#HOW DARE LEGO MAKE THEM SO PRETTY

[the1trueanon]

woe, flustered gays be upon ye

[dewdr0pz]

he looks just like a dream ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

summary: dating headcanons w/ remus lupin

a/n: hello!! this is my most recent fic on this account and my first Marauders fic, so sorry if this is bad!! also, please keep in mind that even though i'm writing a fic about something tied to the Harry Potter universe, this does NOT AT ALL mean i like JK Rowling. i've liked her books since i was a child and have been separating the art from the artist for quite some time when it comes to this. also, i've written Remus in more of a modern situation, so keep that in mind :)

tags: @back-totheoldhouse @daemontargaryennn @o-kye @unbeleevable @mochamuff1n @call-me-frosting-or-not-idc @dangerouslyyour (this is me just guessing who would be interested in this, please let me know if you would like to be removed/added from the taglist!!)

warnings: nicknames with "girl" in them but otherwise gn!reader, mentions of crying, mentions of scars

boyfriend!remus who's memorized how you like your coffee or tea. or if you don't like either, he's memorized your favorite drink and has perfected it every time he makes it. you tell him it's not needed, that you can make drinks yourself, but he says it's worth it just to see the smile on your face.

boyfriend!remus who wouldn't dare tell you to cover up with a dress or outfit you're wearing when you go out ("any guy who tells their girlfriend/partner to cover up because it makes him uncomfortable or insecure instantly just proves he has a fragile ego accompanied by a micropenis.") and he'll only suggest a jacket if he knows it'll be cold outside. if you're happy in what you're wearing, why should he stop you?

boyfriend!remus who reads the books you're reading to have an extra thing to talk to you about and to ensure he understands what you're describing when you rant about how much you either love it or hate it. "yeah I know, I can't believe he did that!" "seriously, the way the writer set up the plot is terrific." "what was the author thinking? the plot makes no sense."

boyfriend!remus who always gives you his clothes. his soft beige knit sweater? of course you can wear it to our date. you need to borrow his beanie because it's cold outside? please do. you want to wear his shirt to bed? just keep it, he thinks it looks 10x better on you.

boyfriend!remus who takes you on all sorts of dates. library dates, lego building dates (which turn into laughing hysterically because one of you doesn't understand the instructions and the other one does understand, but can't find the right piece), cafe dates, aquarium dates, baking/cooking dates, late night walk/drives dates...the list goes on (i will happily elaborate on any of these if asked). he may or may not stalk your pinterest to find out what dates you like

boyfriend!remus who subtly shows you off to the marauders. he's usually a little bit touchy with you in public (a hand on the small of your back or intertwined with yours, his arms around your waist or shoulders, etc.), but he does it more around his friends. it's not any sort of intentional possessive thing (like "grrr my bbg is mine you can't have her raaah"), he just likes people knowing he has a gorgeous partner :)

boyfriend!remus whose room is littered in random trinkets, some of which he'll randomly gift to you. a silver pocket watch he found with intricate details because he thinks you'd like it. a rock or crystal he says looks like your eyes. a flower that he found because he remembered the one time you said "what a pretty flower" when you accompanied him on a walk. a stuffed animal he found at a yard sale because it was your favorite animal. the list goes on.

boyfriend!remus who mainly shows love through acts of service and physical touch. your shoe's untied? he's getting down on his knee to tie it. your books are a bit heavy? he'll carry all of them for you. you're not feeling good? he's doing your homework.

boyfriend!remus whose nicknames for you are mainly "dove/dovey", "baby", and "darling". he calls you "sweet girl/pretty girl" when you're sick, under the weather, or sad, "my love/my dearest" when he knows you're upset, and "sweetheart" when you're in an argument.

boyfriend!remus who would be terrified of showing a lot of skin around you because of his scars mainly because he doesn't want you to be disgusted. he knows deep down that you wouldn't, but it's a deeply-rooted fear for him.

"Remus, your friends have scars. Does that make them ugly or bad people?"

"No."

"Some of the teachers you like have scars. Does that make them ugly or bad people?"

"No."

"I have scars. Does that make me ugly?"

"Of course not, dove."

"So then why do you think scars make you ugly if they don't make anyone else you care about ugly?"

[spinji]

I NEED TO YAP ABOUT THIS MOVIE MY GOD-

YOU'RE NEXT SPOILERS UNDER CUT

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaokayokay-

Can I just say I DO NOT recommend seeing this the same day as watching the new episode because I have had a DAY-

Unfortunately, the theater I went to didn't have the booklets or promotional cups but not a huge loss. It's the price I pay to have my boyfriend by my side; worth it. ♡

As with all my other MHA theater outings the screening was packed with delightful weirdos (dubbed, if you happen to care). One guy had an extensive set of custom MHA lego guys (very cool) and two very enthusiastic Toga cosplayers were so kind and kept me from feeling like a dork going out in public in a Deku wig. All the love to them, fr.

The movie itself though ohhhhh MY~

If I'm being honest this one didn't surpass World Heroes Mission or Heroes Rising for me, but also I don't know what you could do to beat out the movies that gave me such extreme brainrot it got me to be a part of this fandom in the first place. Personal rankings for the movies, best to "worst" is 3, 2, 4, 1.

Maybe it's because I had higher expectations instead of being given the best character in the franchise suddenly with no warning but I did still really REALLY love it. The highest point I can give it is easily the animation. Absolutely zero scenes in this movie feel like they fell to the standard of the anime. Everything was fluid and detailed and so fun to look at. And yes, of course it made every attack flashy as fuck. I was giddy every time Bakugou let out an explosion.

The premise did sound insane going in, and it is, but it's an anime side movie. Caring about the plot is a bonus, not a requirement. I guess my only real gripe is that it felt a little too fast? Very few scenes had time to breathe and unlike the other movies there wasn't really any slow establishing opening. If you come to MHA exclusively for the action, I think this one will be your new favorite.

Okay- I'm gonna just bullet point my highlights because I'm barely restrained enough to sit down and type.

First of all GIULIO!!!

Listen- I knew I would love this guy but oh my god babygirl~

He responds to literally everyone approaching him by pointing a gun at them. No comment this is just great

When Deku tells him to stop shooting at someone, he just pulls out a SECOND GUN and points it at him too

His motorcycle also has guns. Ngl I have expected his eye implant to also have a gun for a moment there.

He is SUCH an asshole to Deku in the first half and I love it. Their dialogue exchanges were so funny.

And in the second half he just,,,,cracks under the pressure so hard,, Man is having the WORST day of his life fr. It's really nice to know he and Anna are safe at UA rn. Poor things deserve it.

Anna and Giulio are really cute romantically, Giulio is definitely adult but he's going in the Deku harem anyway. You can't stop me, I am capable of worse.

Anna herself unfortunately doesn't get much time since she spends most of the movie mind controlled but she's harmlessly sweet and adorable. Anna they could never make me hate you.

I want to smear Dark Might across the side of a wall and given how much they overanimated his expressions, I believe this is the intended effect.

Am I the only one that hopes he sees the Mech Might livestream just to rub salt in the wound? Don't you dare let All Might's name fall from your mouth again, you bag of scum.

I really REALLY wanted Izuku to get pissed off and start naming off inconsistencies between how All Might and Dark Might look: "His eyes are SKY blue, not ocean blue, and while his broad features don't make it obvious, his chin was actually much slimmer, also you got the silver age colors wrong-!" alas... you know he was thinking it though-

Big tiddy mind control gf Deborah my beloved- she has pretty privileges for everything

Actually a lot of the lesser goons of the family were kind of dorky and odd. I loved the energy! Why was one of them literally a D&D nerd that put on a wizard robe OVER HIS SUIT. Most entertaining movie villian group for sure.

The personal dreams everyone had under the mind control? Kill me. Kill me right the fuck now!

Shoto literally just wants a happy childhood with his family??? Where Touya wants to play with him????? And Rei was still happy????? UUGAHWAAAAAAAA

Tenya and Tensei being heroes together STOP-

Shoji with the little girl he saaaaaaved,,,and he didn't have his face scars anymoooooore,,,

So glad they didn't show Ochako's because you know they would have just animated that what if pixel animation of her and Toga being childhood friends and I would have vomited in sorrow.

Absolutely infuriating they broke continuity to have Katsuki call Izuku "Deku" and not "De-Izuku". Never forget what they took from us.

"Beat it, cool side character!" is the best line in the movie. Katsuki does not forget what happened with Rody and he does NOT forgive.

Followed closely by "I'm falling down crotch-first!" And you wonder why I write the fics I do about you, Deku-

Deku being a legend as a jailbreaker hunter is so amazing?? Yes baby, they're so scared of you! You're doing amazing sweetie!

I might think of more but tldr: YOU'RE NEXT IS A REALLY FUN TIME AND YOU SHOULD WATCH IT!

[gremlinmodetweeker]

König is Naturally Nerd!König

A lot of people suggest nerd!König (which is essentially regular König in my books) would be into DnD, or Star Wars, or Lego, but I disagree.

Normal and Nerd!König are obsessed with miniature armies. He has little models of airplanes and tanks that he puts on display in his room. He only has two World War models (and even then it's WW1), and those are the planes that Baron von Richthofen flew. Otherwise, he collects medieval minis and paints them.

He creates whole dioramas of them, and they're surprisingly good. He has the money to sink into his hobby, and it fills his time when he's not at work. He fidgets a lot, but he's gotten good at doing fine detail work. They're not award winning, but they're really quite good.

In addition, he's a major reader. If you want to know more about what König reads, check out this post here. If you don't want to read it, the gist of it is that König loves reading and reads all the time. He's probably the type to sniff and say the book was better than the movie. He's right, but he doesn't need to be so snobby about it.

Through the military, he has an extensive knife and gun collection. He can use all of them, sure, but he really doesn't need that many. He used to have only one room dedicated to them, but he's since had to move twice and torn down a wall most recently to make a big enough room for everything. He kinda sucks that way. He really takes up a lot of space.

However, Nerd!König didn't end up joining the military. He instead went into nuclear engineering and earned an excellent living to fund his expensive hobbies. He also ended up having more time to devote to his crafts, which led to...

More under the cut.

Nerd!König is a Snob

König is a pathfinder 2e type of guy. He's that pedantic. He'll have the rule books memorized, and he has links to download the pdfs ready at the flick of a wrist. He's ready to convert you. Your DnD supplies will be absorbed into his Pathfinder 2E.

A big reason he's into Pathfinder 2E is because he was introduced at a young age and so collected the supplies, but when he heard about the Wizards of the Coast scandals he decided he'd use that as his reasoning. He gets up on a soapbox about it whenever he can. He really, really hates Wizards of the Coast. It's a firey rage that burns within.

He also likes Warhammer. He's a disgusting Warhammer lover. He plays a ridiculous Adeptus Mechanicus army that he's painted himself. It's surprisingly good painting, too. Having painted Adeptus Mech before, I'm telling you it's really hard. He makes it looks easy with craft paint and crazy glue. He's disgustingly good at it. I hate him for it. How dare he be so good. He is genuinely a fantastic painter. That said, we saw what happened with the last Austrian painter, so maybe it's a good thing he stuck to painting minis.

Nerd!König also loves to collect ancient weaponry. To make it worse, he actually practises with it and has become pretty decent with it. He's feared among the LARPing community because he's known to be a fearsome competitor. He'd be more well liked if he didn't accidentally break people's wooden shields so often. As it is, he's not fully blacklisted, but he's skating on thin ice. He'd be banned for sure if it weren't for the fact that the forest on his property is amazing for LARPing.

Finally, he's into Renaissance fairs. He goes and does public sword fighting, once again, LARPing. He'll also show off his weaponry collections, and will gladly go on hour long spiels to anyone unfortunate to ask about the history of an item on his table. He is on good terms with the blacksmiths, and he's always having to pay the local seamstress to fix his clothing back in the traditional style. He will also go up to the ferret keeper and play with their ferrets, and then beg you to get some. He just wants a cute little ferret. Can't he have a couple? No, not one! They need playmates. You need at least three.

Either way, Nerd!König is a big silly guy. He's a bit friendlier and gentler than regular König honestly. He also is super passionate about his hobbies. He's so excited to show you his hobbies, and he really wants you to enjoy them too.

Just so you know, all these hobbies are expensive. Very expensive. It's a good thing he's making so much money, because otherwise you'd go bankrupt overnight, because, "Games Workshop released a new edition of the walkers! I need them for my army!"

[jinxedmuse]

secret dating idol!svt — 95z line, & if you guys get caught

authors note: idk this just seemed fun! i wanna release a one shot for another member but i’m stuck between which one ;-; so for now we have this plz enjoy!!!

warnings: uhm reader is famous but it fluctuates between each member (ie: actor, idol, etc)? , should be gender neutral but tbh may (???) come off as fem.

choi seungcheol

probably another idol (+ leader) he liked how you managed your group and definitely gives off the vibe he’d approach first if he was really interested.. which thankfully, he was!

dates (although rare bcs ur both busy taking care of ur children, ie: team members lol) definitely consist of: driving around the very low-key parts of seoul, pre reserved dinners at extremely exclusive restaurants, weekend golf dates at elite and selective country clubs (with matching outfits), and obviously going over his place to sleep in and play w/ kkuma!

surprises you with gifts every time you can meet! or, he’ll just have it directly ordered to your place. definitely have an over flow of couple items like that man is as obvious as can be without completely blowing the lid over??

he wants matching couple rings sooo bad but he knows that svt is known for their pinky rings & people would immediately notice if he had another one that he suspiciously never took off.. hm? so he’d opt for matching sweat suits (ie: hoodie/sweatpants sets/athletic sets/lounge sets etc). he’d buy you the gray ver of his all black adidas sweatsuit and everyone would be like.. wait a min? but also can’t pin point if they’re overthinking it (hint: they’re not ;)

when things get serious, and they most likely will, he’s probably the best long term partner ever.

yes, he’s a man at the end of the day so obviously he’d wanna have fun and we do not know him outside svt content BUT i feel like he already has so much responsibilities to bare and he’s too busy to even be dating but he chose to! with you! because he likes (dare i say loves) you a lot! so why would he wanna waste his precious time that he barely has??

definitely gets matching tattoos with you somewhere down the line. i feel like if you guys were like YEARS into it , parents have met, etc etc then he’d get your initials on his ring finger or somewhere on his back or along his neck :(

at this point, dispatch has a wholeeee book on you guys. definitely planning to expose y’all as the new years couple but you know hybe is swimming in money so they paid them off and saved your asses! aka, you don’t get caught.

lucky you!

yoon jeonghan

probably dating a idol or well known model. either way, you’re both known for your otherworldly visuals! you guys met at a exclusive ysl event/after party and he asked his manager to talk to your manager and boom! things went off.

dates are actually pretty regular. don’t get me wrong, you both have pretty hectic schedules, and yours are pretty random because you never know which city you need to be in next but since you both don’t like doing as much interviews/variety shows as your counterparts, you use that time on dates!

you guys reserve 1- sometimes 2 hour tours at those interactive park places (where you can hold/feel animals etc) and takes lots of pictures for each other (which means matching lovestagram!!!) , you guys go on secretive sauna dates to catch up on your work weeks, and hang out at each other’s apartment while eating your fav food at odd hours lol!

LOVEEE couple items! matching lego sets, pet rocks, any new jewelry he gets, especially if it’s a bracelet, he buys another one for you and you guys wear them 24/7 like seriously it doesn’t come off! would probably even get the cartier love bracelet if he wasn’t so dedicated to ysl…

fans are saurrrrrr suspicious because like.. is he even trying to be subtle or are they just making it up in their head??? svt would be playing the character quiz and you’d come up and his brain would literally malfunction like all he can do is smile and apologize for “getting you wrong” while the rest of the members are trying to (not so) swiftly move on.. yeah!

you guys are definitely the on and off type! nothing toxic just every time you both get genuinely TOO busy you’d cool off from each other and bounce back like nothing happened.

i feel like he’d want something long term but wouldn’t be too set on marriage? idk, if you guys did end it wouldn’t be on a bad note and you’d both just play it off (to the public) as if you were always “just” friends but bffr.. anyway!

you guys wouldn’t necessarily get exposed by dispatch/a news outlet but both your fandoms would like low-key know you had something going on and respect that privacy.

joshua hong

i can see him dating a gorgeous high class actor/actress. you guys meet at an award show and slowly got to know each other before comfortably settling into a relationship.

dates are superrr frequent, even your personal managers are shocked because damnn that devotion? you guys already told them that any free time you have in your bustling scheduals go to each other. very cute.

dates are very spontaneous and depend on where you are. believe it or not most dates are at home and consist of you laying your head in his lap as he makes bracelets and you revising your lines. (as with ll the boys) you get backstage concert privilege with kisses between sets and he visits you on set with coffee trucks for everyone and your fav pick me up snack if you're feeling down during filming.

couple items are very low-key! he's known for his handmade jewelry so he'll give you one or two but anymore will land ya'll in the mouse trap. so the more intimate matching things never see the light of day.

fans start getting suspicious when they realize that all the films or dramas he's been recommending lately have you in it but he just plays it off that he's been getting interested in more films during his down time and you became his favorite actress/tor .. right! also you suddenly keep singing seventeen songs (his parts) in your behind the scenes and they're just like..? okay maybe you just really go into seventeen outta no where.. whatever that means!

you both are very private people by nature so you guys leave 0 trace behind when planning dates etc like everyone is signing NDA's lol! so dispatch (and your fans) may have a feeling, but they have no proof.

does have marriage in mind for the long run but you guys would date for a longgggg time before that like 5+ years. would probably announce it randomly after you guys are satisfied with your career and respected enough to the point people don't throw a fuss but are genuinely happy for you. ya'll end up nicknamed: the nations unexpected but ultimate visual couple, for sure!

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

[bucketbender]

So, I’ve seen some criticism of the 5th season of Solar opposites. I would like to propose counter arguments in a disciplined and respectful manner. Don’t yell at me.

Spoilers ahead, of course :

"The dynamic is too different, it looks like a fanfic"

Okay. So, this one first. I see where you’re coming from. There’s cute nicknames all the time, they’re always banging, Tervo is a bit too "always there" in the episodes. I get it, it changes a lot.

But it didn’t just completely change because they got married. It completely changed because the Valentines episode broke everything they thought they knew about each other. At first, Terry and Korvo were friends. Then they became such good friends that they would kiss sometimes on the lips. They tongue kiss in season 4 (not before I think), because that’s how much they feel a connection with the other. But they still think that their species doesn’t have love. It’s just really strong teammate affinity, right ? Yeah. It has to be. What else ?

(Not to mention that they’re both morons AND cartoon characters. Give them a break, they’re as sharp as a declawed kittens.)

And when the Valentines episode happens, they finally learn that they can feel love. And that they love each other. Their stupid minds were blown to ash. If they’re in love, they can do everything they wouldn’t dare to do before, everything that seemed kind of taboo. They can get married, kiss tongue anywhere, give each other romantic nicknames, say they love each other as much as they want.

That’s why I think this season was so… intense with Tervo. The next season will probably calm down and focus more on the family, while still keeping the love and cute nicknames between the two.

"Cherry becomes evil out of nowhere"

It might seem weird, but when it happened in front of my screen, I wasn’t really shocked. I just thought "oh… well, there it is."

As Cherry said herself : she never once tried to take the power. All she ever did was trying to help people, survive and protect her daughter. The wall took literally everything from her and spit her out. The only good thing about it is her child (and Montez).

She did nothing but play the hero over and over and was just really happy when she was away from it all with Pezlie. But that’s not the wall/backyard works. It will always be there, this society full of tiny people led by tiny dictators. And it will always be a menace for her and her child.

So if she can’t run, can’t hide, can’t keep playing hero, what else can she do ? Lead. "What you need is a queen". And you know ? In a way, she’s right. This society needs something or someone that will bring order to it. Real order. Everyone will live in the same place, food will be rationed (for the sick people, for winter, etc), and there will be laws. It’s what this place needs so that there will be no more freaking wars and conspiracies to fight or run from.

And yes, she does look pretty evil when she says that, especially when she orders them to bow. Because she snapped, she’s done. She got thrown into a lego hole, betrayed, stabbed, heartbroken, abandoned, left for dead by this society, and the only thing that matters to her from now one is to protect her kid and makes sure she grows up alright.

Then again… the god status she unlocked when the grass grew back just when she took over might make her actually join the dark side. We’ll see.

"Glenn’s story is so uninteresting and I freaking hate Tomblr"

For this one… I can’t really blame you. I was pretty disappointed that Zy and Glenn didn’t reunite. But I have to admit that I kind of liked Tomblr.

Just like every other planet, his home was ruled and ruined by Silvercops. They abused him and his family his whole life. Yet, he still joined them to change them from the inside, make it better, make it good. He believed in this dream so much he joined the ones who ruined his life to help people.

Even though everyone around him probably said "they’re way too dangerous" or "why join them, because you actually like them ?" or "you won’t even make it through the first training". No one believed in him, everyone bullied him but he persevered. So I get why he didn’t want to listen to Glenn when he told him to give up.

Even though we saw him blow up, I just hope he’s not actually dead yet, because that would be disappointing.

[benny-the-spaceman]

one of these days im going to release my tlm drafting headcanons from my notes app purgatory and that day is Today.

HERE'S HOW I THINK LEGO MOVIE CHARACTERS WOULD PREPARE AND MAKE DRAFTS

...under the cut

Batman

• Fairly good at drawing. Somehow able to draw straight lines without a ruler perfectly fine every single time but otherwise nothing super noteworthy (he does brag about this constantly however)

• Drafts in white and yellow posca pen??? will use white colored pencil for finer detail however, specifically one of those mechanical colored pencils

• Drafts on black paper because he thinks it makes his designs cooler (it doesn't)

• Dimensions in imperial and would be annoyed if you dare even *insinuate* he use metric. no justification here

• Doodles around his drafts, specifically likes to doodle bats and himself because he, once again, thanks it makes his drafts cooler (the bats kinda do)

• Refuses to leave notes on his designs. you either know what to do or you don't

• Does however write his drawing title obnoxiously large

• Used autocad for like a day, hated it, switched to solidworks and never went back

• Buys autodesk licenses for the rest of the masterbuilders. unwillingly, mind you, wyldstyle just knows his credit card information and abuses it

Benny

• Good at drawing exclusively spaceships. big shock i know

• The king of eyeballing a line or an angle and then labelling it however the fuck he wants. proper measurements take time he could spend drafting or making more spaceships, he'll save measuring and straightedges for drafts he deems important enough

• Uses blueprinting paper. there's no practical purpose for this, he just digs it

• Drafts with whatever writing utensil is on hand

• He gets inspired quite often so he usually keeps a drafting notepad on him just in case

• Leaves a *lot* of notes. Most of them are completely unnecessary and are a funny contrast to his haphazard dimensioning

• Pretty dang good at autocad! Usually reserves it for projects that require a lot more collaboration however

• Usually drafts in metric, can dimension in imperial but prefers not to

• 100% sets autocad to the light background like a monster

• Do not give him any 3d modelling software, he might blow up the computer

Emmet

• Either really good or really bad at drawings (obvs leaning towards bad. we remember the break in plans)

• Dimensions in imperial. I cant justify this one he just does. god bless america or something idk

• Owns a couple drafting pencils but rarely uses them, most of the time he drafts in marker or pen much to the chagrin of anyone who needs to read his drafts (or delight if you're unikitty)

• Started learning how to use autocad after taco tuesday and he's actually pretty good at it! he does use an architectural dimstyle for everything though which is particularly annoying when he's quite often not drafting buildings now

• Has labelled and colored layers 👍 enough said

• Uses disgustingly thick lineweights. horrible.

• Rarely if ever 3d models so he's not good at it, he mostly works on things that 2d conveys better anyways

• Although he's not the best drafter of the master builders, his construction background makes him the best at reading drafts, give him a unikitty draft and he can decipher it like it's nothing

Metalbeard

• Probably the best at drafting of the master builders, he's got the age advantage and lots of practice from making ships

• Drafts in pencil, quill, or charcoal depending

• Who needs straightedges or angle stencils when youre basically a pirate cyborg, expect robot like precision

• Doesn't use standard measuring conventions, instead opts to use the dumbest things possible. The Sea cow's units of measurement were seagulls. It isnt that he cant do normal units of measurement, he just prefers his made up ones

• Makes his drafting paper by himself

• Pretty good with 2d and 3d modelling surprisingly. He doesn't like either, however, he much prefers drafting on paper

• Leaves an average amount of notes on his drafts but has the most disgustingly fancy cursive and writes in his piratey english. Often a nightmare to read if you aren't used to his writing

• Will sometimes do blueprint swaps with Benny wherein they critique each other's work. not sure when they started doing it, but it's become a weekly activity for them

Unikitty

• Worst drafter of the main masterbuilder crew. Most people think it's because she's a cat but no she just doesnt take drafting seriously in the slightest

• Drafts like she's making an arts and crafts project. She has put several bottles of glitter on singular drafts and she will do it again

• Dimensions in rainbows, no knows what this means other than emmet

• Gives the longest, most complicated titles possible

• No such thing as straight lines

• Is entirely capable of drafting properly, just refuses to

• Leaves notes that are entirely unrelated to the draft. she wont tell you how youre supposed to connect two objects but she *will* tell you about the sandwich she ate while making the draft

• Doesnt use autocad, looks too boring

• Didnt use any 3d modelling softwares until she realized you can change the appearance of materials. that was a game changer. still much prefers drafting on paper though

• Likes drafting with emmet sometimes since he seems to be the only person who understands her drawings. to this day no one understands how he does it

Vitruvius

• Going blind has, surprisingly, not made him much worse at drafting, just changed his process a bit

• Drafts in pencil

• Probably the person who least frequently drafts of the main masterbuilders. On account of just not needing to and also on account of being dead

• Dimensions in the old anglo-saxon units of measurement

• Doesn't title his drafts and doesnt see a point in doing so

• Leaves the most vague, utterly confusing notes on his drawings. theyre still related to the drawings unlike unikitty's notes, but theyre very odd

• Doesn't use autocad or 3d modelling softwares, partially because he wouldnt really be able to on account of being blind but also partially because he doesn't really know what they are

• There isnt really much to say about his drafting skills he's about as normal of a drafter as a masterbuilder can be

Wyldstyle

• An engineering teacher's dream student. She may not have the amount of experience metalbeard has but she's still very skilled

• Doesn't like drafting on paper and won't if she doesn't have to

• When she does draft on paper she uses a drafting mechanical pencils. she also 100% collects them

• dimensions in metric to exactly 3 decimal places

• leaves very few if any notes (always very concise ones if included)

• has a case of staedtler stencils that she bought 4 years ago and never uses

• picked up a habit of doodling on drafts from batman but will never admit she got the habit from him

• Autocad PRO. Also really damn good at solidworks and fusion. Give this girl a computer and she'll give you a motorcycle assembly within the hour

• Specializes in automotives

• Spends time with Emmet on the weekends teaching him how to use digital drafting softwares (this process was incredibly frusturating at first but gets easier with time)

[markerofthemidnight]

I love your Hatchetfield fics Grayscale and Hidden Depths. Can you tell me a tidbit about both/ether of them?

AHHHHHHH I’d be happy to oblige!!!

As much as I’d like to talk about both at the moment… I hate to admit this, but I’ve really been ignoring the existence of Hidden Depths as of recent. And Greyscale, but Hidden Depths deserves attention too! So, since Chapter 6 has been held back for so long, why not share some more about the Old Lords?

HD: ULTIMATE Recap was, after all, only a very small tidbit of extra info on them. I’m also working on a piece that’ll show you all their designs- except Kindler’s, since we’ve already seen his, but I’m not even halfway through that yet. Starting to get pretty concerned with how little I’ve been doing stuff as of recent…

Well, anyways! Here’s some extra information on the Old Lords and my thought process behind making them.

Kynzol Errakt (aka Kindler)

The God of the Sun and Flames, as you know. Previously known as the God of Drought in Chapter 1, but I felt like it was pretty odd to have a god whose powers can only be defined by what they aren’t associated with.

Obviously very draconic in design, but the dragon actually isn’t his associated animal. That would go to the thorny devil: everybody’s favourite spiky little reptile that I felt best summed up what exactly I was trying to go for with Kindler, and that was before I learned that they can apparently drink water by absorbing it through their feet!

Known as the Everburning Star, Kindler is the de facto leader of the Old Lords. He carries himself with a sophisticated yet very intentionally intimidating disposition, and tends to not really think about the wellbeing of others unless it affects his.

It’s fairly obvious from his behaviour that he has a pretty big god complex (ironic, huh?), and is incredibly stubborn in his beliefs. Not even the Old Lords would ever dare speak out against him: the only reason why they’re so comfortable with his presence is because they’ve spent 5,000 years with him.

You may be wondering why I chose this specific personality when it’s not very different from Wiggly’s. Well… that’s because Kindler was pretty much just based on my perception of what Wiggly’s predecessor probably would’ve acted like, which slowly developed into the dragon we know today.

The main difference between them, I’d say, is that Wiggly is only partly scary (hence why so many people are in love with him), whereas Kindler is actually genuinely scary and villainous. It’s like the difference between any normal Disney villain and Emperor Belos from The Owl House.

Trypnarash (aka Thrasher)

The God of Noise, associated with a bat for fairly obvious reasons. Rather fittingly, also as blind as a bat. For some reason he switches between having an Australian or a Cockney accent depending on whichever one I think would be better suited to what he’s saying.

Known as the Beastly Cacophony, Thrasher is… loud. Very loud. Strangely enough, he’s actually surprisingly chill: he’s pretty much fine with anything as long as it’s entertaining.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this still doesn’t make him a good person. He’s evil just like the rest of them, only in his own ways. (Not Evil from The Lego Movie 2 is a song that I associate with him quite a lot, by the way.)

Inspiring false hope so that the others can crush it, and toying with people in more personal ways, is his MO. He pretty much does whatever’s most entertaining to him at the moment: the only reason why he’s alright with Blinky not being evil is because in a few months, he’s gonna be dead for good. No point in caring about that.

Gazon Q’raktic (aka Gazer)

The Goddess of Space, associated with jellyfish since it was the first animal I thought of that felt alien enough to be associated with space. Also known as the Scholar of the Stars.

My basic concept behind her and her personality was “what if the ancient deity was a girlboss.” A stark contrast to the slowly rotting incel with ADHD that we call Tinky. Some would call her arrogant, though it’s important to keep in mind that arrogance implies misplaced confidence.

And hers is definitely not misplaced.

She is smarter than you. Much, much smarter. Gazer has peered into the distant voids of space, and understands the universe in a way no one else can. She knows how the Big Bang happened, she knows about the existence of extraterrestrial life, and the answers to many more unanswered questions about the universe. How does she know? Simple: she figured it out. HERSELF.

She has an IQ of at least 2,000. And she is cursed with knowledge no one else can ever bear: because no one, not even any of her fellow Old Lords, is intelligent enough to understand it.

Kindler is arrogant to the point of being delusional. Gazer is… probably the only one out of those five who actually has her head on straight.

Honestly, she’s also probably the closest to being a good person, as well? Whenever she plays with mortals, it’s usually some kind of simple challenge with fair enough rules, which only gets violent if those rules are broken.

Retonydunfir (aka Rattler)

The God of Decay, associated with vultures. The name Rattler comes from the bones all over his body. Known as the Harbinger of Decay.

Rattler is… you know how I just said Gazer’s probably the only sane one there? He’s close to being sane. Not quite there yet, though.

His base personality is best described as the archetypical cranky grandfather who says the most appalling and racist things as if he’s just talking about the weather. Except Rattler is more intimidating than that.

He works slightly differently to the other Lords in that his powers are fueled. When something somewhere in the universe dies or decays- no matter how great or small- he gains power.

He is obsessed with what he calls the “art” of decay. Partly because it fuels his powers, but mainly because he’s just, for lack of a better term, a nightmare fetishist.

This stretches not only to physical decay, but mental decay as well. Unlike Nibbly, he’s very patient, and prefers to make people suffer through slow torment that steadily gets worse as it continues, rather than just… eating them.

Definitely not someone you want to have on your bad side… or your good side, as he’s known to subject some of his own followers to similar things once they die. What they endured his room (and, to this day, continue to endure in Nibbly’s room) can only be described as a really big, really long retelling of I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream.

Stinturmor (aka Stinger)

The Goddess of War and Discord, and probably my favourite out of the old Lords in Black? Her associated animal is an ant, because ants go to war with each other all the time. She’s known as the Gyne General (a gyne being the primary reproductive female in a system of insects, i.e. an ant queen).

She has two forms in total. The first and more commonly seen one is a small cartoony blue ant. The second… I can’t talk about what the second one looks like.

She’s also the first of the Old Lords to have her room fully designed. It’s a medieval castle on a hill (🎶 AS THE STORY GOES 🎶), mainly either royal blue or baby blue in colour.

She likes ponies, drinking tea with honey, and drawing her favourite mortals all being horrifically tortured whilst laying on her little princess bed with her feet kicking in the air like a toddler.

…Yeah.

So the main inspiration for Stinger, as well as my headcanon voice for her, was The Ghost of Christmas Present from Scrooged. If you’ve watched that, I’m sure you’ll know exactly what Stinger’s going to be like in the story, specifically when talking to Pokey.

The reason why that specifically is her personality is because, if Pokey represents peace and harmony, she represents war and discord. Dissonance, conflict, contrasting elements between characters.

So naturally, my only option with her was to play up the general vibe of the canon LiB, giving her two sides: the first being this cutesy little whimsical creature who talks like she’s from Oz, and the second being a horrible nightmare that’ll torture you for days on end, kill you as soon as she gets bored, and then resurrect you as soon as she gets bored of all her other favourite playthings.

She also has the ability to summon any weapon at will. And I do mean any weapon, even ones that she shouldn’t feasibly be able to wield. She prefers ones from the Dark Ages or beforehand, but unfortunately for you, our dearest Stinger doesn’t exactly believe in consistency.

For this very reason, I am very much looking forward to writing a scene in Hidden Depths where she just nonchalantly whips out a grenade launcher.

[sketching-shark]

hmmmmmmMmMMMMM so lego show spoilers ahead & good chance this is just me misunderstanding things and/or being too harsh on a silly goofy lego show and/or hanging onto an increasingly dwindling hope that Monkie Kid will give a better explanation for the Monkey King’s behavior than they’ve so far done beyond “Sun Wukong’s a impulsive idiot 5 eva,” but does it seem to anyone else that in the process of making a number of the villains from Journey to the West more relatable that it’s resulted in Sun Wukong just coming off as worse and worse? (to say nothing of the “intelligent” part of “intelligent stone monkey” seems to be getting dissolved in favor of hyperfocusing on the ol’ chaotic/impulsive characterization but that’s a conversation for another day).

Like in the og classic one of the things that makes the Monkey King a fascinating character is that he IS very violent, BUT his violence always has a clear reason with clear thinking behind it & which he’s often shockingly honest about. So to give a few examples! Why did Sun Wukong wage his havoc against heaven? Because heaven sent an entire army against him after he ruined one(1) banquet. Why did he attack the yaoguai kings of the Lion-Camel ridge? Because they were planning to eat the Tang monk (and had already eaten tons upon tons of other humans like holy HELL the description of their actions & their cave is gnarly). Why did he murder the Six-Eared Macaque? Because the Six-Eared Macaque attacked his pilgrim family, aimed to murder-replace him, and was using SWK’s monkey family as his personal tools to do so. So this SWK is a murderer many times over as he himself freely admits, but he tends to have pretty clear & dare I say understandable reasons for being a murder monkey.

But in Monkie Kid? Well, turns out that Sun Wukong convinced his sworn brothers to attack heaven again AFTER his havoc in heaven, and presumably thus got them all in a heap of trouble/trapped in an evil scroll for something he instigated! Why did he attack the other yaoguai kings? I guess he’s just a power-hungry jerk who betrays everyone now! Why did he murder the Six-Eared Macaque? Ditto the previous quote.

Now there is some slight indication that this betrayal of his former sworn brothers was because he was literally tortured into submission by heaven, but this only comes in a brief hint, while again the focus seems to be on how thoroughly Sun Wukong hurt and failed literally everyone he’s ever cared for up into the show’s present. And this has been true for the past couple of seasons. IDK, maybe this will all end with him being the ultimate example of “even if you are struggling with crushing grief and guilt & feel like you need to solve everything by yourself you need to accept help & tell people things,” but for the time being it’s honestly just making the Monkey King seem like someone who’s incapable of doing the right thing or changing for the better and who no one would possibly want to interact with.

Kind of does make the sudden concern for SWK that characters who clearly hate his guts or have some beef with him show when he gets locked in the evil scroll weird. Like, why do you care?

[terabyteturtle]

SSBU Roster's Building Skills

Would (insert character name) be good at building something? (These are merely my headcanons.)

Mario - 1000%. One of his alternate costumes is a builder costume for Pit's sake.

Donkey Kong - Not really. Would probably use too much brute strength and accidentally smash something. Besides, construction sites jog too many bad memories.

Link - Pre-Ultrahand? Maybe. Post-Ultrahand? Absolutely.

Samus - Definitely, but I think she'd be more well-versed in futuristic technology stuff as opposed to the classic hammer and nail.

Dark Samus - Would rather destroy something.

Yoshi - The most he could probably build is a Lego set, and even then, he probably couldn't keep himself from trying to eat the pieces.

Kirby - Same as Yoshi, except he somehow nearly choked on a Lego once and hasn't dared to try eating one again since.

Fox - He knows a little bit on how to repair ships, but for the most part, he doesn't have much knowledge on building things. Typically, he lets Slippy handle that stuff. He'd be a quick learner, though.

Pikachu - Probably wouldn't be able to sit still for long enough to do it. He's best used as a retriever for parts and tools.

Luigi - Absolutely. He might not have had his builder outfit make it to Smash, but he's just as capable as Mario.

Ness - Doesn't have much experience, but this kid can build whatever he puts his mind to. He might need some helping hands, though, because there's nothing you can't achieve with the power of friendship on your side.

Captain Falcon - Better at repairing than building. I can honestly see him being the type of guy to turn the instructions upside down when something confuses him.

Jigglypuff - Could probably build a Jenga tower if she tried hard enough, but would rather tell others to build stuff for her.

Peach - Doesn't have much experience with building anything, but she's determined and won't stop 'til she gets it right. She'd probably want to have the assistance of the Toads.

Daisy - Same thing as Peach, except she'd be too stubborn to ask for help.

Bowser - Depends on what it is. If it's something for his kids, then he'd try his best to make it himself, usually coming out with amazing results. If it's anything else, he'd step off to the side and let others do it for him.

Ice Climbers - Sure, they're handy with toys and stuff, but they don't really know where to start when it comes to bigger projects. Hand them a set of instructions and things might turn out okay.

Sheik - Yes. Sheik's smart enough to build anything, no matter what it might be.

Zelda - Also yes. She can construct a phantom knight with her powers, and wisdom is kinda her whole thing, so she'd be good at figuring out how to build something. Plus, she has the blood of the goddess, so she could probably just wish to build something and---ta-da!---it's done.

Dr. Mario - Same as Mario. I mean, they're the same person, after all.

Pichu - No. This adorable fluffball would have too much energy and not enough attention span.

Falco - He also lets Slippy handle everything construction-related, but he has more knowledge on the subject than Fox does (at least, when it comes to spaceship stuff).

Marth - Has probably never seen a hammer used for anything other than combat in his life. He'd be good at giving commands, but he'd rather leaving the building itself to the professionals.

Lucina - Pretty good at building models, but has never tried her hand at anything life-sized.

Young Link - Yes. He's actually gotten quite skilled with crafting things out of wood.

Ganondorf - Why build something yourself when you can just take someone else's work and call it your own?

Mewtwo - Are you kidding? This guy has telekinesis on his side; he can build whatever he puts his mind to. Literally. Which is probably not a good thing for the other fighters.

Roy - I don't know for sure, but he could probably put those strong arms of his to good use.

Chrom - He'd probably be pretty good at it, considering how strongly he believes in being able to achieve something with enough faith and determination.

Mr. Game & Watch - Only good at building extremely specific things. His 2D-ness kinda limits his options.

Meta Knight - Bro built his own airship. I think he's more than capable.

Pit - Now here's a guy that I think would be pretty good at building something. Unless you hand him a set of instructions, that is.

Dark Pit - Same as Pit, except he'd find a way to burn the instructions out of frustration.

Zero Suit Samus - Would actually be more capable than before now that she has two working hands as opposed to one hand and a cannon arm.

Wario - He's actually quite handy, but more often than not, he's too lazy and would gladly let others do it as long as they don't ask to get paid for it.

Snake - Yes, yes, yes. This man is good with his hands.

Ike - I can see him being able to build weapons and help out with the heavy lifting on big projects.

Squirtle - Isn't great at building things himself (especially if they're taller than him), but is a great assistant.

Ivysaur - Contrary to what most might think, she’s pretty good at building things. Her vines help her do a lot of heavy lifting, and she’s smart enough to figure out how to put stuff together.

Charizard - Tries his best, but accidentally ends up crushing or destroying whatever he's trying to build. Can not handle delicate projects.

Diddy Kong - Absolutely. This little guy is incredibly crafty, having fashioned his own peanut popgun and rocketbarrel jetpack.

Lucas - Again, with the power of friendship, anything's possible. Would rather build stuff with buddies than do it by himself.

Sonic - No, mainly because he wouldn't be able to focus. Sonic strikes me as the type of guy who just can't sit still for too long.

King Dedede - Yet another lazy one who'd rather have minions do it for him. Also, he ate concrete once just because he was curious about the taste.

Olimar - Probably one of the best builders on the roster. Calm, cool, collected, and has plenty of experience with numerous types of builds.

Lucario - Doesn't have much experience with building things, but would be good at it considering he's got nerves of steel.

R.O.B. - Can easily build and repair stuff as long as it's not himself. If that's the case, then he might have a few problems.

Toon Link - Will try his best, but needs tons of extra help and guidance.

Wolf - Is best at building and repairing guns and spaceships. Can not work collaboratively. Do not pair him up with anyone else unless you want to witness a fight.

Villagers - Definitely. These cheeky little dudes are excellent craftsmen and are natural-born leaders. Their cities and islands wouldn't be where they were today without them.

Mega Man - He was originally created to be an assistant to Dr. Light, so chances are he probably would be pretty good at helping with a project.

Wii Fit Trainers - No. They're too focused on exercise to know how to do anything else.

Rosalina & Luma - Absolutely! Rosalina created an entire functional Comet Observatory, for Pit's sake!

Little Mac - His hands are made for punching, not building.

Greninja - Probably not due to zero interest and zero experience.

The Mii Fighters - A troop of train wrecks. I can't see these guys getting anything done, especially if they're in the same room with each other.

Palutena - She's a goddess. She could probably build whatever she wants.

Pac-Man - Not unless he has plenty of Power Pellets to eat. This guy gets cranky and demotivated on an empty stomach.

Robin - This tactician has no building skills whatsoever aside from making D&D models.

Shulk - Can repair weapons with ease, but doesn't have much experience otherwise. If he's really feeling it though, he'll stop at nothing to make sure that whatever he builds is perfectly functional.

Bowser Jr. & The Koopalings - Now here's a crafty bunch. All of them have immaculate crafting skills and can find a way to make something no matter what you give them. Putting them all together, you have one hell of a construction crew. If only they'd use their building skills for something other than mischief...

Duck Hunt - Tries, but fails every single time (which is kinda expected considering neither of them have opposable thumbs). The sheriffs usually have to step in and take over.

Ryu - With his calm mind and big, strong arms, I think he'd hit the nail on the head (more so with construction projects than with anything technological).

Ken - He doesn't have the calm mind, but he does have the strong arms, so I think that would count for something (also more so with construction projects than with anything technological).

Cloud - Yes, but is more well-versed in weaponry and some forms of technology. It's not one of his most prominent skills, but it's something he has under his belt.

Corrin - They don't have much experience due to their upbringing, which makes them a little clueless to the process as a result. However, they'd be quick to learn if another fighter showed them how to build something.

Bayonetta - Would rather have others do it for her, and if anyone has any complaints, they better ask their mum how to speak to a lady.

Inklings - No. It wouldn't be long for it to turn into a turf war.

Ridley - Would rather burn everything to the ground.

Simon - Is resourceful when it comes to constructing weapons and preparing holy water. Has more knowledge about old-school structures than modern ones.

Richter - Same as Simon, except that his knowledge extends to different types of traps as well.

King K. Rool - This is the type of stuff he has minions for.

Isabelle - Doesn't have any experience when it comes to building itself, but would be excellent at organization.

Incineroar - Would be good at it if he focused enough, but unfortunately this is not the case. Would somehow turn the whole thing into a competition and crush whatever he built if he didn't win.

Piranha Plant - Doesn't know how to build stuff and doesn't care either. Would probably eat the materials, as well as those trying to use them.

Joker - Yes, he's crafted various items that are useful for phantom thievery and is smart enough to comprehend how things are put together.

Hero - Also yes, especially if all of them are working together.

Banjo & Kazooie - I can see Banjo being good at building things, but Kazooie might have some problems.

Terry - Better at knocking things down than building things up, unless he's giving you a pep talk.

Byleth - They've definitely got the smarts for it. I wonder if there's a unit on architecture in their lesson plan...

Min-Min - Yes, she's pretty good at pottery when using her normal arms. Don't expect her to be able to build anything with her battle arms, though.

Steve & Alex - I don't even need to answer this one.

Sephiroth - Would rather burn everything to the ground x2.

Pyra - Not really due to inexperience, but is interested in learning how to forge weapons. Is great at working with others collaboratively.

Mythra - Also not great, except she'll try to learn stuff herself and would be too stubborn to accept help (which usually doesn't end too well).

Kazuya - Typically pays others to do it for him. Firmly believes that his hands were not meant to create but to destroy.

Sora - Yes, but he'd need help and assistance from others, especially if there's something he's stuck on. He's a firm believer that two heads (or more, if possible) are better than one.

Note: These are just my headcanons. Some characters I am less familiar with than others, though I tried my best to do some background research on them. If there is some sort of discrepancy here, please kindly let me know, and I will revise it.

[erigold13261]

>:3 I'm back with more headcanons

1. Bunny is banned from interacting with coconuts in D&D, don't ask why

2. Purl Hew likes taking people clothes, because clothes shopping is exhaustion and stuff

3. Yiruk will eat anything if dared so West and them are never allow to alone because West pulls out something wierd like literal grass and dares him to eat it

4. Kayane and Celine practice martial arts

5. Robato use to collect stamps, Yinu continues the tradition

6. Braam wrote a book about dad jokes as wedding gift to Catherine... Let's just say the book was mysteriously lost

7. Mystery Man hates golden girls don't ask he just does and Tatiana takes full advantage of that

8. Dodo is very photogenic, so is Tila they just don't having to take photos

9. Sayu, Haym, Dew and Eve love lego

10. Zuke is pretty flexible and does yoga with Mayday and Rin

1). Bunny is allergic to coconuts IRL so when in game she does stupid stuff with coconuts to make her character enraged or something. It never ends okay for the party and so the party has to keep her from coconuts. Otherwise she will sprint forward to a coconut and do whatever shenanigans she wants. It was never a problem until they got to a tropical land setting in game.

2). I read that as Purl likes taking people clothes shopping at first, which I do agree with, but also agree with the actual statement that Purl hates clothes shopping. It's both. Purl will take someone clothes shopping, let them grab whatever they want, and then pay for it all. But Purl will also just steal whatever clothes from 1010 (or West/Cyril if it fits or they can make it work) because clothes shopping for yourself sucks.

3). I don't think West is the type to dare someone to literally hurt themselves. Like yes, West will pull out random shit like a sponge or fruit peels, but not glass. Yiruk on the other hand probably would still eat dangerous stuff because of poor impulse controls. They would definitely try to eat super crushed up glass at one point not realizing just how dangerous that is.

4). Yes. Absolutely. I love this and I don't know if I have said this before, but I do think Celine at least likes watching fights so she wouldn't be opposed to learning to fight. Kayane would be the perfect help with that. Purl would also be willing to bring them to an underground fight club run by Joust if they wanted to see some REAL fights.

5). Either stamps or pennies. Maybe both. I like to think if Rubato did stamps, Yinu never got into it, but she always loved pennies so her and Papa started a penny collection together. After he died though she did start collecting both.

6). It was definitely Esther who would do that and not Braam, but she would also make that book and say it WAS from Braam as a joke. He tries to tell some of them but never says them right and messes up and it's just dumb and silly and people laugh but not at the joke itself.

7). He lived through Golden Girls and hated how popular the show was and how people would only ever talk about it in whatever work environment he was in at the time. It just because a show he hates even though he never watched it (just hate by association basically. He was an original hater lol). Tatiana on the other hand loved the show and will do whatever she can to try and get him to actually watch it at some point. So many Golden Girl memes and clips have been sent to Mystery Man.

8). Dodo always striking an amazing pose somehow without even trying when a picture is taken of him, while Tila is like Alan from the Amazing World of Gumball where she is always perfect in a photo. But neither of them like taking photos or having photos taken of them, so there isn't much out there of them in photographs.

9). Add Eloni and Sofa in that list and you are absolutely right. Eve and Haym make abstract stuff (Eve on purpose, Haym because he just likes sticking legos together), Sayu and Dew like making the sets, Eloni also likes making sets but her and Sofa also do those robotic stuff with legos and will make cars or working sculptures of like Minecraft blocks or something together.

10). May is not flexible at all but does her best. Some poses Zuke can't do fully because of his back problems, but he is still very flexible and does his best to get a full body movement session in. Rin is the most flexible and is able to do everything basically and has no real need for yoga but does it with Zuke and May to hang out.

[nightcall99]

Dreams from 19.8.24

Dream 1: I was at work and I'd just done a whole shift. I'm pretty sure it was past closing time because the lights were off and we were putting stuff away. But then a bunch of customers came in and I saw even more coming in from the front door until it was a small crowd of people waiting to be served. I was enraged. My co-workers were just serving them like nothing was wrong but I was so angry that these people showed up and wasn't having none of it. I descended onto the floor where the people were, lifted my chin up to project my voice and screamed at the top of my lungs. I said, Everyone get out now, Get out now. Over and over. I was so livid, I'd never felt such a sense of injustice in my life. There was no way I was doing more work, I had absolutely no capacity left and now, I was taking things into my own hands. The customers left. I could tell that my co-workers were stunned but they didn't dare say anything. I didn't see SM but I could sense him. He stayed quiet, respecting my choices.

Then we locked up. But there a delay in doing so, it took a bit of time. I was doing random stuff, I dunno why I kept having to use the toilet. It was night now. Two of my male coworkers were with me, who I don’t recognise from irl, but they helped me. The last thing we had to do was close the roller door and I was having trouble closing it. It wasn't closing in the regular way. There was two weird plastic Lego planks that you had to wedge under the door and then you had to step on the bottom bar of the door to get it to stick on the planks. This was essentially how it was locked. I kept jumping on the bar, using my entire body weight but despite being by guided by the two dudes, it wouldn't shut. I tried several times, and the dudes ended up making sure the door was shut for me. It was ridiculous because the way it was 'closed' was weird af, there was a huge gap where anyone could get through. It was no secure at all. I zoomed out to get a proper view of what I was even doing and saw that the roller door was for some other store. My co-workers told me that this place is just something we have to lock up, that is part of the overall locking up procedure, even though it's a few doors down from the actual pharmacy. Behind this roller door, there was nothing. It's like we were just locking up an empty lot. There was barely enough space to fit half a car behind that door. I sort of shrugged and left it.

Then I think I was at someone's house with those two dudes. There were hotel rooms, it was like a waiting area. I was lying down on a makeshift bed on the floor trying to get some sleep and someone was sleeping beside me. I was in closer proximity to this person than I would have liked but tried to ignore it because at least I was getting some rest. Then a third girl plopped herself down on my right side and now all three of our bodies were touching. There was not enough room to even turn. The situation was not ideal in the least but again, I tried to ignore it and continued sleeping but when I got up the girl on my right had her period and the blood was all over me. I was so angry about this, the girl didn’t even react or say sorry. I went to the bathroom to clean it up but there wasn’t anything to use to clean up properly. I really didn’t like this hotel situation, it felt like I had to leave. As I was leaving, I came across those two dudes from before but there was something truly off about them now. They seemed like high (in a bad way) or like they were junkies now. Their energy made me so uncomfortable. They were leaving too and I didn’t know how to get home I was honestly a little terrified of being by myself. I tried to follow them but I think they were trying to cut me loose, in fact I think they went back do the hotel which is not what I wanted to do. I accepted that I needed to part ways with them and went off down the street. I gave them one last look and I saw that one of the dudes looked like SM or my ex I’m not sure since they had blue eyes. I had this expectation that he and I were friends (especially because he had been one of the people who helped me with the door) and he would look out for me but when I looked into his eyes, they seemed rabid. Whoever it had been, it wasn’t them anymore. I walked away half-disappointed, half-afraid. One good thing is when I disappeared down the street, the one I thought I knew seemed to make a mental note that I had turned left down the street. I felt like he might message me later to make sure I got home ok.

I walked around unsure of how to get home, everything was super eerie and I felt so unsafe. It was so dark. I was trying to find a train station but I didn’t know how to get there, or had a general idea of the path but wasn't able to get there. I was so lost. I had an idea to catch an Uber and went down what I thought was a quiet road with more light, so it'd be easy for the driver to pick me up but inadvertently I ended up on a freeway road. There were no cars on the freeway itself but I knew that it was illegal to be here. I saw a police vehicle go by, which made my hair stand on end. The energy of it was so dense and so dark, it was like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie. The vehicle was like the cross between a UFO and battle tank and seemed to be conducting surveillance as it moved at a slow pace down the street. Inside was one policeman who was speaking Vietnamese into the radio/machine which was making all sorts of beeping noises. He didn’t see me but I felt so intimidated and terrified because the energy was so horrible and dark, I just knew I had to get away. I managed to get off the freeway and while doing so and a couple of other times in this dream, I suffered from a nose bleed which wouldn’t completely stop. Every time it did, it would just start leaking again. I could feel my noise become wet and I would dab it with the small bit of tissue I had. Thankfully only a little came out but it was inconvenient and just added to the air of dread and fear.

I was still undecided on how I was getting home. I was still thinking I’d get a train but pretty sure and resolute on getting an Uber. I could hardly see what I was doing. Even the brightness on my phone was way down and it's like I couldn't increase the brightness. I had trouble ordering the Uber. In this dream, I had a second encounter to do with the authorities and I experienced it in the same super dark way like the one before, but I don't remember the details. All I know is it was equally as disconcerting. It sorta felt like end times. Everything had become so desolate, hopeless and barren. It was like a sci-fi dystopian world and I woke up from it as if from a nightmare, in a sweat.

Dream 2: SM and I were at some computer lab and the shop owner (FN) randomly showed up and showed us some fragrance oil he made. The whole interaction felt really contrived, was passionless, like he just stood there and did a talk for a few minutes. He had a sample which he showed us. A bright yellow oil inside a cylindrical glass roller-bottle which home-made, but unique. I already knew I wanted to try it and I think SM did too. However, the product FN ended up handing over to us looked different to the demo product. It was much smaller, had no label or anything to denote it was special. It wasn't what we were expecting.

Then in the next scene, all three of us were sitting on one chair as FN was showing us something on the computer. My body was in contact with FN's. I kept thinking in my head how little he seemed, so feminine and with such small hands. Then FN left and SM expressed to me that he was mad. He didn't want this second-rate rendition of what was promised. He wanted to chase after FN and demand the first one he had showed us. I know that we had paid $40 for them, I remember handing over two $20 notes. The boss was probably still making his way down the building and I said to SM, You better go chase after him then. And so he did. He came back not longer after and showed me that he managed to get it swapped over to the other one but when we looked the replacement, it was not the one from the demo. It was a definitely a bigger glass bottle but the product was only filled like 1/3 of the way. So either way we were getting the same amount of product. Then FN came back to explain and said, Oh it only looks like that because the bottle is bigger, it's still the same amount of product you're getting. I even helped FN explain and said, Yeah you’re not being cheated or anything like that it's just an illusion that you're getting less because it's a bigger bottle. But it still looked lacklustre, and not like the one he showed us in the demo, which was definitely better and had more volume of product than the two iterations we'd been given. Then FN was explaining or talking to someone else on the phone and he didn't think we'd heard. He was like, Yeah I had to get rid of those blah blah. I knew he was referring to what we'd just brought from him and the energy was that he only had a few bottles left and needed to make a profit or he was at a loss. It felt like it was something FN had created and made with his bare hands but it was like a failed side business and he just thought he could swindle us. He had manipulated us and even though I knew this and SM knew it too, we said nothing.

[sixtypackofcrayola]

Ooooohh❤️❤️❤️ Lovesick Monkey King and Maquace are adorable!! Can we have MK, RedSon and Nezha affected by a love potion too?? Pretty please🙏🙏

well since ya asked so nicely

✰ LOVESICK (Part 2) ✰

Fandom; LEGO Monkie Kid Character List; MK, Red Son, Nezha Genre(s); big helping of Fluff for ya Pronouns; None used for Reader TW/CW; None

A/N; you can read lovesick for macaque and wukong here if ya like + i dont think nezha can get any kinda sick but its ok :smile:

🌷

-I think Nezha would realize what’s going on and try to fight the effects for a bit, but inevitably he’s done for  -And once they are completely under the effects, they’re like a mix of Wukong’s clingyness and Macaque’s nonstop flirting -Ik I say this a lot, but ohu boy -Nezha isn’t usually super touchy, but once you come around/he sees you he is all over you. Craves their partner’s touch even more, loves feeling you close to him, holding your hands or face -Put your arms around his waist they will internally lose it -They’ll gently take your hand and kiss it n call you prince/princess -He’s oddly poetic with his words sometimes when he flirts with you, expect a bit of flowery language  -Suddenly very forward but also easy to fluster so keep that in mind -Smoother tone, speaks a bit softer  -Again, expect flowers -A little more protective, kinda looms behind you. If you two happened to be in public with them disguised, they wouldn’t give anyone you talk to a dirty look per-say, but there’s definitely this aura. Not inherently scary, but enough to make someone slightly more careful with what they say to you -He seems to smile more with you too, no matter what you’re doing. They’re enthralled by how you manage to be stunning with every little movement -If he could still partially think clearly and didn’t know they were under some kind of influence, he’d think they were definitely sick. Except they don’t get sick.. so after that he’s lost -I’m not gonna say the title.  -Alternate scenario; they’re like half under the effects bc Nezha is just less affected by things like this. And they say and do all these things but occasionally after there’ll be like a moment where they partially snap out of it and just; “That was so- Gods, I’m sorry for that, I- I mean it’s not like it isn’t true! It’s just.. bolder than how I would’ve.. Sorry-” ‘n get a little flustered over what he said to you -Their thoughts are flooded with you and it’s not that they hate it, it’s just overwhelming, all these loving emotions suddenly amplified by like 20 -”When does this wear off...”

🔥

-Someone’s getting a bit possessive  -Will always try to keep you close to them, they want you to themselves -And it’s not really harmful,, they wouldn’t dare hurt you and they’re not gonna capture you or anything. If you do wanna leave they’ll eventually let you! They just really want you with them,, -Not as physically clingy as some of the others, in fact, you touching him at all especially if it’s a loving touch like holding his hands, arm, face or kissing him anywhere will set his hair aflame -And if you weren’t already together, they would try to deny at least some of what he’s feeling towards you and how their face gets so red when you merely lean on them, but inevitably they’ll break as well -Obsessed with you, everything you do, your reactions to him. They’re suddenly even more aware of every little detail that makes you you and he’s simply falling faster -Tries to impress you with his magic or one of his newer creations and if you say you like it he’s beyond happy. I can just see the floating hearts my guy -Will get you anything you ask for. Want this specific item? Say no more! Craving a certain food? I mean, in his words he’s practically a professional cook so don’t even worry about it -Also might ask you to marry them, y’know as one does. A few times throughout the day when you’re just doing anything. Lovesick, bro. -Roll credits -And later would actually approach you with a ring and everything and ask you to marry them,, like, right then. -And if you say it’s probably too early for that he’ll get a bit upset, but they’ll ask if you’ll marry them one day at least because they are absolutely in love with you and if ya say yes they��ll still give you the ring and promise to get you an even better one when you do get married! 

💫

-Basically, like father like son -Also annoyingly sweet and cheesy with all the pet names he can think of, except he’ll actually use your name sometimes -Distracted by you while doing anything. The most wholesome thoughts from this man he just really wants a bunch of kisses from you and for you to tell he’s pretty because he’ll certainly be telling you that all day! -Stares at you lovingly if you’re farther from him, heart eyes and all -Pages full of doodles of you in his sketchbook with little hearts around -If you aren’t together quite yet he will definitely be embarrassed of and hiding those from anyone after this wears off -Also gets flustered with even little touches you give him and he’s tryna play it off but... no -Praises you for just normal things you do. You could just be wiping down a counter and he’d be like; “Wow, you’re uh- Really good at cleaning! Heh-” -Attempts to flirt, half fails but it’s cute -Either he trips somehow and you catch him and the way you look at him has his heart doing flips or he’s distracted by your beautiful face when he tries to- -Will ramble about you if he’s with others even if you’re around and he’ll say the sweetest things about you but he’s been going on for several minutes -Subtly but no so subtly tries to keep you to himself for the day. He doesn’t really wanna force you to stay with him but- -”Oh haha sorry! Me and [Name] are- gonna go doing something right now! Together! Us, together! Going to- somewhere! Yep, haha- uh, my bad but we gotta go, kay byeee!”  -Wants to spend as much time near you as possible, he loves looking at your face and he definitely will say that getting lost in your eyes line or something what’d I tell ya -Give him kisses all over his face he will absolutely melt and be a flustered giggling mess it’s what he’s wanted all day -Might purposefully let you win in Monkey Mech which he would never do otherwise so it got you a little more concerned,, orrr he’d try to play his best but the way you look so confident and determined and excited while trying to beat him has him distracted again ( Fin ~ ��✰ )

[reidsbookclub]

Mastermind

loosely inspired by: Mastermind by Taylor Swift Pairing: Spencer Reid x nanny! fem reader WC: 829

Henry could see how his godfather always looked sad and gloomy as much as Henry loved that he could spend all the time in the world learning new things from Spencer, late at night when Spencer and JJ were off fighting serial killers. Will had late nights at the precinct his nanny would put him to sleep with fairytales and it was those same fairytales that had him wishing to the second star to the right that his godfather and his nanny would meet. He knew deep down that they would be perfect together. 

Henry set his plan in motion, laid down the groundwork and hope that everything else would fall into place. it started with perfectly planning a perfect meet-up between the two. He knew he shouldn't lie but he would just to finally see his godfather happy for once. It started with asking Spencer to get Friday lunches with him, knowing Y/N would be there taking care of him. Escalating to “forgetting” stuff at Spencer’s and begging Y/N to take him to get them.  He even proclaimed Friday night's “Game Night” with Y/N and Spencer hoping that they would not only get together but also in hopes he would soon have a cousin to play with. 

Henry saw the secret glances Spencer would give Y/N and was growing impatient as to why he wouldn’t make a move. So much so that while Y/N was taking the cookies out of the oven he whispered, “Uncle Spencer if you think she is pretty you should tell her. Maybe even ask her for coffee.” Spencer and Y/N, who had overheard couldn't help but chuckle, a knowing smirk shared between the two. They both had noticed that Henry was trying to set them up but neither had the heart to tell him that they in fact had already met prior to when Henry “introduced” them. They also would never dare tell Herny that dating was off the table for both of them.

Henry knew something was up when JJ told him that Y/N had to take Friday off and instead Penelope would be watching over him. As much as he loved his aunt Penny he was making so much effort to get Y/N and Spencer together he didn’t want to risk his plan falling through. 

“Aunt Penny,” Henry asked looking up at her with the biggest pleading puppy eyes he could manage, “I forgot my favorite lego set at uncle Spencer’s can we please go get it? The boy asked. Penelope knew what Spencer would be up to that Friday afternoon but she didn’t have the heart to take her godson no so she did the 30 min drive to Spencer’s apartment. 

Henry kept on knocking on Spencer’s door restlessly come on, uncle spencer open up he thought, what Henry never would expect for Y/N to open the door dressed in the cardigan he gifted Spencer and an apron covered with flour. 

“Henry what are you–” “Y/N why are you–” They both asked at the same time looking shocked to find each other at the door, but what shocked Henry the most was his godfather’s voice saying, “My love, who is that at the door?” It was then that Henry looked down, and say Y/N wearing a wedding band, one that he knew matched a band his godfather often wore around his neck. 

“YOU ARE MARRIED?? BUT MY PLAN?” Henry screamed, barging in and causing Spencer to choke on his drink. 

“How did you get here Henry?” “Aunt Penny drove me” He stuttered. 

“I’ll text Penny to let her know that she can leave. And JJ and Will so they know Henry is here.” Y/N whispered. 

“But–but its our anniversary” Spencer pouted. “Spencer shush he is your godson” Y/N couldn’t help but muffle a giggle as she whispered. 

During their impromptu dinner for three, Henry told Spencer and Y/N every little thing he did to get his nanny and his godfather together. The dining room was filled with laughter getting to hear all the schemes Henry pulled to get them together. 

“ so uncle Spencer how did you ask her to marry you?” Henry asked

“ well Henry it all started when I strategically bumped into her at the coffee shop” to this she couldn’t help but giggle “strategically my ass, he dumped my coffee all over my new shirt…why don’t I tell this story, my love?” 

“Because, sweetheart, it was strategic, it was a checkmate I couldn't loose or have you forgotten how I repeated the same thing when I asked you to marry me, and all you did was smile, when will you realize I’m the mastermind that trapped us .” JJ and Will overhearing the conversation couldn’t help but smile because they knew all along that the real mastermind was them strategically asking their friends to show up in that coffee shop 4 years ago, yet never showing up themselves, instead letting the dominoes cascade into the wonderful relationship they knew would unfold, because after all nothing is ever accidental if you plan the strategy that sets the scene for the tale.

AN: I promise I usually write better than this!!

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[cheolkanojo]

BAMBIIIII AKDHSKDJ I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF REPLYING TO OUR CONVO WHEN I ACCICENTALLY CLICKED UR BLOG AND SAW THE UPDATE AKDHSKDJA I IMMEDIATELY RUSHED HERE AAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

as usual, lemme scream abt EVERYTHING

(warning: there will be an overuse of the crying and heartbroken emoji. and it’s YOUR fault)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA THE START IS SO SO DOMESTIC IM SO?!?!:&:)*{% 😭😭😭 NOT THE WAY YOU DESCRIBE HOW THEIR TOOTHBRUSH ARE NEXT TO E/O AND HOW CHEOL HOLDS HER THROUGH THE PHONECALL?!?!&/)3!: MY HEART CANT TAKE THIS???? THIS IS TOO SWEET BUT WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED AFTERWARDS EXCUSE ME?!?! 💀💀💀💀 oh god DAMMIT I SHOULD’VE KNOW WHEN YOU SAID IT’S CALM BEFORE THE STORM. ain’t no drama w/o some good misunderstanding 🥹 💔 when u say cheol’s not smart with his words lemme just say he’s a freaking DUMBASS

(BUT HOW THE HELL DID YOU STILL MAKE CHERRY’S RUNAWAY SCENE SO COMEDIC OH MY GOD AKDHSKDHSK YEAH GO BURN THOSE LEGOS, GURL 😭😭)

oh shit OH SHIT IM CRYING OVER HER CONVO WITH JEONGHAN AAAAHHH HANNIE IS SUCH A THOUGHTFUL PERSON 😭😭😭 THIS PART IS SO SWEET OMGGG SKDHSKFJDKD “you deserve more” IM NOT SOBBING HUWAAAAAAA why is hannie so sweet i cant take this anymore 😭💔😭💔

ah… the scene back home broke my heart sm 😢💔 it’s just… so sad that she has to think that she’s losing her friends/the people she met through cheol just bcs of her sort of?? broken?? relationship with cheol 💔 THIS BREAKS MY HEART UGHHHHHH EVERYTHING ABT THIS SCENE BREAKS MY HEART. the way she thinks of cheol and thinks of her feelings for him… the way she FINALLY admits abt the things she feels around him YET ALSO BEING IN DENIAL BCS OF THEIR FIGHT… IM SO SAD

I MISS THEM I MISS CHEOLCHERRY SO MUCH AAAAAAA 😭😭💔💔

…sigh. here we go again. FUCK YOUUUUU HAJUNNNN 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 oh yeah if i was mad the chapter before THIS ONE IS JUST ☠️☠️☠️☠️ im not gonna lie this part was kind of triggering so i kinda skimmed over it ajdhskdh 😭

but AHAHAHAH FINALLY. FINALLY!!!! FINALLY CHEOL SNAPS AND JUST TELLS HAJUN TO FUCK OFF. I AM VERY VERY SATISFIED 😁😁 RATING THIS 100/10. i love how sassy cherry is here tho lololol AND GAHHHH I LOVE HOW ASSERTIVE AND INTIMIDATING CHEOL IS HERE AAAAAAA FINALLYYYY 😭😭😭 finally he’s treating hajun as she DESERVES 👎🏻👎🏻

((im sorry im having so much fun seeing how pathetic hajun is before she leaves))))

ah yes, to their convo tho. AAAAAAAAKDHSJD now we’re back to being sad 🥲🥲🥹🥹😭😭😭😭😭 oh god cherry dont u understand how WHIPPED choi seungcheol is for you?!?! w/o this scene happening i just KNOW he’ll be there for her show!!! HAAAH it’s just SO SAD seeing her losing hope towards every nice things she built with cheol. like her friendship w/ their mutual friends. and the feelings the have for e/o. 💔💔💔

(at the very least, her home starts to feel more like home… and it’s nice to know that 🥹🥹 altho seoah’s timing w/ the call is just too… 💀💀)

when their eyes meet again for the last time… NAURRRRRR IM SO HEARTBROKENNNN “it ranges from longing to worry to hope” I AM CRYINGGGGGGGG 😭😭😭 and it’s the fact that cherry herself possibly still hopes to be with him too— SIGHHHH

AAAAAAAA HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO MEEE BAMBIIIII the start was all domestic and then BOOM THE WHOLE CHAPTER IS JUST ANGST 😭😭💔💔 BUT I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF READING IT…

also it’s. kinda. idk? ironic? that the title pretty please stay with me probably, at first, sounds like it comes from cherry, but now it’s cheol who seems rly rly scared of losing her… 🥹🥹💔💔 (another idea for a bonus scene if you ever feel like writing one tho: cheol’s pov of 4 weeks of cherry’s absence 😋 i want him suffering LMAO)

also WHATTTT the next chapter is the last chapter?!?! AKDHSKDHSKDHS i both can’t wait and DON’T WANT THIS SERIES TO END SO QUICKLY… 😭😭😭 but i do want to appreciate you for coming so far! every chapter has been amazing and super impactful!! and you even update regularly, wow, you’re truly amazing 😭😭✨✨

again, thank you so so much for writing this (no i wont stop saying this. you need to know how grateful i am to you bcs thx to pretty please i have sth to look forward every weekend 😭)

this comment is so long wtf. im sorry. i guess i got overexcited AKDHSKDJSK okay it’s almost 1 am here i need to sleep now lolol

last but not least, as usual, CHEOL LOVES AND ADORES YOU ♥️♥️ and so do i 🫶🏻✨

pretty please (stay with me) || c.sc || 5

“After being assigned a fashion show for your big senior project, you set off to find volunteers to make it successful. However, when you meet Choi Seungcheol and his unfriendly clique through your volunteers, you realize they’re an unwanted package deal you can’t escape from. Can you handle Seungcheol’s obnoxious friends, and can he handle your brash behavior?”

🍒 Pairing: businessMajor!Seungcheol x fashionMajor!Reader (afab)

🍒 Rating/Genres/AUs: M(18+); Slice of life (!!!), slow burn, drama, fluff, angst; Unrequited enemies to lovers, strangers to lovers, college au

🍒 Warnings: General tws + seungcheol's not smart with his words, name calling not in bed (bitch), mention of murder (jokingly), slut-shaming

🍒 WC: 11.6k

🍒 Betas: Sarah, Indi, Kelly, Freya 🤩

🍒 Author’s Note: I love seeing everyone's reactions to the chapters so far! The last chapter was the calm before the storm, so prepare for lots of angst in this chapter 🫣 Thank you for reading, and please enjoy the early upload ♥️

also read here: AO3 | Wattpad

seventeen masterlist | main masterlist

previous chapter \\ pretty please masterpost // next chapter

Waking up in Seungcheol's bed is a lot more relaxing this time.

Partly because Seungcheol has your back pressing against his chest, an arm slung over your body, and his head nestled against yours. You rest an arm over his as you take a deep breath, recalling the memories from last night. The events flash in front of you as if you’re clicking through a view master. From Dae and you drinking to both of you on the floor, to hitting Hajun, to the argument you had with Seungcheol, to having his body moving with yours.

You thought you were going to get closure last night, but you only opened the wound wider. It’s going to be harder to stay away from him. At this point, you don’t want to either. You just need to find a way to stop seeing his business friends every time you see Seungcheol. If anything, you are more willing to find alternatives than completely push him out of your life.

Seungcheol stirs behind you, body untangling from yours to switch sides. You think he’s going to get up, but he just stills again. You peer over your shoulder to look at him. He has his back to you now, so you can’t see his face. You decide to let him rest longer since it’s the weekend, after all.

You carefully climb out of bed and put on the hoodie and boxers he had given you last night. You walk to his bathroom, ready to freshen up, only to remember you didn’t come with anything. 

Your eyes land on his toothbrush. You can snoop around until you find a new one, but you don't want to risk his privacy. You can just use your finger… Ah, whatever, you’ll ask him really quickly, then let him go back to sleep.

Padding back to the bed, you carefully kneel in front of him. 

Seungcheol has never been unattractive, yet you didn’t find him that handsome initially. Though right now, he looks beyond stunning. Strands of his hair lay in front of his face, and his lips are in their natural downward position. Nothing has changed in his appearance from when you first met him, so why does your heart flutter at the sight of him at this moment?

Sighing at your never-ending thoughts, you reach out and shake him gently.

“Seungcheol?” you ask softly so as to not scare him awake. You expect to have to wiggle him a few more times, but he wakes up instantly. His eyes find yours easily and fill with worry as he starts to sit up. You begin to feel guilty waking him up for a silly toothbrush.

“You alright? Are you hurt?” he asks. His morning voice is as deep as you remember. Although it’s still attractive, you find it cute now. You’d fall asleep around him more just so you could hear his voice the next morning.

You give him a tiny reassuring smile. “I’m okay. I just wanted to know if I could have a spare toothbrush.”

Upon hearing your words, his body relaxes. He sits up fully and swings his legs over the edge of the bed. The covers fall down his body, pooling in his lap. You forgot he is naked. Now with the morning light, you can see his chest clearer. You had felt every inch of it last night, even saw it due to his lamp, but seeing it in a new light is another joy. Or perhaps it’s because your mind isn’t as cloudy.

“Of course, baby,” he rasps. The small chuckle accompanied by his response is low, and you want to hear it again.

Seungcheol steps from the bed, letting the cover fall half on the floor. You shake your head at his carelessness. While he retrieves a pair of sweats from his dresser, you pick up the cover from the floor.

“You could’ve just left it there,” he smiles as he strolls past you into the bathroom. You can’t help but make a mental correction in your daydreams—Seungcheol would wear sweats without a shirt.

“It was going to bother me,” you reply and turn to watch him. He leans down, opens the lower cabinet, and digs around until he lifts an unboxed toothbrush.

“For you,” he says and tilts it in your direction. You take it and free the brush. Seungcheol takes the trash from you as he stands, then points to the toothpaste on the counter. “Feel free to use it, okay?”

You nod. “Thank you. I’ll give you a new one in return,” you reply, starting to prep the toothbrush.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Seungcheol tosses the trash in the bin next to the sink, then pauses in his actions, as if debating on what to do. After a second, he quickly grabs his own toothbrush. You watch him silently while you brush your teeth. Soon, Seungcheol is copying your actions, giving you a smile in the mirror when he catches your stare. Your heart twists with affection, and seeing both your reflections—dressed in casual wear and doing a simple act—is all too domestic. 

Almost as if this is something that is normal for you two, but it isn’t. Not liking how comfortable you are starting to feel, you quickly rinse your mouth. Seungcheol reaches down and holds your hair back as you do so. Once you’re done, Seungcheol grabs the brush and places it in the container. He rinses his mouth next before setting his toothbrush down next to yours.

Who knew seeing two toothbrushes next to each other would be the cause of your mental spiral?

You walk from the bathroom and into the living room, trying to find your purse. He follows you slowly.

“You’re not about to make me a one-night stand, are you?” he asks. His voice is playful, but you know it isn’t a rhetorical question.

You think about it, but unfortunately, he’s your ride. The only other person you can call right now is hung over at another person’s apartment.

“I just wanted to see if Dae was okay,” you answer.

“Oh, right,” he says, seeming to have forgotten about her predicament. It doesn’t bother you, though. She isn’t his concern. “I put it over here.”

You turn to see him grabbing it. You walk over, taking it from him before fishing out your phone. Ah, of course. Dead.

Your pout must be evident on your face, because Seungcheol asks, “What’s wrong?”

You flip the phone over to show a black screen.

“No power,” you sigh and toss the useless brick of a phone back into your purse.

Seungcheol glances around, then leaves to grab something from another part of the room. It’s his phone.

He presses a few things on the screen before lifting the device to his ear.

“Hey,” he says and moves to sit on the couch. When he pats the spot next to him, you go over. 

“Yeah, she’s fine,” he continues.

From a close distance, you can faintly hear Joshua on the other end.

“That’s good,” Joshua says. “Dae’s up. She wasn’t doing too well earlier, but she seems better now.”

“Speaking of, Yn wanted to talk to her. Can you give the phone over?”

“Sure thing,” he answers.

Seungcheol gives you the phone with a small smile.

“Thanks,” you mutter and bring the phone to your ear. You lean back on the couch so your head is against the armrest. Seungcheol places your legs over his lap and begins massaging your calves. You give him a smile at his actions, his strong hands feeling nice against your skin. The sight of him shirtless doing a mundane act has butterflies forming in your tummy. You’re about to daydream about him, but Dae’s loud voice snaps you away from those thoughts.

“Did I really puke on you?!” Dae gasps on the other side. You pull the device from your ear slightly at the loud noise.

“Yeah, so not only do you owe me a pair of heels, you owe me a whole outfit too,” you tease.

“Pluh-ease, just take something of Seungcheol’s and call it a deal. I’m sure he’s got some designer clothes you can steal.”

Your eyes snap to him at her suggestion. Seungcheol has his focus on your legs, acting like he isn’t listening in, but the smile on his lips tells you he is.

“I don’t need his clothes,” you reply with a huff. “I just wanted to see if you were okay.”

“Considering I’m at a cute stranger’s apartment, in a cute stranger’s room, I’m doing just peachy.”

“You think Joshua is cute?” you ask. Okay, so this isn’t the time for girls talk, but the question leaves your lips before you can stop it.

Dae giggles. “A little. Don’t you?”

Seungcheol’s hands squeeze your legs as if challenging you to say yes.

Despite agreeing with Dae, you answer with a shrug, “He’s not ugly.”

Hopefully, that’s good enough to save your ass.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Dae concludes.

Your eyes flicker to Seungcheol to see his reaction. There’s a hint of a pout on his plump lips. You hold back a laugh. Still a baby, you think with a shake of your head.

“Hey, did those assholes leave you alone eventually? I started to black out. I don’t quite remember,” Dae wonders.

At the mention of Hajun and Hana, you avert your gaze from Seungcheol. 

“Sort of,” you trail off. They didn’t, but you don’t want to bad mouth Seungcheol’s friends in front of him. Not that it probably matters; it’s not a surprise you don’t get along. 

“It’s fine. Nothing I can’t handle.” You try to dismiss the topic.

“To an extent, Yn. I know you,” she says, more serious now. “Remember, don’t let them get to you. They’re the real whores. Oh, did they ever take that picture?”

Knowing Dae doesn’t want to let up on the conversation. You start to retract your legs from Seungcheol so you can go to another room. However, he grips your legs so you can’t move. You eye him confused, but he still doesn’t look at you. Sighing, you lay back down.

“I don’t know,” you answer honestly.

“Hm. I think Joshua stopped them. He said when he came out, neither of them had their phones out.”

“T-that’s good.”

“I just wanted to ask in case you saw otherwise,” she explains. “I know what I said before, but you’re right. Seungcheol should really lose them as friends.”

You speak fast before she can dive into the topic further.

“Look, I just called to see—”

“Well, besides that. Was Seungcheol nice to you last night?” she interrupts.

Your hands start to play with his hoodie as you try to ignore the fact he can hear everything. The answer depends on which part of the night she wants to refer to. He was not nice the first half, but the second half… You feel a shiver run down your spine at the thought of you two in bed. His hands and lips over your body as he made you feel so, so good.

Not wanting Seungcheol to question your response, you semi-lie, “Yes.”

“Hm,” she pauses. You can tell she thinks you’re lying by your delayed answer. “Did something happen between you two?”

Yes.

“No.”

Dae giggles. “I knew you liked him! You did the two-person tango with him, huh? You send me off to be babysat so you can have some freaky time.”

“Dae!” you scold and pull your legs from Seungcheol’s lap despite him trying to stop you again.

She gasps on the other line. “You haven’t had se—”

You jolt from the couch and briskly walk to the other side of the room.

“I should get going. I’m glad you’re fine though,” you rush.

“Alright, alright. We’ll talk later about that,” she laughs. “Do you need me to get Joshua to pick you up?” she asks. You finally looked at Seungcheol again. He’s looking at you now, face unreadable. Your heart races a little at not knowing what he’s thinking.

“No, I can get Seungcheol to drop me off.”

“Okay. I’ll be home soon and will probably go back to sleep.”

“Alright. Get back safely,” you reply.

“You too, Yn.”

You hang up the call and slowly walk toward him to give the phone back. You hate how silent it is.

“Pretend you didn’t hear anything,” you tell him.

You expect him to bring up your fight with his friends again, but instead, he asks about another part. One that takes you by surprise.

“You were a virgin?” His voice comes out hushed, but it’s so quiet you have no trouble hearing it. Rather than sounding frightened like some others may, he sounds doubtful. To your disappointment, he even chuckles under his breath.

Before you can completely digest his words, he adds, “So, I wasn’t number sixty-seven?”

Your body halts. 

Although you aren’t a virgin, you feel hurt by his implication that you sleep around. It’s then you recall Dae on the phone. You cut her off before she could finish her sentence. You haven’t had sex in a while, having dumped your ex for being a douche and not wanting to hook up with some rando from a bar in the meantime.

“You think I’ve slept with everyone on campus?” you ask, trying to keep your voice steady as you look for your ruined outfit from last night. There’s a sense of foreboding as you await his reply.

“Well, maybe not everyone,” he says slowly and raises his head to look at you. There’s a teasing tone hidden somewhere in that sentence, but you don’t find it funny.

You stare at him incredulously, your movements halting at his words. Is he serious right now? You’re not sure where this is coming from, but you don’t need to hear more. Wherever your outfit is, it can stay there. You don’t care about it that much to last another minute here looking for it.

“Ah, right. I just have people lining up as I keep my legs spread. Oh! But there are always newcomers that enroll. We can’t forget them, so you’re right. Not everyone,” you hiss out, mind ripping up every pleasurable thought you ever had about Seungcheol. All those minutes thinking of him are wasted in a blink of an eye.

“That’s not what I meant,” he replies with a shake of his head, standing up. “I meant you’re just too pretty to have not had se—”

“What a fucking pig,” you berate. “Being pretty doesn’t have anything to do with being a virgin or not. I can be pretty without being a whore.”

Panic rises in his eyes. “You’re right. I didn’t mean—I just… Shit.” He closes his eyes tightly for a moment, but you don’t wait for him to collect his thoughts.

“I see why you let your friends talk shit about me now,” you say as you snatch your purse from where you left it. You lock eyes with him when you continue, “It’s because you agree with them.”

It’s like the light bulb above your head suddenly turns on. 

You know it was unlikely he wouldn't ditch those friends, but you thought you could deal with it if you didn’t have to see them. You could visit Seungcheol somewhere in private or with your mutual friends instead. You would have found ways to be with him because your feelings for him were too strong to overlook. Though, now you saw that would never happen. It truly was all an illusion.

And you were right earlier.

He already thinks bad of you.

“That’s not true at all,” Seungcheol urges. “I’m sorry. I was just surprised and joking before. I didn’t use my words correctly. Hear me out, Cherry.”

He definitely did not sound surprised earlier, and his “jokes”… Yeah. His words were ass. And so is he. 

You take a deep inhale, fanning the flames so as to not let your heart feel anything but anger.

“Joking... You and those ‘friends’ of yours always tell such hilarious jokes,” you laugh dryly and turn for his door. Recalling you don’t have a car, your gaze lands on his face. Well, since you are already a bitch in his eyes, might as well bring that persona to life.

“Where are you going? You’re not even dressed. Yn, stop! Just stay here, and let’s talk,” he implores, rushing to you.

You forgot you’re just in his hoodie and boxers. Heck, you don’t even have shoes on. None of that matters to you, though.

You quickly whip around to face him.

“I’m so terribly sorry,” you over-exaggerate your apology as you reach behind you. “I can’t stay any longer. My one o’clock fuck is waiting for me.”

Your hand snatches his keys then you’re storming out of his apartment. You hear him yelling after you, but you ignore it while you rush to find his car before he can catch you. 

Voices to your right catch your attention, which has you sighing with relief when you see familiar, friendlier faces. You’re not sure how they always pop up around you, but you aren’t complaining for once.

Chan, Jun, and Soonyoung are walking toward you while they chat. They don’t notice you at first, but the sound of your feet hitting the pavement catches their attention.

“Yn?!” Jun exclaims, eyes big at seeing you.

“What are you wearing? Where are your clothes?!” Soonyoung asks. His shocked expression quickly turns into concern.

“Yn’s here?” another voice asks. Jeonghan stands by the driver’s seat of the car the others got out of. He props an arm on the top of the vehicle, his door still open. You’ve never been happier to see his face.

“Yn!” Seungcheol’s voice calls out behind you. You don’t bother looking back and quickly maneuver around the three men to get in the car. Thankfully, it isn’t locked yet.

“Where are your clothes?” Chan asks Seungcheol.

“Jeonghan, get your ass in the car now, or I’m going to burn your legos,” you threaten quickly as you buckle, remembering his precious Lego collection you once saw in his room.

“Aish,” he grumbles and gets in, shutting the door. You quickly lock the doors and then point to the road.

“Drive now,” you demand.

“Woah, just calm down. Why are—”

There is a loud knock at your window, and you see Seungcheol’s face appear.

“Yn, please just come out. I can explain,” he begs.

You glare at Jeonghan, one that is a lot fiercer than you’ve ever given him.

“You think I’m joking about your fucking legos?” you growl, a finger pointing in his direction.

“Seungcheol’s going to beat my ass,” he whines as he starts the car.

“And I’m going to beat yours and burn down your Le—”

“I got it,” Jeonghan huffs and glances at Seungcheol apologetically.

“Jeonghan, I swear if you fucking drive off, I will—” Seungcheol growls from outside the car.

“Sorry, my grandma suddenly needs me!” Jeonghan shouts before he backs out of the spot, slowly at first so he doesn't run over Seungcheol’s feet, not that you care, then speeds out of the parking lot.

You glance in the side mirror, seeing Seungcheol still yelling as the other men watch, confused and shocked behind him. Your eyes finally tear away when they become little specks in the distance. A sigh leaves your lips as you allow your body to sag in the seat, head tilting back.

“There’s a jacket in the back if you want it,” Jeonghan says softly.

You glance back and find it folded on the seat. You grab it, draping it over your bare legs. “Thanks.”

He sighs. “Now, do you want to tell me what that was about?”

“Seungcheol’s an asshole.”

Your reply is curt. You think that’s a good enough reason to leave him in the dust.

“Okay,” Jeonghan answers slowly, “but that was a pretty big fight you two had.”

“Seungcheol’s a really big asshole,” you correct.

Jeonghan chuckles lightly. “Alright. Then explain your attire.”

“Dae puked on me last night; Seungcheol let me borrow clothes.”

“He didn’t give you pants?”

“He did,” you trail off. You don’t want to tell him you just didn’t put them on again this morning. How would you explain how they got discarded in the first place?

He’s silent for a moment, trying to put the puzzle together himself.

“Where’s Dae?” he wonders. You’re grateful he decides to let it go.

“Probably at home by now… Can you drop me off there?” you ask. You can’t go home dressed the way you are. Dae will probably be sleeping, as she told you, but a few loud knocks should wake her up.

“Sure. What’s the address?”

You inform him quickly then glance out the window. The sun is shining and the clouds are out. You can’t remember how it feels outside since you were only focused on getting out of there. 

Jeonghan doesn’t say anything for a few minutes, letting the sound of the car on the road fill the empty space.

“Whatever Seungcheol did, I hope he can fix it. I know he cares about you,” Jeonghan comments.

Your gaze drops down to your lap. The hoodie you wear comes back into view. You hate how you can still smell him.

“I don’t think he can,” you reply. 

Your mind goes back to what he said to you. Anger was the only emotion fueling you at the time, but now that you’re settling down and your mind is becoming clearer, several emotions creep into your chest. 

Betrayal. Distress. Crestfallen.

Jeonghan releases a small breath. “That bad?”

“Yeah, Jeonghan. He really messed up.”

The ride is quiet now. While you are grateful, you actually wish Jeonghan kept talking. At least then, you would be distracted from your thoughts. 

Seungcheol was just holding you tenderly hours ago. Your body tingles at the mere memory of his gentle touch. He was acting so sweet toward you. For those blissful hours, you felt like you were his. Was he acting? Had he wanted you for different reasons?

Tears prick at your eyes, but you blink them back. You don’t want to cry in front of Jeonghan. You refuse to. 

When you arrive, Jeonghan parks the car and gets out of the vehicle. He comes around to your door and opens it, holding out a hand. For a moment, you imagined his hand is Seungcheol’s. He would always open your door and help you out.

“You don’t have to walk me there,” you say, words mimicking what you’ve told Seungcheol before in the past.

“You’re barely dressed. I’m not risking anything,” he replies. His light, cheerful voice is stern now, and you know he isn’t going to change his mind.

People stare at you strangely in the elevator, but when they peer up at Jeonghan, who stands behind you—something about you hiding your front and him your back—they quickly avert their gaze.

It takes four loud bangs on her door until Dae opens it. Her half-lidded eyes open quickly at your state.

“Am I drunk again? Why does Seungcheol look like Jeonghan?” she asks.

“You’re not drunk. It is Jeonghan,” you reply, then turn to him. “Thank you for driving. I really appreciate it.”

You hope the sincerity in your words is conveyed with your tone. Given the non-cocky smile on his face, you know he understands.

“Even though I’m friends with Seungcheol, know I’m your friend too, Yn. If you need me, you have my number,” Jeonghan says.

You’re not sure if you will ever take him up on his offer since it’s unclear where his loyalties lie between you and Seungcheol, but his intentions are kind, and you’re grateful nonetheless. He starts to walk away but you reach out to stop him.

“Wait,” you quickly say. You pull a set of keys from the hoodie’s pocket. “Give these back to Seungcheol for me? Or toss them in a lake, I don’t care, but take them, please.”

Dread fills Jeonghan’s face when he notices what they’re for. He reluctantly takes the keys from your hand.

“He’s really going to kill me now.”

Luckily for both you and Jeonghan, Seungcheol does not murder him.

For him, it means he has another day to finish his Lego tower. For you, it means he can finish those flyers he promised you.

“There should be twenty-five in there,” Minghao says while pointing to the stack of papers in your hands.

Minghao and Jeonghan completed the flyers for your show, and you are at the latter’s apartment to pick them up. You flip through them quickly—having already seen mock-ups earlier. There are six of each element plus one extra to turn into Dr. Lim.

“These look great, guys,” you say as you finish looking at them again.

“Thanks,” Jeonghan says. “You need help putting them up?”

You raise your eyebrows at him. “You’re really offering to help more?”

“You’re not that bad to work with,” Minghao chuckles, standing from his seat to grab his bag. He came to see if you needed anything else before his class.

“Speak for yourself, Hao—Ow!”

Jeonghan whines when you smack his arm with the flyers.

“Kidding, Yn,” he grumbles, “but yes, we will help you. You’re our friend.”

Their friend.

After years of just having Dae, it’s odd to think you actually have more friends—a lot of them, for that matter. It’s not like you gained two new friends this semester. No, you gained thirteen. Fourteen, if you count Seungcheol, but is he really a friend? Do friends make your heart soar with just a glance? Are friends able to take your heart and leave you feeling like an empty husk? It doesn’t matter now. He isn’t in your life. If he was your friend then, he isn’t anymore.

“If you leave some here, we’ll hang them up later,” Minghao instructs.

You gaze at him, letting yourself focus on what is happening now. You can sorrow in the privacy of your four walls later.

Sighing, you nod and sort a few flyers out from the stack. You place them on Jeonghan’s coffee table.

“Thanks. Just let me know which buildings you put them up in,” you say. “It’ll just save me time in the future.”

“No problem. Well, I’m glad you like them! I should get going before I’m late,” Minghao replies with a small smile on his face. He gives you both a wave before exiting the apartment.

Once Minghao is gone, Jeonghan looks at you. “What are the plans today?”

You shrug. It probably will consist of finishing bringing your designs to life or maybe taking Seoah to get something to eat. Anything to keep yourself busy from your mind.

“Not sure yet,” you reply.

“You know, I’m kind of hurt you didn’t ask me to be one of your models,” Jeonghan says with a playful smile. “Mingyu’s overrated.”

You laugh lightly, rolling your eyes at his latter comment. “Mingyu has the face and body of a model. You…?”

You trail off as your eyes glide down his body teasingly. Jeonghan sits up when he sees what you’re doing, trying to pose nonchalantly.

“Mingyu doesn’t have this hair, though,” Jeonghan comments. His semi-long locks are tied in a half-up-half-down style. It looks good, but you aren’t going to admit that to him.

“True, and thank goodness for that.”

“Hey!”

You laugh at his reaction. “I just didn’t want to overbook you,” you finally explain. “You were already helping me with these flyers.”

“That’s thoughtful of you,” he answers.

“Don’t get used to it,” you huff and start picking up your purse. It’s getting late, and there’s no reason to stay longer.

“Wait, I have something for you,” Jeonghan rushes.

“I already have the flyers,” you say and gesture to the stack.

He smiles, shaking his head as he stands. “Something else.”

You watch as he jogs to his room. There are sounds of things moving around before Jeonghan yells for you to close your eyes. After arguing for a second, you finally relent.

“Are they closed?” he asks from his room.

“They’re not about to be if you take any longer,” you grumble.

You listen to his footsteps become louder as he approaches. Suddenly something is set in your lap.

When Jeonghan instructs you to open your eyes, you peep down to see a bag. Jeonghan gestures to it when you don't open it right away. Hesitantly, you reach inside.

Your hands meet something textured, and you grip it gently to pull it out.

“H-how’d you get this?” you ask slowly. Your wide eyes don’t mask the surprise you feel upon seeing the fabric you had been wanting to get so badly a few weeks ago. However, instead of navy blue, it’s red.

Jeonghan shrugs and watches you nervously. “Do you like it?”

“I—” you start but for once, you are out of words. 

You lay the fabric over your lap as you admire the sheerness, small specks of glitter scattering across the surface. You aren’t able to use it as you originally planned since you’ve already adjusted the design to not use the fabric, and it’s also the wrong color. Regardless, it’s too beautiful to not use in some way.

You are about to thank him when you remember the cost. It isn’t the same color, but it’s the same design and brand, which means it’s probably just as expensive. 

“This was a lot of money,” you state and glance up at Jeonghan. His eyes are roaming around the room then moving to look at you when you speak. “You shouldn’t have bought this.”

Jeonghan smiles, albeit a little bittersweet for a reason you aren’t sure of. “We do a lot of things we shouldn’t when we like someone.”

“Is that your way of saying you like me?” you wonder, folding the fabric to place in the bag again. You mean “like” in a platonic way and hope Jeonghan understands this.

“I do,” he chuckles lightly. “You put up a tough front, but you’re not too bad of a friend.”

Your smile is small at his response. Glad you don’t have to have an awkward conversation about which version of “like” you mean.

“Too bad?” you tease and stand up, your bag and purse on your arm.

Jeonghan tilts his head. “You did threaten to burn my Legos three weeks ago. That wasn’t very friendly.”

“Just imagine that I said that lovingly,” you answer, forcing the memory of that day from your mind. Although you know it won’t be that easy since it already keeps resurfacing.

“Right,” he responds, dragging out the word in a knowing smile. He walks you to the door when he sees you’re ready to leave. He opens the door, watching as you step out with his head resting against the side of the frame.

“Jeonghan?” you say after taking a few steps away. You turn to look at him. He wears that same bittersweet smile on his lips from earlier.

“Yn,” he responds.

“Thank you for… for the fabric. That was very kind of you, and I—” you pause as you try to voice your truest thoughts. It still doesn’t come easy, but you want him to know how grateful you are. “I don’t know if I deserved it.”

“I think you deserve more, but that can be a topic for another day. Get home safely, Yn,” Jeonghan replies as he lifts his head from the door.

You stay still for a moment. His words register in your head slowly while you stare at him. You’ve experienced Jeonghan being nice to you despite his constant jokes, but he’s never said anything on this level before. There is a moment where you think he is lying to you, but even though Jeonghan is playful, you don’t think he would lie to you—especially not now.

You bid farewell to Jeonghan once you collect yourself.

You’re not sure if that day he speaks about will ever come, but you are content with just knowing he thinks highly of you.

Home is better.

Still not Hallmark-perfect, but better. As expected, your mother leaves for another trip somewhere. She stops by, and to your surprise, your father lets her talk to you and Seoah. For once, there is no screaming. No yelling. No hostile attitude from either of your parents. It’s odd yet refreshing.

Your mother apologizes for not always being there for you and your sister. She says she will message you both when she has time. You nod, but you don’t believe her. She has given you the “promise message” before, and it never happened. 

Additionally, if she is truly sorry, she wouldn’t keep leaving when she has a family here. Perhaps that’s a selfish thought, but it doesn’t matter. It won’t make a difference. You’re not sure when or if you’ll see her again. It’s clear she isn’t allowed to stay here if she comes back. Visiting is fine, but that’s all. Despite it all, you wish you are able to see her in the future.

Your father began attending dinners after your mother left. He reasons it’s time to start being more like a family again. You bite your tongue when you want to say he never was part of it to begin with.

The first night together is awkward. Seoah breaks the tension eventually, but it always reverts back to crickets. After a while, your father starts to make small talk. 

How was your day? Is your homework going fine? Are classes hard?

You never are one for small talk, but at least he is trying.

Though he only tries during dinner. As always, he stays inside his office the majority of the day. It’s like nothing changes until it becomes dinner time. Then you are a family. Once that is over, it goes back to normal.

You tell yourself it’s just baby steps, which is better than no steps at all.

“So, Savannah ate her homework as a… dare?” your dad asks at dinner one night.

“No!” Seoah sighs, having tried to get your dad to understand her story for the past five minutes. “It’s because she’s crazy!”

“But I don’t understand why she would do that willingly,” your father replies. He has food on his fork, but it’s paused in mid-air, completely appalled by his daughter’s story.

“No one really knows. The point is she’s insane,” Seoah says.

“And she did this in front of her teacher?”

“She did it in class, so I supposed you could say that. At least she ate the homework that was already graded,” she huffs before stuffing her cheeks full.

“Yes, at least it was graded,” your dad agrees slowly as if he is still processing the story. He then turns to you.

“How’s Dae?”

He finally takes a bite while waiting for your response.

“She’s fine. We’re already done with our projects finally,” you answer.

“Ooh, I’m excited to see them! Dad and I are coming, you know?” Seoah says with a bright smile.

“I know,” you reply, trying to hide the grin that wants to show. You were a little shocked when they first told you they had gotten tickets. Even though you were secretly hoping they would come, you didn’t want to expect it. After all, it would be less disappointing if they didn’t come when your expectations were already low. It’s not that they don’t support you, but with everything going on, you weren’t sure if either of them had the time.

“Are your other friends going too?” asks your father.

Your gaze drops to your lap as you recall the conversation with Mingyu, Seungkwan, and Wonwoo. Seungcheol planned to get his friends—now your friends as well—to come to the show; however, you haven’t spoken to him since that weekend. You don’t know if any of them are coming now that Seungcheol most likely isn’t organizing his “surprise” anymore.

“I’m not sure,” you answer as you roll your shoulders back, sitting up straighter. No reason to be sad over it. You don’t need to be upset about losing someone who looks down on you. If anything, you should be glad you’re not talking to him. Your life is better now. Less drama.

At least that’s what’s been repeating in your head.

“What about that one boy? The one who came here? Seungch—”

“Shh!” Seoah gasps and puts her hand out to stop him. “You’re not supposed to talk about him in this house anymore.”

“W-what? Why not? He was very nice,” your father says. He glances between the both of you puzzled.

They always start that way, huh?

“They’re not talking anymore,” Seoah whispers, but you can hear it clearly.

“Oh,” your dad says and then looks at you with a sympathetic expression. It has you wincing internally. You don’t need his pity. “I’m sorry to hear that, honey. I’m sure he meant a lot to you.”

His words fish out all those thoughts you tried to drown. You aren’t about to spiral in front of your family.

“I’m going to work on my project more. Final adjustments and whatnot. Seoah, do you mind doing the dishes tonight?” you ask as you push your chair back.

“Only because you’re sad,” she replies.

Sighing, you grab your dishes, and place them in the sink.

Before you leave, you mumble, “I’m not sad.”

Seoah makes a sound to let you know she doesn’t believe you but doesn’t bug you about it.

“Way to go, Dad,” you hear her grumble as you’re leaving.

Shutting your bedroom door is akin to shutting off the lights in the world. It transports you to a place only you’re allowed in. A place where you are able to feel everything you have been keeping under lock and key. 

As soon as you hear the familiar click of your door, you feel your knees buckle.

You stagger to your bed and let your body flop onto the mattress. There’s an influx of the thoughts and feelings you had repressed.

Four weeks.

It’s been nearly four weeks since you last saw him. Heard his voice. At least not in conversations.

The first few days after that weekend, you ran into him on campus. Well, more like he found you. He’d call your name; he’d tell you he was sorry and ask for you to listen to him. Though each time, you ignored him. You went the other way and never said a word to him. Eventually, he stopped trying. He stopped finding you. He stopped calling your name. The frequent texts he would send stopped too. Soon, you were truly left with just a memory of him.

You should be glad.

You should be relieved he stopped because each time you saw him, you had the temptation to actually listen to him. To hear his side because you don’t want to believe he had said those things in his apartment. However, that will never happen now. Even if you want it to, you aren’t going to crawl back to him after all this time.

The picture you had taken of both of you is still in your photo gallery. You deleted it when you accidentally stumbled upon it a few days after the fight. Pained at even the sight of him, your finger had hit the trash icon quickly. Despite that, you ended up recovering the photo a few hours later because part of you wasn’t ready to erase him from your life completely.

The words your dad said linger in your mind.

I’m sure he meant a lot to you.

Had he?

In the few months you got to know him, had he really made himself a home in your heart? Perhaps if you say no, you will stop feeling like there is a void in your chest.

The weeks went by quickly. It wasn’t like in the movies or books where the heartbroken character felt their life was moving in slow motion. First, you weren’t heartbroken. Second, you had so much to do regarding your project you didn’t have time to think about him.

A part of your mind told you that working nonstop was your way of coping, but coping with what? What you lost wasn’t meaningful…

He wasn’t meaningful.

Yet as you let that thought roll around your mind, the more your chest feels heavy. The more your vision becomes blurry. The more your body feels weak.

The more you feel suffocated.

Suffocated by the thoughts gripping you and trying to shake you into realization.

Seungcheol had meant something to you. The extent is unknown, but if you were to ever tell someone how much your heart was aching, they would probably say he meant a great deal to you. Though if you allow yourself to agree, it will only cause more pain. So for now, you are fine being in denial.

You close your eyes as you inhale slowly. You hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale gradually. You repeat this until you start to feel like you can breathe properly.

Images of him appear uninvitingly in the darkness—from when you first opened Jeonghan’s door to see him instead of Minghao then to waking up in his arms while laying in his bed.

It shouldn’t have come to this point. He wasn’t even helping with your project, yet you felt as if you saw him more than anyone else volunteering.

In the recesses of your mind, you can feel his gentle touch on your skin. You recall the moments you had together, but more strongly, you remember the way you felt when you were around him. Your chest would tighten any time he smiled or laughed. Such simple actions had you feeling so joyful. Even more so if you were the reason behind the actions. 

Then you think back to his apartment—before that phone call with Dae. The way you both held each other so tenderly during such an intimate moment. It had you feeling a sort of love you haven’t felt before. You think back to how content you were waking up in his arms. The glimpse of what your life could be like if you were his in his home.

You don’t know how you got here. You don’t know when you started falling for him. You don’t know when the tears started to roll down your cheeks. For the first time since the argument, you let your emotions flow freely.

You can’t believe you’re wasting tears over a guy you met this semester. Though, maybe you're just crying over the fact you no longer feel those feelings anymore. The feeling of being cared for, thought of, loved… Even if neither of you had said that word to the other, it doesn’t take away the feeling of being cherished. Maybe you don’t feel in love, but you could see yourself getting to that point if that argument never transpired. Although his words hurt then, they sting ten times worse now.

Your mind is filled to the brim with thoughts of him. It’s taking such a toll on you that you eventually fall asleep reflecting on your relationship with Seungcheol, dried tear streaks painting your cheeks.

“Mingyu, stop playing around,” you scold for the third time.

Mingyu stops dancing, peering down at you to give you another teasing grin. Perhaps you would’ve found it amusing if you weren’t under a time crunch.

“God, what a shit show,” you hear someone giggle behind you.

You dismiss the voice, knowing it’s probably Tori or Siwon. You only have a limited time to do your dress rehearsal before it’s another student’s turn.

“Worry about your own show, ladies,” Mingyu says above you, voice so stern it has you looking at him a little surprised.

“You never know when something bad might happen during your section in the show,” Jeonghan adds. Although his responsibility for the show is already done, he whined to join you today. Something about being bored and needing something to do. You had said no, but you couldn’t really stop him from following you to the theatre.

You turn around to see Tori and Siwon. They have their bags on their arms, ready to leave since they finished their rehearsals before you.

“Is that a threat?” Siwon gasps.

Jeonghan smiles that not-so-innocent grin and shrugs. “No, but it’s just a general comment. Anything can happen.”

Tori scoffs and then looks at you. “If I find out you’re tampering with other students’ projects, I’m going to tell Dr. Lim so you’ll flunk.”

“As if I need to sabotage your stage,” you reply. “You’ll do that yourself.”

“Oooh,” Jeonghan chuckles, bringing a hand to his mouth for dramatic effect. You shake your head at his reaction, but there is a tiny part of you where you’re pleased.

“You better watch yourself, Yn,” Tori warns.

You smile. “Oh, I will. After all, why would I watch your shit show?”

“You’re—”

“Tori, Siwon, please let Yn get back to her work. Yn, you should be focusing on your fittings and makeup. Not talking,” Dr. Lim instructs as he walks into the backstage room.

Tori and Siwon quickly apologize before they hurry out.

“Yn,” Dr. Lim calls to get your attention. You tear your gaze from your two peers to look at him.

“I heard you, Dr. Lim. I’ll be done before my time ends,” you say.

He gives you a tight-lipped smile before leaving you.

“Sorry,” Mingyu mumbles once they all leave. You exhale gradually and gesture for him to lean down.

“It’s fine, Gyu,” you answer. You quickly fix his hair, then turn him around to show one of the students you selected to help with hair and makeup. “Like this, okay?”

The student nods, taking notes and pictures as they observe the simple style. You want the focus to be on the clothes rather than fancy hair-dos.

You attend to your other models and stylists, making sure the clothes fit well and that the stylists understand what you want them all to look like. You had met with Seokmin earlier to go over the music. It’s pretty simplistic since it’s just one track, but you still want to make sure things go smoothly from all aspects.

Luckily, you finish within your time slot. Mingyu and Jeonghan trail behind you as you exit the building, talking amongst themselves. You figure they’ll go their separate ways once you are done, but nope. You act as if it bothers you, but you kinda like the company. You’ve been so focused on finishing the project that you haven’t had the chance to hang out with many people. If you did, it was only to discuss the final details.

Now that the show is around the corner, you let yourself breathe for a little.

“I don’t need you to pay for me,” you tell Jeonghan when it’s your turn to purchase your drink at the register.

“Think of it as a thank you for letting me tag along today,” he answers and starts to lower his card to the payment device. However, you quickly snatch it from his grip.

“Aye,” he drags out in a whine.

“I said n—”

“Done,” Mingyu cuts in. Your eyes flicker to him, then down at his hand. He just paid for your drink. He gives you a cheeky grin before ordering for Jeonghan and himself.

“Kim Mingyu, you’re a little shi—”

“Shining star,” he finishes for you as he pays for his order. He guides you and Jeonghan from the line to the end counter as you wait for your orders. His mouth is spread into a wide, confident smile. 

Jeonghan laughs at Mingyu’s answer, but you simply glower at the taller man.

“Come on, that was good,” Mingyu pouts when you don’t say anything. He gives your shoulder a poke, trying to get you to agree.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” you announce instead, walking away before either of them can answer.

After you’re done, you walk out with your phone in hand to check on Dae who has her rehearsal after you.

You are typing your message when you hear something fall to the floor. Glancing down, you notice a stray pen.

“Think you can pick that up for me, princess?” a familiar voice asks.

You’ve heard the intolerable voice enough times to know who it is without looking up. Regardless, your eyes lift to see Hajun. 

You notice a change in her appearance. Her outfit is less boring than it normally is. You think she has dressed up for a class assignment, but the attire isn’t professional-like. After all the shit she’s given you for dressing “over the top,” she sure is heading down the same path. 

You grit your teeth in order to stop the snide remark you want to make. 

“Well?” she prompts smugly.

Two options run through your head. The first option is to stomp on the pen with your heel until you hear a satisfying crunch from breaking it. The second is to slam the pen down in her open palm—tip facing downward.

Instead, you chose the safer option. You step over the object and continue your way back to your friends; your text to Dae forgotten.

“Can’t even help a person out by doing a simple task?” Hajun asks. You pause in your steps to look over your shoulder.

“You’re a big girl and fully capable. I’m sure you can solve your own problem,” you reply.

“Bitch,” she mutters under her breath, but it’s loud enough for you to hear. As if that word is meant to make you cry.

Turning around again, you say, “Ditto.”

It isn’t anything rude, but you’re done dealing with her. Nothing is ever going to change, and there is no reason for you to put up with her bullshit.

“That’s why he left you,” she calls out after a few steps. You hear her footsteps near slowly as yours still once more. You know she just wants your attention, but you can’t help but give it to her. 

“He realized you were nothing but a slut who needed something between her legs to be satisfied.”

You stay silent for once as you listen to her words. You don’t need to hear his name to know who “he” is. Your gaze lowers as she stands behind you. Your heart rate is increasing as a mix of emotions courses through you, somewhere between fury and sorrow.

“Is he just one more check mark off your list?” she wonders. “He told us about how pathetic you were at his place. He said he needed a way to get you to leave him alone.”

“Are you sure he didn’t say that about you?” you ask and finally, turn to look at her. Despite your words, she smiles at you cunningly.

Ignoring your question, she continues with her high-horse speech.

“It’s a shame you had him so wrapped around your finger. I told him you weren’t worth it,” she tsks sadly.

You’re not sure why you stand there as she belittles you. Maybe in some sick way, you want to hear every bad thing she has to say about you. Let her get everything off her chest while she can. Not that you need to give her that opportunity. She doesn’t deserve an ego lift.

“I was right, though. He said you were one of the worst fucks he’s ever had,” she giggles. “Truly not worth the chase you were giving. I’m sure everyone you’ve had sex with feels the same. Eventually, they’ll stop chasing someone so worthless.”

The sorrow you felt earlier is overcome by anger. It doesn’t help that she’s staring at you with a Cheshire cat smile that makes you want to slap it off her face. Your hands fist at your sides at the thought. However, before the temptation takes over fully, someone calls your name.

Jeonghan stands at the end of the hall, a drink in each of his hands.

You glance back to Hajun.

She simply shrugs, not bothered by being interrupted. You doubt that’s all she has to say, but for now, it will do. She had gotten under your skin. You should have walked away.

“He’ll stop chasing you soon, too,” she tells you quietly before moving around you and toward Jeonghan.

“Hi Hannie!” she greets cheerfully. You watch as he smiles at her and tells her hello.

Unfortunately, the hallway to the bathrooms is a dead end, and the only way to leave is past Jeonghan and Hajun.

“Is she okay? What’s taking so long?” Mingyu questions as he rounds the corner. Following closely behind him is Seungcheol.

Seeing him should be like seeing a poster on the wall—one glance and move on. Yet, your gaze catches his, and your heart starts to break away from the bandaids you placed on it. Scattered memories of the argument flash before your eyes, yet between those snip-bits are memories of you in his soothing embrace. You can’t help but yearn to feel that one more time.

Besides looking tired, he seems fine. He must have known you were here since he didn’t seem surprised to see you. That, or he simply doesn’t care. The latter is difficult to bear.

Your feet want to move. You want to run and escape the situation you’re put in, but you can’t leave. You just need them to go so you don't have to walk past them.

“Hey,” Jeonghan calls out gently as he takes a few steps forward. He hands the drinks to Mingyu, who has to juggle a little to hold them, before walking toward you.

He gently moves your face so you aren’t looking at Seungcheol anymore.

“Did something happen?” he asks lowly so no one can hear.

“I just need to get out of here,” you mumble, casting your eyes down from his worried one.

“Okay,” he says unhesitantly. “Let’s go then.”

He hooks his arm in yours and starts walking toward the end of the hallway, forcing you to follow him.

“What about your drinks?” Mingyu asks when you both walk past and in the direction of the exit.

“Keep them,” Jeonghan replies, slowing his steps but never stopping fully. You keep your gaze away as he answers. “You paid for them anyway.”

“But—”

“We’ll take them. Here, Cheollie,” you hear Hajun say as you leave.

The air outside feels heavenly.

You inhale deeply, letting yourself breathe after feeling like you couldn’t for the longest time. You’re not sure what you’re more affected by—hearing what Seungcheol had said about you or seeing him for the first time in a long time. 

You should let her words flow from one ear and out the other, but some things she said already planted themselves in your mind. And of course, you water those seeds until they sprout to consume your thoughts.

Were you not worth it to Seungcheol to fight harder for you? Not just after the argument but before. His lack of loyalty to you was always an issue with him. You didn’t care if he had a project with Hajun and the others. You didn’t care if he knew them for longer. You were tired of not being his first. You had always split that position with Hajun. At least that’s what you felt. Maybe he kept her around for reasons he didn’t disclose. Even then, how much did she mean to him?

Loud footsteps sound behind you quickly. Before you can fully turn back to see who or what is emitting the noise, a hand is on the arm Jeonghan isn’t holding.

“Yn,” Seungcheol rasps, eyes wide and pleading.

Jeonghan stops in his tracks as he flickers his gaze between you both.

“Maybe another time, Seungcheol,” he says gently, so as to not offend him.

“Let’s let her decide that,” Seungcheol responds, his jaw clenching slightly as he gives a warning glare in his direction. You don’t like the expression he gives Jeonghan.

Even though his hand awakens sleeping butterflies in your stomach, you move it from you—catching his attention. His firm features immediately soften.

“Can we talk?” he asks.

You want to say yes, but after hearing Hajun’s words from earlier, you’re not sure if you want to anymore. He’s allowed to speak to his friends about whatever he wants, but you had hoped he would’ve done so respectfully.

“Depends,” you answer. “Are you going to go twist my words to your friends?”

His eyebrows push together. “What are you talking about? I wouldn’t do that.”

“And I wouldn’t use a needle to sew,” you reply sarcastically.

“Seriously, Cherry. Let’s go somewhere private and talk. Please?” he says, eyes glancing up at Jeonghan who still stands next to you.

Hearing that nickname after so long makes your brain short-circuit. You’re a little surprised that he used it since you aren’t on speaking terms. Nicknames are normally reserved for friends… Does he think you’re still friends with him? That’d be sad if he did considering how he treated you before.

“I’ve heard everything I needed to hear,” you argue.

“No, you haven’t,” he sighs. His eyes move to see Mingyu and Hajun leaving the building. It’s not going to be long until they catch up.

“Do you plan to whisper sweet nothings in my ear until I forgive you?” you question with venom.

“No, I—”

“One day, you’ll see my clothes in a shopping window and think, ‘Wow. How did I ever sleep with someone so out of my league?’” you hiss out, narrow eyes locking on his. 

“Instead of your clothes, he’ll see a used napkin in the wind and think, ‘Wow. I should’ve pushed her out of my life sooner,’” you hear Hajun's voice before you can see her. 

Seeing Hajun next to Seungcheol reminds you of all the problems you have with him. Even though you did miss him, you don’t miss this—feeling like you are getting ganged up on while Seungcheol stands there and does nothi—

“Be quiet, Hajun,” Seungcheol snaps. “I’m tired of you getting in my business.”

His aggressive tone takes everyone by surprise.

You never heard him like this; not to you, not to anyone. It’s a whole new Seungcheol you have yet to discover. One you don’t want to be on the receiving end of. You can only imagine how Hajun is feeling.

“W-what? But I’m only trying to help,” she sputters, trying not to look as startled as she probably feels. It seems it’s her first time seeing this Seungcheol, too.

“Did I ever ask for your help? For fuck’s sake, just stop bothering Yn.”

Hajun’s eyes widen like saucers, mouth opening slightly at his words. You watch the scene before you. Your expression is probably the same as Hajun’s.

She looks at you, shock turning into irritation.

“You said something to him, didn’t you?” she accuses. That pulls you from your surprised daze.

Rolling your eyes, you answer with a forced smile, “Ah, yes, I bewitched him so he’d tell you to fuck off. Isn’t that right, Cheollie?”

You glance up at him when using the nickname, eyelashes batting obnoxiously.

“Cherry,” Seungcheol scolds lightly with a groan, hand coming up to rub at his temples.

“Who the hell is Cherry?” Hajun questions, miffed.

“What did I say, Hajun?” Seungcheol responds instead. “Stop talking shit about Yn. Stop trying to fight her.”

Hajun scoffs. “If anything, she’s trying to fight me!”

“And I’ll win, too,” you comment under your breath, causing Jeonghan to yank on your arm slightly with a shake of his head. You forgot he’s here.

“What did you just say, bitch?” Hajun asks you. You open your mouth to repeat what you said, but Seungcheol’s voice interrupts you.

“Leave, Hajun,” he says and stares at her. Even though it isn’t directed at you, you can tell how intimidating it is.

“You’re really going to let her control you, Seungcheol?!” she exasperates, almost desperately.

“Now,” he demands.

Hajun’s mouth opens again, but nothing comes out. She glances at Mingyu and Jeonghan as if they will say something; however, neither of them does. With one last look at Seungcheol, she spins on her heels and walks away.

You all watch her for a few seconds. The awkward silence is starting to make you feel uncomfortable.

“She could’ve at least taken the drinks,” Mingyu says, trying to break the tense atmosphere. You peer at him to see he has all the drinks again.

Seungcheol disregards him to speak to you. His voice has lost that firmness to it. “Yn, just five minutes.”

You still want to say no, yet, this is your chance to listen to him without having to appear desperate for closure. Perhaps you can finally get him out of your mind if you agree.

“Fine,” you yield and glance at Jeonghan.

“I’ll wait here with Mingyu,” he informs. You would have told him it was fine, but after rejecting Dae’s offer to pick you up at Seungcheol’s that day, you want to have someone to turn to in case this conversation ends like the last.

“Thanks,” you mumble.

Seungcheol guides you both to sit on a bench nearby. You sit on opposite ends with your hands in your lap.

“I’m sorry” is the first thing he says as you get settled. He tucks his hands in his hoodie’s pocket, reminding you you still have to return the one you have someday.

His back leans against the bench while he shifts his eyes on you. “I’m sorry for the awful things I said. I don’t think you’ve slept with everyone on campus, and I don’t agree with what Hajun and Hana have said about you.”

You rub your lips together, staring at him at first but then averting. The events of that day come to the forefront of your mind. Though they’ve never been far from it to begin with. You wonder if you overreacted at the time, but you’re so emotionally involved with him it’s hard to tell. No doubt his words stung; especially after engaging in such vulnerable moments with him and slipping into that fantasy life you had created for the both of you. All for it all to evaporate with what? A so-called joke?

“You don’t have to forgive me right now, or ever, but I would still like to talk to you… to try to get back to where we were before I fucked up,” he continues when you remain quiet.

Your first response in your head is no, that won’t be possible. You just want to move on. But that answer spurs from having your defensive walls around you. What if you get close like before, only for something else to tear you apart?

Sighing, you begin playing with the end of your clothes.

“What did you tell Hajun?” you ask in lieu of answering his silent question.

Seungcheol tilts his head at the sudden topic change. “I told her to leave you alone.”

“No,” you shake your head and look at him. “What did you tell her after that day?”

He’s silent for a moment as he digs around his thoughts for an answer.

“I didn’t tell her anything. She just asked where you were,” he replies.

The look on your face conveys your disbelief.

“You didn’t tell her we had sex?” you asked.

“W-what? No. There was no reason to,” he says. You can see the shock on his face from your question.

“Then how does she know?”

“Does she?” he asks.

“Yes.”

Seungcheol ponders on the information. “Well, she did ask as a joke, but I didn’t tell her we did,” he answers.

You take a deep breath. Another joke, huh?

“Did you tell her we didn’t then?” you wonder.

He shakes his head.

“Seungcheol,” you scold while bringing a hand to your temples.

He pouts, scooting closer to lower your arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think she’d figure it out. It wasn’t her business to know.”

“No, it wasn’t,” you concur sadly. The warmth of his hand spreads up your arm, bringing back a sense of familiarity that makes you want more but also want to pull away in fear of losing it again.

“What else did she s—”

The sound of your phone going off startles you both.

You pull away to grab it. Seoah’s name appears at the top.

“One second,” you murmur before answering and turning away.

“Yeah?” you greet.

“Are you almost home?” Seoah asks.

“No, did you need something?”

She releases a loud sigh on the other end. “Yeah. Dad’s cake. You’re going to be late.”

Shit.

You completely forgot about your father’s surprise birthday party. Seoah invited a few of his co-workers over to celebrate, and you’re supposed to pick up the cake on the way home from rehearsal. It’s going to be the first time in a while since you do anything big like this. Normally, his birthday consists of only you and Seoah singing him a happy birthday with a present.

“I’m so sorry. Look, just start without it,” you say and begin to stand. Seungcheol follows you, waiting patiently as you stay on the call.

You pull the device from your ear despite Seoah talking.

“I have to go,” you inform.

Seungcheol’s lips dip in a frown, but it quickly disappears. “Can we meet this weekend so we can talk more?”

“I can’t. I have the—”

“The show. I know,” he pauses. “I’ll be there.”

The phone call is forgotten instantly at his words. He’ll be at the show? The show you’ve been working on? You figured that would be the last place he’d be.

“Y-you will?” you stutter.

Seungcheol smiles, but it isn’t anywhere near his eyes. “We can talk the next day. I figure you’ll be busy after.”

“I-Uh… Yeah,” you reply, not sure what to say. You want to ask why and when he got the tickets. You want to know if he is being forced to go or if it’s a decision he made all on his own. Though, none of those questions come out.

“Are you even listening to me?” Seoah’s voice is loud. “Who are you with? Is it Jeonghan? Tell him to go away, so you can grab the cake.”

Seungcheol glances at the phone in your hand. His face morphs into something you can’t read, though you catch the way his jaw clenches briefly. You’re not sure if it’s because he recognizes Seoah’s voice or if it’s something she said. Regardless, you ignore it and change your focus to your sister.

“I’m on the way now, relax. You’re not cutting it at the start anyway,” you reason. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

You hang up the call before you can hear more of her complaining.

“Sorry,” you apologize as you look at Seungcheol again. He seems lost in his thoughts. It’s odd to see him this way since you feel you’re usually the one in his position.

You take a few seconds to scan his face properly. Even with his slightly visible eye bags, you find him handsome. Your fingers twitch with the desire to touch him, to feel his warm body against yours and see that smile that has you smiling back.

“Seungcheol?” you ask softly when you realize neither of you has spoken.

His eyes snap to yours. “Right,” he clears his throat. “So, the next day?”

“Okay,” you agree before you can overthink the decision. You know you need to resolve the issue in order to continue with your life—whether it’s one with him in it or not.

“We can go to that café? I can pick you up,” he offers.

Having been used to him driving around, you almost say yes, but you learned your lesson of not having your own transportation.

“It’s fine. I’ll meet you there,” you reply.

“Alright,” he says slowly, allowing you time to change your mind. When he senses that isn’t going to happen, he adds, “I’ll see you this weekend.”

“See you,” you say, gaze lingering on his for a little too long before you tear yourself away. 

You find Jeonghan with Mingyu a couple of feet away. They both look up when they hear you near.

“All good?” Jeonghan wonders.

You shrug. “For now, I guess. Thanks for waiting.”

Jeonghan stands, a drink in his hand. Mingyu still has the third.

“Anytime. Do you still want that?” Jeonghan asks as he gestures to the third drink. You glance at it, shaking your head. You don’t know if it’s contaminated.

“No one’s drunk out of it,” Mingyu reassures; however, you still shake your head.

“Thanks, though. I’ll pay you back for it,” you say.

Mingyu smiles. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Still want some company to your car?” Jeonghan questions.

“That’d be nice,” you smile slightly. Jeonghan nods. After you both say goodbye to Mingyu, you lead Jeonghan in the direction of your parked car.

You haven't seen Seungcheol’s face in weeks. While seeing him again is difficult, it feels like you can breathe again. The temptation to glance back at him is strong. You want to see him again.

And so you do.

Only to find his eyes already locked on you.

Something about his look captivates your attention. His expression isn’t settled in a set emotion; it ranges from longing to worry to hope. Jeonghan guides you down the sidewalk, talking about something you don’t know. It’s not until you turn a corner that you’re forced to break your gaze due to a building obstructing your view.

You’re anxious about this weekend and unsure how your life will change. The fashion show is a big deal for you, but so is Seungcheol. It’s nerve-wracking to not know how everything will end.

previous chapter \\ pretty please masterpost // next chapter

A/N: Next chapter will be the last one in the series! Ahhhhhvfjsnbfgkvkd

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Barely friends - DR x fem!reader

Masterlist

Summary: After two years of silence, the doorbell rang and he was the last one she was expecting to see.

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x fem!reader

Warnings: Childhood friends to lovers with all the angst that you can get but with a happy ending. 

Word count: 3.3k

A/N: Writing while playing Lego with kiddos its hard, but heyyyy this baby its done and up. I don’t even know how to write happy things anymore tbh, so here some short angst from your old friend Ms. Vroomvroom. Okay, now back to work on SIG. Hope you enjoy and thank you all so much for the love with Always been you! x

Barely friends.

The last thing she was expecting was to see Daniel. The last person she was expecting to see there, right behind her door, was Daniel. No after two years. No when things have been so complicated between them. No when they haven’t talked in months, or rather, in years. No when the last thing they did in person was fight. They were friends, they were really good friends since they were kids, but one day it all broke down with a simple ‘I really like you, baby’ that ended up disappearing as fast as he did. That ‘I really like you’ melted under the Australian sun in a second, and all it took was publication of how Daniel was seen with some girl on some beach. It was their favorite beach, but the girl wasn’t her. She supposed Daniel ‘really liked’ that girl more than he liked her, and it really broke her heart. At the beginning she thought about keeping it to herself because maybe it was just another silly rumor. It always happened and was always going to happen, but she just couldn’t. She couldn’t keep it inside her all bottled it, or she was going to explode. She had no idea Daniel was going to go to the same dinner at one of their friend’s houses. If she knew, she wouldn’t have gone because the last thing she wanted was to see him. She didn’t dare to ask, but then she heard an ‘I think Daniel can’t make it’ and that was it. The problem was that twenty minutes later the doorbell rang and there he was. Of course he had to be there. She barely looked at him all night. She didn’t even say more than some ‘hi’, followed by a thigh smile. It didn’t take him long to know something was wrong. Everyone saw there was something wrong. When Daniel was in Perth, they were pretty much inseparable; they were always doing things together. It was normal to see her smile like a happy girl and then jump into his arms to hug him after much time not seeing each other. That was one of many reasons why their friends always said ‘Friends don’t look at each other like that’. They said that for some many years that it became like a regular inside joke, but they were absolutely right. He didn’t give her much option that night and, as soon as dinner was starting to die off, Daniel offered to drive her home. Daniel dropped an ‘I’m heading home too, so I’m driving you’ and nobody complained or said a thing, not even her. She should have seen it coming. She should have known the conversation was coming. But it didn’t happen until they were with the car parked on her sidewalk. None of them said a thing as the music just played on the back, filling the silence that never really existed between them. There was never a moment of silence when they were together, especially not an awkward silence like the one they were facing in that moment, so it was weird. It was absolutely weird and she hated it. The ‘What’s wrong?’ question came out of his mouth as soon as the car was parked. The ‘I’m just tired’ lie came right after it. But it was a terrible bad answer considering she would never act like that if she was tired. In fact, if she was tired, she would have snuggled by Daniel’s side after dinner, because that’s exactly what she always did. Any normal day she would have gone looking for him, best puppy face on display so he would just hug her as tightly as possible while placing kisses on her head. They did it too many times to the point that it was normal for everyone around them, just like the silly comment. The ‘She’s sleeping in Dan’s lap’ or ‘She’s snuggling with Dan’ were so typical that it was almost silly and ridiculous. After their obvious question and stupid answer, it came the next stupid question. He dropped a ‘What did I do for you to be pissed at me?’ and then hell broke loose inside the car. It was a very bad discussion. She didn’t even know if they could call it a discussion, but it was bad. All she had to say was ‘You told that girl on the beach that you like her too, or you keep it to drop it years after meeting her to then break her heart?’. It took her a second and just that oh-so-simple yet so complicated question to make the expression on his face change. His whole posture changed. Daniel knew her better than most people, so his face was showing how he knew that even if things weren’t as she thought, he was screwed. He was absolutely screwed. Daniel tried to explain it. He, in fact, explained that the girl just asked if she could take a picture and nothing else. He tried to explain how that was the only reason for him to be next to the unknown woman in that picture. That was the only reason why that girl in a bikini was with her arm so-fucking-friendly around his waist. But she was so fucking mad that she just left the car as Daniel asked her to come back in so they could talk. No only she didn’t go back to the car, but she went to her apartment not looking back, knowing perfectly fine those brown eyes were able to convince her of anything. Almost anything. Not only did she do that, but she also unpacked her already made bag to spend the weekend in Melbourne. She was supposed to spend the week there and then go to the race, but she didn’t. She put all her stuff back where they belonged, canceled her flights, her reservations, and then put the credentials in the last and most hidden corner of her apartment. She didn’t want to know anything about Daniel, F1 or races, so she ignored everything and made plans with her girlfriends for the weekend. Little did she know that the race was gonna be canceled, just like her plans with her friends, thanks to a pandemic and a lockdown. What she also never thought about was that she wasn’t gonna see Daniel for two years. That never happened. Never. Not even once. Not since they met when they were kids. Not even when Daniel left and moved to Italy. Their promise was to see each other at least once every six months. They promised to do it, even if for a day or even an hour, but that promise was broken, just like the one they had of never hurting each other. ‘Kids promise stupid things’ she whispered to herself every single time she saw a new text or missed call with the name ‘Danny’ lighting her screen. It hurt to see his name there. It hurt almost as seeing him in that picture, but nothing hurt as much as thinking about how things were before it all got ruined. It hurt to think how she had one little moment of happiness before it all faded away. She couldn’t stop thinking about him big grin and his silly face as he told her that goddamn ‘I really like you, baby’. Her heart –and her whole being– was divided between ‘What would have happened if we kissed?’ that didn’t have answers, just an inmense bunch of ‘what ifs’. The biggest and worst 'maybe’ in her head was the ‘Maybe we would be together now’ and ‘Maybe that wouldn’t have happened’. Maybe she should have kissed Daniel before. Maybe she should have said something before. Maybe none of that should have happened. But even with all those questions without answers, she couldn’t stop thinking about that night. She couldn’t help but remember his little shy smile, his messy curls, his brown eyes, and how she felt like it was all a dream. She wanted to pinch herself because it had to be a dream. There was no way that after all those years of liking Daniel, he liked her back. There was no way that her feelings were mutual. There was no way Daniel liked her too. But he did. She was so damn lucky that he liked her back and she was also so stupid that she played with her chances and her good luck. She gambled with her good luck and every single one of her lucky stars and was silly and innocent enough to believe she was going to have a second change. She really thought the ‘We should talk about this later. Michael is waiting for you’ was a smart answer. She was convinced that leaving him hanging for a day was a good idea. She really thought that waiting for another day wasn’t going to hurt anyone, especially after liking him since they were kids. ‘Nothing bad is gonna happen’. But then she really pushed her luck, so it was all her fault. She never imagined how things were going to change or the fact that she wasn’t going to see Daniel for two years. She never imagined any of that, just like she never imagined Daniel at her door that afternoon. What she also didn’t expect was the jump her heart did when she saw him.

It was an automatic reaction. She knew it was an automatic reaction because that’s exactly what happened every single time she saw him. That had been her reaction since she saw him for the first time more than two decades ago, so it was normal to feel that way. Just like every single time, her body wanted to run to him. She wanted to jump and make those three steps between them disappear, but then her minds tricked her sending the goddamn picture back to her head. That’s when she stayed still, almost petrified, divided between her head vs her heart. Her heart was clearly telling her to go back to his arms because that was always her favorite place, but her head was telling her to stay put. She had to stay put because there was no way they could ever make anything work. No between them. No when they had everything against them. Time, distance, and everything in between were enough reasons to stay, but then there he was. His hair was all dampt from the rain that was falling because of course he couldn’t wait for a better day to appear and clearly hadn’t shaved in days because the farm boy was back in action. There was nothing she wanted to do more than run her fingers through it, but she couldn’t move. It took her a couple of long, deep breaths to finally go back to her senses while they just looked at each other. They were clearly trying to discover who was going to talk first, but she was finally the one who did it. “What are you doing here?” she asked in a whisper, not wanting to open the door entirely. It wasn’t because she didn’t want Daniel to come in, but because she was using it as a shield to keep herself away from him.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Daniel asked, looking down at her. It looked like the most obvious question in the whole world, but when she didn’t answer, he spoke again. “I came to see you” “I’m busy right now” she murmured, but it was her unconscious mind that failed her. Any normal human being would have tried to close the door, but she didn’t. She was busy, but she did nothing to send him away; she just stood right there behind the door. It took her a second to realize that she was in fact busy, but when he did, his mouth shaped on a perfect O and his whole face turned into nothing but sadness. She was barefoot, wearing a little black dress, hair shinny, and makeup almost done. She was almost ready to go out; he interrupted her preparations, and he just realized. It took her a second and a glaze at his face to realize Daniel was looking for the right way to ask when, where, and with who, but he knew he had no right. It wasn’t his issue, and he had no right to ask anything, but she was sure he was dying to know. “I have a date” she announced shortly, ending his suffering, but just to add more suffering. Then it was again, the perfect O, the sadness, and the unspoken question. She really thought Daniel wasn’t going to say a thing after all the silence, but again, she was wrong. “Is he handsome?” Daniel wondered, looking straight into her eyes, so in that way she wasn’t going to be able to lie. He knew her too much for that. She wanted to say ‘Not as much as you’, but she wasn’t going to give him that. Besides, Kevin was a nice guy. He was cute and smart, which was a lot to say, but like every single time she dated someone, her brain was yelling ‘He’s not as good as Daniel’. It happened again and again and again, and it happened with Kevin, too. On their first date she dropped a silly joke that he didn’t understand, and her mind was automatically sabotaging the whole thing by saying ‘Daniel would have pissed himself for that stupid thing’ and she knew it was true. This was their second date, and she had no idea why she said yes to it at all. She should have made a clean cut after the first date, especially taking advantage of how there was no kiss or anything. She should have said something, but she knew she needed to move on. Maybe Kevin wasn’t the right guy, but she wanted to find him. Meanwhile, she could have a coffee or dinner with Kevin, the lawyer who always wore suits and who didn’t like much to leave Australia, not even on vacations. But Daniel didn’t need to know any of that. Damn, he didn’t even have the right to ask for a thing. No after what happened; no when he just manifested out of nowhere after two years. No when all the mess still hurt. “It's not your business” “Does he make you laugh and smile as much as I do?” he asked again as calmly as possible, and then she remembered why the hell did she hate those nerves of steel he had when he wanted. He wasn’t making those questions just because, he was asking the right questions to read her. “That’s not of your business, Daniel. You come here after two bloody years and you think you've got the damn right to ask anything? Seriously? You really are unbelievable, mate” she hissed, but no matter how mad she was, the door was still open. She could have slapped it shut and never opened it again, but she didn’t. The fact that she chose not to do it only could mean one thing, and Daniel knew it perfectly fine.

“Don’t put that on me. You’re the one who never picked up the phone. Didn’t answer a fucking text. I didn’t hear a word from you in two years” he fired back, and even if she was mad, it hurt to see him that sad. “You know why” “You seriously kicked me out of your life for a stupid rumor? You decided to believe that crap instead of believing me? After all those years? You would rather believe in something someone said on the internet instead of believing in your friend since you were a kid?” Daniel asked again, but this time it wasn’t just his eyes who looked sad; even his voice sounded broken, and it was all because of her. “You should leave, Daniel” she insisted, speaking in whispers as she felt the knot growing in her throat and her stomach. The last thing she needed was to cry in front of him, so she really wanted him to leave so she could cry until it was time to leave for a date she didn’t want to go on anymore. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me why. I waited two years to ask why you pushed me away after I told you I liked you. I think after all those years I deserve to know” he stated, standing still in front of the door. He was right. Of course he was right. She couldn’t tell him. She didn’t want to tell him. She didn’t want to talk about how her heart broke that day. She didn’t want to say how she regretted every single decision she ever took. She didn’t want to remember how stupid she felt thinking that they could. But adobe all she didn’t want to speak about how she missed him every single day and how she was still absolutely in love with him. She had been since she discovered what the word ‘crush’ or ‘real love’ meant. “I don’t want to talk, so please just go” she whispered, looking down at her bare foot to avoid his gaze. But the bad –or good– thing was that Daniel was having none of it. She was expecting him to insist on knowing the reasons why all that shit happened between them, but he didn’t. All Daniel did was grab her chin between his fingers and look at her. “Cancel the goddamn date” “No” she murmured, and it wasn’t logic; it was pure stubbornness. It was her not letting Daniel win because he was seconds away from winning. After two long, terrible years she got to feel his fingers over her again and she was about to melt. Her legs felt like jelly; her stomach was an absolute mess of knots and butterflies; her heart was racing and her head a bigger disaster. Everything was a complete disaster, but those brown eyes made her feel like things could be alright, even if for a couple minutes. “Then tell me again that you want me to leave” he dared her, stepping even closer to her as he thumb stroked her jaw carefully in case she was about to break.

She did break. She didn’t want to, especially not in front of him, especially not after all that happened, but when she first tear left her eyes she just couldn’t stop. She also couldn’t stop the rest, and suddenly Daniel wasn’t stroking her jaw; he was just cleaning the tears from her cheeks. “I fucking hate you” she sobbed, slapping his chest and grabbing a handful of his shirt right over his heart. “No, you don’t. You never did” he affirmed, and again, Daniel was right. She was mad, but she couldn’t hate him. She could hate everyone, but never Daniel. “You broke my fucking heart” she murmured, remembering how all her illusions and hopes of maybe being able to have something and be something with Daniel died in a second. “I never mean to, so let me fix it. But first cancel that date. Tell him you got better plans. Tell him that I’ve been waiting twenty-five long, terrible years to kiss you and I’m not letting you run away again” Daniel told her in a low voice, even if they were absolutely alone. His lips were ghosting over hers while they shared the same air, eyes fixed on each other as her hand finally relaxed, letting go of his shirt to rest it over his chest. “Then kiss me and give me a reason to cancel it” she begged, moving her hand from his chest to his neck. She didn’t want to be the one taking the next step, not even if she was dying. And since she didn’t, Daniel got to do it so the wait finally ended after what it seemed like an eternity. She really needed to call Kevin.