#*giggle* but still will be here for whatever you will be doing
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noosayog · 2 days ago
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Sitting at the bar, alone, is far from Atsumu’s ideal Friday night. 
But Bokuto’s busy, Shoyo has a date, and Omi, well… he didn’t even bother to make an excuse. Some friends they are, especially when he’s going through a breakup. 
It does get better, minorly, when you, a pretty stranger, decide to sit in the stool directly to his left. Never mind that the bar is full and the seat next to his is the only free spot.
You’re pretty, dressed in something casual, yet memorable. He’s content to simply sit beside you, fantasizing scenarios in which he charmingly and successfully gets you to join him for a drink and dinner soon, when he hears you. 
“So how’s your night going?” 
“Uh.”
You giggle lightly. He feels his face flush a shade deeper. 
“Articulate, aren’t you?” 
Atsumu chokes out an awkward chuckle. “I’m usually better than this.” 
“Yeah?” You lean further in, propping your chin on your hand. 
“Yeah.” 
A moment of silence. Your smile drops. Oh, you’re definitely about to turn to your left and try your luck with the other guy sitting on that side. 
“Um-” 
“Ok, whatever,” you say. “I’m just gonna come out and ask. Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Uh, no. I’m actually going through a-”
You hold a hand up. “I don’t really wanna hear details. So you’re single? Not seeing someone? Not trying to see someone?” 
“No.” 
“Cool. Wanna make out with me? No strings attached, of course.” 
“Uh?”
“You’re not really doing too hot convincing me that your normal is better than this. Make out.” You gesture, lips puckered. “With me. Just looking for a little fun tonight, you know?” 
Yes, he does want to make out with the pretty girl sitting next to him, so charming, he thinks he might’ve fallen in love. But instead, what he says is- 
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean it’s not really my things to hook up with someone right when I meet them and I’m going through a fresh breakup…” 
You sit back up, swiveling your stool so you’re facing the bar now. “No worries. I don’t wanna pressure someone who’s not down. Have a good night then.” 
You turn back to your book, which he didn’t even notice was there. A sip of your drink, knife to the conversation. 
Atsumu probably spends a good while racking his head for a way to restart the connection when he hears you order another drink. He keeps his head down, discreetly eavesdropping as you flirt with the bartender. 
The bartender rests both arms on the bar to lean closer to you, clearly bewitched. Not that Atsumu doesn’t understand but doesn’t this guy have a job to do? He makes a mental note to write a bad google review later. 
“So…” the bartender croons, “I heard your proposition for Blondie over there.” 
Excuse him? He’s sitting right here still! 
“If he’s not interested-”
“Who said I’m not!” 
Both sets of eyes whip toward him. 
“Bro, we both heard you say-” 
“Okay, so can’t a guy make a mistake?” He turns to you, voice accusatory. “Guys say things when we’re nervous. I’m nervous, okay? I’ve never been asked to make out with some like you,” he gestures up and down. “I am so interested in making out with you.” 
You blink once, twice, before turning to the bartender. “I think I’m done drinking for the night.” 
You turn toward him. 
“Put my drinks on blondie’s tab. He’s closing out now.” 
Atsumu hardly remembers throwing a couple of bills on the table before you grab his hand, trailing after your tinkling laughter. 
“- and that’s how I met your mother.” 
“Bullshit!” 
“No way she asked you, of all people, at that bar to make out with you.” 
”Seems kinda farfetched, Atsumu…” 
The MSBY team is gathered in your living room, your one year old son babbling on Atsumu’s lap. 
“Hey! No swear words around my son.” 
His teammates roll their eyes. 
“You’re so full of it. No way that story-”
“What are you guys talking about?” You enter the room with a handful of beers. 
“How you and Atsumu met.” 
“Oh, you mean how I asked him to make out with me?” 
“No fucking shot!” 
“Language!”
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moonriizing · 17 hours ago
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invisible string | s.jy (18+)
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Less than a month before your wedding, a stranger calls, introducing himself as Jay Park—the exact name of the man you once believed to be your soulmate. Driven by a reckless sense of fate, you abandon everything and fly to Italy to meet him, convinced this is destiny’s final chance to set things right.
Genre: destination au, mistaken identity, smut Pairing: Sim Jaeyun/Jake Sim x afab!reader Warnings: mature themes, explicit sexual content (18+), MDNI, lying Notes: 21k words. Loosely based on the 1994 film, Only You. I noticed that long fics are uncommon in 5th gen fics here on Tumblr, but I'm shooting my shot with this one. I hope you like it! Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know them personally nor claim they would ever behave in real life like they were portrayed in this story. ALSO, if you see a similar story from a different blog for a different idol, that is me. lol xoxo, cal.
Enjoy~
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The flickering candlelight shone on your faces as you, your sister, and Katie huddled around the Ouija board, the air cold from the summer storm raging outside your house. A shot glass, upside down and resting on the board, was the only thing standing between you and whatever spirit you had just summoned.
“Are you here?” Katie whispered, looking around slowly and nervously.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then slowly, unnervingly, the glass inched toward YES.
You all yelped, immediately shushing each other. “Keep your hands on the glass!” your sister hissed, eyes wide. “If we let go, the spirit might get mad.”
Your fingers clung to the glass tighter, your pulse hammering in your throat. Katie exhaled sharply. “Okay, okay. Um… what’s your name?”
The glass trembled beneath your fingertips, dragging across the board. J. Then O. Then N.
“Jon?” you echoed.
“Jonathan?” Katie guessed.
Your sister shushed you both again, her face serious. “Don't interrupt. It might stop talking.”
A chill ran down your spine. You weren’t sure if it was from the candle’s wavering light or the idea that there really was something with you in the room, something unseen but present.
One by one, you and Katie took turns asking questions—How did you die? Are you a good spirit? Will we be rich someday?—each answer making you shriek, then dissolve into nervous giggles. But when the laughter faded, the heavy silence that followed always felt chilling.
Then, feeling reckless, feeling thirteen, you blurted out the one question that had been on your mind for years. “Who’s my soulmate?”
Katie gasped. Your sister shot you a look. “Are you sure you wanna ask that?”
But the glass had already started moving. It slid to J. Then to A. Then to Y.
You barely breathed as you read the letters aloud. “Jay…”
A rush of excitement fluttered in your stomach, getting more nervous. “Do you know his last name?”
The glass stilled for a second. Then it moved again. P. A. R. K.
“Jay Park,” you whispered. You repeated the name to yourself, the way it rolled off your tongue, the way it already felt right. Destiny had spoken. The universe had handed you a name, a direction, a soulmate. And from that night on, you chased it.
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You had a comfortable life—a good job, a cozy home, loyal friends, and Sunghoon, your kind, dependable boyfriend. He’d proposed a year into your relationship. Your family adored him, your friends admired him, and you felt… happy, for the most part.
But something was off. The thought of marrying him felt too easy, like a decision you were supposed to want, yet couldn't fully commit to. After the proposal, you confided in Katie, admitting you weren’t sure if you loved him enough to take that step.
“It’s not the right time yet,” you lied, knowing it wasn’t time that was the problem. You loved the idea of stability, the way Sunghoon made everything seem simple, like life would follow a clear, predictable path. But something about that terrified you more than it comforted you.
“Maybe you’re just scared,” Katie had said. “But he’s a good guy, and he loves you. You should talk to him.”
You hadn’t, though. Instead, you bottled it up, relieved that Sunghoon hadn’t told anyone about the proposal yet. You said you’d think about it, and that’s all you’d done for the last few days.
Now, lying in his bed, his arm wrapped around you, you tried to picture forever. It should’ve felt comforting, but it didn’t.
“You’re awake,” he murmured, his breath warm against your neck.
“Yeah. I was just thinking about us,” you replied, almost in a whisper.
His voice fell when he spoke, and guilt twisted inside you. “I know it’s sudden. If you’re not ready, I understand.”
“No, I’m fine. Let’s do it,” you replied briskly, smiling at him and hiding the fact that you couldn’t look him in the eyes.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly, pressing a soft kiss on your forehead. “I don’t want to force this on you.”
Your dearest Sunghoon—so gentle and thoughtful. You forced another smile. “I’m sure, Hoon. Let’s get married.”
The warmth of Sunghoon’s presence should reassure you, but instead, it felt like a tether pulling you further into something you didn’t know how to escape. When he kissed your forehead, you wished you could love him the way he deserved—but the words 'Let’s get married' tasted hollow, even as you forced yourself to say it.
Days passed quickly, and suddenly, the wedding was just twenty days away. The venue, guest list, and reception were all set—only the invitations and the final dress remained. Your mother pushed for a custom gown, but you insisted on RTW, wanting at least one decision to be entirely yours.
At the boutique, Katie and your sister helped you pick dresses. It was fun at first, but with every gown you tried on, the unease in your stomach deepened.
“Okay! This is the tenth one,” your sister called, and as you stepped out, the room fell silent and everyone had their hands over their mouth. 
Curious, you looked at yourself in the mirror and sure enough, you even ended up gasping at the beautiful image reflected back to you. The dress was perfect—elegant, breathtaking. It fit like a dream, like it belonged to someone sure of what they wanted.
“You look stunning!” Katie gushed, hugging you.
Your sister teared up. “My baby sister is getting married!”
But as you stared at yourself, the lace felt suffocating. Your stomach churned. The boutique walls seemed to close in. Your breath turned shallow, ragged. Panic gripped your chest. Then the room began to spin, forcing you to close your eyes.
“Excuse me,” you muttered, pushing past them. You barely made it to the sink before throwing up.
Katie and your sister rushed in after you. “Are you okay?” Katie asked, concern etched in her face.
“You’re not pregnant, are you?” your sister blurted.
“No, of course not,” you said, shaking your head. Your hand instinctively touched the implant in your arm, reassuring yourself it was still there. “No, I’m not.”
“Oh, dear,” your sister sighed, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you stepped out of the restroom. “It’s the stress, isn’t it?”
She might have been right. Stress often manifests this way for you. But they didn’t ask again until you were sitting at a nearby coffee shop, sipping a citrus drink to calm your nausea.
“You’re still not sure about this, are you?” Katie asked gently.
You hesitated and they could see it in your eyes. “What’s bothering you?” your sister asked softly.
You sighed. “I don’t know if I’m overthinking or if I really just don’t want this.”
Your sister’s gaze softened. “If you need more time, take it.”
“It’s not time,” you admitted. “It’s him. I love Sunghoon, but I never pictured us getting married. Now that it’s happening, it all feels… wrong.”
Your sister’s expression turned serious. “Then don’t. It’s not just nerves if it doesn’t feel right.”
Katie took your hand. “Talk to him. Whatever happens, choose what makes you happy.”
You promised them that you would, but you couldn’t. Not when you came home to him smiling brightly at you, kissing you tenderly and holding you in his arms as warmly as he always did.
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The next day at the office, you were in your boss’s office to get some paperwork signed when the secretary’s phone started ringing. You ignored it at first, knowing it wasn’t your job to answer. But after the third ring, you picked it up, just in case.
“Mr. Lee Heeseung’s office. How can I help you?”
“Hi. Is Heeseung there? He’s not picking up his cell, and I need to talk to him urgently,” came a clear voice on the other end.
You grabbed a pen and pad. “He’s out for lunch right now, probably left his phone behind. But I can pass on the message.”
“That’ll work. Thanks.”
“No problem. Can I get your name, so I can let him know who called?”
“Jay Park. Just tell him I need to chat.”
You froze, fingers tightening around the receiver. “Sorry—what was your name again?”
“Jay. Jay Park.”
The name echoed in your head like a spell conjured straight from the past. Jay Park. Your Jay Park. The one the Ouija board had spelled out ten years ago. The name you had whispered to yourself on sleepless nights, half-laughing at the absurdity of believing in it, half-wishing it meant something.
Somewhere along the way, you had let it fade. You had convinced yourself it was just a childhood whim. But now—out of nowhere—he was real. On the other end of this call.
“Jay Park,” you repeated, voice barely above a whisper.
“Uh… yeah?” He sounded mildly amused. “Listen, I was supposed to meet Heeseung, but I overslept, and now I’ve got a plane to catch. Can you let him know I called?”
“A plane?” you asked, gripping the receiver tighter. “Where are you going?”
“The airport,” he replied casually. “Heading to Venice.”
“Venice?!” you blurted, trying to figure out how far Venice was from where you were. You didn’t know for sure, but you knew it was very far.
He chuckled, probably at your stunned silence. “I know. It’s a shame we couldn’t meet, but unavoidable. Anyway, gotta run. Can I count on you?”
Don’t go yet. “No,” you blurted before quickly correcting yourself. “I mean, yes. Yes, of course.”
“Cool. Thanks a lot. Bye.”
“No. Wait—” But the call had already ended, and all that ever made it back to you was the beeping tone of the call being hung up.
You lowered the phone onto the desk, your hands trembling. Then, in a single breath, you dropped your folder onto Heeseung’s desk and sprinted out of the office.
By the time you reached your own desk, you had already dialed Katie. She picked up after two rings.
“I found him!” you burst out.
“Who?” she asked, sounding distracted.
“Jay Park!”
She paused, then said, “Remind me how I know a Jay Park?”
“Jay Park! The guy from the Ouija board!” you practically shouted, adrenaline coursing through you.
A beat passed before her excited squeal echoed through the phone. “Wait. You’re telling me you found your soulmate Jay Park?”
“Yes! He’s friends with my boss, and he’s heading to Italy—right now!”
“Italy? Why Italy?”
“I don’t know!” you squealed, pacing wildly. Your heart was racing, your skin tingling, your mind whirring in a thousand directions. You squeezed your eyes shut and took a deep breath. When you spoke again, your voice was steadier, but the conviction was the same.
“Katie… I think this is it. The sign. I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Oh my god. Girl, no,” she deadpanned.
“Katie, my dearest friend, we have been through everything together.”
“Yes, and you are not an impulsive person. Don’t start now.”
But that was the thing, wasn’t it? You had spent your whole life making careful, rational choices. Always choosing the safe, predictable path. And now, standing on the edge of something wildly uncertain, the thought of staying still terrified you more than the thought of running.
“I love you. I’m going to Venice.”
“Wait—”
You hung up, hands shaking as you pulled up flight tickets. The screen loaded painfully slowly, your pulse hammering with every passing second. Maybe this was insane. Maybe you were making the biggest mistake of your life. But something about this just felt right.
But maybe, just maybe, it was exactly what you were meant to do.
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When you were thirteen, you played Ouija with your sister and Katie during a blackout. It was supposed to be just for fun, but when you asked the board for your soulmate’s name, the glass moved—spelling out Jay Park.
As a teenager, you half-believed it. Enough to spend hours searching the internet for a Jay Park that felt like your Jay Park. There were plenty, but what were you supposed to say? Hey, a spirit spelled out your name on my Ouija board. Are we soulmates? It was ridiculous. Katie had laughed at you then, telling you that if it was fate, you wouldn’t have to search—he’d find you eventually.
Now, pacing around her living room, you pointed at her dramatically. “This is it, Kate. The moment you were talking about! I forgot all about him, and now, just when I’m questioning everything, he appears.”
Katie watched you with her arms crossed, unimpressed. “This is madness.”
You stopped mid-step, the playful grin slipping as you turned to her. “I know.” Your voice was quieter now, more uncertain. “But what if this is my chance?”
She sighed, giving you a long, hard look, clearly hoping you’d snap out of it. But when you didn’t, she exhaled sharply and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fine. But I’m coming with you. I’m not letting you run off to Europe alone for some random guy.”
Joy burst through you, and before she could change her mind, you threw your arms around her. “Good! Great! We’re going to Venice!”
Katie groaned. “I hate you already.”
Later that evening, you came home to find Sunghoon lounging on the couch, feet propped up, half-asleep in front of the TV. He looked up when you walked in, his face lighting up as he beckoned you over. Without a word, he wrapped an arm around you, pressing a soft kiss to your temple.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Crazy. How was yours?”
He exhaled dramatically. “Oh, you would not believe it. First, I had to assist a seven-hour surgery where the patient suddenly went into cardiac arrest, and while we were reviving him, the head neurosurgeon decided it was the perfect time to grill me about my suturing technique—because, you know, that’s obviously what matters when a guy’s flatlining on the table.”
Your eyes widened. “What the—?”
“Oh, it gets better,” he cut in, shifting so he could see your face properly. “After that, I went to the university to teach a class of third-years, and right in the middle of my lecture, one of the students passed out—just full-on face-planted onto the desk. Turns out he was pulling three all-nighters in a row, living off nothing but caffeine and biscuits. Poor kid woke up to me standing over him and thought he had died and I was some kind of angel.”
You burst into laughter. “No way.”
“I swear.” He nodded solemnly. 
“You do look like an angel though,” you mused, kissing his cheek.
“I spent half an hour convincing him that no, he was not dead, and yes, he should consider eating a proper meal from now on.”
You shook your head, still laughing. “Okay, that’s insane.”
“Not as insane as yours, I bet,” he said, his smile softening as he studied your face. “What happened?”
Your laughter faded as nerves twisted in your stomach. You’d rehearsed this conversation a dozen times on the way home, bracing yourself for anger or heartbreak. But when you turned off the TV and faced him, you saw only warmth in his eyes.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” you started softly, “and I would never want you to think you deserved anything less than the best. But… I don’t think I can marry you, Sunghoon.”
For a moment, silence settled between you. Then, to your surprise, he let out a quiet breath and cupped your cheek. “I know.”
The words hit you like a punch to the chest. “You do?” you whispered.
He nodded. “I’ve known since the moment I asked you.”
“How?”
He took a deep breath and kissed your knuckles. “Because it wasn’t just you. I’ve felt it too—this… feeling that something wasn’t right. I kept brushing it off, thinking maybe I was just overthinking things, but then I saw it in you too. And I realized, no matter how perfect we seemed, something was missing.”
Your throat tightened. “Oh, baby…” You curled into him, pressing your face against his shoulder.
“I love you,” he murmured. “I know that for sure. And I kept hoping that if I proposed, that strange feeling in my gut would go away.”
“Did it?” you asked, though you already knew the answer.
“It got worse.”
A shaky laugh escaped you. “Yeah. I know what you mean.”
Sunghoon exhaled, his fingers brushing your hair. “I don’t regret us. Not for a second. But I think we both deserve more than just… settling.”
You nodded, blinking back tears. “I love you, Sunghoon.”
“Just not enough to spend the rest of your life with me,” he finished for you.
Your silence was answer enough. His lips pressed against your forehead, lingering there, before he pulled back with a sad smile.
“I’m sorry I asked,” he said. “It wasn’t fair to you.”
“I’m sorry I let it get this far,” you admitted. “I almost dragged you into an unhappy marriage.”
His expression softened. “I wouldn’t have been unhappy with you. I just… would have always felt like something was missing.”
“Yeah.” You swallowed hard. “Me too.”
For a long moment, you just sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, knowing this was one of the last times you would. It was strange, how love could still be there—real and warm—but not enough to hold you together.
Sunghoon let out a slow breath. “So… what do we do now?”
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You told Sunghoon you were going to Italy with Katie for some soul-searching, leaving out the part where the ‘soul’ you were searching for might actually be your soulmate. He only nodded, telling you to have fun, and after a calm discussion, you both decided not to call off the engagement just yet—only to cancel the wedding date.
A part of you ached at the thought of what you were leaving behind, but another part felt relieved. You weren’t wrong. This wasn’t where you were meant to be. So that night, you held onto Sunghoon, whispering sweet nothings into the darkness, both of you pretending this wasn’t the beginning of the end.
The next morning, he drove you and Katie to the airport. There were no dramatic goodbyes, no messy emotions, just an exchange of quiet I love you’s that somehow felt like a farewell. He pulled you in for one last hug and a small kiss on your temple.
As you walked away, you resisted the urge to turn around, knowing he was still watching. And as the plane lifted off, a thrill surge through you, something unfamiliar and intoxicating. Fear. Freedom. Possibilities.
Whatever it was, you knew there was no turning back now.
The flight to Italy was long, but you didn’t feel tired at all. Instead, you were giddy, filled with excitement about searching for your soulmate. Your boss had called your story ‘mental’ when you told him, but he still gave you Jay’s Instagram, warning you that Jay mostly kept to himself and rarely used electronics.
“Why do you think he loves Italy so much? It’s the vintage charm. He goes every year,” Heeseung had explained.
You had thanked him for his help, but he waved it off, saying it was the least he could do since this was your first real vacation in the three years you’d been with the company. You even asked for a photo of Jay, but Heeseung couldn’t find one. Jay’s Instagram was just filled with landscape shots and street photography. Apparently, he does photography part-time and had been contributing to the magazine ever since its launch, but his work was mostly behind the lens, not in front of it.
“Shouldn’t you have known if a Jay Park was contributing to your magazine?” Katie had teased.
“Katie, I’m an accountant. I don’t know anything about who’s behind the production side.”
When you landed, you wasted no time pulling up Jay’s profile. A fresh post showed a hotel in Venice, and you and Katie rushed to get there. But speed was impossible in a city of canals, so you settled for soaking in the scenery, capturing snapshots as you floated past elegant bridges and centuries-old buildings.
“Whatever happens with this search, we have to go sightseeing,” Katie gushed. “It's so beautiful I could literally pass out. Look at that gargoyle sculpture thing!”
You giggled, finding it cute how easily impressed she was. A few minutes later, you arrived at the hotel and a porter helped you off the boat, carrying your luggage with a polite inquiry about where you were headed.
At the front desk, Katie immediately asked about Jay Park.
“Jay Park?” the elderly receptionist asked back. In heavily accented and broken English, he said he does not give out information about their guests.
“Look, sir,” Katie persisted, leaning in with determination. “We came all this way to see him. If you could just tell us if he’s here, that would be enough.”
You tugged at her sleeve. “Let’s just check in. His post was only an hour ago—he’s probably still here.”
“Fine,” she muttered. Then, turning back to the receptionist, she added, “But just so you know, my best friend thinks this guy is her soulmate. So, if you’re withholding information, you’re basically interfering with fate.”
“Katie!” you hissed, scanning the lobby to make sure no one overheard.
“The boatman said there are five branches of this hotel. We need to know if we’re even in the right one!” she insisted.
Just then, a smooth voice cut in. “Excuse me, ladies. May I help?”
You both turned to see a handsome Italian man watching with amusement. He had the kind of charm that made heads turn, confident but not overbearing.
“Yes, thank you!” Katie said, exhaling in relief. “Could you please tell this kind old man that my best friend’s soulmate is Jay Park, and we just need to know if he’s here?”
A flicker of amusement crossed the stranger’s face, but he dutifully translated your story to the receptionist. The two of you stood there gawking cluelessly. If he was translating for real or talking crap about you in Italian, you wouldn’t have known. You just trusted this stranger to do your work for you.
After a brief exchange, he turned to you. “It looks like Mr. Park has already left the premises.”
“Left? He was here just an hour ago,” Katie questioned.
“Indeed he was, but he left just a few minutes ago. I’m afraid you missed him.”
The receptionist said something else and the Italian stranger translated smoothly. “He stayed the night and left just after breakfast.” Then, the receptionist held up a key with a number on it, adding one last detail.
“He also said your friend is heading to Rome.”
“Rome?” you repeated, heart pounding.
The elder man nodded with a smile. “Yes, Rome.” 
You thanked them both and got ready to leave, pulling up your phone to see if Jay had a new update. But just as you were stepping out of the building, the Italian man called after you.
“Ladies!” 
You turned, and he approached with an easy smile. “I am under the impression that you need a place to stay for the night.”
You hesitated. “Thank you, but we really need to find this guy.”
“Yes, but Rome is a long way from here.” He gestured around with a flourish. “It’s Venice. Wouldn’t it be a shame to leave without seeing its beauty?”
“He’s right,” Katie said, already walking toward him. “We could use a tour. And a nice handsome local to show us around.”
They exchanged flirtatious looks, and you sighed, giving in. Maybe you could use a little break from the chase. You were tired, anyway.
Andre, as he’d introduced himself, took you on a motorboat to another hotel. The ride was short, the cool breeze skimming over the water as the city lights flickered against the rippling surface. Soon, your luggage was being hauled out of the boat and into an elegant, upscale hotel. You and Katie booked a suite with a Queen-sized bed to share, and the moment she told you to head up first, you wasted no time making a beeline for the bathroom.
A hot shower worked wonders, washing away the fatigue from the long journey. By the time you stepped out, towel-drying your hair, you found Katie sprawled on the bed, giggling at her phone.
“Where’s Andre?” you teased, eyeing her amused expression.
“Oh, he left,” she replied with a sly grin. “Said he had to take care of something at his store.”
“His store?”
“Yep. A dress shop.” She wiggled her brows. “He must be doing pretty well, ‘cause he paid for this room.”
You paused mid-step. “He paid for the room?” Katie hummed, still grinning. You raised an eyebrow. “And you just let him?” 
“It’s fine, he likes me.” She flipped onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands. “A girl shouldn’t buy her own drinks at the bar, and a lady definitely shouldn’t pay for her room in Italy.”
You snorted. “Sounds like you’re cashing in on ‘pretty privilege.’” You nudged her foot off your lap as you walked to the dresser for the hairdryer.
“Hey, his words, not mine,” she shot back, sticking her tongue out.
Rolling your eyes, you turned on the dryer, running your fingers through your damp strands. “So, has Mr. Andre invited you to dinner yet?”
“No, but,” she sing-songed, “he did say he’d be back at seven to take us to an opera house.”
“Ooh, fancy.”
“Right?” Katie wiggled her eyebrows. “You should come.”
You and Katie spent the rest of the day sightseeing, hopping from one landmark to another, filling your phone with endless snapshots of the city’s charm. You tried a variety of food that left you both stuffed but happy as you wandered through the nostalgic streets. By nightfall, Katie was dressed in a sleek black bodycon dress, ready for the opera. You clapped, approving her choice, and took a few pictures for her Instagram.
She struck a few playful poses, flashing sultry smirks and mischievous winks.
"Are you sure you don’t want to come?" she coaxed, swiping through the pictures. "It might be fun! You never know what might happen."
"I’m fine, Katie," you reassured her. "After all that walking, I’m beat. Besides, I’m sure Andre would appreciate having you all to himself tonight."
She giggled. "You're right, but I’d hate to leave you all alone."
"Just go, hun. And make sure he’s not a creep."
Katie laughed. "If he was, would you come with me?"
You made a show of heading for your suitcase. "Let me grab something nice, and I’ll join—"
"No, no!" she interrupted with a dramatic wave of her hand. "I’m a big girl. I can handle myself."
You smirked. "Seems like you’re the one who wants some alone time with him."
She giggled again, clearly unbothered. "Well, he is cute."
Shaking your head, you plopped back onto the bed, waving her off with a teasing have fun! The moment she left, you flipped on the hotel TV, settling in for a cheesy romcom. It wasn’t the most thrilling way to spend the night, but it did the job of passing the time.
Halfway through the movie, drowsiness crept in. You were just about to doze off when your phone buzzed.
Jay just posted a photo!
You shot up, tossing the remote aside. Heart pounding, you opened the app. A single image filled the screen, accompanied by a cryptic caption: “Two.”
Confused, you studied the photo—a collection of pastel dresses. When you tapped the location, your stomach sank a little. A dress shop in Rome.
“He really is in Rome,” you sighed, standing up to pack your stuff quickly. As soon as the day breaks, it’s GO time for you and Katie.
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What were the odds that the dress shop Jay visited was owned by Andre? Maybe 0.10%—unless he secretly owned every boutique in Italy. But as luck would have it, he owned that specific one, which was how you found yourself cruising to Rome in his sleek convertible, seated in the back while he and Katie shamelessly flirted in front of you.
Not that you were paying much attention—you were too busy scrolling through your phone for any updates.
“How much longer till we get there?” you asked, stretching your legs. Two hours in the car had you itching for a break, so when they pulled over by the roadside, you stepped out for some air. The road stretched endlessly ahead, mostly empty, but the surrounding scenery was breathtaking. Rolling hills, sunlit fields, and rustic vineyards—it was like something out of a postcard.
“Just thirty more minutes,” Andre replied, gesturing toward an approaching crossroad. “If we take this route, we should arrive sooner.”
Katie, who had borrowed your phone to stalk Jay’s feed, suddenly shot up from where she’d been lounging on the grass. “How much sooner?”
“Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes.”
“Perfect, let’s go now,” she declared, shoving the screen toward you. “Our mystery man is at this church.”
Your eyes widened as you grabbed the phone. "Two minutes ago?!"
"I know! Let’s move!"
Your heart pounded, caught between her infectious excitement and a nagging sense of guilt. Katie didn’t have to come along on this ridiculous chase, yet here she was, urging you forward like she always did. Since you were kids, she had been there through every wild idea, every leap of faith, every heartbreak—cheering you on, even when she didn’t share your beliefs about fate and love.
With Katie, you had come to understand that love in friendship was just as powerful, just as unwavering.
“Is this it?” Katie asked as the three of you stood before an imposing church.
“Yes. Basilica of St. Agnes,” Andre confirmed. “Same one in the photo.”
You compared the images, your gaze sweeping over the church’s grand façade. Even after confirming it was the right place, you couldn’t help but be awed by its sheer beauty. Tourists wandered about, snapping pictures, their voices echoing through the open square.
“Something’s off,” Andre murmured.
“What do you mean?” Katie asked.
He pointed at the entrance of the church. “It’s closed. No visitors allowed in.”
Your stomach dropped slightly. “Why?”
“I’ll go find out,” Andre said, walking off in search of an answer.
You and Katie remained where you were, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jay Park—not that you even knew what he looked like. All you had to go on was a name and a vague assumption that he was probably Asian. Yet, even as you studied every possible contender, you couldn’t make a single guess.
“If the church is closed, does that mean he never made it inside?” you asked, glancing at Katie.
“For all we know, he could’ve left ages ago,” she sighed, frustration creeping into her voice.
When Andre returned, he confirmed that the church was undergoing renovations. You longed for a break, but Katie insisted on looking around first. You humored her, even going so far as to ask random Asian men if their name was Jay Park—unsurprisingly, you had no luck.
As lunchtime approached, you finally admitted defeat and suggested heading to a nearby restaurant. Normally, pasta could lift your mood, but today, it tasted bland.
You were starting to feel like coming here was a bad idea. A part of you is still giddy for the adventure but seeing Katie made you feel like you were bothering people for something ridiculous. Even Andre, a complete stranger, had been roped into this wild search, all because of your stubborn belief in fate.
You shook your head, pushing the guilt aside. Instead of feeling like a burden, you reminded yourself to be grateful. Katie was here because she cared. And while Andre’s interest seemed to lie more with her than with you, he had stuck around too.
You ate in silence, scrolling through Jay’s feed again. His photographs were breathtaking. You wondered if he was as beautiful as the images he captured—if he was as delicate as the subjects of his photos. Did he take them at random, or was there meaning behind every frame?
As you mindlessly scrolled, something caught your eye—an old post from last year, taken in Italy.
So he really does come here every year, you realized, your heart racing.
You kept scrolling, and a pattern emerged. The very first picture from that trip was of a hotel in Venice, captioned simply, “1.” The next was a dress shop in Rome—“2.” Then the church you had just visited. The sequence continued, leading to a restaurant, also tagged in Rome. You scrolled back another two years. Different photos, same places.
“He travels in a pattern,” you blurted out.
Katie and Andre stopped mid-flirt to look at you. “Who?”
“Jay. Look at this!” You thrust your phone toward Katie, your excitement bubbling over as you explained the pattern you’d discovered. She caught on immediately.
“So if you’re right, he’ll be at this restaurant next?” she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation. You nodded confidently, feeling a surge of hope.
Katie turned the phone toward Andre. “Do you know this place?”
He read the location and nodded. “I do. It’s a local favorite, about fifteen minutes from here.”
Since it was already past lunchtime, you assumed Jay would go there for dinner. Andre confirmed that the restaurant opened at 3 PM, making it primarily a dinner spot.
After checking into a hotel downtown, you planned to rest before the evening. But you were feeling restless, and instead of lying around, you decided to explore the city. Katie offered to join, but you urged her to take a break. She didn’t argue, which only confirmed what you already knew—she preferred to spend time with Andre. Not that you minded. It was nice to see her having fun, rather than just being dragged around by your whims.
You wandered through charming streets, going in and out of shops, mostly window-shopping but picking up a few souvenirs along the way. Andre was adamant that you visit his dress shop and told you its location. He said he’d call them to let them know you were coming. You felt grateful for his help in this journey, and decided to take him up on it.
The moment you stepped inside, the staff greeted you by name. Within minutes, a few attendants gathered around, treating you with the kind of care reserved for VIP clients. As it turned out, Andre had instructed them to help you pick out something stunning for the evening.
Accepting such generosity from someone you had just met felt daunting, but you were grateful nonetheless. The staff encouraged you to choose your favorites, and you eagerly tried them on, feeling giddy at the prospect of finally meeting Jay.
An hour later, you returned to the hotel with a large box containing a dress far bolder than you’d planned. You pouted as you walked in, immediately catching sight of Andre and Katie looking cozy on the second bed of your suite.
“I really appreciate this, Andre, but why make me go through all those trouble if you were just gonna pick the dress for me anyway?” you asked, feeling both shy and exasperated.
Andre raised his hands in innocence and pointed at Katie. “It was me,” she admitted, grinning. “To be fair, you still got the dress you chose,” she added, looking far too pleased with herself.
“Yes, but not the color!” You huffed. “I almost freaked out when they insisted I take this one.”
Katie sauntered over and lifted the lid, revealing the dress inside—red satin, draped elegantly over white feathers.
It was a really nice dress. The original cream color you had chosen was soft, classic, safe. But in red? It was something else entirely. Vivid. Captivating. Sultry.
Dinnertime arrived before you knew it. Katie helped you get ready, lacing you into the dress and fussing over your makeup. You stared at your reflection, feeling nervous. The dress was daring and bold but your delicate makeup felt like it didn’t match the fire of the outfit.
“What are you talking about? You look amazing!” Katie reassured you. She grinned, adjusting the straps on your shoulders. “The goal is to get noticed, hon. Red will definitely grab his attention. And unless Jay Park is blind, you’ll be the star wherever you go tonight.”
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You sat by the window of the restaurant, curiously looking around the quiet place. You are now convinced of Andre’s influence, getting you a table easily even with the long queue outside. You wondered if Jay was already here or if he was outside queueing. 
The thought crossed your mind to message him but that made your stomach twist. You had flown across the world to find him, yet the idea of actually reaching out felt more terrifying than anything else. And what would you even say?
“Hey. I followed you all the way to Italy because I think you're my soul mate.” Cringe.
For now, you were content with just catching a glimpse of him. You’d decide what to do next after that. Surely you’d know if he was the one, right? It wouldn’t be something you could explain, but it should feel right.
“Now where are you, Mr. Park?” you muttered to yourself as you refreshed his feed, heart fluttering when you found his most recent upload—a table filled with food, one that looks similar to your table. He’s here! 
Your fingers tightened around your phone as you examined the photo, scanning for any identifying details. In the corner, you spotted a glimpse of navy blue fabric—a sleeve, barely visible. You leaned back, gaze flickering around the restaurant, searching for a navy blue jacket. Several of them were dressed in similar shades, their jackets blending into the dim ambiance.
Then you looked at the picture again and wondered if instead of him, maybe it was whoever he was with. Maybe he wasn’t alone. With that thought, you could narrow down your search to tables with two people in it.
You sighed, shaking your head at yourself. “I’m a creepy stalker,” you muttered under your breath.
The waiter soon arrived with your order and you took the opportunity to ask him. “Excuse me, but… is there a Jay Park dining here tonight?”
The waiter blinked, then broke into a knowing smile. “Jay Park? Ah, Mr. Park! Yes, he’s here.”
“Are you sure it’s him?” You couldn’t help but question.
The waiter chuckled confidently, “Madam, Mr. Jay Park always makes his reservations a year in advance. He is here tonight. Right there.” He pointed toward a table halfway across the room.
You followed his gesture, and your eyes landed on two Asian men seated together. Both wore navy blue—one in a sharp suit, the other in a button-down shirt. Your breath caught in your throat, but your excitement wavered.
Which one was Jay?
You turned to ask the waiter again, but he was already walking away.
You turned to ask the waiter again, but he was already walking away. Sighing, you picked up your fork, pushing your food around your plate as you stole glances in their direction. From here, you could faintly make out their features.
The one in the suit had medium-length hair, styled in a comma hairstyle that was trendy nowadays. The other had longer hair that reached the nape of his neck. A mullet, maybe? You weren’t sure. They looked similar in build, and from the way they were seated, you couldn’t tell which one was taller.
So one of them was Jay Park. They look great, but now what?
They stayed for a while and you stayed too, mostly because you didn’t know where to go and you were hoping they’d somehow glance your way and you’d manage to take a better look at their faces. But since you only stole glances instead of flat-out staring at them the whole time, you wouldn't have known if either of them noticed you at all.
By the time you finished your fifth glass of wine, a tipsy warmth had spread through your skin. Katie had been checking in through texts, and as you lazily tapped out a response, your fingers moved a little too freely over the screen.
Katie: What do they look like? You: I’ll take a picture of them after paying.
You waved down the waiter for the bill, fumbling slightly with your bag as you reached for your card. But before you could hand it over, the waiter smiled and said, “No need, madam. Mr. Jay Park has already covered it.”
Your stomach plummeted and your head snapped toward their table, pulse racing only to find that was already empty. The chairs were neatly tucked in, the wine glasses half-finished. They were gone.
He paid for your food. He noticed you. How can he pay for your food and NOT talk to you at all? That’s just ridiculous. 
Without thinking, you bolted out of the restaurant, the cool night air hitting you like a shock. Your eyes darted wildly over the crowd, searching for navy blue amidst the crowd of tourists and locals. And then, you spotted him—the man in the suit, walking ahead in an unhurried pace.
“Hey.” you called out to him, but he was too far to hear your voice over the noise of the city. You pushed forward, weaving through people, determined to catch up.
As you did, your heel got caught in a crack in the pavement. You wobbled, nearly toppling over, cursing under your breath as you yanked at your foot. The damn shoe wouldn’t budge, and he was getting farther away, disappearing into the sea of moving figures.
“Fuck it.” you grunted, kicking your foot free, abandoning the shoe entirely as you took off barefoot, chasing after him.
The uneven pavement pricked at the soles of your feet, but you didn’t care. You ran and ran, until finally—he was gone. The streets stretched before you, unfamiliar and strange. The city surrounding you was lively, but all you could feel was the disappointment and defeat sinking into your chest.
He was right there. Just almost within reach, but you’d been too shy to approach him, now he was gone. What was the point of all this, then? Did you really come all the way here to find him, and assumed it would all magically fall into place?
Your foot throbbed where the missing shoe should have been, and that reminded you that it was a shoe your sister had gifted you. The thrill of the chase had fizzled into something hollow, leaving you standing there, lost in a city that no longer felt exciting. You felt ridiculous. Heartbroken over someone you had never even met.
With a sigh, you slumped down onto the edge of a fountain and pulled out your phone, fingers trembling as you dialed Katie. It didn’t take her long to find you.
“We were close by. What happened? Where’s your shoe?” she asked, her worried gaze sweeping over you.
You exhaled shakily. “He’s gone.”
“Who, Jay? Did you meet him?” she asked, but you shook your head, staring blankly ahead.
That’s when a man approached you, asking in Italian if you were alright. He was holding your abandoned shoe with a smile playing on his lips. Amidst the words you didn’t understand, you caught a chuckle as he referred to you as Cinderella.
“Your shoe!” Katie exclaimed at the man. “Thank you, sir! Thank you!”  she beamed, while you remained dazed.
The man’s eyes lit up. “Ah, finally, someone who speaks my tongue,” he said, kneeling beside you. “Allow me?”
“Thank you,” you mumbled, barely paying attention. He carefully pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping your foot, brushing away the dirt from your reckless chase.
“My, is that you, Prince Charming?” Katie teased, making the guy chuckle.
“You look gorgeous, by the way. Mind giving me your name?” he asked smoothly.
His question went past you as your turned to Katie. “Should I just DM him?” you murmured, anxiety creeping into your voice.
“Honestly, I was wondering what was taking you so long to do just that,” she replied, smirking.
“You’re right. That would’ve saved us a lot of trouble,” you sighed, pulling out your phone and staring at the screen like it held all the answers.
Katie nudged your shoulder. “So what happened at the restaurant?”
“Well…” You hesitated, replaying the events in your head. “He paid for my meal. That has to mean he noticed me, right? But if he noticed me, why didn’t he talk to me? Was he just out there paying for everyone’s dinner tonight?”
“Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt,” Prince Charming interjected, “but may I ask how long you’re staying in the city?”
You didn’t look up from your screen, leaving Katie to respond. “Not long. We’re here looking for someone.”
“Would you tell me his name? Maybe I know him. The Asian community isn’t that big in places like this.”
Katie shrugged. “I don’t know… He’s a tourist, not a local.”
“Oh, I’m a tourist too, so—” he started, but you suddenly stood up.
“I did it. Let’s go. I can’t be here when he replies. I’d freak out,” you blurted, grabbing Katie’s wrist and dragging her toward the car. “Oh! Thanks a lot, by the way!” you called over your shoulder, offering him a quick bow.
“Wait!” He rushed after you, stepping in front of the car door to block your way. “I didn’t catch your name.”
You reached for the handle, unimpressed. “I didn’t say it.”
“Well, I’d love to know it.”
“Thanks for finding my shoe, sir, but I really have to go.”
His lips twitched. “Then at least tell me who you’re looking for. If I can’t have your name, I’ll take that instead.”
“Who is it then? The guy you’re looking for? I’ll take that if you can’t tell me yours,” he insisted. 
You sighed in frustration, staring straight at him. You gasped when you realized who he was. “It’s you.”
He backed away slightly. “You know me?”
“No, not really, but…” You swallowed, trying to steady yourself. “At the restaurant. I saw you there.”
A smile curled his lips, his sharp cheekbones lifting with amusement. “Yeah, I saw you there too.”
Your breath hitched, exhilaration coursing through you. “I’m actually looking for Jay Park,” you admitted, pulse racing. “He paid for my dinner.”
His jaw dropped for a split second before he quickly recovered. “That’s funny because…” He let out a short laugh. “I’m Jay Park.”
Your knees nearly buckled. The rush of wine, adrenaline, and disbelief swirled together, making your head spin. Before you could stumble, his arms caught you, steadying you on your feet. His hands were warm against your skin, his eyes wide with concern.
“Whoa, are you okay?”
You swallowed hard, gripping his forearm for balance as you stared at him—really stared at him. “Yeah,” you murmured, still breathless. 
“It’s just… I’ve been looking for you since I got here.” Your voice wavered. “As a matter of fact, I’ve been searching for you way longer than that.”
Jake felt a pang of guilt for lying, but the truth could wait. If he told you now, you’d get in that car and disappear from his life forever. He’ll just tell you the truth later.
So he smiled, tilting his head slightly. “Well,” he chimed, “I guess you found me.”
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Rome at night was magnificent, and you were reveling in it as you walked the cobblestone streets with Jake, who you now believed to be Jay. You had no idea of his pretense, but you were on cloud nine, convinced you had found what you came for. He was everything you had dreamed of, and considering he had found you while you were chasing someone else, you couldn't help but believe fate was behind the whole thing.
“Accountant? That’s cool. I work for a fashion brand.”
You hummed. “Let me guess… shoes?”
He chuckled. “What gave it away?”
You shrugged. “I’m not sure, but you were pretty delicate with my foot tonight, and you even mentioned it wasn’t the right size. That was true, by the way. These were gifts, and they’re a size too small.”
“They look beautiful on you either way,” he chimed.
You scowled at him, though you couldn’t quite suppress your smile.
“And I’m a photographer for the brand,” he added. “Not a designer or anything.”
“Photographer, huh? Yeah, I heard you were.”
Jake stepped over a short fence enclosing a neatly trimmed lawn, then reached out to help you over. You hesitated for a second before taking his hands, letting him pull you in.
“Please tell me you don’t have this weird fixation on…” You paused, pursing your lips before adding, “…feet.”
He laughed loudly, tossing his head back. “For a first date, that’s a pretty big question.”
You chuckled. “This is a date?”
“I hope so,” he murmured, tilting his head as he studied you. A warmth spread through your chest. “And to answer your question,” he continued, smirking, “no. Some feet are pretty, but no, that’s not my thing.”
“I see. Good to know.” You sat down on the lawn, and he followed suit, stretching his legs out beside you.
Jake propped himself up on his hands, then nudged you lightly. “Come here.”
You leaned in without hesitation, resting your head on his shoulder. The night sky stretched vast and deep above you, the stars hidden, but the moon glowing bright. Wisps of clouds drifted lazily across it, painting soft streaks in the dark.
“That’s pretty,” you murmured, admiring the waning moon.
“It is,” he agreed. “But it’s prettier in Positano. By the beach, with the stars and the sea breeze.”
“You’ve been there?” you asked, instinctively leaning closer to his warmth.
“Yeah, once. A long time ago, during a short break in college. I’ve come here several times since, but I never really went back there; I was mostly just here for work.”
“I see. Your Italian is really good.”
“Well, I come here often. One of our designers lives in Rome. He holds a showcase every year, and I always come to take the photos.”
“So… you’re busy?”
He shook his head. “Not anymore. The show was earlier today. I’m officially off the clock.”
You hummed in acknowledgment, letting the quiet settle for a moment. Jake relaxed beside you, resting his cheek against your hair.
“Take me to Positano,” you murmured, trying to sound confident despite the shyness in your chest.
He hummed, nuzzling into your hair slightly. “I’ll take you tonight if you want me to.”
You scoffed, nudging him playfully. “Tomorrow, maybe?”
“Tomorrow then.”
You smiled to yourself, but a thought tugged at the back of your mind, prompting you to sit up and turn toward him. “Right. Earlier tonight, at the restaurant.”
Jake straightened slightly. “What about it?”
“You paid for my food. Did that mean you noticed me?”
He exhaled, a low chuckle escaping his lips. “Are you serious? Of course, I noticed you. Ever since you walked in, actually. I could barely keep my eyes off you.”
Your heart skipped a beat. “Then why didn’t you talk to me? I was eyeing you all night.”
He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. “If I had known that, I would’ve approached you. But I was with a friend, and I didn’t want to disturb you. Plus… I didn’t think you’d be alone all night.”
“Why is that?”
Jake shrugged, his lips lifting into a smile as he gazed at you with warmth and admiration in his eyes. “You were too beautiful. It was hard to believe you were alone in that restaurant.”
You couldn’t help the grin that formed on your lips. “Well, we should be grateful you picked up my shoe then.”
“I know,” he chuckled, exhaling like he had narrowly escaped something. “I was actually on my way back to the restaurant to see if I could talk to you, but then I found you running around and leaving a shoe behind like Cinderella.”
You giggled, shaking your head. “Quite a story.”
“One for the books, if you ask me,” he agreed, smiling, his dreamy eyes fixed on you. 
You met his gaze, caught between feeling self-conscious and utterly seen, as if he could stare at you forever. And the way he looked at you like you were something precious, something to be cherished made your heart swell.
“Do you believe in fate?” he asked, his voice low and thoughtful.
You snorted. “Are you seriously asking me that? Me, the person who flew all the way here because I believed in fate a little too much?”
You had told him everything: the Ouija board, the search, how you had followed him just because you’d answered a call that wasn’t meant for you.
“Touché,” he shrugged, lips curving into a smile. They looked so full, so inviting, even under the moonlight. You stared at them for a second too long, wondering if they were as soft as they appeared.
“Would you like to try and see?” he asked, catching your gaze on his lips.
Your breath hitched. “Huh?”
Heat rushed to your cheeks at his indirect invitation, and before you could compose yourself, he tapped his bottom lip. You instinctively bit your own in an attempt to mask your shyness, but it only revealed your hesitation.
Then he leaned in. His intention was obvious, with your lips set as his goal. You could tell him no, dodge, even make a move to refuse, but you didn’t. Instead, you leaned forward, meeting him halfway.
Your lips brushed, then pressed together, soft—just like you imagined they’d be. But as he moved, his kiss grew firm, insistent, claiming yours in a slow, deep pull that sent warmth coursing through your veins. Instinctively, your hands found his neck, fingers curling at his nape as you surrendered to the moment, eyes fluttering shut.
When he finally pulled away, you opened yours to find his beautiful brown ones gazing right back at you. He smiled, and your heart swelled.
“Hi,” you blurted out, brain momentarily short-circuiting.
Jake laughed, then stole a brief kiss—quick, playful—before pulling you back into his arms.
It was past midnight when you finally parted, lingering at your door, neither of you willing to let go. His fingers brushed against yours even as he talked about tomorrow, and you kept saying "yes" to Positano, over and over, as if the promise of it wasn’t already sealed between you.
If it weren’t for Katie scolding you for leaving the door wide open, you might have spent the entire night just standing there, lost in each other’s eyes.
“See you in the morning,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead as you rested your head against his chin.
“See you in the morning, Jay.”
You felt him freeze at the name, his expression flickering for a split second before he smiled, saying nothing. Instead, he waved, taking a few steps backward before finally turning to leave.
As soon as the door clicked shut, the giddy rush bubbled over, and you twirled in place, unable to contain it.
Katie chuckled from the couch. “You look obscenely happy.”
“Thanks. I am,” you admitted, a proud smile stretching across your face as you stepped into the bathroom for a quick wash, the warmth of his kiss still lingering on your skin.
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The morning was beautiful from your window, but sadly, you were set to leave Rome today for the beaches of Positano. You were excited and it seemed like Katie was too because she was the first to drag her stuff out of the room. 
A hotel attendant helped with your luggage, leading you down to the parking area, where two sleek cars and two equally gorgeous men were waiting.
“Good morning,” Jake greeted, opening his arms just as you ran into them. “Are you excited?”
“Can’t wait.”
He chuckled and tapped your nose affectionately. Glancing over at the other car, Jake asked if they were ready too. Andre raised a thumb in response.
“We’ll be right behind you,” he told Jake, who waved before ushering you into the car.
The ride was lively, filled with music and wind whipping through your hair. Jake’s camera rested in the center console, and when you asked if you could use it, he handed it over without hesitation, walking you through the settings. Once you got the hang of it, you turned the lens on him, snapping pictures as he drove.
Noticing this, he started posing dramatically, making you giggle.
“You look great, Jay,” you commented, flipping through the shots.
“I’ll take pictures of you later,” he promised, reaching over to press a kiss to your hand.
Positano unfolded before you in a breathtaking display—lush greenery, vibrant cliffs, and the sparkling sea stretching beyond them. Compared to Rome, it was quieter, more provincial, yet no less stunning. Jake mentioned your hotel was right by the beach, and after a few more winding roads, you arrived. The driveway was expertly lined with tall trees on each side, giving it a majestic entrance.
“Food!” Katie declared the moment she spotted the hotel restaurant. “Great, because I’m starving.” She grabbed your wrist and dragged you along, leaving the men to handle the check-in and your luggage.
You ordered a feast, and before long, Jake and Andre joined you at the table, both noticeably lighter without their bags.
“Miss Destiny,” said Andre, referring to you by the nickname he’d coined for you as he sat next to Katie. “I hope you don’t mind if Katie and I share a room.”
You cocked an eyebrow at Katie, who smiled sheepishly. “Oh, come on. You have Jay,” she reasoned, pouting. “You won’t be alone.”
You met Jake’s gaze, and he gave you a small nod. “If you’d rather have your own room, I can book another,” he offered.
“No, it’s fine,” you replied, even as the thought of sharing a room with him so soon made you nervous.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his hand resting lightly over yours on your thigh.
You placed your free hand on his arm, offering him a reassuring smile. “Yes. I don’t mind.”
“Alright.”
The food was, as expected, incredible. Katie had picked the restaurant’s best-selling dishes, earning her praise from both Jake and Andre. You were especially impressed by how familiar Jake was with the cuisine and language. Despite his earlier claim that he only visited Italy for work, he seemed to really like it here.
Later, as you wandered the beach together, he continued to share small facts about the seashells you picked up, his camera never straying far as he snapped random pictures of you. You listened intently, amused by his little trivia moments.
“That one’s different,” he commented, taking a shell from your hand for a closer look. “It’s not usually found here. Must’ve been carried in by the current.”
“It looks like you,” you mused, holding it up beside his face for comparison.
He grinned. “How?”
“The color. It’s got the same deep brown as your eyes. This shell is you, Jay.”
Jake laughed, taking the shell and tucking it into his pocket. “I’ll keep it then. Souvenir from the best vacation of my life.”
You scoffed playfully. “You’re such a flirt, Mr. Park.”
“That’s because you’re pretty, Miss,” he shot back, pulling you snugly against his side.
You giggled, slipping your arm around his waist as you continued walking, the waves crashing softly in the distance.
At some point, you managed to steal his camera again, snapping pictures of him as he stood against the backdrop of the sea. He looked regal through the lens, but even the camera couldn’t quite capture what you saw in real time. He was breathtaking, like the sea breeze and the view right before you. He was gorgeous and golden, like the sun that was setting down the horizon.
“Look,” he said suddenly, pointing toward the sunset as he stopped in his tracks. You followed his gaze, taking in the golden hues painting the sky.
Without thinking, you leaned into his chest, letting his warmth wrap around you as silence settled between you. None of you were talking, tired from goofing around all afternoon and just utterly speechless by this—the quiet, the beauty, the understanding between two people who had stumbled into something that felt impossibly perfect.
Yet, in the back of your mind, a small fear was lurking. This moment felt too good, too perfect, and you didn’t want it to end. You wished you could stay here forever, pressed against him, watching the sky change colors until night fell and the sun eventually rose again.
“Would you be surprised to hear that I might be falling in love with you?” Jake asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant—like he hadn’t meant to say it aloud.
“Yes,” you admitted, tilting your head slightly. “But it would make me happy to hear it too.”
His heartbeat was steady beneath your cheek. “I like being here,” you murmured. “Right by your side. It feels right. It feels good. And I don’t think I’m gonna let anyone take this away.”
Jake pressed a kiss to the top of your head, making you look up. On impulse, you reached for him, capturing his lips in a soft kiss.
“Would you stay?” you whispered against his mouth.
He lifted your chin, deepening the kiss just enough to seal his answer before pulling back slightly. “I’ll be wherever you are,” he murmured, brushing his thumb along your jaw. “Wherever you want me to be.”
And so, as the last traces of sunlight dipped below the horizon, you kissed again, understanding, without needing to say it, that this moment wasn’t just fleeting. It was the start of something inevitable. Something fated.
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Days with Jake blurred into a dream of sun-drenched adventures and stolen kisses. You went boating, scuba diving, hiking, and cruising along the coast in Andre’s small yacht. If you weren’t taking pictures of each other, you were tucked away somewhere cozy, his lips moulding with yours. In the privacy of your suite, you were tangled together beneath the sheets, talking about each other’s lives, strengths and fears, childhood memories, favorite songs, and the kind of futures you had always imagined. Five days in Positano had you realizing you had never told so much about yourself to anyone until now. 
He photographed you endlessly, claiming the camera loved you almost as much as he did. And you, oblivious to the truth, still believed he was Jay Park—the person fate had written into your story.
Jake, on the other hand, found it harder to maintain the lie. The closer you got, the heavier it sat on his chest. He told himself it shouldn’t matter. A name was just a name. But you spoke about destiny with such conviction, as if the universe had carefully arranged every thread of your lives to lead you here. You still believed that thread was tied to Jay, but Jake wanted to believe it was tied to him. Maybe it was. Maybe fate had simply used another name to bring you together. He wanted to believe that when you eventually find out, you’d understand. 
But when you looked at him like this, like you were certain that he was the Jay Park of your dreams, he wasn’t so sure anymore. What would happen if you found out?
“Jay, where are we going?” you asked as he led you through the dense bushes.
“You’ll see.”
Faint orchestral music drifted through the air, growing louder with each step. Beyond the hedge, golden lights shimmered, illuminating a grand estate that looked more like a palace than a house. Silhouettes of elegantly dressed guests moved through the gardens, their laughter mixing with the music.
You tightened your grip on Jake’s hand. “Please tell me we have an invitation for this.”
He barely glanced at you before chuckling. “Of course not. We’re not Italian socialites.”
Your jaw dropped. “We’re gatecrashing?”
He pressed a finger to his lips, eyes twinkling with mischief. “We’re just a couple of lost tourists who took a wrong turn looking for the bathroom.”
“Yeah, no. I’m going back.”
“Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?”
“Oh, it’s currently having tea with my common sense. Let me go.”
But Jake didn’t let go. He just grinned and kept walking, tugging you along with him.
You exhaled sharply, scanning the lavish scene. “I have a feeling you’ve done this before.”
“For once, you’re wrong,” he said, too cheerfully. “This is my first time.”
Your head snapped toward him. “Wait—so you don’t have an exit plan?”
“Have you heard of spontaneity? You should try some.”
You scoffed. How dare he say that to you, of all people. “I literally flew to Italy on a whim.”
Jake straightened his tie and smoothed his jacket. You did the same, thanking the fact that you were both out for a fancy dinner tonight and your nice clothes are helping you blend in easily with the crowd.
With an exaggerated bow, he held out his arm. “Welcome to the Baron’s Ball, my lady. Shall we?”
Despite yourself, you giggled, slipping your arm through his. “Lead the way, my lord.”
Inside, the grandeur was almost dizzying. Gowns and suits shimmered beneath the glow of a massive chandelier. There was an actual orchestra playing a waltz, and while some guests lingered by the edges of the room, others twirled effortlessly at the center.
Jake maneuvered through the crowd with ease, nodding and offering brief greetings as though he belonged here. The casual confidence made you feel a little less like an imposter—until he steered you straight toward the dance floor.
“What are you doing?” you hissed under your breath.
He only squeezed your hand in reassurance. “We can’t pass up a chance to dance at a swanky party,” he whispered in your ear, kissing the side of your head right after and leaving you warm and nervous.
“Good evening,” a passing gentleman greeted, and Jake nodded smoothly in return.
“Good evening,” he replied, his posture relaxed, his charm effortless.
That’s when you realized—he’d been doing this all night. A nod here, a smile there. Enough to make you look like you belonged. And somehow, against all logic, it was working.
The moment you reached the dance floor, Jake pulled you into position, guiding you effortlessly into the same graceful stance as the other couples. One hand settled gently on your waist, the other laced with yours, while you rested your free hand on his shoulder, your thumb unconsciously stroking the nape of his neck.
“Relax, love,” he murmured, his lips brushing your ear. “You got me. We’ll be fine.”
His voice was a melody of its own, putting you at ease. You closed the gap between you, pressing your ear on his chest as you swayed. Just like how it had always been ever since you met him, you felt the fulfillment of belonging to something, to someone. It put your heart at ease.
You had been right to book that flight, and fate had been generous to let you pick up that call. Everything in your life had felt uncertain for so long, but now, with him here, it was as if the universe had finally put things into place, you were right where you were supposed to be. 
“Is this destiny?” he asked. You lifted your head, smiling as you met his gaze. He was already smiling too, cheekbones lifting and eyes crinkled at the corners.
“It is,” you said softly. “Because if it isn’t, then it shouldn’t feel this right, Jay.”
His smile faltered for just a second—so brief you might’ve imagined it—before he masked it with a kiss to your forehead. “I’m just asking because I’m not big on destiny and soulmates and all that stuff. But a friend told me that everything you do, everywhere you go, everyone you meet, you meet them for a reason. The reason was destiny. Do you think so too?”
You nodded. “I always have. I believe people are placed in our lives on purpose. Every friend we’ve lost, every enemy we’ve made, every person we’ve loved and stopped loving. Even the stranger at the grocery store or the student scrolling through his phone on the train—we were meant to cross paths. Sometimes we play a role in their lives, sometimes we don’t. But every meeting happens because it was supposed to. And we begin in a random place, navigating through people and relationships and places until we find where we belong.”
“That’s beautiful.”
You smiled, tiptoeing to press a soft kiss to his lips. “It’s even more beautiful now that I’ve found you. This… this is where I belong.”
His arms tightened around you. “I feel the same,” he whispered. “Does that mean everything that lead up to this moment doesn’t matter anymore? I mean, we’re here now. We’ve found each other.”
The music shifted before you could think of a response. People started cheering and heading for the dance floor, cramping the space. Someone bumped into you, throwing you off balance, but Jake caught you immediately.
Your heart pounded as you took in the scene. Everyone was moving into formation. Everyone except for you two.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” you muttered. The music had paused, and the dancers stood poised, waiting for the cue to begin. You glanced around anxiously. “Should we leave?”
Jake only grinned. “Relax. It’s a cotillion. Just blend in.”
Before you could argue, the music resumed—and the dancers sprang into motion with eerily coordinated formations and synchronized steps. Jake twirled you, laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
“Dance, love! Dance like this is your last night in Italy!” he beamed.
With a breathless laugh, you gave in, mirroring his exaggerated, silly dance moves. The embarrassment melted away in the absurdity of it, but it wasn’t long before you noticed heads turning. People were starting to watch you.
“The guy in the red suit,” Jake said under his breath, “I think he’s a guard. Or a butler. Or something.”
“What?” You followed his gaze and spotted a man flipping through what looked like a guest list. Your stomach dropped.
Jake leaned in. “When he comes this way, we run for that door.”
Your head whipped toward the exit he was pointing to. “Wait, that’s not where we came from—”
“It’s a better escape route.”
“Oh god,” you breathed, eyes darting back to the guard. He was looking right at you now, brows furrowed in suspicion. You didn’t wait for Jake’s signal—you grabbed his hand and bolted.
“Oi! Hey!” a voice called out behind you.
Jake abruptly stopped, dropping to his knees. “Shoes.” He tugged at your heels. “They’ll slow you down.”
Cursing, you kicked them off, barely giving him time to grab them before you both took off again.
Shouts rang out behind you, the man barking orders in rapid Italian, but you didn’t look back. You tore through the grand entrance, past a sprawling garden, and straight toward the massive gates.
The guards outside barely had time to register the sight of two guests sprinting into the night before you were already gone.
You didn’t stop running until you were far from the venue, your laughter mixing with Jake’s as you both collapsed by the seawall. Breathless and giddy, he hoisted himself onto the ledge, patting the spot beside him in invitation.
You sank down next to him, still panting, and leaned against his side for support.
“You good?” he asked, his arm coming around you, his fingers kneading gently at your shoulder.
“Yeah. You?”
“Better than ever.” He grinned, and you both broke into laughter again—genuine, breathless, and a little bit wild.
After a moment, you straightened, turning to look at him. His face was still alight with exhilaration, his eyes gleaming under the dim streetlights. “You’re a bad influence,” you murmured.
His grin widened. “I know.” Then, after a breath—“Can I kiss you?”
You glanced at his lips. “I thought you’d never ask.��
He closed the gap between you in a kiss that was long and slow, lingering like the adrenaline still thrumming in your veins. He kissed you until neither of you could tell if your lightheadedness was from the run or from this—whatever this was between you. And by the time you pulled apart, breathless and undone, you were sure of one thing.
You didn’t regret a single second of it.
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When you arrived at the hotel, the receptionist greeted him as Mr. Sim. You frowned, catching his sleeve as the elevator doors closed behind you. “Mr. Sim? I thought you were Mr. Park.”
He barely looked at you, too busy tugging you flush against him. “Probably another Asian guest. To these people, we all look the same.”
You laughed because, knowing him, he was probably right. But before you could dwell on it, his lips were on yours, swallowing any thought that didn’t involve him. You barely made it to his suite before your hands were everywhere—fingers tangled in his hair, nails scratching at the fabric of his shirt as he pressed you against the door, kissing you like he was starving.
You knew where this was going, had known it since the first time his lips brushed against yours. But even as you gasped against his mouth, even as he trailed kisses down your neck, you forced yourself to slip from his grasp, your hands still lingering on his shoulders.
“There’s something you should know,” you murmured, breathless. His fingers were already tracing the curve of your waist, sending shivers down your spine. “It might change things.”
He exhaled a laugh, resting his forehead against yours. “I don’t think anything you say can change how I feel about you.”
Your chest tightened, his words making your resolve waver. You kissed him, long and deep. His mouth traced a path down your jaw, nipping at your pulse, making you shudder. “The truth is…”
“Hm?” he hummed, lips brushing your collarbone.
“I’m…” You cupped his face, forcing him to look at you. “…engaged.”
Everything stopped. His grip on your hips tightened, his heavy-lidded eyes snapping open. “You’re what?”
“I’m engaged. I was supposed to be married in a week.” You exhaled, searching his face.
He backed away just enough to take a good look at you. He was still holding your arm when he asked, “Then why are you a thousand miles from home looking for a soulmate in a complete stranger?”
“I don’t know! I didn’t want to get married. And I—I answered your call by accident. It was meant for my boss, Lee Heeseung. But when you told me your name… I don’t know, I just felt like I had to find you.” Your fingers traced his cheek. “I thought maybe it was fate.”
His silence made your heart pound, but then he kissed you again, deeper, hungrier—like he had decided for himself what fate meant. He lifted you effortlessly, carrying you toward the bed as his lips claimed every inch of skin he could reach. You arched against him, his hand slipping underneath you to unzip your dress.
“That doesn’t change anything?” you asked.
His mouth curved against your shoulder. “If we found each other… isn’t that all that matters?”
You nodded, pushing your hand inside his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against yours. “Well, yeah. What could be worse than that?”
He flashed a grin before he kissed you breathless, pressing you into the mattress. His hands roamed lower to palm your breast, setting your skin on fire, but just as you started to lose yourself in him, he mumbled against your lips, “My name’s not Jay Park.”
In a daze from the sensation of his kisses and his touches, you couldn’t quite process what he just said. “You're not?”
“My name is Jake Sim.”
Suddenly, clarity crashed down on you. “WHAT?!” You shoved at his chest, but he barely budged.
He groaned, laughing breathlessly. “Oh, come on. You just said none of it matters!”
“Yes, except for that!” With a burst of strength fueled by sheer outrage, you pushed him off of you. He tumbled onto the floor with a thud.
He groaned, rolling onto his back. “Wow, you’re strong.”
“You lied to me?” you asked, appalled like you couldn’t believe he was capable of doing that.
“Hey, it’s just a name.”
You stood up angrily, grabbing your purse, coat, and shoes from where they were scattered across the room. “You’re a liar. A jerk! A horrible, horrible person!”
“Hey, calm down,” Jake tried, reaching for you, but you shoved his hands away.
“Don’t touch me!”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Okay. Alright. I lied. But only about my name. The rest of it was true. All of it. My dreams, my hopes, how I feel about you... all of it. My dreams, my photography, I didn’t lie about any of those.”
“You lied about the one thing that mattered most!” you snapped.
Jake exhaled, shoulders sagging. “Come on, love—”
“Don't call me that.”
“I thought you liked it.”
“I did when I thought you were Jay.”
His jaw tensed as he followed you to the door. “Jay isn’t even the guy you think he is. Be real. He’s a stranger. You don’t know him.”
“You would be a stranger too if you hadn’t lied about being him.” You pressed the elevator button, glaring at him. “Do you even have a conscience?”
He stepped closer. “Just—please. Give me a chance. How do you even know he’s the man you’re looking for?”
“I’ll figure that out myself.” You stepped into the elevator and pulled the steel gate shut before he could follow. “Why did you even do that?”
Desperation flickered in his eyes. “I did it because I’m in love with you!”
You scoffed, completely, utterly frustrated and exasperated. “And you expect me to believe that? What am I stupid?”
“Baby!”
“Leave me alone!” you hollered, just as the elevator door closed.
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You pounded on Katie’s door with trembling fists, your vision blurred by tears. When it finally opened, she stood there, bleary-eyed from sleep, Andre peering over her shoulder. You didn’t care. Pushing past them, you collapsed onto the couch by the window, sobbing uncontrollably.
Katie rushed to you, her hands rubbing soothing circles on your back. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Let’s go home, Katie.” Your voice cracked between sobs. “You were right. This was madness—coming here, chasing after some ghost, believing in stupid fate. All of it. This is the worst trip of my life.”
Katie glanced at Andre, silently asking him to give you both space. He understood and slipped out without a word. She sat beside you, offering a glass of water once your sobs quieted.
“What happened? Where’s Jay?”
You let out a hollow laugh. “He’s not Jay, Katie. He lied. His name is Jake Sim.”
Her brows furrowed. “What? Why would he do that?”
You shot up from the couch, pacing the room. “Because he’s a terrible person, that’s why! He probably thought this was all some joke. Like he could just lie his way into my bed and get away with it. Well, guess what? His honesty was five days too late! He wasted my time, my effort, everything! I will never believe in fate or destiny or love or any of that crap ever again!”
Katie sighed, taking the glass from your shaking hands. “Are you sure?”
“Yes!” you snapped.
Her voice softened. “Really? You won’t believe in fate or destiny? And love too?”
The words hit sent a pang in your chest. You sat back down, burying your face in your hands. Your whole life, you had believed in love and destiny. Every good thing that happened to you, you thanked fate. Every bad thing, you told yourself it was leading you to something better. You believed in love because your parents had shown you it was real, because you grew up in a home where love was the foundation of everything. And now, just because one stranger had broken your heart, you were ready to throw all of that away?
Katie’s arms wrapped around you, pulling you close. “Maybe this is destiny too,” she murmured. “Getting hurt is part of everyone’s growth. What he did was wrong, and he was a jerk for doing it, but don’t let him be the reason you stop believing in the things that make you who you are.”
You sniffed, wiping at your damp cheeks. “Let’s go home, Katie.”
She squeezed your hand. “Okay. We’ll go home.”
The next morning, Katie was alone in the hotel room, packing up both your things and hers for your flight home. She had taken it upon herself to gather all your belongings from the room you had shared with Jake, finding it empty when she arrived. You had left early with Andre to book tickets, determined to get out of Italy as soon as possible, leaving Katie to clean up.
She was nearly finished when a sharp knock sounded at the door. At first, she thought it was you or Andre, but when she opened it, she was greeted by a massive bouquet of flowers. Katie sighed, immediately swatting it away, already knowing who was behind it.
“What are you doing here, Mr. Not-Jay-Park?”
Jake peeked over the bouquet. “Katie. Is she here?”
“She’s not.”
Jake exhaled sharply. “Can you tell me where she is?”
Katie scoffed. “She’s booking tickets for our flight home.”
“You’re leaving already?” His voice dropped slightly.
“Yes. Early tomorrow. But if she finds a flight for today, she’ll take it. The sooner we leave, the faster she forgets about the jerk she met in Italy.”
“Come on, Katie. Not you too,” he pleaded. Katie just scoffed louder and started closing the door, but Jake wedged his hand against it. “Okay, I know. I know I messed up. But can you please hear me out?”
“You’re not worth my time, Jake.”
“I get that,” he sighed, pushing his way inside. “But I’m begging you. Please listen to me because she won’t.”
Katie folded her arms across her chest. “Fine. Three minutes.”
“Great.” He set the bouquet on the table. “The thing is… I’m in love with her.”
Katie let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Are all guys like this? Willing to say anything to get laid?”
“Hey, for the record, I have no problem getting laid.”
“You’re admitting that you sleep around? Gross.”
“No—wait. That’s not what I meant—” He ran a hand through his hair and took Katie to sit down on the chair before he crouched on the floor before her. “Listen to me.”
Katie rolled her eyes but stayed put. “Make it quick.”
He nodded. “Okay. So, I never believed in fate the way she does. I think it’s crap.”
“Is that why you tricked her? Because you think she believes in crap?”
“Will you let me finish?”
She motioned for him to continue, unimpressed.
“I wasn't even supposed to be here. I was supposed to be home, taking care of my dog. For the first time since I started working, I finally had a vacation. But then—boom—last-minute call. The photographer who was supposed to come here canceled, and I got sent instead.”
He took a deep breath. “So there I was, back in Italy, tired of shooting the same things every year. Taking pictures of that old, grumpy Marchetti’s shoes—which, by the way, are nice, but not nice enough for him to earn my respect.”
Katie frowned. “You're rambling, Jake.”
“Right, sorry.” He took another breath, refocusing. “So I’m in Rome, relieved the show is over, thinking I can finally go home. Then I run into my old friend, Jay Park. We haven’t seen each other in ages, so we grab dinner. And then—” He gestured dramatically, “in walks this gorgeous, gorgeous woman in a red dress. It’s like whole world was out of focus, and all I can see was her, looking around before sitting alone.”
“She was there for Jay.”
“I know! I mean, I didn’t at the time, but I do now.” Jake let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to talk to her, but I had Jay with me, and ditching a friend for a girl is kind of a dick move. So I just… stole glances. Jay noticed and told me to go talk to her. I figured I’d just pay for her food instead, but he insisted.” He gave a small, almost amused shake of his head. “He even paid her bill and said I should repay him by talking to her.”
Katie nodded slowly. “I see. So that’s what happened.”
“Yes,” Jake said, shifting his weight. “And then my friend left, and there I was, just watching her sip wine after her meal, waiting for the right moment. But then—” He huffed, looking away. “I chickened out. So I left.”
Katie cocked an eyebrow, clearly waiting for him to continue.
Jake pushed off the chair and started pacing. “So I left, right? I was walking the streets, thinking about her, and then suddenly this girl rushed past me. Same dress, same hair, and I just knew it was her.” He gestured vaguely, like he could still see the moment playing out. “I followed her because I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. But your friend is a fast runner, did you know that?”
Katie smirked. “She did track and field in high school.”
Jake snapped his fingers. “That explains it.”
Then, without missing a beat, he went on. “Anyway, I found her shoe, stuck in the cobblestone. So I picked it up and started looking for her. Luckily, she wasn’t hard to spot in that dress.” He shot Katie a pointed look. “Thanks to you, by the way. I heard it was your idea.”
Katie gave a small shrug.
“So, I finally caught up to her, and she was… upset. And then, out of nowhere, you guys were leaving.” Jake exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I knew I had to stop her. I had to at least get her name because I’d regret it if I didn’t. If she got into that car and disappeared forever—” He shook his head. “I couldn’t let that happen.”
His voice softened. “And then she told me she saw me too. That she had been looking for Jay.” He hesitated before continuing, rubbing his temple. “I thought… I thought it would be easier to make her stay if I just said I was Jay.”
Katie let out a sharp scoff. “Or you could have just said you knew who Jay Park was.”
Jake groaned, throwing his head back. “I know! But hey, I panicked, okay?” He let out a humorless laugh. “I was… desperate, I guess. I’ve never felt this way before. Ever.”
His voice grew quieter. “My mom told me to take this trip. Even though I had to work, she said something great might happen to me here.” He looked down, then back up at Katie, eyes filled with something raw. “And I know this is it. Finding her was the ‘something great’ my mom meant. I don’t know how I know. I just do.”
He swallowed hard. “And now I messed it all up. I can’t let her leave, Katie. Not when I just got to know her.”
Katie sighed, crossing her arms. “That’s actually kind of romantic.” Then, with a pointed look, she added, “But it was wrong from the get-go.”
Jake’s shoulders tensed.
“This was a big deal for her, Jake,” she continued. “She left home to pursue this. She left her fiancé. And you? You lied to her.” Katie shook her head. “She’s mad at you right now, and honestly? If I were her, I’d be mad too.”
“Is there any way I can make it up to her?”
“Bring her to your friend, Jake. She just needs a look, a confirmation that she won’t be making the wrong decision.”
“What? About her marriage?”
“Yes. It's not my place to tell, but she’s conflicted.”
“Yeah, I think I know the gist of it.”
“You know? Good. Then you also know how much this means to her.”
Before he could respond, the door suddenly swung open. Andre stepped in, freezing for a moment when he spotted Jake. Then, with a dramatic shake of his head, he sighed. “Buddy, you messed up, man.”
“I know,” Jake sighed, standing up from the floor and grabbing the bouquet. To Katie, he said, “Thanks, Katie.”
Katie nodded. “Good luck, Jake.”
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The tickets were booked, and you were set to leave in the morning. As you knelt beside your suitcase, you gave your belongings a final inspection. “We have to leave super early, Katie. The flight’s early, and we don’t want to miss it.”
“I know, I know,” Katie said, fastening an earring. “Andre and I are just going to drive around for a bit. It won’t take long.”
“You don’t have to rush your date,” you said, zipping up a side pocket. “Have fun tonight. Just make sure we’re on time tomorrow. We have to leave before that jerk comes looking for me.”
You hesitated, fiddling with the zipper pull. “Did he… come looking for me?”
Katie turned to you with a knowing smirk. “You like him, don’t you? You’re crazy for him.”
You scoffed. “I am not. I mean… I liked him because I thought he was someone else. I thought he was my soulmate.”
Katie tilted her head, considering your words. “So you liked him just because you thought he was your soulmate? And now that he’s not, your feelings just disappeared? That doesn’t really sound like fate to me.”
“You don’t even believe in fate.”
“I don’t believe in chasing fate,” she corrected. “I believe it comes to you when it’s time.”
You let out a frustrated sigh. “Whose side are you on?”
“No one’s.” Katie grinned, clipping on her other earring. “So tell me… you’re really not in love with him?”
“I hate him,” you said with conviction.
Katie’s grin widened. “Good. Because that’s what I told him when he came here with flowers for you.”
Your heart stuttered. “He came here?”
“While you were out booking tickets.”
Your stomach twisted. “And you told him I hated him?”
Katie shrugged, all too pleased with herself. “You don’t?”
You pressed your lips together, looking away as you shoved a pair of shoes into your suitcase. “None of that changes the fact that he lied.”
Katie gave you a look—one of those smug, all-knowing looks you hated. “Good. Then we can go home without regrets. I’ll go sightseeing with Andre, and you can stay here and… I don’t know, weep?”
“You’re mean.”
“Maybe,” she giggled, grabbing her purse and heading for the door. “Have fun being lonely.”
“Katie—”
“Bye,” she called out, slipping through the door before you could protest.
The night came and went. Morning arrived with the sound of birds chirping outside your window, but you hadn’t slept much. Instead of feeling relieved about finally going home, a strange heaviness settled in your chest. Part of you wanted to leave, to put everything behind you—but another part hesitated.
“Ready?” Katie asked as you buckled your seatbelt in the backseat of Andre’s car.
“Ready,” you exhaled, forcing a smile.
Andre started the engine, but just as he was about to pull out, a loud thud made all of you jolt. Jake stood in front of the car, his palms pressed against the hood, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.
“Wait,” he panted. “Don’t go yet.”
You scrambled out of the car, heart pounding, expecting him to plead his case again. “What are you doing?”
Jake inhaled sharply, then gripped your shoulders. “Please don’t leave. Let me make it up to you.”
You scoffed, shaking him off. “Nothing you do will ever change my mind, Jake.” You made sure to emphasize his real name.
His jaw tensed at the way you said his name, something flickering in his expression—fondness, longing. He swallowed. “Oh god,” he muttered, almost to himself. “You’re so beautiful.”
You blinked. Then, with an incredulous scoff, you turned to get back in the car.
“No, wait—please.” Jake stepped in your way again, more urgency in his voice now. “I messed up, okay? I know you’re mad, and you have every right to be. That’s why I’m here. I want to apologize and make it up to you.”
“How? By sweet-talking me?”
Jake shook his head. “No, Jay. I know where Jay Park is.”
You froze, hand hovering over the car door handle. Slowly, you turned back to face him. “You’re not lying?”
“I’m not.” He ran a hand through his hair before exhaling. “He told me in Rome that he’d be in Amalfi on the 5th. Today is the 5th. He’ll be there for a few days.”
“Amalfi?” you repeated, turning to Katie and Andre. “That’s nearby, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Andre confirmed. “And it’s worth a shot.”
Jake nodded, pulling out his phone. “Here. I have his hotel number. You can contact him.”
Your eyes narrowed. “How did you get this?”
“I pulled some strings,” he admitted. “But I’m sure it’ll work. Have you changed your mind about finding him?”
You hesitated, glancing at Katie for her opinion. She gave you a small nod. You sighed, looking back at Jake.
Looks like Destiny didn’t want you to leave just yet.
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You changed your route from the airport to Amalfi. The trip wasn’t long—less than an hour—and soon, you arrived at the hotel Jake had mentioned. He followed, of course, though you had refused to ride with him, settling instead in the backseat of Andre’s convertible. You felt a little ridiculous for pursuing this after everything you’d said about fate being a sham, but you’d come all this way. A glimpse of Jay Park should be enough. You weren’t even trying to see if he was your soulmate anymore—you just wanted to fulfill the goal that had brought you here in the first place.
At the reception desk, you asked to use the phone, and the receptionist pointed you toward it before leaving you alone. Your friends had gone off as well, leaving you standing there, staring at the white receiver as nerves took over.
“Gosh, you can’t back out now,” you muttered under your breath. Just as you reached for the phone, your own buzzed in your hand. Reading the notification made your jaw drop.
By some miracle—one whole week since you’d sent the message—user jaypark_js had finally replied!
You stared at the screen in disbelief before quickly opening the chat. Jay apologized for seeing your message so late, and after a bit of back-and-forth, you asked if he’d be willing to meet for dinner since you were in the area. He agreed without hesitation, even promising to treat you to some great food.
It was set. You were going to meet Jay Park.
Back in your hotel room, you picked out a simple yet elegant white dress from your luggage, getting ready while Katie did the same. She was excited for you—even more so since she and Andre had plans for the night too. You were halfway through getting dressed when Andre arrived, Jake trailing in after him with a box in his hands.
You yelped and ducked into the bathroom, clutching your dress to your chest.
“I’m gonna go,” Katie announced, looping her arm around Andre’s. “See you later, okay?”
“See you!” you called out from inside.
As she passed Jake, Katie smirked. “See you later, Jake.” The way she said his name was teasing, almost conspiratorial, before she shut the door behind her.
Jake knocked on the bathroom door. “I got something for you.”
“Maybe later, Jake. I’m kind of naked right now,” you chided and Jake’s ears reddened at the idea of you naked in there.
“Uh… Just take it. I won’t look. You’re gonna need it.”
You cracked the door open slightly, just enough to grab the box from his outstretched hands. Inside was a pair of white shoes. “Thanks, but how did you even know my size?”
Jake hesitated before grinning. “Uh… intuition?”
You gave him a skeptical look through the gap before shutting the door again.
Left alone, Jake turned away, glancing around your room—until his eyes landed on the dress you’d left hanging in the closet. Without thinking, he plucked it from the hanger, brushing his fingers over the fabric as he moved back to the door.
“Good guess. It fits perfectly,” you called out from inside.
Jake smirked. “Of course it does.”
The door cracked open again, a single hand reaching out. “Hey, Jake, can you grab my dress? It’s the white one on the—”
Before you could finish, he hooked the hanger onto your finger. You blinked, surprised, before pulling it inside. “Thanks.”
Jake then went over to the dresser and picked up a set of earrings and a bracelet. Sure enough, the door cracked open once more.
“Oh, and I also need my earrings—” You stopped when he placed the pair in your palm before you even finished asking. You frowned slightly. “And my silver bracelet—”
Again, he handed it over without hesitation. This time, you poked your head out, eyeing him curiously. He was standing right outside, waiting, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“What?” he asked, amused.
You shook your head. “Nothing. Thanks.”
After getting dressed, you stepped out of the bathroom to find Jake lounging on the couch, flipping through an Italian magazine. He barely glanced up, but when you hesitated, fidgeting with the back of your dress, his eyes finally met yours.
“Can you button me up?” you asked, a little shyly. “I usually manage on my own, but zippers are easier.”
Jake set the magazine aside and pushed off the couch. “Yeah, no problem.” His fingers brushed your exposed shoulder as he gently turned you toward the mirror.
You met his gaze in the reflection—just as handsome as when you first met him. That effortless elegance, his smooth skin, the fullness of his lips. You caught yourself staring, remembering how they felt against yours, your hand absently touching your lower lip. 
Jake fumbled with the buttons, his brow furrowing in concentration. When one hand wasn’t enough, the other left your shoulder, grazing the bare skin of your spine. A slow, warm shiver spread through you.
“Damn buttons,” he muttered under his breath before fastening the last one. He met your eyes in the mirror and smiled. “You look great.”
“Thank you,” you breathed, still caught in his gaze. He clenched his jaw slightly and shoved his hands into his back pockets.
“You should go. Jay’s probably waiting.”
You exhaled, smoothing down your dress. “Thanks for bringing me here, Jake.”
His expression darkened. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Don’t call me Jake.” He took a step closer, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
“But… that’s your name, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” he murmured, resting his forehead against your shoulder. “And it sounds so good when you say it. It was meant for your lips, for your voice…”
“Don’t do this right now, Jake…”
He let out a sigh that made you hold your breath. His lips brushed against your shoulder in a featherlight kiss. Then he backed away.
“Go to Jay. See if he’s really your soulmate.”
You let out a bitter chuckle, turning to face him. “Are you mocking me?”
But there was no amusement in his expression. Only frustration. Only defeat. “I’m telling you to go,” he said quietly. “Because maybe if he makes you happy, I’ll finally move on.”
Something in you ached at the way he said it. You lifted a hand to his face, and he closed his eyes, leaning into the warmth of your touch. When you started to pull away, he caught your wrist, pressing your palm back against his cheek. His other hand found your waist, tugging you closer.
You weren’t sure what it was that drew you to Jake. Was it his charm? The way he made you feel like you were all he wanted? Or something deeper, something you didn’t want to name? Whatever it was, it pulled you under again, made you tip forward and wrap your arms around his neck just as he captured your lips in a tender kiss.
“Don’t go,” he pleaded, eyes shut, his forehead resting against yours. “Stay.”
You swallowed hard. “This is what I came here for, Jake. I have to do this.”
You let go of him and took your purse. Jake turned his back, not giving you a look even as you bade him good night. 
He opened his eyes, searching yours, then he let go.
You grabbed your purse and turned for the door. He turned away too, not sparing you another glance as you bade him a quiet goodnight.
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The night was young, and the breeze carried a biting chill. You regretted not bringing a coat, but the thought barely lingered as you made your way down to the restaurant on the lower floor. The warmth of the space wrapped around you, easing the goosebumps on your arms.
At the entrance, a man greeted you. You gave him the name on the reservation, and he gestured for another to escort you to your table.
Jay was already seated, and the moment you saw him, your intuition from that night in Rome was confirmed. You had followed the dark-haired man back then, and he had turned out to be the real Jay Park.
He stood as you approached, offering a handshake. “Hi.”
You accepted it. “Thanks for accepting my invitation,” you said as you took your seat, the waiter pulling out the chair for you.
“Thanks for asking,” he replied smoothly.
You ordered food and chatted for a bit. He was a bit different from what you thought he would be. You had based his personality on the quality of his photography. They were taken with delicate care and attention so you assumed he’d be the sentimental type, but the man before you seemed to be on the manlier side; suave, easygoing with a more rugged demeanor. His build, his voice, and even his mannerisms. But then again, you reminded yourself that appearances could be misleading.
“By the way,” you said, setting down your glass. “That night at the restaurant in Rome… you paid for my dinner.”
He paused, as if searching his memory. Then his expression cleared. “Oh, the girl in the red dress? That was you?”
You nodded.
“I remember now.” He leaned back slightly. “I was with a friend—Jake Sim. We ran into each other in Rome, and I told him I’d treat him to dinner. Then he saw you.” Jay’s lips curled into a small smile. “You looked incredible, by the way. That dress definitely turned heads. Mine included.”
You chuckled lightly. “Is that why you paid for my meal?”
“Not exactly,” he admitted. “That was Jake’s idea. He wanted to talk to you, but he didn’t want to leave me hanging, so he decided to cover your bill instead. I told him I’d pay and that he should just go talk to you.”
The realization sank in slowly. “Ah… so that’s what it was.” You stared down at your plate, a strange feeling settling in your chest.
You felt an odd sense of dissatisfaction with this meeting. Something that made you feel like you were forced to be here, like you were complying with something even when this dinner was your idea in the first place.
Jay’s voice pulled you back. “Did he?”
You blinked. “What?”
“Did he talk to you at all?”
“Yeah. We talked.” You hesitated. “Actually, he’s the one who brought me here. I really wanted to meet you.”
“Really?” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m flattered. But what for?”
You didn't want to reveal more about the whole crazy soulmate thing to him so you cooked up an excuse. “I’m a fan of your work. I follow you on Instagram and I saw that you were here so I thought I’d meet you since I also happened to be around.”
Jay seemed pleasantly surprised. “Oh, wow. Thanks. I appreciate that.” He paused. “Though, I mainly do photography as a hobby. My wife liked looking at pictures.”
Your heartbeat faltered for a second. Relief flooded through you before you could process why. “You’re married?”
“Was,” he corrected gently. “She passed away a few years ago.”
Your stomach twisted. “Oh. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he said easily. “I’m fine. I’ve moved on. But right now, I’m not in a place where I can entertain the idea of a relationship. Might sound obnoxious, but I hope you didn’t come looking for me for that.”
You shook your head. “That’s okay. I really just wanted to get to know you.” Desperate to steer the conversation, you added, “My boss, Lee Heeseung, you know him, right?”
Jay’s face lit up in recognition. “Right. Heeseung. Of course. You work for him?”
“Yes. I saw some of your pieces in our magazine. That’s how I knew about you.”
You could barely believe yourself. After all the ways you had tormented Jake for lying, here you were, doing the same to save face. It was minor, sure—but a lie was still a lie.
No, it was completely different. Jay didn’t need to know you obsessed over his name through your teens. You needed to know if the person you almost hooked up with and threw your relationship with Sunghoon for was really Jay. It was different and whatever Jake’s excuse was, he still did a terrible thing to you.
“You okay?” Jay’s voice cut through your thoughts.
“Huh?” You looked up. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
The dinner was nice. Despite the uncertainty you felt in the first part, he turned out to be fun to talk to. You found that you were more alike than you initially expected, interests on a couple of similar things.
Afterward, you agreed to take a walk by the beach, wrapped in his coat to shield yourself from the chill. He mostly told stories about his travels—crazy encounters with strangers, unexpected adventures overseas. He asked about you, too, and you shared a few interesting bits about yourself. At some point, the conversation drifted to how he met his wife in Italy. Ever since, they had visited the country every year, always drawn back to the sea in Amalfi, their favorite place to be.
“Must be nice to be in love like that,” you mused, spotting the restaurant as you neared your starting point.
“It is.” He exhaled, the faintest smile on his lips. “I was lucky to experience that kind of love.”
You hesitated, then said, “I know it’s not my place, but… I think you should try again. Maybe you’ll find someone else who makes you happy. Maybe you’ll get to experience love like that again.”
He chuckled. “You know, sometimes I think she’s up there saying the exact same thing.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. That’s the kind of person she was.” His voice was steady, no trace of sadness—just reminiscent and fond. “She wouldn’t want me to be lonely just because she’s gone. That’s why, instead of grieving, I chose to live. I still revisit the places we loved, still carry those memories with me—but I do it with a happy heart. And if someone else comes along, someone who changes my life the way she did…” He shrugged, smiling softly. “Then I’ll welcome her with open arms.”
You nodded, returning his smile as you reached the stairs leading up to the seawall. He offered his hand for balance, and you took it without hesitation. At the top, you slipped off his coat and handed it back.
“I think we both know that someone isn’t me,” you quipped, prompting him to tilt his head playfully.
“Well…” He slipped his coat back on. “You’re a lovely woman, and I probably would’ve fallen for you in no time, but nah. I don’t think so.”
You both laughed.
“I’m big on soulmates and destiny, you know?” he continued. “I like to believe that if she’s out there, I’ll know. There has to be a sign. Or a feeling. I don’t know exactly what, but when it happens… I’ll just know.”
You felt an odd sense of familiarity with him, not in a romantic way, but in a way that made you feel like you’d known him much longer than just tonight. He was proving once again that you two were more alike than you’d expected.
“That’s funny,” you mused. “Because I actually came here to fulfill my destiny.”
You giggled at how ridiculous you sounded, but Jay only looked intrigued. “You did?”
“Yeah. I was looking for my soulmate. I got his name when I was thirteen, and ever since then, I believed he was the one for me.”
Jay stopped walking, staring at you with growing realization. “Wait,” he said slowly. “Don’t tell me…”
You winced. “Yeah. The Ouija board gave me your name, Mr. Jay Park.”
His eyes widened. He covered his mouth with one hand, but you could see the laughter threatening to spill out.
“Don’t laugh,” you warned. “I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”
He pressed his lips together, but amusement danced in his eyes. “I’m not judging.”
You threw your head back with a laugh. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? Now that I think about it, my friend or my sister was probably behind the whole thing. They must’ve rigged the board or something.”
Jay grinned. “Hey, who knows? Maybe you were right to come here.”
You snorted. “No offense, Jay, but I don’t want to be the stand-in for your great love.”
He laughed. “That’s not what I was gonna say.”
“Oh? My bad. Go on, then.”
“I’m saying… you came here looking for something. At first, you thought it was me. But maybe what you were really chasing was your destiny. And maybe, if you stick around a little longer, you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
ou caught a glimpse of Jake at the restaurant’s veranda. He had a glass of wine in hand, which he downed a little too quickly when he realized you’d caught him looking. Then, as if it hadn’t happened, he turned away, pretending to be absorbed in conversation with Andre and Katie. Not even a few seconds later, he stole another glance, only to look away again just as fast.
Meanwhile, Jay was still talking. “I always believe that everything you do, everywhere you go, everyone you meet, you meet them for a reason. The reason was destiny. Destiny brought you to Italy. I’m sure she has big plans for you.”
You froze. A sudden sense of déjà vu swept over you. You’d heard that before from Jake. A friend said it to him. Was that friend Jay Park?
“You know what? I agree,” you muttered, still watching Jake from afar. Then, turning to Jay, you asked, “Hey, listen.”
“Hm?”
“Are you sure you’re not just saying that to be a wingman for your friend?” The accusation in your tone was light, but you were determined to know the truth.
Jay blinked. “What friend?”
“Jake Sim.”
“Oh, Jake?” He looked thoughtful. “No, the last time I saw him was in Rome.” Then, after a beat, he added, “Didn’t you say he was here too?”
“He is.”
Jay perked up. “Great. We should all meet for a drink.”
“We should. Look. He’s right there.” You gestured toward the restaurant. “Would you like to join us? We’re here with some friends.”
“I’d love to.”
“No need to call him. He's right there,” you said, pointing at the restaurant. “Would you like to join us? We're here together with some friends.”
“I would love to.”
Back inside, you led Jay to the bar, introducing him to Katie and Andre—making sure to subtly warn Katie not to act weird around him. You had drinks by the bar, chatting and laughing through the night. 
Jay fit in effortlessly, and Andre took an immediate liking to him, prodding him for stories about his travels. Jake, on the other hand, barely looked at you. His attention was fixed on Jay and Andre, his expression was unreadable, though he chimed in every now and then. 
You, meanwhile, stood by, sipping your drink, quietly laughing along while thinking hard about the Jay Park that you obsessed over, Jake Sim who you thought was Jay, and the fate that brought the three of you here in the beautiful Amalfi.
“Are you okay?” Katie asked, noticing your silence.
“Yeah, I’m just tired,” you replied. It wasn’t even an excuse. You really were tired and just wanted the night to end.
“We can go back now if you want,” Katie offered, her concern evident.
You appreciated it, but after seeing how cozy she was with Andre, you didn’t want to ruin her night. “I’ll be fine. I can go back by myself. You guys have fun.”
Slipping away quietly, you left her to explain your absence to the others. The stairs leading to your suite were winding, and as you ascended, a wave of dizziness hit you. You weren’t drunk—just a little tipsy from the wine and dizzy from all the thoughts about Jaek swirling in your mind. 
You huffed when you reached the second-floor landing. One more set of stairs and you’d reach your suite, so you inhaled and took another step. But you ended up losing balance on your heels and falling over. The next thing you knew, you were on the floor, the impact more frustrating than painful.
“Hey,” came a voice from below, followed by hurried footsteps. Jake reached you quickly, eyes scanning you in concern as he helped you up. “What happened?”
“Your shoes are stupid,” you grumbled, yanking them off and standing with his support. “Why would you even give them to me?”
Jake let out an awkward chuckle. “I don’t know. I saw them and thought you’d look great in them.”
“Well, I did. But they’re crap,” you huffed.
Jake sighed as he walked up the stairs beside you. “Was the date bad? You seem to be in a mood.”
“No. The date was great. Jay is a great guy. He’s funny, he’s nice, and he’s honest.” You emphasized the last word, making sure he caught your point.
Jake exhaled. “I’m sorry. I really am. I brought you here to make it up to you. But seeing that you’re still mad, I guess it didn’t work?”
You stopped in front of your door and turned to him with a stern gaze. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you bring me here?”
“I told you. I wanted to make it up to you.”
You sighed. “By setting me up with your friend? I thought you were in love with me.”
“I am!” he confessed, running a hand through his hair. “But you were mad at me because I messed up.” He let out a defeated sigh. “So to apologize for wasting your time, here’s Jay Park.”
“But you’re in love with me,” you repeated.
“That’s still true.”
You sighed as frustration swelled inside you. Dropping your purse, you reached for his collar and clutched it tightly. “Then why?” you asked, voice raw, close to breaking. “Why would you set me up with him if you’re in love with me?”
Jake seemed startled, his hands instinctively gripping your elbows. Confusion flickered across his face as he searched for the right words. “I… What—What do you want me to say?”
“You even bought me shoes,” you went on, voice shaking. “What if we ended up liking each other? What if he really was my soulmate? Were you just gonna let me go?”
“Fuck, no,” he blurted, quick and desperate, cupping your face in both hands. “I’d fight him for you. I’d keep trying until you told me to get lost. Hell, I’d even follow you back to Seoul and stop your wedding.” His grip tightened, his breath warm against your skin. “If I lost you here—if I missed this chance—I would… I would…”
He exhaled sharply, pulling you into a hug, burying his face in the crook of your neck. “I would never forgive myself,” he murmured.
You stood still, feeling his warmth seep into you, his breaths unsteady against your skin.
He kept going. “I know how stupid it sounds to fall in love with someone so quickly, but I did. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I knew you were the one for me. I knew you were everything that was meant to be.” He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes. “And I’m sorry I lied, but I did it because I was scared I’d lose you forever without even knowing your name.”
Your lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, you reached for his cheek, your fingers tracing over his skin as you stepped closer. Then, without hesitation, you kissed him.
He croaked out your name but you silenced him by kissing him again. This time, when you started to pull away, he didn’t let you. His hands found your waist, pulling you flush against him as he kissed you back with everything he had, reeling you into a surge of sensations and emotions that clouded your head. 
When he pulled away for a brief moment to look into your eyes, you wanted to reach for him again, to feel him and be engulfed by his warmth again.
“Take me, Jake,” you pleaded and that made Jake exhale sharply before holding your hand firmly and pulling you into his room.
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Jake barely made it two steps inside before he kicked the door shut, hands already roaming your back as his lips devoured yours. Your fingers fumbled at the buttons of his shirt, impatient and desperate. The fabric slipped from his shoulders and hit the floor just as his own hands worked at the fastenings of your dress.
A sharp rip echoed through the dimly lit room. You pulled back, gasping. “Jake!”
“Sorry, love,” he murmured, unapologetic as he tugged you close again. “I’ll get you a new one.”
His lips found yours before you could argue, his kiss hot and consuming, stealing your breath and any lingering protests. He stepped back until his knees hit the bed, sinking down and pulling you with him, your legs straddling his lap. The heat between you intensified, kisses turning feverish—tongues tangling, teeth grazing. His hands slid up your back, deft fingers unclasping your bra with ease, and before you could react, it was gone, flung somewhere into the room. You barely noticed.
His lips traveled down your throat, dragging slow, open-mouthed kisses along your skin, leaving heat in their wake. When his teeth scraped over your pulse, a gasp escaped you. He sucked at the spot, hard enough that you knew it would leave a mark.
You knew how it would look in the morning and you knew everyone would see it but you didn’t mind. The thought of people seeing it tomorrow, seeing proof of tonight, made your head spin.
Your hips rolled against him instinctively, and he groaned, his grip tightening on your waist as you ground down, desperate for friction. His hands roamed greedily, fingers tracing your curves, learning every inch of your skin.
Then, in one swift motion, he flipped you onto the bed, hovering over you, eyes dark and full of hunger. The dress, or what remained of it, slid off with ease, leaving you bare and naked beneath him. Jake’s gaze burned as he took you in, his breath ragged and quick. He reached out, trailing the back of his fingers over your cheek, slow and reverent.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, voice raw. “It hurts.”
Your fingers curled around his wrist, guiding his touch lower, placing his palm right on your breast. “Touch me, Jake,” you pleaded, voice barely above a breath.
His lips parted, a hushed curse falling from them before he obeyed, hands mapping out the softness of your body, fingers exploring, worshipping.
His lips followed the same path, leaving heated kisses down your collarbone, between your breasts, along your stomach. He palmed your breast, kneading firmly before diving in to put his mouth where his hand had been. Your fingers curled in his hair, urging him on, desperate for more. 
“You’re impatient,” he murmured against your skin, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“Jake,” you whined, arching into him, seeking friction.
He chuckled, hands gripping your thighs, pushing them apart. His head followed, teasing at your inner thighs, exploring and inching closer to where you want him to be. The closer he got, the quicker you breathed, and when he finally gave you what you wanted, a gasp tore from your throat.
Your fingers tightened in his hair as pleasure rolled through you in waves. He was relentless, lapping and sucking at your sensitive sex, memorizing which angle made your breath hitch and your body twitched. When your thighs trembled around him, he only gripped you harder, keeping you exactly where he wanted you. 
The pleasure built higher and higher until it crashed over you, leaving you breathless and dazed.
Before you could fully come down, Jake was already moving, lips trailing back up your body, whispering sweet nothings against your skin. He kissed you deeply, letting you taste yourself on his tongue, while his hands slid down your thigh, folding your knees up.
“I need you,” he rasped against your lips, his forehead pressed to yours, breath unsteady.
“Then take me,” you whispered, wrapping your legs around him, pulling him closer.
His gaze locked onto yours, dark and filled with something deeper than lust—something consuming. He reached down to tug his boxers off, manhood springing free. He prodded at your sex, teasing just enough to make you whimper before finally pushing in, stretching you, filling you completely.
A grunt left his lips as he halted, savoring the delightful clench. “Fuck,” he groaned, eyes fluttering shut, as if trying to keep himself together.
Your fingers dug into his back, and you lifted your hips, urging him to move. That was all it took for him to snap, his control falling apart as he began to set a steady rhythm—deep, slow thrusts that had you gasping into his mouth. He kissed you through it, swallowing your moans, his own sounds muffled against your lips.
When you came here, you never imagined having sex with someone, not even the soulmate you were desperately searching for. And Jake—he was a stranger, and the way he made you feel was something entirely new. You’d always been the sensual kind, taking things slow and steady. Jake was steady, but rough. Each thrust sent a sharp, delightful ache through you, unraveling you in ways you hadn’t known were possible.
You gasped, clutching onto him as he moved, hitting that perfect spot that sent your mind spinning. The pleasure built rapidly, coiling tight in your stomach, making you cry out his name.
He moved harder, deeper, chasing his release as you spiraled toward yours. Every thrust, every touch, every breath between you pushed you closer until—
“Oh, Jake,” you gasped, holding onto him for dear life as waves of pleasure surged through you in a dizzying rush.
His movements turned erratic, his grip tightening as he buried his face against your neck, groaning as he followed right after you. His body tensed, and then he froze, his breath warm against your skin as he came undone.
For a long moment, neither of you moved, tangled together, breathless and spent. The only sound was your unsteady shallow breaths, and the pounding of your heartbeats.
Jake finally lifted his head. “Fuck,” he blurted, looking down at your fucked out expression and grinning. He leaned to place a lazy kiss to your lips before rolling onto his side, pulling you against him. 
“Well,” he murmured, his voice hoarse. “That wasn’t how I planned to end the night, but I’m not complaining.”
You let out a breathless laugh, nuzzling into his chest. “Me neither,” you admitted.
His arms tightened around you, and he pressed another kiss to your forehead, murmuring something against your skin that you couldn’t quite catch. But you felt it—in the way he held you, the way he touched you.
And somehow, that was enough.
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Two years later, you stood at the podium, facing the person who would be officiating your wedding. Friends and family were present to witness this day, even Andre Marchetti—who, much to Jake’s grumbling, turned out to be the son of the Italian shoemaker he loathed. He and Katie had ended their fling before you left Italy, but he still earned an invitation for playing a role in your love story.
Park Sunghoon was there too, holding his beautiful baby girl in his arms, his wife beaming beside him. The two of you had remained good friends, and as fate willed it, he had even found his own destiny and married before you. Everything had fallen into place, just as you always believed it would.
And now, standing before Jake, it felt like everything had been leading to this moment. He cleared his throat, rolling his shoulders like he was shaking off nerves. Then he smirked—because of course he did—and said, “Before I met you, I never thought much about fate. To me, life was about choices, and love was just something you built, not something written in the stars. And then you happened.”
His grip on your hands tightened. “You came crashing into my life, with all your stubborn belief in destiny, and somehow, despite all my skepticism, I started to believe too. Not because of some cosmic plan, but because I couldn’t imagine a world where I don’t end up loving you. And that’s a big deal coming from someone like me.”
A small laugh rippled through the guests, but Jake kept his eyes locked on you. “So, I don’t know if the universe wrote this for us. But I do know that if I had to choose over and over again, I’d still end up right here. With you.” He tilted his head, smiling slightly. “Even when you drive me crazy.”
You let out a soft breath, eyes stinging, and squeezed his hands back. You tried to steel your resolve, willing yourself not to cry too soon. With a shaky breath, your spoke next, “I spent my whole life believing in destiny. I followed signs, searched for meaning in the smallest things, and held onto the belief that somewhere in this world, fate had written a love story just for me. But no sign, no name on a Ouija board, no whispered wish upon a falling star could have prepared me for you.”
Your voice wavered slightly, but you pushed through just like you’d practiced dozens of times before today. “You were unexpected, messy, and completely wrong by every rule I thought I had set for myself. And yet, I found you because, somehow, even through all my searching, all my mistakes, you were always meant to be the one.”
Jake exhaled, something flickering in his gaze that made your heart ache in the best way.
“I love you not because fate said so,” you continued, voice softer, “but because I wanted to. I chose you. So today, I don’t just promise to love you because it’s meant to be. I choose to love you, again and again, every day, in every lifetime, in every version of the story. I will always choose to love you.”
Jake swallowed hard, his hands tightening around yours, and when the officiant finally spoke, inviting you to seal it with a kiss, you surged forward before he even finished the sentence. The crowd erupted into cheers as Jake kissed you like it was the first time all over again, like he had been waiting for this moment his entire life. 
Across the room, Katie and your sister stood together, glasses in hand, watching as guests approached your table to greet you and congratulate you. At one point, Katie nudged your sister, motioning toward where you stood chatting with Jay Park. 
“Look, it’s Jay Park. The soulmate she was raving about for years. Looks like he played a completely different role in her destiny.”
“Jay Park?” your sister echoed, tapping her glass as she too stared at the guy greeting you and Jake.  “Why does that name sound familiar?”
 “The Jay Park. The one from the Ouija board. The soulmate the spirits chose for her.”
Your sister gasped. “Oh, yeah. The one I made up!” she exclaimed, bursting into laughter.
“What?” Katie questioned, confused.
“Jay Park. I made him up. I didn’t even think hard about it, I just randomly came up with that name.”
“No. You couldn’t have. I was there too.”
“Yeah and you were both dumb enough to freak out over moving glass so I kept messing with you all,” she laughed, taking a sip from her glass.
Katie was fully scandalized. “Do you have any idea how long she held onto that name? She was online searching every Jay Park on the internet and guessing which one was her soulmate. She even had a crush on the singer Jay Park because of it!”
“Of course I know. It was hilarious,” your sister said with a shrug. “She stopped bringing it up, so I figured she got over it.”
Katie sighed in exasperation. “Eonnie, we literally flew to Italy for Jay Park. That’s how she met Jake.”
It was your sister’s turn to gasp. “No, you did not!”
“Well, we did,” Katie deadpanned. “And now she believes the Ouija board led her to Jay so he could lead her to Jake, her real soulmate.”
“Oh my poor sister,” she winced. “Who’s gonna tell her?”
“Don’t tell her,” Katie chided, shaking her head. “She’d freak out and she’ll never forgive you. That almost happened with Jake.”
You, oblivious to their conversation, laughed at something Jay had said, completely unaware of the revelation unfolding behind your back.
But then again—who’s to say your sister’s innocent little prank wasn’t destiny’s design all along?
[fin]
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sevikaslatinawife · 2 days ago
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sevika x reader on a quiet snowy morning where they sleep in and it’s so sweet🥹
stop this is adorable 😫
Snowflakes
Warning: fluff, soft Sevika, modern!au, f!reader
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The quiet creaking of the settling cabin, the chill of the wind because the fire had snuffed out in the middle of the night is what arose you from slumber.
It’s not as if it was too cold, because Sevika’s body was curled around your back, holding you close. Your naked legs entangled her own, and one of her arms was beneath your head, while the other wrapped around your waist.
You shift your head, kiss her bicep and feel it twitch beneath your touch.
“You awake?” You whisper, breath tickling her bicep where your mouth was still pressed against.
“Mm, I have been,” Her voice is raspy from sleep, deeper than it normally is. You can feel it echo against your back and thump against your ribcage.
You reach down to pull the thick blanket and duvet over your exposed shoulder once it begins to get cold. You also make sure Sevika is covered, as well, because you can feel the pebbling of her nipples against your back.
“You don’t have work today?” She had taken you to a cabin during the winter, but you also knew how busy she always was. Sometimes it made your planned time with her having to be cut short.
“Turned my phone off,” She tells you, kissing your hair and pressing her cold nose into the strands. “No work today. ‘m stayin’ right here.”
You smile and press your back against her chest more, humming as her arm tightens around your waist. She pressed her chest against your back in turn, wanting to feel you even closer than you already were.
“That’s a rare occurrence,” You tease, kissing her bicep again because you’re comfortable and don’t want to turn to kiss her lips — even though you desperately want a morning kiss. “You’re going to get me used to it.”
“I have to do it more often,” she chuckles, kissing your hair. Her hand shifts from around you to trace the skin of your side slowly, softly. “I’ve been neglecting my pretty girl.”
“Good, you’ve noticed,” You giggle, jolting when she pokes your ribcage. “You know I understand how important work is.” You decide to shift on your back, looking up at her as her hand traces your soft stomach.
“I appreciate how patient you are,” She hums and kisses your forehead before pressing a kiss to your lips. Soft and chaste before she’s pulling back to scan her eyes over your face. “Wanna do something specific today?”
“Mm, no, just stay here,” You roll on your side, face pressing into the warmth of her breasts and the expanse of her skin. “We don’t get to do nothing often.”
“Whatever you want, princess,” She pulls your body closer, slotting her leg between your thighs to keep you close. You tighten your own legs between her own, arm draping over her side as you draw patterns onto her muscular back.
Silence overtakes you both instantly, only lazy strokes of fingers against skin, soft kisses against warm skin and each other’s cold mouths. Just blissfully enjoying each other’s company and the cold that is no longer being felt under the warmth of the bedsheets and the steady beating of your hearts.
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peachway · 1 day ago
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My Fault: Lando's version <3
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✦ characters - fem!reader x Lando Norris ✦ warnings - mention of drugs, bit violence and little blood                    ✦ word count - 4.1k
A/N - I do not own the plot and except for few, all the characters belong to Mercedes Ron. The London Nick has my heart and he's literally Lando Norris so I decided to write a My Fault: Lando's version <33 I have changed the plot just a tiny bit. And in the series i have a used nickname for the FEM OC, 'FRESA' (meaning strawberry in spanish) happy reading ✨                                                                
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Third Person’s POV -
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and blueberry muffins filled the air as Charlotte platted everything with beautiful flowers. She wanted to make breakfast for her daughter all by herself. She knew Fresa was going through a tough time after her recent breakup, and Charlotte was determined to help her daughter heal and move on.
With a warm smile, Charlotte carried a steaming mug of coffee into upstairs, where her daughter was curled up on her bed, lost in her thoughts. The sight of her little girl made her heart ache.
"Hey, sweetheart," Charlotte greeted softly, placing the mug on the bedside table. "How are you feeling?"
She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy, and a faint smile touched her lips as she saw her mother, "I'm fine mom. I called Theo but he didn't pick." she sniffs.
"Oh it's okay, it's just a little break. This happens in long distance." Charlotte said stroking her hair
"Why does it feel like we have broken up?"
"It's going to be fine, give it a little time." Charlotte soothes her, "Now come on, breakfast is ready."
"Mom, I'm not hungry," Fresa said, her voice barely a whisper.
"Come on, baby," Charlotte coaxed, her voice soft but firm. "You haven't eaten anything since yesterday."
"Just the coffee is fine," Fresa replied, retreating further into the cocoon of her blankets.
"I have a surprise for you," Charlotte offered, her smile widening, a spark of mischief in her eyes.
"Come join me downstairs." She said.
Fresa finally agreeing slowly got out of bed and followed her mother downstairs.
"Oh wow these muffins are really good."
On the kitchen island was Fresa's bestest cousin, Chloe.
"Chloe!!" Fresa screamed, her face lighting up with immense joy. She ran and threw herself into Chloe's arms, the two girls hugging tightly, their laughter filling the room.
"Surprise!" Chloe giggled.
The joyous reunion then settled into a comfortable hum, all sat down for breakfast.
"Wow mom you made everything?" Fresa smiled, impressed by the efforts.
"I can cook you know!" Charlotte laughed.
"I did made the muffins...I well helped with the batter." she admits and to that everyone chuckles.
"So baby I was thinking," she began, "Chloe is here for 3 days. So you both can go wherever you like, whatever you want to do, you can go crazy....and since it's your vacations, you can go to London with Chloe."
"London?" she asked with wide eyes.
"Yes. You know to see your dad." she said.
"Mom?" Fresa protested because her and her father's relationship wasn't in very good terms.
"You love Chloe right. Dad loves you too. I know he's done some stuff but he loves you baby." Charlotte says, "And you can also surprise Theo!"
"I don't know mom." she mumbled, taking a bite out of croissant from her plate.
"It'll be fun." she encouraged.
Fresa was initially hesitant, eventually agree. She did need some fresh air. And above that, she wanted to surprise Theo so bad.
Just as they landed Chloe informs that her dad had to go out on an important meeting and he was out of state and it brought a sigh of relief to Fresa. She still had to face him via FaceTime, however.
"Flight was alright, princess?" Clifford asked, his image flickering on the screen.
"Yes Dad." she replied.
"I'm out of town so stay with your sister for some time hmm?" he said, "I'll be there in few days."
"Okay." she replied.
"Call me if you any problem at all okay?" Clifford smiles. "Yes daddy." she nods.
"Chloe.." Clifford calls out.
"Take care of her. I don't want her to be involved with those guys. You Understand?" He warned.
"Understood uncle." she smiled.
"What was that about?" Fresa asked as soon as the call ended.
"Nothing." she dismissed.
"Listen baby, my boyfriend and I have take some time off work and are we currently living in one his villa near the forest."
"Okayy.." Fresa nods.
"So I'm gonna take you there. But please don't tell this to your dad. Please I request you." Chloe says.
"Why?" She asks.
"Because my boyfriend's father is kind of a rival to your dad and it's very messy. So please.." said Chloe.
"It's okay it's fine." she nodded.
Within an hour they had reached the beautiful villa. It was too perfect, mesmerising and straight out of a fairy tale. The modern white architecture blended seamlessly with the verdant darkness of the surrounding forest. Inside, the air was cool and subtly perfumed with the scent of flowers.
The first thing Fresa noticed was a framed photograph hanging on the wall in the living room: Two boys, standing on a race track against a race car. She could see the intensity in their eyes.
"Is nobody home?" she asked as only the butlers were present.
"Well, Liam is at work, and I think his brother might be in his room." Chloe replied, He's a dick. Don't fight with him,"
"Why would I?" Fresa raised an eyebrow.
"He doesn't particularly have a good influence. He's a good guy, but don't get too involved with him, okay?" "Okay." she nods.
"You can change and relax a bit, then we'll go somewhere nice in the evening." She said removing a strand of hair from Fresa's cheek.
"Can I just go to my room and disappear with my books?" Fresa said.
"No absolutely not. I won't leave you in here like a gremlin rat." Chloe laughed.
Y/n puts on her bathing suit and decides of read her favourite book by the nice warm sun. She sat by the edge of the pool, her bare feet dangling in the water. She opened her book, the gentle breeze rustling the pages, it was very peaceful and soothing. She felt a little good after months.
But her calm thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, explosive splash in the water. The splash drenching her and the book. She glances over to see a grinning idiot in the water.
"Sorry!" he called out.
He propelled himself towards the edge. His broad shoulders slick with water. Dark, wet strands of hair clung to his forehead, and the sun gave his skin a golden hue. But his eyes— were the prettiest blend of green and blue.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"This is my house. Who are you?" he countered, hoisting himself out a little. The water cascaded down his hair.
Fresa’s eyes narrowed. "Either you're Liam or his...dickhead brother."
"Lando," he said, the grin widening. "The dickhead brother. I was told you were coming. Not so nice to meet you?"
"Fresa," she replied, with a curt nod.
"Wow worse than I imagined." He laughs to himself.
"Why were you on the swimming pool edge if you didn't wanted to get wet." he asked.
"I just wanted to read and now you ruined my favorite book." she said as water dripped from pages.
Lando's grin only widened. He came a little closer, "Come on, Fresa, lighten up. It's a pool, meant for swimming, not sunbathing with literary casualties."
The tension was broken by the sound of the back door sliding open. Liam and Chloe emerged, hand in hand.
"I get you two have met?" Liam chuckled, glancing at Lando. "Fresa, this is Liam, my boyfriend." Chloe introduced.
"Hi!" she smiles backed.
"Well her name is actually y/n but we call her Fresa since she was 2 because she loved strawberries.." Chloe explained.
"Strawberries seriously." Lando snorted.
"And that is my asshole brother." Liam chuckles with a playful jab at Lando.
"Are you done?" Lando sneered and dives back into the water.
Later at the brunch table Liam and Chloe discussed about the next plans since Fresa had come to spent her vacations there. Lando sat across from her, his wet hair now dried and curled, framing his face. He looked at her taking a bite of toast and smiled. Fresa rolled her eyes, trying to ignore him, and focused on her omelette.
"So we can go out for a nice dinner tonight." Liam suggested.
"Oh no listen bro tonight-" Lando began, but Liam cut him off, "No! Anna is coming today. You're not going anywhere."
"Who's Anna?" Fresa asked.
"His girlfriend." Chloe teases.
"Thank you for answering" Lando smiles mockingly.
"Lando you can't run from it. We're going out, dinner at 7. And you can't leave the house till then." Liam ordered.
"You're not dad." Lando retorted, standing up and leaving the table.
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The evening approached and everybody was ready to go out. Fresa went with Liam and Chloe whereas Lando went separately in his McLaren. Fresa was nesteled in back seat, imagining Theo face when she’ll surprises him tomorrow and about all the things they’ll do together. It was cheery drive. But the good time was limited. Fresa receives a text from her friend who was in London, attached were the photos of Theo kissing another girl. Fresa's head started hurting and she couldn't control her tears as they overflowed her eyes. She didn't wanted to ruin the mood so she didn't say anything to anybody.
After reaching the restaurant Fresa tried to be composed and to stop her emotions but she failed. She stared at the menu, the fancy letters unreadable to her.
"Chloe?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Just then, Lando's phone rang, a sharp chime that cut through the restaurant's soft murmur. He excused himself and moved away from the table.
"Yes, baby?" Chloe asked "Can I go home?" she said.
"Is everything alright? You don't look good." asked Liam. "Just a headache," Fresa lied,"Can we please do this dinner later?"
Chloe squeezed her hand, her touch comforting. "Of course, no problem. I'll call you a uber." Her eyes, though, were sharp, searching. "But if there's anything at all, you can tell me, okay?"
Lando returned, his expression tight. "Listen, Liam... I have to go." "Where?" Liam asked.
"Work," Lando replied. "I swear to god, if you're again going to that bloody—" Liam began, but he cuts him off, "No, this is important. It's Lion. He called, he wants to meet at his place."
"Okay, go." Liam's shoulders relaxed slightly, "Wait, take her too," Liam ordered, gesturing towards Fresa.
"No. She can go by herself!" Lando shook his head.
"Lando!" Liam sighs.
"She's your girlfriend's sister, your problem not mine." He argued.
"Come on Lion's place is on the way to our home...go drop her home, then you can go wherever you want." Liam insisted.
"Fine." Lando rolled his eyes, "Come." he said to Fresa, his tone rather rough, offering no comfort, only a means to an end. The night, which had started good was now a mess of broken trust and forced companionship.
The silence in the car stretched. A little uncomfortable, as Lando sped away from the restaurant.
"So you like racing?" Fresa asked to break the silence.
"I loved it. Me and Liam both," Lando replied.
"That picture.." she said, remembering the photograph on the wall.
"It’s me and Liam. We used to go karting and racing together." Lando nodded.
"You don't go anymore?" she asked.
"No, I left. He made me." a shadow passed over Lando's face, "My dad." he said.
"Your dad?" Fresa looked at him.
"Please don’t talk about him. I don't talk about my dad," he said, his voice clipped.
"Why are you getting all prickly and irritated. Such a Typical spoiled brat." she said.
Lando's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. The car swerved slightly, and Fresa braced herself. "What did you just say?" His voice was low. "Aren't you a spoiled brat too? Doesn't talk to Daddy but is still here to meet him. She hates him but loves his money." He said.
"You know nothing about me," she said, her voice a low, tremor.
"You know nothing about me either. Yet you judged me. I'm not a spoiled kid" he countered.
"Okay leave it. I don’t know what I just said." Fresa gave up.
"Is this your way of apologising? Because you're terrible at it." Lando scoffed, the bitterness clinging to his tongue.
"Why should I apologise? I've been told you're a dick and you're kinda proving that right now." she said.
"You're the one who started it," he snapped.
"I told you to drop it," she hissed.
"I would have if you had simply just apologised." said Lando.
"I'm not apologising." Fresa glares.
"Get out." he suddenly says, his voice cold and flat.
"What?" Fresa stared at him.
"I said, get out of my car," he repeated, his eyes fixed on the road. "I'm not taking you home."
He pulled the car to the side of the road.
"You're not serious?" Fresa's eyes widened.
"Dead serious," he said, his voice hard. "Get out."
They were far from the city, on a dark, deserted stretch of highway.
Fresa glares him, she gets out of the car and slammed the car door shut, the sound echoing in the quiet night. Lando drives away leaving her all alone.
He rushed through the dimly lit streets. The roads seemed the type where all the illegal shit happens. He reached at the location and pulled up beside the Camaro there. Lion was slumped in the driver's seat, his face pale and streaked with blood. "What the hell happened to you?" Lando growled, his voice tight with anger.
Lion's palms were sweaty, his eyes wide with fear. "Nothing, man, I tripped. But forget that, I have a bigger issue!" He held up a medium-sized package, his hands trembling. "My brother told me to deliver it here and told me not to open it, but I'm an idiot. It's cocaine!"
"What the hell Lion! If you wanted money, you could've just asked me. Why are you doing these kind of things?" Lando cursed, his frustration boiling over.
"Forget about that, man, help me out now!" Lion pleaded, his voice cracking. "Don't go in there then," Lando said, his eyes fixed on the entrance to the pub.
"They'll kill me, Lando!" Lion cried, his voice laced with panic. "Well what do you want me to do?" Lando asked, his patience wearing thin.
"Come with me, I will mess things up! I need some support," Lion replied, his eyes pleading. "No!" Lando shook his head
"Okay, let's go back home. The person I was supposed to deliver this will come after me because this is worth 1 lakh pounds! And I will die just because you didn't come with him there!" Lion said, his voice rising in desperation. "God, you're so dramatic. Okay, Fine." Lando sighed.
Just as they were about to go in Fresa slid into the back seat of the car. "What the hell are you doing here?" The already angry Lando snapped.
"I left my phone in your car!" she countered, a simple shrug dismissing his expressions.
Lion, perched back. "That's your new girlfriend?"
"Shut up!" Lando retorted, his face flushing. "I had called you a cab and rather than going home you followed me?"
"Yes. I had the location on so it was pretty easy." she replied.
"You could have waited for me to come back home!" he scoffed.
"You irritated me so much, now I’ll irritate you. What are you doing here anyways?" She asked.
"We need to go—" Lion began, but Lando cut him off with a sharp glare. "This isn't a game, Fresa. You need to leave. Now." he ordered.
"No" she replied with a hint of defiance.
"Ugh, my god. Okay, stay in the car. We'll be out in a few minutes," Lando said but was she going to listen? No.
While Lando and Lion disappeared into the dimly lit back room to deal with Ronnie, Fresa, alone, wandered to the front of the club. She tried to blend into the shadows, but Ronnie's brother, Robert, had already fixed his gaze on her. He slid into the seat beside her,
"Hi" he greeted.
She doesn't say anything, just smiles back.
"Not much of a talker I see."
"Drink?" He said pushing over a gin to her.
With the anger over Theo she gulped it down without thinking much.
Meanwhile, in the back room, tensions were escalating. Ronnie had discovered a discrepancy in the weight of the package Lion had delivered.
"It's opened," he growled, his eyes narrowed.
"Dunno. I just delivered it as it got," Lion stammered, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously.
"It's missing 100gms ," Ronnie said, placing the package on a scale.
"Come on man it's just 100?" Lando said, trying to diffuse the situation.
"You know how much it costs? That's gonna cost me thirteen thousand pounds," he glared.
"Thirteen thousand??" Lando repeated, his eyes widening.
"It's uncut. Pure." Ronnie said, "now I need my money."
"Fine. I'll get the money to you by tomorrow," Lando retorted, trying to maintain a composure.
"Tomorrow?" Ronnie shook his head.
"Look I can't just magically get that kind of cash okay? There's a limit on the ATM." Lando argued, frustration taking over him.
"Alright, fine. Go," Ronnie nodded, his eyes still holding a threat.
Lando and Lion sighed in relief, eager to escape. They hurried back to the front of the club only to see Fresa stumbling towards the exit door with Robert’s arm draped around her shoulder.
Lando ran over and pushes him away.
"Easy there boy" Robert yelled.
"Fresa!" Lando called. He cupped her face, his thumb gently tracing her cheek.
"She's a beauty isn't she." Robert smiled smugly.
"Fresa, look at me," Lando said, his concern growing into a burning fear.
"Lan..." she slurred, her words barely coherent. One drink couldn't do that and as far as Robert's reputation goes, he definitely drugged her.
"Here." Lando carefully lifted her onto a nearby table. Then, he turned to face Robert and his goons, his eyes a cold, unwavering stare.
"What?" Robert sneered.
With a swift, brutal movement, Lando's punch landed Robert's face. When the first blow didn't bring the man down, he struck again, this time breaking his nose. The guy falls down on the ground with the force and the temperature in the room rises.
Robert wastes no time in giving the fist back to Lando. From then it all became a chaos. Ronnie came to the front and joined in the fight. Everyone started hitting each other like crazy, they'd hit with whatever is nearby, the glasses, alcohol bottles, chairs and what not.
Nobody touched Fresa. She was just sitting in the corner, not understanding what was actually happening in front of her. When she saw a woman pointing a knife at Lando's back, she quickly grabbed a glass from the table and breaks it onto her head.
"You bitch!" The woman shouts. She slashes Fresa in her stomach and Fresa punches her back, both fell down to the ground fighting further.
"FRESA!" Lando yells as he tries to fight off Ronnie.
Suddenly faint siren could be heard outside and it wasn't long before the cops got there.
"POLICE, STAND DOWN!" The officers barge in with guns.
They got hold of Lando, Lion and Fresa and some others but Ronnie and Robert had slid out the back door. "Damn you officer, those goons ran away." Lando cussed.
"Lando Norris, you are enough for us." The officer said snapping handcuffs around his wrists.
This was bad. He was trying to get way from these types things as much as he can and now Fresa was a part of this too. She was trapped in a war she didn't understand. He needed to get her out of this. He needed to fix this. Ronnie already hated Lando and he surely won't let this slide.
As soon as they reached the station, Lando reached out to his lawyer friend, Anna. And secured their release by the following afternoon. Lando decided it was best for Fresa to stay away from her home right now so he took her back to his villa.
Fresa cleans up and sat on the kitchen island, her head pounding, her stomach churning. The aftereffects of the drug were still lingering, blurring her thoughts and making it difficult to focus. She felt disoriented and vulnerable.
Lando came in from upstairs and glanced at her as he made some ginger tea. "Here, it'll help," he said, giving her a steaming cup. "How are you doing?"
"Me? I just got drugged, stabbed and arrested. In one day! Oh I'm doing awesome!" she replied.
"I'm sorry." Lando apologises, his eyes filled with genuine regret.
"Where's Liam?" She asked.
"Dad called him back for an important case so he and Chloe went back. But they'll be here anytime soon."
"Does he know how much of a saint his little brother is?" She chuckled.
"No please don't drag my brother into this. He's clean. He'll kill me if he knows I'm involving in such things. Sorry please." Lando pleaded.
"It's okay. It was really my fault." She said.
"You told me not to come but i didn't listen and took that drink. God how stupid am I....I guess I was angry."
"On whom?" Lando asked, his voice gentle.
"My boyfriend, Theo....It was almost over between us when he moved here in London and I was trying to mend it. I thought it was because of the long distance thing but it turns out he was cheating on me."
"What a loser." Lando scoffed.
She chuckles and then hisses as she shifts in her chair and feels a sharp pain. Last night's wound.
"Can I see it?" Lando asks.
Fresa lifts her shirt and and he saw the red bandage gash above her waist, to the side. "You're bleeding through." Lando said, his brow furrowing. He hurriedly grabs the first aid box and guided her to the couch.
Then he carefully cleaned the wound. His touch surprisingly gentle. Fresa gripped Lando's shirt as the antiseptic stung, a sharp, clean pain. "I'm almost done," he reassured her.
The scent of antiseptic filled the air, an oddly comforting aroma. Fresa's gaze drifted to Lando's face, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was so close, every detail of his expression magnified.
As he finished bandaging the wound, his fingers brushed against her skin, a feather-light touch that sent a shiver down her spine. He looked up, his eyes meeting hers.
The silence continued with only the chirping of birds outside. Lando's gaze lingered on her lips. He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. She closed her eyes, feeling his lips brushing against her cheek.
Then his lips moved to hers, a soft, tentative exploration. The kiss was gentle, hesitant. But as she gave him access, the kiss deepened, becoming more passionate. Her hands found their way to his hair, her fingers in the soft curls.
He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. A soft smile played on his lips. "Do you want go to a party?" he asked.
"A party?" she chuckled.
"No no! Not like last night. Liam and Chloe will be there too!" He laughed.
"So you're not angry at me anymore?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"Yes, still am," she replied, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "But maybe tomorrow, right now I'm in a little pain," she smiled.
"Wow, Chloe, look, the house is standing," Liam laughed as he entered with Chloe. Seeing them, Lando moved away, and Fresa adjusted her shirt back.
"What you kids do when we were out?" Liam asked, settling onto the couch.
"Played in the sand" Lando sneered.
"What happened to your hands?" Chloe asked, noticing Lando's reddened knuckles.
"What happened to you?" Liam asked, seeing Fresa's forehead wound.
"I, uh, don't know...I think I was drunk and I fell," she stammered a little.
"And you went for a boxing match, didn't you?" Liam glared at Lando. "You do boxing?" Fresa asked, looking at Lando. "I've told you a million times to quit, but you never listen, right?" Liam continued. "You didn't take Fresa with you, did you?"
"No!" Lando and Fresa replied in unison, their voices too quick, too synchronized, making them even more suspicious.
"Anyways where's Anna?" Liam asked.
"She's late, she had some important work so she'll come by tomorrow morning." Lando answers and Liam nods.
Anna. The words echoed through Fresa's ears. Did she just kissed Lando despite him having a girlfriend? Guilt washes over her.
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[4.1k words]
116 notes · View notes
daryltwdixon · 2 days ago
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would love a fluffy au of the reader helping sarah or elle with their first period since joel called and didn’t know what to do☺️
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Joel Miller x Reader drabble
Fluffy domestic Jackson!Joel, established relationship but early on, living separately, maybe a little silly okay but how cute would it be if there were walkies between houses in Jackson? obvi no cell phones or landlines sooo. yeah. I saw this come in and immediately thought of this so I stayed up late to write it for you !! hope you enjoy I had the best time writing it
"Uh, b-baby? You there?”
The crackly voice startles you. The walkie-talkie sits on the windowsill above the sink, right next to the pile of grimy dishes you’ve been scrubbing after days of letting them pile up. You fumble for it, wiping your wet hand on your jeans before pressing the button.
"Yeah? What is it?" you ask, one hand holding it up to your ear while the other continues scrubbing half heartedly.
The walkie goes static for a second before he finally says, "We have kinda a, uh... an emergency. How fast can you get here?"
An emergency?
Your heart kicks up, stomach flipping as you immediately set the dish down, water sloshing over the edge of the sink.
Joel never calls things an "emergency."
"I'm on my way!" you say immediately pushing the walkie back on the counter, barely remembering to grab your keys as you bolt for the door. The hinges groan as you shove it open, the wooden porch creaking beneath your hurried steps.
Joel's front door comes into view, and you don’t even slow down before pushing inside.
“What? What is it? Are you okay?” you pant, grabbing Joel’s face with both hands. He’s standing against the kitchen counter, brows drawn together and lips pressed into a hard line. His skin is clammy, his usually steady eyes darting around like he’s seen some real shit.
“Yeah, I—I’m fine. It ain't me,” he stammers, blinking at you like he's just survived a war zone.
Your stomach tightens. “Ellie?”
"She's upstairs," he nods toward the hallway, big brown eyes pleading with you to fix whatever horror he's just endured.
What the hell was going on? And why was he acting like he’d seen a goddamn ghost?
You drop your hands, press a quick, reassuring kiss to the tip of his nose (which earns you the tiniest exhale of relief from him), and sprint up the stairs two at a time.
The bathroom light spills from under the door at the end of the hall.
"El?" you call softly, knocking lightly.
The door flies open so fast you nearly stumble inside.
“Oh, thank god,” Ellie sighs dramatically, yanking you in like you’re her lifeline.
When the door closes behind you, you scan her up and down—no blood, no injuries, no immediate threats. She’s fine.
Your pulse is still hammering. “What’s going on?!” you hiss, glancing around like you’re expecting a Clicker to drop from the ceiling.
Ellie groans, dragging her hands down her face. “What did Joel say? Did he freak you out? You look terrible!”
“He said it was an emergency!”
"An emergen—oh dear god, that poor old man."
"Ellie! Just tell me what's going on!"
She lifts her hands and declares with all the seriousness of someone admitting to a crime, “I think I got my period. It's the first...first time."
For a moment, you just stare at her.
Then, the tension in your chest unspools all at once, and a breathless, incredulous laugh tumbles out of you before you can stop it.
“Oh, thank god.”
Your knees nearly give out as you clutch the edge of the sink, the sheer relief of it washing over you.
Ellie narrows her eyes. “That’s a...weird reaction.”
“I thought you were, I don’t know, dying? Missing a limb? Held hostage?” You shake your head, still giggling as you rub your face.
Ellie waves a hand. “I am bleeding out.”
"Ellie."
She smirks. "But, like, in a totally normal way."
Another wave of laughter hits you, and suddenly, you can’t stop. "Jesus. Christ." you say through giggles, "I thought something had attacked you. Joel sounded like he was reporting a goddamn homicide!"
Ellie grins. “Yeah, he freaked the hell out.”
"What did he do?"
“Well,” Ellie says, holding up one finger, “first I stood up off the couch, and he saw the blood on my pants--stared at it like it was brain matter. Then he gulped—you know that thing he does? When his whole Adam’s apple bobs?”
You bite back more giggles, nodding. "Oh yeah, I know the look."
“Then he left the room, paced the hall for five minutes, came back, opened his mouth, closed it, and then offered me... a sock.”
You lose it.
Your laugh is immediate and uncontrollable, your head falling back as you clutch your stomach. "Oh my god."
Ellie grins. “I told him I wasn’t stuffing a dirty sock in my pants, and he just kinda stared at me! Then said, she drops her voice real low, mimicking his Texan drawl, “‘...I’ll call her.’”
That sets you off again, laughing so hard you double over.
“Oh my god,” you wheeze. “I have never loved that man more.”
Ellie, still unamused, huffs. “Are you done?”
You wipe at your eyes, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. “Yeah, yeah. C’mon, let’s raid my stash.”
Ellie smirks. “What do we do about the old man downstairs?”
You groan. "I'll sort him out later. First, let’s let him know you’re perfectly alive and well. Then I’ll sit him down and tell him aaalllllll about women’s hygiene. Should be a blast."
Ellie groans. “Ugh, gross.”
You grin, pulling her into a reassuring side hug, warmth settling deep in your chest despite the ridiculousness of it all.
Joel Miller: Texas tough, apocalypse survivor, undone by a little bit of blood from a teenage girl.
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theyluvivi · 2 days ago
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OVER THAT, OR TRYING TO BE. client!chris.
warnings.ᐟ.ᐟ: angst. a shit ton.
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You're smart.
You have the brain and the grades to prove it... just whatever has been in the air these past two weeks is making you feel like you're the stupidest person on earth. You don't do guys, hookups, or relationships, period for that matter. Yet here you are, sobbing hysterically into your pillow over a guy you barely know.
That's the most embarrassing part about this whole thing. You've talked at most five times, and now tears are pouring down your cheeks, and you can barely breathe.
You've tried to act like you don't care, tried open your laptop and the many assignments that are that stacking up but you can't—Every moment you don't spend thinking about him just brings you back to him. The way he looked at you, his hands on you, the way he talked to you. Nothing works or helps.
Happy music doesn't help. Weed is a temporary fix. Eating takes too much energy—And god forbid you talk to your friends about this. They warned you about him, how he makes girls fall for him and leaves them like they're nothing, but you still kissed him like it was your honeymoon.
Chris didn't leave you like you were nothing. He was nice about it, which is what makes it hurt more. You clutch at your chest, god it feels like you're fucking dying.
The only person you've told is Matt, because you physically can't tell anyone else. And for someone who plays with people's feelings, he accepted yours with open arms.
"....s' not your fault, y'know? The heart wants what it wants....and all that stuff." You let out a sad giggle. "Yeah, but it's definitely not happening, and I've heard how he is to girls, so I shouldn't even try to make it happen." You sniffle and rub at your eyes. "Kid..." He searches for anything in his thoughts to make you feel better but can't find anything. He knows how Chris is.
"Cmere." He opens his arms, far and wide for you. You don't get Matt hugs often, so immediately run into his arms. "You'll get through this... you're strong." You can tell he doesn't what he's saying, but you appreciate the effort. You nuzzle into his chest. "Thank you, Matt."
You haven't taken your shirt off since then, hoping the reminder of Matt's hug will help you calm down. It hasn't, but you can still hope.
Even over your loud cries, you can hear someone knocking at the door. You're not selling... unless it's to friends. You sit up slowly, trying to avoid upsetting the pounding headache you have already from crying even more. You run your hands through your hair. If it's a friend, they would've at least texted you so then....
Fuck. Fuckfuckfuck.
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Matt knows you're not anyway near in a suitable condition to see Chris, and he still sent him over. You bury your face in your hands as the knocking persists. You haven't looked in the mirror in days, and your eyes are probably all red and puffy... why couldn't he have come earlier when you were acting like you didn't care?
You let a soft breath, trying to breathe normally after all the hyperventilating you've been doing. You finally get up from your bed and head to the door. Pretend you don't care, pretend you don't care, pretend you don't care—Is what you repeat to yourself as you twist the knob.
You crack the door open. "M' not selling." Chris tilts his head. "Thought we got over this whole you hating me thing?" He smirks, "I also just saw Quen walking out of here."
You huff, opening the door. "Come in." You're doing better than you thought. You thought you'd see him and immediately crumble to the floor. Chris takes in your colorful apartment as you close the door behind him. "What?"
"Looks like a unicorn threw up in here." You narrow your eyes at him. " 'S a compliment...it's so... you." Your heart jumps. "I live here." You sigh, rolling your eyes. "What do you need?"
"What I always need." You don't miss the way he steps closer to you. You feel bile rising in your throat. "Can't sleep again. I need one of your fairy joints to help me." You groan. He knows it pisses you off when you he calls them that. "Quen bought the last one, sit." You gesture to the couch, "No tour?"
You scoff. "You're lucky I even let you in."
Chris is like a toddler. He refused to leave you alone, in the comfort of your own room for five minutes, so you're sitting across from him on the couch as you roll him what he apparently came for.
You're finding it harder and harder to believe that he's staring you down like you're a piece of steak, and he's starving. His hand creeps up your thigh. You want to let him get away with it, "Chris?"
"Yeah?" You finally finish rolling, your acrylics giving you a break. "You didn't just come here for this, did you?" You wave the joint in his face, a smile finding its way onto your face for the first time in days. It's a sad one.
"You sayin' something?" He smirks, you begin to crawl towards him after the placing the joint behind your ear. "And if I am?" He pulls you into his lap, and you missed that, dearly. The feeling of his hands roaming over your body. You can feel tears beginning to weal up in your eyes. This is the most pathetic you've ever felt.
It's terrible. He's terrible.. But you want it, so bad. "Mhn...then you're right." And his lips are on yours, and you expect to be rough—you want it to be rough, but it's slow and sensual just the way you need. Tears trickle down your cheeks. You quickly wipe them away before Chris opens his eyes.
His hands find their way under your shirt, slipping up to the clip of your bra. "You want this?" He asks, and you nod immediately.
It's okay if he sees you as nothing more than a quick fuck, if he doesn't care about you and only wants you for weed, if he doesn't want a relationship and just needs another girl to run to. You need this.
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tags 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚: @inspiredangel @whore4mattsturniolo @domizmez @sosasturns @drewswife @strnilolover @cvnts4demi
a/n: .... :(
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octaneink · 3 days ago
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Sky + Seafoam
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Will Lenney x Reader
Summary: Painting + yap session Warnings: None Notes: I saw a video of someone painting their bf's back it was too cute so I thought 'Why not write it for Will' so here we are lol. Enjoy!
The living room was bathed in the soft glow of the TV, the volume turned low so it was little more than background noise. You were curled up on the sofa, your legs tucked under you and your head resting comfortably on Will’s shoulder. His free arm was draped loosely around you, his fingers occasionally brushing against your sleeve as he scrolled through his phone with the other hand. The faint sound of his occasional hums or quiet commentary on whatever he was looking at filled the space between you, warm and familiar.
Your own phone was in your hands, though you hadn’t been paying much attention to it until now. A video autoplayed on your feed, catching your eye. It was an artist, their hands moving with practiced ease as they painted a stunning landscape across someone’s back. The colours blended seamlessly—soft blues melting into whites for the sky, rich greens and browns forming trees, and a shimmering river that seemed to ripple with every breath the canvas took.
You sat up abruptly, your head lifting off Will’s shoulder so fast he flinched.
“What?” he asked, his voice tinged with amusement as he glanced at you. His eyebrow arched, and the corner of his mouth twitched like he already knew something was coming.
You didn’t answer right away, your eyes still glued to the screen. The artist was adding tiny details now—a sailboat and the reflection of the trees in the water. It was mesmerising.
“You’ve got that look,” Will said, setting his phone down on the armrest and turning to face you fully.
“What look?” you asked, finally tearing your eyes away from the video.
“The one where you’re about to ask me to do something ridiculous,” he said, his tone teasing but his eyes soft. He reached over, his fingers brushing against your side in a way that made you squirm immediately. You tried to twist away, but he was already poking at your ribs, his touch light but deliberate.
“Will!” You squealed, laughter bubbling up as you instinctively curled into yourself, trying to escape his fingers. “Stop!”
He didn’t stop. Instead, he grinned, his eyes lighting up with mischief as he shifted closer, his free hand joining in to tickle your other side. “Spit it out,” he said, his voice playful as you wriggled under his touch.
“Okay, okay!” You gasped between laughs, batting at his hands. “I’ll tell you! Just stop!”
Will relented, pulling back with a satisfied smirk, but he kept his hands hovering near your sides, ready to strike again if you took too long. You caught your breath, your cheeks flushed from laughing, and held up your phone so he could see the video.
“What if I painted something on your back?” You said, your voice still breathless. “Like, a whole scene? Look how cool this is!”
Will leaned forward, squinting at the screen for a moment before leaning back with a dramatic groan. “Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” you pressed, scooting closer to him again. “It’s water-based paint! It’ll wash right off. And it’ll be fun!”
He shook his head, his smirk returning as he reached for your sides again. “Fun for you, maybe. I’ll just be lying there, bored out of my mind.”
You squeaked, scrambling backward to avoid his hands, but he was faster. His fingers found your ticklish spots again, and you burst into laughter, collapsing against the couch cushions as he loomed over you, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.
“Will!” you managed between giggles, trying to push him away. “Stop! I’ll—I’ll make it worth your while!”
He paused, his hands still hovering threateningly. “Oh? How so?”
“I’ll cook your favourite dinner,” you said, still catching your breath. “And you can pick the movie for a whole week. Deal?”
Will tilted his head, pretending to consider it, but the way his lips twitched gave him away. “Tempting,” he said, his fingers brushing your side one last time, making you yelp. “But no. I’m not your personal art project.”
You pouted, leaning your head against his shoulder again. “You’re no fun.”
He chuckled, his arm wrapping around you as he picked up his phone. “And yet you still love me.”
You smiled, your mind already racing with ideas. Will might have said no for now, but you weren’t giving up that easily.
Over the next few days, you didn’t let up. You were determined, and Will was going to crack eventually—you were sure of it.
It started small.
You (10:43 AM): [Image of someone’s back, on it is a painting of a pirate ship.]
You (10:43 AM): Imagine this, but on you.
Will (10:44 AM): 😐
You laughed at his response, but you weren’t deterred.
The next morning, you left your sketchbook open on the kitchen table, a half-finished landscape scene staring up at him as he poured his coffee. He paused, squinting at the page, then glanced at you over his shoulder. “You’re not giving up, are you?”
You shrugged innocently, sipping your tea. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything else, though you caught him glancing at the sketchbook a few more times before he left for work.
That night, during your usual movie night, you saw your opportunity. Will was sprawled on the couch, one arm draped lazily over the back cushions and the other resting on the seat between you. His attention was half on the movie—some action flicks he’d picked—and half on his phone, which he was scrolling through absently.
You glanced at him, then at the fine-tipped marker sitting innocently on the coffee table. A slow grin spread across your face as you reached for it, uncapping it with a soft click.
Will didn’t notice at first. His eyes were still on his phone, his thumb swiping lazily through some app. You shifted closer, your knee brushing against his thigh, and gently took his hand in yours. He didn’t pull away, too distracted to question what you were doing.
You started with the trunk of the tree, drawing a thin, wavy line up the back of his hand. The marker glided smoothly over his skin, and you added a few branches, then some tiny leaves. You were so focused on your work that you didn’t notice Will had stopped scrolling and was now watching you with a raised eyebrow.
“What are you—?” he started, pulling his hand away to inspect the little tree now permanently inked on his skin. His expression was a mix of amusement and disbelief. “Really?”
You grinned, holding up the marker “It’s practice. For the masterpiece I’m going to paint on your back.”
He groaned, dropping his head back against the couch cushions. “You’re relentless.”
You scooted closer, your knee bumping his as you leaned into his space. “Please?” you said, batting your eyelashes dramatically. “I’ll make it worth your while. I’ll cook your favourite dinner, and you can pick the movie for a whole week. No complaints from me, even if you choose something ridiculous.”
Will tilted his head, pretending to consider it, but the way his lips twitched gave him away. “Tempting,” he said, his voice teasing. “But what if I want more than just pasta and movie rights?”
You narrowed your eyes, poking his side lightly. “Don’t push your luck, Lenney.”
He chuckled, catching your hand before you could pull it away. “Fine,” he said, his tone mock-resigned. “But if I regret this, you’re buying me that new game I’ve been eyeing. No arguments.”
You squealed, throwing your arms around him in a hug that nearly knocked him over. “You’re the best!”
He laughed, wrapping an arm around you to steady himself. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t make me regret it.”
You pulled back, grinning at him. “You won’t. I promise.”
Will raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical, but the way his lips twitched into a smile gave him away. “We’ll see.”
Will lay shirtless on the bed, a soft towel spread beneath him to protect the sheets. The afternoon light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over his skin. You couldn’t help but pause for a moment, taking him in. His back was smooth and relaxed, the muscles faintly defined under the faint scattering of freckles that dotted his shoulders like stars across a night sky. You’d always loved those freckles—how they seemed to tell a story, each one a tiny mark of something uniquely him.
He rested his cheek on the pillow you’d fluffed for him, his arms folded loosely beneath his head. The position stretched his shoulders slightly, making the freckles shift and settle like constellations rearranging themselves. You reached out, brushing your fingers lightly over one near the curve of his spine, and he shivered at the touch.
“Tickles,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.
You smiled, pulling your hand back. “Sorry,” you said, though you weren’t really. How could you be when he looked like this? The light caught the faint golden undertones in his skin, making him glow like he’d been kissed by the sun itself.
“You’re staring,” he said, though he didn’t turn to look at you. His voice was soft, teasing.
“I’m not,” you lied, dipping your brush into the palette of paints balanced on your knee.
“Liar,” he shot back, a smirk in his tone.
You rolled your eyes, even though he couldn’t see you, and began to paint. The first stroke of blue across his shoulder made him tense slightly, but he relaxed almost immediately, his breath evening out again.
“Cold?” you asked, pausing.
“A little,” he admitted, his voice drowsy. “But it’s not bad. Keep going.”
You nodded, adding more blue, then blending in white to create soft, wispy clouds. As you worked, your eyes kept drifting back to those freckles, the way they seemed to guide your brush like a map. You couldn’t help but admire him—not just his back, but the way he trusted you so completely, lying there without a hint of self-consciousness.
“You’re beautiful, you know that?” you said softly, more to yourself than to him.
Will huffed a quiet laugh, his shoulders shaking slightly. “Flattery won’t make me say yes to this more often.”
“It’s not flattery if it’s true,” you said, grinning as you added a tiny bird to the sky you were painting.
He didn’t respond, but you could tell by the way his breathing slowed that he was smiling.
You worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sound the soft swish of the brush against his skin. The sky was coming together beautifully, the blues and whites blending seamlessly. As you dipped your brush into a soft green to start on the grass, your mind wandered to the park you’d visited earlier in the week.
“So, I was people-watching at the park the other day,” you began, your voice light and conversational.
Will hummed, a quiet sound of acknowledgement that encouraged you to keep going.
“And this guy was walking his dog—this tiny, fluffy thing that looked like a cotton ball with legs. Anyway, the dog suddenly stops in the middle of the path and just refuses to move. Like, full-on stubborn mode. The guy’s tugging on the leash, but the dog just sits there, staring at him like, ‘What are you gonna do about it?’”
Will chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Sounds like my kind of dog.”
“Right?” you said, grinning as you added a few more blades of grass. “But then—get this—the guy just picks the dog up, tucks it under his arm like a football, and keeps walking. The dog looked so offended, like, ‘How dare you?’ It was hilarious.”
Will’s shoulders shook with silent laughter, and you had to pause for a moment to keep from smudging the paint. “Careful,” you said, tapping his shoulder lightly. “I’m trying to create a masterpiece here.”
“Sorry,” he said, though he didn’t sound sorry at all. “Keep going. What else happened?”
You switched to a darker green, starting on the trees that would frame the river. “Well, after the dog drama, I saw this couple having a picnic. They looked so cute together—like, straight out of a rom-com. But then the guy accidentally spilt his drink all over the blanket, and the girl just started laughing. And then he started laughing too, and they just sat there, covered in lemonade, cracking up. It was kind of adorable.”
Will hummed, his voice soft. “Sounds like us.”
You smiled, your chest warming at the thought. “Yeah, it kind of does. Remember when you tripped over your own feet at the grocery store and knocked over that display of cereal boxes?”
“Hey,” he said, his tone mock-offended. “That was one time. And in my defence, the floor was slippery.”
“Sure it was,” you said, laughing as you added a few more details to the trees. “But you have to admit, it was pretty funny. Especially when you tried to blame it on the cart.”
“It was the cart’s fault,” he insisted, though you could hear the smile in his voice.
You shook your head, dipping your brush into a rich brown to add texture to the tree trunks. “Anyway, after the picnic couple, I saw this little kid chasing pigeons. He was so determined, like he was on a mission. But every time he got close, the pigeons would just fly away, and he’d throw his hands up like, ‘Why is this so hard?’”
Will laughed again, the sound muffled by the pillow. “Kids are weird.”
“They really are,” you agreed, smiling as you added a few birds to the sky. “But it was kind of sweet, you know? Like, he didn’t care that he wasn’t catching them. He was just having fun.”
The room fell quiet for a moment, the only sound the soft swish of your brush against his skin. You switched to a lighter blue, adding ripples to the river. “It made me think,” you said, your voice softer now, “about how we don’t do stuff like that any more. Just… silly, pointless things that make us happy.”
Will shifted slightly, his voice drowsy but thoughtful. “What kind of silly things?”
“I don’t know,” you said, tilting your head as you considered it. “Like… flying a kite. Or building a pillow fort. Or—” You paused, grinning. “Or letting your girlfriend paint a landscape on your back.”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Yeah, okay. That’s pretty silly.”
“But fun, right?” you said, adding a few final touches to the river.
“Yeah,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Fun.”
You smiled, setting your brush aside for a moment to admire your work. The scene was complete—a serene landscape that seemed to come alive on his skin. The river wound its way down his spine, the water shimmering with hints of silver and white. Trees stretched across his shoulders, their branches reaching toward the sky, and birds dotted the clouds like tiny brushstrokes of life. It was beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as the man beneath it.
You didn’t notice when Will’s responses grew quieter, then stopped altogether. His breathing deepened, the steady rise and fall of his chest lulling you into a peaceful rhythm. The room was quiet now, save for the soft sound of his breathing and the occasional rustle of the sheets as he shifted slightly in his sleep.
“And then I saw—” you began, your voice soft as you reached for a smaller brush to add a few final details. “Wait, do you want to make some chicken souvlaki and tzatziki for dinner? Will?”
No response.
You paused, glancing down at him. His cheek was still pressed into the pillow, his face relaxed and peaceful. His eyes were closed, his long lashes brushing against his skin, and his lips were slightly parted as he breathed deeply. The faintest hint of a smile lingered on his face, as though even in sleep, he was content.
He’s asleep.
Your heart swelled with affection, a warmth spreading through your chest as you watched him. How long had he been out? You’d been rambling for who knows how long, and he’d drifted off to the sound of your voice. The thought made your cheeks warm—not with embarrassment, but with something softer, something that made your chest ache in the best way.
Careful not to smudge the paint, you leaned down, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under your touch, and he stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping his lips. For a moment, you thought he might wake up, but he only shifted again, settling deeper into the pillow.
You sat back, your gaze lingering on him. The afternoon light had shifted, casting a golden glow over the room and making his skin glow like it was part of the painting itself. The freckles on his shoulders seemed to shimmer, and you couldn’t help but trace one lightly with your finger, careful not to wake him.
“You’re ridiculous,” you whispered, though there was no bite to your words. “Falling asleep on me like that.”
But you couldn’t bring yourself to be annoyed. Not when he looked so peaceful, so completely at ease. Not when the sound of his breathing was the most comforting thing in the world.
You reached for your phone, snapping a quick photo of the painting on his back. It was too beautiful not to capture, but even the photo couldn’t compare to the real thing—the way the colours seemed to breathe with him, the way the scene felt alive because he was alive beneath it.
Setting your phone aside, you began to clean up your supplies, carefully capping the paints and rinsing the brushes. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft clink of the paint tubes and the occasional rustle of the sheets as Will shifted in his sleep.
Once everything was packed away, you stood, stretching your arms above your head. You glanced at Will one last time, a soft smile tugging at your lips. “Sleep well,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.
You turned to leave, tiptoeing toward the door, but before you could take more than a few steps, a hand shot out and caught your wrist.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Will’s voice was low and drowsy, his grip gentle but firm, his fingers warm against your skin.
You turned back to see him looking at you through half-lidded eyes, a lazy smile playing on his lips. His hair was mussed from the pillow, and the faintest hint of stubble shadowed his jaw. “I was just—”
He didn’t let you finish. With a quick tug, he pulled you down onto the bed, his arms wrapping around you before you could protest. Before you could even react, he flipped you onto your back, his body pressing you gently into the mattress.
“Will!” you squealed, laughing as his weight settled over you. The warmth of him seeped into your skin, his chest pressing against yours, his legs tangling with yours. “The paint—it’s still wet!”
“Don’t care,” he mumbled, his face buried in the crook of your neck. His breath was warm against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine that had nothing to do with the coolness of the room. His lips brushed against your collarbone, feather-light, and you felt your breath hitch.
You squirmed, trying to wriggle free, but he only tightened his hold, his arms like a cage around you. His muscles flexed as he shifted, pinning you more securely beneath him. “You’re impossible,” you said, though your laughter betrayed your words.
“Yours, though,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep, the words muffled against your skin.
Your heart melted at his words, and you stopped fighting, letting yourself relax beneath him. His weight was comforting, grounding, like a living, breathing blanket that anchored you to the moment. You couldn’t help but wrap your arms around him, your fingers threading through his hair. It was soft, slightly messy from sleep, and you twirled a strand around your finger absently.
His breath tickled your neck, steady and warm, and you felt the rise and fall of his chest against yours. The scent of him—clean and faintly sweet—filled your senses, and you closed your eyes for a moment, savouring it.
“You’re going to ruin the painting,” you said, though you didn’t really care. Not when he was this close, not when his warmth surrounded you like a cocoon, safe and familiar.
“Worth it,” he said, his voice barely audible as he nuzzled closer. His nose brushed against your jaw, and you felt the curve of his smile against your skin. His lips lingered there for a moment, not quite a kiss but something just as intimate.
You smiled too, your chest swelling with something you couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t just affection—it was deeper than that, a quiet, steady ache that made your heart feel too big for your chest. His weight, his warmth, the way he held you like you were the only thing that mattered—it was overwhelming in the best way.
You ran your fingers through his hair again, your touch gentle, and he sighed, the sound soft and content. His arms tightened around you, pulling you even closer, if that was possible.
“Stay,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
You didn’t need to be asked twice.
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How do people like this layout? I removed the dividers from the scene so its just one whole block. Is that alright? Im not sure honestly. But I hope people like it!
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icdrawings · 2 days ago
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The Doughlings
Doey & Reader
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Distraught, angered, and numb
Was all you could feel while staring at Doey's now dead body of frozen dough.
Throughout the factory you've learned about his past or well - their past. These poor boys, forced to be stuck together into one person. Each having their own right to be angry.
You kept looking at him, his deformed body resembling the 3 kids inside of him - 3 innocent souls. You walked over to him, taking a minute of hesitation with each step until you were right in front of him. Your legs gave out making you sit. You took off your grab-pack and reached out for one of their hands, it was cold and limp. You could only stare at that small hand, caressing it with your thumb, trying to give a little bit of comfort. Through out this journey you've never once shown emotion, never once made a sound but after meeting Doey you only wished you could have been more expressive with him.
"I'm sorry..." Was barely over a whisper as you let a single tear roll down your face.
You don't know how long you were there but you finally got up, put on the grab-pack and went to the door. Waiting for the hand scanner to load you started to contemplate your next steps 'I need to find Poppy, if she's even alive and figure out what went wrong'
You were so caught up in your thoughts that you nearly missed a cracking sound from behind you Turning fast to look at Doey's body again.
It was still there - black and frozen. You thought you were hearing things but you knew better, you've never let your guard down.
You kept an eye on it - waiting for something, anything. Then you saw it, your frozen ally's body started to crack. There was something moving inside of it, almost as if something was trying to get out.
You didn't want to stick around and find out what. Looked back at the scanner now half way done you kept listening closely to the sounds taking - note when it got louder until the door finally opened.
You were about to make a run for it when you felt something grab onto your leg.
You stood still, as if your body was the one frozen in place. It was heavy and warm and wrapped around your leg. It was almost like someone was hugging you.
Taking a deep yet shaky breath you slowly looked down to confront whatever was there. Only to be shocked that on your leg was a little Doey. You couldn't comprehend what you were seeing. He looked up at you with his hollow eyes - full of innocence.
He started to smile "mommy!"
He hugged your leg tighter with his little hands. You couldn't understand what was happening, Doey was dead, you had killed him with your own hands and yet this little Doey was here calling you his mother. You couldn't even think some more before he started talking again
"Mommy?... Mommy are you okay?..." He looked a bit sadden by your delayed reaction
You kept staring at him - intensely with a stone face. A part of you wants to be happy that he's not trying to kill you but the other half wants to just cry. In this staring contest, you to reach your hand out towards him. Your hand was shaking after what happened in the upper floors but you've done your best to keep it still.
You took your time and luckily little Doey was very patient while being excited - bouncing a bit. Gently you placed your hand down on top of his head feeling the little curls of clay. He let your leg go only for him to capture your hand instead, keeping it in place - seemingly enjoying the warmth and started to giggle.
"Mommy! Mommy!" his smile was huge
You soften a bit and knelt down to take a better look at him. He was about the size of your calf and he sounded more of a child than his original voice.
His body was covered with yellow and so was his face but looking closely his face he also had orange and red freckles.
"Do you know who I am?" You were so caught up in examining him that you almost didn't acknowledge the question. Taking another good look at him.
Only one name comes to mind
"...jack?"
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quinny19 · 14 hours ago
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Sleeping my way to victory-part 2
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Scenario 1: A Day in the Life of (Y/N) (or, How Are They Even Functioning?)
Outside of U.A., your daily routine was… questionable at best.
You woke up late. Always. If there wasn’t school, you might not wake up at all. Your alarm clock? Useless. You had trained yourself to sleep through it.
Your room? A mess of blankets and pillows, because why sleep in just one spot when you could rotate like a cat?
Breakfast? If you remembered. Or if you weren’t still half-asleep while grabbing whatever was closest (once, you almost ate a packet of sugar thinking it was rice).
Going outside? Only if necessary. Grocery store trips were a chaotic mix of you getting lost in the aisles, standing in front of the snack section for way too long, and once, somehow ending up in a pet store without realizing it.
Your life at home was pure chaos, but somehow, you survived.
And then, when school came around, you’d drag yourself there, still half-asleep, only to dominate in training without even trying.
Your classmates had questions.
Scenario 2: Bakugo Tries to Wake You Up (Again)
"Oi, wake up."
You grumbled something incoherent, turning your head away from the voice disturbing your peace.
"Wake the hell up, dumbass!"
A pillow smacked into your face.
Your eyes cracked open slightly. Bakugo was looming over you, arms crossed, glaring like he was about to explode.
You blinked. "Mmm?"
"It’s lunchtime!" he barked. "You seriously slept through the whole damn morning! How the hell do you function?!"
You sat up, stretching, still looking half-dead. "Mmm… brain off, instincts on."
Denki, who had been watching the interaction, snickered. "Man, Bakugo, you really love waking (Y/N) up, huh?"
Bakugo twitched. "I DON’T LOVE—!"
Kirishima patted his back. "Bro, it’s okay. You can admit it."
"SHUT UP!"
Meanwhile, you had already laid back down, completely unfazed. "Too much noise…"
Bakugo clenched his fists. "YOU'RE NOT GOING BACK TO SLEEP!"
You ignored him.
He grabbed your wrist and dragged you out of the classroom.
"Oi—"
"You’re eating lunch today, dumbass. No excuses."
Denki gasped dramatically. "Kacchan, you care about their well-being! How cute!"
Bakugo almost threw you at him.
Scenario 3: Beach Chaos (or, How (Y/N) Almost Died But Didn’t Even Notice)
The class trip to the beach was supposed to be relaxing.
It was relaxing.
Until you almost drowned.
Correction: you didn’t drown—you were just… floating away.
You had fallen asleep on a floaty, peacefully drifting further and further from shore, completely unaware that the waves had carried you away.
The class? Losing their minds.
"OH MY GOD, (Y/N)!" Mina shrieked. "THEY’RE—THEY’RE DRIFTING AWAY!"
Uraraka gasped. "Do they even know?!"
"OF COURSE NOT, THEY’RE SLEEPING!" Denki yelled.
Kirishima was already stripping off his shirt. "I’ll go get them!"
Todoroki calmly made an ice path across the water. "I’ll retrieve them."
Meanwhile, Bakugo stood on the shore, looking beyond pissed.
"ARE YOU SERIOUSLY SLEEPING THROUGH THIS?!" he roared.
You? Still asleep. Peaceful. Unbothered. No thoughts, only floaty.
Todoroki skated across the water, grabbed your floaty, and dragged you back to shore.
You woke up slightly as the floaty touched the sand. "Mmm…?"
"You almost drifted out to sea," Iida lectured, waving his arms. "That was extremely irresponsible!"
You yawned. "…Felt nice, though."
Bakugo twitched. "YOU ALMOST DROWNED, YOU IDIOT!"
"Mmm… but I didn’t."
The class collectively lost it.
Scenario 4: Girls’ Hangout (or, They Treat You Like a Sleepy Baby)
You weren’t sure how you ended up here.
Mina had kidnapped you (dragged you from class while you were half-asleep), and now you were at the mall with the girls.
Uraraka clapped her hands. "Okay! Shopping time!"
Momo smiled. "We should get snacks later."
Jiro glanced at you, who had been leaning on her shoulder for the last ten minutes. "Uh… is (Y/N) gonna wake up?"
Mina waved a hand. "Nah, this is normal."
Toru giggled. "They’re like a sleepy little pet."
"…I can hear you," you muttered.
Mina hugged you dramatically. "Awww, you’re so cute when you’re sleepy!"
You sighed, letting them drag you around while you dozed in and out.
You didn’t fight it. They weren’t letting you go anyway.
Scenario 5: At Home (or, How Are You Even Alive?!)
Bakugo didn’t know what to expect when he visited your apartment.
He definitely didn’t expect chaos.
Blankets everywhere.
Half-empty cups of tea on random surfaces.
Your fridge? Full of energy drinks, snacks, and exactly one actual meal.
Your laundry? A mix of clean and dirty because you forgot which was which.
Bakugo stood in your doorway, horrified. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"
You sat on your couch, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito. "Home?"
"HOW DO YOU LIVE LIKE THIS?!"
You shrugged. "Mmm… survival instincts?"
He was going to combust. "YOU HAVE NO INSTINCTS, DUMBASS!"
You blinked slowly at him. "Mmm. Still alive, though."
"BARELY!"
Bakugo swore, swore that from now on, he’d check on you.
Not because he cared or anything.
…Definitely not.
Scenario 6: Bakugo vs. The Sleeping Menace (Again)
"You’re fighting me today!"
"…Mmm."
Bakugo twitched. "That’s not an answer!"
You yawned, rubbing your eyes. "…Why?"
"BECAUSE I SAID SO!"
The entire class watched, amused.
Denki leaned over to Kirishima. "Five bucks says they win in three moves."
Kirishima smirked. "Two moves."
Sero chuckled. "One move."
Bakugo exploded forward.
You sighed, dodged without even looking, and accidentally knocked him out of bounds.
One move.
You yawned. "Mmm… nap time."
Denki cheered. "HA! Sero wins!"
Bakugo, lying in the dirt, screamed into the void.
The End (For Now)
Bakugo had one goal: Beat you at least once.
Your goal? Sleep.
And, maybe, tease him a little while you were at it.
Because no matter how hard he tried…
You always won.
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harrywavycurly · 2 days ago
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Narry as dads!!!😍💕
Hiii babes!! Ohhhh I love thinking of Harry and Niall being besties so therefore any kids they have will also be friends! So I hope you enjoy this little blurb!!💖
-want in on ask night? Look here✨
*I went with you just being their bestie! Hope that’s okay also the names of their kids are very random*
Summary: You join your two bestfriends for a day at the park with their kids✨
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“You want me to put my daughter who can’t even crawl yet on the slide? Yeah-not happening Horan.” You stare at Harry who has both hands on his hips, sunglasses in his hair keeping it out of his face, his daughter Grace securely strapped to his chest but most importantly he has a hard glare aimed right at the blue eyed brunette standing next to you.
“Harry it’s a slide what could possibly happen to her while on the slide?”
“She can’t sit up properly so how do you want her to even go down the slide?”
“She’s strapped to your bloody chest Harry! So just go down the damn-”
“Niall James!” You shout his name at the same time you reach over and give the back of his head a nice smack making Harry chuckle while Niall lets out a groan as he turns to look at you.
“What was that for?” Harry rolls his eyes at Niall’s question as he reaches up to slide his sunglasses down over his face.
“Watch your mouth we are at a public park with children around you can’t say things like that.”
“M’sorry but he’s drivin me mental with the helicopter dad routine.” Niall points towards Harry while his attention is still on you. Harry lets out a scoff as he reaches a hand down and gently adjusts the little hat that’s snug on her head keeping her ears warm.
“I’m not a helicopter dad.” You run a hand over your face as Niall turns to give Harry all his attention so they can start the all too familiar argument about if Harry is too protective of his daughter or if Niall isn’t protective enough with his little girl. “I just make sure she’s safe and cozy at all times that’s all.”
“Harry her feet haven’t touched the ground since she was born and that was four months ago.”
“That isn’t true she sits on the floor for tummy time and on her play mat with the fishes she likes to stare at before bed and besides didn’t Angelina trip over a rock the other day and needed not one but two Elsa bandaids for the cut on her knee?”
“Yeah she’s three. She trips. S’what kids do.” As if on queue Niall’s daughter runs over from where she was playing on the jungle gym and tugs on Harry’s pants.
“Hello love.” Harry’s voice has zero hints of annoyance or defensiveness like it did just a moment ago as he looks down at the blue eyed little girl who is smiling up at him with pigtails and a dimple popping out of her cheek.
“C’n she play yet?” Angelina asks in her usual soft sweet tone that normally will get her whatever she wants. Harry looks away from the little girl and down at Grace who started wiggling her fingers and kicking her legs as soon as she heard Angelina’s voice.
“Maybe we can see how she feels about the swing? Would you like to do that?” Angelina just nods quickly before turning around and running off towards the swing set making Harry laugh and Niall turn his focus on watching her to make sure she doesn’t trip over anyone or anything on the way.
Before Harry can take a step in the direction of the swings you walk the short distance over to him and place a hand on his arm. Niall already knows what’s about to happen so he heads off towards the swings so he can help Angelina get comfortable on one and help push her for a bit.
“Let me take her.” Harry doesn’t try to argue with you or tell you no, he just smiles and begins unbuckling her from the carrier so he can hand her to you. “Hello my love how are you? Has your daddy been hogging you all day? I think he has and that’s just rude of him isn’t it?” You coo making her giggle while Harry watches with an amused smile on his face as his bestfriend walks off with his little girl towards the swing.
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dismalflo · 3 days ago
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restless
Remus Lupin x reader who can't sleep ✩ 548 words
cw: fluff, Remus is very sweet, established relationship
an: definitely did not write this when I couldn't sleep last night
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When you begin to rouse from sleep, you can tell it’s still the middle of the night. There’s no soft glow filtering through the curtains, no rustling of the covers beside you. The only proof of someone else in the bed is the faint sound of soft snoring and a warm leg draped over one of your own. 
It feels like you haven’t slept through the night in months. Remus has the same issue, but he always seems to drift back to sleep as soon as he wakes. You, however, are left staring at the ceiling, waiting for day to break
With tight muscles and slow movements, you start to slip out of bed, feeling a little like someone sneaking away from a one-night stand. But this isn’t a one-night stand. It’s your home, and you’ve been lying beside your boyfriend. Just as you sit on the edge of the bed, there’s movement behind you, making you turn.
“Where you going?”, his voice is scratchy and filled with sleep, eyes barely open, squinting at you through the darkness. You wince, not because he isn’t lovely but because you feel bad.
“M’sorry, didn’t mean to wake you,” you whisper, hating the idea of disturbing him. He scrubs a hand over his face, trying to shake off the sleep, then stretches toward your side of the bed, reaching out to touch whatever part of you he can.
“That’s alright, lovely,” he murmurs, his words slurring with fatigue. “Can’t sleep?”
You hum an affirmative and watch as he reaches over to flick on the bedside lamp. Your heart squeezes at the sight of him—tired but still so attentive, the guilt building in your chest
“You can go back to sleep, Rem, I’m fine.”
He looks heartbroken at that, and his response is immediate. “No, not until you do, pretty”.
You suppress a giggle at how he loses his inhibitions when he’s tired, slipping into his flirty side.
You chuckle softly, brushing a piece of hair behind your ear. “You’re sweet, but really, you don’t have to stay awake just for me,” you say, glancing over at him. His eyes are still heavy, though they are beginning to clear.
But he doesn’t back down. His arm stretches across the bed to rest on your waist, pulling you back toward him. "I’m awake now. And if you’re not sleeping, then I’m not sleeping," he insists, his voice a little more steady, though still laced with sleep.
 His warmth is comforting, his hand gently squeezing your waist as if to remind you he’s right here. "You really are something else," you murmur, resting your head against his chest.
He hums in response, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head, his hand beginning to trace slow, soothing circles on your back.
You close your eyes, the motion of his hand settling you into something resembling peace. It’s not sleep, not yet, but it’s enough. His heartbeat under your ear is steady, grounding.
The minutes stretch on, and the tension in your body begins to melt away. The heat from his body seeps into yours, filling the space between you.
Finally, sleep begins to claim you once again, but not before you hear the soft murmur of his voice:
“Love you, dove.”
₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
let me know what you think of this! i appreciate all feedback <3
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rose-writes-for-march · 8 hours ago
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March for More: Are you... stuck?
MASTERPOST
Danny giggles, feeling the sand scrape against his underbelly as he shifts his tail slightly. He’s cramped where he lays under a reef with his fins all bunched up on the rocks. Moving removes only a smidge of his discomfort, but Danny refuses to move, not until he’s won his game.
“DANNY!” The yell calls out again, closer than it’s been in hours, and Danny has to cover his mouth when he sees a black and blue tail dart by his hiding spot. “Where are you, little one? It’s late; please come out!”
Danny thinks Dick sounds too worried for what is just a simple game of hide n’ seek. Though, the older mer is always worried for the silliest things. Just remembering how frantically Dick swims after him whenever he gets too far brings another, louder giggle bubbling up his throat.
For his laughter, Danny is faced with the black and blue tail just outside the opening. “Danny? Baby, was that you? Are you here?” Dick’s tail jerks and sways wildly as he swims around the coral, trying to find Danny’s spot. Danny forgets everything about being quiet to laugh after the third time he sees Dick swim by without seeing him. “Danny, this isn’t funny, please. We have to go!”
Danny still laughs, but he slides every so slightly forward, wincing as his tail catches on the rock. “You’re so silly! I’m right here, see?” He sticks his hand out right as Dick passes by, waving it with a giggle.
“Oh, baby, there you are! You had me worried sick, do you even know how long its been? You missed lunch and everyone has been searching for hours! How did you even get out this far…” Dick grumbles and whines, tail flicking in idle worry as he peers into Danny’s hiding spot. He pauses as he sees the conditions Danny has found himself in. “Are you… stuck?”
Danny huffs, “Of course not! I could’ve left at any point.”
“Right, okay, prove it.”
Danny glares at Dick’s self-assured smile and wiggles his tail, pressing his hands against the rock to push himself forward. “Ouch!” He hisses, relaxing his body to stop the pain in his back. Looking back, he can see a sharp protrusion of rock pressed into his back and wrapped in his fin from all his shuffling.
He can feel the whine in his throat and the answering coo from Dick. “Oh, baby, its okay. Let me help.” He reaches in as Danny ducks his head, gently untangling his fin. “You’ve got to be more careful, Danny. Your fins are still growing, they need gentle care or you won’t be able to swim with all the big mers one day.”
“I know…” he pouts, purring softly as Dick easily slips him out of his hiding spot. “But I was being chased, I didnt know what else to do…”
“Chased? That damn shark again, right? I’ll tell Bruce to deal with it, though maybe Jason is a better option…” Dick hums and haws as he holds Danny to his underbelly, swimming gently forward. Danny knows they’re heading back to the den, can smell his family as they get deeper into their territory.
The little mer lets his eyes close, tired from the exertion and long day. “You’ve gotta stay awake, baby. You still need to eat, remember?” Dick laughs softly, running his claws through Danny’s hair. “Oh, whatever. Sleep, I’ll wake you up once we’re back home.”
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hypernova-writes · 15 hours ago
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I forgot if I asked this one, but Engineer with baby fever?
YES YES YESSSSS GIVE THIS MAN A BABY STAT—
*coughs* excuse me, that was out of line but yall don't know how bad I've been for this texan man recently, like WHOO BOIIIII.
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Baby Fever [Engineer x Reader]
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It all started when you and Engie had a mission together.
The two of you had been dating for around 2 years now, and while you were returning from the mission you decided to stop to a store.
Engineer had strayed away from you to get some drinks for the road and a little snack or two just in case you got hungry when he heard you laughing.
He searched through the aisles looking for you until his eyes landed on you casually talking with a younger woman, while holding what he assumed was the womans baby. You were cooing to the little one, giggling as they tried to pull at your hair. You were smiling as you bounced the little one in your arms.
That just sent his heart racing.
It didn't help that when you got back in the car and headed back on the road that you were talking about how cute the little one was, and what you would do if you had a child on your own.
Now Engineer was a semi rational man, I mean having a child while the two of you were active mercenaries would be a questionable decision but he thinks you two could manage.
Besides, having his own little one running around the base, someone he could teach skills to, and someone to call him Papa..
But now here he was, watching you bend over his desk reaching for something in the workshop, and all he could think about was dropping those pretty shorts he bought you and fucking you til a baby swelled in you.
"Suga'..I was thinkin'.." He starts off as he walks up to you, you chuckle in response, still looking for whatever you were searching for.
"And what is that, HoneyBee? New invention?" You ask as you found what you were looking for, but you were still leaning over the table as now you were examining the object.
You then gasp one you feel your boyfriend press himself up against your behind, his hands going to caress and feel your hips, you bite your bottom lip before sitting up straight. “Honey?..”
“sorry darl’..been thinking..thinking real hard..” He starts as he trails his hands along your body.
“Been thinking about pumpin’ you full of my babies..”
You jolt as but, your face heating up as you turn in his arms. "O-oh?..and what brought this on?.."
Engineer tilts his head. "Seeing you with that baby earlier, it unlocked somethin' in my brain..seeing you be all maternal..wanna see you be like that to our own kids."
He backs you up until you had no choice but to get hiked up onto the work desk. You wrap your arms around his neck and give him a small smile.
"Well..i mean..we could try..?"
Engineer chuckles as he leans close to you, making you lay back on the work desk
"..oh darlin'..you're not gettin' up from this desk til' your fuckin' full of me.."
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Hope you enjoy!!!
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bloodybreakupscene · 5 hours ago
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-> 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓.
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joaquin torres x reader
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ [desc.] :: a short drabble between you and joaquin, from when you first met, to how it's going.
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ [a/n] :: HEEEYYYY it's me after... checks clock... two years?? finally got into writing again soooo expect marvel fics... who's excited for the new daredevil show... and that new spidey show is good too ALSO MARVEL RIVALS–
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you slave away on your computer, dragging and dropping files, typing them up, doing whatever with them! god, you didn't think a government job would have you doing so much boring tedious work. you scroll and scroll onwards and it's a wonder your finger hasn't fallen off yet. ‘i guess i can't see president ross doing any of this stuff.’ you comment to yourself.
joaquin looks at you, well, it lingers– okay he's staring. he always does, he can't help it! ever since you started working here he can't stop. he walks by your office everyday since it's on his way to where he usually works. he's talked to you a couple times, did the thing where you nod to each other to acknowledge the other's presence. you even say good morning! that means you guys are like.. close right? at least work friends.
“so.. i went on a mission, couple days ago. pretty good, beat up a couple guys.” he blurts out, body leaning on your doorway, causing you to looking away from your own computer.
“oh really?”
“yeah.” he brags, “you should've been there, even sam was impressed.”
“i would've liked to, during work i don't look anywhere other than this damn computer,” you laugh.”
“y'know maybe, maybe we could–”
“joaquin, need you out front.” sam wilson calls from his comms, the voice of captain america sounding through the speakers.
“i think he needs you.” you smile at him, he smiles back but he's disappointed again, he wanted to ask you out! for coffee or whatever government coworkers do!
joaquin complains to sam about this later, talking about how he ruined his chances and how he needs to “hop off and let him soar” whatever the hell that meant, sam would've gotten on his case if he didn't scurry away as soon as they arrived back at base. running straight towards your working grounds.
he chills out before walking in the room. checking his hair, face, etc, etc. as he's fixing his uniform, you tap on his shoulder, eliciting a jolt from him.
“hey, whatcha’ waiting for?” you ask wondering why he was looking at his reflection in his blacked out phone screen, seemingly about to walk into your room with no one in it.
“oh, y'know, was waiting for you actually, about earlier i was gonna ask you… if you…” he nervously taps his sides with his hands, chuckling a bit; it's not like… not like he liked you! he just likes looking at you, yeah.. that seemed right. definitely.
“if i..?” you question, voice laced with confusion, but you had an idea of what he was attempting to ask.
“if like, you know, wanna go out with me, do whatever, i like going to the gym, if you couldn't tell.” he holds up his arms, muscles prominent but not bulging.
you can't help but stiffle a giggle, whether it was because of his– albeit– childish attempt at impressing you or because of his overall cuteness is up to debate.
“sure, why not, i'll be off at five…ish? later. we can go get dinner or something.”
“yeah! yeah of course, ill stop by later then, count on it.” he winks, as you walk back into your room. when you closed the door he nearly skipped his way back to his own work base.
after this moment you two became surprisingly close, he wasn't the awkward overcompensater from when you first met. he was genuinely funny, and charming too! wow, what a package deal, you think.
days passed and the situation with the former president is finally over. you're unsettled with it all and you're on your way to joaquin's hospital room. you're upset he got dragged in so far but you did know it was a part of his job, still it made you soured your mood.
“hey joaquin.. how you doing today?” you walk in, sitting by his bed.
“better, thanks.. for being here.” he tries sitting up, groaning in the process.
“don't, you're gonna hurt yourself more.” your hand falls onto his, almost like natural instinct.
“sorry we haven't.. been able to go out lately. didn't think i'd get shot down from the sky.” he laughs, but with only a hint of humor in his actual tone.
you stare at him for a second, looking at his eyes, examining the damage. “you.. no. don't apologize, you'll get better. i know it.”
“can't wait to get outta here, we should get ice cream. i need something sweet or i might die.”
“hmm, to be fair you did almost die.” you lay your head on your hand, leaning closer to him.
“you're right, so that means we gotta go.” he glances at you, noticing your drowsy reddish eyes.
“mhm. m’ tired. didn't sleep last night.”
“why not?” he looks at you concerned.
“worried about you, haha..” you lean off of your hand, head landing on his lap. he watches as you slowly drift to sleep, still holding his hand, fingers interlocked.
his face is slowly fades into a pink color, and he holds your hand tighter, he falls asleep in this state as well, not wanting anything to ruin this moment between the two of you.
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skekthesilly · 2 hours ago
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i love receiving validation. cant believe i have to get permission to keep enjoying the things i like but whatever
WILL BE VERY RAMBLY!! do not expect any coherent thoughts whatsoever
so i really wanna make the fish particles. will have to get around to drawing the ref but i really wanna make the fish particles soon. theyre gonna be muons. ouuughhh i get to gush and obsess over fiiishh... <3
i want them to like. have the bioluminescent markings that seawings (wof) have. thag would make me very happy methinks
they live in the water but. yaknow. we want some rp potential so i def want them to be able to go out of the water. all the goobs are out of the water </3 /silly
ough. oughh. horror stories of particles out late at night being dragged into the depths by a muon... my beloved...
the sciency part of me is going THIS ISNT SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE!!!! THERES NOT ENOUGH PARALELLS TO ACTUAL ATOM SHIT!!!!!! and to that i say SHUT UPP!!!!!!!!!!
pretty sparkly muons that live closer to the surface...... spiky creepy anglerfish looking muons in the deep...... and they're fucking HUGE...... ouughhh. ouuughh. ouuurrrgghhh.
god i love fish. so much.
these are very rough concepts keep in mind. feel free to help me build off of them if youd like. were making this fandom together after all 😁
i feel like they'd be decently strong. they ARE fish. more animalistic than normal particles. in a fight they will bite and scrabble and scratch
ooooooh muon dehydration.... their skin gets all leathery and crackly and. on GOD. smiles evilly. giggles. i wish i could project images onto here with my mind </3 whatever
a school of muons..... sighs dreamily....
"this is my friend surface level muon!!!" friendly glittery pink and blue particle waves at you
"and this is my other friend abyss muon!!!!" eldritch horror
i feel like deeper muons wouldnt really be able to emerge from the surface. which sucks. it would be nice to see a spooky scary muon walking around... somehow..... maybe..... someonell figure that out later somehow
since muons are unstable particles i feel like theyd probably rebirth easily. maybe. i dunno. still wanna have some stringy vague scientific accuracy. somehow.
maybe theyd rebirth easily through strong feelings. like not from fights. maybe feelings. cause theyre more wild than civil
yeag 😁
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tapakah0 · 1 year ago
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@somerandomdudelmao
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