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OREGANO OIL AS PROMINENT NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC STUDY

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Antibacterial effect of oregano essential oil alone and in combination with antibiotics against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Hongbin Si, Jinqiang Hu, Zhichang Liu, Zhen-ling Zeng Author Notes

FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, Volume 53, Issue 2, July 2008, Pages 190–194, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695X.2008.00414.x

Published: 01 July 2008 Article history

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Abstract

In this paper, we studied the antibacterial effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) both alone, using a twofold dilution method, and combined with antibiotics, using a checkerboard microtitre assay, against extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. The result indicated that multiple drug-resistant E. coli was very sensitive to OEO and polymycin; their minimal inhibitory concentration values are 0.5 µL mL−1 and 0.8 µg mL−1. The antibacterial effects of OEO in combination with kanamycin were independent against E. coli, with fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices of 1.5. The antibacterial effects of OEO combined with amoxicillin, polymycin, and lincomycin showed an additive effect against E. coli, with FIC indices in the range of 0.625–0.750. The antibacterial effects of OEO in combination with fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, lincomycin, and maquindox florfenicol displayed synergism against E. coli, with FIC indices ranging from 0.375 to 0.500. The combination of OEO with fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, lincomycin, and maquindox florfenicol to treat infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli may lower, to a great extent, the effective dose of these antibiotics and thus minimize the side effects of antibiotics. This is the first report on OEO against ESBL-producing E. coli.

oregano essential oil, ESBLs, combination

Issue Section: research articles

Introduction

With the misuse and overuse of antibiotics to treat diseases, resistance to the drugs has begun to appear and has become more serious because of selective pressure. Resistance to multiple drugs is common for some kinds of clinically isolated bacterial strains; one of the mechanisms in multiple drug resistance is that bacteria can produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) (Jacoby & Medeiros, 1991; Perilli et al., 1997). ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and other kinds of bacteria have been reported widely. Infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria have become a clinical and therapeutic problem because these organisms are resistant not only to β-lactamases but also to many other antimicrobial agents (Velasco et al., 2007). Often, ESBL-producing bacterial strains were isolated from animals in the veterinary field as well. It is important to prevent bacteria from producing ESBLs and to control diseases caused by ESBL-producing pathogens. The best way of treating these diseases is with imipenem and meropenem and third-generation cephalosporins in combination with enzyme inhibitors; however, these drugs cannot be used extensively in the veterinary field because of their high prices. Therefore, more economical and effective antibacterial agents are urgently needed in the veterinary field.

A feasible approach to limiting the transmission of these pathogens is to use essential oils as alternative agents or topical agents. Oregano, one kind of labiate Origanum plant that has been known for a long time as a popular remedy, is a very versatile plant. It was reported that Origanum compactum, Origanum minutif lorum, and Origanum majorana exhibit antifungal activity, antibacterial activity, and antimicrobial activity, respectively (Bouchra et al., 2003; Baydar et al., 2004; Vági et al., 2005). Until now its potential therapeutic roles such as diaphoretic, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and tonic properties have been recognized (Nostro et al., 2004). Sometimes OEO in conjunction with VP/MAP at chill temperatures can be used as a means of controlling the spoilage and safety of meat (Skandamis et al., 2002). In addition, it has been used widely in China as a kind of feed additive because it has a broad spectrum of action against bacteria, a rapid effect, and little residue, and now its antibacterial effect has been researched in vitro (Sivropoulou et al., 1996; Dorman & Deans, 2000; Force et al., 2000; Aligiannis et al., 2001; Lambert et al., 2001; Manohar et al., 2001) and in vivo (Adam et al., 1998) throughout the world. There is a lack of knowledge about OEO, which is one kind of volatile oil of Origanum vulgare linn (O. vulgare L.), used against ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from poultry in the veterinary field, especially on its combination with other antibacterial agents. The mechanism may be in its principal components, i.e. thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial properties.

The objective of the present work was to investigate the antibacterial effects of OEO against ESBL-producing E. coli. The effects of OEO in combination with antibiotics were also evaluated in order to seek effective combinations to treat emergent infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. This is the first report on OEO alone and in combination with antibacterial agents against ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from chicken.

Materials and methods

Bacterial strains

Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from chicken livers from a chicken farm at Henan Agricultural University in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. Strains were isolated and purified on an agar plate and identified using a Vitek 32 system and GNI+card (bioMérieux, France).

Screening for and confirmation of ESBLs

To detect the ESBLs, the initial screening was performed by testing the zone diameter for ceftriaxone (30 µg), ceftazidime (30 µg), cefotaxim (30 µg), and aztreonam (30 µg) and interpreted by the criterion of NCCLS (Adam et al., 1998; Aligiannis et al., 2001), where a positive result was considered to be suspicious for the presence of ESBLs. This test was followed by a phenotypic confirmation test of ESBLs, carried out by testing the zone diameter for cefotaxim (30 µg) and ceftazidime (30 µg) with and without clavulanate (10 µg), as described previously by the NCCLS. A 5 mm increase in the zone diameter for ceftazidime or cefotaxim tested in combination with clavulanate vs. the zone when tested alone was considered indicative of ESBL production. Klebsiella pneumoniae American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 700603 and E. coli ATCC 25922 were used as positive and negative controls, respectively (Adam et al., 1998; Dorman & Deans, 2000).

Identification of ESBLs gene

Templates of total DNA from the isolate were prepared as described previously and the identity of the ESBLs was determined by PCR amplification of selected determinants followed by direct sequencing of the amplicons as described previously. The primers used for detecting ESBLs−TEM genes were as follows: the forward primer (5′-GGGGATGAGTATTCAACATTTCC-3′) and the reverse primer (5′-GGGCAGTTACCAATGCTTAATCA-3′) were designed using OLIGO 6.0 software based on the published ESBL gene sequence (Genbank accession no. AF332513). The sequence region of an 861-bp fragment containing an ORF of a full-length ESBL gene was predicted between the two primers. PCR was carried out in a final volume of 50 µL containing 1 µg template DNA, 100 pmol of each primer (flo1/flo2), 1 × PCR buffer, 0.2 mM of each of the dNTPs, and 2.5 U Ex Taq polymerase (Takara, Japan). A total of 30 cycles were performed in the PCR Express (HYBRID Corporation), under the following conditions: denaturation at 94 °C for 1 min, annealing at 53 °C for 30 s, and extension at 72 °C for 1 min with final termination at 72 °C for 10 min.

The PCR products were electrophoresed on 1.0% agarose gel. The DNA band of interest was excised, purified, and ligated to pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega), and the recombinant vector named pGEM-ESBL was constructed. JM109 competent cells were transformed, and the white clones were screened and digested with restriction enzyme EcoRI and sequenced for identification.

Oregano essential oil (OEO)

OEO was collected as previously described (Nostro et al., 2004). The aerial parts of oregano (O. vulgare L.), obtained from a commercial source (Yuanzheng Ltd, Hebei, China), were subjected to hydrodistillation for 2 h using a modified clevenger type apparatus, and the essential oil was collected and stored at 4 °C. All oils were diluted (v/v) by both the agar and broth dilution methods.

Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)

The isolated strain was stored at −70 °C until use; E. coli was grown in Martin broth modified and adjusted with medium to match the 0.5 McFarland standard (105 CFU mL−1). The MICs of OEO, defined as the lowest concentration that completely inhibited visible bacterial growth after 14 h, and antibiotics were examined by broth dilution method in 96-well, microtitre plates. The MICs of the agents sarafloxacin, levofloxacin, polymycin, lincomycin, amoxicillin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, maquindox, florfenicol, doxycycline, and kanamycin against the isolated strain were determined by the twofold dilution method, and the results were interpreted in accordance with the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory standards (Adam et al., 1998; Dorman & Deans, 2000). Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 was used as quality control in MIC determination.

Organisms were measured by twofold dilutions of OEO samples with Martin broth modified solutions containing 0.5% Tween-80 to enhance oil solubility. The concentration of essential oil in the medium ranged from 0.5% to 0.0039% (v/v). All determinations were performed in triplicate. If MIC values were different, the trial was repeated until the values were the same. In this way, the result is certain. Two growth controls consisting of Martin broth modified medium and Martin broth modified with 1.0% Tween-80 were added to ascertain that these vehicles did not affect bacterial growth.

Checkerboard microtitre test

Ten serial, twofold dilutions of the bacterial fraction and essential oil were prepared using the same solvents as in the MIC tests. Aliquots (50 µL) of antibacterial dilution were added to the wells of a 96-well plate in a vertical orientation and 10 µL aliquots of OEO dilution were added in a horizontal orientation so that the plate could contain various concentration combinations of the two compounds. Then, each well was inoculated with 100 µL (c. 5 × 105 CFU well−1) of antibacterial bacterial suspensions and cultivated at 37 °C. Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated by dividing the MIC of the combination of antibacterial and essential oil by the MIC of antibacterial or essential oil alone. The FIC index, obtained by adding both FICs, was interpreted as synergistic when it was ≤0.5, as additive (indifferent) when it was >0.5 and ≤2.0, and as antagonistic when it was >2.0 (White et al., 1996). Similar checkerboard experiments were performed as well to test the combined effect of the essential oil with each antibacterial.

Results and discussion

The initial screening was carried out to test inhibition zones of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefotaxim and aztreonam, and the corresponding inhibitory diameters were 14 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, and 14 mm, respectively, which were consistent with the criterion of NCCLS. Thus, it was tentative that this strain might produce >ESBLs. Moreover, the confirmation test of ESBL production indicated that the inhibition zones of cefotaxim and cefotaxime-plus-clavulanate disks, ceftazidime and ceftazidime-plus-clavulanate disks were 14 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm and 17 mm, respectively. A distance of 6 mm between the zones of cefotaxim and cefotaxim-plus-clavulanate disks was considered to indicate the production of ESBLs. Besides, the resulting PCR product of the ESBLs−TEM gene was about 861 bp in length and identical to the expected size. Further identification of the restriction enzyme and sequencing of recombinant plasmid pGEM-ESBLs undoubtedly confirmed that the isolate carried the ESBLs-TEM gene. Sequence analysis of the 861-bp amplicon produced with the TEM-specific primers showed that the plasmid harbored a TEM-type gene with 100% identity to TEM-116 (AJ847364); the result revealed that the 287-amino-acid protein was the same type gene with 100% identity to TEM-116 (AJ847364). TEM-116 is one of primary, prevalent ESBL types. It is remarkable that there is 22.1% TEM-116 in a survey of ESBL-producing pathogens in a Spanish University Hospital; especially 49.32% TEM-116 pathogens can produce other ESBL types at the same time (Romero et al., 2007). More than 400 different types of β-lactamases originating from clinical isolates have been described. Since they were first identified at the beginning of the 1980s (Perilli et al., 1997), ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been reported widely (Jarlier et al., 1988; Sirot et al., 1988; Jacoby & Medeiros, 1991; Yang et al., 1998; Bonnet et al., 1999). ESBL occurred predominantly not only in Klebsiella species and E. coli but also in other genera of the family Enterobacteriaceae, such as Shigella and others (Ashkenazi et al., 2003; Ahmed et al., 2004). Organisms producing ESBLs are clinically relevant and remain an important cause for failure of therapy with cephalosporins. It is very important to find some effective drugs against these diseases.

The susceptibility test results of the drug alone suggested that ESBLs-producing E. coli had serious resistance to commonly used antibacterial agents including fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, lincomycin, maquindox, florfenicol, and amoxicillin, and most of their MIC values were over 16 µg mL−1, indicating that the ESBL-producing E. coli had serious resistance to multiple drugs. This result was consistent with some recent surveys that ESBL-producing E. coli exhibited cross-resistance to tetracycline, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. ESBL-producing pathogens are often encoded by genes located on large plasmids, and these also carry a gene for resistance to other antibiotics (Bradford, 2001; Rahal, 2002).

Thus, this would probably bring many difficulties in treating diseases caused by these bacteria. However, this strain was sensitive to polymycin with the MIC value of 0.8 µg mL−1, implying that polymycin could treat the infection disease caused by these drug-resistant pathogens. It should be considered that polymycin was used to treat these diseases alone because of its poor oral absorption. Viewed from the susceptibility test result, ESBL-producing bacteria were sensitive to OEO. Moreover, the bacteria were still sensitive to the same strain when the original antibacterial compound was diluted 10 000-fold, suggesting that it was worthwhile to explore an effective alternative to antibiotics to treat diseases caused by bacteria, especially ESBL-producing bacteria.

The efficacy of OEO combined with an antibacterial agent was determined by checkboard assay, and the results are listed in Table 1. The MIC value of OEO combined with many antibacterial agents decreased predominantly, suggesting that OEO was synergistic. This is the first report concerning the synergistic effects of OEO in combination with antibiotics against bacteria, especially ESBL-producing bacteria. The MIC value of OEO in combination with most of the bacterial agents against ESBL-producing E. coli remarkably decreased, with FIC indices ranging from 0.375 to 0.75 (excluding the combination with kanamycin with an FIC index of 1.5. The FIC index indicated an independence between oil and kanamycin against ESBL-producing E. coli.) Moreover, the susceptibilities of bacteria to amoxicillin, polymycin, lincomycin, and third-generation cephalosporin were enormously improved by combination with OEO. The FIC indices of OEO combined with polymycin, lincomycin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins were 0.75, 0.75, 0.75, and 0.625, respectively, and these data showed that these combinations had an additive effect. FIC indices of OEO combined with fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, lincomycin, maquindox, and florfenicol altered between 0.375 and 0.5. Hence the FIC indices of OEO combined with these antibiotics were synergistic.

Table 1Concentrations of OEO (µL mL−1) and of antibacterial (µg mL−1)

Drugs Single drug Combined use of drugs FICs Results

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.375 Synergism

Sarafloxacin 640 80

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.5 Synergism

Levofloxacin 64 16

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.75 Additive effect

Polymycin 1.6 0.8

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.75 Additive effect

Lincomycin 320 160

OEO 0.5 0.25 0.75 Additive effect

Amoxicillin 1280 320

OEO 0.5 0.25 0.625 Additive effect

Ceftiofur 640 80

OEO 0.5 0.25 0.625 Additive effect

Ceftriaxone 640 80

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.5 Synergism

Maquindox 64 16

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.375 Synergism

Florfenicol 320 40

OEO 0.5 0.125 0.375 Synergism

Doxycycline 64 16

OEO 0.5 0.25 1.5 Independence

Kanamycin 1280 1280

FIC, fractional inhibitory concentration; OEO, oregano essential oil.

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Although an effect of oregano on chicken lactobacilli and E. coli was studied recently (Horosová, 2006), little was known about the mechanism of action for OEO on different bacteria or about the specific effects of OEO constituents, e.g. carvacrol and thymol (Cox et al., 1998; Helander et al., 1998; Ultee et al., 1999; Skandamis et al., 2000; Tassou et al., 2000). According to Conner & Beuchat (1984), the antimicrobial action of essential oils might be due to the impairment of a variety of enzyme systems, including those involved in energy production and structural component synthesis. Overall, we can conclude that OEO is one of the most promising natural compounds that can be used to develop safer antibacterial agents and that its effective combination with antibacterials may be used in the future to treat diseases caused by ESBL-producing E. coli in the veterinary field instead of expensive antibacterial agents.

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by The Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Educator (RFDP, No. 30471307).

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kpoptrashlord-007 · 4 years ago

Text

The Punishment;; LHB

Word Count;; 1.4k

Genre;; Suggestive

Pairing;; Hongbin x Reader

Summary;; “It’s my understanding you want to be punished, correct?”

~~~

A little birthday fic for our Hongbinnie while we wait for him to return and start streaming once more.

Notes;; Not my best but I miss him too much not to write something.

My Masterlist

"Don't come here! Just go!"

Sparing a brief glance at your boyfriend, you shook your head at his outburst. It wasn't the first and it wouldn't be the last. His mood remained playful and he was still up to his usual antics which was great for his viewers but not so great for you. Most of his Twitch streams lasted for a few hours and your current position left you stranded just outside the webcam view.

A deep, devious chuckle brought your attention back to Hongbin. Clad in a loose white shirt and armed with a large water bottle, he was without a doubt causing trouble in whichever virtual world was unfortunate enough to host him. His black hair should have looked a mess as he had rolled straight out of bed and onto his gaming chair but instead it resembled silk, smooth and shiny without effort. With nary a blemish and minimal black rings under his eyes, it pleased you to see that last night had left him well-rested.

"You cannot pass," he spoke into his headset, a sing-song lilt in his tone. "Ah, let me give you an express ticket out of the server."

From your position on the bed, you were too far away from the screen to catch a glimpse of the game he was playing and with his earphones plugged in, you couldn't even hear anything. All you could do was stare at him and his animated reactions. Most of the time he laughed, clearly planning something mischievous, with the occasion irritated groan sprinkled in. He was having fun and this was enough to entertain you… well, at least for about twenty-five minutes until you realised your phone wasn't where you had left it on the nightstand. Even you had your limits and that limit was met when you saw your screen light up out of the webcam's view on the other side of the room.

It was a form of silent punishment and the reason behind it was pointless. As far as you had known, he hadn't any plans for the morning and you wanted to sleep in. What's the crime in resting for a little longer? So you might have snoozed the alarm that was his gentle nudges three times too many but that didn't mean you should have to wait here for him to take mercy on you and turn the stream off. He could easily spend eight hours gaming - did he really expect you to stay quiet that whole time? At this rate you wouldn't even last an hour.

After another playful outburst of jabs at his opponents, it was time to make your move. You had no intention of waiting any longer so you stood tall and signalled for his attention. Maintaining a poker face, he continued with his game. Needing to do something more drastic, you opted to wave your hands over your head. Still no response. Adding a little more enthusiasm, you started to jump on the spot. Doing your best to land without a sound proved detrimental when you bumped backwards into the bed and slipped on the sheets, falling flat against the wall.

Only a fool would have thought the incident could go unnoticed by not only Hongbin but his viewers as well. The very wall itself had shaken from the impact, the tremor passing through to his computer monitor as it wobbled like a leaf in the wind. Snapping your head in his direction fast enough to crack your neck, you met his gaze for a mere second before he refocused on the game… which was now a black screen with a message that indicated defeat.

Had that glance been enough to lose the game? Was it your fault? More importantly, had he expected to win that match and how irritated would he now be at the sudden defeat? By the way he gripped his water bottle until his knuckles turned white while guzzling down several gulps, there was a good chance you had cost him a victory.

All evidence of agitation vanished, however, once the drink was placed back on the table. There was a light smile on his lips as he scanned through some comments. He laughed here and there at the remarks about his noisy neighbours and how he should request compensation for the loss. On the surface, he seemed to have moved on but you knew better.

He was seething.

"Should I complain to them?" He laughed again, the sound tighter than before. "Aish, I need a quick break. I'll restart the stream in half an hour."

With that he yanked out his earphones. Disconnecting from Twitch and turning the game off, he turned to you. Sitting on the bed with your hands in your lap, you flashed him an apologetic smile. All he offered in return was an eye roll before standing to stretch. Mimicking his actions, you swayed from side to side in an attempt to work out the tension building in your neck. When he switched to bending and flicking his fingers to increase circulation and prevent cramping, you followed his lead.

He sighed. "Are you okay? You hit the wall hard."

"Oh, you noticed that?"

"Hard not to notice a mini earthquake."

"Shut up," you scoffed, throwing a pillow at him, halting his brief walk to stand in front of you. He caught it with one hand and shook his head, pointing an accusatory finger at you.

"Me? You're the one being noisy while other people are working."

"'Working'."

The pillow landed back in its rightful spot at the top of the bed. Before you had a chance to blink, Hongbin occupied the space in front of you. A mischievous glint shone within his dark eyes as he ran his fingers down the length of your arm. Smirking at the way you shivered in direct response to his light caresses, he inched forward until your legs met the edge of the bed. Falling back against the plush bed, you gasped when he dropped down to hover above you. Encaging you back on the bed, he brushed his lips against your collarbone.

"Did you miss me?"

"I missed my phone."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, 'why'? I was bored."

"Bored? I thought you wanted to sleep."

Your retort died in your throat when you felt his teeth bear down on your shoulder. Lowering his body against yours, his hips jutted against yours upon hearing your gasp, a mix of pain and pleasure contorting the sound into a moan. Soft kisses contrasted the harsh nips he littered your skin with in his pursuit of your lips. Further exposing the sensitive expanse of your neck, you turned your head from him.

"And I thought you wanted to punish me."

"I would never," he teased, emphasizing his point once more with a sharp thrust. His nails dragged down your sides leaving a visible trail in their wake before his fingers found purchase on your hips, digging into the supple flesh until crescents bloomed. He took advantage of the growing desire fogging your mind to tilt your head back to center. Chaste kisses marked the sweet side of his affection before he dived right back into his carnal side, pulling your bottom lip between his teeth until the haze lifted from your eyes and you refocused on him.

His hand cradled your cheek. There was warmth in his touch and you felt yourself melt into his hold. For the first time since you had woken, he wore his million dollar smile. It was genuine and dazzling. A thousand words could be exchanged with that single smile.

It was your turn to chase but even with your hands interlocked around his neck, his lips evaded yours. When you lifted to meet him halfway, he chose to bypass your awaiting kiss and instead leaned down toward your ear. Warm air tickled your earlobe. Suspicion began to fester where hot anticipation once coiled deep inside the pit of your stomach. Before he even spoke you knew he was up to something.

"Time to get back to the stream."

"Huh?"

Pushing himself off the bed, he smirked as he looked down toward you. The teasing sparkle in his eyes fueled your loud protests, all of which fell against indifferent ears. "Your phone is next to mine. You can grab it on the way out-" he nodded toward the door before kneeling in front of you, "-unless you plan on staying. It's my understanding that you want to be punished, correct?"

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fixxofvixx · 4 years ago

Text

CHASING HONGBIN - CHAPTER 12

I know it's been forever and a DAY since I updated this fic but I was finally able to finish the chapter. Hopefully now that this chapter is out of the way, my brain can relax and I can write more for it. Just lemme know what you think and if you liked it~ I hope everyone has a good day!

🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊

In a matter of seconds, Hongbin's lips covered yours. This definitely wasn't the barely-there kiss he'd given you last night. No....this was slow, deliberate, and sensual. His lips moved slowly over yours and his hand cupped your cheek as he moved forward. You returned the kiss this time and you heard him growl for the second time since you'd known him. His free hand wrapped around your back and pulled you closer to him. He was still kneeling in front of you and now you were teetering on the edge of the sofa. Even with him on the floor, he still towered over you.

You jumped when his tongue glided over your lips. The feeling brought you back to reality and you pulled away slightly, desperate for air. His face was still inches from yours and you could see the soft glow from his orange eyes. He took a deep breath and spoke.

"Please tell me you'll let me do that again."

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

Deep-rooted fear bubbled to the surface and it made you realize what you had done. Your mind raced and you couldn't focus. Standing abruptly, you moved away from Hongbin. He stood slowly, confused at your reaction but noticing that your emotions were in an uproar.

"What's wrong?"

"I....I shouldn't have done that. Um.....I need to.....yeah, I need to prepare for....work."

"But you don't have to go until a couple more days." He moved toward you and you backed away immediately.

"I....I need..." Tears threatened and you felt the world closing in on you. You tried to take deep breaths but you felt like you were suffocating.

"Y/N....let me help--"

"Don't!" You backed up against the wall when he came near you. "Please, don't."

"Y/N? What is it? What did I do?"

Hongbin didn't move, knowing you'd bolt if he did.

"Y/N, talk to me. What is it?"

Your words were stuck in your throat. You couldn't even tell him what you wanted to say. You didn't even know yourself. After he'd kissed you, really kissed you, your mind scrambled to understand why you'd wanted it so badly. Foxes were the enemy. They only wanted to bring pain. You didn't have feelings for one. It went against everything you'd protected yourself from all these years.

You knew you needed to leave. You couldn't stay in this apartment so close to him. You couldn't fall for a fox.

"Y/N.....I'm sorry if I did something you didn't want. Maybe that was too fast. I shouldn't have done that. I'll let you have your space. I've got practice tomorrow so if you need me, just call me. Just.....let me help if you need someone." He hesitated only for a second and then quickly walked out the door.

His last sentence broke the dam and you slid down the wall until you sat slumped on the floor, sobbing. Why was this so hard? He left like you wanted but why did you feel so sad? Why did you feel like your world was falling apart? You'd only known him for barely a week but you knew your heart was attached. But your head was causing the problems. Everything you'd told yourself to keep safe over the years crumbled when you were in his presence. He somehow broke through your guarded walls. But you couldn't let that happen. It was just a temporary feeling. He would get bored with you eventually and you would be alone again. Or, he would realize his instincts as a fox and would come after you.

You needed to quickly find a place to stay. Perhaps the distance from Hongbin would help you stop wanting him around.

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

Two days later and you hadn't seen Hongbin since he left the apartment. When you left this morning to go to the flower shop, there was a bag hung on the door with different snacks and a sandwich. There were also a couple of candies in the bag so you instantly knew who it was from. You smiled at first but then the sharp pain in your heart returned and a frown took its place. No...you weren't supposed to be happy because of his care. It was temporary.

You quickly walked to the flower shop and looked around for the owner. You finally spotted her in the far corner of the shop arranging some flowers.

"Oh, y/n, I hadn't realized that you'd come in! I'm so glad you're here. I received an order yesterday for a large event and I need your help!" She flitted around the shop like a hummingbird, muttering things as she went. You had never seem someone with so much energy. You honestly had to admit that you liked it. She kept your mind off other....things. The fast paced environment made the time go by quickly. You blinked and it was suddenly lunchtime.

"Whew! That was a large order! That would have taken me all day even if the shop wasn't busy. I daresay you're a perfect fit for this job. We'll close up for lunch so go take a break." She grabbed her phone off the counter and went to the door to switch the sign to closed.

Heading out the door, you went in search of a place to have lunch. You had eaten the sandwich for breakfast but you'd quickly burned through the energy it provided. You stumbled upon a cheap eatery that provided a variety of dishes. Most importantly, they had omurice. Your mouth watered at the thought of perfectly fried rice tucked lovingly inside a fried egg. It had been a while since you'd had one and you felt that today was a perfect excuse to have one.

The place didn't seem too busy and the atmosphere looked welcoming. Stepping inside, you found a small table in the corner and sat down. In no time at all, you had a piping hot place of heaven sitting in front of you. At the risk of burning the insides of your mouth, you began eating right away.

Twenty minutes later, you stepped out of the restaurant full and content. You touched your belly, relishing the fact that you had eaten such a wonderful meal. You knew you would be coming here more often. Heading back down the road, you passed by the alleyway that would lead to the grocery store that Hongbin had taken you to. You forced yourself to avoid looking down the small street. You had been so busy all morning that you hadn't thought of him. You took a deep breath and walked the rest of the way to the flower shop.

"Y/N! Did you find something good to eat?" The owner called out to you as she came down the opposite road towards the shop.

"I did! I found a nice little restaurant!"

"Great!" You smiled at her and followed her back into the shop.

The rest of the day went by quickly. You busied yourself with orders and learning the pricing system. All too soon, it was time to go home.

"Do you live far?"

"No, not really. I'm living with a friend right now but I need to start looking for my own place once I can gather up enough money."

"I can help you look, since you're new here. What exactly are you looking for?"

"It doesn't have to be much, just big enough for me. I live minimally so I don't have very many possessions."

"That shouldn't be too hard to find. I'll let you know if I come across something!" You followed her out the door and waited while she locked the door.

"That would be great, thank you!"

After a bit of discussion, you both parted ways and you headed back towards the apartment. You almost hesitated thinking about whether Hongbin would be there. You knew he would probably object to you getting another place to stay but in all honesty, you couldn't continue to stay at JiYoon's apartment. You needed to be independent and far away from the hybrid world. That was the only way to survive.

#vixx #hongbin #hongbin fic #vixx fic #hybrid hongbin

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chronicfangirling · 5 years ago

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Hard-earned affection

HongbinxOC | Fluffiest fluff | Dad!Hongbin AU

Words: 1530 Summary: Hongbin is convinced that this is his karma for a lifetime of cringing at affection, indiscriminate savagery, and tsundere attitude. A/N: I have the hardest time imagining 4VIXX as dads, except for this very specific situation of Hongbin being snubbed by babies that inherited his prickliness and he can only laugh-cry about it.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Soohan! Soobin!" Hongbin alternated between clapping and holding out his arms. "Come to Appa!"

The twins gazed up from their toy bricks. When their wide eyes met their father's identical eyes, they looked away with disinterest.

"Boys, are you really going to keep ignoring your own father?" he laughed, though there was a hint of despair in his voice.

Not even giving any sign that they heard him, they kept babbling in their own baby language.

Hongbin opened a Disney game on his iPad. "Here boys, let's play a game! You like games of course, you take after Appa--”

"Hongbin!" Hana scolded as she entered the living room. She set down the tray of fruit on the coffee table and planted her hands on her hips. "They're not even a year old, they can't play with gadgets!"

Her worry was unnecessary, however, the twins didn't even spare a glance for their dad. At the sound of her voice, both boys dropped their bricks and tottered on their feet. They were only ten months old and could barely take three steps without falling, but they toddled towards her on their wobbly, chubby legs, leaving the pile of toys by their favorite sunny spot by the terrace doors. "M-Ma! Ma, ma, ma..."

"They didn't care about the game at all, they only care about Eomma," Hongbin marveled.

"Of course they didn't," Hana giggled over the twins' heads as she received their cuddles. "You're the only one in this house who would choose a videogame over me."

"I like you much more than any and all games though," he mumbled.

"Hmm, what?"

"Nothing!" He slapped his flushed cheeks and sat next to them by the table. Both boys were clamoring for fruit, and Hana couldn't feed them both fast enough. He pierced a grape with a fruit fork and waved it. "Soohan, Soobin! You guys like grapes too, right?"

"Ma!" Soohan complained as Hana fed Soobin a grape.

"Soohan, buddy, it's okay, Appa has one for you too." Hongbin tried to feed the older twin, but the toddler's usual smile scrunched into a frown and he turned his face away. When Hongbin pushed the grape closer, Soohan backed away, stumbling and falling hard on his butt and immediately bursting into tears. "Maaaaaaa!"

Hearing the older twin wail, the more timid Soobin started crying as well. "Maaaaaaa!"

"Oh no, no, no, no, no." Panicking, Hongbin gathered the twins in his arms but they only sobbed harder and trashed in an attempt to escape his embrace. He gaped at his wife. "They're crying because of me. Again."

Hana giggled once more, watching him struggle to keep the boys from slithering to the floor. Soohan slipped away, falling tummy-first on the carpet. It was definitely the right choice to get full carpeting for the house considering they had twin boys.

"Don't laugh!" Hongbin whined, keeping a slippery grip on Soobin while he clutched at Soohan's shirt to keep the latter from rolling away. "Our children hate me!"

"Oh honey, you're such a drama queen sometimes," she teased. "They don't hate you, you're their Appa."

"I don't think they know what that means," he lamented. He saw Soohan immediately calm down when Hana patted his back. The toddler started crawling into her lap, hissing at his father's hand still gripping his shirt. Hongbin released him and reluctantly handed Soobin over to Hana as well. "I guess they think I'm some weird man living in the same house."

Soobin squeezed in beside his twin--their mother was a tiny woman so there wasn't much space on her lap, and they were both big for their age. They both nuzzled against her chest, babbling as they gazed at her adoringly. Dimples appeared on their puffy cheeks as they laughed.

"So cute!" Hana kissed each of them in turn. "How are your dimples so cute?"

They got those from me after all, Hongbin thought. "Where's mine?"

"Your what?"

"You were also oblivious like this when we were dating." I should have a kiss too. Before she could get annoyed, he remarked: "They really take after me. They not only look like me, they even act like me." He sneaked a pat on Soobin's head.

"Cringing away from affection?" Hana teased.

"No! I mean... yeah, they do that too," he confessed. "But I mean they love you too much."

"Ehh?" she protested playfully. "How is that like you? When did you ever give me as much love as Soohan and Soobin do?"

He sulked. "That's how we have babies, because I gave you so much love."

"Hongbin!" She covered the twins' ears, blushing.

As pretty as a flower. He smirked. "What? It's true."

"I guess it is," she conceded. "Honey, come closer."

He raised an eyebrow but scooted closer anyway. "Really? In front of the children?"

"Don't be silly." She slapped his arm then took his hand, putting it around Soobin's tiny fist. "Appa needs to get closer to the babies."

Soobin narrowed his eyes at Hongbin, who couldn't help but chuckle. "What's this... he even has the same judgmental look as me." He sighed, unable to hide his dejection. "I don't get it, I even took time off when they were born. And I come home every day. But they only love you."

"Of course they love you too." Hana assured him. "You're just all a little too much alike so your sons got your tsundere personality as well."

"Is that it, buddy?" Hongbin rubbed Soohan's chin. The baby pushed his hand away, but Hana whispered soothingly.

"Soohan, let Appa play with you too. You know Appa loves you two so much." As if understanding his mother's words, he didn't protest when his father rubbed his chin again.

"Soohan... " Hongbin couldn't help but melt. "Appa's so happy right now."

"You should hug him," Hana said.

"Oh, I don't think he'd like that," Hongbin fretted.

"It will be fine." She transferred Soohan in his arms.

Hongbin limbs stiffened, preparing for an outburst. But the baby nuzzled against his shoulder, short arms clinging to his body. He laughed with pure joy, cuddling his oldest son. "Appa loves you, Soohan, you know that, right?"

After a few more moments, Soohan pushed off him and settled with Hana, replacing Soobin who had been getting fed with fruit. Hana led Soobin into Hongbin's embrace.

"Appa loves you too, Soobin." For a moment, it felt like he would attempt to wriggle away, but he looked over his shoulder and his mother smiled encouragingly at him. Soobin rested his head on his father's shoulder and started patting the latter's back with his pudgy hand. "Cute!"

All too soon, Soobin ducked away from the hug and called for Soohan. Holding hands, the two of them ran to their pile of toys, chattering animatedly.

"It kind of feels like they're gossiping about the weird man who happens to be their Appa." Hongbin shook his head. "It's going to take so much effort to win their affections, huh?"

"They are your sons after all--oh!" Hana squeaked when he pulled her into his lap. Before she could say anything more, he pulled her into a tight hug, her cheek pressed against his chest and her head tucked under his chin.

"Noona, I'm sorry. I made you work really hard for my affection too. It must've felt like this. Except worse." he sighed. "You had to make a boyfriend out of your prickly friend, and I was definitely not as adorable as these two little guys."

"It was difficult," she confessed. "But you're worth it."

"How am I this lucky?" he mumbled, mostly to himself. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "You know I like you much more than any videogame, right? I'd choose you every time."

"I know." She nodded.

At that moment, her lips were so pink and glossy they looked like they were begging to be kissed. So he did.

He didn't know how long they were kissing before two angry screams rang in unison and small blows scattered upon him.

Hana slid off his lap, staring at Soohan and Soobin as they pounded their tiny fists against Hongbin's arms. "What's wrong, my babies?"

"Oh my God," Hongbin laughed. "I think they're jealous. Our Soohan and Soobin only want Eomma for themselves? But what to do, Appa loves her too?" He pecked her on the lips.

Soohan yelled in protest and launched himself towards Hongbin, who let himself fall backwards, hugging the little boy in his arms. Soobin took the opportunity to kiss Hana, then he pinned down Hongbin just as Soohan escaped and jumped at Hana for his own kiss.

"Did you see that? They're teaming up against me! They're so smart!" Hongbin gushed. "We made such smart babies, isn't that amazing? They're amazing!"

"You're totally wrapped around their little fingers." Hana cooed, still accepting kisses from the boys.

"Of course I am, they're perfect," Hongbin declared, sitting up to hug all three of them at once. "You're perfect too. This is perfect."

"Soooo cheesy! What happened to my prickly Hongbin?" she teased.

"I think the children stole my prickliness," he chortled, stealing kisses from Soohan and Soobin while they couldn't turn away from him.

#vixx fic #vixx scenarios #vixx fanfiction #lee hongbin #vixx hongbin #hongbin #hongbin fic #hongbin scenarios #hongbin imagines #hongbin fanfic #hongbin fanfiction #vixx imagines #vixx fanfic #vixx fluff #vixx au #vixx reactions #vixx requests #vixx ships #mine: vixx scenarios

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eastasianfeelings · 5 years ago

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I’ll be your fan: Hongbin

Summary: Hongbin isn’t sure whether you like him as a fan, as a friend... or as more than friends.

— requested by Anonymous: "Hi hun! So, umm... I'm a *huge* fan of your Hyuk fics and I wonder if you'd consider writing something equally smutty + emotional for Hongbin. Something like friends to lovers with Hongbin being the hesitant one, or fangirl to lover with Hongbin doubting her sincerity/if she only likes his idol persona or his gf wanting him to stop holding back in bed and just embrace the intimacy... Basically, cracking Hongbin's shell is my kink. 😫 (Also wouldn't say no to a size kink, TBH.)"

Words: 2.8k

Warnings: angst with a happy ending, making out

“Why are we friends?” Hongbin asks you out of the blue one day.

You look up from your knitting. “What?”

He’s just finished an hour-long stream, and his apartment seems quiet now without the gratuitous blood spattering noises and groans of murdered undead from his gory game.

You sit up straighter from your lounging position on his bed and, carefully, repeat, “Why are we friends?” How on earth are you supposed to interpret this question?

“Mm.” He stares at his screen, absent-mindedly clicking through all the gifts he’s received during the stream. “I mean, any time we hang out, it’s basically just me streaming and you watching.”

“I don’t mind, though,” you say slowly, unsure as to how this relates to his question. “I know you’re busy. And you help me promote and sell the game character plushies that I knit, too.”

“So if I didn’t help you make money…” He trails off, which makes your back go up.

“I’m not only here because you help me make money,” you say, a little stiffer. “You know I was your fan before we met.”

“You were a fan of Vixx.” His gaze is still fixed on the screen.

“Yes, and now we’re friends because we met and decided that we like each other.” You say it as a statement, not the question it is in your mind, hoping he’ll agree, or at least not negate it.

You’re pretty sure he doesn’t like you the same way you like him, but you’re—or at least, you were—also pretty sure you could call him your friend.

Why does it sound like he’s not so sure?

“But I mean, is this what friends do?” Hongbin finally turns from his desk to gesture between you and him; his brow is creased as he frowns at you. “Just meet up so one can watch the other play games?”

“Why not?”

He stares at you.

“Never mind.” He shakes his head and deliberately eases his frown. “I think I’m just tired from streaming. I’m going to get some water.”

Well, that’s a lie if you ever heard one; one hour of streaming is nothing to him. So you pick up your knitting needles and follow him out into his apartment and hover just outside the small kitchen.

You wait for him to finish gulping down an entire plastic water bottle before speaking. “Is there something going on, Hongbin-ah?”

He tosses out the bottle and flicks a short glance your way. “No. It’s nothing.”

“Then, if it’s nothing… why ask if we’re friends?”

You feel like you’re pushing the tentative limits the two of you have drawn, but he was the one who posed the question, and you need to know why.

Hongbin braces his hands against the counter, his gaze pointed downward. “I don’t know. When I finished the stream today, I looked over and saw you knitting, and I just thought, I don’t know anything about knitting. But that’s all we ever do—I stream, and you watch and knit.” He looks up. “We don’t even know that much about each other.”

“I think I know a bit about you.” Cautiously, you lower your voice to prevent it from quavering. “And I enjoy knitting and watching you stream. I could tell you about knitting if you wanted to know more about it.”

“But how does that make you different from a fan watching me at home, then?” Hongbin paces to the other side of the kitchen.

You take a steadying breath. “I mean, it’d be nice to do other things together. I was just trying to be mindful of your time, I know you’re busy as an idol—”

“I don’t need someone to be mindful of me,” he interrupts, speaking to the wall. “I need someone to be my friend, my actual friend.”

Oh, you’re so close to having your feelings hurt. “I’m trying to be, Hongbin-ah—”

He turns. “Isn’t that just because I’m Vixx’s Hongbin?”

Ugh.

“Look.” You take another breath. “If you want to believe that, then I don’t think I can change your mind.”

“You should try,” he insists. “Otherwise how can I know?”

“Me saying this right now, this is me trying,” you point out. “I’m telling you right now, I like you as a person, not as an idol. I want to be your friend. I… I want to be more than friends.”

It’s the calmest confession you’ve ever given, even as turmoil twists inside you.

For a moment Hongbin just blinks. Then he opens his mouth, and you brace yourself:

“You only want to because you’re my fan.”

Quietly, you reply, “I don’t think that’s true.”

“You can’t know for sure.”

All right. That’s it. That’s the extent of emotional labour you’re putting into this conversation. You’re not going to single-handedly break down the walls Hongbin’s built around himself or the labels he’s placed on you.

“Maybe you’re right about that.” You gather your knitting supplies and grab your backpack from the couch. “I guess the only way we’ll know is if we stop being friends, right?” You work up a thin smile and send it his way. “Then… goodbye.”

He doesn’t stop you as you walk out the door.

Making new friends is hard when you’re an adult. You sign up for a local knitting club, even though almost everyone there is older than you, and tell yourself you’re going to try it for at least four consecutive Saturdays.

On the third week, a younger member, Haeun, introduces you to an online creative arts platform that’s apparently popular for sharing fandom-related projects. There, you rehome the game character plushies that you’ve been unable to sell ever since you cut off contact with Hongbin.

At your fourth meeting, Haeun greets you excitedly outside the bookstore your club meets at.

“Y/N-eonni! You posted your game monster plushies online, right? You did, right?”

You’ve accepted that Haeun considers every single game character a ‘monster’, no matter how humanoid. “Yeah, I did. Why?”

She tugs you inside the bookstore and waves someone over. “This guy’s here to meet you!”

“Meet me?” You blink at the scruffy younger man who’s fixed his ardent gaze on you.

“Excuse me, did you make this?” He’s holding the completed Sonic plush that you’d added to your club’s little display in the bookstore’s bay window. “I was wondering if you would sell it to me. My girlfriend loves Sonic and I know she’d die over this.”

“Oh.” Warmth spreads through you at his eagerness. “Ah, well, it actually took me a while to make that, so to be honest I’d only sell it for a high price…” Knitting, stuffing and sewing Sonic’s spikes had been a nightmarish experience, one you’re never going through again.

“Just name your price!” the guy declares.

Wow, okay. As you think, Haeun tugs you close. “Don’t charge him under fifty thousand,” she hisses.

“One hundred thousand won,” you blurt out.

Though the man’s eyes widen a bit, his hand goes to his pocket without hesitation. “Can I e-transfer you the money?” is all he says.

That’s the start of your realization that handmade game character plushies are, apparently, a unique and lucrative niche, one that Haeun helps you develop and build. With the knitting club manager’s support, you start selling your items in a small booth inside the bookstore for half an hour after every club meeting.

One Saturday is particularly busy. The bookstore’s running a promotion, which means there’s more traffic in the store and more people chancing by your small booth. Haeun’s delighting in managing the short queue that’s formed in front of you, occasionally bounding over to pass along some info.

“Eonni, that guy in the beanie says he’s been checking your site every day for that final monster in the SEGA set! Save it for him and charge him double, okay?”

“Oh my God, eonni, the cutest little girl was asking for a monster called Pikachu. Do you have a finished Pikachu to sell? I told her yes, I hope I didn’t lie.”

“Eonni! This really hot guy asked for you by name. By your actual name, not your online username!” This time she’s shaking you hard enough that you have to turn away from the customer in front of you, who for some reason just wants your ‘autograph’. “Look! Do you know him?”

You follow her pointing finger to see: Hongbin.

He’s standing a short distance away, squinting over in your direction like he’s not sure what he’s looking at. Just as you make eye contact, Haeun draws your attention back as she slides the paper out from under your hand.

“It’s ten thousand for an autograph,” she sweetly informs the customer, and waits for him to fork over his money before letting you take the paper back. “Eonni, you should charge them for signatures, okay?” she whispers in her ear. “Fighting!”

Then she’s off to manage the crowd again, your own personal PR professional. What a gem.

After that, you explain to two more customers that you’ve sold your Wrecking Ball plushie already and no, you don’t have multiple because it takes you at least a week to knit one up, which leads to a suggestion from one of the customers to do online auctions instead of selling first-come, first-serve.

You have to chuckle a little at the idea. “I don’t think there’s enough interest to do an online auction.”

“No, you’ve got tons of fans,” the guy says earnestly.

The other girl nods. “My boyfriend actually brags to his friends about the fact that he bought your first and only Sonic plush.”

“Really?” You can’t stop your smile from spreading. “I’ll think about it then. Thank you for your interest.”

The guy hesitates for a second. Then he blurts, “Can I have a high-five?”

Boggled, you say, “Sure,” and hold out your palm.

He beams, taps his hand to yours, then bows profusely before departing.

You watch him go in bemusement. Is this what an idol hi-touch is like?

Speaking of idols:

The next customer is Hongbin.

You look up at him and manage, “Hello.”

“Hello.” He looks back for a few moments before letting his eyes drop to your table. “It’s… it’s been a while.”

“Yes. It has.” You’ve always been short next to him, but having him tower over you while you remain seated makes you feel extra tiny. For half a second you want to ask him to kneel down like he’s at a fan-meeting.

“…I’ve seen your knitting around online. Looks like you’re doing well.”

“Yes.” What does he want?

Hongbin’s quiet for a few more seconds, almost long enough for the customer behind him to get fidgety. Then he looks up into your eyes.

“I missed you,” he says.

And for the first time in over a month, you let yourself think it, let yourself say it: “…I missed you too.”

Just then, Haeun inserts herself in between Hongbin and the table. “Excuse me, are you interested in buying anything?”

“Ah, he’s not a customer,” you say hastily.

“Oh, wait, it’s this guy! Do you know him, eonni? Is he a friend?” Haeun asks.

You open and close your mouth.

“I’m just a fan,” Hongbin says to her.

A fan.

“Ahh.” She smiles at him. “If you’d just like Y/N’s autograph, that’ll be ten thousand won. But please don’t take too long, in consideration of other customers.”

“Yes,” Hongbin says politely as she takes off again.

A fan, you repeat in your mind.

“Y/N-ah.”

You look up to see his eyes fixed on you.

“Can we talk after you’re finished here?”

“…Yes.”

Outside, you weave your way through the crowded sidewalk toward Hongbin. He’s waiting at the nearby taxi stand, face mask pulled high and bangs hiding his eyes.

“Hi.” You stop a few steps away so you don’t have to crane your neck. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Um.” He goes to pull his face mask down, then glances around. “Maybe we should go somewhere quieter.”

“Your place?”

“No,” he says quickly. “I’d like to go to your place… if you don’t mind.”

Your brows rise. “Why? You’ve never been to my place.”

“I know,” he admits. “But—that’s why I want to go.”

Okay. You grab a taxi, and Hongbin slides into the backseat with you as you give the driver directions.

As the car pulls away, you feel Hongbin give you a side-glance.

“Er. Will it be quieter at your place?”

“What do you mean?” You keep looking straight ahead.

“I mean…” He clears his throat lightly. “Will there be anyone else home?”

“Oh. No, I live alone.”

“Ah.” He relaxes into the seat, and the rest of the ride is silent.

Once you’re in your apartment, you lead him into your small kitchen. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

His throat works for a moment before he speaks. “I thought a lot about our last conversation.”

You stay silent.

“And… I’m sorry. I was wrong.” Hongbin steps forward suddenly, making you back up a little too hastily. “I didn’t listen to you, and I was wrong.”

You regain your distance before looking up at him again. “That’s okay. Thank you for saying that.”

“I do want to be your friend, Y/N-ah.”

“I’m glad, Hongbin-ah.” You nod.

“But—” He catches hold of your hand, a very light grip that you could break if you wanted. “Do you…” He swallows. “Do you still want to be more?”

Your heartrate rises. “More?”

“More than friends.”

Slowly, you pull your hand free. “Not if you don’t want to.”

“I do.”

And all of a sudden he’s stepped into your space and your back is against the counter, his arms enclosing you. You look up, up, and he looks right back at you, eyes calling to yours.

“Y/N-ah, I do. I want you,” he says, and there’s almost some kind of pleading edge to his voice, some earnest, yearning note that tugs right at your heartstrings. “Please.”

“Are you sure?” you ask softly. “Are you sure, Hongbin-ah?”

“Please,” he repeats.

So you stretch up, up, up, and kiss him.

He meets you more than halfway, closing the substantial height difference swiftly to touch his lips to yours. When you try to push for more, he draws back.

“Is that a yes?” he checks.

This guy, seriously. “Yes, Hongbin-ah, that’s a yes.”

A wide smile lights up his face, so dazzling you have to blink moisture out of your eyes. “Y/N-ah…”

You lift your arms and tug on his shoulders. “Come back, I can’t reach you up there.”

He chuckles, the sound pure delight, and then grips you by the waist to hoist you onto the counter. Locking his arms around your lower back, he tugs you to the edge and steps between your spread legs to continue kissing you.

“I missed you,” he murmurs against your lips. Your eyelids flutter open to see him only a few inches away, looking at you with something close to adoration. “At first I didn’t even know if it was because I liked you or because I was overthinking it.” He keeps kissing you leisurely in between his murmurs. “And that kind of scared me.”

“Mm.” You want to respond to his sincere words, his apology via confession, but the way he’s surrounding you so closely, closer than you’ve ever felt to him, is making your mind whirl.

“But when I saw your knitting online…” He pulls back, tongue flicking out as he eyes your mouth. “And all the views and comments you were getting…”

You hesitate. “So you’re just jealous?”

“No! No. I thought, These people know more about Y/N than I do. And I realized it was my fault.” He brushes his mouth one more time against yours, an affectionate caress, then continues down your jaw. “If I hadn’t pushed you away, you wouldn’t be selling online…” Down your neck, his lips pulling and sucking. “You wouldn’t have all these fans after you…”

It’s getting hard to form coherent thoughts with the way he’s tucked his face into your neck, but you try. “You—ah… don’t you want me to be successful?”

He presses his nose into the curve where your neck meets your shoulder and inhales deeply. “I do. But… you’re not an idol.”

“Mm. So?”

“So, you don’t need teenage gamer boys following you around online.” Hongbin lifts his head to make eye contact again. “Do you?”

Clearly, the only correct answer is: “No… but I’m just selling my knits, Hongbin-ah, it’s not like I’m streaming with a face cam or anything.”

“Y/N-ah, I was a teenage gamer boy once. I know how they think.” He leans in to nip at your lips. “Do you think that guy today wanted a high-five because he likes your knitting so much?”

“Ye-es?”

“Wrong.”

“Okay, but…” You wriggle backward a little to get some space and make your point. “No harm, no foul, right? It’s fine if people like me, as long as they don’t actually do anything weird.”

“I like you.” He pulls you in again, negating the space between you, and spreads his hands wide over your lower back.

“I mean my customers—”

“I’ll be your fan.”

“I thought I was your fan.”

“No,” Hongbin says. “Now you’re just mine.” And he kisses you once more.

#vixx #vixx fic #hongbin #lee hongbin #hongbin x reader #vixx hongbin #hongbin fic #this was so hard to write I hope it's not trash #eaf original #eaf writes vixx #eaf request #thank you for the request!!!!

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suhoerections · 5 years ago

Text

Scent

⟹ Genre: Yazuka/Mafia!AU || Smut ||

⟹ Word Count: 2.2k

⟹ Pairing: Hongbin x reader

⟹ Warnings: Drug use || Mentions of drugs || Strong Yazuka/Mafia themes || Explicit sex || Unprotected sex ||

⟹ Summary: The voice in your head was screaming no, yet his scent, the misty swirl that locked you in his daze, said yes

part of the VIXX Parallel Collab hosted by @uwugalore , I chose the song Scentist to use as a base of this fic

The night was so cold. It was the first thing you noticed as you walked down the dark alleyway.

Perhaps it was because your clothes were scant - the short dress was just catching the curve of your ass, the thin fabric being held to your frame by spaghetti straps that left you open to the sharp cold of the night.

The scent of the alleyway was the first thing you noticed, the damp trash and smell of piss lingered in your nose as you walked briskly toward the darkened end. Your face instinctively scrunched in disgust as the smell heightened.

Relief washed over you as you reached your destination. The metal door was brown with rust at the edges and looked like it could barely open, yet you still knocked.

It was loud in the dark alleyway, but was concealed by the bustling city the secret corner resided in. It was answered quickly though, the hallway dark and concealed as a man stood at the door.

He was dressed in a suit, the white shirt matching his white hair which was a contrast to the navy jacket and matching slacks. The outfit was obviously tailored to fit his broad figure, the delicate chains attached to his suit accentuated the professionality this stranger carried himself with. He said nothing as he opened the door wider for you, a silent invitation for you to enter, which you accepted, neither of you speaking as he lead you down the darkened hallway.

He was handsome, filled out and muscular, rings adorned his fingers while his sharp and stern features added to his cold demeanour.

Though despite his coldness you could still notice the way his eyes lingered on your curves, how his gaze was steely yet clouded with an arousal you seemed to ignite in a lot of men. Noticing this wasn’t you being cocky - it was part of your job within the Yakuza family, Sumiyoshi-kai - to seduce targets, scope them out for information. And you knew you were good at your job as you were the favorite of the boss’ son.

The stranger lead you towards the end of the darkened hallway, walking you down cemented stairs and into a basement room with cement walls, another metal door and a dim light that dangled from the ceiling of the small space.

“Strip,” His voice was steel much like himself, his gaze situated on your face as he commanded you, “We can’t have any bugs or wires on anyone going in.”

You cocked an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at your lips as you slipped the thin straps off your shoulders, “Most people take me out for dinner first,” you responded, letting your small dress fall to the floor and reveal your naked form underneath.

His gaze raked down your body, eyes widening a bit as he realised you were bare underneath, yet that was the only reaction you got out of him.

“You’re clear,” He spoke the words gruffly, still watching your body as you redressed.

Though he was quick to turn around once the dress was back on your body, his thumb pressing against a finger scanner that allowed him access through the door. He held it open for you, gesturing for you to walk in.

The room was white; the walls, the floor, the ceiling, the lighting, the appliances - all a sterile bleached tone that hurt your eyes to look at. Though there were spots of red as you realised the room was half dedicated to displaying a red substance within skull shaped glasses along a large shelf which took up the back wall. The centrepiece of the room seemed to be an encased dead tree along with metre high pillars that had the same liquid filled skulls sat atop them. There was also a strange piano sat off to the other side with tubing and jars filled with the same red substance attached to it, which only heightened your curiosity toward the set up.

The whole setting intrigued you, yet you didn’t question it as you walked in, letting the stranger lead you to a door off to the back corner.

“He’s waiting for you in there,” His tone was still gruff, not wavering as he knocked on the white surface to let the man inside know you were there.

The person inside opened the door, his expression just as steely and stagnant as the white haired man that led you in. Though as you studied his features, you couldn’t help but feel more attracted to him, his eyes held a sparkle to them that the other man didn’t have, one that said he was more willing to play with you.

He said something to the stranger that guided you in another language, you figured it was korean considering they were a korean group working for the biggest yakuza organisation.

“Come in,” He spoke to you, his blue shaded hair falling around his eyes as he opened the door wider for you to walk in.

You nodded in response, following him into the room after him. A sense of shock and numbness gripped your body as the scent of the room hit you. It was sweet and intoxicating, reeling you and winding you up as you breathed it in deeper. There was a hue to the room that made it seem to pulsate, as if it was alive and breathing the same swirls of air as you.

“I believe you’re here on interest towards our product,” His voice was as intoxicating as the smell, your body turning to face him. He was handsome, attractive in the carefree way he lounged against the wall and let the mussed blue strands of hair fall around his eyes.

“Yes, my friend is a subordinate within the Yamaguchi-gumi, he asked me to come here for him,” Your tone was unbothered, matching the demeanour of the man in front of you.

“What’s your name?” He pushed himself off the wall, closing the gap between you both to grab your jaw gently, the pads of his fingers craning your neck and making you look into his eyes.

“y/n,” You kept calm, your body used to men touching you without asking.

“What were you told exactly about the drug that we’re selling, y/n?” His eyes looked into your own, as if he was trying to read your thoughts through the orbs.

“I wasn’t told anything about, really.” Your voice was breathless, the scent of this stranger hitting you with such an intensity you could barely breathe. It was captivating, making your body desperate to itch closer; to touch, to explore, to taste, he was pulling you in with just the smell.

“It's not a regular drug, sweetheart,” His hand slipped from your jaw to trailing down your hip, the fingertips dancing across the thin fabric, “It's not for getting yourself high,” He leant toward you slightly, bringing his body closer to yours as his lips brushed against the shell of your ear, “Its for getting others high.”

You were confused at the statement, your brow furrowing as you let the words register in your brain, “But that doesn’t make sense?”

The stranger chuckled, his fingers digging into your hips as he pulled you flush against his body, “Can I show you, sweetheart?” His lips ran across your jaw, placing a chaste kiss to the skin as he felt you melt beneath his touch.

“Y-Yes,” You were under the haze, letting him take control as he guided you backwards until the cold sting of unforgiving metal dug into the curve of your ass. The stranger’s fingers danced along your inner thigh as he lifted you onto the metal table you barely had registered was there.

His lips were on yours, coaxing you toward his body as his fingers slipped under the hem of your dress, pulling the material up your hips and revealing your soaked sex. He couldn’t help but smirk as he relished in the fact you weren’t wearing any underwear.

You whined into the kiss, your hands desperate to pull the suit jacket off of him, your fingers itching to touch and explore him. Though, he stopped you, his grip tight on your wrists as one of his hands slipped from your hip to pin you against the unforgiving metal.

It was cold and steely as you laid down on the table, your back arching and a whimper falling off your lips as you realised the compromising position you were in. Yet it only added to the fun; the stranger smirking as he brought his finger to swipe down your drenched slit, the action causing a moan to fall off your lips and your nipples to harden against the thin fabric of your dress.

“Sweetheart,” He accentuated the nickname with a press down on your clit, the dissatisfied bundle sending white hot pleasure coursing through you, “This isn’t a normal drug,” He continued to stroke and play with your clit, making sure you were getting worked up as he spoke, “You see how pleasurable you’re feeling, like nothing else could make you feel this good?”

You whimpered, a muttered ‘yes’ falling off your hips as you continued to grind down onto his thumb, his grip still pinning you in place as he pleased you. The stranger smirked, leaning in to whisper in your ear as he rubbed harder against your desperate core; “That’s the drug.”

Your body jolted as you registered what he was saying, your thoughts clouded with the pleasure he was giving you yet still confused by what he was saying. “What do you-”

“You’re from the Sumiyoshi-kai, aren’t you, baby?” His breath was hot on your ear as he spilled your dirty secret, “That's okay, I understand you’re curious why we’re on your territory.”

“H-How-”

“Don’t speak unless I give you permission,” The stranger growled, his thumb pressing harder against your clit as he accentuated his words with the notion, “We have clients in Tokyo… Ones that will give us a lot more money and power in these parts of Japan, sweetie.”

You swallowed, he was giving you too much information for you to have any chance of leaving this room again.

“Well, this is just a test run, baby,” He pulled away from your ear, his finger quickening on your clit and causing you to clench around nothing as you felt the build up of an orgasm blossom, “You’ll understand once you get to your climax.” His eyes were dark, relishing in the way your chest heaved and fear painted your features as you could barely understand what was going on.

“How bad do you want it,” His voice was a growl once more, eyes piercing yours as watched your pussy drip, “How bad do you want me to fill you up?”

Your thoughts were repressed of his previous words as his scent washed over you, the desperate need to feel and touch him overriding your senses once more, “S-So bad,” Your voice was a quiver, hips still grinding against his fingers, “I need you so bad.”

That was all the stranger needed, his lips curling back into a smirk as he released the grip on your wrists and brought his hands to his pants, being quick to release his hardened member from his slacks. You watched him pull himself out, his palm working up and down his shaft as you sat up; your legs spread and ready to take him on the edge of the table.

He leant in, his tongue hot and messy on your lips as he kissed you hard, the embrace sloppy and fast paced as he entered you. A moan was all you could suffice into the kiss as you leant back onto the table, one of his hands splayed across your back while the other held onto your hip for leverage. His length was filling you perfectly, your brain blank with any other thoughts rather than this stranger’s dick and how euphoric you felt in that moment.

His hips snapped against your own, starting a rough pace against the metal table, his own groans and moans mixing with yours as your fingers tangled in the blue strands of his hair. You were already close, the coil in your stomach intensifying as you felt his dick stroke against the spot that had you seeing stars.

If anything, the smell, the intoxicating and coaxing scent, was heightening the pleasure you felt, the coil twining tighter and tighter every time you breathed in this stranger. His lips were sloppy, leaving a wet trail against your skin as he kissed you messily.

Your nails scraped against his scalp, your moans becoming louder and more desperate as you felt your high near, the edge to your orgasm building too rapidly for you to comprehend. The stranger knew you were close, his own cock twitching in you to signify his oncoming release.

Yet, as you came, you could never have prepared your body for the pleasure you felt. One final stroke of his cock had you tumbling over, a loud moan cascading off your lips as your walls constricted tightly around him, a squirt of your essence escaping you as the white hot pleasure of your orgasm took you by storm. The pleasure, the feeling, it was too intense, the orgasm too good as your world went black, vision swimming and your limbs going numb as you felt yourself collapse in the strangers arms.

And that was all you could remember before everything went black.

#VPCollab #vixx #kpop #hongbin #hongbin smut #hongbin x reader #hongbin fic #kpop fic #kpop smut #kpop x reader #vixx x reader #vixx smut #vixx fic

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restlessmaknae · 7 years ago

Text

Out of this world

As a part of my Birthday Prompt Party, Out of this world is dedicated to @dat-town who has requested #31 “You know, no one bothered me this much when I was dead.” in a mythological setting with a VIXX member. Hope you like it, dear! <3

Words: 2934

Genre: fluff, angst, drama, tragedy

Main Characters: Lee Hongbin x Kim Yuna (OC); Lee Taekwoon

Setting: Greek mythology AU

Warning: death

“Does that mean that I’m fired?” the young man gasped with a slightly offended expression, signs of confusion clearly written all over his face. It was as if he didn’t want to believe what he had just heard or assumed that it was all part of a big joke.

“Just look at you! You already talk like those humans!” the older man snickered with obvious pity in his voice. “I’m sure there won’t be a problem. As soon as you earn back my trust, you can come back and claim back your immortality,” the bearded man announced, his voice firm and confident. He made it very clear that he was the only one who had a say in the matter.

After all, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. He was Zeus, the god above all while the young man was only at the bottom, if not the last one. No one thought that he had a difficult job but who were they to belittle something that they had never truly experienced – to be precise, they may have experienced but not whole-heartedly. Who were they to make fun of the most complicated and twisted part of a human’s life that he tried to protect as much as possible?

He may be the face of the most cringe-worthy day of the year but he wasn’t completely useless. He was Eros (more commonly called as Cupid, although it was only his Latin name) and if he didn’t exist, the world would turn into a constant battlefield because of hatred and rage.

However, after what Zeus had said, he wasn’t Cupid anymore, only hypothetically. He was forced to leave the Olympus and live as a human as a punishment for his crime – neglecting his duties for the sake of his appearance. It was funny enough how he always tried his best to help the heart-broken and now he was one of them and no one could be there to mend his heart. He was alone and helpless just like a forsaken ex-god should be.

How can an ex-god earn back Zeus’ trust without all his powers – seduction, manipulation and the ability of creating little things such as flowers and bouquets of chocolate? That was a bloody good question.

Eros had no idea in the beginning, so instead of coming up with one, he moped and cried for an entire week, using up more than 15 boxes of super soft tissues. All he got from his superior was a well-furnished flat, some money and a list of reminders about what he should and shouldn’t do as a suspended god living in human form. He was partly glad because he finally had the opportunity to breathe, feel his heart beating, smell the fragrance of sweet dandelions, taste the creamy caramel in a piece of cake, in other words he was now able to touch, feel and live. There was only one thing that he forgot: gods were invisible to the human eye.

Small wonder why he was so dumbfounded when he first moved out of his flat and one of his neighbours came up to him to say hi. He needed to remind himself that he was no longer a god, therefore he could be seen by everyone.

“So what’s your name, sweetheart?” the elderly woman asked with a genuine smile, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“I’m E−“ he started casually and almost facepalmed when he realised that he wasn’t allowed to use his real name. It was one of the beloved reminders of Zeus. He said that if he exposed himself and his name was mentioned more than 3 times in his presence, he would be fired for real. He wouldn’t even have the chance to go back. Eros was quite taken aback at first but when he realised that he had other names too, he wasn’t so terrified anymore. People would most likely call him Amor or Cupid, right? No one knew about Eros nowadays, only that so-called Cupid from commercials and toe-curling couple product names.

“I’m−“ his eyes frantically searched for a proper name and when he caught sight of the newspaper in the woman’s hand, he read out the first name that he happened to lay his eyes on. “I’m Lee Hongbin?” he averted his eyes back to the granny, plastering a friendly smile on his face. “Yeah, I’m Lee Hongbin. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kim! You have such a lovely haircut,” he complimented right away, his generous comments not leaving him even as a human being.

From that day on, he was Lee Hongbin who turned his flat into an office since he found the perfect way to regain his position – he became a dating coach. He helped wandering souls who were constantly thinking about that sought-after love of their life yet they didn’t have any luck in love.

He was there to help them with his generous tips and thanks to his long years of playing the matchmaker, his business was quite fruitful. Even worried parents and friends came to him who wanted to put an end to the lonely days of their loved ones and their request usually led to a beautifully blooming relationship involving that said acquaintance.

Truth to be told, Hongbin was enjoying his job to the fullest. He could still do what he used to do as a god but he was closer to the humans, so he had the chance to see what the couples became after their first confessions. As Eros, he did nothing but be present at the time when they fell in love but as a dating couch, his clients sometimes came back to say thank you. Frankly, he couldn’t have been happier. He loved the smile on their faces, the way they gazed at each other and the little sparkles that accompanied them.

He was doing so well but as expected, his job didn’t come without obstacles. There was only one female whom he couldn’t help, no matter how hard he tried. He did everything he could, even though she wasn’t his client.

Kim Yuna was working at the café where he always bought his morning vanilla latte and there was a frequent customer who couldn’t look away when the pretty barista was around. It was obvious to Hongbin that the guy had a crush on her but she seemed ignorant to his obvious stares and nervous half-smiles. After several failed attempts and a conversation with the said guy – Jung Taekwoon −, Hongbin finally blurted out that Taekwoon was in love with her but he was also too shy to admit his feelings.

Yuna’s jaw dropped upon hearing his words but her bewilderment soon turned into something totally different – guilt.

“I’m sorry about your friend, Hongbin, but I don’t like him. We had talked a couple of times before but I don’t feel anything when I’m with him,” she admitted as she ran a hand through her obsidian-black curls.

Hongbin didn’t want to tell her that he didn’t even know Taekwoon, let alone being friends with him, because there was no use of correcting her. Instead, he wanted to convince her because there was nothing more heart-breaking than an unrequired love.

“Just give him a chance! He needs time to open up but I can guarantee that he’s a kind-hearted, gentle and caring human being,” he pleaded almost frantically, giving her the puppy eyes look. Yuna furrowed her eyebrows for a moment but her features softened a bit after that.

“Fine,” she let out a sigh, her eyes already searching for the tall guy at the table beside the window.

“Believe me! You won’t regret that you gave him a chance,” Hongbin clapped his hands enthusiastically while a sudden pang invaded his heart. He was so taken aback by the subtle pain that was suddenly rushing through him that he didn’t even see when Yuna sat down at Taekwoon’s table.

It turned out that Yuna and Taekwoon were a wrong pair from the start. She was bold, sassy, cheeky and playful while the guy was introverted, quiet, sensitive and easily hurt by jokes. Hongbin couldn’t mind her behaviour, he was actually attracted to her in a way that he had never experienced before.

On the other hand, for her and her biggest fan, things didn’t seem to work out well despite all the tricks and gifts that Hongbin gave them, showering them with date ideas and couple activities. The fact that Yuna wanted to give up from the very start pissed him off and he couldn’t help but reprimand her when he couldn’t take it anymore.

“You know, no one bothered me this much when I was dead,” he remarked not so gently and not until Yuna’s eyes widened, did he realise what he had just said.

“What?”

“Oh nothing, nothing! It was just a joke,” he tried to shrug it off and scamper away as soon as possible but she didn’t seem to be convinced. She took a step closer to him, squinting at him with suspicion-filled orbs.

“You were always acting particularly weird. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a god or something,” Yuna stared at him for long seconds that seemed like hours for him.

He was always sure that he would be exposed in the future because he had blurted out something that he shouldn’t have. He was always blabbing after all. That’s also something that he could use to convince humans to believe him. He talked a lot and talked fast, so instead of trying to puzzle up his words, they gave in.

But what if he said something this time that could indicate that he was a god? What if she found out who he was? Would she think of him differently? Would it even matter?

Yuna gave him a final stare and took a step back, giving him some personal space. As soon as she turned around to head back to the counter, Hongbin let out a weary sigh.

“I always knew that she was smart,” he muttered under his breath as he wiped some sweat off his face. She was so close, he was almost caught. Almost.

“What?” Yuna turned around immediately, her head tilted in confusion. “So you are really a god?” she exclaimed not caring about the astonished and judging gazes she earned from the customers around her.

Hongbin was trying to find the right words to say but he froze on the spot, not knowing what to do. He had only a little experience with humans, so he never had to lie to anyone.

As a forsaken god, he couldn’t know that his silence was a bigger indication of his identity than any lie could ever be.

“Gosh! I can’t believe it! I’ve been hanging out with a god,” she giggled whole-heartedly without a hint of fear or judgement in her eyes. She shook her head in disbelief as she walked towards a customer who wanted to order, an amused smile never leaving her attractive lips.

Hongbin stood there like a statue, except the fact that he awkwardly blinked like he didn’t want to believe that the scene in front of his eyes was actually happening and it wasn’t just a part of his dream. Kim Yuna had really figured out who he was and didn’t make fun of him? Laugh at him, take pictures of him and tell silly god-related jokes? Did she really just… smile? Show that gorgeous smile of hers that was as rare as snow in August?

He couldn’t help but feel proud. There was an oddly unfamiliar sensation pumping in his veins, motioning his heart to beat faster and his lips to raise higher and higher until he was also smiling. He showed a smile of his that neither of them knew existed – the loving one filled with childish excitement and innocence.

He loved people in general, he really did. Otherwise, how could he be so eager to help them to find their other half? But this kind of affection was different because he received it and not just gave it away. It was different because he experienced it with her. With his other half.

Yuna was pretty cool about the god thing. She really believed him, stating that she was suspicious from the moment Hongbin read the menu upside-down or when he had no idea about how a vanilla latte tasted. Not to mention the time when he started laughing when her hand accidentally brushed his when she placed his order on the table. He had even blurted out once that he never touched a human before. It was a sentence that he didn’t even remember. Maybe he was too pumped up to care about the words he said out loud.

After he managed to stop her from calling him by his real name, he was no longer in danger. He knew she would keep his secret, and the fact that they both shared this knowledge actually brought them closer.

They were both sassy, so there was no way either of them got furious since they knew their words didn’t carry an air of seriousness. They teased each other a lot – almost like young lovers −, played various silly games and hang out a lot. Yuna was always amused when he tried something for the first time, let it be karaoke, going by train or trying sushi. As he was falling in love with the world around him, finding beauty in everything new and special, he was slowly falling in love with her, too.

He could never imagine that being in love was such a magical feeling. It was as if love was something out of this world. His whole body was reacting to the way she smiled, to the sound of her airy laugh and to the touch of her roughish skin. Getting to know her was like peeling an onion (new favourite food of his!).Whenever he thought there was nothing else left, there was always a new layer underneath.

She was sometimes as fragile as a glass sculpture while other times she stood still like a mountain. She could get emotional too easily or not feel any sympathy at all. She could play the little kid who wanted to have popcorn at the cinema or the responsible adult who showed Hongbin where to stand to not get hit by the train. She could lazily lay on the couch, whining about the fact that boys could never understand the pain of a cramp or jump up and down in excitement when she got a pay rise. She was a mixture of everything and he loved all of her colours.

Truth to be told, he didn’t neglect his job but he spent less time with his clients than with Yuna. They haven’t confessed yet and he wasn’t sure they would. He wasn’t even sure that it was how love was meant to feel or if Yuna felt it too because she didn’t say anything obvious.

Meanwhile, the fact that Zeus hadn’t even contacted him bothered Hongbin a lot, he didn’t even know what he was doing wrong. Because he was doing something wrong if his superior didn’t want to see him, right? On the other hand, he wasn’t even sure that he wanted to go back. At least, not until it was the matter of life and death.

It started as a usual day for him – counselling in the morning and spending time with Yuna in the afternoon. However, as he was about to get to the café where she was working, he was so immersed into smelling the rose bouquet that he had bought her that he didn’t care about anything else around him. That was a fatal mistake on his part.

Everything happened so fast. It was now only a blur to him. The stretching tyres of the bus, the pain in his chest, the warmth of his blood, the sirens of the ambulance and Zeus’ words.

“Choose, Eros! You’ve proved that you are still worthy of your title, so you can come back to the Olympus to fulfil your duties as the god of Love. Or you can choose to die as a human. You have no other choice. You can’t go back to her, no matter how much you would like to.”

Hongbin was selfish. He wanted to beg Zeus to let him live as a human because he didn’t want to die. He wanted to see her, to tell her how she made him feel, to tell her that he loved her, even though he had no idea if that was how love was supposed to feel. He wanted to caress her cheeks for one last time, he wanted to hear her laugh and gosh, how much he wanted to kiss her!

Hongbin was selfish. It may destroy him to see her again while she can’t see him but he wanted to do it. No matter the pain, he wanted to be around her. Even if he was invisible to her, the time they had spent together was not enough for him. He wanted more.

“I’ll go back to the Olympus,” he whispered with his last breathe as his heart stopped beating forever.

Now he knew. Eros, the god of love, finally knew why humans loved the feeling of being loved. Now he knew that love was something precious, something inexplicable and something out of this world.

Love was something to die for.

#kpopwritingnet #angstykpopnet #kkreationsnet #kreativewritersnet #vixx scenario #hongbin scenario #vixx mythology au #hongbin mythology au #vixx fic #hongbin fic #vixx fluff #hongbin fluff #vixx angst #hongbin angst #vixx drama #hongbin drama #beth's birthday prompt party #my story #restless_maknae

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1eos · 1 year ago

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i shit u not last night a mutual sent me a tweet of a hongbin fan (that is not the joke of the post i swear) saying 90% of all korean fans suck and they do nothing and theyre all awful ppl who are antis of half the group and i justmjtagmagmgagkakgkg you mean to tell me that the KAYpop group that is popular DOMESTICALLY has DOMESTIC fans that do nothing 😭😭😭 americans and europeans deadass think shipping and rpf smut fics are the most important thing you can do. worstie i hate to tell u this but your leaky leo butthole fics did not get love equation like 6 wins

barring black ppl catching strays a la antiblackness i really do understand why international kpop fans are so hated cabuz how u invest another countrys entertainment biz and just shit on the ppl that live there just bc they aren’t dropping 1k on a person they don’t like? and girl the xenophobia…..like yeah imma like the tweet when they call u a roach

#girl the delusions. these bitches have over someone who did nothing….#whatever

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imbicuriousyeah · 7 years ago

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flower thief

oneshot? fluff/minor angst

Hongbin x gender neutral reader

word count: 1050

prompt (spoilery): sometimes I steal flowers from your garden on my way to the cemetery, but today you’ve caught me and have demanded to come with me to make sure the “girl is pretty enough to warrant flower theft” and I’m trying to figure out how to break it to you that we’re on our way to a graveyard

~~~

“Hey!” You hear a bright voice call out. Shit. If this were a movie there would be a record scratch and freeze frame with a “you’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation” voiceover. You’re standing in someone’s garden, or more accurately, by the edge, a bunch of wildflowers in your hands.

“Caught red-handed!” The voice says, and you finally look up.

Any words you might have wanted to say get caught in your throat as you look up into the face of a young man who you believe might be the actual physical incarnation of sunlight. His smile, you could just bask in it all day. It’s so bright and effortless you find the corners of your mouth lifting in response.

“-so, my flower thief, I’ve decided the least you owe me is to let me come see and make sure this date of yours is pretty enough to warrant stealing wildflowers from a stranger’s garden.”

“What?” You tune into the sentence halfway through, mesmerized by the stranger’s uncanny resemblance to, if not an angel, then some divine being.

“Silly,” He flicks your forehead lightly, “I said, if I deem your date pretty enough, I might forgive you stealing my flowers.”

“I-” You start to say, but he wraps an arm around your shoulders, steering you down the lane.

“So this is the direction you usually head off to, don’t you, flower thief?” You look up, but he doesn’t seem too upset, in fact he looks as if someone just gave him flowers.

“You’re not mad?”

“Not really, that’s the wildflower corner of my garden. If you’d dared to touch any of my irises I might have had to chop off a finger.” His eyes narrow in an attempt to look intimidating, but it only lasts a few seconds before he bursts into laughter. You find yourself smiling again, forgetting where you were going in the first place.

“I wouldn’t dare touch any of those. Anyway, wildflowers were always her favorite.”

“Oh, so it is a girl! Well if she’s half as pretty as you are, then I’ll be satisfied.” You find yourself blushing. How do I break it to this beautiful boy that we’re going to a cemetery?

“She was very beautiful.” You decide to say, as the gates come into view.

“Was- What?” The handsome stranger lets his arm drop from your shoulders as he realizes where you’ve been heading. “Oh my god I’m so sorry.” He covers his mouth with his hands, eyes wide. It’s your turn to smile.

“It’s alright. It wasn’t a completely illogical assumption that I was bringing the flowers to my girlfriend.”

“I’m really sorry, wow I’m so dumb.” You shake your head and decide to take his hand, pulling him along.

“It’s always nicer with company, and you’ve come this far, so you might as well join me.” You smile at him once again, trying to let him know it’s really alright. His face stays somber, but at least he doesn’t look like a kicked puppy anymore.

You enter the cemetery and take in a deep breath. There are trees and plants growing everywhere, with paths criss-crossing between them. It’s always so incredibly peaceful here that your mind automatically quietens, worries and anxious thoughts fading into the background. You know your way, sure steps following a memorized route before you stand in front of a massive oak tree. You sit down on the soft grass below it, in front of a plaque, patting the ground beside you to let your companion know he can sit too. He hesitates, but sits down beside you, crossing his legs. You’re not quite sure if it’s the atmosphere or the guilty realization that’s keeping him quiet, but you find yourself missing his bright voice.

You shake your head, looking back at the plaque, placing your fresh bouquet before it and removing the dry stems from last week’s.

“Hey, Mom. I brought a friend today. I’ve kinda been stealing flowers from his garden for you, and he assumed it was for my sweetheart and insisted he would come along to make sure my date was ‘pretty enough to warrant flower theft’.” You laugh under your breath, then realize you never asked for his name.

“What’s your name?”

“I- I’m Hongbin.” He’s starting to look more relaxed. That’s what you love most about this place, the serene atmosphere. At the beginning of course you came more frequently, and cried more often than not. But it’s been a few years, so the pain has dulled, and a quiet kind of acceptance has settled in.

“Hongbin here has a very lovely garden. You would have approved. Though there are no sunflowers, but there are crocuses, irises, tulips, and those miniature roses you always loved. One corner of the garden is overgrown with wildflowers though, and I thought he wouldn’t miss them.” You turn to Hongbin with a sheepish expression.

“I am sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind. I was just curious, noticing you come and go a few times. And you’re always so careful with the flowers, so gentle. It was obvious you’d had a garden of your own at some point, or someone you loved had one.” Hongbin leans back on his hands and looks up at the leafy green canopy sheltering both of you from the outside world, if temporarily.

“She did have a garden. It went to seed though, after she died. I couldn’t bring myself to take care of it without her, and Dad never really had a green thumb. But lately I’ve been thinking of starting back up, though I’ve forgotten so much.” Hongbin turns to you with a smile.

“So, are you saying you need some help?”

“I guess I am. Are you offering?”

“I can be your resident gardening expert, and you can be my… my understudy.” You laugh at his choice of words, suddenly quite glad that you’d started picking flowers from that particular corner of that particular garden.

“As you say, professor.” He laughs along with you, safely tucked under the arms of the mighty tree you’ve come to think of as your mother’s incarnation. You’d never really brought anyone with you before, but this felt right, almost like she was giving you her approval. Thanks Mom.

~~~

A/N: so so so much cheese I’m sorry!! also, I always wish cemeteries had more plants!! my great-grandmother’s grave in Russia was surrounded by plants and growth and ‘messy’ cemeteries like that (I visited one in Poland too) always made me feel… I don’t know. the clean and empty cemeteries I’m used to in the US seem so impersonal? I don’t know, but I’d like to be buried in a pod underneath a tree. wouldn’t it be so much nicer to visit a tree than a gravestone?

masterlist

#hongbin scenarios #hongbin scenario #hongbin fluff #fluffy scenario #gender neutral reader #vixx scenarios #vixx scenario #sylvanwriting #vixx fluff #lee hongbin #hongbin fanfic #hongbin fic #hongbin x reader

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hyacinthlea · 3 years ago

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n/hongbin : have your heart press play once more

canon setting, future fic, post military, light angst, post break-up (exes in love)

wc: 8.2k

Warnings: none

A/N: Hello okay sorry I had forgotten to update my blog with this one fic, it has been up on my ao3 account for a while but I just sadly forgot to post it here. My mind is a mess. This was a thing that I wrote in 2-4 days ? that were scattered in...months. It was meant to be a drabble but then it became a coping mechanism of sorts. Wrote for this..twice or thrice in May? then. One day went ham and finished it in one go and this is just me pouring my heart out because I needed it ashfnj so it’s personal somehow. Hope it’s enjoyable though.

Summary

There is that undeniable chemistry still lingering, so present to the point Hongbin can't deny it, but he knows the moment he steps out of the base's gate--that is also one of the things he has to mend.

It makes his breath get caught in his throat for a second-- repairing , that's something Hongbin hadn't pondered about because all had seemingly fallen into place

ON: ao3

#chabin #nbin #vixx #cha hakyeon #lee hongbin #vixx n #vixx fanfic #vixx fic #vixx fanfiction #chabean #kpop fic #kpop fanfiction #kpop fanfic #this is a future fic and it's just me coping please #and not really with what happened in fandom cos thats a whole other thing #it's me coping with heartbreak kay #ao3 fic

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ch-ilito · 3 years ago

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Nada é como parece | ao inspirar-se, credite <3

#fanfic #fanfiction #fanfics #kpop fanfics #fanfic kpop #social spirit #spirit fanfics #capa para fanfic #capa de fanfic #capa fanfiction #capa dark #capa de fic #capa design #design simples #vixx #vixx ken #vixx hongbin

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fixxofvixx · 5 years ago

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CHASING HONGBIN - CHAPTER 11

Hello!!!!! I know some of you have been waiting for our little fox, so here ya go!

I hope you enjoy the chapter and as always, let me know what you think. I always love hearing from y'all. It motivates me to write more!

🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊

The apartment was quiet when you woke. You were used to noisy places. Not nice apartments in the better part of Seoul. You rose up on the bed and stretched. You slept better than you thought you would. You listened and you could still hear Hongbin's heartbeat in the other room. Judging by it's rhythm, he was still asleep. Foxes tended to be a bit hyperactive so they didn't sleep a lot. But, considering he had been injured, it was good that he was resting. After taking care of the bathroom, you quietly walked into the kitchen. You chanced a look at Hongbin. His body was narrow but it was almost too long for the sofa. He had kicked the small blanket off at some point in the night. And, apparently, decided to sleep without a shirt. You quickly looked away and headed towards the kitchen.

Looking around in the cabinets and refrigerator, you found enough ingredients for breakfast. Halfway through cooking the eggs, you heard the change in Hongbin's heartbeat. He was awake now. You heard him rustling about and then his light footsteps crossing the floor until he entered the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" His voice, raspy from sleep, suddenly made you blush. You tried to lean over the heat of the stove for a bit to mask the pink on your cheeks. You prayed that he had put a shirt on before coming into the kitchen. But, you refused to check.

"Making breakfast. I didn't know what you liked since we usually got something quick before. I hope this is okay."

"Anything is fine," you felt Hongbin's chin rest lightly on your shoulder and froze, "I'll eat just about anything."

His hands didn't touch you, it was only his chin resting on your shoulder. It was a comforting, homey feeling and didn't feel invading.

"We can go grocery shopping today if you want. That way we can find what you like to eat."

"But, I don't--"

"I insist. Besides, we need to eat, right?" You knew arguing with a fox breed was futile. They were stubborn and good at winning arguments.

"I suppose. I need to go out to look for a job anyway. I might have to rely on you a bit until I can get some money. But I'll write down everything and pay you back as soon as I can."

"You don't have to. And you can rely on me for more than just money, you know."

You didn't respond but lowered your head to hide the pink in your cheeks. The eggs were done so you moved them to a plate and put them on the counter beside you. Hongbin removed himself from your shoulder and grabbed a glass of water from the table.

"I'm going to go over to my apartment and clean up. Then I'll come right back. Is that okay?"

"Of course, I should have everything ready by then." You nodded and focused on the rice cooker. Hongbin walked by and ruffled your hair with his hand. You jumped slightly and turned to look at him.

"Maybe you can work on those nerves while I'm gone, too." His eyes flashed a bright orange and then he winked. Your insides jumped to attention and a soft gasp escaped your mouth.

You didn't know which was worse. Him openly flirting with you or him knowing that he made you flustered because of it.

When Hongbin returned, breakfast disappeared quickly. You were never one to shy away from food and a foxes have hearty appetites.

Once you reached the first floor of the apartment building, Hongbin led you a couple streets down to a large supermarket. He pulled a cart from the corral and guided you around the store. His voice was a bit muffled by the mask he wore and he spoke quietly so as to not garner any attention. In a very short time, the cart was half-filled with different types of food and snacks. At the register, there was a large display of candies and chocolates that had your mouth watering. You promised yourself that as soon as you could start making your own money, you were going on a candy binge.

"Y/N, will you go put the cart away for me?" Hongbin had emptied its contents onto the conveyor belt already while you had been daydreaming. You nodded, feeling guilty for not helping, and rolled the cart to the opposite side of the registers.

When you returned, Hongbin already had half of the bags in his hands. You grabbed the rest and waited while he paid. When you looked at the total, you wanted to cry. It would take you a while to pay him back. Hongbin must have caught you looking and nudged you with his elbow.

"Don't worry. This is only a fraction of the amount we spend on food in our dorm. Come on."

You followed him out of the store and past a few buildings. Something caught your eye and you stopped. It was a flower shop. It must have opened while you were in the market because you didn't see it before. The wonderful scents from various flowers filled your nose and you took a deep breath. You automatically gravitated towards it. You vaguely heard Hongbin say your name but you were focused on the flowers. Rabbit hybrid had little control when it came to flowers. A multitude of colors filled your vision and a smile appeared on your face. When you reached the door a young woman hurried out, more flowers in hand. She couldn't have been much older than you and strikingly beautiful. She fit in well with her flowers. She placed the bucket on the pavement and took a deep breath. It took her a moment to notice you.

"Oh! Hello, welcome, come in if you like! I just opened so it's a bit crazy right now. Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"Um, not really. I just noticed the beautiful flowers and gravitated." You blushed in embarrassment but the woman smiled a knowing smile.

"Haha, I understand that. This shop is my baby. I built it from the ground up. It's growing quickly so I can't complain. But it's getting to be a bit much for just me sometimes." The woman laughed and you instantly wanted to help.

"Are you looking for workers?"

"Well, I would like to have at least one other person here. Being here by myself seven days a week is getting a bit much. I suppose I should put up a sign."

"I could help! I actually came out looking for a job today." The woman looked at you and she looked hopeful.

"Do you have any experience with flowers?"

"I do! I can show you!"

"Hmm....I tell you what. Make a small bouquet for me. If I like it, then you're hired!"

You almost jumped for joy and then you saw Hongbin in your peripheral vision. You had completely forgotten he was with you.

"Um, just a moment." She nodded and you ran over to Hongbin. You started to explain but he simply grabbed the bags you were holding.

"Go ahead. I'll wait for you. Take your time and do well, okay?"

"I will!" You practically bounced back over to the woman and clasped your hands together. "I'm ready."

"Good. Let's see.......I would like a bouquet that would be fitting for a first date. We get a ton of requests for that. What can you come up with?" The women's eyes shone with expectation and you wanted to cry in excitement.

You looked around the small shop and took a mental note of the different flowers on hand. After careful consideration, you began collection stems. In about ten minutes, you had a full bouquet prepared, complete with tissue paper wrapped around and a nice elegant bow. You picked up your bouquet and took it over to the woman. She was standing in front of a covered birdcage, cooing at its hidden resident. She noticed you were done and giggled.

"Sorry, I tend to get wrapped up in my adoration for Rook. He's a bird I rescued not long ago. So, what did you come up with?"

You handed the bouquet to her and she looked it over carefully. She nodded in appreciation and your heart jumped.

"Very nice, I like it. You even did well on the wrapping. I think we can work something out." The young woman struck out her hand and you shook it, excitedly.

"Thank you! Thank so much! You won't be disappointed!"

"Good! Why don't you come by day after tomorrow and we'll work out the details. Here," she handed the bouquet back to you, "you can take this with you."

You smile, almost unbelieving that you had actually found a job so quickly. You thanked the woman a couple hundred times before exiting the store to find Hongbin across the small street with the bags. You bounded over to him and showed him the bouquet.

"I got a job! And look, she let me keep the bouquet!"

"I heard! I'm really happy for you. The bouquet is just as beautiful as its maker." You both started walking back down the street towards the apartment. "I had no idea you had a talent for flowers."

"Hongbin......I'm a rabbit. It's practically instinct." You giggled, looking at your bouquet.

"Hmm, yes, I suppose it is. I'm happy for you. I'm also happy to see that smile on your face. Although.....I'm a little jealous."

You looked up at him in surprise. You followed him into the elevator and pressed the button for theb12th floor.

"Jealous? Why on earth would you be jealous? You're an international star. I'm just going to make flower arrangements."

"No, I mean that I'm jealous of the flowers. They were able to make you smile like that. I want to make you smile like that too."

Your heart skipped at his words. Fire spread throughout your cheeks and then you laughed.

"Don't worry, you make me happy, too, Hongbin." You opened the door to the apartment and took off your shoes. "I had a good time today. I felt normal. I seem to only be able to do that when you're around. So....thank you."

You turned to look at him when you reached the kitchen and you caught his eyes. They were that bright orange again and you were confused about the color. They weren't glowing. But they were different than his normal color.

"Hongbin...."

"Hmm?" He reached into the bags and removed the items to be put away.

"What are you thinking about right now?"

"What do you mean?" His eyebrows knitted together in question.

"Your eye color is strange."

"Oh....it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Considering that he may not want to talk about it, you didn't push the subject. All of the groceries were put away except for one bag that Hongbin had held the entire time. You assumed it was things for himself until he handed it to you. You turned your questioning eyes to him and he smiled.

"This one is yours. I got it just for fun but I guess now it can be in celebration of your new job.

You tentatively took the bag and looked inside. A quiet gasp escaped your throat. Inside the bag was about half of the display of candies and chocolates you had seen at the store.

"W-When did you......why?" You looked back in the bag and smiled widely.

"I felt your emotions when you saw the display. I wanted you to have them. I'll buy them for you everyday if you'll smile like that."

Overcome with emotion and gratefulness, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around his waist. It was the first time in your life you had willingly hugged a fox. But you wanted to and it felt great. You felt Hongbin's arms wrap around you in return. His embrace was warm and comforting. Silent tears escaped your eyes in gratitude.

"Thank you."

"Anytime." After you released him, Hongbin reached into the bag and took out one of the candies, unwrapped it, and held it up to you. You started to take it but he held it out of your reach and popped it into his mouth. Your own mouth opened in shock.

"I thought those were mine?!" You felt your eyes go red when you saw the candy disappear.

"What? You can't share?" He sighed and stepped closer to you. "Fine, I'll give it back."

Then he grabbed your face and lowered his head towards yours. You giggled and squealed, trying to avoid his method of giving the candy back. He was stronger than you, of course, but he had reigned in quite a bit of strength. Instead he was enjoying the play fight.

"You can keep it! Keep it!" You were giggling uncontrollably now and you could hear him laughing as well.

"Okay, I'll keep you." Hongbin's arms came around you and lifted you from the floor. You squeaked out a surprised sound again and tried to break free. Your arms were trapped between your body and his so you had no leverage. He carried you to the living room and plopped you down on the sofa. He stood back up and looked at you. His cheeks were flushed and he was still smiling. He looked the most attractive you had ever seen him and it caused your heart to beat double-time.

He must have heard it because his gaze traveled down to wear your heart would be and then back up.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just got a little overwhelmed. I haven't really played around like that in a long time. It felt good." It was the truth. You felt happy. But a different thought clouded your mind that ruined your mood.

"But...?"

"But, now, I'm waiting for something bad to happen."

Hongbin knelt down in front of the sofa as you rose up to a sitting position. His orange eyes held concern and....something you couldn't quite place.

"Why?"

"That's just the way it's been up until now." You shrugged and smiled ruefully. "I've always been an orphan. I've been running for my life for more years than I care to count. Up until now, my life was a series of ups and downs. But, mostly it's been down."

"Well, up until now, you didn't have me, right? So things will change. We'll live everyday happily and have a lot of fun.

You stared at him for what seemed like forever, but he didn't move. He was waiting for you to accept what he said. You suddenly thought of something that you wanted.

"Hongbin.....you know that thing you did last night?" He furrowed his brows in confusion so you explained. "When you took away the fear?"

"Yes, why?"

"H-How often-....I mean, when......um.....can you......"

"First time asking for something from someone?"

"Yes, so shut up." You glared at him but he only smiled at you. He was trying to make it easier for you but your pride was getting in the way.

"What would you like, y/n? I told you, you only need to ask." His eyes encouraged you to keep going. You took a deep breath and said everything all together.

"Canyoudothatagain....because......Ilikedit." You mumbled the last part, not confident in your emotions not to sound like an idiot.

"Y/N..." You looked back up at him and he sighed. "I'm going to ask you a question and I need you to be completely honest. It's very important that you answer truthfully."

"Yes, of course."

"Do you want me to do that because you want the feelings to go away or because you want me to kiss you?"

Your heart practically stopped. His blunt question caused your mind to go blank. What were you supposed to do? You knew the answer but could you even say it? You put your head down and picked at your fingernails.

"Both." You'd said it so quietly that even you weren't sure you'd said it.

"Y/N, look at me and answer." Hongbin's voice was commanding and you had no choice but to look up at him, wide eyed. "Now.....tell me."

You swallowed the lump in your throat and pushed back the doubts in your mind.

"Both."

"Please tell me you'll let me do that again."

#vixx fic #vixx #hongbin fic #Hongbin hybrid #fox Hongbin #hybrid vixx

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chronicfangirling · 5 years ago

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KDA In Excelsis: Ch19 (The King’s Avatar AU, CEO!Hakyeon, Gamer!Hongbin, VIXX x OCs ) Character Charts [x]

Hana entered the tent bar and gaped at the sight of Choi Sooyeon and Kim Minah, each clinging to one of Hongbin’s arms.

Before she could say anything, he cried: “This isn’t what it looks like!”

“No?” she raised an eyebrow.

“No!”

“Really... because it looks like they’re being annoying drunks and won’t let you leave.”

“Oh...” Hongbin nodded. “Then it’s exactly what it looks like.”

Sooyeon giggled, waving a fist to punch his chest, but ended up smacking him in the throat instead. “Uh-oh, you’re in trouble.”

Hongbin coughed, glaring at Sooyeon, then turned back to Hana, frowning. “You know what, I don’t have to explain anything to you.”

“I didn’t say you had to,” Hana sighed, walking to the tent bar lady to place an order. Suddenly, she heard him call from behind.

“Wait!--I don’t have to but I want to.”

Hana looked over her shoulder and met his gaze, both of them not saying anything.

Sooyeon broke the silence: “O-M-G, could you two like--fix your issues in private?!”

“We could have, if the two of you would stop clinging to me!” Hongbin shouted.

Hana walked over to the group, but before she could do anything, two dashing, well-dressed men burst into the tent bar at the same time. Hakyeon and Taekwoon attempted to elbow each other out of the way as they rushed to the table.

“What are you doing to Sooyeon?” Hakyeon screamed in an accusatory tone.

“What are you doing to Minah?” Taekwoon yelled at the same time.

“It’s obvious that they’re the ones who are doing something to him!” Hana cried, standing before the two men, her hands planted on her hips.

The two CEOs glanced at Sooyeon and Minah clinging to Hongbin, then bowed their heads sheepishly. “Oh, right...” Hakyeon murmured.

“Get your women off of me!” Hongbin demanded.

Hakyeon gulped, before launching into a rapid spiel: “Umm, well, she’s not really my woman, that is--I’m here in my capacity as a CEO who’s concerned for an employee...”

Pale skin flushed, Taekwoon stammered: “P-P-Preposterous, that’s so improper, didn’t you learn any manners--”

“These sempais are so useless sometimes...” Hana rolled her eyes, then spun around to stare down Sooyeon and Minah. “Are you two really not going to let him go??”

Sooyeon immediately released Hongbin and latched unto Hakyeon, nuzzling against his shoulder. “Hakyeonie!!”

Hakyeon gulped again. “Hakyeon...ie?”

Hana tapped her foot as she returned Minah’s scowl, without blinking. Finally, Minah wobbled away from Hongbin. “Pft, you deserve to sweat a little more for what you’ve been doing.”

Hana rolled her eyes again. “And what exactly is it that I’ve been doing?!”

Taekwoon had been hovering close to Minah, and stabilized her with a hand on her elbow. She looked at him, then her eyes closed and she fell against him.

He caught her, murmuring softly: “Kim Minah, are you... awake?”

“No.”

He blinked. “No?”

Her eyes still shut and her body limp in his arms, she said: “My friends told me to pretend to sleep when something like this happens.”

“Something like... what?”

“She means when a man she’s interested in helps her when she’s drunk, duh!” Sooyeon cackled, thumping at Hakyeon’s chest lightly with catpawed fists. Then she shook her head, swinging a catpaw at Taekwoon who was becoming redder by the second. “Aww, it’s really obvious that you’re a rich boy who inherited being CEO and didn’t earn it. You don’t seem very smart--eek!” She nearly fell when Minah pounced on her.

Minah yanked at the ends of Sooyeon’s scarf. “You take that back!”

Sooyeon managed to push the other woman away and hid behind Hakyeon, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Hakyeonie! I’m scared!”

Hana found herself stumbling a little when Hongbin shoved her behind him as Minah tried to lunge for Sooyeon again. “Weren’t you supposed to be asleep?” he snapped.

Minah paused, the wheels in her head almost visibly turning, and then she fell into Taekwoon’s arms again, making him turn so red he looked ready to burst.

“Princess, here you go! I cooked fresh tteokbokki for your order.” The tent bar lady arrived with three containers of tteokbokki.

Hongbin snatched it, up and away of Hana’s reach, and paid for it with his free hand. Taking the old order of tteokbokki, he dumped it on Hakyeon. “You dispose of this, because this was your woman’s waste.”

Leaving Hakyeon to blubber his protests, Hana and Hongbin walked out of the stall and were met by Mingyu, BamBam, and Yugyeom, all pouting at Hongbin.

“You ditched Mom and us so you can hang out with two other women?!” Mingyu shrieked.

Leaving Hongbin to complain on his own, Hana took one of the tteokbokki boxes and shared it with Yugyeom and BamBam, walking away.

Behind them, Mingyu was howling: “Explain!”

“I don’t have to explain to you and I don’t want to explain to you.” Hongbin retorted, following them.

There was a scuffle and a choked rebuke from Hongbin when Mingyu caught him in a headlock and dragged him on the way. “Explain!”

“He’s like a violent puppy!” Hongbin groaned.

“Yeah,” Hana agreed. “I think he takes after you in that regard.”

Hongbin scoffed and Mingyu shoved him away, both of them yelling: “No way!”

BamBam looked them up and down, before declaring: “Yes way.”

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