#Best Korean Cafe

[sunkissedlouis]

sunset at 5:21pm

[1eeminho]

if ure in berlin make sure to visit the black hole exhibit its all digital animations with the wildest themes its so beautiful and weird and mesmerizing look it up i beg u

[theasiaverse]

[wangramen]

Looking for Seoul’s Best Korean Ramen Cafes?

Intro

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is renowned for its rich culinary landscape. Among its many food offerings, ramen stands out as a beloved comfort food, drawing locals and visitors alike. For those on the hunt for the best Korean noodles or craving the best Korean ramen, Seoul's ramen cafes offer something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned ramen enthusiast or new to the dish, you'll find that these cafes provide an array of flavors and dining experiences, often at a reasonable ramen noodles price. In this blog, we’ll take you on a delicious journey through some of the top ramen cafes in Seoul, each known for its unique and satisfying ramen creations.

Samgyeopsal Ramen: A Fusion of Flavors

For a distinctive twist on traditional ramen, Samgyeopsal Ramen is a must-visit. This café is celebrated for its rich and savory ramen, featuring a blend of classic ingredients and the best Korean ramen elements. The addition of grilled pork belly, a popular Korean barbecue item, enhances the flavor profile. The combination of tender pork, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles ingredients creates a memorable dining experience. Located at 44 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, this spot is perfect for those looking to explore a fusion of Korean and Japanese culinary traditions.

Yukjeon Dwaeji Ramen: A Spicy Delight

If you’re a fan of spicy food, Yukjeon Dwaeji Ramen will surely impress. Known for its bold flavors and spicy pork ramen, this café is a favorite among locals who crave a fiery kick in their bowl. Their instant noodle bowl features a broth that is both hearty and spicy, making it a top choice for those seeking the best Korean ramen in town. Complemented by tender pork slices and a variety of fresh vegetables, this ramen food is a great spot to enjoy a satisfying and spicy meal. Situated at 33-4 Eulji-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Yukjeon Dwaeji Ramen offers a flavorful experience that stands out in Seoul’s ramen scene.

Ramen Nagi

Ramen Nagi, a well-known Japanese ramen chain, has made its mark in Seoul with its customizable ramen options. This café offers a range of broths and toppings, allowing diners to create their perfect bowl of ramen. Whether you prefer a rich tonkotsu or a lighter shoyu broth, Ramen Nagi caters to all tastes. For those seeking the best instant ramen noodles, their offerings stand out for their quality and flavor. Additionally, their ramen noodle soup options provide a delightful experience for ramen lovers. Located on the 1st Floor of 67-1 Gangnam-daero 96-gil, Gangnam-gu, Ramen Nagi provides a blend of Japanese ramen tradition and contemporary dining, making it a top choice for the best Korean ramen experience in Seoul.

Noodle Tree

For a modern take on traditional ramen, Noodle Tree is a standout choice among ramen brands. This café is known for its innovative dishes, combining traditional ramen with fresh, high-quality ingredients to create unique ramen flavors. Their menu features a variety of ramen bowls, each with a unique twist, showcasing some of the best Korean ramen options in the city. The stylish setting and creative approach make Noodle Tree a popular spot for foodies and casual diners alike. You’ll find it at 23 Apgujeong-ro 62-gil, Gangnam-gu, where modern dining meets classic flavors.

Bari Ramen

Bari Ramen has gained a reputation for its rich and flavorful tonkotsu ramen. This café’s signature Bari Ramen features a creamy and savory pork broth, topped with tender slices of pork, green onions, and other fresh ingredients. For those who enjoy experimenting with ramen noodle recipes, Bari Ramen offers a comforting bowl of ramen that keeps patrons coming back for more. Whether you're looking for instant ramen recipes or seeking the best Korean ramen, Bari Ramen provides a satisfying experience that highlights the essence of high-quality ramen. Located at 3-1 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Bari Ramen is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts.

Myeongdong Kyoja

While Myeongdong Kyoja is primarily known for its kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), their ramen dishes are also worth a try. The café’s ramen offerings are crafted with the same care and attention as their famous kalguksu, resulting in a delicious and satisfying Korean ramen bowl. Myeongdong Kyoja is located at 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, making it a convenient stop for a delightful ramen experience in the heart of the city.

Menya Sandaime 

Menya Sandaime is renowned for its rich tonkotsu ramen, which features a deep and flavorful pork broth, offering an experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. The café’s commitment to traditional ramen techniques ensures a high-quality dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. If you're curious about ramen prices in Seoul, Menya Sandaime provides great value for the quality and authenticity of its dishes. The tender noodles, combined with the hearty broth and fresh toppings, create a bowl of ramen that is both satisfying and flavorful, rivaling even the best good instant ramen available in the market. For those seeking an authentic taste of Japanese-style ramen, Menya Sandaime, located on the 3rd Floor of 33-1 Gangnam-daero 102-gil, Gangnam-gu, is a must-visit destination.

Hakata Ippudo

Hakata Ippudo is a renowned ramen chain from Japan, celebrated for its classic Hakata-style ramen, and often considered one of the best Korean ramen spots in Seoul. The café’s menu features a rich and savory tonkotsu broth, perfectly paired with noodles and a variety of toppings that satisfy any ramen enthusiast. Whether you're searching for spicy ramen noodles near me or just craving a comforting bowl of traditional ramen, Hakata Ippudo delivers an exceptional dining experience. The sleek and modern ambiance further enhances your meal, making it a must-visit spot on the 4th Floor of 155-4 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu.

Gogi Ramen

Gogi Ramen stands out for its impressive variety of ramen flavors, particularly focusing on meat options like beef and pork. This café offers a diverse range of ramen dishes, each showcasing different types of meat paired with flavorful broths that highlight the essence of each ingredient. Whether you’re craving a rich beef ramen or a hearty pork ramen, Gogi Ramen has something for everyone. This makes it one of the top spots for meat lovers seeking the best ramen flavors in Seoul. Additionally, if you're a fan of exploring different ramen options, you'll appreciate that Gogi Ramen is an excellent place to compare with the best instant ramen noodles available on the market. Located at 32 Sinchon-ro 2-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Gogi Ramen is a must-visit destination for those who love savory, meat-based ramen dishes.

Aori Ramen

Aori Ramen is renowned for its spicy miso ramen noodle soup, which is both flavorful and fiery. The café’s signature ramen features a rich, spicy miso broth, complemented by a variety of unique toppings that elevate this dish beyond the ordinary. For those who enjoy ramen with a bit of heat, Aori Ramen is the ultimate destination. Unlike your typical instant noodle bowl, the ramen here is crafted with care, ensuring a robust and satisfying dining experience. Located at 9-1 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Aori Ramen offers a spicy twist on traditional ramen that you won’t want to miss.

Wang House - Korean Street Food Cafe in India

While Seoul boasts an impressive array of ramen cafes, you don’t have to travel to Korea to enjoy authentic Korean ramen. Wang House - Korean Street Food Cafe in India offers a taste of Korea with its extensive ramen menu, including favorites like Spicy Veg Ramen and Hot and Spicy Chicken Ramen. Located in Delhi, Haryana Kerala, and other Cities. Wang House brings the essence of Korean street food to India, providing a delightful culinary experience for those craving genuine Korean flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional ramen bowl or a modern twist, Wang House offers a delicious way to explore Korean cuisine without leaving the country.

Conclusion

Seoul’s ramen scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From rich tonkotsu broths to spicy miso creations, the ramen cafes in Seoul offer a wide range of flavors and styles to explore. Whether you're interested in discovering new ramen dishes or curious about the ramen noodles prices at various spots, Seoul has something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these top ramen spots promise a delicious adventure through Seoul’s vibrant culinary landscape. If you’re in India and want to taste authentic Korean ramen, you can try options like Shin Ramyun, Buldak Bokkeum Myun, Jin Ramen, or Neoguri. Additionally, Wang House - Korean Street Food Cafe in India brings the essence of Korean ramen to you, offering an authentic experience without having to travel. So grab your chopsticks and dive into a bowl of the best ramen Seoul has to offer!

[greatlistuae]

Exploring the Chef and Restaurateur Profiles on GreatList: A Deeper Dive into Dubai's Culinary Masters

When dining out, the focus often lies on the food, the ambiance, and the overall experience. However, the true magic of a memorable meal often comes from the creative minds working tirelessly behind the scenes—the chefs and restaurateurs who bring their unique visions to life. At GreatList, we believe that understanding the stories, philosophies, and inspirations of these culinary masters can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. That’s why we’ve introduced an exclusive feature on our platform: Chef and Restaurateur Profiles.

What Are Chef and Restaurateur Profiles?

Our Chef and Restaurateur Profiles are an insightful addition to GreatList, designed to give diners a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary talents who make Dubai's dining scene so vibrant. These profiles offer a deep dive into the backgrounds, career journeys, and creative inspirations of the chefs and restaurateurs featured on our platform.

Why They Matter

Understanding the person behind the plate adds a layer of richness to your dining experience. When you know the story of a chef who has spent years mastering a particular cuisine or the restaurateur who has curated a dining space with a specific vision, each bite becomes more meaningful. You gain insight into the passion and dedication that goes into every dish, transforming your meal from just another dinner into a culinary journey.

What You Can Discover

In-Depth Biographies: Learn about the career paths of these culinary artists, from their early beginnings to their rise in the industry. Discover how their experiences have shaped the menus and concepts that diners enjoy today.

Culinary Philosophies: Get to know the guiding principles that influence how these chefs and restaurateurs approach food. Whether it’s a commitment to sustainable sourcing, a passion for innovation, or a love for traditional techniques, these philosophies shine through in the dishes they create.

Signature Dishes and Inspirations: Explore the inspiration behind some of the most iconic dishes served at Dubai's top restaurants. Understanding what drives a chef to create a particular dish can deepen your appreciation for the flavors and techniques used.

Exclusive Interviews: Gain access to interviews where chefs and restaurateurs share their thoughts on the future of dining, the trends they’re excited about, and what they’re planning next for their restaurants.

How to Use This Feature

Next time you’re browsing GreatList to find your next dining destination, take a moment to explore the Chef and Restaurateur Profiles associated with the restaurants on your shortlist. Whether you’re intrigued by a particular chef’s culinary journey or drawn to a restaurateur’s vision, these profiles will give you a deeper connection to the dining experience.

Imagine dining at a seafood restaurant where you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also appreciate the history, passion, and artistry that went into creating it. This added context can make your dining experience truly exceptional.

Conclusion

At GreatList, we’re committed to enhancing every aspect of your dining journey. Our Chef and Restaurateur Profiles are just one of the many ways we aim to do that. So, the next time you’re planning a night out, don’t just choose a restaurant—choose a story, choose an experience, choose GreatList.

[kikidoul]

── LET ME LOVE YOU.

ヾ(´︶`♡)ﾉ 西村力 x fem! reader content ᥫ᭡ warning explicit sexual content friends to lovers best friend! riki riki's fed up with reader unprotected sex (whoops!) pussy eating fingering riding squirting slight mean! riki slight degrading (no usage of slut/whore dw) . . .!? 2679 — mlist. part one

note. i'm a person of my words so here is the promised part two! shit ending because i don't wanna drag this longer than it already is... taglist. @tfwbluu @hoonstqr @riqomi @en-chantedtomeetyou @delirioastral @highway-143

It has been five months since your best friend took your virginity. Five months of him not talking to one another. Within those five months, you found yourself in a romantic relationship with a guy—Dongha. He was everything one would wish for in an ideal boyfriend. He was patient, kind, understanding and loyal. He never tried anything that made you feel uncomfortable and he was perfectly content with moving at your pace—something you greatly appreciated. However, your mind couldn’t help but wander towards Riki. 

Everytime you were going on dates with Dongha, your thoughts were completely filled with Riki. Oh, there’s a dog that’s the same breed as Bisco? Riki. You saw someone dressed in a similar way as him? Riki. You’re at a cafe and you saw a drink that is Riki’s favorite? Riki. In conclusion, you could see him everywhere you go and you weren’t sure how much longer you could do this. Currently, you were at a Korean restaurant with Dongha but just like always, you couldn’t find it in yourself to listen to what your boyfriend was saying. 

“(Name), we need to talk,” he sighed when he realized you weren’t listening to a single word he had said. The one sentence was enough to snap you out of your thoughts. 

“What is it?” You asked. 

Dongha placed his chopsticks down. “Look, don’t get the wrong idea; I love you, I really do and it was fun spending my time with you. But, I believe that deep down, you and I both know your heart already belongs to someone else.” 

You froze, visibly caught off-guard. “I…” 

He gave you an understanding smile, shaking off your words. “It’s fine, I’m not mad. I just thought it’s unfair for you and him.” 

You don’t even have to ask who he was referring to. You merely nodded your head, gripping onto your own chopsticks. “Dongha, I-” 

“It’s fine, I just wish the both of you happiness and if you get married, I expect an invitation to your ceremony,” he joked, managing to make you laugh. 

With that, you left the restaurant with newfound determination. The determination to find Riki, have a much-needed talk and apologize to him. Your legs acted by instinct, taking the same route to his home. It was only when you stopped by his closed door was when you realized you were nervous. Your fingers trembled as you raised your left hand, gently knocking on the door, swinging back and forth on your heels while waiting. Your ears picked up approaching, heavy footsteps and when it swung open, your breath was taken away from the sight before you. 

Just like before, Riki was dressed in a black tank top with his signature pair of gray sweatpants that hung dangerously low around his hips. You swore you could see his Calvin Kleins peeking but you were interrupted from your best friend clearing his throat. He arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms while leaning against the doorframe. 

“What are you doing here, (Name)? I thought you’re busy with that boyfriend of yours?” He asks, malice evident in his voice at the usage of the word ‘boyfriend’. 

You shuffled your feet about. “I…I broke up with him.” 

Silence. 

You dared to raise your head, looking at him and was greeted with surprise written all over his face. His eyes widened slightly, crossed arms lowered as he stared at you. Riki blinks, regaining his composure and scowling, the previous coldness now back. You weren’t sure why but it hurts. You hated the way he looked at you—like you were nothing but a mere stranger in his eyes. 

“You can’t do this to me,” he snarled, frustration seeping into his voice. 

You yelped when he tugged you in, slamming the door closed and pushing you up against it. His grip on your right arm tightened, his free hand moving to grip your chin, forcing you to look at him. You nervously gulped at flames of anger and something akin to uncertainty, burning in his eyes. Riki leans down, using his height to his advantage until your noses graze against one another. 

“You can’t just waltz in here like nothing happened,” he hissed. “You were the one who asked for my help, only to tell me we should remain as friends? And now, what? You came running back, all because that boytoy of yours couldn’t please you? I’m not letting you use me again.”

The more he speaks, the more you could detect the hurt in his voice and you felt like you’ve been dumped in a pail of freezing, cold water. You were angry at yourself, angry for not noticing how Riki felt towards you at the start. You took a deep breath to calm your nerves and faced him. 

“Riki, look, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not knowing that you love me. I’m sorry for being an ass, alright? But, you have to believe me; Dongha and I broke up on good terms. He knows about us.” 

He eyes you, an unreadable expression on his face before he crashes your lips together, swallowing your noise of surprise. The way he kissed you felt like you were being devoured whole. It was messy, teeth clanking against one another as your tongues danced a passionate dance that only lovers know. Except, you weren’t lovers. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer, unable to bear the thought of being separated from him. Riki tapped your thigh twice and you jumped. He easily caught you, carrying you to his bedroom without breaking the kiss. 

Your back hit the soft mattress and Riki was quick to follow suit, hovering over you with hands resting on both sides of your head. You were the first to break the kiss, lips bruised and swollen, panting to catch your breath. Riki, on the other hand, couldn’t tear his eyes away from you. He searched your face for any sign of hesitation, that he had crossed the line and misunderstood you. 

“Are you sure you want this? Because I can’t let you go again,” he murmured, cupping your face in his hands. Your eyelids fluttered shut, leaning into his touch. 

“I’m sure, Riki. I want this. I want you,” you replied and that was enough to grant him the green light. 

He kissed you again and this time, it was more desperate and urgent—like he was pouring out his feelings through the kiss. You tried your best to return the gesture, mewling into his greedy mouth as he swallowed the sounds you made, like it was a five-course meal served to him on a golden platter. His hands traced your body, snaking underneath the barricade of your shirt, pushing it up and up, until he had to break the kiss to get rid of it. Riki pulled you back in for another kiss, already drunk on your addictive taste.

He made quick work of your shorts, only leaving you in your matching bra and panties. You had to break the kiss at how your lungs were screaming for oxygen. Riki took the chance to kiss down your neck, hand smoothly unbuckling your bra with one hand and wasted no time in capturing your right nipple in his mouth. You let out a yelp, gripping onto his hair and pushing your chest towards his mouth, whimpering at how he fiddled with your other nipple with his free hand, giving both equal attention. 

“Ngh, Riki, stop teasing,” you whined, lips curling down in a pout when his eyes flickered up. 

The corners of his lips tugged upward in a teasing smirk, his hand moving to boldly slide his hand underneath your panties, fingers tracing along your folds. He groaned when he felt you dripping over his fingers, the thought making his cock twitched in the constraints of his sweatpants. As much as he wished to keep teasing you, he too was reaching his limit. Pulling away from your now saliva-covered nipples, he removed the remains of your clothes, doing the same for him. 

Riki shuffled down until he was on his knees and elbows, throwing your legs over his shoulders. He spared one final glance in your direction before diving in. The moment his lips touched your clit was the moment you moaned out loud, the sound bouncing off the walls of his bedroom. You gripped onto the pillow, mind going hazy as he alternated between kitten licks and long swipes of his tongue. The sensation of the wet, slimy muscle against your clit was driving you insane. He continued, pushing you to the edge and when he felt you were close to cumming, he pulled away. 

“What the fuck?” You raised your head, flashing him an incredulous look but he merely raised an eyebrow, taunting you.  “Riki, I swear to God, if you don’t do something, I’m leaving.” 

Silence.

He laughed—the sound sending shivers down your spine in an unsettling way. Your only warning was his eyes darkening a shade before he gripped your chin in a vice-like grip, nails digging into your skin. You winced, knowing that he’ll be leaving indents behind. He pushed you deeper into the mattress, shoving his knee in between your legs and you flinched at the fabric of his sweatpants directly touching your sensitive clit. 

“What? You’re leaving and going to find someone else to fuck you, is that it?” He sneers, malice dripping from his words. 

You couldn’t speak, speechless with the sudden change of behavior from Riki. You’ve never seen him like this before, looking down at you, like you were nothing compared to him. He smirked at how you went silent, purposely flexing his thigh against your clit, the action eliciting a needy whine from you. 

“Please,” you begged in your dazed state, unsure of what you were even asking for but Riki was able to read your mind. 

He cocked his head to the side, a knowing glint shown in his eyes. “Please what? Tell me what you want and I’ll give it to you, hm?”

You shot him a glare but it wasn’t as effective as it was with your teary eyes. “Fuck me, please?”

He groaned, pulling his knee away—much to your disappointment. You were about to make a noise of protest when the voice died in your throat, watching as he made quick work of his clothes. You gripped onto the pillow underneath you as Riki wrapped a hand around his hard, upright cock, slowly pumping himself and using the already leaking precum as lubricant. You raised your hips, allowing him to slide another pillow beneath while he spread your legs, aligning himself against your entrance. 

A loud, shameless moan was ripped from the depths of your throat as he slowly pushed in, inch by inch. You swore he was rearranging your insides to fit the girth and silhouette of his cock. It felt like eternity by the time he bottomed out. Riki, on the other hand, nearly cum right there and then when he felt how tight you were. It was like your walls were clinging onto him, refusing to let him go. He dryly swallowed, resisting the tempting urge to pound into you with no mercy and chose to rub circles on your hips to distract himself. 

“You good?” He asks, furrowing his eyebrows. 

You nodded, shifting your position slightly, drawing gasps from the both of you at how his cock kissed your sensitive spot. “I..I’m good, you can move.” 

Riki’s eyes flickered down, unable to tear them away while he pulled out until his tip was still inside and pushed back in without warning. The sudden action elicited a high-pitched keen from you and determined to hear more, he increased his pace, showing no signs of stopping. Sounds of skin slapping against skin echoed amongst the four walls of his bedroom. The bedframe smacks against the wall at an equal interval. Riki was certain he’d be getting a noise complaint from the neighbours but he didn’t care about it now, not when he finally had you in his bed again. 

Your back arched off the bed, head tilted back to reveal your neck. It was only right for Riki to lean down, planting kisses while leaving hickeys behind—a physical claim that you were taken by him. You let out what sounds to be a mixture of a sob and whimper at how his cock kept hitting the same spot, over and over again, making you see stars in your vision. Wrapping your arms around his shoulders, you dug your nails into his skin—leaving indents behind. 

“Did that boyfriend of yours fucked you like I did?” Riki taunts, lips hovering near your left ear. He smirked at how you clenched down on his words. “Does he know that you came to me, begging me to fuck you?” 

“R-Riki,” you whined, mind borderline going delirious with how good it felt, making you wonder how you had survived without experiencing this. “Please, ngh, wanna cum.” 

“Yeah? Does my princess wanna cum? I don’t think you deserve it though,” he hums, leaning back so he could get a clear look on your face. 

In a blink of an eye, Riki switched your movements, resulting in you sitting on his lap with him still inside you while he leaned against the bed frame, the pillow squashed behind him. He grinned at how you owlishly blinked your eyes, confused. 

“If you want to cum, then you gotta work for it,” he said, hands resting on your hips. 

You huffed, hands moving to his stomach to support yourself. Raising yourself a little, you slammed back down, biting down on your lip at how heavenly it felt. You started at a slow pace, your thigh muscles already screaming and aching in pain. Riki merely watched, eyes darkening a shade at how erotic the sight was. You continued and when he saw signs of you struggling, he dug his feet into the mattress and thrusted upwards without warning. 

“Fuck!” You cried out, not expecting it. 

Riki continues thrusting into you from below, eyes greedily drinking in how you were falling apart with every thrust. All it took was one final, powerful snap of his hips for you to reach your orgasm. Your body trembled from the intensity as warm, transparent liquid gushed from your cunt, staining your sweaty bodies and the sheets. Riki was quick to follow suit, releasing his load inside you, making you whine at how full you felt. 

You ended up collapsing on top of him, drawing an “oof” from Riki, who patted your head like you were a child. He gently pulled out, rolling you to the side so he could get up. However, he was stopped when you grabbed his wrist, making him stop in place. He looked over his shoulder, noting the faint uncertainty in your eyes. 

“..Where are you going?” You muttered, sounding almost afraid that he was leaving. 

His eyes softened. “I need to clean us up. I’ll be right back.” 

He delivers a sweet kiss to your forehead before heading to the bathroom, reappearing a few seconds later with damp towels. Riki took extra care in wiping you down, even carrying and helping you to wear his fresh, clean clothes. He removed the dirtied sheets—seeing the stains made your cheeks flushed red, replacing them with clean ones and only threw on boxers and sweatpants. You returned to bed, leaving some distance between the two of you as you stared at the ceiling. 

“Now what? What does this make us?” Riki asks, feeling a sense of deja vu from his question. 

You turned to him, giving him a soft smile. “Now, we’re a couple. Unless you’re against the idea.” 

His shoulders sagged with relief, pulling you closer towards him—drawing a squeak from you when your face was pressed against his shoulder. “No, of course not. I’ve waited for this moment for so long. You have no idea what you do to me.” 

Laughing, you kissed his shoulder. “I think I do.” 

[jjkbambi]

can i rec lulu dating a humanities major, specifically english/professional writing? i saw someone say that he’d love a partner who wasn’t into CS so he could learn more about their viewpoint on things, and i think with how much he likes to read, he’d find them rly special💌

luigi as your college crush ˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚

<3 meeting you @ book club! he always recommends strange nonfictions (last time he suggested you all read the unabomber’s manifesto?), so it’s not too hard to get your attention.

<3 very small hi hellos at first, you think he’s too smart and he thinks you’re too pretty

<3 notices you always get iced lattes before showing up to meetings, so he starts showing up to the same cafe hoping to run into u even tho he doesn’t like coffee

<3 when you do finally run into each other he acts like it’s some sort of a huge coincidence, smiling ear-to-ear while asking you how your day is.

<3 you’re like what’d you order and he’s like “ i didn’t order anything 🤓 coffee kills! it’s overpriced and addictive and- ”

wait so why are u here???

“the ambiance!!!”🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

<3 walking you to meetings, insists on walking you home, and now he’s insistent on carrying your books around campus, even when it’s just a small notebook—it’s the gentlemanly thing to do

<3 and once he gets enough yes’s out of you, he’s around you all the time, texting you nonstop

<3 he’s honestly kinda weird

from luigi Are you in the humanities building right now?

to luigi no I didn’t go to class today

3 missed calls from luigi

<3 always looking over your shoulder when you pull out your phone

<3 inviting you on his morning runs so you get to see him shirtless

<3 if you can’t make it to the morning runs, he shows up to ur dorm after shirtless and SWEATY with your morning coffeee!!!

<3 god forbid you mention your ex-boyfriend or situationship. his face drops immediately and he’s immediately made a mental note to look him up later

<3 ur ex liked to cook??? all of a sudden his goodreads is flooded w an unprecedented amount of cookbooks. none of ur exes have facial hair??? he’s shaveddddd down. ur ex is in the most popular frat on campus??? luigi just joined the one across the street and pays for the most expensive djs and catering … ur ex plays for the penn football team??? the coach just found coke in his backpack :3

<3 doesn’t really use instagram but is always active after you post

<3 introducing himself to your parents on friends and family day, particularly smiley when your parents ask you if you’re dating

<3 + 1 million confidence increase once he knows your parents like him. expect a bunch of stuff like “your mom said you didn’t like seafood?!?!” when did you and my mom talk about that?!!!!

<3 obsessed with touching you. your hair your hands your waist

<3 is so scared to ask you out

<3 not too scared to tell everyone he knows that you’re already dating. and he knows a lot of people

you’re always on call with him like pep, everyone thinks we’re dating T-T and he’s just like yeah Lol super weird 🤗

<3 sometimes he can’t make plans bc hes been dealing w a lot of back pain lately so you suggest going to a korean spa downtown together!

<3 trying his best to look away from you in the sauna

<3 so fucking hard underneath his robe he has to “leave” “to take a call”

after a while you call him and ask him where he went but he doesn’t answer

from luigi Come to the showers

[hrrtshape]

Hello there ❤️ would you share how you spent vday in your dr?

how valentine’s day was in my better cr : a novella, a fever dream, an aesthetic experience, a love story to end all love stories

monday, tuesday : civilian behaviour. school, the humdrum, the daily grind, except coryo is the chauffeur of my suburban dreams, picking me up in the mornings like a perfectly curated boyfriend playlist, and we drive to school, me, unbothered, in the passenger seat of destiny. i love hiiimmmm. but wednesday. wednesday !!!

5pm. the text : pack some things. vague, thrilling, mysterious ???? like a mission briefing, but sexy. i throw my essentials into a bag because intuition tells me that valentine's day will be an event. at 7pm, he picks me up. drives me to the airport. his jet. HIS JET. no hints, no peeks, just the casual absurdity of a seven-hour flight into the abyss of love. i fall asleep on his shoulder like a tragic heroine, a modern-day sleeping beauty, only to be carried (yes, carried !!!!!!!! he's my prince charming) to the car when we land at 4am in paris. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.

the ritz. the hemingway suite. i mean, come ON. i am in sweats, barely lucid, but my god, does he know me. paris at 4am is a whisper, a love letter, an empty museum of its own beauty. we sleep another six hours in the kind of sheets that feel like being swaddled by luxury itself. then, valentine’s day begins.

10am . . . breakfast in bed : croissants, honey, mimosas, little tea cakes that taste like poetry. he gifts me a heart-shaped pandora charm with diamonds, and i think, ‘sweet, simple.’ except, no. there is more. I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM.

12pm . . . musée d'orsay, because of course he knows me. at a cafe, he sneaks another charm onto the coffee plate. a beauty and the beast rose. i stare at him like he invented romance. i am giggling. i am twirling my hair. i am about to FAINT from love.

1pm . . . rue saint-honoré. he drags me into miu miu (i want to sob), buys me the little nappa hair clips, and then clips one into my hair outside before kissing my forehead. this man is a disease and i am not looking for a cure. I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM. he's almost about to drag me into louis vuitton and i'm making a run from it because i'd marry him. which is bad because we're 17 !!!!! no marriage !!!

2pm . . . ilang. my favourite restaurant. a shrine to my good taste (no, seriously, if you're in paris...go there ASAP. they have the best best bessssssstttttt korean food).

then, the champs-élysées, where pda levels reach new highs, where he buys me a box of ladurée macarons and matching love bracelets. this is sickening. i have to reciprocate. i buy him an acne studios scarf to match his coat and my miu miu bag, because symmetry is key in love and fashion. i love hiiimmmm. i can barely stand it.

4pm . . . we share airpods, clairo’s ‘juna’ plays, he spins me around on the street, and at this point, i am beyond salvation. send help. (don’t send help.) I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM. he takes like 100 pictures of me, and i swat him a few times. like....tenderly.

dinner : a boat restaurant, eiffel tower views, romance so potent it should be illegal. dessert comes with a love letter. this man. this fucker. i hate him. i love him. (six times over.) actually, seven. i love hiiimmmm.

by the time we're walking back to our hotel, he wraps his scarf around my hair like i'm a 60s french heroine.

11pm . . . we get back. and.

morning. . . i wake up : first, kiss him on the cheek, shift back.

et voilà. a love story, a weekend, a work of art, a religious experience. i will never be the same. i love hiiimmmm. endlessly.

[melancholy-of-nadia]

behind hidden pages (m) | jjk

title: behind hidden pages (pilot series) pairing: art student!jungkook x writer!reader(f)  rating/genre: m(18+) ; fluff, smut ; college / grad / coffee shop au summary: after being ghosted by your boyfriend with him disappearing off to a different country, it's not an understatement to say that it really crushed your heart and eagerness to ever be in a relationship again. well, good thing is that it leads to your first ever bestselling novel and peacefully working at your best friend jimin's cafe! however, someone appears out of nowhere to disturb your simple little life. enter: jungkook, a handsome young man with a hidden side to him who suddenly moves into the studio below you. when your paths collide and your heart is shaken by him, what more lies underneath the surface which will lead to more emotional turmoil?! warnings: no actual warnings for this pilot as it's very tame, but if I continue it, there will be: eventual smut (which you won't have to wait too long for it to happen), a lot of s*xual tension, a lot of smut, caught masturb*ting, dom! jk, jungkook's clingyness 50x, jungkook body worshiping reader heavily, exhibitionism, pwp, potential threesome, cheating (not jungkook or reader), best friend! jimin, ex boyfriend! seokjin, everyone's traits are slightly exaggerated/a bit out of character, a bit of angst note: loosely based on the korean novel and webtoon, trash's circumstance, i read it and thought this would make an interesting (and very messy, drama-filled) BTS AU but changed some aspects. i decided to write one chapter of it to see what you all think as a "pilot", and based on your response, I'll probably continue it. total word count: 5.3k drop date: February 16th, 2025 5pm pst ao3 link –

"A tenant will be moving into the basement today," Jimin says, his voice casual as he starts on an espresso order. The hiss of the steaming wand fills the air.

"The basement?" You glance up from your clipboard, where you've been noting inventory. Your fingers hover over the bags of coffee beans before you start counting them out loud.

"Yeah, so get rid of all your stuff down there," he continues. "It's all trash."

You pause mid-count, narrowing your eyes at him. "You do know there's one box that belongs to Kim Seokjin."

"I know," he says, unfazed, tamping the espresso with practiced ease. "So just clean it up."

"Because he's my ex?"

"Obviously."

"Rude." Jimin smirks, entirely unbothered, before his expression shifts into something borderline angelic. With a practiced smile, he slides a cup across the counter. "Your espresso is ready! And here's a cookie—on the house!" he says, voice suddenly dripping with warmth as he hands it to the customer.

The customer beams, thanking him before heading to their table, completely unaware of the menace lurking beneath that sweet façade. You, however, know better. Jimin has always been like this—blunt, sweet, and on occasion, bordering on heartless, but never without good intentions. You’ve known him since college, back when you were just another over-caffeinated lit student drowning in deadlines, and he was the pre-law major guy who somehow had everything together. He was charming in that effortless way—always quick with a teasing remark, but also the kind of friend who showed up when you needed him, no questions asked.

After graduating, while you floundered between odd jobs and your dream of becoming a writer, Jimin went ahead and made something of himself after working at a law firm. He opened this café, built a life around it, and when you were struggling, he gave you a place to stay. Rent-free, no strings attached—except for the occasional demand that you work the counter when he was understaffed, which, honestly, was often.

And now, apparently, he's renting out the basement. You roll your eyes, which Jimin catches immediately. "Y/N, stop spacing out and take out the trash," he chides, already moving on to his next order.

With an exaggerated sigh, you grab the garbage bags and push through the back door. The moment you step outside, the heat wraps around you like an oppressive blanket. Cicadas drone endlessly, their hum rising and falling in waves, amplifying the stillness of the afternoon.

As you toss the trash into the bin, your gaze drifts toward the basement windows. The glass is smudged with dust, the interior barely visible through the faint reflections of the street. The idea of someone actually living down there feels… strange. 

For the past three years, the basement has been nothing but a forgotten space, cluttered with boxes, old café equipment, and—most importantly—traces of Kim Seokjin.

It’s at this moment that Jimin’s words echo in your mind: Get rid of all your stuff.

He wants you to clean it out, but just the thought of it exhausts you. Maybe he needs the extra rent money, though it’s hard to imagine him struggling financially.

Still, why now? Why suddenly rent out a place that’s been abandoned for so long?

That space has been nothing more than a storage room—a place where things go to be forgotten, including the remnants of your past with Seokjin.

You met Seokjin when he was fresh out of college, preparing for his master’s in literature. He had this quiet confidence, the kind that made people naturally gravitate toward him. Handsome, soft-spoken, kind—someone everyone admired. And somehow, for reasons you still don’t fully understand, he chose you.

Not that you were insecure. You weren’t clingy, and he was always faithful. Your relationship was easy, steady—comfortable in a way that made you believe it would last at least three years of quiet stability.

Until one day, without warning, he left.

Jimin had dismissed it as a submersible breakup—a term he coined for relationships that sink silently, without a fight or a final word. Which felt, exactly like that.

It was during that time, while you were drowning in the wreckage, that Jimin, with all the money he’d stacked up working as a top-notch lawyer, decided to buy this building.

A quiet place in a calm residential neighborhood of Seoul.

This building which ended up becoming your home.

The second floor, where you lived.

The first floor, where the ”Butterfly by Jimin” cafe was born.

And the basement, once a roasting room and a storage space—now, supposedly, someone’s future studio.

Jimin had called it financial therapy.

"A new home, a new job," he’d said. "There's nothing like financial therapy to heal the wounds of a heart broken person."

You scoff, because he wasn’t even the one who was experiencing one of the worse lows of their life.

But a new home?

A new job?

It had actually worked. Maybe that, and the book you wrote in the aftermath—Falling Moon Under the Bridge—becoming a surprise bestseller had been enough to pull you forward.

You’ve come so far, running in the opposite direction of your past. And yet, the weight of it lingers, like dust unsettled in the basement.

With a deep breath, you turn back toward the café, deciding that you’ll clean it out later. Since your shift ended, you head upstairs to get changed before you meet with your publisher later that afternoon for your audiobook’s recording session. 

But just as you step inside, the bell above the door chimes.

A waft of something mild drifts through the air.

Fabric softener?

You glance toward the entrance just as a man walks in, catching only the back of him before looking away.

"I love the fabric softener scent, but it doesn’t mix well with the humid summer heat."

You arrive at the recording studio in the late afternoon, the faint hum of music equipment and muffled voices filtering through the hallway as you find the right room. This is where you’re meeting with your publisher, Kim Taehyung. 

Taehyung, like Jimin, is an upperclassman friend from college. Since you were both in the literature department, you worked on a bunch of projects together as literary apprentices under your old mentor, Professor Jeon. He was brutal, and pushed you both hard during undergrad. But looking back, you know it was worth it. His strict guidance and high standards helped shaped your writing today.

After graduating, Taehyung started working as an intern at a publishing company, and now, well, he's one of the head publishers there. It’s crazy to think about how far he’s come, but honestly, it’s not surprising. He always had this sharp eye for detail and a way with words that made his work stand out.

After locating the room, you step inside and are immediately greeted by Taehyung, his signature easygoing smile lighting up his face as he holds out a familiar yellow carton of banana milk.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice, Y/N," he says, his voice warm and appreciative as he presses the cold carton into your hands. "I really needed your insight on this. You always have such a unique perspective, and I didn’t want to make any big decisions without running it by you first."

You smile, accepting the drink and taking a seat in one of the plush chairs near the recording booth. Slipping the straw through the foil, you take a sip, savoring the familiar cold, sweet taste of the banana milk. "No worries at all," you reply, leaning back comfortably. "I’m actually really glad to be here. I’ve never sat in on an audiobook recording before. When does it start?"

Taehyung glances at his watch, his expression brightening. "Just in a bit! I’m having a friend of mine handle the narration. He’s got this incredible voice, and honestly, he was highly recommended by Professor Jeon. I think he’s going to bring something really special to the project."

As Taehyung speaks, you flip through the script he handed you earlier, scanning the highlighted passages and margin notes. Your best-selling book’s first half is from the point of view of a man named Haneul, who has a near-death experience and begins seeing a specific woman, Seo Yul in his dreams every night. Determined to find her in real life, he embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

You’ve always had a vague image of Haneul in your mind—his mannerisms, his voice, the way he carries himself. But could there actually be someone out there to fit his voice. The door to the recording studio opens with a soft click, pulling you from your thoughts. The sound of footsteps shuffles into the room, accompanied by the faint rustle of fabric and the clink of ice in a cup. A cool breeze from the hallway briefly sweeps in before the door closes again.

"Sorry I’m late, hyung," a deep, smooth voice says, tinged with a hint of apology but also a casual ease.

"That’s okay! Did you get here alright? It’s pretty hot out there," Taehyung replies, his tone light and forgiving.

"I drove and picked up an iced Americano on the way, so it wasn’t too bad," the voice responds, and you can hear the smile in his words.

At the sound of the unfamiliar voice, you finally look up from the script.

And that’s when you see him.

He’s tall, with an effortlessly handsome presence that immediately draws your attention. His plain gray long sleeve shirt hugs his frame just right, paired with medium-wash jeans that look like they’ve been worn a hundred times but still fit perfectly. A silver lip ring sits on the corner of his mouth, catching the studio lights and glinting subtly as he speaks. His dark hair is slightly tousled, as if he’d run a hand through it on his way in, and there’s a relaxed confidence in the way he carries himself.

But what stands out the most isn’t his appearance—it’s his voice. Deep and smooth, it carries effortlessly in the room, each word deliberate and weighted with a natural lilt that makes everything he says sound intentional, almost melodic. It’s the kind of voice that could make even the most mundane sentence sound captivating.

You consider greeting him, but he’s already caught up in conversation with Taehyung and a few others in the room—people who seem to know him well.

You decide not to bother. It’s a hassle to talk to and befriend new people anyway. You’ve never been one to insert yourself into situations where you might feel out of place, and right now, it’s easier to just stay in your corner.

But then, a shadow approaches, lingering just beside you. You glance up, your pen pausing mid-scribble.

"Hello, Sunbae."

Sunbae?

The word catches you off guard. You blink at him, your mind racing. How old is he? You quickly do the math in your head, trying to figure out if he’s younger or if he’s just being overly polite. Either way, the title feels a little too formal, especially in this setting.

"Oh hi there, I’m L/N F/N, the author of this book," you say, offering a polite smile. Your voice is steady, but there’s a flicker of curiosity in your tone. You’re not used to being called sunbae—it’s been a while since you graduated, and you’ve always preferred a more casual approach to these things.

"Kim Jungkook," he introduces himself, holding out a hand. His grip is firm, warm, and there’s a confidence in the way he meets your gaze. "I heard you graduated from the school I’m attending. I’m an art major there. I’m looking forward to working with you."

You shake his hand, nodding slowly as you process his words. An art major? That explains the effortless style, the subtle edge to his appearance. But more than that, it’s the way he carries himself—like he’s comfortable in his own skin, unbothered by the weight of first impressions.

"Ah, it’s been a while since I graduated," you reply, your tone light. "And we weren’t in the same department, so just call me by my name." You try to brush off the formality, hoping to ease into a more relaxed dynamic. Titles always feel so distant, and you’d rather not have that kind of barrier between you, especially when you’re about to collaborate on something as personal as your book.

But Jungkook shakes his head, his lips quirking slightly into a small, almost teasing smile. "No, I can’t do that, Sunbae—" he says, his voice low but firm, leaving the sentence hanging as the audio engineer calls him over to enter the recording booth. He gives you a polite nod before heading inside, slipping on the headphones.

As Jungkook walks away, you glance down at your hand, flexing your fingers absentmindedly. The warmth of his grip still lingers, a faint echo that feels oddly significant.

Odd. That interaction felt strangely familiar, like a déjà vu you can’t quite place.

You’re certain you’ve never met Jungkook before—his looks alone aren’t easy to forget. The sharp jawline, the lip ring, the way his eyes seem to hold a thousand unspoken thoughts—it’s all too distinctive to slip your memory. And yet, there’s something about him, something that tugs at the edges of your mind, like a half-remembered dream you can’t quite piece together.

Your gaze drifts toward his plastic coffee cup resting on the table. The cup sleeve catches your eye, and you lean in slightly to get a better look.

Butterfly by Jimin Café.

Jimin’s café?

Wait—hold on.

Your breath stills for a second as realization dawns. The scent of fabric softener from earlier today, the fleeting brush of someone’s shoulder against yours in the crowded café, the low murmur of a voice apologizing as they passed by. It all comes rushing back.

Your eyes widen.

You lift your head, and across the studio, Jungkook is watching you.

With a smirk.

There’s something unreadable in his expression, something knowing, as if he’s been waiting for this moment, waiting for you to connect the dots that you do not know of. His lips curve slightly, and his eyes lock onto yours, holding your gaze for a beat too long.

Shit.

You quickly look away, pretending to be absorbed in the script. Your heart pounds in your chest, and you can feel the heat rising to your cheeks. You flip a page, your fingers trembling just slightly, hoping no one notices the way your composure has slipped.

The recording session begins, and Jungkook’s voice fills the space, steady and rich, effortlessly slipping into the role of the narrator.

["From the brief meetings we shared, I found that she was a woman who walked on eggshells, carefully maintaining her image for the public, despite the wounds buried beneath layers of fabric, skin, and deep within her heart. The dead of winter held no meaning for her—it was merely a reminder of those who had already left..."]

You sit there, struck still.

His voice is captivating. Deep, intimate, carrying the weight of every word with precise control. It’s like he’s not just reading the lines…he’s living them, breathing life into Haneul in a way that feels almost too real. The room seems to shrink, the world narrowing down to the sound of his voice and the way it wraps around you, pulling you into your own story all over again.

The staff murmurs amongst themselves, impressed.

"His tone fits the male lead perfectly," someone comments.

"He’s got that quiet intensity," another agrees.

Next to you, Taehyung leans in, grinning. "Isn’t he good?"

You nod slowly, but as Jungkook’s voice continues to flow through the speakers—deep, smooth, and effortlessly intense—you feel a rush of warmth creep up your neck, spreading across your cheeks.

Shit.

You force yourself to look away, fixing your gaze on the script in your lap as if it holds the secrets of the universe. But the heat lingers, stubborn and undeniable, prickling at your skin. You swallow, praying that no one notices—especially not him.

After the recording ends at 7:30 PM, you, Taehyung, and the studio crew spill out into the warm evening air, the city lights casting a golden glow over the streets. The group makes its way to a nearby restaurant, a cozy but lively spot with wooden tables and the comforting aroma of sizzling food. The hum of conversations mixes with the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Plates of food quickly fill the table—crispy fried chicken, steaming bowls of tteokbokki, and an assortment of banchan that everyone eagerly digs into. Pitchers of beer are poured freely, and the mood is light, the kind of easy camaraderie that comes after a long but successful day of work.

Taehyung, always in his element when surrounded by people, is mid-story, waving an onion ring around as he speaks. His cheeks are slightly flushed, and his gestures are more animated than usual, a sure sign that he’s had a drink or two.

“The narration was amazing, right?” he exclaims, dunking the onion ring into a pool of ketchup with enthusiasm. “I mean, Jungkook just nailed it. Didn’t he?”

Mid-sip of your beer, you hum noncommittally, avoiding his gaze. “Yeah… well.”

Taehyung squints at you, his grin turning sly. “That doesn’t sound convincing.”

You set your glass down, shrugging a little too casually. “I mean, it was really good,” you admit, your voice a little too even, a little too careful. You’re not sure why you’re downplaying it, but something about admitting how much Jungkook’s performance affected you feels… dangerous.

Taehyung leans back in his chair, clearly not buying it. “I’ve been working with a lot of student interns at the university, and they say he’s ridiculously multitalented. It’s crazy that he’s not just looks,” he continues, his tone teasing. 

You give a small nod, but your thoughts are already straying.

Back to the recording session.

Back to Jungkook’s voice.

It had been deep, smooth, and filled the space in a way that was almost too good. Every syllable had weight, sinking into your bones like warmth on a cold day. Soft yet sultry. Intimate in a way that felt excessive.

Hold on. Do you have some kind of… voice fetish?

Shit.

Your fingers tighten slightly around your glass. The thought alone makes your face burn. You swore off dating—hell, you swore off men—and now here you are, sitting at a bar, spiraling over some junior you just met. This is bad.

Taehyung must notice the way your expression shifts because he suddenly grins. “So, Bookworm, what have you been up to lately?”

The nickname makes you blink. It’s been ages since he called you that. He’s definitely tipsy.

“Just writing, working at Jimin’s café, and sometimes I travel,” you say, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“You’ve clearly won at life!” Taehyung announces, lifting his glass like he’s toasting you.

“Won?” You laugh, shaking your head. “I just live a simple life, day by day. Lethargic and exhausted by passion.”

The words come out more honest than you intend, but Taehyung doesn’t seem to catch on.

But someone else does.

Jungkook.

You feel it before you see it—his gaze. When your eyes finally flick over, sure enough, he’s looking at you.

Not glancing. Not idly observing.

Looking.

Something about it makes your skin prickle. Not in a bad way. Not in a way you know how to name.

And yet, instead of breaking away, he holds it.

Your breath hitches.

You quickly turn back to Taehyung, willing your cheeks to cool, forcing your expression into something neutral. Jimin once told you that your eyes tend to wander when you’re deep in thought, but this is different. Why does Jungkook keep meeting them?

Is he curious about you? Just polite? Or worse—does he know?

Does he see how you’re reacting to him?

You shake the thought away, burying it under more beer.

It doesn’t matter.

You’ve been through enough to know that people like Jungkook—ones with easy smiles and a natural charm that makes everyone in the room lean in—are dangerous.

Because you’ve met someone like that before.

And it nearly destroyed you.

The alcohol isn’t helping now. It’s loosening your thoughts, making it harder to keep your guard up. You rub your temple, exhaling sharply, just as your phone buzzes in your pocket. You’re relieved for a distraction, until you see the name on the screen.

Jimin.

Of course.

You quickly stand, finger nearing to answer the call. “Hey, Taehyung, I’m gonna take this call.”

Taehyung raises a brow, his grin turning mischievous. “Jimin again? Man, you guys are always together. Are you dating or something?”

You snort, rolling your eyes. “Honestly, it’s more like family. He’s an annoying older brother.”

Taehyung laughs, nodding. “That checks out.”

You step away from the table, the noise of the restaurant fading slightly as you press your phone to your ear. “Hey, what do you want—”

“Why didn’t you clean the basement yet?!” Jimin’s voice is sharp, cutting through the buzz in your head.

“Oh, fuck.” Your stomach drops. “Completely forgot. I’m at a work dinner.”

“The tenant’s stuff is coming in the morning,” Jimin says, his tone exasperated but laced with concern. “Where are you? I’ll drive and pick you up.”

You sigh, running a hand through your hair. “The Tavern Grill, near the recording studio.”

“I know where that is,” Jimin replies quickly. “Just come outside so I find you more easily when I wait for you on the curb. I’m on my way.”

“Fine, fine. Let me say goodbye first,” you mutter, already heading toward the door. 

As you weave through the tables, you can’t help but glance back at the group. Taehyung is laughing at something someone said, his arm slung over the back of his chair.

When you return, Taehyung gives you an exaggerated pout. “Jimin coming to drag you home now?”

“Something like that.” You roll your eyes, already grabbing your things. “He said he’ll pick me up.”

Taehyung laughs, clapping a hand on your shoulder. “Tell him we need to grab a drink sometime. My treat.”

You grin, saying your goodbyes to the others—some casual, some playful.

Then, just as you’re about to leave, you glance over—

And Jungkook is still watching.

His fingers drum idly against his glass. He doesn’t move, doesn’t call out. But his gaze lingers, like there’s something he wants to say but won’t.

Your stomach twists.

You don’t know what it means. And you don’t want to find out.

So you turn away, stepping out into the night.

Whatever it is, it’s not your problem.

At least, that’s what you tell yourself.

Jimin walks ahead of you as you both descend the stairs to the basement. The air gets cooler with each step, but something else lingers—an acrid, stale scent that makes your nose wrinkle.

You frown. “Did you smoke before picking me up?”

Jimin lets out a soft chuckle, barely glancing back. “Wow, you really have a sharp nose, Y/N.” Then, without warning, he reaches over and fluffs your hair, like you’re some small puppy that just sniffed out the right answer.

You groan, swatting his hand away. “You know I hate the smell of cigarettes, Jimin.”

“I know, I know. Just… let it slide for today,” he mutters, tone quieter now. “Had a bad day.”

You don’t push. Not yet, at least.

The basement door groans on its hinges as you step inside. The air is heavier down here, tinged with dust and disuse. Jimin reaches for the light switch and flicks it—

Nothing.

He sighs. “Great. Power’s probably cut off for this room since we barely use it. I’ll go check the breaker.”

You pull out your phone, switching on the flashlight. “I’ll start looking through things in the meantime.”

Jimin eyes you skeptically. “You’re really gonna be able to see anything with just that?”

You give him a pointed look. “That should be the least of your worries. I just don’t want to be cleaning all night.”

He shrugs. “Suit yourself. I’ll be back.” With that, he heads back upstairs, leaving you alone with the stillness of the basement.

The dim beam of your flashlight sweeps over the space. Piles of forgotten things are stacked haphazardly—old college notebooks, loose papers, manuscripts half-finished and never revisited.

And then—

Your stomach tightens.

That box.

It’s been shoved far away from the rest, as if even in storage, you wanted it out of sight. But it’s still here. A silent, patient thing.

You step closer. Your fingers hesitate over the worn edges of the lid.

Then, with a quiet breath, you open it. Inside, time folds in on itself.

Your fingers graze the first thing on top—a faded movie ticket stub. The edges are soft, curling, worn from being thumbed over too many times in the past. You remember this night. Your night. Seokjin had held your hand through the entire movie, whispering sarcastic commentary in your ear, making you laugh so hard the people in front turned around to glare. You’d buried your face in his shoulder, giggling, and he had just smiled like you were the best thing to ever happen to him.

Your throat tightens.

Beneath it, a polaroid. The two of you at some festival, Seokjin holding up a peace sign while you kissed his cheek. The colors have faded slightly, but you can still see how bright his eyes were, how effortlessly happy you had looked. You weren’t even thinking about the camera—just him.

You swallow hard.

All of these things mean something to you, or at least, they once did. But the longer you stare at them—the trinkets, the letters, the pieces of Seokjin woven into your past—the more you wonder if they ever meant anything to him. If he could leave so easily, so cleanly, then what were these memories even worth?

Can you really throw all of this away?

Your fingers hesitate over the box when you hear footsteps behind you.

Figuring it’s Jimin, you sigh, still lost in thought. “Hey, why didn’t you turn the lights back on? Is there something wrong with the breaker—?”

Before you can finish, you’re shoved, your back colliding against the wall with a thud. A strong grip pins you in place, pressing into your shoulders.

Your pulse surges.

“What the fuck!? Who are you—”

“Why are you rummaging through someone else’s shit, you thief?”

The voice is sharp, accusatory. And absolutely not Jimin’s.

Your breath catches.

And then, the lights flick on.

Your vision adjusts, and when you see who exactly has you caged against the wall, your stomach flips.

Jungkook.

Wait. Jungkook?

His dark eyes widen the second he recognizes you, hands retreating from your shoulders like he’s been burned. “Oh, fuck.” His voice drops into sheer panic. “I’m so sorry—I didn’t know it was you!”

You blink, still trying to process what just happened.

He looks mortified, hands hovering near you like he wants to check for injuries but doesn’t dare touch you again. “Shit, I didn’t hurt you, did I? Are you okay?”

You exhale, still slightly dazed. “Ah… it’s okay—”

“No, it’s not,” he interrupts, eyes flickering with concern. His fingers ghost over your arms, searching for any sign that he might’ve been too rough. His hold, once bruising, is now careful. Deliberate. “I grabbed you way too hard. Are you sure you’re fine, Sunbae?”

You look at him properly now, still catching your breath. Damn.

His face is stupidly attractive up close, his brows knitted in pure remorse. His scent—clean, like fresh laundry mixed with something slightly musky—hits you all at once, making your stomach do something annoying.

He’s exactly your type.

And that realization makes this moment so much worse.

“You’re Kim Jungkook, right?” you ask, breaking the silence.

Jungkook straightens, nodding quickly. “Yeah. Wait… you don’t remember me?”

He sounds almost offended, tilting his head slightly.

You furrow your brows. “Sorry, I’m not good at remembering names or people for that matter.”

He blinks, then lets out a scoff—part amused, part incredulous. “Seriously? I recognized you the second the lights came on, but you forgot about me?”

Your lips twitch. Is he really pouting?

Whatever. You’re still processing the fact that you just got manhandled by this guy. He needs to take about five steps back.

You cross your arms, clearing your throat. “What are you even doing here, anyway?”

“Oh.” Jungkook’s expression shifts, his stance relaxing as he rubs the back of his neck. “This is my studio now.”

Your stomach drops.

“…What?” Your mind stutters over his words.

His studio?

Your eyes drift over the scattered boxes, the dust-lined shelves, the scent of old paper and forgotten memories lingering in the air. When Jimin had mentioned a tenant renting the basement, you’d barely paid attention, brushing it off as another small change in your life. But standing here now—with Jungkook, of all people—the reality sinks in with an unsettling twist in your gut.

This is his space now?

Before you can fully process the implications, footsteps echo from the stairwell, followed by Jimin’s familiar voice.

“All right, the power’s back on—” He stops mid-step as he takes in the scene, his gaze flicking between you and Jungkook. His brows furrow slightly, his usual easygoing expression dimming with curiosity.

“Oh, you two have met,” he says, a little slower than usual. “Y/N, this is Jungkook—”

“I’m aware,” you interrupt, still distracted by the realization. “We met earlier today during the recording session.”

Jimin’s brows lift. “Oh?”

“But what are you doing here, sunbae?” Jungkook asks, his tone shifting to something lighter, more casual. “Do you live nearby?”

“I’m cleaning out some of my stuff down here for… well, you, apparently.” You exhale, motioning vaguely to the clutter around you. “I live upstairs.”

Jungkook blinks. “Wait, seriously?”

Jimin, however, is less surprised. He crosses his arms, fixing Jungkook with a sharp look. “But, dear tenant, what are you doing here?” His voice dips into something more pointed. “Didn’t you say you’d be here tomorrow at noon?”

Jungkook barely flinches under the scrutiny. “I had something to check on.”

Jimin eyes him for a moment before sighing and letting go of whatever was on his mind.

“Do you want any help?” Jungkook asks, turning back to you.

Your pulse spikes. Oh, God.

The last thing you need is him digging through your things—especially the one box tucked carefully behind you. The one filled with Seokjin’s remnants.

“No!” you blurt out, too quickly. His brows raise, but you force a casual shrug. “I’m good. I’m just going to throw it all away anyway.”

Jungkook hums, glancing at the mess. But then, his eyes catch on something.

A photograph peeks from the top of one of your boxes, slightly askew. Before you can move to block it, his gaze sharpens, lips curling into something almost unreadable.

“Then I can throw it all away for you,” he says, voice smooth but laced with something just a little too amused. He meets your eyes with a slow tilt of his head. “You don’t need it, after all. This place is mine now.”

Something about the way he says it—the lazy drawl, the faint glint in his gaze—rubs you the wrong way.

Your stomach tightens.

Just hours ago, he’d been nothing but polite, apologetic even. But now? There’s something else beneath the surface. A hint of something sharper, something laced with an unspoken edge.

Is this actually his true nature?

This doesn't sit right—yet, at the same time, you can’t shake the curiosity gnawing at the back of your mind. You know better than to let your guard down, but part of you is pulled in, drawn to the enigma that is Kim Jungkook.

And so, without knowing how or why, you find yourself standing at the beginning of something unexpected.

This is how your story with Jungkook begins.

– TBC?

a/n: if you decided to check out this story, thank you so much! feel free to give me your thoughts, questions, theories (yes, kim jungkook is intentional in this story and you'll know why if i continue this series hehe). jungkook is also the same age as reader but still in college (because he started college a bit late due to enlistment). also happy belated valentine's day. i meant to upload on valentine's day, but i got caught up in trying to make this more detailed.

➸ let me know what you think OR join the taglist for future works! ➸ check out my masterlist for other fics I have made

[swtt4hk]

Be mine || Cho Sang-woo x fem!Foreign Reader! (Oneshot) {fluff}

requested by: @sensationallysangwoo

warnings: mentions of suicide

You had recently moved to South Korea from your home country. Things were pretty hard at first and fitting into a completely different country , with different culture and language was a really big step to take in your life. You had moved there to make a new start , meet new people and explore new places after experiencing some traumatic things in your life.

Your past is dark. Your mother abandoned you and your father when you were just a year old and your dad was forced to raise you on his own. Your dad was working multiple jobs to make as much money as he could and still managed to spend a lot of quality time with you. Unfortunately, when you were at the age of 11 he died in a car crash and you were forced to live with your aunt , who wasn’t exactly the best parent. She was a mean person and even though you had told her that you don’t feel comfortable mentioning your parents , she brought them up everytime you fought and told you that you deserved everything you went through. All this caused you to dive into depression and by the age of 14 , you had tried to kill yourself multiple times.

By the time you turned 16 , you moved out and moved in with your best friend , Keira. Moving in with Keira was the best decision you had ever made in your life. She had been your best friend since you were kids and she always had a way to make you smile. When you turned eighteen, Keira moved to another country with her boyfriend which resulted you being alone again. So you decided to take a big step in your life and move to another country. You worked your ass off for a year straight and decided to move to Korea , since you had heard a lot of good things about the country.

Moving there really was a great idea. Sure , it was difficult at first but things have become easier for you except for one thing…the Korean language. You had never been good with learning new things , especially new languages , so you had a pretty tough time communicating with people there. It hurt you a lot not being able to communicate with other Koreans , especially with a specific person…Cho Sang-woo.

You and Sang-woo had met at a cafe which you regularly went to. He is a handsome man , a little bit older than you but still really attractive. He has manners , he is smart and always chooses with words wisely before speaking. He’s everything that you were looking for. You both flirted a lot but it was never something serious , even though you both felt the strong connection between you.

Even though you guys clicked immediately and had a strong bond , the language barrier between you two was frustrating. You often misunderstood what each other said and sometimes you even had to use translating apps to have a conversation.

Sang-woo liked you a lot. From the first time he saw you , sitting on the cafe table , enjoying your coffee and admiring the view , he knew he had to talk to you. It was like something inside him knew he had to be yours. He often tried to give you signs about him liking you but you either took it as a joke or didn’t understand what he had tried to say. But he still tried. He even started taking lessons on your native language to manage to get you to understand that he loves you and wants you to officially be his.

After weeks of practicing, we woke up and decided it was time. He was going to confess his feelings to you. He was a 100% that he was ready to take that big step into your guys’ relationship. He invited you over to his place to “hang out” and you happily agreed to do it.

Clueless about what was going to happen , you wore a new skirt that you got , a sparkly top and high heels which made your legs seem beautiful and long. As soon as he opened the door and saw you standing in front of his door , looking as beautiful as ever , he was reassured that he NEEDED to confess to you. It was now or never.

The whole night , he tried to be closer to you , touch you more to see your reaction and you seemed unbothered by it. You really didn’t mind. You actually liked when Sang-woo was close to you or touch your arm or leg. It made you feel butterflies in your stomach but didn’t allow yourself to show it. You couldn’t. You thought you don’t deserve to be loved by someone like Sang-woo and besides , you thought he didn’t feel the same.

As the clock struck 11pm , he decided that it was time. He was about to confess. You finished your conversation, followed by a comfortable silence and he broke it.

—Y/N , can I ask you something?

—of course , what’s up?

he thought a lot before speaking. He had to choose his words wisely and use the right words to express himself correctly so there are not any misunderstandings.

—Do you like stars?

you found the question a little weird but you liked it. No one had ever asked you that.

—like the stars in the sky?

—yes , the stars in the sky.

—uhh…yeah I do like them a lot!

Sang-woo smiles to himself and looks at you deep in the eye before speaking , which made your stomach flip.

—the stars in the sky con-contain important information about the physics of the Universe and they sym…uhh…symphonise?

you chuckle , finding his little mistake cute

—do you mean symbolise?

—oh yeah! Symbolise! The stars in the sky symbolise positivity and happiness , right?

—yeah I think you’re right…but why are you saying all that? I already know that about the stars.

Sang-woo takes a deep breath before continuing

—you…you are my star.

You are both surprised and confused by what he said. “What does he mean by saying that I’m his star?”

—what do you mean?

Sang-woo smiles and slowly places his hand on top of yours.

—we are friends and you know information about me just like stars do for the Universe. Also stars symbolise happiness and you…you are my happiness.

Sang-woo says nervously , waiting for your reaction. You smile and caress his hand , clear that you haven’t understood what he means.

—awww thank you , Sang-woo , that’s such a cute compliment!

He sighs and looks away in frustration. He really wants you to understand that he wants you. He grabs your chin , forcing you to look at him.

—y/n , can you understand me? I need to tell you something important!

—y-yes! What is it?

—I…

He sighs again and his grip on your chin loosens and he caresses it with his thumbs , making your heart race.

—you…you are my star. You bring me happiness and I don’t just want to be the Universe. I want to be…uhh…something more. I want to be important to you and…make you mine. I want to make you happy and I want to be more than just your friend.

He says loud and clear but still nervous. You look at him in the eyes , clearly shocked by the way he expressed himself but you still understood what he meant. He wants to be yours. He wants to…be your boyfriend. You smile and caress his cheek with one hand and his hand with the other one.

—of course…of course I’ll be your girlfriend, your universe and anything else you want , Sang-woo.

Sang-woo looks at you shocked. You finally understood. All of this hard work finally paid off. A wide smile spread on his face and wraps his arms around you , hugging you tightly.

—thank you…thank you so much y/n…

You smile warmly and hug him back

—no…thank YOU. Thank you for trying your best to learn my language and confess your feelings to me. And sorry for not understanding earlier…

Sang-woo places a soft kiss on your cheek and hugs you tightly. He doesn’t ever want to let go now that you are finally his. Not after he studied hard , despite his age. This proves that people are allowed to live each other even if they don’t speak the same language and if someone really loves you , they’ll do anything for you.

———————————————————————

The end! Thank you so much @sensationallysangwoo for requesting this and I’m sorry for writing this like 2 weeks after you requested it…anyway , my requests are open and you all can request anything at any time! More fics coming soon!

taglist: @chosangwooswife

[voxslays]

CHAPTER ONE — EXORDIUM WARNINGS: Untraumatized!In-ho, strangers to friends to lovers, eventual angst, eventual smut, kinda ooc In-ho, takes place before the games and frontman, Small age gap, In-ho is 26 in this, reader is 22, American!Reader. A/N: Starting a new series…yay! I read the Hwang brothers series and the plot for this series immediately popped into my head. I hope you enjoy!

It was a bright, sunny spring day in Seoul. The birds were chirping and flying freely, the cherry blossoms blooming. It looked as if it were straight out of a fairytale or rom-com. And in your opinion, you couldn’t have been luckier to experience it. You had always been one with nature, cherishing it preciously.

You were an American. You traveled to Seoul for your studies a year ago, and it was the best decision you had ever made. You were fluent in Korean and living your best life. The people here were surprisingly fond of foreigners. You were always treated with respect, although some did a double take when hearing your accent.

Yet, on this sunny spring day you sat all alone at one of the small tables inside one of your favorite city bakery’s: ‘Koko Beikeoli.’ Or Koko’s bakery in Korean. It was nice and cozy, your favorite setting. You were reading one of your favorite books when you heard someone above you clear their throat. “May I sit here?”

The man was tall, with a broad muscular chest. He was wearing white button up and black pants, his hair slicked back. He was the K-drama personification of handsome. He was one of the most beautiful human beings you had ever seen in your life. “Of course.” You gestured for him to sit. “What’s your name?” He asks, taking a sip of his black coffee.

You answer him softly, your name rolling of your tongue gracefully. The ravenette smiles. “I’m In-ho. Hwang In-ho.” You smirk. “In-ho?” You give him a small toothy chuckle. “Doesn’t that mean goodness?” You ask playfully. He just smirks in response.

“Well, I am a detective.” You gasp. “A detective, huh?”

The two of you talk for what seems like minutes, but in reality is hours. You don’t even notice until the shopkeep is practically throwing the two of you out onto the cold cement of the street. “So when can I see you again?” You ask, still holding your now cold cup of tea. In-ho pulls out a small piece of lined paper and writes his number down. “Meet me here, same time next week.”

You can’t help but smile.

The next time you saw the detective was the very next week, in the very same cafe you had first met. Only this time things were a lot more casual—a meeting between friends you could say. In-ho looked impeccable as usual, even in a simple, plain sage colored shirt and shorts. And you? Your heart was starting to race whenever he was around.

Like last time, you talked for hours. About his family (and yours too). He even mentioned his younger half-brother, Jun-ho, who had just turned eleven. From how In-ho described him, he seemed like a lively young boy. And his step-mother. How she was a sweetheart—how she would love you as an in-law.

“You should come with me to meet them sometime.” In-ho suggests, a wide smile on his usually neutral face. Your heart nearly stops out of excitement. He wants you to meet his family? “I’d love to.” You smile, taking a sip of your hot drink. “They sound truly amazing.” The two of you share a lighthearted laugh.

“How about next week?” In-ho retorts. A bright smile spreads across your face. Your cheeks flush as you feel the heat of blood rushing to them. “Sure.” You nod. Only two friend ‘dates’ and you were already meeting his mother? Was this normal in Korea? No it was not. Yet, your heart felt giddy with excitement, as if had wings and could fly. If your heart really did have wings, it would be soaring through the clouds.

You were going to meet his mother. And god you hoped she’d like you. Even though you and In-ho were only friends, if that, you desperately craved her approval—although you didn’t know why. But your friendly visit was a week away, meaning a week of preparation.

When the day to meet Mrs. Hwang finally came, you couldn’t be more nervous. You didn’t know what to wear either. You didn’t want to wear something too casual, in fear that you’d look like a slob. But you also couldn’t wear an elegant dress either. What if you looked like a pathetic slut? And what about your makeup and hair? Was she a woman who despised makeup or loved it? What were you-

‘Ding, Dong.’

The sound of your doorbell went off. You ran into the main entrance of your tiny apartment, peering through the small copper peephole. It was In-ho. He wasn’t supposed to be here for another hour! You were wearing a casual sweater and jeans as you opened the door with a grimace. In-ho was wearing a plain button up and tie with black trousers. “You look great.” He muses.

“I didn’t know what to wear.” You look to the ground, holding the door open with your right hand. “I had a feeling.” In-ho chuckles and reaches out to your face, tilting your jaw up to face his charcoal eyes. “My mother won’t care what you’re wearing.” He smiles as you breath out a sigh of relief and take a gasp of air.

In-ho leads you to his sleek black Hyundai Sonata, a staple Korean car. The two of you buckle in, and the drive begins. You feel car-sick the entire way, In-ho’s words of comfort doing little to ease your nerves. You opt to look out the window instead, trying to take your mind off things as you pass through the city.

Soon, your in the more rural, suburban part of Seoul, with houses galore. A large red one, a small white one. There are so many different kinds. Brown roofs, black roofs, grey roofs—one white house even has blue roof tiles. However, it isn’t long before the car slows to a halt and In-ho unbuckles his seatbelt.

To your right, a plain white house with a simple black tiled roof and bright red door. The lawn in front is perfectly green with rows and rows of flowerbeds tucked in order. From a large camphor tree standing tall to the left side of the yard, hangs a tire swing—reminiscent of your own childhood back in America.

You slowly open the car’s door, careful not to slam it. The moment you step out of the car and clamber out of In-ho’s car, the front door opens. A short stubby woman with greying hair runs outside, nearly engulfing In-ho in a tight hug. “A-deul! It’s so good to see you again! You’ve been away for far too long.”

She suddenly looks to you, making you even more nervous. “Is this…?” She trails off, looking to In-ho. He simply nods. “And you’re his friend!” She gasps, walking over to you. “In-ho has told me so much about you.” She smiles warmly, soothing your nerves. “You’re even more beautiful in person.” She smirks at In-ho.

“Mom.” A silent demand for her to stop. Yet, she just scoffs as she leads you inside. “Jun-ho-ya!” She yells up the stairs, as you police take off your plain black shoes. A moment later, a young raven haired boy comes running down the stairs. “Hyeong.” He flings himself into In-ho’s chest. “Dongsaeng.” He greets, ruffling the little boy’s hair. Their warm laughter warms your heart.

“Is this your friend?” The boy asks his older brother. “Yes.” In-ho chuckles lightheartedly. “He talks a lot about you-” The detective suddenly clamps a hand over the younger boy’s mouth. “He’s just kidding.” He smiles awkwardly as you laugh. Yet, the awkward tension is cut short. “Dinner!” Their mother shouts from the kitchen.

In-ho leads you and his brother to the dining room. Jun-ho nearly jumps into his chair and starts shoveling in his dinner, earning a scolding remark from Mrs. Hwang. Meanwhile, In-ho pulls out a chair for you, pushing you in before sitting down right next to you. The small mahogany table only fits four, but it’s cozier that way.

On the small white plate infront of you is a serving of Kimchi, the classic red sauce poured all over it. You take a bite and nearly moan at the taste. “This is delicious, Mrs. Hwang!” You exclaim passionately. “It’s a family recipe,” She explains. “I made something simple since I didn’t know what you liked.” She laughs warmly.

The dinner table converses as you all eat in tandem. Bite after bite, sip after sip—it’s not long before the food is all gone and Mrs. Hwang is getting up to wash and rinse the dishes. You follow her into the kitchen. “May I help you?” You ask politely. “It’s alright dear. You’re a guest after all.” You smile fondly at her. “I insist. Please.”

She hands you a dirty plate and you grab the soap, lathering it on. You then grab the yellow sponge and start scrubbing gently. “It isn’t very often my son speaks as fondly of girls as he does with you.” She smiles, her old wrinkled eyes meeting yours. Was In-ho really speaking about you to his family?

“I can see it in both of your eyes, the way you look at eachother.” She smiles. How did she know? You smile in response. “Your son is very kind. You raised him well.” You pick up the blue towel to try the plate as you set it into the yellow stained dishwasher. “Please,” She says, finally looking up at you again. “Don’t break his heart.”

“I promise I won’t, Mrs. Hwang.”

[zeroeightzeroone]

my valentine - han jisung

love collection

genre: soft/fluff

synopsis: y/n and jisungs first valentine's day as a couple

pairings: fem!reader (infp) x idol!han jisung (istp)

notes: i made a pinterest! i'll be making mood boards for this collection and other things i write!

wc ~2.3k | moodboard

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:

february 14th, also known as valentine's day where lovers exchange gifts with one another to express their affection. but in korea, valentine's day is when the girls express their feelings for their lover or confess their feelings. however, the latter won't know if their feelings are reciprocated until march 14th, also known as white day, a month later. on this day, the men are expected to exchange gifts of equal extravagance to their lover or clarify their feelings to those who have confessed a month prior. 

you and jisung have been dating for a while. the topics of valentine's day and white day have come up, but those conversations are more focused on how those particular days were celebrated in your different upbringings. you are brought up in a more Westernized household where valentine's is expected to be a day where couples exchange gifts. with jisung's upbringing in a korean household, valentine's day being for the boys and white day for the girls. of course, learning about how holidays work and different cultures is always something interesting, another good seed of knowledge. 

regardless of the wisdom you receive from your boyfriend during your conversations, how you two would celebrate those days was never discussed. would you only celebrate valentine's day and exchange gifts on the 14th of february? or would you be giving him a gift on the 14th of february and he to you on the 14th of march? 

with both cases on hand, if jisung does exchange gifts on the same day, then it's just valentine's day, or he gives his gift to you a month later for the white day. you'd be happy with either outcome you just aren't sure which one you'll have, you're also too nervous to bring the topic up to him and make him feel like he has to give you something, where's the fun in receiving a gift that you had to convince them for? a week before valentine's day, you opt to find something for your boyfriend and see the result the day of instead of asking him about it.

…

todays the day.

your social media accounts are littered with couples posting about each other, whether these are on their feed or to their temporary stories. no matter where you turn on the internet, the sudden influx of couple content makes it clearly undeniable that today is the day, it's valentine's day.

it's not even a particularly special day in your relationship with jisung, it's not a birthday or an anniversary, just an international day to celebrate love, and you're still nervous. regardless of those facts, it's the first valentine's day you're celebrating with jisung since becoming a couple officially; that fact overrides the others. 

trying your best to calm your nerves, you're staring out the window as an attempt to distract yourself; reading the names of stores that pass by, the street signs or pondering on anything that catches your eye that passes by. but every single thing leads you back to jisung.

a cafe passes by and it reminds you of the first time you met, should you have gotten something better to pay homage to that?

then a record store. should you have gotten him his favorite records? 

everything that passes by leads you to overthink your valentine's day gift. wondering if you didn’t do enough for your first valentines day together? what if you give it to him, and when you look into his eyes, he hates it, but he's trying to cover it up by smiling like he loves it? what if he thinks your gift is too cheesy? 

the closer you get to the jyp entertainment building, the more thoughts run rampant in your head. when the driver slows down to a stop, going through the necessary security screening before the car park attendant opens the gate, you feel like your mind is going into overdrive. your thoughts are so scattered that you nearly forget to text him to let him know you're here.

you: we're pulling into the underground lot

your leg bounces anxiously as the car park attendant goes back into the kiosk to open the gates. your phone buzzes.

seungmoo: ok give me a second 

did you mention that jisung doesn't know you're coming? 

with the help of seungmin, you planned to surprise him at work today. seungmin helped with arranging for someone from the company to pick you up from your apartment, something jisung always tries to do when you come visit

to ensure your safety. it's also easier for you to enter the building without too much unwanted attention down in the underground lot. seungmin also helped keep an eye on your boyfriend so he could update you on where to go and surprise him.

seungmoo: jisung's in channie's room do you remember where it is or

you: i remember thank you so much again

seungmoo: yeah yeah you owe me

…

your hands are clammy, and your heart is racing as you stand outside chan's room, the faint sound of music muffled by the door that divides you and your boyfriend. you gulp, taking a deep breath before you slowly raise one hand, knocking on the door hard enough to be heard over the music. 

the music stops, and you hear jisung call, "come in!"

your hand moves to the knob, turning it slowly as you open the door just enough to peek your head inside with a sheepish smile. 

jisung jumps in his seat, he's shocked to see you but it's a good surprise–great even. he expected to see one of the company staff or one of the boys when the door opened. instead jisung was pleasantly surprised to see his beautiful girlfriend on the other side. the sight of you has his heart fluttering, unable to bite back the wide smile that pulls on his lips.

"baby! wh– how…"

your boyfriend is giddy as he rushes up onto his feet and out of the rolling chair he’s seated on. he swings the door open to pull you into the room and into his eager arms before shutting the door behind him; immediately, both of his arms are enveloped around you and swaying your bodies back and forth.

“did you miss me or something?” you giggle at how cuddly jisung is being. he doesn’t say anything but he nods his head vigorously.

with a big smile on his face, jisung pulls away to look at you, "you didn't tell me you were coming today!"

"i wanted to surprise you. are you surprised?"

“very! come sit baby,” jisung guides you with his hand wrapped around your wrist, leading you both to sit on the couch pressed up against the wall. 

you’re seated across each other, knees brushing when jisung reaches over to place the spotify pillow in your lap, covering your thighs as your skirt had ridden up the slightest bit when you sat down. his other hand is still wrapped around your wrist, caressing the skin gently as he notices something in the corner of his eye. jisung had been preoccupied with shock at the fact you came all the way to his work to surprise him; he had just noticed the bag you were holding in your free hand. the sight of jisung’s round, brown eyes locked on the bag has your own eyes blinking quickly, hands getting clammy in nervousness once again. 

"whatcha got there?" jisung gestures to the bag.

blinking quickly again, you shift in your seat and clear your throat awkwardly prompting your boyfriend’s attention to shift from the bag to your face. quietly observing you. you retract your hand from jisung’s hold, both of your hands now on the bag and bringing it up into your lap. 

you glance up at him but don’t meet his gaze. 

“i.. uh...” you stammer, “i got you a valentines day gift…”

jisung’s chocolate brown eyes light up. 

“i-it’s not much but… uh… since it's our first valentines together as a couple, i just wanted to get you something.”

you reach into the bag, still avoiding your boyfriend’s gaze, and your cheeks get progressively warmer as you hand him the first gift.

“i got you some chocolates that i know you like, ones you said you liked before, and then some others i thought you might like.”

jisung feels his cheeks flush, listening to you speak and watching you ruffle through the bag's contents. 

“i also got you some of the snacks you like, i’m not gonna take them all out cos i don’t wanna make a mess but…” your voice trails off as you ramble.

you glance up at jisung for a second, wanting to take a moment to gauge his expression before continuing. from that split-second observation, you denounce that jisung doesn’t seem to hate your gifts and give him the last couple of gifts with a lighter weight on your shoulders. 

you extend your arms towards jisung, a small card in your hands, and this time you exchange a small, meek smile. jisung’s eyes dart between the beige card in your hands and your face, your nervous eyes watching his every move when he reaches out with both hands to retrieve the card.

jisung’s eyes graze over the two words printed on the envelope; mon cœur.

“it's a gift card. just in case the jyp cafe goes under construction again and you need your iced americano fix, elsewhere.”

“i don’t care if the jyp cafe is up and running,” jisung declares, “i met the most beautiful girl there. if you’re there, i’m there.”

his words have you flustered, your next words coming out in a sputter, “y-you’re cheesy. b-but that’s it, i’m sorry that i couldn’t get you more–“

“this is amazing,” jisung is quick to cut you off, “the fact you got me anything–period–is so much more than enough.”

your boyfriend brings one hand up to cup your cheek, leaning forward and tilting your lips up to meet his own in a slow, gentle kiss.

“thank you,” he lands a quick peck on your lips, “but…”

when jisung leans back fully, he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly, and the gesture, coupled with the sudden ‘but’ makes your heart drop. 

“but?” you squeak. ‘oh no, he’s going to break it to me that he hates it…’ you think to yourself, bracing for the moment he tells you he indeed hates all the gifts.

“but you being here kinda ruined my surprise,” jisung laughs awkwardly. 

his words have your head cocked and brows knit in confusion. jisung moves your gifts off his lap and onto the couch before he rises to his feet, your eyes cautiously following his movements as he bends over behind the arm of the couch across from you. 

when jisung straightens his posture, your jaw drops in awe at the sight.

with a sheepish smile on his face, your boyfriend shifts awkwardly on his feet as he holds a bouquet of flowers in his hands. you can’t seem to tear your gaze away from the bouquet, a beautiful mix of a variety of red hues, along with the dark greens of the flower stems and leaves. 

“i was gonna come and surprise you after work.” 

jisung walks back over to the couch and sits down, outstretching his arms to bring the bouquet closer to you. slowly, your hands come up, brushing over his own as he transfers the flowers into your hands. 

“i wasn’t a hundred percent sure what flowers to get, i know roses are the go-to option, but i also wanted to get something to go along with them.”

your boyfriend explains as he watches the way you observe the bouquet with eyes sparkling in admiration. 

“one of the stylists has a friend that runs a flower shop, and i had some back and forth with the owner to determine what i wanted to get. when i did some research, red roses are popular on valentines day because it symbolizes passion and love–makes sense because its the day for lovers…” 

jisung’s voice is timid as the four-letter word leaves his lips, words that have yet to be exchanged between you two, and he’s apprehensive about saying them too soon, fearing he may scare you off. 

he clears his throat and continues, “the owner then showed me photos of the red flowers he had, and i chose those ones,” he points to the daisy-like flowers, the flowers are a darker red, bordering on a chocolate brown, “they’re chocolate cosmos, which also symbolize love… and the name has chocolate in it which i thought was cute.”

unbeknownst to you, jisung purposely omits a detail he learned when choosing which flowers he wanted in the bouquet. 

florist: [photo attachments] here are the red flowers we have

jisung scrolls through the photos, scanning the flowers through and through–hoping to find the perfect combination with the red roses. the boy stops at one of the last photos, he finds himself particularly drawn to the darker red of these flowers compared to the previous ones.

jisung: [photo attachment] what are these flowers called?

florist: cosmos; typically, they symbolize order, harmony and balance. in korea they are said to mean happiness, romance and youth the ones pictured are chocolate cosmos, chocolate cosmos in particular, means “i love you more than anyone can”

jisung: i’d like the red roses and chocolate cosmos then! i’ll be sure to give ms. choi the money, and we’ll be in touch again around white day! thank you very much! 

with your eyes closed, you take a whiff of the flower bouquet, your senses invaded with the deeply floral and sweet scent of the roses along with notes of vanilla and chocolate from the cosmos. lowering the bouquet down and away from your nose, you open your eyes with a smile, meeting your boyfriend’s warm gaze. 

you say fondly, “happy valentines day.”

jisung tucks a strand of hair behind your ear before responding, “happy valentines day, my y/n.”

[theasiaverse]

[melodyanqel]

𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 ── ✧ sh. (iii. first date)

congratulations! you have been invited to the romance reality show 'We Got Married' where you will live with your co-star like a married couple. but what will you do when you find out you are marrying your favorite idol?

✿ pairing: idol!seonghwa x fem!idol!oc

✿ genre/tags: fluff, developing relationship, idol au, fake marriage, reality show

✿ word count: 2k words

✿ note: yayy! finally a new update! sorry that i left you all in the dark bc i had my bday, family time, and other things. but overall i am happy to write again! this one is too sweet like get prepared >_<

✿ melodyanqel taglist: @hwa-stars @forever-atiny @moonvol6 @10nantscompanion @chngbnwf @heheheeral

As time flies, the afternoon rolls around. 

When leaving the cafe, Seonghwa and Bella said “Goodbye” to the dogs and the workers. In the streets of Gangnam, there are a variety of shops, restaurants, Korean history, and many more. The couple walks around in peace as they converse as the spring breeze dances in the air. 

“What made you decide to become an idol?” Seonghwa is curious about Bella’s life because he expects it will be the best way to get to know her better. He changed out of the barista uniform into much more casual clothes. Bella responded, “My appa and omma grew up in the nineties and were big fans of K-pop. At five years old, my parents showed me classic K-pop songs, inspiring me to become an idol. I also loved singing and dancing, but mainly dancing. My vocals are not that strong.” She lets out a small laugh—a sheepish laugh. 

Seonghwa listens to her and has deep brown eyes on her as she speaks. After she said her weak skill as an idol was singing, it broke his heart. He also understands where Bella is coming from because he never wanted to become a vocalist before getting recruited to ATEEZ. 

“I was supposed to be a rapper. But I grew to love singing.” Seonghwa mentioned. “I’m sure you’ll find your singing voice.” He delivers an encouraging remark. Bella witnessed his handsome gleaming with the sun and his words were like magic. It can make anyone appreciate Seonghwa like no other. He is so kind. 

Bella contemplates whether it’s for the show or he meant it. 

She did a short nod. “Thank you, sunbaenim.”

The older chuckles merrily. “You’re welcome. Call me Seonghwa or Seonghwa oppa if you’re okay with any.” He tells Bella. 

“Understood.” She knows it’ll take a while to get used to saying his name in person. 

Seonghwa adds, “That’s also impressive how you traveled here at such a young age. Keep up the good work. Hwaiting!” He raises two fists and has Bella giggling. He is supportive too. 

Bella doesn’t know how much appreciation she’ll give him—probably until her heart combusts. 

Subsequently, the newlyweds found an arcade inside a mall to play games and win prizes. With Seonghwa, it’s either a good or bad trait that he is competitive. Not just him but everyone in his group will make a simple game like Rock, Paper, Scissors into a game from hell. Not to mention, the PD crew has given the couple a new task. 

For a first date, the arcade is perfect to be kids at heart and have a blast with games. However, this mission is to win a special plushie by earning one hundred tickets. Good luck, players.

The inside looks like any other arcade: neon lights, a cheerful atmosphere, and people of all ages playing games.

Seonghwa taps Bella’s left shoulder. Her head cranes up to meet his gaze. “A reminder or a warning. I’m a competitive player.” He needed to let her know. Bella smiles widely, “I am too. So, you got a helping hand.” She loves video gaming, especially with her members and older brother. That’s one thing the couple have in common. 

Before doing so, Seonghwa and Bella checked out their plush at the prize area. It’s Grogu from Star Wars. Once they saw the adorable green character, their eyes glimmered. “So cute!” They spoke in unison. 

Seonghwa and Bella turned their heads and looked at each other. “Do you like Star Wars?” The male idol asked his wife. She nodded happily. “I love Star Wars! Grogu is my favorite!” Bella has a mini collection of the alien baby. 

“Anakin Skywalker is my favorite.” Seonghwa could never be happier. Another thing they have in common. “Do you build Lego sets?” He asked Bella. She shook her head. “No, but I would love to do it as a hobby.” She knows Seonghwa is passionate about building Lego sets because she has watched his livestreams. They are enjoyable and therapeutic. 

Like a gentleman, Seonghwa allowed Bella to choose the first game. She decided to play basketball. After swiping the game card, Bella is up and ready. She rolls up the sleeves of her cardigan. 

“You can do it!” Her husband cheers so loudly with no care. Bella’s ears picked up Seonghwa’s lovely voice and her smile grew. 

She kept shooting hoops and times she missed but got a brilliant score. Meanwhile, Seonghwa was astounded while motivating Bella. 

“Wah, I’m tired.” She started to sweat in her cute outfit. Hopefully, Seonghwa doesn’t notice it. He tells her, “You were amazing! Jongho has competition.” Seonghwa brings up the powerful Main Vocalist maknae. Bella quickly shakes her head. “Nope. I’ll pass.” She makes an X with her index fingers. It makes Seonghwa laugh at how straightforward she is. 

After thirty minutes of playing games, they were halfway to getting one hundred tickets. Most of the time it’s Seonghwa being Bella's biggest supporter. 

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

-Interview- 

(Bella)

Q. Have you noticed your husband was cheering you on? 

The producer asked her, and she beams with an enthusiastic nod. “I did hear him from the background, and it was nice of him. I was having fun and was embarrassed that I failed to score, but Seonghwa was reassuring and I am thankful for that.” Bella couldn’t contain her smile as she talked about her on-screen husband. She must be the luckiest woman on the planet. 

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

Their last game was a difficult one. It’s the claw machine, but they are also assigned to get a roll of tickets. Inside the transparent glass is their prize with a chrome silver bow. “I’ll do this one.” Seonghwa declared because he felt determined. Plus, he wants to impress his wife. Bella has a handful of tickets, and she gives some moral support. “Good luck, Seonghwa oppa!” She cheers for the man. 

Intentional or not, he is screaming internally. She sounded so cute saying his name!

Seonghwa takes a deep breath before starting the claw machine. “Let’s go!” He tries hyping himself up. Bella laughs softly because out of all the games, the claw machine will be his worst enemy. 

She is correct. 

Ten minutes later, Seonghwa is frustrated that he nearly cursed on live television. Luckily, Bella tried calming him down, but his angry face looked adorable. Nevertheless, seeing the object slide off of the claw was aggravating. 

“Maybe I should help.” The dancer suggested. 

Seonghwa turns his head to her and says, “Yes, please!” He begged like it was the last resort. Bella grins while patting his back. She gives him their tickets and switches spots. “Okay, let’s see how I’ll do.” She honestly has some confidence, but not fully. 

After swiping the game card, Bella presses the “Start” button. Seonghwa immediately becomes her navigator, rambling on like, “Left, left.” “Turn to the right.” “Move a little further.” “Stop, stop.” “Time is running out grab it!”

Bella listened to his demand and successfully got the roll of tickets. Seonghwa's hunched position perks up and he yells his lungs out with his arms in the air. Bella squeals and claps her hands. 

They won the Grogu plushie and walked out of the arcade feeling satisfied. 

Seonghwa’s mouth gaped. “Wow. It’s already dark.” He didn’t expect the hours to go by so quickly. The evening is here and the sun sets with the blush of a rose petal. Bella’s brown orbs scan the pretty city lights. The plushie is snugged in her arms because Seonghwa let her have it. He considered the cute alien as her first date gift from him. 

“Did you have fun?” The husband asked his wife. They walked down the streets of Gangnam. Sometimes there will be days where it’s hustling and bustling. Well, they got lucky because it was peaceful. Just them in their own world made the atmosphere romantic. 

“Yes, I did! You were cool back there and thank you for the Grogu.” Bella replied and complimented him. Seonghwa will always get flustered by her kind words. He smiles gladly, “You’re welcome. I appreciate spending time with you before I go out of the country. Also, my birthday is coming up. April 3rd.” He reminded Bella that he’ll be doing group activities abroad and turning twenty-six soon. 

The petite beauty makes eye contact with him. She is slowly getting used to looking at his boba eyes. “Can I come along to your birthday?” Bella is down to celebrate. Seonghwa nodded excitedly. “Sure! The members and I will have a small party at the dorm I share with San and Mingi.” He also realized they’d be meeting Bella. 

“I would love to get to know your members. They’re my brother-in-laws too.” Bella giggles and it’s strange to call ATEEZ her in-laws. 

Even Seonghwa finds it strange to call STAYC his sister-in-laws. 

“They’re nice people except when we play games.” He describes his group as both sweet and chaotic. Bella didn’t need to assume because she had watched their moments on YouTube and variety shows. But they are an excellent group. 

She tells Seonghwa, “Don’t worry. My group is the same.” Bella can relate to him and they both find it funny and amazing. 

Then a place sparks her interest. Bella found a photobooth. Seonghwa sees her eyeing it in silence. He questions her, “Do you want to take pictures?” His voice broke out of her thoughts. Bella swiftly turned her attention to Seonghwa. “Can we? I don’t know if we have time.” She is hesitant and cares about his work schedule. 

To her surprise, Seonghwa shrugged. “I’ll take the risk of running late tomorrow. Besides, I’ve been wanting to have a break.” For once, he cares less about his usual routine as an idol. Waking up early when it’s the peak of dawn, doing practices with mentors for the whole day, meetings, and repeat. 

Bella is appalled. She wasn’t expecting this side of Seonghwa. “I hope you don’t get in trouble.” Her concerned response made her husband chuckle. “It’s okay. We’ll take as much as we want.” Seonghwa convinced Bella that he wouldn’t get scolded by his manager or big boss. 

In silence, the wife nods to indicate she trusts her husband. 

Seonghwa and Bella entered the self-photo studio with cute props on the clothing racks and baskets. Instantly, a headband of bear ears caught Bella’s attention. “Ooh! I'll wear this one!” She takes them from a rack. Seonghwa hums, “Hmm, I guess I’ll wear this.” He grabs a fluffy hat with floppy rabbit ears. He is a rabbit, after all. 

Once taking their chosen props, they go into an empty booth with a pretty pink background. “I’ll have Grogu join.” Bella puts her new plushie in the frame. Seonghwa puts on a broad smile, “He is photogenic.” The male idol commented. He sees her put the baby alien in the middle, and they strike a pose. Bella makes a cheek heart and Seonghwa cups his cheek—a signature pose, especially for his photocards. 

Second photo is a silly one with the small black glasses. Bella couldn’t stop laughing at Seonghwa because it’s true that he can make glasses look dorky. 

Third is with peace signs.

Fourth one is completing a hand heart.

Now, for the last photo, they weren’t sure what to do.

Seonghwa thought of an idea but wanted to know if Bella would do it. So, he asked her for permission. “You don’t mind if I have my arm around you?” He could feel his face burning crimson. 

Bella looks at him and says, “Since you asked, I’m okay with it.” If Seonghwa didn’t say anything before touching her, she would either feel uncomfortable or shy by his closure. He gently wraps his arm around her shoulders. Bella hears his heart beating against her ear. In return, she has the bravery to embrace his waist. 

Seonghwa felt her petite arms. Her touch is soft and cozy. 

In the last photo, they look like a real couple. 

series masterlist

[greatlistuae]

[ayukaze]

Now it feels like we’re celebrating the 25th Anniversary 😍

This new art for an upcoming collaboration with Karatez is just simply stunning. The theme is (very obviously) “idol” and I personally love the futuristic pop concept they’ve added to the outfits. Although exact date and merch details haven’t been shared yet, they shared a few layouts of the key art.

The outfits are also great this time around because of their little references to the partner Digimon’s Perfect evolutions. Listing them down one by one as always.

Taichi: The blue markings on his jacket plus robotic arm markings on his right sleeve are a nice shoutout to MetalGreymon.

Yamato: We see WereGarurumon’s pattern on his jacket and a few belts wrapped around his hands that captures the punk-grunge vibe of WereGarurumon well. It may be Yamato’s affinity to music, but he looks extremely in his element in this art, it’s not often we see him so raring to go in official merch art (he’s more of a soft smiles guy usually).

Sora: Her gloves and the red bandana on her arm coupled with the feather in her hair are clear shoutouts to Garudamon. It’s kinda funny to me that being the girl who’s crest is a heart symbol, she’s making a victory sign while Mimi and Hikari are both making different types of finger hearts 😆

Koushiro: Honestly they were really subtle with the reference for him and even twitter couldn’t exactly answer my doubts so I’m gonna have to see Koushiro stans step up and answer whether the reference in his outfit limited to the markings on his jacket resembling AtlurKabuterimon’s chest?

Mimi: I think she’s the one with the most easy to catch references, her skirt resembles Lilymon’s and her hair tie looks like Lilymon’s flower canon. I love that she’s making the big finger heart because it’s just so very Mimi. If Yamato suits the passionate side of being an idol, Mimi is definitely meant for the cutesy visual vibe that can make fans go crazy over just a wink and a smile.

Jou: He’s wearing three belt like bracelets around one wrist like Zudomon which makes his a minimal reference though not as subtle as Koushiro’s. I do feel that they could’ve done a bit more with his look, maybe add a horn to the side of his headset? I also can’t wait to see the full art for each kid individually cuz I do think him and Yamato are wearing similar bellbottom pants!

Takeru: The feather on his headset and the yellow suspended straps are a decent reference to HolyAngemon. Considering that they wanted to keep the outfits limited to one colour per kid, I think this is the best way they could slip in the reference, though I wouldn’t have minded a few rings.

Hikari: The feather on the headset, the corset-ish belt around her waist and her gloves are very nice references to Angewomon. Keeping Hikari’s innocence as a kid intact while referencing a Digimon that is undoubtedly considered one of the most sexiest mons in the franchise would have been really tough and I salute the illustrators for coming up with this design! I also like the OG Korean finger heart she’s making, such a cute look on her.

The cherry on top are each of the Digimon partners holding supportive cheering goods for their kids. Piyomon’s love for Sora goes hard with her big name banner. Meanwhile, Agumon and Palmon kept it simple with haoris, Tailmon and Patamon too decided to go the simple route with light sticks. Gabumon, Gomamon and Tentomon seem normal from afar with their hand fans but when you get a closer look on all the hearts around Koushiro’s name on Tentomon’s fan, you know the three spent time making those themselves.

All in all, a pretty amazing illustration to be able to get merch of!

But wait that’s not all, andGallery has also teased a future cafe collaboration with Digimon Adventure on their twitter, more info will be announced on 19th Feb but they did share a preview of what to expect.