#But (Clearly) Neither of Them Like to Talk About it

[whyohwhydoris]

In university, I took a course on international foreign and military policy. This course used US policy decisions from 1900 onwards to analyse the struggles on international politics, particularly from a military stand point. As we were learning different models of analysis and decision making, and while we were looking for traps like group-think, etc, we got to the Cuban Missile Crisis. My professor - a brilliant woman with a background in Marxist economic theory - set us a game.

Anyway, our class of ~35 were divided into 8 teams and the teams were paired off. We were presented with a modified prisoners dilemma: across multiple rounds, we had to choose whether or not to nuke our opponents. If neither team pulled the trigger, both earned 5 points; if both did, both earned 3 points; if one did, they earned 10 points and the other earned 0.

At the end, the winning team with the most points would win extra credit - enough to shift a letter grade on an assignment.

I convinced my team to nuke round 1. We were the only team that did. We nuke each other the next three rounds. But, after, teams are nuking each other a lot. Most games devolve into a perpetual nuclear exchange. Eventually, I quietly asked "can we let the other team make our decision for us?" - the professor replied that the only limits were in our instructions. For the next 12-15 turns, our teams developed and used a mutual verification. But, my team had the lead from the first round. Because we had developed a peace mechanism early though, we had racked up the most points between us. Third to last round, the other team, knowing they can only win with a unilateral strike, refuse our mechanism. I tell them, clearly, we will launch if they back out. My team is letting me lead because we're far and away the winners. They still withdraw, and for the last few turns, we nuke each other.

At the end, the instructor goes around, and she says she has never seen teams nuke each other so much. That we're the most cynical class she has ever had. Everyone talks through their strategy and reasoning. Through their whys. And, at the end, she amused but slightly disquiet. And the one of my peers pipes up:

"We're the 9/11 generation. We've grown up during the global war on terror. We've seen military and foreign policy cock ups for our entire lives."

The class start talking about it, about how that impacted us and our world view. We don't play games. We don't assume. Because we've seen the arrogance of the US government get too many people killed all to make a problem worse. We won't assume that our adversary is less able than us. We won't assume they are less cunning. Or that we aren't the villains of their story.

She said that we might be the first class she had ever had to uniformly deny American exceptionalism. That, despite that, we might be the most patriotic class she'd ever had. Because each and every one of us had talked about democracy, equality, liberty. As we condemned US foreign policy in our lifetimes, we talked about the other sides of our conflicts as equals, and with sorrow. About emerging adversaries as problems we must be unbe ding with, but as people who need compassion non-the-less.

I don't know why this reminded me of that - of that moment of cynical black-hearted hope in that class room as we looked around and realized we had to fix these things. Bitterness and hope together. A coldness and a compassion paired. A willingness and desire for cooperation, but an unwavering moral sensibility.

introducing my four year old niece to the concept of "moral dilemmas" by telling her that i'm a monster that eats children and that i know it's wrong but i'm so so so hungry and everything else tastes yucky. i've tried all the human food in the world and it all tastes so yucky i can't even eat it. i can only eat children and i'm so hungry

[plethorawrites]

Hey, so imagine Jason with a reader whose parents are simply the most loving beings in the universe, like R's father taught him basic things that neither Bruce nor his biological father could (like how to fix a broken sink, how to assemble a cabinet and even love advice) and R's mother was practically like a mother to him (visiting them regularly even when her daughter is not home, bringing soup when they know he is sick and helping him choose Valentine's Day gifts for the reader).

This may be the cutest prompt I've ever received. I love soft Jason soooo much!! (I fear I am not out of my obsession stage yet.)

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Jason Todd obviously grew up with few to no parental guidance and when he got it, it was more often than not negative like manipulation and abuse or neglect.

So, when he meets his girlfriend's parents he's understandably extremely nervous. From what you've told him, they're sweet. But he knows perception can change quickly and let's be real, he's not the good, kind-hearted person anyone would want for their daughter, in his opinion.

That said, when he does meet them for the first time and your mom envelopes him in the biggest hug he's received aside from you (a chronic cuddler, which he's come to appreciate.) he's a little stunned for the moment. It takes him a minute to even remember how to speak to introduce himself.

This man, all 6'2 and 240 pounds of him, actually seems shy for a moment, trying to make a good impression. You find it adorable when his cheeks blush after your mom compliments him on all the nice things you've told them about him. He didn't even know you bragged about him to people, let alone the extent of it. Like yeah, sure, you showered him in affection all the time, but that was at his apartment or yours.

The fact that you had actually mentioned him often enough that they knew about some of his quirks— his disdain for fish because Bruce made him eat it all the time as a kid at fancy events until he couldn't stand it anymore and his desire to meet for dinner not lunch since he had an obscure sleep schedule because of his "job" was astounding to him.

Even though they couldn't know what it was, you still boasted about how he was very passionate about it and you were proud of him for how hard he worked. That, admittedly, made him blush a little harder.

"She says you've got late hours, I hope dinner won't interfere," your mom would tell him considerately.

He shook his head. "No ma'am. I don't work until later."

She beamed. "Well good, then, because we've been dying to meet you."

Even the things about him that he assumed most parents wouldn't be thrilled to hear about, yours didn't seem to mind.

"You grew up in crime Alley, right?" Your father was questioned, in between the salad and entree.

Jason swallowed. There it was, he assumed. The disapproval he was anticipating. "Yes, I did," he replied, nodding.

"It's a difficult area to grow up in," your father noted. "A very close friend of mine was born over there. He's as tough as they come. Very resilient and reliable."

Jason was taken by surprise. "Uh- yeah, yes. I suppose you learn to be loyal when you don't have many people to trust." He internally cursed himself for saying that. It was too dark and pessimistic.

"An admirable quality," your mother said sincerely as you squeezed his hand under the table. "It must have also exposed you to a lot of different types of people and given you a very broad outlook on life."

He just nodded, swallowing some of his water.

Your father had similarly commented that he seemed to have a great work ethic, which Jason clearly appreciated and considered important. Your dad also, at the end of dinner, when you were out of ear range, made a quiet remark to Jason about how he seemed to make you very happy and that's all he ever wanted for his daughter. Jason had been expecting shovel talk or threats. At the very least, judgemental stares, the way he was used to, but instead your parents were absolutely lovely.

And it very clearly wasn't some temporary ruse, either, like he thought it might have been. They really were good people, just like you. When you moved in with him, your parents helped the two of you pack your old apartment and unpack in his. Your mom even insisted on cooking dinner since the two of you were exhausted from all the moving. He would never say no to her cooking, since aside from Alfred's, it was the best he'd ever had.

It was only a few weeks later, in the middle of summer, when your air conditioner broke down. It was Gotham, so obviously it was hot as hell. And of course no one was reliable when it came to actually coming to fix it. Your father, however, was used to fixing things and came over when you casually mentioned it to him after it was broken for a week or two.

He was about halfway through with it when Jason came home and he immediately felt bad just letting him, so your dad pointed towards some tool and asked him for some help.

"I don't really know how to fix an AC. Vehicles are more my thing," he confessed, lifting a wrench to his hand.

Your dad shrugged. "Not that hard. I'll show you."

Jason glanced at where you were sitting at the table with a glass of lemonade, giving him a light shrug. "Okay, sure," he muttered, rolling up his sleeves.

Jason liked to think the two of you had a pretty solid relationship, as far as honesty and commitment went. He loved you, he was almost positive by the time you'd been dating 15 months that he wanted to marry you.

But you still, occasionally, fought the way all couples did. And when you did, it was usually because he struggled to keep plans or left you waiting up for him, only to come home desperately needing stitches.

The worst it ever got was when he deliberately lied to you, swearing he'd stay out of something dangerous and going straight into danger the second he could. Even though nothing that bad actually happened, you were more than a little angry. In fact, during the screaming match you had, he could swear he saw the exact moment your heart broke when you told him you thought he cared more about being Red Hood than he did about you.

You left for hours. Four of them.

And when he heard a knock at the door, he was hopeful it was you, having forgot your keys. Instead, it was your mom. His heart dropped, wondering what she was doing there—planning to yell at him for how he treated you, grabbing some things for you so you could stay away for several days, breaking up with him on your behalf.

All she did was invite herself in, making some coffee (just the way she knew he liked it) and sitting on the couch with him. He was confused and silent, until she spoke up.

"She's not saying what the fight was about," she told him. "I assume it's your work. The uh-... nightly aspect of it?"

He blinked a little. Something about her tone was more suggestive than he liked. "It- partially, yeah," he admitted. "I didn't mean to break my promise."

She nodded. "I know," she muttered. "And I don't think she's mad, just...scared. She doesn't want to lose you."

"She won't," Jason replied instantly.

Your mom's lips quirked into a small smile. "Then tell her that," she suggested, adding that: "Trust is fragile. It takes a long time to build it and a single action can shatter it." She patted his knee, standing up and he stood too, walking her to the door.

"Why do I have a feeling you know what the fight was about, even without her telling you?" He asked quietly if not with some suspicion.

"You're a very good man, Jason," she told him. "But it doesn't take a genius to know why those hours you work are so obscure." Before he could question or deny what he felt she already knew, she was giving him a small kiss on the cheek, the way she often did to greet and say goodbye. "Call her," she said. "I'll make sure she picks up."

So he did. And you did answer, like she promised.

You made up, like always and it wasn't even six months later that he was calling your parents, asking for blessing to propose to you. Of course they said yes and we're thrilled to do so. Your mom even helped him pick out the ring. Which took hours, half because he couldn't decide and half because she kept starting to cry.

When he finally did find the right one, she naturally helped him plan the proposal, too. He wasn't always the greatest at romantic gestures. At least not grand ones. He was always better at the subtle shows of affection—remembering dates and details or taking care of you when you're sick. He doesn't want to do anything overwhelming, but filling the apartment with twinkling lights and telling you—with several tears in his eyes—how much he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, is plenty for you.

"Yes?" He repeats, almost in disbelief that you'd agreed so quickly to marry him.

"Yes, yes, obviously," you repeated, sniffling to keep from crying as you gave him your hand, letting him slip the ring on your finger.

His arms immediately enveloped you, lifting you off the ground and spinning you around like you weighed nothing. Setting you down, his lips found yours for a deep, long kiss, before pressing his forehead against yours and nuzzling your nose.

"I love you so much," he repeated, even though he'd said it three times already.

He already saw plenty of your parents, at least four or five times a month, but it seems like he sees them nearly everyday when the wedding planning starts. Your mom is more concerned with invitations and linens or vows while your dad really just shows up for cake tasting, or trying the catering companies. Not to mention to judge and criticize the venue options.

Still, they're there more than his own father figure is, sort of like they have been since he met them. They're there on your wedding day, crying in the front row when he uses his love of literature to craft was perhaps the most beautiful wedding vows ever recorded. They're there to take care of your apartment when you're on your honeymoon, coming to water the plants and collect the mail, not to mention stock the fridge before you get back.

They're there for your birthday and his, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. They're there to help prepare for the baby when you eventually have kids, your mom by soothing Jason's nerves and your dad by helping him paint the nursery or assemble furniture. They're there after the baby is born and visit whenever you need a babysitter for a few hours or even days to spend time together.

They're there, he realizes. They're there and he loves that, not just for you or for the baby, but for himself too. For the little kid inside him that never fully felt like any adults around him truly had his best interests at heart.

[marvelstoriesepic]

Like a Phoenix (9)

Pairing: Mercenary!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Series Summary: An attack on your palace thrusts your only hope for survival into the hands of a mercenary who is forced to protect you, all due to a vow he made many years before. Though, those are circumstances neither of you have chosen.

Word Count: 6.7k

Warnings: mentions of dead parents, betrayal; arrogance and ignorance of mankind; sexism; talk of arranged marriage

Author’s Note: Next part for y'all. Hope you enjoy! ♡

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

Lying in a bed feels different now.

The mattress underneath you is impossibly soft. It sinks under your weight as if meant to cradle you into dreams like a cloud. The cool silken sheets glide over your skin in a way meant to be soothing but it merely leaves your skin itchy.

The blankets are thick and warm, layered with care for a comfort that borders on indulgence. Lavender lingers faintly on the fabric, intentional yet in one breath so very subtle, crafted solely to lull royalty into ease.

It’s everything a princess should have - a sanctuary of opulence, security, and rest.

But you hate it.

You loathe the softness. Hate that it yields and molds itself to your body instead of standing against it, as if the wilderness that grew within your bones on the journey needs to be tamed now. The sheets feel like chains because they suffocate you with their plushness, weighted with all the memories of who you used to be.

And the warmth is all wrong.

Bucky’s fires were wild, flickering, unpredictable, crackling under a starlit sky. Their heat was honest and real, earned with careful tending and cold nights that made you appreciate the blaze all the more.

The warmth in your new chambers now feels artificial, orchestrated by servants who stoked it before you could even realize you’re cold.

It is insufferable.

You roll onto your back, fixedly gazing at the canopied ceiling above you. It is decorated with golden-threaded patterns spiraling and weaving into meaningless flourishes.

Your chambers back at the palace had looked so much the same.

The walls were thick with privilege and the air perfumed by fresh-cut lilies brought in by servants each morning. You remember sprawling across your bed without a care in the world, lulled by the soft rustle of silk curtains drawn against the daylight. You lived encased in velvet luxury. One of your biggest burdens once was which gown to wear to court or what pleasantries to exchange with noble suitors you never cared for.

This castle, such a reflection of the life you abandoned weeks ago - a life of pompous splendor and ignorance.

How did that life ever fit you?

You think of the palace halls, the wide ceilings. The footsteps of knights and guards walking around and shadowing your steps. The way you never questioned where the food on your golden plates came from or why your wardrobe was endless. Servants slinked in and out of your days, assisting you, and you took that for granted and never really saw them too clearly.

But now, after the forest, after Bucky, after everything - you cannot unsee it.

You’ve walked through a town where women bartered over bread with smiles despite knowing it might be their only meal for the day. Where men bore calloused hands from labor that ensured someone else’s comfort - your comfort

They had so little, yet there was joy in the way they lived. Real joy, the kind that doesn’t come from silken sheets or golden chandeliers but from togetherness and resilience.

Shame threads through you, sliding through your veins so smoothly but making your muscles twitch.

Bucky would hate this bed.

The thought is so unexpected, your breath stutters. But you linger on it.

He would have scoffed at the unnecessary extravagance, muttering something gruff about practicality while tossing down a rough fabric over hard earth without complaint. You recall how he would brush the twigs and leaves aside that got stuck on his clothes over the night.

The forest was harsh, but it was real. You earned every night’s sleep there, even if it was fitful and cold. The ache in your muscles was proof that you had lived through the day, not simply existed within a cocoon of simplicity.

This bed is a lie.

It is trying to lull you back into a world where comfort was abundant and hardship was for other people - the townsfolk whose existence has been so distant to you.

You had seen the hollow-eyed hunger of some and the contentment of others in this kind of life. Children ran barefoot through those dusty streets, with laughter bright and untrained, unbound by the rigid decorum that had ruled your own childhood.

They hadn’t cared about courtly manners - not showing too much teeth, not letting your laugh carry - or straight postures.

They cared about playing with one another, chasing each other through the streets, petting the dogs of others, and feeling the warmth of the community.

It has shaken you.

And those truths are crushing you lying here in this bed that cradles your body but not your spirit.

Your father’s lies. The lies that had propped up your kingdom. His image of a realm prosperous and just, all but shattered by the reality of its struggling people. And you were blind to it all.

Bucky’s past as a soldier in that same kingdom's army, forced to serve under a king who cared more for appearances than for the lives beneath his rule. The scars Bucky bears have been engraved by your father - a debt paid in blood and pain.

You spent your life with the preparations to rule one day. And that made sense. Because you are the damn princess.

But you no longer feel like it.

How are you supposed to step back into that role, knowing what you know now? How can you sit on a throne draped in opulence when the people beyond this castle scrape by with so little?

You press your palms against your eyes. The warm air stumbles in your throat.

You no longer are a princess surrounded by the finest things this country has to offer. You are someone who has walked through hardship, who has seen the fractures of your kingdom and felt the twinge of guilt for not knowing sooner.

You have tasted the freedom of the wild and the wailing ache of loss.

Nothing in this world, not even the smoothest silks nor the softest pillow, will make you forget what you have seen and learned.

Harshly, you toss the covers aside and sit up. The warmth of the bed will never be able to comfort you - it hasn’t the whole night, and it probably won’t ever again.

Your feet swing over the side, feet brushing against the lush rug beneath you.

The bath you were practically forced to take the evening before has been warm. Too warm. Scalding against skin that grew accustomed to the cool bite of stream water and hurried scrubs with rough cloths and soap under moonlight.

The strong smell of lavender and rose petals overwhelmed your senses. The maids who attended to you poured oils into the water, softly explaining how it would restore your softness and soothe away the dirt from your travels.

You sunk into it because you were expected to. But it worked too well. The water had softened your skin but it also scrubbed away something else. The grime of the journey, the smoke from countless fires, and the roughness of the forest floor were stripped from your skin. But instead of renewed you felt hollowed out.

Clean, yes. But in a painful way. As if you had been peeled open and laid bare, filed down to fit into this polished, perfect world you no longer feel you belong to.

The cloying oils only stayed sticking to your skin.

And the maids insisted on brushing your hair out until it gleamed like mahogany.

Now, golden morning light trickles through tall windows, brushing tiny swirls across your untouched breakfast tray.

You keep sitting on the edge of the bed, fingers digging into the silken nightgown piled across your knees, heart filled with foreboding.

Despite the warmth of the bed and the comfort it should provide, rest has evaded you entirely. Your thoughts were too loud. Too much. Circling endlessly in a maze without exists.

There is a knock at the doors and then they come.

The three maids from yesterday evening enter in hushed formation with polite smiles on their faces. Their steps are light. They bow slightly, greeting you with carefully measured tones. Like they know nothing else but say those words.

You do not greet them back.

The maids must see the dark shadows under your eyes, the pallor of your skin, but their smiles never waver.

They only descend upon you with gentle hands, guiding you toward the vanity without a word about your state. They move as though choreographed.

It makes you want to scream.

You stare into the mirror, catching sight of your reflection. A stranger looks back at you. A girl with dull and sunken eyes, with likes on her forehead and lips pressed to a frown.

Your maids see a princess in need of restoration, a figurehead who must be embellished until she is flawlessly shining.

But all you see is a fraud.

Nausea curls in your stomach as they begin to brush and tame your hair, pinning it into place, fingers deft but impersonal. One smooths a fine powder over your face and another sorts out a gown for you.

The way they move without complaint, without hesitation, their entire existence seemingly dedicated to making you presentable makes you wring your hands in your lap in unease.

They smile politely, but those smiles never really touch their eyes. They are so composed and respectful. Standing there and moving so practiced, smoothing creams onto your face and fastening delicate pins into your hair, all while you feel like you are going to lose it.

You stare at them. They are not people here. Not in the way that matters. You think about their will, their hopes, their dreams - all stuffed out by duty, extinguished in favor of caring for others. For you.

The gown a brunette girl has selected is extravagant. Layers of silk and brocade in hues of deep indigo and gold shimmering under the morning light. They lace you into it tightly, the bodice cinching your ribs until your breath comes shallow.

You forgot how restricting these dresses were, how they demanded perfect posture and composure. You miss your blue dress. It’s still ruined and dirty, but god, do you want to step into it.

You grip the edge of the vanity as they finish their work, your nails pressing into the glossy wood. You glance down at your hands - clean, soft, and manicured now. The dirt under your nails, the callouses that had begun to form from days of travel, are gone. Erased.

But you refuse to forget what you learned there. It hums beneath your skin.

Another brunette maid steps back, folding her hands neatly in front of her. You believe her name is Lady Maximoff.

“You look lovely, your Highness,” she says, voice gentle and deferential.

Lovely.

The word is sour as you swallow it down.

You do not feel lovely. You feel like the only thing left of you is the husk. Like the one of a fruit. Dusty and bitter. And inside is a nasty wound of something rampant that can’t break free with all the excessive embellishments you are dressed in.

They have prepared you for something. But no one has told you what awaits you now that you are here. For what you have been dressed up like this.

You had been sent here immediately upon your arrival, ordered to get cleaned up and ensure that no one saw you in your disheveled, dirty state.

God forbid anyone witness you as a human being.

The princess must be immaculate. Flawless. A symbol. A shining representation of what you only ever felt like in the forest - a real woman.

You have been scrubbed, and dressed to meet expectations you no longer want to fulfill.

The room is filled with the rustle of silk as they continue to fuss around you. Your hair just pinned so, gown cinched to perfection, shoes soft against the floor but lined with elegance. You only listen halfway to their murmurs - until their conversation breaks through your restive thoughts.

“He will fall for you in an instant,” a maid with dark blond waves says with a wistful sigh, pausing as she smooths the delicate sleeves of your gown.

“Truly,” the first brunette agrees, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. “He will not stand a chance.”

You blink, caught off guard by their words. A spark of confusion vibrates through you. He? Who is he?

Before you can voice your question, Lady Maximoff speaks up, her voice softer than the others but not less certain. “Indeed, my lady.” Her tone is dipped in honeyed courtesy. “And who wouldn’t? You are radiant, your Highness. He will see it plainly.”

He.

Your mind stumbles over the pronoun. You don’t know who they are speaking of but the implication deeply unnerves you. The warmth in their voices feels misplaced, like praise bestowed too early upon a battle yet to be fought.

“Who are you talking about?”

The room falls into a sudden, stifling silence.

The maids freeze, hands hovering mid-air. They exchange wide-eyed glances.

Lady Maximoff flushes, color blooming high on her cheeks. The other two avert their eyes, their hands growing fidgety as they return to fussing over folds of fabric that need no further adjustment.

“I- I misspoke, your Highness,” the first brunette stammers, her voice unsure. She grows a little pale in the bright light.

The blonde fumbles with a silk ribbon, suddenly engrossed in tying it into a bow.

The sudden shift in their demeanor - the slight panic in the air, the flustered silence - tightens something deep within your stomach.

Your pulse quickens. The unease that hasn’t left you since your arrival sends a shiver crawling along your spine, dragging it out so painstakingly slowly.

“Who is he?” you press, firmer this time. “Who are you speaking of?”

But the maids refuse to meet your eyes. They avoid them with such determination - or perhaps fear - a prickling tension grips your throat.

Possibilities race through your mind, none of them comforting. They know something you don’t, and it plagues your nerves like a hushed murmur you can’t quite understand.

You force your voice softer, but the edge of demand remains. “Please. Tell me.”

But the three girls are already moving, gathering up their tools and fabric swatches briskly.

“Forgive us, your Highness,” Lady Maximoff voices, but her tone is marked by her nervousness. “We have lingered too long in idle talk.”

Their refusal to answer only makes the implications of their words so much for dreadful. Who is he? And why would he care for your appearance, your supposed radiance?

Is this some courtly nonsense you’ve been removed from for too long? Or something worse - a scheme in the dark shapes of politics and power, hidden even from you?

“The time presses,” the blond girl rushes, briefly meeting your eyes. The brunette reaches for the door handle, her knuckles pale against the wood.

The other two guide you gently but firmly forward, herding you like a lamb to some unknown fate. They stay silent now, their gazes fixed elsewhere, as though avoiding your eyes will erase the guilt of their loose tongues.

The maids only curtsy hastily, stepping back, their duty done. Lips pressed into polite, impenetrable smiles. They leave you standing there, alone with your frightful premonition.

They know something you don’t. Something you are not meant to know yet. And that ignorance feels dangerous.

Whatever they know, it concerns you.

And it isn’t good.

At least, not for you.

****

Each step you take echoes through the ornate corridors. Their paths are winding and bright and gleaming under the soft glow of scones and you feel like squeezing your eyes shut to escape the sight.

But you could not get rid of the smell of wax and polished wood, including the faint metallic tang of dread that keeps your shoulders stiff and your hands clammy.

Two guards flank you, their boots heavy against the floor and their faces so utterly impassive.

You’ve asked them where you are being led, demanded to know who awaits you. But each question was met with cold silence. They neither acknowledge you nor spare you a glance, despite your rank.

And with a shiver that creeps along your spine, you come to the conclusion that they aren’t ignoring you out of insolence but out of duty - because they were instructed not to answer.

Your fists clench at your side, heart pounding erratically.

Your nerves coil tighter with each step. The soft rustle of your gown feels constricting and oppressive against your skin. You want nothing more than to claw it off and return to the freedom of simple tunics and sturdy boots that had carried you through the forest. But that was snatched away the moment you crossed through the castle gates and were swept back into this world of titles, propriety, and veiled threats.

Anxiety clutches onto your chest, making you take in a harsh breath through the tight corset.

You pass through a towering archway flanked by more guards who straighten at your approach.

Chandeliers gleam overhead, casting fractured light across a grand hall teeming with courtiers, nobles, and officials. Conversation dulls to a hush as all eyes turn to you.

This is not just about courtly pleasantries or some ceremonial welcome. You are being presented.

Your skin prickles at their assessing gazes. They are so mixed. Some full of curiosity, pity, and sympathy, others filled with suspicion, contempt, disregard, and a few handful of inscrutable expressions.

You detest them all the same.

At the far end of the hall stands a dais, draped in rich velvet, where a throne rises. Seated beside it is a man who must be the king of this domain, his bearing regal but rigid. An elder advisor beside him whispers something into his ear. His expression is stony.

There is a figure standing before the dais, sharp eyes staring you down. He is tall and lean-muscled in formal attire. There is a certain air of arrogance surrounding this man.

His face is handsome in a polished way, his strong nose crooked slightly, dark and thick brows lining his forehead. But there is a detachment in his eyes that has you swallow hard. He watches you intensely, weighing your worth.

And something hits you then. A metaphorical punch to the gut. A thought in your mind. Maybe he is the man those maids have spoken of.

You keep your expression composed but your skin is boiling in panic. It’s so hot and ferocious, but you grip it with trembling fingers and shove it down where it can’t break free yet.

A herald steps forward. His voice booms through the hall. He sounds ceremonious and impersonal, stripping you bare with each syllable. “Her Royal Highness, the princess of the Western Realm, presented before His Majesty and the Court.”

Your title feels foreign in your ears and you keep yourself from grimacing. Those words do not belong to you. At least, not anymore. They are relics of a life fractured by survival and grief, paraded for spectacle.

The man who has been watching you so intently descends the dais gracefully and moves towards you. He stops at a respectful distance. His face is striking indeed. Sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, and eyes that glint with intent. And you don’t like any of it.

He bows slightly, but there is no warmth in that gesture. It’s for mere formality.

“Your Highness,” he greets, his voice smooth but devoid of true feeling.

You bring yourself to curtsy, though your legs tremble beneath you. “My Lord,” you manage. But it sounds detached.

He does not take his eyes off you. Studying you keenly. “You must be wondering why you’ve been summoned.”

“I would appreciate some clarity, my Lord,” you reply, keeping your tone measured.

“This arrangement was decreed long ago, in the event of” - his lips curl faintly - “unforeseen circumstances.”

Your skin crawls at the way he says it. Your blood turns to ice. “What arrangement?”

“Our marriage.”

Your next inhale fractures, broken by shock. Every nerve in your body stiffens with resistance.

“I was not informed of this arrangement,” you grit out but manage to sound calmer than you feel.

“There was no need for you to be informed,” he replies evenly and you just feel like throwing a dagger at him. “The matter was decided long ago.”

Before you can answer, the king's voice sounds out. “This union was ordained by the late king, your father, as a safeguard for the realm. We honor his wisdom today.”

Your breath leaves your lungs in a harsh exhale. So it is true. Your father had orchestrated this. Even in his death, his will reached out to bind you to a fate you had no say in.

This man standing before you is not a person but a sentence. The embodiment of your father’s final decree.

Even in death, you are bound to the legacy he built. A legacy of lies and cover-ups and manipulation.

Your mother could not possibly have known about this arrangement. She fought for you in her own ways. They were quiet at times but fierce. Always seeking to preserve the humanity that the crown sought to crush.

Beside the king, the elder advisor nods solemnly. “It was a measure of great prudence, your Highness. One that ensures stability in these uncertain times.”

Prudence. Stability. Cold words to mask the truth. That you are a pawn moved across a board without giving you the decency of knowledge.

Again, your life is being bartered like a mere commodity. You’ve come to expect it but not this way. This is so much worse than anything you conjured up in your head.

Desperation settles in your chest. “This was my fathers doing?” You don’t even know why you ask. Why you let it confirm to yourself another godforsaken time, but you don’t know what to do.

“His foresight ensured the survival of the realm. You should take pride in fulfilling his legacy.” The tone of the king is hard.

You almost scoff.

Your chest burns with the urge to let out your rage. But there is that familiar chokehold keeping you silent. The one forged in your childhood.

Out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of a few nobles exchanging glances.

The court is a stage and you are the unwilling actor thrust into the spotlight.

How come you are shoved back into this duty so quickly without a single blink after all that had happened?

You crave the shelter of the woods, the trees around you that would hide you from the rest of the world. The taste of freedom you barely begun to savor. Bucky as the only companion you need. Bucky as the only man you need.

But you’re back and instantly choked by your crown.

You cannot let this be your end - a fate dictated by a man who is no longer even alive.

“Your Highness?” the man in front of you prompts, tone measuredly polite but firm.

You lift your chin and gaze to the king, forcing steel into your voice. “I wish to speak with the Lord privately, your Majesty,” you declare, ignoring the murmurs rippling through the hall.

The king's brows furrow, but he inclines his head curtly. “Very well. Lord Ward, see to it.”

So that is his name. Lord Ward. The name of the man your father had chosen for you without your consent.

He extends his arm toward a side passage. “This way, your Highness.”

Briefly glancing back at the court where eyes still linger on you, you follow Lord Ward.

Guards follow you at a distance.

****

The castle gardens aren’t as extensive as the palace gardens had been.

But they are verdant under a sky tinted by the light of the sun.

Vines tangle up trellises, and roses bloom in bursts of crimson and gold.

Neatly pruned hedges line the paths.

A shallow breeze tugs at your skirts. The air is filled with floral sweetness.

The forest smelled of damp earth, pine, and wildflowers. This place is pristine, but it feels so lifeless. So unreal. So fake.

Just like the man walking beside you - your apparent betrothed.

He let you choose the path to the castle grounds, but he does not offer his hand, not incline his head with true respect.

He seems to try and mark his authority with every brisk stride, making it seem that this entire charade is an inconvenience he means to see through as swiftly as possible.

You refrain from rolling your eyes.

His name is not unfamiliar to you. Grant Ward, Lord Commander of the Northern Territories. You know of his self-importance and immodesty in council chambers, the firm clutch he maintains on treaties and taxation.

He is not the kind of man you take to feed the ducks by the pond.

You have not imagined your father would bargain your future to him. Although you might as well have guessed it after the things you found out about the man.

Lord Ward gestures toward a secluded alcove where a marble bench waits, its surface cold and white. “Sit, your Highness.” There is stiffness in his voice. A command.

You ignore it and the bench altogether. “I prefer to stand.”

His brow twitches, but he keeps his dissatisfaction composed. “As you wish.”

He turns his head slightly and allows his gaze to sweep over you. He is scrutinizing you as if you are a document in need of review.

“I suppose you find this arrangement disagreeable.” His voice is controlled. There is a low hum of amusement in his tone. But it’s nothing like Bucky’s has been. It’s darker.

You keep your expression a wall, though your shoulders draw tighter. “You suppose correctly, my lord.”

He huffs out a laugh, though the sound lacks warmth. As does his thin smile. “Honest. I can appreciate that.”

You don’t care if he does.

But you know better than to say that out loud.

The path bends toward a fountain, water glistening in the light.

This moment feels sterile. The rustling leaves around you seem louder than they should be.

You don’t care to fill the silence. So he does. But you'd rather he doesn’t.

“You have lived a sheltered life, I imagine,” he continues with a silky voice, but it is underlined with something colder, something displeased. “I will have to assume you grew over beyond such frippery, have you?”

You clench your jaw. Your spine stiffens. Your pulse races in anger and indignation.

“Do not believe me to fall into whatever role this arrangement demands of me.”

Lord Ward's expression hardens. He narrows his eyes ever so slightly at you. “Your duty is to your husband. To your kingdom. To your people.”

Your breath grows sharper; each inhale slicing through your ribs, fueling the heat that builds behind your sternum.

“And yet, I see none of my people here,” you counter.

He steps closer to you, the space between you shrinking until the scent of leather and fabric mingles with the floral air. His voice drops lower.

“I was under the impression you were a pliable princess, content to do as you were told.”

A flush rises to your skin, painting your neck and cheeks in a fever of fury. However, the hurt that weaves in cannot be tempered as easily. But you manage to mask it, keeping your voice strong.

“Then you were misinformed.”

His eyes gleam with something fierce. You have to crane your neck to meet his gaze, but don’t take it away.

Did your father truly believe this man could safeguard the realm? Or had this been about control - ensuring that even in death, his hand guides your future?

You know your father did not trust you to lead, to forge your own path. He handed you over just like that, a sacrifice for the sake of strategy.

Lord Ward tightens his jaw, and for a moment, you think he might bite back with something venomous. But he only lets out a sharp and measured breath.

“You will learn. I am here to mold you into what this kingdom needs.”

You don’t wait a second with your answer. “This kingdom needs compassion. Hope. Something to believe in and hold onto.”

You will not be molded into anything. You will not be the pawn of a chessboard, for Lord Ward to move you into place. You will not be moved so easily. No, not anymore.

You can no longer be the girl who has once accepted her role without question.

Long hands wrap around your wrist with a force that makes your breath hitch. His grasp sends a jostle of shock through you.

He only stares at you unapologetically at your attempt to wrench yourself free. Your heart thunders. “Unhand me now,” you demand, tugging at his grasp.

He doesn’t stop staring at you. He doesn’t stop gripping you. “Let me go!” you repeat, but it comes out weaker. Fear starts to rise like bile in your throat.

Lord Ward does not relent. If anything, his fingers tighten. The fine leather of his gloves punctures your skin.

A rather cunning sneer curls the corners of his mouth. “I’ve been patient with you, but I will not tolerate-”

“Get the fuck off her!”

You startle in shock at the voice that sounds out. Or rather the unflinching command. It is spoken by a voice you never thought, but kept on hoping you would hear again. It hangs in midair, and your mouth drops open as Bucky Barnes steps out from beneath an archway.

His rigid posture coils with energy, and he takes a step forward with the grace of a predator. There is murder in his eyes. But he is not looking at you. His threatening eyes are fixed on Lord Ward.

The grip on your arm slackens just slightly as Lord Ward turns incredulously. His confident expression dissolves into disbelief.

You manage to wrench your arm free at his distraction, cradling the aching limb. But you can’t focus on the pain. All you can focus on is him in all his intense and lethal glory standing mere feet away. You blink, and he is still there.

“Barnes?” Lord Ward’s voice shifts. “You are not meant to be here. This is no place for you.” He sounds angered, but there is uncertainty in his tone.

“Ah, I think I'm quite right where I am, Ward,” Bucky drawls, but his voice is chilling.

“As far as I am aware, you are a dead man, Barnes.”

Bucky’s lips twitch into something that is not quite a smile. “Close enough. Now, if you don’t take a step away from her, you are gonna be dead.”

You can only stand there, rooted to the spot, feelings somewhere between utter perplexity and wild relief.

Ward’s eyes narrow, and he does take a step from you, only to move toward Bucky. “You forget your place, soldat-”

Bucky cuts him off, voice deadly calm. “You don‘t wanna test me right now, Ward,” he warns. His tone drops to a guttural rumble. “I’ll assure you that.”

The tension in the air is thick enough to choke you.

“You think you can threaten me?-”

“Oh, I think I can do more than that.” Bucky’s voice is so cold, a shiver whacks through you.

You don’t know if your shock droned out some more parts of their conversation, but Lord Ward then strides away, the gravel path choking down his agitated gate. His back is stiff with rage, shoulders up.

Bucky doesn’t spare him another glance. His attention is on you now. His jaw is taut, a muscle feathering near his temple.

“Are you okay?” Concern leads his tone, still followed by the tension that has rattled Lord Ward's composure.

You glance down at your wrist, the faint imprint of Ward’s grip marring your skin. Your skin pulses. “I am alright,” you assure, though your voice lacks any heat, still trying to comprehend what just occurred.

Bucky’s brows are tightly knit together. His gaze sharpens on the reddening marks against your skin. His stoicism gives way to a simmering outrage that makes the air in your lungs falter on its way out.

“Bucky, what are you- you shouldn’t be here,” you press in an urgent whisper, as if that would make this tall man invisible.

“Well, too bad that I am,” he replies flatly.

“You don’t understand,” you urge, anxiousness creeping into your tone. “Lord Ward now knows that you are here. He will report it. You will get in-”

“Trouble?” Bucky scoffs, arching a brow. His tone softens, but his voice stays entirely unfazed. “Been in trouble before, doll. This ain’t any different.”

You want to shake him. Actually, you want to hug and kiss him and never let him move out of your sight, but throttling the man right now seems more rational. Demanding that he care for his own safety as much as he does for yours.

“They will come-”

“Let ‘em.”

You open your mouth to argue further, but then Bucky gently takes your hand in his, calloused fingers brushing against the tender skin of your wrist. His touch is careful and precise.

“C’mon,” he says softly, guiding you toward the stone fountain nestled beneath a canopy of ivy. Water trickles over the stone.

He leads you to the edge, his warm hand in yours. He kneels first, tugging you down with him. With his hand cradling yours, he dibs your wrist into the cool water.

The water is icy, but it feels soothing on your flushed skin, numbing the ache.

You watch the water bead on your wrist and drip into the basin below.

For a moment, neither of you speaks, the only sound the water splashing against stone.

“How do you know Lord Ward?” you ask quietly, not knowing if he will answer.

Bucky lets out a tired breath. But he answers after a beat. “Your father.” His voice is clipped but not unkind. “Ward was one of his men. Same as me.”

Your stomach turns. “He was a soldier?”

“Not exactly.” Bucky’s voice turns bitter. “He handled logistics, let’s say. Wasn’t on the frontlines, but he was real good at managin’ supply lines and keepin’ nobles happy.”

So basically, he is just a man representing everything you despise about court politics.

You let his words and his honesty sink in, looking down at where his hand is intertwined with yours, his thumb brushing lightly against your skin as though to erase the bruises Ward has left.

He touches you so carefully, so tenderly. But it is not just the sensation of his touch that stirs you. It’s the sight of him. He just kneels there beside you like he walked right out of a dream you had not dared to hope for.

You felt so lost the whole night, felt so empty, as if you were unraveling completely. And now, somehow, he’s just fixed that by simply being here.

Relief is a heavy feeling. It’s nearly dizzying, clutching you so intensely.

You take a breath and look at him properly. The parts of him you seared to your memory are still there. Brilliant and powerful. The sharp jawline marked by stubble. The wild mess of dark hair that always looks like it has been tousled by the wind. Those eyes, blue as forget-me-nots, blue as a winter morning, and just as cold when he chooses them to be. Those plump lips pressed into a faintly stubborn frown even when he isn’t trying to look fierce.

Those parts of him are unchanged. But there are new things too. Things you didn’t vividly remember.

There is a faint scar at his temple, pale and thin that you don’t remember noticing before. There is a new tension lingering around his eyes, shadows hollowing them out. His shoulders seem strained, poised in a way that makes you feel like he prepared for something that was rather mental than physical. The fine lines that bracket his mouth. The faint scent of cedar on his clothes.

It is strange noticing these small things now, all the details that paint the canvas of him. The things you would not have known without taking the time to look. The things you would not have known if your goodbye was forever. You shudder.

God, you missed him.

It should not feel this monumental. This significant. You said goodbye not even a day ago. But your chest has been tight since the moment you had to walk away, as seeing him again is the breath you weren’t able to let out.

Your fingertips buzz with a joy you know you should probably not feel to this extent, but it only makes the sting of your wrist fade into irrelevance. He’s here. He is really, truly here.

And he risked himself for you by being here. It makes your heart clench painfully.

You study the curve of his brow, the scar beneath his jaw that catches light when he tilts his head slightly to get a better look at the bruising on your wrist.

There is always something new to notice about Bucky Barnes, it seems. Always another layer hidden underneath that stoic exterior.

“I thought you would be over the mountains by now,” you say, the words slipping out in a voice barely above a whisper, almost too vehement despite their softness. There is a tiny glimpse of frustration manifesting in your chest. Not for him. It is born from your own swirling confusion, from the hit of emotions that bombarded you the moment you saw him standing there.

Bucky’s eyes lift to yours. And just like that, the air shifts. His eyes soften with something warmer. The blue of his eyes just turned a shade richer.

A twinkle returns to his expression. “Definitely woulda moved faster without you, darlin',” he drawls. His mouth tilts into something that almost resembles a grin. A tease.

But before you can retort, he lets out a small huffed laugh and shakes his head, almost in amusing disbelief. “Couldn’t, though,” he adds, quieter, voice dipping lower with meaning.

Your lips part at his admission.

You guessed that he mistrusted the world you were forced to reenter. It was in the way he hesitated, in his stoic silence, when he let you go at the gate.

But you did not believe him to stay.

Because that’s what he did. He stayed near the castle, and he didn’t stay out of duty.

You know because he tells you with his eyes.

They are so unflinchingly vulnerable, it leaves you totally shocked.

He stayed because he didn’t want to leave you alone here. Because the thought of walking away while you were locked inside this castle of rules and regulations hadn’t sat right with him. But there seems to have been something selfish, too. It wasn’t just the concern that kept him nearby. He didn’t seem to have trusted himself to walk away from you, either.

Your thoughts are uncontrollable. Thoughts of what it means that he has chosen to stay near the castle all night, forgoing the freedom of the road and the safety of distance just to be here. For you.

His gaze doesn’t waver.

And there is a longing in his eyes you sure is there to end you.

It’s too heavy for you, making you light-headed and your knees wobbly. The feeling of being too close to the edge of something cavernous and uncharted.

Like his eyes.

You don’t know if you are foolish for wanting him here - or foolish for wishing you didn’t need him at all.

There is something terrifying in knowing that if he had left and you weren’t to see him again, it would have shattered something inside you. But even more terrifying might be knowing that he didn’t.

Because you are afraid that you won’t let him go another time that easily. So, where does that leave you now?

“Some people think that the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration. But as time goes by, what is true is revealed, and what is fake fades away.”

- Ismail Haniyeh

Taglist: @cjand10 @unaxv @bellamoret @singsosworld @mrsnikstan @melsunshine @hawkinsavclub1983 @homiesexual-or-homosexual @vvs-dlxodyd @winterassassin1804

[empressdede]

The Secretary

Chapter One

Serena never imagined she’d be working for the Roman Reigns. When she applied for the position as his personal secretary, she thought it was just another corporate gig within WWE. But being responsible for the schedule, travel plans, and endless media requests of the Undisputed Universal Champion? That was a whole new level of chaos.

At first, Roman barely acknowledged her beyond short nods and clipped sentences. He was intimidating, always focused, and rarely showed anything but professionalism. But over time, something changed.

It started small - Serena learning how he liked his coffee without him ever telling her. Then came the way she organized his calendar so he could spend more time with his family, something he clearly noticed. Eventually, he started talking to her beyond just business - about his cousin’s jokes, his kids’ antics, even the exhaustion of always being The Tribal Chief.

One night, long after most of the office had cleared out, they were still there. Roman sat behind his desk, rubbing his temples, while Serena sorted through the latest batch of emails.

"You don’t have to stay this late," he murmured, watching her from under furrowed brows.

She smirked, not looking up. "If I don’t, you’ll forget half your appointments and double-book yourself again."

He exhaled a low chuckle. "You got me there."

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. The office lights cast a soft glow, making everything feel quieter, more intimate. Serena suddenly felt the weight of his gaze, and when she finally met his eyes, there was something there - something neither of them had acknowledged before.

She knew this was dangerous. He was her boss. The most powerful man in WWE.

Yet, for a brief second, she didn’t care.

Roman stood, slowly walking around the desk, his imposing presence making her heart pound. He stopped just inches away, his fingers grazing the papers in her hands, the warmth of his body radiating toward her.

"Serena…" His voice was lower now, almost hesitant.

She swallowed hard, knowing where this was going. Or at least, where it could go. Her breath caught as his hand reached up; whether to touch her face or just brush away a stray strand of hair, she didn’t know.

It would be so easy to lean in. To close the gap.

But reality crashed down on her like a steel chair.

If she let this happen, everything would change. And she couldn’t afford to lose this job - lose him- over one reckless moment.

So she stepped back, forcing a small smile. "I should go," she whispered.

Romans jaw tightened, but he didn’t stop her. He just nodded once, his expression unreadable.

Serena turned, walking toward the door with steady steps, even as her heart raced. Just before she left, she glanced over her shoulder.

He was still standing there, watching her.

And for the first time, she wondered if she was making the right choice - or the biggest mistake of her life.

Next

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Yall Ready for something New? 🤣 Might Post chapter two later today, JUST BECAUSE! Lmk if yall like it or if I should just… keep it in the draftss😭

Tagging the lovelies: @wrestlingprincess80 @whatdoeseverybodywant @pr0tost4r @paigereeder @alyyaanna @raya-hunter01 @mzv11 @trippinsorrows @partypoison00

If you want to be added to my taglist in all stories please say so HERE

[redhoodkisser]

two birds with one stone

your best friend sets you up on a blind date, fantastic. but, oh – the guy is kind of handsome..

warnings : none!

You'd told your best friend multiple times to not set you up on a blind date with a random person. What if they're a creep?! Well, clearly she didn't care about the risks of you getting murdered during a blind date.

Here you are, standing in front of the restaurant you were supposed to meet your blind date at. Great, just great. According to your best friend, his favourite colour is.. red? So you just wore your favourite wine red dress and paired it with black heels, doesn't take much to impress a man, does it?

You let out a sigh before stepping inside of the restaurant. You scanned around before your eyes landed on a certain man, your date. You were praying for help in your head as you approached the table he was sitting at.

“Hi, you're Jason, right?” You ask, giving him a warm smile. He looks at you up and down before nodding, “yeah, I'm Jason. Take a seat, pretty girl.” Your cheeks reddened slightly when he called you pretty, hoping he didn't notice. You settled down in the chair infront of him. You wanted to stay in for the night, not go out on a stupid date, but here she is. The atmosphere was awkward already, neither of them making conversation. Your hand was flipping through the menu, trying to distract yourself. But, you couldn't avoid him for long, eventually needing to start some type of conversation. You didn't want to waste your friend's 'hard work' hooking you up with this guy.

You exhaled, trying to calm yourself down. “So.. any hobbies in particular?” It was the most simple question, yet it made your chest feel a bit tight. You waited for his reply, watching him think about his answer. After a minute or so, he gave you an answer, “I like literature. You know, books and writing. All that jazz.” Oh, that was.. an unexpected answer? You thought he'd like something that was more intense. Though, his answer soothed the tightness in your chest, making you a bit relieved.

Your train of thoughts were suddenly stopped by the waiter that approached your table, asking you both what you were going to order. You looked at Jason, allowing him to order first since you'd been mindlessly flipping through the menu without inspecting it properly. While Jason was placing his order, you quickly flipped backwards through the menu and tried to find something simple and filling to you. Eventually, you landed on spaghetti. “Um, just the spaghetti please. If there is any, I'd like wine.” Jason was surprised by your choice of drink, but said nothing about it.

While you both waited for your food, he suddenly asked, “so, what's a pretty girl like you doing still single?” It was such a blunt question, but you couldn't exactly just avoid it. “Kinda hard to find a boyfriend when all they want is sex or.. just one night stands.” You said as your finger was fidgeting with your dress. A shaky sigh left you as you continued, “a-and, I had awful experiences in past relationships.” Jason was listening, nodding at everything you were saying. Hearing you say that had him extending his hand to yours resting on the table, placing his on top of yours.

“You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Whenever the right time comes, I'll be happy to hear you out, sweetheart.” You looked up at him, a smile making its way onto your lips. You nodded, “thank you, Jason. I'm.. flattered.” He smirked when you said that, “well, it's kinda my thing to make my first date flattered.”

You both talked until your food and drinks arrived, in which you two still talked whilst eating.

Once you both were finished with your food, you offered to split the bill with him but he refused. He paid for both of your meals, and you were being stubborn by telling him you'd pay him back but he absolutely refused. You tried to convince him, but alas, it didn't work. You both were standing outside the restaurant, saying your goodbyes. “So, I'll see you again?” You asked, tilting your head slightly in curiosity. “Yeah, of course. Uh, here's my number. You know, call me if you want another date.” He had his number written on a small piece of paper, ready to be taken by you.

You slowly took the piece of paper, looking at it thoughtfully before looking up at him. “I look forward to seeing you too, Jason,” before she left, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. It was a quick and sweet gesture she left before walking back to her apartment that wasn't far from the restaurant. His hand was on his cheek, exactly on the spot you'd kiss. He let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “That girl's gonna be the death of me..”

note ; omg,, first post in 2025 HAHA sorry i havent been posting as much as id like to. i might make a part two to blinddate!jason cs i actually like this concept :3

[auvrorsa]

if i didn't know better - r.c

pairing: rafe cameron x ex!reader

warnings: death of a child, grief counselling

prompt: two estranged lovers join the same support group. this is the first meeting.‍

author's note: this is my first time writing fanfic so pls be kind!!

It's been exactly six months since your daughter passed away.

It's been exactly five months and thirteen days since you had last left your house, until now. Here you stand, like a fish out of water, outside the community centre that holds the grief support group once a fortnight.

It's taken all this time for your friends to manage to convince you to at least try it out. That's the only reason you're here. You didn't believe in any of this therapy shit, but you promised them you would try.

Taking a deep breath, you step inside the building. Now or never.

The room is heavy and you find yourself overwhelmed. This is too much. Too soon, You think to yourself. Just as you turn to leave, someone who you assume is the leader of the group announces it's time to start.

It's busier than you thought it would be, you think as you all take your places in the school chairs that have been placed in a circle. There must be at least twenty-five people here, including yourself. It almost makes you feel less alone.

"Hi everybody, my name is Linda and I'll be hosting this weeks' support group," the woman introduces herself. She must be in her sixties. She has dark brown hair that sits in ringlets and her skin looks almost sun-kissed. You notice that she has soft wrinkles from smiling, although there's no sight of a smile when you look at her today. Immediately, you recognise her as one of your own. You may not know Linda, but it's obvious to anyone who has experienced loss that this woman has been there too.

She continues, pulling you away from your observation. "I wanted to start this session off by saying thank you. Thank you for trusting me and everyone around you with this and thank you for coming. I hope that you all are able to find some semblance of peace after your time here."

Everyone acknowledges her statement with a nod. You swear you even hear a sniffle from across the circle.

"To start off with, we're going to be-" Linda is interrupted by the door bursting open.

"I'm so sorry I'm late. I, uh-traffic was a bitch."

Your head immediately snaps up. You would know that voice anywhere. After all, you have spent the best part of your life in love with it and the person who owns it. Sure enough, your eyes lock onto the father of your daughter.

Rafe Cameron.

Seeing him here threw you through a loop. Of course, Poppy was his daughter too but… Rafe had never exactly been the type of person to sit down and talk about his emotions. It's partly why you two ended. That and losing Poppy. Neither of you were the same, you never would be. Your daughter had taught the pair of you the most valuable of lessons and now she was just… gone. It was cruel. Soon enough, you started arguing and he started staying out late drinking with his friends. In the end, you both realised you needed to separate. You both reminded one another of what you had lost and what you could never get back.

He breaths out your name, breaking you out of your stunned daze.

Linda looked between the pair of you, clearly confused. "Thank you for joining us, Rafe. It is so lovely to have you here. Do you two… know each other?"

Rafe looks at you for a second, trying to determine whether or not to open up the bag that you've both spent the past six months trying to close. He must see something on your face because he shakes his head, "Not really, just both from the same side of town."

"Oh, okay. Anyways, take a seat and we'll get started," Linda says with a warm smile on her face.

Once Rafe takes the last seat, which just so happens to be directly opposite you because of course it is, Linda explains how the session is going to work. Starting with herself, she will introduce herself with a fun fact about herself and then explain why she's here.

"Hi everybody. My name is Linda and I also teach yoga outside of this group. I'm here today because almost five years ago, I lost my husband of thirty-one years to a heart attack."

After Linda, the person to her right introduces herself and so on. It's mainly people who have lost their grandparents or parents. You feel eyes on you and immediately know who it is. When you meet Rafe's gaze, you know you're both thinking the same thing. You're both thinking about how unfair it all is.

Maybe that makes you both horrible people but it's what grief does to you. It takes the person you once were and tears you apart, right through the middle, until you're nothing but a scrap piece of paper.

When it gets to your turn, you're shaking. Somehow, you manage to stand up.

You begin by introducing yourself, "I don't really, uh, have any cool facts about myself. I'm here today because six months ago today I, uh," tears well in your eyes. "I lost my daughter. She, uh, had an allergic reaction at her friends house and she- she didn't have anything to help her." You look at Rafe, seeking that same source of strength from him that you always have, but find nothing. He's simply staring back at you with tears rolling down his own face. The pair of you must be a mirror of each other.

Linda hands you a box of tissues and apologises to you quietly whilst the next person takes their turn.

Eventually, it's Rafe's turn. He rubs his hands on his jeans as he stands.

"Hi guys. My name is Rafe. The coolest thing about me is that I was Poppy's dad. And that's why I'm here today. Because I'm nobody now that she's gone." That's all he says before he sits back down and once again looks at you. A silent conversation being had with just your eyes.

I'm sorry, you say. Me too, he replies.

You both stay like that whilst the rest of the group takes their turns. Simply staring at each other, tears in both your eyes.

Finally, Linda's voice brings you back to reality, announcing that the session is over. You and Rafe stand at the same time and slowly walk over to the door.

Once you both get outside, you head towards the car park. As fate would have it, you find that Rafe has parked next to you. Of course he has.

"This is me," you explain, waving your thumb in the direction of your car. "I know. I remember," is all he says.

Rafe turns towards his own car. He has his hand on the handle when he stops and turns his head towards you. "I miss her. Every single day."

You physically feel your heart crack even more at the crack in his voice.

With tears rolling down your eyes, you reply. "I know, Rafe. So do I."

The next thing you know, Rafe's strong arms are wrapped around you. This is the closest you two have been since you broke up and fuck have you missed it.

"I'm so sorry. It was my job to protect her and I didn't-"

He cuts you off before you can even finish your sentence, "No. No. We did everything we could and- fuck, no one could have protected her from that."

He holds you for what feels like hours, until your sobs turn into mere sniffles.

Pulling back slightly so he can look down at you, "Are you sure you're okay to drive yourself home?"

"I- uh- I should be. Thank you, though."

"Always. Text me when you get home."

You nod softly at him as you get into your car.

When you get home, you pull up Rafe's contact on your phone.

YOU: home.

He reads it almost immediately, as if he'd been waiting for your text.

Rafe: good. Rafe: i'll see you at the next meeting.

[bitchiswild]

Kisses and Chaos

Yunjin x Fem! Reader

Giselle x Fem! Reader

Word Count: 22k

Warning: fluff kinda, angst, and Y/n is a player but she’s a mess!

A/n: haiii guys Hru 🥹 I’m not necessarily back but I wanted to write something for you guys for Valentine’s Day as my valentine gift to you 🩷 so enjoy it, it’s not my best work (it’s a mess and I didn’t re-read it) and if you guys ask I’ll make a part 2 :3

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Sometimes, when you’re bored, you start talking to people, just to pass the time. And before you know it, you’re in a relationship you never even wanted, but you were too nice to shut it down.

But this time? You’re single. The catch? You somehow ended up with two Valentines.

You met Aeri in your Asian American Studies class, one of those Gen Eds you had to take. At first, it was just the usual small talk, complaining about assignments, joking about the professor’s weird grading system, bonding over how neither of you wanted to be there that early in the morning. Then, out of nowhere, she started flirting. And you? You never back down from a challenge. So, of course, you flirted right back.

It didn’t hurt that Aeri was hot, amazing body, confident smirk, the kind of girl who knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

And apparently, what she wanted was you.

“So, Y/N… are you doing anything for Valentine’s Day?” Aeri asked nonchalantly, casually checking her nails like this was just another conversation.

You knew her game. You knew exactly what she was trying to do. But if there was one thing you loved, it was flipping the script.

“Oh, you know,” you said, stretching your arms like this was the most casual thing in the world. “Romantic dinner, maybe some flowers, a little gift… the usual Valentine’s Day stuff.”

Aeri glanced up, her interest piqued. “Oh?” she mused, tilting her head. “Who’s the lucky person?”

You grinned, keeping your voice light. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was amusement in them. “Oh, come on. You can’t just drop that and not tell me.”

You shrugged. “What can I say? I like to keep things interesting.”

Aeri let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re such a tease.”

“No, but seriously, do you have a date?” Aeri asked, facing you now, her eyes betraying a hint of nervousness as she waited for your response.

You met her gaze, your smile never faltering. “I don’t,” you replied, keeping your tone casual. “I was just going to stay in, maybe watch a movie. You know, chill.”

Aeri’s expression shifted slightly, almost as if she were relieved, but you couldn’t be sure. She let out a soft laugh, her usual confidence slipping back into place. “Sounds pretty nice, actually.”

You leaned in a little closer, teasing her just enough. “Yeah? What about you? Got any big plans?”

She paused for a second, clearly considering her response. “Nothing too crazy,” she said with a shrug, though her eyes were still on you, like she was waiting for something.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class, but you stayed in your seat, watching as Aeri packed up her things, her movements quick and practiced. The tension between you two was still there, unspoken, but thick in the air.

As she stood up, she caught your gaze, her lips curling into a sly smile. “So… you sure you don’t want company for Valentine’s Day?” she asked, voice low and playful.

You leaned back in your chair, taking a moment before responding. “I mean, I’m not opposed to company,” you said with a grin, “but I want a grand gesture. I just won’t be anyone’s Valentine, you know?”

Aeri’s expression flickered for a second, as if trying to process your words. “A grand gesture?” she repeated, the teasing tone still there, but with a hint of curiosity.

“Yeah,” you replied with a shrug, still smiling. “You’ve got to earn it.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying you as if deciding how to play this. “And what makes you think I haven’t already earned it?”

You stood up, grabbing your bag, the challenge clear in your eyes. “Maybe I’ll let you prove it.”

You turned to leave, but not without feeling the weight of her gaze on your back. You didn’t look back, at least, not yet.

“I’ll see you around, Aeri,” you said casually, leaving the door open for whatever she might do next.

Aeri stood there, replaying your conversation in her mind, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “A grand gesture…” she muttered to herself, clearly scheming. She was used to getting what she wanted, but this time? It was a different kind of challenge. You weren’t going to make it easy, and she liked that. Now, she had to think of something big enough to impress you.

Meanwhile, you walked to your car, a cocky grin spreading across your face. You knew exactly what you were doing, playing the game just right. You’d seen the way Aeri’s eyes had lit up when you’d said no one could just be your Valentine. It wasn’t arrogance; it was just the way you were. You weren’t going to settle for easy, and everyone seemed to think they could win you over with a few sweet words or a simple gesture. But that wasn’t how it worked with you.

You leaned against your car, taking a second to enjoy the feeling of being in control. Aeri was hooked. She’d play her cards, try her best to impress you, but you knew, no one played you.

Let the games begin.

You drove to a nearby café near campus, ready to get some assignments done. You could use the quiet to focus, especially after the little game you’d started with Aeri. As you walked in, lost in your thoughts, you bumped into someone, knocking over her drink.

You immediately panicked, hands flying to grab napkins from the counter. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” you blurted out, rushing to clean up the mess.

But before you could make a bigger fool of yourself, her hand gently stopped you.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she said, her voice light with laughter. You looked up and met her eyes, catching her smile. “It’s just half-drunk tea, it won’t stain.”

You paused for a moment, taking in her presence. She was... pretty. You couldn’t help but think that as you continued fumbling with the napkins.

“Are you sure?” you asked, still a bit unsure. “Tea usually stains.”

She giggled, shaking her head. “That’s true, but it’s green tea. And honestly? It’s pretty watered down, so it’s basically just flavored water at this point. I’m sure it won’t stain. It’ll dry up just fine.”

You breathed a sigh of relief, handing her the napkins anyway. “Well, I’m still sorry. Let me at least buy you something to make up for it.”

She considered it for a moment, then gave a playful shrug. “Alright, I’ll take you up on that.”

You led her to the counter, exchanging a few lighthearted comments along the way. Once you reached the register, you turned to her, offering a warm smile. “I’m Y/N, by the way.”

She mirrored your grin, her eyes lighting up. “I’m Yunjin.”

The energy between you two felt easy, almost like you’d known each other longer than just a few minutes. After getting your drinks you guided Yunjin to a nearby table, pulling out a chair for her before sitting down across from her. “So, Yunjin,” you began casually, sipping your drink as you settled in, “do you go to NYU or…?”

She smiled, resting her arms on the table. “Yeah, I do. I’m actually in business school.”

“Nice, same here,” you said with a nod, leaning back in your chair. “What’s your major?”

“Marketing,” she replied, her eyes lighting up. “How about you?”

“Marketing too,” you grinned, feeling a little surprised but also intrigued. “Looks like we have more in common than just this tea disaster.”

Yunjin laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Guess so. What are the odds, huh?”

You leaned in a little, trying to keep the conversation light, and flashed her a playful grin. “So, Yunjin, if you’re in the business school, you must be really busy, huh?”

She rolled her eyes, grinning. “You have no idea. Between classes, group projects, and my part-time job at the café, I barely have time to breathe.”

You laughed, nodding in understanding. “Sounds like my life. I swear, my schedule’s so packed, it’s a miracle I can even manage to have a conversation like this.”

Yunjin leaned back, eyeing you with curiosity. “A conversation? Or are you just really good at distracting yourself?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Maybe a bit of both. It’s a skill, really.” You paused, then added with a smirk, “But honestly, I’m glad I bumped into you today.”

Yunjin’s expression softened, her smile becoming more genuine. “Yeah, same here. It’s nice to meet someone who’s not just another student cramming for exams or talking about business strategies.”

You chuckled, glancing around at the bustling café. “Yeah, it’s refreshing, right? A little chaos here and there makes life interesting.”

She agreed with a nod. “Definitely. I swear, I’d lose my mind if I didn’t have little breaks like this.”

There was a brief pause, and then you casually asked, “So, what are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Got any fun plans?”

Yunjin’s eyes widened slightly, then she shrugged nonchalantly. “Valentine’s Day? Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. It’s always so overhyped, you know?”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? Most people are either super into it or totally avoid it. What about you?”

She hesitated for a moment, clearly considering the question. “I guess I’m somewhere in the middle? I don’t mind the idea, but I don’t expect anything too crazy. What about you?”

You leaned back, teasing. “Well, I’m kind of a big deal, so I might have a couple of people vying for my attention.”

Yunjin laughed, clearly amused. “Oh really? Are you some sort of player or something?”

You smirked. “I wouldn’t say player, just... popular.”

She shot you a skeptical look. “Uh-huh, sure. So, who exactly are you planning to spend the day with?”

You let out a playful sigh, exaggerating just a little. “Honestly, it’s up in the air. I don’t make plans until the last minute.”

Yunjin raised an eyebrow. “Classic. But hey, if you’re as popular as you say, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Maybe,” you said, leaning in just a bit. “But I’m still waiting to see if anyone can come up with a grand enough gesture to win me over.”

Yunjin smirked. “A grand gesture, huh? Well, that’s something I’m definitely interested in hearing more about.”

You smirked, watching her reaction carefully. “A grand gesture, yeah,” you said, leaning back in your chair as you watched her, knowing the spark of curiosity was there. “Not just the usual flowers and chocolates, you know? Something that shows effort. I can’t just be anyone’s Valentine.”

Yunjin tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully as she teased, “Is that so? You really think you’re that special?”

You leaned forward, keeping your voice casual but with just enough confidence to make it clear you weren’t just talking for fun. “I mean, I am a catch. It’s gonna take something impressive.”

Yunjin laughed softly, her lips curving into a smile. “Alright, alright. You’re a catch, got it. But what if I told you I was thinking about doing something special for you?”

“Already? We just met!” you said with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as you leaned back in your chair.

Yunjin chuckled, clearly not backing down. “What can I say? You made an impression.” She paused for a moment, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I like a challenge.”

You couldn’t help but grin. “A challenge, huh? Guess we’ll see who can top the other with their grand gestures. It’s gonna be tough to outdo me, though.”

She gave a playful shrug, clearly unbothered. “I’m up for it. But don’t underestimate me.”

You leaned forward a little, enjoying the playful tension. “You think you can outdo the competition?”

She leaned in a little closer, her eyes lighting up with a mix of mischief and excitement. The space between you two felt charged, and for a brief moment, you could feel the heat of her presence. “Maybe. I guess we’ll see how things go. You said you want a grand gesture, right?”

You nodded, now even more interested in what she had in mind. “Yeah, that’s right.”

Yunjin hesitated for a moment, then, almost as if she were testing the waters, asked, “So, you’ve got someone else in mind, don’t you? Someone you’re planning on spending Valentine’s Day with?”

You smiled, trying to keep your cool, but you could tell she was fishing. “Maybe. I mean, I’ve got options, right? But honestly, nothing’s set in stone. It’s all about the effort, you know? Whoever can really surprise me, that’s who gets my attention.”

Yunjin studied you for a moment, her smile turning a little more confident. “Well, maybe you’ll be surprised. You might just end up with two Valentines after all.”

You couldn’t help but grin, the excitement of the game intensifying. “Two? I’m intrigued. Let’s see if you can impress me enough to make it worth it.”

As she spoke, Yunjin leaned just a little closer, her arm brushing against yours in the slightest motion, a deliberate graze that sent a small spark of electricity through you. Her eyes never left yours, and the playful challenge between you both suddenly felt even more tangible.

You exchanged a knowing look, the playful energy hanging in the air. “Alright, Yunjin, you’ve got my attention,” you said, tapping your fingers on the table. “But don’t expect me to go easy on you. I like a good challenge.”

Yunjin’s grin widened, her confidence growing. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m not the type to back down from a challenge.” She picked up her drink, taking a slow sip as she glanced at you over the rim of her cup. “Guess we’ll see who ends up on top when the day comes, huh?”

You chuckled, the excitement of the situation starting to hit you. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But be careful. I’m not someone who’s easily impressed.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be impressed,” Yunjin said, her eyes gleaming. “The real question is: will I be the one you choose in the end?”

You met her gaze, feeling the playful spark between you both. “Well, you’re definitely making it interesting.”

Yunjin leaned in just a little more, her voice low and teasing. “Just wait, Y/N. I’ve got some ideas that might just blow your mind.”

Her hand brushed against yours again, this time lingering a little longer, before she pulled back slightly. The air between you was thick with tension, but the excitement was undeniable. 

“Let me get your number,” Yunjin said with a smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. “So I can decide when I can pick you up for our Valentine’s Day date.”

“Wow, confident, aren’t we?” you replied, raising an eyebrow, impressed by her boldness.

Yunjin chuckled, unfazed. “What can I say? I like to take charge when I know what I want.”

You leaned back in your seat, studying her for a moment. “I’m not easily won over, Yunjin. You’ll have to put in some serious work to impress me.”

She leaned forward slightly, matching your intensity. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m up for the challenge.” She paused, her grin widening. “And I’m pretty sure I’ll be the one you’re thinking about when Valentine’s Day rolls around.”

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling the playful tension building between you both. “We’ll see about that.”

Yunjin pulled out her phone, her fingers quickly tapping away. “You’ll find out soon enough,” she said with a wink as she handed you her number. “But I’m not going to wait forever, so think fast.”

You took her phone and entered your contact info with a smirk of your own. “I’ll think about it,” you said, giving her a look that left the challenge hanging in the air.

“Good,” she replied, her voice low and teasing. “Take your time. But don’t take too long.”

Yunjin got up and left, her confident stride taking her out of the café, leaving you sitting there in complete disbelief. You stared at your phone, still processing everything that had just happened. Her number was saved in your contacts now, and you couldn’t help but chuckle at how fast things escalated.

What the hell did I just do?

You shook your head, half-amused and half-astonished by how quickly you’d found yourself in this mess. Two Valentines? Really? This was definitely going to be more complicated than you’d ever expected.

You giggled to yourself, the absurdity of it all sinking in. Well, this is going to be fun...

Valentine's Day was coming, and you had no idea how this was all going to play out, but one thing was for sure, this game was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

You leaned back in your chair and let out a light laugh. Let the games begin.

~~~

“Y/N! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE 2 VALENTINES?!” your best friend Kazuha yelled, her voice rising in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you’re playing with people’s feelings again!”

You let out a groan, slumping in your seat as Kazuha stared you down, her arms crossed and eyes narrowed. She was not buying whatever you were about to say.

“Kazuha, I swear, it just happens! It’s my aura,” you defended yourself, throwing your hands up in mock innocence. “I can’t help it if people are drawn to me!”

“Y/N, shut the fuck up,” Kazuha shot back, throwing a cushion at you. “You know exactly what you're doing. You’ve got two people chasing after you, and you’re just sitting there like it’s nothing.”

You chuckled, tossing the cushion back at her, “What can I say? It’s a skill. Not everyone has it.”

Kazuha rubbed her temples, her frustration palpable. “I swear, you’re a walking disaster. You're gonna end up making someone cry with all this back-and-forth nonsense."

“I’m not doing anything... yet,” you smirked. “Let the games begin, right?”

Kazuha sighed dramatically, clearly over it. “You’re impossible. Just... don’t make things worse. You might have a way with words, but someone's gonna get hurt if you’re not careful."

You shrugged, unfazed, as you scrolled through your phone. “I know what I’m doing. It’s just a little fun. Don’t worry so much.” You smirked, raising an eyebrow. “What if I make it three Valentines?”

Kazuha’s eyes practically bulged out of her head. “Three? Are you trying to have a meltdown? You’re gonna have an entire love triangle on your hands, Y/N!”

You chuckled, leaning back in your chair with a mischievous glint in your eye. “Why stop at two? The more the merrier, right?”

Kazuha slapped her forehead, exasperated. “You’re seriously gonna make this a competition, aren’t you?”

“Well, yeah. Why not? It’s not like anyone’s heart is on the line... yet,” you said casually, not even looking up from your phone.

“You’re playing with fire,” Kazuha warned, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone now. “Just remember, you can’t keep juggling people forever without someone getting burned.”

You smirked again. “I’m just having fun. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Kazuha shook her head, but she couldn’t help a small smile from forming. “You’re impossible.”

You looked at your best friend, putting down your phone and walking over to her. “Look, I promise after my dates, I’ll tell them,” you said, trying to reassure her.

Kazuha shot you a skeptical look, her arms crossed. “You really have to be careful, Y/N.”

“I know, and I will,” you replied, trying to sound serious, but you couldn’t quite hide the playful tone in your voice.

Kazuha raised an eyebrow. “What if you end up liking them? After these dates?”

You let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of your head. “Then I’d be in a serious pickle.”

Kazuha sighed dramatically, clearly not convinced. “You’re seriously digging yourself into a hole, aren’t you?”

You shrugged. “It’s all part of the game, Kazuha.”

She stared at you for a moment before a new thought seemed to strike her. “Who are these girls, anyway?”

You hesitated for a second before answering. “Yunjin and Aeri.”

Kazuha’s eyes went wide, and she let out a huge gasp, her mouth hanging open. “Y/N... YUNJIN AND AERI ARE BEST FRIENDS!!!!”

You froze, a feeling of dread creeping up on you. “What?”

Kazuha was practically shaking, her voice rising with disbelief. “What the hell, Y/N? You’ve got two of the most popular girls on campus both after you, and you’re playing them against each other??”

You blinked, suddenly feeling like you were in over your head. “I... didn’t know they were best friends!”

Kazuha threw her hands up in exasperation. “Are you serious right now?! This is like some messed-up love triangle waiting to explode. Do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?”

You rubbed your temples, already feeling the weight of the situation. “Great. This just got a whole lot worse.”

Kazuha’s voice softened slightly, but the concern was still there. “You better be careful, Y/N. This is more than just ‘fun’ now. They’re both gonna find out eventually.”

“They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.” You said, with a confident grin, trying to mask the nervous energy bubbling beneath your calm exterior.

Kazuha narrowed her eyes at you, clearly not buying it. “You think you can keep them both in the dark? You’re walking a fine line here.”

You shrugged nonchalantly, though your mind was racing. “I’m good at keeping things under control. I’ve got it handled.”

Kazuha rolled her eyes. “I’m not so sure. You can’t keep up this charade forever, you know.”

You let out a deep sigh, already feeling the stress creep in. “I know, I know. But hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, right? How complicated could it get?”

Kazuha shook her head, half laughing and half worried. “You’re crazy. But whatever. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when everything goes up in flames.”

You chuckled nervously, already imagining the mess you might’ve just gotten yourself into. “I’ll deal with it when it happens.”

~~~

You were sitting in your car, parked outside the café, trying to get some studying done, when your phone buzzed again. You sighed, thinking it was just one of the usual notifications, but when you checked, you saw both Aeri and Yunjin had sent you messages.

Aeri’s message was short and sweet: “Hey, want to meet up later? I need to talk to you about something important... ;)”

Your heart skipped a beat. The playful tone told you she wasn’t just asking for a casual hangout.

Right after that, Yunjin’s message popped up: “Hey! I was thinking we should meet up today, got something on my mind, and I need to ask you something in person. What do you say?”

You leaned back in your seat, a grin tugging at the corners of your lips. They both wanted to meet up. You knew what was coming, and as much as you loved the thrill of this little game, there was no denying the rush it gave you. But now, you had to juggle both of them. You typed out quick responses.

To Aeri: “Sure, I’ll meet you later. What time works for you?”

To Yunjin: “Sounds good. When and where do you want to meet?”

The messages sent almost simultaneously. You sat back and let out a breath, trying to focus. Kazuha’s warning echoed in your mind, but you shook it off. You’d be fine. You had to be.

Aeri replied first: “How about 5 pm? I’ll be at the park near campus.”

Yunjin responded right after: “Let’s meet at the café at 6. I’ll be waiting.”

You stared at your phone for a moment, then chuckled. This was getting more complicated by the second. But there was no turning back now.

At 5 pm, you walked into the park, nerves creeping up as you scanned the area. Aeri had been so mysterious in her messages, and now you couldn’t help but wonder what kind of grand gesture she had in mind.

You spotted her near the fountain, but this wasn’t your usual “meet me in a café” vibe. She was standing confidently by the water, a soft pink balloon in her hand and a small bouquet of flowers at her feet. It was a picture-perfect moment.

"Hey," you greeted her, your heart pounding, a playful smile tugging at your lips. You couldn’t help but admire the effort she’d put into this.

Aeri smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I know, I know, this is probably a little much," she began, twirling the balloon in her hand as if it were no big deal, "but you deserve something special. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I want to ask you properly."

She took a step closer, her voice dropping a little, but her excitement obvious. "Y/N," she said, her smile growing, "I’d be honored if you’d be my Valentine. I know we’ve had some fun getting to know each other, and I think we have something that could be really amazing. What do you say? Will you be my Valentine?"

The moment hung between you, her words sincere yet playful, and you had to admit, you were impressed. You weren’t one to be easily won over, but this was a whole different level. The balloon, the flowers, it was grand, thoughtful, and definitely something to remember.

You grinned, shaking your head in disbelief at how bold she was. "Aeri, this is... a lot. But I like it."

She beamed. "So, you’ll be mine?"

"Yeah," you replied, your voice almost a whisper, "I’d love to be your Valentine."

Aeri’s eyes sparkled, and for a moment, she looked like she’d just won the biggest prize. "Great. You won’t regret it, I promise. I’ve got plans."

You both exchanged an excited glance as she handed you the bouquet, her gesture as grand as the moment.

Aeri’s smile lingered as she handed you the bouquet, her eyes searching yours for a reaction. You could tell she was really excited, and it made the moment feel even more special. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, glancing down at the flowers in your hands before speaking again.

“So, I guess I’ve got your attention now, huh?” she said playfully, a hint of mischief in her voice.

You chuckled, nodding as you looked back at her. “Yeah, you definitely know how to make an impression, Aeri.”

“I aim to please,” she said with a wink, a light laugh escaping her. The two of you stood there for a moment, the playful energy between you palpable. It was clear that Aeri was genuinely enjoying the moment, and you couldn’t deny that you were, too.

After a few more moments of talking, just enjoying the vibe, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You pulled it out, glancing at the screen. Your heart skipped for a moment as you saw it was a text from Yunjin. 

“Everything okay?” Aeri asked, noticing the change in your expression.

You hesitated for a second, debating how much you should say. You didn’t want to give away too much, not when things were getting complicated. You quickly glanced down at the message from Yunjin before looking up at Aeri.

“Oh, it’s just Kazuha,” you said quickly, putting your phone face down in your hand. “She needs me for something.”

Aeri’s eyes softened a little, her playful tone now replaced with genuine concern. “Oh, really? Is everything okay with Kazuha?”

You nodded, giving a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah, she’s just going through some stuff and wants to talk. I told her I’d be there for her.”

Aeri looked at you with a thoughtful expression for a moment. “I get that. If you need to go, I don’t want to keep you.” Her voice softened further, and you could hear the sincerity in her words.

You shook your head quickly, feeling a bit guilty for not being fully honest and using your best friend as an excuse. "Are you sure?"

Aeri gave a small, understanding smile. "Yeah, I mean, if it’s really important, I get it." She took a step back and put her hands in her pockets, her demeanor still warm but with a bit of distance as if trying to give you space. "Kazuha’s your best friend, right? You should be there for her."

You nodded, but a feeling of guilt gnawed at you. You’d definitely misled Aeri a little, and while you didn’t want to lie, you couldn’t exactly tell her the whole truth, not yet, anyway.

You caught her gaze again and gave a reassuring smile. “It’s just a quick thing, I promise. Kazuha’s got a lot on her plate right now, but I’ll be back in no time.”

Aeri raised an eyebrow but seemed to accept your words. “Alright, but don’t make me wait too long. You’ve got a Valentine who’s already looking forward to making plans with you, after all.”

You chuckled nervously, "Don’t worry. I won’t leave you hanging."

She smirked, clearly not buying into your reassurances entirely, but she gave you a playful wink. “Well, I’m counting on it. You’ve got a lot to live up to, Y/N.”

You smiled, feeling a little more at ease, and without thinking too much, you leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

Aeri froze for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise before a soft blush crept up her neck. She glanced at you, slightly flustered, then smiled warmly. “Guess that’s your way of saying you’ll be back soon?”

You pulled away with a sheepish grin. “Exactly. Can’t leave you hanging too long, right?”

Aeri chuckled, clearly flattered, and shook her head. “Alright, alright. I’ll hold you to that. Be safe, Y/N.”

You gave her a wink and a quick wave before turning to leave, the weight of the situation still on your mind, but a little thrill from the moment lingering as well.

~~~

You rushed to the cafe, checking your phone as you hurried through the door. Just in time, you thought, glancing up to see Yunjin already sitting at a table near the back, a confident smile on her face as she spotted you walking in.

Her eyes sparkled with something you couldn’t quite place, and she immediately stood up, adjusting her coat with a flourish. “Look at you, right on time,” she said, her voice light but with a teasing undertone. “I knew you wouldn’t leave me waiting long.”

You took a seat across from her, still catching your breath from the run over. “Wouldn’t dream of it. So, what’s all this about, huh? You’ve got that look in your eyes.”

Yunjin leaned in slightly, her eyes locking with yours, filled with excitement and maybe a little mischief. “Well, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I wanted to do something special for you.”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Special? You’ve already got me curious. What’s this grand gesture I’ve been hearing about?”

She smiled wider, sitting back in her chair before reaching into her bag. You couldn’t help but notice the small twinkle of anticipation in her eyes as she pulled out a small, wrapped box and placed it in front of you.

“Open it,” she said, her voice soft but laced with excitement.

You glanced up at her, a mix of curiosity and amusement in your expression. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for whatever this is.”

Yunjin’s smile didn’t falter. “Come on, trust me. It’s not a big deal... just a little something to show you I’m serious about this Valentine’s thing.”

You carefully unwrapped the box, your fingers pausing when you saw the familiar logo on the outer packaging. When you opened it, your breath caught in your throat. Inside was a sleek, delicate Dior bracelet, elegant and expensive, with a silver band and a small charm dangling from it. You couldn’t believe what you were seeing.

“Yunjin... this... this is Dior?” you asked, stunned, your eyes widening. You couldn’t hide the shock in your voice.

Yunjin’s grin widened as she watched your reaction. “Yeah, it’s Dior. I told you I was serious about this. If I’m going to be your Valentine, I wanted it to be something that really shows you how much I mean it.”

You looked down at the bracelet, almost speechless. It was beyond anything you expected from a casual date or even a flirtation. This was... a gesture. A big one.

“Wow. You really went all out,” you said, still trying to process it all. “I didn’t expect... this.”

She shrugged, her confidence radiating. “I don’t do things halfway. So, what do you say? Will you be my Valentine?”

You blinked for a moment, genuinely taken aback by how thoughtful and extravagant this gesture was. For a brief second, you couldn’t help but wonder if maybe you were playing with fire here, but you pushed the thought away.

“Well, Yunjin,” you said, a smirk tugging at your lips. “You certainly know how to make an impression.”

Her smile softened, and she leaned in just a little closer. “So, that’s a yes, right?”

You paused, letting the suspense build for a second, before finally answering. “Alright, Yunjin. I’ll be your Valentine.”

Her eyes lit up, and she reached across the table, her fingers brushing against yours in a gesture that felt warmer than you expected. “You won’t regret it,” she said, her voice filled with quiet excitement.

You chuckled, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. “We’ll see about that.”

You walked out of the cafe with Yunjin, the Dior bracelet now safely secured on your wrist. The weight of it still felt unreal, but you had to admit, her gesture had left a lasting impression. As you walked down the street, your mind buzzed with thoughts of Aeri and how you were going to juggle this whole situation.

“So, now that I’ve asked you, what’s next?” Yunjin asked, her voice light but with a trace of curiosity. “Do you have a plan for Valentine’s Day?”

You glanced over at her, trying to play it cool. “I guess we’ll see how things go. You’re the first one to ask me, so I’m definitely interested in what you’ve got in mind for the big day.”

Yunjin’s eyes twinkled, a smile creeping across her face. “I’ve got something special planned. You’ll have to wait and see, but I promise it’ll be worth it.”

You chuckled, not able to resist the excitement in her voice. “You’re really going all out for this, huh?”

Yunjin shrugged nonchalantly, though her playful smile didn’t falter. “When it comes to something like this, why not go all in? You deserve it.”

You couldn’t help but feel a small thrill run through you at her words. Yunjin was clearly invested in this, and you were curious to see what she had planned. But at the same time, you felt a small pang of guilt. Aeri was probably wondering where you were, and you couldn’t avoid the fact that you were now juggling two Valentines, two amazing, beautiful, and passionate girls. What a mess this had turned out to be.

As you walked towards the subway station, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You pulled it out to find a message from Aeri, and your stomach dropped a little. You didn’t know why, but something about her messages always seemed to pull at you.

“Hey, are you free tonight? I was hoping we could talk more about... well, us. Let me know when you’re free. <3”

You paused for a moment, biting your lip. Aeri was so sweet, and she was definitely in the running for your Valentine. But what about Yunjin? This was getting complicated, fast.

Yunjin glanced at you, noticing the change in your expression. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

You quickly hid your phone, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just a little something with a friend. Don’t worry about it.”

Yunjin raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the issue. Instead, she smiled, her hand brushing against yours again as she added, “Well, whatever happens, I’m glad we met. And you won’t regret picking me as your Valentine, I promise.”

You returned her smile, feeling a little guilty, but also intrigued. “I guess we’ll see about that.”

As you said goodbye and parted ways, you couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated. Valentine’s Day was only a few days away, and you had no idea how you were going to navigate this little love triangle you’d gotten yourself into.

You slammed the door behind you as you rushed into your apartment, the weight of the day finally crashing down on you. Kazuha was in the kitchen, but you didn’t even acknowledge her as you rushed to your room. You threw yourself onto the bed, burying your face in your pillow and screaming into it. The tension of juggling two Valentines had officially reached its breaking point.

“What the hell am I doing?” you muttered into the pillow, letting out a frustrated groan. Your mind raced with thoughts of Aeri’s sweetness, Yunjin’s grand gesture, and how the hell you were supposed to keep up with it all.

You could hear Kazuha’s footsteps approaching your door, and she knocked lightly before entering. "Y/N, what happened? Did something go wrong?"

You lifted your head just enough to look at her, eyes wide with panic. “I’m in way too deep, Kazuha. I’ve got two Valentines now, and I’m not even sure what I’m doing. Aeri’s been so sweet, and then Yunjin... she just went all out with the Dior bracelet and now I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do.”

Kazuha raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “So you’re telling me, you went ahead and accepted two Valentine’s invites?”

You buried your face back in the pillow, muffling your voice. “I didn’t mean to! It just… happened. I’m an idiot.”

Kazuha sat on the edge of your bed, sighing. “Well, you’re definitely a mess, but that’s nothing new. Just be honest with them, okay? You can’t keep playing this game and not expect things to blow up in your face. They both deserve more than you just juggling them around.”

You sat up, rubbing your eyes. “I know, I know… but how do I even tell them? I’m not ready to pick just one yet. I don’t know what I want.”

Kazuha gave you a sympathetic look. “Look, you don’t need to rush. But don’t keep them hanging, okay? You owe them more than that.”

You nodded, your chest tightening. “I guess I’ll figure it out. I just… I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

She gave you a small grin, patting your back. “You’ll be fine. You always are.”

You let out a sigh, still feeling overwhelmed but grateful for Kazuha’s blunt, no-nonsense advice. One thing was for sure: you had a lot to figure out before Valentine’s Day. And there was no going back now.

You sat up on your bed, finally lifting your face from the pillow, a new wave of determination flashing in your eyes. Kazuha gave you a skeptical look as she raised an eyebrow.

"No, no," you muttered, shaking your head. "I’ve got this. I gotta lock in the player in me. I can’t let this get to me. I’m gonna be nonchalant about it. Chill, calm, collected." You nodded to yourself, as if convincing your own mind.

Kazuha rolled her eyes but smirked. "Yeah, sure, good luck with that. But you do you, I guess."

You let out a deep breath, lying back down on your bed, trying to calm the nerves. "I’m not gonna let either of them think they have me wrapped around their finger. I’ll keep it cool, play it like I’m not phased. They’ll respect that more, right?"

Kazuha shook her head but laughed. "I swear you’re impossible."

You grinned, looking at the ceiling. "It’s the only way to play the game. One of them might end up being more than just a Valentine, but for now? I’m keeping it light. Keeping it fun."

Kazuha shook her head again but gave a small chuckle. "I can’t believe you. Just don’t let this whole thing blow up in your face, okay?"

You gave her a confident smile. "Trust me, I got it. I’m the master of this stuff."

Kazuha just sighed, clearly unsure, but walked out of your room anyway, leaving you to lay back down and think about the chaos you were about to manage.

This Valentine’s Day was shaping up to be way more complicated than you ever imagined. But, hey, you were ready. You’d make it work, one way or another.

You let out a deep breath, still lying on your bed, your fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of your blanket. “And they won’t find out,” you muttered to yourself, as if repeating it like a mantra would make it true. “I’ve got it under control. I can handle both of them. No one’s gonna get hurt. I’ll play it smoothly. No slip-ups.”

Your mind raced, wondering how you could keep everything from unraveling. “I just gotta stay calm. If I keep my cool, keep my distance, they’ll never suspect a thing.”

You closed your eyes for a second, letting the idea settle in. “No way are they gonna find out. I’m not gonna let this blow up in my face. I can handle it. Just gotta keep the charm turned on and the lies well-rehearsed.”

You smiled to yourself, trying to shake off the slight tension in your chest. Kazuha was right about one thing,  this was gonna be complicated. But, hey, if anyone could juggle two Valentines without getting caught, it was you.

The only thing you had to do now was make sure no one figured it out. Simple, right? Keep things smooth and under wraps. Let's just hope Aeri and Yunjin haven't talked to each other yet.

Valentine's Day had arrived, and you were already feeling the tension building up. You had your plan set: Yunjin’s date started at 3 PM and would end at 7, just enough time to give you a brief window to recover before Aeri's date kicked off at 7:30 PM.

You dressed in something casual but still nice, nothing too flashy but enough to show you’d put some effort in. You glanced at the clock, knowing you had to keep things on schedule. You couldn’t afford to mess this up.

~~~

Valentine's Day had arrived, and you were already feeling the tension building up. You had your plan set: Yunjin’s date started at 3 PM and would end at 7, just enough time to give you a brief window to recover before Aeri's date kicked off at 7:30 PM.

You dressed in something casual but still nice, nothing too flashy but enough to show you’d put some effort in. You glanced at the clock, knowing you had to keep things on schedule. You couldn’t afford to mess this up.

Yunjin’s date started off in the cutest way possible. You arrived at the café to find her already waiting by the window, her eyes lighting up as soon as she saw you. She waved enthusiastically, and you couldn’t help but grin back. There was something so magnetic about her energy, so warm and inviting.

"Hey, you made it!" Yunjin said, her smile stretching from ear to ear. "I was hoping you'd show up on time."

"Of course," you replied with a playful wink. "I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting."

Yunjin motioned for you to sit, and as you did, she handed you a small bouquet of freshly picked flowers. "I thought you’d like these. Something simple but sweet," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she handed them to you.

You were honestly taken aback by the thoughtful gesture. It wasn’t over-the-top, just a simple, genuine moment. "You’re amazing," you said, unable to hide your smile.

She smiled shyly, clearly pleased that you liked them. "I’m glad you like them."

As you both ordered your drinks, Yunjin, of course, got her usual matcha latte, and you opted for a caramel macchiato, there was an ease in the conversation that made everything feel natural. Yunjin had this ability to make even the smallest things feel important. She asked about your day, your interests, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. She shared little anecdotes about her childhood, making you laugh with funny stories about her attempts at cooking or her obsession with collecting random trinkets.

"You know, I never understood why I love those tiny figurines," she said, giggling. "But I’ve got a collection at home that’s pretty impressive. I swear, every time I go to a market, I find a new one to add."

You laughed, genuinely enjoying her quirkiness. "I think that's adorable. You should show me sometime."

As the conversation carried on, you could feel yourself getting lost in her presence. She was the kind of person who made everything feel light, fun, and easy, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

Around 5 PM, Yunjin suggested a spontaneous walk in the nearby park. You both strolled around, chatting about everything and nothing, until she suddenly stopped by a bench and pulled something from her bag.

"I know we’re still in the middle of our date, but I brought this for you," Yunjin said, a little sheepish.

You raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

She revealed a small, hand-decorated jar filled with homemade cookies. "I baked these for you," she said with a proud smile. "I know it’s cheesy, but I thought it'd be cute. I may not be a professional chef, but they taste pretty good."

You took the jar from her and opened it, the smell of fresh-baked cookies instantly hitting you. "These smell amazing, Yunjin. I’m so impressed," you said, taking a cookie and giving it a bite. It was soft and delicious, just like her thoughtfulness.

"You like them?" she asked, her eyes hopeful.

"I love them. You’ve totally outdone yourself," you said, giving her a playful nudge.

As the date neared its end, Yunjin leaned in slightly, her voice soft. "I had a really great time today, Y/N. It feels so easy to be with you."

You smiled back at her, feeling your heart flutter just a little. "I did too, Yunjin. It’s been so fun."

After exchanging a few more sweet words, you both shared a quick hug before parting ways. As you watched her walk away, you felt this warmth in your chest that made you second-guess everything about this ‘player’ act. Yunjin was special, there was no denying that.

But you still had one more date to go...

You rushed back home, your mind buzzing with excitement from your afternoon with Yunjin. She was sweet, thoughtful, and had a way of making everything feel so special. But there was still Aeri’s date to go, and you couldn’t afford to let your guard down just yet.

You quickly changed into something a bit more polished, opting for a sleek, yet casual outfit. You glanced at the clock, 7:15 PM. You had a little time to spare, but not much.

As you made your way to the café where Aeri had asked to meet, you couldn’t help but think about what had happened with Yunjin. It was almost like a little fantasy, a moment that felt real, but not quite.

You entered the café, and Aeri was already there, waiting. She looked stunning as always, her hair falling in soft waves, and she had this confident, almost daring look in her eyes as she saw you approach.

"Y/N," she said, her voice warm but with a playful edge. "You’re late. But I guess I can forgive you... this time."

You smiled, feeling a little guilty. "Sorry, I was caught up in something. But I’m here now."

Aeri raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Something interesting, huh?"

You gave her a nonchalant shrug. "Just... spending time with someone special," you said, keeping your voice calm.

Aeri’s eyes narrowed just a little, but she didn’t push it. "Well, I’m glad you made it. I was actually thinking we could do something a little different tonight."

You leaned in, intrigued. "Different how?"

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "I hope you’re in the mood for surprises," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

You raised an eyebrow as you took the box from her. Inside was a dainty gold necklace with a delicate heart-shaped pendant. The soft shine of it caught the light, making it look elegant and thoughtful.

"This is..." you trailed off, genuinely surprised by the gesture. "Aeri, you didn’t have to..."

Aeri grinned, clearly proud of herself. "I wanted to. I know it’s nothing huge, but it’s a little something to show how much I care."

You looked up at her, feeling a little taken aback by the sincerity in her eyes. "It’s beautiful. Thank you."

Aeri smiled, clearly pleased with your reaction. "I’m glad you like it."

After a moment, Aeri leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about us, Y/N. About what we could be... You’re someone I really enjoy spending time with. I hope you feel the same way."

You nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I do, Aeri. I really do. Tonight’s been amazing."

Aeri’s smile softened, her voice lowering just a bit. "I’m glad. Because, you know, I’m not one to do things halfway. So, if you want to take this further, I’m all in."

The air between you two shifted, a mix of excitement and vulnerability hanging in the balance. You realized, in that moment, just how much you liked Aeri, maybe more than you’d been willing to admit.

But as she looked at you, waiting for your response, a small part of you couldn't help but think of Yunjin too. This was all getting more complicated than you’d ever imagined.

But for now, you focused on Aeri and her smile. "I’m all in too," you said, making sure she knew that you meant it.

Her smile widened as she reached across the table, taking your hand in hers. "I’m glad," she whispered. "Let’s see where this goes."

And just like that, you were caught in the middle of two beautiful people, both vying for your attention, and Valentine’s Day had become far more than just a simple celebration of love. It had become a game of choices, and you weren’t sure how it was all going to turn out. But you were excited to find out.

~~~

You rushed back home, still trying to act calm, even though your mind was racing with all the mess you’d just gotten yourself into. Yunjin’s sweet gesture, the bracelet, and then Aeri, Aeri was different, and you felt that spark. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. You were just having fun, right? But now, it felt like you were teetering on the edge of a cliff, just waiting for the fall.

You walked in and found Kazuha lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone, her usual laid-back demeanor. You threw yourself on the couch next to her, trying to appear cool, trying to keep it together. "Hey, it wasn’t that bad," you said with a nonchalant shrug. "Yunjin's date was cute, the bracelet was nice. Aeri, too, she’s sweet. It’s all fine. Totally under control."

Kazuha put her phone down and raised an eyebrow, her gaze skeptical. "Right... I knew the nonchalant act was fake," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Come on, spill it. You’re clearly freaking out."

You let out a frustrated sigh, sinking into the couch. "Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m losing it here, Kazuha. This is way more complicated than I thought it would be."

Kazuha sat up, her teasing smile gone now, replaced with a more serious expression. "What happened? What did you do?"

You rubbed your forehead, trying to gather your thoughts. "So, I had this cute date with Yunjin, right? She gave me this amazing Dior bracelet, and I, " you stopped, a little taken aback by how deep into it you were. "I don’t even know, Kazuha. Then right after, Aeri pulls me in for her date, and she gives me a necklace. A necklace, Kazuha. Like, she’s seriously into me, and I... I don’t know what to do."

Kazuha’s eyes widened. "Wait, so you’re seriously seeing both of them now? Yunjin and Aeri?"

You nodded, feeling the weight of the situation finally crashing down on you. "Yeah. I know, it’s messed up. But I can’t stop now, can I? They’re both amazing, and I, I don’t want to hurt them. But I’m definitely in over my head."

Kazuha let out a long breath, her voice serious this time. "Y/N, this is gonna blow up in your face. You’re playing a dangerous game, and someone’s gonna get hurt. They’re not gonna stay in the dark forever."

"I know," you muttered, frustration building up. "But I’ve got to keep it together, Kazuha. I can’t let them find out. Not yet. I need time to figure this out."

Kazuha shook her head, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "Take your time, but don’t be an idiot. Someone's gonna find out sooner or later, and you need to decide who you really want to be with."

You looked at her, trying to suppress the panic rising in your chest. "Yeah, you’re right. But... how do I pick? They're both so different. It’s like I'm torn in two directions."

Kazuha gave you a knowing look. "Don’t get too comfortable with the ‘player’ act, Y/N. The longer you wait, the messier it’s gonna get. I just hope you figure it out before one of them figures it out for you."

You let out a sigh, finally feeling the weight of the situation hit you fully. "I guess I just have to make a decision soon... before things spiral out of control."

Kazuha slapped you lightly on the back, her voice light but serious. "Just don’t drag it out too long. I’m not cleaning up this mess when it all falls apart."

You chuckled weakly, realizing how true her words were. "Thanks, Kazuha. You really know how to keep me grounded."

She grinned. "Someone has to, right? Just don’t screw this up too badly."

You laughed, but the anxiety still gnawed at you. Valentine’s Day was supposed to be fun, but now it feels like the biggest mess of your life. All you could do was hope you wouldn’t get caught in the middle of your own game. 

You lay back on your bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you. The adrenaline from the chaos of the day had worn off, leaving you with nothing but the aftereffects of what you’d just done. You thought about all the moves you’d made, how smooth you tried to play it.

But now, the idea of lying to both Yunjin and Aeri started to feel less like a game and more like a time bomb ticking away. What if they found out? What if they already knew and were just playing you the way you were playing them? The thought made your stomach twist.

You ran your hands through your hair, trying to make sense of everything. One thought came to mind: maybe you could just tell them the truth. You briefly entertained the idea of a group chat, but then immediately shot it down. That would be a mess. That would make everything worse, right? It was too public, too much drama. You couldn’t handle that level of chaos.

Still, you couldn’t shake the thought of them finding out on their own. They were both smart, both perceptive. What if they already suspected something was off? What if Yunjin and Aeri weren’t as clueless as you’d hoped? You groaned and buried your face in your pillow, the reality of your situation starting to settle in.

You had two choices: keep lying, keep playing the game, and risk it all blowing up in your face. Or, you could come clean now and try to salvage what was left. Maybe they’d appreciate the honesty. Maybe they wouldn’t.

Your mind was racing, flipping between the possibilities. Either way, you couldn’t avoid the truth forever. It was just a matter of when, if it would be on your terms or someone else’s.

You looked at your phone, half tempted to text them both, but you knew you needed to clear your head first. You needed to figure out how to navigate this before everything collapsed. But the question lingered in your mind: What if they knew?

You woke up the next morning to your phone buzzing with two messages, one from Yunjin and the other from Aeri. You rubbed your eyes, trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep, and reached for your phone.

First, you checked Yunjin's message:

Yunjin: "Hey, had an amazing time with you yesterday! 💕 We should definitely do something again soon. Let me know when you're free!"

You smiled at the text, but before you could fully process it, you saw a message from Aeri pop up:

Aeri: "Hey, are you free today? I was thinking we could talk more about… well, us. Want to come over later?"

Your heart skipped a beat, but you tried to stay composed. You stared at the message for a few moments, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through you. This was the moment of truth.

You hesitated for a second, then texted back:

Y/N: "Sure, sounds good. I’ll swing by later! "

Once you sent that, you quickly flipped to Yunjin’s message. You didn’t want to leave her hanging either, so you typed:

Y/N: "Hey, same here! I’d love to hang out again soon :33 . Let’s figure out a time. But I’ve got something later today, so maybe after that?"

You sent both replies, your mind still racing. The choices were piling up, and you knew the sooner you dealt with it, the better. The fact that Aeri asked you to come over meant things was about to get real, and you needed to be prepared for what was to come.

With a sigh, you set your phone down, feeling the weight of the situation. There was no turning back now. You had to face it head-on.

You spent the next few hours pacing around, trying to mentally prepare for what was about to unfold. You couldn’t afford to mess this up. You had no idea what would happen when you saw Aeri later. Would she pick up on the tension, or would she be just as oblivious as you were trying to be?

The clock seemed to tick louder as you got ready. You were overthinking everything. Each outfit you tried on felt like you were preparing for a job interview rather than a date. You eventually settled on something casual, trying to keep it lowkey, but still cute enough to show you put in some effort.

When the time came, you grabbed your things, made sure to double-check you had everything you needed, and left. Your nerves were a mix of excitement and anxiety, but you kept telling yourself, You’ve got this. Just go with the flow.

Aeri’s place was just a few blocks away, so the walk gave you some time to calm your nerves. When you arrived, you took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, revealing Aeri standing there, smiling warmly.

“Hey, you!” she said, pulling you into a hug before stepping back to let you in. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

You smiled, feeling a flutter in your chest as you stepped inside. The place smelled like fresh flowers, and there was a soft playlist of instrumental music playing in the background. Aeri had clearly made an effort to set the mood.

"Thanks for inviting me over," you said, trying to sound calm despite the chaos in your head.

“Of course,” Aeri replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So, I’ve been thinking a lot about… well, about us.”

You froze slightly at her words, trying not to let your nerves show. You took a seat on the couch, trying to seem relaxed. “Yeah, me too,” you said, keeping your voice steady.

She sat down next to you, her eyes locking onto yours. “I’m really enjoying spending time with you, Y/N,” she said, her tone soft and sincere. “And I just wanted to know… do you think there’s something more here between us?”

You felt your heart skip a beat, and you weren’t sure if you should feel relieved or terrified. You could feel the weight of her question pressing on you, and you could feel the other half of your mind screaming, What do I do now?

Before you could respond, your phone buzzed in your pocket. You quickly glanced at it, seeing a message from Yunjin.

Yunjin: “You busy? I was just thinking about you. Let me know when you’re free. ”

Aeri noticed the slight shift in your focus and tilted her head. “Everything okay?” she asked, her expression softening.

You nodded quickly, shoving your phone back in your pocket. “Yeah, just… just checking something. Sorry.”

Aeri gave you a knowing smile. “You don’t have to apologize. If you’re distracted, I understand.”

You smiled nervously, then remembered the plan you had set in motion. “I was just thinking… I really like you, Aeri. A lot. But we should take things slow, see where this goes. You know?”

Aeri’s smile widened, her eyes softening with understanding. “I feel the same way,” she said, placing her hand on yours. “No rush. We’ve got time.”

You felt a wave of relief wash over you, but deep down, you knew this wasn’t over yet. There was still Yunjin to consider. And who knew what else would come next?

For now, though, it felt like a small victory. You just hoped you could keep it from getting any more complicated.

The tension between you and Aeri continued to build as the evening wore on. After some small talk, you both started opening up more, sharing things that made you feel vulnerable. The light, casual conversation had turned into something deeper, something you hadn’t expected when you first walked in.

Aeri had moved closer on the couch, and there was a subtle shift in her body language. She was no longer just sitting beside you, she was leaning in, her attention fully focused on you. Her eyes were soft, but there was a hint of something else there, something unspoken.

“Y/N,” Aeri said softly, her voice almost a whisper. “I’m glad you came tonight. I feel like we’re really connecting, you know?”

You nodded, feeling your heart race a little faster. The air around you both felt thick, like something was about to happen, but neither of you were saying it outright.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about you,” you confessed, your own voice low and hesitant. “And… I don’t know. It’s just, I didn’t expect to feel this way.”

Aeri smiled at you, her fingers brushing against yours. She gave you a teasing look, her eyes twinkling with something playful, but there was an undeniable intensity behind her gaze. “You’re not the only one,” she said, her voice laced with the same kind of energy that was running through your veins. “I think you’ve been on my mind a lot too.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. There was just the sound of the music in the background and the slight rustling of your breath, the room almost too quiet for the unspoken tension hanging in the air.

You both looked at each other then, really looked at each other, and the rest of the world seemed to disappear. The way Aeri’s lips parted slightly, the way her pupils were dilated, her gaze unwavering, it all drew you in. You could feel the heat of her body beside yours, the way her presence seemed to fill the space between you.

Without thinking, without any more words exchanged, you both leaned in at the same time. The kiss was soft at first, hesitant, unsure, but it deepened quickly as you both gave in to the pull. The moment your lips met, everything else seemed to fade away.

Aeri’s hands gently cupped your face, pulling you closer as you responded to the kiss, your heart pounding in your chest. The feeling of her lips against yours, the warmth of her touch, it was all you could focus on. The tension that had been building for hours had finally snapped, and you were both caught in this shared moment of vulnerability and longing.

When you finally pulled away, your breath came out in a soft, unsteady exhale. Aeri’s forehead rested against yours, her hands still lingering on your skin. She didn’t say anything for a few moments, just breathing, as if letting the reality of the moment settle in.

You both looked at each other, both trying to process what had just happened. You weren’t sure where this was going, but you couldn’t deny how right it felt at that moment. Still, the reality of your situation, Yunjin, everything that was happening, was never far from your mind.

But for now, you let yourself just be in the moment with Aeri, pulling her in once again, making out with her. The moment you pulled her back in, everything around you seemed to blur, and all that mattered was the softness of Aeri’s lips and the warmth of her body against yours. The kiss was deep, more urgent this time, like you both couldn’t get enough of each other. Her hands slid around your waist, pulling you even closer, and you responded, your fingers running through her hair, tugging her toward you as if you never wanted to pull away.

Aeri’s breath hitched as she pressed herself against you, deepening the kiss with a soft, needy sound. The pace between you both quickened, and before you knew it, the world outside the room had faded away. There was no worrying about the games or the lies anymore, just the heat between the two of you, the undeniable chemistry that had been building since you’d first met.

The kiss was everything, passion, tension, and a little bit of recklessness all at once. But as much as you wanted to let go completely, the reminder of the situation, of everything else that was tangled up in this, lingered at the edge of your mind.

Still, in this moment, with Aeri in your arms, you couldn’t bring yourself to care about anything except the feeling of her lips on yours and the way she made everything else feel so distant. As you pulled Aeri closer, your heart began to race, faster and harder than you expected. Each kiss made it beat louder in your chest, the rhythm matching the intensity of the moment. You could feel the heat of her body pressed against yours, and the surge of excitement and uncertainty made your pulse quicken. Aeri's hands moved to your back, pulling you even closer, and you responded, your breath hitching as you deepened the kiss.

You couldn’t think straight, your heart was pounding, every nerve alive with the electricity between you. The world around you seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of you in that space, tangled together.

Your body reacted without thinking, drawn to her like a magnet, but your heart? It was a little out of control, racing with a mix of excitement, desire, and, maybe, just maybe, a little bit of fear. Fear of how complicated things had gotten, but you couldn’t deny that in this moment, none of that mattered.

For now, it was just you and Aeri, caught up in the heat of the make out, and you let yourself get lost in it. The tension that had been building for so long was finally released in this moment, and all you could focus on was how she felt in your arms, how she kissed you back with equal intensity. As you kissed Aeri, everything else seemed to fade into the background. The world, the situation, and the confusion you had been carrying about Yunjin all disappeared. It was as if time stopped for a moment, your heart raced, your thoughts scrambled, but they were all centered on the here and now.

Yunjin? She was nowhere in your mind at that moment. All that mattered was Aeri’s touch, the way her lips felt against yours, and how perfectly everything seemed to align between you two.

The lingering thoughts about how complicated things had gotten, how you were juggling two feelings, evaporated. It was just you and Aeri in this space, no games, no pressure, just a moment of pure connection.

You couldn't deny that as you got lost in the kiss, Yunjin’s presence faded away, slipping to the back of your mind like an echo that wasn’t important right now. All that mattered was this, this intensity, this feeling. For now, you were completely focused on Aeri, letting everything else dissolve away.

As the kiss deepened, the air between you two grew heavier with every second. Aeri’s fingers brushed along your spine, sending shivers down your body as she pulled you even closer. Your lips parted slightly, and you couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp as Aeri’s hands found their way to your cheek, gently cupping it.

"You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this..." Aeri said.

Her voice was breathless, but you could hear the honesty in it. You responded by pressing your lips back to hers, feeling the connection between you intensify with each shared breath. It was like nothing else mattered anymore.

"I think I’ve wanted this too..." you told her.

You didn’t need words. The way you kissed each other spoke everything you both needed to say. Your bodies seemed to speak in unison, your hands tangling in each other’s hair, fingers gripping as if you never wanted to let go.

Aeri’s lips trailed down your neck, sending a wave of heat across your skin. You let out a soft sigh, leaning into her touch. "Aeri..." 

Aeri pulled back slightly, looking into your eyes, her pupils dilated and her breath heavy. "I don’t want to stop..."

You responded immediately, kissing her with a fierce, almost desperate intensity, as if this moment was slipping away too fast. The heat, the longing, the closeness, it was all consuming. You couldn’t focus on anything else, and for once, you didn’t want to. "Neither do I..."

Your lips met again, softer now, with a tender touch, as you both held onto each other, feeling the world fade out completely. It was just you two, lost in each other’s embrace, no hesitation, no regrets, only the undeniable pull between you.

As you and Aeri’s lips finally broke apart, your breath heavy and your heart racing, the silence between you two felt strangely intimate. Her forehead rested against yours, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

But then, your phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling you out of the moment. You hesitated for a second before reaching for it, and when you saw the message from Yunjin, a wave of guilt washed over you.

Yunjin: "Hey, just wanted to check in. Are you okay? I’ve been thinking about you...and I want to see you. Wanna meet up?"

Your fingers froze over the screen, and the weight of everything crashed back down on you. You could feel Aeri’s gaze on you, the warmth of her body still close, but suddenly, it all felt a little too complicated.

You sighed, looking at Aeri with a bittersweet expression, trying to push aside the heaviness in your chest.

Y/N: "Aeri... Kazuha needs me."

Your voice came out with a sadness you hadn’t meant to show, but it was there, lingering in the air. You knew you had to leave, that this moment couldn’t last forever, and that you couldn’t keep juggling these feelings for much longer.

Aeri’s eyes softened, a gentle understanding in them, but there was a touch of hurt in her gaze too.

Aeri: "It’s okay... I get it. Go to her."

You nodded, feeling the weight of her words even more than you expected. You leaned in for one last kiss, a slow, tender touch, before pulling away.

Y/N: "I’ll text you later, okay?"

Aeri simply nodded, offering a small, sad smile as you stood up, grabbing your things. As you walked out the door, the guilt gnawed at you again, but there was nothing you could do now.

Part of you couldn’t help but wish you could stay with Aeri, in the warmth of that kiss, in the simplicity of just being with her. Before you turned to leave, you paused for a moment, torn between your emotions. You looked at Aeri one last time, her eyes full of understanding, but still tinged with something unspoken. The weight of everything hung in the air, your guilt, your feelings, the mess you had created, but you waved and turned around, taking one last glance at Aeri before walking out the door.

Each step felt heavier than the last, the silence between you two echoing in your mind. You couldn’t shake the feeling of leaving something behind, of walking away from something that had felt so right. But you had to go.

As you step into the hallway, your heart still aches from the kiss, the words left unsaid, and the feeling of Aeri’s touch still lingering on your skin. You couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if you had stayed. But right now, you had to face what was waiting for you outside the door.

You checked your phone again, seeing a message from Yunjin, asking when you could meet up. You had promised her you'd be there soon. And as much as you didn’t want to face her just yet, you knew you couldn’t avoid it. You took a deep breath, pushing down the storm of emotions swirling inside you, and stepped forward, hoping that somehow, in the end, everything would make sense.

You arrived at the restaurant where you and Yunjin had agreed to meet, the scent of food filling the air as you stepped inside. The moment you walked in, you spotted her sitting at a corner table, scrolling through her phone. She looked up as you approached, her face lighting up with a smile that, for a brief moment, made everything feel a little easier.

"Hey," Yunjin greeted you, her voice soft but warm as she stood up. You smiled back, though it didn’t reach your eyes as fully as you would’ve liked. You both exchanged a quick hug before sitting down.

“How’ve you been?” Yunjin asked, her eyes scanning your face as if trying to gauge your mood.

You tried to play it cool, but you could feel the tension in your chest, the weight of the day’s events pressing against you. "I’ve been okay, just... busy," you replied, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the underlying strain in your voice.

Yunjin leaned back in her chair, watching you closely. "You sure? You seem a little off today."

You hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. The guilt from seeing Aeri still weighed heavily on you, and now, sitting here with Yunjin, you realized just how complicated everything had become. Your thoughts raced, and for a second, you wondered if you should just come clean, tell her everything. But the words felt stuck in your throat.

"Yeah, just... thinking a lot," you finally said, offering a small smile.

Yunjin didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded anyway. "Well, I’m glad you came. I’ve been thinking a lot too... about us."

The way she said "about us" made your heart flutter in a way that it shouldn’t. You knew you had to tread carefully here, there was too much at stake.

“I... I know,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been thinking about that too.”

Yunjin’s gaze softened as she reached across the table, taking your hand in hers. "I just want to make sure we’re okay. You know? I care about you a lot, and I don’t want things to get complicated between us."

You felt a pang of guilt at her words, the weight of your secret threatening to spill out. You squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her, though you knew you weren’t being entirely honest. “Yeah, I don’t want things to be weird either.”

But as you said the words, you felt like you were lying to her. You wanted to be honest, to tell her the truth about what had happened with Aeri, but the fear of how she might react held you back. The last thing you wanted was to hurt Yunjin.

For a few moments, you both sat in silence, sipping your drinks. The conversation had shifted, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going unsaid. You couldn’t help but wonder if Yunjin sensed that you were hiding something, if she could see the truth in your eyes. And as much as you wanted to keep the illusion intact, you knew that sooner or later, the truth was going to come out.

Yunjin led you out of the café, her hand still gently holding yours as she guided you towards her car. The air was cool, and the late afternoon sun was beginning to dip behind the trees, casting a soft glow across the streets.

When you reached the car, Yunjin popped the trunk and began rummaging through it. You raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are we doing, exactly?" you asked, a little uncertain.

Yunjin glanced over her shoulder and gave you a playful smile. "We’re going to the park. Thought we could sit, talk... maybe get some fresh air." She pulled out a blanket from the trunk and folded it neatly under her arm.

You chuckled softly, feeling a bit surprised but also relieved. Being outside and away from everything seemed like a good idea, especially given how much had been weighing on you lately.

"Alright, sounds nice," you said, a slight smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn’t expecting this, but I like it."

Yunjin closed the trunk and walked over to the passenger side, opening the door for you. "Thought it’d be a nice change of pace," she said as she got in the driver’s seat. "We don’t need to talk about anything heavy, just... hang out."

You nodded, appreciating the simplicity of it. It was exactly what you needed. The idea of just spending some time together, without the complexities that seemed to follow you lately, felt like a small relief.

As she started the car and pulled away from the curb, you let your thoughts drift, trying to push away the weight of your situation with Aeri. It wasn’t easy, but you figured, for now, you could focus on being with Yunjin, just the two of you.

The drive to the park wasn’t long, and the quiet between you both felt comfortable. Yunjin’s music played softly in the background, but neither of you spoke much, both lost in your own thoughts. When she finally parked the car and turned off the engine, you both stepped out and walked to a quiet spot in the park.

Yunjin spread the blanket on the grass, patting it for you to sit down. "It’s nice out here," she said as she settled next to you, her eyes scanning the peaceful surroundings.

"Yeah, it really is," you agreed, taking a seat beside her. The world felt a little calmer here, as if the park was its own little bubble, far removed from the drama and confusion you’d been carrying.

You looked over at Yunjin, who was now lying back on the blanket, gazing up at the sky. You followed her lead, feeling the coolness of the grass beneath you. For a while, the two of you simply stared up at the sky, letting the quiet moments stretch out between you.

It felt nice... easy. But deep down, you knew you couldn’t escape the reality of everything forever.

The soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze was the only sound that filled the air as you and Yunjin laid on the blanket, side by side. The park around you was tranquil, with only a few other people scattered about, but it felt as if the world had slowed down for the two of you. The sun had begun to set, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky, and the air had turned cooler, making it feel like the perfect moment to just relax and be present.

After a while, you turned your head toward Yunjin, finding her gaze already on you. She offered a soft smile, one that made your heart skip a beat.

"You know," she started, her voice low and teasing, "this is a lot nicer than what I expected. I thought we’d just be talking the whole time." Her eyes twinkled, hinting at something unspoken.

You chuckled, feeling the weight of the moment settle between you two, a quiet understanding that hung in the air. "I didn’t mind talking," you replied, "but it’s nice to just... be here with you, you know?"

Yunjin’s smile softened, and she shifted closer, propping herself up on one elbow so she could look at you more intently. Her fingers brushed lightly against your arm, the touch sending a small spark through your skin.

The shift in her posture and the intimacy of the moment didn’t go unnoticed. You felt the energy between you two change, the unspoken tension building slowly but surely.

Yunjin moved a little closer, her face mere inches from yours now, and her breath warmed your skin. Her eyes searched yours, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The closeness, the chemistry between you two, was undeniable.

"Y/N..." Her voice was barely a whisper now, soft and filled with something that made your heart race. You didn’t have to say anything in response. The moment felt suspended in time.

You leaned in slightly, your breath hitching as your lips brushed against hers. The contact was tentative at first, almost hesitant, like both of you were testing the waters. But the second her lips pressed against yours again, something shifted.

It was like a switch flipped, and suddenly everything felt electric. Yunjin's hand moved to your face, cupping it gently, while your own hand found its way to her waist. You both deepened the kiss, the urgency of it growing as the world around you continued to fade away.

The kiss was tender, yet there was an undeniable intensity behind it. You felt her pull you closer, your bodies aligning perfectly as if this was where you were meant to be. Your heart raced in your chest, thumping louder with each passing second, and every touch sent a wave of warmth through your body.

It wasn’t like anything you had expected when you first got into the car with her, but it felt... right. There was something about being in this space with Yunjin that made everything else fall into place. In that moment, you couldn’t think of anything but the kiss, the connection, and the way everything seemed to feel so intense.

Yunjin's lips were soft against yours, but there was an intensity behind each kiss that made your heart race faster. Her hand gently cupped your face, tilting it slightly, as her other hand slid down to your waist, pulling you closer. You could feel the heat of her body against yours, the way she was melting into the kiss, and it made everything inside you stir.

You whisper against her lips "I’ve... wanted this. With you."

Yunjin's breath hitched, and she pulled back just enough to meet your eyes. Her gaze was dark, filled with desire, but there was also something else there, something soft, almost vulnerable."I know... me too." Yunjin said softly.

Her words made your heart skip, and before you could process it, she was kissing you again, more urgently this time. Her lips moved against yours with a passion that made everything else fade away. You responded in kind, your hand slipping into her hair, tugging her even closer, as your body pressed into hers.

The kiss deepened, both of you trying to convey everything you hadn’t said out loud, every unspoken thought, through the touch of your lips. Yunjin’s hand slid lower, her fingers tracing the line of your back, making your breath hitch.

You could feel her smile against your lips, her hands moving with purpose, pulling you even tighter against her. Every inch of your body was alive with the heat between you, and the more you kissed, the less you cared about anything else.

It wasn’t rushed, but it wasn’t slow either, it was a blend of urgency and need, both of you trying to express something you hadn’t yet put into words. Your hands moved to her waist, pulling her in closer, if that was even possible, and you could feel her heartbeat against yours. It was wild, almost as if it was happening without thinking, but it felt so natural, so right.

As you finally pulled away, both of you gasping for air, there was a moment of silence. Yunjin’s eyes were dark, filled with something that mirrored your own feelings, desire, intensity, and maybe even a little bit of vulnerability. You stared at each other for a few seconds, both of you trying to catch your breath, your hearts still pounding in your chests. " I really like you Y/n" 

The words hung in the air, almost like a confession, and for a split second, everything else seemed to fade away. Yunjin’s gaze was unwavering, her voice quiet but sincere. You could feel the weight of what she had said, how much it meant, how much it meant to her.

Your heart skipped a beat, and a flutter of warmth spread through you. You hadn’t expected those words, but now that they were spoken, it felt like the truth between you two had finally surfaced. You opened your mouth to respond, but for a moment, the words caught in your throat.

Instead, you reached out, gently cupping her face in your hands, and leaned in to kiss her again, this time softer, as if the kiss was a response to everything unspoken. Your lips met in a tender connection, and you could feel her smile against your mouth. It was a reassurance, a promise, silent, but loud enough to make your heart race all over again.

You pulled back just slightly, resting your forehead against hers, your breath mingling. "I like you too, Yunjin," you said softly, the words flowing with ease now. "More than I expected."

Yunjin's eyes softened, a hint of relief flashing in them as she smiled, her hands running through your hair gently. "I'm glad," she whispered, her voice full of sincerity.

What are you gonna do now?

The day had been a whirlwind, two intense, emotional encounters with Aeri and Yunjin that had left you dizzy, confused, and overwhelmed. The heat of the kisses still lingered on your lips, but the warmth was tainted by a growing sense of anxiety that gnawed at you. You had no idea what to do anymore.

The whirlwind of emotions inside you was like a storm that refused to settle. One moment, you were lost in Aeri’s touch, feeling like nothing else mattered, and the next, you were kissing Yunjin with the same intensity, feeling something real you couldn’t deny. But now? Now, you were left in the silence, alone with your thoughts, trying to make sense of it all.

You kept replaying everything over and over in your mind, the way Aeri’s lips felt, how Yunjin’s touch made your heart race. The more you thought about it, the more the confusion grew. You never wanted to hurt either of them, but how could you possibly choose when both felt so right in different ways?

Your heart was torn in two, and no matter how hard you tried to focus on just one, the other kept sneaking into your thoughts. You didn’t want to betray anyone’s trust, yet here you were, caught in the middle of something that seemed to grow messier with every passing second.

You felt stressed, like you were carrying a weight you couldn’t put down. How were you supposed to make sense of your feelings for both Aeri and Yunjin? How could you be fair to either of them?

Your mind raced, trying to find answers, but it felt like every time you got close to one, the other tugged you in a different direction. You just wanted clarity, some way to figure out how to move forward, or if you could even move forward without everything crashing down around you.

Monday morning arrived, but you could barely focus. Your mind was still tangled in the mess you’d made over the weekend, switching between thoughts of Aeri and Yunjin. You kept replaying the moments you’d shared with each of them, trying to make sense of everything. But all you could feel was the weight of your confusion and guilt bearing down on you.

You were lost in your thoughts as you walked across campus, your mind miles away from everything around you. It wasn’t until you heard Yunjin’s voice cut through your haze that your head snapped up, her voice unmistakable, calling out your name.

“Y/N!”

Your heart skipped a beat, your body freezing in place as your eyes locked onto her. She was sitting at a table with none other than Aeri, who was looking up at you with wide eyes, brows furrowed in confusion. Your breath caught in your throat as the realization hit you like a wave.

Yunjin knew you. And now, Aeri was sitting there beside her, clearly wondering what was going on. The combination of their gazes, the unease in the air, and the sudden pressure made your heart race uncontrollably.

This is it, you thought. You're going to be exposed. Everything you had tried so hard to keep separate was about to collide, and you could feel the tension in your chest building up like a storm about to burst.

The ground beneath you seemed to shift, your knees feeling weak as the anxiety hit you full force. You couldn’t decide if you wanted to run or face them head-on. Either way, you felt like you might faint right there on the spot, your heart pounding so loud you were sure they could hear it.

You slowly took a step toward the table, trying to act normal, but the weight of the situation felt like it was crushing you. You didn’t know what to say, how to explain yourself. Your mind was too frantic, too tangled up in guilt and panic to form a coherent thought.

The moment had arrived, and everything you’d been trying to avoid was now right in front of you.

Your feet moved slowly, almost unwillingly, as you approached the table where Yunjin and Aeri were sitting. Every step felt heavier than the last, your mind scrambling to figure out what to do or say, but nothing came. It was like the words were trapped in your throat.

Yunjin’s eyes lit up when she saw you, a wide grin forming on her face, clearly oblivious to the chaos running through your head. “Hey!” she greeted, her tone warm, but you could feel the tension creeping in, the weight of Aeri’s confused gaze on you.

Aeri, on the other hand, looked like she was trying to process the situation. Her expression flickered between curiosity and suspicion, and it made your chest tighten even more. She had no idea what was going on, but the fact that you were here now, with Yunjin, made things incredibly complicated. You could already feel the questions building in the air.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself before speaking. “Hey…” Your voice felt like a faint whisper, completely at odds with the storm raging inside you. “I didn’t expect to see you two together,” you added, trying to force a casual tone, though it was anything but.

Yunjin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by your awkwardness. “Well, Aeri and I were just chatting, and I figured I’d introduce her to you. I didn’t know you two hadn’t met yet.” Her tone was light, but there was a small hint of something you couldn’t quite place.

Aeri, sensing the tension but still confused, looked between the two of you. “Yeah, I didn’t know you knew each other,” she said, her voice soft, but the curiosity was palpable. “Is there something I’m missing?”

Your heart hammered in your chest, the situation spiraling out of your control. You needed to act quickly, to explain something, anything to make it seem less weird, but your mind was drawing blanks. You glanced at both of them, your stomach twisting with guilt. The whole situation felt like a trainwreck waiting to happen.

“Uh, yeah, we met recently…” You trailed off, the words coming out weak and unsure. The truth seemed too complicated, too messy to explain now. So, you took a step back and tried to deflect. “I didn’t realize you two were friends,” you said to Aeri, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

Aeri didn’t seem convinced. Her gaze softened, but there was a flicker of something, maybe suspicion, maybe hurt, that you couldn’t ignore. She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Yunjin interjected, her voice suddenly more serious.

“Y/N… we need to talk later,” Yunjin said, her eyes glancing over at Aeri quickly before meeting your gaze. The weight of those words hit you hard, and you could feel the tension in your shoulders. You weren’t sure if she was referring to what had happened between the two of you or the mess of emotions that had been left unaddressed. Either way, you knew you were in deep now.

Aeri’s eyes flickered between the two of you, narrowing slightly as she looked back at Yunjin. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, a bit sharper this time.

Yunjin chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension, but you could tell it was only making things worse. “It’s nothing to worry about, Aeri. Just... something personal.”

You could feel Aeri’s eyes on you, piercing through you as if trying to read every thought on your face. She was waiting for something more, and the longer you stayed silent, the harder it became to dodge the situation. Your heart thudded in your chest, every second making the air feel thicker, more suffocating.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, but it didn’t help. The world around you felt like it was spinning, and you were stuck in the middle of it all. Something had to give, and you had no idea how to make it happen.

All you could do was stand there, caught in a lie, drowning in the complexity of your feelings.

The tension in the air was thick as you stood there, caught between Yunjin and Aeri. You hadn’t expected this moment to come so soon, yet here you were, your heart pounding and your mind racing for a way out of the mess you had unknowingly created. Aeri was eyeing you, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and the confusion in her expression slowly started to shift into suspicion. Yunjin, sitting beside her, was much more relaxed on the outside, but you could see the subtle way her eyes flicked back and forth between the two of you, a shift in her posture that suggested she was sensing something was off.

Aeri was the first to speak, her voice low but sharp. “So... Y/N, you know Yunjin?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral, but the hint of suspicion was undeniable. You could feel her watching you intently, waiting for your response.

Yunjin, ever the calm one, shifted in her seat, clearly trying to keep things light. “Yeah, we met recently. But you didn’t mention that you two knew each other,” she added, her voice almost too casual. There was an edge to her words that betrayed her attempt to act like everything was fine. She turned to Aeri, a half-smile on her lips. “I didn’t realize you were so close with Y/N.”

The mention of your name hanging in the air made your stomach tighten, and you could already feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on you. You opened your mouth to speak, but your words were stuck, tangled up in a knot of guilt and confusion. Aeri’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking between you and Yunjin, and you could see the wheels turning in her head. She was piecing things together in her mind, and you knew the moment she realized something wasn’t right.

Aeri’s lips pressed into a thin line as she looked at you. “I didn’t know you two were... so familiar with each other,” she said, her voice cool but laced with an undercurrent of suspicion. “Are you sure there’s nothing else going on between the two of you?”

Yunjin’s gaze turned toward you, her expression unreadable for a split second before she leaned forward slightly, a subtle shift in her posture. Her tone had softened, but it was still cautious. “Yeah, Y/N. You’ve never mentioned that you were close to Aeri. What’s going on?”

You could feel their eyes on you, both of them waiting for an answer, and the silence that followed felt like it would swallow you whole. It wasn’t just a casual conversation anymore. Both women were starting to pick up on something, on the subtle shifts in your demeanor, the way you avoided certain questions, the tension that clung to the air between you.

Aeri’s eyes narrowed further as she leaned in just a bit, her voice barely above a whisper but sharp with suspicion. “What is this? Am I missing something, Y/N?” She wasn’t angry yet, but it was clear she wasn’t going to let this go. The way her gaze lingered on you, expectant and demanding, made you feel small.

Yunjin, still trying to keep the atmosphere light, raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been acting strange lately. Care to explain, Y/N?” There was a subtle change in her tone now, something that hinted at doubt.

The weight of the question pressed down on you. It felt like the walls were closing in on you, like you were caught in a lie you couldn’t escape from. They were both suspicious, their once casual interest in your life now tinged with doubt. You couldn’t keep up the façade any longer, but you had no idea how to get out of this without hurting someone.

Aeri crossed her arms, her gaze steady on you. “So what is it, Y/N? What’s going on with you and Yunjin?” There was no more pretense now, her tone was demanding, like she was waiting for you to fess up.

Yunjin was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable, but you could see the glimmer of suspicion behind her eyes now, just barely concealed by her calm demeanor. “Yeah, Y/N. What’s going on?” she echoed, her voice slightly colder now.

You could feel the pressure mounting, the noose of your tangled emotions threatening to snap. There was no easy way out of this, no smooth excuse or perfect lie to make everything go away. The confusion, the tension, the guilt... it was all crashing over you at once, and you didn’t know how to handle it. All you could do was stand there, caught between two women who were now looking at you with growing suspicion.

The weight of their eyes on you, the suspicion and unspoken questions hanging in the air, finally broke you. You took a deep breath, your chest tightening, and you realized there was no escaping this anymore. The lies, the half-truths, the constant juggling, it had to stop. You owed them both the truth, even if it meant losing them both. You owed it to yourself to be honest.

You looked at Aeri first, her expression a mixture of confusion and hurt, and then at Yunjin, whose face had gone from casual curiosity to something darker. You swallowed, your throat dry, but you knew there was no other choice now.

“I... I’m seeing both of you,” you said, the words coming out slower than you expected, heavy with the weight of everything that had been left unsaid until now. Your heart was pounding, and you felt exposed in a way you hadn’t before. “I’ve been spending time with both of you, and I... I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Aeri blinked, her expression unreadable at first, and then her lips pressed into a thin line. Her arms were still crossed, but now there was a tension in her posture that made it clear she was holding back a storm of emotions. Yunjin, on the other hand, seemed still for a moment, her gaze fixed on you, but you could see the wheels turning in her head, the realization starting to sink in.

Aeri was the first to speak, her voice low and strained. “So... you’ve been seeing both of us, this whole time? And you didn’t think either of us would find out?” Her words were sharp, edged with something you couldn’t quite place, disappointment, maybe? Betrayal? You couldn’t tell, but the way she looked at you made you feel small. “And you couldn’t be honest with us?”

“I... I should’ve told you both,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. The weight of your guilt made your chest feel tighter. “I didn’t know how to say it. I didn’t want to hurt either of you, but I should’ve known better. I was scared.”

Yunjin finally spoke, her voice quieter but no less impactful. “So, all this time, you’ve been lying to both of us?” She shook her head, her brow furrowing in disbelief. “I don’t even know what to think right now. I thought... I thought you were different.”

You winced at her words, feeling the sting deep in your chest. “I am different,” you tried to explain, though the words felt hollow. “I didn’t mean for it to get like this. I didn’t want to hurt you, Yunjin. I just... I didn’t know how to choose.”

Aeri’s arms uncrossed, and she took a small step back, her gaze drifting away from you as if she couldn’t bear to look you in the eye anymore. “You should’ve chosen sooner,” she said quietly, her voice breaking just slightly, though she quickly regained her composure. “But now it’s too late.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. The tension between all three of you was palpable, a storm of emotions swirling in the air. You had done the right thing by finally being honest, but now it felt like you had destroyed everything in the process.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, but it didn’t feel like enough. It didn’t feel like it could undo the damage you’d done.

The tension in the air lingered, thick and suffocating. You stood there, waiting for something, anything, that would break the silence. But the longer you stood, the more the weight of your actions pressed down on you. Aeri and Yunjin exchanged a brief look, their faces a mixture of confusion, hurt, and maybe even a little anger.

Yunjin shifted slightly, breaking the silence. “I don’t know what to say right now,” she said, her voice strained. She shook her head, her eyes narrowing. “You think we’re just supposed to be okay with this? That we can just go on like nothing happened?”

Aeri stepped forward, her arms crossing once more as she looked at you. “I didn’t expect this from you, Y/N,” she said, her tone soft, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. “I thought you cared about me, about us, but you didn’t even have the decency to be upfront from the start.”

“I do care,” you said, almost pleading. “That’s the problem. I care about both of you. I like you both. But I was scared... I didn’t want to hurt anyone, and now I’ve hurt both of you.”

“You should’ve thought about that before,” Aeri shot back, her eyes flashing with hurt. “You’ve been playing games with us this whole time, and now you want us to just accept it?”

Yunjin took a deep breath, her eyes searching yours. “What do you want, Y/N?” she asked, her voice quieter now but no less intense. “Do you expect us to just move on from this? Do you expect us to just forgive you?”

The question hung in the air, heavier than anything else. You didn’t have an answer. You didn’t know what you were expecting from them. You didn’t know what you wanted anymore.

“I don’t know what to do,” you admitted, your voice barely a whisper. “I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Aeri let out a sharp exhale, frustration clear on her face. “Well, sometimes you have to face the consequences of your actions, Y/N. And right now, it doesn’t look like you’re going to get away without facing them.”

“I don’t know what happens now,” you murmured, the reality of the situation settling in. The weight of the consequences, the uncertainty of the future, it was all too much.

There was a long pause as the three of you stood there, emotions running high, the distance between you growing with every passing second. You didn’t know how to fix this, and you had no idea if there was even a way to make things right.

Finally, Yunjin spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. “I need some time to think. I can’t... I can’t process this all right now.”

Aeri nodded, her expression unreadable. “Same here. I think we both need time.”

With that, both of them turned away, walking in opposite directions, leaving you standing there alone. The silence was deafening, and for the first time in a long while, you felt truly lost.

You had no idea how to fix things or if you even could. But one thing was certain, you had never felt more alone in your life.

You rush home, your heart heavy, your mind a tangled mess of guilt, confusion, and regret. The moment you step through the door, you barely manage to close it behind you before the floodgates open. You collapse onto your bed, burying your face in your hands as the tears come pouring out. The emotions you've been bottling up for weeks, no, for months, are finally spilling over, and you can't stop them.

You feel like you're drowning in the weight of everything, Aeri’s hurt, Yunjin’s disappointment, and the realization that you've messed up in ways you can’t undo. You don't know what you were expecting, but this? This feels like the end of everything. The tears come harder, and you let them, because right now, it’s the only way to release the pain.

There’s a knock on your door, and without waiting for an answer, Kazuha steps inside. Her eyes soften when she sees you on the bed, your face streaked with tears. She doesn’t say anything at first, but you can feel her presence comforting in its own way. She sits next to you, rubbing your back gently.

“You were right,” you say between sobs, your voice shaky. “I messed everything up. I’m such an idiot.”

Kazuha sighs, her hand pausing on your back. “I told you it would catch up to you,” she says softly, her tone calm but not unkind. “You can’t juggle people’s feelings like that and expect everything to stay fine.”

You nod, sniffling as you wipe your eyes, unable to meet her gaze. “I didn’t want to hurt them, Kazuha. I just... I don’t know. I thought maybe I could handle it, but now I’ve lost both of them.”

Kazuha doesn’t respond immediately, instead waiting for you to gather yourself. “You can’t keep hiding from the truth, Y/N,” she says, her voice steady. “You have to be honest with yourself and with others, no matter how hard it is. And maybe you’ll lose them, maybe you won’t. But you can’t keep playing this game.”

You look at her then, finally meeting her eyes, and see the truth in her gaze. The weight of her words hits you harder than any of the things you’ve been telling yourself.

“I know,” you say quietly. “I just... I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

Kazuha gives you a small, understanding smile. “Of course it’s hard. It’s life. But this is how we learn. You’ll figure it out, even if it doesn’t feel like it now.”

The tears come again, but this time you don’t try to fight them. Kazuha just stays beside you, her presence grounding you, reminding you that you’re not alone, even if it feels like the world is falling apart around you.

The next day, you wake up to a heavy, lingering sense of dread. The events from yesterday are still fresh in your mind, the conversation with Aeri and Yunjin replaying in your head. You can't shake the feeling that everything is unraveling, and you have no idea how to put it back together.

You try to distract yourself by getting ready for the day, going through the motions of getting dressed and grabbing your things, but the weight of what happened presses on your chest, making it hard to focus. You barely eat, your mind too consumed by the mess you've created.

When you finally make it to campus, you’re met with a strange mix of emotions. There’s an ache in your stomach at the thought of seeing Aeri and Yunjin again, but also a part of you knows you need to face them. You can’t keep avoiding them. But how do you even begin to fix this?

As you walk across campus, you spot Yunjin sitting by a bench, her expression unreadable as she looks out at the students passing by. Your heart skips, and you hesitate, unsure of whether to approach her or not.

But before you can make a decision, you hear Aeri’s voice from behind you. “Y/N.”

You freeze. The way she says your name, soft but with an edge of something you can’t quite place, makes your stomach flip. Slowly, you turn to face her, finding her standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her eyes trained on you.

"I need to talk to you," Aeri says, her voice tight but not angry. You can feel the tension in the air between you two, but there's something almost... resigned in her expression.

"Okay," you manage to say, voice barely above a whisper. You glance over at Yunjin, who's watching you both with a guarded look, but she doesn’t move, doesn’t approach.

Aeri nods toward a quieter area of campus, and you follow her, your heart racing. The weight of everything, the guilt, the regret, the fear of losing them both, presses down on you as you walk, and you know that this conversation will either be the beginning of something healing or the end of everything.

When you’re out of earshot of the crowds, Aeri stops and turns to face you. Her eyes are still guarded, but there’s a vulnerability there too, something raw that makes your heart ache.

“You really thought you could keep this from us, didn’t you?” Aeri’s voice cracks slightly, and she quickly looks away, trying to compose herself. “I thought you were better than this.”

You swallow hard, the words you’ve been holding back threatening to spill over. "I didn’t want to hurt you, Aeri. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

Her eyes meet yours again, but this time there's a hint of disappointment, a weight you didn't realize you’d put on her. "But you did, Y/N. You hurt both of us.”

The silence that falls between you is thick, suffocating. You want to apologize, to explain everything, but nothing seems right.

“I... I don’t know what to do,” you admit, your voice shaking. “I like both of you. I didn’t expect it to get this complicated, but here we are.”

Aeri takes a deep breath, looking away for a moment before turning her gaze back to you. “You need to figure out what you really want, Y/N. Because right now, it feels like you’re just... avoiding the truth. Running from it.”

Your throat tightens, and you can feel the sting of tears threatening again. “I know... I know I messed up.”

Aeri shakes her head, her expression softening, though it doesn’t take away the hurt. “I’m not mad, Y/N. I’m hurt. And I don’t know if I can keep going like this.”

The words hit you like a punch in the gut, and you suddenly feel like the ground beneath you is slipping away.

“I never meant to hurt you, Aeri,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Aeri steps back, a sigh escaping her lips. “I think I need some space, Y/N. I can’t keep doing this.”

You nod, your heart breaking as you watch her walk away, every step feeling like another fracture in the connection you once shared. You turn slowly, only to meet Yunjin’s gaze from across the campus, her eyes full of questions. You can’t help but feel like you're sinking deeper into this mess, and no matter what you do now, it might be too late to make things right.

But the last thing Aeri said before she left echoes in your head: “As much as I’m hurt, I still really like you.”

The weight of Aeri’s words still lingers in the air, heavy and suffocating. You stand there, frozen for a moment, unable to move. You feel like everything is collapsing in on you, and you're caught between two people you care about, neither of whom are happy with you right now.

You finally take a few shaky steps forward, looking over at Yunjin. She hasn’t moved, but her eyes are intense, waiting for you to make the next move. The tension is palpable, and you can almost hear her thoughts swirling in the air around you.

You approach her slowly, your heart pounding in your chest. It’s hard to meet her gaze directly, but you do anyway, because this is something you can’t avoid anymore.

“Yunjin,” you start, your voice hoarse, “I never meant for any of this to happen. I didn’t want to hurt you or Aeri. But... I don’t know what to do. I like both of you, and I’ve been lying to myself about how I felt.”

Yunjin’s eyes soften, but she doesn’t say anything for a long moment. The silence between you two feels like an eternity, and you’re starting to doubt whether you’ve made the right choice, whether telling the truth was the best thing after all.

“I didn’t expect this either,” Yunjin finally says, her voice surprisingly calm. “But I’m not blind, Y/N. I can see what’s been going on. You’re not the only one feeling confused.”

You take a deep breath, your stomach turning as you look at her. “I never meant to make you feel like that. I’m just... I don’t know what I want anymore. I care about both of you.”

Yunjin studies you for a moment, and then, much to your surprise, she reaches out and gently touches your arm. “I’m not going to lie and say that I’m okay with all of this. But I understand that feelings aren’t always something you can control. What I can’t deal with is the dishonesty.”

Her words sting, but they also make sense. She’s right. You’ve been avoiding the truth for too long, letting everything fester. But even now, it feels like a monumental task to sort through the mess you've made.

“I understand,” you whisper, your chest tightening again. “But... can you give me another chance? I know I messed up, but I want to make things right. I don’t know how, but I’ll try.”

Yunjin looks at you for a long time, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nods slowly, but there’s still a shadow of uncertainty in her eyes. “We’ll see, Y/N. But first... you need to figure things out, because I can’t keep going in circles like this. Neither can Aeri.”

The words settle heavily between you both. It’s not an answer you were hoping for, but it’s a start, at least she hasn’t turned her back on you completely.

You look around, seeing Aeri’s silhouette walking away in the distance. It’s clear that there’s so much more to fix, and that it won’t be easy. But for the first time in what feels like forever, you don’t feel completely lost. There’s a tiny sliver of hope left, and you’re determined to fight for it, whatever the outcome might be.

The week that follows feels like an eternity. You gave them both the space they asked for, stepping back and letting the silence settle in between the three of you. Your phone stays quiet, your heartbeats growing louder with each passing day. You try to fill the hours with distractions, schoolwork, spending time with friends, and even focusing on things that once brought you peace, but it all feels hollow. The guilt weighs heavy, always present in the back of your mind.

There are moments when you catch yourself reaching for your phone, your fingers hovering over the screen as if you could send a text that would make everything better. But each time, you pull back. You know they need time. You know you need time. It doesn't make the waiting any easier, though.

Your days pass in a blur of routine. You go through the motions, attend your classes, make small talk with classmates, but your mind is constantly racing. It’s like you’re living in two worlds at once: one where you’re just trying to survive, and another where you’re completely consumed by the consequences of your actions.

Still, you keep your composure. You tell yourself over and over that you can handle this. That you can wait. That things will eventually fall into place.

But deep down, you’re a mess. You think of Aeri, her quiet but hurt words, her need for space that still feels like a heavy weight on your chest. Then there’s Yunjin, her calm demeanor that hides the frustration and confusion you know she must be feeling. Both of them deserve honesty. Both of them deserve more than what you’ve given them.

You don’t know what will happen when the week ends. But you know you can’t hide forever. The silence has been deafening, and every moment that passes feels like it’s getting harder to hold everything together.

You’re just... trying to be patient. Trying to wait for the right moment to fix things.

But inside, your heart is breaking piece by piece. And you wonder if you’ll ever be able to fix the mess you’ve made.

Two weeks had passed since everything blew up. You’d given Aeri and Yunjin the space they needed, keeping your distance to give them time to process. The silence between the three of you had been deafening, and in your mind, it had been a blur of guilt, confusion, and self-doubt. You never imagined that you’d end up in a situation like this, but it had happened. All you could do was try to keep your composure and not let the weight of it all crush you.

Now, you were back in the library, trying to focus on your studies. The books in front of you were just words and pages, but your mind? Your mind was a mess. You tried to force yourself to concentrate, to block out the thoughts swirling around your feelings for both Aeri and Yunjin. It wasn’t working. Every moment felt like an internal battle.

You didn’t even realize how much time had passed, so absorbed in your work. That was, until you heard a soft cough, a clearing of the throat that sliced through the silence. You jumped, startled, your heart skipping a beat. As you looked up, you saw them, Aeri and Yunjin, standing right in front of you, their presence almost looming.

“Y/N, we need to talk,” Aeri said, her voice calm but carrying an edge of something you couldn’t quite place.

You blinked, trying to shake off the shock. “What? Oh, yeah. Of course.” Your voice was shaky, betraying the anxiety you were feeling inside. You quickly gathered your things, heart racing, and followed them as they led you out of the library.

“Where are we going?” you asked, trying to catch your breath as your nerves crept up on you.

“My place,” Aeri replied.

The walk to Aeri’s apartment felt like an eternity. Every step you took felt heavier than the last, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on you. What could they possibly want to talk about? Had they made up their minds about what was going on between you? Was this the end of everything? You could feel your stomach in knots, unsure of what to expect.

When you finally got to Aeri’s apartment, you sat down on the couch, trying to steady your breath, but your nerves were running wild. You glanced at both of them, but neither spoke immediately. The air between you was thick, heavy with unspoken words.

Finally, Yunjin broke the silence, her voice steady but full of emotion. “Y/N, Aeri and I have been talking,” she began. “And we came to a conclusion.”

Your heart raced, and you tried to prepare yourself for whatever was coming, but nothing could have prepared you for what Yunjin said next.

“It’s clear that we both like you, and you like us. And to make things less confusing for you,” Yunjin continued, “Aeri and I were thinking... we all date.”

Your mind went completely blank. What?

You blinked, your throat tightening as you tried to process the words. Your head swam, and you felt like the ground was slipping away beneath you.

“Wait,” you stammered, standing up quickly. “You’re saying... you both want to, date me? Like, together?”

Aeri’s eyes softened, her expression gentle yet resolute. “Yes. We talked about it. We both care about you, Y/N. And we can’t deny what’s between us. We thought maybe this would make things clearer, less confusing. We want to be with you, and we’re willing to try this... together.”

Yunjin nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on you. “And also, Aeri and I confessed that we both had a crush on each other. So, we thought this would be easier for all of us.”

Your chest tightened, and your mind raced. A crush on each other? You looked between Aeri and Yunjin, unsure of what to say. This wasn’t just some casual conversation anymore. This was a big step, something that could change everything.

“I, I don’t know what to say,” you finally whispered, your voice trembling. “I care about both of you. But this... this is a lot. A lot to take in.”

Aeri stepped closer, her voice softening. “We know, Y/N. It’s not easy. But we’re here for you. We want you to be happy. And if that means trying this, together, then we’re ready for that.”

Yunjin nodded, her expression calm but firm. “We’re willing to take the leap, Y/N. Together, if you are.”

Your heart hammered in your chest, and you felt your emotions swirling in a chaotic mix. But somewhere deep inside, you knew that this wasn’t the end. It wasn’t even the beginning of the end. It was a new chapter, a new possibility.

You took a deep breath, your voice shaky but determined. “I... I don’t know what will happen, but... I want to try. I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Aeri smiled, relief flashing across her face, and Yunjin’s eyes softened with a sense of understanding. You didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in a while, you felt a glimmer of hope.

And maybe that was enough for now.

The following days felt like a whirlwind. You were still processing everything, still getting used to the idea that Aeri and Yunjin were both willing to try this... together. It was exhilarating, overwhelming, and confusing all at once. But something about it felt right, too. You weren’t sure where this would lead, but you couldn’t deny the connection you had with both of them.

Aeri and Yunjin made sure to check in with you, their conversations careful but full of reassurance. They didn’t want to rush you, but they were both clear about wanting to move forward, together. You hadn’t given them a definite answer yet, but every moment with them made it harder to imagine a life without them.

That evening, you met them at a small café, the quiet hum of conversation around you doing little to calm the storm inside your mind. You found your seat, and within moments, both Aeri and Yunjin joined you, sitting across from you, their faces soft but expectant.

“You okay?” Aeri asked gently, her eyes scanning your face as if searching for any signs of doubt or hesitation.

You nodded, even though your heart was still heavy with questions. “Yeah, I’m just... trying to wrap my head around everything.”

Yunjin gave you a small smile, her fingers gently tapping on her coffee cup. “We know it’s a lot to take in. But we’re in this together, okay? No pressure. We just want to be clear with each other.”

You looked between them, feeling your heart swell at the thought of how much effort they were putting into this. They both cared. They really did. You could see it in the way they looked at you, the way they spoke to you, the way they tried to make everything easier for you.

“I’ve been thinking,” you started, your voice quieter now, unsure of how to articulate what was going on inside you. “This is all new to me. I’ve never been in a situation like this before.”

Yunjin’s eyes softened, her voice calm. “We know, Y/N. We’re not trying to force anything. We just want you to feel comfortable, to feel like this is something we all want. There’s no rush.”

Aeri nodded in agreement, her expression sincere. “Yeah. We want to take it slow, if that’s what you need. No one’s expecting anything crazy right away. We’re all figuring this out together.”

You let out a breath, feeling a sense of relief flood through you. As much as the situation was complicated, you realized that maybe it was the best kind of complicated, one where everyone was on the same page, where communication was key, and where you could be honest with each other.

“I think... I think I want to try,” you said finally, your heart pounding as the words left your mouth. “I want to see where this can go. With both of you.”

Both Aeri and Yunjin smiled, and something about their expressions made you feel like maybe this could work. Maybe you didn’t have to choose between them. Maybe the three of you could find a way to navigate this, together.

“We’re in this together, Y/N,” Aeri said softly, her eyes meeting yours with a promise. “We’ll figure it out, one step at a time.”

Yunjin reached across the table, her hand brushing yours gently. “No matter what, we’ve got each other’s backs. We’re all in this.”

The days passed by, and the three of you fell into a routine, one that was different from anything you’d ever known, but still comforting. Your connection with both Aeri and Yunjin grew stronger, and there was a sense of ease between the three of you, despite the complexity of the situation. You were still figuring out the details, but you knew deep down that this was something real, something worth exploring.

One evening, you found yourself at Aeri's apartment again, sitting on the couch with Yunjin and Aeri beside you. The air between you was warm, filled with the quiet hum of music in the background and the clink of mugs as you all sipped on your drinks. But tonight, there was something different. A lingering sense of anticipation hung in the air, a feeling that something important was about to happen.

Aeri turned to you, her usual playful expression softened into something more serious. "Y/N," she began, her voice calm but full of meaning. "We've been talking... and we both feel really strongly about you."

Yunjin nodded, her eyes never leaving yours, her gaze filled with warmth. "We both care about you a lot, and we want to take this to the next step."

You tilted your head, slightly confused but also intrigued. "What do you mean?" you asked, your heart beginning to race with the uncertainty of the moment.

Aeri took a deep breath, glancing at Yunjin for a brief moment before looking back at you. "What we're trying to say is... we both want you to be our girlfriend. Officially. Together."

Your breath hitched in your chest. The words were unexpected, yet they felt like they were always meant to come from them. A part of you had been wondering if this was where things were heading, but hearing them say it out loud made it feel real, more real than anything you had imagined.

"Wait, so... both of you?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, unsure if you heard them correctly.

Yunjin smiled, reaching out to gently take your hand in hers. "Yes, both of us," she confirmed. "We want to be with you, Y/N. We know this isn't a conventional situation, but it's real. And we're ready for this, if you are."

Aeri nodded, her voice softer but just as earnest. "We're asking you because we really believe in this. In us. But we want to know if you feel the same. Do you want to be with us, too? Not just as friends... but as something more?"

You felt your heart race as a mixture of emotions flooded your chest. You had never thought you'd find yourself in a situation like this, but being with them felt right. You liked both of them, maybe even loved them, in different ways, and the idea of being with both of them didn’t seem as impossible as you once thought. You could feel the sincerity in their words, the love they were offering, and the trust they had in you.

Taking a deep breath, you finally nodded, your voice shaky but sure. "Yes. I want to be with both of you too."

Aeri and Yunjin’s faces lit up with relief and joy. They both leaned in, pulling you into a warm embrace. The feeling of their arms around you was comforting, like a promise that no matter what, you were all in this together.

"Thank you, Y/N," Aeri whispered, her voice full of tenderness. "This means everything to us."

Yunjin kissed the top of your head softly. "We’ve got you. Always."

Months passed, and in the blink of an eye, everything had changed. The three of you had navigated the delicate balance of your relationship, learning more about each other every day, about the small quirks, the shared laughter, the quiet moments that made everything feel right. The initial uncertainty had long faded, replaced by a deep, genuine love that bound you all together.

You found yourself waking up in the mornings with Aeri and Yunjin beside you, feeling at home in a way you never had before. The three of you had built a rhythm, an unspoken understanding of each other's needs, boundaries, and desires. It was imperfect, messy at times, but also beautiful in its own way.

There were times when the world outside seemed too complicated, too judgmental, but when you were with Aeri and Yunjin, everything made sense. You weren’t just a couple; you were a team. You had created something unique, something yours.

One evening, after a long day of studying and work, the three of you found yourselves sitting on the couch in Aeri's apartment, nestled into each other. The warmth of their presence was comforting as you all watched a movie, the soft glow of the screen illuminating your faces. Aeri was curled up against your side, her head resting on your shoulder, while Yunjin was leaning against your other side, her hand entwined with yours.

You hadn’t realized how much you needed this moment of peace, no distractions, no pressures, just the three of you, together.

“I love you,” Yunjin said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned in to kiss you gently on the cheek. The words felt like a promise, one that had been building up over time, and hearing them from her made your heart swell.

Aeri smiled, brushing a lock of hair from your face as she shifted to kiss you on the lips. “I love you too,” she murmured, her voice full of affection.

The words settled in your chest like a heavy weight, but in the best way. “I love both of you,” you replied, your voice filled with sincerity. It wasn’t something you had to think about anymore; it was just the truth. You had fallen in love with both of them, in your own way, and the three of you had built something so strong, so unshakeable, that it felt like nothing else mattered.

The three of you shared a long, quiet kiss after that, the kind of kiss that spoke more than words ever could. It wasn’t about promises or declarations, it was just about love, pure and simple.

Aeri pulled back, looking at you both with a soft smile. “I never imagined something like this,” she admitted, her eyes full of affection. “But I can’t imagine my life without you two.”

Yunjin nodded, her expression warm. “I feel the same way. I never thought I could love two people like this, but with you... it just feels right.”

You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth fill your chest. “Yeah, me neither,” you said, your voice full of emotion. “I never knew love could feel like this.”

The three of you held each other close, the weight of the world outside no longer a concern. You had found your place together.

[saebyeokbliss]

JUST MEET ME AT THE APT.— K. SAE-BYEOK

CHAPTER SEVEN

synopsis: managing a rising rock band is already chaotic enough, but when you're stuck touring with four reckless musicians, things get even messier. between late-night facetime calls, teasing that feels a little too knowing, and a certain guitarist who might just be your biggest problem, keeping things professional is getting harder by the second. but hey, no one said the music industry was easy.

warnings: mutual pining, intense eye contact, teasing that borders on flirting (or maybe it is flirting), secondhand embarrassment, slow burn that burns, emotional whiplash

playlist: spotify

Sae-Byeok stormed back into the Kang household, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

The girls were still on their phones, their laughter filling the living room as they scrolled through whatever Jisoo had sent now.

It only made her angrier.

Without a word, she reached out and snatched Ji-Yeong’s phone right from her hands.

"Hey—what the hell, dude?" Ji-Yeong yelped, reaching for it, but Sae-Byeok was quicker.

Before anyone could react, she grabbed Se-Mi’s and No-Eul’s too, holding all three devices in her hands like some kind of hostage negotiator.

"The fuck is your problem?" Se-Mi scowled, making a swipe for her phone.

Sae-Byeok took a step back, her grip tightening. "Do any of you even realize what you did tonight?"

That made them pause.

Ji-Yeong frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Sae-Byeok scoffed, shaking her head. "Her."

The room went quiet.

"You were so busy with this fucking group chat that you didn’t even notice her sitting there, completely left out."

Se-Mi’s face fell slightly. "Wait… are you talking about—?"

Sae-Byeok exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "Yes."

No-Eul, who had been watching quietly, leaned back against the couch. "I told you she looked sad."

Sae-Byeok’s glare flickered to her. "Yeah, and none of us did anything about it."

That made the room even more uncomfortable.

Se-Mi shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Shit… I mean, we didn’t do it on purpose."

"That doesn’t matter," Sae-Byeok snapped. "She was sitting right there, and none of us—none of us—bothered to make her feel included. And then we laughed about some stupid group chat she wasn’t even in, like it wouldn’t affect her."

Ji-Yeong groaned, rubbing her face. "Fuck."

No-Eul, still eerily calm, tilted her head. "You ignored her too, you know."

Sae-Byeok stiffened.

Se-Mi nodded slowly. "Yeah, like… we weren’t the only ones."

Ji-Yeong crossed her arms. "You barely even looked at her, Sae. And now you’re yelling at us?"

Before Sae-Byeok could retort, another voice cut in.

"You all ignored her."

They turned to see Cheol, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed.

Sae-Byeok’s little brother had clearly been listening in, his usually playful expression now serious.

"You guys didn’t see her face when she was sitting there," he continued. "She looked sad until I started hanging out with her."

Sae-Byeok’s stomach twisted.

Cheol’s voice softened. "She acts like she doesn’t care, but she does."

Silence fell over the room.

Ji-Yeong sighed, rubbing her temples. "We’re idiots."

No-Eul shrugged. "Took you long enough to realize."

Sae-Byeok clenched her jaw, the guilt now fully sinking in.

She had messed up.

They all had.

And now, she had to figure out how to fix it.

The small Seoul venue was buzzing with energy, fans already lining up outside, eager for an intimate performance from HOT DIVISION.

You arrived early, as always, ready to handle logistics, double-check schedules, and make sure everything ran smoothly.

Like always.

Like nothing had happened.

You greeted the girls with your usual easygoing smile, slipping into conversation effortlessly. You joked with Ji-Yeong, checked in with Se-Mi about the setlist, and made sure No-Eul’s equipment was all in order.

Business as usual.

But No-Eul wasn’t buying it.

Neither was Sae-Byeok.

Sae-Byeok lingered in the background, arms crossed, watching you with an unreadable expression.

No-Eul, however, wasn’t one to stay quiet—not when something wasn’t sitting right.

You were backstage, adjusting mic placements when No-Eul casually leaned against the wall beside you.

"You don’t have to act like everything’s fine, you know."

You froze for half a second before forcing a small laugh. "What are you talking about? I’m fine."

No-Eul gave you a pointed look. "You’re not."

You swallowed, keeping your hands busy with the mic in front of you. "Look, it’s nothing. It’s stupid. I don’t want to make things awkward before a show."

No-Eul sighed, crossing her arms. "It’s not stupid if it hurt you."

You hesitated.

And then, quieter, she added, "I’m sorry."

That was what did it.

Your throat tightened, eyes stinging as you blinked rapidly, trying so hard to keep it together.

No-Eul noticed immediately.

"Shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry—"

You let out a weak laugh, quickly wiping at your eyes. "I’m not crying."

"You’re totally crying."

You shook your head, voice a little wobbly. "I just—thank you. For saying it. For noticing."

No-Eul nodded, stepping closer. "I should’ve said something sooner. Should’ve made sure you were okay instead of just watching it happen."

You took a shaky breath. "It’s okay. It really is."

No-Eul didn’t look convinced. But instead of pushing, she simply pulled you into a hug.

It wasn’t dramatic.

It wasn’t over the top.

Just a quiet, steady warmth that made you feel seen.

You exhaled, hugging her back. "Thanks, No-Eul."

She pulled away, patting your shoulder. "We’re gonna do better. I promise."

You nodded, forcing a small smile. "Now go kill it out there."

She smirked. "Obviously."

And just like that, it was time.

The show was about to begin.

And somewhere in the background, Sae-Byeok was still watching.

taglist: @everly-summers-solace @knfthxv @madebysae @knfthxv @katieschry1 @imlackingsleep @lyzem @stellssxo @wiltingconquest @peelover25@monroesturnns @laurenkens @yenyu1s @idontliketoread2137 @bitchybananaflower @lyuuw

[solifloris]

≡;-꒰ 𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 ꒱₊˚ ପ⊹ I 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 (𝒊'𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈)

╰┈➤ ❝ CHAPTER ONE | kieran x mc!afab!reader

tags : general, no smut. canon references to first meeting. slight mentions of canon-typical violence. ~4.3k wc.

an : omg.. so... i did want to post this only once i had chapter 2 written a fair amount so that the time between the first two postings wouldn't be super far apart...... BUUUUTT........ :> happy valentine's hehe :> i just missed him lots so im dropping this before i head to sleep <3333333

← prelude | ko-fi / series masterlist / ao3 | next →

this is a series that contains sexual content, and is only for those 18+. if you are a minor, please do not interact. I BLOCK MINORS AND BLOGS WITHOUT ANY AGE INDICATOR.

There were many things that one could do when faced with a figure, unconscious, laying at their feet.

Or beside them.

Or in front of them.

Or… one that they weren't quite aware of how they were seeing it in their general vicinity, but it was there nonetheless.

The vulnerability remained palpable. There were many, many possibilities… Ones that Kieran found himself facing, quite literally, every other hour that he peeked into the room… and every passing moment he stayed.

"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

He looked up to see Luke absentmindedly throwing and catching an orange in the airs, feet up against the table. And despite the fact that he was playing around with that orange, he had his head tilted back, eyes to the ceiling.

Bored.

Kieran knew that tone well.

"Just… Wait it out," he shrugged, slumping down on the seat beside him.

And it wasn't as if he wasn't bored either… Again his thoughts traveled, and his brows furrowed as he looked at the sleeping figure of you still on the bed.

There were many things that one could do when faced with a figure, unconscious—laying right there.

But that was not what they had been ordered.

"Wait it out, you say, but it's already been a day and nothing!"

Luke huffed.

Kieran watched as he caught the orange and set it down on the table rather harshly, a sure sign of frustration. He got up from his chair and began to pace the room, footsteps heavy rather than light, a click of his tongue heard resounding within the walls.

"It's just! There's gotta be a lot more fun happening out in the streets, right?! And we've been stuck here all day yesterday, and I dunno if I can do that again for another—"

"But Boss told us to take care of her."

"And we are taking care of her!!!!!!!"

With an exasperated air, he threw his hands up and gestured wildly towards the blanket covering your figure. A blanket they'd put on you themselves.

And again, Kieran's eyes flitted towards you.

Sitting much closer to the bed, he could see you pretty clearly—He noted the rise and fall of your chest; the shape of your eyes, the curl of your lashes… The way, despite what you'd gone through, you looked so… peaceful.

Sound asleep.

He sighed.

People were so vulnerable when they were sleeping.

He didn't know what happened in that room; neither he nor Luke had bothered much to press Sylus himself on what exactly had happened to you. Yet, he was almost sure it wouldn't have been rainbows and sunshine, definitely not in the N109 zone… And especially not if it was anything like what he and Luke had to go through to get Sylus' attention at all.

He wondered of the luxury you had to be able to sleep this way. Were you just—naive? Confident? Not everyone could drift off to such a peaceful rest, after all. In the end, he had no means of assessing of your strength, and yet… You were the girl who'd easily drank from the black glass.

Sylus' girl.

And Sylus didn't talk much about you to them, but it was plain for anyone to see that he'd taken interest. He would think—Perhaps, a girl with little to show for herself wouldn't have caught the boss's attention like that.

"Eh, well."

Kieran stood up and stretched, ignoring the way Luke's eyes seemed to bore holes into his skull out of disappointment. "Boss's orders will stay Boss's orders. Something happens to her? You and I both know we could be in for it."

Luke scoffed.

"You're not even doing this for her."

"And why would I?"

The two looked at each other. Luke's arms crossed his chest; an action that Kieran mirrored.

Until finally, Luke looked away.

Kieran watched his gaze turn to you just as his own had done mere moments ago, and yet, this time, Luke was the one to approach your sleeping figure.

Gingerly, hesitantly, he placed the back of his hand over your forehead.

"…"

"…"

"What in the hell are you even doing."

"…. I. I dunno!!!! Don't people do this when they need to check something?! Like, come on, it can't be natural that she's been out cold this whole time!!! What'd boss even do to her?!"

"That's not our place to know!"

"But if we're supposed to take care of her—"

"Why're you so worried about her, anyway?!"

"Wh— Well! Like I said! We're taking care of her, so I might as well be concerned if— Ugh, see, Kieran, you're only doing this 'cause of what Boss ordered!"

"Well, duh?!"

Your figure stirred.

Both heads whipped around only to see that you'd turned your head to the side—

Your eyes were still closed.

Kieran couldn't tell if you were simply just that deep in your sleep that even their bickering didn't seem to bother you, or if you didn't care enough.

Still…

He stood up to sit closer next to you, his own figure peering over to look.

"She'll be fine," he mumbled. "She's a Hunter. Plus, Boss likes her. So it means something."

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a little smile tugging up at Luke's lips.

"…Ah, no, you're right. He's so totally interested in her. Kept her with him for the longest time, didn't he? I thought it was just 'cause of the Aether Core and whatever gutsy thing she did back in the Nest, but… Doesn't it seem like something more to you?"

Interest.

Kieran knew this tone of his just as well as he did boredom. And it was Luke's turn to lean over and peer at your figure.

"Caught the word resonate back there," Kieran shrugged, "Think he's trying to get something out of her. But…"

The two smirked at each other.

"Ha! He likes her, huh?"

"Heh. Yeah."

They laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it, before Luke reached out to poke at your cheek. "Okay. But she won't be sleeping forever, right? Come on. She's been unconscious for one day. We need to wake her up."

A moment of silence.

The two continued to stare at you, contemplating, lost in thought—

Ah.

A tiny little smirk played at Kieran's lips.

We just need to make things a little fun.

"Easy," he mumbled. "Just open up the back of her head." A slight shift of his arm brought out the various darts he'd spent a majority of that day making, and there in his eyes was a gleam so painfully obvious; a display of excitement that had even Luke letting out a laugh. "Drill a hole into her neck, anddd…—"

The stir of your figure cut him off. This time, you hadn't just shifted your position a little bit, but your eyes had blinked open.

The reaction was immediate.

Traces of weapons were shoved back into their sleeves as they looked at you with wide eyes, but if Kieran was expecting anything from you, then it wasn't the glare you had etched into your gaze when you looked at them. Nor was it the little bit of exhaustion visible in the way you blinked yourself into focus.

You'd been sleeping this whole time. Was it not restful…?

Slowly, Kieran took a tentative step backwards, as if to offer you some space. He could see the way your eyes settled properly on the both of them, a vague sense of recognition washing over your features—from the time they'd rescued her, no doubt. And despite the grogginess still visible on you as sleep gradually gave way to alertness, he found the tiniest smile playing on his lips before he could really stop himself.

You did wake up.

Not bad, for a Hunter.

"You two—"

A frown was on your face as you began to speak, but Luke was quick to interrupt.

"You're seeing things!"

A familiar cue.

Barely a word out of your mouth before Luke was cutting you off, and Kieran himself could have scoffed.

"I'm the only one here. There is no… 'two'."

It was almost amusing the utter confusion gracing your features, because Kieran didn't think it was possible to look so lost while simultaneously fed up with everything. He watched your eyes slowly move across the room to take in your surroundings, and he almost felt pity for you.

Almost.

"Then who's that?" Your hand raised to point directly towards him, and, perhaps the boredom truly had gotten to them.

"My soul can leave… My body!"

It wasn't the first time Kieran had been strung along with his brother's antics. His arms moved outward, shaking, convulsing as if supporting Luke's dramatics—after spending an entire day and a half doing virtually nothing but watching over you, his own movements held a certain kind of looseness as if finally tasting some sense of freedom.

He almost wanted to laugh.

Finally, something new.

Yet as he stopped the little charade, the lack of reaction from you had him immediately crossing his arms. Despite the joy of finally having someone else to toy around with—figuratively speaking—it didn't quite seemas if you were up for it.

And, sure, it might not have been the best of times to pull a joke, but he frowned nonetheless. The moment was short-lived.

"Are you stunned? Shocked?" There was a little undertone of a scoff in his voice, and when you only so much as stared back at him, he let out a huff. "Booooooringgg."

That kind of attitude was not going to fly in this place—

Or, so he thought, and so he would have said, had he not received a nudge in the arm from his brother.

Luke cleared his throat, vaguely gesturing around. It almost seemed as if the silence on your part settled an air of awkwardness around all of you, and he had to speak in an attempt to clear it. "Ahem… Hi! Before you left Boss's parlor… Well, we already met. Four days ago, to be exact."

Oh, what gives. With a barely audible sigh, Kieran looked away for a moment. "We didn't just save you from that ungrateful traitor. We also brought you back to Onychinus's base." He still remained with his arms crossed, but he took small, tentative steps forward to lean against the bedpost. This time, he looked back at you. The mere mention of that day had him clicking his tongue, and he was aware that his words just likely came off sharper than intended….

He did nothing to fix it.

"…So you want me to thank you."

Another thick veil of ice settled over the three of you. If Luke's attempt at lightening the atmosphere had succeeded for even a moment, it clearly wasn't something that lasted.

The silence spoke volumes.

"It's not that! It's just, it's dangerous in the N109 Zone! You knoww… For a Linkon girl?"

Kieran had debated many things in his head over the past couple of hours when it came to you. One, being whether or not you were worth the obvious favor that Sylus had placed upon you. Two, being whether or not you could meet the expectations of earning a favor of that sort. Three, being whether or not a girl like you could ever fit into this little bubble that the people of the city had always blatantly outcast anyway.

In the end, you were interesting, he'd give you that. The coldness in your eyes could cut the air with a knife, even moreso given that you would argue with them. And, yet… It was not he who had come to a conclusion, but—his brother. And the verdict, he knew, was that Luke would rather show concern for you than leave you to take care of yourself.

He watched the way your lips pursed into a thin line, the way your gaze shifted from a glare at him to a glare at his brother.

"Excuse me?"

"No, yeah, I mean! You're from Linkon, right? This place's just not cut out for you at all, Miss Hunter! So I'm saying we totally did you a big favor, but also, rather than thanking us, I think you should really reconside— hey! Kieran!"

With a roll of his eyes, he reached out to lightly flick the side of Luke's head. "What? At least look at the way she's glaring at you."

"Wh- I swear, I'm only trying to look out for her! Hey. Miss Hunter, listen, I'm really not trying to—!" His had turned between Kieran and you simultaneously, before he clicked his tongue and shook his head, almost as if trying to take back all he'd said.

Once more, the silence on your part was deafening.

And, yet, Kieran could understand where he was coming from.

Another once-over at your figure, and he still couldn't quite place how exactly you'd survive out there. Being a Hunter was one thing—playing around with the Nest was one thing, too. But going out there was a different thing altogether. He wouldn't have expected someone of the law to find it easy, and that was likely the guise beneath his brother's rather tactless way of putting it out there.

"Look," Luke tried again, scratching the back of his head. "We know what you're thinking. But after being hunted down in the Nest, do you know how many people are out there looking for you?"

With a tilt of his head towards the door, Kieran shrugged. "And even if you escape, you'll only get lost in the chaos of this no-man's land."

"Yeah! Wanderers will eat you up! And they won't leave behind any crumbs, sooo…"

The twins looked at each other, and a silent, split-second understanding passed through them.

Sylus told them to take care of you.

They were following orders, right?

"Stay here with our Boss!"

They chimed in unison, and Kieran nodded to himself, assured in their decisions. "Throw away all morality and compassion, and this place will be a paradise!"

It was a phrase that meant much to them, for all that it was true. Linkon and the N109 zone were different worlds to them—and two worlds didn't mix. If they would rather avoid unnecessary business in the city, then the same should be said about you.

This was enough of a test.

Because if you couldn't do it, then this place just wasn't for you at all. Kieran firmly believed that.

Your gaze shifted to the side, almost ignoring their words entirely. He couldn't tell if you cared much about what they'd said, or if you'd even processed it, but—

"Kieran, right?"

Your voice came out as a sigh.

You were looking at him.

"And, the other one is…"

Your gaze shifted, and, as if taking your acknowledgment a sign of approval, Luke excitedly drew in a breath.

"Yeah! That's Kieran, and I'm Luke! We're basically theBoss's right hand men, so, if you needanything, then you can totally ask us!"

Kieran could have facepalmed. Often, he would wonder how it was that his own twin could be as gullible as he was a menace… And, yet, something about the excitement felt contagious.

A smile peeked at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, I guess that was a little unfair. Since we knew your name and all from the start."

Again your gaze shifted to him, and for a moment, neither of you said much else.

It was a silent truce—

Kieran would have liked to believe that.

Yet his eyes took note of the tenseness in your shoulders, the way your breaths were far too deep to be completely relaxed…

"By the way," you waved a hand in the air, a motion so casual yet practiced; a motion that Kieran would have missed if he hadn't been conditioned to notice the subtleties of the people around him. Despite the calm in your voice, he knew that you were planning something. "Who's older? You two are basically identical twins."

A fleeting thought in his head: Of course. She was only seeing the masks, after all.

"Take a guess!"

"Could you come closer so I can get a better look?"

Oh.

Kieran noticed it before Luke did.

You grabbed his arm and held him close, pointing what looked to be a laser right at his neck—"Hey…! What are you doing?!"

It didn't feel like anything.

Kieran was frowning, and he couldn't feel much of any harm from you directly, but he could very well see it. Your grip around Luke was tight enough that he couldn't quite slip out of your grasp, and the red glare from the laser felt ominous enough.

"Have you ever heard of the XT-7, the Hunters Association's latest weapon?" Your voice was smug. The calm it held was different from the one you'd used just earlier—you knew you had the upper hand now. "It's a high-powered laser that can penetrate your skin and vaporize your blood. The good news is that it's painless… The bad news is that you'll be losing a lot of blood from your neck. Are you squeamish?"

Kieran had a choice to make.

The little bit of doubt in his head that had him wondering if you had the guts to do anything to Luke didn't matter—Not like this.

And, yet…

He glanced away for a moment to compose himself, a satisfied smirk forming on his lips, before taking small, steady steps towards the door. Because despite the gravity of the situation, there was something like a sense of pride swelling somewhere in his chest. He wouldn't have known if this was your answer, nor if it was enough for it to really be an answer… But he thought it again.

Not bad, for a Hunter.

With a clear of his throat, he reached behind him and turned the doorknob, effectively pushing the door open.

The mask fell, and your arms relaxed—features schooled into raised eyebrows and a mouth falling slightly open; an unabashed look of surprise.

He almost laughed.

Almost.

"Why're you staring at me? Did I say you weren't allowed to leave?"

He watched you slowly make your way over to the door—Luke still in tow—and scan the hallway outside of it.

"How do I get out of here, then?"

"Straight down the hall."

"That's it?"

"That's it." He nodded towards the door on the far end of the hall, before looking back at you. "…Your hold loosened, you know," he mumbled. "You let your guard down. Don't do that around here."

You tightened your grip around Luke in response, and, rendered largely silent and still very much threatened at the neck, he gave Kieran a look.

"Let him go. You know where the exit is, anyway."

"How do I know you're not just leading me into another trap?"

"Well, your guess is as good as mine. But how much time do you think we had if all we've been doing is watching you sleep?"

"…"

Your hand reluctantly let go of his brother, who stumbled over to his side. Something about the harshness of how you pushed him had Kieran rubbing his neck in response, but nevertheless, his attention had been steady on you.

A small smirk pushed at the corners of your lips.

"You're the younger one, aren't you, Kieran?"

A pause.

"…Well, we're identical twins. It hardly matters."

"Mm… Yeah, you're right. Maybe it doesn't, really."

He watched as you turned to Luke and promptly threw over the weapon you'd used to threaten him with, and Kieran couldn't help but scoff—Often, he would wonder how it was that his own twin could be as gullible as he was a menace.

As the two bickered lightly over the supposed weapon now confirmed to be a laser pointer, Kieran fished into his pockets to pull out the very orange that Luke had been playing with mere moments ago.

The moment you had your back turned to walk away, he lightly threw it right at you: "Heads up, Miss Hunter."

Fast reflexes.

As expected from a Hunter.

Your head turned to catch the orange right before it hit your head, but your incredulous expression had him letting out a short, sharp laugh.

"What the hell?!" you looked at the orange in your hand. "Is this your way of getting back at m—?!"

"You didn't eat yet."

You paused.

Kieran, paying no heed to the bewildered aura his own brother was emitting, merely shrugged.

"You didn't eat yet," he repeated. And it was if he'd believed that you hadn't heard him the first time, and it was something that he needed you to hear.

In a way, it was.

"… It's not even peeled."

He scoffed in response. "Like I'd do anything about that. Go ask the Boss to peel it for you if you can't do it yourself."

"You're messing with me."

"You messed with my brother."

"I didn't hurt him!"

"You hurt his pride, though…"

"Hey now!"

"…"

"… Just eat the damn orange."

"Just peel it, then!"

"No!"

—

The room felt a little less lively after that.

And, really—they could have just left.

Kieran didn't think there was any use to staying in this room longer than they'd needed to, and yet, he found himself following Luke back in, watching him stand almost dejectedly in front of the table that… well, previously hosted the orange he'd just given to you.

"I like her."

Luke's voice came cheerfully, first, breaking the little silence that had fallen upon them. When Kieran looked at him, he was standing thoughtfully by the door, chin in hand, yet his aura felt self-assured. "Yeah!" he nodded, grinning, "I like her!"

Curiously, Kieran studied him.

"You… Huh?"

"I like her! Don't you? She's so fun!"

Kieran raised an eyebrow, head tilted to the side—

But it wasn't as if he could deny it.

Still, the opinion he'd had of you from the very start didn't change very much—you were interesting. He supposed that meant he did like you.

So he shrugged, walking over to the bed you'd rested on just to fix the blanket you'd been using.

"Yeah, I guess she's fun. Didn't think she'd pull one on you, either, so that's fun!" A little smile poked at the corners of his lips, and he glanced back at his brother. "Feeling better, though? That was kinda scary."

"Well, it didn't hurt…"

A pause, and then Luke looked away.

"Eh, we've been through far worse," he mumbled. "Not something we need ice for, anyway. At least it wasn't the XT-7…" His voice trailed off for a moment, before he glanced back. "Could'a lost you, too, then."

"Uh? I'd be losing you first?" Kieran frowned, and it was almost his immediate instinct to change the subject. "Whatever, man, you were totally gullible with her either way."

"Well! She wanted to get to know us a lil better! Just—"

Luke crossed his arms, peering at Kieran as he moved from the bed and closer to his side.

"What?"

"Just… Aren't you happy we have someone new to hang with now?"

"Never said I wasn't…"

"It's cool playing with Mephisto, and, you know. The N109 zone is great. Awesome, even. But…"

"But it's nice to see a new face."

Kieran finished his sentence for him, and for a moment, the two stood in silence next to each other.

"I get it," Kieran mumbled. He moved to lean against the nearby wall, crossing his arms to mirror Luke's stance. "It's like it's been just us for so long, that it's pretty interesting to have her stay onboard for the time that she's here."

Luke laughed. "Yeah! I mean, think about it. We'd get to mess with her too!"

"She'd get to mess with us, too."

"And it'll be funnn!" Luke's eyes nearly sparkled with excitement at the mere thought of it, and then he nudged Kieran with a grin. "Hey. You think Boss'll keep her around here for a while? Oh, man. He's totally going to, right? Then that means…!"

"Yeah, I'll bet. No way is he letting go of her. You know, Boss has always seemed a little lonely… At least we have each other, but, he…"

"…Yeah. Sucks to be him sometimes. Maybe it's 'cause he's got all this crazy power, you know?"

"Like no one really gets all that close."

Another pause.

And this time Kieran shook his head, watching Luke do a little stretch where he stood, before placing his hands in his pockets.

"I was totally going to eat that orange, by the way," he gave Kieran a look. "So you owe me. And you knew I was hungry."

"There's literally a whole ass chef in the kitchen. We've tons of oranges."

"But that was the orange we had here!"

Kieran rolled his eyes, offering Luke a shooing motion, as if telling him to leave first. "Whatever. We're free now, so let's go steal some food outside or something so you'll feel better."

A pause, and then—

Three taps.

Tap - tap - tap.

Two fingers over the top of his head, short and light—something that only Kieran could have understood from his brother.

Three taps.

Kieran smiled a little at the gesture. "What was that for?"

"Hehe, nothing. Just... relax, 'kay? I'm a-okay. Nothing happened to either of us, we're fine."

His eyes widened. "Huh? I… wasn't…"

But his own voice trailed off, and he caught the way it was Luke's turn, this time, to roll his eyes.

"Pshhh. As if you can lie to me. You worry too much, Kie. I'm the older one, so leave the worrying to me."

"…"

And as Kieran watched as Luke sauntered out the door first, yelling something about "Finally having a real taste of freedom after so long!", he felt his shoulders relax.

Luke knew him too well. And although it had always been that way, and they never truly had much of a choice—it was still the truth.

Kieran glanced behind him. A small, lone pearl earring stood out on the carpet floor, and he bent down to pick it up.

A moment or two passed—

He placed it neatly in his pocket before leaving the room.

an : i promise if i wasnt sick id be finishing off ch2 Immediately 😵‍💫 but i hope everyone has a lovely valentine's~

taglist : @pixelcafe-network @hunters-association @darlingdummycassandra @daturasflower @thoupenguinman @valyvinny @rafayelsheart @jellyroom2 @chemiru @ywnzn @pepprrmint @angel-jupiter @cordidy @raiyuxa @xai-mery @oharasmommymilkers00 @pikachuzhc @venussakura @love-and-deepstrays @cloverlilies @midiplier @kreishin @deusfoundry @keioxo @m2ichaelis

© solifloris. all rights reserved. do not: steal, copy, repost, reupload, modify, or claim any of my works as your own, regardless of credit given. absolutely do not use my works for AI training and other related purposes.

[silenthillmutual]

things about how i read daniil

autistic (wrote an entire essay about this) and bipolar (canon to p3, arguably canon to classic -> 3fold bullet dynamic)

trans. this is mostly for fun but i do think it adds to his story and the themes of his route.

gay. he's queer-coded for sure, i suppose you could argue bisexual but he doesn't seem attracted to any women in town.

not particularly spiritual or religious

snobbish, but means well. he holds himself in high regard because of his education, and there are certain places where his expertise does actually mean something. unfortunately he doesn't have great bedside manner - although i think he probably has better bedside manner with the dying than he does with the living, as thanatology is his field and thus he would have more experience there.

likes kids, tolerates teens, hates adults. demonstrated by him having more patience for the kids than he does for any adult in town, even if he thinks the teens are lacking in common sense or manners he clearly worries about them.

not a hedonist. i genuinely don't know where this headcanon comes from, absolutely nothing about daniil indicates that his guiding principle is the experience of pleasure. with that being said, i think daniil does do things for fun, but they're not what others would consider fun (ie recreational arguing or bug hunting).

neither a slut nor a virgin, though i don't think he's had sex in a long time because he has other things he cares about way more, like thanatica.

wealthy enough to attend school, but not wealthy enough to fund thanatica on his own. he's had to appeal for funds from donors and the government.

there's probably more but i got other things to do. although i will talk about him being bipolar in a reblog.

[tgmsunmontue]

Tracing poetry with your lips - 7/? - Hangster

One juvenile kissing game and two juvenile idiots both convinced they can win the game. (Will be Explicit). Idea from @iprefervillains

ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX

PART SEVEN

                He presses a kiss to the curve of Bradley’s shoulder, pretty sure he’s not even aware of what Jake is doing right now; Jake feels smug even as his own legs feel shaky beneath him as he pulls off the condom, shifts and stretches to put it in the trash can located just beside Bradley’s bedside table. They’re both sticky with sweat and come, he doesn’t think Bradley has opened his eyes since he came.

                “So… what now?” Bradley asks, and Jake can see an eye slitted open beneath his arm and he bites his lip and raises an eyebrow. Now is usually when Bradshaw is pulling his clothes back on, shoving his feet into his shoes without socks in his haste to leave… except this now is different. It’s a new now and Jake lets himself stretch and then press back against him, lets himself cling to Bradley’s body a little like he’s sort of always wanted to try in the past.

                “Now… we talk.”

                “About what?”

                “Well… I already declared my intentions. I want to date you.”

                “Yeah… that all?”

                “Exclusively. I don’t share well…”

                “Truly, I’m shocked to learn that…”

                “You okay with that?”

                “More than okay… I can share if I have to, but I can get a little possessive.”

                He wants to ask who Bradley has shared in the past, but supposes that can be a conversation for later. It’s not need to know information.

                “So, you want me to take you out for dinner or breakfast?”

                Bradley’s smile is slow and a flicker of warmth hits him.

                “Oh, I am not getting dressed for the next twenty-four hours. We can get food delivered and you can get dressed enough to answer the door.”

                Jake’s about to argue, tell Bradley he’s a shit host before his brain catches up at the idea of Bradley being naked constantly. He can support that.

                “Okay. Want to show me how your shower works?”

                “It’s a shower…” Bradley starts, clearly ready to tell him to figure it out. Jake raises an eyebrow and waits for the other shoe to drop. Nice to know he’s not the only one feeling a little cum-dumb. “Oh. Yeah. Right. Definitely need to show you how that works…”

                Jake doesn’t let go, his hands not leaving Bradley’s body as they get out of bed, and he lets himself just give in to being as handsy as he’s wanted to be, knows Bradley will say something if he doesn’t like it. Instead he’s pressing into it, his own hands hovering over Jake’s skin before Jake presses into them in return; sticky skin catching but neither of them caring. They kiss as the water warms up, and they’ve never made out like this, after they’ve had sex. It’s always been a means to an end.

                Not right now though. Right now is just for the sheer pleasure of touching and being close, sharing the same space and enjoying the press of their bodies against each other. He’s never had this much time to simply explore Bradley’s body, to run fingers over scars with curious fingers, can feel Bradley’s fingers doing the same, lingering over his appendectomy scar, the stretch marks on his back from where he grew four inches over one summer.

                Then they’re shuffling under the spray, and the shower is big, plenty big enough for the two of them. Could easily fit a third and he wonders about what Bradley said before about sharing. He wants to know everything, and he’s fairly confident he has time now, neither he nor Bradley are going anywhere.

[lampochkaart]

Are asks still open? If so then I would like to talk about the thing that bothered me in Chapter 2 of V3. I'm still angry that Kirumi killed Ryoma. She took advantage of a man with almost no will to live and expects everyone to feel sympathy for her because she is the "Prime Minister of Japan" or whatever the writers called her. And before anyone gets upset, I know that in Japan, politicians are seen in a more positive light. But God, seeing no one in the game actually caring about Ryoma, but instead feeling guilty about Kirumi makes me sick to my stomach. Like I don't care if she is a prime minister, there are thousands that can easily replace her and potentially run a country better than she ever could. In conclusion, Chapter 2 is my least favorite chapter because I felt as though the trial was dragging on and on, Ryoma was killed for a pointless reason and Kirumi was just the worst person for pulling the victim card Ryoma was forgotten. (Sorry if my writing is a little confusing.)

Asks are always open, I like talking about drv3!

But I don't think Kirumi should be hated too much. It's not that simple

Important thing to note is that Ch.2 motives were very much specifically targeting Kirumi and Ryoma. We haven't seen all of the videos, of course, but we have two videos made for others that we can use as a reference. In both Kaito's and Kokichi's videos someone important to them is shown and then it's vaguely hinted that something bad happened to them. Just a basic setup for this type of motive. And I think we can probably assume that videos of others are more or less the same. But Kirumi's and Ryoma's videos are different.

In Kirumi's video it's heavily emphasized how much responsibility is on her, how important that job is. And for Kirumi it's a very big deal. Her whole thing is that she thinks she always has to serve people, and if she accepted a request, she has to complete it. Maybe there's someone who can do this job for her and maybe even better than her. But her core belief is that if she accepted request it means she has to fulfill it. She can't just refuse or let someone else do it. All that is already way too much pressure. And that pressure is also added to the pressure from all the requests that she was getting this chapter. The game was very obviously showing that the pressure on Kirumi was growing and she was trying to bear more than she could handle. So, given all this, it makes sense that Kirumi would eventually snap and do something drastic.

As for Ryoma's motive video, it was just a shot straight to the heart. He has no one. This video is brutal in it's simplicity. And the wording was very mocking. It completely shatters Ryoma's shaky hope that he'll find a reason to try to survive with everyone.

The way I see it, Ch.2 motive was made specifically for Kirumi and Ryoma. As soon as they saw those videos their fate was sealed. Everyone else was given a motive video just so it wouldn't be obvious (neither for the characters nor for the player).

It really does suck that everyone was more focused on Kirumi than on Ryoma, but there's an explaination for that too. People just weren't really close to Ryoma. It's the same thing that was with Rantaro. Sure, it's sad that he died, but he just wasn't that close with anyone. So when he died their main priority was investigating and finding the culprit, because that's what they need to do to survive. It would be nice if they expressed a bit more regret about Ryoma's death, but I don't think they should be strongly blamed for not doing it.

With Kirumi it's different. Everyone relied on her, a lot of people even specifically requested her services. And they watched her break down (that moment where she screamed and tried to run for her life, because that's clearly the moment she completely shattered under the pressure) and then get killed in a torturously brutal way right in front of their eyes. It makes sense that they're gonna feel really bad about her.

It's sad, but it kinda makes sense if you look at it from that point of view. Usually when people grieve, they grieve for the ones that are closer to them. Both figuratively and literally.

Also when I comes to dr, it doesn't focus too much on grief. Mostly the ones that grieve are the ones that were friends with the deceased. Shuichi grieves for Kaede throughout the whole game. She's also a important character narratively so she and her wish are also brought up by others. And from the characters' perspective a lot of them were sad about her because she had a good intentions and posthumously became their symbol of hope. Rantaro was mostly brought up only when he was plot relevant. The student council was upset about Angie, but Angie and Tenko's deaths were mostly affecting just Himiko. Kiyo didn't have anyone he was close to. People were very upset about Gonta because he was very nice and didn't deserve to be put through so much suffering. Miu was mostly brough up in the context of the 4th case and her inventions. Maki and Shuichi were heartbroken about Kaito's death, but out of everyone only Kiibo took Kokichi's sacrifice to heart. And finally Kirumi and Ryoma. Kirumi was always offering her services to everyone and she was always making delicious food, so everyone got somewhat attached to her. While Ryoma wasn't really becoming close friends with anyone and sometimes was even simply avoiding others. It's tragic, but that's just how things are.

There are also some characters that are sad about every death, but I didn't bring them up right now.

I wanna specify that I'm not talking about all that to say that Kirumi deserves more pity than Ryoma and that she shouldn't be judged for what she did. She absolutely should be held accountable for her actions. What she did was really wrong. She didn't just kill Ryoma, she did it in a very painful way, and then tried to frame another vulnerable person for that murder. She was trying to get away with it and that meant everybody else would die. She lied and even used such underhanded tactics like manipulating everyone's feelings. That's very cruel and undeniably bad. But I'm saying that her actions make sense for her specific character in that specific situation.

I agree that it would've been great if Ryoma lived. He could've had a nice arc about finding reasons to keep going, to survive, to fight. Slowly bonding with people and realising that they're his new reason to live. But the tragic thing about Danganronpa is that sometimes characters die without getting their arc. There are a lot of characters so it's impossible to let everyone have their development. Inevitably some of them would die way too early. Some even die during the arc they're going through. This happens in every game.

It's fine to dislike characters. You can still hate Kirumi. It's valid to dislike characters that killed the characters you like. But I just wanted to explain that there's nuance to this whole case. It's not as simple as Kirumi heartlessly killing Ryoma and no one caring for him because they're all awful. Things aren't just black and white. Most dr cases are more complicated than just someone killing because they're cruel and heartless. And that one is not an exeption.

On one hand, yes, Kirumi really did kill Ryoma — a person with almost no will to live. But on the other, she was specifically given the motive that pushed her to do it and Ryoma got the motive that broke him and made him give up. The motive was specifically tailored to make that outcome happen. And, yes, that really sucks that everyone payed more attention to Kirumi than to Ryoma. But also that's a pretty understandable reaction given everyone's relationship with either of them. I'm not saying it's right, but it can be understood

[atsadi-shenanigans]

FSBE 13 - Gods Ain't Shit

You learn some things.

On AO3.

“Oh my gods!” Karlach all but squeals. “The Jaheira! Like, the actual Jaheira!”

Good news: y’all found the harper hideout.

Bad news: they almost shot you’uns.

Thank fuck for Wyll and his buckets of charm. He’d been out front as an older lady came out to meet y’all. So he’d been the first up when the old lady pulled a Poison Ivy and lifted vines outta the ground to grab y’all. He was able to stall her long enough for one of the druid grove tiefling kids to run out and recognize y’all.

“Who’s Jaheira?” you say as Astarion fusses and pinches bits of vine out of his armor.

“You never heard of Jaheira?” Karlach says. Girl ain’t modulating her voice down at all. Couple of people look over. Then she blinks. “Right. You’re…she’s a hero. A real, proper one. Fought down a Bhaalspawn back in the day…oh. You don’t know about those either. Bhaal is the god of murder, you get me? And he apparently likes sprouting out kids—don’t ask, I don’t want to think about it. But they’re wicked dangerous. Whole ‘god of murder’ as your dad, yeah?”

You blink. “Y’all got a god of murder?”

Hope the what the fuck ain’t showing.

“You don’t?” Karlach says.

So there’s a whole readjustment of everything you ever known. A sharp ache chisels in behind your right eye.

“We don’t got gods,” you say. “Not real ones, anyway.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that,” Shadowheart says.

Gale already made a beeline over to a woman standing in front of what looks like a ramshackle merchant stall at a ren faire. Wyll is already heading towards the inn, pausing to talk to a group of harpers gathered around a bone-dry fountain.

Lae’zel…she’s just standing there looking bored.

Shit.

You put on your best polite-interest (and not at all judging) face. “Yeah?”

“You’ve said you have no gods several times,” Shadowheart says. Behind her, Karlach makes a yikes face and tiptoes her way outta the conversation. Goddamnit. At least Astarion lingers. “Yet the concept isn’t foreign to you. How is that?”

She’s a cleric. Which means she’s some sort of, what you done put together, a battle nun for her god. Who sounds like a dick. And this one heals y’all.

You really don’t wanna get into it. Astarion knows about your background, and you told Wyll enough he might be suspecting some stuff.

“Some people,” you start. Pause to try to find safe footing. “Some people where I come from do.”

“And you think them, what. False? Liars?”

Fuckshit. She’s way too damn perceptive.

“Ain’t nobody ever seen one. Different civilizations had different pantheons, hundreds of them, and ain’t no physical evidence of any of it being real.”

Shadowheart arches an eyebrow. “So you think your entire people wrong?”

The anger rises hot and fierce like a steam explosion. Pressure spikes up the sides of your neck. You hold your breath a second to keep from saying nothing. Gotta keep calm. Breathe out. Snapping at her ain’t gonna solve shit. Biting somebody’s head off don’t change their mind and usually makes them dig in deeper, like a starving tick.

You ain’t her mama. And though her goddess sounds like she sucks, you ain’t gonna change her mind. She’s a grown ass woman who can make grown ass choices with her grown ass life.

You suck in another deep breath. “I cannot speak for nobody but myself. I don’t know much about y’all’s world; we don’t got magic in mine. But y’all very clearly do. So hell, I might have everything ass backwards. I’m just trying to figure everything out.”

Shadowheart presses her lips thin. Nods once. Don’t seem satisfied, but she don’t seem all huffy, neither. Thus go all shitty compromises.

(Part of you chafes at that, as it always does. You ain’t never been sure if that’s a reflex against your upbringing, or that upbringing manifesting itself into a new variety of self-righteousness. You wonder if you’ll ever know.)

“Do you think they have bathing facilities?” Astarion says. “I, for one, am tired of this filth.”

You should kiss him. But Shadowheart rolls her eyes and disengages, and you don’t want her staring you down any more than she already is.

Gale still talks to the trader or merchant or whoever. Pulls something outta his bag while Karlach pokes around a couple of shields propped against the booth. Lae’zel follows after Shadowheart as the two start across the courtyard. You assume she’s done some Jason Bourne surveying in her head. And Wyll…

Wyll stands at the door of the inn, arm lifted, waving y’all over.

“Oh, what now,” Astarion says.

“Maybe we got rooms?” you say.

“Ugh, I hope so. But with so many vagabonds—”

Who even says that?

“—traipsing about, I doubt they have any room to spare. Still. An honest bed would do wonders.”

He ain’t wrong.

The other people—harpers, you assume—all carry weapons and that light armor. Not metal; maybe leather. Must be more used to ambush attacks than full on assaults. Those kinda tactics tend to work pretty good against armored or heavy ass baggage trains. Ask the French what they thought about the English-allied Cherokee during that war. Before the English fucked over the Cherokees, as they did everybody, eventually.

These guys look fucking tired. Scared. It’s in the way their gazes don’t settle. One man shakes his hand, but when he grips the handle of his spear, fine tremors shiver up and down his fingers.

There’s some kinda low building to the right. A stable, you think. You catch the sound of metal clanging from that way. But then y’all are at the inn doors and ducking into what should be light and warmth. A plush rug and maybe a fish tank. Marble counter tops and a receptionist with a Karen haircut and a shiny name tag.

Instead, wood creaks underfoot and you look deeper into the building to what’s clearly a bar. Several people slump over it. One’s red, another blue. More tieflings.

“Hey, you! You look an enterprising sort!”

A small voice from down low. Tucked up into the corner is a red tiefling kid. He’s scrawny as hell, clothes patched and frayed, and…weirdly familiar.

“Oh no, not this little deviant,” says the biggest deviant you know. To the kid, Astarion says, “You’re lucky we’re not in any civilized place. They tend to punish thieves.”

Right. Kid from the grove. The one hawking stuff while his friend picked your pocket.

You still give Astarion a look. “How’d you get all them pillows outside your tent?”

“Through charm and wit.”

“Aw, it’s you,” the kid whines. “Don’t suppose you got more coin than pocket lint this time?”

“Nope,” you say.

The kid runs a clawed hand through his hair. Mutters something in a raspy language.

“Excuse me?” Astarion says.

The kid blinks, but don’t look any kind of mollified. Just tired. “Move along. If you can’t pay, you’re taking up room for someone who can. Where’s the funny man with the purple robe?”

Gale, who probably just dumped all y’all’s group money on a pile of sausages.

“You can speak his language?” you say to Astarion, still glaring like a kicked cat.

“That wasn’t his language, unless our tiny friend here is very good at shape changing. Though I am curious as to how he might have learned the language of the Abyss.”

“Oh.” The kid smirks. “You get called that enough to recognize it, then?”

Okay, fuck no.

You step between the two. That’s a nice thing about your size. If you wanna make yourself a problem, you are hard as fuck to ignore.

“Y’all made it this far, huh?” you say. And win, when the kid looks away from Astarion to you.

But his face goes eerily blank for a second before he smiles. Or tries to.

And you seen that before. The younger kids on the farmstead looked like that sometimes after a worship session. After a holy cleansing. Because being loud brought the Aunts, and crying brought the other kids, and it was hard sometimes to tell which was worse.

“Some of us,” the kids says. Give a one-shouldered shrug. Acting all cool and unbothered.

Being very, very bothered.

“What happened?” you say. You almost kneel down to his (her?) level, but you’ve cracked their armor now, and calling attention to it like that, reminding them how small they are is just gonna crack that deeper.

“What always happens,” the kid says. “We got attacked. Lost some people. The lucky ones made it here.”

The inn is awfully empty. Some of them tieflings looked ready to fight. Might just be outside with the harpers. Or up in rooms somewhere. But this place—trapped beneath a glowing, silver dome—ain’t that big.

“So are you gonna buy something or not?” the kid says. “Cause my crew is still looking to set up a business once we reach the city, and we need to start a principal.”

It takes a second for that one to translate. Principal, as in…chief? Top? School?

Astarion leans in. “He means an investment fund.”

Right. Sure thing, dirt potion.

“What’cha selling?” you say.

And that pipsqueak gives you the most incredulous once-over you ever did see. “You said you didn’t have any money.”

“I don’t.” You turn. Find Astarion glaring over your shoulder. Give him your most wide-eyed smile. “But he does.”

“Don’t you dare,” he says.

“You heard him. It’s an investment. Wouldn’t hurt to get on the ground floor of a promising new venture, huh?”

The worm in your head shudders. Shivers. Reaches out so you can press into him the ice-cold iron of “not abandoning a traumatized child.”

His worm shies away. His frown twists into a narrow-eyed scowl. And then he lifts up a coin—copper. You look at it. Look at him. Hold that gaze.

He sighs. “Suit yourself. But I expect repayment in full, darling.”

And pulls a gold coin out of thin air to toss at you.

You manage to catch it. Just. Sigh yourself as he pivots and heads over towards Wyll, standing further in.

You thought you was getting into him a little. He’s eased up around you, just a bit. Hasn’t threatened to eat either Scratch or Sweetums in a while. But asking him to show the tiniest sliver of empathy towards anyone but you—and even that’s pushing it—and it’s like trying to get a cat to swallow a pill. A cat who don’t like you all that much.

You press your lips tight as you watch him go. Finally turn back to the kid. Hold up the coin. “Let’s see your wares, huh?”

[evilbookworm]

about this post... https://www.tumblr.com/evilbookworm/775334780213641216/mike-loves-el-at-this-point-ive-seen-so-many?source=share

i think we're flogging a dead horse trying to convince milevens why mike's actions shouldn't be enough for el to love him in s3, because they will always see the overall saviour thing between the two as love. perhaps this is aspirational in their own lives - they wont be able to change their minds about what love actually is unless a great story comes along and changes it for them (cough s5 possibly) or they go on their own introspective journey.

but i mostly wanted to comment because as a side note i disagree about jancy's conflict being resolved in their chat at the cabin at the end of s4. very clearly they have unresolved tension - jon is still lying to her. massive red flag!

but we still believe they love each other and will work it out, and a big reason for that, and one lots of people seem to disregard when it comes to mike and el (and mike and will!) is that jancy are clearly physically attracted to each other. there is physical intimacy and sexual chemistry there, just like for mike and will.

mike and el are missing this, and its not just about sex. it's about the physical intimacy and desire to be close that is necessary for a romantic couple to thrive. without it, you end up with a platonic bond or a loveless committed relationship which does not satisfy the need for touch and is simply not strong enough for a monogamous pair to last (except in very unusual circumstances like asexual or romantic friendships, neither of which ST is telling the story of).

i feel like this is the clear missing puzzle piece the show has been telling through s3 and s4 with metaphor and the lingering looks (or lack thereof). it's such a clear and important part of romantic relationships of all ages and yet i think people are still reluctant to discuss it with mike/el/will because of their ages. but especially in teenhood, what exactly is it that is making you want to be in a romantic relationship with someone? its attraction. deep love and commitment is unusual at that age. it can come too, with the shit these crazy kids have been through, but sexual desire and attraction is a MASSIVE contributing factor to why you'd want to be with someone.

About the jancy thing, obviously it’s still a bit conflicting, but they talked through their issues. I’m not saying I disagree with you, though! This totally makes sense! I just think they left off on a better foot than mileven!

[lollytea]

I need to watch Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure to reach my final conclusion on if she's even attracted to men

[mcytegg]

OKAY WAIT i am watching hannah's vod and she was the one who broke up w leo omg. she was the first to say that after he died and came back, theyre not teammates anymore. she also aired their relationship issues out by scolding leo and expressing how upset he made her in getting himself banned in front of multiple people who kinda just walked away ToT