#I’m so sorry it took me this long omfg

[lustrdustr]

Art trade with @/Asmoclef on Twitter!

[ropes3amthoughts]

I’m so glad I watched Arcane because I got like 3 posts that were full of gifs of Caitlyn and Vi kissing on my dash in a row and if I hadn’t just watched it I would’ve gotten spoiled lmao

[balletfilmss]

STARTED OUT WITH A KISS, HOW DID IT END UP LIKE THIS?

✸ pairing: rockstar! percy jackson x ballerina! reader

✸ synopsis: after months of sneaking around behind the media’s backs, you and your boyfriend make your relationship public!

✸ warnings: not proofread. like, at all.

✸ notes: hey so im alive btw…. so here’s pt.2 to could you make it any more obvious?

“are you sure you want to do this?”

you asked the question for the millionth time, finger hovering over the bright blue button on your phone screen, identical to the one percy was eager to press.

the two of you sat together with phones in hand, seconds away from making instagram posts that would launch your relationship to the public after months of sneaking around. even though you’d already been caught once or twice…

“sweetheart, how many times do i have to tell you yes until you believe me?” percy chuckled, looking at you with those kind eyes of his.

this was his idea, for crying out loud. you knew that the media would eat it right up, with the two of you confirming their month-long suspicions and dating rumors.

that being said, you also knew that there’d be a lot more backlash from his fans than yours. who cares if a popular ballerina got a boyfriend, right?

but a eligible, hot, bachelor rockstar that had millions of fangirls all around the world?

oh, you were totally in for it.

one of the great things about percy was that he seemed to not only have great musical talent, but also the ability to read your mind.

“look, i can’t promise you that making everything public will be easy, though i think not having to sneak around definitely will,” a laugh out of both him and you. “but what i can promise is that whatever happens, we’ll deal with it together.”

that paired with a reassuring squeeze to your leg drew a smile right onto your face. you took a deep breath, reassured that no matter what happened, you still had him.

“okay,” you nodded, skimming over your Instagram caption one last time. “i’m ready.”

“on the count of three?” percy asked, holding his phone directly beside yours.

“one…”

“two…”

“three.”

together, you clicked post and watched as the upload line chased the edge of the screen until finally, it was public. everything was public.

dropping his phone on the couch, percy wrapped his arms around your abdomen and squeezed, pulling you from the cushions until you landed in his lap.

with a shriek of surprise followed by a fit of laughter from you both, you held his face in your hands, grinning at it another like two idiots in love, which you were.

“alright, swan lake,” he smiled, face close to yours. “everything just changed.”

“i don’t think so, not really,” you shrugged. “i’m still me. we’re still us. only difference is now we don’t have to go sneaking down alleys to avoid people.”

“always a bright side with you,” your boyfriend swooned at the mere sight and sound of you, his eyes filled with nothing but adoration and love. you could’ve sworn you saw hearts in his eyes.

“well, you are mr. brightside.”

that reference to one of his songs was all it took. percy leaned back into the couch cushions, pulled you with him, and kissed you so good that it didn’t matter what anyone commented on social media.

instagram!!

…now playing: last call — greek symphony

officially.yn: yeah, my boyfriend’s pretty cool 🤍🎸

tagged: impercyjacks

view all comments

impercyjacks: wow who’s that hottie in the last picture?? 😍

╰┈➤ officially.yn: idk, some musician 🤷‍♀️

its.piper.mclean: you big fucking liar, I KNEW IT

╰┈➤ officially.yn: I’M SORRY PIPES, I PROMISE I WANTED TO TELL YOU

╰┈➤ its.piper.mclean: I DON’T BELIEVE YOU!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS 😭😭 breaking up with you IMMEDIATELY, yn ln

╰┈➤ officially.yn: NO, piper bby don’t do this 😔

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: i am RIGHT here

user45: YL LN AND PERCY JACKSON WEREN’T ON MY 2024 BINGO CARD BUT IM SO HERE FOR IT

username: THE LDR CAPTION OMFG

╰┈➤ user72: and HIS BAND’S song playing???

╰┈➤ username: I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE THST OMG YOURE SO RIGHT

the.leovaldez: i KNEW i wasn’t crazy

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: bffr. you didn’t know SHIT

╰┈➤ the.leovaldez: I KNEW YOU WERE SNEAKING AROUND W SOMEONE

╰┈➤ jasegrace: leo. frank’s deaf cat knew he was sneaking around with someone.

╰┈➤ frankzhang: you leave maisie out of this.

username: THE COUPLE OF THE CENTURY OMFG

user289: this is THE hard launch of all hard launches

╰┈➤ user: but was this REALLY the launch, or was it all those tabloid articles 👀👀

impercyjacks: spoiler alert: she didn’t break my heart & i did, in fact, see her again ;)

╰┈➤ user: OMFG LAST CALL IS ABOUT YN???

╰┈➤ username: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR

impercyjacks: love you, swan lake 🤍

…now playing: paparazzi — lady gaga

impercyjacks: but i’m not as cool as her 🩷🩰

tagged: officially.yn

view all comments

officially.yn: last pic was not necessary.

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: but you look so cute :((

username: HE HAS A GF?? MY LIFE IS ABSOLUTELY OVER

╰┈➤ user293: girl get a grip….

╰┈➤ user: okay but like the gf is YN LN, it’s okay

the.leovaldez: yeah and guess who knew first? ME

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: actually…that was jason

╰┈➤ the.leovaldez: …. GUESS WHO KNEW SECOND?? ME 🗣️🗣️

username: girls, we lost him 😔

jasegrace: thank god, im sick of keeping your secret

╰┈➤ officially.yn: didn’t you tell us once that it felt like gossip girl?

╰┈➤ jasegrace: THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO STAY BW THE THREE OF US

username: YN LN AND PERCY JACKSON ONFG COUPLE OF THE YEAR

its.piper.mclean: im forwarding every last piece of media paper work to you.

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: send it on over 🫡

╰┈➤ its.piper.mclean: YOURE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FUCKIN HAPPY ABOUT IT

user29: majority of the pictures just being her 🥹

╰┈➤ fan9: and the fact that the FIRST one’s her, so she’s on his feed now

username: isn’t yn ln like…a terrible dancer? she’s so overrated fr

╰┈➤ impercyjacks: shouldn’t you like….get a fucking life??

╰┈➤ user28: OH GAH DAMN

╰┈➤ fan28: GAGGED THEM FR

╰┈➤ user18: OHHHH HE DOESNT PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO HIS WOMEN

officially.yn: i love you so big, rockstar ♥️

[jaeyunverse]

the perks of having a hot best friend

pairing: lee jeno x fem!reader

genres: fluff, crack, mild angst, best friends to lovers, college au

wc: 14336

warnings: profanity, sexual jokes, jeno is shirtless in a scene phew, too many idol features SORRY i lowk lost track of who i’ve included. i think that is all but lmk if you find something else!

summary: having a hot best friend is nice until you start getting butterflies in your stomach every single time you look at them.

note: JAEYUNVERSE COMEBACK WOOO i’ve missed writing long fics so much omfg but i’m shitting bricks as we speak LOL it’s been a while since i’ve posted something big and i won’t lie i’m hella nervous. i rlly hope you guys enjoy this fic ♡ please don’t hesitate to give me your feedback! here’s to hoping my writing skills haven’t become as rusty as i think i have hehe :’))

masterlist

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐒 !

01. an abundance of freebies and discounts

Lee Jeno knew the power his smile held. 

All it took was one flirty laugh combined with those sleepy eyes of his for people to melt. Being the resourceful person you were, you utilised that talent of his to its full extent. 

“Can you go and flirt with the cashier so she gives us a free muffin?” 

Your best friend gave you a dirty look. “You do realise this is supposed to be your treat, right?” 

“I am paying!” you exclaimed. “Just go do your thing and make her feel generous enough to slip a free dessert in our order.” 

Jeno rolled his eyes, but you knew you’d won. You almost always did. “Fine, whatever. You owe me one though.” 

“I’m feeding you because I owe you one,” you pointed out. “This makes us equal.”

“How riveting. I have to work so the person who owes me doesn’t have to owe me anymore.” 

“We can argue about this for hours or you can haul ass to the counter and place the damn order. I’ll Venmo you the money the moment you’re back,” you promised. 

Sliding out of the booth, Jeno said, “You’re lucky you’re cute. If this were Jaemin, I wouldn’t be letting him off the hook easily.”

You stuck your tongue out at him and shooed him away. Narrowing his eyes, he grabbed your wrist and pulled you along. 

“Hey!” you cried. “Don’t take me with you! The flirting won’t have any effect on her if she thinks we’re together!” 

“Everyone thinks we’re together,” Jeno muttered and got in line behind an old man. “She checked me out when we entered the cafe, saw you arm-in-arm with me and gave you the dirtiest look to ever exist.” 

You snorted. “Liar. You might be an eye candy but you do not command such a high level of attention.”   

“I’m telling the truth!” he argued. “I would know because I was checking out the drink she placed on the counter. I was trying to figure out what the person’s order might have been to get something so incredibly delicious-looking. I saw her out of the corner of my eye.” 

“Oh.” You frowned and took a step forward when the line moved ahead. “That’s unfortunate. Should we go to another cafe and try our hand at getting something free there?” 

“How about you stop being such a cheap skate for once?”

Slapping his shoulder hard, you grumbled, “I have to bear the weight of my goddamn rent alone while you share yours with three others! I need to cut down on certain things, asshole.” 

“My offer to move in with you next semester still stands.” Jeno wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m a really good housemate; ask the others.” 

“You live with boys. The disgusting things you do don’t bother them because they do them too.” 

He closed his mouth and thought about it for a second. Then, “Touché.” 

You rolled your eyes, but before you could make another snarky comment, a pleasant voice interrupted, “Good morning. What can I get for you today?” 

Jeno averted his gaze to the girl standing behind the counter and let a lazy smile take form on his lips. You raised a brow and watched in amusement. 

“Hey there. Can I get a Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino with 1 pump caramel syrup, 1 pump hazelnut syrup, and 1 pump toffee-nut syrup? Java chips too, please.” 

The girl—Lia, according to her name tag—looked surprised to see him blatantly flirting with you right beside him. Maybe he was right about every stranger assuming the two of you to be together, though you couldn’t fathom why. “O—okay.”

“What do you want, friend?” Jeno stressed the last word. Refraining to roll your eyes a second time, you said, 

“Iced coffee without milk. Could you add some sugar to the brew? I prefer my drinks to be sweet.” 

“Of course,” she said and nodded once, unfazed even after learning of Jeno’s status as an eligible bachelor. 

Snorting under your breath, you whispered to him, “Lia doesn’t give a fuck. You’re lacking.” 

He scoffed and nudged you away. “No, I’m not,” he whisper-snapped. “Get out of here. You’re killing my vibe.” 

You deadpanned and gave him a don’t-bullshit-me look but retreated to your booth nonetheless. The last thing you heard Lia ask was: “Anything else?” 

You’d only been sitting and scrolling through your phone for a few minutes before a hand slapped a receipt on the table in front of you. 

Glancing up, you inquired, “What?” 

“Read the order.” 

Dropping your gaze to the piece of paper again, you picked it up. An appreciative frown tugged at your lips as Jeno slid into his seat. “You managed to get us a free muffin and a free bagel?”

“Don’t ever question my talents again,” he ordered and leaned back. Resting his arm on the cushion behind him and placing his ankle on his knee, his attitude was nothing short of a king’s. “I won’t tolerate any further slander.” 

“Uh-huh,” you muttered, utterly unimpressed. Though you admit, a smile threatened to break out on your face and you had to bite your lip to keep it from escaping. 

Jeno raised an eyebrow, as if waiting for something. All you did was stare at him, and when he realised you wouldn’t budge, he did an extremely horrible and high-pitched imitation of you that should have deserved jail. “Thank you sooooooo much, Jeno! If it weren’t for your flirting skills, I wouldn’t have anything to eat. You’re my one and only saviour, and I don’t know what I would have done without—”

“Order for Jeno!” Lia hollered. 

Said-boy flinched and clutched his heart with his hand. “What the… That was quick.” Clearing his throat, he turned his attention back to you, the tips of his ears red and his face flushed. “Whatever. I’ll be right back. Venmo me the bill amount.” 

You snickered and watched him get up. However, before he could move out of earshot, you called his name. “Thank you for your service.” 

Jeno glanced at you over his shoulder and did nothing but observe you for a moment. Then, a lopsided grin took form on his lips and he mock saluted. 

“You’re welcome.” 

02. gives good boy advice

“What are you doing here?” 

Pushing past you, Jeno strolled into your living room and plopped down on your sofa. “Is that any way to greet your best friend?” 

You rolled your eyes and closed the front door. Sitting down beside him, you placed your laptop on your lap again and resumed going through your notes. “I’m being serious. Were we supposed to hang out today? Because I cannot. I still have three finals left.” 

“No, we didn’t have any plans today,” he said, peering over your shoulder to check what subject you were studying. It was Economics. Horrible memories from the previous semester resurfaced and he shuddered before continuing, “Your text said you wanted to talk about something important?” 

You paused and glanced at him. “So you came over?” 

“Do you want me to leave?” Jeno frowned. “I thought it would be better to talk in person.”

He stood up and dusted himself off. Eyes widening, you grabbed his wrist and forced him back to his original position. “That’s not what I meant! I do want to talk to you but—it’s weird. I don’t feel like dealing with whatever has happened right now and I’m getting second thoughts about asking you for advice.” 

Concern seeped into Jeno’s face. “Woah, are you okay? You don’t have to explain anything right now. Just tell me one thing: do I need to beat anyone up? I’ve got a few gym buddies who are ripped.”

You huffed a laugh and placed your laptop on the coffee table. Crossing your legs, you turned to face him. Upon watching you get comfortable, your best friend rolled his shoulders back and did the same thing. 

“Before I say anything, I need you to promise me that you won’t laugh. Or make fun of me. Or call me an idiot.” 

“I won’t,” he answered immediately, though he wondered what issue warranted you to require his word. 

Taking a deep breath, you nodded. “YangYang asked me out a few days ago. I’ve always liked him, but not in a way that’s not platonic. I fucked up and instead of rejecting him right there, I asked him for some time to think it over and kinda led him to believe that I would say yes.”

Jeno raised an eyebrow. “How?” 

“I told him he’s my type,” you mumbled, cringing at the memories that came rushing back. 

“What?!” he exclaimed. “How the hell did you manage to do that?” 

“I don’t know!” you whined and buried your face in your hands. “He came up to me when I was in the library and asked if we could talk! I didn’t know he was going to drop such a bomb on me so I said yes. Then he started talking about how he’s always cherished our friendship and how he’s so glad to have me.

“I started suspecting where his train of thought was headed when he added a but to his sentence. He said he’s liked me for a while now and he couldn’t keep it to himself anymore. I was flabbergasted once he was done! I’ve always viewed him as a good friend and I didn’t want to just turn his heart down!”

“So you told him he was your type?” Jeno asked incredulously. “I know I promised to not call you an idiot but you’re really fucking stupid, Y/N! It’s going to be hella awkward when the group meets up!” 

You groaned and closed your eyes shut, letting yourself fall on your back. “That’s not even the worst part.” 

Jeno grabbed your wrists and hauled you back up. His face was barely a few inches away from yours when he ordered, “Explain.”

Taking a deep breath, you continued. “I told YangYang that he was cute and my type but I wasn’t in a position to think about going out with anyone with still two weeks of finals left to get through. I thought he would drop it but he asked me if I would think about his confession after our exams and I felt terrible telling him the truth. So I said I would. Yeji called me last night and said she set me up on a blind date with this guy in her class. You know how fast word spreads here. YangYang is going to know I dangled him on strings only to go on a date with someone else!” 

“You’re going on a blind date? With whom?” 

You flicked Jeno’s forehead. “That’s not the issue!” 

“Well, I want to know!” he sputtered and slapped your hand away. 

“I don’t know! Frankly, I don’t care either. I made a bet with Yeji and I lost. Now I have to spend an evening with a random guy I don’t even want to seek a romantic relationship with.” 

Your best friend sighed in frustration. “This might be one of your biggest fuck-ups till now.”

“I know,” you said quietly and dropped your gaze to your lap in shame. 

“You’ll have to apologise to YangYang and tell him the truth. He’s a good guy and he doesn’t deserve any of this.” 

“I know.” 

“Hey,” Jeno said softly. You glanced at him to see he’d gotten up and was holding his out for you. “Come here.” 

You rose to your feet and let him envelop you in his comforting embrace. Burying your face in his chest, you whispered, “I never wanted to hurt YangYang. I don’t want to lose him as a friend.” 

“You won’t as long as you come clean and explain everything. Don’t insult him further by giving him more half-truths. Guys would rather know what’s the real deal than be lied to and find out from someone else. Not only is it hurtful, but it’s a huge blow to the ego.”  

Your lips curled in a small smile and you leaned back a little to look at his face. “Is this about your mom lying to you about the tooth fairy?” 

“Damn right it is,” he grumbled. “I gave an entire speech about her being my favourite person in the whole world. That’s not something you recover from easily.”

���It’s been 15 years.”

“It’ll take me another 15 to come to terms with the fact that I used to rip my loose teeth out and place them under my pillow when I needed money urgently.” 

You laughed and pulled yourself out of his arms. “I can’t believe I’m taking guy advice from you.” 

“Why?” Jeno exclaimed. “I’m a guy too! Plus, I always give good advice!” 

You giggled and plopped down on the sofa again. “I know. But you’re also Jeno. I’ve never thought of you as just a guy.” 

“I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended.” 

“How about you sit your ass down and help me study now that you’re here? I made flash cards.” 

Snatching the stack from your hand, Jeno teased, “Oh, how would you survive without me?”

“I don’t have to wonder about that shit.” You grinned. “There’s no way in hell you’re getting rid of me anytime soon.” 

He laughed. “And thank fuck for that.” 

03. hugs always make you feel safe thanks to all the beef underneath

You were going to drag Jeno to the seventh circle of Hell. 

You couldn’t afford to go grocery shopping with him when you had a huge exam the next day. You hadn’t studied shit and were one “have you prepared for tomorrow’s final?” away from a mental breakdown. 

It didn’t help that Yeji had called you in the middle of the night to clear a doubt she had from a chapter you didn’t even know had been covered.

You’d been panicking ever since and it felt like you were going to get a heart attack at any moment.  

“Doritos or Lays?” 

“Kick to the nuts or knuckles to the jaw?” 

Your best friend tore his gaze from the rack of chips and eyed you warily. “I said I’ll help you study tonight.” 

“You don’t understand, Jeno!” you exclaimed and ran a hand through your messy hair, pacing in the supermarket aisle impatiently. “I’m going to fail! Fail!”  

Groaning, Jeno grabbed your arm and forced you to face him. He held your shoulders and looked you in the eyes, enunciating each word as he reiterated, “You’re not going to fail. We’re going to pull an all-nighter in the library, but we need to be stocked up on food before we do that.” 

You sighed painfully. It burned your eyes to just focus on anything—how the hell were you supposed to stay awake for another day and write a three-hour-long exam after that? 

“You could have come here without dragging me with you,” you muttered. “I could have been studying at home instead of wasting precious time.”

Jeno frowned. “Any more time in front of your laptop and you would have gone insane, Y/N. Your eyes are completely red.” 

“Oh, that’s not because of the screen time. I cried before you came to check on me.” 

Huffing a small laugh that bordered on exasperation, amusement and worry, Jeno threw a few packets of Doritos in the shopping cart before slinging an arm around your neck. You let him pull you against him and wrapped your arms around his waist as the two of you began walking. 

“Well, you needed to get out anyway. I don’t remember the last time I saw you leave your apartment.” 

“I stepped outside yesterday to play with the neighbour’s cat,” you said defensively. 

“Not good enough,” Jeno popped. “We’re going to go get a massage once we’re done shopping.” 

You stopped in your tracks and peeled yourself away from him. “The final is in twenty-eight hours!” you yelled, staring at him incredulously. “Are you fucking stupid?!” 

“So you have plenty of time to de-stress before you start studying again!” he chirped, paying no heed to your concerns nor the people who had heard your outburst and were giving you odd looks. “Trust me, I went for a massage before my final and I was so relaxed. It helped me to focus too.” 

“Jeno,” you uttered his name with barely contained impatience. “I don’t have time. I need to cover a lot of shit before I go and sit in the fucking examination hall.” 

“And I said I’ll help!” he repeated, sounding almost exasperated. Pushing the shopping cart forward again, he studied the shelves and continued, “You always do this, Y/N. You freak out before a test and act like the world is ending only for you to do super well.”

“Well—” you began, stumbling after him— “that’s just my coping mechanism! The more worried I am, the better I do. But I’m screwed for real this time!” 

“No,” Jeno popped, placing a 2-litre bottle of Sprite in the cart. “I’m not listening to you this time. Especially not after you stayed awake for three days straight for your midterm.” 

You sighed again. There was no arguing with your best friend. “How long is this massage of yours going to take?” 

“We’ll be back at your place in two hours max,” he reassured you, patting your head. You swatted his hand away and gave him a dirty look. “I think we have everything we need to make it through today and tomorrow.” 

“Why do we need such a big bottle of Sprite?” 

“Party at my place this weekend. There’s a discount so I’m buying in advance.”

You frowned. “Shouldn’t you be stocking up on booze?”

“The guys said I have an alcohol addiction,” Jeno said, getting in line at the billing counter. “Which is, like, totally untrue but you know I never back down from a challenge. I’m going to prove them wrong by staying sober for two weeks.”

“Sure,” you snorted. “You’ll just find lame loopholes or cheat when no one’s looking.”

A sly grin took form on Jeno’s lips. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and drawled, “I know what you do when no one’s looking.”

“Really?” You feigned a gasp. “You know I sneak over to your house and steal your food when you’re not there?”

His smile dropped immediately. “Wait, what? That’s you? Not Hyuck?”

“The food thief is me but the one stealing your sheet masks is Hyuck,” you admitted.

“He steals my masks?! The ones I buy are expensive as fuck!” Jeno exclaimed, betrayal seeping into his features. His hands fell to his side and his eyes turned distant. “I can’t believe he’s been gaslighting me into thinking I do an extra round of skincare when I’m drunk.”

You giggled and pushed the shopping cart forward once the person in front of you was done. Placing the contents on the billing counter for the cashier to scan, you revealed, “Hyuck saw me raiding your pantry when you were at the gym. He used that as leverage against me for weeks before I saw him stealing your sheet masks and was able to finally strike a deal—he turns a blind eye to my robberies and I turn a blind eye to his.”

“Why’d you team up with him?” Jeno pouted. “I thought we were best friends.”

You laughed incredulously. “Seriously? That’s what you’re focusing on? Not the part where Hyuck and I used your stuff without asking?”

“Well, yeah, I’m pissed you used my shit. But I guess I’m just a little more bothered that you guys teamed up,” Jeno said and shrugged, fetching his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. “Because, you know, coming together to make people suffer has always been our thing.”

You raised an eyebrow, slightly amused by how he was beating around the bush. “Are you saying you wanna team up with me to get back at Hyuck?”

Jeno grinned. “I’m gonna screw over that motherfucker so bad. You get off the hook, though, because you’re cute and I need your help.”

“You’re impossible.” You huffed and shook your head. Taking the bag of groceries, you said to him, “Text me my share and I’ll Venmo the money to you.”

“You could buy me an ice cream instead.”

“No,” you denied immediately. “We’re not wasting time on ice cream. Massage and then straight home so I can pick up my study material and we can leave for the library.”

Thankfully, Jeno didn’t protest. He drove you to your apartment complex and waited for you while you packed your bag. Then, the two of you were off to the massage place.

An hour later, you were done and forced to admit that the massage had indeed helped you. It felt like all the stress had left your body. Thinking about the final didn’t make you want to cry anymore and things were actually looking up now that you were rested.

You were able to retain the knowledge better and it was easier to understand the concepts. Jeno quizzed you and provided you with an endless supply of coffee throughout the night.

Right before lunch the next day, however, the panic resurfaced as you were revising your syllabus for the last time before your final at 3. You couldn’t seem to remember anything you had studied the previous night. 

You could feel another breakdown coming, but before you could hyperventilate, Jeno scooped you up in his arms.

You hadn’t even realised when he’d come back from picking up your food. One minute, you were trying to control your breath and the next, your face was buried in his hard chest.

You held onto his shirt as his hands rubbed soothing circles on your back and he rocked you from side to side.

“Shh, don’t cry,” he mumbled and kissed the top of your head. “You’re gonna ace the final like you always do. You were able to answer all the quiz questions, so keep in mind that you are prepared. The pre-exam anxiety is just clouding your thoughts. Everything’s gonna come back to you when you sit down to write, alright?”

Nodding, you clenched your eyes shut and bit down on your lip to keep a sob from escaping. Jeno’s presence kept acting like a tether for you. It always had.

Maybe he was right about the final. Maybe he wasn’t. But at that moment, engulfed in his warm, safe embrace, it felt like everything was going to be okay.

𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒 !

01. having to deal with a narcissistic asshole. 

It was an especially sweltering day. 

You were being baked inside-out despite wearing a tank top and a pair of shorts, your hair tied in a messy high bun. Adding to your torment was your broken A/C. You’d requested your landlord to fix it several times but your efforts were to no avail. 

You would have kept bothering him incessantly and gotten the job done if you weren’t so intimidated by him already. 

Sighing, you eyed your bathroom. A cold shower sounded like an amazing idea. Jeno wasn’t supposed to come over to watch the movie for a while anyway. 

Deciding to cool yourself and get rid of the sweat sticking to your body, you entered the tiny bathroom. A high-pitched squeal left your mouth the moment you turned the shower knob and the cold water hit your skin. 

“Fuck,” you cursed and flinched, turning the knob the other way immediately. Your shitty apartment didn’t even have a valve to adjust the temperature—the water was either mildly hot or ice cold. Showering in summer was always a big problem.

“God, I don’t wanna keep doing this,” you mumbled to yourself and stepped into your room again. 

There was this… thing you’d been doing ever since you moved into this apartment. Whenever it was hot, you’d work out so you’d get more sweaty. That way, when you showered under the ice-cold water, it didn’t feel as unbearable. 

It was weird and there probably was no science behind it, but you didn’t care as long as it worked. 

So, you rolled out your yoga mat on the floor and began warming up. 

Within no time, your skin was glistening with sweat and your hair was damp. You were struggling to complete the last push-up of your final set when someone knocked on your door, causing you to lose your focus. Your arms gave out beneath you, and you collapsed to the ground. 

“Woah, it’s boiling in here,” Jeno pointed out intelligently. “And you look like you’re one move away from dying. God, I can’t even breathe Why the fuck are you working out with the windows closed? Are you stupid?” 

Groaning, you rolled on your back and watched your best friend as he moved to the windows and threw them open. “Hey!” you protested weakly and raised a trembling arm in a pathetic attempt to stop him. “I’m trying to do something!”

Jeno raised an eyebrow at you and grabbed your hand, hauling you up effortlessly. “Oh, yeah? Pray tell.” 

You crashed into his chest and rebounded, but he tightened his hold on you. His palm hovered over your back in case you lost your balance. Steadying yourself, you glared at him and snapped, “No. You’re gonna make fun of me.”

“I won’t!” Jeno laughed, his eyes crinkling. 

“Stop, you’re doing it already!” 

“Okay! Okay, I’m sorry. I really do wanna know what you were doing.” 

You eyed him for a moment, waiting for him to slip up and start laughing again. But Jeno’s face remained mildly curious. Satisfied, you explained, “Well, because I was feeling hot, I decided to take a shower. The water here is very cold, though, so I decided to work out in a closed room because that would make me even hotter. If I get in the shower now, it wouldn’t feel as cold because my body temperature has already increased, and the water would be sort of neutralised.” 

A beat of silence passed. And then, “I know I said I wouldn’t make fun of you—”

“Then stop talking.”

“But did you not realise you could have mixed the hot and cold water in a bucket?” Jeno continued, clearly still talking. “Or, I don’t know, come over to my place to shower?” 

“You live with three other men.” You deadpanned. “I was not going to shower in your apartment with Jaemin, Renjun and Hyuck there. Also, I don’t have a big enough bucket, so I will be buying one today,” you added, muttering the last bit. 

Jeno rolled his eyes. “God, Y/N, I would have kicked the guys out.” 

“What makes you think they would have listened to you?” you asked amusedly.

“Okay, true,” he agreed. “They would have listened to you, though. If there’s anyone who’s bossy enough to get them out of the house on a hot Sunday afternoon, it’s you.” 

“Are you calling me bossy?” 

“Are you going to shower now?” he deflected. “You stink.”

“Shut up!” you exclaimed and slapped his shoulder hard, but laughed nonetheless. Moving away from him, you kicked him off your yoga mat and said, “You opened the windows and interrupted my workout, so I don’t feel as hot anymore. I think I’m gonna exercise a little more so I don’t die of hypothermia in the shower. You can take my laptop and choose a movie till then if you want.”

“How about I work out with you?” Jeno suggested. “We can have our gym bros moment.” 

“I don’t wanna have a gym bros moment with you.”

“Why?” he whined. 

Flicking his forehead, you said, “Because I know you’re gonna turn this into a competition, and I’m not in the mood.” 

“Scared?”

“You wish,” you scoffed. “I’m tired from all the working out I did before you came, and I’m not going against you when you have that advantage over me.” 

“That still means you’re scared. Pussy.”

Letting out an exasperated sigh, you got into the position for a plank. “Get out if you’re going to keep being annoying and not contribute shit to our gym bros moment.”

“I knew you’d come around,” Jeno replied smugly. You practically heard the grin in his voice when he said that. 

You closed your eyes and laboured your breathing as you felt your abdomen begin to burn almost immediately. “Had to, or I knew you’d keep irritating me.” 

Opening your lids, you turned your neck to see if he was doing the exercise with you. 

Your arms gave out the moment you saw Jeno shirtless, his bulging biceps on full display.

“Damn, you lost quicker than I thought,” he commented. 

“Why are you naked?!” you demanded in a shrill voice. 

Still in position, Jeno only glanced at you like you were out of your mind. “I was wearing a hoodie, Y/N. Did you expect me to do a plank in that furnace?” 

“Yeah!” you exclaimed. To your dismay, your eyes kept drifting to his well-defined muscles no matter how much you tried to focus on his face. 

To make things worse, Jeno noticed. And smirked. “Stop complaining if you’re enjoying the view so much. It’s okay to admit you have a hot best friend.”

Flustered, you scrambled to your feet and looked at the ceiling. God, you felt like a stupid middle schooler. It was insane how much of an effect Jeno was having on you. What was weirder was that your mind was drifting to places it had never been before. At least where your best friend was concerned. 

“Narcissus has nothing on you,” you muttered under your breath, and tried to gather your bearings. 

“Besides,” Jeno continued, having not heard you. “I do send you pictures sometimes. I don’t know why you’re acting like you’ve never seen me like this.” 

“Your phone’s camera is fucked, Jeno,” you grumbled. “The photos you texted me didn’t capture half of what’s actually there.”

No matter what you hadn’t seen, you’d felt whenever you hugged each other. It didn’t take away your surprise upon seeing the 2440p quality visual though. 

“Is that disappointment I hear?” he taunted. 

“No!” you exclaimed and finally looked at him again. At the sight of his working muscles, you muttered, “Can we stop now? You won.”

“Ah!” Jeno dragged the word as if he had just stumbled upon a revelation. “You want me to stand up so you can get a better view of my abs? Got it.” 

Your eyes widened, and before you could deny his ridiculous accusations, he was towering over you. Wiggling his eyebrows, he gestured towards himself and flexed dramatically. 

“You’re an idiot,” you huffed, unable to help yourself. 

“Yeah? Then I guess an idiot just managed to fluster the shit out of you.” Jeno smiled and ruffled your hair. Bending, he picked up his discarded hoodie and shrugged it back on. “I’ll go and get you a bathing bucket from the supermarket around the corner. Don’t freeze yourself to death.” 

You rolled your eyes. “I won’t.” 

“Also, do you remember the shirt I forgot here all those months ago after I got wet in the rain? Can you find it so I can change into it when I’m back?” He frowned and looked at himself. “I’ll eventually toast myself if I watch the movie in my hoodie.”

“Sure, but you’re stupid for wearing warm clothes in summer,” you commented.  

Jeno gave you a dirty look. “Sorry for assuming your A/C was in working condition. Besides, you always want to cuddle when we watch movies, so I figured you’d be more comfortable if I was wearing a hoodie.” 

Your cheeks warmed at that, your heart stumbling a beat. What was wrong with you? You’d always known Jeno was caring and went out of his way to do nice things for you.

Typically, you’d have felt grateful for how thoughtful he was being. 

Now, though, you felt that and… something else that you didn’t really want to acknowledge. 

“Whatever,” you said instead, trying to sound dismissive. Pushing him out of your room, you continued, “I’ll find it. Just hurry up with the bucket.” 

A few minutes after Jeno was gone, a notification popped up on your phone. 

[jeno]: clearer picture that i clicked on jaemin’s phone for your viewing pleasure :”) 

You blinked in confusion and opened the photo that was attached below, your eyes widening the moment you saw it. It was a zoomed-in gym mirror selfie of Jeno wearing nothing but sweatpants and shoes, his muscular abdomen on full display. 

[you]: did you crop jaemin? 

[jeno]: ???? [jeno]: wdym……. [you]: the photo’s dimensions are weird [jeno]: oh [jeno]: what the fuck [you]: LMFAOOO [jeno]: STOP I DIDN’T WANT YOU LOOKING AT HIM INSTEAD OF ME I’VE GOT A BETTER BODY ANYWAY AND I’M GONNA BUY A NEW PHONE SO I CAN SEND YOU CLEARER PICS WITHOUT HAVING TO CROP THAT FUCKER OUT 

You bit down on your lip to keep yourself from smiling too wide. Right before you were about to type a reply, you received another text from your best friend. 

[jeno]: so are you gonna tell me what you think [you]: FINE you’re hot. [you]: happy?  [jeno]: euphoric

Finally laughing out loud, you shook your head. 

Narcissus had nothing on Jeno indeed.

02. female friends ask you to be their wingwoman 

You didn’t think you’d ever accompanied Jeno to a party without having someone ask you to set them up with him. 

“Please,” Yoo Jimin begged for what seemed like the thousandth time. “Yeji said he was single!” 

Sighing, you mentally cursed Yeji for inviting Jimin to Jeno’s party. “He is, but I’m not setting you up with him.” 

“Why?” Jimin demanded rather aggressively, making you wonder what it would take for her to quit nagging you. “Do you like him or something?” 

It took a concerning amount of effort for you to refrain from rolling your eyes. “I do not.” 

“Then what’s the problem?” 

“I don’t know, Jimin!” you finally burst and gestured at your surroundings. “Maybe I’m not too keen on helping you out because you followed me into the washroom and cornered me! Maybe I feel used because you’ve never shown much interest in me even though I’ve tried striking up a conversation with you several times before!”  

Jimin’s features softened, and she looked away. “You’re right,” she muttered, guilt and shame evident in her voice. “I’m sorry for jumping on you like that.” 

You immediately felt bad for snapping at her. Pursing your lips, you tried to cheer her up. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t need me to set you up with him anyway. I know we haven’t hung out much, but based on what I’ve heard about you from Yeji, you’re smart, funny and social. You have no reason to be nervous while approaching Jeno.” 

For some reason, you regretted encouraging Jimin to pursue your best friend. A gaping hole formed in your heart, and you wished she would go for someone else instead. 

“Thanks, Y/N.” Jimin smiled gratefully. “I know I’ve been a shitty person, but could you give me another chance? I’d really like to get to know you more.” 

And just like that, the hollowness in your chest was gone. You gave her a genuine smile of your own and said, “I gotta pee right now, but does lunch tomorrow work for you?”

Jimin’s eyes widened. “Shit, I’m so sorry. I forgot where we were.” Rubbing the nape of her neck sheepishly, she replied, “Lunch works. I’ll text you tonight so we can talk about it.” 

The two of you exchanged your goodbyes, and then she was gone. A few minutes later, you exited the washroom as well and headed back to the party. 

“I missed you,” a voice slurred in your ear. Arms circled around your waist, and a face buried itself into the crook of your neck. 

You laughed. “You failed the challenge, Jeno.” 

“Where were you?” he demanded in an almost whiny tone. “It’s your fault! I wouldn’t have lost at beer pong if you’d been playing with me.” 

Patting Jeno’s back in consolation, you replied, “I’m sorry you have zero self-control and commit to things you know you won’t be able to do.” 

Jeno peeled himself away from you and pouted. “You’re mean.”

“Thanks. Let’s get wasted together,” you said, but then added upon looking at his already tipsy condition, “Or I can get wasted, and your ass can keep me company.”  

“Don’t you think one of us should be sober?” Jeno asked as you pulled him along.

“I’m not gonna hold back from drinking!” you exclaimed. “Let me remind you that you were supposed to be the sober one today and make sure I didn’t do anything stupid. I’m blaming you if I get naked in the yard.” 

Thanks to the music that was gradually getting louder as you approached the main party area, you didn’t hear your best friend’s response. You tightened your grip on his hand when the crowd thickened. Wading your way through the dancing throng, you finally reached the table lined with alcohol and food. 

You chose a bottle of Romanov and popped it open, drinking straight from it. You’d barely taken a few gulps when Jeno snatched it from you and put it to his own mouth. 

Throwing him a dirty look, you picked up another bottle for yourself. “Do you wanna dance?”

“I wanna throw up.” 

“Suit yourself.” You shrugged and aimed for the dance floor. A smile crept on your face upon seeing Jaemin; you were not in the mood to dance alone. 

“Y/N!” he hollered when he noticed you. Stumbling towards you, he pulled you in a quick embrace. “I haven’t seen you in so long!” 

“Finals!” you answered. Jaemin nodded in understanding and ran a hand through his hair, taking a swig from his beer. “Do you wanna dance?” 

You grinned. “You know I do.” 

The next few hours were a complete blur. The bottle in your hand was replaced by more one after the other, and when Jaemin deemed you’d had enough to drink, he gave you a red solo cup filled with water instead. 

It felt good to finally unwind after the horrible few weeks you’d had. There was no academic stress weighing down on you anymore, and though you were low on sleep, you didn’t want to stop partying. 

You just wished you and Jeno had gotten wasted together. While you were having fun with Jaemin, partying with Jeno was a different experience entirely. 

Right as you were about to take a sip from your cup, you felt an arm being thrown around your neck. The touch was so familiar that you recognised who it was immediately. 

“I missed you!” you exclaimed. Jeno looked down at you with a grin on his face, a pair of black party glasses sitting on his nose. His hair was damp and fell over his forehead. Maybe it was the liquor in your system, but you could have sworn he never looked better. “Let’s dance.”

“Dance?” Jeno laughed. “Haven’t you been doing that for the past two hours? Don’t your feet hurt?” 

Frowning, you glanced at your legs. “They do!” you exclaimed, and looked back at him again, your bottom lip sticking out in a pout. Feeling tears beginning to pool in your eyes, you mumbled, “But I still want to dance.”

“How about we go on the roof instead? The stars look pretty tonight,” your best friend suggested, trying his best not to laugh at you. “I didn’t drink at all after you left me. I’m sober enough to take care of you now.” 

Your eyes lit up at that. “Wow, that’s such a good idea! You’re so smart, Jeno. I love you.”  

Jeno’s lips finally twitched up in a smile. “I love you too, silly.” 

Plucking the solo cup out of your hand, he offered you an arm. You looped yours through it with a soft thank you and leaned on him as he led you upstairs. 

The two of you entered his dark room, and Jeno shut the door behind him. Only when the loud music was muffled did you realise your head was throbbing.  

He unhooked your arms gently and grabbed a warm blanket off his bed. Throwing open his window, he jumped out on the flat roof and looked at you expectantly. 

You staggered behind Jeno and took the hand he was holding out for you. His other hand hovered over your waist as you climbed on the sill. 

Thanks to the alcohol in your system, your balance was non-existent, and your legs turned to jelly the moment they made contact with the roof. Fortunately, your best friend was there to catch you.

You bumped into Jeno’s chest instead of falling to the ground. He wrapped his arms around you and steadied you, laughing a little at your antics. 

“God, how much did you drink?” you heard him wonder to himself. You mumbled an incoherent response and leaned against the outside wall of his room, watching him lay the spread on the floor. 

The two of you usually climbed the ladder that led to the slanting roof at the very top of the house, but you reckoned the boy in front of you didn’t want to risk taking you up there when you were so wasted. 

Jeno sat down on the blanket once he was done and peeked at you over his shoulder, patting the space beside him. “Come on.” 

Pushing yourself off the siding, you stumbled to him, tripping over your feet a bit. You were able to keep your balance, though, and a moment later, you found yourself lying on the blanket next to him.

Your shoulders brushed against each other, the warmth from his body seeping into you. It was summer, but the night air was still chilly, especially now that you were on the roof. You were thankful for the protection Jeno offered against the mild cold. 

The music was blaring once again now that you were outside, and there were no barriers to deafen it, but the volume barely bothered you. Your eyes were on the stars, trying to identify the constellations.

“I see Orion right there,” Jeno said, pointing at the sky. You followed his finger, and sure enough, there it was. “And there’s Ursa Minor.” He moved his hand after noting that you had recognised Orion. 

“I don’t see it,” you muttered, blinking heavily to clear your sight. 

“Can you see Polaris?” he asked, glancing at you for a moment. 

You raised your hand and pointed it at a random star that was nowhere near the one Jeno was referring to. “There.” 

Jeno snorted. “You could spot Orion, but you can’t identify the brightest star in the sky?” Without waiting for a response, your best friend grabbed your arm and directed it to the right star. “That is Polaris.” 

“Woah.” You gaped and lowered your arm. “It’s so shiny.” 

Jeno laughed again upon hearing the child-like wonder in your voice. You stargazed often and always challenged each other to see who could identify the most constellations in a minute. He knew the night sky was familiar to you, but seeing you like this reminded Jeno of the first time he brought you to his roof and introduced you to his favourite hobby. 

“Do you want it?” he teased. 

Eyes widening, you turned your neck to look at him, your faces so close you could count his lashes. “Really?” 

“Really,” he said and pinched your cheek, unable to help himself. “I’ll get it for you.” 

A wide smile immediately broke across your lips, and you threw your arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you!” you squealed. 

Jeno chuckled, a little surprised that you had practically climbed on top of him, and part of him was caged under you now. He didn’t mind the sudden intimacy. It had always been his love language; any sort of physical contact with you—be it comparing hand sizes or carrying you on his back—warmed his heart. 

Patting your head, he asked, “You want me to show you the rest of Ursa Minor?” 

“Yes.” You nodded into the crook of his neck and peeled yourself away from him, but your head still rested where his shoulder met his arm. 

Brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen on your face, he averted his gaze to the sky. “Polaris is the tail of The Little Dipper. Now we move towards the left. See the star that’s above the brightest? That’s Delta. Epsilon is above Delta too, but the distance between them is not as much as the distance between the first two. Zeta is below—” 

You tuned Jeno out. He was still showing you the stars that made up the constellations, far too invested to notice that you were no longer paying attention to what he was saying and were looking at something much more beautiful instead. 

You’d always known your best friend was attractive. You’d have to be blind to not notice his striking features—they were sharp with a certain softness around the edges. His face always stood out in crowds and demanded people’s undivided attention. 

Rightfully so, you thought to yourself as you admired his perfectly straight nose and the shape of his soft lips, diverting your gaze to his eyes. You’d always thought they were his best features. They were warm and open and felt like home. It deserves to be appreciated. 

“Pherka, Eta, Kochab and Zeta form a—”

“You’re prettier.”

Jeno glanced at you, your faces mere inches away and those beautiful eyes peering into yours with slight confusion. “What?”

“You said the stars looked pretty tonight,” you whispered. “I think you’re prettier.” You paused for a moment, as if rethinking your words. Then, “I think you’re the prettiest person in the world.”

A fond smile crept on your best friend’s face, and maybe it was because your ear was in the vicinity of his heart, but you could have sworn you heard it thumping loudly against his ribcage. Lightly bumping his forehead against yours, Jeno whispered back, 

“I think you’re the prettiest person in the world too.” 

03. it’s very easy to fall for them, especially when they’re always so sweet and caring

The first thing you felt upon regaining your consciousness was pain. 

Your skull was splitting apart, the little bit of sunlight creeping in through the closed curtains rendering you blind. Nausea was beginning to set in, but your body was so weak that you weren’t sure you could make it to the toilet in time. 

You should have never drunk so much. Not only had you not taken any proper rest after working yourself to exhaustion during your finals, but had also danced to the point you couldn’t move your legs. Heck, you couldn’t even remember much of the party. You recalled leaving Jeno behind to party with Jaemin, but everything after that was a huge blank slate. 

The toilet was far away, but you could try reaching the dustbin near the study table instead of just throwing up on the carpet. Groaning, you tried to push yourself up. When that didn’t work, you put all strength in your abdomen and threw yourself off the bed. 

A shockwave of agony passing through your body rendered you immobile on the ground. You moaned in pain and curled in on yourself, covering your mouth with a hand upon tasting bile on your tongue. 

The door was thrown open, and a worried Jeno gaped at you lying on his room’s hard floor motionlessly. “What the fuck?” 

“Dustbin,” you croaked with much difficulty, tears springing to your eyes. They hurt so much you wanted to rip them out. 

Your best friend moved into action immediately. “I kept the dustbin right beside the bed in case you got sick, you blind twat truck. Along with painkillers and water on the table.”  

You found it in yourself to glare at the boy, but he ignored you. Placing the waste basket in front of you, he helped you up. You gripped the rim as he gathered your hair in his hand and held it up to avoid it getting in the way of your vomit. 

Right before you emptied the toxins in your body, you managed to say to him, “How capable do I look to you right now, you stupid toe-licking grinch man?” 

Jeno rolled his eyes and rubbed your back with his other hand, patiently waiting for you to finish. Once your heaving stopped, you took the tissue he was holding out for you and wiped your mouth. You felt much better after throwing up but you were still so tired. 

“Come on.”

You swatted Jeno’s hand away and rested your back on his bed, tucking your legs under your chin. “Too much effort,” you muttered and closed your eyes, willing the headache to go away.

“I was going to carry you to the bed, Y/N,” he said in exasperation. 

“I just need a moment,” you whispered almost incoherently, wishing he would stop asking you questions when you had no energy to answer. “A moment and an Aspirin.” 

There was some shuffling, and then you felt a hand brushing your matted hair out of your face. “Here.”

You peeled your lids open to see Jeno crouched in front of you with water and the painkiller you had asked for. Taking it from his hand, you popped it into your mouth and gulped down some water. 

For a few moments, you tried to regulate your breathing and calm yourself down. Jeno could tell you were gathering the willpower and strength to climb back on his bed. He wanted to help, but you clearly didn’t want it. So, he just watched you silently struggle.

He should have been with you last night; he hated that he wasn’t when he had promised to be the sober half. As far as Jeno was concerned, Jaemin was going to get an earful about keeping tabs on how much his friends drank. Never in the two years of friendship had he seen you with such a huge hangover. 

“Fuck,” he heard you curse under your breath. You moaned in pain as you pushed yourself up on trembling arms and fell on his mattress. Sighing, Jeno tucked you in and pressed a chaste kiss on your forehead. 

“Sleep well,” he said and made his way to the door. “I’ll wake you up for lunch. Renjun is making grilled sandwiches.” 

Your eyes flew open again. Fuck. You were supposed to meet Jimin. 

“Jeno, wait,” you blurted, and he stopped in his tracks. “I was supposed to meet a friend for lunch, but I don’t think I can make it. Can you cover for me?” 

Your best friend leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest. “Which friend?” 

“Jimin.” 

“I thought she ghosted you.” He frowned. “Now you’re meeting her for lunch?” 

“No, you are meeting her for lunch. I don’t wanna be rude and cancel at the last minute. What if she already left?”

“It’s 10 in the morning.”

“Well, what if she turned down other offers because of the plans we made?” 

“She left an hour ago with Mark after passing out on the couch in Hyuck’s room last night. I doubt she’s had the time to turn down any other offers. Actually, I think she’ll be glad you cancelled. She looked pretty hungover when she left.”

“Why are you being so difficult?” you whined, wincing when the throbbing in your head responded to the sudden increase in the volume of your voice. “I’m only asking you for a small favour.” 

“I’m not being difficult,” Jeno defended himself and took a few steps towards you. “I’m trying to tell you that you may be overthinking this. Let me send her a text from your phone asking for a reschedule, and we can have some homemade lunch with the guys.” 

Sighing heavily, you averted your gaze from his and stared at the ceiling. “I just don’t wanna blow this. I think she’s really cool and I’d like to get to know her more. I’m good friends with everyone in our social circle except her. It’s awkward.” 

Jeno’s eyes softened at that. “Y/N, you’re not blowing anything. Rescheduling lunch because you both partied till you collapsed is not going to take away any points. Trust me.” 

Your best friend was right. You were overthinking this, but you didn’t exactly blame yourself. All your efforts to befriend Jimin had been futile till now. You didn’t want to do anything that could mess up the friendship that had begun to bloom last night. 

“Fine,” you finally relented. “Shoot her a text from my phone. I think it’s in my clothes bag—” you paused, your eyes widening. Lifting Jeno’s duvet in panic, you looked down at yourself. “Who changed my clothes?” 

“Ningning did!” Jeno answered quickly, the tips of his ears turning a bright red. He couldn’t understand why he was freaking out—nothing happened. 

You exhaled in relief, trying to get rid of the alien tingling feeling spreading throughout your body. Your cheeks were hot with embarrassment. “Okay. Well, my phone’s in my clothes bag.” 

Jeno busied himself, rummaging through your backpack that was on his bedside table. What you didn’t know, however, was that it was just a front for him to calm himself down. “Got it.” He waved the phone at you. “What’s your pin?”

“Your birthday.”

His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline, and a seed of warmth sprouted in his chest. A dizzying sense of affection for you washed over him, drenching him in happiness from head to toe. “Really?” 

You nodded and closed your eyes. Turning on your side to get into a more comfortable sleeping position, you buried yourself deeper under his sheets. Yawning, you mumbled, “Day-Month-Year with leading zeros.” 

“My password is your birthday too,” he said quietly after sending Jimin the text. “A lot of them are. It’s the easiest set of numbers to remember.”

You didn’t respond. Jeno didn’t mind. He knew you’d already fallen asleep. Keeping your phone on the table, he smiled sadly and stared at your resting figure in longing. “Everything about you is so easy to remember.”

Jeno closed the door behind him as he left, none the wiser about the fact that you were still awake and had heard everything he’d said, your heart beating so fast that you thought it was going to leap out of your chest. 

Your best friend left, completely unaware of the fact that you were now entertaining the possibility of being in love with him. 

𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 !

01. the green-eyed monster you resent makes an appearance more than you’d like

You genuinely couldn’t believe your friend group and their seemingly never-ending social battery. 

One would think that after a long night of partying, a person would stay at home the next day and take some much-needed rest. Your friends, however, thought it was a good idea to meet up for dinner and decide what to do over the weekend. 

You didn’t bother to remind them of the wonderful invention that was group chats. 

“We should drive up to the beach,” Mark suggested, flipping through the menu. “Summer just started, so I don’t think there will be a lot of people.” 

All of you were seated in a round booth at the back of a diner Chenle said he frequented. You weren’t going to lie; you could see why. The setting was very homey, and the cushioning of the sofa was very cosy—you were almost sure you were going to fall asleep even before your food arrived. 

Ningning, who was sitting beside Mark, peeked over his shoulder to see what was listed. Minjeong said, “That’s stupid. The start of summer is exactly when beaches get overcrowded. Most don’t get to visit the ocean during the year, so they make a beeline for the beach as soon as break begins.”  

“True,” you heard Jeno say. He leaned back in his seat and put his arm on the cushion behind you. You resisted the urge to lean in. Taking a sip of his water, he continued, “Besides, we’re already going to Jeju Island for a week next month. I don’t think we should drive three hours to go to the beach right now.” 

“What about karaoke?” Jimin piped up. She was sitting on the other side of Minjeong, opposite from Chenle, who was on the other side of the table. 

“We don’t need an entire weekend for just karaoke,” Chenle pointed out. “We could do it whenever we want.”

“Well, what about—” 

“Hey, can I take your order?” a female voice that was a combination of annoyed, upbeat, friendly and polite interrupted Minjeong. The girl looked a little flustered at being cut off, but she cleared her throat and mumbled a small yeah, just give us a minute.

The waitress did not move, so all of you awkwardly picked up the menu cards and began flipping through them. 

“The usual for me, Yuna,” Chenle said, smiling up at her. To diffuse the sudden tension created in the air, he began making small talk with her as she waited. 

“What are you eating?” Jeno asked. He was closer to you now, his eyes scanning the contents of the menu card in your hand over your shoulder. 

You shrugged. “I don’t think I’m eating anything. I’m not very hungry.” 

Jeno’s eyebrows creased, and he glanced at your face in worry. “You haven’t had anything since lunch. At least drink something.” 

“It’s fine.” You dismissed him with a wave of your hand and pushed the card in his direction so he could order whatever he wanted. “I won’t be able to finish anything by myself and I don’t wanna waste food.” 

“How about we share?” he insisted. “You eat however much you want, and I’ll finish the rest. Don’t go to sleep on an empty stomach.” 

An internal battle began. While Jeno’s suggestion was sensible, you knew he didn’t like to share his food with anyone. You remembered a time when he had refused to go on a second date with a girl because she kept nibbling on his meal. You didn’t want him to do something he hated just for your sake. 

“Really, it’s fine,” you repeated. “You go ahead and—”

“Hey, Y/N,” Yeji called, making you divert your attention to her. “You wanna share a triple-decker chicken sandwich? Chenle said this place is famous all over town for that dish.��� 

You had to admit, a triple-decker chicken sandwich did sound tasty. But you’d just turned down Jeno, so you didn’t wanna say yes to Yeji. Shaking your head, you once again said, “I’m not hungry.”

“Why aren’t you hungry?” Mark frowned, overhearing your conversation. The rest of your friend group looked at you in concern. Ningning asked, “Are you okay?” 

You groaned. The last thing you wanted to do was explain to everyone why you didn’t have an appetite. “I’m okay. I’m just not hungry because I had a lot for lunch.”

“That’s a lie,” Jeno commented unhelpfully, and you smacked his shoulder hard in retaliation. He winced, rubbing the area of attack. “Hey!” 

“Shut up!” you exclaimed. Taking a deep breath, you said to everyone with as little annoyance in your voice as you could, “Please just order what you want. I still feel a little weird after last night’s party, and I don’t think I can stomach anything right now.” Before anyone could reply, you added, “I’m going to the restroom. Be right back.” 

Yeji looked a little stunned, but she got up from her seat and let you leave the booth when you requested her to move. Locking yourself in one of the stalls, you clutched your stomach and curled in on yourself, closing your eyes. 

Your period cramps were especially painful this time. Maybe it was because of last night’s exertion, but your cycle was early too. Your stomach was in too many knots for you to even think about eating anything. 

The washroom’s door opened, and you heard soft footsteps trudging towards you. Knocking on the only occupied stall’s door, a female voice asked, “Is everything okay, Y/N?” 

“Yeah,” you croaked, feeling tears burning your eyes. “Everything’s fine, Jimin. I just have period cramps, that’s all.” 

“Oh.” There was silence for a moment. “I have painkillers. Do you want them?” 

Exhaling through your mouth, you wiped your moist cheeks and stepped out of the stall. “Sure.”

Jimin smiled at you reassuringly and handed you a wet wipe, looping her arm through yours. “Don’t worry. I got you.”

Your heart swelled with happiness and gratitude. You’d wanted to connect with her for so long, and it finally felt like you were getting somewhere this time. Maybe you were being overemotional due to your fluctuating hormones, but you wanted to pull her into a hug.

“Oh, also,” you started a little sheepishly, “I wanted to apologise in person about cancelling on you earlier today. I drank and partied more than I should have. I thought about sending Jeno to cover for me, but he pointed out that it would have been awkward for you to see him when you were expecting me.”

“Woah, wait!” she gaped and took a step away from you. The shock on her face surprised you for a moment, but the feeling didn’t last long. “You’re kidding me! You should have kept insisting, Y/N! A lunch date would have been the perfect way for us to get closer!”

“I don’t think he would have considered the lunch a date because he was just a stand-in for me,” you said awkwardly, and threw the used wipe in the dustbin. 

Jimin waved you away as you walked out of the restroom and back to your booth. “I mean, yeah, it wouldn’t have been an official date, but it would have given me the opportunity to ask him out on a real one.”

“Right.”  

You hated the way you sounded. You hated the way your stomach churned, and your mood dropped. You hated that someone was pursuing Jeno. You hated that you were being forced to play Cupid, all thanks to your strong refusal to admit your feelings and the friendship you wanted to build with the girl next to you. 

“Oh, my God!” Jimin exclaimed, too immersed in her own fantasies to have noticed the change in your tone and demeanour. “I can make up for the missed opportunity by sitting next to him right now! You wouldn’t mind, would you?” 

You did mind. The idea of her making a move on your best friend made you want to dig a hole and cry. God, you were being so pathetic. This was completely unlike you, and you despised the way you were acting. You had to pull yourself together immediately. 

Besides, it wasn’t like you were ever going to explore these newfound feelings you had for Jeno. The last thing you wanted to do was ruin your friendship. Forcing an encouraging smile on your face, you said, “Um, sure! That’s a really good idea.”

“Took you guys long enough,” Chenle commented once you returned. 

You raised an eyebrow. “Did you have any other places to be?” 

“I mean I was worried.” He rolled his eyes. “We ordered food while you were gone. You sure you don’t want anything, Y/N?” 

“Yep,” you said, popping the last letter. “Scoot over and make space for us.” 

Yeji got up again and stood to the side as Jimin, and you slid into the booth. “The two of you better not make me get up again. I’m not budging even if you need to take a big dump.” 

“Sorry,” you muttered, smiling at her sheepishly. Making yourself comfortable, you grabbed your glass of water and dipped a straw in it, idly sipping the liquid. 

Jeno’s gaze caught yours from behind Jimin’s back. He pointed at her with a frown on his face and mouthed, “Why is she sitting beside me?” 

You waved him away and turned your attention to the rest of your friends. “Please tell me you guys finally decided what we’re doing over the weekend.”

“We did,” Mark piped up. “We’re thinking of going to an amusement park and then a water park.”

Jimin frowned. “Won’t those places be crowded as well?” 

“We just need to accept that most destinations will be. Everyone’s on break, so it doesn’t matter where we go. There will be people everywhere.” 

You agreed with Minjeong. “Amusement park it is. Can we hit the bars at night?”

“It won’t be much of a trip if we don’t.” Ningning grinned. “You sure you want to go clubbing so soon though? You were completely wasted when Jeno called me to his room and made me change your clothes last night.”

Mark snickered. “Are you scared of changing your own girlfriend’s clothes, Jeno?”  

Silence. No one spoke. 

NingNing was staring at Mark incredulously, and Yeji seemed to be suffering through an extreme case of second-hand embarrassment. Chenle pretended to flip through the menu while Minjeong grabbed her phone and scrolled through the apps on her home screen in an attempt to look busy. 

Jimin whirled to face you so fast that you wondered how her neck hadn’t snapped. You couldn’t even dare to look at Jeno to see what reaction Mark’s words had evoked out of him. 

Laughing awkwardly, you asked, “Who said we’re dating?” 

“You’re kidding me, right?” Mark scoffed in disbelief. “You guys are so bad at keeping your relationship private. Everyone knows there’s something going on between the two of you.” 

“Is that true?” Jeno asked, but no one present at the table dared to meet his gaze. “Do all of you think there’s something going on between Y/N and me?” 

“I mean….” Chenle began, dragging the word out. “You both are very close. People who claim to be just friends don’t cross the boundaries you two step all over everyday. But we’ve never seen you kiss either, so we’re not sure if you’re dating secretly or…” 

“You guys are crazy,” you interrupted. “Stop speculating about our relationship. It’s weird.” Turning to face a very betrayed-looking Jimin, you enunciated, “Jeno and I are just friends. That’s all there is to us.”

“Yeah,” Jeno added, glancing at you. “Y/N and I will only ever be friends. There’s no way I would date her. I don’t find her attractive in a romantic way.” 

Feeling a knot form in your heart and anger bubble in the pit of your stomach, you snapped, “Same. Jeno’s not even my type. I wouldn’t get together with him if we were the only people left on Earth.” 

Your friends exchanged knowing glances, and poor Jimin, who was stuck sitting between Jeno and you, made an attempt to diffuse the tension. “Okay, guys. We get it.” 

“I’m not sure you do,” Jeno hissed, staring all your friends down. “I can see your damn faces. The only way you’re going to believe I’m not into Y/N is if I prove it to you by going out with someone else.” 

Minjeong began, “That’s not—” 

“No, he’s right,” you fumed. Under the table, your hand curled into a fist. “The only way you guys are going to get this stupid image of Jeno and me being together romantically is if we date other people.” 

“The two of you are overreacting!” Yeji exclaimed. “There’s no need to get so defensive! We were wrong for assuming, and Mark was an idiot for opening his fat mouth. I’m sure you both would have told us if there was something. We’re all sorry.” 

There was a chorus of agreement on the table. Everyone genuinely seemed to be apologetic—except Mark, who was glaring at Yeji and looked mad for being called an idiot. His eyes met yours, and a sheepish smile took form on his lips. 

You huffed a small laugh and shook your head, but your heart was still in knots. There was a certain hollowness in the pit of your stomach. You felt sick and anxious. 

Did Jeno really have to say all those hurtful things just to convince your friends about your platonic relationship? He didn’t need to sound so offended and make your mutual denial a competition. 

Sure, you were the one who had declared there would never be anything more than just friendship between Jeno and you, but he didn’t have to cross the line by saying you weren’t appealing to him. 

Besides, you’d said what you’d said for Jimin. You didn’t actually mean the words that left your mouth. Considering the emotions you’d been feeling recently, it would be a lie to claim you didn’t hope for a different sort of future with Jeno. 

It didn’t matter anyway. A romantic relationship between the two of you wasn’t practical. Your best friend had never so much as hinted at wanting something more. 

In a twisted way, you were glad he said those wounding things. You needed to be pulled back to reality.

“Hey, Jeno,” you heard Jimin say once the food arrived and everyone started eating. “I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch and watch a movie sometime this week?” 

Bile rose to your throat. You hoped to God he would say no. You didn’t care if you were being a shitty person; you didn’t think you could take any more of this torture. 

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

Your eyes were trained on your glass of water, but you didn’t need to look at him to know he was surprised. As much as you hated eavesdroppers, you couldn’t stop yourself from wanting to learn where this conversation was going. 

“I am.” Jimin chuckled nervously.

Jeno didn’t reply immediately. The rest of your friends were engaged in their own discussions with the people sitting next to them. The table wasn’t silent by any means, but the only things you could hear were Jimin waiting for his answer with bated breath and the pounding of your heart in your chest. 

Then, “I would be honoured.”

Oh, you were most definitely going to throw up.

02. you fall for them

You hadn’t talked to Jeno ever since dinner with your group.

He hadn’t reached out to you, and you hadn’t tried to contact him either. You’d received a text from Jimin the next day about the specifics of her date with Jeno. They were supposed to meet up for lunch at a restaurant near your college campus and then go out to watch some sappy rom-com. 

He didn’t even care for rom-coms. You’d begged him to watch one with you countless times and he’d always turned you down. Part of you wondered if he knew Jimin was updating you about everything and he was purposely pulling this shit to get back at you. 

But you dismissed the notion immediately. No way were you so dense and self-centred. Maybe Jeno genuinely was into Jimin. 

Your phone began ringing, and you rolled over on your bed, blindly searching for it on your bedside table. God, you hated being woken up in the middle of your afternoon naps. It almost always guaranteed a headache. 

“Hello,” you said groggily, your throat raw and dry. “Who is this?” 

“Oh! Did I wake you up?” It was Jimin. She sounded upbeat. Your heart sank. “I’m so sorry!” 

Pushing yourself up, you rubbed the gunk out of your eyes and made your way to the window. The darkness made you bump into the corner of your study table, and you bit down on your lip to keep a yelp from escaping. Hobbling, you threw the curtains open and said, “No worries. My alarm was just about to ring. How was the date?” 

Laughter bubbled from the other end of the phone line. “It was cool! He is a really good guy. No wonder everyone is head over heels for him. He opened the door for me, didn’t let me spend any money even though I asked him out, was an excellent listener, called me pretty and beautiful, and drove me back home. Oh, God, and the eye-contact? It made him a hundred times sexier.” 

Seems legit, you thought to yourself. Jeno had always been a gentleman. The other girls you’d set him up with had pretty much given you the same feedback. Part of you felt relieved that this date hadn’t been any different than the others he’d been on. 

Except the rom-com part, of course. For the life of you, you couldn’t figure out why he would agree to something he hated. 

“Ah, I’m happy for you, Jimin!” you exclaimed, trying your best to mean what you said. Your own words tasted like ash on your tongue. “Are you guys going on a second date?” 

“I’m not sure, to be honest. He said he had a great time with me, but when I tried to ask him out again, he just hugged me. That took me by surprise, and I kinda just forgot.” She laughed. “I know good dates usually end with a kiss, but the fact that he didn’t go for one didn’t bother me.”

“Oh,” you mumbled. Sitting on the ledge of your window, you asked, “That sounds nice. Do you think you’ll try asking him again?”

The last thing you expected her to say was no. And the way she said it… she didn’t sound sad or upset or disappointed. She sounded like herself. She sounded the way one would when they talked about the weather. 

It confused you. Didn’t Jimin just say the date was really good? She sounded so happy and delighted. Why was she backing out now?

“I—I don’t get it,” you sputtered. “I thought you were into him. I thought you had a great time today. Why aren’t you going to ask him out again? Did something else happen—?”

“Calm down.” She chuckled. “Nothing happened.” 

“Huh? Then what’s the problem?”

“Nothing happened,” she repeated. “That’s the problem. I like Jeno. He’s attractive, funny and caring. He’s everything a girl would want in a guy. But there was no spark between us. I had a great time with him, but hanging out today didn’t feel any different than usual. It felt like I was hanging out with a good friend, not with a potential romantic interest.

“I was looking forward to exploring what I felt for him. Turns out, it was just physical attraction. It also turns out that he wasn’t into me at all. If it wasn’t obvious the night we all went out for dinner, it was glaringly clear today. I think part of the reason he said yes was that he didn’t want to hurt my feelings,” she added. “The other—major—part was that he’s in love with someone else, and I would rather die than be a homewrecker.”    

“Oh,” you said again. You didn’t know how to respond to that. What did she mean Jeno is in love with someone else? You didn’t dare focus on the last part of what she’d said. You didn’t dare hope that the person she was referring to was you. “Well, I’m sorry it didn’t work out between the two of you. I’m sure you’ll find someone else easily. You’re a delight. Anyone would be lucky to date you.”

Jimin laughed again. “If you weren’t in love with Jeno too, Y/N, I would have thought you were into me.” 

It took a second for the words to register, but when they did, you felt your heart drop to your stomach. Forcing yourself to laugh, you croaked, “Whatever do you mean?” 

Saying that was a mistake. You should not have asked her to elaborate. She was going to make you come to terms with your feelings, and all the time and effort you’d spent denying and trying to get rid of them was going to go down the drain. 

Before she could speak, you made a static sound with your mouth. Then, you pretended that the connection was really bad. “Wha—hear—you. Try—back. Hell—?” 

You hung up before Jimin could call you out on your bullshit. A moment later, you saw a text pop up. 

[jimin]: that was soooo unsubtle  [y/n]: idk what ur talking ab!!!!!!! [jimin]: sure [jimin]: also a tiny heads up [jimin]: i told jeno to stop being a pussy and an asshole so he’s on his way 2 ur place now [y/n]: WHAT THE FUCK [jimin]: i’m going 2 pretend u said thank u [jimin]: don’t forget ab our dinner date tmrw [jimin]: have fun <3 

It was crazy how the bell rang almost immediately after you read the last text. You wondered if the timing was planned and that Jimin had told Jeno to wait till she gave him the go-ahead. 

You trudged to the front door and took a deep breath before opening it.

“Hey,” Jeno mumbled with a small smile. His hair was ruffled, as if he had run his hands through it several times. “Can I come in?” 

Biting the inside of your cheek, you nodded and moved out of the way to make space for him to step inside. He shoved his hands inside the pockets of his jeans and stood awkwardly. 

“You can sit,” you said, feeling the corners of your lips curl up in amusement. 

He sighed and wove his fingers through his strands again. “Not before I apologise for my behaviour. I was completely out of line that day,” he said. “I shouldn’t have said those things. I didn’t mean them.” 

“So you don’t think I’m unattractive?” 

You meant to tease him, but the next thing you knew, he was standing toe-to-toe with you, a desperate and guilt-ridden expression adorning his face. “God, no. You’re the most beautiful person I have ever seen. I only said that because… because I knew it would hurt you.” 

Jeno was standing too close to you. You could barely breathe, much less think. But that didn’t stop you from asking, “Why would you want to hurt me?” 

He didn’t answer for what felt like an entire minute. He only kept staring at you, an internal battle raging inside him. Then, he let loose a breath of frustration and moved away. He refused to look at you, and your patience kept slipping with each moment that passed. 

Right when you thought it would snap, Jeno spoke up, “It hurt me when you said you and I would only ever be friends. I know how stupid it sounds, but it really did. For years, I’d been pining after you and hoping that maybe we could be something more in the future. I felt like an idiot when I realised wouldn’t ever view me in that light. 

“You got so defensive when Chenle said all our friends were suspicious of us being in a secret relationship. I couldn’t help but wonder if you felt disgusted at the idea of us being together. I got angry at myself for being naive and said those horrible things without even realising.” 

You didn’t know what to say. This was the second time you’d been rendered speechless in the past thirty minutes. It was one revelation after the other; you were having a hard time keeping up.

“You—you like me?” you stuttered. 

Jeno laughed humourlessly and looked you dead in the eyes. “I love you, Y/N.” 

“No.” 

“Yes.” 

You took a step back. “No, no, no, no—”

“Yes,” he pressed. “I’m sorry that I do. I know this changes everything, but I couldn’t keep it in anymore. I just—”

“Why would you go out with Jimin if you… if you love me?” you whispered. 

“Partly to see your reaction and partly in an attempt to get over you,” he admitted. “It didn’t work. I just—I just couldn’t stop thinking about you the entire time I was with her. I felt so guilty for saying such terrible things because I couldn’t deal with my emotions and come to terms with reality. I’m really sorry, Y/N.” 

You swallowed the lump in your throat. “I’m sorry too.”

“You don’t have to apologise for not loving me back—”

“That’s not what I’m apologising for,” you interrupted and walked towards him until your abdomens were touching. “I’m apologising for not seeing it sooner. I’m apologising for encouraging Jimin to ask you out even though it killed me. I’m apologising for denying my feelings time and time again. I’m apologising for saying we would only ever be friends. The last thing I want is for our relationship to be platonic.” 

Jeno was barely breathing. “What are you saying?” 

“I’m saying I love you too, Lee Jeno,” you mumbled and stood on your toes, cupping cheeks with your palms. “I’m saying I want you to kiss me.” 

The words didn’t register immediately, but his lips were on yours the moment they did. 

Jeno’s arm snaked around your waist, and he pulled you closer. His hand grabbed your neck from behind, and he tilted his neck to the side, deepening the kiss. 

Your breath hitched in your throat. All you could feel was him. Your nerve-endings were short-circuiting, and pure adrenaline was coursing through your veins. You didn’t think you’d ever been as satisfied and euphoric as you were right now.

Jeno’s lips slotted with yours perfectly. You smiled to yourself upon realising he tasted like chocolates. Your best friend always ate a piece before any event he deemed to be very important. He claimed they gave him good luck. 

Letting go of one of his cheeks, you grabbed the round collar of his shirt and pressed your mouth harder against his. The nights you’d spent wondering how kissing him would feel and then hating yourself immediately for having such thoughts amounted to this. 

You didn’t want to hold back. 

But you had to ask him a question. It didn’t matter how stupid or ridiculous it was; you wanted to know the answer. So, you broke the kiss and inquired with your body still tangled with his, “Why the hell did you agree to watch a rom-com with Jimin?” 

“Really?” he asked exasperatedly. “You wanna talk about Jimin while we’re making out?” 

“I wanna know why you watched a rom-com with her when I’ve been begging you to watch one with me for so long,” you corrected. 

Jeno was silent for a moment, as if contemplating whether or not to tell you. You raised an eyebrow. “Well,” he started, blowing out a breath. “She told me you set her up with me, and it pissed me off even more. I knew she’d tell you all about our date, so I suggested we watch a rom-com. I knew you’d be riled up once you realised.” 

You snorted. Who knew? You weren’t actually being a self-centred narcissist when you suspected the same. “You’re an idiot. I was already riled up you were going out with her.” 

“Oh, yeah?” he teased. “Why’d you encourage her in the first place then?”

“Honestly, at first, I thought I could use you to further my friendship with her,” you admitted. Jeno scoffed in disbelief. “Yeah, I know. That was kinda shitty of me. But when I realised I was falling for you, I pushed her to pursue you in an attempt to convince myself I was not into you. That obviously backfired and did the very opposite. I was horribly miserable. I wanted to shoot myself everytime I heard her gush about you.” 

He smirked. “She gushed about me?” 

“Oh, get over yourself.” You shoved his shoulder playfully. “How’d you end up here after your date? Jimin texted me that you were coming.”

“Tough, but I’ll try.” He laughed. “She was probably able to tell how disinterested I was. After the date when I dropped her home and hugged her instead of kissing her, she just confronted me and asked if I was in love with you. Then told me to not bother answering because it was obvious. She said she didn’t want to get in the middle of us and threatened to kick my ass if I didn’t come here to make amends immediately.” 

You grinned. “Oh, the things I would have done to witness that scene.” 

“It was scary.” Jeno frowned. “She hit my shoulder really hard when I said I was in love with you and called me an idiot for going out with her. I think she was angry at herself too for being oblivious to our situationship. It was one of the weirdest dates I’ve ever been on.” 

“Jimin actually said she had a great time with you. She told me it was nice.”

“Really?” he asked, sounding surprised. 

You placed a chaste kiss on Jeno’s mouth. “Hmm, I wonder how good the best date you’ve ever been on would be then.” 

He chased your lips and kissed you back deeply. Caressing your cheekbone with stars twinkling in his eyes, Jeno said, “I guess we’ll know when I take you out.”

“No way, are you officially asking me out on a date, Lee Jeno?” you asked, and let out a fake gasp. 

“Damn right I am,” he declared. “I don’t want the amusement park trip with our friends to be our first day out as a couple. Do you wanna grab some food tomorrow afternoon? We can go to the trampoline park before that.” 

You smiled softly. “That sounds wonderful. But,” you added. “No more flirting with restaurant staff for free food, or I’ll go ballistic on you.” 

Jeno laughed, and you thought it was the most beuatiful sound you had ever heard. His chest rumbled with the force of it, his eyes creasing to look like small crescent moons. Slipping his hand into yours, he squeezed once. 

“Wouldn’t even dream of it.” 

note: THANK U FOR READING TILL THE END WHAT ??? loads of hugs and kisses :’)) also i know i said this before but posting after a rlly long time has lowkey made me anxious LOLL i think i could have done better with the fic esp the end bc it’s a little rushed. honestly speaking i am ready to move on to my next wip and i don’t wanna spend more time rewriting this one :(( i still love this piece though and i would definitely love to hear your thoughts amigos!! stay healthy and hydrated <33

thank you to mira for coming in clutch and helping me out with the plot when i was stuck + giving me her honest opinion! thank you to dori too for reading parts of this fic and giving me her opinion as well! i love you both :D

taglist: @notbeforelong​ @w3bqrl​ @rikiflowers​ @mochisnlix​ @allorysayshi​ @hiqhkey​ @angel-hyuckie​​ @j4kesworld​ @timetoten​ @vantxx95​ @sweetjaemss​​ @ahnneyong​ @jennaissantes @sunshine-skz​ @baekhyunstruly​ @ja4hyvn​ @ily-cuz-i​​ @kdyism​ @keemburley @n0hyuck @luvenshiti @donutswithjaminthemiddle @mosviqu @deobitiful @jeonnyread @pjofics @venusprada @matchahyuck @tbzussy @babyksworld @bockhyun @rbf-aceu @ablackbtsstan @tamakofever @naemakkuri @sadgirlroo @fariylixie0915 @pradagukkie @babyjenono @hibernatinghamster @jaemnationnn @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @carelessshootanonymous @nctzennikki09

[h4m1lt0ns]

LOVE HATE — LH°44

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ pairing ︴lewis hamilton x monégasque!ferrari!y/n

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ genre ︴social media au

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ summary ﹔another day, another bickering contest between everyone’s favourite rivals who we all want to end up together.

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ face claim ﹔ dina denoire.

꒰꒰◌‧₊ ⬪˙⋆ warnings ﹕cussing, fluff, supernatural references and spoilers.

y/n

♡ liked by lewishamilton, charles_leclerc, 3,201,954 others.

y/n when you forget that monaco is the size of a needle’s eye so u keep running into the mf u hate ﹫lewishamilton

593,203 comments.

lewishamilton 🙄🙄🙄

username these two are unreal 😭

username ﹫mercedesamgf1 ﹫scuderiaferrari THEY’RE FIGHTING AGAIN

lewishamilton you literally could’ve vacationed anywhere else

➜ y/n I LIVE HERE????

➜ lewishamilton so what i’m a registered citizen too 🤨

➜ y/n i’m literally monégasque the rest of you are just tax evaders 🙄🙏

➜ username JDJAIQOKWJDJW

➜ username LMFAOOOOOOO

➜ username CALLED OUT THE WHOLE GRID

username can u two just kiss already like ???

username y/n and her emotional support rival 💔💔💔💔💔💔

username funny they act like this we all know you two can’t live without each other 🥱

username when the enemies to lovers is taking too long in the enemies stage 😐

lewishamilton also would appreciate it if you stop coming to my favourite coffee shop, that’s MY spot 🙏🏾

➜ y/n THE OWNER LITERALLY NAMED THE PLACE AFTER ME ????

➜ lewishamilton damn 🙏🏾 too bad it’s MY favourite place

➜ y/nscoffeehouse it’s okay sir Lewis, we like mercedes too!

➜ y/n blocking all of you

➜ username ALWOSJWA

➜ username they literally can’t escape each other 😭

➜ username oh to have a coffee shop in monaco be name after me

username mom and dad are fighting again what’s new

username how is lewis gonna name y/n as his arch nemesis yet she’s the only person he follows like ???

➜ username no bc make it make sense

charles_leclerc can you two act normal for once

➜ y/n NO HE’S SO ANNOYING

➜ lewishamilton oH SO IM THE ANNOYING ONE NOW

➜ y/n you’ve always been 🙏❤️

➜ lewishamilton oh fuck off

➜ y/n you first 🙄

username they’re in love your honour ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😍😍😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

username how to fast forward to the part where they’re in love with kids and a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere???

lewishamilton by the way your hair looked ugly

➜ y/n ﹫sebastianvettel LOOK AT THIS

➜ sebastianvettel ﹫lewishamilton I taught you better

➜ lewishamilton ﹫y/n OH SO WERE SNITCHING NOW?

➜ y/n stfu u started

username my parents 😍😍😍😍😍

username lewis is just like me 🤞🏽 however i can admit that i’m in love w y/n

scuderiaferrari this shouldn’t be this entertaining 🍿

➜ mercedesamgf1 real

➜ username EVEN THE ADMINS GAVE UP LOL

lewishamilton

♡ liked by y/n, sebastianvettel and 3,203,103 others.

lewishamilton she actually isn’t that bad when she’s quiet ﹫y/n

933,120 comments.

y/n i told you i’m a nice person you just need to shut the fuck up to find out 😍

➜ lewishamilton there is NO point in being nice to you

➜ sebastianvettel stop you two

➜ sebastianvettel do I need to make you hold hands like little kids again?

➜ y/n no seb :(

➜ lewishamilton …no sry seb

username SEB MADE THEM HOLD HANDS 😭

➜ username expediting the enemies to lovers process for everyone’s mental health i see 😁

➜ username HALLELUJAH WERE GETTING SOMEWHERE

➜ username 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

georgerussell63 they can get along ????

➜ landonorris shocked me too ngl

username now that they’re civil someone quickly make them sign some marriage papers

y/n never going hiking with you again i almost died

➜ lewishamilton lmao bc u scraped ur knee on a rock?

➜ y/n an eagle snached ur hat and almost took the last five hairs you have but do you see me talking abt that??

➜ lewishamilton sorry miss y/l/n 🧎🏾

➜ y/n good to know.

➜ username LAST FIVE HAIRS Y/N IM SCREAMINGGGGGGG

➜ username this interaction is everything.

username CAN THEY KISS ALREADY OMFG

y/n wait where did you go ﹫lewishamilton

➜ lewishamilton in the living room !!!!!

➜ username that’s a slutty amount of exclamation marks sir 🤨

username THEY’RE IN THE SAME HOUSE???

➜ username THEY’RE IN LEWIS’ HOUSE???

➜ username FORCED PROXIMITY ENEMIES TO LOVERS????

username if they don’t end up together i don’t know what i’ll do with myself

username ﹫sebastianvettel set them up or do something bro c’mon

➜ sebastianvettel tried that years ago

➜ username HUUUUUHHHH??!?!,!?!???

➜ username “TRIED” 😭😭😭😭

➜ username BABE WAKE UP NEW LEWY/N LORE DROPPED

➜ username OMFGGGGGG

lewishamilton ﹫y/n where the fuck did you go

➜ y/n u have a nice ass balcony

➜ lewishamilton get ur ass inside bc roscoe is looking for u

➜ y/n 🤨

➜ lewishamilton please come inside, your son looks sad without you because he misses you 🖤

➜ username ROSCOE IS LOOKING FOR HER 😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔

username “your son” PLS OMFG

username god JUST ADMIT YOURE INLOVE WITH EACH OTHER

username it’s been years i can’t take this torture any longer

username omw to monaco to make these two fall in love

username can you AT LEAST fall in love for roscoe??? like my boy is a child of divorce

username “your son looks sad without you” MY HEART JUST GREW THREE TIMES ITS SIZE 🥲🥲🥲🥲

username roscoe hamilton y/l/n be the matchmaker we need 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

username SEB TRIED TO SET THEM UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

➜ fernandoalo_oficial trust me we all have

➜ username HELLO?????

➜ username THIS IS SO ???????

➜ username OH MY GOD. ALL OF YOU??

➜ fernandoalo_oficial me, seb, jenson, toto, mattia, pretty much the whole grid

➜ username YOURE JOE KING.

➜ username WOAHHHHHH THERE NANDO

➜ username try again bestie nando 🙏🏽❤️

➜ username one more try won’t hurt king alonso

y/n

♡ liked by carlossainz55, sebastianvettel and 4,103,855 others.

y/n learning to tolerate ﹫lewishamilton (who is is decent enough) bc roscoe is the love of my life 🤍🐾

1,294,685 comments.

lewishamilton you finally admit it 😐

➜ y/n i tolerate u for roscoe bc that’s my baby

username he’s actually great y/n 😁 ‼️he’s a (eight) seven time wdc, has great fashion, great music taste, his dog considers you his mom, has probably been in love with you for the past five to seven years, and he’s really fucking hot !! give him a chance 😁🙏🏽❤️

➜ username and he’s a really good person!!

➜ username + cute english accent as well

➜ username his hair is rly nice too!!!!!!

➜ username he also makes music sometimes

➜ username i see we’re all desperate to get these two idiots together

➜ username yes 😔

username ENEMIES TO LOVERS IS ENEMIES TO LOVERSING FINALLY THE SLOW BURN IS OVER 🥹

lewishamilton i’m a joy to be around wdym decent enough

➜ y/n you think you’re a joy ???

➜ lewishamilton i think i’m adorable 😁🙏🏾

➜ y/n wait is that a dean winchester reference

➜ lewishamilton …no.

➜ y/n yOU WATCHED SUPERNATURAL

➜ lewishamilton what was i supposed to do?? you wouldn’t shut up abt it 🙄

username HE 😭 WATCHED 😭 SUPERNATURAL 😭 FOR 😭 HER 😭

username they’re MY old married couple thank you 🤨❤️

username lewis watched supernatural bc y/n wouldn’t stop talking abt it 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

➜ username and he’s making references 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

➜ username MY PARENTS YOUR HONOUR

username what these bitches have is what i truly want in life, dear god.

username 🕯 manifesting they magically get together 🕯

username they just won’t admit they’re in love huh 😕

username one of you better make a move or i will

scuderiaferrari this has been the most interesting thing to happen this season i want to stay here forever

➜ username LMFAO ADMIN IS SO REAL

➜ username ITS YOUR TURN TO SET THEM UP

➜ username YEAH IT MIGHT WORK

➜ mercedesamgf1 it’s been years we all gave up

➜ username there’s really no hope huh

➜ username shhhhh my delulu says there is

➜ username ur delulu is deluluing

susie_wolff these two 🙄

➜ username even susie has had enough

➜ username mother susie please do something

➜ susie_wolff you think I haven’t tried?

➜ username I’VE OFFICIALLY LOST HOPE.

➜ username OH MY GOD 😭

➜ username the fact that the entire grid has tried to set them up ????

lewishamilton your son misses you btw.

➜ y/n i miss him too.

➜ username roscoe and i are children of divorce.

➜ username we all are.

lewishamilton

♡ liked by y/n, sebastianvettel and 7,294,103 others.

lewishamilton she’s the jo harvelle to my dean winchester

tagged: y/n

1,699,505 comments.

y/n three years of pretending i hate u is enough of a soft launch right ???

➜ username FYM THREE YEARS???

➜ username THREE WHAT NOW.

username LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE GOT THEM 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

pierregasly FINALLY.

mickschumacher THANK GOD I DONT THINK I COULD’VE BEEN ABLE TO SHUT UP FOR ANY LONGER

charles_leclerc the amount of time i’ve been threatened by y/n to stay quite requires compensation 😭 i’m so happy the secret’s finally out

➜ username LMFAOOOOOOO PLS

username HARDEST LAUNCH OF THE CENTURY??????????

username THE I LOVE MY GF MEME???? LEWIS WHO HAVE YOU BECOME.

username the fact that i’m surprised is almost offensive 😀

fernandoalo_oficial about fucking time

landonorris took long enough oh my god

➜ sebastianvettel all you did was watch them try to hide their relationship, be grateful you didn’t witness them deny being in love with each other between 2016 and 2019

➜ landonorris IT WAS WORSE THAN THIS?

➜ sebastianvettel oh boy, you haven’t seen anything

➜ username seb is sick and tired 😭

➜ username no bc 2016-2019 was something else frfr 😭😭😭

username YESSSSSSS OMFG FINALLY

username THREE YEARS??? THEY’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR THREE YEARS????

➜ username HOW WERE THEY ABLE TO HIDE FOR THREE YEARS

➜ username HOW DID THEY EVEN PULL THIS OFF

username i can FINALLY sleep peacefully at night

lewishamilton wait so is roscoe technically jack or ben??

➜ y/n jack for sure, ben is barely relevant and roscoe is too famous and loved for that

➜ username “ben is barely relevant” i screamed.

➜ username they sold me. i’m watching supernatural tonight.

➜ username NO BC SAME.

username WE ARE NO LONGER CHILDREN OF DIVORCE ‼️‼️‼️😁😁😁😁🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

danielricciardo i would’ve lost my mind trying to remain quite for longer

➜ carlossainz55 I think we can all agree on this one (I too, have been threatened by y/n 😐)

jensonbutton this deserves a literal celebration, we are exhausted.

➜ username I LOVE HOW EVERYONE HAS HAD ENOUGH LMFAO

➜ username RIGHT LIKE THEYRE SO OVER IT LMAO

y/n jo literally had the most unfair death in the whole show ???

➜ lewishamilton can we not be cute FOR ONCE

➜ y/n tbf jo and dean would’ve been endgame

➜ lewishamilton there you go 😍😍😍

username MY PARENTSSSSSSSSS

username YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO BREAK UP 🔥🔥🔥🔥

georgerussell63 WE DONT HAVE TO WALK ON EGGSHELLS ANYMORE 🥳

username is this … happiness? mercedes and ferrari fans are…. happy?

➜ username i sense a disturbance in the force

➜ username the happiest we’ll be all season LMAO

➜ username REALLLLL LMFAO

y/n you’re all mine 💕

➜ lewishamilton yours 🤞🏾

➜ y/n WAIT I CAN SAY THAT PUBLICLY NOW

➜ y/n GUYS HE’S MY BF 🤍🤍🤍🤍

➜ y/n AND I LOVE HIM 🤍🤍🤍 A LOT

➜ username SHE SAID IT!!! SHE SAID IT!!

username a hard launch for the books ong

username i’ve never been happier to see two people in love in my life

➜ username no literally

username AMENNNNNNNNN

username god i see what you did to other people

mercedesamgf1 toto says congratulations 🥳👏🏽

➜ mercedesamgf1 and that he was sick of his favourite couple hiding their love

➜ username EVERYYYYYYBODY IS TIRED HUH

➜ scuderiaferrari each and every one of us. exhausted. sick even.

➜ username oh y’all’s therapists have therapists 😭

lewishamilton okay stop looking at MY girl guys 🙄

➜ username “MY GIRL” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

➜ username OUR girl lew 🤞🏽

➜ lewishamilton no.

➜ username fym no?? sir she was our gf before she was became yours ���

➜ lewishamilton well she’s MINE now so 🥰

➜ username okay jealous icon 😁🙏🏽

➜ username the fact he uses emojis so unironically well now bc of y/n is irritating like i can hear him say that lmfao

➜ y/n he may be an old man but that’s MY old man 🥰

➜ username this is everything.

➜ username 😭😭😭😭😭😭

➜ username “MY old man” 💔💔💔💔💔

[halfbloodprill]

Hiiiii !! I have a req :)) sooo loser virgin bsf Luke x fem reader smut ^^ luke is also horribly in love w her but won’t confess cuz he’s nerdy 😍 but we know he does anyways with the way he acts to us, and how flustered he can get from small things — like if ur shorts ride up a little too much and he can see ur thighs or literally even just when ur knees touch

authors note- omfg. i love this. i hope you don’t mind i took this in a very subby and needy luke way. if u want it written another way submit again and i can redo it for u. this was so fun thank u! sorry for the long wait 😣 enjoy <3

best friend luke who gets so flustered from nothing. he swears he’s good at hiding the rising blushes and his sweaty palms when he’s with you but you see right through his lies. you have always noticed the longer than normal gazes or the way he hangs on every single word you utter. how his face gets so red from the smallest things. it was cute. it was so anxiety ridden and antsy of him. his nervous behavior was just normal in your friendship now. he had gotten bolder though. the way he shamelessly stared at your boobs when you wore those little tank tops that had him hyperventilating. or when your little sleep shorts would ride up and he saw every inch of your soft and plush thighs. and especially when you would stand up and he could see your ass and how it swayed so tantalizing with every step you took. it especially killed him when you two had a movie night and you were pushed against his chest, your boobs practically spilling out of your tank top and it took everything for him to not look directly down at them.

the contact was too much this night. your body was so warm against his. it didn’t help that now he knew how warm you were and he knew he would think of this the next time he was fisting his cock while he was moaning and whining your name. he could already feel his erection growing so he abruptly stood up.

“Uhm- i’m gonna get water. need anything?” he questions before he retreats. “Oh. No i’m okay lukey. make it quick, ‘kay?” you replied sweetly. he internally groans at the nickname you gave him. so sweet and innocent. if only you knew how filthy your best friend was. but of course you knew. you had a plan. he finally came back with a full cup of water. he settled back next to you and he could feel your hand start to slide down on his thigh.

“What- What are you doing?” he questioned in a breathy tone. already affected by your touch. “ I cant touch you? Thought we were friends lukey,” you said with a small pout. your lips were so kissable and your eyes were wide and so doe like. “N-No it’s fine. that’s okay,” he stuttered out. your hand began to travel to his inner thigh. he couldn’t hold back his whimpers anymore. “Can i make you feel good? i know you want this. wanna treat you so well baby,” you ask as you start to slide off of the couch and into your knees in front of him. He starts to whine at how perfect you look in front of him. “Fuck. Yes. please. never done this though,” he admits shyly.

“Aww that’s okay. i’m so glad i’m your first. you’re gonna remember me forever baby,” you say with a smile. you get into your knees and start to lean up at him for a kiss. he’s nervous at first. clearly also new at kissing. your sucking his tongue and prodding into his mouth. your teeth are clashing and he’s letting out the cutest whimpers ever. “Please- Please make me feel good. I’m so horny for you. been horny for you forever. please,” he pleaded with you. his eyes are so watery and his face is so red from how good he feels already. you can’t help but laugh at his state. you stop teasing him and begin to leave a wake of kisses from the base to his tip. his hips are squirming off of the couch and you have to use your hand to push his hips back into the couch while the other hand is rested on his thigh. you begin to engulf his length with your mouth, staring up at him through your lashes. you see him straining to hold back. your mouth is so tight and warm and so foreign to him. he’s never felt this way before. he’s straining and panting. he’s letting out deep breaths. his face is flushed from his effort to not cum yet and there are droplets of sweat evident in his forehead that his hair is sticking to.

“Cant! Cant, Cant. feels so good. your mouth is so good. please don’t stop,” he’s whining with his head thrown back in pleasure. you giggle at his reaction. your tongue is teasing his slit and his eyes go cross at the sheer amount of pleasure. just to tease him, you let your teeth scrape him and he lets out a low groan from the sensation.

“Oh fuck feels so good. So warm for me,” he’s whimpering. he feels so good tears are brimming in his eyes and threatening to spill. you keep sucking and attacking his sensitive slit until his hips are bucking into your mouth and you feel his cum hit the back of your throat.

He’s groaning as he comes down from his high. His body is twitching and is feverish to the touch but you aren’t done yet. You start to straddle him and his tip is at your entrance before he realizes.

“Wait! Please it’ll be too much. Cant take it anymore,” he’s sniffling.

“Yes you can. and you will,” you reply with a devilish smirk. At that, you lower yourself and feel the stretch of his cock. His head is thrown back again and his eyes are crossed, his drool about to spill from the corner of his mouth. He looks so perfectly fucked out.

“Wait- Feels so warm. So tight. You’re so velvety inside, maam. Feels so good,” he says mindlessly before he starts to buck up into your cunt. His hips are moving faster now, chasing his urge to finish. His tip is pounding your cervix. He’s moaning and stuttering at every sensation of you clenching around him. You’re lost too. Your hands are groping your tits, hair wild around your head, and sweat glistening your body. you forcefully grab his jaw and make him kiss you as you sloppily make out with him. there is spit running out of your mouths and onto his chest. it’s sticky and messy between you too.

He pulls back with a moan. “Fu-Fuck. Gonna cum.Please say I can cum. PleasePleasePlease,” he chants while his hips are still vigorously fucking you, not letting up his pace.

“Go ahead baby. Cum for me,” and at your words he paints your gummy walls white. But you’re not done. You still need to teeter off that edge. You’re still riding him while he’s lying limp on the couch. He’s trying to regain himself but the overstimulation is too much.

“Stop Stop Stop. too much. too far. Ca-Cant take it. M too sensitive,” he says before you finally crash over, finishing with a a loud moan.

“Good boy.”

[theseventhdimension]

i’ve been binge reading all ur fics and they’re all SO good omfg

i wanted to request a spencer and male reader fic where they say ily for the first time, i thought that’d be adorable (not nsfw 🙏)

tysm ur so talented!!

Here, My Dear, in this Moment.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Gn! Reader (I think so, I haven't gone through and checked it, please correct me if gendered pronouns are used)

Word count: 1.6k+

DNI: All are welcome!

Author's note: Me on my way to dish out 2 fics per day then dip for 3 months :p

Loved this request though, couldn't resist. Sorry for everyone else who submitted one which i didn't respond to!! I've been very busy with wedding preparation :((

Hope you enjoy this! You didn't add what season you wanted so, as always, I went with my personal favourite, Glasses/Season 2 Reid <3

Slow.

That is how you wanted to take your relationship with Spencer, considering both of your occupations and, well, his history with lovers. You didn’t want to rush things, not with him. He deserved patience, the kind that allowed him to feel safe enough to open up on his own terms. And he was worth every minute.

Still, your heart ached for him. Spencer was cautious, reserved even, but beneath that exterior was a man who loved deeply, even if he hadn’t quite said it yet.

Tonight, though, something in the air felt different. The two of you had spent the evening in your apartment, curled up on the couch, watching Star Trek, one of his favorite series. He had insisted on it, of course, giving you his usual enthusiastic reasoning as he adjusted his glasses with that familiar excitement in his eyes. "There aren’t that many scientific errors in Star Trek. Especially considering how long ago it was made. There are certain improbabilities, but not that many outright errors."

You didn’t mind. Watching him light up while talking about something he was so passionate about was more than enough for you, and besides, there was something comforting about the old sci-fi series. His hand had found yours halfway through, his thumb tracing small, soft circles against your skin.

It was intimate, but in that quiet, gentle way that was so uniquely Spencer.

The cushion beneath either of you was slowly becoming displaced. Your bodies descending into the cavernous no man’s land that is the crevice of your couch as you both stare straight ahead, well, he was, you were looking at him. The TV screen went dark moments ago. The blackness following the Are you still there? screen of your show.

As the credits rolled, you took another glance at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the TV. He looked deep in thought, his brow furrowed slightly like he was working up the courage to say something important. You gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Spence?” you asked softly, pulling him out of his thoughts.

He blinked, then turned to face you, looking like he was about to say something but hesitating. His eyes darted to the side, then back at you, clearly nervous. You smiled at him, hoping to ease whatever tension he was feeling.

“I—” Spencer started, but stopped himself, glancing down again as if the words were stuck somewhere between his heart and his throat. His hands fidgeted slightly, betraying the anxious energy he was trying to contain.

You could tell this was a big deal for him. But before you could say anything, Spencer finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “I think I’m in love with you.”

Your heart skipped a beat. It was what you had been hoping for, but seeing him so vulnerable, so unsure, tugged at something deep inside you. Before he could say more, Spencer’s face flushed with embarrassment, and he immediately averted his gaze, his fingers twitching nervously as he pushed his glasses up his nose.

You wish you could get up, open the curtains and let rays of light stream into your apartment in hopes of getting a better look at his face, but you can't, losing daylight as each second of screen time adds up. Though, you do notice the slight twitch of his nose, like a rabbit, you think.

He didn’t look back at you, as if retreating into himself, trying to hide the fragile truth he had just shared. You watched as his cheeks grew redder, his head tilting down in an effort to avoid your eyes entirely.

Without a word, you reached over, gently placing two fingers under his chin. Slowly, you tilted his head back up, forcing him to meet your gaze again. His wide, hazel eyes were filled with uncertainty, and you couldn’t help but smile at how endearing he looked.

You leaned in slightly, pushing his glasses back up his nose with a soft, affectionate touch. “Now, there’s my pretty boy,” you whispered, your voice tender. “No use in trying to hide if I’m just going to keep searching for you.”

Spencer’s breath caught in his throat, and a shy smile tugged at the corners of his lips. His cheeks were still flushed, but there was a softness in his eyes now, a hint of relief, like a weight had been lifted from his chest.

“I mean it,” you continued, your fingers brushing along his jawline. “I’ve been waiting to hear you say that for a while now.”

Spencer’s eyes flickered with something like disbelief, his lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. Instead, he leaned into your touch, his shoulders finally relaxing.

“I love you too, Spence,” you said softly, watching as his expression shifted from nervousness to quiet happiness.

Spencer's eyes widen, your words hitting him like a warm, unexpected wave. Heissmile softens, and he blinks a few times, trying to brush off the tears welling in the corners of his eyes. “You ..really mean it?” he whispers, his voice almost breaking with vulnerability.

"Of course." You whisper back, just as quiet as him.

The tension between you seemed to dissolve, replaced by a warmth that filled the room. Spencer, still blushing but no longer hiding, wrapped his arms around you, pulling you closer.

Spencer pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes dark and filled with a nervous, unspoken need that made your heart race. His hands moved up to cradle your face, thumbs brushing gently over your cheeks. His voice came out soft and breathy, barely a whisper. “Can.. can I kiss you?” His eyes searched yours, filled with both hesitation and desire, the question hanging in the air like it held the weight of everything you had both been building toward, everything he was afraid of losing.

You let out a quiet laugh, your chest warming at how gentle, how vulnerable he was, even now. “I think I'd be offended if you didn’t,” you teased, leaning into his touch, a playful smile spreading across your lips as you nodded.

His lips curved into a small, relieved smile, and for a moment, you saw that spark return to his eyes — the same look he always gave you before teasing you about some obscure fact or before pressing his lips to yours in the softest, most tender way. And then, finally, Spencer was kissing you. It was soft at first, cautious, as if he was trying to find his rhythm, testing the waters. But once his lips met yours, the hesitation melted away. He kissed you deeper, his lips moving against yours like he was pouring every ounce of emotion into it — all the things he hadn’t said yet, all the things he was afraid to say out loud.

The world seemed to slip away around you, fading into the background as you sank into him, your hands tangling in his shirt, pulling him closer. His kiss was gentle but insistent, filled with the quiet intensity that only Spencer could have — a mix of tenderness and passion that sent warmth flooding through you. His lips were soft against yours, but the depth of the kiss made your heart race. You could feel how much he had been holding back, how much he had wanted this, wanted you.

You could taste the faint hint of coffee on his lips, mingling with something else that was uniquely him, and it made your chest tighten in the best possible way. As he tilted his head, deepening the kiss, you responded by sliding your arms around his neck, pulling him even closer, not wanting to lose even an inch of the connection. The kiss was everything — not too fast, not too slow, but lingering, tender, filled with the kind of warmth that seeped into your bones. It was like a promise, one you hadn’t even realized you needed until now.

Spencer’s hands stayed steady on your back, his fingers tracing slow, small circles, his touch light but enough to make your skin tingle with warmth. His touches were hesitant, as if he didn’t want to rush, but he also didn’t want to let you go. It was careful, yet filled with an urgency that made you shiver. You gripped his shirt tighter, your fingers curling into the fabric so hard your knuckles turned white. You couldn’t let go. You didn’t want to lose him, not after everything. Not after this.

When he finally pulled back, just enough to press his forehead against yours, both of you were breathing heavily. His breath was warm and shaky, mixing with yours in the small space between you. “You.. God I love you…” Spencer’s voice cracked softly, filled with all the unspoken emotions you could feel in his touch.

But before you could respond, his lips found yours again. This time, there was more confidence in the way he kissed you, as though he couldn’t bear to be apart for even a second longer. You could feel the way his hands trembled slightly against your skin, the intensity of everything between you in that moment. His kiss was everything you had been waiting for, every unspoken word and every hidden feeling poured into this one, long, breathless moment.

And in that kiss, the world began to right itself again. You could feel the cracks in your heart, in his, beginning to mend, slowly but surely, with every tender touch of his lips against yours. You didn’t know what would come next, what tomorrow would bring, but for now, this was enough. For now, being with him, here in this moment, was everything. And that was all you needed.

[lloromanic0]

hiiii! i love ur writing and i saw you wanted more bill girlssss so here i am! do u think you could write a bill smut in his dread era (so underrated omg) ? thx🩷🩷🩷

Love all my Bill girls.

(Thank you so much for the request & for liking my writing!! I actually really liked writing this one.)

SMUT MDNI

Lil summary: needy Bill has been craving you for days.

He’s so majestic omfg

You sat on the bed with your laptop on top of you, you had a long essay to hand in till the end of the week. Since you needed total concentration for it you told your boyfriend, Bill, you needed some alone time.You had been working on it for the past 5 hours, your sweet boyfriend would sometimes come inside the room quietly to hand you another water or bring you some snacks and you couldn’t be more grateful for him.

With all your university work, and his life as a lead singer you hadn’t been having much time for each other and that was really messing with Bill, he didn’t want to make you mad or bother you but all these nights he had to spend with a aching boner for you were driving him crazy.

After 20 minutes your boyfriend came inside the room but this time he just sat on the edge of the bed looking at you. At first you thought he just wanted to be close to you even if you weren’t doing anything together, but the way he kept looking at you felt like it was something else.

“Bill? What is it mein Fürst?“ you asked.

He looked down has he played with his fingers on his lap.

“I just…really miss you..” he replied with a sad voice, you thought he was so cute like that.

“I can take a break if you want.”

His eyes lit up, those beautiful brown eyes you adored so much.

“Come sit next to me.” He crawled on the bed and sat down. You placed your hand on his thigh.

“Tell me about what you’ve been doing lately, I’m very sorry we’re not spending a lot of time together my love.”

Bill talked about the plans he was making with the band, how the practice they he had yesterday went, how he wanted to take you to this new cafe he saw, you just loved hearing him talk about anything.

“But at night…it’s when I miss you the most Y/N…”

“Why is that Bill?” You knew exactly what he meant, you heard him at night trying to get off quietly next to you, but his little moans betrayed him.

“I miss your touch and your body on mine..” oh god how cute was he so needy for you. You rubbed his thigh moving to the inner part. His already hard cock begging for you but a hand job wouldn’t be enough to satisfy him he needed more.

“Baby…let me fuck you please..” he never asks for it you usually just take the lead and he does whatever you want, he must be really desperate.

You just smile at him and lay on the bed.

“I’m all yours Billy.”

He gets on top of you, you could see his hard cock poke through his sweatpants as he lowers them to free his aching erection. He takes your shorts off along with your panties, he felt like your pussy was calling for him, he needed to be buried deep inside of you.

Using his hands he spread your folds rubbing the tip of his cock on your clit, his whimpers filling the room as you admired your beautiful boyfriend pleasuring you.

Just the rubbing of his cock on your pussy was enough to drive him crazy but he craved the feeling of being inside your warm hole.

He slowly and gently insert himself in you, making you get used to his cock, no matter how many times you had sex with him getting used to his huge length always took a little bit of time. After rocking his hips slowly for a few minutes, he picked up his pace in desperation, leaning down to capture your lips in a deep kiss, you hugged him tight making him feel safe in your embrace, as he kept fucking you passionately. This moment being what he had wished for the most this past weeks, being inside you having your touch for him, you paying full attention to him was all he needed.

“Am I- making you feel good Y/N?” He questioned, he loved hearing you reassure him.

“So good~ you’re being so good for me Bill…mhhm keep going just like that-“ You praised him.

Your kind words were all he needed to get sent over the edge, now slapping his hips deep into you in a way to reach the orgasm he so desperately needed, his thumb now rubbing your clit to help you reach your orgasm with him.

“Cum with me mhhmn- please Y/N.”

“I’ll cum with you baby~ aahh just- keep going for me.”

His hips now getting week and his legs trembling as he kept getting closer to his release, your moans now louder and more frequent,in a few seconds you came all over his dick, coating it in your wet juices, the erotic sight made Bill cum with a few more strokes, his thick seed coating your insides as he kept slowly moving his hips riding his orgasm and also making you enjoy yours a little longer.

As he slowly pulled out,his huge load he had been keeping inside him all these days, slightly dripped out of your hole,with his finger he pushed his cum back into you making you exhale sharply.

“Thank you for this meine Liebling.“ he kissed you once more “I really missed you…”

“I missed you to meine Schatz. Ich liebe dich.“ you replied smiling at him.

“Ich liebe dich mehr…“ he shyly replied.

[via-l0ve]

Hey 👋 could I request how they react to touch starved s/o getting comfortable with recieving and showing them affection. (Supernatural)

Touches (SPN pref!) 🩷

a/n: i don’t wanna be that writer that lowkey trauma dumps in the notes so i’ll keep it short. i’m really sorry this took so goddamn long to get out. my uncle has been in the hospital and within the last week the news has went from “he has pneumonia” to “he has a week left to live.” from cancer. so i’ve had a lot on my plate but yes. i hope you enjoy, anon <3 also i’m sorry that crowleys is so short. i’m writing this in the hospital lol.

warnings: FLUFF, Swearing

dean:

he is literally so proud of you

so happy that you guys have reached this milestone in your relationship

he starts slipping in more physical contact slowly

even though you’re making it clear that you’re comfortable he never wants to risk overstepping a boundary

especially if it’s public

but he’ll slip his hand in your back pocket and you won’t say anything and he’ll get so happy

so many more kisses

“i’m so proud of you, y/n.”

“why?”

he dosent want to call you out so he just says

“you’re just.. fantastic.”

he’s showing you off to everyone

dean is a physical touch type guy

Sam:

he’s so proud and he will tell you that

“can i hold your hand, y/n?”

“you don’t have to ask sammy.”

“i don’t? really? i’m so proud of you!!”

he’s bouncing off the walls

cuddles and hugs a lot more

he still asks sometimes

just bc he’s nervous he’ll make you nervous or something

he’s literally so proud of you

he’s also a little shocked

he dosent have to ask anything anymore or be as weary as he was being

he’s so happy

Castiel:

CONSTANT hugs

“i don’t want to overstep..”

“it’s okay cas. trust me.”

that is all that man needed to hear

hugs. hugs. hugs

forehead kisses all the time

he is so happy

so proud of you

“you are so beautiful y/n.”

he’s so happy omfg

he holds you always

he’s proud of you and himself

Crowley:

so happy

literally cannot believe it

he’s constantly got an arm around you now

he’s not taking this for granted he’s spending every minute he has with you - touching you

he’s showing you off and flaunting and getting close 24/7/365

he loves you sm

don’t even doubt it

“you are ravishing, darling.”

[nextstopparis]

i really just need good like mid to long length fix recs please i’m begging

hey bestie, i didnt know if you had any specific type of fic in mind or just length and what u consider mid so here are a few fics with 25k+ word counts and thats basically all they have in common🫶 also these are all more or less merthur im so sorry. i hope u find something new here!!!

Arthur, Sincerely by MerlinLikeTheBird (47.8k) (THE FLUFF IN THIS MADE ME CRY also its canon era)

To Begin Anew (need ao3 acc) by ohHeyThereBigBadWolf (27.7k) (ive read this like five times. i think about it constantly. canon divergence)

that lightning-strike feel by TheLurkingContessa (32.5k) (cmon merthur training with weapons together??? also canon era)

An Illusion of Sorts by lordvoldemortsnipple (133.7k) (ive also read this like 3 times which is sorta insane bc its 100k+ words omfg… modern au w magic)

Annum Inanis (The Empty Year) (need ao3 acc) by anonymintea (43.2k) (i DIED. canon era)

Charting Stars On A Stained Glass Ceiling by mornmeril (80k) (my note on ao3 under this is just OHMYGOD a bunch of times so. future au with magic)

a thimble of light for an acre of sky by celaenos (36.2k) (THIS IS NOT MERTHUR well theres like a hint of merthur at the very end but mostly its pendragon siblings and morgwen. I DIED. canon divergence)

Chasing Spring (ok TECHNICALLY this is a series but overall its 58.7k words so) by Gimli_s_Pickaxe (god merlin au do i really need to say anything else. canon era)

Keep the Magic Secret (73.5k) (i feel like i cant say I DIED again or else it’ll start losing its meaning to you but really i did. canon era)

M-RYS by mornmeril (123.2k) (ive also read this three times and was actually just craving a reread yesterday so. hmm. future au with magic)

We Pull These Jobs To Make A Little Money (No One Gets Hurt If They Don’t Act Funny) by leashy_bebes (48.9k) (this fic left me speechless all i could muster in my ao3 notes was “oh my god” not even capitalized like it shook me to my core. modern au)

You’ve Got My Heart, I’ve Got Your Hand by FervidAsAFlame (29.3k) (ive read this about five times it makrs me cry its so sweet i Love Them. modern au)

The Tournament of All Magicks by Cori Lannam (corilannam) (41.3k) (CMONNNN merlin fighting in a TOURNAMENT??? cmon. ohh craving a reread for this one too now… canon era)

The Future Soon by lady_ragnell (30.2k) (i loved this fic so so much. like theres just something about the vibe of it that im obsessed with. could also be the enemies to lovers thing. modern au with magic)

Sweeter Dreams by Tierfal (35.3k) (FREED VIVIAN OF MEN! i mean what more could i want. canon divergence)

Truth Is a Whisper by seperis (25k) (im being so serious go read everything by seperis. everything. GO. FIRST TINTAGEL bc that is my fav fic of all time probably but its 20k words so i couldnt put it here. GO!! theyre my fav author it took EVERYTHING not to rec all their fics. canon divergence)

Accidental Memory in the Case of Death by derryere (74.9k) (theres just something so. So. I DONT KNOW. overwhelming about them in this. its reincarnation au which might be why. one line made me cry)

The Ivy Crown by dayari (derryday) (252.2k) (ive read this three times. look at the word count. i will probably read it again. green knight au thing. theyre just. ohmygod)

Dower the Stars by RurouniHime (40.6k) (LISTEN. actually idek what i can say about this. except for the fact that its the PERFECT FIC. literally. its perfect. im especially in love with arthur and gwens friendship in this but anyway. canon divergence.)

[taesancult]

Just leehan eating you out ! Imagine him like chuckling which his deep voice when you beg him to stop …he will be such a tease not giving you what you want and just overstimulating the hell out of you 😭

the way i have a voice kink and he just became my ult… it’s like you WANT me to pass away like i do not have the vocabulary to express how badly i need this man

18+ stuff under the cut. mdni.

his voice omfg it’s so hot… i mean have u seen that video of him where they were practicing for an awards show (i’m so sorry but i can’t remember which one it was tbh) and he told woonhak that he looks like a q-tip… bro my jaw literally dropped at how deep it sounded- ANYWAYS-

okay but imagine if this happened in the morning and his voice was even deeper than usual. you two would have spent the entire night overstimulating each other, and eventually the exhaustion was too much to handle and sleep took over.

he woke up before you, feeling your body tightly curled up into his own, and smiled at the feeling. he turned over to see you fast asleep while wearing his shirt; he thought you looked so beautiful. you were so peaceful, his heart melted. he kissed your forehead gently as to not wake you up, but you stirred awake. smiling at him and greeting him as he did the same. your eyes widened a bit as you have never fully been able to get used to that deep voice of his. he kept kissing you, your cheeks, your nose, your forehead, your lips. he was in a very lovey dovey mood and the only thing on his mind was to make you feel good. “can i eat you out? wanna make you cum again” he asked with puppy dog eyes. how could you say no to your sweet lover boy? you stroked his hair as you told him yes and he practically flew under the sheets.

he had easy access to your pussy as you hadn’t bothered to put on any panties, opting just to rest in his shirt. he smirked before devouring you. he went full in, wasting no time licking your clit. his full lips sucking on your clit caused you to arch your back. you pushed the sheets back to expose him, and he looked up at you with bright innocent eyes. “leehan! go a little easy!” you whined and he just laughed. his sweet eyes turning into crescents with how widely he smiled, “beg for it.” a shiver ran up your spine from how deep his voice was. he kept licking at your clit, not relenting at all. you whined out a “please!” as you were getting close to the edge, but still sensitive from the night before. the sensation was too much and he was genuinely enjoying seeing you crumble. “gonna cum?” he chuckled into your body. you could only nod your head as he almost pushed you over the edge. he stopped though, all his movements, and just looked at you. “leehan- what- why did you stop? i was so fucking close!” you huffed as you threw your head against the pillows in frustration. “thought you didn’t want it? you said to stop!” he let out a raspy laugh as you just stared at him in disbelief. you had no rebuttal. “just keep going! please!” you cried out for him and he continued giggling at you as he shook his head at you. you were in for a long morning.

[nightcolorz]

Have been actually shocked by the takes of Louis and Armand’s relationship dynamic that I have been seeing in which people act like Armand’s subservience is manipulative and evil.

As someone who was also a victim of grooming in my youth (though obvs not like Armand level of traumatic events bc good lord that boy cannot catch a break) I always found Armand to be a really compelling character, and I loved how they were handling the psychological impact of his abuse on his relationships within the show and they all felt very relatable to a degree. I was like mind blown by the way they handled how Louis and Armand’s pasts related to each others and thought it was super clever and it made me go “holy shit” in a way that a tv show hasn’t made me go in a long time. Though I can see where some of the takes are coming from, it has been really disheartening as a victim of grooming to see people dismiss Armand’s behavior when he’s with Louis as purely a form of manipulation on Armand’s part or a fun silly sex thing 😭😭😭

YES ANON FR!!! also very disheartening and genuinely offensive to me how some ppl talk about Armand and his trauma (also am a victim of grooming lol). I’ve talked about this before, but the way ppl r saying with their full chests that Armand is being manipulative in his trauma responses is like actually fucked up, and it’s low key triggering to me 😭. Just bcus armand manipulates ppl doesn’t mean he is *always* manipulating ppl omfg 💀💀 some nuance pls I beg of u.

to me it seems very clear that Armand falls into subservience and behaves as the victim bcus the abuse he experienced was the closest he ever felt to feeling like he understood what he was doing and understood what he was needed for. For a lot of victims of grooming their abuse can cause them to feel safe in those types of abusive dynamics bcus it’s familiar to them, which def seems to be how it is for Armand. Armand feels constantly lost and confused and by being a slave again he returns to a time where he knew what he was, when he had someone there to tell him what he was. And it comes off very clearly to me that Louis sees this in Armand when Armand tells him about his trauma and (as he’s also in a vulnerable position) realizes that he can use Armand’s pattern of submitting to servitude to his advantage. Which!!! That is objectively fucked up im sorry 😭 and I’m tired of being in a fandom where ppl r acting like just bcus Louis is a likeable sympathetic character and Armand does mistreat Louis also, that means Louis isn’t capable of mistreating Armand. Bcus it sounds like when ppl make those excuses that they r saying sexual exploitation like that is ok 😭. Just bcus Armand agrees to and participates in it doesn’t mean Louis isn’t knowingly exploiting the trauma of a vulnerable person 😭 and it doesn’t make it ok. Like we can find it fun and sexy, but the “face down in the coffin” scene was still borderline non con sensual 😭 yknow what I’m saying? You can like Louis as ur fav and discuss how Armand is shitty to him without acting like it’s ok for Louis to pretend to be Armand’s abuser as he orders him around like an animal so he’ll do what he wants. This is an incredibly complex dynamic with two very fucked up characters who hurt and abuse each other out of fear, and some of u can’t handle that nuance 😭.

and I understand not being able to grasp the nuance of Armand’s character, it took me like a year to fully wrap my head around him. He’s got a lot going on and it’s hard to understand why he behaves the way he does, especially if you haven’t experienced sexual trauma or grooming. But just like, y’all have to remember that it can come off as pretty shitty and bad faith to interpret a character like this as always being evil all the time. Ur reducing someone very complex and ur making some borderline offensive (also borderline racist but that’s a different rant) implications

thank u sm for the ask anon ur so right and I relate so hard to ur annoyances ❤️❤️

[featguler]

Hiii!Can you write some fluff featuring Fede Valverde? Maybe when it's like reader and fede's anniversary (or something like that) and he surprises reader with something! (Idk what)

(Sorry for not really explaining my idea better <3)

Btw I love your writing!!!♡

love is fast asleep ────── no thing defines a man like love that makes him soft.

♡ ────── pairing : federico valverde x reader ♡ ────── tags : reader's gender, ethnicity, nationality, and appearance is not specified. pre-established relationship with fede, cute banters, fede is in looooove with reader omfg ♡ ────── wordcount : 1,232 ♡ ────── notes : i've been waiting for someone to request fede omfg he's sooo cute! and thank you so much, hope you enjoy this one, anon!! this is lightly based on noah kahan's strawberry wine, that song is so sweet and i feel like it describes him so much. sorry that this took so long, i was trying to think of what kind of surprise he would give reader. posted this just in time as my timeline fills with captain fede <333 ♡ masterlist.

Federico has got to admit that he is not usually one to simmer in hesitance.

You don’t get to where he is, after all, with self-doubt. You need strength, perseverance, confidence. Not everything that he has in life has been handed to him, but everything that he has in his life has been within his rights. He deserves everything that he has. He believes this.

Not everything that he has in life has been handed to him—yes, not everything. You, however, seem to be an exception. He can trace back all his accomplishments with his finger—the cause and reaction of every single goal he delivered, every single lap he ran, the contracts he signed—but not you.

No, no. 

You were handed to him, by some invisible hands, strung along with destiny that had led you to where he is.

His hands grip his steering wheel.

The moon is particularly bright tonight—on the car stereo, softly hums the love songs he carefully curated over the years, the ones you would mention that your parents would play as a child. Nostalgia is the best sort of romance; old school is where he bets his money at.

“Are we there yet?”

Federico didn’t make you put on a blindfold, but as he opens the door of the car and holds your hand as you step in, he insists that you have to close your eyes the moment he says so. He trusts you that you would keep your eyes closed. He trusts you enough.

“Close,” he says, glancing at you to drink in the way the moonshine reflects on the features of your face, and grins to himself, his face muscles aching in excitement.

It’s been three years since a mutual friend introduced the two of you, and two years since you got together—even so, Federico feels as though you’ve known him for all his life, as though you watched him grow up into his football jersey, into the man that he is.

Though at once, sometimes he wishes that he had met you sooner. You love him for all his scars and brittle parts, he is aware, but part of him figures that you would enjoy getting to know him when he was far gentler too.

You hum along to the melody of the song decorating the silence in the car. “You’ve been saying close for the past 30 minutes—I’m beginning to think that this is a kidnapping scheme, Federico.”

“Thirty minutes?” He repeats with a laugh, the car slowing down into a stop as he parks on a spot he had scouted for in the previous days. The moon slowly rises, and for a moment, Federico drinks in the sight of the kind crashing waves on the beach below them. “Only two songs have passed since you asked me the first time.”

“We stopped,” you ignored his response, eyes still shut. You press your palm against the dashboard, suddenly tense. “We’re here?”

“We’re here,” he laughs, “calm down, tiger. I’ll come and get you.”

The car keys lay flat in his pocket as he closes the car door behind him, walking over to your side.

“I smell salt,” you say the moment the sea air hits your nose as you extend a hand for Federico to gently grab. “And I hear water.”

“Aren’t you the smart one?” He chuckles, leading you out the car, for a moment placing his lips on top of yours as he shuts the car door.

You kiss him back, your other hand on the soft stubbles on his jaw. “Beach?” You ask.

He nods, as though you can see him, and places his forehead against yours. “Beach.”

Despite the way he longs to stay in that position, Federico eventually moves away, shifting his hand so that his fingers would intertwine with yours. He leads you to where the top of a short flight of stairs is carved out of natural stone and turns.

“Come on, darling,” he whispers, his grip around your hand tightening. “You’re closing your eyes, right? You gotta keep ‘em close.”

“Yes, baby,” you laugh, and for the thousandth time since he met you, he feels knots in his stomach.

He carefully leads you down the stairs, whispering encouraging words.

“Almost there,” he looks behind him for a moment, “aaand, there we go, the last bit of stairs.”

Excitement rushes up his spine as you try to balance your stance on the sandy ground, his stomach churning in nervousness.

“Baby,” he calls out, suddenly.

“Hm?” You tilt your head, looking at the direction you think his voice is coming from and he chuckles at how slightly off you are, tilting your head with his thumb on your chin.

“Listen,” he says, “don’t open your eyes.”

“Fede,” you whine, hands reaching to feel his forearms.

“I know, I know,” he laughs, leaning down to kiss your lips, then your forehead. “I just…” He blows out a breath, “...oh, I’m nervous.”

“Why?”

He smiles at your furrowed eyebrow, your hands cupping his face.

“I don’t know,” he admits, not letting his nervousness shine through his words. He closes his eyes, bracing himself. “Alright, you ready?”

“When have I not been?” You jest, drawing out a laugh from him.

He touches the hand on his cheek. “Alright,” he says, as though trying to convince himself. “Open your eyes.”

Federico blows out another breath, stepping back and away from you as your eyes flutter open, taking in the scenery before you. A picnic blanket on the sand, far enough from the shoreline to be weighted comfortably with four pieces of round rocks on each corner. He thought about the lighting, mulled over it, but the moon ended up enough candlelight for the both of you. In the middle of the blanket is a large picnic basket—inside, Federico has compiled his favourite food, your favourite food, and a good bottle of wine.

You gasp, hands on your chest, and while you are taking it in, Federico rocks on his feet, his palms are getting sweaty so he has been rubbing them dry against his pants for the past few seconds or so you’ve opened your eyes.

You look back at him, eyes watering, for some reason neither you or him knows.

“H-how?” You stammer, and Federico steps closer, brushing his thumbs against your cheeks.

“Why are you crying, baby?” Panic begins to fester in the pit of his stomach, “a friend helped me— baby, are you okay?”

You shake your head, laughing, and as you laugh, “No— no, no… I just love you…”

Federico pauses.

“...so much. Did you know that?”

“Oh,” he murmurs, hugging your head into his chest, “my love. It’s just a picnic, darling. We’ve done this a billion times, haven’t we?”

The corner of his eyes begin to blur, and he strokes the back of your head, this time rocking the both of you.

“This is different,” you sob against him, “two years, dear god, we’ve come a long way haven’t we?”

Federico rests the side of his head on top of yours, the harsh evening wind acting like it can carry you two away from the ground. He turns to kiss your temple, then your cheeks, then the side of your head, anywhere he could get his lips on as the tears fall freely on his face.

“We have, my love,” he whispers, “we have.”

[kzlove]

3:04am

syn -> armin constantly has trouble sleeping. tonight, he decides to drag his girlfriend into it.

(ooc insomniac!armin)

[3:04am] my min : hey you up ? [3:07am] my min : listen I know you have stuff to-do in the morning [3:07am] my min: but I just really wanna hear from you

[3:10am] love : min bb… [3:11am] love : you can’t sleep again?

[3:11am] my min : I’m really sorry

[3:13am] love : no it’s okay , you can’t control it [3:13am] love : what’s up?

[3:14am] my min : uhm it’s nothing really [3:14am] my min : just wanted to hear from you

[3:14am] love: oo okay

[3:15am] my min : yeah sorry

[3:16am] love : hush [3:17am] love : did you take a warm bath?

[3:17am] my min : yeah

[3:18am] love : drank some water?

{3:18am] my min : two cups

[3:19am] love : turning on the diffuser?

[3:19am] my min : I even replaced the oil [3:21am] my min : maybe i just need to come see you yk ?

[3:21am] love : thats too dangerous min. why would you even suggest that??

[3:22am] my min : …babe it’s not that far

[3:22am] love : do you see the time?

[3:22am] my min : I still don’t see the point

[3:24am] love : wtv,, is ren awake??

[3:25am] my min : I don’t think so . haven’t heard him

[3:25am] love : why don’t you check? ask him to help you out or smth?

[3:26am] my min : no I can’t do that [3:26am] my min : that’s so embarrassing

[3:27am] love : you two took a bath together

[3:27am] my min : when we were kids??

[3:28am] love : may I also add in the fact that he said to wake up him if you need him?

[3:29am] my min : I don’t need him?

[3:29am] love : you need someone to help you

[3:30am] my min: yeah and that person said 'it's too dangerous' [3:31am] my min : besides [3:31am] my min : what can he even do for me ? rub my tummy ???

[3:31am] love : will that help?

[3:32am] my min : ^^^sarcasm .

[3:32am] love ^^^srs

[3:33am] my min : you think he'll say 'aww poor minne :( ofc i'll rub your wittle tummy to help you sweep'

[3:33am] love : maybe not exactly that but [3:33am] love : similar?

[3:34am] my min : love are you attempting to be funny?

[3:34am] love : ^^^^^^^^^srs.

[3:35am] my min : omfg- ok [3:35am] my min : i'll try to rub my own tummy [3:35am] my min : if not then i'll try something else

[3:35am] love : like ask eren for help?

[3:36am] my min : i didn't say that

[3:36am] love : *cough* ask eren now *cough*

[3:37am] my min : ihy

[3:37am] love : <3

[3:37am] my min : also , open the door

[3:37am] love : you did not. [3:38am] love : armin i told you to stay home

[3:39am] my min : god fucking dammit just open the door .

you dragged yourself up out of the bed and opened your front door, frowning at the sight of armin arlert.

"what are you doing here?" you sighed quietly, raising your eyebrow at your boyfriend.

armin smiled big with tired eyes, flashing his smiley piercing at you.

"i told you. maybe i need to see you." armin replied smoothly, venturing into your home after moving you aside.

you rolled your eyes and shut the door, locking it and watching him make his way into your kitchen.

he picked up a bottle of water and unscrewed the cap, taking a long sip while still smiling at you.

armin let out a (overly) dramatic sigh of relief and screwed the cap back on.

"come on. let's go to sleep." armin said, not waiting for you and making his way into your bedroom.

you followed after him and watched as he rid himself of his clothes, climbing into your bed and tossing a stuffed animal at you.

it slapped you dead in the face and landed on the floor, making you laugh quietly and climb in next to him.

armin quickly pulled you into his chest, laying on his back and sighing in content.

you placed a hand over his chest and began falling asleep once more, finding comfort in your boyfriend's warmth.

a couple minutes have passed, and your room stayed silent.

until armin let out a loud sigh.

"what now min?" you asked, peeking an eye open and looking at the blond haired man.

"still can't sleep." armin complained, looking at you.

you rolled your eyes and sat up, licking your tongue in slight annoyance.

armin was always like this, so you honestly couldn't get mad at him for it.

you were happy he was comfortable enough to come to you with these problems late at night.

you stood up from your bed and walked over to your desk, clicking on the machine that sat on it.

purple mist began to flow from the machine, letting you know that it was on and working.

you climbed back into bed and yawned, stretching and pressing soft kisses on his cheek.

"m'sorry." armin mumbled, lips tugging down into a frown.

you pressed a soft kiss onto his lips. "s'okay. don't worry." you reassured quietly.

armin continued to lay on his back, slowly pulling you into his side once more.

you pushed your hand into his hair and played a bit, feeling him hum in content.

armin leaned into your touch, squeezing your hip playfully.

"wanna try something?" you whispered, resting your head on his shoulder.

armin looked down at you and chuckled. "i'm not. having sex with you." armin said jokingly.

you chuckled along with him and ignored him, placing a hand on his lower stomach.

"aye." armin teased, slapping at your hip playfully.

you laughed quietly, and began to move your hand in a slow circle on his stomach.

"i'm telling you this isn't gonna work." armin said, rubbing your hip at the same pace you were rubbing his stomach at.

"how would you know?" you questioned, shooting him a teasing look.

armin scoffed, looking back at your ceiling. "because i know my body and i tried this when i was home." armin responded smoothly.

you mocked him quietly, earning an eyeroll from him.

it became silent once more, save the for light sounds of the machine giving off a lavender scent.

you continued to rub his stomach slowly for five minutes, before looking up at him.

armin was fucking knocked out, despite having the most shit to talk not too long ago.

you smiled, kissing his cheek softly and beginning to doze off along with your boyfrined.

before god could grant you with sleep once more, your phone buzzed a few times.

you groaned quietly, reaching over blindly and grabbing it.

eren !! : tell min if he's gonna leave @ 3 in the night , lock the fuckin door back eren !! : or @ least lmk eren !! : scared the dog shit outta me smh.

[hxjikonn]

Hello,

I love your Gear Head Twisted Wonderland.

If you are still taking request, would it be possible to get Vil, Malleus and Leona with a female s/o that is really good at making their life complicated without realising it.

For example, they usually naturally have the right answer or know the right way to do something, but does it the mire complicated way because it cant be that easy.

Hooefully this makes sense. Feel free to get creative with it.

Thank you

A/N: love this prompt, I relate to this so much omfg 😭💀 Thanks so much for this request! I hope you like this and I’m sorry it took me so damn long to write it🥹♥︎

——————————————————————————

Complicated

☆Staring☆: Vil Schoenheit, Malleus Draconia and Leona Kingscholar

Synopsis: Their reaction to Fem!Reader who likes doing things in a more complex way and giving herself more work than she should do.

Warning: Leona’s part has cursing and a lil bit of argument scene in it cuz Leona is stubborn as fuck and so are you. Not proofread. Very long.

Vil Schoenheit

Would be concerned about your health, since you often forget to take care of yourself when working.

This man would share your frustration. He claims it’s like a virus, it affects him as much as it does you.

You’d fuss about how hard the work is going to be and he’d fuss about you GIVING yourself the hard work that isn’t really necessary.

“Where is that girl?” Vil paced around the hallways of NRC looking for you, he heard about the project you were going to do and he knew that there’s no good to come of it since you have a habit of overdoing the work. He asked around and a student pointed out that they saw you in the library.

He went there and found you sitting under a pile of books that seem to tower up so high that if it stood beside you it’d actually be your height. He sighed and walked up to you. “Ahem.” He made his presence know. You looked up and smiled at him “Hi hun!” You greeted him. He loved your smile, it was warm and pure. That smile made him less mad at the things you put yourself through.

“Hi…” he greeted back, he gave you a smile too, how can he be mad when you look so happy working hard like that. “What’s all this?” He asked, motioning to the pile ok thick leather books. “History of potion magic, Encyclopedias, Recipes for potions, and a bunch of other stuff I need to read for my project”

“Potato…do you really gonna read all of these potionology books for one project? I can help you yknow?” Vil stood beside you, hands on his hip as he watched you burry yourself under a heap of hours and effort soon to be wasted. You sighed “Yes I need to” stubbornly you went back to the book in your hand. “Really? Are you certain that you’d rather read than let me help?” He asked

“Vil, I know you wanna help but I wanna do this one on my own, Plus these books might have an easier solution to the project…”you said while reading, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Darling, There IS an easier solution…” he protested “I’ll teach you, if you really don’t want me to help hands on, at least let me teach it to you instead of all this unneeded complex reading” he added, trying to convince you.

You looked up from your book and open your mouth to say something but he placed a finger hovering above his lip signaling you to not try to argue, “I’ll even give you my notes if you need it. There you’ll find everything you need to know about the project…” he said trying to persuade you even more.

“but Vil…” you mumbled, he sighed “Potato, I love you, but you’re really going to give yourself so much stress that pimples might start spreading through your pretty face…And I will not stand for it. Come now we’re going to Pomfoire and I will tutor you there.” He said packing your bag for you. “Can I at least bring one book?” You asked, he looked at you in disbelief “Do you not trust me?” He stated dramatically

“No of course I do! I just wanna learn quicker so you don’t have to work so hard to teach me…” you said in defense, he crossed his arms still in disbelief, “Please?” You asked again, it took him a few seconds before he broke, “Fine. BUT! only one book, and I get to tell you which one…” he gave you a condition which you gladly agreed to. He sent you to pick up the book in the front desk as he continued to pack your bag.

“She is going to be the cause of MY acne break out, oh by the queen’s name, I’m gonna need tea and face mask for the two of us later…”

He really does care about your well-being, so he does his best in helping you when he sees you’re doing way too much.

And yes that includes the spa appointment, skin care and tea afterwards, he might die if he sees even a single pimple on your face because of stress.

Malleus Draconia

Out of the three he’d be the most chill about it tbh.

He doesn’t understand why you give yourself more work than is needed but sees that you’re dedicated to it so he supports you.

And mayyyyybe casts “little” spells to finish the unnecessary parts of your job and tells you that you’ve already finished it even though he did it.

Still showers you with praise even though his magic did half of the work since he knows you really want to do your job well.

“Tsunotaro…did you see where I put the history of magic papers I printed out earlier, I need to read all of them before I can write notes for the test tomorrow…” you looked for the thick compilation you fished out of the library earlier. Malleus sat by the window and smiled “You’ve already finished it dearest…” he said, he’s well aware that, that is not true but it was white lie, he did it for you.

“Huh?? I did?? I finished my notes?” You said and looked at your notebook, pages already filled with summaries and meanings of the lessons Trein discussed for the past semester. Malleus made sure his spell mimicked your handwriting so you’d be convinced. “See? All done. Good job my love I’m proud of you” he praised and gave you a peck on the cheek

You, still having no recollection of when you wrote all of this, stood there thinking about it. “So…if I already did this, that means I only have to review and then I’m done?” You questioned yourself “That was too essy…” you said in suspicion…Malleus gave you head pats as a form of distraction “Yes well you are a hard worker, no wonder you finished so quickly…” he cooed

“Did I really do this??” You looked up at him in confusion, “Yes my beloved you did. I’ve been watching you pace around, write and read for hours! Look at you, you must be exhausted.” He cradled your face his hands trying to make you forget about the subject. “You’re being really affectionate right now Mal…” you looked up at the horned fae in front of you

“I’m always affectionate” he contradicted your claims, slowly taking the notebook out of your hand and placing it down the table “Yeah I know but right now it’s like 10x more than usual” you pushed on. He was calm outside like usual, but he’s internally trying to come up with an alibi to defend himself without sounding guilty and he’s running out of excuses.

“I miss you.” He blurts out in panic, silence filled the air for a bit until you broke out in a fit of giggles you reached up cup his face and gave him kisses still while laughing “aw, I’m sorry, did I seem like I was ignoring you because of my work?” you asked, he kissed your wrist and nodded, he was celebrating in his head cuz his plan worked.

You weren’t suspicious or working too much AND you’re giving him attention. Mission Accomplished. “Oh alright, I guess I have been too busy, maybe I’d forgotten I already did things…I’ll take a break and spend time with you” you said to your boyfriend who was now smiling brightly

“Thank you for being patient with me…” you told him and gave him a hug “I was told by Lilia that it was a quality of being ‘husband material’ he said hugging you back, you laughed and pulled away to look at him “Wow I have to step up my game to be ‘wife material’ too then huh?” You joked “You don’t need to you’re perfect” you chuckled again at his love struck statement “Sweet talker.” You hit his chest lightly and gave him a kiss before you went to go rest and spend time with him.

He often does it to shorten the time and effort you spend on working so you dont end up sick. But sometimes he does it cuz he wants you to give him attention but he doesn’t want to disturb you

He told himself one day he’d tell you because he feels guilty from time to time, you’ll just have to wait until you graduate and marry him until he does.💀💀

Leona Kingscholar

The MOST IMPATIENT BITCHY person on this list.

He’s basically an overgrown cat, so he’ll annoy the shit out of you if it means you’ll give him attention and stop working.

He hates this habit of yours and doesn’t understand the concept of giving yourself more work than required. He thinks it’s a waste of time and energy

Will literally shred the papers with his claws or push a pile of them off your desk just because he’s annoyed that you’re working and not even paying him any mind

You were trying so hard to focus on the notes your writing because your boyfriend kept yawning in full volume. You knew he just wanted attention but you kept explaining you aren’t done and he was being petty. Not wanting to start an argument you just continued on and ignored him. Or at least your TRYING to

“Hey herbivore, remind me again why ‘ya need to deal with all this crap when you can just oh I don’t know let the teacher teach it to ya ‘cuz yknow? It’s their job” he sarcastically asked knowing exactly what the answer will be. He didn’t get an answer out of you, so he knocked a pile off your desk again. “LEONA! I JUST FINISHED ARRANGING THOSE!” You stood up at the sound of papers hitting the floor

“So? That means ‘yer done with ‘em…” scratches his head, not caring at all. You glared at him but didn’t utter another word as you sat down to pick it all up. “Can ‘ya cut this shit out, you’re doing too much for simple quiz. If you’re gonna be doin’ this much why don’t you just teach the class” he leaned against the wall, his tail impatiently flicking back and forth.

“Why don’t you just shut up.” You snapped. It was uncharacteristic of you to do so, especially because in the relationship you’re the one with more patience. Not this time though. He scoffed, he felt slightly nerve wrecked by your tone but didn’t let that affect him. You arranged it again and took it to your work table where Leona is off limits.

You sat down. Took a deep breath, before picking up the pen to start writing again, but then the ripping of paper flooded your ears. That was it. You turned your head to Leona scratching a bundle of papers under his claw. You marched and snatched it from him harshly. “Out.” You demanded. “What?” He looked at you annoyed.

You only glared at him. You were gonna explode if you said another word. He groaned in boredom “This is stupid. You’re being stupid, you’re doing all this for what? For a quiz? Why?” He snapped as well “Oh I don’t know, maybe because I wanna do good in class. You don’t get it, maybe your able to slack off and no one could give a fuck about it, why? Cuz you’re already the ‘all powerful dorm leader of savanaclaw’ and all that high and mighty shit.” You argued pushing him back

“Meanwhile, I have to do ‘all this crap’ because I need to. I’m not powerful like you are, I don’t have magic, I don’t belong here, I wanna do well so I feel like I fit in…” you rambled, now feeling sorry for yourself, Leona only listened for once “I thought for once, you’d actually be the one to have patience FOR ME this time I need you to be… you’re just being bitchy…” you added looking up at him pained and tired, you sighed and looked down “Just go.” You said walking back to where you were before.

It was silent so you assumed he already left, you continued to work even though you felt awful now. Leona still stood there, he felt bad after he heard you say that and he knew he went too far with his attitude this time so he stayed quiet and waited. You took your work and place it down the carpet so you could have more space, you sat down and started writing again.

His tail still swung back and forth in annoyance but this time it’s because he knows you’re really not gonna give him attention cuz you’re mad. He crawled to you quietly and sat behind you, his large frame enveloping yours, he loosely draped his arms on you waist and rested his head on your shoulder.

You weren’t surprised, you continued to do what you were doing. His tail made soft pats on the wooden floor, it was a sign of anticipation, he was waiting for you to say something to him, thinking his little act of affection was enough of an apology. You didn’t speak for a whole hour. “Herbivore…” he called out. No answer…. “Y/n….” He tried again. Nothing…. “Y’can scold me some more just say somthin’ already…” he pleaded. Still no response, not even a reaction

“ ‘m sorry…” he mumbled quietly his face buried in your hair, “I’m not gonna be an asshole anymore alright? Just quit the silent treatment I hate this more than I hate your overworking thing” he added, you finally gave in to his calls “Shh, Be quiet, I’m almost done” you finally spoke. It was still monotone but it was better than nothing

“Good. We’re gonna nap after this…” he told you and you responded with a hum, he stayed quiet like you asked him to until you finished. After that he whisked you away to your bed and curled up against you like an attention deprived cat “Tell me who the fuck picks on you next time…” he says nuzzling into you, his head on your chest “Why? Cuz that’s your job?” You asked “No, cuz I need to knock some sense into them…” He said, “And yeah, that’s my job…now sleep so you can be less mad at me when you get some rest” he kisses your neck and you laugh a little “Damned overgrown cat” you mumbled earning a low growl and a chuckle from him.

A/N: Another request is doneeee aaaaaaa >< still didn’t proofread ;b Anon I hope you like this cuz I know damn well this took way too long 😭😭😭 still very sorry abt that ily ✌🏻

[in-my-feels-probably]

MY HUSBAND CARMEN OMFG PLEAZE CARMEN X READER ALREADY IN A RELATIONSHIP AND IM JUST IMAGINING READER HAVING LIKE TJE WORST DAY POSSIBLE AND LIKE FUCKING EVERYTHING UP AT THE RESTAURANT AND JUSG LIKE PRACTICALLY IN TEARS BY THE END OF THEIR DAY AND CARMEN LIKE GIVES HER A MASSAGE AND TAKES CARE OF HER AND MAYBE LIKE SOME SWEET INTERACTIONS WITH THE OTHERS AT THE RESTAURANT IF IGS OKAY

Mishaps and Bear Hugs

Request: MY HUSBAND CARMEN OMFG PLEAZE CARMEN X READER ALREADY IN A RELATIONSHIP AND IM JUST IMAGINING READER HAVING LIKE TJE WORST DAY POSSIBLE AND LIKE FUCKING EVERYTHING UP AT THE RESTAURANT AND JUSG LIKE PRACTICALLY IN TEARS BY THE END OF THEIR DAY AND CARMEN LIKE GIVES HER A MASSAGE AND TAKES CARE OF HER AND MAYBE LIKE SOME SWEET INTERACTIONS WITH THE OTHERS AT THE RESTAURANT IF IGS OKAY

Hi! Sorry for the wait. I’m still getting used to writing Carmy’s character, so bear with me while I get the hang of it. Thank you for the request, this is a cute idea. I hope you enjoy it!

(Warnings: a shitty pun in the title, swearing, slight injury, a bad day, let me know if i missed anything)

—

“I’m gonna fucking kill Richie,” you said as you walked back into the kitchen, taking a deep breathe.

“You can’t kill him if he isn’t here,” Marcus called over as he loaded his trays of bread onto the racks.

“I’ll kill him tomorrow, then,” you said, walking over to Tina’s station. “Tina, I am begging you to work the register for a little bit. Richie called out, and I’m going to lose my mind if one more asshole walks in here and tries some shit. I’ll do your work for you, please—”

Tina laughed, putting her knife down. “Alright, alright, we can switch. You’re taking the heat if I slap someone, though.”

“Thank you, thank you,” you sighed in relief, pulling an apron over your head.

Tina nodded, walking through the kitchen doors and into the front of house.

You went back to Tina’s duties, chopping up the vegetables she hadn’t finished. You put a pot on the stove, turning on the burner. You added all the vegetables to the pot, looking around for any stock to boil them down in.

“Sydney, do you know where the stock is? I thought I brought it out this morning.”

“Walk-in, top shelf,” Marcus said, pointing. “Sorry, I thought you were done with it and I put it up.”

“That’s fine, thanks,” you sighed, going to the walk-in.

Of course it had to be on the top shelf. The one thing you needed, just out of reach. You stood on your toes, pulling it down. You managed to get it down off the shelf, but as you adjusted your grip on it when you turned to leave, the lid slipped and the container fell to the floor.

Luckily, the container didn’t turn over and spill. But it did send the stock spurting up at the impact, splashing you. Your apron took the brunt of the impact, but it still splashed up into your hair, coating your shoes.

You groaned, opened the door with your back and pushed through, the container now in your hands. “Marcus! When you put shit back, could you at least make sure the lid is on tight?”

Marcus took one look at you and stifled a laugh, biting his tongue. “Shit, I'm sorry. Need me to grab a towel?”

“Yes,” you muttered, returning to your vegetables.

As you looked in the bottom of the pan, you realized they had begun to blacken on the bottom from not having any liquid in the pot with them. You had taken too long with the stock, and now the vegetables were likely ruined and would need to be re-chopped and boiled.

You groaned, reaching for the handles of the pot to take it off the stove. When your hand touched the pot, it immediately singed your fingers, making you quickly retract them.

“Fuck!” You said, blowing on them to try and stop the heat of the burn. “God, that hurts.”

At all the commotion and the sound of your distressed voice, the door to Carmy’s office opened. He peeked his head out, only to see you standing by the stove, clutching your hand to your chest, fresh tears brewing in your eyes and threatening to fall.

“Hey,” he said softly, coming up to you and holding you by your shoulders. “What happened?”

You scoffed, nearly laughing with anger. What hadn’t happened? What hadn’t gone wrong?

“What happened? What happened is Richie didn’t show up to work, so I had to take his shift on the register. And then a man and his buddies came in and told me I was shit at my job because I couldn’t ring up their five hundred fucking sandwiches they ordered fast enough. So, Tina switched with me and I chopped up her vegetables she had left and put them in a pot. I was gonna boil them down in a stock, but the stock was on the top shelf in the walk-in. I got it down, but the lid wasn’t on tight enough, so it slipped when I got it down and splashed all over me and my hair and my shoes. I went to check the vegetables, and they had already burned to the bottom of the pot because I didn’t get the stock quick enough, so I went to pull the pot off the stove and burned the fuck out of my hand. I’m just having such a shit day, I can’t do anything right, I’m fucking it up for all of you—”

Carmy gently shushed you, taking the towel Marcus had brought over and wiping any stock he could see off of you.

“It’s fine, Y/N, it’s alright. It’s nothing we can’t fix. I don’t care about the stock, I care about that burn. Come with me, alright?”

You shook your head, groaning. “No, I made a mess and I need to clean it—“

Sydney interrupted you, already moving to fix the stock. “Go get your hand checked out, we’ve got this. It’s alright, really.”

“Sorry about the lid,” Marcus said, clapping you on the shoulder.

You shook your head, letting out a breath. “It’s fine. Thanks, guys.”

You let Carmy lead you into his office, staying quiet as he pulled out a first aid kit. He held your hand in his, turning it over to get a good look at the burn.

“It’s not bad. I’m gonna wrap it, though. Does it hurt?”

You shook your head. “It’s not that bad. It hurts less than my pride, that’s for sure.”

Carmy let out a chuckle as he wrapped your hand, finishing and moving his hand up to smooth over your hair. “You’ve got stock in your hair.”

You knew he was just teasing, and that he didn’t mean anything bad by it, but you could still feel tears well up again. Carmy sighed, pulling you into a hug. He let a hand rest on the back of your head, the other running up and down your back.

“Today fucking sucks,” you muttered into his shoulder. “I’m gonna kill Richie tomorrow.”

“Then who would work the register?” He joked, making you huff.

You pulled back, and Carmy brought a hand up to cup your cheek, wiping away some dried stock. He left his palm there, and you leaned into it, taking a deep breath.

“You’re alright, baby. Shitty day, I know. Tomorrow will be better.”

“That’s eerily optimistic coming from you,” you grinned, making Carmy smile.

“I didn’t say it would be better for me,” he said, bending down to put away the first aid kit. “But it’ll be better for you. Richie will be back, and you can yell at him tomorrow. I’ll put you with Marcus, he’s doing cakes tomorrow. You can help him, alright?”

You nodded, moving to wrap your arms around his waist. Your voice was quiet, defeated. “Thank you.”

Carmy pressed a kiss to the top of your head, wrapping his arms around your shoulders. He gently rocked you back and forth, and you could instantly feel yourself ease in his hold.

“You’re welcome, baby.”

—

A/N - Hi! Sorry this is a little short, I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for the request!