#Hahahaha I'm still crying

[twopoppies]

Maybe H stopped wearing the peace ring because they finally got married, and he got a proper wedding ring.

[kevyeen]

Besties my newest student is as old as Lewis Hamilton and I was so nervous that she told me to calm down and I'm a good teacher. please put me out of my misery I'M SUPPOSED TO BE THE TEACHER😭😭

[httpxxg]

I was having a good timescrolling on Twitter but saw the tweet a reminder that today is the 10th month since Gojo died, and suddenly I have the urge to hang myself.

[xomakara]

I finally managed to read this. FInally!

Minnie, my love, you have wrote another masterpiece and I love how it ended with a bang. I can't believe i was shedding tears, laughing and sobbing in a corner. It takes a strong reader to read through the heavy topics but it was needed. This was a great ending to a beautiful story.

Gonna say it forever, but your writing is beautiful and I can't get enough of reading it. I am absolutely in love with this!

Your Gentle Hands (Please Don't Ever Let Go Of Me Again). || Kim Hongjoong. [ Part 2 ]

Part 1 here.

Summary: meeting the local outcast shouldn't have ended with you slowly falling for him. yet you did, all while knowing you could never have this man, because you were already someones else's wife. two lovers, a dress shop, and a violent man between it all. we all know how this ends, right? ... right?

Pairing: dressmaker!kim hongjoong x fem. reader

Genre: angst, fluff, suggestive

Wordcount: 22.7k

Warnings: misogyny, mentions of (domestic) violence, injuries, wounds, scars, lots of tears and trauma, allusions to sex but cuts right before the actual act

A/N: all i have to say is... thank fucking god i finally finished it. i struggled so much, and though i still love it im also so sick of this fic haha. there are so many people i want to thank for listening to my rambling, brainstorming and constantly reassuring me: @ghstzzn, @skteezcursed, @xomakara and also to @pali-writes-atiny-bit who beta read the whole thing <33 please don't forget to reblog and like! divider credits as always to @firefly-graphics!

Available here on AO3.

“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are to become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No … don’t blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But it is!”

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

The room around you was quiet, save for the distant ticking of the old grandfather clock in the hallway. As a child, you'd hated this clock. Now, as an adult, you despised it.

Your hands rested in your lap, the delicate lace of the dress you loved so much pooling around you like the last remnants of a life that, albeit short, once felt full of promises. The world outside was moving on, the townsfolk bustling about with their daily tasks, their lives seemingly untouched by the darkness that has taken hold of your heart.

It was funny, hilarious even.

Because despite pretending not to, they all knew, bowed their heads in shame whenever you walked by.

Yet not a single soul had ever cared.

Not until a man was dead, and another one was jailed for his murder.

You leaned your forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching as the winter sun set over the distant hills, casting a golden glow on the town below. The streets were full of people rushing to finish their errands before nightfall, their faces etched with concern and urgency. None of them spared a glance in the direction of your family's old house, none of them knew the depth of your despair.

Or maybe they did. Maybe they just didn't care. 

It wouldn't be the first time.

The sound of the door creaking open drew your attention, but you didn't turn to look. You knew who it was. Your mother had a way of entering a room that felt like an invasion, like an unwelcome breeze slipping through a crack in the window.

“You’re still wearing that costume,” she said, voice low and disapproving. “That man. Hongjoong. You shouldn't-”

“Shouldn't what, Mother? Mourn the only person who ever truly cared for me?”

You kept your forehead pressed against the glass, your breath fogging up a small circle. The lace of your dress felt heavy now, like a shroud. Once, you had worn it with pride. It had been a gift from Hongjoong, back when his friendship, care and love felt like a lifeline. Back when you were still able to see him, touch him, kiss him-

“Why do you still have it on?” she continued, stepping further into the room. Her footsteps were slow, deliberate. “It's time to let go of the past.”

You finally turned to face her, your eyes cold. The sight of her stirred a boiling rage within you, a fury that had been simmering for too long. She looked at you with the same passive face she always had, the face of a woman who turned away from the truths she didn't want to see.

“You let him do this to me,” you said, your voice trembling with restrained anger. “You saw the bruises. You heard the screams. And you did nothing.”

She flinched, just slightly, but quickly regained her composure, fidgeting with her hands. You two had that habit in common. “I did what I thought was best. It was a different time-”

“Different time?” you interrupted, standing up. The lace dress flowed around you, the wind making it flare up. “You watched your daughter suffer, and you did nothing. That's not the past. That's just who you are.”

Your mother’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, but you felt no pity for her. Not anymore. The betrayal was too deep, the wounds too fresh.

“E-everything's changed now,” she said softly. “He's gone. You’re free.”

“Free?!” you echoed, laughing bitterly. “Free to live in this prison of horrible memories? Free to be haunted by the faces of all the people who turned away? Free to watch the man I love be behind bars for a crime I committed?”

Silence fell between you, heavy and oppressive. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway seemed so, so much louder now.

“You need to let go,” she whispered, a plea hidden in her tone.

“And you need to face what you did,” you replied, your voice cold and unwavering. “Or, well, didn't do.”

With that, you turned back to the window, shutting her out once more. The sun had nearly disappeared behind the hills, casting long shadows across the town. 

You wouldn't stay here much longer. You had a plan, and soon, it would be time to carry it out.

But before that, you had to see your entire family again. And tonight, while celebrating another successful harvest season was the perfect opportunity. Even though the bond you once shared was inevitably broken, they were your family, your people, whom you once loved and shared many memories with.

One last time, you wanted to look them right in the eye.

Because afterwards, you vowed to never speak to them again.

“Miyeon isn't coming today?” you asked as you and your eldest sister set the table. Unfortunately for you, you had to take off Hongjoong’s dress for real this time. To keep the peace, your mother insisted.

“She's with child, Y/N. She can't travel that far. Unlike some of us, she actually fulfills her wifely duties”, she remarked snarky, her voice cold and arrogant. 

You didn't take her usual bait. “What a shame. May she and her unborn be healthy,” you whispered. You were being honest; you truly wanted that. Your middle sister was a good human, and you knew if she and her husband Gikwang wouldn't be away so much traveling the world, she would probably be the only family member you could truly lean on.

Unlike Jisoo, the eldest of you. Your relationship had always been strained, even as children. While you and Miyeon were close, Jisoo had always thought of herself as the best of the best, thus never bothering to actually spend time with you.

And when she married her wealthy husband, Juwon, her arrogance reached a whole new level. When your family's fortune went downhill and you had to marry below your status, her evil, cruel nature fully revealed itself to you. 

While she was always cordial with your parents and sister, in private, you were her personal punching bag.

Your sister's voice snapped you back to the present. “Father's been asking about you,” Jisoo said, arranging the cutlery with a meticulousness that bordered on obsessiveness. “He's worried.”

“Worried?” you echoed, suppressing a bitter laugh. “Funny, he didn't seem worried at all when he handed me over to a monster.”

Jisoo’s lips pressed into a thin line. “He did what he thought was best for the family. You were meant to secure our future.”

“And look how well that turned out,” you said, the sarcasm dripping from your words. “One dead, another imprisoned, and me... here, all alone.”

For a brief moment, you could swear your sister's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of something almost like sympathy crossing her features. “Y/N...”

But you weren’t in the mood for her half-hearted attempts at empathy. “Save it, Jisoo. You’ve made your feelings clear enough over the years.”

Silence fell over the room as the two of you continued to set the table. God, in moments like these, you really needed Miyeon. Or ‘Always the peacemaker Miyeon’, as you called her. Because now, this large dining room, once a place full of warmth and laughter, felt like a mausoleum, merely filled with the ghosts and memories of happier, easier times. The ornate chandelier above - one of the rare expensive items your family kept after your father lost his job and status -, the polished wooden floors, the family portraits lining the walls - they all seemed to mock the illusion of a perfect family that had long since shattered.

The room fell into an uneasy silence afterwards. Jisoo's meticulously manicured fingers continued moving with precision, setting each fork and knife in its place, perfectly in order.

“Y/N,” Jisoo began again, her voice softer this time. “I know you’ve been through a lot. But we’re still family. We have to… find a way to move forward.”

You looked at her, really looked at her for the first time in years. Behind the cold exterior, you saw traces of the sister you once played with in the gardens, the sister that, despite never being interested in the same things as Miyeon and you, tried her best to somewhat bond with you, all for the sake of the family. Before life had driven a wedge between you. Now, all those memories felt like they belonged to another lifetime, a dream you could barely recall.

“Moving forward,” you repeated, almost to yourself. “It sounds so simple when you say it.”

“It’s not simple,” Jisoo admitted, setting down the last knife and turning to face you fully. “But it’s necessary.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but the sound of footsteps in the hallway made you pause. Your father entered the room, his once robust frame now slightly stooped with age and worry. His eyes, once so full of authority, now seemed to carry the weight of too many regrets.

He looked as miserable as you felt. 

“Y/N,” he said, “It’s good to see you. You've been hiding in your room every time I come back from the fields, I thought… I thought you were ignoring me.”

You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak because yes, you totally were ignoring him. Your relationship with your father had always been complicated, and recent events had only made it worse.. He had been the one to arrange your marriage, to send you into the hands of the man who had caused you so much pain. Forgiveness was a luxury you couldn’t afford, not yet.

Not ever, maybe.

“Father,” you finally managed, your voice tight. “Jisoo and I were just finishing setting the table.”

He glanced at the table, then back at you, his eyes searching your face for something, anything - understanding, perhaps, or absolution. “Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to have the family together again, minus your lovely sister of course.”

Jisoo moved to stand beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “Are you worried? She's in good health, father, the delivery will surely go well.”

You tried so hard not to get upset at the scene unfolding in front of you. Seeing him so worried about Miyeon stung, because when has he ever shown you this kind of emotion?

He nodded, but his expression remained troubled. “Where’s your mother?”

“In the sitting room,” you replied. “She’s... resting.”

The truth was, you had left her standing in the middle of that room after yet another argument, lost in her own guilt and sorrow. But you didn’t have the energy to explain that to your father. 

“I’ll go get her,” he said, turning to leave. “Dinner will be ready soon. Jisoo, get your sons from the garden.”

As he walked away, you felt a pang of something close to pity. For all his faults, your father was still trying to hold the family together, still clinging to the hope that things could return to some semblance of normalcy. But you knew better.

Jisoo’s voice pulled you back to the present. “We should finish up. Mother won’t be happy if everything isn’t perfect.”

You nodded, moving mechanically as you placed the last of the plates on the table. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted in from the kitchen, mingling with the tension in the air. This dinner, this facade of normalcy, felt like a cruel joke. But for now, you played along, if only to keep the peace a little while longer.

Dinner was… a strained affair, to say the least. Your family gathered around the table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on faces that had grown distant and unfamiliar. Your mother, seated at the head, looked as if she were holding herself together by sheer force of will. Beside her, your father’s attempts at small talk fell flat, met with monosyllabic responses and uncomfortable silences.

Jisoo, always the dutiful daughter, tried to keep the conversation going. “Father, have you heard from the merchants about the new trade routes? I read that they’re opening up opportunities in the south. It could be good for the farm, we could get more profit and such.”

Your father nodded, seizing on the topic like a lifeline. “Yes, I’ve been in contact with a few of them. They say the prospects are promising. It could be a chance to recover some of what we’ve lost.”

You listened with half an ear, your thoughts all over the place.

You wondered what Hongjoong was doing at this very moment. Was he getting enough food? Was the little prison cell cold? Was he… Was he thinking about you, just like you were thinking about him? All you could think about was the memory of his touch, his voice, once your only source of comfort, now a constant torment. He was the only person who had ever truly understood you, and now he was paying the price for your actions.

“Y/N?” your mother’s voice brought you right back to reality, “Did you hear me?”

You blinked, realizing she had been speaking to you. “I’m sorry, Mother. What did you say?”

She sighed, a sound full of frustration and sadness. “I asked if you had any plans now that... now that things have changed.”

You knew what she meant. Now that your husband was dead, now that the scandal had rocked your family to its core. “I haven’t decided yet,” you said carefully. “There’s a lot to think about.”

Your mother nodded, her eyes flickering to your father, then back to you. “Just remember, we’re here for you. No matter what.”

You wanted to believe her, but the years of neglect and indifference had built walls that were impossible to tear down. “Thank you,” you said, though the words felt hollow.

As the meal wore on, the conversation thankfully turned to more mundane matters - Jisoo’s children, Miyeon’s pregnancy, the upcoming harvest celebration in town. It was as if everyone was trying to pretend that nothing had changed, that you were still a family bound by more than just blood and obligation.

But you knew better. And as you looked around the table at the faces of your family, you couldn’t help but wonder if they felt that, slowly but surely, you were no longer a part of them.

Later on, as everyone else was lingering in the living room already, you turned around to your mother, now all alone with you in the kitchen. “Mother?” you asked.

“What is it?”

“The bread you made… can I have some more of it? It was… very good.”

For a split second, she looked you right in the eye. 

“...Sure, my daughter.”

She knew something was up.

But maybe, maybe, not intervening with your plans was her way of finally apologizing to you.

The small police station was cold and dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. As you stepped inside, Officer Kim, one of only four officers in your town, looked up from his desk, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity as he spotted you.

“Mrs. Y/N,” he greeted, standing up. “What brings you here at this hour?”

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself. “I need to see him,” you said, your voice cold and determined. “I need to face the man who killed my husband before he is executed.”

Officer Kim’s eyes widened slightly, but after composing himself, he nodded. “Of course. Just... be careful. He’s not in the best of moods.”

You forced a tight smile. “Thank you, Officer Kim. I brought this as a token of my appreciation.” You handed him the neatly wrapped loaf of bread. “It’s from my mother. She insisted.”

He accepted the gift with a nod. “Thank you, ma’am. That’s very kind of you.”

As he led you down the short hallway to the cells, your heart pounded in your chest. The air grew colder the more you entered the building. At one point, it was so cold you felt multiple shivers run down your spine. God, Hongjoong must have frozen to death here. 

You shook your head, taking another deep breath. You had to act, and act well, for your plan to work.

“There he is,” Officer Kim said, nodding toward the second cell. Hongjoong sat on the narrow cot, his head bowed, his hands clasped together. At the sound of your approach, he looked up, his eyes meeting yours instantly.

You saw the turmoil of emotions behind his eyes. Guilt, sorrow, and so much relief to finally see you again.

“Y/N,” he began, but you cut him off with a glare.

“Don’t you dare say my name,” you hissed, stepping closer to the bars. “You have no right to speak to me.”

Hongjoong’s eyes widened, but he quickly masked his emotions. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes.

“I needed to see you,” you spat, your voice dripping with venom. “I needed to look into the eyes of the man who murdered my husband.”

Officer Kim shifted uncomfortably beside you, clearly uneasy with the tension. “I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said, retreating back to his desk. “But don’t take too long.”

You waited until his footsteps faded before turning back to Hongjoong, your expression softening. “I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I had to make it convincing.”

Hongjoong reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against yours. “What are you doing here?” he asked again, his voice trembling. He looked unwell; skinnier than ever before, his eyes sunken in and some torn, old clothes on his shivering frame.

“I have a plan to get you out,” you said, glancing over your shoulder to ensure Officer Kim wasn’t coming back just yet. “The bread I gave him... it’s poisoned. Not enough to kill, just enough to make him sick. When he’s down, I’ll get the keys and we’ll leave. Together.”

Hongjoong’s eyes filled with a mix of admiration and worry. “You’re risking everything for me.”

“I’d risk anything for you,” you confirmed, your voice breaking. “You’re the only person who’s ever truly cared for me. I can’t lose you.”

Before he could respond, you heard a muffled groan from the direction of the desk. It seemed as if officer Kim was already feeling the effects of the poison, his footsteps stumbling as he tried to return.

“Now,” you whispered urgently. “We have to go now.”

You hurried back to the entrance of the cells, finding Officer Kim slumped over his desk, groaning in pain. He looked up at you, confusion and betrayal clearly visible in his eyes.

“Mrs. Y/N... what...”

“I’m so, so sorry,” you said softly, reaching for the keys on his belt. “I had to.”

You returned to Hongjoong’s cell, unlocking the door with trembling hands. The door swung open with a creak, and he stepped out, his hand immediately finding yours.

“Let’s go,” you said, pulling him toward the back exit. “We don’t have much time.”

“Wait,” he said, and halted his steps. Before you could fully turn around and ask what's wrong, he was all over you. 

His arms wrapped around you in a fierce embrace, pulling you close as if he were afraid you might disappear. You could feel his heartbeat, fast and erratic, echoing your own.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he murmured into your hair, his voice choked with emotion. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

You held onto him just as tightly, savoring the warmth and solidity of his body against yours. “We don’t have much time,” you whispered, even though you wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms forever. “We have to go.”

Hongjoong nodded, pulling back slightly but keeping a firm grip on your hand. Together, you made your way out, your hearts pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The night was cold and still, the moon casting a pale light over the deserted streets..

“We’ll head to the forest,” you said, squeezing Hongjoong’s hand. “I hid a few resources for us by the tree where we first met. Along with… along with some evidence. Against my former husband.”

“You want… you want to prove my innocence?”

You looked at him, and nodded. “You are innocent after all. And… and I am too.”

Hongjoong’s grip tightened on your hand as the two of you made your way through the dark, narrow streets. “I have someone who can help us,” he whispered urgently. “Someone… powerful.”

You glanced at him. “Who?”

“I can't tell you yet. But trust me, she can definitely help us.”

She?

You nodded, but your mind raced. “...Alright, let’s get to the tree first. We need those resources.”

The two of you moved down the all too familiar path. The town was quiet, the only sound the occasional bark of a distant dog or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Beside you, Hongjoong wasn't as quick as he'd usually be; the weeks of solitary confinement, barely enough food and cold temperatures were clearly evident, yet he did not once fall behind. You reached the tree where you and Hongjoong had first met, a towering oak tree.

The place where it all started.

“There,” you whispered, pointing to a hollow at the base of the tree. Hongjoong knelt down, reaching into the hollow and pulling out a small bag. He opened it, revealing the few precious items you had hidden: food, water, a change of clothes, and most importantly, the evidence that could clear Hongjoong’s name.

“These letters,” you said, pulling out a bundle of crumpled papers. “They’re from my husband. Threatening me, detailing his abuse and plans to ruin our family if I didn’t comply. They’ll prove what kind of man he really was.”

Hongjoong nodded, his eyes hardening. “We’ll make sure everyone knows the truth. But first, we need to get out of here.”

“Don't you want to rest?” you asked, clearly worried about his current state.

He just took your hand and placed a chaste kiss on it. “Later. I have to make sure you're safe first.”

“And you, too,” you added.

“And me too,” he repeated.

So, the two of you set off again, moving through the shadows, your hearts pounding in unison. As you reached the main street, you were determined to make it as far as possible, as quickly as possible. But as you rounded a corner, you came to a sudden halt.

A carriage awaited you, its dark silhouette looming in the moonlight. And standing beside it, his expression grim, was your father.

“Father,” you whispered, your voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. “What are you doing here?”

He stepped forward, his eyes locked on yours. “I… had a feeling you’d try to run,” he said quietly. “And I couldn’t let you do it alone.”

You stared at him, confusion swirling in your mind. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve made many mistakes, Y/N. So, so many mistakes. But letting you suffer in silence was the worst of all. I’m not here to stop you. I’m here to help you. Even if it means I'll never see you again.”

Hongjoong stepped protectively in front of you, his eyes narrowed. “Why should we trust you? You never protected her before, why now?”

Your father met his gaze steadily. “Because I love my daughter.”

“You're a liar,” you whispered, hot, angry tears threatening to escape your eyes.

He fiercely shook his head. “I'm a bad person, Y/N. I do not want to earn my forgiveness with this. But I'm not a liar. Never that. Take this carriage and go, wherever you two want to.”

You looked at Hongjoong, then back at your father. “And what about you?”

He shook his head. “I’ll stay behind and livel with the consequences. It’s the least I can do.”

Tears filled your eyes as you stepped forward, embracing your father tightly. It was the first hug you shared in a long, long time, and also the last one. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice breaking.

He held you close for a moment, then gently pushed you toward the carriage. “Go. Be safe. And don’t look back.”

You and Hongjoong climbed into the carriage, the soft leather seats a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground you had just left. As the carriage began to move, you looked out the window, watching your father’s figure grow smaller and smaller until it fully disappeared into the night.

The carriage rattled along the narrow, winding road, the wheels clattering over the uneven stones. The night was cold, the air crisp with the promise of frost. You wrapped a blanket around yourself and Hongjoong, sharing the warmth as best you could. The lantern hanging from the carriage’s front swayed with each bump, casting erratic shadows that danced across the landscape.

The path ahead was long and treacherous, leading through dense forests and over rocky hills. Every so often, the carriage would hit a particularly deep rut, jolting you both almost freaking the horse out numerous times.

Luckily for you, Hongjoong was some kind of animal whisperer and managed to calm the horse pretty quickly each time.

As the hours passed, the moon climbed higher in the sky, its pale light filtering through the bare branches of the trees. The forest around you was alive with nocturnal sounds - the hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves, the distant cry of a fox. You kept a wary eye on the shadows, aware that danger could lurk in the darkness.

Dawn was beginning to break when the carriage crested a hill, revealing a panoramic view of the valley below. The first light of day painted the landscape in soft hues of pink and gold, the rolling hills stretching out like a patchwork quilt. It was a moment of fleeting beauty, a reminder of the world beyond your troubles.

“It's so pretty here,” you whispered. Hongjoong hummed in return, his gaze slowly becoming more and more unfocused.

He was tired, and in desperate need for some rest.

“Let me drive for a while,” you said softly, touching Hongjoong's arm. “You need to rest.”

Hongjoong shook his head, though his exhaustion was evident. “I’ll rest later. We need to put as much distance between us and the town as possible.”

“Please,” you insisted, your voice gentle but firm. “You’re no good to me if you collapse from exhaustion. Let me take over until we find an inn.”

He hesitated, then finally nodded, knowing you were right. The carriage came to a halt, and you swapped places. As you took the reins, Hongjoong settled into the seat, wrapping the blanket tightly around himself. His eyes closed almost immediately, the tension in his body easing as he finally allowed himself to rest a little.

You guided the carriage along the winding road, the rhythm of the horse’s hooves a steady, comforting beat. The landscape around you began to change as the sun climbed higher, the dense forest giving way to open fields and distant mountains. 

Hours passed, and you kept a vigilant eye on the road ahead. Occasionally, you would glance back at Hongjoong, who slept fitfully, his brow furrowed even in rest. The evidence you had gathered against your husband lay safely tucked away, a lifeline that could clear Hongjoong’s name and secure your future together.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the fields, you spotted a small village nestled at the base of the mountains. It was far enough from your town that you felt safe enough to stop for a while. The village appeared peaceful and quiet, only a few people out on the street at this hour.

You gently shook Hongjoong awake as the carriage rolled to a stop at the edge of the village. He stirred, blinking groggily. “Where are we?”

“A village,” you replied, helping him down from the carriage. “We can rest here for the night.”

He nodded, too tired to argue. The two of you made your way to the inn, a modest building with a welcoming glow emanating from its windows. 

The inn's common room was a bustling hub of activity, filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of mugs. The innkeeper, a plump woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, greeted you as you approached the counter.

“Good evening, dear,” she said, her voice soft and welcoming. “What can I do for you?”

“We need a room for the night,” you replied, glancing back at Hongjoong, who was leaning heavily against the wall, fighting to stay awake.

The older woman nodded, her eyes flickering to Hongjoong before returning to you. "Of course, dear. We have one room available, but it only has one bed. I hope… that’s alright?”

Her eyes flickered towards your hand. There was no ring on it and so, if you took that single bed room, it would be quiet… frivolous.

You felt a flush rise to your cheeks. You yearned to be close to him, to feel his warmth and comfort, but after everything that happened, the thoughts of sleeping close to someone terrified you. And, most important in this current situation; you weren’t married yet. 

Hongjoong, sensing your hesitation, stepped forward. “That will be fine,” he said softly, tired eyes settling upon your figure. “Thank you.”

It seemed you were the only one caring about appearances.

The innkeeper's smile widened, and she quickly handed you a key. “Room 3, just up the stairs. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.”

You nodded, taking the key with trembling hands. “Thank you,” you managed.

You carefully led Hongjoong up the narrow staircase. The wooden steps creaked under your weight, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. It seemed that with your arrival, the sound of previous laughter had fully died down. Or maybe the ringing in your ears was too loud for you to notice any other noises. When you reached the door to your room, you hesitated for a moment before unlocking it and pushing it open.

The room was small but cozy, with a single bed pushed against one wall and a small window that offered a view of the village below. The bed was covered with a thick, quilted blanket, and a simple wooden chair sat in the corner.

Hongjoong sank onto the bed with a sigh, his eyes already half-closed. You stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do next.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong murmured, his voice gentle. “You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor.”

You shook your head, stepping closer. “No, you need to rest properly. We'll share the bed. It’s... it’s fine.”

He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and gratitude. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, though your heart was pounding in your chest. “Yes. We'll manage. I trust you.”

And you did. What you did not trust though were your inner demons.

Hongjoong fully collapsed onto the bed, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. You sat beside him, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “Rest now,” you whispered. “We’ll figure out the rest in the morning. I'll go ahead and fetch us something to eat, okay?”

He nodded, his eyes already closing. You stayed by his side for a few minutes, then quietly left the room to look for food you both desperately needed.

After finding some bread, cheese, and a couple of apples in the inn's small kitchen, you returned to the room. The scent of the simple meal filled the space, mingling with the comforting warmth of the inn. Hongjoong stirred as you entered, his eyes slowly opening.

“Food,” you announced with a soft smile, sitting down on the edge of the bed and handing him a piece of bread. “It's not much, but it's something.”

He took the bread with a grateful smile, his fingers brushing against yours. “Thank you,” he murmured, taking a bite. “This is perfect.”

You both ate in silence for a while. Despite the simplicity of the meal, it felt like a feast after eating little to nothing the past few days. Hongjoong's presence, his gentle smile, and the way he looked at you with such trust and affection made the food taste even better.

As you carefully cut and shared the apples with him, your fingers occasionally brushed against his, each touch sending a small shiver down your spine. The tension of the past days seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and connection. You found yourself laughing softly at the way Hongjoong tried to juggle the uncut apples, almost dropping them.

“You're hopeless,” you teased, giggling as he finally managed to catch them.

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I'm just a man hopelessly in love,” he corrected, his tone playful yet sincere.

Your heart fluttered at his words, and you couldn't help but laugh, a genuine, carefree sound that you hadn't heard from yourself in a long time. It felt good to laugh, to share this moment of lightness with him.

As the meal came to an end, you both settled back on the bed, the small space forcing you to be close. Hongjoong's warmth radiated against your side, his arm brushing against yours. Despite the comfort of his presence, your body immediately tensed.

The last time a man laid next to you, he'd done unspeakable things to you. 

But this… this was Hongjoong. Your Hongjoong.

You trusted him.

Yet at the same time, you were still terrified.

You tried to focus on his steady breathing, the rise and fall of his chest, but your heart raced, and your skin prickled with unease. You felt a knot of anxiety forming in your stomach, your muscles tightening involuntarily.

You couldn't breathe.

Hongjoong sensed your discomfort, his hand gently covering yours. “It's okay,” he whispered, his voice soothing. “I'm here.”

You nodded, but his reassurance did little to calm the storm inside you. Your mind was flooded with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The warmth of his body was both a comfort and a reminder of all you had endured. You wanted to relax, to let go and feel safe, but your body wouldn't allow it.

Your breathing quickened, your chest tightening. You could feel your pulse pounding in your ears, each beat drowning out every other sound. Your hands trembled, and you clutched the blanket tightly, trying to ground yourself.

“Breathe,” he murmured, his voice soft and steady. “Just breathe with me.”

“I can't,” you sobbed.

“Shhh. Just close your eyes.”

You did as he said, focusing on his voice, his warmth. Slowly, you matched your breathing to his. The tension in your muscles began to ease, though the fear still lingered at the edges of your mind.

Hongjoong's hand never left yours, his thumb tracing soothing patterns on your skin. “You're safe,” he whispered, his voice a balm to your frayed nerves. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

Tears welled up in your eyes. You squeezed his hand, finding strength in his presence. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

He pulled you closer, his arms wrapping around you in a gentle embrace. You felt the steady beat of his heart against your cheek, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest grounding you. “We'll get through this,” he murmured. “Together.”

“You know,” you slowly began, carefully turning around. Now, face to face with him, you carefully lifted your fingers and started tracing husband features; his acquainted eyebrows, over husband prominent cheekbones to his soft, plush lips, where you remained a little longer.

“I don't think I'd be alive without you, Kim Hongjoong. For that… for you, coming into my life and selflessly saving me, I am beyond thankful. But at the same time… at the same time, I can't help but think that if you'd never met me… you could still live your normal life. Sometimes… it gets all too much.”

You held his gaze, your fingers repeating your previous actions of lightly tracing the curve of his lips. “You’ve given me so much, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “More than I ever thought I deserved.”

His hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. “You deserve everything, Y/N. More than I could ever give.”

The sincerity in his eyes made your heart ache. “I don't know what I'd do without you,” you said, your voice breaking. “You've been my rock, my savior. I... I don't know if I can ever repay you.”

Hongjoong's hand moved to the back of your neck, his fingers gently kneading the tension there. “You don't need to repay me. Just being with you is enough. Seeing you smile, hearing your laughter... that's all I need for the rest of my life.”

You closed your eyes, savoring the feel of his touch. His fingers were warm and strong, yet so gentle. It was a stark contrast to the harshness you had known before. 

“You shine so bright, Joongie. Like the sun. My sun.”

He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against yours. “And you will shine like that too again. Soon,” he breathed, his lips brushing against your skin. The intimacy of the moment made your heart race, but it wasn't fear this time. It was something else, something deeper.

Something only Kim Hongjoong could make you feel.

You opened your eyes, finding his face so close to yours that you could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I'm scared. Not of you, but of losing you. Of the future. Of what might happen if they find us.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering. “We won't let that happen. We're stronger together. They won't find us. Once we're in the capital, I’ll handle everything, okay?”

His words gave you strength, and you found yourself leaning into him, your lips brushing against his in a tender, lingering kiss. It was slow and gentle, a silent promise of your love and devotion towards each other. His hand slipped into your hair, holding you close as your lips moved together, exploring and savoring each other.

When you finally pulled back, you were both breathing heavily, your foreheads still touching. “I love you,” you whispered, your voice filled with pure, raw emotion.

Hongjoong's eyes softened, his thumb tracing your jawline. “And I love you,” he replied, his voice just as tender. “More than words can say.”

You stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside forgotten. In his embrace, you felt safe, cherished, and deeply loved. The fear and anxiety that had plagued you began to fade, replaced by a warmth that spread through your entire being.

“Let’s rest now,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm. “Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll face it together.”

You nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. “Together,” you echoed, your voice steady.

He gently guided you down onto the bed, pulling the blanket over both of you. His arms remained around you, holding you close as you settled into the warmth of his embrace. 

As you drifted off to sleep, you felt his lips press a gentle kiss to your temple, his breath warm against your skin. “Goodnight, my love,” he murmured, his voice a soft caress.

“Goodnight,” you whispered back, your heart full. 

That night, you finally had a good, peaceful sleep.

“How long until we arrive at the capital?”

Hongjoong was leaning against the carriage window, his eyes scanning the horizon. A storm would be coming soon, he said.

“Two more days, if we keep this pace,” he replied, turning to face you. “The storm may slow us down a bit.”

You nodded. The journey had been long and exhausting, the constant tension of being on the run making you an anxious mess. But with Hongjoong by your side, you felt a strength you had never known before.

The carriage jostled along the uneven road, the sounds of the wheels clattering against the stones a constant reminder of the distance still left to travel. You glanced at Hongjoong, his face etched with determination despite the exhaustion that lingered in his eyes.

“We’ll make it,” you said softly, more to yourself than to him. “We have to.”

He reached out, taking your hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We will,” he affirmed, his voice steady. “And once we’re there, we’ll find a way to solve all this mess. To start over.”

You leaned against him, drawing comfort from his presence. 

You traveled through several more small villages, their inhabitants just beginning to stir. Farmers led their livestock out to pasture, and shopkeepers opened their doors, the smell of fresh bread and morning fires wafting through the air. The sight of these simple, everyday routines filled you with a strange sense of peace, a reminder that life went on, and that, maybe in the future, your life may look like this too.

Simple yet happy and fulfilling.

And then, you arrived. 

You gasped as the large gates of the city appeared in front of you.

The capital was a sprawling maze of streets and alleys, bustling with activity. Everything here was just so much larger, louder and generally more impressive, a stark contrast to the quiet, simpler life you had known. The noise and commotion seemed to close in around you, but Hongjoong’s steady presence kept you grounded.

“It's a lot to take in, right?” he asked.

You nodded, mouth opened in awe as you took in your surroundings. “It's huge. I can't stop looking everywhere!”

He laughed, gently squeezing your hand. “We'll have plenty of time to explore everything once we've settled in properly. I'll show you all my favorite places, okay?”

You smiled at him. A gentle, real smile. “Okay!”

Hongjoong looked around, his eyes bright with excitement despite the exhaustion. “Luckily for us, two of my closest friends live here. They’re good people, and I’m sure they’ll offer us a place to stay.”

You felt a wave of relief wash over you. “That would be wonderful. I can’t wait to meet them. You haven't told me much about your past, so I’m really excited, Joongie.”

“In the future, I'll tell you everything you want to know. My past, present and future are yours, Y/N.”

Your heart fluttered, and a deep blush coated your face. A sheepish smile stole its way onto your lips.

Hongjoong led you through the bustling streets, expertly navigating the maze of alleys and markets. After a few twists and turns, you arrived at a modest but welcoming home. 

He hastily jumped up the carriage and then held his hand out for you to take it. You smiled at him. Your lover was a true gentleman, and it made you feel all giddy inside, even at such a small gesture.

Hongjoong knocked on the door, and moments later, it swung open to reveal a tall, athletic man with sharp features and an inquisitive look.

“Hongjoong?” the man said in surprise, his eyes widening. The first thing you noticed was his clothes. They looked… expensive. And yet, he lived in such a small home.

You wondered what his story was.

“What are you doing here?”

“San, it’s a long story,” Hongjoong replied, pulling San into a hug. “We need a place to stay. Is Wooyoung home?”

San nodded, stepping aside to let you both in. “He’s in the kitchen. Come in.”

As you stepped inside, you were immediately greeted by the comforting smell of home-cooked food. A few moments later, another man appeared, carrying a tray of freshly baked bread. He had a playful sparkle in his eyes and a welcoming smile on his face.

“Who do we have here?” Wooyoung asked, setting the tray down and wiping his hands on a towel.

“Wooyoung, this is my friend,” Hongjoong introduced you. “She's been traveling with me.”

Wooyoung’s eyes widened in surprise and then softened. “Well, any friend of Hongjoong’s is welcome here. Please, make yourself at home.”

You felt a warmth spread through you at their genuine hospitality. San and Wooyoung led you to a cozy living room where a fire crackled in the hearth. You sank into a comfortable chair, letting out a sigh as your aching muscles relaxed.

“Sorry for the sudden arrival,” Hongjoong said, his tone sincere. “We didn’t have time to send word ahead.”

San waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. We’re just glad you’re safe. What’s going on?”

Hongjoong looked at you first, before briefly explaining: “It's too long of a story to share in detail. But, we had to flee from where we came from and are now on a mission to… clear up some misunderstandings. I can promise you two that you'll be kept out of any trouble. I just… need a safe place, especially to keep my woman safe.”

San nodded, curiously glancing towards you as the words ‘my woman’ left Hongjoong’s mouth. You smiled awkwardly at the man. “We have a spare room you can use, Hongjoong.”

Tears of gratitude welled up in your eyes. It wasn't much, but just having a place to stay, surrounded by people you knew Hongjoong trusted, was enough to make you feel all sorts of emotions. 

“Thank you,” you said, your voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Hongjoong squeezed your hand again, his own eyes full of gratitude. “We’re going to be okay,” he whispered softly. “Wooyoung and San are good, nice people. How about you just relax and befriend them while I'll do the work, hm?”

“I couldn't possibly-”

“Oh, but you can”, he interrupted you, playfully playing with your hair. “My Y/N should never worry her pretty head about anything again now that she's with me.”

You giggled sheepishly. “Oh Joongie, you're such a flirt!”

“Ahem.” A voice interrupted you and suddenly, the bubble around the two of you burst and you were reminded that you were not alone but, in fact, in the house of two men who were now very openly staring at you.

One who was cackling behind his hand like a menace - Wooyoung - and the other one who did not know where he should look. You, or the very interesting ceiling?

“So, ‘my woman', huh?” Wooyoung teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Since when did you become such a romantic, Hongjoong? And most importantly: where’s our invitation to the wedding?”

Hongjoong’s ears turned a deep shade of red, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. “Wooyoung, now’s not the time…”

“Oh, but it’s always the time for love, Joongie!” Wooyoung replied with a dramatic flourish. “Here we were, thinking you were just wandering around from city to city and selling your dresses, but no, you were secretly out there sweeping a lovely lady off her feet!”

San tried to interject, a desperate attempt to hold the man beside him back. “Wooyoung, maybe we should-”

“San, don’t be a killjoy,” Wooyoung interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. “This is the most excitement we’ve had in weeks! Besides, our Hongjoong, who couldn't even look a woman into the eye the last time we saw him, has finally grown up. We must celebrate!”

“I'm older than both of you, Wooyoung!”

Hongjoong buried his face in his hands, clearly embarrassed. You couldn’t help but giggle at the situation, feeling a bit more at ease in the presence of the two strangers now.

“Y/N, you should know,” Wooyoung continued, leaning in conspiratorially, “Hongjoong here is quite the catch. He’s a gentleman, a true and talented dressmaker, and apparently, a poet. ‘My woman’, indeed.”

San finally managed to find his voice. “Alright, Wooyoung, give them a break. They’ve had a long journey, and they need rest, not your joking.”

Wooyoung pouted dramatically. “Fine, fine. But don’t think this conversation is over, Hongjoong. We need all the juicy details later.”

Hongjoong groaned, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “You never change, do you, Wooyoung?”

“Never,” Wooyoung replied proudly. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

San shook his head, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Let’s get you both settled in. You can rest, and we’ll talk more later. Until then Wooyoung, behave yourself.”

Wooyoung saluted playfully. “Aye, aye, captain!”

Later that evening, after a hearty meal and much laughter with Wooyoung and San, you were led into a small, cozy room. The modest bed in the corner looked incredibly inviting after the long journey. You quickly freshened up, San kindly lending you some spare clothing for the night, before returning back to the room. Hongjoong was already there, lying on his back, staring at the ceiling lost in thought. You quietly slipped in beside him, the bed creaking softly under your weight.

He turned to you, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face. “How are you feeling?” he asked gently.

“Tired,” you admitted, snuggling closer to him. 

Only then did you realize that, despite sharing the bed with him multiple times now, this was the first time both of you wore proper sleeping clothing. Therefore, both of you were a bit… more exposed than usual.

Suddenly, you were very, very aware of the naked skin his hand was occasionally touching.

And your heart skipped a beat. This time, not of the usual warmth Hongjoong ignited within you all the time.

No, this time, there was also a hint of fear rushing through your veins.

You closed your eyes for a moment, savoring the softness of his touch, yet the past clung to you like a shroud, and you felt a flicker of hesitation within you.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong’s voice pulled you from your thoughts, low and soothing, “you can trust me.” There was an earnestness in his tone, a promise that echoed in the silence of the room. He shifted closer, his body radiating heat and a sense of safety that beckoned you to let go of your fears and open your eyes to meet him.

Nothing but sincerity and love greeted you in his gaze.

As his hand traced a gentle path along your arm, you shivered at the sensation. It was a touch that was so different from what you had known, devoid of the harshness that had once marred your skin and spirit. His fingers danced lightly over your wrist, and you felt a rush of warmth that sent a thrill through your heart, igniting a yearning you had thought was lost forever.

“Is this okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort. You nodded carefully. It was a struggle to separate the innocence of his affection from the painful memories that tainted your every being. You could feel your breath quicken as he leaned closer, the scent of him - fresh and comforting - surrounding you like a soft embrace.

Hongjoong’s fingers slipped beneath your chin, tilting your face towards his. The way he looked at you, with such reverence and care, made your heart ache. “You’re safe with me,” he murmured, and it felt like a balm to your soul. You had craved this kind of tenderness, and even though the man in front of you was willing to give it to you, to give you his all, a remaining feeling of panic remained deep inside of you.

“I'm sorry you have to deal with this again. One may think that after we slept side by side so many times already I would get used to it. I don't know why I'm so pathe-”

“Princess, don't you dare finish this sentence. You're incredible and don't have to apologize for a single thing.”

He leaned in, brushing his lips softly against yours, a gentle caress that sent shivers down your spine. It was a kiss that said so, so much, a kiss that was patient and completely unhurried. You melted into him, feeling the warmth of his body envelop you like a protective cocoon.

You did your best to believe in his words.

That night, nothing more happened. 

Hongjoong knew that it would take you a long while to truly let go of your fears.

And, while tracing more gentle kisses along your skin, all he said was: “I don't need you to give me your body to know that you are already mine and I am yours.”

The next day, as you slowly woke up and blinked the tears away, you noticed two things immediately: winter was coming, and the temperatures were dropping quickly and, most importantly; Hongjoong's side of the bed was empty.

There was no logical explanation for the panic that immediately set in, yet you felt your chest tightening and your heart pounding quickly. You rushed out of bed, almost stumbling over your own feet as you slipped into the soft pantoffels San provided you with, and sprinted down the stairs. 

“Woah, what's the rush-”

“Wooyoung”, you interrupted the man with sleepy, still half-closed eyes, “Where's Hongjoong?”

He scratched the back of his hand. “He left when you fell asleep last night. All he said was that he had some matters to take care of and would be back early in the morning. He… isn't back yet?”

The weight of Wooyoung's words hit you like a train. If Hongjoong had promised to be back by morning, then where was he? The sun was already peeking through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room, and there was still no sign of him. A thousand thoughts raced through your mind as you tried to make sense of the situation.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself as the panic threatened to overwhelm you. “No… he isn't back yet,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The words felt foreign on your tongue. 

Wooyoung's expression shifted from confusion to concern. “Maybe he got held up somewhere? You know how he is… always taking on more than he should.”

You shook your head, refusing to accept that as the answer. “He wouldn't just leave without telling me. Not like this.” 

But what if he would? 

The unease in your chest grew stronger, the fear tightening its grip around your heart.

Wooyoung reached out, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe he's on his way back right now.”

But you could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the doubt he was trying so hard to hide. The pit in your stomach deepened, and you knew you couldn't just sit around waiting, hoping that everything would be okay. 

“I need to find him,” you said, determination lacing your voice. You quickly turned on your heel, heading for the door without another word.

"Wait!" Wooyoung called after you, but you were already halfway out the door, your mind set on one thing: finding Hongjoong.

And then you pumped head first into San.

“Careful, little one. What's the-”

“Have you seen Hongjoong?” you blurted out, your voice trembling as you nearly collided with San.

San’s usually warm expression was replaced with a frown. “No, I haven’t. What’s going on? Why are you in such a rush?”

You hesitated, your mind racing. Should you tell them? Would they even understand? Hongjoong hasn't told them anything concrete about your situation as of now, and you weren't sure if you should tell them without him present.

“He’s… He’s not back yet. Wooyoung said he left last night, but he should’ve been back by now.”

San’s eyes widened. “And he hasn't said where he's going?”

You shook your head, fighting to keep your voice steady. “No. But I... I can’t just sit around and wait. I need to find him.”

San looked conflicted, glancing over at Wooyoung, who had followed you outside. “But you don’t know your way around the capital. You could get lost or… worse.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but San gently placed a hand on your arm, stopping you. “I get that you’re worried, but let’s wait a bit longer, okay? He wouldn’t want you getting into trouble trying to find him.”

The thought of sitting around doing nothing while Hongjoong was out there - somewhere - felt unbearable. He was shouldering all your problems alone, and it made you both guilty and mad that he didn't even tell you a single thing. 

Reluctantly, you nodded, and San led you back inside the house. The atmosphere was heavy as the three of you settled into the living room, the clock on the wall ticking away the minutes in agonizing slowness.

“So… uh…”

Awkward silence set in, both men looking at each other concerned. Wooyoung, trying to lighten the mood, leaned back on the couch and stretched.

“Uh.. Did you know that San literally can't sleep without hugging something? And with something, I mean me - like, this man doesn't know how strong he is and literally suffocates me every night!”, he laughs.

You glanced at San, who looked somewhat mortified, a blush creeping up his neck. “Wooyoung…” he muttered, giving him a half-hearted glare. Unfortunately, his joke did nothing to soothe your nerves. If anything, it only made the awkwardness more palpable. “Uh, that's… interesting,” you mumbled, not really knowing what else to say. You liked them both, but conversations with them always felt like you were navigating a minefield, unsure of where to step. 

Especially now that Hongjoong wasn't here with you.

San rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “It's not like that, really. It's just… a comfort thing, I guess.”

You fidgeted with the hem of your shirt, stealing glances at Wooyoung and San, who were both trying, in their own ways, to lighten the atmosphere. They were being so kind, so patient, but it only made you feel worse. You weren’t used to this. It was foreign, almost suffocating, in a way you couldn't quite understand. 

Wooyoung cleared his throat, breaking the silence, seemingly ignoring that you still haven't said anything to his joking attempt to lighten the mood. “So, uh, have you had breakfast yet? I can make something if you’re hungry.”

You shook your head, though the thought of eating made your stomach twist in a knot. “No, I’m… I’m not really hungry.” 

“Coffee, then?” San offered, trying to keep the conversation going. “Or tea? I think there’s still some left in the kitchen.” 

You hesitated, not wanting to seem ungrateful. “Maybe… tea?” It felt like the right thing to say, even if you weren’t sure you could stomach anything right now. 

San nodded, giving you a small, encouraging smile. “Tea it is. I’ll be right back.” He got up, his footsteps almost too loud in the quiet room, leaving you alone with Wooyoung. The silence between you and the other man was thick, both of you unsure of what to say. You could feel his gaze on you, but you kept your eyes fixed on the floor, afraid that if you looked up, he’d see just how out of sorts you really were.

Wooyoung shifted in his seat, clearly trying to come up with something to break the tension. “You know, I don’t think we’ve really had the chance to talk much… Just us,” he said.

“Yeah,” you murmured, feeling your cheeks heat up. You wanted to be able to talk to him, to say something normal, but the words just wouldn’t come. It was frustrating - feeling like you were locked inside your own head, even when you desperately wanted to reach out. He leaned back, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I get it, though. Meeting new people can be… overwhelming.”

You looked up at him. “It’s just… I’m not really used to this. To any of this,” you admitted quietly, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

Wooyoung nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I figured. But hey, no pressure. We’re just… trying to make you feel welcome, you know? You're Hongjoong's girl, after all.”

“I know,” you replied quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. “I really appreciate it. I do. It’s just… hard, sometimes.”

He didn’t press you, just nodded again, his eyes soft. “It’s okay. We’re not in any rush. We’ve all got our own issues, you know?”

Before you could respond, San returned, holding a steaming mug of tea. He handed it to you with a small, reassuring smile. “Here you go. It’s chamomile - good for relaxing.” 

“Thanks,” you whispered, wrapping your hands around the warm mug, letting the heat seep into your skin. 

San settled back into his seat, the three of you once again falling into a somewhat awkward silence. You sipped your tea, the warmth soothing your throat, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside you. They were trying so hard, and that only made it worse. You could see the effort in every glance, every word. They didn’t know your past, your struggles, and you didn’t know how to tell them - didn’t even know if you should. And so you stayed quiet, trapped in your own thoughts, feeling like an outsider despite their best efforts.

“I guess… I’m just not good at this,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“At what?” San asked gently, leaning forward slightly.

“Talking. Being around people. Making… friends I don’t know how to…” You trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Wooyoung chuckled softly, not in a mocking way, but as if he understood more than you realized. “You’re doing just fine. We’re not exactly pros at this either, you know. Most of the time, we’re just winging it.”

San nodded in agreement. “He’s right. It’s okay to not know what to say. We’re just… glad you’re here.”

Their words made something inside you ache. You still weren’t used to kindness without strings attached, to people caring just because. It felt undeserved, even after Hongjoong showed you that you did in fact deserve it, and that made you even more unsure of how to act. 

“Thanks,” you whispered, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. You wanted to be better at this, for them, for Hongjoong, but you didn’t know how.

Wooyoung grinned, nudging your shoulder lightly. “No need to thank us. We’re all in this together, right?”

You nodded, managing a small smile in return. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. And that was enough for now.

If someone would've told you that you'd ever be genuinely mad at Kim Hongjoong, you definitely would've laughed right in their face. Because Hongjoong was the kindest, sweetest man you'd ever known, so what would ever make you angry at him?

“Ah, look who's back,” was all you said as you heard the door close behind you.

You had never imagined feeling this way toward Hongjoong, the man who you grew to love so much. But now, as you stood in your shared living room, hearing the door close behind you, that anger burned hotter, fueled by the fear and helplessness that had consumed you all morning.

You didn't turn around to face him immediately, your hands clenched into fists at your sides. Your mind raced with thoughts, each one only making the knot in your chest tighter. 

The sound of his footsteps approaching filled the room, and you could feel his presence behind you, close enough to touch. For a moment, you considered letting it go, just brushing it all under the rug like you’d done with so many things before. But this was different. This problem wasn't just his alone; this was your life too, your problems, your fears, and he had just walked away, leaving you in the dark.

Hongjoong hesitated. “I’m sorry I was gone for so long,” he began, but that was all it took to make you whirl around, your emotions spilling over.

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” The words came out harsher than you intended, but you couldn’t stop them. “You left without saying a word, Hongjoong. I don't even know where you went! You promised you’d be back by morning, and then you just… didn’t come back. It's almost midnight now! Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

His eyes widened, clearly taken aback by your outburst. “I didn’t mean to worry you,” he said, his voice softening, but you could see the guilt in his eyes. “I just had to take care of some things-”

“But why alone?” you interrupted, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. “Why do you always do this? You think you have to handle everything by yourself, like I’m some fragile thing that needs to be protected. But this is my problem too, Joong! I have a right to know, to help, to be there with you! Because…” your voice broke, and you looked at the floor as you wiped a tear away, “because the guilt is eating me alive, Joong. Without me… without me, none of this would have ever happened. It all began with me, so I should… I should take responsibility too.”

Hongjoong’s expression softened as he saw the tears welling up in your eyes. “Hey, hey, no,” he murmured, stepping closer and reaching out to cup your face, but you took a step back and shook your head silently.

“Don’t,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “Don’t act like this is just something we can brush aside, like it’s no big deal. You think you’re protecting me by keeping things from me, but you’re not. You’re only making it worse. I can’t keep doing this, Joong. I can’t keep pretending that it’s okay for you to shut me out. For you to shoulder everything alone.”

Hongjoong’s hand dropped to his side, his face crumbling with regret. “I never wanted to shut you out. I just… I didn’t want you to worry, didn’t want you to feel like you had to carry this burden. You're still so… hurt. I thought I was doing the right thing by handling it on my own.”

“But it’s not just your burden to carry!” you cried, your voice breaking. “We’re supposed to be in this together, Joong. You don’t get to decide what I can or can’t handle. You don’t get to just leave me in the dark, wondering if you’re okay, wondering if you’ll even come back. I was worried sick the whole day!”

His eyes were filled with a pain that mirrored your own, and for a moment, he looked like he didn’t know what to say, like he didn’t know how to make this right. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was hurt you. I’m so, so sorry.”

You shook your head, tears spilling over your cheeks as you looked at him, at the man you loved more than anything in the world, the man who had somehow become a stranger to you in this moment. 

“I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight,” you mumbled. “You may talk to me again when you're finally ready to include me in your plans. Until then… good night, Joong.”

“Y/N, wait-”

But the door shut close behind you before he could finish his sentence.

“H‐hey, I'm sorry, I really didn't want to eavesdrop, but I heard you two arguing...” San’s voice trailed off, his gaze meeting yours. The moment your tear-filled eyes locked with his, the emotions you’d been trying so hard to keep in check threatened to overflow.

For a second, you hesitated. You weren’t close to San - not really. He was still more of a stranger than a friend, someone who was kind and caring but still somewhat distant. But right now, you felt like you were drowning, and he was the only solid thing within your reach.

Without thinking, you moved towards him. As soon as you reached him, you hesitated again, but before you could pull back, San’s arms wrapped around you in a warm, protective embrace. You buried your face in his chest, and the dam inside you finally broke.

Tears poured down your cheeks as you cried against him, the sobs you’d been holding back all day finally breaking free. San stiffened for a moment, clearly caught off guard, but he quickly relaxed, his hold tightening slightly as he let you cry it out.

The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your ear - it was the first comfort you’d felt all day. But even as he stood there comforting you, you still felt torn. The only person you'd ever fully confined in was Hongjoong. This was new territory for you, and it was both comforting and terrifying at the same time.

San didn’t say anything, just stood there quietly, holding you as you trembled in his arms. His hand moved slowly to your back, rubbing gentle circles as he tried to soothe you. His touch was hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing.

As your sobs subsided, leaving you with shaky breaths and red, tear-streaked cheeks, you slowly pulled back, wiping your eyes. You were still in his arms, but you felt the awkwardness creeping back in, and your gaze wandered again, not knowing where to look.

“I… I’m sorry,” you whispered, your voice hoarse from crying. “I didn’t mean to…”

San shook his head, his gaze softening. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said quietly. “You’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to break down sometimes.”

You managed a small, shaky smile, but the uncertainty was still there, lingering between you. “I just… I don’t know what to do, San. I feel so lost. Hongjoong… he means everything to me, but he’s shutting me out. I know he has only my best interest at heart, but… This is my story, too. And I don’t know how to handle that.”

San hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “I’m not gonna pretend I know exactly what you’re going through,” he began, “but I do know that Hongjoong cares about you - more than you probably realize. He’s just… used to handling things on his own. ”

You nodded.

“You’re… you’re really kind, San,” you murmured, your voice still trembling. “But we barely know each other. I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

San’s expression softened even more, and he gave you a small, reassuring smile. “You’re not a burden. We all have our struggles, and sometimes it helps to have someone to lean on, even if it’s someone you’re not that close to… yet.” He added that last word with a gentle emphasis, as if offering a bridge to something more.

You looked up at him, meeting his eyes, and for the first time, you felt a small crack in the walls you've built around yourself. 

And so, in the heat of the moment, you told him everything. San brought you to the living room, where he carefully sat you down and wrapped you in a blanket, and as Wooyoung joined you two, you told them everything.

About your marriage, your family, your town - and about the man who took it upon himself to save you from this cruel fate.

The tension between you and Hongjoong had been unbearable for days. Ever since that night, neither of you had spoken more than a few words to each other. 

You had thrown yourself into anything that could keep your mind busy - cleaning, reading, anything to avoid thinking about the rift that had formed between you and the man you loved. 

Then, one evening, as you sat alone in the living room, lost in thought, you heard the front door creak open. Hongjoong stepped in, his presence immediately filling the room with the weight of everything left unsaid. Your heart clenched at the sight of him - he looked exhausted, worn down by the stress of the past few days.

He stood there for a moment, just looking at you, as if trying to gauge your mood, before finally breaking the silence. “We need to talk.”

The words sent a chill down your spine, but you nodded, too tired to resist any longer. “Okay,” you said quietly, standing up from the couch and facing him.

Hongjoong swallowed, his throat bobbing as he struggled to find the right words. “I know you’re still angry at me,” he began, his voice low and strained. “And I understand why. I learned my lesson, Y/N. But now… now I wanna include you. If you… if you want that.”

You didn’t say anything, just watched him, your heart beating faster as he continued.

“There’s someone we need to see,” he said after a pause, his eyes searching for yours. “Someone who can help us, who can clear my name and… maybe, just maybe, give us a chance at a life without all this running and hiding.”

You blinked, not sure if you’d heard him correctly. “Who… who are you talking about?”

Hongjoong took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say. “The Queen,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s the only one powerful enough to undo this mess. I’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with her for days, but she’s… she’s not easy to reach. But now… now we can finally meet her.”

Your eyes widened in shock. “The Queen? As in… the Queen?” 

The Queen was a figure of almost mythical power, someone so far removed from your world that the idea of asking for her help seemed as impossible as wishing on a star.

But Hongjoong’s expression was deadly serious, and you could see the determination burning in his eyes. He wasn’t just grasping at straws - he truly believed this was your last chance, your only hope to end the nightmare that had taken over your lives.

“The Queen,” he confirmed, his voice steady, though his hands were shaking slightly as he reached out to you. 

“You know… I… I’ve worked for her for years, Y/N. I made her gowns, her dresses, the wedding dress she wore when she married the King… that was mine. She told me once, when I presented it to her, that if I ever needed anything, anything at all, she would do her best to help me. And I never thought I’d have to take her up on that offer, but now… I have no other choice.”

“The Queen… oh my God,” you whispered. “This is… insane.”

The reality of what Hongjoong was saying began to sink in, and your mind spun with the implications. The Queen, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, someone who could alter the course of your lives with just a single word… It was overwhelming, to say the least. You’d grown up hearing stories about her, tales of her beauty, wisdom, and strength. But those were just stories. The idea of meeting her, let alone asking for her help, seemed impossible. Yet here Hongjoong was, standing in front of you, serious and resolute.

“I know it sounds insane,” Hongjoong said, his voice breaking through your thoughts. “But this is our best chance, Y/N. Maybe our only chance. And we have evidence. The letters, remember?

“-And the scars on my body,” you whispered. 

Hongjoong bawled his hands, his jaw clenching immediately. “You never… told me you had remaining scars.”

You nodded. “Ignoring them is easier. I try to… forget them entirely when I can.”

Without a word, he moved closer, wrapping an arm around your shoulders in a silent gesture of comfort. You leaned into him, the warmth of his body making you relax immediately.

After a moment, he cleared his throat, shifting the focus back to the task at hand. “We need to get ready,” he said, his voice steady. “If we’re going to meet the Queen, we can’t go in looking like this.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“There’s no time to waste. I have to make something for us,” he said, determination flashing in his eyes. “We need to look elegant. I might not have my supplies here, but I can work with what we have.”

Your heart raced at the thought of him making outfits from scratch. “Are you sure you can do that?”

He nodded firmly, already moving toward the small room where you were temporarily staying in Wooyoung and San's house. “I’ll figure it out. Just give me a minute to gather some things.”

You watched as he began searching through the limited fabric and materials you had, his hands working swiftly. He rummaged through the closet, pulling out old sheets and any leftover clothing you had brought along. You felt a mixture of admiration and anxiety as you realized the weight of what he was attempting to do.

“What do you need me to do?” you asked, stepping closer to him.

“There's a shop nearby that sells fabrics,” he said, already rummaging through his pockets for money, “I need you to buy me some. Can you do that?”

Your heart raced at the urgency in his voice, but a wave of uncertainty washed over you. “Uh, sure, but... I’m not sure where it is,” you admitted, glancing out the window. The sun was starting to set, and you were acutely aware of the time slipping away.

“I’ll draw you a quick map,” he said, moving quickly to grab a scrap of paper and a pen. He sketched a simple layout, marking the route to the shop with clear, careful lines. “You can do this, Y/N. Just follow the map, and don’t let anyone see you.”

You nodded. “What do you need me to get?” 

“Just some quality fabric, something that looks nice but isn’t too extravagant. Maybe something dark for me, something light and flowing for you,” he instructed, glancing up at you. “Can you remember that?”

You took a deep breath, nodding again. “Yes, I can do that.”

“Great,” he said, folding the paper and handing it to you. “I’ll need you back as soon as possible. We don’t have much time.”

“I’ll be quick,” you promised. As you turned to leave, you caught a glimpse of him, already immersed in his work, the fabric and thread strewn across the table like a chaotic canvas. 

As you stepped outside, the cool evening air hit your face. You followed the map he had drawn. The shop wasn’t far, and soon you found yourself standing in front of a small fabric store, the sign creaking softly in the breeze.

Once inside, the overwhelming scent of textiles filled your senses. Bolts of fabric in every color and texture lined the walls, and the shopkeeper gave you a curious look as you stepped in. Remembering Hongjoong’s instructions, you immediately focused on finding something that fit his descriptions. 

After scanning the shelves, you spotted a soft, flowing fabric in a light cream color that seemed perfect. You could almost picture how beautiful it would look on you. With that in mind, you also searched for a darker fabric for Hongjoong. You settled on a deep navy blue, rich yet understated, that would complement the cream tone perfectly.

With your choices made, you approached the counter, your heart pounding as you handed over the money Hongjoong had given you. The shopkeeper smiled and carefully wrapped the fabric. 

“Thank you,” you said, clutching the bundle tightly as you headed back outside. 

As you stepped through the door of Wooyoung and San's house, you saw Hongjoong still working diligently. He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw the fabric in your arms. “You did it!” he exclaimed, taking the fabric from you. “This is perfect!”

You smiled, relieved to see his excitement. “I hope it’s what you wanted. I wasn’t sure…”

“It’s exactly what I needed,” he said, moving quickly to lay the fabric out on the table. “Now, we can start putting everything together.”

Hongjoong spread the fabrics across the table, eyes gleaming with purpose. “This is going to be incredible,” he said, barely able to contain his excitement. You watched him with admiration as he quickly sketched designs in his notebook, his mind racing with ideas.

The first night stretched on, the room dimly lit by a single lamp casting shadows on the walls. You could hear the rhythmic hum of the sewing machine as Hongjoong lost himself in the work. 

Time blurred as the night turned into dawn, and you found yourself falling in and out of sleep. The only sounds were the soft whir of the machine and the occasional rustle of fabric. You’d occasionally catch Hongjoong stealing glances at you, and though he was clearly exhausted, there was a fire in his eyes that wouldn't die down.

By morning, the first pieces of your outfits began to take shape. “Look at this,” Hongjoong said, holding up the bodice of your gown. His excitement was contagious, and you couldn't help but smile. “It’s coming together beautifully, don’t you think?”

“It’s stunning, Hongjoong,” you replied, your heart swelling with admiration. “I can't wait to see the final piece.”

As he set it down and returned to his work, you noticed how hard he had to concentrate just to keep his eyes open. He was clearly pushing himself to the limit. You wanted to urge him to take a break, to rest for a moment, but you hesitated.

Hongjoong moved with practiced precision, cutting and sewing and cutting and sewing; repeating the same routine over and over again.

Yet, as the hours ticked by, his pace slowed down more and more.

“Hongjoong,” you finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Maybe you should take a break. You’ve been at this for so long.”

He paused, looking at you with those tired yet determined eyes. “I can’t stop now. We’re so close. I just need to finish your gown, and then I’ll rest, I promise.”

You sighed. “Okay, but promise me you’ll take care of yourself too. I don’t want you collapsing from exhaustion when we meet the Queen.”

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but the laughter quickly faded as he nodded. “I promise, Y/N. Just a bit longer.”

A bit longer turned out to be one more day full of work.

On the evening of the second day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Hongjoong finally stepped back, surveying the gown he had made for you. The fabric flowed beautifully, a soft cream color with delicate embroidery that accentuates your figure. It was breathtaking.

“Look,” he said, gesturing to the dress. “It’s finished.”

“It doesn't matter how many dresses of yours I'll see, I'll always be amazed… you're so talented, Joongie,” you said, slowly stepping between his legs and carefully combing through his hair.

Hongjoong slung his arms around your waist and laid his head on your stomach, closing his eyes for a few minutes.

You took a deep breath, letting the warmth of his reassurance settle within you. “So, how exactly will we get to the palace?” you asked, trying to shift the focus from your worries to practical matters.

He pulled away slightly, his eyes brightening as he began to explain. “The Queen’s servants are discreet and efficient. After I sent word to her, she agreed to send a carriage for us. It should arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?” The reality sent your heart racing again. “Do we have everything ready? What if something goes wrong?”

Hongjoong chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry. Everything is in place. The only thing we need to do is stay calm.”

The following morning arrived way too fast. You woke to the sound of birds chirping outside and a warm breeze entering your room through the window.

Hongjoong was already up, carefully folding the outfits he had poured his heart into over the past two days. You stood up and approached him, placing a gentle hand on his back. “Are you ready for this?” you asked softly.

He nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, offering you a small smile. 

You gave him a reassuring nod yourself, though your own nerves were starting to fray. The idea of meeting the Queen, of putting your fate in her hands, felt surreal. But there was no turning back now. You quickly changed into the gown Hongjoong had created for you, the fabric cool against your skin, yet surprisingly comforting. It fit you perfectly, accentuating your form in all the right ways, the soft cream color making you feel both elegant and ethereal.

Though the dress Hongjoong created back in your hometown, the one so blue it reminded you if the sea itself, would always be your favorite, this one was nonetheless nothing but breathtaking. 

When you finally emerged, Hongjoong’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at you for a long moment, a proud smile stealing its way on his lips. “You look… beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Just like I imagined.”

You smiled, stepping closer to him. “You look amazing, too.”

Hongjoong's gaze softened as you stepped closer. All that mattered was him, standing before you, his eyes tracing every curve and line of your face.

You reached out, your fingers trembling slightly as you brushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead. His breath hitched at the simple touch, and you could see the raw emotion in his eyes, the love, the desire, and the lingering regret of the days you'd spent apart. 

His hands found your waist, pulling you gently but firmly against him. The heat of his body against yours sent a shiver down your spine, and you felt your heart pounding in your chest, 

Hongjoong’s eyes searched yours, silently asking for permission, for reassurance. You didn’t need to say a word - your eyes told him everything he needed to know. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in, his lips hovering just a breath away from yours. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

When his lips finally met yours, the world around you seemed to disappear. The kiss was slow, almost hesitant at first, as if he was savoring every second. His lips were soft, warm, and as they moved against yours, you felt a deep, aching need stirring within you, a need that had been building for days, weeks, months.

Your hands found their way to his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as you pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Hongjoong responded in kind, his grip on your waist tightening as his other hand tangled in your hair, tilting your head back to gain better access. The kiss grew more intense, more passionate, as if all the emotions you'd both been holding back were pouring out in this one, desperate act.

You could taste the urgency on his lips, feel the way his heart was racing just as fast as yours. His tongue brushed against yours, sending a wave of heat through your body that made you feel like you were melting into him. The kiss was everything - sweet and tender, yet fierce and consuming.

Hongjoong’s hands roamed your back, pulling you even closer, until there was no space left between you. You could feel the strength in his arms, the way his muscles tensed under your touch, and it only made you want him more. 

When you finally broke apart, both of you were breathing heavily, your foreheads resting against each other as you tried to catch your breath. Hongjoong’s eyes were half-lidded, his lips slightly swollen from the intensity of the kiss. He looked at you with an expression that was equal parts awe and desire, as if he couldn’t quite believe you were real, that this very moment here was real.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I love you so much.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you cupped his face in your hands, brushing your thumbs gently across his cheeks. “I love you too, Hongjoong. I always have. I always will.”

He smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made your heart skip a beat. And then, without another word, he leaned in and kissed you again, slow and deep, as if he had all the time in the world to show you just how much he loved you, how much you meant to him.

“You ready?” he asked as he took a step back. You instantly missed his lips on yours, but you nodded nonetheless. 

He offered you his hand, and you took it without hesitation.  

As you stepped aside, clearly overdressed in this rural neighborhood, the carriage was already waiting, a sleek, black vehicle with the Queen’s crest emblazoned on the side. The horses were well-groomed, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. A stern-looking driver stood by, his expression unreadable as he held the door open for you. With one last deep breath, you and Hongjoong climbed inside, settling onto the plush seats.

The carriage began to move slowly, the sound of the wheels clattering against the cobblestones filled the silence. You glanced at Hongjoong, who was staring out the window, his jaw clenched. 

For a while, neither of you spoke. You simply watched the world pass by outside. 

Finally, Hongjoong broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

The question caught you off guard, and you turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden change in topic. But as you met his gaze, you could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a softness in his eyes that you hadn’t seen in days.

The sudden shift in conversation caught you off guard, but a small smile crept onto your face as the memory came flooding back. “Of course, I remember,” you replied, chuckling softly. “How could I forget that? Ah, Django… I miss him… And Benji… oh God, my little Benji… I hope they're all well.”

“They are, my love. I'm sure they are.”

And then, as the carriage rounded a final bend, the palace finally came into view. It was a magnificent structure, with its white marble walls glowing in the fading light. The Queen’s residence was every bit as awe-inspiring as the stories had said, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens.

Your breath caught in your throat at the sight, and you felt Hongjoong’s grip on your hand tighten.

As the carriage drew closer, you could see a group of palace guards standing right outside the gates, their armor gleaming under the soft glow of the lanterns that lined the pathway to the grand entrance. The carriage came to a smooth stop, and the driver emerged, opening the door for you and Hongjoong.

You took a deep breath. Hongjoong stepped out first, offering his hand to help you down. As your feet touched the ground, you felt a shiver run down your spine.

The grand doors of the palace opened with a slow, deliberate creak, revealing a tall, elegant woman dressed in a deep burgundy gown. Her presence was commanding, yet her expression was kind as she approached.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. “The Queen has been expecting you.”

You exchanged a quick glance with Hongjoong, who gave you a small nod, before you both followed the woman inside. The interior of the palace was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with high ceilings adorned with various paintings and chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. The floor beneath your feet was made of polished marble, and the soft click of your shoes were echoing through the halls.

As you walked deeper into the palace, the grandeur only increased. Walls were lined with portraits of past kings and queens, their eyes seeming to follow you as you passed. 

Finally, you were led to a pair of ornately carved doors, which the woman pushed open with ease. Beyond them was a grand chamber, bathed in the warm light of a thousand candles. At the far end of the room, seated on a throne that seemed to be carved out of pure gold, was the Queen herself.

She was as regal as you had imagined, with an aura of quiet power that made the room feel smaller, the air more charged. Her hair was a rich, dark color, intricately braided and adorned with jewels that sparkled with every movement. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, fixed on you and Hongjoong as you entered the room.

“Your Majesty,” Hongjoong said, bowing deeply before you had a chance to follow his lead.

The Queen’s gaze softened as she looked at Hongjoong, a small smile playing on her lips. “Rise, Hongjoong,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “It has been a long time.”

Hongjoong straightened up, but his grip on your hand tightened. You could feel the tension in his body as he struggled to maintain his composure. The Queen’s eyes flicked to you, her expression unreadable. “I see you have brought someone with you, Hongjoong. Please, both of you, come closer.”

You nodded, bowing deeply in respect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady despite the anxiety that almost made you fall ill.

The Queen studied you for a moment before her gaze returned to Hongjoong. “I understand you’ve come to ask for my help?” she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Hongjoong replied. “We’ve found ourselves in desperate need of your help. I’ve brought evidence to prove our case, but… there is also something that only Y/N can show you.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And what is this evidence?”

Hongjoong hesitated, glancing at you before speaking. “Your Majesty, before I ask Y/N to show you the evidence, I feel it’s important for you to understand her story - our story - in its entirety.”

The Queen nodded, her expression growing more serious as she settled back into her seat, indicating for him to continue.

Hongjoong took a long, deep breath. “Y/N came from a decent, middle-class family. They lived comfortably - not wealthy, but certainly not poor. Her future should have been secure, perhaps with a marriage that would maintain or even improve her standing in society. But things took a dark turn.”

He paused, glancing at you as if seeking your permission to continue. You gave him a small nod, and he went on, his voice heavy with emotion.

“Her father… he made a decision that changed everything. He married her off to a man well below her status - a drunkard, a violent brute. This man - he was no husband. He was a monster. He raped and beat her almost every day, treating her worse than a common servant. She was trapped in a nightmare, until she… until she had to kill him in self defense to save the both of us.”

“And to protect me,” you chimed in, your desperate gaze finding the woman before you before you continued: “J-joong- I mean, Hongjoong took the blame upon himself. He… he was about to be beheaded for a crime he didn't commit, so I… I took it upon myself to release him and flee with him.”

“We are here to plead our innocence, and to ask for a royal pardon of you, your Majesty,” Hongjoong spoke, standing proud and tall beside you, like the safe haven he always was for you.

“A royal pardon, you say?” she asked.

“Yes. Since no one in our town bothered to even investigate, we ask for you to review all evidence and overturn the decision.”

The Queen’s expression remained inscrutable, giving away nothing of her thoughts. Silence stretched in the grand chamber, broken only by the faint crackling of the candles and the distant echo of footsteps in the vast corridors beyond.

At last, the Queen rose from her throne, the jewels in her hair catching the light as she moved. She descended the steps from the throne with grace 

“I can see the truth in your eyes, but understand this - granting a royal pardon is not a decision I take lightly. There must be undeniable proof,” she said.

She turned to you, her sharp gaze assessing. “Y/N, I need you to show me the evidence Hongjoong mentioned. Whatever it is, it must be enough to convince me beyond doubt.”

You reached into your cloak, pulling out a stack of worn, yellowed letters tied together with a frayed ribbon. Your hands shook as you untied them, revealing the harsh, almost frenzied handwriting of your late husband. You could feel the Queen’s eyes on you, her gaze intense, as you stepped forward and placed the letters in her outstretched hand.

“These letters,” you said, struggling to keep your voice steady, “are from my deceased husband. In them, he admits to everything - his abuse, his threats, and… even his intent to kill me one day. They are his own words, Your Majesty. Written in moments of drunken rage, or cruel clarity. He was proud of what he did, and he never hid that from anyone. But he was also reckless, and he left these behind, never thinking they might be used against him.”

The Queen’s expression remained unreadable once again as she began to read the letters. The room was silent save for the sound of rustling paper. With each page she turned, you felt your heart pound louder, your hands clasping Hongjoong’s tighter.

After what felt like an eternity, the Queen looked up from the letters. Her gaze was more somber now, tinged with something that might have been pity, or perhaps understanding.

“These letters are indeed compelling,” she said slowly, “but it alone is not enough. The word of a dead man, though through his own admission, cannot fully clear your names. I need more.”

You hesitated, biting your lip. “Your Majesty,” you began, choosing your words carefully, “the whole town knew what was happening. They turned a blind eye, because… because they didn’t want to get involved. I don’t know if I can rely on their testimony. But… my parents, though they looked away for so long, showed great remorse before I fled. They knew what was happening, and they did nothing to stop it. I… though I can never reconcile with them, I have no choice but to trust them this one last time.”

The Queen’s gaze softened slightly as she regarded you. “And you believe they will speak the truth, even now?”

You nodded, though you felt a knot of uncertainty in your stomach. “Yes, Your Majesty. They have to.”

The Queen considered this for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Very well. I will send for your parents and have them brought here to testify. But… there's another thing you want to show me, right?”

You swallowed hard. The letters had made an impact, but the Queen needed more, something undeniable. Your heart raced as you prepared to reveal the evidence that you had hidden for so long, even from yourself.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied, your voice trembling. “There is… one more thing I can show you.”

The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly. You hesitated, glancing at Hongjoong, who was watching you, his eyes telling more than words ever could. His presence gave you the strength to go on.

“My body bears the scars of my husband's cruelty,” you said quietly, “Scars that… tell the story of what he did to me.”

For a small second, something in her eyes flickered - perhaps sympathy, perhaps disgust at the thought of such brutality. But it disappeared as fast as it appeared, and she composed herself quickly. “Very well,” she said, her voice low and measured. “Show me.”

But before you could move, the Queen raised a hand to stop you. “Hongjoong,” she addressed him firmly, “you must wait outside. As you are not married, it would be inappropriate for you to remain here.”

Hongjoong looked like he wanted to protest, but he caught himself, understanding his words would make no impact. He nodded and gave you a reassuring look. “I’ll be right outside,” he said softly. “You’re not alone.”

You nodded, trying to offer him a smile. “Thank you, Hongjoong.”

As he was escorted out of the room, the Queen waited until the door closed before turning back to you. The room felt emptier without Hongjoong by your side, but you tried to stay calm nonetheless. 

As he left the room, the Queen gestured to a few of her attendants, and a group of maids quickly approached. Your dress was elegant, more elaborate than you were used to, and you realized you would need help to reveal the scars that were hidden beneath its layers.

The maids moved with practiced efficiency, unfastening the intricate clasps and loosening the delicate fabric of your gown. You felt a wave of vulnerability wash over you as they carefully peeled back the layers, revealing the faint, jagged lines etched into your skin. 

The Queen stepped closer, her gaze intense as she examined the marks. She didn’t speak, but her silence was heavy.

After a long moment, she stepped back, her eyes closing for a moment. “These scars… they cannot be ignored.” She turned to one of her attendants, a stern-looking guard who had been standing by the door. “Send for a scrivener,” she commanded. “These letters and the scars on her body must be documented.”

The man bowed and hurried out of the chamber, leaving you alone with the Queen and the maids, who carefully refastened your dress. The Queen’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at you. “Hongjoong has been a long confidante of mine, so naturally, he has my trust” she said, “But there is still a process that must be followed. The evidence will be recorded, and your parents and anyone else willing to testify will be brought before me. Until then, I must uphold the law.”

Once the scrivener arrived and began documenting the evidence, the Queen addressed you again. “You will be given quarters where you can rest,” she said, her tone kind but firm. “And I will ensure that you have everything you need until the trial begins. Be strong, Y/N. The truth will come to light.”

You bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

And with that, the Queen turned and left the chamber, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Now all you could do was wait.

“Y/N,” Hongjoong's voice reached you the moment you stepped into the tower room. But before you could even respond, you found yourself distracted by your surroundings. For a place meant to imprison you, the room was unexpectedly luxurious - far more so than anything you'd ever experienced. The walls were draped with rich tapestries and the bed was covered in soft linens. A large, plush rug covered the stone floor, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.

You paused, blinking in surprise at the sight. This was supposed to be your prison? It surely made you feel out of place, like it belonged to a royal guest chamber rather than a cell.

"Are you alright?" Hongjoong’s voice broke through your thoughts, concern etched in his features as he took a step closer to you. But before you could answer, the door behind you creaked open again, and a small group of maids entered.

“Your bath is ready, my lady,” one of them said with a polite bow, her voice soft yet firm. “Please, come with us.”

My lady?

You looked at Hongjoong, startled and confused. He gave you an encouraging nod, though he looked just as confused as you.

“Go on,” he said gently. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Reluctantly, you allowed the maids to lead you away, down a small corridor that connected to an adjoining room. The room was even more elaborate, with a large copper tub set in the center, already filled with steaming water that scented the air with rose petals and herbs. Thick, fluffy towels were neatly stacked nearby, and a selection of fine soaps and oils were arranged on a small table besides.

They helped you quickly undress and step into the bath. The warm water immediately melted away the tension from your muscles. As they poured fragrant oils into the water, your eyes closed and you sank deeper into the water. The maids worked in silence, their hands gentle as they washed your hair and scrubbed your skin with fine soaps. Eventually, the bath was over, and you were lifted from the water, wrapped in a thick, warm towel. The maids dried you off and led you to a big mirror where they brushed your hair and dressed you in a white nightgown that felt impossibly soft against your skin.

Once they were done, they stepped back, quietly observing you. You glanced at your reflection in the mirror, almost not recognizing yourself. The nightgown was simple yet elegant, the white fabric almost transparent against your skin. It flowed down to your ankles, delicate lace trimming the neckline and sleeves. It made you look delicate and almost… sensual. 

Still deep in thought, you were guided back to the main room where Hongjoong was waiting. As you stepped into the room, you saw him pacing near the window, lost in thought. The moment he heard your footsteps, he turned around, and his breath hitched in his throat when he saw you.

For a long, long moment, he simply stared at you, his eyes wide as they traveled over your figure. His usual calm and collected demeanor seemed to crumble as a faint blush colored his cheeks. He quickly looked away, his jaw tightening as he struggled to maintain his composure.

“You-” Hongjoong began, his voice strained as he took a step closer, his gaze flicking back to you before quickly averting again. “You look… beautiful.” His words were quiet, and you could see the internal battle playing out within him as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

You could see the way his eyes darkened whenever he sneaked a glance at you, something that made your heart skip a beat. His fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach out and touch you but was holding himself back. The air between you was thick with unspoken tension.

Hongjoong cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, but the way he avoided your gaze told you that he was struggling. “I… I didn't mean to stare,” he muttered, his voice rougher than usual. "I just… You-”

You took a step closer. Hongjoong's eyes snapped to yours, and for a moment, you saw a flash of something raw and intoxicating in his expression - something that sent a shiver down your spine, something that made your mouth dry and your heart beat faster.

“Hongjoong,” you said softly, the sound of his name breaking the silence that had settled between you. “I'm fine. You can-”

“Sir, your bath is prepared as well,” one of the maids said with a polite bow. “Please allow us to assist you.”

Hongjoong stiffened slightly at the offer, clearly taken aback. “Uh, that's not necessary,” he stammered, his usual confidence faltering as a blush crept up his neck. “I can manage on my own.”

The maid, seemingly unfazed, simply nodded. “Of course, sir. But if you require anything, we will be right outside.” With that, she and the others gracefully exited the room, leaving the two of you alone once more.

Hongjoong let out a quiet sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair as he glanced back at you. “Well, I suppose I should... take that bath now,” he said.

You nodded, offering him a small smile. “I'll wait here,” you said softly, trying to ease the tension in the room.

He stood there for another moment, as if he wanted to say something more, but instead, he simply gave you a nod before retreating into the bathroom. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Desperately, you tried to distract yourself from the fact that the man of your dreams was completely bare just a few feet away. But just after a few minutes, you had to admit that it was pointless, and so, your feet took you to the bathroom once again.

You hesitated outside the door, your heart pounding in your chest. You knew this was a bad idea, that you were crossing a line, but curiosity got the better of you. Slowly, you pushed the door open just enough to slip inside.

Hongjoong was sitting in the tub, his back to the door, the water lapping gently around his figure. Steam filled the room, the scent of the same herbs and soaps you previously used in the air. His head was slightly bowed, his eyes closed, and he seemed lost in thought, completely unaware of your presence.

For a moment, you just stood there, silently watching him. His usually sharp features were entirely relaxed, his shoulders sacked as he soaked in the water. You couldn’t help but admire the way the droplets clung to his skin, the way the muscles in his back moved with each breath he took.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you silently crossed the room. The soft pads of your feet made no noise on the stone floor as you approached the tub. Without thinking, you reached for a cloth that was hanging nearby, dipping it into the warm water.

He still hadn’t noticed you as you knelt beside the tub. Your hand hovered for a moment before you gathered the courage to press the cloth gently against his back.

Hongjoong stiffened immediately, his eyes snapping open as he realized someone was there. He turned his head sharply, his eyes wide as he met your gaze.

“Y/N?” His voice was breathless, and he immediately tried to shield his naked body from you. “What are you doing?”

You bit your lip, trying to fight back the blush that was creeping up your cheeks. “I thought… I thought I’d help you relax,” you said softly, your voice trembling with nerves.

Hongjoong’s gaze flicked down to the cloth in your hand and then back to your face. His expression was unreadable, but you could see the way his breathing had quickened, the way his muscles tensed under your touch.

“Y/N… you don’t have to…” He trailed off, his voice faltering as you began to gently scrub his back, your movements slow and careful. You could feel the tension in his body slowly melting away under your touch.

He let out a shaky breath, his head dropping forward again as he allowed himself to relax. “You don't have to do this,” he murmured, though he didn't sound entirely convinced either.

You smiled a little, continuing your work, the cloth gliding over his skin in soothing circles. “Maybe not,” you whispered, “but I wanted to.”

Hongjoong’s breathing was uneven, each exhale shaky as you worked your way across his shoulders, the cloth tracing the lines of his muscles. You could see the way his body tensed, his fists clenching against the edge of the tub as if he was trying to control himself. 

“Y/N,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, almost pleading. “W-we should really stop… I-”

You gently pressed a finger against his lips, silencing him almost instantly. “Hongjoong,” you whispered, “I want to… I’m ready.”

His eyes found yours, wide with surprise and something else - something deeper. His gaze searched yours, as if he was trying to find any hint of uncertainty, any reason to stop this before it went too far.

But you didn’t waver. You had been through so much, had faced so many demons from your past, and now, standing here with him, you felt a sense of clarity you hadn’t in a long time. You wanted this, wanted him - wanted to break down the walls you had built so carefully around your heart.

Slowly, you leaned in closer, your breath mingling with his as you pressed a soft kiss to his temple. His eyes fluttered shut at the contact, a shiver running through his body. You could feel his resistance, the way he fought to hold himself back, but there was also something in the way he leaned into your touch, a silent plea for more.

Your lips traveled from his temple to his ear, brushing against the sensitive skin as you whispered, “I know you try to hold yourself back for my sake. But I’m not scared, Joongie. Not anymore.”

Hongjoong’s eyes were locked on yours, the intensity in his gaze making your breath hitch. Without breaking eye contact, he stood, water cascading off his naked, sculpted body, droplets glistening on his skin in the soft, dim light of the room. 

Before you could say anything, his arms wrapped around you, lifting you effortlessly from where you stood. Your breath caught in your throat as he pulled you close, his wet skin soaking through your clothes as he carried you out the room. 

He reached the bed and gently laid you down on the soft sheets, the fabric cool against your heated skin. You looked up at him, your heart racing as he knelt beside you, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, his hair damp and falling into his eyes. He was completely bare, his body on full display, and yet his focus was entirely on you.

Slowly, he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a slow, passionate kiss. His hand slid up your side, fingers grazing your ribs, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The kiss deepened, his tongue teasing yours, fighting your own in a battle of dominance you quickly lost.

Hongjoong’s hand moved under your gown, and with a gentle tug, he began to lift it, his fingertips brushing against your skin as he pulled it over your head. The cool air hit your newly exposed skin, making you shiver, but the heat of his gaze warmed you instantly. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of you, his eyes so full of love and lust it made you ache.

“You’re so, so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. He leaned in again, his lips trailing down your neck, leaving soft, lingering kisses as he made his way to your collarbone. Each kiss sent a jolt of electricity through you, your breath coming in shallow gasps as you felt him explore your body with his lips, his hands, his entire being.

He moved lower, his hands sliding over your skin, slowly. You shivered under his touch, your hands gripping the sheets as you tried to steady yourself, your heart pounding in your chest.

His hands moved delicately, tracing the lines of your body, exploring every curve, every dip, every inch of your skin. He was in no rush, savoring it all; every moment, every touch, every breath you took. The way he looked at you, the way he touched you, it was as if he was worshiping you, as if you were the most precious thing in the world to him.

“Y/N,” he whispered against your lips, his voice shaky, filled with emotion. “I want this to be perfect for you… for us.”

You reached up, cupping his face in your hands, your eyes meeting his with a soft, reassuring smile. “It already is,” you murmured, your voice filled with the same emotion you saw reflected in his eyes. “You make everything perfect for me, Joongie.”

He smiled, a tender, almost shy smile that made your heart flutter. “I’ve wanted this for so long… wanted you for so long,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper as he pressed his forehead against yours.

“I know,” you whispered back, your fingers brushing through his damp hair. “I’ve wanted this too… I’ve wanted you.”

His breath caught in his throat, his eyes darkening with something deeper, more intense. “I’m scared… of hurting you,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. “Of moving too fast.”

You shook your head gently, your hands moving to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath your palm. “You could never hurt me,” you assured him softly. “I trust you, Hongjoong. I’m ready… because I know these hands of yours could never hurt me like he did.”

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. When he opened them again, they were filled with an intensity that took your breath away. “I want to love you… properly, Y/N.”

You smiled, your heart swelling with love and adoration for the man above you. “Then love me, Hongjoong,” you whispered, your voice trembling with anticipation. “Love me the way you’ve always wanted to. Make me yours.”

He chuckled, before slowly lowering himself into you. “Silly woman. You've been mine the moment I met you.”

If anyone would've told you you'd ever see your parents on their knees, begging for mercy in front of you, you would've laughed right in their face.

But here you were. Witnessing it at this very moment.

Well, technically it wasn't in front of you - but the Queen, who was looking at them with intense, cold eyes.

You stood to the side, Hongjoong right beside you, close enough to witness every detail, yet far enough to keep the emotional distance you needed to not break down in tears.

The Queen's voice cut through the silence. “You have been called before the court to deliver your testimony. If you lie, it will have severe consequences,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We have gathered here today because a man was killed. Without any evidence or witness testimony, it was decided that Kim Hongjoong was the one responsible and would be hanged for it. Now, after careful investigation, I and everyone else here is fairly confident that this is not what happened. The man who died abused his wife L/N Y/N for close to a decade. And everyone supposedly knew. On the night of the alleged crime, it is to be assumed he came home to beat her once again. Kim Hongjoong was just there at the wrong time. Y/N had to kill her husband in self defense to protect the both of them,” the Queen continued. 

The whole room was deadly silent. Only the occasional sobs of your mother could be heard.

“Now I ask of you to truthfully answer my questions”, she said, looking at your parents directly, “is it true that you knew your daughter was getting abused?”

The silence that followed the Queen's question was suffocating, each second stretching into an eternity. Your father kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his hands trembling slightly as he knelt beside your mother. 

You remembered the last time you saw him. The moment where he apologized, where you saw the pain in his eyes. But would he also admit to his faults in public?

The Queen's eyes bore into them. She was not just asking for a simple answer; she was demanding the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And there was no escaping it.

Your father was the first to speak, his voice barely above a whisper, rough and strained. “We… we knew,” he confessed, the words stumbling out of him like a boulder finally giving way to gravity. “We knew what was happening, Your Majesty.”

A collective gasp rippled through the courtroom, but you remained still, your heart pounding in your chest as the truth you had been denied for so long was finally laid bare. Your mother’s sobs grew louder, her hands covering her face as if to shield herself from the reality of what was happening.

The Queen’s gaze did not waver. “And yet, you did nothing to help her?” she pressed, her tone hardening. “You allowed your daughter to suffer for years, without lifting a finger to protect her? Knowing that one day she could possibly be killed?”

Your mother finally lifted her head, her face streaked with tears. “We… we were afraid,” she stammered, her voice shaking with emotion. “We didn’t know what to do… We thought… we thought it would be worse if we intervened.”

A bitter taste filled your mouth as you listened to their excuses. They had left you to fend for yourself in a nightmare, and had turned their backs on you when you needed them the most. 

Even after you tried for months, years to come to terms with their betrayal, it still hurt deeply.

The Queen narrowed her eyes, but her expression gave nothing away. “You thought it would be worse?” she repeated, “Worse than watching your daughter endure unimaginable suffering? Worse than allowing her to be beaten, night after night, while you did nothing?”

Your mother’s tears flowed uncontrollably now, her sobs wracking her body as she nodded, unable to form any coherent response. Your father remained silent, his head hanging low, as if the weight of his guilt was too much to bear.

The Queen’s gaze flicked to you for a moment, her expression softening just slightly as she took in the sight of you standing there, silent and strong beside Hongjoong. 

This wasn't the first time you saw that expression on her face, and for a second you were left wondering if, maybe, she understood your pain. Really understood.

From woman to woman, from victim to victim.

“Your Majesty,” your father spoke again, his voice hoarse with emotion. “We… we failed her. We know that now. We were wrong, and we are deeply sorry.”

For a second, his eyes found yours. And though you knew you could never forgive them, you saw nothing but love and guilt in your father's eyes.

Maybe in another life, where you as a woman would have more rights, you all could have been a happy, normal family.

Maybe.

“But… There is one last thing I want to do for my daughter,” he whispered. “Your Majesty, if I may…?”

Her gaze flicked towards you. You clutched Hongjoong’s hands tighter, before giving her a final nod.

“Go on,” she said.

Your father hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage, before speaking again. “I brought them here, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “The rest of the people who stayed quiet. I brought all of them here today.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between your father and you. The courtroom seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her decision. Your eyes widened and you immediately felt a lump form in your throat. 

Finally, the Queen nodded, “Bring them in.”

She turned towards the grand double doors at the back of the room, and with a slight motion of her hand, the guards opened them. One by one, a dozen people began to file in, their faces pale and solemn. You recognized each one of them - neighbors, former friends, even the local shopkeepers who had all turned a blind eye to your bruises and hushed cries for help. They looked as though they were walking to their own execution, eyes downcast, hands desperately clutching their clothes.

As they entered, they arranged themselves in a line before you, and then, as if guided by an unspoken command, they all began to bow. The sight of it - the people who had once ignored your pain now bowing before you, in front of the Queen herself - struck you like a blow to the heart.

You tightened your grip on Hongjoong’s hand, your breath hitching as the overwhelming weight of the moment began to settle over you. Tears welled up in your eyes, and no matter how much you tried to hold them back, they eventually began to spill over, silently tracing lines down your cheeks. Hongjoong’s hand remained warm and steady in yours, his presence grounding you as you struggled to process the scene before you.

Slowly, an elderly woman who had been your neighbor for years, stepped forward. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Y/N… we have no excuse for what we did, or rather, what we didn’t do. We failed you, just as your parents did. We saw the signs, but we chose to look away, to pretend it wasn’t our business. And for that… we are truly sorry.”

As everyone in line took their turn to speak, offering their apologies, their regrets, and their shame, the emotions you had been holding back for so long finally broke free. You wept openly now, the sound of your sobs filling the otherwise silent courtroom. These were the apologies you had never expected to hear, the recognition of your suffering that had been denied to you for so many years.

Hongjoong wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you close, and you leaned into him, burying your face in his neck. The tears kept coming, and you let them. 

After each person spoke to you, they all remained bowed, waiting for your response. The Queen, too, seemed to be waiting, her gaze fixed on you.

You took a shaky breath, wiping your tears with the back of your hand as you tried to find the right words. But there were no words that could truly capture the enormity of what you were feeling. So instead, you simply nodded, acknowledging their apologies once and for all.

“Thank you,” you managed to whisper, your voice raw and hoarse. “Thank you for saying what I needed to hear… even if it’s too late.”

There was a collective sigh of relief from the crowd, but the weight of the moment still pressed down heavily on you. The Queen stepped forward, her presence immediately commanding everyone's attention. “You have all acknowledged your failings here today,” she said, “A man has died, and even if Y/N pulled the trigger, everyone here knows that at the end of the day, she remains an innocent woman. A woman who had to save herself because no one else did.”

As her final words settled over the courtroom, you felt a deep, heavy relief wash over you. The people who had failed you had spoken their apologies, and though it could never erase the pain you endured, the recognition of your suffering soothed your wounded soul.

Hongjoong kept a protective arm around you as you walked outside. The air outside the courtroom was crisp, the world feeling both too small and too vast after what had just happened. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, when you heard a familiar voice calling your name.

“Y/N!”

You turned just in time to see your sister Miyeon rushing towards you, tears already streaming down her face. Her belly was still slightly rounded from her recent pregnancy, and in her arms, she cradled her newborn, your tiny niece or nephew, who was bundled up warmly against her chest.

Miyeon threw her arms around you, careful not to hurt her child, pulling you into a tight embrace as she sobbed uncontrollably. “I’m so sorry,” she choked out between sobs, her voice filled with guilt and anguish. “I didn’t know... I didn’t know everything that was happening. If I had known, I would have been there for you. I should have been there for you!”

You held her tightly, your own tears spilling over once more as you buried your face in her shoulder. “Miyeon, it’s okay,” you whispered, even as your voice trembled. “I know you would’ve helped me if you could. You were far away, and you had no idea. You were also preparing to be a mother… I never wanted to burden you with my pain.”

“But you’re my sister,” she cried, pulling back to look at you with red, puffy eyes. “I should have been here. I should have done something, anything, to protect you. How could I have let this happen to you?”

You shook your head. “You couldn’t have known, Miyeon. None of this was your fault. I don’t blame you, not even for a second.”

Before you could respond, her husband, Gikwang, who had been standing a few steps behind her, joined the two of you. His expression was filled with compassion and guilt as he handed you a small, trembling bundle. “We… we brought something for you,” he said gently. “One of Hongjoong’s neighbors found him in his house and thought you’d want him back.”

Your breath caught in your throat as he placed the tiny, trembling creature in your arms.

“Benji!” you cried out.

The moment he was in your arms, the dam you had been holding back broke entirely. You clutched him to you, your sobs echoing through the quiet corridor as you cried even harder than you just moments before.

Hongjoong stood beside you, his hand on your back, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears as he watched you cradle Benji. Miyeon wrapped her arms around both you and Benji, and for a long, long while, you simply stood there, the three of you wrapped in a comforting embrace. As you finally pulled back, wiping your tears away, you looked at Miyeon and Hongjoong, then down at Benji, who was now purring softly in your arms, and also at Gikwang and their newborn child.

With a trembling but genuine smile, you whispered, "Thank you, Miyeon. Thank you for being here. And thank you for bringing him back to me."

Miyeon nodded, her own smile breaking through her tears. "I’ll always be here for you, Y/N. No matter what. You and I will keep in contact, right? You'll come visit me and I'll visit you, right? And… and you and Hongjoong will be happy together, right?”

As you wiped the last of your tears away, you gave Miyeon a firm nod. “Yes,” you replied, your voice steady for the first time in what felt like an eternity. “We will keep in contact. I’ll visit you, and you can come visit us. And yes… Hongjoong and I will be happy together. We’ll find a way to move forward.”

Miyeon smiled through her tears, her grip on her newborn tightening slightly as she nodded back. “Good,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion. “That’s all I want for you, Y/N. To be happy. You deserve that more than anything.”

Gikwang placed a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. “You’re strong, Y/N,” he said softly. “And even if your parents and Jisoo aren't included, you have us that care about you, no matter how far apart we may be.”

You took a long, deep breath before looking down at Benji, who was still purring contentedly in your arms, then up at Hongjoong, who met your gaze with a look of unwavering support and love.

“Let’s go,” Hongjoong murmured, his hand gently squeezing yours. “It’s time to head home.”

You nodded. Turning back to your sister, you reached out and gave her one last, lingering hug. “I’ll see you soon,” you promised, “until then, take care. And also of your bab-”

“Jihoon. His name is Jihoon,” she whispered, carefully cradling the baby in her arms.

You smiled warmly at her and her child. “Take care of Jihoon too, okay?”

With that, you and Hongjoong turned and began to walk away, Benji still cradled safely in your arms. 

“Hey, Joongie?” you asked.

“Hm?”

“Do you think Django is doing well?

He laughed. “Oh, I know he is. That damn goat is probably terrorizing the whole town by now.”

My Dearest Husband,

I hope this letter finds you well and you are not too weary from your travels. Though I'm proud the Queen has once again asked for one of your dresses, the house feels a little quieter without you here, though Miyeon, Gikwang, and little Jihoon are doing their best to fill the void. You wouldn’t believe how much he’s grown since you last saw him – he’s already running around like he owns the place. God, I’ve had to take more breaks than usual chasing after him. I’m sure you can guess why.

Miyeon has been a great help, though, and Gikwang even managed to fix the squeaky gate that’s been bothering you for months. We spent yesterday walking along the shore, Jihoon squealing with delight every time the waves came in. It made me think of how much you would’ve enjoyed the sight with him together. The sea is as beautiful as ever, though not nearly as beautiful as it is when I get to share it with you.

Oh, our little shop is thriving more than I could’ve imagined. Your teachings on sewing have paid off wonderfully, and the people can’t seem to get enough of the dresses I make. I'm so honored, though I still try and convince them yours are so much better. They keep saying how elegant the stitching is and how there’s something special about each piece. I always smile and tell them it’s because they were made with love – a love you taught me with every thread and needle. Though I do admit, I’ve had to slow down a bit these days. The shop misses you, too, but it’s running smoothly, and I can’t wait for you to see how well it's been going. 

I know you were worried about leaving me alone, but honestly, my love, you overthink too much. I think you forget sometimes just how capable I am. I may be waddling more than walking at this point, but I can still manage just fine, especially with Miyeon here to keep an eye on me. But I can’t help but smile when I think about how you’re already fretting over our little one, even before she’s born. You and your little princess – I can just see it now, the way you’ll spoil her rotten with all those tiny dresses you’ve been making. If she’s anything like her father, she’ll be quite the charmer, and I can’t wait to see you two together, hand in hand, as you show her the world.

She’s been kicking more these past few days, and it hurts like crazy. I can't wait to finally meet her. I’m already dreaming of the day when we’ll finally get to meet her. I know you’re just as eager as I am – I can see it in the way you smile whenever you talk about her. Our little princess. I think she knows, too, because she always seems to calm down when I think about you.

So, my love, don’t worry too much about us. We’re safe, happy, and counting down the days until you’re back home. The sea is waiting, the shop is thriving, and most importantly, your little family is here, eagerly anticipating your return. I’ll keep everything running smoothly until you’re back – though I must admit, I’m looking forward to resting when our little one decides it’s time to make her grand entrance.

Take care of yourself, and don’t let business keep you away for too long. We miss you dearly.

With all my love,

Your Wife

[cyberspiderrrr]

whenever i get cocky i just remember the fact that I did spotlights for my school's musical last year and i was supposed to bring the binder with all the queues down and give it back to my choir teacher but i forgot and never did and i don't know what happened to it

[theereina]

Never Coming Home

Pairing: Terry Richmond x Plus Size Fem Black!OC

Wordcount: +1.4K

Warnings: MDNI (18+) mature content, such as cursing, no smut, heavily dialogue-centered, death, angst, heartbreak, murder, Rebel Ridge alternate ending, religion mentioned

A/N¹: This is a single one-shot with no planned sequels.

A/N²: I'm open to critiques. I am a little 🤏🏽 sensitive about my writing. Please, don't be too harsh.🥺 Feel free to bring my attention to any typos. Divider by @firefly-graphics. Also, this work is not to be plagiarized or reposted (on any site other than here on Tumblr). I do NOT give consent for any form of republishing or rewriting.

Masterlist: 🔥🔥🔥

1 month ago

ring ring ring

ring ring ring

ring ring ring

“Mmm… fuck,” I groaned, turning over in my sleep. I yawned as I reached to grab my cell phone from the nightstand. I looked at the phone to see a number I didn't recognize.

I answered the phone and slowly raised it to my ear. The digital clock by the lamp read 3:24 a.m. “Hello, Lily speaking. Who is—”, I said before being interrupted. The loud sound of rustling came through the phone. “Is anyone there?” I asked, becoming a little worried.

I could hear someone on the other end breathing heavily. It sounded like they were running. “Fuck!” I heard the person say through the phone. Was that— Terry? I sat up in bed, throwing my legs over the side. My feet hit the floor with force. “Terry, is that you?!” I yelled, clutching my chest.

I stood from the bed. “Lily!” he shouted into the phone. I could still hear him panting. “Baby, talk to me!” I screamed as worry filled my heart. I began pacing the floor back and forth. I could hear the sounds on the phone beginning to drown out. He was losing signal wherever he was. Static was crackling through now.

“Lily,… I… lo… you… I'm… ry,” Terry tried to say. It was so broken that I was struggling to understand him. It sounded like he said he loved me. “Honey, I love you, too!” I said, pausing to hear him speak. “I should… lis… to you. Just… kn… I'll… al… love you,” Terry said, sobbing.

Terry and I had been together for over 4 years and married for 1, and I had never heard him cry. He was in serious trouble, and I couldn't do anything about it. Before I could speak again, I heard three loud popping noises.

pop pop pop

Gunshots!

“Terry!” I yelled. “Shit!” Terry grumbled. He was panicking and sounded absolutely terrified. This absolute rock of a man was scared for his life. “If… don't ma… home, —,” Terry began before more shots rang out. I could hear what sounded like the phone hitting the ground. Leaves began rustling and boot steps were closing in. Terry's breathing became erratic and raspy, and I could hear a gurgling sound.

“Marston, he's right here. He's hit!” yelled a male voice. “Good! That'll teach that fucker,” said a second male voice. I could hear the sound of leaves rustling and twigs snapping as someone got closer to the phone. I muted the phone before letting out the loudest cry I ever had. There's no way I just heard this. “Check his pulse,” said the second male voice. “He's—,” said the first male. “Oh, well!” laughed the second male.

hawk tuah

“Good riddance. See you in hell, bud. Hahahaha!” laughed the second man. “Marston, don't you think that was a little dumb? I mean you did just spit on his dead body,” said the first male. “Spit on who's body? Ah, hell. Marston, you dumb fuck! You were supposed to catch him not kill him,” said a third man. “Too late for that Chief Burnne, hahaha!” he laughed.

Present Day

“The body’s in here. All you have to do is identify it,” said the medical examiner. “I don't think I can do this,” I said sobbing.

Just looking at the white sheet made my heart shatter. The outline of the body made me sick to my stomach. I knew it was him, but due to formalities, I had to say it was. I was being forced to face the one thing I had avoided for the last month. The realization that Terry was dead.

Entering this room would seal my fate. My husband was gone, and he was never coming home.

The fluorescent lighting illuminated the cold white room. The air inside was suffocating and intolerable. As I was standing there, the medical examiner walked around me. He approached the body slowly. Upon passing, his arm shifted the sheet. It pulled it down just enough for me to see the top of the head to above the eyebrow. Before I could close my eyes, I saw the healed scar on Terry’s forehead. It rested at the front of the right side (his right, my left) of his hairline. A small scar he got from an accident a few years ago.

It was him. As much as my heart wanted to deny it, there was no denying that. It had been a long gruesome month filled with nothing but crying, screaming, and pain.

“I can give you a moment,” the medical examiner said, peering over his glasses at me. “No!— Let's… let's… I feel like I'm gonna vomit. Let's just get this over with. I don't think I can take this any longer,” I said. My arms were crossed over my abdomen. I closed my eyes tightly as I was dreading this moment. I knew whatever was under this sheet would replace the most recent image I had left of Terry.

I could hear the rustling of the sheet being pulled back. I shuddered at the thought of what came next. My breath felt sharp and heavy. I could feel the tears falling from my eyes. I took a deep breath and rolled my shoulders. I needed to get this over with and put this all behind me. “I'm okay. I got this,” I whispered, opening my eyes.

The sight before me broke my heart even more. After all this time of guessing and assuming what Terry would look like, nothing could’ve prepared me for what I saw. His face was almost unrecognizable— swollen, bruised, and battered. An array of blues and purples plastered his brown skin. His face and chest were covered in small cuts from running through the woods. The top of a large exit wound rested at the edge of where the sheet stopped at his chest.

This! This would be the final image I had of my husband. Never in a million years would I have thought this would be how I lost my husband— murdered. To think that Terry went through hell in his last moments hurts me— beaten, chased, and shot like an animal. I always told Terry his big heart and demand for justice would be the death of him. Now, he was never coming home.

I slowly approached his body. I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I couldn't. My hands were trembling. “It's okay. Take your time. I can leave for a moment if you tell…,” he said. “Yes, it's… it's him,” I said. These were the words I had been dreading for a month. The medical examiner nodded before leaving the room. This feeling of— trepidation overcame me. My heart, mind, and body were all collapsing simultaneously. As I got closer to Terry's body, I was overwhelmed by the smell of antiseptics and flesh. It was clear that the time between the murder and now had taken its toll on Terry's decomposing body.

I reached out again, touching his cheek. It was cold and hard. I pulled my hand back. There was nothing familiar or sentient about him. His once radiant face was stiff and unbalanced. That once joyous smile was replaced by a permanent scowl. He had been reduced to nothing more than the aftermath of someone else's wickedness and immorality, a rigid pile of flesh and bones.

Anger began to course through me at the thought of why they did it. How could you do this to someone? All in the name of corruption and ego. A sob escaped my throat, festering with rage and sadness. The sound I let out released only a fraction of the emotions I felt in the last month.

I couldn't believe that I was alone. I would have to deal with all of this myself. Our plans no longer aligned with what I was being forced to live. How could Terry do this to me? The amount of hate in my heart had reduced my faith to absolutely nothing. Why did God let this happen? Even after all of my praying, I was left with this— no husband, no family, and a broken heart.

I looked down at my belly as I rubbed my hands across my abdomen. The tears streamed incessantly down my face. It became too surreal as reality set in. The numbness of the feeling that I would have to raise a child alone was unbearable. A child we planned would never meet their father, and why? How did I deserve this? How did WE?

Taglist: @brattyfics @avoidthings @5headsupremacist @creartivefairy @cocooned-butterfly @ariiijestertheklown

@miyuhpapayuh @armandosbabymama @megamindsecretlair @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @nayaxwrites

@jimmybutlrr @lovey-3 @curvyambitions @gg-trini @vivaalenaa

@insidefeelingofanadult @slutsareteacherstoo @skyesthebomb @blowmymbackout @blackerthings

@mymindisneverhere @iburias @androgynousgaz @becauseimswagman1 @geee3bayyybeee3 @gwenda-fav

@poektiou624 @keyaho @episodes-ff @pocketsizedpanther @sageispunk @charismablu @4ftwonder

@ineedmyaccountback @rebelrel0987 @4pfsukuna @writingsbytee @babybratzmaraj @pinkpantheris @honeytoffee

@talkswithdesi @blyffe @beenathembo @helloncrocs @thiccc-c @qtmkenedy03 @persethegawd @onherereading

[entername322]

Deal with the devil

Eunbi (ex Izone) X Male Reader ft Yujin (ex Izone, IVE)

Length: 12090 words

Previous part

Next part

Fishing is an activity that requires patience and experience. You were prepared to do a long game of push and pull with Eunbi to corrupt her further. Of course you can just blackmail her but where's the fun in that? It's much more fun to see if she would walk I to your trap rather than pushing her forcefully into it. So having a slow burn isn't something you're against. However, to your shock, Eunbi would actually contact you back an hour after you left her in her office. “What a slut”, You smiled seeing her text.

“Are you seriously checking your phone right now?” Yujin moaned, “Hehehehe, I thought it was someone important”, You carelessly dropped your phone on the bed before you grabbed her waist. “Fuck I hate you so much”, She let out another moan as she continue riding you. “You're so cute when you're in denial like this”, You teased her and started squeezing her thighs. “Fuck you”, She grunted, “Are you having trouble there? Should we switch places and I'll be the one moving?” Yujin feels offended by your question and starts to move her hips faster, “I got this, just stay quiet will you?” Her hand presses onto your chest to help support her. 

“I think you're just a tsundere”, Yujin always frowns and swears at you every time you tease her like this, but her pussy would always tighten around your cock as if she's enjoying it. “I. Hate. You.” Of course you just smile and caress her cheek, “Do you want another kiss princess?” Yujin struggles to stop herself from leaping into your embrace. “No”, She said with a blush, “I think you do”, Before she could react you grabbed her face with both of your hands and pulled her down for a kiss. Deep inside her, Yujin feels ecstatic, something about your kiss always makes her act up. You can feel her waist start to move even more aggressively and her pussy got even tighter. As you pull away from the kiss you can see her eyes are still closed and her lips reaching forward trying to find yours. “Say that you like me too”, Yujin eyes open in shock, her face turns full red and her words are failing to be formed, even her waist stops moving.

Taking the opportunity, you grab her body and turn her around making you lay on top of her. “It's okay Yujin, I promise I won't tell a single soul. You can trust me”, You kiss her cheek, which turns out to be her weak spot. “That's not fair, you can't just keep attacking me like this and- ahhhhhhh”, Yujin moans again as your waist starts moving. “Come on princess, I want to hear you say it”, But Yujin was busy, crying? “You're so mean”, God she actually looks like a spoiled child now. “Hahahaha, I always know you're a softie underneath”, Yujin frowns at you as her tears are falling down. “I hate you”, She throws a punch at your chest, however you can tell it is just a playful one due to the lack of pain you're having. “Like I always said, unfortunately for you, I like you”, You lean down and kiss her again.

This time her hands go behind your head and hug it close. “If I knew you were a bastard I would've never asked you out”, Yujin looks at you with a cute pout, “Ask me out? I thought this is just a fling”, You tease her again by kissing her cheek. “Just stop teasing me already. You know you wanted to go out with me”, She whined, “Do you want to go out with me too princess?” You smile and bite your ear. “Yeahhhh”, She moans, her hands go behind your back and starts to scratch it. “Fuck you're so hot when you're all submissive like this you know?” Yujin didn't say anything but inside her mind she starts to accept the dynamic of this relationship. “I'm cumming soon”, She whispers in your ears, her voice sounds so fragile that you swear she's doing it on purpose. “Fuck me too”, Your waist piston into hers in an even more aggressive manner. “What are you waiting for? Just cum inside me, pleaseeeee”, Alright she's definitely doing this on purpose. “I'm cumming”, You slam into her, her leg reacts properly and locks you in. “Fuck, you're so warm”, Yujin can feel her mind losing it's consciousness again. Her nails dig into your back as her teeth sink into your neck to muffle her screams. 

As you finish unloading inside her you stay still, holding her close as her orgasm is slowly passing. Once she's done you drop down next to her and just lay there. Yujin looked at you with a frown, “You know I was just doing that because of the heat-”, You shut her denial with a kiss. Yujin doesn't bother by pushing you away…..

It's pointless to struggle, he won't let me go. I'm not enjoying this AT ALL. Where did he learn how to kiss anyway, it feels so- disgusting. Yeah he's disgusting as fuck. Him and his slimy tongue that would always reach in and explore my mouth. Him and his occasional biting on my lips and tongue. Him and his body pressing up to me while his hand just grope me wherever he likes. I hate him…….. Fuck Yujin why are you falling for him.

You pull away from the kiss, Yujin opens her eyes while looking at you displeased by your actions. Her hands are holding onto your neck and her body refuses to move away from you. “What were you saying again?” You flash your innocent smile at her and press your forehead against hers. “........ Do you mean it?” You can understand why Eunbi is so easy to catch, your chat history shows how much of a pervert she is and she's been pent up for a long time. Yujin however, you never really know much about her, so it's kinda surprising how easy it is for you to break her walls down. “Which part?” You smile and caressed her cheek, “That you won't tell a single soul about this”, Yujin is pissed by how much she's enjoying your touch, “I promise, no one will know. So don't be scared, you can be honest with me”, You leaned forward to kiss her again. Yujin closes her eyes ready for another make out session but you surprise her by kissing her forehead instead.

“Yaaaaaa, stop that”, She's bewildered by the fact that she enjoys them. “Heheheh, you're so cute sometimes. So, are we officially going out now?” The answer is definitely a yes but Yujin is struggling to say it. Being a nice gentleman that you are, you help her by grabbing her and pull her to rest on top of you. Her head comfortably rests on your shoulder next to the crook of your neck. “Fine, but I'm not telling anyone that we're going out”, It's much easier for her to speak when your snarky smirk isn't on her face. “Alright, can you be my sugar mama while you're at it?” Your finger gently traces down her spine making her shiver. “You wish”, Yujin leans closer and kisses your neck, “Now that we're official I want you to stop chatting with those girls on your phone”, Her demanding tone came off as a needy plea. 

“Jealous?” She answers by biting your neck, “How can you be in a relationship while still sexting and hooking up with random girls?” Honestly, for some reason you don't feel like she's jealous. “Wait, don't tell me your ego got hurt because you think I was spending time with girls you think are lesser than you”, Yujin growls before biting you again. “Is it actually an ego problem for you?” You laugh, “Maybe it is, you don't like that?” Yujin slap your chest. “Fine, I'll be a good boyfriend and stop flirting with other girls”, You're so fucking shameless you know that? “Good, are you staying the night?” Yujin hugged you openly now. “Is that an invitation?” Your hand starts to caress her head. Yujin purrs as she gets in a more comfortable position to sleep, seemingly with no interest to answer you. “Good night princess”

After a while you can feel Yujin drifting off to sleep on top of you. Carefully you drop her next to you before taking your phone and checking on the message from Eunbi.

PurpleBunny: Can we meet up tomorrow?

PorkCrackling: For what?

PurpleBunny: Just, to talk.

PorkCrackling: I'm busy.

PurpleBunny: Please?

PorkCrackling: Give me a reason on why I should.

PurpleBunny: I'll think about continuing our relationship.

PorkCrackling: ?

PurpleBunny: Meet me tomorrow okay? I'll send you my address.

PorkCrackling: When?

PurpleBunny: 7 PM

PorkCrackling: Fine, see you tomorrow.

All these girls falling for you can't be good. It feels like this happened before and things ended up terrible for one of them. Huh? Ahhhhh don't mind that, continue on with your journey of playing with two girls’ hearts. What's the next part of the plan?

Eunbi would be a nice sex slave. If I can continue having my way with her then she won't even think about defying me. Yujin on the other hand is not that easy to deal with. One wrong move and she might just blow up on my face. I think that's the play, have Yujin as my girlfriend and keep Eunbi as my sexual release. I can't let the two of them know about the other. Keeping Eunbi away from Yujin shouldn't be hard. If Eunbi wants to continue this then she will definitely keep this hidden the best she can. Keeping Yujin on the other hand could be hard. If Taeyeon decides to start some gossip between the teachers then I'm fucked. 

I need time to make sure Eunbi doesn't find out, not until I fully have her under my control. I guess it's time for me to start acting like the good stuck up students and try to lay low. 

First thing first, let's hide the chat between me and Eunbi. I need to erase my cookies and my login credentials. It's fucking annoying but it's for the best. As long as Yujin doesn't turn into a needy and overbearing girlfriend then I can talk to Eunbi behind her back. Perfect plan honestly, there is no way this would go wrong.

“Fuck it, tomorrow problem for tomorrow me”, Wise word to live by, until you no longer live. Deciding that you've had enough of the day, you close your eyes and have a nice sleep with Yujin. The next day you were woken up by a sharp pain in your chest. “Ahhh what the fuck”, You spring up and push Yujin away from you. “Aggghhhh, Jesus calm down”, Yujin grunted, feeling your sudden aggression. “What are you doing?” You scoffed, “I was just trying to mess with you, I didn't know you were such a light sleeper”, Yujin scratched her eyes before yawning. “Oh is that so? You're not scared I'm gonna punish you for it?” You grabbed her chin and pulled her for a kiss.

Yujin welcomes the kiss happily and wraps her arm around you. The change is a surprise but a welcome one, maybe Yujin won't be that aggressive from now on. “Fuck, what is wrong with you”, Nope, she bites your lips hard enough it bleeds. “Heheheh, you think you win just because I submit to you? Guess what, I'm not gonna make this easy for you”, Well you did manage to break her walls, that doesn't mean you change her whole personality. Deep inside, she's just a fucking brat, “I'm gonna get you for this”, A fun challenge for you to conquer. “Prove it”, Yujin bites her lips, excited with a morning session, “Come here”, You grab her body and pull her into your lap.

One of your hands grabbed her chin while the other was caressing her ass. “Say sorry and I'll forget about this”, Hey maybe you should deal with the bleeding first? “No”, Well, guess that lips are gonna drip some blood on to her during all this. “Fuck”, Yujin grunted as you spank her, “Count it for me bitch”, Yujin is not into degradation, but she cant really refuse you when you’re all dominant like this. “One”, You smile and raise your hand to spank her again, “Two”, It was at this moment she realised that this would be harder than she expected. 

“Three”, You weren't holding back either, her big and firm ass is so inviting for you to slap. “Four”, You watch her ass jiggle every time you spank it. You managed to spank her 10 times before you stopped, in fear of your lust overtaking you. “Okay I'm sorry”, Thankfully she also break, “Good girl, next time don't piss me off like this again will you?” You lean down and kissed her temple. “I'm sorryyyyy”, She whined in a cute tone, “That's the first part of your punishment princess, are you ready for the next one?” Yujin bite her lips in anticipation. “I'm scared, daddy”, Oh fuck she pull that card out of nowhere, “Don't be scared princess, your punishment is simple. For this whole weekend, you won't get any sex”, Her eyes widened in despair hearing your words.

“What?” Ahhhh, there's the punk Yujin, coming back to voice her frustration. “That's right, you're not getting any action from me. So have fun with those toys because I won't lay my hand on you”, Yujin frown seeing this isn't going in the direction she wanted. “Well fine, it's not like I don't have a line of guys ready to please me anytime I want”, She tries to make you jealous, “Go ahead, find someone to ‘satisfy’ your needs. Just so you know you won't find anyone who can please you like I do. While me on the other hand, I can find a lot of girls-”, Your words are interrupted by her kiss. Oh fuck, maybe she will become a needy girl after all.

“Just fuck me already daddy, I know you want to”, She sat on your lap and start grinding on your cock, “I'm not rewarding you for your bratty attitude”, You slap her again, contradicting your words. “Pleaseeee?” Since when can she make a cute pout like that? “No, I need to go for the day anyway so you're on your own”, You try to push her off if you but she won't move, “Come on, just one round, that's all I need”, This needy Yujin is not good for your sex drive. “You're gonna have to make it up to me”, Yujin nods before jumping off your lap to kneel in front of you, “I'll handle it from here daddy”

.

.

.

“Welcome”, Eunbi greets you at her door as soon as you knock on it. “I didn't buy any PorkCrackling, I'm poor”, She nods and moves out of the way, “Let's talk”, She leads you to her living room. “Coffee? Tea?” You look at her with distant eyes, openly checking out her body and outfits. “Water”, She nods and comes back with a glass of water. The two of you sat there quietly, waiting for the other to speak first. Seeing how distant and reserved you are makes Eunbi feel hurt. “I'm here, because I want to talk about our relationship”, You took a sip, telling her to continue. “Do you want to continue it?”

You stay quiet for sometimes, trying to inspect her expression to see what she's thinking. “Look I just want to know first, did you plan to blackmail me back then?” You shake your head, “I just want a one night stand. Don't mind too much about what I said during our sex, it's just a heat in the moment thing”, Playing hard to get is the way to fish her out. “So you don't plan to continue this? At all?” Why is she acting so desperate? Even you got taken off guard with that. “Why do you want to continue?” Eunbi sighs, “I think we can work this out. A part of me feels like what we had yesterday was the best thing I've ever experienced. Another part of me knows how risky it is but……. I don't care”

She lied, you can tell she just lied to you. There's more to the story and you don't feel comfortable having such crucial information hidden from you. “That's a little too unbelievable. You're a principal with a lot of burden and responsibility. Not to mention you're a psychologist, having this relationship continue definitely isn't going to be a good thing for my mental health”, She widened her eyes, yet you can see there's a little panic in there. “Do you actually care about my mental health?” She does, you managed to see that in her eyes, “I do, I really do, and….. I don't know if you're gonna take this well. But I want to continue this relationship, so I can keep you close. So I can guide you through your problems”

Remember that thing called ‘conflict of interest’ that you think about on your first session? Yeah maybe she just doesn't know about it. “Do you think it's a good idea?” She nods confidently, “We can help each other, I'm sure of it. Please just trust me on this one, let's try it first”, Eunbi is desperate. Her mind has been overtaken by her desire and her heart is overtaken by her generosity and empathy. It's pretty fucked up, but she genuinely belief that what she's doing can benefit you both. “Fine”, You can almost see her heart skip a beat the moment you say that. “Thank you, I'm sure we can work this out”, She reaches out and holds your hand. 

“I'm a little horny from yesterday, so get on your knees and suck me slut”, Like a robot she just kneels in front of you and looks at you with pleasing eyes. “Suck my dick”, She nods enthusiastically, her hand reaching out to unbuckle your belt before pulling down your pants. Eunbi leans forward and bites your boxer before pulling it down with her mouth. She really wants this huh? “You're so big master”, Eunbi pressed her face to your cock while closing her eyes. The heat, the girth, the size, it all imprinted on her face and memory, she needs this. “Are you gonna start working or not?” Your word woke her up, her hand gently held on to your shaft, controlling your cock so she could freely kiss it all over.

Teasing has never been your thing when you're on the receiving end. However, you let her have her way for now, besides, having a good top-down view of her cleavage is pretty nice. A moan escapes her mouth as she starts to pull your tip into her mouth. Her tiny mouth wraps around your cock nicely as her tongue is licking your shaft. A small grunt escapes your mouth from the stimulation. Pleasuring you is pleasurable for her, it feels nice, like a kid being rewarded for their good behaviour. Despite your size, Eunbi can take your whole length comfortably due to the training you've given her. 

Slowly she starts to push her head lower into your cock, without any trouble she easily lets your cock pass into her throat. Her movements are slow and sensual, which is a little disappointing because you've been teaching her to be a cock hungry slut. “You're gonna make me fall asleep, slut”, You stand up after 5 minutes of her slow and sensual blowjob. Hearing your words she felt down for disappointing you, but also giddy because you're about to ruin her. “I'll do the moving, get ready”, Eunbi nods enthusiastically and prepares her throat.

First, you hold her hair, then you start fucking her face aggressively. “Gghag gaagh ghag ggahg”, The sounds of her gagging on your cock make you fuck her even faster. Tears starts to fall down her eyes and she grabs on to your thighs for support. Being used like a toy, seeing your lustful face, having you choking her out with your cock, it's really too much for her. A muffled scream can be heard from her mouth, looking down you can see her falling down on her butt as she just has an orgasm. “What a slut. Did you just cum before me?” You slap her cheek making her orgasm got even more intense. 

“Useless toy”, You slap her again and starts to fuck her even harder. Eunbi's eyes rolled into the back of her head out of ecstasy, seeing this made you feel, strong. Being in power, it feels nice doesn't it? “Fuck take my load you slut”, You grunt before slamming your hips into her face. Eunbi groans as she feels your thick sperm travelling down her throat, shooting right into her stomach and filling it up. As your ejaculation passes away you pull out your cock. Her spit is coating it fully, making a trail of saliva between it and her mouth. “I'm sorry master, I just like your cock too much”, Eunbi wants to make it up to you and starts to kiss your cock.

“Get on the couch slut”, Eunbi smiled and stood up, she pulled up her dress showing off her bare ass and pussy. “You were ready for this aren't you slut?” You spank her, it's not as good as Yujin's but it's decent enough. “Yes master, I can't get enough of you”, Eunbi swayed her hips trying to make you move faster. “I want your ass slut”, You kneel down and spit on her asshole. “Hhhnngg, take it master. Take whatever you want from me”, Your tongue slither into her hole and starts to tease it. Slowly you push forward and start to prepare it. Her hole is already prepared by your training regime so you easily slip one finger in, then two, then three. “I'm ready for you master, please fuck me”, Eunbi let out a soft whine. 

You stand up and put your tip against her hole, “Goddamn your body is so unfair”, Hearing your compliments, Eunbi starts to push against your cock until your tip manages to get in. “I hope your house is soundproofed”, Both of your hands grab onto her hips, “Shove it in master”, Without waiting for a single second more you immediately push in and make her scream. As she's adjusting to your size you pull back and pound her again. The tightness of her hole felt so good, it's not so tight that you feel strangled but just tight enough to give you a little pain. “Fuck, you're so tight slut”, You continue pounding her while Eunbi can only let out moans and grunts.

As she adjusts to your cock you start to get even more aggressive, your hips move by itself pounding her aggressively. Soon the sounds of flesh slapping against each other drowns out her moans. “Fuck finish me off with your tits”, You pull away from her. Despite having her mind overdosed by pleasure Eunbi immediately jumps off the couch like a good slut she is. Taking off her dress you fear your eyes upon her voluptuous chess. You sat back down on the couch and Eunbi scurry to kneel in front of you. She spits on your cock before wrapping it with her soft melons, “Fuck that felt good”, You lean back on the couch, savouring this heavenly moment. Eunbi feels proud hearing you say that and starts moving her boobs up and down, “Are you gonna cum master? Can I taste your sperm again? Please feed your pathetic toy with your thick cum”, Your waist pushes forwards and Eunbi immediately takes the tip into her mouth. Your second ejaculation arrived, much more intense than the first one. Eunbi also had her second orgasm, the moment your thick white cum sprays into her mouth it's all over for her.

Eunbi squirts all over her carpet as she continues stroking you in order to milk every last drop of cum she can get. Once you empty your ball Eunbi opens her mouth showing off her bountiful harvest. Then she closes her eyes before gulping it all down and opens her mouth again to show there's not a single drop that goes to waste. “Good job slut”, You felt drained, literally and figuratively, “Hehehehe, thank you master”, She kissed your cock and just played around with it as you cooled down.

“I need to go get something to eat”, You said after chilling on the couch for a while, “You can eat here master, I'll cook you something”, Meanwhile Eunbi is still playing with your cock. “No”, Actually you really want to but you'll say no just to see what she's gonna do. “I insist, please stay the night. It's already late, I'll cook you something and you can even stay the night”, It seems like it's not Eunbi the slit that's talking but Eunbi the caring psychologist. Fuck is it even right to call her a psychologist at this point? “Fine, I need to clean myself”, Eunbi nods and pulls you to the bathroom.

He said yes, oh god he said yes. This is good, this is perfect. Now you can keep him safe Eunbi, he doesn't need to go home to his mom. Okay calm down now, let's make sure not to freak him out. If I want to shield him from his toxic household I should establish that my place is a safe haven for him. Let's cook him a meal first. I hope he likes pork cutlet.

“Pork cutlet? Aren't this expensive?” Are they? Or is it just you living in poverty for so long that you have a skewed view of living expenses? “It's not that expensive, come on enjoy it while it's hot”, Eunbi pulls you to the dining table. She sits next to you seemingly waiting for you to start eating. “I hate hot rice”, You grunted as you started blowing some air in order to cool it down. “Why? Hot rice is the best rice. Everything tastes better when they're still hot”, Clearly she's not talking about ice cream. “I hate them”, You try your best to cool it down with your breath before eating one. “Why?” The slut Eunbi is gone and now only the caring and supportive Eunbi left. 

“Everytime mom cooks something for the family she always ends up beating me up. I burned my mouth when I was a kid because she kept forcing me to eat steaming hot rice. I hate them”, You scoffed before you continued blowing some air. Eunbi felt her heart break hearing you say that, she reaches out carefully to caress your hair. You stay quiet, letting her get closer to you, also because her hand feels nice on your head. “Here let me help you eat then”, Seeing you're not repulsed by her affection, Eunbi decides to push further. You stare at her with a ‘are you serious?’ look and she just smiles. 

“Fine”, Eunbi smiled and took the spoon off your hand. You've seen this before, in the movies. Scenes of a mother feeding her childs are nothing but a movie scene for you. It's laughable to even think about your mom feeding you, as far as you remember your brother sometimes feeds you, most of the time you just learn how to eat yourself. Deep down, you want to experience it at least once. Having someone taking care of your needs even if it's something as insignificant as this. It feels nice, maybe Eunbi can be used as more than just a sexual relief. 

Eunbi notices your glassy eyes, but she stays quiet. It makes her happy that you're enjoying this. From the outside this is just a cute little moment between a damaged person with someone who would care for him. However, looking in, this whole situation is a catalyst. A little poison on Eunbi’s mind that would feed her twisted love for you. The sex you had with her fuels her depraved and lusty side. The vulnerable and heartwarming dinner would fuel her caring and loving side. This, this night will be the start of her new obsession.

“There, do you like it?” Eunbi says as you finish your dinner, you shrug and just stay quiet. “Make yourself at home okay? I'll be cleaning the dishes”, You sigh and walk outside, “Where are you going”, Eunbi said concerned. “You need to walk after you eat”, But she wouldn't let you do this little ritual, “Come on sweetie, just sit on the couch, it's late already and god knows how many dangers there are out there”, Eunbi holds your hand refusing to let go. “I'm walking around your backyard”, She smiles and nods, she's scared that you'll just run off to the night but if you stay in her backyard at least she can watch over you.

You walk around her backyard, trying to find a decent place to sit before pulling out your cigarette and starting smoking. As Eunbi finishes her dishes she goes to check in on you and her heart rate goes up seeing you smoke. “What are you doing?” She yells at you before angrily straddles towards you, “Burning some calories”, You said nonchalantly. Eunbi pulls the cigarette from your mouth and throws it to the ground and stomps it. “Listen young man, you're still way too young for smoking- No. You are not allowed to smoke. It's dangerous and ruins your health. No more smoking”, This is annoying. How come you never think about her stance towards smoking? 

“I've been smoking for years, it's not a big deal”, You decide to piss her off by taking out your cigarette box. “No. No more smoking”, She grabs it and squeezes it with her hand, destroying all the cigarettes inside. “Why do you that?” Calling her slut would be a bad idea as it is very clear she's not in the mood for it. “Because smoking is bad for your health. Go back inside, now”, It's annoying, but that's pretty much it, you understand her anger. As soon as you stand up Eunbi decides to grab your hand and escort you inside herself. “I don't want you to smoke anymore from now on”, She crosses her arm and glares at you, “Yeah whatever”, You raise your hand.

“Good, now….. I'll prepare your bed, wait here okay?” You open your phone ignoring her, Eunbi feels a little angry by your rebellious attitude but she understands she needs to be patient. Checking your phone you see Yujin is asking for your location, “I'm busy rn”, Is that all you're gonna say? “Your bed is ready”, Eunbi says as you are busy with your phone. “That was quick, did you prepare it beforehand already?” Eunbi smiles and grabs you to follow her. Turns out, there's a few bedrooms here, and she picks one closest to hers for you to sleep in. “I hope you like it”, It's very minimalist, the size of the room made this whole place seem empty, especially compared to your messy room.

You look at Eunbi who's smiling at you, maybe you should reward her. Yeah that sounds nice. You grab her waist and push her to the wall, before she gets to react, you lean in and kiss her. “Ahhhhh, sweetie”, That was not slave Eunbi that's moaning. In fact with the way her hand wraps around you it's much more reminiscent of how Yujin starts to hug you today. A smile forms on your face as you realise what this means, Eunbi is actually falling for you. Your hand got bold and grabbed her ass making her let out another moan. As you pull away you can feel her hands are caressing your head and back. Her eyes are unfocused but still glancing towards your lips, hoping for more. 

“Master”, She whines, “No, I'm tired, go to your room and leave me alone”, Eunbi felt disappointed, she doesn't want to end the night this early. “Please master? Just a quickie?” Eunbi leans forward and presses her tits to your chest. “I said leave already”, She flinches hearing your words, “Okay”, She sighs and nods before leaving you alone. It's been a long day, your whole body is exhausted and you want nothing else but a good long sleep. “When things goes too well, life will fuck you over”

And behold, the universe decides to fuck you over in form of your new girlfriend. “What do you mean you were out with a friend?” Her eyes are filled with rage and pure disdain, “I’m out with my friends, what else do you want to know?” You are definitely not ready to have her turn into a clingy girlfriend. “You prefer spending time with them over me?” She turns her back to you, despite her words you can tell she's more angry towards herself rather towards you. Jealousy is beneath her, at least that's what she thought, “Listen princess, I'm just out for a day. Why are you so mad all of the sudden?” You hug her from behind and give her a kiss to the cheek which calms her down a little.

“I know your house is a piece of shit. So where do you spend the night huh? Were you having one night stands again?” Do you lie? “You could say that”, Should've fucking lie pussy. “You're so fucking unbelievable you know that?” Yujin pushes you away but your grip remains strong, “Look I'm sorry okay? I had a date already set up. It was the last time I'll do it”, There is no way you're getting out of this with that excuse. “Promise?” Holy shit you are, “I promise, I'll make it up to you”, Don't smirk, don't do that, you're not being sly, she's just being stupid. “What can you even do to make it up to me huh? Didn't you just beg me to be your sugar mommy?” Yujin scoffed but she does feel less angry now. “I'll come up with something. Anyway tomorrow I'm gonna be having a gym class so today is no sex for me”

After an hour of pleading and flirting you manage to calm Yujin down and the two of you end up cuddling together. Thankfully the needy and touchy Yujin would vanish the moment you two got back to school. For a while things are going great for you. Sleeping around between Yujin and Eunbi hasn't brought any trouble. Everytime they asked where you spent the night while you were with the other one you would just lie and distract them with sex. There's this voice in your head telling you this couldn't go on forever. Telling you that you need to make a choice in the end. And if you don't, things are gonna end terribly for you. Of course, like usual you just ignore it and enjoy the moment.

The first sign of trouble comes from Yujin, one day her bratty side starts acting up to get your attention, “You think you're better than me?” There goes your plan of laying low, “Yujin can you just shut up? It wasn't even a race”, She's absolutely livid by the fact that you beat her in the 200 metre dash. “Yeah? You think I was too slow to beat you?” Say yes, do it pussy you won't.

“Enough, go get changed and prepare for your next class”, Save by the bell it seems, your gym teacher swoops in and breaks you two apart. Unfortunately there was nobody who could save you when Yujin drags you to the rooftop and starts making out with you. “Damnit Yujin we're in school”, And I'm trying to stop the rumours from spreading out. “Fuck it, come on I'm so fucking horny already. You told me last night you're not gonna have sex but you just keep groping me the whole night”, It's hard to not do that when her ass is so inviting. “I'm not doing shit that could land me in hot water here. You know how the school works, rumour spreads like wildfire and I'm not taking any chances”, Despite the power dynamic between the two of you, Yujin is taller and stronger than you so she could easily keep you pinned to the wall.

“Just fuck me already, pleaseeeee”, She whines while her hands are feeling up your chest. “You're gonna have to wait until the school is over”, Yujin doesn't like that answer and starts kissing you aggressively. Her hand is doing their best to undress you but you keep stopping her. “Why?” She got frustrated and started yelling at you, “Because I told you so”, Spank her. Wait, would that make her even more horny? “You're not having another therapy session with that cow today aren't you?” The thing is, you do, which leaves you in a crossroads. Do you appeal to Yujin and make Eunbi suspicious, or do you appeal to Eunbi and make Yujin even more frustrated.  “I can reschedule for tomorrow”, Let's hope you didn't make Eunbi too mad.

“What do you mean you need to reschedule for tomorrow?” Eunbi roared as you broke the news. “I need to meet up with some friends. You know how it is”, The two of you are in her office, thankfully it's Minho's class so you can ask permission to talk to Eunbi and skip class. “Are you smoking again?” Yes, but don't tell her that, “No, I just want to hangout with them”, Eunbi walks around her table before sitting on your lap. “You can't just leave me, I want to have another session here, in my office”, Eunbi rubs her head on to your neck while her hands are hugging you tight. “I can't Eunbi, I want to go out for a little bit”, You caress her hair making her moan. It's been a while now, but Eunbi has develop this risky kink and has been begging you to fuck her again in her office. It's hot, but you find her begging and whining to be hotter so you just keep declining her.

“Then you can come back to me at night right?” Eunbi gives some soft kisses to your neck, “I think we're gonna be out for the night for some drinking”, The kiss turns into a bite. “You're not drinking any alcohol on school night”, Is this what you want? A caring and overbearing mother figure? “Alright fine, but I'm still going out and I'll sleep in my place today. After all I'm gonna be exhausted and there's no point in coming back to your place”, Eunbi flinches hearing you say that. She doesn't like that at all, she wants her house to be your safe haven, not just some brothel. “You can still come by. I'll cook you some dinner and provide you a place to sleep like usual”, This time you flinch hearing her words. 

“I don't mean to belittle you sweetie. I just feel a little scared of you okay? Your house isn't a good place to stay in and I just want to take care of you. That's the promise right? You help me with my sexual needs and I'll help you with your daily needs”, The whole arrangement you have with her is iffy at best, maybe it's time to put it on paper so you can work things out professionally. “That is not what I signed up for. You said you'll help me mentally, not provide my daily needs”, Eunbi is taken by surprise seeing your sudden aggressive tone.

Her mind quickly connects the dots and realises what she does wrong, “Sweetie it's just that I'm scared for you. You're still growing and you need a lot of stuff such as protein and vitamins to make sure your body growth doesn't get stunted. On top of that a good bed is a must if you don't want to ruin your spine. A healthy body can lead to a healthy mind”, Pity is something that you've always hated. Being pitied by someone is the worst feeling ever, and on top of that you're too stubborn to accept help that comes out of pity despite how much you need it. “I'm done here”, You try to push her away but she clings on to you, “No don't be like that. Come on let me explain myself”, Eunbi pleads, “No”, Holy shit, you're becoming a tsundere as well. “Don't be so hurried, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I'm doing this because I care, not because I pity you”, Is there even a difference to it?

If I make her fall for me, then she'll do it out of love, not pity. Is that the key? Make her fall for me?

“I need to go to class, let's talk tomorrow”, Eunbi sighs seeing your determined look, “Okay, see you later. Don't do anything stupid okay?” She kisses your cheek before getting off your lap. As you're about to leave you see a gift box on her dress. “What's this?” You pick it up and read the note on it. “Oh it was nothing”, Eunbi tried to take it back from you but you managed to read the Jinyoung? The gym teacher tries to ask you out?” An amused grin grew on your face but the moment you saw her guilty expression you immediately hid your smile. “It really wasn't anything, I didn't plan to accept it at all”, Loyalty is a good trait for a slave.

Wait, this could be a good thing. If I break her down using her guilt then I can use her, especially her house. Yeah that could work, that way she's not doing it out of pity, but because she wants to make it up to me. Jesus I don't know why you're suddenly being nice but thanks Life, or the Universe, or God. Whatever.

“I heard a lot of the students have a crush on him. He's kinda handsome you know”, You smile making her heart freeze for a second. “I, don't care”, Watching her body language you can see how nervous she is, “Oh? You focus more on what's on the inside rather than the outside? Commendable principles I guess”, Eunbi took the box out of your hand and threw it to the trash bin. “It's not important, okay? It's just a one-sided crush from him”, Eunbi felt so angry, she can see how jealous you are (Are you jealous?) which means her plans of making you open up to her are in jeopardy. “I see how it is now. You want me to teach you all the good things about sex so you can please your future boyfriend, is that it?” You raise your voice just enough to show her a sliver of anger.

“No I'm not, I really don't feel that way towards him. He's just a nobody, come on don't be mad please master”, Eunbi jumps to hug you while giving you a pleading face. You open your mouth before closing it again, then you show her some confused and conflicted expression before your face turns cold and glares at her silently. “Don't be so angry, you know I didn't care about him”, Eunbi poked your chest playfully while giving you some cute face to calm you down.

You grab her and push her to the desk before your lips crash onto hers and make out with her in an aggressive manner. Eunbi felt surprised, but also, happy. She likes that you're getting jealous, it's a sign that you actually care about her and don't want her to leave you. On top of it, she is weak to your dominant side. She hopes that you're not angry but it would be lying if she says a part of her wasn't looking forward to the punishment you're gonna give her. Just the thought alone makes her body shiver, her arms and legs hugs you tight and pulls you closer. A gesture she hopes can reassure you that the gift was really nothing to her.

Your lips trail down into her cheek then to her neck before roughly biting onto it. “Ahhhhh, calm down sweetie”, She said but her hand held your head and pushed it deeper as if it's asking for more. For some reason, acting like this actually makes you feel excited as well. Marking her down with your bite mark and hickeys feels so, empowering. This girl, this stuck-up principal that's definitely has been the target of countless classmates’ wet dream is right now squirming in your embrace. She's yours, an obedient slave that you won't ever let go.

As you pull back you can clearly see the red mark you left on her neck and it puts a smile on your face. You quickly hide it before facing Eunbi, showing off your cold stare to her. “You're mine, slut”, Eunbi felt her breath hitch, “Yes master”, Her eyes were clouded with ecstasy and anticipation. Fuck was picking Yujin was the wrong move? “Do you understand? You're mine and mine alone slut”, Due to the heat of the moment you just spit on her face, like a barbarian. Yet instead of getting angry or taken off guard she just moans and closes her eyes. “I'm yours master”, This whole fiasco is so much easier than you expected, perhaps a little too easy? “Good, don't you ever forget that”, You use her intoxicated state to quietly slip away from her office.

Master~

“What the fuck are you wearing?” Goddamn she has such nice thighs. “Do you like it? I know you always wanted a good little girl”, Yujin raises both of her legs to the bed and shows off her thighs. Her pussy is blocked by her legs but you can tell she's not wearing anything underneath there. “Are you gonna call me daddy from now on?” You chuckled, “Is that what you want? Daddy?” Be careful now, you might just lose your Dom position in this relationship. “I fucking live for girls with daddy issues”, Only the hot one though, no offence.

“Do you want to see how wet I am daddy?” Yujin moves her leg side to side trying to tease you, “Ohhhh? Princess is already so desperate for me?” You walk closer before kneeling in front of her. Yujin immediately opens her legs showing her drenched pussy, “Yes daddy, I'm so fucking horny”, Yujin moans. “Is that so? Let me help you then princess”, You kiss her thighs making her quiver in excitement, “I need you daddy”, You kiss her other thighs, then you slowly trail up to her pussy with your kisses. 

You give her inner thigh one hard bite before you move to her pussy. Sucking in her clit gently is enough to make Yujin let out a moan, her hands desperately griping on to her bedsheets preparing for your attacks. Your mouth starts to get to work, licking and sucking her clit over and over again making Yujin let out a moan that keeps louder and louder each time. At a particular flick you managed to make her let out a muffled scream so you did the flick again, and again, and again, and again, refusing to let her have time to take a breather. In no time she let out a scream, her legs locked your head in with her voluptuous thighs pressing the side of your head. You can't complain though, it felt nice, especially with how soft it is. “I'm cumming daddy”, Yujin grabs your head with one hand and pulls you deeper into her pussy. 

As she reaches her climax she squirts her juice all over your face while involuntarily tries to crush your head with her thighs. Thankfully it passes soon enough and she drops her leg onto your shoulder and starts panting on the bed. “I'm not done yet princess”, You stand up and crawl on top of her, your hand moves to her pussy and your finger starts to rub her clit. “Ahhhh, daddy”, She moans but you silence her with a kiss. One of your fingers pushes into her, then two, and then three, then they start pumping in and out with vicious intent while you continue making out with her. Yujin's body is convulsing aggressively as you continue fingering her. “Daddy….. you're so….. mean”, She lets out some moans between the kisses. Of course she isn't complaining, after all her hand is tightly hugging on to your head while your hand got even more aggressive.

“Daddy I'm CUMMMMIIIINNGGGGGG”, She screams to your mouth as her second orgasm arrives. Her body lays down on the bed already exhausted, yet her eyes are locked onto yours with anticipation. “This will be a long night princess”

.

.

.

“Baby why are you so tired? Don't tell me you're actually out for the whole night”, Eunbi says with a concerned look on her face. “It's, none of your business”, You sigh and close your eyes, enjoying the soft pillow known as Eunbi's thighs while her hand is gently caressing your hair. “Baby, you can't be that irresponsible. Minho said you got scolded for sleeping in class, twice. If you keep doing this then I won't let you go out at night”, Although she does feel worried about you, most of her anger stems from her frustration. You left her while she was heated yesterday after seeing your jealous side. Last night was so tormenting for her as she finds out that her toys are no longer pleasuring her like it used to. Now, once your ‘therapy session’ finally arrives you just lay down there fully exhausted while her body is screaming for some release.

“I'll make it up to you later okay? Just give me a second to rest”, Although you hate to admit it, Yujin actually managed to get on the upper hand yesterday. Who would've thought getting called ‘daddy’ would be your weak spot? “Fine, I'll let you rest for now. But after this we're going straight to my house and I won't let you leave again”, Ominous, is she foreshadowing something sinister? “You have very soft thighs, you know that?” Your hand gently gropes it making her squeal. “Babeeee, don't do that unless you want to fuck me”, Maybe you should introduce her to edging soon, her whines is always so cute and enjoyable to watch.

“Stop calling me babe”, It's not fun when your fish just jump on the boat, there's no thrill or glory for getting a fish that way. “I don't want to call you master all the time. I like it but it always makes me too horny”, Eunbi pout, “Fine whatever”, If she wants to get caught that much then why should you refuse a free meal. “Can you sleep in my bed tonight babe?” Eunbi moves from your hair into your cheek, “Hhhhmmmm”, You grunt with your eyes still closed. “Babe?” Eunbi refuses to let you rest, “Whatever”, You say before biting her thighs. “Ahhhh, baby please don't do that okay? I'm already dying from heat and you're just being extra mean by teasing me”, Eunbi pouts again.

“Lay down here with me Eunbi”, She looks at you for a second, some because she's excited, some because she's scared of what you will do. Reluctantly she let you off her lap before laying down next to you. The two of you lay there together, your limbs intertwined with each other while your torso is pressing against each other to accommodate for the small couch. You can feel her heartbeat as her chess is pressed against yours, you can feel her breath on your face, you can see every single pore of her flawless skin on her face. Gently you caress her cheek making her body shiver, “What exactly do you want Eunbi?” Looking at her ecstatic gaze you can tell she's way too drunk to think straight.

“I want you….. master”, Eunbi moans feeling your other hand caressing her thighs, “As your master?” Your hand slipped under her skirt and pulled it up, exposing her bare thighs. “Master”, Another moan escaped her lips as your hand started playing around with her ass. “What do you want, Eunbi? You know I'm not blind, and right now you're being overly suspicious with all your demands and behaviour”, Eunbi tried to focus but your hands are making it too hard for her. “I, love you master”, What the fuck? Love? Already? Even Yujin hasn't thought about that word yet. 

“You're lying”, Let's press her about this, it's kinda fun seeing so helpless in your arms. “No I'm not, I love you master”, To prove it she leaps in and presses her lips onto yours. The moment your lips touched you can feel her body shaking in a familiar manner. This slut just had an orgasm from a kiss. “Masterrrr…….”, She moans as her hands hug you, clutching onto your shirt desperately as you press your thighs into her pussy. This kiss, it's as arousing to you as it is to her. Your desperate need for control is your biggest weakness. After all, you'll always lose yourself the moment you find someone submitting to you. While her body is spasming out of control you decided to make her orgasm last forever.

One of your hands slips inside her panties and furiously rubs her clit while your other hand grabs her neck and gently chokes her out. “Ahhhhhh, master, more”, Eunbi breaks the kiss while her nails are scratching you through your uniform. “You're a slut aren't you? A slut so desperate for sex that you just fall in love with the first person who can satisfy your perverted side”, Your hand tightens its grip on her neck while your other hand starts fingering her. “Yes master”, She squeals, her hand stops hugging you and instead grabs onto the hands that's choking her. “Is that what you want? To be my slave? To be a cumdumpster that lives only for my pleasure?” Eunbi nods before coughing. 

These feelings, it's way too much for her. Her brain almost loses consciousness due to the lack of oxygen and the overload of dopamine. Thankfully you recognise this and relaxed your grip letting her take a breather. Eunbi presses her head onto your shoulder, coughing out loud as her orgasm passes. You take away your hand from her pussy and just hug her tight. “Is that all you want?” You whisper in her ears, “To be my toy?” You use a serious and demanding tone. Eunbi tries her hardest to hold her moan hearing how serious your tone is. “No baby, I want you. I love you, and I care for you. It breaks my heart everytime I remember about your home condition. I care for you so much that I can't help but to fall in love when I know you are PorkCrackling, my mysterious master. I love you more than anything and I don't want to let you go. I need you, my body needs you. I can't help it, okay? I just want you to help me with my pathetic sexual drive, and to ease my heart. I love you, master”

Eunbi hugs you tight, not daring to look you in the eyes in fear that her tears would just fall down. All emotions in her just suddenly burst open through her words of confessions. She didn't mean to say this so soon, she wants to take things slow. To make you feel comfortable around her and more accepting of her role in your life. It's just that, something snapped in her mind. She believes it comes yesterday when you turn all Yandere but she couldn't be further from the truth. Something in her mind snapped the moment you had sex with her in her office. Just like he said, the revelation that you're PorkCrackling actually awakened something inside her. Everytime she indulges her desires, things just get worse and worse. Day and nights she wouldn't be able to work properly without your touch. Today, after seeing that you actually have some form of feeling for her yesterday plus her frustration for not having sex for the last 5 days has made her desire boil. This confession, it terrifies her, she's scared that you would say no.

As the guilt and horror is overtaking her your hand starts to caress her hair. Immediately you feel her body relax, you can even feel her breath calm down a little. A smile crept up on your face, letting her hope rise for a moment before you let her down, “Eunbi, I'm in a relationship”, You can almost hear her heart break. “What?” Even her voice breaks, “I'm in a relationship already”, What's your intention with this move again? “But babe”, Eunbi clutches your body tightly, it's very subtle but you can feel her sudden rise of aggression. “It's complicated”, Oh my god, you're trying to make things harder for yourself just so you can savour the hunt. Very scummy of you.

“What do you mean it's complicated. Are you in a relationship or not”, Eunbi pulls away from the hug and both of her hands hold your face. “It's complicated, okay? I'm not sure what we are”, You look away avoiding her gaze. “Baby, just tell me, everything”, Yeah you're not gonna do that, “I need some time okay?” You pull away from her embrace. “No, stay here and tell me everything”, She grabs your hand refusing to let you slip away. “Eunbi, just give me a day, okay? I'll sort this out”, The way you say that makes it sound so ambiguous that she can't help but feel scared. “Where are you going”, Eunbi said as you stood up, “I need time”, You said facing away from her.

Seeing your back turn to her, Eunbi can hear a voice screaming for her to run for me. Begging her to not let me go, to just jump to me and hold me tight and never let go. Yet her body refuses to follow, she just sits there while you leave the room, almost bursting into tears. She's heartbroken, all this time you've been seeing someone else? No, even worse, she's the someone else. All this time, your heart was already in another place. The tears that's threatening to fall down hot stopped by a screaming voice in her mind. 

Stop crying you idiot. Follow him. He said it's complicated and he doesn't want to tell us, so we need to check for ourselves. Whoever he's fucking can't be better than you, wake up already. Get on your feets and start walking. We need to see who is this bitch that dares to take him away from us. Follow him, see if he returns to that whore's house.

The voice is right, well at least Eunbi thinks it's right. She packed up her things quickly before running off from her office. Her eyes scanned the school entrance and found you, she sneakily followed you, however much to her disappointment you just returned back to your home instead. 

Fuck, what now?

He always goes out at night with his friends. We need to wait until dark.

Where?

Just wait in that-

Her schizophrenic episode has to wait however as she hears a scuffle inside your house. “The fuck you mean you throw them away. You sell them in the pawnshop for money bitch?” Inside, you're fuming with anger and start screaming at your mom. “It’s my stuff since he bought it with my money. I can do whatever I want with it”, You can feel your face crumble further hearing her words. Your brother's stuff, all that shit he bought using HIS OWN money just got pawned off by your mom. 

“Where? Where did you sell them you fucking old cunt”, You scream again while she just spit on you. “Get the fuck out here you ungrateful bastard. You think you're hot shit because you found a new place to sleep? Fuck off and never come back”,  She yells at you and turn her back to you. “I said-”, You grab her hand to stop her but then she just swings the bottle of vodka she's drinking to your head. A sickening *thump* could be heard as the bottle connected with your temple. It doesn't break, but it might be better if it does. “Useless bastard”, You heard your mom scream while you're trying to orient yourself. Before you get to do that she takes another swing and yet again the bottle manages to not break, which means your skull just took the impact and caused your brain to be shaken inside it.

“Useless fucking pig”, She screams you fall down to the ground, it feels like you would just pass out any moment. Deciding to help you, she throws the bottle on your head, this time it breaks, causing glass shards to rain on your head and cut up your skin. “I should've fucking aborted you the moment I had you”, With a kick she completely knock you out unconscious, your body slumped down on the ground with bloods dripping down your face. Your mom doesn't stop though, she just continues kicking your body while screaming relentlessly. 

Thankfully for you, this is a good sign that makes Eunbi want to step in. “Excuse me? Is anyone there?” She knocked on your door, “Fuck off”, That's the answer she got, “Uhhhh, ma'am, is everything alright in there? I heard some screams”, Eunbi felt her body shaking. Some because she's concerned about you, some because the voice in her head is screaming out of anger, threatening to kill your mom if she touches you. “I said FUCK OFF”, What now? Just break in, save him. Obviously that cunt did something to him. “Ma'am I just need to talk to- '' Eunbi's words cut short as your mom opened the door, anger written all over her face.

“It's you again, what the fuck do you want?” Eunbi disregards the hostility and just scans the room inside. There's too much random stuff all over the face for her to properly find you. However her eyes immediately saw your leg, laying on the ground while your body is hidden behind a kitchen counter. “What did you do to him”, Eunbi's face crumble and glare back at your mom, “None of your fuc-”, Without waiting for her to finish her words, Eunbi forcefully push the door slamming it into your mom's face while she's at it. “Bitch”, Your mom screams, but out of pure anger Eunbi grabs the whore's head and slams it to the wall. Then she slammed it again, and again, and again until your mom's body slumped down on the ground, unconscious.

Seeing the threat is, neutralised, Eunbi runs to your body, and as soon as she sees your bleeding face she screams and runs to you. “Baby are you okay? Baby? Babe please wake up”, Eunbi pulls you into her embrace, but you're just out of it. She quickly calls the police, frantically screaming for an ambulance to come quickly. While she's waiting she just holds you close, trying desperately to talk to you and wake you up to make sure you're okay. Unfortunately, her effort resulted in nothing, fear starts to overtake her and tears start to fall down her face. Once the ambulance arrives she just jumps inside with you, hoping that you'll wake up.

That bitch, we should've fucking kill her right there and then.

NOT NOW!!!!! He's dying, fuck he's dying. What should we do?

You calm down first. They said he's fine then he's fine. His reading is stable so he's just passed out for now.

Fuck but what if-

Eunbi, calm down! 

I…… I need to calm down. 

Correct, we just need to stand by him until he's awake. Everything's gonna be fine, for him. For his whore of a mother, we need to deal with her later.

Ultimately her fear and worry didn't vanish, but it lowered tremendously. Eunbi stays by your side from the ambulance all the way to the hospital. Once you're there she just waits patiently in front of the emergency room as they check on your injuries. After what felt like hours of waiting a doctor finally came out and broke the news.

"Mrs. Mwon, thank you for waiting. The patient is stable and resting comfortably now. He experienced a mild concussion, which caused him to pass out briefly. The cut he gained from what appears to be glass isn't deep. Unfortunately some of them require stitches however all of the wounds are already closed. We've conducted initial assessments and scans, and there are no signs of more serious brain injury or bleeding. However, he will need to be monitored closely for the next few hours to ensure there are no further complications. He may experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue as he recovers, but these are typical after a concussion. We'll keep you updated on his progress and provide further instructions for his care before he's discharged. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and know that we're here to support both you and….. your son?"

Eunbi shakes her head, “He's not my son. He's just one of my students that grows in a rough home. Her mom is the one who did this, what's her status?” Deep inside she's hoping that your mom would have a permanent brain injury and just die. “I see, she's also stable for now. However the excessive alcohol level in her bloodstream made us think there's more of her that we need to check on, more specifically, her liver. If this is a domestic violence case as you've said we will need to contact child protective services”, Eunbi nods, maybe she could convince them to let you stay under her protection. “Can I see him now?” The doctor nods and leads her to your room.

As soon as she saw you Eunbi bolted next to you, her hand couldn't stop shaking as she grabbed onto yours. “He will be out for a few hours. If he's still not waking up by today we will do further check, but for now we'll let him rest” Eunbi nods and just stares at you, disregarding the doctor and nurse around her. Hours flew by quickly, she didn't realise it was already night until someone knocked on the door. “Miss Kwon, this are the child protective services, they are here to ask you a few questions”

Calm down Eunbi, now is the time for you to show your composure.

Taking a deep breath, Eunbi calms herself down before nodding. Surprisingly she does a pretty good job at describing what happens earlier. The hostility and hatred she has for your mom was hidden masterfully showing off only her concern for you. She even lied at some part feeling that she followed you home because you left your jacket at the therapy session. Oh right she also brings up the therapy session, thankfully she still has some form of professionalism and hides the contents, simply telling them you have a rough home. However this composure doesn't last forever as suddenly Yujin shows up at your door. “Where is he?” Yujin asked the nurse that's leading her, “He's inside, he's still recovering”, Yujin walked past Eunbi and went to your room.

“That would be all for now ma'am, thank you for your cooperation. We will contact you again if we need further testimonies”, Hearing she's free to go Eunbi immediately says her farewell and joins you back in your room. The moment she walks in her blood immediately boils seeing Yujin is holding your hand. The concern on the little girl's face tells her everything she needs to know. This bitch, this little whore is the one who's been snatching your heart right under her nose. Eunbi put up her mask, trying to act calm before asking Yujin, “Yujin Ahn? What are you doing here?” However Yujin doesn't fucking care about Eunbi. “Who did this to him”, Yujin asked coldly, for a moment Eunbi found a glimmer of joy seeing someone can help her take revenge. However, her…. Other side immediately takes over her mind with possessiveness. “His mom, now what are you doing here?” Yujin glanced at Eunbi with annoyance.

“Why else? I'm his girlfriend, his emergency contact, I should've been here. The question is, why are you here, you old cow?” Patience is a virtue, something Eunbi is slowly losing for every second Yujin is holding your hand. “I found him like this at his house. I tried to return his jacket but I heard commotion and found him lying on the floor”, Eunbi walked closer to you and stood by the other side of your bed. “You idiot, I told you you should've stayed at my place”, Yujin whispered softly, but Eunbi could hear it and something inside her almost snapped. Thankfully someone interrupted them, “Miss, please don't run away like that again”, A man in a black suit suddenly walks in the room.

“I'm busy okay, just cancel the dinner”, Yujin grumbles as her hand starts to fix your hair a little bit. “Miss, I'm afraid I can't do that. Your father insists for you to come by”, Eunbi is trying to find words to kick Yujin. Something to encourage her to leave but she can't find ways to do it without openly showing hostility due to her anger. “Fine, this better end fast”, Yujin let go of you before turning to Eunbi, “Take care of him while I'm gone”, Oh eunbi will make sure you're taken care of, and she'll also make sure Yujin will be gone, permanently. “I'll take care of him, be sure of that”, Yujin nods before turning back to you one last time. “I'll be back baby”, Yujin kisses your forehead and leaves the room. 

Silence persists for a long while in the room, Eunbi stands there like a statue. However despite her quietness there's a storm raging inside her. The other is slowly overtaking her. The pure possessiveness is making her insane. Right now, right at this moment, her mind, body and soul are attuned to one purpose and one purpose only, you. The world is cruel and harsh, and she knows there's only one way to keep you safe from it. She needs to take you under her wings, coddle you in her arms and hide you away from the world. She will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means she has to…… break some rule, and bones.

But she can't do it so suddenly. You're still scared by your mother, but literally and figuratively. God knows what type of trust issues you'll develop after that fight earlier. So Eunbi will take this slow, making sure you're more open and comfortable to the idea of being graded by her. You said that it's complicated, and even though she doesn't know much about Yujin she heard enough gossip about that bitch being a slut. Right now, she needs to dig deeper into that relationship, find things that she could press to make you second guess your relationship. Perhaps she wouldn't need to resort to anything…… physical.

Of course, all that can wait, for now she just needs to focus on keeping you company. Slowly she crawls onto the bed and lays there with you. If you're awake you'll find her body, the body you've embraced time and time again felt foreign and alien. This Eunbi, it's no longer the kind-hearted and empathetic therapist who always wanted to do good to the world. Her hands gently caress your hair and chest, she presses her forehead against your temple gently, making sure she doesn't hurt you. She embraces you, much like a dragon holding onto its treasures.

“You said I was yours only right master?”

She whispered in your ears.

“Then that means, you're also mine, mine, mine, and only mine. Master~”

[nats-bottom]

NR - Photos

Summary: Nat posts a photo online and gets teased about her and Reader's height difference

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Warnings: Teasing, bullying

Notes:

I also have accounts on Wattpad and AO3! The users there are @ paige_vers

Please give me requests! You can submit them here or on my insta, @ scarlettsoutset

ᨖᨖೱᨖ⧗ᨖⴵᨖ🕷️ᨖⴵᨖ⧗ᨖೱᨖᨖ

Y/n POV

"Hmmph" I hear my girlfriend, Natasha groan as she scrolls on her phone. We were sitting on a couch in the main living room area in the Avenger's Compound. There was no one else in the room with us, they were all doing their own thing. Both me and Natasha were on our phones, sitting next to each other. Well, more like she was sitting on top of me, cuddling into me. 

"What's wrong baby?" I ask knowing that something is up. She still doesn't look up from her phone and continues to scroll. 

"Why do people have to be so mean? I just posted a new photo on instagram of the two of us, and so many of the comments are about how short I am compared to you." She complains.

I look down at her and brush her hair with my fingers. Sure she is only 5'3" and I am 5'9", but that didn't cause any problems in our relationship. I found it very cute when she asks me to grab something off the top shelf, or when she had to reach up to kiss me. "It's ok. Just ignore what they're saying. It doesn't matter. All that matters is what you and I think. They're all just haters who just have something mean to say. They probably just have something that they don't like about themselves, so they just take it out in the easiest way possible. Don't listen to them. I love you just the way you are."

"Thanks y/n. I love you too. You always know how to help me." She says as she snuggles into me even more.

"Now let's turn that phone off and just cuddle, okay? How does that sound."

"That sounds good." She says, handing me her phone. I take our phones and put them on the side table next to the couch. As she tucks her head into my neck, Wanda walks in, laughing. 

"Oh my god! Natasha, you look so short next to y/n! Hahahaha! Shorty!" Wanda says while laughing her ass off. She comes over and sits down on a chair across from us. She is looking at her phone, presumably at the photo Nat posted earlier of the two of us. I feel Nat shift next to me,  obviously uncomfortable. Before I can say anything, Wanda shows her phone to us, pointing to the height difference. 

"See! Even the camera captures just how short you are Natasha. You're like the shortest on the team. Everyone just towers over you." Wanda says as she laughs some more.

"Wanda, would you stop? This isn't funny." I say sternly, giving Wanda a harsh look. 

"But Natasha is so fun to tease. It's so funny when she gets mad and she stomps around because she's so small and it's just like watching a little kid." Wanda says.

Wanda should be scared now. Not only has she made fun of my girlfriend, but she made fun of the kindest, best, most amazing person in the world. Nat sits there, looking at Wanda with shock, obviously hurt, but too scared to cry in front of anyone else besides me. I move Nat's legs off my lap, give her head a quick kiss on her forehead, and stand up from the couch. 

"Wanda, take back what you said." I say, standing in front of her, my hands in fists.

She looks down at my hands and back up at my eyes. I'm taller than her so she has to look up at me. She steps closer to me. "And what if I don't?" She questions.

"Then you'll regret it." I say, my hands starting to glow white a little and my eyes starting to turn purple. 

"Ok ok, I take it back. I don't mean anything I said." She says, but mumbles the last part.

"And" I say, expecting an apology.

"I'm sorry" She says sarcastically and rolls her eyes.

"Wanda." I say seriously.

"I'm sorry ok! I really didn't mean it! I'm just bored and Vision is busy and I need something to do." Wanda said. "So I went online and found this and thought it'd be funny to come and tease Natasha. I really actually do like the photo. It's a really good pic of the two of you."

I can tell that she really means it. I'm not quite ready to forgive her yet, but I say my thanks and stand in front of the couch that Nat is on. I offer her my hand and she takes it. I led her up to our shared bed room silently. There we stayed for the rest of the night, watching movies and eating snacks. Nat is being really soft today, which is a side of her that I don't normally get to see.

A/N: I have nothing against Wanda, I just needed someone to be in the story for this. Wanda is one of my favorites.

[silverryuan]

Grim with a Blue Diamond! Yuu from Steven Universe

Warnings: Angst to Comfort

Blue Diamond, or Blue for short, is a Homeworld Gem and a member of the Great Diamond Authority that formerly ruled over the Gem race. She is a character from Rebecca Sugar's Steven Universe.

.

.

.

"Fnyahahah!~"

• Grim laughed as he jumped in a meadow full of tuna cans. The sun was shining just right, the flowers gave fragrance, and of course, the tuna cans were delicious! A little bit of rolling around the grass, Grim dived into a mountain of tuna cans. The feline opened a can and sighed to himself in satisfaction.

"Fnyagh~ Now this is the cat's meow! Me and my hundreds of canned tunas alone and not a single pesky human to keep us from... Fnyagh...?"

• Before he can eat the tuna, he turned his head to a flicker of pink. He squinted his eyes to a direction and see a pink rose with its sharpened thorns slithering.

• Why are the roses moving? On top of that, why are they moving towards him?! Grim immediately sat on top of his tuna can mountain to stand his ground and shouted.

"Fnyaagh! This is creepy! H-Hey, stop that! Get your own tuna! Get outta here!"

• But the roses kept walking to him.

• That gave his instincts a go sign to burn them.

"Well ya asked for this!"

• The monster cat blew walls upon walls of flames enough to incinerate the grass around him.

"Fnyahah! How d'ya like... Nooo! My precious tunaaa!"

• He stopped after he noticed the now scorched lids of the cans. His ears drooped back and his movements panicked.

• He grabbed as many tuna cans he can carry to run for it but a prickly vine slithered itself onto his neck stopping him midair.

"OUCH!! LET GO! LET GO!"

• The sun was now crowded by clouds, the wind became strong enough to turn into a tornado, and the greenery were swallowed up by the roses. Everything looked red now. The flames he caused earlier did nothing to burn the roses who are now building themselves a wall around a struggling Grim.

"FNYAAAGH! D-DON'T COME NEAR ME! STAY BACK! FNYAGH!"

• A giant rose emerged from the others. Its petals blossomed wider to reveal a mouth layered with sharp teeth, like a shark about to bite into its prey. The frightened and crying cat was lifted to the giant rose's mouth. Grim, who was expecting his doom, braced for the pain of the bite.

• But the bite never came, instead the rose appeared to be saying something. Something muffled that he couldn't quite hear.... The wind howled stronger and rose petals began to tornado themselves around Grim, the vines pulling him down to the widened maws of the roses below.

• The monster didn't know what was going on. His tuna cans are gone. His magic didn't work.

• His Henchman is not here. Where are you?

• He desperately screamed your name until he suffocated from the petals.

.

.

.

And then he woke up.

{Ramshackle – Bedroom}

• Grim jolted awake from his sleep, screaming and gasping for air. He's still in Ramshackle, lying down on your bed.

"F-Fnaygh?..... N-nightmare?"

• He soon realized that he was supposed to be asleep. He leaned back on the bed but you weren't there. Grim looked at the clock on your night stand and see that it was 3 AM. That's weird, you're never awake this late. Even when that Hornton guy visits.

• He waited for you until the clock hits 3:30 AM. He got impatient, hurriedly getting up from the covers to find you.

• Grim went downstairs to the lounge, but you weren't there. He went to the bathroom, still not there. He searched the whole dorm but not a single tall silhouette of yours he sees. Grim eventually got hungry searching for you and went to the kitchen only to be greeted by one of the Ramshackle Ghosts.

"Heeheehee! Well I'll be! Never thought I'd see lil' Grimmy awake so early in the morning for the first time! Hahahaha!"

"Fnyagh... It ain't funny!"

"I know, I'm just messing with you. Good morning, by the way."

"Mornin'... Have you seen my henchman? They aren't in bed."

"Oh, I saw them go outside."

"What're they doing outside? This ain't Savanaclaw! Guess I'll look for 'em... But not until I get my tuna!"

"You sure love your tuna, huh?"

• Grim huffed in response to the ghost. His paws opening the fridge to grab his "breakfast" and rushed outside of the dorm.

.

.

.

{Ramshackle – Pink's Shrine}

• It was still dark outside. He looked for you behind Ramshackle and there you are... Tall figure kneeling and hunched over with a hooded cloak layering your clothes. Grim approached slowly, making little sound as to observe what you are doing...

• You are mourning again.

• He learned about your strange habit of mourning for the loss of a certain loved one but surely it's impossible for one to mourn this long. Their death probably made a large impact on you to be depressed enough to distance yourself from others.

• Often seeking for Pink's guidance and offering bouquets of roses and things she'd like. Mourning eventually became a weekly routine.

.

.

.

• He stopped when he heard your melancholic voice.

"It's... a bit unexpected, isn't it Pink?"

• Tears started welling up in Grim's eyes. He hates it when you do that. That overwhelmingly strong magic of yours that can make even dorm leaders cry. Forcing their depressing memories and negative thoughts to resurface in their mind as pure torture. It would leave the cat both amazed and sad at the same time.

"This... World you talked about to me... Is everything like you've said so but also... Not how you described it to be."

"Very colorful. Very charming. Very lively. Very... Good. It's unlike Homeworld. I can see why you wanted to save it. Yet I cannot understand why..."

• He's also noticed how different you are to other humans. You are no beastman, merfolk or fae either. That comment from the Dark Mirror about you being from another planet or world could be true.

"... Why you kept coming here. Despite the joy you found in this world, there is still pain... There are highly privileged people that are not satisfied how the world treats them... It's fascinating how they let their organic emotions out in a life threatening way that risks others."

"I don't know if Yellow or White would understand either. They want to seize it but I disagree. This was your planet, after all."

• Grim remembered about the seldom topics about your family. You looked sad every time he brought it up but then again, Grim doesn't want to talk about his. He doesn't remember them. The only thing he has close to a family is you.

"I still can't see the point in preserving everything. This world is not perfect at all. The inhabitants are imperfect. I don't know what else you saw in these creatures aside from potential."

"They are very weak. Very shallow. Very undisciplined. Very... Flawed. Every single one of them. I should have guessed considering they are completely different species from Gems."

• The flaming feline never understood your hatred toward humanity for some reason. Much like Sebek, you would always point out their flaws and their weaknesses. Yet you yourself is also not perfect. You'd still reach out to your friends' outstretched hands to help them.

"If... If I could at least tolerate these horrid organisms... I would rather have you teach me how... Even if I was upset with you, I'd spare this planet and still let you enjoy every moment here..."

"One last chance. I may not understand... but I will preserve the last of your legacy. I will try my best to save it for you. This is what you would have wanted...

"Right?"

..............

• Ever since he met you, he's been living his days either in playful bliss or sad boredom. Whether you're in a good mood, you'll playfully join him in his shenanigans. Or when you're in a bad mood, you'll isolate yourself from others to avoid hurting them. The ADeuce would get the memo to leave you alone or else they'll cry until you'll feel better.

• You're the most emotionally unstable person he has ever met his entire life. That's one thing about you he'll never forget. It's an unhealthy friendship but he doesn't want to leave you...

"...sniffle... sniffle..."

"...Grim? What are you doing up so early?"

".... Y-You weren't there in bed so I followed you. Not that I want to be with you or anything! I'm just looking out for my henchman, of course!"

"... Thank you, Grim."

"Fnyaghh... yeah, yeah."

• You noticed him after hearing his sniffling behind you. It appears that he followed you to the shrine, he didn't leave even if unintentionally you made him cry. He must've been so scared waking up all by himself.

• He moved beside you as if to mourn with you. Grim didn't like the silence but with your presence, it brought him comfort.

"I couldn't sleep. I had a pretty bad nightmare."

"Oh? You did?"

"Yeah. I was having a feast with all my precious premium tuna. Mountains of them! They looked so delicious! It felt like a dream come true!"

"Really? That sounds... Good."

"Yeah, really! And then... and then this big scary flower with huge fangs started to grab me and wanted to bite a chunk of my tail!"

"That does sound scary."

"Yeah... A-and when I woke up... you weren't there..."

"......... I'm sorry."

• You're always by his side, through thick and thin. Throughout all of those Overblots, you two are never separated from each other.

"... You too... Why're you mourning so early?"

"... I needed some... Comfort. I do not want to disturb your sleep."

• Sadly enough, the only thing that cheers you up nowadays can only bring you painful memories of nostalgia. Most of them are the time you spent with your family. Most of them are Pink's. Whether it was trinkets, food, or parties, a sad smile would grace your features and you'd say:

"Oh, how beautiful. This reminds me of Pink..."

"This is quite enjoyable. If only Pink was here..."

"I never played this game before. Pink would've loved this..."

• It's always about Pink. Grim didn't know enough about you other than your tendencies of being emotional and authoritative.

• Rarely you were angered, only snapped when Riddle insulted you, when Leona dared to bare his fangs at you, and when Azul threatened to take away your shrine. Even when Grim called you Henchman! But soon you brushed it off and thought of it as a funny little nickname he's given you.

"You know... I always thought of you as a rowdy, lazy, and obnoxious pest but..."

"Hey!"

"Haha, I'm sorry... but I'm beginning to see that you... are not so bad after all..."

"... Why's that?"

"... You're always here for me... Whenever I push everybody else... Made them cry... You'd stay behind..."

• You also rarely expressed joy. You smiled during your nightly walks with Hornton but went back to being lonely when he went away. You laughed during the Unbirthday Parties but immediately push those emotions down to avoid the situation resulting in you being overly sensitive.

"Because you're my henchman! We should always stick together, right? If you cry, I'll cry! If you laugh, then I'll laugh! That's the way I want it to be!"

"Hahahahaha! Thank you, Grim."

• These are one of the moments that Grim loved. For you to freely smile without your reputation holding you back. Your droopy eyes finally glinting with happiness and your tear stained face grinning with laughter. That gives him enough motivation to keep going until he can be a great mage one day.

"Now wipe those tears! We got classes to attend to!"

"That's right. You should eat breakfast first."

"Nah, you can have this."

• Grim shows a small can of tuna between his paws, making a gesture of offering it to you. You figured that it was the last can in the fridge.

"Why, that's very kind you but I'd rather enjoy seeing you eat it, Grim."

"Fnyagh? Ya sure?"

"Yes. I can't eat, remember? It brings me more satisfaction to watch you eat to your heart's content. After all, A mage must always eat on time and be healthy is what Vargas said so."

"Welp, if you say so!"

• You opened the can to assist in feeding him. Grim gobbled up all the tuna inside, licking all the remaining flakes on the sides of his mouth.

• The sky was lightening up as the first rays of the sun shined through the trees. You stood up from your kneeling position, glancing at the shrine one last time before heading inside Ramshackle with Grim.

"Well, we must ready ourselves for school... See you next time, Pink."

"See ya!"

"Did you remember to do your assignment last night?"

"Fnyagh! Crap, I forgot!"

"Sigh... Oh, Grim."

.

.

.

• A small pink rose bud bloomed among the others in the bouquet. The morning sun shined on the shrine and it's light bounced on its petals.

[katerinaaqu]

What's your opinion on how Telemachus was handled in Epic (so far) ? I'm curious 😀.

And what is different from his Odyssey portrayal ? Not counting the fanart that infantilizes him, I'm strictly talking about the musical itself.

Hahahaha you guys definitely wanna put me against a wall one of these days! XD But I absolutely LOVE this question! Hahaha okay here goes;

Absolutely I wasn't gonna talk about the fanart and all that is part of the designing process and arguably that is part of every person to do. They could easily choose the depiction more Odyssey-accurate and still use the musical sound so yes you do well to mention it because yes I myself wouldn't touch the design part in this ask

Anyways long story short; I don't like it.

Storywise it is overly-simplified and shows only one portion of his possible emotions; the one that tries to connect with his father. That part is genuine and I see where the portrayal such as the song "Legendary" came from. Arguably Homer himself also touches the subject of glory through one's deeds and I see where the musical came from when Telemachus says what he says but the song was too bbbly, too naive portrayal of Telemachus and in a way completely disregarded the true depth of sadness and depression in Telemachus.

In the Odyssey Telemachus never connected to his father because his father was never there. To the point where he was even doubting whether he was his son or not. He basically says that "everyone calls me that but how can I know? The dude was never there. Possibly never will be here again". His whole energy was the total opposite than Epic.

Epic portrays Telemachus in a manner that reminds me of Disney's Little Mermaid in "Part of your world"; a bubbly teenager who dreams to start his life or to be making a legendary name for himself like his father and in childish naive energy says "bring me all these monsters to fight them!" while in his childish naive nature was also making him afraid or worried to face the bullying of the suitors (the way the suitors were portrayed as if Jorge wanted to make them EVEN MORE evil also had me cringe like Antinous calling Penelope "tramp". Antinous called Penelope more or less "divious" because of her scheme against them but that was all. In here they are competing for her hand while calling her names without reason? Yeah right....). He seemed like the average teenager that needs the adult to get him to realize video games is not the life and that he needs to do something about his future! Does he also seem low-key sad? Yes. But just like Ariel in the Disney movie was pictured as a dreamer that wanted escape from his confided situation through bubbly and childish dreams.

Odyssey Telemachus was both emotionally and psychologically exhausted; his mother was taken down by grief and endless waiting and had confided herself in her chambers, trying her best to avoid the suitors that were at her home for FOUR YEARS, constantly crying at this point. Telemachus also saw his grandfather lose his mind in sorrow and his grandmother melting away by desperation and sadness and dying or potentially killing herself by it. The last thing he wanted was "to be legendary". In fact Telemachus gave me the exact opposite energy than a dreamer. He was very down to earth and his main goal was to get out of this nasty situation, trying to grow as a person to set himself free from this torment. He had so much in his plate that the last thing he wanted was to dream. In fact he gave me the impression of a person with no more the luxury of dreaming. He almost seemed crushed to the point of breaking himself almost like every other member of his family. (He gives me the impression of a person that after spent years of trying and fulflling their dreams now they are forced to work in a work they hate for survival and think that "dreams are for fools. No luxury for them!")

Like I said Menelaus described Telemachus as a spitting image of his father including his eyes, which is something I find the most important. Menelaus compared Telemachus's gaze to Odysseus; a man that fought a war with him! A man exhausted by the evil he saw and caused. Telemachus's profound grief was so intense that his look was equivalent to a man Menelaus fought a war with! He was the opposite of what we see in Epic! In fact we know that Telemachus was also very much silent and tried to keep a low profile so he didn't need to face the humiliation of the men that were literally plundering his wealth and harassing his mother and himself. The last thing he had in his mind would be to "be legendary". He was also plundered by the fact that not only was he doubting that Odysseus was his father per se but also he was in doubt that this Odysseus that everyone named his father would be alive or dead. He didn't know that. He was actually almost certain that Odysseus was dead but that part in the back of his head was not yet leaving him in peace which is why he needed Athena's guidance

Which brings me to the next part; Athena In Epic Athena appears to...give Telemachus the boost to fist-fight the suitors for some reason and mind you he still gets his ass handed at him! It made it seem as Telemachus's only problem was that he didn't have the guts or skills to fight the suitors and Athena gave him a solution! (potentially a message to stand up against bullies for teenagers? Perhaps but still I felt it massively undermined Telemachis's situation in the book) As I have answered to another person around here, Telemachus's problem was that the suitors claimed the law of hospitality and named themselves ODYSSEUS'S guests. Telemachus could not yet take over as king and he had no power to send them away. Plus he was plundered by doubt about his own inheritence. What Athena did was not to make Telemachus a fighter for he already was (we see how well he stands against them at the side of his father in the Odyssey) she came to encourage him to find out on his own.

Arguably the trip of Telemachus was a mirror counterpart of Odysseus's but instead of a trip that makes you lost like Odysseus was lost, it was a trip for self-discovery. Mind you, both the trip of Odysseus and the trip of Telemachus are cognitive trips; both characters learn in them and come in contact with places. Psychologically the trip allows Telemachus to escape this boarderline toxic grief in his home and explore the world. Also find out on his own information about his father. Now, arguably he never really finds out about his father's whereabouts for certain apart from Menelaus's vision but there is something he definitely gets out of his trip that is not talked about enough;

He finds out he REALLY is the son of his father and he gets information about what kind of man he was!

He hears from friends that fought with him how similar he looks to him; not just from his closed and secluded environment but of people outside his circle and his known people that he looks like him and they also give him information about him. No more the random comments the suitors he hated say or his sad mother who could either idealize his father to escape her grief or the loyal slave Euryclea who adored the family naturally like a mother; now it was also friends and known people of Odysseus that speak about him Telemachus is double-checking his information! Thus coming home much more confident on his inheritence and his own destiny and duty

Arguably the Odyssey is as much Telemachus's story as it is Odysseus's. Telemachus was in one way a spectrum of Odysseus; fighting a different type of war; losing himself in a different type of sadness. His story was a story of coming of age not a story of a goddess that teaches him how to stand up against bullies. Telemachus already does that in the Odyssey by calling the council. Arguably he was alays standing against the suitors but his position did not allow him to do something drastic! I think just like many things Epic missed this by a mile; reducing Telemachus's profound grief, sadness and uncertainty to an average teenage escapism story rather than the fact that Telemachus had no luxury or energy for escapism, Athena's advice for self-discovery to the average "raise your fists and fight your bullies" story ignoring the deep cultural details that led Telemachus to that tight spot in the first place and of course it completely abandoned the importance of Telemachus's trip which could be a subject of a movie on its own! (Quite frankly Telemacheia covers more chapters in the Odyssey than Odysseus's own flashback! It covers 5 rhapsodies of the Odyssey while Odysseus's story covers 3-4)

I hope this answers some questions! I will be happy to elaborate more.

[sv5hive]

take a break | sv5

pairing: sebastian vettel x fem!reader

warning(s): unhealthy studying habits(?), self-doubt, academic failure etc, etc.

word count: 797

note: this is incredibly self indulgent bcos guess who failed their chemistry exam!!! hahahaha you guessed it it's me!! (if i don't laugh i'll cry.)

masterlist!

hours of staring at a bright computer screen in a pitch black room had clearly began taking its effects after the words began to warp and swirl around. a dozen empty cans of redbull sat at the bottom of your bin along with several scraps of paper you had torn apart in frustration.

you couldn't even remember when you sat down at your desk to study. all you knew was that you had an important exam the next day and you felt hopelessly unprepared. you tore your eyes away from the blinding screen to look outside your window. the moon shone through sparse clouds illuminating the desolate streets. usually, the roads were teeming with cars trying to get home but at this time of night you were the only one awake.

"schatz? what are you still doing up?"

in the midst of zoning out, you failed to hear your boyfriend entering through the door.

was it really that late?

"i'm almost done, seb. i just have to finish this little bit now."

"come on, how long have you been sat at that desk, hm? studying for hours on end does more bad than good."

"i know, i just- i'm almost finished i promise. this test is really important and i have to do well."

"hey, hey, what's wrong?"

he rushed over to you with furrowed brows and outstretched arms.

without even realising, tears had brimmed your eyes and began tumbling down your face at an alarming rate.

"nothing, it's nothing. uhm, i'll finish this and then i'll come to bed."

you hastily wiped away your tears with your sleeves but they seemed to be never ending.

"it's obviously not nothing, schatz. if it's making you cry like this it's something to talk about."

the seconds ticked by as you debated whether you were ready to reveal what had been plaguing your mind. clearly sensing your inner turmoil, sebastian tugged you out of the chair and towards the kitchen.

"come with me to the kitchen, i'll make us some tea so you can calm down."

after two cups of hot chamomile tea had been made and placed on the counter, sebastian sat opposite you and patiently waited for you to speak without pushing you. your tears slowed down to faint sniffles as you sipped on the tea silently. annoyingly, sebastian was right and it did help you compose yourself. you put down your half empty cup and cleared your throat.

"i've been struggling with my studies. there's just so much to remember and it just gets harder and harder to keep up but everyone else is fine and i don't understand why i'm the only one who can't do the simplest tasks."

at this point, it was difficult to see through your hot tears and your face was burning up with embarrassment. sebastian was quick to place his hand over yours to try and bring you some sense of comfort.

"schatz, you are the smartest person i know. if you're finding it difficult then you're probably not the only one. i'm sure everyone can see how much effort you're putting in and that's all anyone can ask of you. if you don't do well on the test tomorrow it's not the end of the world, ok? but i think you will be completely fine, im certain."

you nodded half-heartedly, not fully convinced despite his little pep talk. you rubbed any remaining tears away and attempted to put a smile on your face.

"yeah, sorry i just feel like an idiot dumping all this on you when you just got home from work. how was your day?"

he got up from his seat to encase you in his arms. he might not be able to help with your assignments but he could definitely be there to support you with anything and everything else.

"don't apologise for your feelings. i'm sorry i didn't realise you were having a hard time. i should've noticed you weren't coping well. and my day was good, thank you for asking."

you smiled into his chest at his heartfelt apology for something that was never his fault to begin with.

"don't be silly, seb. it's not your job to constantly watch me. i should be able to do that myself."

"i know you can take care of yourself but it doesn't hurt to ask for help sometimes. it might feel like you're alone but you're not. i'm always here for you, you know that right?"

he tightened his hold on you as if to reassure you further and peppered the crown of your head with soft kisses.

you leaned up to place a peck on his cheek to express your gratitude in a way you would never be able to do justice with words.

"yeah, i know."

[shakingparadigm]

salutations there ! its my first time actually asking so I’m so, SO sorry if this comes out as awkward . .

I was just wondering, ( to distract all of us from round 7 hahahaha— ), how you think alien stage characters/couples ( Ivantill, Mizisua, Hyuluka ), would be as parents ? just a bit curious to be honest !

your also probably my favorite blog so I appreciate and thank you if you answer this ! have a great rest of your day para ! ☀️

( inserts random photo of ALNST ocs as token of appreciation, and they totally don’t look like Hyuna and Luka hahahah— )

AHHHH.... THIS IS SO SWEET..... Hello your OCs are so adorable!! I'd love to know more about them!! Thank you for sharing them with me :)

As parents... I think everyone but Mizisua would be a bit of a mess;;

Uhh here are some shitty memes!!

Mizisua are probably the most harmonious and functional parents! prone to becoming emotional and crying at every little achievement

Never a quiet day in Ivantill's house those fuckers are usually starting shit with each other, lots of old couple bickering and teasing

Hyuna "I raised three kids.... and one husband." because Luka still wants to be doted on as well

Thanks for the ask!! I'm glad you sent it because this was pretty fun and silly!! Hope you have a great rest of the day too!!

[yakumtsaki]

Spice and Cyan are the last cousin-fuckers left standing and are proving impossible to break up. I'm inclined to blame the fact Sugar and June also had the hots for each other and passed these destructive genes on to these losers but whatever it is they're just annoyingly into each other.

Now I'm not gonna lie, I did almost waver cause I was like 'man you know what they're second cousins so at the end of the day truly who cares, maybe I should just let them stay together and create one Union super-bebe'.. and then I see this:

In case you can't tell from this amazing screenshot they have ONE BOLT. ONE. ALL THIS DRAMA OVER ONE BOLT ARE YOU KIDDING ME

-What is drama compared to someone you almost desire? -Oh baby, the mediocrity of my passion for you is too much to bear!

-This lukewarm hot tub water is the perfect metaphor for our love.. -Exactly, it's the water of the womb and we all know that's where that sole bolt is even coming from!

UGH. Also man the difference between your noses is UNREAL, now I'm more worried about that if you procreate than the incest.

-Hahahaha, as expected I'm the only one of this trash family that's in a non-disgusting relationship!

Felina no offense but you could afford to add some drama cause you've become boring af.

-People are sick of all this perverted nonsense! They want someone dignified and happily monogamous!

Ya idk sis, I mean look at Barth dislocating his entire spine as we speak:

-I SENSE BETRAYAL AGAIN. WHO DARES CHEAT ON ME NOW

-JIMMY, BACK IN THE ARMS OF MY COUSIN THAT I RIGHTFULLY STOLE YOU FROM. AND TO THINK I WAS GONNA MARRY YOU WHEN I WON THE HEIRSHIP

-You were??

-OF COURSE NOT

Bro I can't, the entire house hates Barth other than Meadow and her billion nice points and Spice who is his childhood bestie. Note that he and Sunset have that goddamn amour fou and are independently becoming un-enemies, which I'm NOT GONNA LET HAPPEN.

-Ok Barth, let's get drunk and make some reckless and sexy decisions!

SUNSET GODDAMMIT IT

-Why do you keep cockblocking us? You know our kids would be hot!

I DONT CARE

-Ya right! Don't act like you haven't thought about it!

IM NOT LISTENING TO THIS

-You know we would produce a hot, psycho turbo-Union! A little Jojo or Jojette, untainted by non-Union DNA, one freakshow to rule them all!! Look into your heart, you know it to be true!!!

ENOUGH, STOP TRYING TO SEDUCE ME WITH THE PROMISE OF COMICALLY INSANE OFFSPRING, SUNSET. EVERYONE FUCK OFF TO BED RIGHT NOW, GOODNIGHT

-AND GOOD MORNING, LOSERS

WTF. Why are you here we've paid our bills!

-BUT YOU HAVEN'T PAID THE INCEST TAX

-OMG THERE'S A FIRE🌞

-OMG THE REPOMAN IS HERE TO TAKE OUR SHIT

-OMG THE STREAKER KILLED OUR FISH

What??

-I JUST DON'T WANNA ADMIT IM STILL CRYING OVER BARTHOLOMEW

NOOOO NOT OUR BEAR STATUE WE'VE HAD IT SINCE GENERATION 1! PLEASE JUST TAKE ONE OF THE KIDS INSTEAD

-YOU SHOULD HAVE PAID YOUR BILLS

WE FUCKING DID

-PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU FLOPS

FUCK YOU, REPOMAN, WE'RE NOT FLOPS

-WAAAAAAAAH I CAN'T BELIEVE HE TOOK OUR BEAR

Oh great, now half these flops are in aspiration failure, that's just what the doctor ordered.

-OMG AND NOW THE OTHER PLANT IS ON FIRE

BRO WTF IS HAPPENING WE'RE CURSED

-WE ARE AND WE ALL KNOW WHO'S TO BLAME

-HE'S BEEN BAD LUCK SINCE HE WAS BORN

-Can you harpies take this somewhere else, I'm trying to get high here!

-KILL HIM

OK NO. No one's killing anyone, we're NOT cursed, ok?

-We're broke, afflicted with a bills glitch, fires keep starting and half the house is in aspiration failure!

Well let's be real, the broke part is on you.

-US??

You idiots are averaging a D each semester because you're too busy fucking each other, beating each other up or both..

..I mean freaking Jimmy is on academic probation, I have never gotten this before in all the years I've played this game, this is the worst college run of all time.

-WHAT IS YOUR POINT

My point is the bar is in hell so let's just get out of this run alive, ok? Now you kids make nice!

-Well, Failina, now that I'm looking at you up close I guess putting lipstick on a pig does work sometimes.

-For my next move, I'll shove my queen in your other eyehole.

See, now isn't this nice? And I think I figured out what caused the bills thing so everything should be fine now..

-THINK AGAIN BITCH

OH FFS

-I'M HERE TO FREE THIS NEIGHBORHOOD FROM YOUR TERRIBLE SPOKEN WORD POETRY

Ok you know what I'm actually fine with that one, take it- Um do I hear hearts??

UH WHAT????

-THAT'S RIGHT IM IN LOVE WITH KEA FOR NO CLEAR REASON

WTF

-We've been friends for a long time-

You have?? Man I really need to pay more attention around here.

-Yes well you can't help being useless!

Very true! Well please, continue, let me just call someone over-

-YOU LEFT THE HOT TUB OF LUKEWARM LOVE TO CHEAT ON ME???

Man I know, it's so terrible! Anyway-

-HOW DARE YOU BE UPSET WITH ME FOR CHEATING ON YOU

CYAN WTF LOL

-YASSSS BEAT HIS ASS UP BABE HE DESERVES IT

DOES HE?? Cyan you are one crazy bitch, I love it.

-I take after my mom! :D

Which one, they're both insane! :D

-What's it take to get your number? What's it take to bring you home? Hurry up, it's time for supper, order up, I'm hot to go🎵

Alright well Chapell karaoke seals it, Kea, welcome to the family!

-You mean it this time right, you won't fuck me over again like when I was engaged to Sophito?

LOL I forgot about that but no I'm certain this one is gonna work out, unless crazy ass Cyan goes back to one of her cousins

-What?

I said start planning the wedding!

[spideysbruh]

Distance

liked by tchalamet, sabrinacarpenter and 3,272,737 others

y/n i love you heaps, like candy sweets

view all 97,626 comments

tchalamet i love you more, like the sea loves the shore

y/n liked

rocketyn my favorite celeb couple fr

ynslipgloss yns aesthetic is my favorite it's so pleasing

@y/n just tweeted- just said bye to my boyfriend cause he'll be gone for like four months oh imma kms

@snowyyn replied- me after I finish a movie with him

@y/n replied to @snowyyn- girl me too

@realchalamet replied- stop. I miss you already.

@y/n replied to @realchalamet- BABEEE 😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔

tchalamet just posted a story!

caption- princess. missing her so much

liked by tchalamet, rachelzegler and 3,827,288 others

y/n in my tropical era 💕

view all 101,772 comments

tchalamet I MISS YOU

y/n I MISS YOU MORE BABY

tchalamet so beautiful

y/n liked

tchalamet I wish I could twirl your hair around my fingers right now.

y/n stop im gonna cry. I wish you were here so I could give you a back rub

modernyn oh he's a mess rn

ynstan his comments 😭😭🫶🫶🫶🫶💕 so cute

@y/n just tweeted- watching kingsman im literally sooooo horny right now

@lovelyyn replied- REAL AS FUCKK

@y/n replied- like that man can do whatever he wants to me I swearrrr

@chromeyn replied- god I hope you never stop oversharing with us

@realchalamet replied- um ??? we're still together babe chill 🤨

@y/n replied to @realchalamet- ... im literally sooo joking hahaha you're the only man I've ever found attractive hahahaha (I miss you so much)

@realchalamet replied- I can see you still replying to other people 🙄

@richgirlyn replied- I'm deadd but I sooo understand you

@y/n replied- likeeeeee ?!!!???!

@y/n just tweeted- got high and took pictures of taron egerton in kingsman like it was a concert

@busyyn replied- been there fr

@huffleyn replied- sounds like a normal viewing of that movie tbh

@realchalamet liked and replied- what about my movies ? 🙁

@y/n liked and replied- oh dune is next baby don't worry

@realchalamet liked and replied- YAYYYYY

y/n just posted a story!

caption- missing his goofy lil ass extraaaa hard rn 🤧

tchalamet just posted a story!

caption- missing this

@chalswonka just tweeted- bro timmy is yearning soooo bad lmaooo they gotta see each other soon I swear

@princessyn replied- it's so funny the differences in their posts y/n is just thirsting over ppl in movies and then he's like "miss her so much😭😭😭🔫🔫🔫💔💔💔" LMAOOOO

@spaceyn replied- tbf ppl were hating on her when she WOULD post about him a lot in the beginning, so she toned down a lot. ppl hate on her too much smfh

liked by y/n, hallebailey and 3,817,277 others

tchalamet MY LOVE SURPRISED MEEEE

view all 204,287 comments

ynssocks YAYYY MY PARENTS ARE TOGETHER AGAINN

y/n ig I love you or smth idk 🙄

liked by tchalamet

y/n this is about to be the best four days of your life fr

liked by tchalamet

timmylaurie god she's so pretty wtf man

tchalamet just posted a story!

caption- babygirl 😍😍😍🥰🥰

liked by tchalamet, florencepugh and 3,287,227 others

y/n 🥺 missed him lots

view all 121,888 comments

tchalamet like tater tots?

liked by y/n

florencepugh MY FAVOURITE PEOPLEEE

y/n I LOVE YOU FLO

lucyxyn the throwback to her older captions w him 😭🫶

y/n just posted a story!

caption- our last day together for another two months 💔

liked by y/n, zendaya and 4,727,288 others

tchalamet i love you.

view all 92,828 comments

y/n this is gonna be the worst two months of my life

bratzyn she's literally an angel I swear

lauriesamy he always takes the best pictures of her 🥺

takemetotheyn you glow different in the photos taken by someone who truly loves you

tchalamet liked

@y/n just tweeted- help i miss my bf 💔

@pepperyyn replied- uh oh now she's yearning 😭😭

@ynshairtie replied- there we goooo

@realchalamet replied- I miss you more 🥺

@snowyyn replied- damn no thirsting now

@y/n replied- well... maybe later 😔🤧

@y/n just tweeted- watching 21 jump street and omg dave franco is so cute🤭🤭 ive been giggling for the entire movie

@lauriesyn replied- girl your mann!!

@tipsyyn replied- IT RHYMES WITH GRAPE

@ynsbra replied- if she was still w her ex he would cry and post ab how he's gonna khs over this

@sazonyn replied to @ynsbra- HELPP WHOS HER EX ?!?!?!!!

@ynxtim replied- sh*wn m*ndes 💀💀 there's so many compilations of him being a weirdo jealous obsessed bf w her... even after for a while he was weird ab her. even though HE broke up w HER ... anyways yeah he sucks

@realchalamet replied- reduce... reuse... recycleee 🎶🎶🎶

@y/n liked

@y/n replied- i love how that's the scene you remember 😭😭💕

liked by tchalamet, rachelzegler and 3,716,227

y/n living like a lusty flowerrr

view all 96,728 comments

tchalamet I can't take this, you're too beautiful how did this happen

y/n liked

lauriesyn she's so ethereal

tchalamet are you running through the grass for hours?

y/n yeah and rolling through the hay like a puppy child fr

rachelzegler my pretty best friend !!!

y/n we ARE the two pretty best friends

y/n just posted a story!

caption- missing this. missing you @tchalamet

@y/n just tweeted- SEEING MY BOYFRIEND OH SO SOONNNN

@y/n replied- I watched wonka and little women on repeat I swear that's how badly I missed him 😭💕

@wonkasyn replied- what a journey we've witnessed

@realchalamet replied- I CANT WAIT BABYYYY

@gourmetyn replied- yayyy my parents will be back together again 🫶

@y/n liked and replied to @gourmetyn- you still have to send the adoption papers

tchalamet just posted a story!

caption- BABYYYY 😍😍

y/n just posted a story!

caption- GUESS WHO'S BACKKKKK

*

[aishangotome]

Elbert Greetia: Chapter 1

The sound of lapping waves fills the quiet room where I pierce a butterfly's back with a needle.

––Another beautiful thing acquired.

I gaze, as if in prayer, at the vivid scales of the butterfly, its wings spread wide within a frame.

With this, surely, the "two of us" can be happy.

Surely, surely––

-

One night and then another has passed since I witnessed a sight I shouldn't have in midnight London.

Though I escaped death by fulfilling my duty as a "Fairytale Keeper," time has passed without any sense of reality, and once again, I find myself in the darkness of night.

––I am about to accompany Crown on a mission for the first time.

-

Roger: Is the inn around the next corner the one in question?

Alfons: According to the information we received beforehand, yes.

Elbert: .......

Roger, Alfons, and Lord Elbert---

I was walking through London, shrouded in night, with my three companions.

Kate: A certain inn is being used as a temporary storage for stolen art... right?

As a "Fairytale Keeper," my role is to closely observe the actions of Crown, who is "cursed," and record their sins.

(I want to fulfill my duties properly, gain their trust, and be released.)

(My heart hasn't caught up yet... but I have to try.)

Roger: Lil lady, don't be so stiff.

Alfons: We're just going to investigate the situation, so there won't be any bloodshed.

... I'm sure of it.

Elbert: ..........

Kate: Thank you for your concern, Roger, Alfons.

(That's right... if my job is to record the sins of the "cursed," I need to know about their "curse.")

Kate: May I ask what kind of "curse" you all have...?

Alfons: Hehe, Miss Robin is quite the eager learner.

Alfons: Lord Elbert is the "Greedy Queen," Roger is the "Betrayer's Huntsman," and I am cursed by the "Mirror."

Kate: Queen, Huntsman, Mirror...

Alfons: Is it fate that those who appear in the same fairy tale should meet?

Roger: Haha. Team Snow White, eh?

Alfons: I find it very unpleasant to be lumped in with you.

Roger: Don't say that. Right, lil lady?

Kate: A-ahaha. Yes...

The two of them speak to me in a friendly manner.

I'm grateful for their kindness, but I can't help but force a smile.

(It's a fact that these people commit sins on a daily basis...)

(No matter what, I'm scared to look them in the eye and talk)

Elbert: ...What's wrong?

Kate: ...Huh?

Elbert: You stopped walking.

Lord Elbert's words made me realize that I had unknowingly created distance between myself and the others.

Except for Lord Elbert, who stopped for me, the other two kept walking ahead.

Elbert: ...Are you alright?

Kate: I'm sorry, I was spacing out...! I was lost in thought.

Elbert: I see. ...Be careful not to get lost.

Just as I was about to start walking again--

Elbert: ....!

A passerby bumped into Elbert.

Drunk Man: Hmm? What's this? A pretty boy, huh?

The man, barely able to stand upright, was clearly drunk.

Elbert: ........

Drunk Man: Let's have a drink, pretty boy. Your treat. Hahahaha!

Elbert: ...I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry.

Drunk Man: Oh? What's this? You wanna get that pretty face messed up?

Elbert was surprisingly unresisting as the drunk man clung to him.

(Something seems rather ominous...should I call Roger and Alfons back?)

Kate: U-Um...!

The next moment, anxiety and questions swirled in my head.

Drunk Man: Ugh...sob...why did you leave me...Eliza...sob...

Kate: ...Huh?

The man who was clinging to Elbert suddenly collapsed on the spot, crying.

(Why all of a sudden...?)

Alfons: What a ridiculous ability, as always.

Alfons, who had somehow turned back, approached Elbert and laughed, looking highly amused.

Kate: A ridiculous ability...you mean, Lord Elbert's?

Alfons: Yes. It awakens the saddest memories of the person whose shadow he steps on.

Alfons: In other words, it makes the person incredibly depressed and downcast.

Roger: The ability works better on people with painful experiences, but the difficulty lies in choosing the right target.

Kate: Downcast...

I stared at the man who still couldn't stand up, just crying on the roadside like a child.

(This is Lord Elbert's power.)

Having just witnessed William's devastating power that could force people to commit suicide, it seemed like a very small power.

But--.

Elbert: ...I'm in a hurry. ...I'm sorry.

Elbert, who had used that seemingly trivial power on the drunk man, looked sad, as if he had committed some cruel sin.

(...That's a bit unexpected.)

(I wonder if the cursed people aren't used to using their powers either.)

Elbert: ...Let's go.

As we passed each other, Elbert's hair gleamed under the streetlights.

I was unconsciously captivated by his golden hair flowing in the night breeze and his melancholic profile.

(...What a beautiful person.)

His beauty was so overwhelming that I momentarily forgot the fear I had for the upcoming mission.

Alfons: Now, it was the alley ahead, wasn't it? The inn we were aiming for.

Elbert: Yes.

It was Roger who tilted his head, looking at the dimly lit alley.

Roger: Something's strange. It should have been a cheap inn with quite a few guests.

Roger: ...There's only one heartbeat.

Kate: A heartbeat...?

Even if I strain my ears, all I can hear is the faint sound of the wind.

Alfons: Exceptional hearing is this man's ability.

Roger: Within a distance of about 100 yards, I can accurately tell who is where without even looking.

Kate: That's amazing... But does that mean there's only one person at the inn?

Roger: Well, that's what it comes down to.

Kate: How could that be...?

Alfons: There's only one way to find out.

As we turned the corner into the alley where the back entrance of the inn was located--

(...!!)

--a gruesome scene unfolded before us.

Several blood-soaked people were lying in the alley.

A vast expanse of blood stretched across the hallway, visible through the open back door of the inn.

Kate: ...Ah--

My instincts were screaming at me to run away.

But my feet were frozen in place, as if glued to the ground.

At that moment--

I was pulled back forcefully, and the blood-stained scene vanished.

Kate: ...!?

My cheek was pressed against a soft, high-quality fabric.

(A blue cravat.)

Kate: Lord Elbert...?

I finally realized Elbert was holding me and tried to look up, but his hand was stronger, restraining my movement.

Elbert: ––You don't need to see.

(Huh...?)

Elbert: ...Sad memories can easily kill you.

Elbert: You don't need to see.

A terribly sad voice whispered in my ear.

Elbert: You...have nothing to do with what's happening here.

Elbert: ...You don't have to carry burdens that you don't need to.

(Elbert...)

His voice was almost like a prayer.

I should be feeling protected by his arms, holding my head tightly, but for some reason, I felt like I was being clung to, and I hesitated to resist.

(Elbert...it's as if he's afraid of something.)

Roger: This is...the inn's employee and a guest.

Alfons: Judging by their clothes, there's no mistake.

As I listened to the two of them surveying the scene, still held in Elbert's embrace--

???: ...Ugh...sob...

(! A voice just now...!)

Roger's words, "There's only one heartbeat," came back to me.

Kate: E-Excuse me...!

Elbert: ....!

I instinctively pushed back against Elbert's chest and looked up.

As I glanced around, I could see a woman collapsed at the corner of the alley, faintly moving.

(It's her...!)

Kate: Are you alright...!?

Roger: She's not dead yet, but she's in danger.

Roger, who had rushed to her before me, frowned and coughed.

Roger: She needs immediate treatment. We need to get her to a nearby hospital--

Roger: .....!

Kate: Roger? What's wrong?

Roger: The police are coming. Two...no, three of them.

(Police...?)

Alfons: Then, there's no point in staying here. Let's get out of here.

(What!? )

Kate: What about this woman--?

Roger: Our mission is confidential. We have no choice but to hide for now.

Seeing his frustrated profile, I knew Roger didn't want this either, and I swallowed my protest.

(But what if the police don't notice her...?)

I quickly took out my handkerchief and hooked it onto the lamp directly above her.

(This shouldn't be enough to identify me. I hope they notice her soon...)

Praying for her safety, I followed the three of them into hiding.

-

After observing from a short distance for a while--

We saw the woman from earlier being quickly taken away by the police who had arrived.

Kate: ...Thank goodness...

(...I hope she's alright.)

Elbert: ..............

-

--That day's investigation had to be cut short, and we returned to the castle.

But I couldn't eat the food brought to my room, nor could I sleep...

To change my mood, I was walking alone in the vast garden.

(Tonight, I only witnessed the aftermath of someone committing a crime.)

(But someday, I might see such a scene created by the hands of Crown.)

(To write about that... Can I do it?)

While thinking about such things, I was walking along the path--

(...Elbert?)

I found Elbert, gazing absentmindedly at the flowers.

Bathed in the faint moonlight like a veil, his figure was like a painting, and I was once again captivated.

Elbert: Hmm...oh...it's you. Good evening.

Kate: Good evening, Lord Elbert...

Elbert seemed to sense something from my face and tilted his head melancholically.

Elbert: ...Can't sleep?

Kate: ...Yes. So I'm taking a walk to change my mood.

Elbert: I see...

Kate: What are you doing here, Lord Elbert?

Elbert: Me too...something like that. I'm a light sleeper by nature.

Kate: I see...

Elbert: So...I can at least keep you company while you can't sleep.

Kate: .......!

His gentle, comforting words eased my mind.

(If it were last night, I might have been wary of this kindness and declined...)

Kate: ...Thank you.

Aware of my fading wariness, I took a step closer to Elbert.

(That's right...I haven't properly thanked him for earlier.)

Kate: Thank you for protecting me earlier.

Elbert: ...No. ...In the end, I showed you a cruel sight.

Kate: I wanted to see it. Don't worry about it.

I tried to sound cheerful, but Elbert looked at me and narrowed his eyes as if in pain.

Elbert: If you hadn't been taken to that place...you wouldn't have tried to see it.

Elbert: You're different from us. ...You shouldn't have come here.

Elbert: ...Sin doesn't suit you.

Elbert's emotions don't show much on the surface. Even so...

In his eyes, like the depths of a deep sea, I could see pure compassion, without a trace of cloudiness.

(You are the one who doesn't suit sin.)

At that time--

Even though there were no knives or bullets pointed at me, and there was no danger to my life, he tried to protect me.

(Surely...so that my heart wouldn't be hurt by the cruel sight.)

(The strength of his arms at that time.)

(It was as if he was afraid of me getting hurt.)

(If he were someone who felt nothing about that scene, he surely wouldn't have done that.)

I realized again the obvious fact that the people of Crown, just like me, feel fear, anxiety, and sadness.

Kate: You're kind, Lord Elbert.

Elbert: ...That's not true.

To value people's feelings. That was my goal in life.

(I chose the job of a mail carrier for that reason.)

(No matter what sins Elbert and the others may commit, I want to understand their feelings and--)

Kate: ...Thank you for your concern.

Kate: But this time, you don't have to protect me.

Elbert: ...Why?

Kate: I may learn many things that I'd be happier not knowing.

Kate: But I want to know...what you all are thinking, as you face those things.

I smiled, wanting to respond to Elbert's kindness in some way--

Elbert: .............

Elbert stared at me without blinking.

(...?)

His gaze was unusually intense, and I suddenly felt uneasy.

(Oh...was it rude of me to say "you don't have to protect me" when he's worried about me?)

His already overwhelming beauty seemed to become even more intimidating when he fell silent, and I unconsciously held my breath.

Kate: Um...

Elbert: ...Stay still.

Suddenly closing the distance between us, Elbert gently stroked my hair.

Elbert: ...There was a flower petal in your hair.

Kate: ...Oh.

Kate: Thank you...

(...I see. He was just looking at the flower petal.)

(That's good...)

Calming my racing heart, I quietly moved away from Elbert.

Kate: Well then, excuse me. I should get some sleep for tomorrow.

Elbert: .........Can you sleep?

Kate: Yes, thanks to you, Lord Elbert.

Elbert: I see...that's good.

Elbert: ...Good night, Kate.

Kate: Good night, Lord Elbert.

(...I wonder why.)

(I can't get Elbert's gaze from earlier out of my head...)

His deep blue eyes were burned into the back of my eyelids.

Even after I turned away, it felt like his gaze was following me from behind--

My chest felt strangely uneasy.

-

The next morning, my steps towards the dining hall were lighter than yesterday.

Kate: Good morning.

William: Good morning. ...You look well this morning.

Roger: See? She came, didn't she?

Alfons: I guess I lost the bet.

Kate: W-Were you betting on that...?

Alfons: Yes. I bet that you would be tearing up curtains and tying them together to escape through the window by now.

(He thought I'd be escaping...)

Liam: This morning, we have Victor's special extra buttery scones! Kate, are you hungry?

Kate: Yes! I missed dinner yesterday, so I'm starving.

Alfons: Hehe, you're surprisingly resilient.

(I'm still a little nervous...but I think I can manage.)

This morning, after deciding to face their feelings, I was able to look at everyone's faces more directly than yesterday.

As I started eating, talking with everyone, Elbert stared at me intently.

Elbert: ...Al, is she beautiful?

Alfons: No, not at all?

Elbert: ..............Is that so?

Alfons: ...........

Alfons: This could be a bit...troublesome.

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[luxthestrange]

TWST Incorrect quotes#369 Headmage Swap

At NRC, In History Class with the First-Years

Ambrose*Coming in with a bag and box*Hello class

Deuce:...Uh Sir, I think you're in the wrong school

Ambrose: No, Young Spade I'm not Me and Dire(Along with his children) switched schools for a few days, Dire suggested it be a good idea...and then he laughed...not sure what that meant...

Jack:...So does that mean, Headmage...and Yuu are with RSA Right now?*Has a bad feeling about this*

Ambrose: Yes, Young Howl that is correct

Ace: HAHAHAHA!Fucking awesome...

First-Years look at each other knowingly, some nodding like Ace and others warier

Ambrose:...Okay, Well on Monday I bring my students donuts! So here you go help yourself!*Opening the box with delicious still warm donuts*

First-Years Gasps in shock and some of them...even crying as they each get a donut to their desk

Epel: OH MY SEVEN!?*is already stuffing his face with the fresh apple donut*

Deuce: THAT IS THE NICEST IS THE NICEST THING?!-

Jack*Tail wagging behind him as he also eats his own donut*...anyone ever done for us...

Ambrose:...Oh my seven...what is it usually like for you all?

At RSA

In the First Year class in RSA...On the other hand

Yuu*Kicking the door open with grim on arms and name tag that says "I am your Teacher: Yuu"*GOOD MORNIN' YA WASTES OF SPACE!

Stu1:...Oh fuck-...no...

Stu2:Where is our head mage!

Yuu: Ambrose is DEAD

Stu1:No he's not!

Yuu*Putting grim on the desk and rolls their eyes at him*Well he MIGHT as well be, Cuz no one is coming to save your mediocre asses-Imma beat the BITCHASSNESS outta y'all...oH no a live potion~*Throws an unstable potion to the class*

Class: AAAAAH!?OH MY SEVENS!?-*they all scatter and are either hit by the explosion*

We all know...Yuu/We are the actual head mage of NRC by now...

Who wants more head mage swap?~