

“Am not,” you argued, sticking your tongue out. “I’m just being honest. You don’t get to be this attractive and not know it.”

He finally gave in to a full smile, one that made your heart flutter. “You really don’t hold back when you’re tipsy, do you?”

You shrugged, taking another sip. “Life’s too short to hold back. And you’re too pretty to not be told so.”

Wonwoo shook his head, but there was a fondness in his gaze that made you feel oddly comfortable. You let the silence fall between you, not awkward, just... nice.

He glanced down at your empty glass and gently took it from your hand, setting it on the coffee table. “Maybe that’s enough for tonight.”

You pouted but didn’t argue. Instead, you leaned against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body seep into yours. “You’re really comfy too,” you mumbled.

He chuckled softly, his hand coming up to rest on your shoulder, almost as if it was second nature. “You’re a lot clingier when you’ve had a few drinks.”

You hummed in agreement, not really caring to defend yourself. “It’s because you’re nice to cling to.”

You smiled. “So you’re back home early on a Friday night, what happened, no hot date?”

“Nah, my job and its demands make it difficult to date, what about you? You wrote a very spicy article, did that not get you at least a few contenders to try out the toys in your article?”

You sighed. “ Shut up, and plus, I crave intimacy, not just a one-night stand.”

He paused. “Interesting.”

“Shh, let me sleep,” you mumbled as you curled more into his chest. 

Wonwoo didn’t push you away, just let you rest against him, and you could have sworn you felt his thumb gently brush over your shoulder. Your heart beat a little faster, and you couldn’t help but smile, too comfortable to care about anything else at that moment.

As the show on TV changed to something else, Wonwoo sighed, seemingly more relaxed now that he’d settled in. “You’re lucky I don’t mind being your drunk pillow.”

You grinned, snuggling closer. “You secretly love it.”

He didn’t reply, but the soft chuckle that rumbled through his chest was answer enough.

You blinked. “Sure.”

~~ The next morning, you walked into a plant shop, hopeful that obnoxiously expensive and ornate plant would make up for the snippy exchange you and Joshua had last night. The bell above the door jingled as you approached the counter, pointing to a tiny bonsai in the window. “For a friend,” you said. “He likes plants?” The older man smiled. “He named his.” The man chuckled, gently wrapping the pot. “Plants are like people. They need the right love to thrive.” “Yeah,” you murmured. “Thanks.” ~~ You were returning back to the apartment, and you took a sudden turn–then froze. 

“Oh, shit—” you yelped as the tiny bonsai smashed into someone’s face.

“FUCK,” he yelled, hands flying to his nose.

“Oh my god, I—your face—your plant! I’m so sorry!”

The man looked up, wincing. “You could have broken my nose. And you’re worried about the plant?”

“Do you live here?” You asked, noticing how he was standing outside the apartment door opposite yours, ignoring the blood.

“What?”

“I mean—can I help? Do you have ice?”

He blinked. “Yeah. Come in.”

Inside, he handed you his keys, too dazed to care.

“You’re very trusting,” you muttered, digging through his freezer.

“You already injured me. What more could you do?”

You found an ice pack and vodka, held up both. “You want comfort or numbness?”

“I’ll take both,” he mumbled, sitting down.

You pressed the pack to his nose. “What’s your name?”

“Kim Mingyu.”

“I’m Y/N.”

He cracked a pained smile. “So this is how you meet people? Assault first, names later?”

You laughed. “Only when I’m feeling flirty.”

“Cute,” he said, gently taking the ice pack from your hand.

You stared at the barely bleeding gash. “You’ll survive.”

“See this scar?” he pointed to one above his brow. “My sister gave me that. I can handle one pot-wielding girl.”

The soft hum of the city buzzed faintly through the windows as you sat on Mingyu’s couch, nervously picking at a stray thread on your sweater. Mingyu plopped down next to you, a little too close, but you didn’t mind. His shoulder brushed against yours as he leaned back, stretching his long legs out.

“So,” Mingyu said, flashing you a charming smile. “Now that I’ve lured you into my lair, I guess I should actually get to know you.”

You snorted, rolling your eyes. “Yeah? You planning to interrogate me?”

He shrugged, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Maybe. Gotta make sure my neighbor isn’t secretly plotting my demise. Or maybe I’m just trying to figure out why you always look like you’re on a mission when you leave the building.”

You bit back a laugh, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, you mean when I’m rushing to meet deadlines and not running a secret spy operation?”

Mingyu grinned. “Exactly. So what’s with all the late-night typing sessions? What do you do?”

You hesitated for a moment. “I’m a writer. Lifestyle pieces mostly. A bit of everything — fashion, travel, relationships. It’s kind of like... whatever my editor thinks people are obsessed with that week.”

Mingyu raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. “That sounds pretty cool. So you just... write about life?”

“Pretty much,” you said, relaxing into the couch. “Sometimes it’s advice columns, sometimes it’s think pieces. Occasionally, it’s lists of the top ten sex toys to spice up your love life.”

Mingyu choked on his drink, coughing as his cheeks flushed. “Wait... that was you?”

You frowned in confusion. “What?”

He cleared his throat, looking a little embarrassed but unable to hide his smirk. “I, uh... I might have read that article. Thought the writing was... bold.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. “Bold, huh? Didn’t think that piece would be your go-to read.”

Mingyu grinned sheepishly. “It wasn’t exactly on my list, but it popped up. It was one of those late-night ‘am I missing out on something’ moments.”

You couldn’t stop your cheeks from heating up. “I didn’t peg you as the type to read lifestyle blogs.”

“I didn’t peg myself as one either,” he admitted. “But the writing was clever. Funny. Made it sound... approachable. I should’ve known it was you.”

You snorted. “Should I take that as a compliment?”

“Absolutely,” he said, giving you a soft, lopsided smile. “You made it sound... less intimidating.”

You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, trying to ignore the way your stomach flipped. “Well, I do aim to please.”

Mingyu hummed thoughtfully. “And here I thought I was the one trying to impress you.”

“Oh, really?” you teased, leaning closer. “How’s that working out for you?”

He chuckled, eyes flickering to your lips for just a moment. “Jury’s still out. But I’m definitely intrigued.”

Your pulse quickened at his words, but you tried to play it cool. “What about you? What’s your thing?”

Mingyu gestured casually to the wall behind you, where a few framed photographs hung. You turned around, realizing you hadn’t noticed them before.

“They’re yours?” You asked, genuinely surprised.

He nodded, a bit shy now. “Yeah. I’m a photographer. Mostly freelance, but I’ve done some shows and a few magazine spreads. I guess I’m always chasing light and moments... like that one.” He pointed to a picture of a bustling street at sunset, the sky bleeding shades of pink and orange over the cityscape.

“It’s beautiful,” you murmured, stepping closer to look. “You really captured the way the city feels alive.”

Mingyu’s lips curved into a soft smile. “That’s the goal. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

You glanced back at him, raising a brow. “So, you just wander around looking for the perfect shot?”

He nodded, leaning back comfortably. “Pretty much. Sometimes it’s places. Sometimes it’s people. Anything that feels... real.”

You felt a little flutter in your chest at his words. “That’s kind of poetic.”

Mingyu smiled, a little bashful. “Didn’t mean to get all deep on you.”

You waved him off. “No, I like it. You’ve got this... thoughtful way of looking at things.”

He gave a little shrug, eyes twinkling with that familiar mischief. “Maybe I just know how to make things sound good. Photographer skills.”

You laughed. “And here I thought writers were the ones who spun stories.”

He leaned in just a bit, his voice low and playful. “Maybe we’re not so different after all.”

You met his gaze, your heart racing. “Guess we’ll have to see.”

Mingyu smirked, his fingers lightly brushing yours where they rested on the couch. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“So...” Mingyu leaned in, cocking his head. “If it’s not weird to ask, did you test all those toys out yourself or get reviews from others?” Your eyes widened. “A bit of both.”

“Interesting.”

“I guess you and your significant other can maybe test it out, and I can get more real-time feedback,” you suggested awkwardly, not knowing how to continue the conversation.

He laughed. “Y/N, if I had a significant other, I wouldn’t be sitting here, very turned on, icing my face.”

You swallowed and laughed awkwardly. 

An hour had passed, and you were still seated on Mingyu’s couch, the casual conversation flowing easily between you two. The warmth of his apartment wrapped around you, made cozier by the soft lighting that glowed from the corner lamp. Mingyu had moved closer at some point during your chat, and you couldn’t help but notice how his knee brushed against yours every now and then.

“So, let me get this straight,” Mingyu said, his smile widening as he leaned back, resting his arm along the back of the couch. 

“You’ve managed to convince an entire city that they need to buy seven different types of pillows just to sleep better?”

You laughed, shrugging. “What can I say? The perfect sleep experience is an art. Plus, people like to feel a bit pampered. Who doesn’t love the idea of sinking into a mountain of plush pillows?”

“Fair point,” he conceded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You make it sound so luxurious, I almost feel bad for my one sad, flat pillow.”

You raised a brow. “Oh, that’s unacceptable. I think I have a new mission: upgrade your pillow situation.”

Mingyu chuckled, his fingers brushing lightly against your shoulder as he reached for his drink on the coffee table. The simple touch sent a jolt of awareness through you, but you kept your expression calm.

“What about you?” You asked, trying to steer the focus away from how his touch made your skin tingle. “Aside from photography, what do you do when you’re not charming people with your art?”

Mingyu’s lips quirked up. “I cook. A lot. It’s therapeutic. Plus, I’m kind of a food snob.”

Your eyes lit up with intrigue. “You cook? Like, actual meals? Or are we talking ramen and scrambled eggs?”

He scoffed playfully. “Ramen? Please. I can make homemade pasta from scratch. You’d be impressed.”

“That’s a bold statement. I might have to hold you to it.”

He grinned, eyes glinting with a bit of challenge. “I’d love to prove it. But only if you promise to be an honest critic.”

You hummed, leaning in just slightly. “I’m always honest. Sometimes a little too honest.”

His eyes traced your features, lingering a little longer on your lips before darting back to your gaze. “I don’t mind honesty. It’s refreshing.”

A comfortable silence settled between you, and you couldn’t help but notice how Mingyu’s hand had inched closer, resting on the back of the couch just behind your shoulder. The proximity made your pulse quicken, and you weren’t sure if it was the way his voice dropped a little lower or the way his eyes softened when he looked at you.

“So,” he said softly, voice almost a murmur, “would you ever do a part two for that sex toy article? ”

You rolled your eyes, laughing softly. “Why, do you have any suggestions?”

Mingyu raised his hands in mock surrender, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes. “Maybe; would you listen to them?”

You smirked. “Maybe; I am a very open-minded person,”

His eyes flickered down to your lips, and this time, he didn’t look away. Mingyu leaned in just a fraction, testing the waters. “Oh? I think I’d like to get to know you better.”

Your breath caught at the implication, your heart thudding against your ribs. Mingyu’s hand moved from the back of the couch to gently brush your cheek, thumb tracing a light, comforting path along your jaw.

“Is this okay?” He whispered, his eyes searching yours for any sign of hesitation.

You nodded slowly, your voice just as soft. “Yeah... It’s okay.”

He smiled, his lips curving into something almost relieved, before he closed the small distance between you. The kiss was gentle at first, his lips brushing against yours in a tentative, careful way. When you responded, pressing closer, he deepened the kiss slightly, his other hand moving to your waist.

The world seemed to melt away, and all you could feel was the warmth of his touch, the way his lips moved with yours like he’d been waiting to do this for a long time.

When you finally pulled back, just enough to catch your breath, Mingyu rested his forehead against yours, his thumb still caressing your cheek.

“Worth the wait,” he murmured, his voice rough and sincere.

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling more at ease than you had in a long time. “Definitely.”

“I guess I’m happy you almost broke my nose,” he murmured, leaning in slightly.

You let out a soft gasp when he kissed you again, making you melt against him.

“I want to hear that sound again,” he whispered, making you giggle, and you grinned, and he took it as a sign to further things. 

He picked you up easily and carried you to his bedroom and onto his bed, settling you onto his lap like you belonged there. His lips never stopped moving against yours, each kiss more heated, more desperate.

When he finally pulled away, both of you were panting.

“Can I touch you?” He asked, voice lower, rougher now.

You nodded eagerly, lips parted, skin already flushed.

“Good girl,” he whispered.

A moan escaped before you could stop it.

Mingyu raised an eyebrow, that smug smirk creeping back. “Ooh. Praise kink. Duly noted.”

His hands slid up your sides, under your dress, fingertips skating along your skin like he was unwrapping a gift. 

“Can I?” He asked again, but this time, he was already tugging at the fabric.

“Please just do something,” you said, practically squirming in his lap, need pulsing through you like a heartbeat.

He laughed softly — a dark, delicious sound. “You’re adorable when you beg.”

Your dress slipped over your head and onto the floor in one swift motion.

“No bra?” He asked, amused.

“Didn’t feel like it matched the vibe,” you replied with a lazy shrug.

“Big fan of that choice,” he said, palming your breasts in his large hands, thumbs circling your nipples until they hardened under his touch. His mouth followed, warm and wet, kissing and sucking until you were arching into him.

Then his hand drifted lower.

“I don’t think you’ll be needing these either,” he muttered, fingers brushing over the damp heat between your legs.

You let out a soft gasp, legs parting instinctively. “Can I feel you?” He asked again, voice a low rumble against your throat.

“Please,” you breathed, nearly trembling with how badly you needed him.

He slipped your underwear down slowly, teasing you, drawing this out like he enjoyed how desperate you were.

“Been a while?” He murmured, fingers sliding between your folds, making you jolt.

“Way too long,” you confessed, barely managing to speak.

He groaned. “Fuck, I want to taste you so badly, but some beautiful disaster smashed me in the face with a plant tonight.”

“There’s always next time,” you managed to say, breath hitching as he continued to tease your entrance with maddening patience.

“Oh? There’s going to be a next time?” He asked, cocky now.

“Depends if this time’s good,” you teased back.

He grinned, eyes dark. “Oh, sweetheart... it’ll be better than good.”

He lifted you off his lap, laid you gently on the bed like you were something breakable. You watched him undress — slow, purposeful — revealing long lines of muscle and the kind of body that made your mouth water.

When his boxers hit the floor, you let out an involuntary, “Fuck.”

“You keep flattering me; I might forget we’re not in love yet,” he joked, grabbing a condom from the drawer and rolling it on.

“Mingyu,” you moaned, writhing on the sheets, “please, I just need to feel you inside me.”

He froze, eyes wide.

“Won’t it hurt if I don’t—”

“Dude,” you cut in, voice raw. “I’ve been in a dry spell so long I’m practically a desert. Just fuck me.”

He blinked. “Did you just ‘dude’ me while begging for dick?”

“Yes, and your boner better survive it,” you shot back.

He laughed — hard — but that laugh turned into a groan as he lined himself up and slowly pushed inside you.

Your body arched like a live wire had touched it.

“Fucking hell,” he gritted out. “You’re so tight.”

You gasped, fingers digging into the sheets as he bottomed out.

He started moving — slow, deep thrusts that had you babbling nonsense within seconds. One of his hands slid between you, fingers finding your clit and rubbing just the right way.

“I can’t... I’m gonna—” you whimpered, already spiraling.

“Let go. Come on, baby. I’ve got you,” he murmured.

And that was it.

You came hard, shaking, crying out as your body clenched around him. A few rough thrusts later, Mingyu groaned, burying himself deep as he spilled into the condom.

He collapsed on top of you, his face pressed to your chest, both of you struggling to catch your breath.

Eventually, he rolled to the side, pulling you with him.

“Wow,” you whispered.

“I know,” he said, still panting.

“You’re amazing. Thank you.”

He looked over at you, one brow raised. “Are you... thanking me for sex?”

“I mean, yeah? That was better than therapy.”

He laughed, brushing a strand of hair off your face. “I still owe you one. My hands and tongue haven’t even had their turn yet.”

Your eyes widened.

“Unless this was a one-time ‘itch to scratch’ situation?” He added, voice quiet now.

You smiled, slow and wicked. “I think we can definitely make it happen again.”

He kissed your shoulder. “Just... next time, maybe don’t lead with blunt force trauma.”

You grinned. And said,“No promises.”

“I should get going,” you murmured, reluctantly sitting up and scanning the room for your scattered dignity — aka your dress and underwear.

Mingyu nodded, leaning back on his elbows as he watched you move. “Yeah. I mean... this wasn’t exactly how I imagined meeting my neighbors, but I’m not complaining.”

You grinned as he tossed your underwear to you with a lazy smirk and handed you your dress like it was some ceremonial robe.

“How do I look?” You asked, smoothing your hair and tugging the dress into place.

“Stunning,” he said, eyes dragging over you with no shame. “But also, like you just got thoroughly fucked.”

You groaned, covering your face. “Great. Just the look I was going for.”

“Hey, it’s just a few steps across the hall. Embrace the walk of pride,” he teased.

You paused, glancing at the door. “Should I help you finish unpacking? You still have boxes everywhere.” He shook his head. “Nah. Go get rid of that plant for your housemates before you break another part of me.”

You gave him a soft smile. “Oh that’s a good idea, I have a weapon in my hand.”

Mingyu reached for your wrist and pulled you into a kiss — slow, sweet, and way too tender for a one-night stand. It left you blinking when he pulled away.

“What was that for?” You asked, voice barely above a whisper.

He shrugged, brushing your hair behind your ear. “You had that look — like you were overthinking everything. Just wanted to remind you I’m not a dick.”

You bit your lip, smiling. “No... just a guy with a really nice one.”

He laughed, low and raspy, and you forced yourself to peel away before you crawled right back into bed with him.

“See you,” you said, pausing at the door for just a second longer than necessary.

You slipped out, gathered your things with whatever grace you had left, and padded barefoot across the hall to your own apartment — slightly sore, definitely smug, and still tasting him on your lips.

“Oh my God, you’re alive!” Joshua gasped, immediately pulling you into a hug. Then he squinted, nose crinkling. “Wait—why are you sweaty?”

Wonwoo raised an eyebrow, lounging by the counter. “Your dress is on backwards.”

You groaned, tugging at the fabric. “Okay, you nosy bitches, can I at least shower first?”

Joshua tilted his head like a puppy. “So… who’d you fuck?”

You glared at him, cheeks heating. “Our new neighbor. And for the record, I accidentally smashed a bonsai into his face first.”

Joshua blinked. “Why did you have a bonsai?”

You shrugged. “Felt bad. Thought a peace plant might help.” His expression softened. “We’re good, really. But damn. You broke his face, and he broke your back? That’s some poetic symmetry.”

You groaned again, stalking toward the bathroom. “I need a shower. Don’t go anywhere—I’ll be back with way too many details.”

Both men nodded eagerly, already settling in like a live show was coming

~~ You were halfway into post-shower bliss, freshly changed and just barely reclaiming some dignity when there was a soft knock at your bedroom door.

“Can I come in?” You heard Wonwoo’s voice ask.

You glanced up and smiled. “Yeah, come in.” You patted the empty spot on the bed beside you. 

“Did I disturb you?” He asked, motioning toward your open laptop and mess of notes.

“Not really. Just I was brainstorming, earlier,”

Wonwoo settled beside you, his presence warm and familiar. “Maybe write about your latest hookup?” He teased with a slight edge in his voice.

You narrowed your eyes. “Okay, what’s with that tone?”

He shrugged. “I thought you’d want to maybe ask me instead? Weren’t we sort of flirting last night? I don’t just pull everyone onto my lap. But I guess the hot neighbour is who you prefer? What if he’d been a serial killer?”

Your lips twitched into a smile. “I literally knocked him out with a plant. Pretty sure he wasn’t in a position to hurt me.”

Wonwoo flopped back on your bed, arms spread wide. “So that’s it? He read your article, got turned on, and you jumped his bones?”

You snapped your laptop closed and sighed. “Why are you sounding so judgmental?”

He rolled his head toward you. “I was just worried, okay? What if he was a creep?”

You softened a little, scooting closer. “He’s not. He’s nice. Chill.”

Wonwoo nodded. “Okay. So... was he good?”

You laughed. “He's, um... big.”

One of Wonwoo’s eyebrows arched. “That’s not a skill, Y/N. Did he use his hands? Or, you know, go down on you?”

You gave him a pointed look. “His nose was still swollen from my plant assault. He was doing me a favor, not trying to win Olympic gold in oral.”

Wonwoo crossed his arms, unimpressed. “What, were his hands broken too?”

You huffed. “Look, I was desperate. Dry spell hell. He solved the problem. Can you stop interrogating me?”

Your eyes narrowed. “Besides, why do you care who I hook up with?”

Wonwoo sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Since it’s some random guy who lives next door, and you’re acting like you’ve known him forever. You can’t just trust people like that, Y/N.”

You scoffed. “He’s not a random guy. He’s a new neighbor. It’s not like I’m inviting a complete stranger into my life.”

“He kind of is a stranger,” Wonwoo argued, stepping closer. “You don’t know what he’s like, what his deal is. You’re smarter than this. You shouldn’t just let someone into your life because they’re charming or whatever.”

You crossed your arms defensively. “Why do you even care? It’s not like it affects you.”

His jaw clenched, and his eyes softened just a little. “Because I don’t want you to get hurt. You always rush into things, thinking it’s all fun and games. Not everyone’s going to be what they seem.”

You rolled your eyes. “You sound like a dad, Woo.”

Wonwoo’s face flushed slightly, and he exhaled sharply. “I’m serious. Just... be careful. I’m just looking out for you.”

You softened a bit at his concern, realizing he was only trying to protect you. “I appreciate it, really. But I can take care of myself. I’m not a kid.”

His expression was a mix of frustration and something else — something intense that you couldn’t quite place. Before you could think about it too much, he took a step closer, his hand lifting like he was going to cup your cheek, but he hesitated, fingers hovering near your jaw.

You felt your breath hitch, your eyes flicking from his hand to his eyes. “Wonwoo...”

His gaze dipped to your lips, and for a moment, the air between you grew thick with unspoken tension. It felt like everything slowed down, and your pulse raced at the thought of him closing the distance.

But just as he seemed to make up his mind, his phone rang, cutting through the charged atmosphere like a knife. Wonwoo cursed softly, stepping back and fishing his phone from his pocket.

“Yeah?” he answered, his voice suddenly tight. He glanced at you, eyes regretful. “I... I have to take this. Work.”

You swallowed hard, nodding, trying to act unaffected. “Right. Go ahead.”

He hesitated for a beat longer before nodding and walking out of the room to take the call. You stayed rooted to the spot, heart pounding, wondering just what would have happened if that phone hadn’t interrupted.

You flopped back on the bed, groaning into your pillow. Not only were you aroused, you were annoyed. You knew if you stayed here, you'd either break out one of your new toys or spiral into another pity party.

You grabbed your laptop, shoved it in your bag, and got dressed. A café. That was the move. Coffee, background chatter, and maybe a splash of wine. Anything to reset your brain. ~~ You were halfway through your first glass when a familiar voice cut through your concentration.

“This seat taken?”

You looked up. Mingyu. Those eyes.

“Uh... no,” you said, blinking. “I mean—yeah, sit. Please.”

He chuckled. “You can say no if it’s weird. I won’t cry. Promise.”

You shook your head. “It’s fine. Have a seat.”

He settled in beside you, pulling out his own laptop like it was the most casual thing in the world. You tried to focus. You really did. “Y/N?” He asked suddenly. “Hm?” “Do you hate your laptop?” You blinked. “No? Why?” He sipped his drink and gestured to your keyboard. “Because it sounds like you’re trying to kill it.” You stared at your fingers. “Seriously?” “I mean, you’re not typing—you’re committing keyboard homicide.” You sighed. “I’m just wound up.” “Want to talk about it?” You glanced at him, then nodded. “My housemate got nosy about us. Asked a bunch of judgmental questions. Then offered to do what you didn’t do, and right when he’s about to kiss me... boom. Call. He leaves. I’m left... frustrated.” Mingyu tilted his head. “What I didn’t do?” You swallowed. “Like... go down on me. Use your hands.” Mingyu leaned in slightly, voice dropping. “Ah. That.” “My nose was a mess that night,” he explained. “And if I’m going down on someone, I want to enjoy it. I don’t want to half-ass it through a sinus headache.” You nodded slowly. “It wasn’t a complaint. It just—he made it sound like you were reluctant.” “Well, he doesn’t know me; I am never reluctant. Just injured with a bonsai.” “Well then, let me get this straight.” You leaned back with a smirk. “You’re annoyed because you were offered ‘better’ sex, didn’t get it, and now you’re taking it out on your poor laptop?” Mingyu blinked at you, and then you gave a slow nod. “More or less.” You grinned, and he took a step closer. “Lucky for you, I don’t tend to get phone calls mid-orgasm. Want me to help… ease that frustration?” Your breath caught. “I’m still writing.” “How many words?” You pouted. “Five. Just the title.” “Exactly.” He flashed a grin. “You’re wound up. Let me help.” “Give me like 1 hour more. I’m sure I can write,” you insisted, making Mingyu grin as he leaned back on the chair and played on his phone, with a knowing smirk, almost as if he knew you would not be able to get any work done now, considering how tightly wound up you were.

~~ “You’re not writing anything, are you?” Mingyu tilted his head at your laptop screen, clearly unimpressed. “I’m trying,” you muttered, snapping the laptop shut. “But it’s like my brain’s been replaced with mashed potatoes.” “Then come with me.” “To where?” “We’re going pub crawling. It’ll help you unwind.” You blinked. “It’s three in the afternoon.” He shrugged. “Perfect time to study the science of types. Dating, attraction, weird flirting tactics—there’s no better place than a pub.” “So this is pure science?” “Exactly,” he said. You groaned but grabbed your bag anyway. “Fine. But if we get sloppy drunk, I’m blaming you.” Mingyu grinned and offered you his hand. “Deal.”

~~ “Okay, she’s definitely into him,” Mingyu whispered over the rim of his pint, leaning toward you at the crowded corner booth. You peeked over at the couple across the bar. “How can you tell?” “She’s playing with her straw. That’s peak first-flirt body language. But watch—he’s not making eye contact.” “He’s staring at her chest,” you confirmed, rolling your eyes. “Typical.” Mingyu chuckled. “He’s either nervous or an idiot.” “Or both.” You sipped your wine and leaned back against the leather seat, your shoulder brushing his. Neither of you moved away. The buzz in your veins wasn’t just from the alcohol—it was from him. “You’re good at this people-watching thing,” you said. “Like, weirdly good.” “I’m a photographer. I notice things.” “You should’ve warned me you were charming.”

“I did,” he said, nudging your thigh under the table. “You just didn’t believe me.” You fought a smile and looked away. “What else do you notice?” “Right now?” He murmured, his voice low and smooth. “You’re tipsy. And you’re wondering what happens next.” You turned to him slowly. “What does happen next?” Mingyu grinned. “We go back to mine. Pizza, movie... whatever else comes naturally.” You raised a brow. “Smooth.” “Just honest.” And somehow, you found yourself in a cab minutes later, curled up against his side, letting yourself lean in just a little too close. The city lights passed in blurs, and you weren’t sure if it was the wine or Mingyu’s hand on your thigh making you feel weightless. “Are you always this cuddly when you drink?” Mingyu's voice was soft against your ear as he helped you out of the cab. His hand stayed on your lower back, steady and warm as you made your way up the building steps. “I’m not drunk,” you mumbled, swaying just slightly. “You’re not not drunk,” he teased, nudging you playfully with his shoulder. “Shut up,” you said, but you were already laughing. “And for the record, I’m always this cuddly. Alcohol just makes me more velcro-like.” Mingyu smiled as he unlocked the door to his apartment, ushering you inside. “Welcome to my humble, semi-furnished, testosterone-fueled abode.” “I thought you said your roommates moved in?” “They did. You’ll meet them—eventually.” He kicked off his shoes and walked ahead of you toward the kitchen. You hovered awkwardly in the living room, suddenly very aware of how intimate this was. Mingyu in his home. You in his space. “Water?” He called from the kitchen. “Please.” You accepted the glass he handed you, your fingers brushing his. The contact sent a small spark down your spine. “So...” he said, settling onto the couch and patting the cushion next to him. “Wanna tell me how many words you wrote today?” You narrowed your eyes at him as you sat down. “Why are you like this?” “Charming? Helpful? Irresistible?” “Insufferable,” you corrected, even though a smile tugged at your lips. “Still better than mashed potatoes for brains.” “Low blow.” He nudged you again, and you nearly spilled your water from how close you were suddenly sitting. His thigh pressed into yours—and that’s when it hit you. His thigh. Solid. Warm. 

Unmoving. And then he flexed it. You choked slightly. Mingyu looked amused. “What?”

“Stop doing that,” you hissed. “Doing what?”

“That thing with your leg.”

“Oh?” He leaned in, grinning. “You mean this?”

He flexed again, and you tried not to squirm.

“You’re evil,” you muttered.

“You’re the one sitting on my thigh.”

Your mouth opened. Closed. “I’m not sitting—” “You are,” he said, eyes locked on yours. “And I think you like it.”

You swallowed hard, heat curling low in your stomach. “Shut up.”

“I could make you feel better, you know.”

You turned toward him slowly. “I didn’t say I was feeling bad.”

“Then let me make you feel even better.”

His hand moved gently to your hip.

“You sure?” he asked, gaze sincere, voice quieter now.

You nodded, breath catching.

Mingyu smiled, pulled you fully into his lap—and the rest of your thoughts disappeared.

“Besides, I want to taste you,” Mingyu murmured, his breath warm against your skin. “Say something?” You nodded, breath catching. “Yes.”

Mingyu smirked. “Good girl.”

You whimpered. “Oh no, praise kink. Dangerous game.” He grinned at you, full of teasing and promise, and led you back to his bedroom. You followed without question.

“Hey, nice,” you said, looking around his space. “You got the place set up.”

“Yeah,” Mingyu said, casually kicking off his shoes. “I had help from someone, but we ended up fucking, so—she wasn’t that helpful.”

You shot him a glare. “Charming.”

“Sit.”

You did. He peeled off his hoodie in one fluid motion, revealing his bare chest.

“You just walk around looking like that?”

“Problem?”

“None,” you said, blinking hard. “Just—wow.”

“Tell me what you like. Move my head, stop me if it’s too much, too fast—just say the word.”

You nodded as he leaned in and kissed you, slow and teasing. You pulled back.

“Wait.”

Mingyu raised a brow, but you stood and started undressing.

“Stop,” he said. “Let me.”

You sat back, breath uneven. He knelt in front of you, his fingers working the clasp of your bra. The straps fell like they were made to. He tossed the fabric aside before wrapping his lips around your nipple, warm tongue flicking against the sensitive skin. His other hand massaged your other breast in perfect sync. You whimpered as he switched sides, giving both equal attention, his lips dragging heat from your skin.

“Oh, I love those sounds,” he murmured against your chest, lips brushing your sternum.

He hooked his fingers into your panties and slid them down, tossing them somewhere across the room.

“If I can’t find those later, I’m blaming you. They were one of my favorites.”

“You’ll survive,” he said, just before he kissed your clit. 

Your hips bucked. 

“Right there?”

You nodded, breathless.

He smirked against you, arms wrapping around your thighs to hold you still. You weren’t going anywhere—not when he was just getting started.

He traced slow, deliberate circles over your clit with his tongue. Unwavering. Steady.

“You’re good at this,” you moaned.

“Also... was that my name in cursive on your clit?” You asked breathlessly. 

“Maybe.”

Mingyu didn’t let up—his tongue kept working you through every shaky gasp. You came hard, trembling in his grip. He didn’t stop. Not even when you cried out, not even when you begged. He sucked on your clit like it was oxygen. You came again, legs twitching, hand buried in his hair.

When he finally pulled back, you were wrecked—back slouched into the cushions, breathing heavy.

“So?”

“Amazing,” you whispered, blinking up at the ceiling.

You turned toward him, your fingers drifting to the button of his jeans. “You don’t have to,” he said.

“I know,” you replied. “I want to.”

He helped you slide them down, then hissed as you palmed his cock through his boxers.

“Don’t tease me,” he said, voice ragged. “Noted.”

You pulled him free and tried not to moan at the sight. He was thick, flushed, and already leaking. You licked his tip and smiled when his hips jerked forward.

“Fuck,” he muttered as you took him deeper. What you couldn’t fit, you made up for with your hand.

When you started massaging his balls, he gasped. “Shit. Shit. Baby, I’m gonna—”

You didn’t stop.

He groaned loudly, head falling back, fingers gripping the sofa as he spilled into your mouth. You swallowed every drop, letting your tongue tease his tip one last time.

Mingyu collapsed back into the cushions, chest heaving. “That was... wow.”

You smiled, cheeks flushed and body warm, still glowing from the attention he’d given you minutes ago. He looked at you, all awe and affection. “You know,” he said, voice still breathless, “I should’ve invited you over way sooner.”

You were laughing, but the second you finished laughing, suddenly the afterglow of your orgasm had dimmed, and you were painfully aware of how naked you were. 

“Hey… you okay?” Mingyu’s voice was quiet, and your eyes flicked to him as you instinctively grabbed the nearest pillow and hugged it to your bare chest. “I’m fine,” you said quickly, hoping your shyness wasn’t obvious. “Oh.” Mingyu stood, then paused. “Wait.” He turned the lights off, casting the room in soft shadows. “I can’t see much now, but I’ll just—”

He handed you his shirt blindly. “Here. You can use this.” “Thanks,” you murmured, slipping it on fast and clinging to the extra bit of coverage. The lights flicked back on, and Mingyu gave you a reassuring smile. “You can relax. I wasn’t trying to get you out of it again.” You gave a breathy laugh, still a little too self-conscious to meet his gaze.

“It was fun,” he added casually. “I mean... not that I’m saying we should do it again. Unless you want to. But not because I expect—shit, this is coming out wrong.”

You tilted your head at him. “You think?” “I’m just saying, I wasn’t expecting anything,” he backtracked. “You’re beautiful. And I’m not... trying to mess with your head or anything.” “Thanks for the orgasms,” you said dryly, tugging your jeans on. Mingyu flinched, clearly caught off guard. “Okay. That’s fair. I deserved that.” You bent down to grab your shirt and looked up at him with a narrowed stare. “Right. Because you’re so emotionally competent.” “I never claimed to be,” he said, his voice tight now. “Look, we barely know each other. It was just sex. You don’t have to get all weird about it.” You stood up, heart thudding now—not from embarrassment, but from frustration. “I’m not weird about it. But you are clearly trying to backpedal hard enough to twist your ankle.” “Okay, fine,” he snapped, raising his hands. “I’ll go. I’m sorry for bothering you.” He rolled his eyes as he walked out. You didn’t stop him. Not when you were that close to tearing up. You didn’t know why it suddenly affected you; you knew you had some slight issues with confidence and doubted yourself quite a bit; you just didn’t expect to get like that during a casual hook-up. ~~ You slammed the door behind him, then stormed into your own apartment. “Y/N?” Joshua looked up from the couch. “Not now,” you muttered, brushing past him and heading straight for your bedroom. You could still hear Mingyu’s voice echoing in your head. “It was just sex.” Fucking idiot. You paced for a moment before throwing yourself down on the bed. The knock at your door came less than five minutes later. You cracked it open to see Mingyu standing sheepishly, holding a paper bag. “I had to think of an excuse,” he said, offering it. “Your bra’s in here.” You sighed and took the bag from him. “You came back for my bra?” “I didn’t want to leave things like that, Bambi eyes let me in, I didn’t catch his name,” he admitted. “That’s Joshua; he let you in.” Mingyu glanced around. “Can I sit?” You pointed to the bed, and he eased down onto the edge. “Why did you come back?” “I’m shit at this. At saying things right. I always talk like an idiot when I’m... nervous.” You blinked. “You’re nervous?” Mingyu shrugged. “You make me nervous.” For a second, you just stared at him.  Then, you said, “Stay.” He looked up. “What?” You crossed your arms. “Stay. Talk. Don’t leave again acting like we both didn’t enjoy that and like we don’t enjoy spending time with each other.” He exhaled a long breath, then nodded. “For what it’s worth,” Mingyu said, voice suddenly softer, “you have nothing to be shy about.”

You held his gaze for a beat, then gave a small smile. “Look, we started this all in the wrong order. You wanted to be friends…”

“Friends,” Mingyu repeated, eyes flicking around the room before landing on a small red object.

“Is that what I think it is?”

You groaned. “Oh my god, can you not—”

“A vibrator?” he grinned, walking over to grab it. “In plain sight?”

“Give it back.”

“Or…” he smirked, turning it over in his hand. “I could show you how sorry I am?”

Your mouth went dry. “What happened to ‘just friends’?”

“We can start that tomorrow.”

That was all the warning you got before he was on you, kissing you like he meant it. You tugged him closer by his shirt, falling back onto the bed as he slipped his hand down and popped the button of your jeans. You kicked them off along with your panties. His knuckles grazed your slick folds.

“You’re still soaked,” he said against your lips, eyes flicking down your body like you were art.

He pulled your shirt over your head.

“Beautiful,” he murmured.

You smiled softly as he began kissing his way down, slow and reverent.

He turned the vibrator on and dragged it gently along your folds. “Shit,” you hissed, hips jerking as the cold metal touched your clit.

Without warning, he pushed two fingers inside you, curling just right as the vibrator buzzed against your swollen clit. The sensation was overwhelming—fast and dizzying, his fingers moving steadily, the toy pressed right where it needed to be.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you whimpered, digging your nails into the sheets.

“Good girl,” Mingyu whispered. “You take my fingers so well.”

Your body trembled, your thighs starting to shake as the pleasure built.

You whimpered, eyes squeezing shut. “Please don’t stop.”

“Oh, I won’t,” Mingyu smirked, kissing the inside of your thigh as you fell apart on his hand.

He pulled his fingers out and raised them to his lips, sucking them clean with a satisfied hum.

“So… friends?”

You were still panting. “Yeah. Friends.” “Uh-huh.” He grinned. “Need help with that?” He nodded toward the very visible bulge in his pants.

You sat up slowly. “No thanks. That’s not what friends are for.”

“I’m saying no,” he said dramatically, “but it’s not my cock’s decision. He says yes.”

You giggled, giving his thigh a light slap.

Mingyu leaned in and kissed your forehead. “See you later, friend.”

You nodded, still dazed.

“Oh—by the way,” he added as he reached the door, “my housemates get back this weekend. We’re throwing a party. Chill night, drinks, people meeting people. Bring your housemates if you’re free?” You smiled, still trying to catch your breath.

“See you around, Gyu.”

He winked and closed the door behind him. ~~ Later that evening, you emerged from your bedroom to find Joshua smirking at you over a mug of tea. “What?” You asked, suspicious. He raised his eyebrows. “You moan loudly.” Your jaw dropped. “I was trying to keep it down!” “Yeah, no. Wonwoo thought you were a wounded animal at first.” You gasped, mortified. “I don’t moan that loudly.” Joshua gave you a pitying look. “You don’t think you do, but when you suppress it, it comes out like a dying banshee.” You groaned and dropped your head onto the counter. “Wait, did... Wonwoo hear?” Joshua nodded slowly, sipping his tea. “He might have been concerned for your well-being.” You rolled your eyes. “Great. Just great.” “So,” he said, voice light, “you and hot plant guy...?” “Friends,” you interrupted quickly. “We decided to just be friends.” Joshua arched a brow. “After that performance?” “It’s complicated. We don’t know each other well enough not to accidentally hurt each other.” Joshua tilted his head. “Wise.”

You sighed, pulling out your phone. “Still, I need to talk to Wonwoo.” “To apologise? You know you don’t owe him one; you do whatever you want and whoever you want.” “I don’t owe him an apology, but I could at least apologise for the noise,” you said. “But... yeah. Kinda feels like the decent thing to do.” You hovered outside Wonwoo’s door before knocking gently and peeking in. “Wonwoo?” He looked up from his book. “Yeah?” You gulped. He was in grey sweats and a white shirt, lounging like some kind of soft-focus fantasy. “You’re drooling,” he said with a smirk. You groaned and walked inside, flopping onto the bed beside him. “I came to say sorry.” He shut the book, raising an eyebrow. “For what? Your gorgeous moaning? If anything, I should apologize for interrupting it with my concern.” You hid your face behind your hands. “You’re unbearable.” “Relax. You don’t owe me an apology. We’re not dating.” “Still. It wasn’t to get back at you or anything. I was just... left very frustrated.” Wonwoo chuckled. “That was entirely my fault. Work called.” You tilted your head, your eyes softening. “Mingyu and I agreed to just be friends. No feelings. No strings. Which... honestly? Sounds like the safest plan.” He looked at you for a beat. “And what about me?” “I know you,” you said softly. “You wouldn’t hurt me.” Wonwoo didn’t respond. He just reached forward, tugging you until you were curled up against his chest.

“You left me horny,” you whispered, teasing. “I know. I’m sorry. You deserved better.” There was a long pause before he added, “So… you two are done?” You nodded. “Yeah.” “Then,” he said, his hand brushing lightly at the strap of your top, “What if I just, you know, carry on from what happened earlier? I did get rudely interrupted with a phone call, and I believe I owe you a kiss.” You laughed. “Oh, yes you do.” Wonwoo smirked. “Only if he can see how gorgeous you look right now.” You leaned in, your lips close to his. “Can you do something?” “Patience is a virtue,” he whispered. “It’s not one of mine.” He grinned. “Very true.” And then his lips were on yours���soft, slow, deliberate. When he finally pulled away, you were breathless. “I’ve got an article to finish,” you said reluctantly. “We’re good?” He asked. “We’re good.” You smiled, standing up. He smiled at you lazily, and you practically skipped back to your room.

~~  The next afternoon, you were in your local cafe, still stuck with the same five words you typed out yesterday on your laptop. However, you were laser-focused and attempting to write a new sentence about emotional risk versus reward when a voice interrupted you. “What is a ‘type,’ and why do we stick to it?” You nearly jumped out of your skin. “Mingyu! A warning would be nice!” He grinned as he slid into the seat across from you at the café table. “But you’re so jumpy—it’s adorable.” “Oh, please. Just sit, why don’t you.”

“I intend to,” he said, already making himself at home.

“So what brings you here? Stalking me?”

“I could ask you the same. Who sits in my usual spot with a laptop and sulks?”

“Writer’s block,” you admitted, closing your screen.

“Want to fix that?”

You narrowed your eyes. “How?”

Mingyu grinned. “We grab a drink and talk about our dumbest hook-ups.” ~~ The bar was buzzing with low chatter and clinking glasses as you and Mingyu sat across from each other in a cosy booth, the soft amber glow from the hanging lights making his eyes look even warmer. You were on your third cocktail of the afternoon, feeling just the right amount of tipsy to start leaning into the silly side of the conversation.

Mingyu was nursing a beer, his cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, or maybe it was just the comfortable atmosphere. You twirled your straw around in your glass before looking up at him with a playful grin.

“So, since we’re already a few drinks in,” you began, leaning forward conspiratorially, “I propose we play a game.”

Mingyu arched a brow, his lips twitching into a smile. “What kind of game?”

You took a sip of your drink before answering. “We trade stories. Dumb hookups, silly dates – basically all the weird romantic escapades that made us question humanity.”

Mingyu chuckled, taking a swig of his beer. “Alright, I’m game. But only if you go first.”

You mock-pouted. “Why me first?”

“Because you suggested it, and I’m curious,” he shot back, smirking.

Rolling your eyes, you thought back to your dating history, settling on one that still made you cringe. “Fine. So, there was this one guy I met on a dating app – let’s call him Jay. We went to this fancy rooftop bar, and I’m thinking, ‘Okay, this could be good.’ About thirty minutes in, he starts telling me about his extensive Funko Pop collection. Like, I mean... hundreds. And he insisted on showing me every single one through a photo album on his phone. At one point, he even teared up while talking about a limited edition Batman figure.”

Mingyu snorted into his beer, trying not to choke from laughing. “No way.”

“Yes way! And it got worse. At the end of the night, he asked me if I wanted to ‘meet them’ at his apartment. Like, not him – them.” You groaned, shaking your head at the memory. “I made some excuse about needing to water my plants and just bolted.”

Mingyu was practically wheezing at that point, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “You dated a Funko Pop guy. I’m never letting you live this down.”

You pointed at him. “Your turn, Mr. Judgy.”

He composed himself, taking a deep breath. “Alright. I went out with this girl from college once. Really pretty, seemed really cool. We went to a casual pizza place, and everything was great... until the food arrived. She took one bite, looked at me dead in the eyes, and said, ‘I think I might be a vampire.’”

You blinked, waiting for him to laugh, but he just stared at you, completely serious.

“Wait, what?” You finally said.

“Yeah,” Mingyu continued, leaning back against the booth. “She told me that eating anything but red meat made her feel sick, and she’s been craving ‘blood’ lately. She asked me if I’d ever wanted to bite someone, just to know what it tasted like.”

You couldn’t contain your laughter, practically folding over in the booth. “You’re lying.”

“I swear!” Mingyu said, holding up his hands defensively. “She kept making weird comments about how pale I was and how ‘good my veins looked.’ I never got out of a restaurant faster in my life.”

You wiped at your eyes, still giggling. “Okay, you win. That’s worse than the Funko Pop guy.”

Mingyu grinned, obviously pleased. “Yeah, I still get chills thinking about it.”

You leaned back, feeling a little more relaxed now that the conversation had taken a lighthearted turn. The music in the bar changed to something more upbeat, and you tapped your fingers against your glass.

“So, what about the serious ones?” Mingyu asked, his tone shifting slightly.

You paused, your smile faltering just a little. “You mean serious relationships?”

He nodded. “Yeah. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. Just... curious.”

You took a deep breath. “I was with someone for about a year and a half. Thought it was going somewhere real, you know? Turns out he was cheating on me for months. Found out through his phone – he was so careless; he didn’t even bother deleting the texts.”

Mingyu’s playful expression faded, his brows knitting together in concern. “That’s awful. I’m sorry.”

You shrugged, forcing a small smile. “It sucked at the time. Felt like my whole self-worth got thrown out the window. But I learned from it. Learned how to be a little more careful with my heart.”

He reached across the table, placing his hand over yours. The warmth of his touch grounded you, and you glanced up to see him giving you a small, reassuring smile.

“You didn’t deserve that. No one does,” he said softly.

You squeezed his hand back. “Thanks. I guess I’m still trying to figure out how to trust people again.”

Mingyu hesitated for a moment before speaking, “I guess I’ll have to be very careful then.”

You met his eyes, suddenly feeling a little exposed but in a good way, and giving him a soft smile not sure how to answer him. 

You took a second and then spoke. “And you? Any serious relationships?”

Mingyu hesitated, looking thoughtful. “There was one. A few years ago. We were together for almost two years, but we just... drifted apart. I guess I realized we were more comfortable than in love. It hurt, but it made me realize I don’t want to settle for just comfort. I want something real.”

You felt your heart soften at his honesty. “Yeah. I get that.”

The conversation hung between you, both of you wrapped in the honesty of the moment. The vulnerability, the ease of being real with each other – it made your stomach flip in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time.

Mingyu took a sip of his beer, his hand still holding yours, and you couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this could be the kind of real you both wanted. ~~ By the time you both left the bar, you were walking arm-in-arm. Your heels clicked against the pavement, your head light with wine and conversation. “Okay, I’ll admit,” you said, “this was fun.” “More than writing five words and calling it an article title?” You smacked his arm. “Rude but true.” “Come on,” he said, flagging down a cab. “My place. Pizza and Finding Nemo?” “Nemo?” “It’s a classic.” “Big baby.” “Don’t hate on soft men,” he said as the cab pulled up. “We cry, but we cuddle like champs.” You laughed all the way into the taxi. ~~ “Here you go,” Mingyu said, handing you a soft black shirt.

“Thanks.” You stood up to change without thinking, but froze mid-movement when you realized he was still watching you.

“Whoa—wow maybe warn a guy, I almost got blinded by your beauty?” His eyes were wide.

You paused, suddenly self-conscious. “Sorry, I just figured… I mean, you’ve seen everything before.”

“I’m not complaining,” he said, stepping toward you. “It’s a fantastic view.”

You smiled sheepishly as you peeled off your shirt. Mingyu took it gently from your hands and set it on the bed, his gaze still lingering but soft. When you moved to take off your jeans, he helped again—quiet, respectful, but definitely appreciating every second.

“Need another shirt?” He asked, catching your hesitation.

“No, I just… I’m wearing a very uncomfy bra.” “Then don’t,” he replied simply. You raised a brow at him. “Want to help me get it off?” His grin widened. “Weren’t we just trying this whole ‘friends’ thing?”

“Yeah,” you said, stepping closer, “and friends help each other.”

He didn’t need further convincing. His hands slid around your waist, pulling you into him. “That they do,” he murmured against your skin. His fingers moved up your back, undoing your bra clasp with practiced ease. The straps slipped from your shoulders like silk.

“Do you want me to fold this nicely with the rest of your clothes?” He teased, voice low and amused.

“Don’t push it,” you smirked.

“You’re cold,” he said, fingers grazing over your hardened nipples.

“Am not,” you muttered.

“Then are you turned on?”

You raised a brow. “And if I say no?”

“I’d find out anyway,” he murmured. “One finger, and I could prove it.”

You didn’t respond, just held his gaze.

Mingyu took that as permission. His hand slipped down your stomach, easing into your panties until a long finger slid inside you.

“You’re soaked,” he whispered.

You gasped as his finger curled just right. “Do you want to cum?”

You nodded quickly, eyes fluttering shut as his thumb found your clit.

He pulled his finger out with a sinful smirk. “Good. Then get on the bed.”

You climbed back onto his bed, legs slightly shaky. Mingyu knelt between your thighs and dragged your panties down in one smooth motion. His hands pressed your thighs open as he lowered his mouth to your core.

“Fuck,” you gasped when his tongue flicked your clit.

“Mingyu, wait—”

He immediately looked up, concern flashing in his eyes. “Too much?”

You shook your head, already lifting your leg to press against the hard line of his bulge. “No. I just—need you.”

His pupils darkened instantly. “You sure?”

You nodded. “Please fuck me.”

He made quick work of his belt and shirt, tossing them aside. “If I don’t eat you out, Wonwoo’s going to call me a selfish asshole.”

You groaned, laughing breathlessly. “Screw that. Just get in me.”

Mingyu climbed onto the bed, lined himself up with your entrance, and paused.

“Wait—condoms?”

“I have an implant.”

His eyes flicked to yours. “You sure?”

You nodded. “Mingyu. Please.”

“At least you said please,” he grinned, and then he pushed into you with a low groan.

You clung to his back, nails digging in slightly as he started thrusting. His rhythm was perfect—controlled, deep, toe-curling.

His fingers found your clit mid-thrust, rubbing in time with each snap of his hips. You clenched around him, moaning as your orgasm washed over you.

“Fuck,” he groaned, lowering himself to kiss you, forehead to forehead. “Can I—”

“Yes,” you breathed.

He groaned as he came, hips stuttering as he spilled into you. Your head lolled back, your entire body melting into the mattress.

“Amazing?” He asked softly.

“Stupid amazing,” you replied, still catching your breath.

“Get your pizza first! Your dick won’t fall off!”

You both froze at the shout. You blinked. “Who’s that?”

“One of my housemates, Seungcheol” Mingyu sighed. He quickly threw on his boxers and padded toward the door.

“Want to say hi?” “I’m naked.”

Mingyu grinned. “Well I’m half naked, just listen for the dramatics.”

You heard Seungcheol immediately yell, “Just boxers? Really? Why are you always half naked?”

You snorted, deciding to hop in the shower. After a quick rinse, you pulled on Mingyu’s shirt—it hung on you like a dress—and checked yourself in the mirror. Good enough.

You couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m going to grab some water, is that okay?” You asked Mingyu when he came back to his bedroom.

“Of course!” ~~ “Hi,” said a friendly voice as you padded into the hallway in Mingyu’s shirt.

You froze. A new stranger stood leaning against the kitchen counter, smiling at you. “You must be Y/N.”

You blinked. “I—uh. Hi.”

“I’m Seokmin,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m one of three housemates here.”

You shook it, already feeling incredibly flustered. “Mingyu,” he called down the hallway, “have you heard of a shirt?” You groaned. Mingyu appeared behind you, still shirtless, holding two slices of pizza. “I have, but I’m sweaty.” “Fine, fine,” Seokmin waved him off. “Take care, kids. Use protection!” You turned around and buried your face in Mingyu’s chest. “Sorry about him,” he muttered.

“It’s fine,” you said, muffled. Back in his room, you both settled in with greasy pizza and fresh sheets. “I hope you don’t mind that I showered,” you said. “You smell like me,” he replied with a smirk. “I’m keeping the shirt.” “Figured.” A pause. “You’re beautiful,” he said, quieter this time. You looked over at him. “I mean it,” he added. “Not in a creepy way. Just... in case no one’s told you recently.” Your stomach fluttered. You smiled, leaning into his shoulder as the movie started to play. ~~ Sometime between the second pizza slice and the end credits of Nemo, you found yourself stretched out beside Mingyu, your body limp, skin still tingling from his touch. He propped himself up on one elbow, brushing damp hair from your cheek. “We okay?” You blinked up at him, surprised by the question. “Yeah. Why?” He sighed. “Just... you’re hard to read sometimes.” “You mean emotionally?” He nodded. “I’ve been told,” you said softly. “Hey, its not a bad thing, just means I got to work harder.” He leaned in and kissed your forehead, his action making you swoon. “Hey,” he said a moment later. “I meant it. About you being my type.” You scoffed. “You don’t even know me.” “I know enough to want to keep knowing you.” You swallowed. “Okay,” you said. He grinned, pulling you closer. “Movie round two? Or round two in a very different sense?” You smacked his chest, laughing. “Movie first.” But even as you said it, your fingers were already trailing lower.~~ When you woke up the next morning, Mingyu was already in the kitchen, humming along to a playlist and flipping pancakes. You walked in wearing nothing but his shirt. He looked up, spatula still in hand. “Hi, gorgeous.” You smiled sleepily. “Hi.” He pointed toward the coffee he’d already made. “Caffeine. And carbs.” You padded over and tiptoed to reach up and kiss his cheek. “Are you trying to spoil me?” “Nope,” he said, flipping another pancake. “Just bribing you to stay longer.” You took a sip of the coffee. “Bribery’s working.” He grinned. ~~ “New shirt?” Wonwoo’s voice made you jump as you stepped into the living room.

You turned slowly, adjusting the hem of your oversized shirt. “Yes?” He raised a brow. “Is it clean?” “It’s Mingyu’s.”

“Ah,” Wonwoo said, voice flat.

You squirmed a little under his stare.

“Didn’t realise you two were still...” he trailed off, but the tone said enough.

You sighed. “We’re not anything. Just... two adults with no self-control and shared pizza.”

He let out a breath, his arms crossed. “Right.” “You’re mad.” “I’m not.” “You are.” Wonwoo didn’t answer.

“Fine,” you said, heading toward the kitchen. “Be grumpy.”

“I’m not grumpy,” he said, following. “I just, whatever.”

“Wonwoo, don’t be like that.”

“I’m just saying, kissing me, and then sleeping with Mingyu, won’t that give both of us mixed signals?” You blinked. “Maybe, but he doesn’t know.” Silence. Wonwoo sighed. “Well, that can’t end well.” 

You dropped your arms to your sides. “This is exhausting, I don’t want to fight with you.”

“Then, don’t play both sides. Look, even if it’s early on, you and Mingyu have bonded quickly, and maybe it’s not such a bad thing. Besides, you want intimacy, and I’m not in a space in my life where I can give you exactly what you need to give you that.” The words hit like a slap, and your mouth opened, then shut. You turned away before he could see how much it stung.

~~ Later that evening, you sat on the rooftop of your apartment building, wrapped in Mingyu’s hoodie, a wine bottle tucked between your knees. The city sparkled in the distance, alive and unaware. “You okay?” Mingyu asked softly, stepping onto the rooftop. You nodded without turning around. “I’m great. Just airing out my emotional baggage.” He sat beside you, letting his thigh brush yours. “Want to talk about it?” “Nope.” “Want me to distract you?” You turned to face him. “You think distraction fixes everything?” “No,” Mingyu replied, smiling faintly. “But I’m really good at it.” You laughed. It was small, but it cracked through the ache in your chest. “I just got into an argument with Wonwoo,” you said quietly. “Why?” You sighed and began to speak.  “I guess just an overprotective roommate,” you said, not wanting to tell Mingyu everything just yet. Mingyu tilted his head, studying you. “Oh, maybe he’s just looking out for you but going about it in the wrong way.” Your chest tightened. “Yeah, I guess so.” “How’s this, anytime you feel blue, you can come over to mine, and talk? I can promise pancakes and zero judgment.” You smiled, leaning your head against his shoulder.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” Mingyu rested his chin on your hair. “Anytime.” ~~ A week passed. You wrote your article. He read three books. You shared meals, shared beds, shared soft smiles across busy rooms. But something was shifting. It wasn’t just about sex anymore; you two spent more time together, talked about more personal things, shared funny anecdotes, and sometimes you both would just cuddle, even if there was no sex. And that terrified you. ~~ “Y/N,” Wonwoo said one evening as you passed each other in the kitchen. “Can we talk?” You froze. “Now?” He nodded. “If you’re not too busy with Mingyu.” The words were laced with something—resentment? Pain? You leaned against the counter. “Uh..no I’m not. Look, I don’t want to keep fighting you on this. Besides, like you said, you can’t give me what I need, and all we did was just flirt and kiss once.” “I know, and believe me, I’m not mad at how we behaved with one another, but I’m worried. What if he hurts you?” “He won’t. I’ve been spending more time with him, and he’s just the sweetest.” Wonwoo met your eyes. “He better be. ” You swallowed. “He is.” A beat of silence. “Do you like him?” He asked. You blinked. “What? Of course I do, he’s such a sweet guy.” “No. Do you like him? In the sense that, do you have feelings for him?” You hesitated too long. “That’s what I thought,” he said quietly, walking away. You didn’t sleep that night. You kept thinking about the way Mingyu looked when he was reading in bed, or how he always remembered to bring you a drink without asking. The way he listened. The way he kissed you was like he was trying to memorise your soul. And the worst part? You were starting to fall for him. And that scared the life out of you. ~~ “You look like shit.” Joshua didn’t even glance up from his cereal when he said it. “Good morning to you, too,” you mumbled, grabbing a mug from the cupboard. He raised an eyebrow. “Rough night?” You poured coffee and took a long sip before answering. “Didn’t sleep much.” “Because of Mingyu? Or because of Wonwoo?” You froze, mug halfway to your lips. Joshua looked up now, spoon suspended midair. “You think I don’t notice things? Come on, Y/N. You’re not subtle.” You sighed. “It’s complicated.” He scoffed. “Love triangles usually are.” “It’s not a triangle.” “Sure. Just a very... emotionally charged V.” “Wonwoo and I spoke, and we cleared the air, okay?” You added, already tired from the conversation. Joshua grinned. “I know, I was eavesdropping when you guys were chatting.” You rolled your eyes at him. “Of course.”

“So what will you do about your very real feelings for Mingyu?” ~~ “Hey.” Mingyu’s voice was soft when he called you later that afternoon. “You okay?” You hesitated. “Yeah. Just tired.” There was silence on the other end, but you could hear the way he breathed—measured and patient, waiting for you to say more. “I had a weird talk with Wonwoo,” you said finally. “What kind of weird?” “He asked me if I liked you.” A pause. “What did you say?” “I didn’t.” Another pause. “Do you?” “I... don’t know.” You heard Mingyu let out a slow breath. “Okay.” “That’s all you’re going to say?” “I’m not going to force you into anything.” You swallowed. “But what if this—whatever this is—ruins things? Between all of us.” “Then let it,” he said quietly. “If we’re all pretending to be fine, nobody actually is.”

~~ Later that week, Seokmin knocked gently on your apartment door. “Hey, sorry, uh... weird question. Have you seen Mingyu?” You blinked. “No? Not today.” He nodded slowly. “He’s been... off.” You closed your laptop. “Off how?” Seokmin scratched the back of his neck. “Quiet. Moodier than usual. Like he’s trying to disappear.” Your chest tightened. “Thanks for telling me. I’m heading out later; maybe I’ll run into him where he usually hangs out?” Seokmin smiled, “Thank you. You really do know him quite well. I appreciate it.” You found him at the park. Curled up on a bench, camera in hand, lenses strewn beside him like offerings. He didn’t even look up when you approached. “You’ve gone full tortured artist,” you said, forcing a smile. Mingyu clicked the shutter. “It’s quieter out here.” You sat beside him. “You didn’t answer my texts.” “I didn’t know what to say.” You smiled softly at him, “Just be honest.” He glanced over. “I want you. But I don’t want to be the one holding you back from figuring things out.” “You’re not holding me back.” “But you’re still stuck.”

You exhaled. “Yeah. I am.”

“Then say that. Don’t kiss me and pretend everything’s fine.”

You looked away. “I’m scared, okay? This... feels like it could be something real. And if it ends, I don’t know how to walk away from that.”

Mingyu’s voice dropped. “Then don’t.”

You blinked at him.

“Don’t walk away.”

You stayed on that bench until the sun dipped below the skyline.

You talked about everything and nothing. About the time he dyed his hair orange in college. About your first heartbreak. About the stupid article you were writing on “types” and how maybe Mingyu didn’t fit yours but kept checking every box anyway.

By the time you got home, your fingers were intertwined with his, and neither of you wanted to let go.

“Y/N?” Wonwoo’s voice caught you at the door.

Wonwoo’s eyes dropped to your hands interlaced with Mingyu. “I see you two are fine?”

You opened your mouth. Closed it again.

“Interesting,” he said.

“Wonwoo, what are you—”

“Don’t worry,” he interrupted. Then, smiling, he said. “It’s fine, just be safe, you guys.”

You gave him a small smile, “Shut up.” ~~ That night, as you lay in Mingyu’s bed with your head on his chest, you couldn’t sleep. The silence between you was heavy, like it was holding its breath. “Mingyu?” “Hmm?” “If this ends badly... I don’t think I’ll survive it.” He kissed your forehead gently. “Then we make sure it doesn’t.”

~~ “You’re late.” Joshua said as you entered the apartment, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. “I didn’t realise I had a curfew,” you muttered, brushing past him into the apartment. “You said you were coming home after dinner.” You kicked off your shoes. “I changed my mind.” Joshua followed you into the kitchen. “So you spent the night at Mingyu’s again?” You grabbed a glass of water. “Can we not do this right now?” Joshua scoffed. “You said this was a casual thing.” “It was.” “And now?” You didn’t answer. He let out a bitter laugh. “So that’s a yes.” “Shua, I’m not asking for your permission—” “No,” he snapped, “but I am your friend. And watching you sleepwalk into something that’s going to rip you apart isn’t easy.” Your chest tightened. “You don’t know that.” “I know you. And I’ve seen how you get when you fall for someone.” You set your glass down a little too hard. “He’s not like the others.” “Maybe not. But you are someone who falls head over heels and more when you like someone, and I’m scared that one tiny misstep on his part will break you.” You didn’t text Mingyu that night. Or the next morning. Or the one after that. You needed space to think. To breathe. To figure out why everything felt like it was unravelling—when on the surface, things had never been more... perfect. So why did you feel so off?

~~ Three days later, Mingyu showed up at your door. “You avoiding me?” He asked, not bothering with hello. You stared at him. “I just needed time.” “Without telling me?” “I didn’t think I needed to give you a heads-up every time I took a breath.” Mingyu’s jaw flexed. “That’s not what this is about, and you know it.” You crossed your arms. “Then what is this about, Mingyu?” “You’re pulling away.” You stayed silent. Mingyu stepped closer. “You said this was real. That you wanted it.” “I did.” “And now?” You opened your mouth, then shut it because you didn’t know. Not really. Mingyu’s voice cracked. “You can’t keep doing this. Wanting me when it’s convenient. Pretending nothing’s changed.” “I’m scared, okay?” You snapped. “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to be all-in without ruining everything.” His eyes softened for a moment. “So ruin it with me. Together.” You blinked, stunned. But before you could say anything, Wonwoo appeared behind you. “Hey, just checking—” He froze when he saw Mingyu. His expression shifted, cold and unreadable. “Oh. It’s you.” Mingyu’s eyes narrowed. “Nice to see you too.” You rubbed your temples. “Not now, please.” Wonwoo looked at you. “I’ll be in my room. Let me know if you want to talk. Or if you’re done letting him talk at you.” “Wow,” Mingyu muttered. “What’s his deal?” You turned on him. “Don’t.” “Don’t what? Point out the obvious?” “He’s trying to stand up for me.” “Right, and what am I doing? I’m just trying to get you to stand up for yourself, too.” You swallowed hard. “You should go.” Mingyu blinked. “What?” “I need space.” He didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. “Mingyu—” He stepped back, something shuttering in his face. “Right. Got it.” And just like that, he walked out. You shut the door and collapsed against it. Your chest ached in that specific, aching way that only happens when you push away something you want because you’re terrified you’ll destroy it. An hour later, your phone buzzed. Mingyu: I won’t chase you. But I’m not going anywhere either. You stared at the screen, heart thudding. Because that was the problem. He wasn’t going anywhere. And maybe that scared you more than anything. ~~ “You haven’t said anything in ten minutes,” Joshua pointed out, glancing at you from the other end of the couch.

“I’m thinking,” you replied, eyes fixed on the paused movie screen, not actually watching. He raised an eyebrow. “Dangerous territory.” You threw a popcorn kernel at him. “Ha-ha.” “Still no Mingyu?” “Nope.” “And that’s... good or bad?” You let out a long breath. “Confusing.” Joshua nodded slowly. “That tracks.” You finally looked at him. “Do you think I’m the problem?” He tilted his head. “Define ‘problem.’” “Do not make this worse.” He laughed under his breath. “Okay, look. You’ve had shit luck with relationships. You guard yourself. You get in your head. And yeah, sometimes you push people away before they can leave.” You blinked. “Damn. Don’t hold back.” “I’m just saying,” Joshua said, a little softer now. “Mingyu seems like the first guy who’s actually trying to stay. That scares the hell out of you, doesn’t it?” You didn’t answer. Later that night, you found yourself scrolling through photos. Pictures Mingyu had taken—blurry ones from the pub crawl, snapshots of street lights and half-smiles and candid moments. One of you laughing into a glass of wine. You hadn’t even known he’d taken that one. There was something about the way he saw the world. The way he saw you. Like he was already memorising you before he had the right to. Your heart ached.

~~ You couldn’t stop pacing. It had been a whole day since the fight, and your chest still felt tight. You hated fighting with Mingyu — it felt unnatural like the world was slightly off balance. You weren’t even sure how it had escalated so quickly. 

One moment you were just trying to be honest, saying you needed some space to process everything that had happened between you two. The next, Mingyu was snapping, clearly frustrated, saying it felt like every time you took a step forward, you took two steps back.

Now, you were standing in your living room, debating whether to go over and knock on his door. Joshua had already given you a pep talk, telling you to just be honest with Mingyu, but it still felt like walking into a lion’s den. You weren’t even sure what you’d say.

“Screw it,” you mumbled to yourself, throwing on an oversized hoodie and making your way to his door before you could second-guess yourself again.

You hesitated for a second before giving three firm knocks. You heard some rustling on the other side, and then the door opened, revealing a tired-looking Mingyu. His hair was tousled, and he was in a plain white tee and sweats, but his expression was guarded.

“What do you want?” He asked, his tone sharper than usual.

You swallowed hard, feeling your resolve falter. “Can I come in?”

He hesitated, eyes scanning your face, before he finally stepped aside and let you in. You walked to the living room, standing awkwardly by the couch while Mingyu stayed by the door, arms crossed over his chest. The silence stretched uncomfortably.

“Mingyu,” you started softly, twisting your fingers together. “I hate fighting with you.”

He huffed, looking away. “Yeah, well, I hate feeling like I’m being pushed away every time things start getting good.”

You bit your lip, gathering your thoughts. “That’s not what I was trying to do. I wasn’t trying to push you away.”

“Then what the hell was it?” He snapped, finally turning to look at you, his eyes a mixture of hurt and frustration. “You do all these things that make me feel like this could be something, then the next day you’re saying you need space? I don’t get it. Am I supposed to just keep guessing how you feel?”

You took a deep breath and moved closer, but kept a little distance. “I... I got overwhelmed. I thought that if I took a step back, I’d be able to figure out what I was feeling without dragging you into my mess.”

Mingyu looked at you incredulously. “You are such a hypocrite, you know that? You keep telling me to be honest with how I feel, to just say it when I’m upset or happy or whatever. And then you get overwhelmed and decide to push me away instead of telling me what’s going on in your head.”

The guilt gnawed at your stomach, and you looked down. “I know. You’re right. I’m... I’m scared.”

“Of what?” Mingyu’s voice softened, but he didn’t move closer.

“Of how much I like you. Of how much this means to me. Because if this goes wrong... it’s gonna hurt. A lot,” you whispered, tears stinging your eyes.

Mingyu sighed deeply, rubbing his face with one hand. “You’re not the only one who’s scared, you know. I’m terrified of screwing this up too. But you don’t see me trying to put distance between us every time things get intense.”

You sniffled, wiping at your eyes. “I’m sorry. I just... I didn’t know how to handle it. I never thought I’d care about someone this much again. I just panicked.”

Mingyu finally moved, taking a step toward you. “You can’t keep doing that. You can’t keep pulling back every time you get scared. I can’t take it. I’m all in with you, but I need you to meet me halfway. I can’t keep feeling like I’m chasing after you while you’re running in the opposite direction.”

You nodded, stepping closer until you were right in front of him. “You’re right. I know you are. I’m sorry I keep doing that. I just... I’m scared of losing you, so I keep pushing you away before you can leave on your own.”

Mingyu’s expression softened, and he uncrossed his arms, his hands hovering uncertainly before he cupped your face. “I’m not leaving. Okay? I’m not. You’re stuck with me.”

A small, shaky laugh escaped you, and you leaned into his touch. “I don’t want you to leave.”

He brushed his thumb over your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “Then stop making it so hard to stay,” he whispered, his voice softer now, more tender.

You nodded, covering his hands with yours. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I promise.”

His lips quirked into a small smile, and without another word, he leaned down and pressed a gentle, almost hesitant kiss to your lips. You melted into it, your hands sliding up to his shoulders as his fingers curled into your hair. The kiss was slow, tender, like he was reassuring himself that you were really there, that you weren’t going anywhere.

When you pulled back, you couldn’t help but smile up at him, and Mingyu sighed, pressing his forehead to yours. “You’re really exhausting sometimes, you know that?”

You let out a soft laugh, nodding. “Yeah. But I’m worth it, right?”

He chuckled, finally wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you close. “Yeah. You are. Just... stop running, okay?”

You buried your face in his chest, feeling his heartbeat under your cheek. “Okay. I’m done running.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, his hold tightening around you. “Good. Because I’m not letting you go.”

You looked up at him, and this time you kissed him first, letting your lips linger on his, soft and unhurried. Mingyu hummed contentedly, his hands sliding up your back. The tension melted away, and for the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt right again.~~ 

The next morning, after showering at Mingyu’s apartment and changing, you kissed Mingyu several times, before you left his place, and walked across the hall into your apartment to find Joshua seated at the kitchen counter with a bowl of cereal and the look. “You smell like sex and regret,” he said, casually spooning cereal into his mouth. “Morning to you, too.” “Is that Mingyu’s shirt?” You ignored him, heading toward your room. “You know,” he called after you, “I’ve been holding off on the ‘told you so,’ but I’m getting real close to breaking.” You stuck your head out. “Don’t.” Joshua raised both hands. “Just don’t get in too deep if you’re not willing to commit to him. It’ll hurt you both if that happens.” You stared at him. “What if I already am?” He frowned, setting down his spoon. “Then I hope any potential heartache is worth it.” ~~ That afternoon, you curled up on the sofa with your laptop. Article deadline looming. Blank document open. Brain, fried. It wasn’t until Mingyu texted that something sparked: Mingyu: What’s your favourite love story? You stared at the screen. You: Fictional? Mingyu: No. Real. You: Mine hasn’t been written yet. Mingyu: What if we wrote it together? Your chest did that stupid fluttering thing again. Like your heart had gone off-script. You smiled. You: Bold of you to assume you’d make the final draft. Mingyu: You keep rewriting the intro, babe. I’m just trying to stay on the page. You bit your lip, closing the chat. And just like that, your fingers flew across the keyboard. Because suddenly, you had something to say. ~~ Two days later, you knocked on Mingyu’s door with with snacks in attempt to bribe him to edit your lastest draft. 

He opened it with sleepy eyes and messy hair, wearing a hoodie that had no business looking that good. “Morning beautiful,” he greeted with a warm smile. You smiled, and held up a USB. “I wrote a my final draft of my most recent article, do you want to help me edit?” Final draft. No red pen needed.”

“Is that why you have snacks?” He asked already smiling. You grinned “Maybe.” “Well in that case, get in here, Hemingway,” he teased, stepping aside to let you in. You watched him read it from across the room. He didn’t say anything for a long time. Just kept scrolling, eyes focused, mouth slightly parted.

When he finished, he looked up. “That last line… ‘a spark can form the most unusual of places and encounters’.” You tilted your head. “Too much?” He shook his head. “No. It’s perfect.” You smiled softly. “It’s about you.” “I figured,” he said, walking over, “but it still wrecked me.” You leaned against the counter. “Good. That’s what great writing does.” He stepped closer. “So, does this mean you’ll fight for us?” “I think so.” He grinned. “Good, that’s all I can ask for.” “I think you already are.” And as he kissed you—slow, deliberate, familiar in all the right ways—you let the weight fall from your shoulders. Because maybe this wasn’t the start of a love story. Maybe it was the chapter where things stopped being a fantasy… ...and finally started feeling real. ~~ “You’ve been quiet all evening.” You glanced up from your wine glass. Mingyu was stretched out on the other side of the couch, hoodie sleeves bunched around his forearms, watching you with careful eyes. “I’m thinking.” “That’s dangerous,” he teased, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Want to talk about it?” “I don’t know how.” He nodded like he understood—but you could tell it still stung. You shifted in your seat. “What are we doing?” Mingyu blinked. “What do you mean?” “This thing. Us. It’s not just sex anymore.” “No, it’s not.” “And we’re not exactly friends either.” “I’m okay with not having a label,” he said. “Are you?” You looked down at your glass. “I want to be.” “But you’re not.” “I’m scared that if I name it, I’ll ruin it.” Mingyu sat up slowly. “You think love ruins things?” “I think people do.” That hit harder than you intended, and you both knew it. Later, when he kissed you, it was slow and sweet, like he was trying to remind you it didn’t have to be scary. You kissed him back with everything you had. And maybe that was the problem. Because giving someone everything? It meant they had the power to break you. ~~ The following day, the tension hadn’t left. You both pretended it had. You made breakfast. He teased you for burning the eggs. You laughed too loudly. He smiled too easily. But the silence between the sentences was deafening. When he finally left, the apartment felt too quiet. And when Joshua came home, he took one look at you and sighed. “Okay. Spill.” You sank onto the sofa. “I think I’m falling for him.” Joshua’s eyes widened; he never thought you’d admit it so quickly, but he didn’t interrupt. “And I don’t know if I’m ready.” He sat beside you, unusually serious. “Then don’t rush it. But don’t run from it either.” “I’m not running.” “You’re limping away at full speed.” You groaned. “God, you’re annoying when you’re right.” He smiled and bumped his shoulder against yours. “I only pull it out when necessary.” ~~ It was one of those quiet evenings, the kind where the city seemed to take a collective breath. You were on your way back from the grocery store, bags in hand, when you spotted Mingyu standing just outside your apartment building. At first, the sight of him made you smile – he was leaning against the railing, his broad shoulders relaxed, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the street lamp.

But then you noticed he wasn’t alone.

A girl stood in front of him, long hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing a fitted leather jacket and heels that clicked against the pavement. She was laughing at something he said, her hand brushing his arm lightly. Your steps faltered, and you instinctively took a step back, ducking behind the edge of the building.

Your heart clenched, a weird mix of confusion and something dangerously close to jealousy settling in your chest. You couldn’t help but feel stupid – why did it bother you so much to see him with someone else? It wasn’t like you had a claim on him. But there was something about how effortlessly beautiful she looked, how easily she made him laugh, that made your stomach twist uncomfortably.

A million questions ran through your mind. Did he know her from work? Was she just a friend? Or worse, an ex? You couldn’t help but notice how naturally he smiled at her, the way he leaned down to hear her better, his hand brushing back his hair the way he did when he was feeling a little self-conscious. You felt like a complete idiot, rooted to the spot, irrationally annoyed at how close they seemed.

You peeked around the corner, just enough to see her lean in a bit closer, her hand lingering on his arm. Mingyu seemed a little uncomfortable, glancing down at her hand before giving her a polite smile. They exchanged a few more words that you couldn’t quite hear, and then she waved, heading off down the sidewalk.

You waited until she was out of sight before stepping back out, trying to act natural. You kept your gaze on the ground as you made your way to the entrance, but of course, Mingyu spotted you instantly.

“Hey!” He called out, jogging over to you.

You forced a smile, not quite meeting his eyes. “Hey.”

He seemed to hesitate, studying your face. “What’s up? You okay?”

“Yeah, just tired,” you mumbled, shifting the grocery bag to your other hand.

Mingyu frowned, stepping closer. “Are you sure? You seem... off.”

You forced yourself to meet his gaze, offering a small smile that felt too tight. “Yeah, just a long day.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Here, let me help.” Before you could protest, he took one of the bags from your hand, his fingers brushing yours. The familiar warmth made your heart ache, and you bit your lip to keep your expression neutral.

As you walked inside, you couldn’t help but feel silly for feeling so... possessive. You weren’t even sure why it hit you so hard. Sure, Mingyu had been flirty with you, and you had shared some intense moments, but did that really mean he wasn’t allowed to have other girls around? 

Your mind kept replaying the way the girl leaned into him, her bright, carefree laugh, and the way Mingyu didn’t immediately step away. You hated how insecure it made you feel, and even more so how your mood had completely flipped.

When you reached your apartment, Mingyu put the bags on the kitchen counter and turned to you, concern etched into his features. “You’re incredibly cute when you’re grumpy, but I must still ask, why did you storm off when I called your name?” Mingyu stood in your doorway, his tone curious.

“I didn’t think you’d notice.”

“Of course I noticed.”

You crossed your arms, heart thudding. “You seemed busy.”

Mingyu scoffed. “What does that mean?”

“You were laughing. With some girl.”

“Seokmin’s cousin?”

You looked away. “Does it matter?”

“It does when you weaponise jealousy against me.”

Silence stretched between you like a taut wire ready to snap.

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you,” you whispered.

“But you did.”

You met his eyes. “So did you.”

He sighed, stepping back. “We were supposed to be honest. About what we wanted. About how we felt.”

“You said we didn’t need labels.”

“I didn’t think that meant lying to ourselves.”

Your voice cracked. “I wasn’t lying.”

“No?” He said, eyes searching yours. “Then tell me you don’t care about me.”

You blinked.

Tell him.

Say it.

But you couldn’t.

Because it wasn’t true.

And silence was the loudest answer of all. ~~ You didn’t speak for a week. No texts. No knocks on the door. No laughter through the walls.

It was excruciating. Even Joshua stopped teasing you.

“You okay?” Joshua asked one night, quietly.

You nodded. He didn’t press.

You sat at your laptop, staring at the blinking cursor. You hadn’t written a single word since the argument with Mingyu. It was as if you had lost your muse.

Worse—you might’ve lost him too. ~~ Another three days passed. You were walking home, umbrella flipping inside out in the wind, when you saw it: A plant. Sitting on your doorstep. A bonsai.

With a tiny note taped to the pot.

“Joshua told me you don’t like when plants have human names, but Lydia 2.0 says she misses you. -M”

You stared at it. Then you cried. Not a pretty, cinematic cry. A real one. Messy. Gutting. Cathartic. Because it wasn’t about the plant. It was about the space he left—and how much of you still lived in it. You knocked on his door the next day. No answer. You knocked again. Then again.

Finally, the door opened. Mingyu stood there, in a hoodie and sweatpants, eyes tired, expression guarded. 

You held up the note. “You’re still annoying, you know that?”

“Glad to know I still have that effect.”

You exhaled. “Can we talk?”

He stepped aside. You both sat on the floor. No pretence. No distance. Just you two, knees touching.

“I miss you,” you admitted.

Mingyu nodded. “I missed you, too.”

“I panicked,” you confessed. “I didn’t know how to handle what I was feeling, and I ran. I always run.”

“And I push,” he said. “When I want something, I push hard for it.”

You looked at him. “This thing between us... it’s not just physical anymore.”

“No,” he said softly. “It’s not.”

You reached for his hand. “So what now?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Now, we start over. No rules. No games. Just us.”

You bit your lip. “And if I mess up again?”

“Then I’ll remind you why you chose me the first time.”

You laughed through your tears. “You’re really good at that, you know?”

Mingyu smiled, leaning forward until your foreheads touched.

“Let’s just take it slow,” you whispered.

He nodded. “Slow sounds perfect.”

And in the quiet of his apartment, with your hand in his and hope blooming in the wreckage. You realised this wasn’t a new chapter. This was the real beginning. ~~ “So, what’s the plan for the housewarming?”

Mingyu’s voice drifted through the doorway as you padded into his kitchen, still half-asleep in your oversized T-shirt, hair sticking up in odd angles. You squinted at him, blinking the sleep out of your eyes.

“What housewarming?” You mumbled, fumbling for your mug and the coffee pot.

Mingyu gave you a lopsided grin. “The one I said we should do this some time next weekend? Seokmin and Seungcheol hyung are finally settled in. So I was planning to invite some of our friends, it’d be a nice way for everyone to see the new place, and we can also invite your housemates too?”

You took a long sip of coffee, the caffeine finally beginning to wake you up. “Oh. Yeah, sounds good. Just drinks and stuff?”

“Yeah, keep it chill—drinks, music, maybe a game or two if Seokmin gets bored enough,” Mingyu replied, leaning back against the counter with that casual confidence of his.

You raised an eyebrow. “You know Seokmin’s going to demand karaoke. Are you prepared for that chaos?”

Mingyu snorted. “I’m mentally preparing. I’ll make sure we have enough soju to tolerate his high notes.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Sounds like a solid plan. Who’s handling the drinks and snacks?”

He gave you a thoughtful look. “I’ll handle the drinks, you take care of the snacks? That way I don’t accidentally buy a bunch of instant ramen and call it party food.”

You chuckled, nudging him lightly with your elbow. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. I’ll make a list. You’ll just have to carry all the bags.”

Mingyu smirked. “That’s what I’m here for—manual labor and looking pretty.”

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t help the fond smile tugging at your lips. “You do one of those things better than the other.”

He made a face. “Wow, that’s harsh. I’ll have you know, I can carry all the groceries in one trip.”

“Sure, Hercules,” you teased, pouring yourself another cup of coffee. “Are you inviting everyone from the building or just the usual crowd?”

“Just the usual. Maybe a few others from the floor if Seokmin gets carried away. You know how he is—an introverted social butterfly in a chaotic package,” Mingyu replied, shaking his head fondly.

You hummed in agreement. “I’ll handle the playlist then. Can’t trust you to not play EDM the whole night.”

Mingyu put a hand to his chest, feigning offense. “I have taste, okay? Just because I like a good bass drop doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate your acoustic love songs.”

You rolled your eyes. “I swear, if I hear one remix of a ballad, I’m kicking you out of your own party.”

He laughed, giving you a soft look. “Deal. I’ll keep it classy. Promise.”

As you both continued planning, Mingyu pulled out his phone, showing you a few decoration ideas. You couldn’t help but notice how excited he seemed about hosting—how he wanted everything to be perfect. It was endearing, really.

“So, we’ll get some fairy lights, right?” Mingyu asked, scrolling through a list of supplies.

You nodded. “Definitely. Maybe some cute string lights too, for the balcony. And I’ll put together a few cocktail recipes—something easy for people to mix themselves.”

Mingyu grinned. “You know, we make a pretty good team.”

You smiled, feeling a flutter in your chest. “Yeah, we do.”

He leaned closer, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Just make sure you save a dance for me, alright? Even if Seokmin’s singing ‘I Want It That Way’ at the top of his lungs.”

You snorted. “I’ll consider it—if you promise to at least try not to drink every cocktail I make.”

Mingyu chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair out of your face. “No promises. Your drinks are dangerously good.”

You gave him a soft smile, warmth spreading through you at his touch. As the two of you continued planning, you couldn’t help but think that this housewarming wasn’t just about the new place—it was about starting something new between the two of you, too.

~~ You were sitting on the living room couch, scrolling through your phone when you heard the front door open. Wonwoo stepped inside, holding a takeout bag, his shoulders looking a little less tense than usual after a long day at work. You looked up and gave him a small smile as he kicked off his shoes.

“Long day?” You asked, setting your phone down.

Wonwoo nodded, letting out a quiet sigh. “Yeah. Presentation ran over time, and then the client had about a thousand questions.”

You gestured for him to sit next to you, and he plopped down on the couch, stretching his legs out. “Well, I’ve got some news that might cheer you up,” you said, a hint of excitement in your voice.

Wonwoo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “What now? You won the lottery or something?”

“Better,” you grinned. “There’s a party this weekend. Mingyu and his roommates are hosting a housewarming.”

Wonwoo gave you a skeptical look. “A party? At Mingyu’s place?”

“Yep,” you confirmed. “Seokmin and Cheol are finally settled in, and Mingyu thought it’d be a good idea to invite everyone over. Drinks, music, probably some weird games if Seokmin has anything to say about it.”

Wonwoo snorted, shaking his head. “Sounds chaotic. But it could be fun.”

You nodded. “Exactly. Plus, it’s a good way to get to know everyone better. I already told Mingyu we’d be there.”

He gave you a sideways glance. “You sure about that? Joshua’s been swamped lately. Don’t know if he’ll be up for it.”

You mock pouted at him. “Come on Wonwoo, please?” “Fine, against my better judgement, fine.”

Wonwoo took a breathe and gave you scrutinising look. “So... what’s the deal with you and Mingyu?”

Your smile faltered slightly. “What do you mean?”

He crossed his arms, clearly not letting this go. “I mean, you’re now planning a party together? Isn’t that something incredibly couple like? Are you two a thing now or what?”

You hesitated, not sure how to put it into words. “We’re... figuring things out. It’s not really labeled or anything.”

Wonwoo’s eyes narrowed, clearly not satisfied with that answer. “You sure you’re not rushing into something? You haven’t really known him that long.”

You bristled slightly. “It’s not like that. We’re just spending time together, seeing where it goes.”

“Spending time, huh? You know that’s how people get feelings right?” Wonwoo said cautiously.

You frowned. “I’m not some lovesick idiot, you know. I know how to take care of myself.” Wonwoo raised his hands in surrender. “Hey, I’m just looking out for you. I’ve you get hurt and cry over idiots, I don’t want crying over yet another guy.”

Your stomach twisted at his words, a tiny seed of doubt planting itself despite your best efforts to ignore it. “Mingyu’s not like that, he’s kind, warm and compassionate.”

Wonwoo gave you a half-smile. “You sure not love sick?”

You didn’t know how to respond, so you just nodded. Wonwoo gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze before heading to his room.

Left alone with your thoughts, frustration bubbled under your skin. You didn’t want to doubt Mingyu, but Wonwoo’s words kept bouncing around your head. To dispel the tension, you found yourself cleaning the living room with more force than necessary, wiping down the coffee table and fluffing the pillows like they’d personally offended you.

After vacuuming the floor and reorganizing the bookshelf twice, you stopped to catch your breath, realizing how ridiculous you were being. You were annoyed—not just with Wonwoo, but with yourself for letting his words get to you. You couldn’t help it. Mingyu made you feel safe, seen and cared for, and Wonwoo’s word sowed a seed of worry in your mind. 

The sound of a knock at the door pulled you out of your thoughts. You opened it, and there stood Mingyu, leaning against the frame with a casual smile.

“Hey, the apartment door was open,” he greeted, his voice soft.

“Hey,” you replied, trying to muster a smile.

Mingyu’s eyes roamed the room, noticing the freshly cleaned space. “Wow. Did you go on a cleaning spree?”

You shrugged. “Just needed to do something to clear my head.”

He gave you a curious look, his smile fading a bit. “Something on your mind?”

You bit your lip, debating whether to bring up what Wonwoo said. “Just... thinking about stuff.”

Mingyu stepped closer, his hand reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

Your heart squeezed at the simple, sincere gesture. You leaned into his touch, letting out a long breath. “It’s nothing, really. Just overthinking, I guess.”

He cupped your cheek gently, his thumb brushing your skin. “You sure? I don’t like seeing you stressed.”

You nodded, leaning into his touch. “I’m fine. Just... needed a distraction.”

Mingyu’s lips quirked up in a gentle smile. “I’m good at distractions.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, the tension easing from your shoulders. Mingyu’s presence had a way of making the chaos in your mind feel a little quieter.

“Stay?” You whispered.

He leaned in, his forehead resting against yours. “Always.”

You let out a small sigh of relief, and without thinking, you closed the distance between your lips, kissing him softly. Mingyu responded immediately, his hands slipping to your waist, pulling you closer. The kiss was slow, unhurried—like he was taking his time to reassure you that he wasn’t going anywhere.

When you finally pulled back, Mingyu gave you a soft smile, brushing his nose against yours. “Feel better?”

You smiled, your heart fluttering in your chest. “Yeah. A lot better.”

Mingyu pressed a lingering kiss to your forehead before pulling you into a warm hug. You closed your eyes, letting the comfort of his embrace push away the doubts that had threatened to take over.

[tobiotetsu]

the beast’s beauty

fushiguro toji x f!reader

description: because of your father's mistake, the infamous toji zenin forced you into imprisonment in order to pay his debt. however, what you never expected was to fall in love with the monster he was.

genre: angst, historical au, 18+, mini series

warnings/tags: explicit smut(vaginal penetration, unprotected sex, will add more) violence, mentions of stockholm syndrome & misogyny, blackmail, character injury, blood, profanity, mdni, grammar mistakes

a/n: thank you to everyone showing love for this series!!!this is a little mellow chapter hehe! blogs are truly appreciated <3 (taglist: open) (wc: 1.3k)

general masterlist

part one ♕ part two ♕ part three ♕ part four ♕ part five

The only smell that filled the air around you was the stench of cigarettes. Your father was a drunk so booze wasn't an unfamiliar scent. smoking, however, wasn't a habit he developed. Your throat seized a coughing fit before you could open your eyes.

Your bare shoulders felt a cool stone behind them as you regained your full consciousness.

What happened?

You clenched your clothes as you remembered the last moments before you were taken.

Your father had sold you away in a bet.

The air in the dark room stank, but you breathed it in deeply in an attempt to calm your mind. Your eyes scattered around the room in hopes to know where you were. The room was almost pitch black. The only light that seeped through was from the cracks in the door.

You wanted to scream. You wanted to pound your fits against the door and crumble it into pieces and run home. Run home to your father. To the man who did this to you. Tears welled up in your eyes merely at the thought. Through everything that you two have been together, through you playing the role of the parent to the one who was supposed to take care of you. You thought he had the decency to still care for you.

Your breath gathered speed and quickly turned into a panicked state. In attempts to inhale more you loudly gasp, hoping that if you breathed in enough of the wretched air, you'd wake up from this nightmare.

Before you could compose your thoughts, the illuminated door frame began to shake. The high-pitched jingle of keys was the only sound that filled the room. Your breaths had completely stopped. Everything in you froze, unprepared for who or what was going to appear.

Your eyes hadn’t gained their complete visibility yet so you weren't able to see the detail of the figure in front of you. He was large. His frame filled 80% of the doorway. He had something in his hand. You pressed yourself into the stone wall behind you in an attempt to move as far from him as you could.

As you shuffled your legs, you felt heavy resistance and great pain. A small yelp escaped your lips. You looked down and your dress was in tatters. Below the fabric, your eyes were met with rusted metal shackles. Your right ankle looked bruised as dark purple marks peaked under the shackle. Your left however was far worse. Wrapped in cloth and decorated with deep red patches. “What did you do to me?” your voice came off more threatening than you thought you could muster. You stare at the man in front of you. You can see him slightly better now. He was wearing a black wool sweater now. Its sleeves were rather large, even he had to roll them up slightly. The object he was holding was a metal bucket and a rag.

“I didn't do shit. You did.” the man took a step closer to you. Your fingertips curled into the fabric of your dress. Fear coursed through your veins but for some reason, you didn't dare show it in your eyes. You continued to look straight at this man.

“Excuse me? I kidnapped and hurt myself?” you couldn't help but satirize this whole encounter.

“You've been in and out of consciousness for 4 days now. Day 1 you did that trying to get away,” he said pointing to your ankle. He crouched down in front of you before continuing. “And yesterday you did that,” he said as he hovered above your shoulder. You didn't even notice the marks forming on your shoulder all the way down the right side of your back.

As the distance between you two halved, you finally could see his face properly. He looked cold. Not temperature wise but his soul looked cold. There was no warmth in his eyes. There was no remorse, no hope.

You needed hope, and the longer you looked at his eyes the hope in your own died as well.

“Please, I can give you money. I-” Before your pleas could finish he interrupted you.

“I don't need money. I need the guns your father sold. They’re one of a kind and fucking expensive.” His words were law. No matter how hard you bargained, he wouldn't free you. He set the bucket beside you and wet the rag in the fluid. His rough hands rang the cloth out with ease and he moved to place it on your shoulder.

“Don’t!” you dodge his hand quicker than he expected. “Don’t fucking touch me”

The man sighed and threw the rag into the bucket. He stood and leaned his body on the wall opposite to you, waiting for you to pick up the rag. You weren't going to give in, you wanted to protest and this was the only way you knew of.

There wasn't a clock present but you were sure at least 15 minutes went by as you two stared at one another. You gathered more pieces of him. He favoured his right side, as his pressure is never fully on his left. His hair was cut recently; the tips of his hair looked frayed and jagged.

He was the first to break the silence as he pushed himself off the wall and dug into his back pocket.

“Your wounds are going to get infected if you keep at this” His words gave you a good laugh.

“And why would you care?”

“I need you to be alive. I can’t exchange a dead daughter now can I?” you sharply inhaled at his words. “And what did I say before? I don't break my promises.” a small smirk pulled at his lips for barely a second before it disappeared into his permanent frown.

You gulped at his words. You had no reason to believe this man. He kidnapped you. He may hurt you or even worse. But maybe it was that piece of hope that was at the back of your mind. You didn't have anyone at this moment. You doubted your father would save you; he never did in the past.

“Fine” your mumble was all he needed as the man began to unbuckle the shackles at your feet. Swiftly, he looped one arm under your calf and the other one pressed tightly against your back. His fingertips felt rough to the touch. He picked you up with ease.

“I can walk!” you shouted without thinking about your inquiries.

“Yeah and then you're gonna break a hand next trying to run. Hell no”.

He walked quickly up the stairs and into a small hallway. Two doors were facing each other. The man carefully stepped into the one on the right. It was a washroom. The room was lit by 3 candles. There was a small window in the room accompanied by a chair, sink and a large tub already filled with water.

You were placed on the chair near the sink. The man scratched his neck as he gathered fabrics and placed them on the side. Once again he took his previous position as he led against the sink waiting for you. It was then that you slowly realized what was to happen.

“Are you going to leave?” you raised an eye as you stated the obvious.

“And have you jump out the window?”

“I won't run,” you stated.

“And I ain't leaving”. “Then I'm not going to get in the tub.” you protested firmly. Your words seemed to do nothing as the man took a step toward you and crouched to eye level.

“Listen, either you take the corset off, or I'll rip it off your body myself.”

[ tag list: @meepmoop12w @tojishugetiddies @thepsychicartist @blkmystery @wo-ming-bai @heyitstacy ]

[sorikkung]

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a/n: i heard somewhere taehyun throwing knives in the txt dorms is canon. i ran with it.

EDIT: i forgot an entire conversation that was meant to take place w felix in dms before this part, if you haven't read it already please go back and read it thanks sorry 🙏

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77 notes - Posted June 12, 2022

#4

good boy gone bad | intros

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86 notes - Posted June 12, 2022

#3

what goes on in neverland. ⇝ ch. 1: rivalry, a bitter past, and a whole lot to prove

word count: 17.4k

pairings: transmasc!reader x eric, reader x chan, reader x felix, eric x felix, wooyoung x mingi, minho x changbin, chan x felix (see masterlist for full series pairings)

genre: fluff, smut and lots of assorted shenanigans. hijinks, if you will

au: battle of the bands!au but make it gay and horny

warnings: (another) m/m/afab threesome, switch!reader, switch!felix, (physical and mental) power struggle, improvised handcuffs, mild exhibitionism, brief choking, unprotected sex, cumplay, anal (m recieving)

a/n: this only took way too long uh whoops?? apologies LOL anyway dont mind the sudden switch of past tense to present tense, the rest of the series will be present tense from now on, only the prologue is past tense cause its the prologue. hope that isnt too confusing LOL

please reblog and leave feedback if you enjoyed, it's what keeps us writers going :')

tags: @mingirn, @absentcaryatid, @honeybyunnies (apologies if you didn't wanna be tagged just lmk and i'll take you off the taglist!)

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94 notes - Posted March 12, 2022

#2

♕ of princes and princesses ♕ | s.mg, j.yh

✒ pairing: princess!song mingi x trans!prince!reader x prince!jeong yunho

✒ wc: 16.7k

✒ genre: royalty au, angst, romance, smut, heavy on the themes of queerness and identity

✒ summary:

"Only princesses like princes," you were all told. Mingi figured that must make him a princess, because he knows he loves the Crown Prince of Choeya, Jeong Yunho.

"You're a princess," you've been told, but you know you're a prince - and if it takes recruiting the estranged princess of Reuji to help you prove that point on your last stand, so be it.

Yunho is throwing a gala between the three kingdoms to forge alliances, and has no idea just how successful he will be.

✒ warnings! blatant transphobia and homophobia, verbal and emotional parental abuse, implied dysphoria, smut, anal (m. receiving), mirror sex, first times (mingi is a virgin), both of them have stupidly huge cocks, unprotected sex bc this is medieval times did they even have condoms? usage of the title "sir"

✒ a/n: this piece is very, very, very important to me, so i really hope you'll give it a shot! i especially invite cis readers to give it a chance to boost more marginalised identities within the reader insert community, to help even one other queer person out there feel more seen and normal. any reblogs or feedback would mean the world to me <3

as this fic is about queerness and acceptance, i will happily rewrite it for other queer identities upon request, whether that be trans woman, nonbinary, or any other shade of queerness, so just let me know!

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201 notes - Posted August 21, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

good boy gone bad | txt, skz & atz social media au [m.list]

genre: fluff, comedy, a pinch of angst but mostly just lots of pining, polyamory, suggestive content but (probably) no actual smut

au: non-idol au, fake dating au, bad boy makeover au

What's more outrageous to a conservative family than one bad boy rebel boyfriend? Five of them. Hell, why stop there? Sick of pining over your childhood bestfriends and wanting to stick it to your old folks, you decide its time to find as many fake boyfriends as you can to bring along to your sister's wedding. If they're too good on their own, that's fine - you can make them a whole lot worse.

a/n: if you enjoy this, please do reblog and/or give any feedback or reactions you might have! it makes a writer's day and keeps us writing :)

intros

1. two nerd best friends

2. felix is just, a really good friend :)

3. yeonjun does not hesitate, taehyun hates his friends, beomgyu narrowly avoids getting knifed in his sleep

4. hyuka isn't the best at keeping secrets - even his own.

5. y/n has bitches?!

6. felix lee joins the party!

7. bad boy makeover step one: fit check!

8. step two, taking "be gay, do crime" to a whole new level

9. call that the y/n effect!

10. realisations yet to be had

11. other side of the coin

12. one day. for now, welcome to superhell

13. taehyun remembers things and felix is a natural blonde

1. bickering like boyfriends already

15. thirst trapped in the gc

16. mutual blackmail.

17. just bros being bros (dancing gay little circles around each other)

intros [ii]

18. gay update: getting gayer

19. hongjoong likers club

20. intervention, interrogation, indirection

21. a queer indie production film. totally.

22. prove it.

23. for you.

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343 notes - Posted June 12, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[star1117-archives]

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 / 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - 𝐊. 𝐘𝐒

Part of the Mental health comforts series

♕ pairing: kang yeosang x gn!reader

♕ genre: angst + hurt/comfort (?)

♕ w/c: 488

♕ cw + tw: depression, suicidal thoughts, implied cutting, intimacy, mentions of blades, bandages, blood

♕ a/n: again this is a very triggering topic so please dni if it may harm you in any way, shape or form.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄 + 𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 ♡ -𝟏𝟔’𝐬 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈

“SANG.”

Humming quietly in response, Yeosang looked up at you with an indescribable expression. It seemed to be a mix of anger, guilt and something else you couldn’t place. Gulping, you broke eye contact and looked down, shame engulfing you in its suffocating depths.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

Yeosang nodded, looking back down and focusing on the task at hand. Like you were made of glass, he carefully wrapped the bandages around your wrists, making sure not to press too hard nor wrap the bandages too loose. Blood began to seep through the first few layers, a ghost of what you had done coming back to haunt you.

“That’s right, you can’t.”

His words made you purse your lips, your voice hardly audible as you replied.

“You know what I mean.”

Sighing, Yeosang tied the bandages on each wrist, mumbling an apology when you hissed at the pressure. He then let you sit in silence as he cleaned up, milling about the room and putting the first aid kit back in place. Although he didn’t intend to, his silence made your eyes well up, interpreting it as anger.

Of course he should be angry at you, you’re a waste of space.

Sniffling, you let yourself fall onto the bed the two of you had been sitting on, tears beginning to fall. It was the only sound in the room, Yeosang seemingly having left to finish clearing up, but you put your hands over your ears with a whimper. The thoughts were consuming you again, whispering poison in your ears just like they had mere hours before. Even with your eyes closed, the razor blade’s glint was taunting you.

He hates you, just like everyone else.

Who could love a wreck like you? He’s gonna leave, just like everyone else.

You deserve to die, it’ll do the world a favour.

Soon enough you were rocking back and forth, trying to drown out the noises as you quietly cried. Their attack was relentless, and it felt as if they were winning. Just as you thought to do something about it, a weight made the mattress dip behind you. Yeosang’s arms wrapped securely around you, lips pressing a chaste kiss to the back of your head. Pulling you closer, he murmured into your ear, kissing your lobe fondly.

“Don’t listen to them.”

His voice was like a beacon of light in the darkness, the soft timbre contrasting with the screams inside your head. Turning you to face him, Yeosang wiped away your tears, smiling softly when you opened your eyes and stared at him.

“I’m sorry.”

Yeosang quickly shushed you, hands cupping your cheeks as he pressed a few kisses to your lips. He knew how much you loved affection, so he continued to shower you in it as he spoke.

“Let me help you, Y/N. I can get you the help you need, you just have to let me.”

♕ SFW Taglist !! ♕

@agustd-essert @hyuckilstan @a-soft-hornytiny @like-a-butterfly1026 @artemis-in-your-area @violetwinters @lynnsqueendom @galaxybam2 @yunhobabygurl @multidreams-and-desires @starlightracha @deja-vux @itbecina @anpanseok @mingitheii @vilavixg @mrcarrots @the-answer-is-love-yrself @effulgentfireflies @ateezbabysitters @meowmeowminnie @soft-teddybear @reaperhwa @a1sh1teruu @fantasy2wonderland @xuxibelle @dazzlingligth @simeonswhore @neocuddlytechnology @greenymar @owjohny @xye-weirdo @jwnghyuns @plutoneu @m4rsluv @anowamij @minkysmilk @softkpopplace @yeosxxx @k1ayla @jinsfavoritedoll @waezennie

Apply for the taglists here -> ♕

[deonquillinae]

— important

# ˚୨୧✧ deonaeh | ˚୨୧✧ 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡 – my tag # ˚୨✧୧⟲ deonaeh’s repost | ˚୨✧୧⟲ 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 – for reposting own works

# ˚୨✧୧ – random reposts

# ♕✦ deonaeh’s about me | 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞

# ♖✦ deonaeh’s masterlist | 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

# ♞✦ deonaeh’s taglist | 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

# ♜✦ deonaeh’s byf dni & reminders | 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐛𝐲𝐟 𝐝𝐧𝐢 & 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

— works

# ☾˚୨୧ deonaeh’s mindspace | ☾˚୨୧ 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 – my random ideas

# ≡୨୧ﾟ deonaeh’s brainrot | ≡୨୧ﾟ 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐭 – for simping purposes

# ˗ˏˋ꒰♛ deonaeh’s journal | ˗ˏˋ꒰♛ 𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐡’𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 – for milestones

— asks

# ˗ˏˋ꒰💌 : deonaeh responds – for answering asks # ˗ˏˋ꒰♡ : [name / anon] 

— genre # ˚ꔫ♔ : sfw – fluff, angst

# ˚ꔫ♚ : nsfw – heh seggs

— other

# ˗ˏˋ꒰⚜ : – for crediting artists and other creators

© 𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐄𝐇 2022 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

[bae-del-moon]

From the Heavens || Sangyeon (C1)

♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕

Pairing: Sangyeon x F!Reader

Word Count: 5.6k

Rated: M (for Suggestive and Violent themes) 

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Angst, Supernatural, Strangers to Enemies to Lovers, Star-Crossed Lovers, Royalty AU

Summary: The sun has set. The moon has risen. The night has end, and another day has begun. Happy birthday to you. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it does. It’s time for you and the only other Gifted in the world to partake in the crowning ritual. Only one with the gift of summoning may rule. So who’s it going to be? You? Or the Lee Heir who might have stolen your heart?

[SERIES MASTERLIST] | C1

♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕

“Recite the history of the Gifted,” your tutor ordered you monotonously, not once looking up from the leather-bound book in her hands. 

You shifted in your seat, hands toying with the dry nib of the quill that laid on your desk before answering. “More than five hundred years ago, four families were given a gift from the heavens in the dead of night. When their eldest children woke, they found themselves with the gift of summoning.” 

“Summoning, what?” She grumbled, annoyance lacing her words. 

“The spirits of the dead from the netherworld,” you responded, dipping your quill into your glass inkwell. 

“Good,” she said, “Continue.” 

You sighed quietly and lifted your quill over the piece of parchment in front of you, letting the black ink on the nib drip onto the page. Then you started doodling. “Chaos ruled the world before the Gifted, and the King was of no help to his people. But, the four children used their gifts to bring peace and tranquility to our kingdom. Then they, along with the rest of the populace, decided that one of these four should be the crowned ruler. Not only because they brought peace and tranquility but because the people believed that it could only be kept if one of them became the ruling monarch. So, the strongest was decided to rule.” 

“Good. Good,” she murmured off-handedly, “What came then?” 

“The dividing. It was decided— though there’s no clear record of who— that our lands should be divided into four parts. One for each of the families to protect. Now, each family lives on a portion of land that borders the never-ending forest, miles away from town and secluded from the rest of the kingdom. The west went to the Angelos, to east the Mons. The Lee family took the north, and our family took the South; and, the King took the center of the kingdom.” 

“What else?” Your tutor huffed, “You’re forgetting crucial details yet again. What were they?” 

You bit your lip to keep yourself from snapping. You hadn’t forgotten anything. It was impossible after having your kingdom and your familial history drilled into you every day since you were able to read and write. You had simply chosen not to say anything about it. 

“They are peace, prosperity, and safety. It was prophesied that our kingdom will only prosper and live in peace for a hundred years, so long as a Gifted takes the throne. Even after they are gone, and the kingdom waits for new Gifted to born and present as such, the kingdom will live in peace, so long as the hundred years haven’t ended.” 

“What about the throne?” 

“No one else is allowed to sit on the throne besides a Gifted,” you finished, resting your chin in the palm of your hand and turning your head to the tall arched windows to your right that showed you your home’s backyard and the entrance to the southern never-ending forest. 

You turned to look at your tutor again. Her nose was still buried deep in the book in her hands, and she had yet to notice that you had finished responding. 

“May I leave now?” 

The words were like a trigger, she stopped reading the book in her hands, and her head snapped up to glare at you, eyes narrowing into slits. She snapped the book shut with a single hand before speaking. 

“Leave? Your lessons for the day have only just begun.” 

“Lesson from a book that I have learned and relearned a countless amount of times. I doubt there are any words in that book that I haven’t already heard read to me since I was a child. Or that I haven’t studied myself.”

“I am your tutor, and I will be the judge of that,” she hissed, taking a step toward you menacingly before righting herself and plunging into the book again. “Cockiness is not a virtue befitting the future monarch. You would do well to remember that.” 

Now it was your turn to narrow your eyes, “That wasn’t cockiness. That was fact.” 

“Is that so,” she said mockingly, “then, pray tell, what consists of the ritual you will have to undergo to claim the throne?” 

“You mean…” you smiled coyly, leaning over your desk toward her like you were about to share a secret, “You mean you don’t know?” 

“Of course not,” she scoffed, “Tell me. What is it?” 

You took a look around the room as if you were making sure there weren’t any extra pairs of ears listening, then waved her closer, “Well, you see….”

She nodded, invested in your words. 

“You aren’t blood.” 

Her jaw clenched, and she yanked the piece of parchment off your table and stepped into the light by the window. She took one glance at it and smirked, “Drawing while you’re supposed to be studying? I’m sure your parents would love to hear about this.” 

“Of course,” you agreed, “I’m sure my parents would love to know you are incapable of “teaching”… me properly.” 

It transpired in a nanosecond, you couldn’t be sure it had happened, but you thought it did. Your tutor growled. Then, proceeded to rip the parchment into little pieces. She glared at you. Was that a glint in her eyes, or was the sun playing a trick on you? 

She stepped toward you menacingly. 

“I wouldn’t do whatever you were just planning to if I were you,” your cousin’s voice spoke up from the entrance of your study. 

“Lady Hye,” your tutor greeted as she retracted her steps, “My apologies, but I fear I do not know what you are referring to.” 

Olivia studied your tutor silently from the door with her arms crossed. She hummed when she stepped forward a few moments later, “Is that so?” 

You noticed the sword hanging off her hips, sunlight hitting it just the right way for it to glint. You wondered if your tutor had noticed the sword at your cousin’s side too.

“I think it would be best if you took your leave now or I will need to have a talk with my dear aunt and uncle.” 

“B-But,” she stammered, “the day’s lessons have just begun.” 

“From what I’ve seen, the day’s lesson is something my dear cousin already knows by heart, and I very much doubt that forgoing today’s review will be damaging,” Olivia said, meeting your tutor’s eyes in an unwavering challenge until she relented. 

She stepped toward you menacingly. 

“I wouldn’t do whatever you were just planning to if I were you,” your cousin’s voice spoke up from the entrance of your study. 

“Lady Hye,” your tutor greeted as she retracted her steps, “My apologies, but I fear I do not know what you are referring to.” 

Olivia studied your tutor silently from the door with her arms crossed. She hummed when she stepped forward a few moments later, “Is that so?” 

You noticed the sword hanging off her hips, sunlight hitting it just the right way for it to glint. You wondered if your tutor had noticed the sword at your cousin’s side too.

“I think it would be best if you took your leave now or I will need to have a talk with my dear aunt and uncle.” 

“B-But,” she stammered, “the day’s lessons have just begun.” 

“From what I’ve seen, the day’s lesson is something my dear cousin already knows by heart, and I very much doubt that forgoing today’s review will be damaging,” Olivia said, meeting your tutor’s eyes in an unwavering challenge until she relented. 

“Very well,” she nodded. 

She had brushed past Olivia, and only a couple of steps remained between her and the door when Olivia spoke to her again. 

“I believe you have forgotten something.” 

“Pardon?” Your tutor asked quietly. 

“The book,” Olivia said, twisting around to look at her, “does not belong to you, and it certainly does not leave this household.” 

Your tutor gulped and wordlessly scurried back into the room to place it on one of the bookshelves that had been added to the room. 

You waited until the door closed behind her to release a breathless laugh, a wide smile growing on your face. 

It was inconceivable to you how much power a knight-in-training could hold, yet here you were, witnessing it in the form of your cousin. A moment later, you had pushed your chair back and ran to envelop your cousin in a hug. 

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much, Olivia!” You said. “Every day I spend with her feels like a never-ending reissuing of our history.” 

“She goes over our history that much?” 

“More than you can imagine,” you nodded. “It’s tedious and repetitive. But, now that you’ve made her go away for the day, I can spend the day outside for once!” 

“Y/N—” Olivia began, a sad weariness coming through in her voice. 

“Oh, please,” you pleaded, already taking steps backward toward the arched glass doors. “Knights-in-training are rarely allowed to leave the training grounds, and I never get a day off either.” 

Truthfully, every day you spent in lessons with your tutor felt like a special type of torture that you had yet to grow accustomed to. 

Your study was actually the house’s old greenery. Various plants and flowers used to be grown here, hence the large paned windows. Growing up, you had spent the majority of the time you didn’t spend studying, playing in the greenery, or near the edge of the forest. 

When you had turned ten, your parents had taken your love for nature into consideration for your studies and informed you that from then on, you would be having daily lessons in the greenery. You’d understood that you would be spending less time outside, but at least you’d still have the greenery to comfort you. 

Then, you saw it, your new study. To call it a greenery was to mock you. It wasn’t a greenery anymore, there were hardly any green, any plants, in there besides the potted ferns near the window and vines wrapped around the windows and running through the roof. 

They’d emptied it and put in bookshelves, a large desk for your tutor and a small one for you. 

“Please,” you repeated to Olivia, “Let’s go explore the outskirts of the forest. We haven’t done that in a while. I haven’t been able to do that in a while.”  

“Y/N,” Olivia cringed, “I’m really sorry. But, I was sent here on business. 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean, the Council sent me here to be your personal guard today. They thought it would be best if a family member was your guard for the night.” 

“Why do I need a guard?” You asked. “I’ve never had to have someone guarding me before unless I was going into town.” 

Olivia studied you for a moment before answering you, “You... you don’t realize what day it is, do you?” 

“Friday,” you shrugged, “just a day before the weekend, as far as I’m aware.” 

She chewed on her lip, contemplating if she should be telling you the truth or not. Then, she realized that even if you didn’t like what she had to tell you, it would be better for you to know what you were walking into. 

“It’s your birthday, Y/N. You’re twenty-three today.”

“And?” You shook your head, still not understanding what your birthday had to do with needing a guard. “What of it?” 

“The Lee heir. He’s twenty-three too. Turning twenty-four this year. You’re both officially the same age, and they’ve decided that it’s time for the new monarch to be chosen.” 

“What?!” You yelped. “Today?!” 

Panic began to settle in the pit of your stomach. It was too much for you to take in at one go. 

It wasn’t a secret, especially to you, that one day you’d have to partake in the crowning ritual, and that day was always getting closer. You knew your parents expected you to win the crown— being that they believed your own gifts were stronger than they ever had been for any of your ancestors (but really, how could they be sure of this) and the fact that you were one of the only two heirs to the throne in existence. 

The possibility— or certainty, if your parents were the ones being asked— of you sitting on the throne had been ingrained into you since you were a baby, the same day you’d been born, and they noticed the olive branch-shaped birthmark on your left shoulder blade. 

It was inevitable that this day would come. But, you had always imagined you’d get some sign, some warning that the day was around the corner. 

Maybe someone would finally tell you what the ritual was, what it consisted of, and what you would have to go through to discover if you were or were not meant to rule. 

“No,” Olivia shot down quickly, trying to calm you. “No, the ritual isn’t today. But, a ball is being held in your honor as a way to officially present you. All of the noble families will be there, except for—“ she made a motion with her hands that let you know you were supposed to know this, “the Lee family. They’ll be having a ball of their own later, which we will not be attending.” 

You swallowed a breath. It sounded tedious and ridiculous to hold two balls when there could just be one. But, tensions ran high between the Lee family and yours, being that the only two you were the only two Gifted families still in existence because of a freak accident. 

“Why now?” You forced yourself to ask. 

“Because the two of you are exactly two years from marrying age.” 

“So?” 

“So they’ve decided that it’s finally time for the two of you to compete for the crown. Besides,” Olivia hesitated, “the Lee family has been pressuring for the commencement of the ritual since their heir is a year older than you. They’re hoping it’ll be to his advantage, he’ll be able to win the throne, and then they can marry him off.” 

You sighed, “I’m guessing they’ve already found the person he is to marry, then. Hence the pressure for the ritual. When’s the ball?” 

“Tonight.” 

You stared at her unblinkingly, the way she had been staring at your tutor. Then, silently, you nodded, accepting that this was your fate. 

“Your mother already set the clothes she would like you to wear. They’re new. From the tailors in town. Everything’s already in your room.” 

“Okay,” you said. You nodded, though you weren’t sure if it was to her or yourself, and a second later, you were making your way toward the door. 

Olivia followed behind you, her head held high, but her eyes clouded in thought. She felt as if she could feel waves of resignation coming off you. She was trying to think of what she could say to console you and grew frustrated as the words refused to form. Then, she realized that maybe there were no words that could console you. 

“You didn’t remember it was your birthday today, did you?” 

“No.” 

♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕☈♚♕♚♕

“Our kingdom has indeed seen better days; two of our Gifted families are gone, and we haven’t had a Gifted on the throne in more than two hundred years. But, the wait is over! Princess Y/N is of age, and the time for the ritual is among us. May she bring peace to our kingdom. Long live the Y/L/N family to care for our kingdom!” A nobleman in attendance made a speech from the elevated platform at the front of the ballroom. 

“Long live the Y/L/N family!” The rest of the noble people echoed, clapping after they were done. 

You smiled at everyone who turned to look at you, uttering silent thank yous. Their attention wasn’t only on you, though. They turned, and clapped for your parents too, who grinned from ear to ear and basked in the attention. 

The people here were noblemen, noblewomen, and nobles that you were sure would appear at the Lee ball and cheer for their heir just like they were cheering for you. 

Did they think neither of you would realize they were cheering for one before turning around and doing the same to the other? Or that you knew that they were kissing up to your parents in hopes that they would be given some special “reward” once you were crowned? 

As if you weren’t the one that was going to be wearing the crown? 

Being the reigning monarch was inevitable, as your parents liked to say. You knew it was possible, and you’d been raised to believe that you were the future monarch, no other possibility as possible. 

“The Lee family is no match for our family blood.” 

They surrounded your parents as the music began again, and you tried your hardest to stay still and blend in. But it only took a second to break your moment of peace.

“Kim Younghoon is heading this way,” you whispered to Olivia, pulling on the sleeve of her dress to get her to follow you as you avoided looking in his direction. 

“You should give him a chance—“ 

“Olivia, please.” 

“Alright. Alright. Lead the way.” 

You weaved through the guests, leading Olivia through portions of the ballroom that had groups of people huddled together eating and talking, hoping that the looping you were going through to get to the main door was enough to lose Younghoon in the crowds.

When you finally made it outside the ballroom, the heavy doors closing silently behind your cousin, you released a sigh of relief. 

“You should really give him a chance, you know.” 

“Olivia,” you whined. 

“You know my aunt and uncle are hoping…” 

“I don’t like him. Not like that.” 

“Y/N,” Olivia insisted. 

“Olivia,” you sighed, pinching your nose in annoyance, “May I please have some peace?” 

There was a moment of tense silence before you spoke again, “I’m going to explore the castle.”

“You can’t do that.” 

“I can’t?” You snapped. “I thought this was my castle. After all, that’s what my dear parents say.” 

Olivia’s jaw snapped shut, and her eyes narrowed. It took her a second to answer you, and when she did, she did it through clenched teeth. “Everyone will notice if you’re not present at your own ball.” 

You grabbed the skirt of your dress in frustration, glaring at her the same way she was glaring at you. Although it made you angry to admit it, and you wouldn’t at least, not out loud, she was right. Everyone in attendance would notice you weren’t around at some point. The dress your mother had sent to be made for you was a bright red and covered in gold embellishments. 

If the guests didn’t notice you weren’t there, your parents surely would. 

“Exchange clothes with me.” 

“What?”

“Switch clothes with me.”

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You tiptoed quietly through the castle’s hallways, the heels of your heels becoming your enemy every time they came a centimeter close to the floor rather than the lantern that you carried to light your way. You almost wanted to huff every time you saw a guard walking through the castle, a lantern of their own in their hands. If Olivia had traded shoes with you, you’d have one less thing to worry about. The flats she’d been wearing made it easier to be silent. Your heels did not.

You were sure that had been out of pettiness. 

Still, you were grateful that she had at least traded clothes with you. Now, instead of the red gown your mother had bought, you wore a dull lilac-colored dress. 

Your hands trailed along the golden-colored decorations that had been molded against the marble walls. They weren’t faded like the designs that had been painted onto the walls of your own home, and there wasn’t any dust either. But, the pungent smell in the air told you everything you needed to know. 

They’d been painted recently. 

“To make a home,” you whispered to yourself, remembering the history of the castle that you had been taught, “for the one who communes with the dead to feel a little warmth.” 

Of the few ghosts you had interacted with while you were training, only one had ever truly made you feel a bitter coldness that reached your bones.

You failed to see how a bit of gold paint could help you feel warmer. 

You brought your lantern closer to the wall to study the curves and swirling decorations that protruded from the walls. They’d been painted carefully, but you could still see bits of old, worn paint where the molding met the wall. 

Perhaps that’s why most of the lanterns on the walls hadn’t been lit. They didn’t want anyone to see the castle had been under recent renovation. Or, they’d hoped that they could stop guests (maybe even you) from wandering around the castle if the halls were plunged into darkness. 

It was a pity that there weren’t any windows in the hallways that were deep inside the castle, though all they would do would be show you the interiors of the rooms there. Moonlight would have been nice to see the more intricate details. 

Still, that hadn’t stopped you from delving deeper into the castle. 

You’d thought you were utterly alone when you turned another corner, this time your heels accidentally clicking against the marble floor, causing you to freeze on the spot. You heard the scuffling of heavy boots against the floor behind you, and you knew you had to go. 

As quickly as you could, you slipped off your heels, held them in one hand, and ran across the long hallway. Your feet padded against the cold floors as you headed toward a pair of large, ornate doors that came together to form an arch. It was the last door before the hallway split into different directions. 

You opened the doors as quickly as you could, thanking the fates when you found it unlocked, and slipped inside. 

You were awestruck. The room was larger than you would have thought. It was dimly lit and had large arched windows that let the moonlight inside. There was a couch to your right, positioned in front of an unlit fireplace, with an unlit candelabra hanging above it, and to your left were rows upon rows of bookcases, forming dark aisles to get lost in. 

“Wow,” you whispered when your voice came back. There had to be more than just history books in there. 

You tossed your heels onto the couch mindlessly before making your way into the passages, using the lantern in your hand to light your way. The lanterns that hung off the cases hadn’t been lit, and you had to use your own to see where you were going. 

You studied the books you passed as best you could— leather bindings, golden, cursive lettering, but none of them caught your interest. In the distance, you caught sight of a single flickering lantern, and though that should have raised alarm bells, you walked toward it. 

Like a moth to a flame, you found yourself in front of it, casting a shadow on the books that its light touched. 

You looked around quietly, searching for whoever might have lit the candle. You found nothing, and it sent a shiver down your spine. Something felt… off. 

It felt like the first time you had accidentally summoned a ghost. No, you realized, that had been jarring. Right now, everything felt more… menacing, evil, like there was something wrong, and it was headed your way. 

You shook your head. You were being paranoid. 

You comforted yourself with the light the two lanterns cast,  and rather than running back to Olivia, you reached for one of the books in front of you. Its lettering shined more than the others like it had been taken care of more than the others. It intrigued you. 

You had just pulled the book from its spot when you found yourself staring at the ashen face of a smiling man that looked no older than you did. 

A startled yelp raced its way past your lips as you retracted your hand as fast as you could, knocking down some of the books that had been positioned next to the one you had picked. 

It took you a second to compose yourself, then you huffed at the man. You hadn’t summoned him. 

“Forgive the intrusion, but, I don’t believe you’re supposed to be here,” he grinned cheekily.

You said nothing, but you studied him carefully. One of his arms laid across the shelf nonchalantly while the elbow of his other pressed against it. His chin rested in the palm of that hand. Even more, his smile was so mischievous that you weren’t even sure you had ever seen one like it before. The corners of his eyes were even crinkled in mirth. 

What was he? The ghost of a previous royal librarian? 

You brought your lantern closer to him, hoping the light would help you see any defining details on him that would tell you who he was, and then you saw color. He was alive. 

Horrified at the sudden discovery, you bowed your head, “My apologies. I shall take my leave.” 

“No, wait. Hold on,” he said, rushing after you as you made your way back down the aisle in the direction of the couch. “I wasn’t kicking you out. I’m Sangyeon, and you are?” 

His question struck you, and as you sat down, you pondered if he really didn’t know who you are. 

You looked down at the book in your hands— Dragons. 

“I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me your name?” 

Silence was enough of an answer. He got up while you flipped through the book. You’d just gotten captivated by the content of the book when he came back a minute later and placed some logs in the fireplace. 

It was only a moment before it was roaring to life, and you were flicking your gaze away so he wouldn’t know you had been watching.

“Can’t exactly read without light, right?” He said as he sat down next to you again. 

You stayed silent for a moment, questioning if it was a good idea to answer him. 

“No, I suppose not. Thank you.” 

 Silence encompassed the two of you as you returned your attention to the book in your hands, letting the crackling fire chase away the cold you hadn’t even realized you were feeling. Out of the corner of your eyes, you could see him opening a book of his own. He flipped through a couple of pages before setting it down and turning to look at you again. 

He fidgeted. 

“I love that book you’re holding. It’s an interesting read, right? The draconian living conditions of this kingdom before the arrival of the Gifted,” he motioned to your book, smiling as he talked before suddenly rubbing his hands on his thighs nervously. 

You could only assume that he was doing this unconsciously. 

“This is about dragons.” You lifted the book to show him the engraving on the cover. 

“So it is,” he said flustered, laughing embarrassedly. “Anything, uh, anything good in there?” 

You bit back the smile that wanted to leave you. His flirting was surprisingly endearing. 

“Do you flirt like this with everyone you meet?” 

“Horribly?” He chuckled shyly.

“Just a bit,” you smiled at him, hoping he’d understand that you weren’t saying it maliciously but teasingly. He didn’t miss a beat. 

“I don’t suppose that means I’ve ruined any chance to speak to you?” 

You smiled. You didn’t understand why but he was starting to grow on you. Maybe it was the warmth of the fire putting you at ease, but you gaunt yourself giving him a chance. 

“You’re sort of doing that right now.” 

He grinned, “That’s right. I’m Sangyeon.” 

“I’m—“ you extended a hand for him to shake, “not telling you my name. You’re a stranger and could easily turn around and give my name to the guards behind us.” 

“What?” He asked, alarmed, twisting around to look behind himself. 

“I’m just kidding,” you laughed. 

“That was not fair,” he huffed, a ghost of a pout forming on his lips. 

“Not fair?” You said incredulously. “It’s completely fair after the scare you gave me! Besides,” you smiled teasingly, “now I know that you aren’t supposed to be here either.” 

He smiled again shyly, bowing his head bashfully. 

“That’s… fair,” he nodded. “May I at least have your hand?” He asked. 

“Of course.” 

You extended a hand for him to shake. He took it gently and placed the softest of kisses you had ever felt on the back of your hand. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my Princess.” 

“Princess?” You tensed. 

“What else am I supposed to call someone as beautiful as you? 

“Without the knowledge of my name, I guess nothing else.” 

“Then we’re agreed.” He chuckled, having yet to let go of your hand. 

You shook your head, amused at the turn he’d taken. You could almost swear that you could see his confidence growing as he locked eyes with you and smiled widely. It had to be confidence,  as he was puffing his chest out ever so slightly. 

You let him have the moment before teasing him again when he began to play with your fingers. 

“Don’t you think you’ve held my hand long enough? I hardly know anything about you. A bit improper.” 

Sangyeon let your hand drop quickly, turning into a blushing mess in the blink of an eye.

“I’m- I’m sorry.”

“I’m teasing,” you grinned, “But, I really don’t know anything about you.” 

“Ask till your heart’s content,” he said, shifting his position on the couch so he could face you. 

You chuckled at this and copied him, taking it a step forward and scooting forward so that your knees touched. 

You hummed, “What do you do?” 

“What do I do?” He laughed. 

“Well, you’re clearly not the royal librarian.”

He nodded, “I’m an apprentice, of sorts, for a scholar.” 

“Really?” You asked. 

He nodded. 

“Well, what subject are you the most interested in?” 

“Well,” he began, tilting this head from side to side. “I’ve taken a liking to botany and astronomy, though,” he rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, “I’ve also taken a liking to cooking. I know that’s not something scholars typically.…” 

“Cooking is probably the hardest subject I can think of,” you grinned. “I know nothing about cooking. Botany, on the other hand…” you trailed off, leaning closer to him as if you were about to whisper a question to him, “now that I know a little something about.” 

“Oh, do you now?” 

“Mmm,” you nodded, “I grew up surrounded by nature, actually. Even hung around this beautiful greenhouse for most of my childhood.” 

“A greenhouse,” Sangyeon nodded, then leaned in just like you had, “So, what do you know?” 

“A lot,” you whispered to him. “But, I’m not telling you any of my secrets.” 

“No?” He whispered just the same. 

“No,” you giggled. 

It was one of those things that you didn’t notice until you were moments away from it happening. The two of you had leaned in closer to the other as if you were whispering secrets to one another that no other should hear. But, like magnets, you’d gravitated closer and closer together until you were giggling with your faces only centimeters apart. 

It wasn’t until your nose brushed against his, and you froze, that you realized how close to him you were. A moment later, he froze, and you knew he realized it too. 

Then time seemed to stop. 

The smiles fell off your faces, and your eyes flicked over to his parted lips. 

Why? Why did it feel like you were being pulled forward? 

You lifted your gaze to meet his bashfully, but instead, you found him staring at your lips just the same. Your breath caught in your throat. 

Closer and closer and closer. Your eyes fluttered shut.

Your lips ghosted over his, and you swore you could almost feel his lips coming into contact with yours. 

“Y/— Get away from her!” You heard Olivia yell before you were pulled backward. 

Your eyes flew open as your back hit the body of the couch. Stunned, you could only gasp as you watched Olivia punch Sangyeon in the nose. 

“What are you doing?!” You yelled, throwing yourself forward to grab Olivia by the arm and pull her away. 

“What are you doing, Y/N?!” She yelled. She stared at you disbelievingly, waiting for you to answer, and when you didn’t, she huffed. You grabbed your heels clumsily, having no time to put them on as she pulled you to the door.

Confused, you pulled your arm out of her grasp, “Look, I know he’s a stranger—”

“A stranger?!” Olivia snapped, “He’s a Lee! He’s the Lee heir.” 

“What?” You asked quietly. 

You stared at her for a second before whipping around to look at Sangyeon. You wanted him to deny it, to say Olivia was wrong. He wasn’t a Lee. He couldn’t be a Lee. He wasn’t. Right? 

But, all he did was stand up and wipe the blood off his face with the sleeve of his shirt. He shot Olivia a glare, then met your eyes. 

“You’re… a Lee?”

He nodded at your question, then returned his gaze to Olivia.

“Look, I know I know snuck into the castle, but that’s no reason to punch me. I didn’t come here to screw up your family’s ball, alright.” 

“You’re the Lee heir?” You asked again. 

He nodded again. He took a step forward, and you took a step back. “I—” he’d begun to speak before getting cut off by Olivia. 

“You didn’t come here to screw up the ball, but you did come here to make out with the Y/L/N heir?” She scoffed.

“Y/L/N?” He asked like you had, meeting your eyes.

But, rather than giving him an answer, you stayed silent and took another step backward. 

“I can’t believe it,” you mumbled quietly. “Come on, Olivia—” you pulled on her arm this time, urging her to follow you out, “we have to go before they notice we’re both gone.” 

“Wait,” you heard Sangyeon say as you turned your back to him, footsteps following yours. 

Then, as you crossed the door and Olivia followed you, you heard her spat out, “Stay the hell away from her, Lee.” 

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SERIES MASTERLIST || C2 

[baelfirecassidy]

title: potential in before; same in the after fandom: the flash pairing: caitlin/ronnie, gen

chapter list: [ two: ao3 | tumblr ] [ three: ao3 | tumblr ] [ four: ao3 | tumblr ] [ five: ao3 | tumblr ] [ six: ao3 | tumblr ] [ seven: ao3 | tumblr ] [ eight: ao3 | tumblr ]

Summary: Francisca Ramon walked out of STAR Labs two months after the particle accelerator incident; she came back to Central City as Vibrance several months later. After close to two years as a petty villain, Francisca is walking to back STAR Labs in hopes of becoming a hero.

(AKA: that one story where Cisco's tired of being a petty villain and tries to get her life back and joins Team Flash, Caitlin's struggling because life has never been kind to her and Barry's just an impossibly cute cupcake.)

Takes place in season 2. 

Warnings: Rule 63 Cisco Ramon. Dubious science/medicine descriptions. Alternate Universe. 

In the comics, the female villains always dressed skanky: short skirts and tight tiny tops, tight leotards and ripped leggings, skin tight clothing and some form of high heels. Clothing, that while pretty, wasn’t very practical. Nothing against them or anything, Cisco thought, but she had tried that for a little and found that she didn’t not possess the ability to heal fast and so showing any bit of skin that was important – which really was all of it – was sorta, maybe, really stupid.

She had gone the route of short skirts, tight tops and ripped leggings and found that cops, when they do shoot at you, go for vulnerable and important places. Her belly, which was showing because her top was like three sizes too small, was one of those places. Vibrating a bullet out of your solar plexus was painful and messy as all heck. Not to mention, she had almost tripped on the badass longcoat she had worn for a bit of flair. Needless to say, that was not a route she had went down again.

She had then tried the leotard route and while that wasn’t as bad as the tiny clothing, the heels had tripped her up. They say all women will eventually learn to run in heels, well she could see the future sometimes and it looked pretty bleak on that front for her. Plus, cops –- and the goddamn Flash -- did not care if you tripped while running. They did not care if you cut your knee while falling, well, the Flash did a bit, but the cops did not. Cisco had dropped that route three days into it becoming part of her regular wear.

Last had been the tight clothing and that had been a failure from the start. Let it be known that Francisca Isabella Ramon had body issues and had them all her life. It was, for the most part, why her normal clothing had been regulated to baggy nerd t-shirts and some form of jeans, camos and khakis. So tight clothing had been a mistake, so much of a mistake that while she had been breaking into a bank, she had stopped to ask her hostages if she looked alright. And no, that wasn’t the beginning of some stupid ‘woman are vain’ jokes that seemed to be half of all comedians’ sets, but was a serious question. She had felt off, the vibrations had felt off and so she had to ask. Straight to say, after a month of second guessing herself and questioning how the Flash ran around looking like an idiot in red spandex without feeling bad about himself, Cisco had cut the tight clothing out.

So really, she wasn’t doing so good on the female villain front. She couldn’t stand any outfit choice they had so she had went more with a male villain outfit; black t-shirts, black army pants with as many pockets as possible so she could carry her equipment and a long black badass trench coat. The coat was because she had grown fond of the thing in her spare time and that it kinda really looked cool as she turned her back after her crime was done; really she based her entire villain aesthetic off of trying too look cool and be practical and be reminiscent of her comics and that wasn’t that easy.

It worked out though; her clothing was practical, her black knee length lace up boots were practical, her hair pulled into a bun was practical, she was a practical villain. Just only had one problem with her set up, which had taken her the entire two years to figure out: she wasn’t good at being a villain. Honestly, when she had first started off, she had a little part of her telling her that over and over again, but the darker vibrations had cut that part off just a few days into her villain start and before she knew it, it was easier to listen to those dark thoughts then to try and find the light that was attempting to spill in.

She kinda wished she did though, because two years was a long time to make enemies and she had quite a few and while she knew she had acquaintances on her side of the fight who would help her, she wasn’t sure she wanted their help. She didn’t want to be doing bad anymore. Two years of causing minimal terror to Central City, antagonizing the Flash and just all around being a giant jerk had taken it’s toll on her mind and she wasn’t quite right (not that she was in the right mind when she started her reign of terror, really) in the mind anymore.

Cisco looked around her empty apartment, she wished she had her old one back. The one where she held all those great memories of her and Caitlin and Ronnie and Dr. Wells hanging out after long nights working in the lab. Occasionally, she’d be nice enough to invite Hartley, but for the most part, he stayed the hell out of her safe spots and that was what her apartment was to her. It was why she had left it behind, it was too safe for her, too emotional and when her powers were first appearing, it was too dangerous to be somewhere where the vibes would’ve assaulted her as badly as it would’ve.

Her hands itched to reach out into the vibrations, to find Caitlin while she worked, or to find Dr. Wells, or to even search for Hartley. She just wanted some connection into her old life for even a few seconds but no, she stopped herself before that thought went too far. She had no right to do that, no right to search them out and know how they were and everything that had been going on with them while they didn’t know. So no, she wasn’t going to vibe for them, if she wanted to see them, if she wanted a connection into her old life, she would do what she should’ve done all those months ago: change her direction and ditch the villain scene.

It would be hard, seriously hard. She wasn’t sure if she hadn’t burnt every bridge she had ever made when she walked out of STAR Labs two years ago – not that she had been particularly lucid at the time, hours spent watching Mr. Allen while he was laid up in a coma and fiddling and just dealing with her own problems had left her little time for sleeping so when her powers kicked in or whatever, she wasn’t fully aware of herself and what she was doing – but she doubted showing back up as a villain really secured any.

She could barely remember that day, but she could remember that she hadn’t even realized she had left the safety of STAR Labs until she was halfway to Starling City and by then her brain was hurting more and more that she just followed. The voices, the vibrations, the sounds and smells and lights, she followed them all. She realized, a few months after getting herself back, that she had been drifting in and out of timelines and different dimensions, but again, by then she was already a player on the side of the bad guys and had already given herself a name for people to fear.

Biting her lip, Cisco slumped down on the designer black couch and really wow, did she have a lot of black for a person that had once worn colorful clothing and ate colorful food and was just a colorful person. Was this what being a villain did to you? Change your clothing taste and made you hate yourself? If so, why didn’t every villain turn themselves in? Which was what she was going to do. Hopefully she’d be able to crack a deal with them.

Caitlin had been her friend and as cold as she could be when angry, which was what she’d definitely be when Cisco came back, there was no way she’d be angry forever and maybe the thought of Cisco coming back and being good would help with how angry she was. It was an unlikely and rather hopeful thought, but she would hold onto it because before she went down this dark path, she had been happy and hopeful and she remembered all her favorite candies and she really wanted a sucker right now.

No, Cisco thought, focus on your thoughts.

Most hopefully, Dr. Wells would take her back. He had been her hero and the thought that she might have gone too far for him to forgive her cut like a knife. He had saved her from the life of a nobody that she was probably destined to live. He had given her her job. Had given her the hope that they were making the future better for everyone. They were doing good and while she may have stomped on that and went evil anyway, the fact that she wasn’t the evilest seemed like a really good thing in her mind. Like, really. She had seen timelines, dimensions where she was just a grade A bully to the world, so like, point to her, right?

Well, okay, so her hope actually only laid with Mr. Flash himself and while she knew he was a more forgiving then the other two, she wasn’t sure how forgiving he would be to her. She did constantly vibe his speed away and she did hold his pretty reporter friend hostage for a little and she constantly broke the law and well, there was that one time she invaded the police force in hopes of luring him because she wanted to test one of her new toys out on him but…

Yeah, wow. She was really a jerk. She screwed up her face before she ran her hands down it. Yeah, no, she was not being forgiven most likely. Really, she wouldn’t even forgive herself with everything she had done, but she didn’t want to not change her ways. She just had to figure out a way to make it so they wouldn’t be able to say no.

Simple. She was a genius, she had come up with dozens of plans that had worked and she was damn sure she could figure out a good plan to make them believe her and her change. Yeah, it would all work out, Cisco decided. She wasn’t letting this moment of clarity slip through her fingers, she was changing. She was going to be a good guy again and the way was inside STAR Labs.

If she showed trepidation as she waltzed up the hill to stand at the edge of the STAR Labs parking lot, who could blame her? For a long part of her life, over two years, she had worked tirelessly on the particle accelerator. She had given so many hours to the thing, had given it all her best thoughts and all her hopes and for 45 minutes did it last. Two years of her life and in a spanning of minutes, mere minutes, did she watch it blow up.

Literally.

So, trepidation, fear, all those good emotions that she had since learned to control in hopes of controlling her powers, yeah, they all smacked into her. For a brown girl walking around at night, she was pretty pale if she did say so herself and she did. She felt all her blood drain from her face as she walked closer and closer to the building that stole her life from her. That gave her these powers and turned her this way.

No! She had made a vow to herself in the memory of Ronnie that she wasn’t going to ever let herself blame anyone but herself for her actions. Yes, she had been influenced slightly, but she, in the end, made the choices she made. Did it hurt to admit that? Yes. But did it matter if it hurt if it was the truth? Not really.

And she was done lying to herself. She had been doing it for so long that it felt a bit like second nature, but she was ready to change. Ready to ignore the vibrations for a little and follow who she really was meant to be.

She steeled herself and kept walking, vibrating the lock on the chain link fence open and crossing into the parking lot. She searched out for any additional vibrations that spoke of someone being there, but she found none. They’d be there though, when she tripped whatever alarms that surrounded this place. They’d be there.

She just hoped they didn’t take long because she didn’t want to sit in STAR Labs by herself for too long. She was scared, terrified that being alone here would make the meaner Ciscos louder but she would do it. Being strong, being brave meant pushing through the terror and standing tall. It was not letting anything stand in her way as she walked the good path.

Yeah, she was done being scared. She was ready. Her hand reached out to touch the security panel, begging that they didn’t revoke her access. The door beeped open and she sucked in a breath. The last time she was here… - the last time she was here, she was walking out the front door, her mind a slurry of worlds disappearing in and out. She hadn’t been her the last time she was here, she had been herself the three days before she left. She had been cheerful, bought a new bag of candy to shove in her drawer and had been ready to start solving the firemen dilemma.

Three days, she spent working on the fireman outfit. Three days of not sleeping, hyped up on candy and sugar and fast food that was greasy as heck. Three days of continual coffee, different energy drinks that made her feel like she could hear colors and more cold showers than really she liked. Three days, that was all it took. At some point during those three days, her powers had turned on.

Her shoes squeaked against the clean, cold floor and she remembered when she first walked down the hallway, her hands at her side, taking in everything. At the time, Dr. Wells had been talking to her, explaining everything that she would be doing and talking to her about her co-workers. He took the time to introduce her to people as they walked, pointed out the rooms where she could take late night breaks and gave her a pep talk right before she entered the Cortex. It was the hub of everything, Dr. Wells had said, where she would share ideas with the others and they'd have meetings.

She had been terrified she wasn't going to fit in or that she was going to screw up somehow. Sure, she was smart but everyone who worked there was more than smart, they were brilliant and amazing, something she wasn't sure she was. All those emotions, all those thoughts left her mind the moment she was given her first project. She had finally found a place she could call home. And she had.

For two years Francisca Ramon had a home, a place where she had friends and people who wanted to hear her ideas. Then the accident destroyed her home, taking her friends and all those people, leaving her wrong and screwing up the vibrations. For two years she had everything she had ever wanted and a tiny little mistake had taken it all away in seconds.

Funny how the world worked, she thought as her eyes swept over the Cortex's interior. Nothing had really changed. The glass office offshoots looked the same as when she had left, maybe a tad neater. The center still held a medical bed, though absent of Mr. Allen and Cisco bet that if she opened the bottom drawer of the centered metal desk, she'd find her hidden supply of lollipops. She wasn't going to though, she wasn't prepared for the rush of emotions she would feel either way. No, she was going to plop her bag on the floor and hop up on the medical bed. They wouldn't take long so she could just rest her eyes against the assault that the vibrations were doing to her mind.

“Oh my god!”

Okay, so ‘not too long’ was actually the entire night. Who would’ve guessed. Jolting up in her bed, her dark eyes scanned the room and froze on the sight of Caitlin. She would notice Dr. Wells standing behind her best friend later, but at the moment, her eyes were on Caitlin and her shocked face.

“Caitlin.” She breathed, the word coming out low as it forced it’s way through the big smile on her face. It had been years since she saw Caitlin, actual honest to goodness years. She had been purposely ignoring the other woman, trying her hardest to never seek her out or be at places where she knew she shopped or ate or any of that. “You look good.”

Caitlin stared before fiddling with her purse, dragging out her phone and pressing buttons. She gave her a one second look before jolting from the room. Cisco let her eyes follow her friend before the vibrations snapped at her, reminding her of the fact that they weren’t friendly and hadn’t been friendly in a while. Her hands moved to sit in her lap as she waited, she was sure that Caitlin was calling the Flash or the cops and she itched to run. But she didn’t, the weight of everything she had done in the two years keeping her sitting.

A few minutes later when Caitlin walked back in, Cisco gave her another smile. “Hi, sorry for scaring you.”

“You surprised me.” Caitlin said, her voice cool. She moved to sit, her face impassable as she crossed her arms over her chest. “You haven’t been by in two years.”

“Been busy.”

“I know.”

Wow, cold. Understandably so, but still, cold. Cisco sighed in the room and looked to her, “Caitlin, I’m… I’m sorry. I’m here because I’m prepared to change--”

Whoa. Words cut off as the blur that is the Flash zoomed into the room, hands on his waist as he stared at her through the slits of his familiar looking costume. A minute later and Detective Joe West of the CCPD and pretty reporter Iris West walked in, Detective West ready to arrest her.

“Wait!” She said, getting up from the bed and moving back, “Just wait okay, I can explain why I’m here.”

“You better explain really quickly then.” Caitlin mumbled.

Cisco bit her lip and nodded, keeping a nice distance from herself and them, “I am here because I want to be a good guy now. I’m tired of being a bad guy. I want to- you can ask Caitlin. I’m a good person, for the most part, and I don’t want to be a bad guy. I don’t want to hurt people anymore.” Her words sounded desperate, a plea that she was terrified they’d ignore. “I just want to be good again.”

She looked to Caitlin, the only person in the room who knew her before everything went wrong and she tried to convey everything she was feeling. It was hard though, the vibrations were harder in the center of everything and she was getting some terrifying images in her mind. She filtered them though, forcing them to the back of her mind, but everything she did had no effect on the headache that was forming.

“Can I talk to them alone.” Caitlin asked after a moment, moving from the spot where she had rooted herself and towards the entrance.

“Of course, Cait.”

“Don’t. You don’t get to call me that, Ms. Ramon.” She growled and Cisco nodded, hands up in surrender.

“Got it.”

They left her to stand right at the entrance, able to watch her and study what she did but far enough away that they had the privacy that they wanted. She could eavesdrop, the vibrations would allow her to, but she didn’t want to lose their trust. She wandered around the room, waiting. She would wait until they were done and if they said no, she would just wait until the day they said yes.