#IF HE EVEN LOOKED AT ME ID ATTACK | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mechaknight-98 · 24 days ago

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Deep in the Water (NSFW) FT Minju

Operator’s Notes: “Said you wanna take control of me but I got all the answers”

A fist hit my face and sent me to the ground. Unsure of where the fist came from in the bar brawl I found myself in I got up to face the first person directed at me, an angry man approached me and said, "You look like a bitch."

I laughed and said, "You look like a snitch" before tackling him to the ground. I got a couple of strikes on him before shotgun fire rang through the bar. I stopped striking the man and turned behind me.

A girl with a wolf cut and an angered look stared into my eyes and said, "This brawl stops now. You!" (she pointed at me.) You told me that you would not get rowdy.

I scoffed at the young woman, "The hell are you talking about this dude attacked me first," I responded defiantly. The girl rolled her eyes and said,

"NOT you the one under you. He is the one I am mad at. The person you're bashing." The girl points back at me and says, "You're fine Sparkles," I nod and get up. Before paying my tab. The lady with the wolf cut smiles cutely and says, "Now go handsome before I change my mind." I smirk and she shoos me away I get out of the bar and start heading home before I feel someone grab my wrist. I turn back to see the young lady, "Um hey can you help me fix the bar? You were the only one who didn't make a mess, and I need help." I consider my options, and say "Sure why not"

At first, I considered my choice a mistake, but the Bar owner was cute and cool, so the time just melted away as we cleaned and restored the bar to its original shape. After we finished cleaning, we sat next to each other, and she slid me a Shirley Temple.

She smiles at me and asks, "So sparkles do you have a real name?"

I nod and reply "Dio it's short for Diomacho"

"What?" The young woman scoffed surprised, "does that even mean anything?" she asked confused

"My Grandma thought it would be funny to name her son, my father who I am the junior to, a name that could mean anything and nothing. According to her though she wanted to make the next great "African American name" So for her it means prosperity, wisdom, valor, and the ideals she believed made a strong Black man,"

the young lady smiled, "Hmm I like it." The young lady outstretched her hand, "My name is Minju. Nice to meet you." I nodded and smiled at her. She smiled back then said, "So what brings such a unique young man out here?"

"Young?" I questioned, as I turned to her, "I am tired like leather and old as dirt." I replied.

Minju smiled as she rolled her eyes, "No you're not. I looked at your ID before you got here. You're barely 3 years older than me." her smile was knowing, cute, and a little flirty maybe.

I scowled confused as I said, "Really you're only three years younger than me?" I looked deeper at her face and hands, "you look like you could be in college still,"

Minju smiled and said, "Black and Korean don't crack I guess." I laughed and she pouted, "What I thought the phrase was Black doesn't crack." she added defensively. Her hair bounced as she spoke expressively.

I nod and respond, "No you're correct It's just not what I thought I'd hear out here." Minju's pout disappeared and was replaced with a wide smile. She moved a bit closer.

“So Sparkles what brings you out here?”

I turn to Minju and she’s still all smiles, “you’re a curious one.” I respond. Minju smiles and nods before saying.

“So what brings you here?”

I sigh as I relent while answering her, “ Well, this was supposed to be a vacation but I got roped into a work thing,”

Minju leans in close and rests her arms on my shoulder, “Oh what do you do?”

“I am a part of the American Titan Fighting Force or the ATFF for short,” I answer as I shift to support her weight better. Minju smiles and leans in closer.

Minju leaned back slightly, her eyes still focused on mine. “So, you’re a Kaiju fighter… but you don’t seem too thrilled about it,” she said, her voice soft but curious.

I raised an eyebrow, a little surprised by the observation. “What makes you say that?”

She smiled knowingly, tapping her fingers lightly on my shoulder. “You’ve got that look. Like this isn’t exactly what you wanted to be doing with your life. I mean, you were minding your own business in the bar earlier. Doesn’t seem like you go looking for fights.”

I sighed, taking a moment to consider my response. Her gaze was patient but intent, and for some reason, I felt like talking.

“You’re right,” I admitted, leaning back in my chair. “I’m not exactly a fan of the whole ‘fighting monsters’ thing. I didn’t sign up for that part.”

Minju tilted her head, intrigued. “Then why are you doing it?”

I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head. “I was supposed to be a researcher. I’ve got a background in Titan/ Kaiju biology and ecology. I actually wanted to study them, you know? Understand how they work, and how they survive. Maybe even figure out a way to live with them, rather than always fighting them.”

Minju’s eyes widened slightly. “That’s really interesting. So how’d you go from research to… wrangling and fighting them?”

I sighed again, this time more heavily. “Well, let’s just say the ATFF had other ideas. I played football in college, so I was built like an athlete. When they found out, they figured I was ‘perfectly suited’ to do more than just research. Next thing I know, I’m not just studying Titan/ Kaiju—I’m out in the field, wrangling them, fighting them… basically doing all the things I didn’t want to do.”

Minju frowned, her expression softening as she listened. “That sounds… rough. It’s like they took advantage of your skills for something you didn’t even want.”

“Exactly,” I said, nodding. “I mean, I get it—someone’s gotta do it. But it’s frustrating when you’re dragged into something just because you’re physically capable. I wanted to use my brain, not my fists. But they couldn’t see past the fact that I’m big enough to fight.”

Minju’s gaze softened even more, and she shifted closer, her hand resting gently on my arm. “That must be hard,” she said quietly. “Being good at something you don’t even want to do.”

“Yeah, it’s not easy,” I admitted. “Every mission, I’m thinking about what I’d rather be doing. I could be learning more about how these creatures fit into the world, figuring out how to protect people without always having to kill them. But instead, I’m out there wrestling Kaiju into submission.”

Minju smiled, her touch lingering as she spoke. “You’re not just a fighter, though. It sounds like you care about what you do, even if it’s not what you want. That’s… admirable.”

I glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. “I guess I try to make the best of it,” I said with a shrug. “But it’s hard to keep going when you feel like you’re not where you’re supposed to be.”

Minju leaned in a little more, her expression thoughtful. “You know, I think people can surprise themselves. Maybe one day you’ll find a way to balance both—fighting when you have to, but also using your knowledge to change how things are done. I mean, if anyone could do it, it sounds like it’d be you.”

Her words caught me off guard, and I found myself smiling a little. “You really think so?”

She nodded, her smile bright but sincere. “I do. You’ve got this… strength, but it’s more than just physical. You’ve got a mind for this stuff, and that’s something not everyone has.”

I stared at her for a moment, feeling something warm settle in my chest. “Thanks,” I said softly. “Not a lot of people see that side of me.”

Minju smiled again, her eyes twinkling with a mix of playfulness and understanding. “Well, I do. And I think you’re gonna find a way to make it work, Sparkles.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You really don’t give up, do you?”

“Nope,” she replied with a grin. “And I’m not letting you give up either.”

I sigh, before my watch goes off. I looked at it and saw that the JADKF wanted me to go to the briefing tomorrow. I roll my eyes and Minju smiles,

“What’s wrong tough guy?” She teases.

“The JAKDF wants me to go to the briefing tomorrow about this new Kaiju. So I gotta wake up early tomorrow. So this is Goodbye Mini” I say. Minju eyes widened before she said

“Wait! Before you go give me your phone,” she says. I turn back and she smiles as I take out my phone. She quickly types in my phone and then looks at hers before handing me back mine. I look at it and notice I have a text from “my lovely Girlfriend Min” I turn to Minju.

“This is presumptuous,” I say to her. Minju laughs before kissing me on the cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow babe,” she says as I walk out. I put on my helmet, get on the motorcycle I rented for the vacation, and race off into the foggy autumn night.

I get back to the hotel a little later and turn in early for the night. Unsurprisingly I dream about Minju. In the dream, the sun was setting on a beach, casting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The waves lapped gently at my feet as I stood on the soft, warm sand. A breeze rolled in, carrying the scent of saltwater, and for a moment, I felt completely at peace.

Then, I saw her—Minju, standing barefoot at the water’s edge, the ocean reflecting in her eyes. She smiled at me, the same teasing, playful look from earlier, but softer, more inviting. Her wolf-cut hair blew gently in the wind, and she waved me over.

I walked toward her, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest. “What’s going on, Min?” I asked as I reached her side.

Minju grinned and held out her hand. “Come with me,” she said, her voice soft but with a hint of mischief.

Without thinking, I took her hand, and she led me into the water. At first, it was just the gentle waves washing over our ankles, then our knees. The water was warm, and with every step, we drifted further from the shore, the beach slowly disappearing behind us. Minju laughed, tugging me deeper into the ocean, her smile never fading.

“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice a little hesitant as the water reached my waist. The sand beneath my feet was giving way, growing softer and harder to stand on.

“Don’t worry,” she said, turning back to me. Her eyes were bright, reflecting the fading light of the sun, and I could see the playful glint in them. “Just trust me.”

I did. I kept walking, following her deeper and deeper. The water rose higher, up to our chests now, and I realized I could no longer feel the ground beneath me. Minju’s hand tightened around mine, and for a moment, I felt a strange sense of security, even as the ocean swallowed us.

“Minju, we’re getting pretty far out,” I said, glancing back at the shoreline, now a distant blur. “Maybe we should—”

“Just a little further,” she interrupted, pulling me along as she started swimming, her strokes effortless and graceful. “We’re almost there.”

“Almost where?” I asked, feeling the unease creeping into my chest. I started to paddle, keeping myself afloat, but the ocean felt deeper and darker now. The sky had shifted to a dusky purple, the stars beginning to peek through.

Minju didn’t answer, just smiled over her shoulder. Her hand still held mine, but it felt different—firmer, almost like a lifeline. I kept swimming with her, the water cool now against my skin, but something in me was starting to panic.

“Minju, we’re too far,” I said, my breath catching in my throat as the waves grew stronger, pushing us around. I couldn’t see the shore anymore. The ocean surrounded us on all sides, an endless expanse of dark, churning water.

She finally stopped, turning to face me. Her eyes were soft, but her smile was gone. “We’re here.”

I looked around, confused. “Where?”

“Here,” she repeated, her voice almost a whisper now. She let go of my hand and floated in front of me, her hair spreading out in the water like dark ribbons.

I tried to swim back toward her, but the current pulled us apart. “Minju!” I called out, suddenly feeling the weight of the water pressing against me. I kicked harder, but it was like the ocean was holding me in place, dragging me down with every movement.

Minju’s face remained calm, almost serene. She didn’t seem scared, but something about the way she looked at me made my chest tighten. “You always fight, don’t you?” she asked softly.

“What?” I panted, my arms struggling to keep me afloat.

“You’re always fighting,” she said, her voice carrying over the waves. “But sometimes… you just have to let go.”

Before I could respond, a wave crashed over my head, pulling me under. The saltwater stung my eyes and filled my lungs as I fought to break the surface. Panic surged through me as I flailed in the water, but I couldn’t find my footing. The ocean was too deep, too vast.

And then, through the chaos, I felt her hand again. Soft, steady, pulling me up. I broke the surface, gasping for air, and there she was—Minju, holding me close, her arms wrapped around me as if to anchor me to her.

“Let go,” she whispered, her breath warm against my ear, despite the cold water around us.

For a moment, I did. I let my muscles relax, and let the water take me. I stopped fighting.

Minju smiled again, her face inches from mine. “It’s easier when you’re not fighting alone.”

And then, everything faded—her face, the ocean, the stars overhead. All of it washed away like the tide, pulling me into darkness.

I woke up in a cold sweat, the sound of waves still echoing in my ears. The hotel room was quiet, and the early morning light filtered through the curtains. I blinked, disoriented, the dream lingering in my mind, as vivid as if it had just happened.

Minju’s voice, soft and playful, echoed in my head: “It’s easier when you’re not fighting alone.”

Sure! Here’s an expanded version of the scene with more flirting as they text each other and gradually get to know each other better:

I got up and started getting ready for the day when my phone buzzed. Another text from “my lovely girlfriend” flashed on the screen:

Minju: “Hey Dio, I don’t know when you’ll be done, but I wanna go on a date today. When you’re ready, come to this address.”

She had attached a location to the message. I laughed and shot back a quick reply:

Me: “Okay, Queen Min.”

There was a pause, and I slipped on my jacket, half-expecting to get another teasing text in response. Sure enough, my phone buzzed again.

Minju: “Oh, I like that.”

I smirked, knowing she was probably grinning at her phone, already planning the next playful retort. Just as I expected, another message popped up:

Minju: “I really like that. Careful, at this rate I’ll have to make you mine.”

I could almost hear her voice, the teasing lilt, and that mischievous smile she wore the night before. Rolling my eyes, I leaned against the doorframe and typed back.

Me: “You don’t waste time, do you?”

She replied almost immediately:

Minju: “When I see something I want, I go for it. What can I say? I’m decisive.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. Her confidence was magnetic, and I wasn’t sure whether I should feel flattered or slightly on edge. But I was hooked, no doubt about that. I decided to play along, raising the stakes.

Me: “Decisive, huh? Bold words for someone who doesn’t even know my favorite color.”

Another pause. I could imagine her reading the message, brow furrowing in mock frustration, but I knew she’d have a comeback ready. Sure enough:

Minju: “Well, that’s easy. It’s black—same as your soul.”

She followed up with another message almost immediately:

Minju: “But I guess I’ll find out for sure today, won’t I?”

I laughed at her reply, impressed by how quick she was on her feet. She wasn’t giving me any space to catch her off guard, and I liked it.

Me: “Touché, Minju. So, what’s my prize if you guess right?”

Minju: “Hmm… if I’m right, I’ll make you dinner. If I’m wrong, I guess you’ll just have to impress me enough to keep me around.”

I raised an eyebrow. She was challenging me, but also giving me a chance to step up. Something about the way she pushed and pulled made the banter exciting like we were already playing a game neither of us wanted to end.

Me: “So it’s a win-win for me, huh? Either I get dinner or I get to keep you around. Sounds like you’ve stacked the deck in my favor, Queen Min.”

Minju: “Consider it a gift for being charming enough to catch my attention.”

Her words sent a small thrill through me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the day would bring. The conversation was light, but there was something undeniably real about the tension that hummed between us, even through a screen. She had me intrigued, and I was curious to see where this would go.

Minju: “Besides, I’m good at reading people. I’ll bet I know more about you than you think.”

Me: “Oh yeah? Prove it. What else do you think you know about me?”

Another buzz:

Minju: “You seem like the type who pretends not to care, but deep down, you’re the guy who fixes everything for everyone else. You’re probably really responsible, but hate being told what to do. And…”

There was a long pause, and I waited for her to finish. Finally, the next message appeared:

Minju: ”…I bet you haven’t gone on a real date in a long time, huh?”

I blinked, taken aback by how easily she had read between the lines. She wasn’t wrong.

Me: “Guess you’re better at this than I thought.”

Minju: “I told you, I’m good at reading people. That, and I like a challenge.”

I smiled at the screen, impressed but also feeling a little exposed. She saw more of me than most people did, even with our limited interactions. But instead of feeling uncomfortable, it made me want to know more about her.

Me: “Well played, Min. But let’s see if you’re still this confident after our date.”

Minju: “Oh, I will be. See you soon, handsome.”

I finished getting ready, anticipation stirring in my chest as I thought about the day ahead. If our banter was any indication, this date was going to be anything but boring.

After riding into the makeshift JAKDF office, I parked my bike and headed inside. The place was buzzing with the usual mix of officials and soldiers prepping for whatever briefing we had in store. Since I was early, I found an empty chair in the corner and pulled out my phone, figuring I’d kill some time before the meeting started.

With nothing pressing on my mind, my thoughts drifted back to Minju—my lovely girlfriend Min. I smirked at the memory of her cheeky text and suddenly realized that despite all the banter, I didn’t know much about her beyond what I’d picked up during our flirty exchanges. Curiosity piqued, I typed her name into the search bar and hit enter.

A sea of results flooded the screen, and I blinked, surprised by how much there was to uncover. I scrolled through the first few hits, noticing immediately that she wasn’t just some random girl who worked at a bar. No, Kim Minju was a full-on celebrity—formerly of IZ*ONE, a K-pop idol turned actress.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued as I tapped on one of the articles. She’d been on hiatus for a while, something about waiting for the right role to take her acting career to the next level. And apparently, she wasn’t alone. Rumor had it she was eyeing a potential action movie alongside one of her old group members, Hyewon. I chuckled, imagining Minju doing high-flying stunts in some action-packed blockbuster. She didn’t exactly scream action hero when I first met her, but then again, neither did I.

Without realizing it, I clicked on another link, and then another. Before long, I was knee-deep in everything there was to know about Minju and IZONE. My curiosity spiraled, and I wasn’t just reading about Minju anymore. My AUDHD latched onto the deeper threads, pulling me into the world of K-pop fandom. I found myself learning about IZONE’s music, their disbandment, and how the members had gone on to form or join new groups. The intricate web of connections between all these artists was staggering. Daughter groups, subunits, solo careers—I was way out of my depth.

But I wasn’t stopping.

Every article led to a new tangent, and soon I was clicking through random trivia about the K-pop industry, how group contracts worked, and how fandoms shaped the careers of idols long after they’d stepped off the stage. I dove into comment sections, reading fan theories, interviews, and even rumors about future reunions. The more I learned, the deeper I fell into the rabbit hole.

Time blurred as I scrolled through pages and pages, soaking in details about group dynamics, music charts, and choreography breakdowns. I was getting lost in it, fascinated by the mechanics of the idol machine and how it all worked behind the scenes. Hours felt like minutes, and by the time I surfaced for air, I realized I wasn’t just learning about Minju anymore—I was uncovering the whole universe she came from.

Eventually, my brain, as it often did, decided to connect the dots between two seemingly unrelated things. Somewhere between reading about IZ*ONE’s international tours and fan events, my thoughts drifted back to work. Kaiju and Titans weren’t so different from these idol groups, in a weird way. Both were massive forces in their respective worlds, with entire ecosystems built around them. That familiar itch for research started up, and I felt my focus shift.

From there, I leaped back into Kaiju biology. I pulled up some articles on recent Kaiju sightings and cross-referenced them with Titan ecological patterns. My mind was already threading together theories about why certain species were resurfacing, likely brought on by environmental shifts and human interference. One-click led to another, and soon enough, I was neck-deep in scientific reports on the breeding cycles of Titans, pulling apart the data like a puzzle I couldn’t resist solving.

It was wild how quickly I’d gone from K-pop idols to Kaiju migration patterns, but that’s how it was for me. One moment I was reading about Minju’s latest drama offer, the next I was knee-deep in an article on how Kaiju adapts to different environments based on territorial disputes. Everything, somehow, was connected in the weird, tangled web of my brain.

Here’s an expanded version of the scene, emphasizing the narrator’s dwindling attention and his intense focus once he’s challenged:

After my impromptu research session (and draining my phone battery), I sat slumped in the makeshift conference room, idly watching the seconds tick by. Three hours had passed since I’d arrived. I drummed my fingers on the table, my mind starting to wander, diving in and out of random thoughts. The ambient noise of the office—conversations, footsteps, and clacking keyboards—faded in and out of my awareness like background music in a waiting room.

Four hours. That’s when I’d had enough. I stood up, stretching my legs, feeling that strange mix of frustration and resignation wash over me. This meeting was supposed to take one hour, maybe two at most, they said. I made my way toward the exit, ready to cut my losses and leave.

As I reached the door, I nearly collided with two JAKDF officers—Kafka and Mina. Both looked startled to see me.

“Oh, Diomacho! You’re already here?” Mina said, her surprise bordering on confusion.

I glanced at my watch, suppressing a sigh. “Yeah. I’ve been here for…,” I paused for emphasis, “four hours now.”

Their eyes widened, and they immediately launched into a flurry of apologies, scrambling to explain the miscommunication. Apparently, they’d been waiting for me at the entrance this whole time, completely unaware I’d already arrived. After a bit more back-and-forth, they promised to gather everyone and get the meeting started. I nodded, returning to my seat, but not without a roll of my eyes.

Settling back into my chair, I checked my phone and noticed a new text from Minju.

Minju: “Babe, I’m hungry. When are you going to be done?”

I chuckled at her dramatic choice of emojis—angry faces, and crying faces, all perfectly encapsulating her impatience.

I smirked, typing back: Me: “Probably 90 minutes or so. You should see if any of your friends wanna hang out.”

There was a pause before her next message came through.

Minju: “I don’t have any friends, babe.”

I scoffed, shaking my head as I replied. Me: “I’m calling BS on that.”

Minju quickly fired back a laughing emoji, followed by another message.

Minju: “Ugh, fine, but text me as soon as you’re done. I can’t wait to feel you in my talons.”

I raised an eyebrow at that. Me: “That’s an odd turn of phrase.”

Minju: “I know, but trust me. Once you’re in my talons, you’ll never want to leave.”

I smirked, typing my reply: Me: “That’s pretty bold and presumptuous.”

Her response was nearly instant as if she’d been waiting for my text. Minju: “Aw, you think I’m pretty and bold.”

I was still grinning at her flirty response when Mina, Kafka, and a group of other officers entered the room. Among them was a tiny blonde woman who looked at me skeptically, her eyes narrowing.

“This is him? The American expert?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

I let out a tired sigh and started to stand, half-ready to walk out again. But before I could move an inch, Kafka placed a firm hand on my shoulder, gently shoving me back into the seat.

“Kikoru, stop being so mean,” Kafka chided, his massive frame blocking my view for a moment.

Resigned to my fate, I leaned back in my chair, already zoning out again as Kikoru shot me a disdainful look. She clearly wasn’t impressed, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her. I wasn’t exactly giving off the ‘engaged expert’ vibe at the moment. I pulled out my phone again, figuring I could at least text Minju to pass the time.

Me: “What are you in the mood for?”

Minju: “Oh, you’re done? (smiley face emoji)”

Me: “Sadly no, close though. So, what food do you want?”

There was a pause before her reply came through.

Minju: “Hmm, pizza? Yeah, let’s go with pizza. There’s this little place near my home, you’ll love it.”

Before I could respond, Kikoru turned to me, her eyes narrowing even further.

“Um, excuse me, are you paying attention?” she snapped, her voice cutting through the dull haze that had settled over my mind.

I looked up, suddenly aware of the room around me again. The group discussed the Kaiju and theories about its behavior and location. I blinked, shaking off the fog as I pieced together what they were talking about. Thankfully, I’d already read all the reports and sightings, so I caught on quickly.

“Yeah, sorry. So, we’ve got a humanoid Kaiju hiding in Seoul and the Incheon area. Based on the sightings, it’s potentially female, with Garuda or Phoenix-like traits. Crimson, golden, and umber plumage accented with dark navy. It’s been attacking men who were in the process of assaulting women. Our mission is to capture or subdue it within the next few days.”

The room went silent for a moment, everyone looking at me, taken aback by my sudden burst of focus. I shrugged.

“Just because I don’t want to be here doesn’t mean I’m going to sabotage the operation.”

Most of the group seemed to accept my explanation, but Kikoru wasn’t convinced. She crossed her arms, glaring at me.

“I’m sorry, do you expect your studies to carry you through?” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, focusing on her now. It was like a switch flipped in my head. I leaned forward, meeting her gaze with an eerie intensity that almost made her flinch.

“Most battles are decided long before the first blow is struck. Planning and preparation are key. But more than anything, it’s the desire to win that counts.”

“Oh, really?” she shot back. “You want to prove that?”

I stared at her for a beat, feeling my pulse slow. Everything else faded into the background. My mind honed in on her challenge like a predator locking onto prey.

“No, not really,” I replied evenly, watching as her frustration mounted.

“Come on, smarty-pants,” she taunted. “Show me how far that know-it-all attitude has gotten you.”

I was about to brush her off when the door swung open, and a clerk poked their head in.

“Officer Mina, can you let Diomacho know his gear came in five minutes ago?”

I sighed deeply, already knowing where this was going. Kikoru smirked, her arms still crossed.

“Well? Are you going to give me that attitude adjustment or what?”

I exhaled, standing up from my chair. “Fine.” We made our way to a nearby arena for our little face-off. I was quiet the entire time, my mind already elsewhere, even as Kafka and Mina tried to get me to open up, offering words of encouragement or ways to calm me down. But I didn’t need to be calmed; I was already in a headspace Kikoru wouldn’t understand. When we faced off, Kikoru was still as cocky as ever, her posture loose and her grin wide as I slowly took out my weapons.

“You know, you can still back out, kid,” she teased, her tone almost bored as she held her axe at the ready.

I ignored her taunts and activated my nano suit, only at ten percent. It was more than enough for now. I dropped into my combat-ready stance, my body poised for motion.

“Oh, is that your ready stance?” she asked, amusement dripping from her voice, underestimating me completely.

I didn’t waste time with words. In an instant, I launched myself forward at incredible speed, closing the distance between us in the blink of an eye. Kikoru barely had time to react, managing to block my first strike with her axe. The impact sent a tremor through her arms, and I could see a flicker of surprise cross her face.

But I didn’t give her a moment to recover. I dashed behind her, aiming another punch toward her back, and again, she barely managed to block, her axe swinging around with just enough force to intercept my strike. She backed off, visibly rattled, her earlier confidence shaken.

“You’re fast,” she admitted, still trying to sound cocky, but there was something off in her voice now, a note of uncertainty that hadn’t been there before. “I’ll give you that.”

I didn’t bother replying. I just kept the pressure on, my focus narrowing until the rest of the world disappeared. The arena, Kafka, Mina—everything faded into the background. All that mattered was Kikoru and the way she moved, the way her axe dictated her strategy. She was good, but her weapon was slow and bulky. Every swing required commitment, and once she started a motion, there wasn’t much she could do to alter it. All I had to do was read where she was going to strike and not be there.

It was almost too easy. I weaved in and out of her strikes, dodging, waiting for the moment her fatigue would show. She was starting to realize that no matter how fast or powerful her swings were, I was always two steps ahead. Her frustration began to boil over.

“Would you just stay still?” she yelled, her movements becoming sloppier, more desperate.

Her breathing was heavier now, her stance a little less sure. I could see the fatigue creeping into her features—the way her grip on her axe was tightening as if she could will herself to keep up.

I decided I’d seen enough. “Nanosystem, activate 40%,” I commanded, feeling the suit surge with power. In a burst of speed, I shot forward, my fist aimed directly at Kikoru’s torso, intending to end the fight with one clean hit.

But before I could land the blow, Kafka and Mina intervened, rushing in to stop me, their arms outstretched as they pushed me back. I relaxed my stance immediately, taking a step back as I let the adrenaline ease out of my system.

Kikoru was panting, clearly exhausted, her earlier bravado replaced with confusion and irritation. She looked at me with wide eyes, finally realizing just how outmatched she had been.

I glanced over at Kafka and Mina, who were still standing between us. “Have I shown my capability enough?” I asked, my voice calm as if I hadn’t just nearly knocked Kikoru out in front of them.

Kikoru didn’t respond, still too stunned by the realization that, despite all her training, she’d been completely unprepared for the speed and power I had been holding back.

I left the arena went back home showered and got ready for my date. When I was ready I rode to Minju’s home. I knocked on the door and it opened. I walked inside but was confused when I saw it was not Minju behind it, but a person who looked like she could be her sister.

“You’re not Minju,” I say slowly.

the lady nods and says, “I’m Hyewon”

I nod and say, "Okay Hyewon do you know where Minju is…or is this the wrong address?"

"No, you are in the right place. Minmin is just getting ready for you," Hyewon says cheekily. it was at that point I recognized Hyewon.

"Oh you're Hyewon the actress and from Izone," I said. Heywon smirked as she nodded leaving the foyer/ entrance area. a few moments later Minju arrived in a cute blouse and nice jeans. I smiled and she gave me an annoyed but happy expression,

"You're late," she said exasperated,

I furrowed my brow in mock confusion as I leaned in closer, "Um I recall you said when I was done." I said before kissing her forehead.

Minju short-circuited as she tried to form a reply, "I did but…"

I cut Minju off before she could get going, "Um I don't think so Queen Min. You said when I was done." Minju rolled her eyes and then followed me to my motorcycle where I pulled out the jacket for her and a helmet. She graciously took both as we rode to the pizza parlor she recommended.

The pizza parlor was small, tucked away on a side street with just a handful of tables. It had a cozy charm, with the smell of freshly baked dough and melted cheese filling the air. The place had a laid-back atmosphere, the kind where you could unwind and forget the rest of the world for a while. Minju and I sat in a booth by the window, the late afternoon sun casting soft golden light over the checkered tablecloth.

As we waited for our pizza, I took a sip of my soda and glanced over at her. “So, why’d you stop being a K-pop idol?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation casual even though I’d been curious ever since my deep dive into her career.

Minju leaned back, twirling the straw in her drink. “Well, you know how it is. Idol life is…intense. It was fun, don’t get me wrong, but after a while, I wanted to do something different. Something that wasn’t so scripted.” She smiled softly. “Acting gives me a chance to play different characters and explore different parts of myself. With singing and performing, I always felt like I had to fit into this mold, but acting… lets me be anyone. Plus, I wanted more control over my life. K-pop is all about schedules, rehearsals, and appearances. I just…needed a break from that.”

I nodded, understanding. It wasn’t hard to see how the pressures of idol life could wear someone down. But before I could respond, she leaned in a little closer, her eyes narrowing playfully.

“Okay, your turn,” she said. “What’s been bothering you?”

Caught off guard, I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Minju laughed softly, her smile full of mischief. “I know you better than you know yourself. You’ve been distracted ever since we sat down. Something’s on your mind.”

I was about to deny it, but her confidence threw me off. “Oh yeah? You think you know me that well?” I challenged. “What’s my favorite color then?”

Without missing a beat, Minju grinned. “Teal.”

I blinked. “How did you—?”

“Because you’re obsessed with the northern lights and the sea,” she said, leaning back with a self-satisfied smirk. “Both of which have that teal shade. You're lockscreen has the northern lights and your wallpaper on your phone is a teal ocean. Your case is teal and I am going to assume that .”

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “Alright, you got me.”

Minju’s eyes sparkled. “Your turn.”

I smirked, raising the stakes. “What’s your favorite ice cream?”

Her grin widened. “Ooh, a challenge. Go ahead, I’m waiting.”

I thought back to my impromptu research session, remembering a random tidbit from one of her old interviews. “Chocolate,” I said, watching her reaction.

Minju’s eyebrows shot up, and then a smile spread across her face. “Well, someone did their homework.”

I shrugged, playing it cool. “Maybe a little.”

We shared a laugh, but soon, the playfulness faded as I thought back to what had really been weighing on me. The conversation shifted, and I could feel the atmosphere get a little heavier.

Minju noticed the change. “Okay, spill it. What’s really bothering you?”

I hesitated for a second, unsure of how to put it into words. But Minju’s gaze was steady, reassuring like she could handle whatever I was about to say. “It’s the Kaiju human hybrid process,” I finally admitted. “They’re pushing me to undergo it. To…merge with Kaiju DNA. They say it’s to give me an edge, make me more effective in battle, but…”

She frowned, concern flickering across her face. “But what?”

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. “I’m worried I’ll end up like my friend. He went through it and…well, he’s not the same anymore. He’s a Kaiju supremacist now, convinced humans are inferior. He’s become a terrorist, Minju. I don’t want that to happen to me. I don’t want to lose myself.”

For a moment, Minju was quiet, her eyes searching mine. Then she reached across the table, placing her hand on top of mine. “You won’t,” she said firmly, her voice steady. “You have a good heart. A strong one. I know you. You’d never go down that path.”

I looked at her, trying to let her words sink in, but the fear still lingered. “You don’t know that, Min. That process, it changes people.”

Minju squeezed my hand. “Maybe. But it’s not just about the process. It’s about who you are deep down. And I know you, Dio. You’re not like your friend. You wouldn’t let it control you. You’re too stubborn for that.”

I chuckled softly, though the worry still gnawed at me. “Stubborn, huh?”

“Very,” she teased, but her tone remained soft, her expression sincere. “Listen, you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. And I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

I looked at her, feeling some of the weight lift off my shoulders. “Thanks, Minju.”

She smiled, a soft, reassuring smile that made everything feel a little less daunting. “Now,” she said, leaning back with a smirk, “about that pizza…”

As Minju and I were walking out of the pizza parlor, the night was quiet, almost too quiet. The cool breeze carried the distant hum of the city, and I felt a strange tension settle in my gut. Something was off. I didn’t say anything to Minju, not wanting to spoil the moment, but my instincts were buzzing, and alert.

Then, from the shadows of the alley across the street, I felt it—the heavy, oppressive energy of something far too familiar. The ground trembled beneath our feet. A low growl rumbled through the air, followed by the sound of something massive scraping against concrete.

“Min, get down!” I shouted, grabbing her arm and pulling her behind me just as a Kaiju emerged from the darkness, its grotesque form towering over the buildings. It was huge, with blackened scales and crimson eyes that glowed with malevolent intent.

I’d fought Kaiju before, but this one felt different. More vicious. More intent on destruction. My heart raced as I tried to assess the situation, my mind scrambling for a plan. I activated my nanosuit, but I wasn’t fully equipped for a battle this size. My weapons were back at the base.

The Kaiju roared and lunged toward us, and I prepared to hold it off as best I could, knowing the odds weren’t in our favor.

But before I could react, Minju stepped out from behind me, her expression deadly serious.

“Minju, get back!” I yelled, but she didn’t move. Instead, she looked at the Kaiju with a calmness that didn’t match the situation. I could see something shifting in her eyes, something I’d never noticed before.

In a heartbeat, her body began to change. Her skin shimmered, taking on an otherworldly hue, and her eyes glowed with a fierce light. Her entire form twisted and grew, morphing into something powerful, something that was…part Kaiju.

I froze, stunned as I watched her transform. She was beautiful—her humanoid form still present but adorned with iridescent scales, her hair flowing like molten silver, and her wings, bright and feathered, unfurled from her back. She looked like some kind of mythical creature, equal parts terrifying and awe-inspiring. Like a phoenix, or a garuda. I watched as she approached the creature awestruck and my heart raced.

She glanced at me, her expression uncertain. She expected fear. Terror. Rejection. But all I could do was stare in awe and admiration.

“Minju…” I whispered, but my voice trailed off as I marveled at her. I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t disgusted. I was captivated.

Minju turned to the Kaiju and, with a powerful roar, charged at it. Her speed and strength were staggering. She tore into the creature with a grace and ferocity I’d never seen before, her movements fluid and calculated. It didn’t take long before she overpowered the Kaiju, forcing it to retreat into the shadows, defeated, and whimpering.

Breathing heavily, Minju returned to me, her form slowly reverting back to her human appearance. Her eyes, still glowing faintly, searched my face for a reaction.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice wavering. “I didn’t want you to find out like this. I’m…different.”

I shook my head, still processing what I’d seen. “Huh? What are you talking about? Min, that was incredible.”

She blinked, clearly taken aback. “You’re…you’re not afraid?”

I stepped closer to her, reaching out to gently cup her face. “Afraid? No. Why would I be afraid? You just saved both of us.”

“But I’m not…I’m not fully human, Dio,” she said softly, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “I’m a hybrid. A human Kaiju hybrid.”

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “Okay and like that is going to stop me from liking you? Minju, I don’t care what you are. That doesn’t change anything. If anything, it makes me admire you even more.”

Her gaze softened, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to disappear. There was no Kaiju, no danger—just us.

I slid my hand down to take hers. “Let’s get out of here.”

We made it back to my hotel room, the adrenaline from the attack still thrumming through my veins. Minju was quiet, still processing everything that had happened, and I could sense the weight of her unspoken worries.

I led her to the couch, and we sat down. The silence between us was heavy, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was more like the calm after a storm, a moment to collect ourselves before diving into the next part.

“So when you told me I would be a great human Kaiju hybrid you were speaking from experience,” I said gently, breaking the silence.

Minju laughed and said, "Yes. You would."

I sighed and then smiled. Min smiled back.

"I can see with my job why you wouldn't have told me, and I appreciate finding out, but I'd have liked to know this earlier,"

“I know,” Minju admitted, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her sleeve. “I wanted to. But it’s…complicated. My hybrid nature is something I’ve kept hidden for so long. Only a few people know. I didn’t know how to tell you.”

I nodded, understanding. “I get it. that's fair. However, now since you're my girlfriend you don't have to hide anymore.”

She looked at me, her eyes softening. “You’re really okay with this?”

“Of course, I am.” I reached over, taking her hand in mine again. “You’re still you, Minju. Nothing about that has changed. You're just hotter…literally. Are you a phoenix type?”

She smiled, but I could still see the lingering hesitation in her eyes. “ You are ridiculous…yes, I am a Phoenix type, I just…I didn’t want you to think I was a monster.”

I shook my head, my grip on her hand tightening. “You’re not a monster. You’re strong, and you’re brave. You’re…amazing.”

Minju chuckled softly, finally relaxing a little. “You really are something, you know that?”

I smiled. “better that than nothing.”

She leaned her head against my shoulder, and for a moment, we just sat there, the weight of the day slowly fading away.

“So…what happens now?” she asked after a while.

I thought about it for a moment before replying. “We figure it out. Together.”

Minju tilted her head up to look at me, a small smile playing on her lips. “Together, huh?”

I nodded, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Yeah. Together.”

She sighed, her expression softening. “I’m lucky to have you.”

I smirked. “You’d better believe it.”

Minju laughed, a sound that filled the room with warmth, and in that moment, everything felt a little lighter. A few moments later I said,

"You know my sisters would often tease me that the only girl I'd ever find who would like me would be a Kaiju. This was before we discovered Kaiju human hybrids of course but it is funny how they were right essentially."

Minju laughed at that for 4 minutes. After that, we fell into a comfortable silence, and in that silence Minju's hand found mine.

"your hands are really warm," I say. Minju laughs and says,

"Well I am a firebird," she says before cuddling me close.

Minju rests her head on my chest and she says I love your heartbeat. "it's so peaceful, this loud drum going boom, boom," I laugh as she nestles closer before drifting off to sleep.

The dream started like a memory I’d rather forget—blurry, disjointed. I was back in that lab, the one where everything went wrong. The sterile smell of antiseptic hit me first, followed by the low hum of machines working relentlessly. Arthur was on the cold metal table in front of me, tubes running from his arms and chest, his body already showing signs of the transformation. His muscles twitched, convulsing slightly as the Kaiju DNA fused with his own, patches of scales flickering in and out of existence. It was unsettling, watching someone I considered a brother turning into… something else.

I took a step closer, my heart hammering in my chest, but I couldn’t let him see my fear. He needed me to be strong. I had to be the anchor, the one thing in this madness that he could hold onto.

“Arthur,” I called softly, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re doing great, man. Just hang in there.”

His eyes fluttered open, glowing faintly, and I felt my gut twist. His voice, once so full of life, now sounded strained, weak. “It hurts, Dio… so much.”

“I know.” I forced a smile, gripping his hand, though my own was shaking. “But you’re going to get through this. You’re stronger than anyone I know.”

He winced, his face contorting in pain as another wave of whatever the hell was happening to him hit. His fingers—no, claws—dug into the table, leaving deep scratches. “They said this would make me stronger, but I feel… like a monster.”

“You’re not a monster,” I said, more to convince myself than him. “You’re still Arthur, and we’re going to get through this. Once this is over, you’ll be able to do things we never dreamed of.”

Even as I said it, I saw the doubt in his eyes. The glow in them was changing, shifting into something darker, something I didn’t recognize.

The days blurred together after that, a nightmare on repeat. Arthur’s body transformed further, his skin hardening into scales, his face becoming… alien. His conversations with me became shorter, his words laced with bitterness. Every day, he seemed less like the guy I grew up with and more like something else. Something angry.

“I should have never trusted them,” he spat one day, his voice harsh, jagged like broken glass. We were back in the lab, though he was no longer on the table. Now, he towered over me, his form almost fully Kaiju. His eyes—dark, swirling with malice—bore into me. “They don’t care about us, Dio. They just wanted to use me. Turn me into a weapon.”

“That’s not true,” I said, even though I wasn’t sure I believed it anymore. “This was supposed to make you stronger, to protect people.”

He laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. “Protect? Do you really think that’s what this is about? Look at me!” He gestured to himself, muscles rippling under his newly transformed skin. “I’m not a protector—I’m a monster they’ll use until they don’t need me anymore.”

“Arthur, stop,” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. “You’re still you. We can fix this. Don’t let it turn you into something you’re not.”

But his eyes had changed completely. There was no recognition in them anymore. Just anger. “I already am something else. And you—” He pointed a clawed finger at me, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. “You’ll see it too, eventually. They’ll try to change you like they did me. And when that happens, you’ll understand. You’ll see why I hate them.”

The dream shifted, and suddenly we were outside, standing amidst the wreckage of a city destroyed by a Kaiju attack. Arthur was standing on a pile of rubble, his monstrous form towering above me, flames licking the horizon behind him. His face was twisted with rage, his Kaiju eyes burning with resentment.

“They never cared about us, Dio,” his voice echoed through the chaos around us. “And now I’m going to make them pay.”

I tried to reach him, tried to pull him back. “Arthur, this isn’t you. You don’t have to do this. We can still fix this. We can make it right.”

But he was gone. The Arthur I knew had been replaced by something else—something consumed by hate and anger. His transformation was complete, not just in body, but in spirit. He was no longer my friend.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered as I watched him, powerless to stop it. “I couldn’t save you.”

His last words echoed in the dream, haunting me as they always did. “You’ll never be able to save anyone, Dio. Not even yourself.”

And just like that, everything faded to black, leaving me alone with the crushing weight of failure.

I woke up to the sensation of warmth, but not the kind you’d expect from the blankets. No, this was different—alive, almost. When I opened my eyes, I freaked out for a split second, seeing flames wrapping around me, flickering like they were sentient. My heart raced, and for that brief moment, I thought I was about to be consumed by fire. But then my brain caught up with reality. Yesterday’s events came flooding back—Minju, her transformation, her true nature. This wasn’t any ordinary fire. These were her flames.

I relaxed, my panic subsiding as I watched the flames float around us, not wild or dangerous, but gentle and serene. They danced in the air like little night lights, soft orbs of orange, yellow, and red floating along the ceiling of the room. They didn’t burn or release smoke; they just existed, quietly glowing like they belonged here. The sight of it made me smile—a new, beautiful part of Minju I hadn’t yet seen. Another reminder of how extraordinary she was.

I turned my head and saw her beside me, still half-asleep, her face soft in the flickering light. Her hair was a mess, strands falling over her face as she shifted slightly, the movement causing the flames to ripple gently, almost in sync with her. She stirred, slowly sitting up, rubbing her eyes groggily as if she didn’t realize she was surrounded by her own flames.

“What time is it?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep as she clumsily tried to tidy her messy hair.

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand and saw that it was still early, around 5:30 AM. “It’s 5:30,” I whispered back, keeping my voice low as if not to disturb the peaceful moment we were in.

Minju groaned softly, her shoulders slumping as she lazily fixed her hair. “Okay… can we go back to sleep?” she asked, sounding like a little kid who didn’t want to get out of bed for school. There was something so endearing about it, this powerful, hybrid girl being so… human in this moment.

I nodded, smiling at her as I shifted back into the pillows. “Yeah, we can. No rush.”

She sighed in relief, giving up on her hair and snuggling back under the blankets. Her flames responded to her emotions, dimming slightly, and I could feel the warmth they radiated calming me down as well. Minju curled up close to me, resting her head on my shoulder, her breath evening out as sleep pulled her back in. Her fingers lazily intertwined with mine, her soft touch grounding me even more.

I lay there for a while, wide awake, just watching her. The way her flames glowed softly, the rise and fall of her chest as she slept, the way her lips curled into a faint smile even in her dreams. I marveled at how someone like her—a Phoenix-type Kaiju hybrid, capable of unimaginable power—could be so gentle and vulnerable in these quiet moments. And the fact that she trusted me enough to let me see this side of her? It made my heart swell.

As the minutes passed, the flames continued to flicker above us, casting a warm, ethereal light over the room. I couldn’t stop smiling, realizing how lucky I was. How I’d ended up here, next to her, in this strange but perfect moment. I eventually drifted into dreamland again.

In the dream, the vast cosmos stretched out around us, filled with stars, nebulas, and galaxies, but there was something more—something darker, deeper. As I floated in the endless space, I felt a presence behind me, a shadow that moved with me, wrapping around me like a cloak. It wasn’t menacing, but it was powerful, deep like the void between stars.

This darkness, however, wasn’t just empty. It swirled and moved in its own dance, creating shadows that formed intricate patterns, twisting and coiling like a living entity. My body glowed faintly with orbs of black and deep blue, darkness following me as I moved through the cosmos. It contrasted with the surrounding stars, like an eclipse casting shapes across the heavens, a night sky contained within me.

And there, floating in the midst of it all, was Minju.

Her flames were back, but this time, they burned brighter, more vivid, like they were responding to the presence of my darkness. Small orbs of fire—orange, red, and yellow—swirled around her, rising and falling in a rhythm that matched the beat of the universe. She radiated warmth and light as if she had pulled the very essence of the stars into herself, her movements fluid and graceful. Her eyes sparkled like galaxies, full of understanding, full of wonder.

As she danced through the stars, her flames reached out toward me. And without a word, I extended my hand, my own darkness following. The moment our hands touched, the cosmos reacted. My orbs of darkness swirled around her flames, twining together in an elegant, mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.

Shapes formed between us—stars born from the clash of fire and darkness, colors erupting where our energies met. Our flames and shadows combined, creating something entirely new, a swirling mix of hues that shifted between deep blacks, purples, and vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. It was as if we were creating galaxies of our own with every step we took, each swirl of our hands causing new nebulas to form and dissolve.

The dance we shared now felt different, more intense, a balance of opposites. As Minju spun and moved, her flames flickered and danced alongside my shadows. They twisted together, merging and separating, forming beautiful, intricate designs in the cosmos. Sometimes the darkness would wrap around her flames, dimming them, only for her fire to burst through, illuminating the void. Other times, my orbs would dance alongside her flames, weaving together to create new patterns, each one unique and fleeting, a creation of beauty that only existed at that moment.

As we moved, I felt the darkness pull at me, but not in a way that frightened me. It felt like an extension of myself, like something I’d always known but had only just begun to understand. Minju’s light balanced it, her flames pushing back against the void, and together, we created something neither of us could do on our own.

Our dance brought us closer and closer, the distance between us shrinking as the cosmos around us responded to our combined energies. The swirling lights and shadows formed a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors, like fireworks made of stars and galaxies, painting the universe with our movements.

When we finally stopped, we were so close I could feel her warmth, her flames flickering gently, wrapping around us both, dancing with my shadows. Her eyes met mine, and there was no fear, no hesitation, just understanding.

The orbs of darkness that surrounded me, which had once felt so isolating, now intertwined with her light in a perfect balance. My darkness no longer stood apart from her flames, but merged with them, creating something beautiful and powerful.

As we stood there, our faces mere inches apart, the universe seemed to be still. Her flames burned softly against my skin, and my shadows wrapped around her like a protective veil. I leaned in, and she did the same, the galaxies around us swirling in anticipation. Our lips drew closer, and closer, the fire and shadow blending in a way that was so perfect, it felt like the entire cosmos was holding its breath.

But just as our lips were about to meet, the dream began to fade. The stars, the galaxies, the nebulas—they all slowly dissolved into the darkness, pulling me away from her. The swirling flames and shadows that had danced around us melted back into the void, the colors and shapes vanishing as if they had never been.

I reached out, trying to hold onto the moment, onto her, but it slipped through my fingers like smoke, leaving only the lingering warmth of her flames and the quiet comfort of the darkness. And then, I woke up. For real this time. I blinked a couple of times as I looked around for Minju until I heard the shower start and guessed where she could be. At that moment my mind gave me a small spark of an idea to join her followed by an image of her nude in my mind. I felt myself hardening at the thought and almost did but I chose not to at least for now. I got up stretched and played my switch to wait for her. When she came out she was wrapped in only a towel and I found myself salivating over her. Her long legs seemed so perfect so inviting.

“Do you like what you see?” She teased, which snapped me out of my trance. I nodded slowly and Minju said, “Well then maybe I’ll let you see more tonight at my place.” I smiled and she quickly qualified that statement,

“If you aren’t late. I expect you at my place at 7:00 tonight.

I nodded and replied “Well I’m just going sightseeing tonight. You’re welcome to join me if you don’t have work,”

“…hmm that sounds like fun. Sure. I am taking a two-week vacation since I was able to hire a new person at my bar so I don’t have to be there 24/7.” She answered

I nodded and quickly got ready after that we were off. The sky was a crisp blue, the autumn air light as Minju and I strolled through the streets of Seoul. The city buzzed with life around us, but somehow, it felt like it was just the two of us. Minju had insisted on this date—a day of exploring the city, seeing the sights, and, according to her, “having some fun for once.” I had my reservations, but I wasn’t going to say no to her. I originally was just going to ride my motorcycle around the cities going from tourist trap to tourist trap but Minju said this would be more “intimate and fun”

We started at Namsan Tower, the towering structure looming above us as we took the cable car up. Minju was practically glowing with excitement, leaning over the railing to get a better view of the city below. I gripped firmly onto the side railing as my nerves worsened the higher we got.

“Look at that!” she exclaimed, pointing out landmarks, her eyes bright with wonder. I just nodded, content to watch her as she took it all in.

“You don’t seem that impressed,” she teased, nudging me as the cable car rocked gently.

I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “I’ve seen tall buildings before.”

She rolled her eyes, not buying it for a second. “You’re such a liar. I know you’re enjoying this.”

“Am I?” I raised an eyebrow, but the small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth betrayed me.

Minju then noticed my white knuckle grip and said, “Wait are you okay Dio,”

“Just a fear of falling from large heights,” I responded. Minju smiled and said,

“Why don’t you know I’ll catch you,” I looked at her and she just smiled and my heart hurtled at that moment. After that, I was able to relax my grip a bit.

Minju grinned, stepping closer to me in the confined space of the car. Her presence was warm, a quiet reassurance that I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. I felt her arm brush against mine, and for a moment, I let myself relax into it. She slowly and deliberately wormed her hands into mine and had my arms wrapped around her.

“You feel so cool like a nice ice-cold soju hot day,” she said as she tightened my grip around her.

Once we reached the top, we wandered through the observation deck, Minju dragging me to the love-locks area. She handed me a lock and a marker, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Go on,” she urged. “We should put one up.”

I stared at the lock, my hand suddenly feeling heavier. “You want us to do this?”

“Why not?” She tilted her head, her soft smile melting away my hesitation. “It’s a nice way to mark this moment, don’t you think?”

I couldn’t argue with that. I scrawled something quickly and handed it to her. Minju took one look and burst out laughing. “Really? ‘Dio was here’?”

“Hey, it’s to the point.” I grinned, but inside, something shifted. This was more than just a lock. It was a piece of me—something I didn’t realize I wanted to give.

Minju smiled at me and said, “Say something that truly comes from the heart, not just some declaration of presence,” despite her smile, her presence insisted she was serious so I wiped off the lock and wrote something else. I looked at Minju and remembered my last couple of dreams about her so I wrote, “Deep in the water it’s just you and me,”

I showed Minju and she blushed as she showed me hers it read, “In all of the cosmos I chose you and you chose me,”

I laughed and said, there are you happy?” Minju nodded before using her flames to discreetly etch our messages in the locks together. I smiled watching her be so focused on her work.

We locked it to the fence, side by side with thousands of others, a quiet symbol of something deeper I couldn’t quite name yet. But Minju seemed to know, even if I didn’t. She didn’t say anything, but the way she looked at me, the way her eyes softened, told me she understood.

As we left the tower, she looped her arm through mine, guiding me through the winding streets of Insadong, pointing out little shops, and stopping occasionally to show me something that caught her eye. Her laughter was light, her energy infectious. It felt like every wall I’d built up, every layer of distance I’d kept between myself and others, was slowly being chipped away with each step.

When we reached a small park by the river, Minju sat down on one of the benches, pulling me down beside her. The sun was setting now, casting a warm orange glow over the city. I felt her lean into me, her head resting against my shoulder.

“You’re awfully quiet today,” she said softly.

I shrugged, trying to play it off. “Just taking it all in.”

She didn’t buy it. “Come on, Dio. I know you better than that.” Her voice was gentle, with no accusation in it, just understanding. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

I hesitated, staring out at the water. “You really want to know?”

“Always.” She shifted slightly to look up at me, her eyes full of something I couldn’t quite place—trust, maybe. Or something deeper.

I sighed. “Well minus the constant stream of plans and ideas I tune out. It’s just… I’m not used to this. Being with someone like this. Letting someone in.”

I hesitated for a moment before saying, “You are radiant. I mean that both literally and figuratively. I am not the most likable even at the best of times so you being so close to me is odd, to say the least,”

Minju smiled softly. “I know. But I’m patient. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected, and for the first time in a long while, I felt my guard completely drop. I turned to face her, and in that moment, it was like everything else faded away—the noise of the city, the hum of people around us. All that mattered was her.

“You make it sound so easy,” I murmured.

“It’s not,” she admitted, her hand reaching up to gently cup my cheek. “But I believe it’s worth it.”

I felt my heart clench in a way that both scared and exhilarated me. She wasn’t just someone I was dating. She was someone who saw through every wall, every defense, and still chose to stay.

Without thinking, I leaned in, pressing my forehead against hers. “You’re giving me your heart, aren’t you?”

“I already have,” she whispered, her breath warm against my lips.

At that moment, I knew I had already given mine to her too. Every defense, every hesitation, crumbled under the weight of what I felt for her.

“Well,” I whispered, brushing a thumb over her cheek, “you have mine too.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she smiled, leaning in to press her lips to mine in a soft, tender kiss that felt like a promise. A promise of something bigger than either of us could have predicted.

As we pulled apart, Minju rested her head back on my shoulder, her hand entwined with mine. The sun had fully set, leaving the sky painted in hues of pink and purple.

“You know,” she said after a moment, her voice playful again, “I was starting to wonder how long it would take for you to realize you’re completely in love with me.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Yeah, yeah. Rub it in.”

She grinned, squeezing my hand. “I’m just saying, it’s about time.”

And with that, we sat in the quiet comfort of each other, the city lights twinkling around us, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I knew I wasn’t alone.

We arrived back at Minju’s place and as we crossed the threshold into her apartment and the door closed: she pounced on me. She grabbed my shoulders and I felt her transform. Her smile was as sweet as ever and I felt at peace in her arms. She brought me in close for a kiss and reciprocated.

It was innocent at first I swear but then I felt her tongue in my mouth and that’s when things get hazy. I let her tounge explore my mouth for a few minutes before returning the kiss with even more fire .(metaphorically of course cause you know Minju’s a firebird herself) our tongues clash for dominance as we try to get over on each other.

I noticed Minju’s kisses tastes like cinnamon and when we break the kiss I see the mutual love and admiration in her eyes that I felt for her. I plunge in back to another kiss with her before ripping her blouse open. She frowns and says, “that was one of my favorites?”

Caught in a haze I say, “I’ll buy you a new one. right now I you all of you,” Minju smirked then said

“Such a greedy needy boy,” her teasing only spiked my adrenaline more as I furiously yank her jeans and boots off leaving her in her bra and panties. We both stare into each other’s eyes panting as the heat simmers between us. She guides me to her bedroom and I tumble into the mattress with her. She brings me in for another kiss as this happens she wraps her legs around my waist bringing me in as close as possible. I feel her “talons” dig into my shoulders and she tears into my flesh but the pain surprisingly doesn’t come. Her touch is warm and only inviting. We break the kiss and she stares at me with a wild fire in her eyes.

“Get naked right now,” she demanded and I complied. Minju’s eyes hungrily tracked my eye my crotch until I was unclothed. She smiled when she saw my manhood.

“Oh you’re so hard for me.” She teases as she crawls at me. Her eyes glow orange as she approaches her wings furl and unfurl. When she closes in on me all I can do is salivate over her body her wide hips, her long legs, her petite breasts and her pretty face that always draws me in. She lowers me to between her legs. I dive in without any instruction as lap at her pussy. She tastes sweet and spicy as I carefully lick and inhale her scent. She pushes me into her welcoming cunt as I devour her,

“Oh fuck keep going,” I do as probe her walls deeper and deeper until I decide to take a little nibble of her clit.

Minju moans melodically as she lifts my face to her. She smiles at me as her hybrid from becomes more apparent.

“Keep going,” she says before lowering me back to her pussy. I continue to eat her out with the rapacious abandon.

Minju groans before she says, “oh you greedy needy naughty boy” as I go deeper and she gets closer I firmly grab her ass, which was pillowy soft. As I knead her ass she encourages me to eat her out more. At this point she had wrapped her thighs around me and was drowning me in her juices but I was so pussy drunk I didn’t care I could only want more, and more is what i got as I dove into until she couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed me from her pussy as she came violent squirting and squirming as her body was seized by tremors of pleasure I was still dazed as I watched. A million things and nothing raced through my mind. Minju panted as she came down from her high. A thick layer of sweat covered her pale body causing her to shine just a little bit brighter than normal. When her breathing returned to normal, She stared at me with an even hungrier look. She grabbed me and said, “You're fucking mine,”

A few days later Minju and I were caught fully in the throes of our whirlwind romance heading on all these cute little dates and just being stupid in love. I was at peace with her and found myself doing anything and everything I could for her. I guess nickname Queen Min was correct after all.

Minju and I were walking back from one of our dates, the warmth of the evening lingering in the air. Seoul’s city lights flickered around us, and for once, everything felt right. Minju was laughing at some joke I had made, her arm hooked in mine. Her laughter was like music, light and effortless.

Then, without warning, a shadow passed over us. A chill crawled up my spine, and I instinctively pulled Minju closer.

“You feel that?” I muttered, scanning the area.

Minju frowned, her eyes narrowing as she sensed it too. “Yeah, something’s off—”

Before she could finish, a figure dropped from the sky, like a bolt of lighting landing on top of me with a deafening crash. Dust and static exploded around his feet, and I recognized him instantly: Arthur.

His eyes were wild, glowing with a golden energy that made my blood run cold. He looked nothing like the friend I once knew. He jumped away from me and elegantly landed in front of me. I got up and felt my broken arm

“Arthur?” I took a step forward, confused. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Arthur didn’t respond at first, his gaze locked on Minju. He smiled—a twisted, malicious grin that made my stomach turn. “I always thought you were weak, Dio. Immature and too naive to see what was in front of you.” He made a move to Minju I kicked and he flew back disoriented.

“That really hurt,” he yelled angrily. I shrugged still holding my broken arm. Arthur laughed as he spoke again

“You always were too soft, Dio. Too trusting. But I knew you’d lead me to her.”

I looked at him even more confused before he grabbed me and slammed me to ground. I heard a few ribs crack in the process.

In a split second, he lunged forward, faster than I could react. I barely managed to push Minju out of the way before his fist collided with my chest, sending me crashing into a nearby building. The impact knocked the air from my lungs, and I coughed, trying to get back on my feet.

“Minju, run!” I shouted, struggling to stand.

But before she could move, Arthur was on her. His hand wrapped around her throat, lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing. Minju tried to fight back, flames flickering at her fingertips, but Arthur’s grip tightened, cutting off her powers.

“Let her go!” I roared, charging at him. But Arthur was faster—he slammed me into the pavement with a single blow. The pain was blinding, my vision blurring as I watched him drag Minju away.

“You don’t deserve a specimen this fine she’s mine now, Dio,” Arthur taunted. “And you’re too weak to stop me.”

I tried to get up, but my body refused to move. The last thing I saw before losing consciousness was Minju’s terrified face as Arthur disappeared into the night.

I came to a few days later in a sterile hospital room. I was back in America and judging from the looks of things in an ATFF Facility. I was rigged to several machines and tubes. As my recollection came back about what happened my anger began to burn and my heart rate spiked. A nurse ran in and noticed I was awake. She smiled and said

“Welcome back to the land of the living Dionacho when we found you, you were almost dead, but you fought through and are going to make a full recovery.”

I turned to the nurse and whispered into her ear.

“Where is Dr Kwon?” She gave me a worried look before fetching him. A few minutes later Dr. Kwon walked in, my anger barely contaminated as I watched the scientist who had once been my ally. Dr. Kwon looked up from his clipboard , his eyes widening in shock at the sight of me.

“Dio,” he began, “you shouldn’t—”

“Do it,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “Now.”

He hesitated, eyes flickering with uncertainty. “You know what this means, don’t you? If you undergo this transformation, there’s no going back. You’ll be bound to the Kaiju energy. Just like Arthur.”

“I don’t care.” My voice was hard, my resolve unshakable. “He has my girl. I have to kill him.” The room was silent on my declaration. Dr Kwon looked at me and I knew all he saw was hate and vitriol.

Dr. Kwon’s face tightened, but he nodded. “Very well. We will begin later today. Nurse please prep the patient I fear this is going to be an unpleasant experience for all involved.”

The procedure room was sterile, its walls lined with machines that hummed with an ominous energy. I lay down on the table, staring up at the ceiling as the restraints clicked into place. My heart pounded in my chest, but I didn’t flinch. I had to do this—for her.

As the machine whirred to life, I felt a cold surge of fear, but I buried it beneath my determination. The injection came first—a burning sensation that spread through my veins, followed by a pressure so intense I thought my body might tear itself apart. My vision blurred, colors and shapes distorted as the transformation took hold. As the pain grew more intense pain turned into tickles as my nerves burned out and reconstructed. This caused me to laugh uncontrollably. I watched as the doctors and nurses stared at me with concern.

Darkness swirled around me, a gravitational pull I couldn’t resist. It was like sinking into a black void, a force pulling at every fiber of my being, reshaping me from the inside out. My muscles twisted, my bones felt like they were cracking under the strain, and yet—I felt stronger.

I could feel the gravity, the pull of it coursing through me. It was overwhelming, yet I embraced it. The darkness didn’t scare me anymore. It was mine to command.

Finally, the pain subsided, and I opened my eyes. The restraints were gone, and I stood, feeling the raw power coursing through me. My hands glowed with a dark energy, shadows swirling around them. I stood up and began walking around looking for my clothes which I found a simple beige sweater, black jeans, and boots. I changed out of the hospital gown.

Dr. Kwon watched me, his expression unreadable. “It’s done,” he said quietly.

I nodded, clenching my fists. “Where’s Arthur?”

“We don’t know—” the doctor stammered.

“I don’t care,” I growled, cutting him off. “I’ll handle it.”

I knew where Arthur would be, A place he called “the titan’s nest I walked past a mirror and noticed dark leathery wings sprouted from my back. The Doctor approached and said,

“They should be retractable but I’m not sure.

“Don’t care,” I said as I gave them a few explanatory flaps to test them.

“This will do,” I responded as the lift was incredible. On the way out of the facility i grabbed a sword and flew off to find Arthur.

When I arrived, the area was dark, the air thick with tension. I could feel Arthur’s presence before I saw him, the familiar pull of his Kaiju energy. He was waiting for me.

“Well, well,” Arthur’s voice echoed through the abandoned docks, his figure appearing from the shadows. “I see you’ve made the same mistake I did.”

I didn’t answer, my eyes scanning the area for Minju. She was nearby, I could sense her, but she was hidden from view.

“You think you can save her?” Arthur taunted, stepping forward. “You’re just like me now, Dio. Embrace it.”

I breathe a heavy sigh before saying, “With respect to our friendship I’m going to give you one chance to let me take Minju and go back home with her,”

“And miss this golden opportunity to face you and prove who’s the strongest? Never!”

The darkness around me responded to my anger, swirling in a chaotic dance of shadows and energy. I wasn’t like him. I’d made this choice for her, not for power, not for revenge.

“Your funeral,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.

Arthur smirked, his body shifting, the Kaiju form overtaking him. “Let’s see if you can stop me.” I sigh lift three large rocks and use the darkness swirling around me to make 4 more blades. Arthur looked at me and laughed,

"God you're edgy,"

My wings flap angrily and my eyes narrow and I reply, "That's rich coming from the ashen-gray lighting dragon man," He laughs and launches a bolt of lighting at me that seems to move in slow motion. I slap it away, and he gives me a worried look. I open my backhand and use the darkness to pull him towards me. He looks at me terrified before shooting out more bolts of lighting. I slash away two and crush one in my hand. When I open my hand again I have Arthur gripped by the collar in my arms. He stares into my eyes. I look into his and see terror. I slam him into the ground and then throw him into the air before throwing him back to the ground.

Arthur, trying to get away, uses an emp field to blind me. I sigh as he resets our positions. I begin my approach. He tries to run away, but I use my darkness to keep him locked in a specific range near me.

I laugh as I watch him try to escape,"you wanna run away scared now?" I ask and Arthur tenses before turning to face me. He takes out a high-frequency blade and our weapons clash. I parry two attacks then land one on his chest. he tries to flee but I grab his leg and slam him behind me.

"Where is Minju?" I ask coldly as I close in on Arthur. Arthur looks at me in terror.

"What did they do to you?" He asks his eyes paint his terror as I close in. I laugh before using my darkness, and gravity wells to keep him there.

I shake my head, "No they didn't do this I was always like this. The ATFF didn't change me. You did. We were supposed to be heroes and help people with this power; not fight each other, but your cowardice fucked that to hell. So here were are stuck in combat against each other"

"They made me a monster." Arthur.

"No, they made you a bitch. Or more accurately revealed you were a bitch the whole time." I said as I kicked Arthur in his face knocking him out.

after incapacitating Arthur I went looking for Minju and found her in the next room. she looked at me and as I sauntered out of the shadows Minju smiled.

"I knew you'd come for me." she said smiling.

I laughed and said, "Well you probably didn'y expect this" I said gesturing to the black dragon wings flapping and folding behind me. Minju smiles and says, "I Love it regardless" as she spoke she ran to me and caught me in a hug.

in my mind the dream echoed, "Deep in the water it's just you and me."

#kpop fanfic #fanfic #male reader #izone smut #izone fanfic #izone minju #kim minju #minju smut #Kaiju au

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