#I'm also just trying to clear out pictures still. My spring cleaning (which I do at the start of every new year instead of actual spring)

[cjsinkythoughts]

The Night Shift

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 4,189

Warnings: a few bad language words (sorry Stevie), fluff, I think that’s all

Summary: Your bad day turns worse when you're given the night shift at work. But you find it has more perks than you original thought. 

A/N: Here it is! My first ever posted/published work! This is a bit new for me for quite a few reasons. 1. I usually write OCs. 2. I'm used to writing 3rd POV and past tense. 3. I like writing series and longer fics. 4k is actually pretty mild for me. Also, I'm planning on doing more first date fics with the Avengers, but we'll see if I keep up with that. Thank you and enjoy!

(Pictures not mine but collage is)

Today is not your favorite day. You woke up late, your laundry isn’t done because the machines were all being used when you tried, your roommate didn’t do the dishes so you had to do them before you left, your car broke down - meaning you had to take the Subway - and now you’re working an extra shift because your stupid coworker didn’t show up.

Who even comes in to get coffee at 9 at night? The sky is dark, the stars are out, and everyone should be getting ready for bed - including you. God. You love New York, but sometimes you wish the damn city would just go to sleep for once in it’s goddamn existence.

You’re practically asleep on your feet, getting ready to close in fifteen minutes, when the door opens, the little bell ringing in response. You rub your eyes and turn from where you’re wiping down the back counters to speak to the wackjob who wants coffee at this cursed hour.

You freeze, your eyes meeting stunning azures framed by dark lashes. Thick, soft, chocolate locks fall down past his ears and into those alluring eyes. Lips, perfectly pink and very tempting, pull up in a delicious smile. He’s got a jawline sharp as a knife, only accentuated by the dark scruff covering it. Jesus Christ this man is attractive. He’s also vaguely familiar…

He strolls up to the counter, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans that pulled taunt around his thick thighs. His shirt is pulled tightly across his shoulders, muscles flexing beneath the fabric, threatening to tear the material with every movement.

“Hello.” You thank whatever deity that might be out there that your voice doesn’t shake as you greet the gorgeous god of a man.

“Hi there, doll. Cody’s off today, huh?” Even his voice is breathtaking.

“Yeah. He didn’t show up. Is he a friend of yours?”

The man tilts his head in confusion, before his eyes light up realization. “Oh, no. No. I just come here a lot.”

“At nine at night?”

He shrugs, a small blush rising on his cheeks. “It’s the only time I get to myself really.” It clicks in your head who this man is when he raises his hand to rub the back of his neck. Black metal gleams in place of tanned skin.

“You’re Bucky Barnes!” You blink at him in disbelief. His hand quickly finds its way back to his pocket while he chuckles awkwardly. “Oh my god. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you. You’re one of my favorite Avengers! After Black Widow, obviously, but-” You stop rambling, feeling heat rise to your face. “God, I’m tired. Uh, what can I get you?” You punch in the order that he gives you and look up shyly. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

He smirks and leans on the counter. “How about a name, darlin'? Yours, specifically.”

You roll your eyes, unable to contain the snort you give. “I’ll be right back with your order, sir.” You start making his drink, avoiding his eyes that you feel watching your every move. Usually you had another worker helping to make drinks, but since there’s only ten minutes until closing, you’re alone to close up the shop tonight.

You also usually only write on the cup when there’s more than one person, but you find yourself writing down your own name on his cup. It is part of his order, after all.

“Here you go.” You repeat his order, handing his cup to him.

He raises an amused eyebrow. “You forgot-” You interrupt him by clicking your tongue and turning the cup in his hands. He looks down at it curiously, before grinning and reading the ink out loud. The way your name falls off his lips has you holding in a shiver. “Thanks, sugar.” You watch him leave the shop, whistling a nameless tune, and wonder if Cody would mind switching shifts more.

Turns out, Cody had been arrested, so your boss had to hire a new kid who, because of school, couldn’t do the night shifts. Which meant your shifts changed. Not that you mind all that much; it gives you more chances to see Bucky.

When he said he comes in often, he wasn’t lying. Occasionally he stays while you clean and lock up and the two of you get lost in conversation under the city lights outside the shop. He usually orders and leaves with a witty comment and a wink, probably off to save the world from aliens or Nazis. He always orders the same thing, but he always asks for a little something extra, different every night.

“The usual?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Anything else?”

“Your phone number would be great.”

~

“I’ll get right on your drink, Buck.”

“Awesome. Can you add your favorite flowers to that, too? Thanks, sugar.”

~

“I’m gonna change it up today, dollface.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ll have the usual, but on the side I want to know what your favorite dessert is.”

He’s such a charmer. You aren’t sure if he’s just flirting or if he actually likes you. You think maybe he does that with every girl - waitresses, cashiers, secretaries - and he’s just being friendly. You’re sure after being stuck as a brainwashed assassin for nearly a century, flirting and cracking jokes with people makes him feel more normal. Still, you can’t help but wish that maybe the relationship you have now would become…more.

It’s not until he shows up a few weeks after your first meeting that you finally get an answer to whether or not he really likes you.

The bell rings, signifying a customer coming into the shop. You know it’s Bucky by the watch on your wrist; in the past few weeks of working the night shift, only one other person came in at nine o’clock.

“Good evening, beautiful.” A smile lifts the corners of your mouth at the familiar smooth voice that you could listen to all day. “Whatcha doin’ down there?”

You straighten up and look over the counter. “It’s called inventory. How’s your day been, Buckaroo?”

“Better now that I get to see your pretty face.”

You roll your eyes, face heating up and a small smile gracing your features. “Give me a minute and I’ll have your drink done. Anything extra?”

“This is a bit riskier than normal, but I’ve been wanting to try it for a while. Can I get your schedule?”

You raise an eyebrow in confusion as he smirks confidently. “My schedule?”

“Yeah. I just need to know something.”

“What would that be?”

“You free on Saturday, doll?”

* * * * * * * *

Saturday comes much too slowly for your liking, especially considering he asked you out only two days prior. He didn't tell you what you'd be doing today, so you decide on a casual sundress that you can play off as fancy if you need it to be. The color and style compliments you and your beautiful features perfectly and you can only hope he agrees. Your roommate assured you you looked gorgeous before going out with some of their other friends this morning.

You're just putting the finishing touches on your outfit for the day when a knock on your door sounds throughout your apartment. You check your watch: 10:30 on the dot. Just like he said. You get up too quickly, causing you to trip on your own feet and stumble - but luckily you catch yourself before you fall. Feeling simultaneously embarrassed and relieved he didn't see your clumsy actions, you head to open the door.

A bouquet of your favorite flowers appeared once you open the door, bright cerulean eyes shining at you from behind them. He grins, said eyes scanning your figure. "You look pretty as a picture, doll."

You duck your head bashfully, taking the flowers from him. "Thank you." You not so subtly check him out as you put the flowers in a vase. Like always, Bucky is absolutely stunning: his brown locks frame his face, falling into those mesmerizing blues, which are even more so due to the dark blue t-shirt under the light bIue jean jacket hugging his muscled torso. Dark jeans pull taunt across those thighs, his large hands in his pockets casually. You find yourself frowning when you notice his left hand is covered by a black glove. You want to say something, but decide against it, too anxious to ruin the date with this god of a man.

He clears his throat, which brings your gaze back to his face. You feel yourself heat up at the smirk on his perfectly pink lips. "Uh, I, um, so...what are we doing today?"

"I thought we could have some fun today, since all you ever seem to do is work."

"I don't always work." You quickly defend. He raises a disbelieving eyebrow, making you drop your head again. "Okay. Maybe I don't get out much."

He chuckles. "Good thing. That way I get you to myself." There's that smug smirk again. "As for what we're doing, that's for me to know and you to find out. I'd wear walking shoes if I were you, though."

You give him a curious look, moving over to grab your keys, phone, and wallet, before slipping on your sneakers. "I don't get a hint or anything?"

"And ruin the surprise? Where's the fun in that?" You giggle a bit as the two of you head out your door and down the hall. "I didn't know if you mind motorcycles, so I just borrowed Steve's car." He tells you in the elevator.

You talk about motorcycles and your opinion of them as you walk out your building and into the bright Spring sun. Your eyes widen at the nice Camaro parked in the street that he leads you to. "Wow."

"Yeah." Bucky nods in agreement. "Tony had it custom made for Steve for their anniversary a few months ago."

"And he's allowing you to use it?"

Bucky chuckles, running a hand through his hair as a pink tint dusts his cheeks. "'Allow' is a strong word."

You laugh as he opens the passenger door for you. You thank him, sliding onto the nice brown leather seat. "Does he even know you have it?"

He shrugs, shutting the door and leaning into the open window. "He'll find out soon, I'm sure."

Another laugh escapes you, a smile adorning his lips at the sound. He walks around the car, doing a hood slide to make you chortle again. While you two start driving, you try to convince him to give you a hint, but he's stubborn, denying you answers with that annoyingly charming smirk of his.

You recognize the direction you're going after a while and bounce in your seat as you arrive. "Coney Island?"

"I haven't been here since before the War and I've been meaning to come see how it's changed." He told you with a grin. "Who better to come check it out with than the pretty dame who serves me coffee at nine o'clock without complaining?"

Rolling your eyes to cover how much comments affect you, you smile teasingly in return. "Have you always been such a charmer, Barnes?"

He parks the car before shooting you a wink. "Only to angels, darlin', and you're the first one I've met so far."

You inwardly curse, hating how easily flustered you get around him. He gets out of the car and you're about to follow when he opens your door for you and offers his hand to you like the gentleman he is. You take it, enjoying the feeling of your smaller one against his rough calluses, and he helps you out of the car, shutting the door behind you.

"You ready to have the time of your life, dolIface?"

"As long as you get me a treat." You joke, linking your arm with the one he offers.

"Like I wasn't going to?" He scoffs back. "Who do you think l am, sugar? Now c'mon. Fun's awaitin'."

You laugh, letting him drag you around, loving the child-like wonder in his pretty eyes. Whether or not you enjoy roller coasters, you have a blast: playing carnival games, eating food you both know is terrible for you, but tastes oh so good, and people watching the interesting crowds, all while teasing and playing around with each other. There's nothing better you can think of to do with your free day than goof off with Bucky, no stress or worries plaguing your mind like usual. He even wins you multiple adorable plushies! Being a super soldier wasn't just good for saving the world, evidently.

It was while you're eating lunch that you ask Bucky why he's wearing a glove. "I've already seen your arm. I don't mind."

He hesitates, opening his mouth before licking his lips nervously. "It's not...I know you don't. I just don't...I dunno. I don't wanna freak anyone out."

You frown and put down your food, leaning forwards on your elbows. "First off, I think you're an amazing person. Just throwing that out there. Second, I don't think anyone will mind. You're a hero. An Avenger. Basically a celebrity with a badass arm. And, finally, if anyone does say anything, I'll tell them off. Easy peasy."

He snorts at that, before looking at his gloved hand warily. You reach across the table to give both his hands a squeeze. He meets your eyes and you grin reassuringly back. "If you're not comfortable, that's okay. Just know that other people should never be the reason to hide yourself. Trust me."

"I do." He says genuinely. You give him a questioning look, playing with the tips of his gloved fingers. At his nod, you slowly start taking his glove off, giving him time to say no. He doesn't, letting you tug it all the way off. He blushes when you lift the smooth metal to your lips.

"So, what's next? Wanna win me one of those monkeys with the velcro hands?" He chuckles at your question, telling you he'd win you all of them if you asked. You giggle, tightening your hold on his hand and, after finishing the last bite of food, pulling him to the booth with the monkey prizes.

When it starts getting dark, Bucky convinces you to go on the Ferris Wheel with him, promising to hold your hand the whole time if you're scared of heights (even though you haven't let go of his hand or arm since lunch). It's one of the most stunning scenes you've ever seen. The sun is just barely peeking over the horizon, a few stars dotting the darkened sky, a rare sight living in New York City. The aforementioned city's lights were turning on, causing the skyline to glow brightly. It's hard to think of anything bad about NYC when she looks like that.

"Wow. " You breath, enchanted by the city you've grown to love as home. "There's something almost...magical about it, don't you think?" You turn to Bucky, still captivated by the view, expecting him to be the same. After all, New York has been his home for over a century and so much has changed. Instead, you find him intently watching you, a small, adoring smile etched on his features. You smile shyly, unable to keep his gaze while he's looking at you like that - like you're the most enthralling thing he's seen, bewitching his heart and soul, even with the magnificent picture before you.

"Yeah...there is." He agrees, grabbing your chin between his left thumb and pointer finger gently, making your eyes meet. His right arm is around your shoulders, pulling you into his warm chest, heating you up from the chill the night is bringing.

Your heart drums hard against your ribs when he glances at your lips and you're sure he could hear it, even without his enhanced hearing. Your eyes lock onto his lips as his tongue darts out to wet them. You're suddenly so much closer, his right hand holding the back of your neck delicately while his left cups the side of your jaw. Your hands are gripping his jacket, noses brushing.

"Can I kiss you?" His voice comes out low and raspy.

"If you didn't, I'd probably smack you."

You feel his deep chuckle reverberate through his chest, which you just notice is pressed solidly against yours. Before you can process anything, his lips are slanted over yours. They're softer than you originally thought and they move expertly against yours. It surprises you, before you remember he's technically over a century old, so of course he has experience.

The kiss is over before you want it to be, but the need for oxygen gets too much and your lungs start to sting, so you pull back reluctantly, your hands now in his hair while he's holding your face tenderly.

"Speaking of magic."

You laugh, rolling your eyes as the Ferris Wheel starts turning again. "Who knew Bucky Barnes is such a sap?"

He smirks, leaning forwards to peck your Iips a couple times. "I prefer the term 'romantic'."

Once you get off, you hold onto his elbow, leaning against his shoulder. "Thank you for bringing me, Buck. I really enjoyed today."

"Well that's good considering we're not done."

Your eyebrows shoot up. "Wait, what?"

Bucky scoffs in amusement. "You didn't think that was all, didya, doll? The day's not over; the night's still young!" His right arm slings around your shoulders, pulling you close and kissing your head.

"Okay. What's next?" You ask curiously. He raises an eyebrow, a smirk on those delicious lips. "Another surprise?"

"Hope you're hungry, sweetheart."

"Dinner?"

Giving you a charming grin, he leads you back to the car. "Guess you'll have to wait 'n see, darlin’."

* * * * * * * *

"Buck.” You groan, toeing the ground nervously. The blindfold covering your eyes was keeping you from seeing anything and, to your embarrassment, you've already tripped more times than you care to admit. “Where are we? l feel like we've been walking forever. Can I take this stupid thing off yet?”

Bucky chuckles softly in your ear, holding you steady as you walk on the uneven surface beneath your feet. “We’re almost there, doll. I promise."

Letting out a huff, you let him lead you further along. Finally, after what feels like hours, though you know you're being dramatic and haven't been walking that long, he stops. "Stay right here," he mumbles, his hands that were on your shoulders leaving, along with his warmth behind you, with a kiss to your cheek.

"Haha. You're so funny."

A couple snickers leave his lips and you can just imagine the smile no doubt gracing his features - the one that crinkles the corners of his eyes adorably. You feel wind nip at your bare skin and shiver slightly, wondering where the hell you are.

"Okay. C'mere." His hands are on you again, the contrast of the two adding to the goosebumps the breeze was giving you. "Right here." You can practically feel his excitement and nerves as he positions you. "Alright. Ready?"

"As much as I'll ever be, I suppose."

His nimble fingers are suddenly at the edge of cloth covering your eyes, which he makes quick work of, tugging it off gently. "You can open your eyes, sugar." He chuckles, seeing your eyes tightly clenched shut. You do as he says and blink them open. The sight that meets you takes your breath away.

He brought you to a beach, which you had kind of already guessed due to the sad slipping through your shoes. In front of you, a blanket is spread out, being held at the corners by lanterns, which are connected by a string of fairy lights outlining the blanket. Pillows are scattered on the blanket, a picnic basket to the side while a single red rose is in a small vase in the center with rose petals surrounding the setup. He really is a romantic.

"Bucky. It's beautiful. When did you set this up?"

He rubs the back of his neck, turning red. You smile, enjoying the fact that you can make him just as flustered as he makes you. “Actually, the team helped me out a bit. It was originally just Natasha and Steve. But, uh, then Tony and Wanda found out and then...Sam."

You giggle, knowing his and Sam's brotherly relationship from previous conversation. "I bet he teased the shit out of you when he found out."

"Please," Bucky scoffs. "I'll be the butt of his jokes for at least a month. At least, this part of me will."

"Well, I love this side of you if that's worth anything."

He grins dashingly at you. "Then let the birdbrain tease, because that’s worth everything. Here." Taking your hand, he leads you over to the blanket and sits you down. "All those questions at the coffee shop and I never asked your favorite drink so I brought red, white, beer, Coke, Pepsi, root beer, and," he pulls out the last bottle he brought with a boyish smile. "Apple juice. There's water in 'ere too. And, o' course, the meal and the dessert, which I did ask about because I'm not a complete idiot."

Laughing, you can't help but pull him in for a kiss. "You're so cute."

He clears his throat, his face heating up while he rubs the back of his neck, tying his hair back in a knot. He hands out compliments like candy on Halloween but he can't take them to save his life. How adorable can one man be?

You two eat and talk about everything from hilarious childhood stories to what keeps you up at night. You love listening to his fascinating tales of playing through the 20s, scraping through the 30s, and fighting through the 40s. You especially love the way his face lights up when talking about his family, the Howling Commandos, and America's Golden Boy, both twink and tank stories.

After a couple hours, you find yourself wrapped in his warm jacket - which smelled amazing - leaning against him as he tells you about his new family. You sip on your preferred drink, your eyes fluttering shut, content to simply listen to his soothing voice talking about Clint and Scott's latest prank on Pietro.

"You tired, doll?" You hear him whisper tenderly, his arms around your waist while his thumbs run small circles on your sides.

You hum and look back at him over your shoulder. "Just feeling the moment." He smiles adoringly at you, kissing your temple.

"It's getting late anyways. We should get you home. Don't want your roommate worrying."

You scoff, but agree. You help him clean up and carry things to the car, despite his protests. You nearly fall asleep on the ride back, his big, warm hand resting comfortably on your thigh the whole way. He squeezes gently when you pull up to your building, murmuring lightly to wake you up.

Ever the gentleman, he walks you inside and helps you bring the armful of prizes he got you to your door. Once there, you unlock the door and lean against the frame, facing him.

"Thank you, James. As far as first dates go, this is by far the best one I've had."

He shoots you a smug grin. "Glad to hear that, beautiful. Does that mean if I asked for a second date you'd say yes?"

You give him a smirk back. "I'd say your chances are very good."

"And if asked for a goodnight kiss from the most gorgeous girl I've ever been blessed to be in the presence of?"

You giggle, ducking your head shyly. His hands grip your jaw, pulling your gaze back to him. He nudges your nose with his, whispering against your lips, "is that a yes?" AII you can think to do is nod. He smirks at your reaction, before he's pulling your lips against his. It's more passionate, less hesitant and experimental, than the few previous kisses you shared. He's angling your face to deepen the kiss, his hands tangle in your hair and his tongue prods your lips open, swallowing the little whimper you let out.

When you pull back, you're breathless, panting against his open month. "You workin' tomorrow, darlin'?" He rasps out.

"No." You try to collect yourself enough to answer, although it's hard with all your nerves on fire, his scent fogging up your brain. You manage to move your heavy tongue enough to say, "I have the weekend off."

A broad grin lights up his pretty face. "Great. I'll be over at nine. Have a nice night, sweetheart."

You nod, an airy "goodnight" leaving your lips. You watch him walk off, a pep in his step and his lips turned up. You lean back against your door, hugging all your new plushies to your chest, still wrapped up in his jacket, and let out a sigh.

You'll have to go visit Cody and thank him. After all, that dreadful night shift gave you the best day of your Iife.

[unmanageable-day]

You're you. I'm me.

Bestfriend!Taeyong & Boyfriend!Johnny — fluff, a lil bit angsty

a/n : I hope 'you' are not bored being 'Seah' 😆

© SilentMind for TY; © Cardiac Arrest for Johnny

[12.17 AM]

Taeyong opened his door in very much of relieved feeling. He had been waiting for a company to help him baby-sitting his 5 year-old niece and 3 year-old nephew. His sister went for a short trip to a hot spring and left her toddlers in the hands of her brother with zero experience with babies.

"I'm terribly sorry for calling you. I don't mean to disturb your date but I really have no idea what to do and who to call." He, carrying the baby boy in his arms, welcomed his guests who were no other than you and Johnny.

"It's okay. We're on our way to visit you anyway," said Johnny as he gave pats on his friend's back.

"Hi, baby," you exclaimed cheerfully as you immediately took Taeyong's nephew into your embrace. "Where's Leah?"

"She fell asleep after milk, but I suppose she will be awake soon." Taeyong talked like a new father getting stressed out of taking care young children for the first time without a partner. "I'd better check," he mumbled to himself as he rushed going into his bedroom.

"Johnny, I think we left the grocery in the car? Can you help to get it, please?" You talked to your boyfriend.

"Sure."

Johnny had been unusually less talkative that day. That mixed feelings somewhat still lingered within his head. He loved you. He loved Taeyong. He knew Taeyong loved you. He knew Taeyong loved him too. Johnny always knew that your friendship with Taeyong had a very strong bond. Although Taeyong had "given up" on her and let him "have" her, sometimes Johnny doubted himself whether it was the right thing to do.

Johnny walked slowly back to Taeyong's house and inserted the password to enter. When he opened the door, he could hear chattering and giggles. Leah must be awake, he assumed. He silently made his way to the living room, where he found you and Taeyong sitting side by side on the couch with Noah on your lap and Leah on Taeyong's lap. You four were like a picture of a happy family, and somewhat Johnny was reluctant to show himself.

"Oh, Johnny, you're back." Taeyong noticed. "Thanks a lot, dude," he managed to speak despite the little girl strangled his neck being clingy.

"I'll help arrange these," Johnny responded. Basically he didn't know what to do. Both you and Taeyong were occupied as the children wouldn't let go of you. This made Johnny feel uneasy. From the pantry, he kept taking a look at you and Taeyong baby-sitting.

When Leah finally released her uncle, she gave him some playful kisses on the lips as Taeyong asked for it by pouting his lips. Then she shifted to you, now that Noah crawled his way to the uncle. Without any clear reason, Leah also planted cute little kisses on yours. This act was followed by the youngest baby.

You just giggled at their cute actions, while not realizing two things: one, Taeyong was secretly blushing; two, Johnny witnessed everything and he can't help but to feel jealous even for a little bit. But of course, he was going to keep it to himself.

🌱

[06.09 PM]

When the sky was about to set, things finally got under control in Taeyong's house. Food was ready for the babies, clothes were clean and ready to wear, and the most important, the mess in the living room was tidied up. Enough for Taeyong to let out a relieved sigh. A long deep relieved sigh.

"Once again, I'm sorry for ruining your date," he said, placing a hand to grip Johnny's. They were lying on the floor, exhausted after playing with the kids. You left to the bathroom to wash the stain on your clothes when you were feeding Noah, and at the same time Leah wanted to try feeding her brother too. Except it ended up the food was everywhere and mostly fell on your clothes.

"Nah, it's okay. We had fun too." Johnny stared at the ceiling, remaining silence for a while. "You're lucky to have someone who is just one call away. Someone that feels like home."

Taeyong got up. "What do you mean? If it's about Seah and you're not comfortable, I'll..."

"Hey, hey, chill. I don't mean it that way, Taeyong." Now he felt bad making Taeyong feel guilty. "Sometimes I envy you, and your relationship with Seah. Sometimes I wonder if she's really okay being with me, when she has you."

"Johnny..."

The sound of you clanking the bathroom door startled the boys. Johnny got up from laying down and Taeyong pretended to stretch his slender body. "Aren't you guys hungry?" you cheerfully asked, without realizing the mood between your boys.

"You're right." Taeyong faked a chuckle. "Why don't you take Seah to the Thai restaurant we usually visit?" he suggested Johnny. Johnny didn't answer, waiting for your response.

"And you?" you asked to Taeyong.

"I'm good. We cooked a lot, that is more than enough." Taeyong gave a reassuring smile. "You'd better hurry before the kids wake up again."

"Okay, then. Call me if you need anything." You gave a quick hug to the person you'd spent more than a decade with.

While you headed to the front door and got your shoes, Taeyong smoothly dragged Johnny to the pantry. "Hey, I want you to know that you are lucky as well to have her, alright?"

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I really didn't mean it in a bad way. I'm actually happy that Seah can always count on you." Johnny diverted his sight. "Sometimes I just feel... insecure of myself. Because... I'm not you."

"Of course you're not. You're you, I'm me. Believe me, Seah loves us both in her own way." Taeyong pat Johnny's shoulder. "Have a little confidence, Johnny. You deserve her. She deserves you."

"Johnny!" You popped up in the pantry, once again startling the boys. "What take you so long?" you whispered in annoyance as you raised your eyebrows.

"Nothing. Sorry."

Taeyong waved at both you and Johnny as you left.

🌱

[09.22 PM]

"Stay with me tonight?" Johnny shyly asked. His hand slowly reached yours, as your other hand was still feeding yourself parfait. "Ayoung noona is still in the States. She'll be home tomorrow."

You nodded twice as you smiled. "But I need to get changed."

"Why? You can borrow Ayoung's clothes."

"Are you out of your mind!?"

Johnny cackled. "Then you can wear mine."

Somehow you just lost arguing with him because, first, he wouldn't drive you home; second, he wouldn't let you go home by bus by looping his arm around your neck so you can't go anywhere. And before you knew it, you already arrived in Johnny's house.

He had been clinging onto you and wrapping his long arms around your neck from behind, from the parking lot until his room. "I hope you realize that you're a giant and we're no match and this is a violation of the law," you blabbered nonsense because your movement was limited thanks to the giant. You slapping his arms was a useless action because no matter what he was still bigger and stronger.

"That's a new way to say 'I love you', huh?" He chuckled as finally he let go of you.

You threw yourself to the couch in the living room. Johnny went back to you with one of his hoodie and he tossed it to you. "You're lucky because not everyone gets the chance to wear John Seo's outfit."

You made a 'pffft' sound at your boyfriend cringey comment. Once you'd changed, in the end you still had to borrow Ayoung's bottomwear. As much as Johnny likes to see you in his clothes without pants or trousers—of course because you were sunk in it, and the clothes had turned into a mini dress on you which was a rare sight for him, you were not used to exposing your bare legs. Yet what Johnny took from his sister's closet was shorts, with explanation that he never touched Ayoung's stuff so he wouldn't know where the pajamas are. You groaned at him and playfully hit his arms.

The night was still young yet Johnny was powerlessly laying down on the couch as if he became one with the couch.

"Hey," you called, joining him on the couch after washing your face. He gladly welcomed you in his embrace. "Up for a movie?"

He groaned as he pulled you closer and flipped your position so you were leaning in your side and facing him. Or more like, you facing his neck if he didn't bow to look at you. "How about just sleep? My body is aching. Never knew babysitting is a tiring job," he mumbled. His eyes were already shut, but his hands were still alive, gently carressing your arm.

"Okay," you muttered as you rest your head on his shoulder.

"Let's turn off the TV and move to my room, hm?"

"Why don't you go first? I still want to watch this."

Johnny's hand shifted to your head, now stroking your hair. He bowed his neck, and you stretched up to see each other's face. "Please?" There goes his puppy eyes.

Then it was your turn to softly stroke his cheek. "Okay, you win." You smiled at your giant baby. He smiled even wider before planting a kiss on your lips, and dragging their feet to the bedroom.

If only he wasn't that exhausted, he would definitely do more than a gentle kiss, especially now that they were in bed. Instead of sleeping like what he suggested earlier, he seemed to be drowning in his own thoughts while maintaining his intense gaze at you who already shut your eyes this time. His hand was going back and forth between your cheek, your hair, and your back.

"You said you're going to sleep," you muttered, noticing he was still wide awake from his movements.

"I am." He still had his eyes on you.

You scooted closer to your boyfriend, snuggling your face against his chest and your arm looping around his upper body. You gently pat and stroke his back. "I'm sorry for cancelling our plan today."

Johnny didn't answer.

"But.. thank you very much for your time and your effort helping Taeyong."

Johnny hummed as a response.

"What were you talking about, earlier with Taeyong?"

"Nothing."

"I'm not buying it." You giggled, a bit cynically.

"Sometimes I'm amazed by your friendship with Taeyong. You really have got each other's back."

"What does that suppose to mean?"

"I'm not sure how to say it. But, am I now in the right place, to be in between you and Taeyong? Looking at you both, I feel that it would be inappropriate if I, as your boyfriend, am jealous of Taeyong, my own best friend—and yours too. But, yeah, I am ...jealous. A bit."

Now you didn't give a response.

"I'm sorry. I sound very childish, don't I?"

Suddenly you pinched his squishy cheek. "Hey! Do you know how I almost drove Taeyong crazy by asking him 'can I trust Johnny Seo?' every single day? If it wasn't because of Taeyong convinced me with all his might, I wouldn't be here right now."

Johnny finally smiled and giggled.

"No worries, okay? Even if there is, please, we can talk about it nicely like this. Okay?" You made eye contact with him. You released your pinch and gently carressed his face, tracing his facial features from the forehead down to the chin.

He flashed a bright smile. "I really am the luckiest man."