#I don't need any others calling to me in the night

[storiesaplenty]

Miscellaneous Masterlist

Just like all my other stories, this has not been proofread, but please enjoy.

Warnings: Oral (m receiving) Cum swallowing. Reader is a bit naive due to a sheltered upbringing.

WC : 956

©️ storiesaplenty 2025: do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work.

"Come on now love. No need to be shy. Go on." I said to her as I ran my fingers through her hair.

I could feel how nervous she was as she kneeled before me.

She bit her lip as she most likely contemplated how she even ended up in this position.

The moment she moved in, I was drawn to her.

The eldest daughter of religious man and wife, who kept their daughters on a short leash.

Never once I have seen them spend any time with someone that isn't a member of the family.

But one day, oh one day she was alone.

I saw her walking along her family's property line, as the sun as just set.

"Hello there neighbour." I called out in a friendly tone, making her jump as she was not expecting anyone all the way out here.

Before she could even respond, I could hear her father's annoying voice call out her name, telling her to come back home.

She gave me a soft smile, like she was apologizing for being rude, as she never even got to introduce herself to me, but I already knew her name.

I knew everything about her after watching her for weeks now.

"May I ask what your name is? My name is Remmick."

She looked back over her shoulder, and then back at me, quickly telling me her name.

"Aaa, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

Her eyes went wide at me complimenting her, then muttering about how she must leave.

I waved goodbye as she ran back to her home, fighting ever urge I had not to chase after her and make her mine, but I knew if I waited, I would have her eating out of the palm of my hand.

And I did wait.

I went back to her property line every night, and there she was, waiting for me.

Each night she told me about herself and her family.

I told her bits and pieces about me, which slowly gained her trust, but she was still very naive about the world, due to her overprotective parents.

The first time I kissed her, she gasped, pulling back.

"What is the matter darlin'?"

"My momma said that kissing a man who I am not married too is a sin."

"Now, if it is so sinful, why do I want to keep kissing you?" I asked before kissing her again, this time deepening the kiss.

I laid us down in the tall grass, my body leaning over top of hers as we made out.

I pulled back, knowing she needed air. Her eyes were closed as I pulled my head away.

"Now, we don't have to do that again, but I sure do want too." Her eyes slowly opened as she nodded her head in agreement.

Each night, I pushed the the boundary with her just a little bit until this very moment.

Where I have her on her knees, her lips swollen with kisses, her eyes glazed over as she looked up at me as I pulled my cock out of my pants.

Her hands gripping my thighs as she watched me, never missing a moment.

"Now, just take the tip in your mouth and softly suck. No remember, no teeth love." If I could breathe, I would most likely be holding in my breath as I watched her slowly lean in and do as I say.

The moment her sweet lips, wrapped around the tip of my cock, I let out a low groan, wanting nothing more than to push her head down and fuck her face, but that time will come.

"You're doing so well for me." I cooed as I patted her cheek gently.

She tried to smile around my cock.

"Go on now, take me down your throat until you can't anymore. Take your time."

She took a deep breath and took another inch in her mouth, her eyes on me the whole time, as mine were on her, not wanting to miss a moment of this.

She went until she gagged, pulling her head back so my cock was no longer in her mouth.

"That's okay love, we will work on that." She gave me a confused look as I urged her to continue what she was doing.

I kept my noises low as she sucked me off, not wanting to draw any attention to the two of us or this game will be over and I was so close to finishing.

"Now, I am going to cum, and you are going to swallow it all." I warned her, not wanting to hold back any longer.

I knew by her confused look on her face that she had no idea what I was talking about.

That was until the first rope of my cum hit the back of her throat.

She wanted to pull away, but I just held her head there, moaning her name over and over again.

"Shit darlin' you did so well for me." I told her as I pulled my cock from her mouth.

She wiped her mouth with the hem of her dress. "What was that?"

Poor little thing, she really is sheltered from the world, so I told her.

"But, but." I placed my finger on her lips, shushing her.

"Now did you like that?"

She nodded her head, yes.

"We can do it again or we can do something else." I could smell her. She was turned on, and probably had no idea she even was.

"What?" She asked.

"You shall see tomorrow love."

Tomorrow, she will be mine in more ways than one.

part 2 coming soon.

[iamgonnagetyouback]

MATTHEO RIDDLE ౨ৎ.ᐟ

• drabbles

I NEED MY PAMPERING ౨ৎ mattheo is completely obsessed with you and your high-maintenance ways. he loves spoiling you, but the moment you stop pampering him, he turns into the neediest boyfriend alive. today, you're just trying to do your makeup, but mattheo has other plans—mainly, being the center of your attention

THIRD WHEELING ౨ৎ you and mattheo go out for a nice date, but theo shows up and won’t stop ranting about quidditch. what starts as a quiet night quickly turns into a battle for mattheo’s attention, with you and theo trading insults about your boyfriend’s annoying habits. mattheo’s just left confused and caught in the middle

KINDA WANNA CUDDLE ౨ৎ mattheo looks unfairly soft in the morning, all messy curls and slow breaths, and you can’t help but stare. the moment is perfect—until theo rips open the curtains, groaning about how much he hates couples

PAINT MY SOUL TO BE WITH YOU ౨ৎ mattheo paints a portrait of you, something he’s never shown anyone before. when you see it, he’s nervous, but you love it—and him—more than anything

I LOVE THE WAY YOU CALL ME 'LOVE' ౨ৎ you pass mattheo a book, barely looking up as you say, ��here you go, love.” simple. casual. nothing to dwell on. except mattheo is sitting there, ears burning, heart stuttering, already spiraling. what does this mean? do you call everyone that? were you always something? is he imagining things? what were you guys now? merlin, he’s doomed

• oneshots

YOU'RE MY IDIOT ౨ৎ you told mattheo to branch out and make new friends, but now that he has, you can’t shake the ugly feeling in your chest. you know you shouldn’t be jealous, but the thought of him with someone else is driving you insane

YOU LIKE ME? I LIKE YOU ౨ৎ ever since you met mattheo, you've sworn he was the most oblivious idiot alive. but when nearly headless nick’s deathday party brings jealousy, stolen glances, and one too many lingering touches, you start to wonder—maybe you’re just as clueless as he is

• prompt based

STAY IN THE LAVENDER SHAMPOO HAZE ౨ৎ ever since you started dating mattheo, he’s been obsessed with the way you smell, always nuzzling into your hair like a love-drunk puppy. but when you run out of your shampoo, he grieves—all pouty lips and big doe eyes, clinging to you like it’s the end of the world, demanding extra kisses to to help him get through this trying time

YOUR RESIDENT GUARD DOG ౨ৎ ever since you met mattheo, you knew he had a temper. but when some creep at a party gets too close to you, he completely snaps. now you're in his dorm, everyone yelling, but all you can think about is how pretty he looks when he's angry

PULL ME IN AND DON'T LET ME GO ౨ৎ ever since mattheo realized how perfectly you fit in his arms, he’s made it his life’s mission to keep you there—chin on your shoulder, arms snug around your waist, trailing soft kisses up your neck like it’s his favorite thing to do. and really, it is

• au list

mattheo riddle x potter!reader

• headcannons

soft!mattheo riddle

❪ LINKS.ᐟ❫ — main masterlist ☆ navigation ☆ cameos ☆ au list ☆ guidelines

©iamgonnagetyouback౨ৎ please refrain from copying, translating, or reposting any of my work

[hbatfam98]

I have a headcannon that Batman is The supportive father.

In the normal sense that he would support his kids in whatever path they choose (vigilante, doctor, anything that's not a straight up war criminal really), supports and funds all their hobbies and passions and after seeing how hesitant the first kid to come out to him was, had pride flags hanging in every corner of the batcave, made pride pins that were safe to wear with their vigilante uniforms and maybe even brings back rainbow batman for a day if any of his kids were having a really hard time.

But also, he absolutely refuses to critique/scold any of his kids in public/in front of others.

Dick skips school because a travelling circus is coming to Gotham and claims his absence is because of a family emergency? (He doesn't know how to explain to Bruce that yes it will hurt to see the performers but it would also feel like returning home. That even though he loves his life now he still missed being in the circus) When the school calls Bruce that night, Bruce lectures Dick on the importance of honesty and "next time just tell me you want to go to the circus chum, I'd have sorted it out. I hope u had fun kid and... if u want, only if u want, we could go to one together sometime? I heard there was a show in Bludhaven next week..." Then the next day Bruce drops Dick off at his class and walks into that school sobbing, blubbering about how his emotional support cat had died and it was a miracle Dick was able to return to school so soon.

Bruce gets called down to a fancy store because Jason, who was wearing his old clothes, got accused of shoplifting? Bruce is there in seconds lecturing the store owner about how disgusting it was to judge his son based on his clothes, until littleJay tugs on his shirt and whispers "I did it." After which he lectures the store owner for having the checkout at the wrong place in the store, that's why his precious boy got confused! (And in the meantime discreetly slips Jason a $200 bill) "Did you even ask my kid if he had the money or did u just assume huh? Oh you didn't ask? Well why don't you ask him now Mr.Prick?" and Jason gleefully shows him the bill. Then in the car ride back home Jason admits that he was trying to steal the pretty pen because he wanted to give Bruce a nice present for father's day but he didn't have enough saved up and Bruce lectures him on honesty, trust and "I don't need an expensive gift sweetheart. Having u with me, to celebrate father's day with and knowing that u wanted to do something nice for me is all I need. .. the second best gift would be if u would give me a private showing of ur big speech in your school play?" (And that's how the tradition of Jason performing some monologue from his current favourite play every father's day started)

And the lectures/scolding for his kids only happening in private carries over to their vigilante life too. Batman will point out any mistake made by JL, in front of the criminals they are currently in the process of apprehending. Reading any post mission report he wrote feels like being back at school and getting back an assignment covered in red ink.

Then the younger heroes start joining. Now, the batkids are trained well - they make fewer mistakes than most of the JL - but mistakes still happen.

Nightwing makes the wrong judgement call and one of the criminals almost gets away. The JL members hold their breath as Batman drags the criminal back, ready to step in if he's too harsh. "Sorry Bats, I thought it was the right call to make" Dick mutters disappointed with himself and all Batman says is "it happens." The next day Batman advices Nightwing on what to consider when making those decisions and how to train yourself to make them in the moment. The post mission report just reads "one criminal slipped away but was apprended moments later. More manpower would have been optimal for this mission"

In the middle of another mission the rushed voice of Oracle comes through the comms, "they've hacked our comms, I wasn't fast enough to stop them. I am turning comms off now so our communications aren't compromised." *Click* The JL have to rely on silent communication and guesswork to complete the rest of the mission. Once it's over, Batman pull out his cellphone, "Oracle, we have completed the mission. Everyone is safe. Do u need help regaining control of our comms?" When they make it back to the watchtower, Batman stays by Oracle's side and they figure out what the weak point was and how to keep it better protected. The post mission report just reads, "Comms was compromised. JL should train in silent communication to be better prepared for such circumstances."

Older JL members are so jeealouss. After these incidents, when he was lecturing one of the members post mission he hears some of them mutter about favouritism. But it wasn't exactly favouritism...

Which they realise when Kid Flash, sent to scout out a location beforehand misses a hidden latch. In the middle of the 'negotiation', goons spring out of the secret room and attack. Once they are all tied up, Batman stalks over to Kid Flash - whose adrenaline was coming down and it was dawning on him that this only happened because he missed something. "I'm so sorry Mr. Ba-" "Show me your arm kid" Batman says as he folds up Wally's arm so he can better examine where Wally had skinned his elbow when he fell during the fight - it wasn't even really bleeding. Still Batman is thorough in making sure it is properly disinfected and bandaged up and when Wally tries to apologise again during this he says, "It's a secret room kid, it was meant to be easy to miss." When they're back at the watchtower, Batman pulls Wally aside to lecture him about how it's better to slow down and take a few extra seconds when needed, and then hands him a file with all the tricks Batman had learnt to spot things that are not quite right more easily. The post mission report just reads, "was ambushed by 5 attackers, they were subdued in 8 minutes. JL should have more trainings im responding to ambushes."

Batman never wanted children (not just his) to be so afraid of his reaction that they wouldn't come to him for help if they had made a mistake. Yes, they will have to suffer through lectures if they made a mistake that could have been easily avoided, but that will always only happen after everything gets sorted out and everyone is in a safe place again. Soon, much to the confusion and shock of older JL members, young heroes, though hesitantly, regularly go to Batman to ask for advice.

[feelslikefreenow]

begging for u to write about post crash nat, maybee bailing her out ?? (the mugshot pic 🤞)

·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ one call ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

wc: 800

definitely gonna make several parts to this, this is just the initial buildup lol...also not proofread but whateverrr

“alright. you get one call.”

natalie let out a sigh-rubbing her eyes, smudging her eyeshadow as she tried to recall any phone number other than her mothers.

as the guard walked off, she was left standing against the beige wall under white lighting. she already felt a migraine settling in. the coke was definitely not helping.

the night had been a blur. somewhere between drinking and lines, she had picked a fight with some girl on the dance floor-telling her to back the fuck up with a sneer.

she didn't really want to fight. honestly, the girl wasn't even that close. nat knew she wouldn't win, even when she threw the first punch. the girl was taller than her, although not particularly strong, was able to land a couple hits.

some club security separated the two, still shouting obscenities at each other, and from there, natalie was really sure what had happened. she had been told she was being charged with possession of illegal substances and aggravated assault on an officer.

before she could stop herself, she found her fingers pressing down on your number. god, it was stupid, she thought to herself as she lifted the phone up and brought it to her ear. she fidgeted with the cord, nervously pushing back her cuticles with her thumb as the phone continued to ring.

“hello?” you yawn out quietly.

“hey. it's…it's me.” natalie says, suddenly taking the phone with two hands.

“nat?”

“hi.” she says quickly.

“...jesus. why are you…calling me?” shuffling comes from your line, she presumes you're getting out of bed.

“um, i need some help.”

“what's wrong? are you ok?” you ask.

“not exactly. listen, im at, um…” she looks for a sign-quickly finding the name of the prison she was too disoriented to search for during her time in the cell. “oakbridge county jail. are you in jersey?” she asks, as if it's the most casual thing in the world.

“fuck. nat, why are you in jail?”

“can you just come?” she breathes into the phone. the question lingers for a moment.

“ill be there in twenty.” you click the line off, and she continues to hold the phone in her hands, hesitantly bringing it down from her face. the guard walks back over as she hangs the phone on the wall.

natalie gives him a glare as he steps behind her, guiding her back to the cell. “i want my fuckin’ lawyer.” she mutters as she walks behind the bars.

the guard lets out a huff-his face aged, he's a stout man with gray hair. “you told us that already.”

maybe a little less than twenty minutes later, maybe because you were speeding, you arrived at the prison, making awkward small talk with the guards as you waited.

seeing her for the first time since rescue, it wasn't a great sign your first thought was “she looks thin”. her cheeks were sunken in and she looked exhausted-though that might've been on account of night you assumed she just had.

she didn't hug you. she didn't say a word, actually. but this didn't surprise you. you whispered a quiet thank you to the guards as she walked alongside you, outside. the clouds were out, covering the moon, and there was a light mist as you both hurriedly walked towards the car. thank god you parked close.

it felt like by the time you climbed into the car, it began to downpour. you buckle your seatbelt, the silence still hanging between you. you look up to find her staring at you.

you take your hands away from the buckle, resting against the seat. “nat…”

“spare me.” she says, buckling her seatbelt. “i don't need a lecture.”

“oh, but you needed a ride, right?” you snap back, starting the car.

she hadn't seen this side of you-well, hadn't seen you, in almost a year now. whatever was going on between you too, she seemed to want no further part in it immediately after you were both rescued. it was a rule between the yellowjackets to stay away from each other.

maybe it was gravity pulling you back.

as you drive down the road, you approaching your street, turning on your blinker. you're lucky you remembered the way after all this time.

“wait.” she said.

quickly you turned off your blinker and continued back ahead. “are you ok?” you ask, looking over at her.

she bites her lip hesitantly and fidgets with her hands. “...can i stay at yours tonight?”

you're surprised at her request but look back at her with concern in your eyes. “yeah. yeah, of course you can.”

you give her a half convincing smile which she doesn't return.

[koyagifs]

𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧

━━━ pairing: xavier x reader x sylus ━━━ au: non mc ━━━ genre: angst no comfort ━━━ word count:1.4k ━━━ synopsis: everything's on fire, panic in the streets. ━━━ warning(s): description of wound, blood. major character death! i fear you may need tissues.

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You felt like you were burning alive.

Your breath came in ragged gasps as you pressed your trembling hand against the gash in your side, the warmth of your own blood seeping through your fingers. You ducked lower behind the jagged rock, desperate for even a sliver of cover.

This was supposed to be simple.

Clear the Wander. Get home. Pack your bags for that long-overdue vacation with Sylus — the one you had both been looking forward to for months.

But now?

Now your vision blurred at the edges, tears stinging your eyes as grim reality set in. You weren’t going to make it.

Your heart thundered in your chest, panic clawing at your ribs as you heard it — the heavy, scraping footsteps of the Wander, drawing closer. Sniffing you out like prey already half-dead.

You bit down hard on your lip, stifling a whimper as another wave of pain tore through you. Every breath felt like fire in your lungs. Every second felt like borrowed time.

No backup. No way out.

Not this time.

With trembling fingers, you pulled your phone from your pocket, smearing the screen with blood as you fumbled to dial Sylus’s number. Your heart ached when he picked up on the very first ring, his familiar voice a small flicker of warmth in the cold dread settling over you.

“Well, that was rather quick, sweetheart. Should I head out to pick you up?”

A strangled, broken sob tore from your throat before you could stop it. The sound made Sylus go still, all the teasing warmth draining from his voice in an instant.

"Wait—what's wrong?" His tone sharpened, urgency bleeding through every word. "Talk to me."

Your breath hitched, your vision swimming as you pressed harder against the wound, trying to buy yourself just a few more precious seconds.

But it was getting harder to hold on. The edges of your vision darkened, your breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. With a shaky voice, you forced the words out, every syllable laced with pain and finality.

"I love you... so, so much, Sy."

There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line, as if time itself had frozen. Then his voice came back, sharp and frantic, stripped of all its usual calm.

"No. No, no—don’t you dare say it like it’s goodbye," Sylus snapped, his panic barely held at bay. "You hold on, do you hear me? I’m coming. I’m coming."

You let out a weak, tearful laugh, your body trembling as the cold seeped deeper into your bones.

"I tried," you whispered, your lips quivering. "I really tried to be strong, but... I don't think I can make it this time."

“Don’t say that!” His voice cracked, raw and desperate. "Stay awake—please, stay with me. You’re almost home. I swear, just a little longer."

The sound of him breaking on the other end of the line twisted the knife deeper in your heart. If this was the end, you wanted the last thing you heard to be his voice, carrying you into the dark.

“Sy…lus…” you murmured, your voice barely a breath on your lips, but you couldn’t finish. The weight of exhaustion, of pain, of everything left unsaid dragged you down.

You drew in a shallow, trembling breath — your last — and let it slip away into the cold night air.

Your body went still, heavy with the weight of everything left unspoken.

The only sound that remained was Sylus’s voice, still crackling desperately from the fallen phone. His pleas were broken, raw with panic and fear.

“Please, sweetheart... answer me. Please,” his voice fractured, barely holding together. But there was no answer.

Only silence. The kind of silence that screams louder than any words ever could.

“Let’s go, Xavier! We’ve got an emergency!” MC called out, urgency tight in her voice as she grabbed his arm and pulled him along.

Xavier followed close behind, but something in his chest twisted painfully. A gnawing unease coiled in his gut, a quiet voice screaming at him beneath the rush of adrenaline.

As they arrived at the scene, his breath caught.

A dark, winding trail of blood stained the ground, dragging toward the shadows. His pulse thundered in his ears, a chill spidering down his spine.

His instincts clawed at him — check it out, now. But before he could move, the Wander let out a guttural roar, snapping him out of his haze.

Everything else fell away. His mind emptied, falling into the familiar rhythm of combat. Focus. Survive. Eliminate the threat.

And yet, even as he fought, his eyes kept darting toward that blood trail, a cold dread anchoring deep in his heart.

Just as Xavier was about to land the finishing blow, a sudden crimson mist sliced through the air like a storm of rage and grief. In an instant, the Wander was reduced to nothing but ash.

Xavier froze mid-strike, eyes wide, heart lodged in his throat.

MC gasped beside him, taking an instinctive step back.

Through the settling haze, they saw him — the unmistakable figure emerging like a phantom of fury.

The leader of Onychinus.

Sylus.

Sword still dripping with blood, his shoulders heaving as if barely holding himself together, Sylus walked past them without a word. His eyes were wild, but behind that wild fire, there was something worse — unshed tears, brimming to the edge of breaking.

Xavier’s hands tightened on his weapon, shifting to a defensive stance out of reflex. But his mind was a storm of questions and dread.

Sylus didn’t even spare them a glance. His focus was locked ahead, toward a jagged rock stained dark with blood — and something lying motionless behind it.

Xavier’s breath hitched as realization clawed at his chest, dread sinking in like ice.

No. No, it can’t be—

Sylus dropped to his knees at your side, his breath ragged as trembling fingers hovered just above your still form, too afraid to touch, too afraid to confirm what his heart already knew. His lips parted, but no words came at first — only a choked, broken sound clawing its way from his throat.

Then, your name fell from his lips in a desperate chant. Again. And again. And again.

As if sheer will alone could tear you back from the brink.

MC gasped, sharp and strangled, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as her eyes filled with tears. She shook her head in disbelief, unable to tear her gaze away from you — from the blood that had already begun to dry, from the stillness that screamed of finality.

Beside her, Xavier's grip on his sword loosened until it slipped from his grasp, falling to the ground with a dull clatter that felt deafening in the suffocating silence.

His chest tightened painfully as he stared, wide-eyed and horrified. The sight of you — someone so full of life — now reduced to this lifeless form, it tore through him like a blade. He wanted to move, to do something, anything, but his legs felt like stone, his mind reeling with shock and disbelief.

Sylus’s shoulders shook as he swallowed hard, his breath hitching. Slowly, hesitantly, he lowered his hand to cradle your face, his thumb gently brushing your cheek as though you might stir at his touch.

But you remained still.

Guilt gnawed at Xavier’s insides like a relentless beast, clawing and tearing as he forced himself to step closer. But his feet froze mid-step, breath catching in his throat, when he saw Sylus gently, reverently scoop you into his arms.

The way Sylus held you — like you were the most fragile, precious thing in the world — shattered something deep inside Xavier. His chest felt tight, painfully so, as if something sharp had lodged itself beneath his ribs.

No. No, this wasn’t real.

You’re dead.

The horrifying truth slammed into him over and over, like crashing waves that refused to let him surface for air.

A haze clouded his mind as fragmented memories swirled into focus.

When was the last time he heard your voice?

His heart twisted violently in his chest.

When was the last time he actually talked to you — really talked to you, not just passing words between missions? He strained to remember, but his mind blanked, his thoughts slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.

Had he ignored the signs? Brushed off your pain? Was there something he could have done?

A harsh breath tore from him, frustration and self-loathing mixing into a heavy lump in his throat.

Sylus cradled you tighter, his forehead pressing to yours as if trying to will your soul back into your body. His silent tears traced down his face, falling onto your cheeks like a futile attempt to wake you from this nightmare.

Xavier’s fists clenched at his sides until his knuckles turned white.

He had failed you. They all had.

taglist: @justpassingdontworry @dstrctaya @rena-library @boredgirls-things @girlwith-kalei-do-scope-eyes @jellypear @debrahhhhhhh @taytayy178 @cheezeandkrackers @bubbleteakittyy @lighting-and-shadow @aysmesays @chocochip-gaia @sylustoru @sleepykittyenergy @ruyaya @lifumi @angelichiaro @viqlume @mizifrog @loreleis-world @animegamerfox

[itzpookiepooh]

hi! I love how you write Zayne's character, it's the most that I've seen that is true to who he is in the game. I don't know if you write for just one Li specifically but if you do can I ask your take on Zayne with a partner who has a similar attitude to him, but slightly more expressive (?). This is me projecting as the eldest daughter of an Asian fam who gets told too much that me liking Zayne the most wasn't anything short of expected. thanks a bunch!

Thank you so much! I write for all of them and I try my best to make it match something they would say or do even if I might go outside the lines a little 😅 I can try my best to write this! 🤍

Similar

You and Zayne are in sync

You and Zayne have known each other for a long time. In that time you’ve pretty much been attached at the hip. Your friend group teases you guys about basically being the same person in different bodies because you guys act so similar. So it wasn’t unexpected when you both started dating. You guys fit like puzzle pieces in each other’s lives.

Now don’t get it confused your attitudes towards things are similar not you both being a carbon copy. What solidifies this? One night you and Zayne decided to take your much needed day off and spend it going out trying different foods and enjoying one of Linkon’s many festivals. In between many sweet treats that Zayne allowed both of you to indulge in, his toothaches causing him to completely freeze. You stared at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Are you alright?” You ask him waiting for a response as he rolls his shoulders, shaking off the uncomfortable feeling.

“Fine.” He brushes you off making you blink at him. Of course you didn’t believe him. You really didn’t believe him because you knew recently he got a call from his dentist telling him about his cavity. Zayne usually kept up with his hygiene but that’s hard to do when you love sweets as much as he does.

“Lying isn’t a good trait to have.” You tease him. He eyes you not making a sound. He was trying to figure out what to say next.

“Who says I’m lying?” He stands taller making you shake your head. You push your index finger into the space between his eyebrows.

“Your dentist.” You bluntly state but he refuses to give in until you restrict his sweets.

“If you don’t take it seriously now you’ll be eating mashed carrots by the time you’re 35.” You inform him making him grimace at the thought.

“It’s one toothache. You’re also exaggerating.” He states clasping his hands together. You copy his action as seriousness is written all over your face.

“Am I?” You challenge—he stares at you as if testing you as well. You raise an eyebrow at him to which he just straightens himself out. You treated him exactly how he treated you in times like this and made him slow down on the sweets he was eating.

Another time you matched his attitude was when you guys were bickering. Not arguing, not yelling just both bickering. His tone doesn’t go any higher and neither does yours. You both stop before you sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose.

“I don’t want to fight with you.” He tells you sincerely. You put your hand down giving him your full attention. All of his emotions in his eyes.

“I don’t want to fight with you either.” You reassured him. You both stand there for a moment before you give him a small smile and grab his hand to which he laces them together.

“We can figure out a solution later. Let’s take a breather and come back with solutions.” He explains to you to which you agree with a smile. He kisses your forehead as a way of letting you know all is well.

I really hope this is good ☹️

[magnus-marmot]

Luke's band names

A friend asked me if I've looked at Luke's band names through an alchemy lens, so I gave it a thought and figured I'd share my two pennies on it here as well.

Luke's current bands are called Dredgerman and Penny for the Well. A dredgerman is someone who hauls up soil and sediment from the bottom of a body of water. So there's an immediate connection to deep water and uncovering something hidden. Wells carry similar connotations, as the bottom of the well is a common metaphor for dark, secret things that will never see the light of day. This is evoking some lunar symbolism, since we're dealing with darkness, water and secrets. Additionally, pennies were originally made from silver (=Luna).

If we expand the discussion to my other theories, I consider Luna to be the force that reflects your dark, inner needs (your unconscious shadow) and manifests it into reality. Which just sort of happens to align perfectly with the idea of a (distorted) wishing well. I also think Luna is measured by the H value in DPHW, some cases that rank pretty high on that are the Archivist ones (6, 6 and 7). Makes sense, as the Archivist is literally just a mirror to its victim's trauma. But it just so happens that we met the first Archivist victim right after Luke's concert. I don't necessarily think they are literally connected, but I do think they are thematically or narratively connected.

This is less relevant to me, but they later started to make pennies out of copper, which in alchemy relates to Venus or water. And both of the band names deal in water themes. But water by itself has an endless number of meanings, and I'd be here all night if I got into those. In TMAGP it seems to mostly signify dissolution, and it's got consistent ties to the psychological unconscious. The most appropriate metaphor seems to be the "mercurial water/sea", which I've talked about in other posts.

Anyway, I don't know what this means for the plot. Luke is probably under some lunar influences, which probably won't end well for him. But when does it ever? Oh, and I looked into Bullets for Saint Sebastian as well, but couldn't find any alchemy-adjacent symbolism. Though I did discover that Saint Sebastian became a gay icon so that's good.

[dammit-tazmuir]

Guess who's working on a project... May update these a bit more, and MANY more to come later!

Few concepts under the cut and while I have several ideas already I am potentially open to suggestion!

I'm imagining basically the same story but ponies. Necromancy is a type of magic and all ponies have some kind of magic; as such, unicorns make stronger, more versatile necromancers, but not all necromancers are unicorns and vice versa. (Lyctors are alicorns.)

They will all have Pony Names, I just haven't decided on all of them quite yet. Open to suggestionnnnns.

Note that while I push boundaries in some places, like gendered traits or Gideon's markings, my goal is generally to make pony designs that would fit within Gen 4 canon, because I actively enjoy working within such tight constraints and trying to pack as much information as I can into very few options. ---THIRD---

I will probably redo Babs' cutie mark, I'm just not fully sure as what yet. Swords might end up being a symbol for cavalierhood despite not literally being used, but still debating. Also still working on his name but "Riposte" might be part? ("Babs" is also canonically used pony name and will probably stay his nickname lmao.)

Ianthe's name is Solar Flare, or rather, she's changed it slightly to Solar Flair, to match Corona and slightly downplay herself. ("Solar Flare" follows the naming convention for super extra magical wizard unicorns, i.e. Twilight Sparkle/etc.) Babs sometimes calls her Solar Glare.

Corona's is Moonstruck Flair and she also goes by Moony. Earth Pony necromancers do exist, but the type of magic Ianthe does needs to match what Corona would be doing.

Moony is still in many ways bright and sunny, and Solar still pale and preferring the shadows, so their marks partly reflect their devotion for each other. But it's also Solar's sheer strength of magic, as well as eight spokes foreshadowing the Eighth Saint, and Moony's dazzling nature and ability to both captivate people and be a light in the darkness by playing diplomat or boosting morale, and, you know. Corona actually reflecting Ianthe's light rather than having any of her own.

Both marks have hearts in them, Solar's upside down. ---NINTH---

Harrow's mark isn't just a skull, but a bunch of hearts. She got it the first time she saw The Body. :3 She will insist you're seeing things but secretly treasures the evidence that her love and devotion are true and powerful.

I'm thinking something with "Nocturn" for her name, since it's both night-related and church-related.

Gideon got her stupid mismatched sock markings and her stupid too-bright oranges and her gaudy tricolor hair. Her markings definitely don't hold any secrets or hints whatsoever of course.

Her tail was initially just me wanting a short and practical style but different than Harrow's and a Little Bit Special for a Protagonist, so I figured this would give me all that and also let me give her a "Careful, I kick!" red ribbon hehe. At the time I hadn't planned on more than one mane/tail color so I didn't realize until I was lining my sketch that— Oh. Oh it can also read as a lit fuse on a BOMB lmaooo. Which did ofc later inspire the tricolor too.

:3 I know what her Cutie Mark is going to be, she just doesn't have it yet. To start, she's an adult blankflank, and everyone has told her her entire life to stop expecting to find any purpose because clearly she doesn't have one, she's lucky to be of any use to anyone. Of course she has to wear a big dark cloak around Canaan partly to hide her inadequacy.

[shyxcherry]

Affair of the Heart Part 2

summary: you had been Seonghwa’s secretary for 6 months. 3 of those months you had been secretly seeing each other. things were going well between the two of you and work. that was until Seonghwa’s father says that it is time for him to get married of someone of his choosing. will Seonghwa go against his father and stay with you? or will he do what he has always done and listen?

pairing: CEO!Seonghwa X Secretary!OC 

genre/warning: fluff, angst, smut, very down bad seonghwa

word count: 6.4k

note: finally a part 2! enjoy!

"You know, I am really glad you decided to move closer to me. Even though you are an idiot."

You threw the pillow in your lap at Chae as she insults you. She wasn't paying attention to you causing the pillow to smack her in the face. She lets out a dramatic gasp as the pillow landed in her lap, nearly knocking over her wine.

"How dare you abuse me like this? After everything we have been through?"

"Stop being dramatic." You roll your eyes as Chae throws the pillow back to you. "You can also stop being mean at any time."

"How is it being mean if it is the truth? I know you're suffering." Chae looked at you. You avoid her gaze and put on a fake smile.

"What do you mean? I'm doing great." You lie. "I have a good new job, a nice apartment, and I live down the street from you. What else would I need?"

"You really want me to answer that?"

You pull the pillow up to your chest as you avoid her gaze once again. It has been a month since you left Seonghwa. A month since you have been happy. He messaged and called you every day until you blocked him on every platform. You hated doing this to him. You just had to keep reminding yourself that this is what is best for him. He already found someone better. Someone who didn't run away.

The news that the media released two weeks ago has turned your world upside down. Seonghwa was getting married. Park Enterprise had announced that their biggest bachelor was off the market. With no other than Jiyun. You cried yourself to sleep that night. You still do, but the alcohol helps numb the pain.

You were able to get a new job fairly quick after moving. It is nothing as good as your last job, but it paid the bills. You aren't anyone's assistant anymore. You worked in a small cubicle surrounded by many other people. You only had to go in at least once a week. You were allowed to work from home the other days. You liked that you mostly worked by yourself in the comfort of your home. You didn't need anyone to see you suffer. It also kept you from getting close to anyone again. Not that anyone could replace the man who has your heart.

"I could use another drink." You answer. You don't miss her glare as you grab your glass and stand up. You walk over to the kitchen to fill your glass with more wine. This would be your third glass. You let out a sigh as you take a long chug of wine. You could finally feel yourself relax.

"Am I going to have to cut you off?" Chae walked into the kitchen. You look up at her before laughing.

"I'm fine."

"Yes, because drinking a bottle of wine every night means your fine."

"It helps me forget." You mumble quietly taking another sip of wine. You didn't think she heard you, but the drop in her expression told you otherwise.

"(Y/N)," Chae sighs. "When are you going to stop torturing yourself?"

"For the rest of my life. You read the announcement. He's getting married. Married to someone I could never compare to." You answer.

"And I bet that if you walked back into his lift, he would leave her in a heartbeat."

You nod your head. "I know, but I'm not going to do it."

"You are the most stubborn person I have ever met." Chae groaned.

"It's the right thing to do." You say but stop when Chae mimics you word for word. "Is that really necessary?"

Chae looks at you. "Besides your typical answers, why are you doing this? Why are you hurting yourself and Seonghwa by leaving?"

You look at her before moving your gaze. You go to take another sip of wine, but Chae grabs it before you do. "Give it back."

"He's not your parents, you know?"

"Don't." You glare at her. She knew better than to bring up your parents. She was there. She saw how much that hurt you. She was the one who helped pick you up, piece by piece.

"You think you're smart, but I see right through you. You're scared to go back. Now that he knows how you feel, you're scared he'll leave you." Chae stops talking as she sees the tears well in your eyes. You blink fast before the tears have a chance to fall. "He is not like that. You've seen the photos of him. He looks miserable."

"That makes two of us."

She was right. The media has been following Seonghwa like madmen since his engagement announcement. You could see the dark circles under his eyes that his team as tried to cover up. You could see the dark, emotionless eyes that lack the light and love that he had when he was with you. You hurt every time you look at them, knowing that you caused this pain.

Chae sighs making you look at her. She gets up and walks towards you. "Look. You are my best friend. It is my job to make sure your happy. And the only thing that is going to make you happy is Seonghwa."

You go to reply to her but stop when the radio stops playing music. The two of you look over as the host of the channel starts talking.

"Breaking news. Seonghwa has left Park Enterprise."

"What?" You run over and turn up the radio.

"Rumor has it he has run away to marry his long-time sweetheart, Jiyun. She was supposed to be at an event this afternoon, but she didn't show up. We wish the lovebirds the best with their marriage."

You feel tears well up once again. This time you didn't try to stop them as they ran down your cheeks. You felt Chae grip your shoulder as she pulls you into an embrace. You hold her tightly as you sob into her shoulder. You could hear her talking, but you weren't listening. Only one thought kept repeatedly going through your mind. You thought you did the right thing, so why does it hurt so much?

You spend the next few days locked in your apartment. You told your work that you were having family trouble and wouldn't be able to come in this week. They didn't care as long as you got your work done. That's all you did was work and sleep. You refused to look at any social media or listen to the radio in fear of what you might hear. You don't want to hear or see anything.

At first you refused to pick up your phone, but Chae threatened to drag you to her house if you didn't answer her. You only respond with one-word answers, but it's better than nothing.

You shut your laptop off, completing your work for the day. You get up from the counter to go grab something to help you sleep. You can't hurt if you're asleep. Right as you find what you're looking for, your doorbell rings. You look at the clock next to you. It's 6 o'clock at night. Who would be visiting you? You don't remember ordering anything. You ignore it, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. The doorbell rings again. And again. You groan before slamming your water bottle on the counter.

"I'm coming."

You walk across your apartment to the door. You curse that this place does not have a peep hole so you could see who was at the door. You swing open the door and stop breathing when you see who is standing right in front of you.

"Seonghwa?"

He has a black hood covering up most of his face, but you would recognize it from anywhere. It takes you a minute to realize what was happening. Once you realize, you try to shut to door. You jerk as you felt his hand hold the door open.

"Not so fast, (Y/N)." You hear his deep voice. He pushes the door open and walks inside. "We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about." You snap, trying to keep your resolve. You need to be strong. You don't want him to see how much you're still affected by him.

"That's not what this says." He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out the letter you left him. "I found this when I was cleaning out my office."

"Then you also read that I didn't want to be with you anymore."

"Is that why you quit?" Seonghwa asked walking towards you. It took everything in your power to stand your ground. "Is that why you moved away? Why you blocked me? Why you drink every night to try and forget me?"

Your eyebrows shot up at his last question. "How the hell did you know that?"

"A little birdie told me. She also told me where you lived." Seonghwa answered. You glare as only one person knows where you live. Chae.

"I'm going to kill her." You mutter. "You need to leave. I don't want you here."

"Are you sure, baby?" Your heart dropped as he called you that. You had to get him out of here. You couldn't breathe properly now that he's here.

"Yes."

You walk around him and towards the door. As you go to open it, his hand flashes past your face as he closes it. You let out a gasp as he spins you around, pinning you to the door. His arms on either side of you. He leans in close, your noses almost touching. You look away from his intense gaze. His hand moves and grabs your chin. He tilts your head to so you would look at him.

"Look at me." You let out a shaky breath as you do as he says. He smirks at the effect he stills has on you. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that this letter meant nothing, that you don't love me, and I will leave. I will walk out that door and never contact you again."

You look in his eyes and try to work up the courage to tell him to leave, but you can't. You lower your gaze to look away from him. You feel goosebumps as his hand travels from your chin to your cheek. His thumb rubs against your cheek, wiping away a stray tear you weren't aware of.

"Talk to me baby. Tell me what I did wrong?"

Your eyes snapped up to his. You feel more tears fall down your cheeks as you see the sadness in his eyes. "Nothing. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Then why did you leave me?"

He brings you to his chest as a sob comes out of your mouth. One arm wraps around your waist while the other cups the back of your head. You grip his hoodie in your hands as you cry into his chest.

"I'm sorry. I was scared and hurt." You cry. "I didn't know what to do."

You felt your legs sweep out from under you as Seonghwa picks you up. You wrap your arms around his neck as he carries you to the couch. He sits down placing you in his lap. His hand rubs your back as you try to calm yourself down.

"Was everything the media said true?" You sniffle as you pull back from him.

"I haven't been listening, so I don't know what was said."

"They said that you left the company to marry Jiyun." You look at him. He rolls his eyes.

"Why would I marry someone who is only looking for money and sex?"

"So, the other part was right? You really left the company?" Seonghwa nods his head at your question.

"Him and I didn't see eye to eye. I told him I wanted to choose who I married, and he disagreed. I told him it was that or I was leaving."

"I'm sorry. I know how much you loved the company."

"Not as much as I love you." You look away from him as he leans closer to you. "I told you everything would be okay. So, why did you leave?"

"I heard you that night. You said you wanted to marry me. I thought I dreamed it at first. I have never felt happier hearing you say those words. But I couldn't- No I would never make you choose between me and your job. I know I haven't known you for long, but I have never seen someone work as hard as you. I couldn't be the reason you gave that up."

"You are worth giving that up for. What is the point of if I'm miserable? What's the point if you're not there to celebrate with me?" Seonghwa questioned.

You shake your head at him. "You'd regret it."

"(Y/N), I love you." Seonghwa tilts your chin, so you would look at him. "I love you so much it hurts. I would never regret picking you. I would rather be happy than rich."

You shake your head again before standing up off of his lap. You walk into your bedroom before he could stop you. He listened as you slammed your closet door shut. You come back into the room with a picture in your hand. You sit next to him as you place the picture on the table.

Seonghwa smiled as he looked at the picture. It was 6-year-old you on your father's shoulders. The two of you were looking at the camera smiling. Right next to you was your mother. She was looking at the two of you with so much love in her eyes.

"My mother is Italian." You start to say. "She lived in Viareggio, a city in Tuscany."

"Is that why you know how to make pasta from scratch?" Seonghwa's question made you laugh.

"Yes. She taught me when I was 12." You answer. "My father is from here. He flew to Italy on vacation where he met my mother. They both described it as love at first sight. He would joke about staying and additional week to spend more time with her before coming back here. They did the whole long-distance thing. He would beg her to come and visit him. She finally agreed to, and she told her family. Her parents immediately told her she wasn't allowed to go. That she wasn't allowed to date anyone that wasn't Italian."

"Why?"

"My mother's lineage is purely Italian. In their eyes, she was abandoning tradition by falling in love with a Korean." You answered. "They told her to break up with him or they would disown her. She left that next day. I always asked her if it was worth it. Leaving her family to come be with my father. She always said that she would do it again if it meant being with my him."

"You all look so happy." Seonghwa commented looking at the photo.

"We were very happy. We would always go on trips together. My mother wanted to see the world, and my father wanted to see her happy. Everything was perfect. Until it wasn't."

Seonghwa looked over at you trying to hold in your tears. "What happened?"

"I was 14. My mother and I woke up just like any other day, except my father wasn't there. All of his stuff was gone." You take a deep breath as you try to continue. You looked down as Seonghwa grabbed your hand. "There were divorce papers on the table. No letter or anything that helped us understand what happened."

"Did you ever find out why?"

You nodded your head. "About a year after he left, I was able to find him. He was a few towns away. I thought he had found someone else, but that wasn't the case. He told me that he was tired of the two of us. That we were a burden to him. He told me to leave and never come back."

"What the hell is wrong with him?"

"I don't know, but I did what he asked. I did make the mistake of telling my mother that. After I told her, she got even worse. I lost my mother to herself. I had to learn to take care of both of us. We lived off the monthly checks from my father because my mother lost her job. I got a job as soon as I could. But the time came where I had to go to college, and I was terrified to leave her. She assured me that she would be okay. And I believed her."

"I called her every other day while I was away at college." You continue to explain. "She started sounding happy, which made me feel better. She was finally able to get over my father. I had just finished my last final when my roommate handed me a letter. She said that my mother had stopped by with it."

As you were explaining, you grabbed the photo and flipped it around. You opened the back to reveal the letter that your mother gave you 5 years ago. "I don't know why I kept it."

You pulled the letter out and handed it to Seonghwa. He looked over at her. "Are you sure you want me to read this?"

"You wanted answers." You watched as he carefully opened the letter. You had read the letter so many times you could recall it word for word.

Mia Figlia,

I am sorry to write you this letter instead of talking to you. This letter is just easier for me. I love you so much. More than I have ever thought possible, even though it hurts so much to look at you. You have always looked so much like your father. Your bright eyes and big smile that was always on your face. These past 18 years with you have been the best years of my life. Never forget that.

I reached out to my mother a month ago. I never expected to receive a response, but I did. She missed me just as much as I missed her. They all did. They want me to come back home. Something I never dreamed would happen. Only on one condition. That I leave you behind and never contact you again.

Mia Figlia, you have to understand how hard this is for me. Now that your father is gone, my family is the only thing that makes me happy. I will be forever rooting for you to great things. Make me proud.

Love,

Tua Madre

Seonghwa closed the letter before placing it back on the table. You could tell that he was still comprehending what he just read, so you decided to speak up.

"This was the last thing I heard from her. By the time I rushed back home. It was completely empty besides for my things. I remember just sitting on the floor crying for hours. Here I was. 18 in my first semester of college. I didn't know how to be an adult. I couldn't even look for my mother because she never told me her maiden name."

"They just left you." Seonghwa mumbled. You saw the tears in his eyes as he looked at you. "How could they just leave their kid like that?"

"Their love was something that you experienced only once in a lifetime. When it was over, it broke both of them. They didn't care that they also broke me in the process." You take a sigh. "I can use the excuse that I was doing what I thought was right, but that wasn't fully it. It scares me how much I love you. That day in my house I promised myself I would never fall in love. And then you waltz in and stole my heart before I could even realize it. I just... I didn't want to get hurt like my mother."

"(Y/N)-"

"I'm sorry I hurt you." You interrupt him. "I never wanted that. I just wanted you to be happy. Even if that meant I wasn't in your life."

"I have never been happy at my job. The only reason I kept doing it was because I wanted to make my father happy. I would just go through the motions, not caring of the results. When you started working for me, I found myself starting to care. Whenever we would accomplish something together, you would get so happy." Seonghwa had a smile on his face as he recalled the memories. "I started to do whatever it took to make you happy. To make you proud of me."

You close your eyes as you feel tears start to well up in your eyes again. You lean into Seonghwa's hand as he cups your cheek, gently brushing away a stray tear.

"Do you love me?" Seonghwa asked you. You opened your eyes and looked up at him.

"I do." You answered. "Walking away from you was one of the hardest things I had to do."

"Don't walk away from me anymore. Stay with me. Please."

You felt more tears slide down your face as he whispered those words. You could tell how much you hurt him and yourself. You were scared to give yourself fully to him, knowing how your parents ended up, but you decided to do it anyway. He would be worth the pain.

"Okay."

You pushed forward, trapping Seonghwa in a kiss. He instantly responded, pulling you onto his lap as his lips chased yours. You felt like you were still to far away from him. You guess he thought the same as he pulled you closer to him, your chest pressing against his as his arms wound tightly against you.

You pulled away when it felt like your lungs were going to explode. You rested your head on Seonghwa's shoulder as you felt his lips slowly kissing down your neck, nipping and leaving marks in his descent. You tilted your head giving him more access to your neck as he littered your neck and chest with love bites.

"I missed you." You whispered to him. He squeezed you as he leaned back up to look at you.

"I missed you too. This past month has been miserable without you."

"I'm sorry." You apologize, brushing some hair out of his face.

"No more apologizing, okay?" He pressed his lips to yours before pulling away. "I should've stood up to my father."

"But your father is kind of scary, if we're being honest."

Seonghwa let out a low chuckle at your statement. "Not as scary as not having you by my side."

You smiled down at him before leaning in to kiss him again. He immediately reciprocated, gripping the back of your neck and pulling you closer to him. As he pulled you closer, you felt yourself shift over Seonghwa's hardening length causing you to let out a soft groan. You grinded down onto him, watching in awe as he threw his head back in pleasure.

"The thing's you do to me, baby."

You immediately took the chance to attach your lips to his neck, trailing downwards and leaving occasional love bites. Your hands trailed down his sides, tugging at his pants when your hands touched his hips. He shifted his hips, letting you think that he was going to pull his pants down. But instead, he quickly stood up, gripping your ass as he moved to where your room was.

You landed softly onto your mattress before Seonghwa landed on top of you. Your lips met his as hands slowly traveled up your sides. You felt him grab both of your hands, but didn't think anything of it until he pinned them down by your head, keeping you from moving. He broke the kiss with a dark smirk while you looked up at your hands.

"I have to punish my girl somehow for leaving me." He pressed a hot kiss to your cheek.

Seonghwa kept your hands in his as his other hand traveled down to pull up your shirt. Your breast hardened as they felt the cool air. He grabbed the hardened peak, twisting it causing a sharp pain to go through you. You let out a gasp as you arched your chest. He kept harshly pinching one while his mouth covered the other one, sucking on it harshly.

"Fuck, Hwa."

"Sit up, baby." You instantly did as he said. You sat up enough for him to pull your shirt over his head. He laid you back down before continuing his assault on your breasts. You moved your hands as he wasn't holding them anymore, but stopped when he made a 'tsk' noise.

"Grip the headboard." You looked down, meeting Seonghwa's dark gaze as he spoke.

"What?"

He moved up, his nose brushing against yours as he moved your hands. You gripped the headboard like he said causing him to smile darkly down at you. He pulled you into a deep kiss, stealing your breath as his hands traveled to the hem of your shorts.

"No touching." You opened your eyes as Seonghwa pulled away from you. "If I feel your hands on me at any time without my permission, I'll stop. No matter how close you are."

You cursed inwardly, but nodded your head. "Yes, sir."

"Good girl."

His lips trailed down your body as he made his way down to the hem of your shorts. He tapped your hip twice, the silent demand making you lift your hips. He slowly pulled your shorts and underwear down, leaving you completely bare to him. He sat up on his knees, looking down at you with a predatory gaze that made you shiver.

"All mine. Isn't that right, baby."

"Yes." You answered. "All yours."

His large hands spread your knees apart, so he could rest in them. His lips trailed down your thigh as he made his way down to the place you so desperately needed him. You gripped the headboard tighter as he placed a kiss right above your heat. He paused, causing you to moan out in impatience.

His hand held you hips down as he chuckled darkly. "Patience, baby. We have the rest of our lives together."

You didn't even have a chance to question his statement due to him finally giving you what you wanted. You let out a moan as his lips attach to your clit, sucking on the bud harshly. His one hand continues to hold you down while the other teases your entrance. He slowly pushes two fingers inside of you before quickly picking up his pace.

"God, look how good you look for me right now." Seonghwa mumbled against you. "Like a fucking queen."

You threw your head back in pleasure as he added a third finger, arching your back when he curls his fingers. You let out a broken moan. Your hands were starting to hurt by how hard you were holding the headboard.

"Please, Hwa." You begged him. "Can I touch you?"

"Not yet." He chuckled as you groaned at his answer. His hand that was holding your hip down slapped you clit making you jump with a gasp. "Be good, or you won't touch me at all."

"I'm sorry. I'll be good."

You could feel your orgasm start to build up in your stomach. Seonghwa could tell to my the increase in your moans. Right as you were about to climax, Seonghwa pulled away from you completely. You let out a frustrated groan as you looked up at his smiling face.

"Why did you do that? I was right there."

He pulled off his shirt, leaving him topless before he leaned back down in between your legs. His hand gently wrapped around your neck as he kissed you.

"Because the only way your cumming tonight is on my dick."

You watched as Seonghwa pulled his pants down. His length was hard and red as it sprung out of his pants. You wrapped your legs around his waist as he settled back above you. He pulled you into a kiss that was softer than the others as he lined himself up with your entrance.

You both let out a hiss of pleasure as he entered you painfully slow. He continued to stretch you and get you used to his size as he buried his head in your neck, leaving what you know will be a huge love bite in the morning. He stayed still until you shifted your hips.

Seonghwa nearly pulled all the way out of you before slamming back into you making you nearly scream in pleasure. He took no mercy as he pounded into you at a nearly impossible speed. It didn't take you long to start to reach your climax. You tumbled over the edge before you even had a chance to warn him. He continued to thrust into at a fast speed.

"Please, Seonghwa." You moaned. "Please, ca- can I touch you?"

He slowed down his speed some. Smiling down softly, he pulled your hands away from the headboard. He kissed your sore knuckles before wrapping your hands around his neck. You immediately pulled him into a kiss as he sped up once again. Your second climax was getting closer, and you could tell Seonghwa's was too.

"Hwa-"

"I know, baby." He kissed your forehead. "Me too."

He started to rub your clit making you claw at his back. You heard him tell you to let go right as you went over the edge for the second time. He watched you climax before he allowed himself to as well. He slowed down as he rode out his climax.

He pressed kisses all over your face and upper body as he pulled out of you. You whined at the movement as Seonghwa pulled you to lay on top of him. He brushed your hair out of your face while you recovered from him. After you recovered, he helped you shower before bringing you back to bed. Your head was laying on his bare chest as he ran his hands through your damp hair.

"What was your first impression of me?" You asked him. You rested your chin on your hand as you looked up at him. He looked down at you, pressing a kiss to your forehead as he thought about it.

"My first impression was that this was going to go horribly."

You laughed at his answer. "Why did you think that?"

"I was being a stereotypical asshole and couldn't see how you could have both beauty and brains, so I didn't believe it. And man did you prove me wrong. In more ways than one."

"Man, I'm just that good, aren't I?" It was Seonghwa's turn to laugh at you.

"You made someone who hated everything fall in love with you." He told you. "So, yeah. I guess you're just that good."

"You love me?" You asked him. He smiled softly before pulling you closer to him to where you were almost laying on top of him. He kissed you with so much emotion it almost made your head spin.

"I love you so much, baby." He whispered as he pulled away. "I never thought I would fall in love with someone. I always just imagined my days being lonely like my father. And then you came into my life, and I don't know how I ever lived without you. These past few weeks without you were hell."

You opened your mouth to speak, but he shushed you with a kiss. "No more apologizes. I know you were scared. I understand that now. But I want you to know that I will never due to you what your parents did to you. I will always be by your side. No matter what."

By the end of his words, you felt him brush away the tears that had fallen. "I love you, too. I don't know what's going to happen from here, but I won't run away from my fear anymore."

"Not like you have a choice anymore. You're mine now."

Before you could respond, Seonghwa's hands moved against your sides, pulling a yelp as he tickled you. You laughed as he towered over you as you tried to stop him.

"Stop!" You yelled as you smacked his shoulder.

"Tell me you love me again."

"I love you." Seonghwa's hands froze as you said those words. He pulled you into a kiss as pulled you back to the position you two were in previously.

"I love you too, baby."

You shuffled on your feet, nervously shifting as you waited for Seonghwa. You tried to put on a brave face as you walked back into the building you said you would never go to again. You were doing good. That was until Seonghwa left your side with a kiss on your cheek and saying he'll be back in a few minutes. Those few minutes turned into almost an hour.

It had been a month since you and Seonghwa reunited, and things couldn't have gone better. He stayed at your place 95% of that time. The only time he left was to go get stuff from his place. He wasn't going back there fully unless you were by his side. He waited as long as he could, but when he got a call from his father, he knew that it was time to face him.

The door to the meeting door office opened up causing you to look over. You saw the smiling face of Seonghwa as he motioned you to go to him. You rushed over, nearly jumping into his arms.

"Are you okay?" You asked quietly. He nodded his head as he pulled you closer.

"More than okay." He smiled down at you. "Are you ready?"

You back up, looking down to straighten you clothes. "As ready as I'll ever be. Do I look okay?"

"You look stunning, baby." His eyes darked as he looked over you dress again. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

You smiled at him, feeling your nerves wash away. "I love you too."

You linked your arm in Seonghwa's as he walked back into the meeting room. You held your head up high as you looked over everyone in there, even Seonghwa's father. He held your gaze as Seonghwa pulled out a chair for you. He pushed your chair in before sitting right next to you.

"Gentleman, you all remember (Y/N), right?"

"Of course we do." An older gentleman, Jisung, sits up in his seat. "I've been badgering this old bastard to hire her back ever since he let her go."

"Number's have been dropping like crazy since you two left." Another one agrees. "People are wanted to pull their funds over that."

"That was never my intention." Seonghwa's father spoke up. "I just wanted for the best for this company."

"Then maybe you should've kept your ego out of the way." Jisung criticizes him.

He along with another one of the men start an argument with Seonghwa's dad. You looked over to meet Seonghwa's gaze. You didn't expect to see amusement in his eyes as his father got a taste of his own medicine. He placed his hand over your knee as they got settled back down.

"So, are you two back permanently?" Jisung asks with a hopeful look in his eyes.

Seonghwa looked between the men before looking over at his father. "That depends."

"On what?" His father asks.

"If me and my fiancé are welcome back."

The room fell quiet at Seonghwa's words. He lifted up your hand, showing off the beautiful ring that he had surprised you with last week. You were still very scared of marriage, which he did understand. He still kissed away your worries, saying that the two of you have all the time in the world to get married.

"You're engaged?" One of the men asked.

Seonghwa pickled up your hand, kissing the ring before smiling at you. "To the love of my life."

"I knew it!" Jisung celebrated. "You assholes thought I was crazy when I said something was going on between the two of them."

"Because you are crazy." One replied with a laugh causing the others to laugh as well. He then turned to look at the two of you. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." You spoke up for the first time since arriving.

"So Park." Jisung looked over to Seonghwa's father. "You going to congratulate them and let them come back, or am I going to have to kick your ass?"

His father rolled his eyes at him before looking over at the two of you. You expected a glare, or some sort of insult. Instead, you got a small smile. "I've been waiting for someone like you to come into Seonghwa's life. Someone who would make him more human than robot. You did good finding her son. Don't fuck it up."

The two of you stared at him for a moment, not expecting the compliment. The two of you thank him after the initial shock goes away. The rest of the men congratulate the two of you before they leave. Something about having a rematch at golf.

"We'll talk later son." Seonghwa's father says as he got up from his chair. "I'm excited to see what the two of you will accomplish while in my place."

Seonghwa got up as well, shaking everyone's hands as they all left the room. Once they all left, you let out the breath that you were holding.

"Did that really just happen?"

"It did." Seonghwa spoke, equally just as shocked. He moved over, bending down and grabbing your hand once again. You couldn't even count the times he had kissed your ring covered hand. And you didn't even care, because every time he did, he looked up at you with the smile that he only saved for you. "Thank you for being by my side during all of this, baby."

You brushed your fingers along his cheek. "There's no where else I'd rather be."

"Well, there could be one place." Seonghwa mumbled with a smirk.

"Where are we going?" You ask as he pulls you up.

"My office." He answers.

"Why are we going-" You stop when you see the look in his eyes. "Really?"

"I want to celebrate."

"What's you definition of celebrate, Hwa?" You asked him. He turned around with a dark smile. He took a step forward, blocking you against the table.

"By bending my fiancé over my desk and fucking her senseless."

You gulp at his words, but could help but be turned on from them. "Lead the way, sir."

"Good girl."

[thesoulforgeorder]

hello!!! congrats on the chapter 2 part 1 release!!! you've worked very hard and you should be proud of what you've accomplished!

so far I've only played as the Military!MC and god i could just feel how much their family cherishes them. i specifically play as a Military!MC who's not really entirely sure what she wants and is just trying to fulfill their duty so to speak and thus hasn't really voiced any of their doubts, but that little moment made me think, "you know, i don't think they would immediately turn their backs on you like you fear they would." idk it just made me tear up a lil bit ;3; disappointing them would still make me sad, but i was gladdened to see MC loved by their parents and siblings. i will probably defo come back after playing as an Orphan or Wastelander MC (*w*)

that said, i had to mention something funny. so i often use "Nikola", shortened as "Niko" as my preferred name. i also tend to play as a Chinese MC if the setting is conducive for it because well I'M Chinese xD so it was ESPECIALLY funny for me to meet Nico as Niko. like ok buddy, one of us is gonna have to change--especially if we're dating LOL

even funnier is that you said Nico would be a bard in DND...because I, too, am a bard in DND/BG3. when asked the same question about me, all of my friends took one look at my dopey, loves to sing, "but can i kiss the eldritch abomination?", troublemaker gremlin ass and said "yeah that's a bard." and now i am so curious and excited to see what makes Nico a bard >W<

*insert Spiderman pointing meme*

✓Chinese

✓Shared/homophonous nickname/preferred name

✓Bards

✓Military background

✓Rhyming surnames (Zhu VS Wu)

ONE OF US IS GONNA HAVE TO CHANGE, BUDDY!!! nah jk we can just be Nico^2. or to avoid confusion i'm just gonna give him THE most annoying nicknames. and/or petnames if i romance him LOL please wish me luck that i come out of this IF unscathed for i am just as likely to get eaten by an Exillium as i am to get blasted by Nico for calling him "my dumpling" over the comms.

anyhow. once again, congratulations on chapter 2 part 1!!! i look forward to what else you've got cooking up; that said, please take all the time you need! you've worked very hard!!!!

Thank you so much for the kind words, Anon! All the hard work is worth it when I see how much you and others are enjoying the game.

Military!MC has a lot of interesting family moments throughout the game. The battle of wanting to not disappoint your father, live up to the family legacy, fear of isolation and rivalry and tension with siblings will all come into play in later chapters.

But there will be a lot of sweet moments to soften the angst!

Also that is absolutely hilarious, what a coincidence! Not so long ago another anon said the same thing but in regards to being Astrid! So I see I have anon twins. I can't believe it.

I am still new to coding so I'm not sure how to get characters to recognise players as having the same name as them but when I do, I'm writing that as a scene. Nico would 100% insist that he gets to be nico prime and MC will have to go by a nickname.

Perhaps people will get to see his bard side in part two hehe.

Thank you for the ask and you made my night! I love the Niko and Nico duo. Truly iconic

[hearthouses]

supernatural fic recs author spotlight: scorpiod/@ladyculebras

I am very biased.

@ladyculebras is overall my best friend and favorite person, but I do think she is a fantastic writer in her own merit, despite my very warm and cozy feelings towards her. She has such a visceral, cinematic quality to all her fics that make them feel like watching an episode of the show (or, really, a high budget movie spin-off of the show). Her character voices are so spot-on that it is always a joy to read her writing Sam and Dean. She specializes in monster AUs, roadtrip narratives, and weecest, but she's branched out a few times to great success. I love all her works, so I'm listing them all here from lowest word count to highest.

SAM/DEAN

your silver shining eyes ↳ r, ~2,000 words

SUMMARY: Weecest, Werewolf AU. Sam hates full moons. But this time, there’s no Dad around. Just him and Dean. He thinks maybe, that’s what he’s always wanted.

summer lovin', had me a blast ↳ nc-17, ~3,000 words

SUMMARY: Weecest. It's summer, and Sam is burning up, and Dean is just burnt.

the world tilts back and pours and pours ↳ nc-17, ~3,500 words

SUMMARY: S4-era. It's a dark, lonely desert highway, the end of the world looms large, and Sam and Dean are just trying to survive another day.

lonesome town ↳ nc-17, ~5,500 words

SUMMARY: S1-era. Stranded in a desert town. Things get heated.

a little less sixteen candles ↳ nc-17, ~9,000 words

SUMMARY: Weecest. It's Sam's first Valentine's Day dance at school. It doesn't go well.

putting out fires (with gasoline) ↳ nc-17, ~9,500 words

SUMMARY: Pre-series/Alternate S1, Werecat AU. Sam calls Dean sobbing in the middle of the night. Dean drops everything for him.

darling, don't put down your guns yet ↳ nc-17, ~19,000 words

SUMMARY: Alternate S7, omegaverse. Dean accidentally gets pregnant. They both know they should abort it. Sam and Dean decide to keep it.

a catalog of non-definitive acts ↳ nc-17, ~31,000 words

SUMMARY: Set throughout S1. It's the first time Sam and Dean are together since Sam's become an adult, and everything is different. Sam and Dean fall in love again.

his shoulders blot out the stars (but the minutes don't stop) ↳ nc-17, ~111,000 words

SUMMARY: Alternate Pre-series, Vampire AU. A hunt gone wrong leaves sixteen year old Sam a vampire, and forces Dean to choose between his baby brother and his father. John wants to put Sam down. Dean chooses to save him. He takes Sam and runs. Together they embark on a roadtrip of a quest across America to find a cure. There are rumors, whispers of a secret vampire cure—they just need to find the recipe. All Sam has to do in the meantime is not feed on human blood until they cure him.

Easy peasy.

Unfortunately, resisting the pull of human blood is hard when your brother is sleeping in the next bed over. And Sam’s new overpowered senses let him pick up on some peculiarities he wouldn’t have otherwise, like where Dean sneaks off to in the middle of the night to make some extra cash, or that Dean’s feelings for his brother are more than brotherly.

DEAN/OTHERS

tolerate it ↳ nc-17, ~3,000 words, Dean/John

SUMMARY: Pre-series, Dean is underage, consent is dubious at best. Dean is a good son. John is not a good father.

Cash Only ↳ nc-17, ~6,500 words, Dean/OMC

SUMMARY: Pre-series, Dean is underage, consent is dubious at best. Dean doesn't have any money to pay the motel clerk. He works with what he has.

[mafiadad5]

No Strings attached || P.Jisung (PART 1)

˖ ࣪⊹🎸 Rockstar!Jisung x fem!reader (ft. crush!haechan) || PART 2- read here

˖ ࣪⊹🎸synopsis- Everyone's been raving about Black Horizon, and now they're in town for a concert. You never paid them any mind— didn't even know who they were, that was until you discovered that their lead guitarist is your long lost childhood best friend. You're finally reunited, but at what cost?

˖ ࣪⊹🎸genre/warnings- friends with benefits, porn with plot MDNI!, angst, fluff, multiple smut scenes, unprotected sex (don’t do.) oral (m.& f.receiving), fingering, car sex, sex under the influence of alcohol, jealousy, smoking, cursing.

˖ ࣪⊹🎸 w/c- 17.6k

Playlist- Come through and Chill- Miguel, Mascara- Deftones, Fill the Void- Lily Rose Depp, What you need- The Weeknd, Belong To You- Sabrina Claudio, Fallingforyou- The 1975.

a/n- omg omg took me forever. I really wanted to make it one part, but tumblr messed up, so two part series! I really hope u enjoy this and feel the rollercoaster like I did while writing. Love u mwah💋!

══════════════════════════

January 15th.

It started like any other night. You standing in front of your mirror, adjusting the tight ponytail. The soft hum of the fan filled the quiet room as you smoothed your hands over your uniform, ensuring everything was in place before grabbing your bag. Another long, late shift at the bar awaited you. The tips were good, but the exhaustion was there before you had even clocked in.

Setting your things down in the employee locker area, you barely had a moment to breathe before a familiar voice called out behind you.

"Hey Y/n."

You turned, instantly recognizing the warm tone, and found yourself meeting Haechan's eyes.

"Hey Haechan." You smiled instinctively, as if it was second nature.

He leaned against the doorway, his usual effortless charm on full display. His dark hair was slightly messy, his lips in that easygoing grin that always seemed to linger when he was around you.

"Thank you again for covering my shift tomorrow." He said with sincerity in his voice. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Yeah, no problem." You waved him off, though you couldn't help but appreciate the gratitude. "Anything to rake in some extra money."

His eyes lit up in understanding. "For your cafe, right?"

"Of course." You responded without hesitation.

The cafe had been your dream for as long as you could remember. Every extra shift, every tip jar stuffed with crumpled bills, it all went toward making that dream a reality.

Haechan smiled. "I would wish you good luck, but you don't need it. I know you can do it."

For a moment, you forgot to breathe. It always felt like he saw something in you that even you doubted sometimes.

"Aw, thanks Haechan." Your smile grew, warmth blooming in your chest.

Silence stretched between you for a minute too long, the kind of quiet that felt loaded. His eyes held yours, a flicker of something unreadable in their depths.

Clearing your throat, you broke the moment. "Well... um, you should get going. To make sure you're ready for your date tomorrow."

His reaction was instant, an awkward giggle as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh yeah. It's not a date though, just going to a concert with my best friend."

"Your hangout." You corrected."Who are you going to see?" You asked, curiosity getting the better of you.

"A band called Black Horizon."

You tilted your head. "Never heard of them."

Haechan smirked. "Yeah, that's typical. They're a relatively new band, but they're gaining a lot of popularity. You should check them out."

"I will." You nodded, making a mental note to look them up later.

He hesitated for a second, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. You could feel it again, that silence that felt loaded,  but just as quickly as it came, it was gone.

"Yeah, I'll see you later." He gave you one last smile before turning to leave.

You watched him go, exhaling softly once he was out of sight.

Haechan had been your coworker for 2 years. He was cute, kind, considerate— everything you wanted in a guy, but no matter how many moments like this passed between you, neither of you ever crossed that line. He didn't make a move, and you never dared to either.

With a deep breath, you pushed those thoughts aside and stepped onto the floor, slipping behind the bar. The night was just beginning.

The bar was buzzing per usual. It never really bothered you—if anything, the flow of customers made the hours slip by faster. There were moments like now though, when the chaos pressed in a little too much.

You turned your back to the crowd, facing the liquor shelf restocking bottles. In reality, you just needed a second. A second to breathe, to let the ache in your feet settle before another round of drink orders came in. The bar was packed tonight, but for once no one was calling your name. At least, not yet.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

You closed your eyes briefly, inhaling deeply. So much for a break.

"Give me a second, sir." You replied, turning around. Your breath caught in your throat. The face in front of you familiar, yet changed.

Your heart stuttered, then pounded. It had to have been, what, six years? Six years since you'd last seen him. Six years of brief thoughts about him, wondering where he was now. You had figured he was off chasing his dreams, too busy to look back, too far removed from your life to ever cross paths with you again.

And yet, here he was.

He blinked, his own surprise mirroring yours. His lips parted slightly, as if trying to confirm you weren't just some trick of the dim bar lighting.

"Y/n?!" His voice was filled with disbelief, his body instinctively leaning closer across the counter.

"Jisung?" You set the cocktail shaker down, barely aware of it leaving your hands.

He let out a breath, shaking his head with a disbelieving laugh. "What a fucking coincidence. I was just thinking about you."

"You were?" Your brows lifted slightly.

"Yeah, totally. I just landed back here after forever. How could my mind not wander to my closest friend growing up?" He grinned, though there was something unreadable in his expression.

You exhaled a small laugh, the weight of the moment pressing against your chest. "That's sweet." You forced yourself to slip back into professionalism, wiping your hands on a bar rag. "What can I get you to drink?"

"Shit—sorry, vodka lemonade please." He settled fully onto the barstool now, elbows resting on the cold counter. "How have you been?"

"I've been good. Just working, saving up." You started mixing his drink, pouring the vodka over ice. "What about you?"

"Life's been good to me lately." He admitted, a lightheartedness in his tone, but his eyes searched yours like he wasn't sure what to say next.

"That's amazing." You smiled, genuinely happy for him. "What brings you back here? I thought you moved away a few years ago and didn't look back."

Jisung chuckled, rubbing his jaw. "Yeah, I did, but I have a concert tomorrow."

You quirked an eyebrow. "Wait hold on. Is it for that Black Horizon group?"

His lips curled into a small grin. "Yep."

You groaned dramatically. "Why does everyone like this band except me?" You slid his drink across the counter.

"Ouch." He gasped, placing a hand over his chest in offense.

"I'm serious!" You laughed. "I've never heard of them, but somehow everyone else has. Even my coworker is going to the concert tomorrow."

Jisung tilted his head, eyes glinting. "You should come. Just to check it out. I bet you'd like it."

You hesitated, shaking your head slightly. "I would, but I have work. Besides, I don't have a ticket."

His response came instantly, a little too eager. "I can get you in—for free."

Your lips twitched into an amused smirk. "Are you trying to sneak me in? I didn't take you for a criminal Jisung."

He laughed, holding his hands up in innocence. "No illegal activity here."

You narrowed your eyes playfully. "Or do you work with the band or something?"

He hummed nonchalantly, taking a sip of his drink. "Something like that."

Your brows furrowed. "Wait, do you seriously work with the artist? That's sick."

His grin widened. "Yeah, the lead guitarist actually."

Your stomach dropped slightly. The realization hitting you. 

"Jisung... you're part of the band?"

He gave you a sheepish smile. "Surprise!"

Your eyes widened. "Are you serious?! That's insane. Is that why you left, to become part of a huge band?"

The excitement was evident in your voice, but as soon as you spoke, something in his expression shifted. His eyes darkened slightly, his playful smirk fading just a little.

"Okay, but let's not forget you left first." He pointed out, his tone a mix of teasing and something else.

Your stomach twisted.

"Jisung—"

"No, I'm serious. I'm still salty about that by the way." He finished off his drink in one last swig, setting the empty glass down with a soft clink.

You sighed, gripping the counter. "Look, it's not my fault my mom withdrew me junior year and cut contact with everyone. I didn't have a choice." Your voice softened, but there was a weight behind your words. "And let's not forget, you were the one who said you never wanted to talk to me again. So if anything, I guess I'm salty too."

Jisung exhaled, running a hand through his hair. For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then he cracked a small, lopsided grin. 

"Whatever."

He reached into his wallet, pulling out a twenty dollar bill and sliding it toward you.

"Let's make it up to each other." He said. "Come to the concert."

"I would, but I seriously have to work tomorrow. I'm covering someone's shift, so I can't back out. Sorry." You said, lips falling into a small frown.

Jisung nodded, though there was something unreadable in his gaze. "It's okay." He pushed the twenty closer to you, tapping his fingers against the counter.

"It was nice seeing you Y/n." His voice was quieter this time.

Before you could say anything else, he stood up, slipping away into the crowd.

Six years.

And just like that, he was gone again.

You tried to push the interaction with Jisung out of your mind.

Tried.

Even so, you focused on your work, keeping busy until your boss finally gave you the okay to step out for a break. You didn't hesitate. The moment you were free, you slipped outside, inhaling the cold night air as if it could wash away the weight of anything.

You leaned against the rough brick wall of the building, closing your eyes for a moment, letting yourself just be. Until a familiar voice cut through the quiet.

"You're off work?"

Your eyes snapped open, turning instinctively toward the sound. Jisung stood a few feet away, hands buried in the pockets of his jacket, his expression unreadable under the dim glow of the streetlights.

Your heart jumped just a little. You hadn't expected to see him again so soon.

"Did you follow me out here?" You asked, a smirk tugging at your lips.

He grinned, rocking on his heels. "Maybe."

You huffed out a laugh, shaking your head. "A musician and a stalker. How many more surprises are you gonna hit me with?"

"I never changed." He shrugged.

His words hung in the air, heavier than they should have been. Jisung pulled a box of cigarettes from his pocket, flipping it open with ease.

He tapped one out, sliding it between his lips before angling the box toward you. You glanced at it, then back at him, shaking your head. 

"I quit."

Jisung's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he didn't question it. Instead, he closed the pack and tucked it away.

"And you never changed, huh?" You teased, watching as he pulled a lighter from his pocket.

He rolled his eyes with a quiet chuckle, flicking the lighter open. The small flame illuminated his face for half a second before he lit the cigarette, inhaling deeply. Smoke drifted into the night air as he exhaled slowly, his gaze momentarily drifting before settling on you again.

"You know those things aren't good for you, right?" You said, crossing your arms. "Your words, not mine."

Jisung paused mid drag, giving you a pointed look before blowing the smoke out to the side.

"My words years ago." He corrected. "When you were sneaking around smoking at sixteen."

You scoffed. "Oh whatever. I was young and dumb. What's your excuse now?"

He hummed, rolling his cigarette between his fingers as he considered his answer. "I guess I have none." Another slow inhale... another exhale. "But shit changes."

You eyed him carefully. "That sounds like an excuse."

Jisung smirked. "I don't know, being young and dumb sounds like an excuse too."

"Is there a problem or something?" You asked, tilting your head slightly. "Why did you follow me out here?"

Jisung held your gaze for a second longer before flicking his cigarette to the ground, grinding it out with the heel of his shoe.

"I just wanted to talk, catch up a little." His voice was softer now, more serious. "Is there a problem or something?"

You exhaled sharply, shaking your head. "No, but I'm at work. So if you'll excuse me." You started, moving to step past him.

"You should come to my hotel room after the concert." The words tumbled out quickly, like he hadn't meant to say them.

Slowly, you turned back around, raising an eyebrow. "Why?" You tried to sound indifferent, but curiosity was evident in your voice. 

Jisung ran a hand through his hair, exhaling before meeting your eyes again. "Just to catch up."

"My mother taught me not to go places with strangers." You teased, a smirk on your lips.

"Oh, so I'm a stranger now?" He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly.

You didn't answer, just turned away with a small smile, but then his voice cut through the air, lower, almost hesitant.

"I missed you, I can't lie."

You stopped in your tracks as you turned back, eyes narrowing just slightly. "Missed?" You echoed, your tone teasing, but your curiosity genuine.

His gaze met yours, steady now, but serious in a way that made your heart skip.

"Just come."

You hesitated for a moment, searching his face. Then you smirked slightly, turning to walk away. "My number's the same."

Jisung stayed where he was, watching as you disappeared back inside. For the first time in a long time, he smiled—really smiled. Because whether you realized it or not, that was as good as a yes.

══════════════════════════ You stood in front of the mirror, adjusting your ponytail like always. Same uniform, same shift, but something felt off.

Jisung never texted you.

Not a single message, not even a half hearted excuse, just silence.

You told yourself it didn't matter. That after everything—the history, the falling out, you shouldn't have expected anything, but the truth was it did bother you. Not because you were still upset about the past, but because you hated when people made plans and didn't follow through.

So why was there this unsettling feeling in your stomach? Was it disappointment? Annoyance? Maybe a mix of both. Whatever it was, you pushed it down and focused on work, pouring drinks, flashing polite smiles, letting the hours slip by. When your boss finally gave you the okay for a break, you stepped outside, inhaling the crisp night air, trying to clear your mind.

Then, your phone buzzed. Your brows furrowed as you pulled it out of your pocket, eyes flickering to the screen.

Unknown Number

You hesitated before opening the message.

An address. A hotel.

Your mind immediately went to Jisung. You had spent all night forcing yourself to forget, convincing yourself he already had, but he hadn't. He actually remembered. A slow smile tugged at your lips as you locked your phone, stuffing it back into your pocket.

When you finally clocked out, you were exhausted. You looked at your phone. 12:03 a.m. It was late, too late really. The rational part of you told you to go home, take a shower, and go to bed, but before you could make a decision, your phone buzzed again.

Jisung [12:04 AM]: "Are you still coming?"

You hesitated, fingers hovering over your keyboard. You should say no. You should tell him you were tired, that it was late, that catching up at this time was ridiculous.

You started to type out a polite excuse, but then for some reason you erased it.

You [12:06 AM]: "Maybe."

He read it instantly.

Jisung [12:07 AM]: "Well, I'm maybe waiting for you. And I'll maybe wait all night if I have to."

There was something about his answer that made it hard to ignore the curiosity in your chest. Why now? Why did he suddenly want to see you so badly? There was only one way to find out.

And that's how you found yourself standing in front of his hotel room door.

You hesitated for a moment, raising your hand before knocking lightly.

Seconds passed.

Then a full minute.

Just as you were about to turn and leave, the door swung open.

Jisung stood in the doorway, dark hair damp, skin slightly flushed, the faint scent of body wash lingering in the air. His t-shirt clung to his frame.

"Oh, hey." His lips curled into a small smirk. "You came."

You tilted your head slightly, crossing your arms. "Maybe." 

"Maybe." Jisung huffed a small laugh, stepping aside to let you in. 

You walked in, glancing around. The room was simple but elegant, a neatly made bed, a small couch, and a coffee table. But what caught your attention was the massive floor to ceiling window that showed the breathtaking view of the city skyline. 

"Nice view." You murmured.

"Yeah, it is."

You turned, only to catch Jisung watching you instead of the city. Clearing your throat you moved toward the couch, sitting down as he walked to the mini fridge.

"Is it okay if we drink?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder.

"Yeah, for sure." You replied. 

He grabbed a bottle and two glasses, joining you on the couch. The way he moved was effortless, but there was something about the way his fingers lingered as he poured the drinks, something in the way his eyes flickered up at you as he handed you your glass. You clinked your glass against his before throwing back the shot, the liquor burning slowly down your throat.

"So." You started, setting your glass down. "How was the concert?"

Jisung exhaled, running a hand through his damp hair. "It was good. Feels crazy seeing that many people singing along to our songs."

"Must be a wild feeling."

"It is." He leaned back, resting an arm along the back of the couch. "A few years ago, I was just some kid messing around on his guitar. Now, I'm on stage in front of thousands."

You smiled. "That's amazing, Ji. I'm happy for you."

He smirked pouring another round, sliding your glass toward you.

"What about you?" He asked. "What have you been up to?"

You hesitated, then shrugged. "Just working, nothing as exciting as you."

He tilted his head, eyes studying you. "I don't believe that."

"I promise you, my life is pretty boring."

"Doubt it." He murmured, taking another sip.

Silence stretched between you for a moment, like you both didn't know what to say next. 

Then Jisung sighed, swirling the liquid in his glass. "You know... I was pissed when you left."

Your entire body stiffened.

"I don't wanna talk about that."

He studied you, expression unreadable. "Y/n—"

"I mean it, let's not do this."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't let it go. "You disappeared— no calls, no messages. I didn't even know where you went."

You exhaled sharply, gripping your glass. "I didn't have a choice."

"You could've at least—"

"Jisung, stop." Your tone was firm, eyes locking onto his.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then slowly he leaned in, a smirk on his lips.

"Then make it up to me."

Your breath hitched slightly. "What?"

"You heard me." His voice was lower now, gaze flickering between your eyes and lips. "Make it up to me."

Something shifted in the air as the space between you shrank. The hum of the city outside faded into nothing, the only thing you could hear was the distant sound of traffic and the quiet rhythm of your own heartbeat.

You didn't know if it was the alcohol that had you both like this. Yes, you two kissed a few times in the past for fun, but that was when you were teenagers, and... closer. You didn't know what was happening now, but you didn't mind it.

"And how am I supposed to do that?" You questioned, even though you knew the answer. Your voice barely above a whisper as your eyes flickered to his parted lips before meeting his eyes again. 

"You know how." He responded, his hand landing on your knee.

"Maybe, but I want to hear you say it." You responded, lips ghosting over his.

"I don't know." He said, his eyes darkly looking into yours. "I feel like if I kiss you, I won't be able to stop." His hand cupped the side of your face, the distance between you begging to be closed. 

"Then don't." You replied. 

The second the words left your mouth, he was on you, lips crashing into yours like he couldn't hold back another second. His hands gripped your waist, pulling you against him as his tongue slid into your mouth, deepening the kiss until you forgot how to breathe, forgot everything but the way he tasted and how he made you feel.

You climbed on top of him without thinking, straddling his lap as his hands immediately found your hips, gripping you tightly. The kiss grew rougher, more intense—his mouth moving against yours with need, your bodies pressed together.

He broke the kiss, breath heavy against your skin, and trailed rough open mouthed kisses down your neck. Each one sent a jolt through you, making you squirm in his lap. You couldn't help pressing against him, grinding just enough to feel how hard he was beneath you.

His hands moved you against him, slow at first, then harder. You leaned into him, arms wrapping around his neck, your fingers threading into his hair gripping tightly.

He leaned back in, kissing you again messily like he couldn't get enough. His hands slid up from your hips to your waist, grabbing at you like he needed to feel every inch,  one hand slowly slipping lower. The kiss didn't slow down—if anything, it got rougher, more intense.

"We shouldn't be doing this." You muttered, pulling back just enough to breathe, lips brushing his as you spoke. He looked up at you, lips swollen and plump, eyes half lidded. You knew you should stop, but the way he was looking at you made it really hard to remember why.

"Tell me to stop then." He whispered, his lips barely brushing against yours.

You paused, trying to gather your thoughts.

"Exactly." He murmured with a lazy grin before you could respond, pulling you back into a messy kiss, this time his hand slipping under your pants, sliding past your underwear.

His fingers teased your folds, moving in slow circles before slipping one finger past your entrance. You broke the kiss, a breathless sigh escaping as he moved inside, your body instinctively responding to the sensation.

"Fuck, so wet for me." He murmured against your lips, his voice rough. He pulled you back into another kiss, deep and heated, his fingers working you slowly as his other hand slid up to grip your waist keeping you pressed against him.

His finger teased at your entrance before finally slipping inside, making you break the kiss with a soft moan. His eyes locked onto yours, dark and intense, watching every reaction as his finger started to pump in and out slowly.

You tilted your head to rest on his shoulder, unable to keep the soft moans from escaping as he moved inside you, each stroke sending a rush of warmth through your body. His touch was torturously slow, drawing out every sensation until you were lost in the feeling of him.

"Feels good?" He mumbled quietly, his finger curling deeper inside you, making a soft whimper slip from your lips. 

"Answer me." He pressed, his other hand gripping you tighter. 

"Mhm." You managed to get out, breathless.

"What, you can't speak now?" He teased, his voice low. "Does it feel good? Yes or no?"

"Yes." You whimpered, your hands tangling in his hair as your body reacted to every move, every breath.

"Oh yeah?" He teased, a sly grin forming on his lips. 

He pushed another finger inside, stretching you open with the pressure of his large digits, making you shiver at the feel.

"Oh my god." You moaned, your grip on his hair tightening as his fingers moved quickly inside you. The sound of your arousal grew louder, each thrust of his fingers driving you closer to the edge.

"Fuck, I'm gonna—" You gasped, the words barely making it past your lips as your head dropped to his shoulder. Your body trembled, overwhelmed by the heat coiling tighter and tighter inside you. He didn't slow down, if anything his fingers drove harder, hitting that spot again and again until you were clenching around him. Your breath hitched, your nails digging into his skin as you reached the edge.

"Let's go to the bed." He whispered, his voice low and rough against your ear as you tried to catch your breath. You nodded, still dazed, your body soft in his arms. Without hesitation he lifted you, your arms draped around his shoulders, fingers brushing against the nape of his neck as he carried you. 

He laid you down, eyes dark as he climbed over you, pulling you into another deep messy kiss. His hands moved fast, stripping your pants and underwear, tossed aside without a second thought. He broke the kiss just long enough to undress himself as he watched you, chest rising and falling.

"Are you sure?" He asked, voice low and breathless, his eyes half lidded but locked onto yours.

You nodded, a soft "Mhm" leaving your lips, your body already aching for him.

He kissed you again, slower this time, then he pushed in, stretching you inch by inch. Your breath stuttered, nails dragging down his back as your bodies met, heat curling through every inch of you.

"Fuck, you feel so good." He breathed, voice rough as he sank all the way in. He stayed there for a moment, chest rising and falling just watching you, letting you adjust, letting the feeling of you wrapped around him settle deep. His hands gripped your thighs, thumbs brushing your skin, the heat between your bodies unbearable.

"Tell me when." He murmured, barely holding back, eyes flicking over every inch of you.

"Move." You muttered, barely able to get the word out.

He didn't hesitate. His hips pulled back, then rolled forward again, slow at first. A low groan came from his lips as he set a steady rhythm, each thrust dragging a soft sound from your lips. His hands gripped your waist holding you close, eyes locked on where your bodies met.

"Faster." You whimpered, voice barely above a breath.

His eyes darkened, and he gave you exactly what you asked for. His hips snapped forward with more urgency, each thrust deeper, harder, the sound of your skin meeting filling the room. He moaned softly, his own pleasure spilling out in breathy sounds as he watched you, eyes fluttering, lips parted, taking him so perfectly it nearly drove him insane.

"Fuck." He groaned, one hand sliding up to grip your waist tighter, the other landing beside your head as he drove into you, lost in the way your body pulled him in, begged for more.

He started to move faster, hips snapping against yours with more urgency. He couldn't help himself, your warmth, the way you wrapped around him, the sounds you made, it was too much. His moans grew louder, more desperate, as his rhythm changed just slightly overwhelmed by how good you felt.

His teeth grazed his bottom lip, catching it for a second before letting it slip free, lips parted, breath fast and uneven. His eyes locked on yours, heavy with lust.

"Fuck... I'm close." He said in a low whimper.

Every muscle in his body tightened, chasing that edge as he started to unravel inside you.

"I'm almost there." You whimpered, your voice trembling as your hooded eyes met his for a second before fluttering shut. Your head dropped back against the mattress, fingers gripping the covers beneath you.

He let out a low shaky breath, pulling one hand from your waist and dragging it slowly up your body. He found your hands, lacing his fingers through yours, holding them tightly.

The change in angle had him thrusting even deeper, hitting that spot again, your whole body jolting with pleasure. His grip on your hands tightened, hips chasing your release like it was the only thing that mattered.

Your legs began to shake, trembling uncontrollably as you clenched around him. The sounds falling from your lips grew louder, broken and breathless mixing with the wet slap of his hips against yours. A ring of your arousal coated the base of him, the sight alone pushing him right to the edge.

"Fuck." He gasped, voice catching in a choked whimper as he fell apart, thrusts growing rougher, messier, desperate. He pulled his hands from yours, fumbling to yank your shirt up, needing to see you—needing to finish.

With a few last messy thrusts, he pulled out, hand wrapping around himself. His jaw clenched as he let out a shaky groan, coming across your stomach, his body shuddering as he spilled every last drop.

He collapsed beside you, chest rising and falling rapidly, body still trembling. His fingers gently traced the curve of your waist. His eyes softened as they met yours, a breathless smile appearing at the corners of his lips.

"Are you okay?" He murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from your face. He didn't need to ask, not really, but he wanted to make sure you felt as safe and cared for as he felt in that moment.

You nodded, your own breath finally starting to steady, fingers running over his chest. The quiet of the room felt like everything had slowed, each moment stretching out just enough for you both to catch up with each other.

5:00 AM

Your eyes fluttered open. The sheets were warm, tangled around your legs, and for a brief second you didn't remember where you were. Well, not until you looked beside you.

Jisung. Fast asleep.

You sat up quickly, rubbing the blur from your eyes, heart pounding just a little too fast. You never woke up this early—not naturally at least. Maybe it was your body's way of reminding you that you weren't supposed to be here, that this was real, that it happened.

Lying next to him had felt natural, like second nature, like slipping into an old habit you didn't know you still had. His warmth still lingered on your skin, the faint scent of his cologne clinging to the sheets, wrapping around you.

He looked peaceful like this.

Hair messy, his lips slightly parted, his breathing steady. He didn't look like the Jisung you had been reunited with last night—the one who was cocky, pushing your buttons just enough to get under your skin. No, this was the Jisung you remembered from before. The one you used to sneak glances at in class, the one who made you laugh without trying. 

A part of you, a stupid part of you wanted to lay back down, press yourself against him, bury yourself in the comfort of his presence. Wanted to let him pull you close in his sleep like he used to, wanted to pretend, even for a little while, that none of the years apart had happened. 

You swallowed hard, pushing the thoughts away. This was probably just a hookup to him—one last reckless decision before leaving the city, and maybe that was all it should be to you too. Before you could change your mind, you carefully slipped out of bed, grabbing your scattered clothes off the floor. You dressed quickly, barely breathing, barely thinking, just moving.

Jisung stirred slightly, mumbling something under his breath, but he didn't wake up. You slipped out into the cold, dark morning.

10:04 AM

Your phone buzzed beside you, the screen lighting up against the dark comforter of your bed. You weren't even sure why you reached for it so fast.

Jisung [10:04 AM]: "I had a fun time last night. When can I see you again?"

You stared at the message, fingers hovering over the screen. The easy answer was never. You could leave it at that—ignore him, let this be a one time thing and pretend none of it mattered. 

Another buzz.

Jisung [10:10 AM]: "Can we grab lunch together or something this afternoon?"

Your lips pressed together, exhaling a slow breath. Everything in you screamed that this was a bad idea. That seeing him again after everything would only make things worse, but he wanted to see you, again and maybe that was enough.

You [10:12 AM]: "Yeah, okay."

The restaurant was small, tucked away on a quiet street corner. A place you wouldn't have picked yourself, but the atmosphere was nice. Jisung was already there when you walked in, sitting in a booth by the window. His eyes met yours instantly, and that stupid smile of his tugged at his lips as he waved you over.

"You actually came."

"I said I would, didn't I?" You replied, sliding into the seat across from him.

"Yeah, but you also left me alone in bed this morning, so I wasn't sure."

You huffed, shaking your head. 

"What? It was kinda tragic." He grinned, leaning back in his seat. "Woke up cold and abandoned."

"Tragic, really?" You murmured.

"Devastating honestly." He sighed dramatically, then smirked. "Thought maybe I imagined the whole thing."

He didn't. You knew that. You both did.

"You didn't." You said dryly, picking up the menu. 

He chuckled, eyes still fixed on you.

"So." He said, tilting his head slightly. "What do you recommend? This was your idea after all."

"Excuse me? You invited me."

"Yeah, but you said yes."

"Which makes it my idea?"

"Exactly." He smirked.

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help the small smile that slipped through. It felt familiar, like nothing had changed. It was in the way his gaze lingered on you a little too long, the way his fingers tapped the table, like he was thinking of saying something but holding back. It was also in the way you couldn't help but steal glances at him, like you were trying to find something in his expression that wasn't there before.

The waiter came, and you ordered, the momentary distraction shifting the mood back to something lighter for only a split second.

But then—

"Why'd you leave?"

Your hand stiffened around your glass.

You didn't look up. "Jisung."

"I know, I know." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "You don't wanna talk about it, but—"

"But nothing." Your voice was sharper than intended, but you didn't soften it. "I told you I don't want to talk about it." 

His jaw tensed, eyes searching yours for something, but he exhaled and leaned back.

"Fine. No deep shit today." He paused, then smirked. "But you can make it up to me later."

Your breath hitched. "Jisung—"

"Relax." He grinned, reaching for his drink. "Just a joke."

It wasn't, but you let it slide.

"So, what's next for you?" You asked, shifting the conversation.

Jisung's smirk faded slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. "Heading to another city tomorrow. Last stop on the tour."

"Oh."

You didn't know why that answer made your chest tighten. It wasn't like you expected him to stay, it wasn't like this changed anything.

"You gonna miss me?" He teased.

"Not even a little."

He gasped dramatically. "Liar."

"Delusional."

"You wound me, Y/n."

You laughed, shaking your head. 

Lunch continued, and despite the underlying tension, it was... good.

You laughed more than you wanted to. Fell back into old habits, old inside jokes. For a moment, it almost felt normal, but as you walked out of the restaurant together reality hit. Jisung was leaving and you had no idea if, or when you'd see him again. He seemed to read your mind because he gave you a small smile. 

"You know, if you ever feel like seeing a Black Horizon show, I'll get you in."

"Oh, so you're offering me free tickets now?"

"I always was."

You huffed a laugh, shaking your head. The goodbye hovered between you. Neither of you wanted to say it, but it was inevitable.

"Goodbye Jisung."

His eyes softened slightly, fingers twitching like he wanted to reach for you, but stopped himself.

"Yeah." He murmured. "See you around."

But as he walked away, you couldn't help but wonder— was this really the end?

══════════════════════════

It had been about a month since Jisung left, and honestly, you had forgotten all about him.

Well—partly.

His number still sat in your phone, not saved, but memorized enough that your eyes lingered over it sometimes. Sometimes you caught yourself staring at your screen, wondering if you should reach out, if you should at least say something, but you never did, never could. It was better this way, he should stay in the past—strictly.

It was time to focus on your future.

"You okay?"

A voice knocked you out of your thoughts, and you turned your head.

Speaking of the future.

"Yeah Haechan, I'm good. Just thinking." You flashed a small grin, trying to shake off the moment.

He tilted his head slightly, studying you. "About what?"

"Nothing you'd be interested in." You grabbed your washcloth, running it over the counter, focusing a little too hard on the streaks left behind.

"I'm interested." His response came quickly.

When you looked up, his eyes were locked onto yours, a grin forming at the corners of his lips. The moment stretched just long enough for warmth to creep up your neck before you turned away, cheeks feeling a little too hot.

The bar was practically empty now, the usual hum of voices gone, closing time. You always liked this part of the night—the slow, quiet moments when it was just the two of you finishing up, the outside world feeling distant.

"Just about life, that's all. Nothing I can really put into words right now." You finally answered.

Haechan nodded like he understood, turning back to organize the glasses behind the counter.

"Is it something you can put into words later?" He asked after a second. "Outside of work, maybe?"

His voice was quieter now, almost like the words slipped out before he could think twice.

Your hands froze mid wipe.

"What did you say?" You asked, turning to face him.

Haechan had his back to you, placing the last glass on the shelf, but when he turned around his lips were pressed together, cheeks puffed out slightly like he had been caught.

"Huh? I didn't say anything." His voice was light, but there was something a little nervous about the way he scratched the back of his head.

You squinted at him suspiciously. "I swear you said something. I must be imagining things—I'm exhausted." You giggled, shaking your head, but you didn't miss the way he let out a small breath of relief.

"Yeah, I get it honestly." He wiped his hands on a towel, eyes scanning the room before nodding in satisfaction. "Looks pretty good in here, I think you're good to go."

"Are you not coming with?" You asked, genuine concern slipping into your tone.

"Nah, the boss texted me and asked me to check out the security cameras since I'm the only one who knows how to work them."

You frowned. "I can learn—"

"I'm good, swear." He cut you off quickly, shaking his head. "Go home and get some rest. I'll see you in a few days, yeah?"

"Maybe tomorrow. The boss needs me for the afternoon shift, so we'll run into each other most likely."

Haechan sighed, his lips forming into a smile. "You've been working back to back Y/n, you need a break. Take tomorrow off— I'll cover you, I like working Monday anyways."

"No, it's okay, swear. I need the money anyway. It'll all be worth it when I have the—"

"Cafe, I know." He finished for you, his smile growing.

You laughed, shaking your head. "Yeah, sorry."

"No need to be sorry, I love hearing about it." His voice was soft, but firm. "But you're gonna be burned out by the time you open it if you keep working like this."

Before you could protest, he reached into his pocket pulling out a crisp hundred dollar bill and holding it up.

"Take a break Y/n."

Your eyes widened. "Haechan, I can't accept this."

"Yeah... I think you can." He shifted on his feet, his smile turning a little awkward, like he wasn't sure if this was too much. "Just... think of it like an early birthday gift, I guess."

"First off, my birthday is in 3 weeks. Second, how did you even remember that?" You asked, exasperated.

He raised an eyebrow, pressing his lips in a line. "It happens every year, kinda hard to forget."

You stared at him for a moment before sighing. "Okay, okay. I'll take the day off, but keep your money—seriously."

Haechan pouted dramatically. "So you're rejecting your gift? Wow, okay, I didn't know you hated me."

You laughed, shaking your head. "Fine." You grabbed the bill from his hand, rolling your eyes. "Thank you for the three week early gift, kind sir."

"You're welcome, madam. There's more where that came from." He smiled brightly.

"There better not be." 

His smile softened. "Well, I'll at least get you a little something more on your birthday. Even though you shouldn't set foot in this place on your birthday."

"Trust me, I won't, but the day after? I can't promise anything." You shrugged playfully.

"Well, I'm afraid I can't stop you that time, but I'll make sure I'm scheduled so I can give you your gift." He smiled comfortably.

"Okay, I'll be waiting on it."

Your eyes met his, and for a split second, it felt like something hung in the air between you, but before it could settle Haechan cleared his throat.

"Well, you should head out."

"Yeah, okay." You nodded, stepping away to grab your stuff from the back.

When you returned to the front, Haechan was still adjusting bottles on the shelves.

"I'll see you later."

He turned, a smile on his face. "See ya."

You pushed the door open, stepping into the cool night air. The smell of cigarettes hit your nose. Familiar... too familiar.

Before you could process it, a voice came from behind you.

"You're off work?"

Your stomach dropped. You turned slowly, eyes locking onto Jisung.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

Jisung stood there, cigarette dangling between his fingers, dark eyes flickering over you.

"Well, I wanted a drink, but it looks like you're closed." He peeked through the glass doors before returning his gaze to yours.

Your arms crossed tightly. "Jisung, seriously. What are you doing here? I thought you were gone... for good."

He tilted his head. "I said I was going to another city for a stop, not that I was gone forever."

You narrowed your eyes. "I don't know, the way you said bye made it seem like—"

"I said see you around." He cut you off. "You said bye. Honestly thought you'd disappear again before I came back."

Silence.

You exhaled sharply. "Goodbye, Jisung." You turned to walk away.

"Wait. I came because I wanted to see you again. Don't act like you don't want to see me too."

"I don't." You shot back, rolling your eyes, your arms folding tightly across your chest.

His expression flickered, just for a second before he scoffed. "Why are you so damn mean all of a sudden? This new personality is seriously unlikable."

Your eyes narrowed. "I don't know, maybe because we haven't been friends for, I don't know—six years? So yeah, I've changed, and I'm sorry you don't like it." Your words were sharp, cutting.

"I'm trying to like it, but you're not making it easy." His voice was firm, frustration creeping into his tone as he leaned forward.

You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head. "It's literally the second time you've seen me Jisung, relax. You're acting like you've been chasing me down for years."

"You left first, yet I'm the bad guy for trying to reconcile?" He spoke, jaw clenching.

Your stomach twisted, irritation bubbling up.

"You don't want to reconcile, you want to hookup. Which was a one time thing by the way." You snapped, crossing your arms. "What happened to gentlemen who take you out to dinner." You said rolling your eyes.

Jisung blinked, tilting his head slightly. For a moment, you thought you'd struck a nerve. 

"I will."

His voice was different now, lower.

Your brows furrowed. "What?"

"I didn't know you wanted to, but I will." His eyes met yours.

You huffed, shaking your head. A short exasperated laugh escaped you, like you couldn't believe what you were hearing. "Nah, you're good." 

But Jisung didn't let it go.

"No, send your address." His voice softened slightly, but the determination was still there. "You want me to take you out to dinner? I'll take you out to dinner."

"Right." You scoffed, lifting an eyebrow. "I bet you will." You said sarcastically, turning away from him, walking quickly. 

And he didn't call after you, didn't try to stop you, but you could feel his eyes on you.

══════════════════════════ You sat on your couch, phone in your hand, your knee bouncing slightly as you stared at the empty message thread. This was a bad idea, such a bad idea, but your fingers hovered over the keyboard anyway.

Jisung had gotten under your skin the way he always did—effortlessly. You could still hear his voice, see that teasing smirk he always wore when he knew he had the upper hand.

"You want me to take you out to dinner? I'll take you out to dinner. Tomorrow."

You huffed, this wasn't some big deal—it was just dinner, just food. You felt that you should just ignore it, let it go, prove that he didn't still have this stupid, frustrating hold on you. But instead, before you could overthink it, you typed out your address and hit send.

It took less than a minute for the read receipt to pop up. 

Jisung [6:24 PM]: "Oh? Someone came to her senses."

You rolled your eyes.

You [6:25 PM]: "Shut up. Are you picking me up or what?"

Jisung [6:26 PM]: "Relax Y/n. I'll be there at 8."

You could practically hear the cocky tone in his voice just from the text. This was going to be such a mistake.

Jisung pulled up in front of your apartment exactly at eight, which was surprising considering his usual habit of running late.

He rolled down the window, resting his arm on the door as he looked at you with a smirk. "Look at you, actually waiting outside for me."

You gave him a dry look, tugging the car door open. "I swear to God Jisung—"

"Ok, ok." He laughed, unlocking the door fully. "Get in before you change your mind."

The drive to the restaurant was... normal and that in itself was strange. There was no arguing, no sarcasm, instead, the conversation flowed naturally. He talked about the last stops of his tour, about how much he thrived on stage, but hated how exhausting the traveling was. You mentioned how much the city had changed since he left—how certain streets felt unrecognizable now, but some places stayed exactly the same.

By the time you reached the restaurant, you weren't sure what to expect anymore, but when you sat across from him, your menus open but untouched, Jisung leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Alright, let's talk about you."

You raised an eyebrow. "What about me?"

"Everything." He said simply, tapping his fingers against the table. "What have you been up to? What do you do when you're not pouring drinks?"

"I work. I go home. That's pretty much it." You said.

"Bullshit."

"It's not bullshit."

"No, see, that's bullshit." He leaned forward slightly, eyes locked onto yours. "You never just work, you always had something else going on. So?"

You hesitated, your fingers tracing the condensation on your glass. You weren't sure why you felt reluctant to tell him—maybe because it was personal, and you weren't ready to hand him pieces of yourself again, but still, you sighed and gave in.

"I've been working on opening a café."

Jisung blinked once, before letting out a scoff of amusement. "I knew it."

"Knew what?"

"Knew you wouldn't let that go." He shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You were obsessed with that idea when we were younger."

You frowned slightly. "Yeah, now I'm actually making it happen."

Jisung tilted his head, his smirk fading into something unreadable. "Why didn't you just say that earlier?"

You looked away, your fingers still trailing along the glass rim. "I don't know, you've been gone for years. I figured it didn't really matter to you."

His expression flickered, but he didn't immediately snap back with some sarcastic remark. He leaned back, watching you carefully. "Don't do that."

"Do what?" You asked, glancing up.

"Talk like I don't know you at all anymore." His voice wasn't teasing anymore. It was steady, a little softer than before. "Like I didn't spend years listening to you go on about this."

You cleared your throat. "Well, it's happening now. I have a location and the last bit of funding."

Jisung exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "Damn. You really pulled it off."

"Trying to." You corrected.

His lips curled slightly. "I'd go."

You met his gaze, eyebrow raised. "You better."

For a while, the conversation kept its natural rhythm. The teasing was still there, but it was balanced by genuine curiosity. It almost felt like nothing had changed. 

"How's your mom?"

Your expression dropped for a small second as you reached for your drink, stalling with a small sip. "Huh?"

"Your mom." Jisung repeated, tilting his head slightly. "How's she doing? I should stop by, say hello."

You let out a short, forced laugh. "Oh, I don't think she'll be too happy to see you."

Jisung's easy expression faltered slightly. "Huh?"

"Oh, no I'm just saying that she probably just doesn't want to see you." You said, a forced smile on your face as you brushed it off.

"What do you mean?" He questioned. 

"Nothing, just... I don't think she really cares about catching up with you, she doesn't really like having company y'know?" You said, keeping your voice casual. 

His fingers tapped lightly against the table. "Yeah, I understand. Why do I feel like you're leaving something out though?"

"I'm not." You said, forcing a small smile. "Seriously, it's nothing."

Jisung studied you, his gaze sharp, like he was picking apart the way you avoided eye contact.

"Does it have something to do with you leaving without telling me anything?"

Your shoulders stiffened. "Jisung, stop. Seriously."

"No." He pressed, his voice low. "I feel like I deserve to know—"

"I said stop."

The words came out sharper than you intended, a little too loud. A couple at a nearby table glanced over. 

Jisung leaned back slowly, raising his hands slightly. "Fine."

But the mood had already shifted.

Jisung cleared his throat, shifting slightly. "So... did you ever get good at baking?"

You blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"Baking." He repeated, his voice forced light. "You used to suck at it, burnt cookies every time."

You let out a small, barely there laugh. "I got better."

Silence stretched between you. Jisung drumming his fingers against the table before trying again. "So, uh... do you live alone?"

"Yeah."

"Nice place?"

"It's alright."

"Any pets?"

"Nope."

Another pause.

He let out a slow breath. "Still listen to the same music?"

"Mostly."

"What happened to that one band you were obsessed with?"

"They broke up."

Jisung sighed, rubbing his jaw. "Okay, you gotta give me something here. I'm trying, but you're shutting me down."

You finally looked at him, shrugging.

He studied you for a second, then nodded, pushing his chair back. "Let's go."

The ride was quiet, the weight of the earlier conversation lingering between you both. Jisung pulled up in front of your apartment, resting his hands on the steering wheel.

"Okay, bye." His voice was flat, casual...too casual.

You glanced at him. "You're not coming in?"

He raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking up slightly. "Why would I need to come in?"

His tone was teasing, but there was something beneath it, like he was testing the waters.

You smirked, tilting your head slightly. "Come on."

Jisung stepped inside, hands shoved into his pockets as he looked around, taking in the space.

"This is a nice place." He said, his voice casual, but there was a hint of genuine interest behind it.

You huffed, kicking off your shoes by the door. "Yeah right."

"I'm serious." He replied, trailing after you as you walked into the living room.

You turned to face him, arms crossed. The air between you felt... off balance. Like you both knew where this was going, but neither of you wanted to be the first to say it.

"Would you like a drink?" You asked, your voice a little quieter now.

"Naw, I'm good." His reply was smooth, but his eyes never left yours.

Silence stretched between you, before you finally broke it.

"Okay." You said, the word lingering in the air.

Jisung raised an eyebrow watching you carefully, waiting.

You swallowed, exhaling softly. "We're on the same page here, right?"

His lips twitched slightly, like he was holding back a smirk. "I don't know, maybe. What are you thinking?"

His voice was lower now, he already knew what you were thinking, but wanted to hear you say it.

You hesitated for only a second before stepping closer. "I don't know." You admitted, your fingers brushing against the hem of your shirt. "But I think we should stop talking about it and make it happen—only if we're on the same page, of course."

Jisung's smirk deepened as he took a slow step forward, closing the space between you.

"Oh?" His voice was teasing, but his eyes had darkened slightly, his gaze locked on yours. "What happened to it being a one time thing?"

You felt your pulse quicken, but you kept your expression steady. "I mean... if you're not interested, that's—"

Before you could finish Jisung interrupted you, his lips crashing against yours, his hands finding your face, fingers threading into your hair as he pulled you in like he'd been waiting for this. You barely had time to react before your hands instinctively moved to his waist, gripping onto him and pulling him even closer, surprising him slightly.

He broke the kiss for just a second, his breath fanning over your lips as he whispered. "I am."

Then his lips were on yours again. You truly thought that was going to be the last time, but first it started with him appearing in your notification center. 

Wednesday, 2/19

The first time was impulse.

You were in the middle of getting ready for work, standing in front of your mirror, smoothing out your shirt when your phone buzzed.

Jisung [6:47 PM]: "Hey, wyd tonight?"

You stared at the message, your fingers hesitating over the keyboard for a moment before you responded.

You [6:49 PM]: "Work, why?"

Jisung [6:50 PM]: "Can you come over after?"

It would be the last time. You'd make sure of it.

You [6:52 PM]: "Okay, but this is the last time."

Lying to him was one thing, lying to yourself was another because your mind kept drifting back to him—to the way he touched you, the way he felt.

Friday, 2/21

By the third time, it wasn't impulse anymore. 

You were curled up on your couch after a long shift, staring at your phone, fighting yourself over sending a text you shouldn't be sending, but then you did.

You [10:23 PM]: "Have you left yet?"

He opened it instantly.

Jisung [10:23 PM]: "No, why?"

You could still back out or you could do the exact thing you promised yourself you wouldn't.

You [10:24 PM]: "Do you want to come over?"

The moment you hit send, a wave of shame settled in your stomach. You shouldn't want this.

Jisung [10:24 PM]: "Of course, I'm on my way."

Saturday, 2/22

Jisung was leaving soon. This thing—whatever it was, would be over, and you'd be able to return to normal.

Jisung [4:19 PM]: "I leave tomorrow. Can I come over to see you before I go?"

You read the text twice, then a third time, before finally responding.

You [4:22 PM]: "You were just here yesterday lol."

Jisung [4:23 PM]: "I know. Just want to hang out and say goodbye. Maybe we can watch a movie?"

You exhaled through your nose, shaking your head. 

You're not stupid.

You [4:24 PM]: "Right... watch a movie and say goodbye."

Jisung [4:24 PM]: "I'm serious."

You didn't believe him.

You [4:26 PM]: "Whatever, just come over."

Jisung showed up at your door, a bag of takeout in one hand, a smug grin on his lips.

"Brought food." He said simply, stepping inside.

The two of you settled onto the couch, the movie playing in the background, though neither of you were really paying attention. This was the most casual hangout you'd had since running into him weeks ago. 

Until it wasn't.

Until his hand drifted to your thigh and stayed there.

Until your gaze lingered on his lips longer than it should have.

Until his fingers traced small circles against your skin, slow and teasing, like he was daring you to acknowledge it.

And then you did.

And then his lips were on yours again.

And then you were leading him to your bedroom.

It felt like a never ending cycle, something you should have been able to stop but somehow never could.

It wasn't even about the number of times—four, maybe five. It was the way it felt natural, even when it shouldn't. Especially when you considered that this was Jisung. Your childhood best friend, the same person you could never see that way.

And yet, here you were.

Again.

You lay beside him, his arm draped lazily over your waist, the sound of his steady breathing filling the space around you. You lifted your head slightly, resting your chin against his bare chest.

"So, um." You started, voice softer than intended.

Jisung hummed, eyes barely opening as he tilted his head toward you.

"What is... this?" You asked.

His brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't look surprised.

"I don't know." He said, his voice groggy but calm. "What do you want it to be?"

You hesitated before flipping the question back on him.

"What do you want it to be?"

He let out a quiet laugh. "I asked first."

You sighed, playing with the hem of the blanket. "Well, I know that I've had a good time with you."

"I agree." He nodded.

"But."

His eyes narrowed slightly, watching you closely.

"I think we should keep this... platonic."

Jisung's lips parted slightly before he let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

"Platonic?" He scoffed. "I'm in your bed with no clothes on for the, what, third time this week—and you want to keep it platonic?"

You smirked slightly, shaking your head. "Not like that, Jisung."

His lips quirked up, but there was something else behind his expression now.

"This, but just... no titles, no relationship, no... feelings."

Jisung's grin faded for just a second. It was quick, so quick you almost missed it.

"So just friends?" He asked, voice unreadable.

"Right." You nodded, giving him a small smile.

There was a pause, then he exhaled, shaking his head with a smirk. 

"Sorry, but I thought that's what this was in the first place."

You searched his expression, trying to decipher whether or not he meant that.

"I never doubted that." You said quietly, watching the way his grin faltered just slightly. "But I just want to make sure it's in the air, that we're on the same page."

Jisung held your gaze for a second longer before nodding. "We are. No titles, no relationship, no feelings." 

"Got it." You smiled. "Now, I think it's time for you to leave." You added playfully.

Jisung clutched his chest, sucking in his teeth dramatically. "Ouch."

"Stop." You rolled your eyes. "I don't mind, but if you're anything like how you were years ago, then I know you need to go prepare to leave tomorrow."

"Whatever." He sighed, getting out of bed and getting dressed.

You walked him to the door, leaning against the frame as he lingered for a moment.

"When am I gonna see you again?" He asked.

"I could ask you the same question."

Jisung tilted his head slightly. "No clue." He frowned a little, then forced a small smile. "But I'll at least try to come for your birthday in a few weeks."

Your eyes flickered in surprise.

"You—"

"Remembered?" He raised an eyebrow. "Yes."

A small smile tugged at your lips.

"Hey, you can't blame me." You teased.

Jisung gave you a long look, like he wanted to say something—something you didn't want to hear. Instead, he exhaled through his nose and nodded.

"Safe travels and good luck with your band." You said.

"Thank you. I'll text when I make it back."

You paused, then nodded. "Cool."

"Cool?" He repeated.

"Yes Jisung. Goodbye."

He chuckled. "See you later."

Sunday, 2/23

Back to routine. Same shift. Same uniform, except this time, your phone buzzed.

Jisung [11:45 AM]: "Hey, I made it back. Whatchu up to?"

══════════════════════════

It was the usual tonight—customers flooding in, the hours passing by, keeping you busy.

By the time closing rolled around, it was just you and Haechan, wiping down the counters, stacking chairs, and finishing up the last of your closing duties.

"Happy birthday Y/n!" Haechan suddenly spoke, glancing at his watch before flashing you a grin.

You looked up from the register, momentarily surprised before smiling. "Thank you."

"What are you doing tomorrow—well, technically today?" He corrected.

"Just going out with family." You replied.

"Oh, nice." He nodded, setting the last of the clean glasses in place before turning to you. "You know, it's funny—I could've just brought your gift today."

You giggled, shaking your head. "Yeah, I don't know why you didn't."

"Guess I wasn't thinking." He admitted with a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're still working tomorrow, right?"

"No? It's my birthday tomorrow." You replied, stretching your arms with a grin.

Haechan cocked his head at you. "It's your birthday today."

You blinked, realizing he was right. Midnight had already passed.

"Oh, right." You laughed at yourself. "Sorry, my brain's fried."

"You need sleep." He teased. "But that means, yes—you're working tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be here." You confirmed.

Haechan grinned. "Then I'll bring your gift tomorrow. The boss said I can work, so it's just gonna be the two of us."

"Sounds good to me."

With that, you finished closing up, locked the doors, and parted ways for the night.

The moment you stepped into your apartment, exhaustion finally hit you. You kicked off your shoes, sighing as you tossed your keys onto the counter, but before you could even change, your phone buzzed from inside your bag.

Jisung [1:07 AM]: "Happy birthday."

You smiled a little before responding.

You [1:08 AM]: "Thank you!"

A few seconds later, another message popped up.

Jisung [1:08 AM]: "I'll be there soon to take you out."

You [1:09 AM]: "Not today, already got something planned."

He didn't respond right away, but when he did, it was short.

Jisung [1:10 AM]: "Noted. I'll lyk."

You exhaled softly, locking your phone.

The past few weeks with Jisung had been... unexpected.

You weren't together, but somehow he was more present in your life than ever. You called each other almost every day, talking until one of you fell asleep. You texted constantly, sometimes about everything, sometimes about nothing. Even at work you found yourself sneaking replies between shifts, only to find out he was doing the same, sending you snippets of whatever he was recording or doing that day. So it wasn't really a surprise when your phone rang again the next day later that afternoon, just a few hours before your shift.

"How can I help you Jisung?" You said, holding the phone between your shoulder and ear.

"Ouch." He gasped dramatically. "That is not how you greet the person taking you out tonight."

"Well, thank god you're not the person taking me out tonight, because I have work."

"Y/n, no." He groaned, dragging out the word in a whine.

"Jisung, yes." You mocked his tone. "There's nothing I can do about it."

"Can't you take off? Get someone to cover you?" His voice had shifted from dramatic to genuinely pleading now. "I leave tomorrow, I have work to handle. I have a job, remember?"

"Yes, I remember. Do you remember that I have one too?"

"Please Y/n." His voice softened, making you rethink your decision. "I'm coming for you, to spend a birthday with you—something I haven't done in a while. Let me."

You paused, your lips parting slightly. A long silence stretched between you both before you finally exhaled.

"Let me call you back."

"Y/n, wait—"

"Shh, I'll call you back." You hung up before he could argue.

You scrolled through your contacts, clicking on Haechan's name. The phone rang a few times before he picked up.

"What's up?" He answered, his voice slightly winded like he'd been running around.

"Are you busy?" You asked.

"Yeah, a little, just at work. What's up?"

You bit your lip. "Do you think you can cover me tonight?"

The line went quiet.

You frowned slightly waiting for a response, but when he finally spoke, his voice was noticeably different.

"Um... I don't know. I'll be by myself on a Friday night, that's a lot."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. You were just the first person I thought of." You admitted. "But you could find someone else to help, right?"

"I could, but it's gonna be hard on such short notice."

"Maybe not." You countered. "People always want extra shifts. I got covered ten minutes before a shift once."

There was another pause.

"Right." He murmured, his tone unreadable.

Guilt spread through your stomach. "I'm sorry, these birthday plans are severely last minute. You can totally say no if you want—"

"Ok."

You blinked. "Ok?"

"I'll cover you tonight." He said, his voice forcefully light. "But you owe me."

"Oh my God, I owe you the whole world." You exclaimed, your voice almost painfully cheerful now. "Thank you Haechan, I love you for this."

"Yeah, yeah, no problem. Love you too." His voice sounded... off, but before you could linger on it, he spoke again. "I'll see you tomorrow."

You barely had time to say goodbye before he hung up. Shrugging off the weird feeling in your gut, you immediately called Jisung back.

"Oh, you actually called back." He teased as soon as he answered.

"Yeah, I did." You replied, your voice noticeably lighter now.

"You seem to be in a much better mood." He said with a hint of amusement in his tone.

"That's because you are the person taking me out tonight."

"Oh, am I?" His voice brightened, more than he probably meant for it to.

"Yes, you are."

Jisung let out a soft chuckle. "Well then, the person taking you out tonight is picking you up at six."

You smiled. "Thank you for informing me. See you then."

Jisung [5:58 PM]: "Outside. No rush, but also... hurry up."

You rolled your eyes but smiled, quickly slipping on your jacket before grabbing your phone and bag. You checked yourself in the mirror one last time, smoothing out your outfit before heading outside.

Jisung was leaning against his car, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression unreadable until he saw you, then that stupid little smirk of his appeared.

"Damn." He said, looking you up and down. "You look nice."

"Shut up." You huffed, but you were smiling as you reached for the car door.

"I mean it." He added, a little softer.

You glanced at him, your heart skipping for half a second before you quickly slid into the passenger seat. He got in after you, starting the car as music hummed through the speakers. The air smelled like his cologne, mixed with the faintest scent of vanilla from the air freshener hanging from the mirror.

"So, where are we going?" You asked, buckling your seatbelt.

"Dinner first." Jisung said, glancing over at you with a small smirk. "Gotta feed the birthday girl."

Jisung took you to a small, cozy restaurant tucked between some buildings downtown. It wasn't fancy, but it was warm, intimate, the kind of place where the lights were dim, and soft music played in the background.

The moment you walked in, he casually placed a hand on your lower back, guiding you toward a booth. It was barely anything, but it sent a small shiver up your spine.

He slid into the seat across from you, leaning back comfortably. "Alright, order whatever you want. Birthday rules."

"Birthday rules?" You raised a brow.

"Yeah, you get whatever you want, and I don't complain about the price." He grinned. "And also, you can't get mad at me for whatever dumb shit I do tonight."

You laughed, shaking your head. "We'll see about that."

When the waiter came, Jisung let you order first before he placed his, and true to his word he didn't even flinch when you went a little overboard with your choices.

"So," He said once the waiter left, propping his elbow on the table. "How's twenty three treating you so far?"

"It's only been a few hours Jisung."

"Yeah, but do you feel different?" He wiggled his brows dramatically.

"No idiot." You laughed.

"Lame." He sighed. "I was hoping for some life changing wisdom."

"You just turned twenty three a few months ago. Where's your wisdom?"

"Ah, but I'm not the birthday person today." He countered, smirking.

You shook your head, but the smile never left your face.

When the food arrived, you both dug in immediately, the conversation never slowing down. There were moments where Jisung stole food from your plate without asking, moments where you flicked a fry at him in retaliation, moments where the laughter between you felt so easy—so natural, that almost made you forget all the years you spent apart.

By the time the plates were empty, you were both comfortably full, and Jisung looked across the table with a small glint in his eyes. "You ready for the next stop?" He asked, as you nodded with a smile.

The moment you pulled into the arcades parking lot you felt the nostalgia settle in your chest.

"Holy shit." You murmured, looking around once you stepped inside.

"Feels like high school, huh?" Jisung grinned.

The arcade looked almost exactly the same as it did years ago—the flashing lights, the smell of popcorn, the sounds of tickets printing, and people shouting in excitement.

"Come on." Jisung said, already heading toward the change machine. He pulled out a couple of bills, exchanged them for tokens, and handed you a stack. "Hope you're ready to get your ass kicked."

You scoffed, stuffing the coins in your pocket. "We'll see about that."

The first game you played was air hockey. Jisung was obnoxious about it, smirking every time he scored on you.

"Damn, you used to be way better at this." He teased.

"I'm warming up." You argued, huffing as you tried to block his next shot.

Then came racing games, basketball hoops, and a whack a mole battle that ended with both of you laughing so hard you almost forgot to keep score. Everything about it felt... familiar.

Then you saw it, the claw machine. You both used to be obsessed with it.

"No way." Jisung breathed, already walking toward it. "They still have it?"

"I can't believe this thing is still standing." You added, stepping beside him.

Jisung cracked his knuckles. "Alright. If I win, you have to admit that I'm the best at everything."

"And if you lose?"

"Not possible." He smirked before inserting a token.

He almost won the first time, then failed spectacularly the second.By the third time, you were laughing so hard you had to lean against the glass.

"Shut up." He groaned, focusing harder.

And then he actually won, turning to you, holding up a small stuffed animal with a shit eating grin.

"Bow to your champion." He said.

"I hate you." You grumbled, grabbing the toy.

"No, you love me." He corrected, his voice teasing, but his eyes soft.

You swallowed, ignoring the warmth spreading through your chest. "Where to next?" You asked. 

His grin widened. "You'll see."

The last place you expected Jisung to take you was a music studio.

"Uh, why are we here?" You asked as he led you inside.

He glanced over his shoulder with a smirk. "Just trust me."

The room was dark, blue and red lighting, a few instruments scattered around, soundproofed walls, but one stuck out to you.

A guitar— his guitar, the one he would always use when you both were younger... the one you had given him as a gift. 

Jisung smiled picking it up, settling into a chair before glancing at you.

"You remember your favorite song?" He asked casually.

Your breath caught. "You remember?"

"Of course I do. I couldn't get a break from it, always asking me to play it, even though I wasn't very good." He murmured, fingers strumming the first few chords.

And then he played and it was perfect. You just sat there watching him, feeling your chest tighten. When he finished he looked up, eyes locking onto yours.

"Happy birthday." He murmured.

You didn't say anything, you couldn't. All you could do was walk over to him, stand in front of him and stare into his eyes. Then you leaned in, closing the small space between you, and pressed your lips to his in a slow kiss. His hands found your waist almost instantly, pulling you against him like he couldn't stand another inch of distance.

The moment you reached your apartment you guided him to the couch, your lips never leaving his. With a gentle push, he sank onto the cushions, and you climbed onto his lap, pulling him into another messy kiss. Then you trailed your mouth to his neck, kissing down the warm skin slowly. Soft gasps slipped from him as you explored the sensitive spot just beneath his jaw, his hands gripping you tighter with every touch.

Your hands moved down his body, eager and a little shaky as you worked to undo his pants. You freed him, wrapping your fingers around him and stroking, slow at first. Soft moans slipped from his lips, his eyes locked on you. Then you slid down between his legs, settling on your knees in front of him, your touch never leaving him.

"No, I'm supposed to be treating you for your birthday." He said, breath hitching.

"I want to." You whispered, your thumb brushing over his tip.

"But—" He started, the protest dying in his throat the moment your mouth wrapped around him, cutting him off with a choked whimper.

His head dropped back against the couch, a low groan slipping from his throat as your mouth moved around him. You took your time, letting your tongue swirl around his tip before sliding deeper, feeling him twitch against your tongue.  

His fingers clenched the edge of the couch, knuckles white. Every soft suck, every flick of your tongue pulled a new sound from him—quiet moans, hitched breaths, curses whispered under his breath.  

He looked down at you through half lidded eyes, dark and dazed. One hand reached for you threading into your hair, not to control, just to feel you.

"Fuck... you feel so good." He breathed, his voice low and wrecked.

You glanced up at him, meeting his eyes as you sank down further, cheeks hollowing around him. The moment your pace quickened his hips gave a slight helpless jerk, and he bit his lip to keep another groan from spilling out.

You kept your rhythm steady, teasing him with just enough pressure to keep him right on the edge. Every time you pulled back, you let your tongue drag along the underside of him before taking him back in, deeper each time. His thighs tensed beneath your hands, a clear sign of how hard he was trying to stay still, to not lose control.

You let out a soft hum around him and he gasped, hips twitching as the vibration shot through him, his hand tightening in your hair.

"Shit—baby, wait..." He muttered, but there was no conviction in his voice, only pleasure and desperation. His eyes fluttered shut for a second before locking back on you.

You kept your eyes on him as you picked up the pace again, your mouth moving faster, more focused. He was close, you could feel it in the way his thighs tightened beneath your hands, the way his breathing turned shallow and uneven, every soft gasp turning into a ragged moan.  

His hand gripped your hair even tighter, hips lifting just slightly.

"Fuck, I'm—" He tried to warn you, voice cracking, but he didn't get the chance to finish his sentence.

You didn't slow down, taking him deep, lips and tongue working him through it as he came hard, a broken sound tearing from his throat. His whole body tensed under your touch, breath catching as waves of pleasure crashed over him as he twitched, sinking back into the couch with a shaky exhale.

His hand loosened in your hair, fingertips brushing your cheek as he looked down at you, completely wrecked and grinning like he couldn't believe what just happened.

"This night was supposed to be about you." He murmured as he tucked himself away, then reached for you, gently pulling you up onto the couch. Before you could protest, he stood and dropped to his knees in front of you.

"I said I wanted to." You replied with a soft smile, your voice breathless as he pushed up your skirt, fingers slipping beneath the fabric to pull your underwear down to your knees.

"Mm, right." He said, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. He hooked your legs over his shoulders, hands firm on your thighs as he leaned in. His lips brushed along your leg, leaving slow lingering kisses that traveled upward. He never looked away from you, his gaze dark as he inched closer.

Each kiss grew slower, hotter, as he neared your inner thigh, the anticipation curling tight in your stomach. He paused, just breathing against your skin, making you feel every second stretch before he finally moved in closer.

Then finally, he leaned in.

His tongue found you in one slow stroke, and your head fell back against the couch with a sharp inhale. He moved with purpose, his mouth working you open smoothly, his tongue flicking and curling just right. One of his hands slid up to press against your stomach, grounding you as the other gripped your thigh, keeping you right where he wanted you.

You moaned loudly, fingers digging into the cushions as he kept his movements steady and deep. He pulled you in closer with every stroke of his tongue, every wet, open mouthed kiss he left against you, his eyes flicking up to watch you.

"You're already shaking." He murmured between strokes, his voice rough and hungry. 

And the way he was working you, tongue pressing just right—it wasn't long before heat coiled tightly in your lower belly. Your thighs began to tremble around his shoulders, breath catching as the climax crashed through you in waves.

He didn't stop right away. He eased you through it, mouth softer now, slower, until your body finally relaxed under his touch.

When he pulled back, lips slick, he looked up at you like he could devour you all over again.

He stayed close, brushing slow kisses along your thighs, like he couldn't stop touching you, couldn't get enough. His hand slipped into yours, fingers lacing together.

After a few quiet moments, he smiled and whispered. "We should probably go to the bed." Pulling back just enough to look at you properly

You gave a smile, brushing your thumb over his cheek. "Okay."

══════════════════════════

You walked into work, setting your belongings down and stretching out your shoulders before making your way to the floor. The dim lights of the bar cast a soft glow over the counter, the scent of citrus and liquor lingering in the air from the night's previous rush. Haechan stood behind the bar finishing up with a customer, his movements slow.

When he turned toward you, his tired eyes met yours. You offered him a small smile, but instead of his usual playful smile or greeting, he just stared at you blankly.

"I'm going on break." He muttered, turning away before you could even respond.

You blinked, slightly taken aback by his tone, but shook it off and got to work. When he returned, he seemed a bit more like himself—his posture wasn't as heavy, and he spoke a little more, but the exhaustion still clung to him. His voice remained low, and he couldn't stop yawning between sentences.

"You okay?" You asked once all the customers were taken care of.

"Yeah, I'm just exhausted." He sighed, rubbing his eyes.

"It's you who really needs the break, huh?" You teased lightly, hoping to lift his mood a little.

"Yeah." He chuckled, but it was weak and forced. He turned away to wipe down the counter, avoiding your gaze.

"You're not usually this tired— what's going on?" You asked, genuinely curious now.

He hesitated for a moment before answering, still focused on the cloth in his hands.

"Well... working by myself last night didn't help." He muttered.

Your stomach twisted with guilt. "You couldn't find anyone to work with you?"

"Nope."

"Haechan, I'm seriously so sorry. Let me buy you a coffee or something."

"No, you're good." His voice was low, he wasn't mad just drained.

You let it go, working in silence beside him as the night carried on. The bar began to wind down, the crowd thinning as closing time crept closer. You stepped away for a quick break, heading to the bathroom, but as you walked back onto the floor, a familiar voice stopped you in your tracks.

"I'm a big fan of yours, it's cool that I saw you around here."

Haechan's voice was animated, the tiredness gone replaced by something closer to admiration.

Your heart stuttered in your chest as you turned the corner, only to lock eyes with Jisung. You immediately stepped back behind the wall, mentally cursing to yourself.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that." Jisung replied politely before making his way toward the bar toward you.

"Y/n." He greeted you with a small grin.

You rolled your eyes. "You just love coming to my job for absolutely no reason, huh?"

Haechan glanced between the two of you with his brows raised, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he studied the exchange.

"Can I not want a drink?" Jisung asked, taking a seat on one of the stools directly in front of you. "Vodka lemonade, please."

His smirk was taunting, like he was enjoying the way you flared up at his presence.

"I hate you." You muttered, turning around to make his drink.

"I'm sorry, I may be missing something," Haechan cut in, moving slightly closer to you. "Do you two know each other?"

"I wish we didn't." You muttered, making sure Jisung could hear you.

He only chuckled under his breath. "You didn't say that last night."

Your face burned as you whirled around, shoving his drink toward him a little harder than necessary.

"Okay! Here you go, sir. Now please be quiet."

Haechan's confusion only deepened. He stared at you both before turning to you expectantly.

"This is Jisung." You finally said, introducing him with a tight smile.

"I know." Haechan nodded.

Then you turned to Jisung. "And this is Haechan. One of my closest friends and coworkers— also, the reason we went out last night."

Jisung smirked at you, then at Haechan. "Wow, thank you so much Haechan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Haechan nodded back, clearly still putting the pieces together. "Yeah... you're welcome?"

Jisung leaned forward on the counter. "Y/n, quickly, hand me a pen and a napkin or something."

"You don't know how to say please anymore?"

"Please." He murmured, his voice low and breathy. The way it sounded sent a shiver down your spine.

You sighed, grabbing a napkin and a pen before handing them over. He signed quickly and slid it toward Haechan.

"I wish I could give you more, but I can't." He said, a little dramatically.

Haechan let out a small laugh, taking the napkin and tucking it into his pocket. "I still appreciate it. Thank you."

"Now." You interrupted. "I think you should be on your way."

Jisung tilted his head, his expression shifting. "I need to talk to you though."

"Well, I'll see you at home in an hour or so." You replied, attempting to brush him off.

"At home?" Jisung echoed, his brows raising slightly.

"Yes. My apartment where I reside, so it's my home. I will see you at home." You maintained your serious tone, making Jisung chuckle.

"Right, I'll see you at home." He said, sliding a $20 bill across the counter before standing up.

As soon as the door shut behind him, Haechan turned to you.

"You didn't tell me you knew the lead guitarist of Black Horizon." He said, his expression unreadable.

"I mean, it's not something you just bring up in casual conversation." You replied. "I didn't even know before you went to the concert."

Haechan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you two like... dating?"

"No, no." You said quickly. "Not at all. We're just friends."

Haechan studied your face. "And how did that happen?"

"We used to be best friends when we were younger." You said, but your voice was softer now.

"That's sick. Glad you stuck together, you have excellent taste in friends." He said, finally turning away.

You hummed in response, but a lump settled in your stomach. You didn't really stick together.

When you finally got home, Jisung's car was parked in front of the complex. He leaned against it, arms crossed as he watched you approach.

"Took you long enough." He sighed.

"I'm so sorry that me working is inconveniencing you." You replied sarcastically.

He let out a short laugh before rubbing the back of his neck. "Listen... there's something I need to tell you."

You paused, something about his tone making your stomach tighten.

"Are you not coming in?" You asked. 

"We both know how that's gonna turn out." He replied, his eyes a bit wide as he gave you a face.

You couldn't help but giggle before shaking your head. "Ok, what is it?"

"I'm not going to be around for a while." He said carefully. "The band's touring in another country for the next few months, and after that... we have to go straight into working on the next album."

"So... you're leaving?" You asked, voice quieter than before.

He hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I am."

You forced a smile, though it didn't reach your eyes. "Right. Well... I guess this is goodbye."

Jisung looked at you for a long moment before sighing. "Yeah. I'll see you when I see you."

And with that, he got into his car and drove off, leaving you standing there in the dim glow of the streetlights, watching him disappear all over again.

══════════════════════════

Jisung had been gone for a few months now, but it never really felt like he had left. 

No matter where he was, no matter how far, you never failed to call, never missed a day to text. Sometimes it was just a simple "good morning" or a half asleep voice memo when one of you were too tired to type. 

You were just about to head out the door for work when your phone buzzed in your pocket.

Jisung [5:48 pm]: "Hey, wyd?"

You glanced at the time, thumbs moving across the screen as you typed back.

You [5:51 pm]: "About to head to work, what's going on?"

Jisung [5:52 pm]: "I won't bother you, just have a good day at work."

You frowned at the message, pausing with one hand on the doorknob. He never texted like that.

You [5:54 pm]: "That's a first lol. Seriously, is everything okay? I'm getting worried."

Jisung [5:55 pm]: "Yea everything's cool. I was just curious lol."

Your brows furrowed as you stared at the screen for a second longer. You knew Jisung well enough to tell when something was off, but you didn't have time to pick at it right now. With a small huff, you slipped your phone back into your pocket and headed out.

The bar was already buzzing with low chatter and music by the time you arrived. Haechan greeted you with his usual smirk, wiping down a glass absentmindedly. These days, you and him had grown closer. 

"How's the night been so far?" You asked, setting your bag down and tying your apron.

Haechan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. "Here by myself, no one to talk to, so not so good. Thanks for asking."

You blinked at him, tilting your head. "No, Haechan."

He gave you an innocent look. "No, what?"

You giggled, shaking your head. "I meant the customers— is it busy?"

His mouth fell open in fake shock. "Oh, I thought you were checking up on me. You know, because I was working alone and you were late."

You stared at him with narrowed eyes as he barely held in a laugh.

"I was only five minutes late."

"Ah, time is money, money is time. Get to work." He said, tossing a cloth in your direction.

You caught it mid air with a dramatic sigh, looking at him before fluttering your eyes, your voice sweeter. "Haechan, don't be like that."

He stared at you for a second unimpressed before scoffing. "Whatever. We get it, you're pretty, just occupy yourself."

The shift passed in a blur. Eventually, the rush died down, and the atmosphere grew quieter, more relaxed. This was always one of your favorite part of the night—the moment where you and Haechan had the most fun.

"You're wiping oddly slow." Haechan noted, watching you over your shoulder.

You turned, leaning against the counter. "And you're talking oddly fast... and a lot."

"Oh, I'm talking a lot?" He said, smirking.

"Yeah, you're talking a lot. Do your job."

"Oh yeah? I need to do my job?" He poked your side suddenly, making you jolt.

"Haechan, stop." You giggled, twisting away as his finger jabbed at your ribs.

"Am I interrupting something?"

The deep voice cut through the air, sending a jolt down your spine. You turned quickly, your stomach sinking as your eyes landed on the figure sitting at the bar, his hat pulled low.

"Jisung?"

He tilted his head up slightly, his face partially shadowed, but you could see the his expression.

Haechan glanced between the two of you before nodding to himself. "I have to go do something, I'll leave you two." His voice was casual, but as he moved past you, his hand brushed your waist—subtle, but noticeable.

Jisung's gaze followed him, a flicker of something passing through his eyes.

"Hm, that was weird." He muttered, finally looking back at you.

You hesitated for a second before shaking your head with a small laugh. "Jisung, what are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were coming back."

"It was a surprise." He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the counter before nodding toward where Haechan had disappeared. "You know, this doesn't seem too professional."

You blinked before realizing what he meant. A smirk tugged at your lips. "Jisung, are you jealous?"

His eyes flickered up to yours, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

"No." He replied simply, but the way his fingers drummed against the counter told a different story.

You grinned, leaning in just slightly. "Mhm, sure."

Jisung huffed, shaking his head, but there was something softer in his expression now.

"You're back." You said, voice quieter now. "I missed you."

"Did you really?" He murmured, the corner of his lips curling up a bit against his will. 

You nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah."

Jisung let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. "Well... I guess I missed you too."

You rolled your eyes pretending to be unimpressed, but deep down warmth spread through your chest.

"So." Jisung said, tilting his head. "Are you gonna serve me a drink, or do I have to watch you flirt with your coworkers all night?"

"Jealous." You smirked elongating the word, reaching for a glass.

"No." He said, but this time his voice lacked conviction, and somehow that made you smile even more.

"Ah, right." You giggled, sliding him the drink. "Well, I'm glad you came to visit." 

And after, that became the routine. Jisung would do whatever he had to do during the day, but at night he was here. 

First, it was just stopping by for a drink. Then, it was sitting there while you and Haechan closed everything out and of course, it always ended the same way—going home with you after work.

You never talked about it, but the pattern was clear. The moment you locked up for the night he'd be waiting, shoulders relaxed, an expectation between the two of you.

Tonight though, something was off.

Jisung never showed up before closing, so you didn't think much of it. You did what you always did—finished cleaning up with Haechan and got lost in conversation and somehow, that conversation led back to Jisung.

"Can you tell your boyfriend to hurry up and drop the album? I'm craving some new yearning music." Haechan teased, leaning on the counter with an amused grin.

"Oh, my boyfriend?" You scoffed, tossing the rag over your shoulder. "You like him more than I do. He's your boyfriend."

"I wish." He muttered, eyes widening playfully before bursting into laughter.

"Ew, Haechan oh my god." You nearly choked on your own laughter.

"I'm just saying." He shrugged, still grinning.

Before you could respond, the door swung open with a sharp creak.

"Sorry, we're closed." Haechan called out without glancing towards the person, the two of you still giggling.

"You do not want Jisung as a boyfriend." You joked, turning back to wipe the counter, only for the smirk on your face to vanish completely when your eyes locked onto him.

Your stomach dropped. Jisung stood there, his frame relaxed, his face unreadable, but there was something sharp in his gaze as he stared at you.

"Ouch." He said.

You froze. Your mind scrambled between apologizing or pretending nothing happened, but no words came out.

"Welp." Haechan placed a hand on your shoulder, glancing between the two of you. "You got that."

With that, he disappeared into the back, leaving you and Jisung standing in a thick, suffocating silence.

Jisung took a step forward, resting his hands in his pockets. "You're not gonna say hello?" His brows lifted slightly.

You swallowed. "Hello."

"Hello." He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "You don't want me as a boyfriend?"

"That was a joke, we were just joking." You forced out, letting out a nervous laugh, though your voice cracked slightly.

Jisung tilted his head. "Oh, so you do want me as a boyfriend?"

"No." Your answer was immediate, his expression faltering for a second. "We already talked about this, so you know the answer to that."

"Right." He nodded, pressing his tongue against the inside of his cheek before finally dropping into a seat at the counter. "I want a vodka lemonade."

"Well, you're gonna have to get that from somewhere else. You heard Haechan, we're closed."

Jisung exhaled dramatically. "Ah, bummer." He clicked his tongue. "Forgot we follow Haechan's rules now."

Your eyes narrowed slightly as you leaned in, elbows resting on the counter. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean, he's all you talk about these days— Haechan this, Haechan that."

You blinked. "Well, I talk to him a lot."

"You talk to me too." He countered, fingers tapping against the counter. "Do you talk about me that much?"

You smirked. "You just heard me talking about you."

Jisung went quiet for a moment, staring at you before shrugging. "I guess."

Before you could say anything, Haechan peeked out from the back. "Am I intruding?"

You smiled. "No, of course not."

Jisung shot you a look before dropping his gaze to the counter.

Haechan grinned. "Sorry to say, but I kinda expected you to come tonight, so I brought a CD."

Your brows lifted. "Where did you even get that from?"

"I've had it." He shrugged. "Do you think you could sign it? It would mean the world to me."

Jisung barely lifted his head. "No, not allowed."

Bullshit. He just told you a few days ago he spent fifteen minutes signing things for fans after getting swarmed.

You grabbed the CD and marker from Haechan, slamming them onto the counter in front of Jisung. "Sign it."

His eyes lifted, visibly irritated. "I can't." His voice was louder now.

"Jisung." Your tone was firm. "Sign it."

His jaw clenched before he snatched the marker aggressively, yanking the cap off and scribbling his signature harshly across the CD, before shoving it back at you.

"Since you're gonna fucking die without it." He said pushing back from the counter, storming toward the door, shoving it open and leaving.

Haechan sighed. "I didn't need it if he couldn't do it."

"He's fine." You forced a smile, handing him the CD and marker.

Haechan gave you a look. "You can go talk, if you need to."

"If that's okay with you."

"Yeah, go ahead."

You stepped outside, and the scent of cigarettes instantly surrounded you.

"I know you're still here you big crybaby." You rounded the corner, finding Jisung leaning against the wall, cigarette dangling between his fingers.

He exhaled slowly, eyes meeting yours.

"What the fuck was that?" You asked, arms crossing.

He stubbed out his cigarette against the wall. "What's going on with you and that guy?"

You groaned. "What are you talking about?"

"You know what I'm talking about." He said, pushing off the wall. "He's all you've been talking about on the phone, now this?"

"Jisung, will you relax?" You said, shaking your head.

"You fucking him or something?"

"That's none of your business."

"I feel like it is though." He shot back. "We have sex—unprotected sex. If you're out whoring around, I need to know that."

You scoffed. "Whoring around? I'm the one whoring around? Don't act all innocent Jisung, I know you fuck other people."

"I don't." He said, stepping closer. "You're the only one."

"Not anymore since I'm such a whore apparently." You said, turning around from him, beginning to walk away.

"I never said that."

You turned, exasperated. "You literally just did."

"Ok look, I'm sorry— but I asked you a question, all you had to do was answer."

"I don't have to do anything." Your voice shook. "We're not together. I don't owe you anything. I don't owe you an explanation. If you're scared I'm whoring around then leave or shut up and get over it."

Silence. 

His eyes locked onto yours. You stormed toward him, inches from his face.

"Stop looking at me with that stupid face."

Jisung didn't move.

"Say something."

His lips parted. "I don't owe you any explanation."

Your breathing was heavy, your chest ached, fingers clenched into fists, but before you could react his hands grabbed your waist, pulling you in. His lips crashed onto yours, swallowing whatever words you had left and you melted instantly, fingers tangling in his hair. 

His hands tightened, pushing you against the wall, the cold brick cooling your hot back. The kiss was rough, his tongue brushing against yours, his grip possessive.

It wasn't enough.

Jisung broke away, breathless. "Car. Now."

You nodded, and in seconds, you were following him to the parking lot.

When you slid into the backseat, you barely had a moment to settle before he was on you, lips crashing onto yours once more.

His hands found the hem on your shirt, pulling it over your head. His hands lingered back up, landing on your jaw as he pushed your head up roughly, moving  down to your neck, kissing roughly before sucking, leaving markings in his wake. 

You moaned softly as his hand slid down your body. He unbuttoned your jeans quickly, tugging them down to your knees along with your underwear in the cramped space of the car. The cool air hit your thighs, but his hands were warm.

He brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking them slowly while his eyes stayed locked on yours. Then he reached down, parting your folds and running his slick fingers through you, dragging them over your clit before slipping one inside you without warning.

You gasped, your head hitting the back of the seat. He didn't ease in, thrusting hard and fast, his thumb pressing tight circles against your clit. His finger curled just right, hitting that spot again and again knuckle deep, wet sounds filling the space between your moans.

Your hips bucked into his hand, head thrown back and eyes closed chasing every stroke, every flick of his thumb. You were already close, your body clenching around him, desperate for more.

"Look at me." He said, voice low and rough, just before sliding another finger inside you. The stretch made you cry out, your back arching as he moved them fast.

"I'm gonna cum." You gasped, your body already tightening around him, but just as your climax started to rise, his pace slowed.

Your breath caught. "Why are you stopping?"

His eyes narrowed, tone sharp and possessive. "What's going on with you and that guy?"

"Jisung, what are you—" You started, but he cut you off with a sharp thrust of his fingers, rough and deep, forcing a whimper from your throat.

"Tell me." He said.  "And I might let you finish."

"Jisung, please." You begged, hips bucking, you were so close it hurt.

"Then talk or I'll stop." He said. 

His fingers sped up again, sending you right back to the brink, but his eyes stayed locked on yours, demanding an answer.

"We're just friends. I—I don't like him." You cried out, your head hitting the window as your body trembled under his touch.

"Oh yeah?" He said, darkly amused, his free hand wrapping around your throat pulling you back to him, forcing your eyes on his. "Say it again."

"We're just friends." You gasped, breath hitching as his fingers moved faster inside you.

"I thought it wasn't any of my business." He taunted, voice low and rough. His fingers curled deep, hitting that perfect spot that made your whole body jerk. "What changed?"

"I'm sorry—fuck, I'm gonna—" You could barely speak, the pleasure overwhelming as your stomach coiled tight, your legs beginning to shake.

"Are you?" He said, leaning in closer, his grip on your neck tightening just enough to make you dizzy. His face hovered just inches from yours, lips parted, eyes locked on the way yours fluttered shut.

"Yes." You gasped out, barely holding it together. Your orgasm hit hard, rolling through your body in waves as he kept going, thrusting into you fast and deep, fingers soaked.

"He'll never make you feel like I do." He whispered, watching your face as you came undone for him. "Never."

Your body slumped back against the seat, chest rising and falling as you tried to catch your breath. The windows were fogged, your skin still flushed and tingling, your thighs sticky and trembling.

Jisung stayed close, his hand finally slipping out of you, fingers glistening. He looked down at them for a second, then wiped them slowly on your inner thigh teasingly. His other hand loosened around your neck, thumb brushing over the spot where he had held you, gentler now.

Neither of you said anything for a moment. The only sound was your ragged breathing.

Jisung leaned back slightly, eyes still on you as he slid his hand off your thigh.

"Go get your stuff so we can take this someplace else." He said quietly.

You blinked, still trying to steady yourself.

He smirked. "You've got five minutes, don't make me come in there."

══════════════════════════

(Part two)- read here

══════════════════════════

[daysiesz]

a cool winter night. arm in arm with your boyfriend, the love of your life, though he didn't know it yet. grayson walking you home as he talked about a rather irritating meeting he had to sit through.

in the past few months, you'd learned the ways of the hawthorne foundation, learned the often used terms of his place of work just enough so that, whenever he talked about his day, you could do more than just nod.

"it's plain incompetency is what it is," grayson concluded with a huff and a shake of his head.

he was never one to share much with other people, but with you, simple conversations about his lunch and the new movie his brothers want to watch came naturally.

"shameful. truly shameful. these millionaires never learn," you tease, a chuckle escaping your lips.

grayson fights back a smile as he rolls his eyes at you, his dimples only just peeking out.

"i do expect you to be a bit sympathetic to my situation, instead of laughing in my face," he jokes.

"sorry, i can't take you seriously when you talk like that," you say between giggles, your steps faltering. "it's pure incompetency, i do expect you to be a bit sympathetic," you imitate in a deep voice, puffing out your chest.

grayson turns his head away from you, so you could not see the adoring smile on his face.

"i don't sound like that, and i do not need to be with someone who mocks me every chance she gets," he says jokingly, pulling his arm away from your grasp and walking briskly ahead.

"no," you whine, unable to sound serious through your laughs, "come back please, i'm sorry, i won't do it again!"

"your pathetic attempt at an apology won't work, goodbye," he calls back.

you run after him, "come back, i love you!!"

he stops in his tracks, his eyes widening as he turns around. you were only a few feet away from him now, your laughter simmering into a nervous smile.

those three words. they'd slipped away from you, unable to be contained any longer. it was as if they simply had to reach him. to let him know. to wrap themselves around his frame and never let go.

"i, um, i do. love you," you repeat.

the words don't come out nearly as casually this time around. they're riddled with fear. the fear of vulnerability and rejection. the fear that slowly melts away when the brightest smile makes its way onto grayson's face, those dimples in full display.

he slowly approaches you and takes your face in his hands, leaning down to place a kiss on your lips that warms you from the inside out. it was like the others you'd exchanged, yet so much different. you place one hand his jaw and the other on his chest, kissing him back with intention, letting your actions do the communicating. i love you.

a chilly breeze swoops by, sending shivers up your spine and goosebumps across your arms. both of you laugh against each other's lips as he embraces you, rubbing your arms to rid them of the cold.

"i do. love you," he says quietly, letting his own feelings free, knowing they'd be safe in your arms.

a/n : i don't think this was supposed to be as long as it is but you will soon realize how crazy i am about this man ♡

[bravetimetravellingaussie]

I am here

Warnings: swearing (it's pretty tame just a little bit of angst)

Also spoilers for 911 8x15

"What's your problem?"

"What the hell are you talking about, Buck?" Eddie said with a frown.

"With Tommy, you keep treating him like sh*t. You don't have to love him, but he is my boyfriend and I just don't know how I'm supposed to deal with you hating someone I care about."

Eddie scoffed.

"I don't hate Tommy."

"Yes. You do. You snap at him every chance you get and you treat him like he's an idiot and like he's committing an offence to humanity just by existing."

Eddie nodded his head slightly and looks away for a second.

"Fine, you wanna know?" Eddie asked, pointing his finger at Buck's chest. "You wanna know why I treat him like he's an idiot? Because he is one, he is the dumbest son of a b*tch I have ever met."

After everything that happened Buck was too tired to feel guilty about how easily Tommy took him back, how quickly he forgot everything that Buck had said, how seamlessly he fell back into his place in Buck's life. Far too tired. One night when he woke up in the dark and couldn't fall back asleep, his sister's words echoed back to him, about how he needed to learn how to be alone again. Big words coming from someone who wasn't alone. Being faced with death made you want to hold the living closer, Buck wasn't going to let go. Not again. Not until he had to.

He'd finally gotten his wish. When Eddie moved back to LA a couple of months after the incident, Buck moved in with Tommy. Their house was quiet. The time they spent together was wrapped up on the couch or in bed. Tommy had stopped trying to take Buck out on date nights after being turned down every time. Buck was too tired.

Things at work were quiet too. Buck and Ravi had gotten closer, but it was a quiet comradery built on shared grief. Buck didn't cook much anymore, when they ate it was take out or a revolving door of pasta sauces. Eddie seemed to be the one least affected by it all but Buck knew that was just because Eddie had always been the best at burying things.

***

Almost half a year passed before things started coming back to life. Shared snickers at ridiculous calls, exchanged smiles at the kids' birthdays, not a return to normal by any means, but the development of a new normal. Buck started saying yes to Tommy's plans. He was finally beginning to enjoy the new normal.

But then there was Eddie. After the funeral, they lost touch with each other. There wasn't much to talk about, and what little there was was too big and too raw for words, too terrible to talk about out loud. And then when things had gotten better it felt awkward to start again and Buck didn't try. When Eddie told him he was coming back to LA, he couldn't tell if the feeling in his stomach was excitement or dread. But then Eddie was back at the 118 and it was as if he had never left. And Buck couldn't put into words how glad he was. The conversations he'd had with Tommy and Maddie all those months ago felt liked they'd happened a lifetime ago and Buck was just happy to have Eddie back. Except that he seemed to hate his boyfriend.

It was those snide remarks made when you're looking for any excuse to criticise someone. It was death stares hidden behind sarcastic smiles. It was anger released in sharp precise bursts that were easy to miss. But Buck couldn't. And he was scared if it continued, he'd lose Tommy for good this time.

"Buck, what's going on?" Eddie asked when they were finally alone after a shift. "You've been looking like you wanna tell me something for the whole day."

"Yeah," Buck smiled awkwardly, trying to ignore the twisting in his stomach. "Uhm. Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

"What's your problem?"

"What the hell are you talking about, Buck?" Eddie said with a frown.

"With Tommy, you keep treating him like shit. You don't have to love him, but he is my boyfriend and I just don't know how I'm supposed to deal with you hating someone I care about."

Eddie scoffed.

"I don't hate Tommy."

"Yes. You do. You snap at him every chance you get and you treat him like he's an idiot and like he's committing an offence to humanity just by existing."

Eddie nodded his head slightly and looks away for a second.

"Fine, you wanna know?" Eddie asked, pointing his finger at Buck's chest. "You wanna know why I treat him like he's an idiot? Because he is one, he is the dumbest son of a bitch I have ever met."

"What are you talking about?"

Eddie breathed heavily for a couple of seconds, staring into Buck's eyes with a terrible intensity.

"He's stupid for letting you go in the first place. He's stupid for hurting you. He's stupid because he never really appreciated you while he had you, Buck, not like he should have. That is why I hate him."

"Yeah, well, he was there."

"Buck-"

"No, no, it's okay, I'm not angry at you, we've been over this, you were in El Paso for Christopher and I came to terms with that. It's just how it was. But he was here. And I needed someone."

"You deserve better."

"I'm happy with what I have have. And you need to stop hating Tommy because he was here and you weren't."

"I-" Eddie was getting that look in his eyes again, the look he'd given Buck when he found out he was Freddie Fakeman. Buck felt his own eyes tearing up.

Eddie was being ripped apart from the inside. I am here now, he was screaming. I am here, I am here, I am here, can't you see that?

Eddie felt his chest tightening and suddenly his head was swimming and he was grabbing fistfuls of Buck's shirt and his breathing was too fast and he was feeling faint and then Buck was holding him up and then they were on their knees in front of each other and Buck was holding him and his forehead was resting against Buck's chest and he was staring wide-eyed at the floor between them. Buck was calling his name. Buck's hands were on his back, moving up and down slowly. And Eddie was crying so hard he could barely sob between gasps of air.

"I-"

"Sh, sh, it's okay, it's okay Eddie, I've got you."

"I wasn't-"

"It's okay, it's okay."

"I wasn't- I wasn't there!"

"Eddie-"

"I wasn't there! I'm never there! I wasn't there for Shannon and I wasn't there for Chris and I wasn't there for for Bobby and I wasn't there for you and I was never there!"

"You're here now, Eddie. It's gonna be okay, sh, you're okay."

"I wasn't there."

Buck pushed Eddie away enough to look him in the eyes, Holding onto his shoulders.

"Let's get one thing straight, Eddie, you listen to me, I am glad, I am so terribly glad it hurts, that you were not there, because, Eddie, having to be in there, being there while I knew Bobby was right there, he was right there but he was already gone and there was nothing I could do, Eddie that was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I am happy you weren't there. And I don't blame you for not sticking around after. You hear me? I don't blame you. Okay?"

Eddie nodded, as much as he could while Buck's hands were still firmly holding him.

"Good." Buck pulled Eddie in close again. "Plus, you came back, that's what matters most, that's better than Abby, and Blaze come to think of it," Buck added with a sniffly laugh.

Oh fuck, did I just compare him to my ex girlfriend whose house I lived in for months?

[hermusicpersona]

-"My lord ? I didn't know you had patrol tonight as well," the female demon slayer spoke softly, coming up behind Giyuu with silent steps.

-"I don't," he replied, slightly turning his head, troubled eyes searching for her presence through his bangs. "I preferred it instead of torturing myself again, trying to sleep" he whispered more to himself than to her. Instead of gripping his sword, he held his hand over the hilt-guard that belonged to Sabito, haunted by the nightmares that woke him up every other night.

-"I see, i am sorry," she said softly, falling into step with Giyuu. He slowed down his pace so that she could join him, her smaller figure shadowed by his height. She looked up at him as they walked, wondering whether she would be allowed to touch him or not.

-"Don't be. You re not to blame," Giyuu said, looking forward with distant eyes.

-"You re not either," she whispered, hoping she didn't cross any line with that. Guilt and shame were things all demon slayers were familiar with, some more than others. And the Water Hashira was troubled with both, unable to see himself through others' eyes. Through her eyes.

Taking a sharp breath, Giyuu was silent for a moment, part of himself refusing to process the words she spoke. He didn't deserve making peace with himself. He wasn't worth it.

-"You wouldn't know that," he said after a few moments in a quiet tone, "and i disagree, anyway."

-"I know you do. And it saddens me that i cannot-.." her voice cuts off, not knowing how to put into words what her heart desired to say. Hesitantly, her smaller hand came to rest gently on his left arm, where his hand gripped the hilt of his sword. "-.. it saddens me that i cannot make you see yourself the way i do," she finally whispered, looking up at him while her hand trembled over his. Afraid, for a moment, that he will push her away.

Looking down at where her hand rested over his, Giyuu's brows furrowed, since he was wondering again. Did he deserve such a gentle touch ? Such a kind voice speaking to him ? But he wouldn't dare push her away, not after his heartbeat softened when he heard her voice in the silence of the night, after being terorrized by yet another nightmare.

-"I don't think i could ever look at myself in a different light," he murmured, letting her hand rest over his. "Not when i m the reason they re dead."

Her heart clenched painfully in her chest, hearing the guilt and blame in his voice. She would do anything for him to cherish himself again.

-"Please, my lord," she whispered, "it hurts me when you say such things."

-"Don t call me that," he said, wincing, as if hearing the title physically hurt him. He didn't deserve it anyway. "I can't stand to hear it right now. Not from you."

-"Giyuu" she called out in a whisper, as if his name was a prayer on her tongue. "Please. You know it breaks my heart."

-"Forgive me. But i m not worth anything more." He put his other hand on hers, his bigger palm covering her own. His gaze went to her teary eyes, his blue eyes not cold anymore, but filled with need. Pleading. Begging her to understand, begging himself to believe her. Begging forgiveness from the skies above for Sabito and for his sister, but most importantly, searching for the light in her eyes. As if it could save him too.

-"You ve always been worthy. Tsutako-sama and Sabito knew it too. Honor them by being alive," she whispered, tightening her hold on his hand and staring up into his eyes, trying to speak directly into his soul. "And honor me, please, by trusting my words. It s all i ask."

His breath hitched, and both his hands tightened around hers too. And even despite the pain in his chest, his gaze softened at the sight of her tears and he pushed her head gently into his shoulder, letting her lean into him.

-"I ll try," he whispered into her ear, his hand going from the back of her head, where he held her softly, to caressing her hair, bringing peace to the both of them. Maybe if she was here like this, he was worthy of something, after all.

[dandelionflowery]

I don't really do my homework lol, so when I get home I have some time; and sleep is overrated anyways /hj (i mean if I got 5 hours of sleep last night i'm impressed lol)

When I do do homework, usually i do some time management where I pop on tumblr as a little break

Actually rn I'm technically attempting to do homework, I have to "find a question for the 'big oral' (yes it's called that) at the end of the year" actually 2 questions but 1 would already be nice and i either need one on biology (or geology but no way lol) and one on art, or 2 that mix both biology and art

And the thing is, you prepare two of these things just so they can make sure you worked, but you'll only present one, and honestly for most normal students, yeah, this is worth 10% of the final grade, but for me it's something like 10/160 instead of 10/100

If you want me to rant way more about this stupid fucking thing, I am more than capable lol

Anyways

i lived an hour away by bus and i was not about to stay when i had no lessons and i also had no friends to do ts with --> oh yeah that's not at all encouraging to do extracurriculars

Honestly I wouldn't actually mind doing stuff, but I don't really have the time to lol

Philosophy is absolutely up to personal opinion, but they also grade your ability to talk fancy, and the thing is I'm (most likely) autistic so I just write plain and simple things without really bullshitting my way through SEVEN FUCKING PAGES (I tend to do like 3 max) and they aren't happy

My teacher is absolutely terrible cause throughout the year my best grade was 14/20 (don't ask why our grades [in france, not just in philosophy] are out of 20, I have no idea lol), usually I got more 5/20 lol. And if I got 5/20 but with a bunch of comments saying, "oh, maybe do this", or "you could mention this", I'd be like 'ok so i have an idea of how to improve now ty'

but no, we got a test back today and I got 5/20 and he wrote: "Insufficient" at the top of my test, he quoted the methodology at me, he circled a reference I put without adding any comments, and he signed the paper like he did all the others. Useful dude.

[I mentioned harry potter because LITERALLY ALL THE PEOPLE with better teachers I TALKED TO said that drawing on personal knowledge and/or pop culture is a good way to go (one of my friends who has a different teacher literally got recommended a book on philosophy through a harry potter lens BY HER TEACHER), however my incompetent teacher apparently hates that]

in a modicum of fairness to him, I haven't listened to most of the classes since like september, but that's because in September I listened, took notes, and understood nothing; and I chose to write smut in class instead, or do homework, or sew stuff because at least that's more useful.

(we often have strike days where our absences are justified, so you can get away with not going to class [they do tell your parents though]; and one strike day, I was planning on going home anyways cause my back hurt, and a friend and I went to a café down the street instead of going to philosophy, and we got a lot more work done than if we'd gone to the philosophy class.)

(he teaches as if we were students in higher education who all chose to do philosophy and already know a bunch of things, and all he has to do is encourage us to think of some things and to offer some more authors; I believe at the beginning of the year he was like "oh yeah so you should do about an hour or two of reading [philosophical books] per week" and there is no way I'm reading in french [despite having lived here my whole life, I generally abhor reading in french lol] about topics I don't understand in the slightest, written in overcomplicated language by dudes who died centuries ago every week)

(he forgets most of us encountered philosophy with him)

very quick drawing lol

okay very important question did you take history or geography in school?

nope😓😓 French, art, and food tech