#College/University Au

[athousandbyeol]

i know. [forcebook fanfic]

kasidet overthinks when he can't feel as much. and it's somewhat crazy that jiratchapong knows just how to find him again.

[steevbuckk]

FAVORITE STUCKY FICS | 36/100

The Run and Go by @khaleeseas

[College AU, 14 960 words, Explicit]

Summary:

When Bucky Barnes first meets Steve Rogers, Bucky's standing half-naked in their apartment complex's laundry room. It's 2 a.m. on a Friday night (or is it considered a Saturday morning?) and for once Bucky is way too sober for all of this. The next thing Bucky knows, Steve is everywhere. Being hot and sarcastic and nice and overall perfect and Bucky is kind of totally and completely screwed.

more fics

[princess-and-the-swan]

One-Shot Fic Rec: In the Stacks

By @phiralovesloki | Rating: T

Final exams are approaching, and students are taking advantage of the library's late-night study hours. One late night, Killian notices that a student he recognizes from one of his classes has fallen asleep at her desk. College AU where Emma and Killian are students who end up helping each other study for final exams. I love the way their friendship develops in this one!

Read it on ff.net

[fudgesoup]

The Stars are Cheering for You

Chapter 4: Determination

Rated: Teen - 4.1k - Rena Natsukawa x Original Character

Previous chapter | current chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist |  AO3

Tags: Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable, Rena Natsukawa x Original Character, Rena Natsukawa x OC, Rena x OC, Fuyuki Minami, Natsukawa Rena, Shiki Tsubasa, Original Character, Rena Natsukawa, Minami Fuyuki, Tsubasa Shiki, Akino Sayuri, Manga & Anime, Alternate Universe, College/University AU, Fluff, Friendship, College, Romance, Eventual Romance, Slow Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fate, Drama, Light Angst, Tokyo, I didn't sleep to write this, Gossip, Love Confessions, Confessions, Crushes, Dating, Falling In Love, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Kendo, Plot, Slice of Life, Canon Spoilers, Tension, Family Drama, Plot Twists, Idiots in Love, post-epilogue

Finals came and went in a whirlwind, leaving Rena feeling triumphant, as if she had just slain a beast. Each test that had once stood in her way, now lay defeated. She had slayed them all: every problem, every essay, and every equation, claiming what felt like an inevitable victory over Akimitsu. In the week that followed, she allowed herself a rare indulgence: a well-earned break. With the semester officially behind her, Rena found herself in a state of restless anticipation, eagerly awaiting the moment when Akimitsu would reveal his scores. She had been chasing this moment for so long, desperate to see all her efforts pay off..

During those carefree post-finals days, Rena often took walks through her neighborhood, occasionally with Umi and Hikari at her side. Unlike before, they went relatively unnoticed during their outings, a stark contrast to the unwanted attention that had once been a constant nuisance. However, Rena had begun to notice a peculiarity. Whenever she arrived at a place, any men who appeared to be university students mysteriously vanished. For someone of her petite stature, who didn’t exactly exude an intimidating presence, this sudden avoidance was strange.

One afternoon, curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Umi with a puzzled expression. "Hey, have you noticed how guys just seem to… vanish whenever we show up?"

Umi raised an eyebrow, clearly not having given it much thought. “Huh. Now that you mention it, yeah, that is weird. I hadn’t really paid attention until you pointed it out.” She shared Rena's confusion, glancing around as if trying to catch one of these disappearing men in the act.

“Bizarre, right?” Rena mused, shaking her head with a soft laugh. "Not that I’m complaining. It’s actually kind of nice not to be harassed every other time we’re out."

They both laughed, but Rena couldn’t shake the peculiarity of it all. Ever since that incident when she was rescued, when those miscreants had assaulted her, and someone had stepped in to help, things had been different. Odd, yet refreshingly different. She could go anywhere now without constantly being on edge, without glancing over her shoulder.

On one particularly bright and sunny afternoon, Hikari was busy with drama club, leaving Rena and Umi free to wander the bustling streets of the shopping district. Their walk led them to a cozy little bookstore tucked away in a side alley, one of Umi’s favorite hidden gems. Umi, an avid reader with a love for historical and romantic novels, had brought Rena here before, but today she was especially animated. As they browsed through the shelves, Rena couldn’t help but notice Umi’s eyes light up when she spotted a series she adored. 

“Oh my gosh, you have to read this!” Umi exclaimed, clutching a book to her chest as if it were a precious treasure. The excitement in her voice was contagious.

Rena raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Umi’s enthusiasm. “What’s it about?”

“It’s about these two lovers from different social classes who meet in secret, despite the risks. It’s so tragic but so beautiful!” Umi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, clearly lost in the story already.

Rena chuckled, watching this new side of her friend with amusement. “Wow, I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” a playful grin spread across her face.

Umi blushed, laughing a little at her own giddiness. “Well, I guess I can be,” she admitted, glancing down at the book with a shy smile. “But Hikari isn’t really into the lovey-dovey stuff, you know? She’s more into the… uh, steamy, adult themes.” Umi squirmed as she confessed this, clearly embarrassed.

Rena couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast. “Really? Hikari’s into that?”

Umi nodded, still a little red. “Yeah, but it’s fine. I mean, it’s not really my thing, but I’m glad she doesn’t judge me for being, you know… more of a hopeless romantic.”

Rena gave her a playful nudge. “Hey, no judgment here. Besides, someone’s gotta balance out all the steam with some pure, heartwarming love stories.”

Umi was relieved, laughing off her earlier embarrassment.. "Thanks, Rena. I’ll leave the steamy stuff to Hikari, and I’ll stick to my tragic romances." 

They both laughed, Umi grabbed a couple of books and they found a table to sit and read the back cover teasers.

Umi leaned in just a touch closer to Rena examining her, her eyes gleamed with mischief. “So,” she began, voice dripping with curiosity, “what’s your take on romantic novels, hmm?” Her question seemed innocent enough, but the undertone gave ulterior motives. Umi wasn’t just idly wondering about Rena’s reading habits—she was fishing, trying to unearth something deeper, a suspicion that had been brewing in her mind for a while now.

Much like Akino and Minami before her, Umi had started to notice little signs, small shifts in Rena's demeanor whenever Akimitsu's name came up. It wasn’t anything over the top though, just small instances noticed in their time in class. Rena, after all, was nothing if not composed, but there was definitely something there; A flicker in her eyes, a hesitation in her speech. Umi, ever the detective, was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Rena played it cool, though the question had caught her off guard. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she considered her response. Umi, however, was having none of her aloofness. She raised an eyebrow and went to work. “Oh, don’t think too hard about it, Rena. Just tell me, do you swoon over all those grand romantic gestures, or are you more of a realist?”

Rena narrowed her eyes playfully. “And what exactly are you insinuating, Umi?”

“Oh, nothing,” Umi said feigning innocence with a shrug.. “Just that… maybe, just maybe, someone we know has a secret soft spot for a certain someone. You know, someone tall, rugged, and easy on the eyes?”

Rena felt the heat rise to her cheeks before she could stop it, and Umi, ever observant, did not miss the faint blush. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rena shot back, trying to maintain her usual calm. But her attempt to deflect only made Umi more convinced she was on the right track.

“Sure,” Umi teased, an expression of complete amusement sprawled on her face. “But you know, they say that romantic novels tend to reveal more about what we want in real life than we think. Just a thought.”

Rena tried to hold her composure, but Umi’s probing had clearly struck a nerve. “Romantic novels, huh?” she echoed, leaning back slightly as she pretended to mull over the question further. But in reality, her mind stalled at her questions. Why was Umi digging around this subject? This wasn’t just about books anymore, and Rena could feel the unspoken topic hanging in the air between them.

Of course, Umi wasn’t going to let her off easy. She had a glint in her eye, she was onto something and wasn’t about to let it go. “Come on, Rena,” Umi pressed, “Are you telling me you’ve never been swept off your feet by some grand romantic gesture in one of those novels? Or at least imagined what it’d be like?”

Rena scoffed, her fingers now drumming a steady rhythm on the table as if that might distract her from the creeping chills she could feel rising up her neck. “Swooning over some fictional prince charming isn’t exactly my style,” she replied, trying to sound dismissive.

Umi wasn’t buying it. “Really? Not even once? I mean, what about someone who’s not fictional? Someone… real?”

Rena rolled her eyes, but she could feel Umi’s gaze on her, sharp and unrelenting. It was obvious now that Umi wasn’t just talking about some random love story, she was digging for something far more specific.

“I think you’re reading too much into this,” Rena said with a sigh, but her voice didn’t carry the conviction she had hoped for. There was a slight waver, and Umi’s smile only grew wider.

“Am I, though?” Umi tilted her head, her voice turning sing-song. “Because, you know… you’ve been acting a little funny lately. Especially when a certain someone’s name comes up.”

Rena stiffened, and Umi pounced. “Akimitsu,” she said, dropping the name with a dramatic flourish. “You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed how often his name gets brought up in conversation these days. And how you always get just a little, what’s the word, flustered?”

Rena felt her heart skip a beat, but she refused to let it show. “Umi!” she scoffed in an attempt to play it cool but failing miserably. “That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”

But Umi wasn’t backing down. “I don’t know… is it?” she teased. “I mean, come on, Rena. You’ve been locked in these ‘fights’ with him forever, right? And now that finals are over, you’re just sitting here, waiting for him to reveal his scores like it’s some kind of life-or-death showdown. Don’t tell me there isn’t more to it than just who scored higher on the math test. You've been at each other's throats all semester.”

Rena’s fingers paused mid-drum as Umi’s words sank in. It was true, she had been obsessing over Akimitsu’s scores more than usual. But wasn’t that just part of the deal? Part of the competition she thrived on? She tried to convince herself that’s all it was, but Umi’s knowing smirk was making it harder to believe.

“His deal is a big part of it,” Rena said after a moment, her voice carefully measured. “I’ve been dying to find out why he only goes by his first name all semester. Of course, I want to know how he did even though I hate him”

Umi let out a dramatic sigh, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, yeah, The Deal. But you know what they say, right?”

Rena blinked. “What?”

“There’s a fine line between hate and… something else.” Umi gave her a pointed look, one that said she wasn’t fooled by Rena’s cool exterior.

Rena crossed her arms, leaning back herself as if mimicking Umi’s posture might give her some control over the conversation. “I think you’re confusing this with something it’s not,” she replied, but the defensiveness in her tone was impossible to miss.

“Or maybe you’re not ready to admit that there’s more going on here. It’s fine, you know? You wouldn’t be the first person in history to develop feelings for the person they’ve been beefing with,” Umi added.

Rena opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. She wasn’t sure why Umi’s words had gotten under her skin the way they had. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about Akimitsu before, he was boorish, carefree, and unmannered. All things she despised. Feelings of romance toward him? That was a complete stretch. Wasn’t it?

“I don’t have feelings for Akimitsu,” she bluntly stated, the words feeling strange on her tongue.

“Of course you don’t,” Umi replied smoothly, but the sarcasm cut through Rena’s statement. She leaned forward, her tone playful but pointed. “I’m just saying, if you did, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”

Rena narrowed her eyes. “I don’t.”

“Uh-huh.” Umi stood up, her smile still firmly in place as she stretched and grabbed her bag. “Well, when you finally figure out what’s going on in that overachieving brain of yours, let me know. I’ll be waiting.”

Rena watched her go and purchase the books, her mind spinning in the wake of the conversation. She didn’t have feelings for Akimitsu… did she? It was just a competition for the sake of information. Just fighting and irritation. That’s all it had ever been. But as she sat there, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the table once more, she couldn’t help but wonder if Umi had a point.

With a frustrated sigh, Rena grabbed her things, bought a book that caught her attention, and headed out of the bookstore. Umi’s words had disturbed a side of her that lay dormant inside. 

Days later, Rena found herself lounging on her sofa, trying to lose herself in the historical novel she had picked up during her last outing with Umi. The summer heat was at its peak, but her thoughts were elsewhere, constantly drifting to Akimitsu. His scores still hadn’t come in, and the waiting was gnawing at her. She had done everything she could to distract herself from the anticipation, but it lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind. She needed to know that she had succeeded. To her, victory over him was inevitable, a confirmation of her hard work. Damn it Umi… She thought to herself as she was reminded of her friend's analysis from the other day. But speak of the devil and she shall appear:

The universe had heard her inner thoughts, her phone buzzed on the armrest beside her. It was a message from Umi: Meet Hikari and I at the diner in half an hour. I have something for you. It’s from him.

Rena’s heart leapt into her throat the second she read the message. This was it—the moment. The triumph she had been waiting for. She shot up from the couch, her heart pounding. Her hands were trembling as she hurried to change into something more suitable, opting for a nicer top, fitted shorts, and her white sneakers. She hesitated for a moment before grabbing her fan, the one she never left home without these days. It was her comfort, her shield, the thing that always steadied her when the world felt too chaotic.

Once she was ready, she set off for the diner, the tension and excitement building with every step. She couldn’t wait to finally claim her victory over Akimitsu, to throw his smugness back in his face after enduring his ridiculous attitude for the latter half the semester. As she walked, her fingers subconsciously tightened around the fan, clutching it close to her chest.

When she arrived at the diner, she spotted Umi and Hikari sitting at their usual booth, the same spot they always gathered for late-night talks and spontaneous get-togethers. Rena crept up behind them, sliding into the booth without a sound, grinning mischievously as she caught them both by surprise.

Hikari jumped, nearly spilling her drink. “Jeez, Rena! Could you not be a ninja for once? Say something next time!”

Umi burst out laughing, wiping a tear from her eye as she tried to catch her breath. “I swear, Rena, you’re way too good at sneaking up on people! Poor Hikari didn’t stand a chance.”

Rena grinned, pleased with herself as they exchanged greetings, but she quickly cut to the chase. “Alright, enough messing around. Where is it?”

“I’m happy to see you too Rena,” Umi joked, “I'm kidding, I know exactly how much you've been wanting this. Luckily I saw him out in the wild and badgered him for it.” 

Umi’s playful expression softened, and she reached into her bag, pulling out an unopened envelope. She slid it across the table towards her, a glimmer of curiosity in eyes. On the front, it read: To Natsukawa 

Rena’s fingers shook slightly as she tore open the envelope, and inside were two sheets of paper. The first was a letter labeled ‘READ THIS FIRST’, while the second, folded beneath it, could only be his results. Her instincts screamed at her to skip the letter and dive straight into the numbers, to see the proof of her victory, but something about the letter demanded her attention. Why would he write a personal note? What is he playing at? Her curiosity won out, and she unfolded the letter, eyes darting over the words.

To Natsukawa,

I do hope there aren’t any hard feelings. I know how much you wanted to win this little competition of ours. I respect your dedication, and I’m sure you gave it your best. As promised, my results are enclosed. But, as you’ll soon see, there was only ever one outcome.

This semester has been… entertaining, to say the least. Watching you get agitated at my presence was amusing. You tried so hard not to show it, but I could tell. You snuck more than a few glances my way during class—don’t think I didn’t notice.

Unfortunately, this is goodbye. At least for a while. I won’t be around to enjoy your attempts at scolding me or that adorable blush that matches your pink hair.

Until fate allows us to meet again, -Akimitsu S.

Rena's heart hammered in her chest. The arrogance in his words was maddening, but that wasn’t what froze her in place. It was the way he’d written his name at the end…that final hint... Akimitsu S. The letter had given her something she hadn’t expected, a small clue about his family name. She was a step closer to figuring out who he really was.

But her mind barely had time to process it before she remembered—the results. She quickly unfolded the second page, her eyes scanning the numbers, and then… her breath hitched.

She had lost.

The numbers didn’t lie. Akimitsu had beaten her by a narrow margin, just enough to rob her of the victory she had been so certain of. She sat there, staring at the page, her heart sinking. The smugness in his letter made sense now—he had known. Of course, he had known all along that he had won. And now, he was rubbing it in her face, his final words taunting her: until fate allows us to meet again.

For a moment, Rena couldn’t speak. The shock of her defeat was too fresh, too sharp. She had worked tirelessly, pushing herself past her limits all semester. How did this happen?

Umi and Hikari exchanged concerned glances, noticing the change in Rena’s expression. Umi leaned forward, waving her hand in front of Rena’s face. “Rena? You okay? What does it say?”

Rena blinked, still numb from the shock. She swallowed, forcing her voice to work. “I… lost.”

The silence that followed was palpable. Both Umi and Hikari stared at her, disbelief flickering in their eyes. Hikari was the first to speak, her voice soft but incredulous. “You lost? To Akimitsu?”

Rena nodded, barely able to process it herself. “By a tiny margin… but yeah. He won.”

Umi leaned back in her seat, folding her arms with a sigh. “Well, damn. I thought for sure you had this one.”

Rena sat in stunned silence for a moment, she switched back to the letter and kept on rereading his final words. The way he signed it—Akimitsu S.—was maddeningly vague. His family name was within her grasp, but that single letter wasn’t enough. Not for her. She had to know more, to uncover the full truth behind this elusive, frustrating guy who had gotten under her skin.

“S? Just S? What kind of ridiculous hint is that?” she muttered, her fingers tightening around the letter.

Hikari, always quick to jump to conclusions, scoffed. “Honestly, are we even sure he didn’t cheat? I mean, it’s Akimitsu! He seems like the type who would do anything to win.”

That accusation made Rena’s blood boil. She snapped her gaze to Hikari, eyes flashing. “Cheat? No way. Akimitsu may be obnoxious, but he wouldn’t cheat. He’d want to win fair and square, just so he could rub it in my face.”

Hikari raised her hands defensively. “Okay, okay, just saying! You don’t have to get all fiery about it, jeez.. Anyway, whatever, don't worry about it, what are you going to do now? You’re obviously not going to drop it.”

She was right on the money, Rena gritted her teeth. She couldn’t just accept this loss, not without at least finding out who he really was. She stood up abruptly, startling both Umi and Hikari. “I need to find him.”

Umi frowned, a flicker of concern in her eyes. “Really? Right now? Sit down and I'll order you a milkshake or boba.”

“No,” Rena responded. “I’m not thirsty… I’m so lost right now, I’ve never felt this way before. I want to find him and I don’t know where to start.”

Umi examined her with the utmost concern and took Rena’s hand in her own. 

Hikari bit her lip as if deep in thought before her face lit up with sudden realization. “Actually… wait a minute. I think I have a lead.”

Rena faced her, her heart skipping. “What lead?”

“Well, I know someone who dated him back in high school,” Hikari responded calmly. “My friend Mai’s older sister went out with Akimitsu for a little while. You know I always thought he was a jerk, but maybe she knows something useful.”

Rena’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

Hikari nodded, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll text Mai and ask.”

The minutes dragged by slowly. Rena’s pulse thrummed with nervous energy as she waited. It wasn’t long before Hikari’s phone buzzed, and she glanced down at the screen, eyes widening.

“She says she knows where he goes often, a rec center nearby. He goes there for some kind of regular event.”

“Event?” Rena asked, leaning in, eager for details.

“Yeah. Mai says it’s something extra. Hold on, let me get more info.” Hikari typed furiously, and after another tense few seconds, she raised her head with a smirk. “It’s a kendo tournament. Apparently, Akimitsu is really into it. She even sent me a link to the event’s website.” Hikari scanned the website thoroughly, “Hey, there’s a tournament coming up soon, and you can buy tickets. And there’s a catch: formal traditional attire is required for spectators.”

“Kendo?” Rena blinked, the pieces of Akimitsu’s hidden life clicking into place. Kendo? Of all things, she hadn’t expected that. He didn’t strike her as the traditional, martial arts type. “There's so much I don't know about him,” she murmured, both surprised and intrigued. This was a side of him she hadn’t anticipated before, one that added more layers to his mysterious persona. And formal attire? That detail had stirred her personal interest. She had always loved traditional dress, the grace and poise it required. Now, she had even more reason to go.

Without missing a beat, Rena pulled out her phone and quickly looked up the event. The tournament was happening in just a few days. She scanned the page, taking in the details. This was her best shot at finding him, at getting some real answers.

She let out a determined huff and couldn’t risk waiting any longer. This was the perfect opportunity to confront Akimitsu, to finally get the truth about his family name and maybe, just maybe, to understand why he had been so enigmatic and difficult all semester.

Rena clenched her fists, her stubbornness and determination swelling within her. “I’m going,” she declared, the fire in her eyes burning brighter. “I have to go to this event. It’s the only way.”

Umi leaned forward, mingling with curiosity and concern. “Are you sure about this, Rena? What if he’s not even there?”

“He’ll be there,” Rena said firmly, her gaze locked on the website. “He wouldn’t miss this. I just know it.” 

Hikari grinned, clearly enjoying Rena’s fiery determination. “Wow Rena, you have it bad. In that case, you’d better go all out then. You’ll need to get your hands on some formal attire. You can’t show up to a kendo tournament looking casual.”

Rena didn't pay any mind to her comment, her actions were beyond rationality. She was already mentally planning her outfit. “Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m going to wear.”

Knowing her next step, Rena was finally able to relax and socialize with her friends in a normal fashion. Umi and Hikari offered their support and teased Rena about her newfound determination to track Akimitsu down. 

Umi couldn’t help but give Rena an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “You’ve got this. Just… don’t kill him when you find him, alright?”

Rena laughed, the fire in her eyes had not dimmed. “No promises.”

With a final round of thanks to both of her friends, Rena stood up, determination radiating off her. She knew what she had to do next—prepare for the tournament, plan her outfit, and, most importantly, confront Akimitsu. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

As she left the diner, her mind buzzed with plans. The clock was ticking, and the tournament was fast approaching. She only had a short time to prepare, but that only made her more determined.

This wasn’t over… not until she had her answers.

Previous chapter | current chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist |  AO3

[crypticvestige]

Some unintentional AU stuff for Starfish / Jiwoon x Yoichi.

🔖Mr.Asakawa went to a baseball game to support his friend Adam Francis, only to end up getting the attention of an enemy teammate with a legendary reputation who may have hit him with a ball. Despite Yoichi being fine, Jiwoon swears it should have hit, his eyes not easily deceived. With other’s being concerned for the ‘victim’ due to the player’s fearsome reputation, Jiwoon takes Yoichi to the infirmary to save face. In actuality, it leaves them alone for the star player to get to the bottom of why the other is perfectly fine. This would be the beginning of both of their curiosities as they come to realize how strange the other is.

💬Didn't draw the BGs- free-to-use photos.

[wangxianficrecs]

take me back to a time by DizziDreams

take me back to a time

by DizziDreams

T, 143k, wangxian

Summary: Wei Ying has a lot on his plate right now. It’s finals week -- which isn’t so bad. He’s never had to study much to do well in classes. But that just means that things are that much more tense with Jiang Cheng, who, as far as Wei Ying can tell, only takes study breaks long enough to glare at Wei Ying where he sits on the couch playing video games. It’s not studies that have Wei Ying stressed out. It’s everything else. It’s the recruitment for the research trial he’s coordinating. It’s jiejie and her impending marriage to His Royal Douchebag Jin Zixuan. It’s the volunteer work at the palliative care facility. It’s Wen Ning’s worsening condition. It’s Wen Qing working herself thin to care for her brother and Wen Yuan. It’s the way Wen Yuan never seems to have enough food. So, yeah. There’s enough on Wei Ying’s plate already, meaning it’s not entirely welcome when he comes home and finds a man standing in his bedroom. A man in extravagant white robes, a ribbon tied around his forehead, long hair gathered into a topknot, fist clutching a sword at his side, who asks him, “Where am I?”

Mojo's comments: Wei Ying tells himself, there’s no way that he has done something as stupid as fallen for a time-travelling, dimension-hopping wizard in just two weeks of acquaintance. It’s unthinkable. Wei Ying might be stupid, but even he’s not that stupid. Narrator's voice: Wei Ying apparently IS that stupid. … This is an epic story in which canon lwj appears in a modern wwx's room one night. Wwx is a down-on-his-luck college student slipping into even harder times and intrigue, but he's got a heart of gold and immediately sets about helping this strange (and very attractive) wizard. (He can fly, omg!!!) The story's focus is on both their growing relationship (oh, the tension! the slow burn!) and on the mysteries that keep being revealed in both worlds, like tips of icebergs. Author notes that this is not a fix it, which is probably to prepare you for copious amounts of angst and bad choices and misunderstandings (although at least no one is dead for 13 years!). A whole new story, with dimension travel and a strategically striking qi-stealing illness is cleverly woven in with plot points from canon to create something both recognizable and fresh.

college/university, canon-divergence, modern setting, time travel, modern with magic, time travelling lan wangji, sharing a bed, fish out of water, angst with a happy ending, man out of time, slow burn, character death, angst, reference to abuse, canonical character death, canonical abuse, canon-typical violence, mutual pining, chronic illness, not exactly a fix-it, podfic available, implied 3zun, college student wei wuxian, genius wei wuxian, found family, pov alternating, @dizzi-dreams

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)

[adventures-in-mangaland]

Fan Fic Recs Poll

I'm thinking of making my next fic rec post multifandom and by trope.

Fandoms could include Dead Boy Detectives, The Sandman, Good Omens, Teen Wolf, Supernatural, Sherlock, Yuri on Ice, Captain America/MCU, The Witcher etc. Please reblog and oc tell me what you think!

[rosesinbloom7love]

College Au: How a seemingly normal group project led to Motoyasu & Naofumi confessing to each other.

(I know, I know, I don't usually do ship prompts that aren't TheRuFumi/RaruFumi,but, I wanted to do something different this time and I randomly remember this meme from a tv show that instantly made me think of this ship XD. Plus, it should be known that I am a massive multi-shipper. I always got a few ships for every fandom i'm in & after reading "The Reprise of The Spear Hero", the inner shipper just went brrr. Feel free to ignore this post. this is mostly for me :) )

--------------------------------------------

Naofumi: So if you take a look here, you'll see i've drawn up a complete work schedule, which lays out exactly when we'll be working together on that report.

Motoyasu: A work schedule?

Naofumi: Yes. It's color-coded so even you can understand it!

Motoyasu: Wait a second, what's this here? We're working 3 hours a night for the next four weeks!?

Naofumi: Well, I thought four hours a night might be too much for your smallish brain to handle.

Motoyasu: My smallish brain can handle plenty! It's my smallish eyes that are gonna have trouble cause they gotta look at you! Yeah! I said it!

Naofumi: Well actually, the human eyes are technically just receptors that pick up visual images which make no sense until deciphered by the brain. Which in your case happens to be smallish. :)

Motoyasu: Why do you have to one-up me all the time!? What? Do you just get your jollies by making me look dumb!?

Naofumi: Who said I think your dumb!? Maybe, I happen to think you're very smart! Maybe I just-!

Motoyasu: Well maybe, you just what!?

Naofumi: Maybe, I just like you!

Motoyasu: Well ma-!...*Processing* *Realization* *Blushing*...Well, maybe I just like you too!

Naofumi: Oh really?

Motoyasu: Yeah! Maybe i've liked you for a really long time, but didn't realize it, cause, I hated you so much!

Naofumi: Are you saying you like me or not?

Motoyasu: Are YOU saying you like me or not?

Naofumi: I'm saying I like you!

Motoyasu: Well then, i'm saying I like you!

Naofumi: FINE!

Motoyasu: FINE!

Naofumi: Then I guess we're boyfriends!

Motoyasu: One condition!

Naofumi: WHAT!?

Motoyasu: I GET TO BE THE BOYFRIEND!

(Meanwhile, Ren & Itsuki, who have been sitting there watching the entire exchange, stare at their two friends very confused)

Ren: What the f*ck, just happened?

Itsuki: I'm not entirely sure...

[lotusflowerbreakingthesurface]

[𝐏𝐗 𝐅𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜 𝟏𝟑𝟖] 王子落难记 𝐛𝐲 浮谙/𝐰𝐰睡觉𝐢𝐧𝐠

✧ 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Refugee Prince (English Title) / 我和我爷爷的朋友相爱了 (I Fell in Love With My Grandfather’s Friend)

✧ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Prince's Misfortune

✧ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Zhang Qiling/Wu Xie

✧ 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞: PingXie Only

✧ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: T

✧ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Complete

✧ 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞: Chinese

✧ 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 18 Chapters

✧ 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬: AU Setting—College/University, Big Cat(?) Ping × Small Dog Xie, Window Paper, Zhang Family's Appearance

✧ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐜: Third Person POV, Romance, Drama, HE

✧ 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Animal Characteristic/Transformation

✧ 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜:

Wu Xie found an injured kitten and decided to adopt it. He brought his new companion to his and Pangzi's dormitory, but this cute little fellow is actually ...

✧ 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:

It's another lighthearted story to relax and enjoy your day. The conflict in this fic is not heavy and more focuses on PingXie "fluffy" interactions. I really like how Xiaoge pretended to be a smart and obedient little cat just to make Wu Xie happy (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

✧ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬: Cute chibi PingXie by 木择桥

✧ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: Weibo or Lofter

[yeonbinfics]

Let Me Count the Ways (I Love You)

Let Me Count the Ways (I Love You) by KrymshelAngel (ao3)

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Word Count: 72,216

Summary: 

Somehow luck had been on Yeonjun’s side since the start of the year. He promised himself that once he meets tall guy again, he won’t be letting him go.

Soobin thought he'd never see famous senior, Choi Yeonjun, ever again. But fate always loved playing with him. Crushing on your best friend + Being single was enough, but then add a really cute senior into the mix?

It’s gonna be a long year.

Review:

I stopped reading fics for a while as I felt a little detached from this ship. So when I felt nostalgic for yeonbin again, instead of going to read new fics, i turned to the classics. And this one is a classic. One of those fics that everyone in the fandom probably already knows but for good reason. This fic is 70k words of slow burn, pining, misunderstandings, unrequited love, and fluff. This fic is basically hand crafted to check off all the things I like to read. 

It is a continuation of a short fic the author posted and wanted to expand. It’s called Just One Kiss. I would highly recommend reading that first, its quick and cute and yeonbin make out at a kissing booth. Super cute!

This fic revolves around Yeonjun who is pining after Soobin. Who happens to be in love with his best friend Hueningkai. Yeonjun tries not to fall in love with him and fails and the whole time he’s trying to be Soobin’s friend all while hurting himself because he can see just how much Soobin loves kai. 

I think what I love most about it is how cozy it is. It’s a university au, their friend circle is small. This was written in 2020 so it still has that cute puppy love feel to it without the reality of yeonbin divorce in 2021. 

Over all, it is a slow burn. You get taken into Yeonjun’s life trying to navigate a blooming friendship while trying to succeed in his university dance group and trying to avoid his feelings. So despite it taking a while for yeonbin to get together, you’re left with a fic about friendship and what it means to talk through your feelings. 

I love fics like this where you get taken into their world and by the end, despite it being a happy ending, you feel so sad because you have to say goodbye to the characters. 

And the best part, beomgyu and taehyun are a side ship. I feel like a lot of taegyu fics are angsty so I always love to see writers put them as a cute couple in love in the background. 

Please leave kudos and comments on the original work.

[dnf-fics]

All is Fair in Love and Football

by gracewritess

Summary:

The first time George Vincent meets Dream, the latter is passed out on the grass outside a college apartment in nothing but his boxers, the beer can in his hand leaking into the dirt. Charming.

In which George is the captain of the cheer team, Dream is an up and coming football star, and George spends a great deal of time avoiding said up and coming football star like the plague.

[princess-and-the-swan]

Two-Shot Fic Rec: i won't say i'm in love

By @kindredsspirits | Rating: T

the one where killian and emma are best friends, who have pined for one another since the beginning of time, and they get uninvited to neal’s lame ass halloween party (that they didn’t wanna go to anyways), but then emma realizes that neal still has her good luck charm and she wants it back for an upcoming exam, so of course she’s going to drag killian along with her. A College AU two-shot that will have you yelling at the top of your lungs for the two of them to just GET TOGETHER ALREADY. I love how the friend group's friendship is written and just like the readers, emma and killian's friends are foaming at the mouth for the two to recognize their feelings.

Read it on AO3

[fudgesoup]

The Stars are Cheering for You

Chapter 3: Unexpected Presence

Rated: Teen - 5.4k - Rena Natsukawa x Original Character

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Tags: Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable, Rena Natsukawa x Original Character, Rena Natsukawa x OC, Rena x OC, Fuyuki Minami, Natsukawa Rena, Shiki Tsubasa, Original Character, Rena Natsukawa, Minami Fuyuki, Tsubasa Shiki, Akino Sayuri, Manga & Anime, Alternate Universe, College/University AU, Fluff, Friendship, College, Romance, Eventual Romance, Slow Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fate, Drama, Light Angst, Tokyo, I didn't sleep to write this, Gossip, Love Confessions, Confessions, Crushes, Dating, Falling In Love, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Kendo, Plot, Slice of Life, Canon Spoilers, Tension, Family Drama, Plot Twists, Idiots in Love, post-epilogue

The next morning, Rena woke up with a slight headache, her mind clouded and disoriented. It took her a few moments to piece together the fragments of the previous night, and then, all at once, it rushed back to her— the confrontation with those men, their jeering voices cutting through the night, and the mysterious figure who had come to her rescue. His soft, calm voice echoed in her memory, soothing but distant. She groaned as she pushed herself up, her muscles aching from the struggle. Though she hadn’t been seriously hurt, the tension of the encounter clung to her body.

As she replayed the events, her thoughts kept circling back to him— her rescuer. He had appeared out of nowhere, a fleeting presence in the chaos, and then disappeared just as quickly. Why had he helped her? Who was he? The questions gnawed at her as the remnants of fear lingered in the pit of her stomach. 

Over the next few days, time seemed to slip by in a blur, yet Rena couldn’t shake the unease. Her steps were quicker now, and she made sure to be home before nightfall, the memory of the attack haunting her with every step. It wasn’t just fear anymore; a new wariness had settled into her, a heightened awareness of her surroundings that she hadn’t needed before.

Though the street had become a source of anxiety, the image of her rescuer stayed with her, like a strange light amidst the darkness. She caught herself thinking about him constantly— his silhouette, his voice— almost as if she were looking for him in every passing figure. But these thoughts were complicated. They brought a sense of security, yet they also highlighted her vulnerability, reminding her of how quickly things could spiral out of control. Whether she was walking to class or sitting in lectures, Rena's mind drifted, caught between the lingering trauma and the bizarre comfort she associated with the stranger who had saved her. 

The trauma grew more pronounced as days went by. She started missing class, which for Rena, was unheard of. Nights were the worst; sleep didn't come easily. She found herself waking up from vague, disjointed dreams where she was running, always running, and those men were right behind her. Whenever her mind drifted back to the moment of her rescue, it stirred a mix of emotions. There was relief, even a strange sense of warmth, but it clashed with an unsettling reminder of her vulnerability. Thinking of him brought a confusing comfort— something good in the midst of fear— yet it also made her question why she couldn’t let go of the memory, as if clinging to him was both soothing and troubling at once.

More time passed and Rena began to feel like herself again, though it was a slow and uneven process. The nightmares became less frequent, and she no longer felt the constant weight of fear pressing down on her chest. With each passing day, she regained some of her old confidence, convincing herself that the incident was behind her. She started going out with Umi and Hikari again, though she still kept an eye on her surroundings, and her steps were always a little quicker when she was alone. The sense of unease still lingered, but it had dulled, like a distant echo rather than a sharp, immediate fear.

When she finally decided to go back to class regularly, Rena felt ready, as if she had turned a corner. Walking into the familiar space brought a sense of normalcy, and she found herself looking forward to catching up with Umi and her other classmates. That feeling came to an abrupt halt the moment she entered the classroom.

As she stepped inside, she noticed that everyone seemed unusually quiet, their attention focused on someone sitting towards the back of the room. Murmurs filled the air as her classmates exchanged glances, their eyes darting to the same spot. Umi hurried over to Rena, tugging her sleeve gently.

"Hey, did you see him?" Umi whispered, nodding towards the back.

Rena followed her gaze, and in an instant, her stomach dropped. Her eyes landed on him— an invader. He sat there, relaxed, as if he belonged, while everyone around him gossiped in hushed voices. Rena's breath caught in her throat. She recognized him immediately, Akimitsu, noticing his smug presence.  But instead of feeling glad that she had finally encountered him after weeks, a wave of frustration surged through her.

Her thoughts raced: Why was he here? Did he know she was in this class? Her mind buzzed with unanswered questions, and a knot of anger tightened in her chest.

Rena groaned, muttering under her breath, "You’ve got to be kidding me."

Umi tugged at Rena’s arm, quietly pleading with her to let it go, but Rena was  already on the move. Completely ignoring her friend's warnings, she made a beeline for him. Her irritation bubbled up with every step, the unresolved emotions from the diner now mixing with this unexpected and unwelcome surprise. Her eyes narrowed as she approached him. She crossed her arms over her chest as she stopped in front of his desk, her presence demanding his attention.

He was sitting there casually, leaning back in his chair as if the whole world revolved around him, completely unbothered by the curious glances and whispered chatter from the others in the room. His long legs were stretched out in front of him, crossed at the ankles, and his posture was one of effortless ease. When he finally glanced up, their eyes met, and for a split second, she caught something unexpected— a faint redness and intrigued look on his face, just barely visible beneath his composed exterior. But, just as quickly, his expression shifted, that familiar, insufferable smirk taking over, like he hadn’t just been caught off guard.

Rena narrowed her eyes, stepping closer, her fan resting securely in her hand, a physical reminder of her own resolve. She wasn’t about to let him off easily. 

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice edged with irritation, cutting through the quiet air between them.

A lazy eyebrow quirked up as he met her gaze head-on, unflinching. For a brief moment, he seemed to consider her question, his lips curling into that trademark smug grin. 

"What, no 'hello'?" he teased, his voice smooth and infuriatingly calm. "You know, you could at least pretend to be happy to see me."

Rena's jaw tightened, her patience wearing thin, but before she could fire back a retort, he continued, that smirk of his growing more pronounced. 

"Hey Pinky," he muttered, his tone casually teasing her, he found the whole situation amusing. "Believe it or not, I’m part of this class now."

Her teeth ground together at the nickname, but before she could speak, he shot her a look that was all too knowing. It was as if he was daring her to rise to the bait, to challenge him.

"Pinky? Really?" she shot back, her arms tightening in frustration. "That’s what you’re going with again?"

"What? It suits you," he smirked. 

She rolled her eyes, trying to rein in her rising temper, "That’s not the point. Why are you here? You don’t just show up in a class out of nowhere."

"Relax." —he leaned back in his chair with a shrug— "Transfer. Simple as that. Guess that makes us classmates now."

Rena’s frustration spiked. Of all the places…

"Right," she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "And I’m supposed to believe that it’s just a coincidence?"

"Think whatever you want, Pinky. But I’m not here for you," he met her gaze with a challenge in his eyes. 

Rena huffed, the tension between them so thick it was almost suffocating. Why did he always have this effect on her? Her pulse quickened, not from fear or even rage, but from the way he looked at her, so smug, so certain of himself. She hated that he could rile her up so effortlessly, like flicking a switch.

Umi, ever the voice of reason, slipped in behind her and gave her a gentle nudge, her presence grounding Rena for just a moment. 

“Rena, maybe this isn’t the time,” Umi whispered, her voice low and cautious, sensing the impending clash. There was a nervous edge to her tone, as if she knew exactly where this was headed and hoped to stop it before it spiraled.

Rena took a breath, her lips parting as if to respond, but her eyes stayed locked on Akimitsu’s, the challenge in them unmistakable. She knew Umi was right, but there was something about this moment that made her reluctant to back down, especially with the smirk still plastered across his face.

"This isn't over" Rena muttered, her eyes not leaving his. She turned sharply and walked away, her heart racing.

"Well, I have to pass this class too," he remarked in a testy manner "So no, I won’t be leaving anytime soon. This history class is one of the most important ones for my degree. But apparently, they’re not letting me take it outside anymore like I was."

Rena spun back toward him, her eyes narrowing into a fierce glare. She could practically feel the heat rising to her cheeks as Akimitsu’s smug expression dug under her skin like a thorn. Every inch of him radiated arrogance, from the slight tilt of his head to the lazy way he leaned back, like he had already won some unspoken game between them. She hated that he could affect her like this, that with just one look, he could ignite a fire she had trouble controlling. The air around them felt charged, like a storm on the verge of breaking.

Akimitsu leaned forward slightly, his grin widening as if he could sense her rising frustration. 

“I had no idea you’d be here. It was definitely a surprise,” he smirked with self-satisfaction. His eyes gleamed with a teasing light, one that Rena couldn’t ignore even if she tried. “What? Do you think I’m following you or something?” The way he played it so cool only made her temper flare hotter, her hands balling into fists at her sides.

Her patience was reaching its breaking point. 

"Of course, of course. A total coincidence, huh?" She retorted as if insinuating that he was a creep and a stalker.

Akimitsu's eyes flashed with annoyance, his usual composure cracking for a moment. He straightened up, his jaw tightening as he glared at Rena. 

“Watch yourself!” he snapped, his voice sharp. “This has nothing to do with you. I’m only here because they forced me into this class for the rest of the semester.” The smug amusement in his voice was gone, replaced by a raw edge that surprised Rena.

For a split second, Rena considered backing off, sensing that something deeper lay beneath his sharp words. But her own irritation flared just as quickly, and she wasn’t about to let him off so easily. 

"Well, aren’t you just a pleasant one," she shot back, her sarcasm stinging. "I feel so bad for the professor, having to deal with you for the rest of the semester. Must be exhausting keeping up that attitude all the time."

"You’ll eat those words, Pinky," he muttered begrudgingly. The nickname was still as bothersome as ever but she noticed the slight shift in his tone.

Rena’s eyes gleamed with a new sense of satisfaction, her smirk widening as she tilted her head slightly, watching Akimitsu's reaction. His usual cocky demeanor, which once grated on her nerves, was now becoming more entertaining than annoying. It was like a game to her now, watching him struggle to maintain his cool while she chipped away at his facade.

“So, what’s the matter? Not as sharp when someone gives it back to you?” she teased, her voice light but laced with a challenge. “You always seemed to enjoy pushing my buttons, but now that I’m pushing back, you’re the one getting all riled up?”

She could see the faintest twitch in his jaw, a clear sign that her words were hitting their mark. For the first time, Rena found herself enjoying the banter more than she expected, the irritation that usually accompanied his presence fading into something closer to amusement. Is this what Minami meant by getting back at him? If so, she reveled in it and continued her assault against him.

"Oh, I’m so scared of you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your words are just so intimidating. How will I ever survive the rest of the semester with ‘scary you’ sitting back there?"

He clenched his jaw, glaring at her with clear frustration. "Just you watch... PINKY!"

“Would you stop calling me that, you child!” Rena was feeling drained of the same old thing. “It’s starting to lose its effect”

His head flung back and he stared at the ceiling for a moment before thinking of a comeback. It did not take him long to turn the tables on her once more.

 "And what would you have me call you, huh?” He started. “You keep butting into my business without even introducing yourself. Talk about rude!" 

Her retort was on the tip of her tongue, but his words stopped her cold. He was... right. She hadn’t introduced herself. But she didn’t want to be on friendlier terms with him— he didn’t deserve that right now. Still, the fact that he had a point irked her to no end.

With a reluctant sigh, she lowered her arms and stared directly into his eyes. "Fine. I’m Rena Natsukawa. And I’m not rude. You just don’t deserve the pleasantries."

He raised an eyebrow at her, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with deliberate emphasis, he replied, "Who are you to determine what I deserve, Rena?"

Hearing him say her first name like that, without the usual teasing or hostility, took her breath away for a split second. Her eyes widened, and to her dismay, she felt a flutter in her chest. The unexpected shift in tone threw her off balance, and though she tried to hold onto her annoyed demeanor, her cheeks betrayed her, heating up slightly.

She quickly tried to recover, but the shift in the air between them left her feeling uncertain. In an attempt to regain her control, she shot back, "Don’t think using my first name changes anything. You're still a pain."

He knew she had lost her grip in the situation. "Whatever you say, Rena."

Her lips tightened, she had nothing more to say, she marched back to her seat, Umi leading the way. But even as she walked away, his voice lingered in her mind, the way he said her name echoing longer than she'd like to admit.

Rena had resigned herself to the fact that every Monday and Wednesday, she would have to deal with Akimitsu. It had become an inevitable part of her routine, and every single time, without fail, they ended up at each other’s throats. It wasn’t like her at all—normally, Rena was calm, composed, the perfect girl with perfect grades. But something about Tokyo, and Akimitsu in particular, had a way of pushing all the wrong buttons, turning her into a woman who was constantly on edge, simmering just beneath the surface.

It didn’t help that, despite how much he infuriated her, her heart insisted on betraying her every time she was near him. Her chest fluttered whenever he spoke, and she hated the effect he seemed to have on her. It made things worse because Minami’s plan— an attempt to mess with him and throw him off— had completely backfired. Instead of getting under his skin, he was getting under hers. And though she refused to admit it, the confusion of it all left her flustered.

But one day, after enduring his endless teasing for what felt like forever, Rena decided she’d had enough. She wasn’t going to let him keep calling her by her first name without giving her something in return. She mustered up the courage to confront him, determined to force him to introduce himself properly. It felt ridiculous that they’d been sparring like this for weeks without so much as a formal introduction.

"W-well," she started, her voice faltering just slightly, betraying her nerves. "Aren't you gonna say your name? All you do is call me by my first name, but you never introduced yourself." Her tone was laced with frustration—she’d taken enough of his attitude without even knowing what to call him.

Akimitsu, of course, leaned back in his chair with that insufferable smirk of his. "I have a feeling you already know mine," he said with a lazy drawl, as if the whole thing was some kind of joke.

Rena groaned, shaking her head and rolling her eyes in exasperation. "Of course I know it. Everyone knows who you are. You're trouble," she shot back, her voice rising with each word. "But why should I be the only one introducing myself? You’re the one using my first name all the time. You should return the favor."

For a second, it seemed like he might actually take her seriously. But then, with a dramatic sigh, he shrugged. "Fine. My name’s Akimitsu. A pleasure," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you only get my first name. No family name. Not that you didn’t already know that."

Rena’s eyes flicked toward the ceiling as she rolled them yet again, her patience already worn thin. His tone, the way he always managed to undercut every serious moment with that sarcastic edge, made her want to scream. She let out a long sigh, trying to rein in her frustration.

"Of course," she muttered, her tone now resigned as she glanced back at him. "How could I forget? Mister Mysterious, too cool for a last name."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying the way he was getting under her skin. "You get it, Pinky," he said with a wink, knowing full well the nickname still irked her.

She shot him a glare, but it lacked the intensity she’d intended. Somehow, the more she sparred with him, the harder it became to keep her annoyance genuine. There was something about the banter that, despite everything, felt… almost fun. But she wasn’t about to admit that out loud.

"Whatever," she said with a dismissive wave, though the small smile threatening to break through her frustration gave her away. "Just don’t get too comfortable with my name. You’re still a pain."

"And yet, you still can’t seem to stay away," he teased, leaning forward with that trademark smile.

Rena felt her cheeks warm slightly as her heart gave another unwelcome quiver. She hated that he wasn’t entirely wrong. She hated even more that some small part of her was starting to enjoy these exchanges. "Shush you," she shot back, quickly turning her attention to her notes as if the conversation hadn’t gotten to her at all.

But deep down, she knew better. Akimitsu had wormed his way into her thoughts, and despite everything, she couldn’t shake him—no matter how much she wanted to.

Akimitsu was always the first to duck out when class ended. The moment the professor dismissed them, he was already halfway out the door, disappearing before anyone could blink. He never said a word to anyone, not even Rena. By the time she realized he was gone, his seat was empty. At first, it didn’t bother her much— he was always a bit aloof, after all— but as time went on, she couldn’t help but wonder: Why does he leave so fast? The thought nagged at her. Did he not want to be around her any longer than he had to?

The ideas swirling in her head made her uneasy. It wasn’t like Akimitsu was one to care what others thought, but the idea that he might actually be avoiding her left a bitter taste in her mouth. The more she mulled over it, the less she liked where her thoughts led. Was it her? Was he just trying to escape from her, specifically?

The next day, she sat through the entire lecture, only half paying attention. Her gaze kept drifting toward him, her thoughts miles away from whatever the professor was saying. There was something that came back to mind that had been bothering her since she met him at the diner: he doesn't have a family name. It was odd and no matter how hard she tried to focus on the class, that detail kept floating to the surface of her mind. It just didn’t make sense still. 

Despite her best efforts to focus on her upcoming finals, Rena found her thoughts straying to Akimitsu more often than she’d like to admit. She helped Umi and Hikari study whenever she could, hoping that tutoring them would serve as a distraction for her own restless mind. She was confident about the material, but her curiosity about Akimitsu had only grown. She found herself stealing glances at him more frequently, unable to stop the questions bubbling up inside her. It was driving her mad.

One day, after yet another unproductive study session in class, Rena let out a frustrated grunt and ran her hand through her hair, brushing a few stray strands out of her face. She had to stop this. If she didn’t ask him directly, her mind would keep spinning in circles, and she couldn’t afford to be distracted like this. Against her better judgment, she made up her mind.

Just ask him. What’s the worst that could happen? she thought, though her pulse quickened at the idea. She stood up, glancing over at Akimitsu, who was, as usual, minding his own business. Her palms were clammy, and her heart raced, but the need to satisfy her curiosity was stronger than her nerves. She walked toward him, closing the distance with each determined step.

When she stopped a few feet from his desk, he didn’t even bother looking up at first. “I’m starting to think you like me, Rena,” he said, his tone dripping with dry amusement. “I can’t think of any other reason you keep coming up to me.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at his smugness. Typical Akimitsu. Of course, he would say something like that. Still, she wasn’t about to let him get under her skin. With an exaggerated sigh, she composed herself, her voice coming out cool and indifferent despite the wild beating of her heart.

“In your dreams,” she shot back, folding her arms. “I just... have a question. It’s been bothering me for a while now, and I want an answer.”

She glanced away for a moment, taking a deep breath before finally meeting his eyes again. Her expression was firm, a mix of stubbornness and determination.

“Why do you always leave so fast after class? No parting remark, no last-minute insult? Do I really bother you that much?”

"Don’t you worry your pretty little pink head, I’m not avoiding you," Akimitsu said, leaning back in his chair and finally meeting her eyes. "I enjoy our little spats. It gives me something to look forward to. But I’ve got other priorities, things to take care of." He chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Now it really sounds like you like me."

That signature smug smile of his crept across his face, the one that always made her want to either punch him or… well, something else. "I have a feeling this isn’t the only thing you want to ask me, though." 

He wasn’t wrong, but how he knew this was a mystery, it was as if he could read her like a book. She’d been dying to know his full name—the one topic that had eluded her for so long. It was strange, like some kind of puzzle she couldn’t solve, and now that she was standing right in front of him, curiosity took hold of her even more. She hardened herself, summoning her courage.

"My question is about your name. Your full name. I want to know..." Her voice was firm, her determination clear as she locked eyes with him. She expected another smirk, a sarcastic retort, something to brush her off. But for a split second, she saw him falter, his expression slipping. He looked surprised—caught off guard by her seriousness.

Without realizing it, Rena had taken a step closer into his comfort zone. Her usual composed demeanor cut through his playful nonchalance, leaving him momentarily flustered. He quickly tried to recover, straightening up and forcing his smug grin back into place, but she had already seen the shift.

"You really do want to know, huh?" he said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness as his heart raced. But he wouldn’t give in that easily. No, he’d make her work for it. "Alright then, how about this? I’ll cut you a deal."

Rena raised an eyebrow, sensing some sort of trick coming. Sure enough, his facial expression turned playful, and he looked at her like she was the most amusing thing he’d ever seen.

"If you can top me in the final exams, I’ll tell you my full name. That’s my deal."

Her eyes widened in surprise. Was this… a challenge? And if so, was he actually serious? The guy who barely took notes, who spent most of the class with his head down, napping, was challenging her in academics? There was no way he was serious. It had to be some kind of joke. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, a frown forming on her lips as she tried to make sense of it.

"Why do you always have to be so difficult? Can’t you just answer the damn question already?" she snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

Akimitsu leaned back again, lacing his fingers behind his head as he shrugged casually. "I truly hope you do your best in the finals, Rena Natsukawa. Good luck." His voice was dripping with amusement, and without another word, he closed his eyes, clearly signaling that the conversation was over—at least in his mind.

Rena stood there, speechless, her jaw clenched in frustration. He had completely ignored her question, again. She gritted her teeth, glaring down at him. How could one person be so infuriating?

"You’re unbelievable, you know that?" she huffed, her voice sharp with irritation. "I’m trying to get a straight answer from you, and all you do is dodge the question like it’s some kind of game to you!"

Akimitsu didn’t even flinch. He didn’t have to try; just by existing, he had a way of ruffling her feathers. It was maddening. He was the one person who could rile her up without even lifting a finger, and it drove her absolutely crazy.

Rena didn’t approve of Akimitsu’s challenge—of course he had to make it difficult—but if this was the only way to get him to answer her, then fine. She’d do it. She’d give it her absolute best. The thought of him outperforming her was laughable. Ridiculous, even. She had always been top of the class, and there was no way she was going to let some lazy, smug little shit beat her.

With just a week left before finals, Rena found herself more determined than ever. This wasn’t just about maintaining her rank anymore—it was personal. She threw herself into studying with a renewed intensity, even tutoring Umi and Hikari until they were nearly on par with her. By the time finals rolled around, the three of them had practically become study machines.

The night before the exam, they had decided to blow off some steam and headed to a karaoke bar. It turned out to be the perfect antidote to their week of cramming. After days of relentless studying, this was their well-deserved night filled with singing, laughter, and absolutely no talk of exams.

They took turns belting out their favorite songs, the tension from the past few days slowly melted away. Rena, Umi, and Hikari were in high spirits, their laughter ringing through the air as they playfully teased one another about who could hit the highest notes. At one point, they even video chatted with Minami and Akino, who joined the fun from a distance. Rena had been raving about them for ages, so it felt great for her friends to finally "meet" her other friends— even if it was through a screen. Akino’s light teasing and Minami’s infectious laughter only added to the joy of the night.

For the first time in days, Rena felt completely at ease. No worries lingered in her mind, not even the nagging thoughts of Akimitsu’s challenge—just pure, unadulterated fun. She desperately needed this moment: a perfect night with her friends where nothing else mattered.

“Hey, Rena!” Hikari called out, nudging her as she struggled with a high note. “If you keep this up, you might just summon a dog from the next block!”

“Please, Hikari, I’m clearly hitting all the right notes,” Rena shot back, feigning offense. “Or at least more than you are!”

“Yeah, well, I’m not the one who’s been bragging about how I’m going to crush Akimitsu,” Umi chimed in with a playful roll of her eyes. “You might want to save some of that confidence for the exam.”

Rena laughed, feeling the warmth of friendship envelop her like a cozy blanket. Little did she know, however, that this light-hearted banter would be the calm before the storm.

As the night continued, the karaoke bar buzzed with energy. Rena, fueled by her friends' playful jabs, decided to pick a particularly challenging song, one she had always dreamed of belting out perfectly. “Alright, everyone, watch and learn!” she declared, winking at her friends as she scrolled through the song list.

“Oh, this should be good,�� Hikari said, leaning back in her chair. “I hope you brought your A-game!”

With the mic in hand, Rena launched into a spirited rendition, her voice rising and falling with dramatic flair. The others joined in, adding harmonies and making exaggerated faces as they cheered her on. Laughter bubbled around them, and for that moment, it felt as if nothing else existed outside the colorful lights and booming music.

Midway through the song, Rena paused for dramatic effect. “And this is what winning sounds like, Akimitsu!” she teased, winking at the camera where Minami and Akino were still connected. She sat back down and grabbed the phone to hear them better.

“Is that your strategy? Distracting him with your karaoke skills?” Umi shot back, laughter in her voice.

“It might be the only way to give him a fighting chance,” Rena retorted, reveling in the back-and-forth.

It was Hikari’s turn to start another song, but Umi glanced at her phone and frowned. “Hey, guys, we need to keep an eye on the time. We can’t be up all night singing. We have an exam tomorrow!”

“Oh, come on! We still have plenty of time!” Hikari protested, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “One more song won’t hurt!”

Rena waved one hand dismissively, her phone in the other. “It’s fine! We’ll sleep after the exam, right?” she quipped, earning another round of laughter.

“Yeah, right. Just don’t sleep during or you'll lose for sure!” Minami chimed in from the screen.

“Okay, okay, let’s do one more,” Umi relented, feeling the momentum of the night pull her in. “But then it’s time to go home and rest!” She scanned the list again, her eyes lighting up. “How about a duet, Hikari?”

“Absolutely! Let’s give them a show!” Hikari grinned, and they hopped up to the stage together, ready to steal the spotlight.

As they sang, Rena felt a spark of hope and joy, a feeling she hadn’t let herself indulge in during the grueling week of studying.When the song ended, they jumped up in excitement, the duo breathless and exhilarated. 

“I can’t believe how good you two sounded!” Rena exclaimed!

“Best stress relief ever,” Umi agreed, giving Rena a playful nudge when returning to sit next to Rena. “Just don’t forget: tomorrow, we’ll need to channel all this energy into our finals”

“Don’t worry! I’ve got it all figured out,” Rena insisted, radiating confidence.

As the evening came to an end, Rena couldn’t shake the determination building inside her. There’s no way I’m losing this bet, she thought, a strong expression plastered on her face. She was feeling borderline cocky about it. After all, she had been studying tirelessly while, from what she had observed, Akimitsu hadn’t even bothered to take notes. The very idea of him beating her was simply absurd. 

Yet, unbeknownst to Rena, she was blissfully unaware of how complicated her challenge with Akimitsu would turn out to be. Something was brewing beneath the surface, something she had completely overlooked in her perfectly laid plans. And when it finally emerged, it would catch her utterly off guard.

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[deadlyrose9086]

“You called me here because of a fucking barista?”

Nora triumphantly grins. “A very attractive barista,” she counters, and—well, she has a point, but Alex walked five minutes in a snowstorm to get here. He refuses to acknowledge that staring at a cute guy for five minutes makes up for it.

“You’re unbelievable.” A smile spreads on Nora’s face. “You fucking… You called me here because you wanted me to set you up with a hot barista?”

Or, 5 times Alex thinks Henry's into Nora, and 1 time he finds out the truth.

Language: English Words: 14,501 Chapters: 6/6 Comments: 101 Kudos: 1,294 Bookmarks: 196 Hits: 14,474

[bleureiverswrites]

DAY 4: The 4th Day of Ficmas brings you…

Read Chapter 2 here!

[athousandbyeol]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 23.5 องศาที่โลกเอียง | 23.5 (TV 2023) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: North/Night Characters: North (23.5 TV 2023), Night (23.5 TV 2023), Mentions of Ongsa and Sun Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Intimacy, Sensuality, Character Study, Introspection, Clubbing, Aged-Up Character(s), Alternate Universe - College/University, Slow Romance, Feelings Realization, Mild Language, Making Up, Confessions, Intimate touching, First Kiss, Stream of Consciousness, No Plot/Plotless, Feels, Songfic Summary:

night appears distraught. he looks like he's losing his mind too. that's wonderful. they can be crazy together.

and when night's hardened features smoothen by the second, he knows; night is now wrapped around his fingers.

yet, night warns, "it takes more than those three words to make up to me, you fucker."

north laughs.

"anything for you."