#JINWOO

[cyberyam]

Has anyone ever asked for Jinwoo taking reader's vcard:0?

an. sorry about the long wait! i’m just gonna give the teaser :P

Jinwoo, who wanted to make it special, something unforgettable, something worthy of you. He had everything planned out, but you—with your restless desire—made things complicated.

Jinwoo noticed the way you shifted closer when he sat beside you on the bed, trailing fingertips over his wrist, pressing warm, lingering glances and kisses into the curve of his throat. The way you would wear only a low cut tank top and underwear when it was just you two alone. The way you would press against him when you were both cuddling to watch a movie while he was spooning you. You weren’t subtle, and his resolve wasn’t entirely stone.

Jinwoo, who, when you first time you tried to seduce him, almost gave in. The way you whispered his name, your breath featherlight against his ear as your arms snaked around his neck when he came over—it rattled something deep inside him. But he only exhaled slow, jaw tight as he pulled away. “Not yet,” he murmured, though his hands trembled when they left your waist.

Jinwoo had everything planned. A getaway—weeks in the making—at a hotel with silk sheets and a skyline view, a place where he could take his time with you, where he could make sure it was perfect. But it was still two weeks away, and you weren’t making this easy.

Jinwoo, who felt his whole were shatter the moment you muttered, “It feels like you don’t even want to touch me,” after he gently pushed you off one lazy Saturday. The words that left you were quiet, small, and something inside him twisted when your voice cracked. He barely remembered moving—just the sudden heat of you beneath him, the way your breath hitched as he pushed you down onto the bed.

“I don’t want to touch you?” He asked after planting a long, lingering kiss on your lips. “All I want to do is touch you.”

Jinwoo, who gently caressed your face as his lips found yours again, this time rougher, more urgent. “I wanted to wait,” he rasped between kisses, voice thick with restraint, untangling into something desperate and raw. “But you’re making it so damn hard.” His hand tangled in your hair, his weight pressing you into the mattress.

“Every time you wear those damn short shorts,” he peppered a kisses on your cheek. “Every time you rub yourself against me while we’re cuddling,” more kisses followed, this time along your collarbone. “Every time you look at me, with that—that look,” he now brought himself higher, his gentle lips leaving your skin and now brushing against your ear. “It makes me want to do a whole lot more than just touch you.” His breath was hot, making your body shiver.

“Then why are you making me wait? You know I want this.” Your voice was meek, too shy to look into his eyes that you could now feel were staring down at you.

Jinwoo, who felt immense guilt rising in his stomach, removed himself off of you and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “I booked a hotel—two weeks from now. I wanted to surprise you.” A pause, he ran his hands over his face with a groan. “I wanted to make your first time special, but I just ended up hurting you instead.”

“No!” You yelped, moving to kneel behind him so you could wrap your arms around his waist, your forehead pressed against his broad back—feeling the rise and fall of his breath.

“I-I didn’t know!” You felt his body shudder as he let out a weak laugh.

“That’s the point of a surprise.”

You both stayed quiet for a moment, before you finally spoke up.

“Jinwoo, if it’s with you—of course it will already be special,” you felt the his body steady, as if he were holding his breath.

“It doesn’t need to be in a hotel, it doesn’t even have to be—be on a—a bed made of roses and chocolates!” You struggled to find the words, but you felt him laugh under your right grip.

“I can’t promise that the bed will be made out of roses and chocolates,” he mused. His voice was gentle.

“You know what I mean!” You playfully slapped his shoulder. “I just want you. That’s all.”

He turned around to meet your eyes, your grip around his waist loosening as he placed a large hand on your thigh, caressing it slowly.

“Are you sure you’re ready? That that is really what you want?” His voice laced with concern.

“Yes,” you smiled, leaning in to plant a kiss on his lips.

“Plus, we can treat this as the pre-act—and try… Different… Things�� At the hotel. That is, if you’re up for it.” Your last words came out quiet, shy to admit your thoughts.

To this, he raised an eyebrow, a devilish smile painting his lips.

“Different things? Really, now?”

“Really.”

He bit his bottom lip, contemplating your words, his gaze darkening as he leaned into you.

“Then trust me me, darling. You won’t be disappointed,” he mumbled against your lips as he gently pushed you back down onto the mattress.

Jinwoo, who then kept his word and ensured you were, in fact, far from disappointed.

© cyberyam

[sulkingheichou012]

Into the Dungeon with You

Pairing: Jinwoo x Reader

Genre: RomCom, Action, Future Smut

Warning: Description of violence and profanity.

Summary: Jinwoo frowned as a new system notification appeared before him.

[Special Reward Successfully Claimed.]

Author's note: I'm happy that some of you are enjoying my silly work! Yes, if you're asking to be tagged—sure! 😊

<< Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Jinwoo took a step forward. The battered boss, still recovering from Y/N’ unexpected punch, growled low in its throat. But it was slow now. Sloppy. The perfect opening.

Jinwoo took charge again, moving with new focus. His shadows rallied under the boost from Y/N. Bellion sliced through the boss monster’s legs. Beru tore into its throat. Tank pounced, pinning it down, while Tusk finished with a barrage of spells.

With a swift motion, Jinwoo’s dagger cut through the air. “Perish”

Finally, the boss monster collapsed, shuddering, and dissolved into shadows.

The dungeon was silent.

Except for Y/N, still staring at her fist.

Jinwoo exhaled and turned his attention to the System Notifications floating in front of him. His eyes flicked from one glowing window to another, carefully analyzing the data.

⟪ SPECIAL REWARD UNLOCKED: Y/N ⟫ ⟪ ABILITY REVIEW - Shadow Resonance: Ability to amplify and evolve the Shadow Monarch's summoned forces through emotional command. Buffs and evolution can be triggered without direct contact.

(Current Trigger: Emotional intensity and focused attention on the shadow in question.) ⟫

⟪ ABILITY REVIEW - Combat Synchronization: Temporarily synchronizes the user’s entire physical, magical, and combat instincts with the Shadow Monarch. Grants access to abilities, combat reflexes, and stats at the Monarch’s current level.

(Current Trigger: Triggered by protective instincts or threat response. Control can be mastered over time.) ⟫

⟪ ABILITY REVIEW - Shadow Manifestation: Can manifest the will and combat essence of fallen warriors not yet turned into shadows. Summons display peak strength and combat mastery.

(Current Trigger: Pending… Skill locked.) ⟫

Jinwoo sighed, a smirk tugging at his lips. “She really is something.”

He remembered when he first claimed her as a reward, standing in that cave wondering if the system had scammed him. A clueless woman in shorts and a loose shirt was not what he expected from a ‘special reward’.

And yet— Now, here she was. Upgrading his army, punching monsters through dungeon walls, and accidentally unlocking skills he hadn’t even dreamed of.

Jinwoo shook his head, amused. “System, you sneaky bastard.”

Y/N, still marveling at the size of Beru’s claws nearby, was startled when Jinwoo called her over. “Y/N.” “Huh? Yes, boss—I mean, Jinwoo?” She scrambled over, wiping imaginary dust off her hands. “Sit.” He gestured to a rock. She plopped down without argument.

Jinwoo crossed his arms, staring at her like a teacher about to explain quantum physics to a student who just learned basic math.

Jinwoo pointed at Igris, who stood tall nearby, his newly upgraded form gleaming in the dim dungeon light. “When you cheered for Igris earlier, you evolved him. Made him stronger without touching him.” Y/N’ mouth fell open. “I did that?” Jinwoo nodded. “You also knocked out a high-tier monster back when we first met.” Her expression shifted from awe to disbelief. Y/N looked at her hands like they had secret nuclear codes embedded in the fingertips. “Oh my god…” “Yeah, I panicked!” she huffed, crossing her arms. “Exactly. That panic triggered Combat Synchronization.”

Y/N squinted. “So… if I get scared, I become strong?” Jinwoo shrugged. “Fear, instinct, emotions—maybe at will, it’s complicated. But yes, you sync with me. My stats become your stats.” Y/N sat there for a moment, then broke into a slow grin. Jinwoo laughed quietly under his breath. “I almost thought you were a scam.” “HEY!” Y/N smacked his arm. “But now,” he continued, smirking at her outrage, “you’re one of the best things to happen to my army.”

Y/N glowed at the praise but tried to play it cool. “Oh, you know… I aim to please.” Jinwoo stood, offering his hand to her. “Come on. Let’s see how much more we can unlock.” Y/N grabbed his hand, standing up with a grin. “Let’s go, boss!” Jinwoo raised an eyebrow. “You’re not getting paid.” She shrugged. “Fine, but I want snacks after this.” “Deal.”

Y/N wasn’t done. “And if I synchronize with you, I can totally copy your cool moves, right? I can, like, do those shadow teleports, and the dagger flips, and maybe even the brooding stare!” She immediately attempted the brooding stare. It looked more like she needed to sneeze.

Jinwoo watched in silence.

After clearing the dungeon, Jinwoo finally called it a day. Y/N was still buzzing with energy, practically skipping beside him as they exited the gate.

She was mid-ramble, waving her arms around. “—wait! Did you see me ran so fast to punch that terrifying boss? Olympic level! I deserve a medal! Or, like, I dunno, at least a chocolate bar.”

Jinwoo glanced sideways at her. “…Ice cream.”

Y/N froze mid-step. “What?”

He kept walking. “You want ice cream?” “Are you serious?!” She practically tripped over her own feet catching up to him. “Sung Jinwoo… is treating me… to ice cream?!”

Jinwoo’s expression didn’t change, but he tilted his head in that subtle way. “You’ve been… less useless today,” he said flatly. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She clutched her chest dramatically.

They found a small street vendor not far from the raid site. Jinwoo handed over some cash without much thought, and the vendor—clearly recognizing him—stared in awe as Korea’s strongest hunter bought two cones like it was totally normal.

Y/N picked the most colorful one. Rainbow sprinkles. Chocolate chips. Something that sparkled. Jinwoo took plain vanilla. Classic.

She looked at his cone, then hers. “Boring choice for a Monarch of Shadows.” Jinwoo raised an eyebrow. “I don’t need sprinkles to be strong.”

Y/N grinned and bumped her cone gently against his like a toast. “To surviving another day!” “…To surviving,” he agreed, taking a slow bite like it was a combat exercise.

That night, Jinwoo finally allowed himself some rest.

For once, Y/N wasn’t bribing his shadows to evolve in exchange for favors. Definitely not. Especially not Igris—he already evolved! No, Y/N was more like… collecting debts. And right now, she was cashing in by ordering Igris to sit still while she braided his hair antenna and tied a cute little ribbon at the end.

Jinwoo let out an exhausted sighed and went to his room.

He closed his eyes.

And he dreamed.

He stood in a vast, endless space of darkness. Not his shadow world—something older. Colder. He recognized it. The place where Ashborn once reigned. Where he had spoken to Jinwoo for the first time.

And there, ahead of him… Ashborn stood.

But this time, Jinwoo wasn’t alone. A figure appeared next to him. Small compared to the massive shadow monarch… but standing without fear. Y/N.

She was staring straight at Ashborn. And Ashborn… Ashborn was nodding at her. Like he had chosen her. Like he was pleased.

A voice echoed in Jinwoo’s head.

“The successor… must not stand alone.” “The monarch must have an anchor.” “She is the anchor.”

And then Jinwoo’s shadows appeared around them—an endless army—but they weren’t looking at Jinwoo.

They bowed to Y/N.

Jinwoo sat bolt upright in bed. He was sweating. He checked his system. Nothing. Checked his shadows. Still there. But there was… something.

He summoned Bellion.

Bellion appeared, kneeling immediately. “My Liege.”

“What did you find?” Jinwoo asked. His voice was tight. Bellion lowered his head. “The reward… the woman. She was chosen by Ashborn.” “…What?” Jinwoo’s pulse pounded in his ears. “Before his fall, our king chose her. As a safeguard. In case his successor failed… or stood alone.”

Jinwoo exhaled slowly, piecing it together. Ashborn had made preparations beyond just him.

Bellion’s next words were heavier still. “She holds potential not even you have yet unlocked. But she is… untrained. Untested.”

Jinwoo rubbed his face. Great. Perfect. His “special reward” wasn’t just a clueless fangirl —she was a living contingency plan. A wild card. And she had zero idea about it.

He found her in the kitchen the next morning. She was pouring cereal into a bowl, casually humming the Attack on Titan theme under her breath. But then—she couldn’t hold it back anymore. The hype hit her like a titan charging the wall. She dropped her spoon with a dramatic clatter, slammed her fist over her chest in a perfect Scout Regiment salute, and shouted at full volume, “Sasageyo! Sasageyo! Shinzou wo sasageyo!”

Jinwoo stared at her for a long moment. This was the person Ashborn had chosen. This was his… anchor?

Y/N looked up. “Morning! Want cereal?”

Jinwoo kept staring. Y/N tilted her head. “Uh… you okay?”

He finally sighed and turned away. “Fine. Cereal.”

She smiled brightly and handed him a bowl like they were two roommates, not a Monarch and a supposed cosmic contingency plan.

She doesn’t know. She has no idea. She thinks this is just some adventure or dream or… something. Ashborn picked her. As a safeguard. A partner? And she’s over there dunking Choco Pebbles into milk like it’s the best thing in the world.

Jinwoo ate his cereal in silence.

Beru materialized in the shadows behind him. “My Liege. Shall we inform the young lady of her destiny?”

Jinwoo took a long bite of cereal. Chewed. Swallowed. “No.”

Beru tilted his head.

“Not yet,” Jinwoo added. “She’s not ready. And neither am I.”

Chapter 7 >>

Tag requests: @kisssleeping; @catsf0rlife707; @aorifukuzawa; @joannthebish; @ojog404; @tanspostsblog; @snowy-violet

[minh907]

Suho grew up with his father's face but also not the same as his father.

Suho inherited his father's looks and strength, I initially thought Suho was a copy of Jinwoo. But gradually, I realized the difference between the two.

Perhaps because of the ups and downs in life, the many events and changes that have happened along with his past, Jinwoo has become somewhat withdrawn. He has a calm and mature demeanor even when he is in his 20s. He hidden many his feelings.

As for Suho, he was born with all the joy from his parents and shadow soldiers. He lived in the love and protection of everyone around him. That is why he is always enthusiastic and energetic.

I don't think Jinwoo will be winter. I think Jinwoo will be late autumn, the transition between hot and cold, the neutrality.

As for Suho, it will be the bright summer sun of June. His smile is truly radiant.

It's just my thought of the Sung father and Sung son. Tell me what so you think about them please 😙. Does anyone find Suho look like Jinwoo but cuter?

[circeyoru]

Breaking Up 101 = Requested

The Request

[Mafia Boss!Sung Jinwoo x Completely Opposite Lover!Reader - Mafia AU]

Weakness is something that everyone has―even the most powerful, strong, and influential people. For some, a weakness is something to use to threaten another, while others might not even have one to speak of, then there are those that have more than one, maybe a whole list. Who knows. But how does one handle his or her weakness? Protect? Hide? Shelter? Destroy? Ignore? Now, that could create many scenarios and potential outcomes.

Picture the big bad. The worst of the worst. The coldest and cruellest in the neighbourhood. The mightiest and most important in the Underworld. The one person who controls an entire domain of the country with the pure power and might of his strength and fearsome aura. The one person that everyone once disregarded as the weakest and most insignificant when he came from a well-known morally good family and was the heir. The one who rose in power and influence like flipping a switch. The one who was said to be emotionless and bloodthirsty. How would you handle being that big bad’s weakness?

You pouted as you stared at the plushie in the glass box. The claw moved as you directed and descended into the pile to grab something. There, it grabbed onto one of them but quickly dropped it back into the pile within seconds and rolled a bit closer to the exit that would let you claim your prize. If you had powers, you want telekinesis right now so that you wouldn’t have to waste your money. Well, it wasn’t your money per se, but― Hold up…

When your train of thought went back to a familiar pattern, your head snapped to the side that would shame horror actors and actresses. The figure next to you flinched at attention with a twitching smile, already aware of the issue you’ll bring up. Your glare changed its target from the plushies to your supposed guard entertainer. Though there was another name you’ll label, “Mister time-staller,” You gave him an innocent and threatening smile. “Where oh where is your boss, hm?”

“Boss had something to handle urgently…” Beru, the killing machine and menace of the Underworld―infamous assassin that gave the government and officers an early grave when encountered, was reduced to a mere plushie holder. Right at this moment, he was the receiver of your impatient and cute complaint wrath. “Boss said you can do anything while waiting for him to arrive.”

You raised an eyebrow at him; a thought came to mind. “Anything?”

“Anything.” Beru nodded confidently.

“If you say so.” You showed the assassin your open palm, “Give me your phone.”

Elsewhere, in a dark and damp underground basement area, guards in black uniforms all stood at attention, and posh was surrounded all sides of the room. Some of a more diminutive and leaner stature wore a mask that mimicked the mouthpiece of a helmet from a suit of armour―The Knights Family, others with a bigger and buffer build covered their face with an animal or insect-based mask―there were the more noticeable families; The Frost Family and The Skitter Family. Of course, many more families within this powerful mafia weren’t present.

Then, there were the two unique guards among the group. It was debatable to the outsider which one was the ‘Underboss’ or ‘Consigliere’ as each of the three (not two because one was stationed elsewhere, wink, wink) were equally important and essential to the boss. There was the ‘Capo’ of The Knights Family, Igris who was infamous for his use of bladed weaponry and having incredible wisdom and insight to aid in his boss’ ascend for he had been with the boss since the beginning. The strongest candidate for ‘Consigliere’ and the one from a fallen mafia but now follows the new boss under the selection of his former, Bellion who was built like a tank and unrivalled in brute force and power.

Standing on top of such an impressive group of people was the boss, Sung Jinwoo. Like a snake shedding its skin, he was nothing like the former weakling he was. He was the unmoveable boulder that people must bend to and watch out for, not that insignificant pebble on the side of the road. To ensure his family’s safety and survival, he had to turn to the world’s darker side. He was taken in by a fallen mafia boss who was hunted by the others who were once his comrades in arms against the light. He has proven himself challenge after challenge after challenge that he deserved power and status. He will gasp at anything that could save his mother from the hospital. Even being the shadow everyone now fears and shivers at the thought of him.

“I don’t care why you betrayed me. Just tell me where and who you send that information to.” Jinwoo’s eyes bore into the lying figure on the floor under a puddle of his own blood and wheezing softly from the wounds all over his form. From that poor soul’s perspective, the lighting gave Jinwoo’s eyes an ominous purple glow and his shadow appeared neverending. Jinwoo looked like the judge of Hell with his black clothing from head to toe, that handsome appearance that would make men green with envy and ladies melt into the ground was haunting his very core. Or he could be near death and hallucinating Jinwoo’s otherworldly aura.

“...I… I can’t tell… I was framed…” The man breathed out in gasps as if he were underwater, lacking oxygen. “There’s a traitor… in your mafia…”

A dark chuckle shook the man’s core. The man heard that this frightening boss was young compared to the others. He heard that this cruel boss was all brute force and murder with no tact. He heard that this powerful boss lacked experience and was an easy target for rumours and sways. Yet why the moment his near lifeless eyes met with those cold chilling pair staring down at him with disapproval from highup did his instincts telling him every one of those beliefs were just… a lie?

“I… I can’t…” Tears wanted to flow down his eyes in dispair. He was nothing in the grand scheme of things. It was disposable to the ones in power. He didn’t have information of what he was getting himself into nor why he was needed to do it. It was just an order and that’s that. Complete the mission and return to live another day until the next order. Or, fail the mission and face death by whoever will be his judge. 

The other with the same mission and order as him had already suffered their fates. Their bodies scattered all around him, mixing their blood with his, men or women all weren’t met with any form of mercy. Some were cut down like butter with Jinwoo’s trusty daggers, some were devoured by tigers and wolves the mafia trained and kept around, then there were some that died with their heads detached from their bodies for threatening harm upon Jinwoo’s weaknesses. 

“I really… don’t… know…” If he had known something―anything―he could would have given it up for his life was more important to loyalty when he was being thrown away and subjected to such torture. Sung Jinwoo, the boss of the infamous Shadow Mafia, wasn’t human; he was the god of death to everything and everyone that crossed him. “Please…”

Just as Jinwoo was about to speak, a familiar ringtone cut through the silence and everyone stared at Jinwoo’s coat pocket. The man blinked and shifted his dagger from one hand to the other, he fished out his phone and read the caller. There was a brief unnoticeable sigh of relief before he took the call, “I told you, no amount is too big, just continue to stall some more time before I can make it there.”

The silence after Jinwoo’s words made him listen closely to the background sound. There was the loud music from what he recognized as the tune from the arcade you’d frequent to go through the pain of trying to get one plushie or whatever was inside when he could have just brought them all. “Where’s the fun in that?” You once exclaimed in his face and pushed him into the hot seat to get your prize. When the prize did―finally―fall down and you were clinging to his side with a koala from sheer happiness, it was worth all the trouble. But he fixed the scam he noticed while playing, the shop owner had her life flashed before her eyes.

“Beru?” Jinwoo asked. There was no way Beru would be in an arcade alone. Issue was… He couldn’t hear you at all in the background. No usual scolding at the machine or begging the claw to hold onto your prize. Nothing. “Beru, if you do not say anything I’ll―”

“Sung Jinwoo!”

Everyone―and I mean everyone in the room―flinched from the volume. Even the idle guards and the two right-hand men of the boss flinched. As for the guilty man himself? Now only a few people on the planet have the right and authority to call this crazy boss by name, not to mention shout his name in his face so freely. Even without that right, by voice alone, Jinwoo knew who was on the other end.

“Love, why do you have Beru’s phone?” Jinwoo immediately cleared his throat to make his voice gentler and turned his back to the confused dying man on the ground. His other hand played with his dagger as he tried to find ways of calming your anger. “Aren’t you enjoying yourself?” 

“Aren’t you smart to have our meeting place be in an arcade!?” He could imagine the puffed-up cheeks while you scolded him. “I have been playing, no, waiting for 2 hours! Where are you?!”

Jinwoo chuckled at your blunder, as he thought, you couldn’t resist the claw machines. His head turned to the side to eye down at the mess he made. Had he really been taking that long while he kept you waiting? “Love, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”

“No need! We’re done! I’m going home and you never show your face in front of me again!” And the phone was hang up.

Doo… Doo… Doo…

Igris and Bellion looked at each other with wide eyes while the other guards all shivered. Not just because of their boss’ growing murderous aura, but also because of your words. If anyone could save them from their boss’ wrath, it was you. You were basically the unofficial boss since Jinwoo treated you like royalty, you were usually dubbed the Mini-Boss. Anyways, back to the situation at hand, everyone was in for some form of pain.

Within the few seconds of Jinwoo turning around, he threw the dagger at the man and pinned him back into the wall that was a few meters away. It pierced his heart and he was dead on the spot right then and there. Jinwoo turned back to his men, “Right now. Top priority…”

Everyone fell to their knee and bowed their head as they waited for their order.

“Get me everything that my beloved ever wanted.” Jinwoo glared down at them and promised. “Meet me in front of my darling’s place in two, no, one hour. Go!”

With that, everyone scrabbled to get out of the basement and immediately worked to regain your favour. Jinwoo kicked a head into another wall and instantly shattered it into a splat of broken bones and mushy flesh. You were his light, his saving grace, his everything. There was no way he would give you up from just a mere phone call. Even if it were something you wanted and done face-to-face, he still wouldn’t give you up for anything.

He headed to a flower shop as he carefully ordered your favourites and had the staff working much more diligently to make you the most perfect bouquet you’ve ever seen, even better than the previous one he sent you. From the paper’s colour to its pattern, to how the ribbons should be tied, he wrote down carefully on the plate surrounded by flowers ‘I’m sorry’ in cursive. He learned these random and trivia knowledge for you so he would know what was best for you on different occasions. After all, you deserved nothing but the best of the best in his eyes. 

At first, he envied how your life was so bright and light. He envied your freedom and words that proved you were ignorant of the darkest in the world―in human beings like him and his rivals that he crushed. How you effortlessly took him in from the rain after a mini mafia spat. As you said, he looked like a drenched-kicked puppy in the rain when you walk past him. He was just waiting for Beru to pick him up in his car. Though, you amused him and he let you take him back to your home. You gave him hot chocolate like he was a kid and had him dressed in an oversized hoodie and pants you accidentally ordered the wrong size. Then you two were watching a movie together.

You were so defenceless and innocent, you asked no questions and just showed him kindness without asking anything. You did ask him to clean up after himself when he had a mess, and make himself at home, but that was all there was to it. Even when Beru came to pick him up, you assumed he was friends with Jinwoo and immediately had him join the movie night since you were lonely when your friends were all busy with their studies. 

Another meeting and another chance encounter, then you two were dating. When you accidentally found out about his identity as a mafia boss, you hugged the him that was drenched in blood and held daggers in each hands. You cried for his lost childhood and innocence like you were his past self and emotions he locked away. He dropped his weapons and walls for you and hugged you close to his chest. You were a gift in his life. You were his saviour. You were his human self that would have been if he didn’t embrace the darkness.

So no matter what, he can’t give you up.

Jinwoo’s heart beat a million times per second, he felt as if he was a criminal being trialled by a merciless judge. He was the one up on the chopping block. His men were nowhere to be seen, but he couldn’t afford to wait any longer, every second lost was another chance wasted to win you back. His hand hovered over the fingerprint lock on the door, it had yours, his and some of his top men registered, but would he still be able to get in? Have you already removed his print from it to shut him out?

He’ll admit, his line of work was brutal and unpredictable. There were many dates where you waited for him to arrive for hours until he had to cancel altogether and get one of his top three to escort you home. You had been patient with him and this was your breaking point. Perhaps, you didn’t want an unfaithful lover like him, or you had better choices from the people flocking to you like moth to a flame. His hovered hand shook as the thought and reality of you leaving him could be a possibility.

Yet when it all came down to it. He rather you be happy in your life than suffer under the waves of your tears. He couldn’t lock you up and hide you from the world. You deserved to be dancing under the sunlight and singing melodies that enchanted anyone lucky enough to hear. You deserved it all, but he might not deserve your smile and laughter directed at him.

Beep!

The sounds of the lock unlock rang in his ears, his eyes widened in shock and surprise. His muscle memory clicked in place and his hand pushed open the door, his feet gracefully kicked off his shoes and nudged it to the side. He entered the dark apartment and closed the door behind him. He thought you might be in your room, you turned off all lights when you were in your bedroom to save money when he told you many times he would pay for it all cause you would bump into things in the dark. His hand moved to the switch and turn on the lights.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

“Happy birthday!” Voices all bombarded his ears.

His eyes blinked repeatedly until he adjusted his sight to the lighting. His form froze and his eyes stared at the scene before him. The living room was decorated as a party would have, with ribbons all over the place and a banner at the center that said ‘Happy Birthday, Sung Jinwoo’ with a little heart at the end. Then there was his family and you wearing party hats while holding mini confetti cannons, the colourful paper and plastic pieces where all over him and the floor.

“I think brother’s in shock, should I send him to the hospital?” Jinah, his sister, snickered.

“Dear, I don’t think it was that.” His mother sighed, scolding you momentarily, “You gave him a heart attack.”

“But aunt― mother, how else would the dummy even make it over? I waited for hours in the arcade!” You pouted and complained. 

Frankly, you all were still bickering and talking while Jinwoo was trying to wrap his head around what was happening. Birthday? It was his birthday? So you didn’t want to break up with him? Everything was fine? His eyes honed in on you still arguing with his family; the picture was so natural, as if you were part of his family. 

So, was this all planned? For him? To surprise him?

The flowers were abandoned on the floor and his arms caged you, pushing you into his chest as his face buried itself into your shoulder. “Beloved… You scared me…”

“Sorry, sorry.” You laughed as you returned the hug. “I knew you didn’t even remember your birthday when you pushed our last cancelled date to today…” You played with his hair while you eyed Igris and Bellion peeking their heads through the door behind Jinwoo with what you had them buy. “Today should be about you having fun, not working! Come on!” You let go and dragged Jinwoo into the living room to start the party. “Let’s forget you as the big bad mafia boss! Here, you’re just Jinwoo.”

“My lovely son.” His mother smiled at him.

“My stupid but cool big brother.” Jinah popped another confetti cannon in his face.

Before he could give his sister a messy hair makeover, you cupped his cheek and brought his lips to yours, “And my lover and future husband.”

“Wooow!!!”

“Congratulations!!”

Claps and cheers echoed all over.

“What?” Jinwoo was shocked with another surprise.

“Yup!” You cheekily smiled, “You’re not my boyfriend anymore! That’s why we’re breaking up! Hehe! I beat you to the punch!”

Jinwoo snapped his head at his mother and sister for confirmation and their smiles said all he needed, “I wanted to give you the perfect confession though…” His hand cupped the side of your face, his thumb caressed your cheek with a soft touch as if you were made of glass. “A pity, but I’m not going to refuse your bold offer.”

You returned his gentle embrace with your own, even clung to him by the neck so you could have him bend down to your level to give him a kiss on the lips. “You will always only be Sung Jinwoo to me. You’re the only one for me.”

“And you’re the only one that can make my heart race so much.” Jinwoo smiled, his gaze gentle yet possessive, as if he and you were the only two people left in this world. You knew and he knew you knew that he could do anything for you. Even if he had to turn his back against it for your safety or happiness or both, he’d do it in a heartbeat. If you were ever gone from his life, he’d burn the world down. What good was all his power if he couldn’t protect and care for his family and you? “I love you.”

“I love you more.” You breathed, nuzzling into his chest.

“I love you more than you.”

“I love―”

“Okay, stop that cheesy romance thing!” Jinah came between the two of you, more like pulled you away from her brother since she couldn’t even push him to move for one inch when it came to being close to you. “We’re supposed to celebrate your birthday together, not be third wheels and watch a live romance film in the making.”

You blushed while Jinwoo glared at his sister for the interruption. You tugged Jinwoo’s sleeve and he immediately stopped his glaring to give you the puppy dog eyes, “Let’s enjoy the cake I made you.”

“Whatever you say, My Beloved.”

Note: Okay I promise the next one is from one of the ongoing series. I had fun writing this one~ So any comments? Or some banter you guys think would happen between these two? I'm curious.

Oh oh!! Also another trivia I wanted to know if you guys caught on. Do you know which family referred to which group of Shadows?

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

Taglist: @rozuburedo @ariseverdark @skylar896 @o-qi-shisme

[kami-garden]

Solo Leveling S2E06 - Sung Jin-woo

[heyimkana]

Come Home to Me: Part 1 (out of 2)

Pairing: Sung Jinwoo X Female Reader

Genre: Marriage AU, fluff, smut, slight angst

Summary: Jinwoo bids you and his baby daughter goodbye before he goes on another dangerous mission. As his wife, you've grown used to the bittersweet farewell, only this time, you're not sure if he can return safely to you.

Word Count: 5K

Content Warnings: None for this one. Semi-public sex in part 2. Contains minor spoilers and the appearance of Beru, the shadow soldier that he obtained during Jeju Island Raid.

Author's Note: Wrote something fluffy for him since there's already plenty of Daddy!Jinwoo fics out there but none for Papa!Jinwoo 😔

A week. 

Your husband has only been gone for a week, tasting the air of a country that stretched like a vast sea on the other side of the world, wishing every breath and scenery was shared with you. And yet, the suspense of being kept in waiting, clueless to what was happening, was almost too much to bear. You never thought that seven days could stretch like infinity, how every hour passed by so slowly, so agonizingly, as if you had lost your sole purpose in life. Had you realized it sooner, you would’ve begged him not to go, knowing you’d be dreading every passing second, wondering if he was safe, if he was close to death’s door like the last time you let him go to protect Seoul from being transformed into an everlasting iceland. 

“What are you so worried about? You have it so easy. Your husband is untouchable. Try being a D-rank hunter’s wife like me. I’m lucky if he comes home with only a bruise on his face.”

What your neighbor told you was true. You had it easy compared to everyone else. You’re the wife of Korea’s 10th S-Rank Hunter. The Lord of the Undead. The Shadow Monarch. As the sixth nation-level hunter, maybe even a level beyond that, your husband’s strength was nearly immeasurable, far better than anyone else. But to you… He was just Sung Jinwoo. The father of your beautiful baby daughter, a loving husband who refused to believe that he was handsome enough to charm your heart from the very first sight, and an ardent lover who’d be more than willing to sacrifice the world for you, the same one he had vowed to protect with all his power. Jinwoo might be strong, surpassing all humans and beings alike, but even the Gods themselves weren’t invincible. And the thought of him not returning to you, no matter how slim the chance might be, scared you to your bones.

He had made enemies. Powerful enemies. Enemies that didn’t just wish to kill him but to torture. Enemies that were no longer just mindless beasts or demons but ones who bore immense hatred and revenge in their hearts.

With that knowledge in mind, all sorts of thoughts and scenarios raced through your head, all of them ending in worst-case scenarios.

What if Jinwoo doesn’t come home?

And, of course, amidst all that fear, there was loneliness. The kind that lingered every time your fingertips traced over your husband’s belongings in your bedroom. The kind that suffocated you when you caught a whiff of his sweet scent in your pillows. You thought you could handle it. It was only for a week, after all. It was not until later that you realized that it meant you had to miss seven occasions of him surprising you in the morning with a back hug and a tender kiss on your neck. Seven chances of seeing him opening the front door with a bag of sweets to please your daughter, embracing your little one with the sweetest of smiles before he greeted you with an equally sweet peck on the lips. Seven nights of nothing but the deafening silence to keep you company instead of deep, consuming kisses that took your breath away and a hand sliding up your thigh to remind you just who you belonged to.

You thought such a solitary feeling wouldn’t strike you so hard since you had your daughter to keep you company at all times, but it did, harder than lightning. You felt lonely the minute your husband kissed you goodbye. You felt lonely the moment he lovingly caressed your cheek, brushing another kiss, lighter and tender than before, right on your temple. You felt lonely the second his voice rang through your ears to speak his farewell, “Goodbye, baby. I’ll be home as soon as I clear the gate.” 

Soon was not enough. Soon, you realized, was just another word for eternity. Eternity without him. But the world needed him, and you couldn’t be selfish. You shouldn’t.

You hummed quietly in response, carrying your baby in your arms as your heart stood heavy with the fear for his safety. You knew you should’ve hidden it better so your husband could leave with ease. Seeing you worry so much would only make his heart ache more. 

You could tell that he already had his own concerns and doubts to dwell on, gnawing at him from the inside. Jinwoo was just better at hiding everything to himself—the burden he was carrying, the guilt of leaving you behind, the exhaustion of doing endless raids, one gate harder than the last. To tell the truth, he was as torn as you were. Like you, who constantly grew anxious over his well-being, he worried about yours, too, perhaps a million times worse. He was a hunter possessing God-like abilities, but you were just a human, as normal as one could be. The closest way to get to him, to strike him where he’d bleed the most, was through you. You and his sweet baby daughter. It was the reason why Jinwoo had assigned a hundred High Orcs to protect the neighborhood, with another hundred swarming beneath the shadows of your walls. He’d transformed your home into a fortress, and yet, even then, his concern for you remained. But your husband never told you this, and he wished you wouldn’t come to realize it on your own, not wanting you to feel like you were the anchor that slowed him down, a weight that would drown him deep into the void. 

You should’ve done the same. As his wife, the least you could do was put up a strong face, convince him that everything would be fine, that he’d return home safely, and that you’d be there waiting for him to welcome him with the warmth of your lips meeting his own. You could’ve offered him the peace he secretly sought after, and most of the time, you did a fine job at it, but this evening was different. There was a sense of impending dread closing in with every tick of the clock, and you couldn’t wash it away no matter what you did.

With his car keys dangling in one hand, Jinwoo headed toward your porch, carrying a suitcase with him. His long coat swayed gracefully with each step taken, his matching black shirt unbuttoned low enough to showcase the dip of his sternum. Even from behind, he appeared tall and strong, providing the feeling of security you couldn’t find in anyone else. Your baby held onto you, laying her head on your chest as you followed after your husband’s footsteps, oblivious to the heavy storm raging in your mind. 

Don’t go. You felt like catching his hand and pulling him back even from the second he removed himself from your embrace. “J-Jinwoo.”

His gaze flickered back to you, one hand settled on the door of his car. His eyes, the same pair that caused even the most vicious beast to tremble in fear, they were always so gentle to you, weren’t they? “Yeah?”

You swallowed your breath. Don’t tell him. Don’t make him worry more than he already is. You released a shaky breath, followed closely after with your best smile. “Be safe.”

A flash of curiosity fleeted across his face. He sensed something from how you behaved but did not quite understand it just yet, as your mask was nearly perfect. Smiling to himself, he settled down his suitcase and returned to you. Jinwoo laid a hand on your head, his palm large and gentle. As you looked up, greeted by his towering height, he bent himself slightly to be closer to you. He brushed the stray strands out of your eyes; his smile had a hint of confidence—maybe even arrogance—in it. “And who do you think you’re talking to, Sweetheart?”

To anyone else’s eyes, your husband might often come across as indifferent, with his charisma and leadership ceaselessly exuding out of him, making him seem unapproachable, guarded. But to you, he was always playful. Cheeky. Flirty, even. Not too much, just enough for your heart to palpitate inside your ribcages, just enough for you to recall the reason why your life was so beautiful, meaningful. No, the reason why you were alive in the first place. 

But it wasn’t enough to ease your worry, not today. Even so, you returned it with a delicate bow of your lips. “My husband,” you said, angling your head just enough for his hand to slide down to your cheek, gazing up at him with sincerity, “who I couldn’t bear to live without.”

He blinked, taken by surprise with such an earnest answer. Once the words sank in, his entire expression softened. His fingertips traced the contour of your cheek, a touch so tender you wondered if it truly belonged to someone who had drenched his hands in blood. His palm was rough, calloused from all the countless hours he’d spent wielding his dagger, but it comforted you more than anything else. “You’re right, I am,” he replied softly. “Which is why you don’t need to worry. As your husband, I have the responsibility—and this aching need—to be with you. No matter how hard it is, no matter how long it will take me, I will do anything, everything, to make sure I return to you.” He lifted your face just enough to brush a kiss on your temple. “I’ll come home safe and sound, the way I always do. You just need to trust me on this, all right?”

You believed him—you did, you always did—but you couldn’t put the same faith in whoever controlled his fate.

Jinwoo stood close, close enough for you to take in his scent and feel the familiar heat radiating from his body. He brought your face to his, pressing your foreheads together. Your lids fluttered shut at the intimacy, a habit of yours that he’d grown to adore. You wanted to cry, the silvery voice in your mind telling you this might be the last time you could bask in this serenity. You would’ve done it, sobbed your heart out, if it wasn’t because of the thin thread of restraint holding you together. 

“Instead of telling me to be safe,” Jinwoo breathed out softly, closing his eyes just the same. “Tell me you’ll be waiting for me.” He returned the small distance between your faces, just enough for you to marvel at the sweetness of his smile. “That you’ll be here, standing by the door to greet me with a smile, with the same kiss you gave me before we parted. Can you do that for me, Sweetheart? Can you wait here for me, stay safe, and make sure that I have something to come back to?”

You squeezed your lips tightly before you altered the tremble running through them into a smile. You covered his hand with your own, your digit brushing against the silver ring that adorned his lean finger, glinting under the sunset with your name carved inside. “Jin…” You brushed your lips against the center of his palm, exhaling heavily as you drowned in his warmth. It was nearly impossible to release the words, the same way you never wanted to release him. “Come home soon. Come home to me. I’ll be waiting for you.”

For someone who rarely showed emotions across his face, his joy unfolded like a flower, crystal clear for even your baby to see. With a quiver in his breath, his voice dropped an octave lower. “Baby,” he sighed, his voice hoarse with need, your stomach somersaulting at the sound. “You’re making it so hard for me to leave right now.”

If it was hard for him, it was unbearable to you. “I was just doing what you told me to.”

“I didn’t expect you to say it like that,” he replied, almost in a whine. “Now, I’ve lost motivation to go. Maybe I should just change back to my sweatpants and cuddle with you two. Watch cartoons all day. Eat cakes and have tea parties.” He tickled his daughter by the chin, returning her questioning eyes with a slight grin. “Doesn’t that sound fun, Princess?”

It was heartwarming the way he spoke it, the way he imagined it, how he craved for more time to spend with his family. “Then, stay,” you said, an impish, albeit faint, smile twinkled on your pretty mouth. “Stay with me.” You pulled your daughter, who had been listening while babbling quietly to herself, closer to you, your cheek squeezed tight against her plump one. “With us.”

“And watch the world burn?” His chuckle, your favorite sound in the world, reverberated nicely in your ears. 

You fell into deep rumination, taking his words into serious consideration despite it being a jest. A dungeon break would happen soon on the other side of the world, and an S-rank gate at that. Nobody was strong enough to close it. Nobody was strong enough to clear it. It would destroy the whole city in the following two days had it not been taken care of—no, maybe even the entire state. Hundreds—thousands—of innocent lives would be wiped out in an instant should that happen. Your husband had the power to stop it. He was the only one capable of saving them, but… 

“Would that… be so bad?” You feebly questioned before you could stop yourself, almost pleadingly. “Just one time… Don’t be a hero just this one time. Just be my husband and stay with me. Stay right here, where I need you the most.”

His smile vanished, his body freezing at the solemnity in your tone. He was lost for words, perplexity in his stare. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed his breath. Jinwoo cupped your cheek again, his gaze turning stern as he beseeched you for the truth. “Are you really asking me that?”

You gulped. His words had weight behind them, responding to you just as earnestly. It was almost as if he was on the verge of doing the same, just needing that one last push for his will to save the world to shatter. Your words could be it.

You felt weak under his stare, almost breathless, intoxicated by how deeply he loved you, to the point he would trade innocent lives for it. “As long as that means you can always be with me,” you answered, letting your selfish thought slip, saying it so quietly as if you couldn’t bear the Gods to know just how sinful your wish was. “I’ll trade the world for it.”

Not a word flowed from his mouth. His hold on your face was almost as still as a statue. Within this proximity, under this palpable tension, your gaze dropped to his thin lips, the same way his deep, cobalt eyes fell to yours. His eyes darkened, his body burning with desire. “Don’t tempt me,” he uttered, almost in a growl, before he smashed your lips together. He gathered your face in his hands, kissing you fast and hard, disregarding everything, anything except you. You could feel just how much he wanted to make your wish come true, and it painted elation onto your soul but guilt onto your heart. It was an awful thing to say, jest or not.

His moan, soft, breathy, and sensual, granted a layer of sweet vibration on your lips, and oh, you were wrong. This one was your favorite sound in the world. You were in the middle of drowning in his kiss, in the swirling, intense emotions he permeated your heart with, when the sound of your daughter’s giggles rang through the air. Immediately, you stopped, breaking away from him. “W-what are you laughing about, Sweetheart?” you asked her, flames licking your cheeks. “I can’t believe we just did that in front of our child!” You hissed at him, glaring.

Jinwoo averted his face to the side, looking just as flushed and caught off guard. Wiping the stain of your lip gloss off his lips with his knuckles, he uttered back, “Don’t blame me. This is all your fault.”

“How is it my fault? You kissed me.”

“You were looking at me with those eyes.”

“With what eyes?” You played dumb. “This is how I normally look at you.”

He snorted, amused. “Oh, so you weren’t just staring at my lips? Asking me to sacrifice the world for you while you did it?”

Your face sizzled. “Oh, shut up.”

Jinwoo laughed, quiet and soft as always, but his eyes crinkled prettily around the edges. Your daughter chortled along, too, as if she could understand the words you exchanged with your husband. In reality, she was simply mirroring the joy that gleamed on both of your faces, happy to see the unspoken, lingering sadness between you disappear even for a moment.

When you returned your stare from your daughter to the man before you, you caught him staring at you. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing,” Jinwoo shrugged with a smile. Happy. “Hey, can you say it again?”

“Say what?”

“That you’ll be waiting for me to come back to you.”

Your heart thrashed inside your ribcages. For some reason, with him looking at you with those eyes and that smile, it felt mortifying to repeat it. You looked away, mumbling out the words almost inaudibly, “I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Baby,” he playfully scolded. “Be a good girl and say it like you mean it.”

Good gi—Must he say it like that? Your cheeks burned. “I’ll… I’ll be waiting… for you.”

So cute, his expression seemed to say, adoring you with his smile growing wide and clear, consumed by the love you presented him, love that was fully returned. “One more time, love. Please.”

You exhaled, finally succumbing to his wish. You held his gaze, your expression sheepish, nervous, but you said it as best as you could, placing a piece of your heart in every word.

“Come home to me. I’ll be waiting for you. I’ll always be waiting for you.”

It resonated straight into his chest, erasing every hint of smirk off his lips. A spark of desire filled his gaze as he dove his head to capture your lips once more, forgetting yet again that your baby was there—looking at the two of you with curious eyes.

“H-Honey,” you stopped him just in time despite wanting it as badly—especially after that last kiss. Funny how your body still longed desperately for his touch even after he’d endlessly robbed moans out of your mouth the previous night. “Your daughter’s still here.”

“Right.” Jinwoo broke free from the thought, no matter how inviting your lips looked. He turned toward his daughter, rubbing her head. “Sorry, kiddo. Mommy looked so pretty; I got completely absorbed for a moment there. The one before that was completely her fault, though.”

You elbowed him on the side, stealing another chuckle from him. “You’re not in a hurry, are you? I still want to talk to you. I’m sure your daughter feels the same, too. Even for a minute is fine, just… just stay.”

Happiness, one that you brought to him, was the perfect shade to color his face. Being so needed by you, so wanted… You were his motivation to fight and survive. He wanted to memorize your face, to engrave it into his mind so that he could hold onto it, even in the midst of battle. “Of course, baby.”

You dwelled in another string of conversation, something light to pacify your mind. You couldn’t help but stare a little as he spoke, adoring how his hair framed his face so perfectly. He looked exceptionally handsome standing before you, causing you to wonder if it was because your heart was already yearning so terribly for him, knowing you’d be deprived of his touch for days after.

The baby in your arms looked up at her father, her hand reaching forward to touch him, her twin-tails swaying in the air with every movement. “Papa…”

Jinwoo bent his head low to meet her at her eye level, smiling when she splayed her hand on his cheek. “Yes, my darling?” 

“Shaef…” She cooed, still having trouble pronouncing her words clearly. “Papa, shaef…”

Your lips curved up in a downhearted smile. “She wants you to be safe. Seems like she’s worried about you, too.”

You could see his emotions swirling in his eyes, how touched he was, how much it pained him to tear himself away from his little family, but it was a mission he needed to do. A mission that only he could do. He collected himself before more pieces of his heart broke, rubbing her head so affectionately. “I will be, Sweetheart. Daddy will be just fine. There’s no need to worry about me. Daddy’s stronger than anyone else.”

Your daughter tried to imitate the word ‘strong’ in response, an act so adorable that it stole a peal of laughter from both of you. “That’s right, Sweetie,” he crooned. “And you will be as strong as me, too, one day, but for now, I’ll have Beru watching over you at all times, okay? He’s tougher than any S-rank hunter here. He can protect you from anything.”

She blinked her doe eyes, patting his father’s cheek. “Boo… Bewu… Boo…”

Jinwoo sewed his brows in confusion. “What?”

You tittered. “She’s asking you if Beru could protect her from ghosts, too. Remember last Halloween when we bought her the storybook with the little white ghost? She’s talking about that one.”

“Oh, yeah,” he recalled the memory with delight. “You’re scared of the little ghost, baby?”

“Boo! Boo!”

“I see,” he chuckled lightly at her reaction. “Well, yes, Beru can certainly protect you from that, too. Just give me a second, all right?” 

Your husband straightened himself, his eyes emitting an ominous glow, a pair of brilliant amethyst gleaming underneath the orange tinge of the setting sun. No matter how often you’d seen it, it still sent shivers down your spine. 

“Come forth.”

A shadow soldier, a huge, humanoid ant with a light purple glow, neon eyes, and smoky wings, was born out of his spell, his body manifesting out of thin air. Beru, he was called, a name Jinwoo had bestowed upon him after he resurrected him during the deadly raid on Jeju island. 

The warrior kneeled before his summoner at once, bending his head low. “My liege.”

“Take care of my wife and baby while I’m away. Should any harm come to them…” It shimmered brighter, the eerie glow inside his eyes, carrying the horror of death itself. His voice vibrated dangerously, pressure in each word. “You know what I’ll do to you, right?”

The shadow, one of the strongest generals in his army, gulped in fear. “Y-yes, my liege.”

“Don’t be too harsh on him, Jin,” you scold your husband, rubbing his arm. “He’s doing us a favor.” You greeted the soldier with a warm smile. “I’ll be in your care again, Beru.”

“It is an honor, milady.” Beru placed his hand over his chest, his claws long enough to graze his own shoulder as he inclined his body forward. “I swear upon my life that I will do whatever it takes to protect you, even if it means my bones will shatter to dust.”

Jinwoo visibly rolled his eyes at his dramatic act. “See, this is exactly why I should be a little strict with him. You’re spoiling him too much.”

“I think he deserves it. He’s been an excellent babysitter to us. And he cleans up the house better than you do. He just talks a bit funny, that’s all.”

“Oh, Queen Consort,” Beru nearly sobbed, the black smoke around him trembled. “Your praise is too much for my humble self to accept. How can I, Beru, your most loyal servant, repay you for such kindness?”

“Stopping yourself from watching all those historical dramas would be a start,” your husband muttered.

“Shush, he can watch whatever he wants,” you lightly chastised him again, to which Jinwoo sighed in defeat. “Though I would’ve liked it better if you could just address me normally, Beru. Calling me the… Queen Consort is kind of embarrassing.”

Beru performed his respect with an exaggerated bow. “I will call you whatever title you see fit, milady. Please. Tell me. How should I refer to you, O my Gracious One?”

You cringed at the title. “My name?”

Horror fell upon his face as soon as the words reached his ears. “I-I cannot do that, milady! I will never be so disrespectful as to call you merely by your name. You are the Queen of The Shadow Realm. The Wife of Death. The Worthy Bearer of my King’s Seeds—”

“‘Milady’ then!” You exclaimed with haste, face aflame. “M-Milady is fine, just—never call me that.”

Jinwoo bit his lip, trying to bite back his laughter. “The last one has a nice ring to it.”

“Oh, be quiet.”

In the hilarity of the moment, your baby suddenly launched her hands in the air, her feet kicking around in excitement. “Bewu! Bewu!”

“Aaw, look at her, Jinwoo,” your mouth broke into a wide grin as you struggled to keep her in your arms. “She’s so happy to see him.”

“L-little monarch,” Beru, without a doubt, began to cry, touched by the baby’s attachment to him. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Princess. May—may I carry her in my arms, milady?”

“Sure.” You closed the distance, gently handing her over to him. “Watch your claws.”

“Of course, milady.” The soldier wept at their reunion, tears streaming down his armor-like skin. Your baby tugged onto one of his antennae, using it as her personal rattle toy, giggling as she did it. You and your husband smiled; your hearts thawed at the sight. 

Jinwoo, acting aloof as always, stuffed his hands inside his coat pockets, huffing out, “How is she not terrified of him but gets scared of a drawing? That little ghost was cute and Beru is like… that.”

“I take pride in my appearance, my liege. Nothing can penetrate my skin, not even the teeth of a mighty beast.” Under Jinwoo’s flat stare, Beru cowered. “N-nothing except your daggers, my liege.”

Your body shook a little with mirth as you replied, “Babies don’t see things the way we do, darling. Maybe she thinks Beru is cute.”

He hummed before he leaned closer to you. “And who do you think is cute?” A little smirk embellished his lips, his voice silky-smooth.

Understanding what lies behind his words, you slid a hand up his chest, an inkling of seduction in your smile. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure I do,” he teased back, loving the little game you played. “Care to enlighten me?”

Your hand rested on his shoulder before you guided him down to bring his ear close to your lips. You let your mouth caress his lobe, just a little, just enough to drive him crazy, and with the most sultry, alluring voice you could muster, you whispered your answer, “Beru.”

Though he grunted in dissatisfaction, a faint blush still smeared his cheek. Feeling the softness of your lips upon his sensitive skin, even after years of marriage, still did something to him. “You’re such a tease, you know that?”

“What?” You feigned innocence. “I really think he’s cute.”

“Of course you do,” he scoffed, to which you giggled in response.

“Papa,” your daughter points her finger at him, stealing his attention once more. “Papa, stay!”

“Does she think I’m a dog?” Jinwoo uttered before a chuckle followed. Shortening the small distance between them, he nuzzled his nose against her tiny palm, his usually stern eyes turning softer than the first snow of December. “You know how much I’d love to stay with you, baby girl, but I can’t. Daddy needs to go and save the world from the big, scary monsters out there so they won’t come and steal your little nose.” He pinched her pointy nose lightly, making her giggle with it. “But I will miss you. I will miss you so much, kiddo. So, be a good girl and wait for my return, okay? Daddy will be back before you know it.”

“Stay!” She insisted still, nearly launching herself forward in her vehement protest. “Stay, Papa, stay!”

“All right, all right, come here.” Your husband stole his daughter back from the shadow’s embrace, carrying her with ease in one arm despite her growing weight. “Let’s talk about it like adults, shall we?”

Life had passed by so quickly, faster than your brain could retain the memories, but you could still recall the first day you saw him holding your baby in his arms just like this. His expression back then was a mixture of excitement, the fear of the unknown, but above all, the love he was so eager to give. His hair was disheveled, his smile weary, and black circles stained his fair skin from all the sleepless hours he’d spent waiting beside your bed, praying for the Gods to ease your pain. He shed plenty of tears on the morning you finally opened your lids, thinking that it would take you forever to wake up, just like his mother once did. Perhaps even worse. With his sharp senses, he could tell just how much yours were fading away, and it frightened him more than the time he dealt with the giants in Cartenon Temple, so much that his fingers shook as they held yours tightly in the middle of his prayer.

It wasn’t an easy process bringing your little bundle of joy into the world—a life-threatening situation, all because she inherited just a hint of Jinwoo’s immense power. You suffered terribly during your pregnancy days, even more so when you were closer to the due date. Your daughter was so close to tearing open your womb and leaving you to bleed to death on your bed before the doctors took you away just in time to perform the surgery. Jinwoo had witnessed everything from behind the glass doors, feeling so powerless, useless, and loathing himself for it. His dose of the Elixir of Life had run out a while ago, and mere potions would never be enough to heal the internal wounds your daughter had caused you. Beru’s healing magic could only bring a little peace to your sleep, but it could not touch the root of your agony. Without any of these miracles, there was nothing Jinwoo could do but hold your hand and wish he could trade his life with yours. It brought you immense joy to see how everything worked out wonderfully in the end. 

Gratitude washed over you as you took in the sight of your husband trying his best to keep up with your daughter’s babbles. “Slow down, love. Daddy can’t understand you.” 

“She said you looked very magnificent today, my liege,” Beru attempted to interpret. “Very dandy. Truly, the living proof of how a man’s beauty could rival the heavens’—”

“No, she did not say that. And don’t say dandy.” Jinwoo cut him off with an exasperated sigh before he placed his focus back on her. “That’s quite a compelling argument you have there, Sweetie. Is that all, or should I give you some time to vent a bit more?” She answered with two pats on his nose. “You’ve said everything, huh? Right, okay. Hmm… That is certainly a very, very concerning problem. I wonder what we should do about it…” He pretended to think, tapping his chin. “Oh, I know. Why don’t you and I make a little promise? Here.” He held his fifth finger in the air, dragging it closer to her face. “Grab my pinky.” The baby blinked cutely in return, staring at it almost with wonder. It took her all of her tiny fingers to surround his own completely, and like how every baby behaved, she instinctively brought it to her mouth. “No, no, no, honey,” Jinwoo chuckled. “You don’t eat this one, okay? We’re making a promise. A pinky promise, the most special one of all. Are you ready?”

“Weady!”

“That’s the spirit, Sweetheart. All right, here we go.” He shook their fingers together. “Daddy promise that I will come home soon, and once I do, I’ll tell you all about the amazing adventure I had when I was away. All about the bears, and the dragons, everything. How about that, love? Sounds good?” 

Though you doubted she understood everything, she mimicked him by saying, “Good!”

He laughed softly. “Okay. Now, it’s your turn, Princess.” Jinwoo switched his voice, turning it a pitch higher. “I promise I will be good to Mommy when Daddy is away. And I promise I will kick Beru in the face if he ends up watching TV again instead of looking after me.”

“My liege…” The shadow called out dejectedly. “Do you really think I would do such a thing to your precious one?”

“No, I don’t,” Jinwoo tossed him a smile, one that was so genuinely warm, almost affectionate, even. “I know you’ll take care of my family as best as you can. That’s why I trust you, Beru. I’m counting on you.”

It didn’t take long for the soldier to crumble to his feet, bawling. “Y-your kind words have touched me so deeply, my king!”

No one is immune to his charm, you thought, almost rolling your eyes. Though you couldn’t really chaff about it as you fell victim to his charm, too. “Honey, don’t forget. She’ll turn two next Monday. Will you be home by then?”

“Of course,” Jinwoo said, rubbing the tip of his nose to his daughter’s, making her giggle with it. “Clearing an S-rank gate shouldn’t take more than two days, even by myself. The problem is that I have plenty of meetings with the higher-ups after that. It’s a pain. I wish I could just skip them all together, but… Well, if I run out of time, I can use Shadow Exchange to return home.”

You scrunched up your nose. “And ditch your meetings just like that? Wouldn’t that cause more trouble?”

“Yeah, Jinho would probably kill me for it,” he smirked, expressing barely any remorse. “But he’ll understand. He knows that family always comes first to me. I wouldn’t want to miss my baby’s birthday.” He squeezed the round flesh of her cheek between two fingers, smiling fondly with a glint of heartbreak in his eyes. “Daddy’s been so busy with all the raids that he hasn’t noticed how fast his baby girl is growing.” He sighed in regret, stroking her locks. “I wish time could move slower. I want you to stay like this forever. So tiny and adorable, looking so pretty with your mother’s smile.”

“I don’t know, honey. I think she looks more like you than me.”

“I think she’s the perfect combination of us, and I love that.” He gathered both of you close, hugging you at the same time, his lips caressing your hairline as he spoke. “I can’t believe you and I could make something so pretty. I thank the Gods every day for that. For this little family I have right here.”

You could feel the rapid beating of your heart as you buried your face into his chest. His scent was heavenly. Comforting. Masculine and attractive. When he let go, he took a fraction of your heart with him. 

“Daddy will bring you lots and lots of gifts, okay?” He pecked his daughter’s head. “Pretty things for you, and,” his gaze flew back to you, softening at the view. “Something sweet for your mother.”

You melted into a smile. “Just come home to me in one piece. That’s all I ask.”

He nodded, an unspoken promise that he’d keep close to his heart as he viciously took the life of another. “I better go,” he said, carefully handing his baby over to Beru, who clutched onto her so endearingly. “Jinho is waiting for me at the office.”

“Wait, I thought you were heading straight to the airport.”

“No, I need to drop by for a minute to grab some paperwork. I’m also leaving my car there, so.”

“Why don’t you just summon Kaisel?”

“I think it’s better for me to lay low for a bit. I don’t want to end up on the news again. Not everyone is used to seeing a flying beast in the sky, you see. But it’s fine. Jinho will drive me to the airport later.”

“You treating the son of a billionaire as your own Uber driver is still hilarious to me,” you simper.

A wave of his deep chuckle mixed in with yours. “He’s just being nice.”

“Can’t you, at least, sit on the front? I feel sorry for him.”

“But I like sitting in the backseat,” he said, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of your hand, somewhat suggestive. “It reminds me of… the fun we’ve had together.”

Though heat crept up fast onto your cheeks, you narrowed your eyes at him. “If Jinho finds out we did that in his car, he’d be livid.”

“Then, we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t,” he answered with a sly smirk. “About that last time and… Well, the future ones.”

“Do it in our car next time.” 

“Oh, so there will be future occasions, huh? Noted.” His thin lips twisted in a devilish grin, pleased by the thought, saying it so shamelessly even with Beru bearing witness to the conversation. “Another reason for me to come back, then. Faster.” 

You turned flustered, shaking your head in disbelief despite your chest tightening in anticipation of passionate, spontaneous, breathless romance in the middle of nowhere, your body pressed against the leather seats, your breaths fogging the windows. “I-I take back what I said.”

“No takebacks, Sweetheart. You know I don’t like that.”

He spoke his last sentence almost in a husky, erotic whisper, reminding you of all the times in bed when you didn’t… behave properly. “Jinwoo, you said you didn’t want to be on the news. If we get caught—”

“For this one…” He sneaked an arm around your waist, pulling you closer toward him. His lips grazed your ear, teasing and seductive, almost the perfect imitation of how you did it to him before. “I’ll be very, very careful. Don’t want the world to see just how beautiful my wife looks under the moonlight, after all.” 

You could already tell that his tantalizing smile would linger for hours in your memory, even long after he departed. You cleared your throat, regaining your composure. “I-is Jinho coming with you?”

He found hilarity in the way you swerved the conversation, but he made no comment on it. “No. He wants to, but I won’t let him. It’s too dangerous. I sensed something different with this one, something similar to that eerie feeling when I entered the red gate. It’s better if I go alone. I don’t want to risk anyone’s life by coming with me.”

But you’ll… risk your own life for it… The anchor in your chest returned, weighing you down harder than before. You were careful not to let your tongue form your concern into words, but Jinwoo, as always, was observant, attentive to the slightest change in your expression. 

“Hey.” He trapped your chin between his fingers, tilting it up, locking your gazes together. “It’s dangerous for Jinho, but not me. I’ll be fine, trust me.”

“I know you will,” you murmured, more for your own ears to hear. 

Catching Beru’s soft hum, you glanced to your side. The shadow soldier rocked your baby in his arms, swaying her from side to side, cradling her close as her lids began to grow heavy. “She must have been exhausted after playing all day,” you pondered aloud. Intertwining your fingers with his, you leaned against his shoulder, your sigh heavy as you whispered, “It’s nice to have Beru here with us, but… It also reminds me that you won’t be around. I’ll miss you, probably more than I ever did. I miss you terribly even now.”

For a moment, Jinwoo fell mute, doing nothing but curling his fingers around yours a little tighter. Then, with his jaws tightened, he released his command. 

“Beru, take my daughter inside. I need to be with my wife. Alone.”  ***

Here's an audio track so you can imagine just how soft and wonderful husband!jinwoo sounds 😁

Beru the babysitter 😭

[fuyuu-chan]

Oh to be the Reader

(this will be the pov of the female lead, Cha Hae-In)

Pairing: Sung Jinwoo x GN! Reader

Fuyuu-chan: i got writer's block, so sorry for the late post. (inspired by one of the reels i saw in instagram lol) i actually planned on doing this fic on sylus but i feel like this suits jinwoo more

✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Cha-Hae In was just a character from a novel, a webtoon, along with everyone else. She herself knew this, she is aware of the gaze of the reader who reads this novel. And she is sure Jinwoo does too, with the way he always spaceout looking up. As if looking to the reader, and this always happen, especially when he is with her.

Whenever Jinwoo does something to Cha, the reader would always squeal or smile with delight just because of how Jinwoo act as being a romantic. And...Jinwoo would always smile looking up as if he got the approval of the reader.

Cha hated it. If Jinwoo likes the reader, why must he use her or be with her?? Why just show things or be affectionate to her just to impress the reader on how he treats his lover? Doesn't he know he is hurting her?

Besides Cha also felt jealous, she is the female lead of the novel after all so shouldn't she be with the male lead? She is destined to be with Jinwoo. She might be in a relationship right now with him but...his attention was solely focused on the reader all the time. Like...his heart belonged to them and not with her.

She doesn't get it, at all. She was supposed to be happy with him, right? .... So what happened?? What changed?

.

.

.

As time pass by, Cha got to accept the fact that Jinwoo's heart would never be for her.

But she was so tired of it all. Cant Jinwoo just spare her the trouble? At least give her some mercy.

Maybe if the reader was in her place, Jinwoo would finally be happy...she just wanted to be out of this.

Cha knew she would never be like the reader anyway. She would never get Jinwoo's genuine affection, how his eyes soften more when he looks up, how he always seeks the reader's approval by his actions based on how they react to that.

She already knew her fate had changed. She just had to come terms with this situation...but is she selfish on wishing she could be free and happy? She wanted to feel loved too...even if it wasn't from Jinwoo.

Maybe, just maybe....if reader could just come in this world, she would be out of this miserable life.

ฅ⁠^⁠•⁠ﻌ⁠•⁠^⁠ฅ

Please do not copy, translate, repost to any other Social media, Thank you.

[pfpanimes]

⌕ SOLO LEVELING S2 • EP 1.

like or reblog if you save/use. ✨

[readerforexiao]

Jinwoo can't get drunk. So he gets drunk on you

[themissinghand]

aahghh i'm happy that your requests r open :33 i want to ask for a Jinwoo x sleepy male/gn reader.. basically the reader falls asleep somewhere but always wake up in the most random places. Bellion has found them sleeping somewhere in the shadow realm more than once and no one knows how they got there. it's actually concerning-

this can either platonic or romantic idc rly

take care!

Solo Leveling: Sleepy Bois are Cute Too!

Summary: 3 times that Jinwoo caught his partner falling asleep on him, and the one time he didn’t. Not in any particular order.

In which Jinwoo is worried, but you reassure him every time. 

Pairing: Sung Jinwoo x sleepy GN! reader

Note: Last one for 2023! Will be back in the new year :) 

Warning: None. Just fluffy goodness. 

★・・・・・・★

Jinwoo is worried about your sleeping antics.

He’s worried that when you fall asleep, he will never find you again. 

He took all the precautions, making sure there was a shadow soldier by your side when you fall asleep, keeping a tracker on you (with your consent of course!), and even taking you on his missions to ensure you don’t disappear on him. 

“Jinwoo-ah, don’t worry, I can protect myself.” 

Sure, you were an A-class weapon maker, and yes, you knew how to use your weapons well, but no matter how much you reassure him, Jinwoo is a protective person by nature, knowing how dangerous the world can be. 

He also knows how dedicated you are to your craft, spending days on end without sleep or food to create S-class grade weapons for the world to marvel at. 

But it was only more of a reason for him to protect you from those greedy hunters and associations! 

Perhaps that was where your sleeping habits stem from, the lack of sleep.

It didn’t start off this way, as at the beginning of your relationship, Jinwoo found you cute for dozing off like a baby. 

It was during a movie night, where the two of you cuddled on the bed, and holding each others’ hands. You dozed off very shortly after the movie began, and Jinwoo couldn’t help but pull you closer into a hug. 

Loving your warmth and the peace you bring, Jinwoo easily fell asleep by your side. 

Only to wake up with you not by his side. 

In panic, he rushed around the shared home to find you, only to get a call from his sister, and see you at his mom’s house. Apparently, Jinah found you sleeping in Jinwoo’s old room.

“It happens sometimes…but don’t worry! I’m usually safe.” Your reassurance didn’t make Jinwoo feel any better about it. 

The next time, it was when the two of you were bathing together. 

Jinwoo hummed, satisfied and relaxed, as you washed his hair, scratched his head, and massaged his shoulders. Your voice was soothing, as you told him about your next weapon idea. 

Until suddenly, he felt a hard knock onto his back, making him turn around quickly to see you dozing off. 

He withheld a snicker before he switched your positions, and had you lay on him. 

“(Y/N), how could you sleep in the middle of doing something?” Jinwoo whispered, and although he gently rocked your body, he didn’t bother trying to wake you. 

Jinwoo made sure you were comfortable, and finished the bath, before carrying you like a princess to your shared bed. 

“Jinwoo?” Your slurred words made him smile, and he placed a kiss on your forehead. 

“Bedtime, your favourite time is here.” 

“Yay~” Your dopey smile made him happy as he covered the both of you with a blanket. Jinwoo snuggled close, and this time, made sure to hold you tight, so you wouldn’t disappear on him again. 

Your little snores, and light breathing lured him to sleep. 

The next day, you were gone. 

This time, he searched the home, and even checked with his mom and sister, but nothing. 

This time, he panicked, and immediately searched everywhere for you. 

Like a parent who lost their child, he searched far and wide, until he found you sleeping on top of the Korean Hunters Association’s building. He immediately hugged you close, waking you up from your drowsy state. 

“Jinwoo? What’s wrong?” You who have just woken up from your long sleep didn’t understand why Jinwoo was hugging you so desperately. You patted his back as you rested your head on his shoulder. 

“Are you okay? How did you even get up here?” 

“What are you talking about-” Finally registering your current location, you were shocked. 

“This isn’t our home.” 

When Jinwoo registered your confusion, then acceptance (almost too easily), he couldn’t help but feel helpless. If you didn’t know how you got here, and he didn’t sense your disappearance twice in a row, Jinwoo knew he had to be careful. 

This was when you and him talked of the dangers and of the precautions you should take to ensure your safety. 

One time, Jinwoo had a nightmare. 

Of the times where he was still an E-class hunter, where he was still weak, poor, and helpless. 

Of the times where he had nothing to his name, but only shame and disappointment. 

He felt powerless, feeling the shadow of a cold blade cutting into his flesh and warm blood spill from his body. 

“Jinwoo!” 

He woke up to you calling his name and wiping his face. 

“Jinwoo! Are you okay-” Jinwoo hugged you tightly, knocking the air out of your lungs for a moment, as he inhaled your scent. 

He then noticed you wearing his hoodie, clearly oversized for you, and your messy bed hair. 

Then he remembers you, who had taught him how to use different weapons, and how to not get scammed by weapon dealers. 

From then till now, you have supported him, and he has found your talent in return. 

“There there, my little king.” Jinwoo smiled as he felt little pats to his back, and kissed the crook of your neck. 

“Thank you, (Y/N).”

“Always.” 

The next time, when you disappeared, Jinwoo knew where you were immediately. 

He didn’t panic, nor did he fret, though this time, he really did question your abilities as an A-class weapon maker. 

Were you really an A-class hunter at this point?

Jinwoo observed, perplexed, as you once again emerged from an unexpected slumber, this time in the shadow realm. 

With a yawn, you flipped to the other side on the throne, and without any sense of danger, you curlled into a ball, and fell asleep again.

Jinwoo quickly went over to you on the throne, and picked you up, before sitting down and placing you in his lap. He made sure you were comfortable before he looked to Bellion for any explanation. 

“My Liege, I…have no excuses. I was unable to sense any changes in the shadow realm and was unable to find out how Their Highness was able to arrive here.” 

Bellion, equally puzzled, knelt before the two of you, ashamed. 

“Bellion, stand. It’s not your fault. Even I can't sense when they disappear. But keep others updated on the situation.” Bellion nodded, before standing and leaving you two space. 

"How does this keep happening?" Jinwoo asked, and sighed, concern etching onto his face. Even so, he caressed your cheek, and woke you from your slumber.

Like a cat, he saw you scrunch up your face, and even pushed his finger away, before popping open one eye.

“Jinwoo? Where am I now?” It became a habit of yours now to observe your surroundings every time you woke up. 

“In my realm, in my castle, and on my throne.” 

“Huh.” It took a moment for you to process.

“How did I get here?” 

“No idea. But I'd rather have you here than outside.” 

“Well. This is new.” You ruffled your messy bed hair, before a hand pulled your chin back to face Jinwoo. 

“You were sleeping on my throne…were you thinking of me?” Jinwoo’s hand slowly cradled your face as he stared at you with intent. 

“Maybe?” You cheekily answered, before replicating the same action back. However, you steal a quick little peck to the corner of his lips. 

In the next moment, his mouth lands on yours passionately, completely taking your breath away as he pulls you in further and further, until you’re completely at his mercy.

Pinned to his throne, wearing his oversized black silk pajamas, and puffy lips, you realize that maybe you should learn to control your sleep antics. 

[cocomanga]

Sung Jin-woo 😩

[cyberyam]

If you do requests, could I please ask for a scenario where Jinwoo gets a little jealous of Jinah because his lover has been spoiling her rotten with gifts, food, (and worst of all) headpats?

Nothing serious of course. Just playful, harmless jealousy.

an. hehe okay :3 i hope you like it

not fair.

Pairing: Sung Jin-Woo x Fem!Reader

Summary: You develop a close relationship with your boyfriend’s sister, and Jinwoo starts to get jealous.

After four months of officially being Jinwoo’s girlfriend, he finally brought you home to meet his precious sister.

He spoke of her so often that every time her name came up, you’d ask when you could finally meet her. Then, one day, over coffee at your favorite café, he finally said the thing you’d been dying to hear.

“This Friday, I want you to come over and meet my sister. I’ll make dinner.”

That night over bowls of steaming bimbam stew, you and Jinah hit it off immediately. You loved the same music, the same shows—conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter filled the room, and Jinwoo sat back, watching it all unfold.

At first, he thought it was cute. He loved that the woman of his dreams and his sister got along so well. Really, he did.

But lately, it had started to gnaw at him.

“Babe.”

Jinwoo hummed in response, his phone sandwiched between his ear and shoulder as he bent down to tie his shoelace on the sidewalk.

“What flavor do you think Jinah prefers? Strawberry or grape?” Your voice crackled with excitement over the line. “There’s this new candy out, and it comes with a limited-edition keychain! The strawberry one has—”

His eye twitched as he secured his shoelace, dusting off his pants before standing up.

“You don’t have to get her anything, you know?” He picked up his grocery bag and continued his walk home. Tonight, you were coming over for dinner, and he already knew how the evening would go. So long as Jinah was in the room, he’d be a second thought. A silent observer to you and his sister’s personal hangout session.

“I know! But I really, really think she’d love these keychains—”

Jinwoo cut you off, his grip tightening on the bag. “What about me? What flavor do you think I’d like?”

He knew better than to sound jealous over his own sister, but still—you were his girlfriend, not hers.

There was a brief pause. Then, as if it were obvious, you replied, “Oh… but I already know your favorite flavor is grape.”

The lack of enthusiasm in your voice ticked him off more than it should have. Why weren’t you that excited about picking something for him? Sure, you already knew his favorite, but still.

“What if I liked the strawberry keychain better?” He challenged, readjusting the grocery bag in his hand.

“Okay!” You said after a contemplating pause. “I have an idea. You’ll see tonight! Bye! Love you!”

Before he could get another word in, the line went dead.

Jinwoo pulled his phone away from his ear, staring at the black screen, pouting.

Unbelievable.

Dinner was… fine.

If you asked Jinwoo, that’s the word he’d use. Fine.

If you asked literally anyone else, they’d say it was great—especially you and Jinah, who spent the entire meal talking like long-lost best friends.

Jinwoo barely got a word in. He just sat at the head of the table, chewing slowly, watching as you both laughed over some inside joke he wasn’t part of. His chopsticks hovered over his plate, picking at his food while his eyes flicked between the two of you.

“Wait, wait—so you’re telling me the villain knew the whole time?!” you gasped, setting your spoon down.

“Right?! And the way they revealed it! I was losing my mind!” Jinah grinned, practically bouncing in her seat.

You groaned, gripping your hair. “I need to rewatch that scene. I swear I stopped breathing for, like, a full minute.”

Jinwoo exhaled through his nose. “Must be a good show.”

Neither of you heard him. You were too busy reenacting the scene while Jinah hyped you up.

He hated to admit it, but he didn’t like that he wasn’t the reason you were laughing.

He was jealous of his sister. That was a fact now.

After dinner, you and Jinah took over the kitchen, still wrapped up in your conversation as you cleaned up together. Jinwoo, left to his own devices, did the only thing that made sense—he tried to watch the damn show.

He even found a recap video online, hoping to catch up without sitting through all ten episodes. Maybe then he could actually contribute to the conversation. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so left out.

But the second he walked into the kitchen, trying to casually insert himself into the discussion, you crushed any chance he had.

“Oh, that episode? Yeah, Jinah, tell him what happens at the end.”

Jinwoo’s stomach dropped. “Wait—”

“Oh, right! So basically, the villain—”

“Don’t!” He practically lunged forward, but it was too late. The spoiler hit him like a slap to the face.

Jinah giggled, elbowing you. “Should’ve kept up,”

You tried your best to hid your smile, stifling your laugh at your boyfriends agape expression.

Jinwoo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. This was actually worse than being ignored.

Later, the three of you settled into the living room, and you finally pulled out the candy you’d been raving about all day.

“Okay! I got one of each flavor, so everyone gets both keychains.”

Jinah gasped, practically snatching them from your hands. “Oh my God, these are so cute! Thank you!”

She held up the strawberry one, twirling it between her fingers like it was some kind of priceless treasure. Jinwoo watched as her face lit up—like a kid getting their favorite toy on their birthday.

“I knew you’d love them,” you grinned, reaching out to pat her head. “You have good taste, Jinah.”

Jinwoo felt his eye twitch.

Then, to make it worse, you suddenly gasped. “Oh! I almost forgot!”

You dug into your bag, rummaging around before pulling out something else—a tiny banana-shaped stress toy, soft and squishy, with an adorable face printed on it.

“I saw this on my way out and immediately thought of you,” you said, handing it over like it was a sacred offering.

Jinah gasped even louder than before. “No way. This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!” She squeezed it, watching it slowly return to its original shape. “It’s so squishy! Oh my God, feel this.”

She shoved it toward Jinwoo, and he reluctantly poked it, watching it deflate under his touch.

It was a banana. A literal banana.

You cooed at her. “I knew you’d love it! You little plushie-loving gremlin.” You patted her head again, ruffling her hair like she was some tiny, adorable pet.

And that was it.

Jinwoo gripped his keychain tighter, his jaw tightening with it.

What the hell was this? Why were you patting her head?

Later that night, you flopped onto Jinwoo’s bed with a satisfied sigh, stretching your arms over your head.

“Tonight was fun, right?” you mused, rolling onto your side to look at him.

Jinwoo, meanwhile, was sitting at the edge of the bed, arms crossed, back turned to you like a sulking child.

You blinked. “…Babe?”

Silence.

Oh.

You bit back a smile. “Are you seriously giving me the cold shoulder right now?”

More silence.

Jinwoo let out a slow, dramatic sigh and leaned forward, rubbing his hands down his face. “I just… I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I was actually jealous of my own sister tonight.”

You grinned, propping yourself up on your elbows. “Yeah, I kinda figured.”

He finally turned to glance at you, lips pressed into a pout. “You patted her head.”

You blinked. “…So?”

“You never pat my head.”

You stared at him. Then, a laugh bubbled up before you could stop it. “Oh my God. You’re serious.”

Jinwoo groaned, flopping back onto the bed beside you. “Forget it. Just go give your new favorite sibling a goodnight kiss, then.”

You rolled over, resting your chin on his chest as you peered up at him. “You’re such a baby.”

“Yeah, well, maybe I want to be your baby,” he grumbled.

Your heart melted just a little.

With a grin, you reached into your bag and pulled out one last thing.

“Good thing I got this for you, then, you little baby.”

You placed a small plush doll onto his chest—a tiny, ridiculous-looking demon with a scowling face and tiny horns.

Jinwoo blinked. “…What the hell is this?”

“A demon,” you said brightly. “I saw it while I was at the store and immediately knew I had to get it for you.”

His mouth fell open. “Jinah gets a banana and I get a demon?!”

You burst out laughing, rolling onto your back. “It’s a cute demon! It reminds me of you!”

He scoffed, holding it up with a deadpan expression. “How?”

“Because you act all grumpy and scary, but deep down, you’re just a soft ‘lil cutie.” You propped yourself up onto your elbows and leaned over to poke at his cheek.

Jinwoo groaned, dragging a hand down his face, but you caught the tiny smile tugging at his lips.

Then, without warning, you reached over and patted his head. “There. Happy now?”

He blinked. Stared at you for a long second. Then—without a word—he grabbed you, pulling you into his arms and rolling onto his side so you were locked against his chest.

“I’m keeping this,” he muttered, squeezing the demon plush against your back.

You smiled into his shirt, snuggling closer. “I figured.”

© cyberyam

[sulkingheichou012]

Into the Dungeon with You

Pairing: Jinwoo x Reader

Genre: RomCom, Action, Future Smut

Warning: Description of violence and profanity.

Summary: Jinwoo frowned as a new system notification appeared before him.

[Special Reward Successfully Claimed.]

Author's note: I'm happy that some of you are enjoying my silly work! Yes, if you're asking to be tagged—sure! 😊

<< Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Days after the last dungeon raid, Jinwoo and Y/N were summoned to investigate a sudden, unusual dungeon break. The Hunter Association's report was terse:

Type: Blood Moon Danger Level: Unknown Location: Abandoned Amusement Park

Y/N stared at the enormous, pulsing crimson portal hovering like a hungry eye above the ruins of the park.

The Blood Moon Gate loomed ominously over the city. Its crimson light bathed everything below in a haunting glow. Hunters scrambled in confusion, civilians evacuated in droves, and the Hunter Association’s sirens blared through the streets.

But Jinwoo… He was still. Staring at the gate with narrowed eyes.

“…This isn’t a dungeon break,” he murmured.

Y/N, standing beside him, clutched her scythe tightly. “What do you mean? It’s not… dangerous?”

He gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. “Oh, it’s dangerous,” he said flatly. “But not for the reason you think.”

As the air thickened with pressure, Jinwoo stepped forward. His Shadow Soldiers emerged in force—Bellion leading, Beru hissing beside him, Iron thudding heavily behind. Even Kaisel circled above, his wings casting shadows like dark clouds over the city.

The humans watching from afar thought war was about to erupt. But Jinwoo stood at the front, his hands casually in his pockets.

And then… They came.

From the gate, massive shadow figures emerged. Warriors. Mages. Beasts. An army clad in dark armor, their glowing eyes fixed on the two figures standing at the center of Seoul.

Y/N felt the pulse of dark energy in her bones. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She wasn’t sure if it was fear or excitement… probably both. But she stood her ground.

“I’m not going to embarrass myself,” she whispered. She shadow-stepped instinctively, her body moving faster than her thoughts, appearing at Jinwoo’s side like a ghost.

Jinwoo didn’t look at her, but she could tell. He was… proud. And maybe a little worried.

As the ground trembled beneath them, dark shadows poured out from the gate like smoke. But instead of attacking, they formed into ranks. An army. Ten thousand… no, more.

The Shadow Legion.

Jinwoo stepped forward, his presence heavy and undeniable. His generals followed in his wake—Beru crackling with energy, Bellion radiating calm lethality, Iron stomping with brute strength, and Kaisel circling overhead like a dark dragon herald.

And then it happened.

The entire Shadow Legion, row by row, fell to one knee. Fists pounded against armored chests in unison. Voices like thunder echoed through the crimson air.

“ALL HAIL THE KING!” “LONG LIVE THE SHADOW MONARCH!”

Y/N flinched at the sheer weight of their devotion. She found herself staring at Jinwoo in awe. This was exactly how Jinwoo’s legion had first appeared with Bellion—and now, she was witnessing it again, right in front of her. Another wave of his unstoppable army had arrived, and it felt just as overwhelming as before.

He stood like a sovereign at the center of his domain. The darkness bent to him. Even the Blood Moon seemed to pale before him.

Jinwoo exhaled slowly, letting them finish. And then he raised a hand. “Rise.”

They obeyed instantly.

But as they stood, the Legion shifted their formation. A second kneel, this time slower, more reverent. And then their gazes turned—to her.

“ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!” “THE SHADOW MONARCH’S QUEEN!” “THE WILD CARD OF ASHBORN!”

Y/N blinked. “What—wait, hold on—” But the ground trembled again, as even Beru and Bellion bowed their heads to her.

She turned on her heel.

“Nope,” she said.

And started to run.

Or she tried to.

A firm hand clamped onto the back of her collar like an owner grabbing a naughty dog. “Where do you think you’re going?” Jinwoo’s dry voice rumbled behind her.

Y/N flailed. “I am not built for this! I’m a side character! A humble civilian! I sleep twelve hours a day! This is above my paygrade!!”

“You’re not getting away,” Jinwoo said calmly, holding her in place like she weighed nothing. He gave her a light tug, grounding her feet back onto solid ground.

“I was going to tell you,” he said with a small sigh. “You’re not just my reward. You’re the Wild Card Ashborn left behind. My Queen.”

Y/N’ mouth opened… and closed again. “…You’re kidding.”

Bellion spoke for the first time, his voice deep and solemn. “It is not jest. We have awaited your awakening.” Beru chittered. “The Queen is magnificent.”

Y/N, flustered, pointed at Jinwoo. “But he’s the King! Why me?!” Jinwoo chuckled under his breath. “Because Ashborn liked to mess with me.”

Then she looked back at the kneeling army. Thousands of dark warriors, powerful ones at that. Even Bellion was kneeling, his golden eyes steady and respectful. Beru was next to him, claws dug into the ground as he bowed low. Tusk. Igris. Iron. Tank. Kaisel.

All of them.

And they were waiting. For her.

Y/N swallowed hard nervously. “O-Okay. Let’s… uh… let’s… not do this,” she said, waving her hands frantically. “Seriously, please, no more kneeling! I… I’m not used to it! It’s giving me anxiety! Like, secondhand embarrassment! You’re making me sweat!”

They didn’t move.

Her brain short-circuited. And then… She did the only thing she could think of.

Y/N promptly bent into a full ninety-degree bow herself. “Nice to meet you! I humbly accept your—oh, what am I doing?!”

Jinwoo sighed beside her. “You’re bowing back.” “I know!” she hissed. “They’re bowing! I can’t just stand there and not bow! My Asian instincts are kicking in!”

Bellion’s mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. Beru let out a delighted clicking sound.

Suddenly, a roar ripped through the sky. A rogue Monarch fragment had slipped through the gate—a creature of wild power, refusing to kneel to either King or Queen.

Jinwoo’s amusement faded instantly. He stepped forward. “You should have stayed hidden.”

In a flash, Jinwoo vanished. Shadow Step. He reappeared above the beast, twin daggers in hand, and drove them deep into its skull. Black flames erupted, consuming the creature instantly.

He landed smoothly, his back to the smoking ruin, and rolled his shoulders as if it were nothing. The Legion didn’t cheer. They expected it.

Y/N stared. “…Damn.”

Jinwoo gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re impressed.” She grinned. “I’m a fan.”

The encounter at the Blood Moon Portal ended, but Y/N was far from calm.

She kept sneaking glances at Jinwoo as they walked side by side through the quiet streets. Their pace was unhurried, shadows flitting along rooftops, ensuring their path home was clear. Jinwoo was as calm as ever, hands tucked in his coat pockets, his steps silent and measured.

Y/N, on the other hand? Her mind was a mess.

Queen? Shadow Monarch's Queen?! She was still reeling from the Shadow Legion’s earlier pledge. They knelt. They pledged loyalty. They called her their Queen.

And Jinwoo? He stood there like it was completely normal.

She groaned internally. This doesn’t make sense! In every story, Cha Hae-In was the heroine! The strong, silent, perfect partner who would stand at Jinwoo’s side! And yet… Here she was.

Y/N glanced up at him again. Jinwoo had been different lately. Not just the way he watched over her during battles, but how he seemed… distracted. His dark eyes flickered toward her every so often when he thought she wouldn’t notice. Like now. She caught him. He immediately looked away.

Y/N bit her lip.

Wait. No. This doesn’t mean anything. Maybe he’s worried because I’m his responsibility! Her fan-brain kept spinning. But… If I’m the Queen, and Cha Hae-In is the heroine… then what am I in this story?

The horrifying realization smacked her upside the head. I’m the third party! The other woman! The tragic backstory side character that gets left behind when the hero moves on with the heroine and they have kids!

She imagined it vividly. Jinwoo, standing proudly with Cha Hae-In, their adorable son tugging at his cloak. And there she was—Y/N—perched on Kaisel’s back, watching from a distance like an abandoned NPC.

“No, no, no!” she hissed under her breath. She pulled at her hair as they reached his front door. Jinwoo gave her a side-eye. “…Are you okay?” “Define ‘okay,’” she shot back. He quirked an eyebrow. “You’re spiraling again.” “No, I’m thinking.”

Before he could open the door, she blurted, “Jinwoo!”

He paused. “Hm?”

Y/N squared her shoulders. This was it. Time for the question that would define her future. “…What’s your relationship with Cha Hae-In?”

Jinwoo turned to face her fully. His face was unreadable, eyes steady. “We’re comrades,” he answered plainly. “She’s helped me in raids.”

Her throat dried up. “But she… likes you, right?” A pause. “She confessed once.”

Y/N froze. Her worst fear was true! She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

“She’s a good person,” Jinwoo added. Y/N waited. But nothing followed. “…And?” she pressed. “And what?” “What did you say to her?” “I told her I wasn’t sure about how I felt toward anyone.” He said it like it was a simple fact. Like he was explaining the weather. “Feelings are complicated,” he finished.

Y/N stood there, her brain on fire. She wanted to scream. Feelings are complicated?! What kind of shoujo protagonist line is that?!

He turned to unlock the door, missing the way Y/N grabbed her head in silent agony. He doesn’t even know?! He hasn’t figured it out?! What was she supposed to do now? Stay here? Be the Queen in name only while he figured out his love life?!

“Y/N.” His deep voice snapped her back. She realized she hadn’t followed him inside yet.

She stepped in slowly, still stunned.

Dinner was quiet. Jinwoo glanced at her a few times but didn’t push her to talk. He never did unless it mattered.

But she could feel his gaze lingering longer than usual. Watching her. Studying her. Like he was waiting for something.

Like he was afraid of something. Or maybe that was just her imagination.

Later that night, Y/N lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She thought of the Legion, their loyalty, their trust in her. She thought of Jinwoo, always standing a little too close. His shadows always watching over her. And the fact that he hadn’t made any decision yet.

“Feelings are complicated,” he said. She sighed. “They sure are.”

But soon… One day… He’d figure it out.

And when that day came… She’d already made peace with whatever happened. After all, she wasn’t from this world. She didn’t belong here.

But even so… She smiled faintly. For now, she was his Queen.

Side Story: (Bonus Chapter)

After the chaos of the Blood Moon portal, the shadow pledges, and Y/N’s wild mental spirals about being “the third party,” they finally made it back to Jinwoo’s house.

Y/N was exhausted, physically and emotionally. Her brain felt fried. But even as she burrowed into the couch with a blanket like a lazy cat, one thought just wouldn’t let her sleep.

Something had been bugging her. And she wasn’t going to rest until she cleared it up.

She peeked over the couch, spotting Jinwoo at his desk, quietly reviewing some documents. His expression was serious as ever.

Perfect time to annoy him, she thought, lips curving into a mischievous grin.

She hopped up and tiptoed over, blanket trailing behind her like a cape. “Hey, Jinwoo,” she said, voice casual but her grin giving away the fact that nothing was casual about this.

Jinwoo glanced at her, brows lifting slightly. “What?”

She leaned on his desk with both elbows, face way too close for comfort. “So… I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she said, drawing the words out.

“…What is it now?” he asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.

She smirked, tapping her chin. “It’s about Cha Hae-In.”

Jinwoo tensed just a little. “What about her?”

Y/N tilted her head. “Did she sniff you?”

Silence.

Jinwoo stared at her, blinking slowly, his face betraying a rare what the hell moment.

“Excuse me?” he said at last.

“You heard me.” She didn’t back down. “Did Cha Hae-In sniff you? Like—sniff sniff.” She mimicked it, even cupping her hands in front of her face like a dog.

“…Why are you asking me this?” he said, voice dangerously flat.

Y/N, completely unfazed, shrugged. “I know, okay? It’s in the canon. She’s got that special nose thing and can smell magic, or whatever. So I figured, since you’re all Shadow Monarch-y and spooky, she probably gave you a good sniff.” Her eyes narrowed. “Did she?”

Jinwoo exhaled through his nose. “She did. Once.”

“I knew it! I’m not the only one!” Y/N gasped, overly dramatic, as if this was a daytime soap opera twist.

Then she slumped forward over his desk, groaning dramatically.

“And then I got that judging look from you?! And Hae-In didn’t?” she accused, pointing at him as if this were a trial.

“Where’s my dignity? Where’s my respect? This is blatant discrimination!”

“…What.”

She sat back up, glaring at him with mock betrayal. “I’m the Queen, right? Shadow Monarch’s wild card? Why am I getting second-tier treatment here?!” She jabbed her thumb into her chest.

“And yet! No sniff privileges! Meanwhile, Cha Hae-In gets the VIP treatment. This is really a discrimination!”

Jinwoo pinched the bridge of his nose. “Y/N…”

“I’m filing a formal complaint,” she continued, pacing now like a lawyer preparing a case. “I demand equal treatment. Sniffing rights! Shadow Monarch equality!”

“Stop saying sniff,” Jinwoo muttered, looking like he wanted to evaporate.

She spun back to him. “Why? Are you embarrassed? Hae-In wasn’t! She just walked right up and—” Y/N mimed leaning in dramatically. “—took a nice deep inhale, like it was nothing!”

Jinwoo rubbed his temple. “That was… different.”

“Oh, because she’s the heroine? And I’m just the comedy relief?!” Y/N fake-sobbed. “I see how it is!”

Jinwoo looked at her. He really looked at her. Wrapped in a blanket, hair wild, pouting at him like an overgrown child.

He sighed heavily. “If I let you… do this…” He gestured vaguely. “Will you shut up and go to sleep?”

Y/N gasped dramatically and brightened instantly…

Tag requests: @kisssleeping; @catsf0rlife707; @aorifukuzawa; @joannthebish; @ojog404; @tanspostsblog; @snowy-violet; @o-qi-shisme; @sleepyamaya

This side story is for everyone because you’ve been showing so much support. Thank you! 😊

And...What’s with Jinwoo’s expression? Why does he look sad… or maybe worried?

>> Chapter 9

[minh907]

Criminal!Jinwoo x reader Warning: Murder, blood mention. Song lyrics: Criminal - Britney Spears.

"According to the report from the city police department, there has been another murder recently, the murderer has been identified as 'The Ghost', who has been responsible for many recent murders...."

The rain was pattering, hitting the glass windows of a house. The living room was dark, the only light coming from the TV, the news was on.

"The victim is Kim Min-seok. After the investigation, the police have found out that Kim is the boss of a cross-border drug trafficking ring. Currently, the police have not found the true identity of the murderer. Public opinion..."

You sat cross-legged on the sofa, quietly watching the screen, your fingers unconsciously gripping the steaming cup of coffee.

The female announcer's voice still echoed steadily through the TV.

Another murder had occurred. You couldn't remember how many this month, it was clearly quite a few. It seems like every 1-2 days, another person is murdered.

You mumble, "I don't understand... Why should we feel sorry for those criminals? They don't even deserve to live. He's clearly doing things that the police can't do..."

Serial killer - 'The Ghost' has his own principles. In most cases where he is believed to be the perpetrator, the victims are other criminals. For example, heinous criminals who have not been discovered, notorious gang leaders, and the scum of society who have been released thanks to bribes...

It's clear that  'The Ghost' is acting on behalf of heaven.

Even though deep down, you know that punishing criminals is the duty of the law and the state. If this situation continues, the city will be very chaotic. 'The Ghost''s actions may make people happy, but they disregard the law. If everyone is like this, the law will no longer matter and the country will be unstable.

You can't help but feel indignant.

Not only because the victims were all criminals who committed heinous crimes, but also because...

The murderer that the whole city feared...was your lover.

Sung Jinwoo.

________________________________

He is a hustler, he's no good at all

He is a loser, he's a bum, bum, bum, bum

________________________________

You never thought you would fall in love with Jinwoo, you never thought you would fall in love with a criminal.

You used to have a normal life, never involved in the underworld, never involved in blood, never involved in darkness.

But that changed since you met him.

It was on a fateful night.

At that time, the city of Seoul was always bright and cheerful, or at least it appeared so. There was no disturbance, the flow of people was still bustling, the peace of the city was still maintained stably.

But in reality, in the alleys in the hidden corners of Seoul, shadows had begun to grow and gradually prepared for 'purification'.

It was pouring rain. You just wanted to go home after a tiring day at the office. Just sitting in one place and staring at the computer screen made your body feel heavy.

You trudged home. For some reason, the alley leading to your apartment seemed darker than usual, or maybe it was just your imagination.

Suddenly, a strange sound rang out - a faint moan, mixed with the sound of the rain.

You stopped, and then you saw him.

A man was lying against the wall, breathing heavily, one hand clutching his stomach, blood dripping onto the ground.

You usually didn't want to get involved in things like this, you were afraid of trouble. You were sure he was probably involved in the underworld or some gang. You could have chosen to ignore him and go home.

But for some reason, you knelt down next to him. Your mind told you to run, but your hands reached out, touching the hand that was clutching his stomach.

"Don't...don't touch me. Go home..." his voice was hoarse, weak, but still dangerous and warning.

You didn't listen. In that moment, the recent warnings on TV, about being careful when walking at night, because of several murders that had occurred around your neighborhood.

You now saw only a dying man in front of you.

"You can't die here.." you whispered, and before your brain could process your actions, you picked him up and carried him back to your apartment.

The black-haired man, although injured, still looked at you sharply.

"You know that there have been several murders recently....I'm the murderer, aren't you afraid of me..?"

You knew you should be afraid, should stay away from him.

But when you looked into his eyes, you saw only a ghost trapped in the darkness.

"I-I don't know." You should probably run away, but you didn't.

From that moment, you knew your life was about to change. You've stepped into the dark, and you know you won't be able to get out.

___________________________

He lies, he bluffs, he's unreliable

He is a sucker with a gun, gun, gun, gun

___________________________

Suddenly you felt the empty space next to you sink, and a strong arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you into his embrace forcefully.

You knew who it was.

Your lover was back.

The clock hands had just passed twelve. The rain had not stopped yet. He still had the damp smell of rain on him, and a faint smell of iron.

You knew that after he killed someone, he would shower before he came to see you, he didn't want you to feel uncomfortable. But it seemed that the smell of blood had penetrated his skin, making it impossible to completely disappear.

And it seemed that you were getting used to it.

Jinwoo put one hand around your waist, rubbing the curves of your body.

He took off his leather gloves, put them on the table slowly, then wrapped both arms around you, pulling you closer to him. Your back pressed against his strong chest.

Jinwoo didn't say anything, just silently tightened his arms and buried his head in your hair, lightly inhaling the familiar scent of shampoo on your hair.

"Did you kill someone again?" A question popped out of your mouth, but you already knew the answer.

He didn't answer, just closed his eyes, then hummed softly through your hair.

He tilted his head, moving down to your neck, placing light kisses on it.

"Do you hate me?" His voice was hoarse, speaking between kisses.

His ebony hair lightly brushed against your chin, along with the light kisses on your neck, making you feel itchy. You giggled, then shook your head slightly. "You know I can't."

Jinwoo chuckled softly, a smile that was tinged with a bit of fatigue. He leaned back slightly, his back resting on the armrest of the sofa, and you lay on top of him. His hands still didn't leave your waist.

Silence filled the room. There was only the sound of the news bulletin board still showing the news of the day, and the slow breathing of the two people lying on the sofa.

You were used to this.

Jinwoo had never revealed his true self to you.

He was not a hero, nor a demon.

He was just the only one willing to take action.

He was only dealing with those who the law had not yet reached.

You kissed his cheek lightly, then placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"I don't hate you... I'm worried about you."

Jinwoo didn't say anything, but his arms tightened. In that moment, there was no 'Ghost', nor a serial killer.

There was only you and him.

That was the only thing you cared about right now.

__________________________

But mama I'm in love with a criminal

And this type of love isn't rational, it's physical

_________________________

I'm not criticizing the law, this is just a plot, no bad intentions.

[circeyoru]

Love Trial = Requested

[Sung Jinwoo x High School Ex-Lover!Reader]

The Requests ― Part 1 (here) ― Part 2 — Part 3 ― Part 4 ― Part 5

Sung Jinwoo. The Hunter who was praised for his bravery and selflessness, the Hunter who was the embodiment of Cinderella, and the Hunter who was hailed as a hero no matter where he went and how he acted. All because he acted for the good of the people around him, be it former foes or strangers in another country, he protected all. He was humanity’s strongest shield and sword against the dangers of the monsters within the vile Gates.

Yet to you, his shining image was clouded with the shadows that surrounded him. In your memory of him, one stood out more than the rest, more than the good deeds he’s done, more than the joyous memories you made with him.

“I’m sorry. Let’s break up.”

His words pierced your heart and body like no other. The shield you held over your heart was long gone and the walls you built around you long crumbled, all because of the knight in front of you. You can’t say you didn’t expect it, you have and mentally prepared yourself, still… It hurts oh so much.

“I understand. I wish you happiness, Hunter Sung. May your days be nothing of smiles and content.”

And you turned and left to hide your tears. Even knowing that Jinwoo would one day leave you because he was stronger now and would have more and better choices, you craved—clung—to the fantasy that he wouldn’t leave you behind after everything that you’ve done for him. You drank till your body couldn’t handle and your bartender friend called in your reliable friend from back in your college days. You cried in his chest. Why? Why weren’t you a Hunter as well? You could have done more! More for your dearest lover! Maybe then, you wouldn’t be abandoned. 

That night was agonizing to live through. It was the worst day of your life. Perhaps, you were in love with the idea of love. You and Jinwoo did fall for the other over some silly comment and gossip from your classmates, then you started seeing the other differently. You two thought they were right and loved each other like actual lovers. How immature of you. Look what that led you?

It took some time, but you recovered with the help of your college friend. He helped more than you could ever thank him for. If he weren’t such a workaholic or that heated up then maybe your heart could have been swayed. Still, you knew for a fact; that you couldn’t—wouldn’t—be in another relationship any time soon.

When the world appeared to be coming to an end, you stared out your apartment window and sighed. Jinwoo must be saying his final farewells to his loved ones; his mother, his younger sister, that brother of a Hunter Jinho, and his new lover Cha Hae-In. It didn’t ache as much now than before when you thought about their official relationship and Jinwoo moving on so quickly while you took your time recovering. Now, you were fine with the time you had for yourself.

Your phone rang and you picked it up without a thought, a voice spoke from the other end. “World’s ending, thought I should check up on you.”

“How nice of you.” You chuckled from your end and retreated back into your apartment and away from the window, “Aren’t you busy with your guild affairs to call me?”

“I can still rest, can’t I? Here I was being nice and now I’m scolded.” You hummed, knowing the man from the other end heard it loud and clear. There was a pause before he continued, “Any regrets? Might as well say it since the world is ending.”

“Why should I tell you?” You meant it as a tease since you two have been close and shared a lot with each other. Way more that people could have confused you two as lovers at some point.

“Think of it as a goal for your next life. I wish we had our silly friendship and that there were no more beasts to fight off so I could work.”

You remained silent for a while. What would you wish for? What was your regret? You glanced over to a corner, you know it was because of the lighting that there was a shadow, but you couldn’t help but be reminded of a certain someone. Your lips moved while your eyes were glued to the shadow, speaking your mind, “I regret having let down my guard for him. I wish… I never met him.”

Whether it was the heavens taking pity on you or cursing you, you can’t tell. The moment you woke up, you were back home and alive. The only difference was that you have shrunk. No. That’s too light of a term. To be more specific, you have turned back to a child. It made no sense whatsoever that it was a dream. A dream too realistic since you could feel the clothes covering your body and the wind against your skin, even smell the familiar cooking of your parents. Not to mention, eat it!

You accepted it as reality when a week passed and nothing changed. You figured that you were reliving your life due to regrets. Or maybe a lot of people had regrets so everyone is reliving their lives right now. Yet you were the only one who seemed to have remembered anything about Hunters and Gates. Well, the moment you realized that, you shut up and said it was all a dream to anyone you asked, a child’s fantasy is wild after all, so none was the wiser. 

First things first, though, you had to avoid being in the same high school as Jinwoo. Easy enough as you had another school that was much closer to your apartment now. It was so easy for you to change your future since you were the only one that know what would happen. Cha Hae-In is Jinwoo’s fated lover, so at some point, they’d meet each other and fall in love. No surprise, but you want to be away from that drama.

“Dear! Can you get the door for me?” Your mother’s shout brought you out of your musical trance.

“Yes, mom!” You placed your violin down and hopped onto the couch. Your footsteps pitter-patter through the floor. You reached the door and opened it, knowing the metal fence as the outer door was closed to protect you in case of an attempt at breaking and entering. “Who is it—?!”

The bright red hair and the matching red eyes, you recognize them anywhere. The boy in front of his parents smiled with his head bowed to give his greetings. “Hello! I’m Choi Jong-In, your new neighbour. I’ll be studying at XXXX Middle School if you want,” His closed-eyes smile softened as his eyelids opened again to meet your shocked gaze. “We can walk to school together.”

Words seemed to have been sucked out of your mouth as you stared at the boy. Your parents had come to the door and welcomed the boy inside while you were still in a daze. In the past, you had never met Jong-In this early; you met him when you two were in college and Jinwoo in high school. Perhaps because you avoided meeting Jinwoo, now you met Jong-In. Well, you can’t complain. It was a good change.

“What a coincidence! We go to the same school.” You smiled back and introduced yourself. He repeated your name, and a wave of nostalgia washed over you. And so started your friendship with your former best friend from your past life.

.

. 

.

As time passed, days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, months turned to years. There were no such things as Gates or Hunters or even mana. Everything was just perfectly normal, just as you pleased. You momentarily looked up from your phone at the cluster of people before you stared up into the sky. Your eyes widened as you caught sight of what appeared to be a Gate in the sky. Even after a few moments, nothing happened, and no Hunters were awakened. You couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

You passed by an ice cream shop and wondered if you should grab a cup of ice cream while waiting for your friends. Your attention was taken away when your phone buzzed and you looked down once more to see what the notification was about. Ah, your friend’s here.

You walked away from the shop and entered the crowd, entirely missing the boy who rushed out of his seat from the window table and tried to catch you. You heard your name being called out, and you went in that direction, finding the redhead waving his hands in your direction. You chuckled and went over to him. “Hey.”

“Hey to you too, let’s get out of here. It’s so crowded.” Jong-In placed his arm around your shoulders and led you away from the crowd. 

When you look back up at the sky, nothing happens, and the crowd starts to disperse. As you and Jong-In chatted up a storm, ignoring the chatter around you two, you also didn’t notice how the boy had stared at you longingly with guilt and envy in his eyes while the shadows around him twisted and swirled, reflecting his conflicting emotions. 

.

.

.

“Have you heard? That running star, Sung Jinwoo, is going to this college too!”

“I heard! I also heard he’s still single too!”

“You think I got a chance with him?”

“No way. I heard he’s a heartbreaker! Even Cha Hae-In’s no match for him.”

“Aw… That’s crazy.”

You stood up and moved to another seating area with a deadpan emotion. After finding a good seat, you sat down and returned to whatever you were doing on your phone. Up until now, you had been able to predict what happened since that was the point in time that Jinwoo went to become a Hunter. Basically, since high school, you were on your own. You managed just fine because the moment you weren’t in the same school as Jinwoo, it was the same as you never having to meet each other. Even better as it saved you from heartache and unnecessary emotions.

Still. You were beyond confused as to why Jinwoo wasn’t together with Cha Hae-In when they were so lovey-dovey in your previous life. There’s no way you heard it right. Gossip is just that, gossip. It’s never true, and even if some parts are, the majority of them are twisted to match whatever the listener and speaker want to hear or know. 

The students in the lecture hall suddenly squealed as they all whispered about the newest student who came in. You glanced up and huffed with a smirk, watching with a teasing look at Jong-In, who was called by men and ladies alike. He was popular, after all. He came to your seat and gave you that gentlemanly smile, “Come on, you free to go now?”

“Geez, not sure. I feel like sitting a bit longer.” You taunted shamelessly.

You watched as his eye twitched and his smile widened dangerously. “Don’t be such a tease. You know we’ll be late for lunch.”

“Lunch is a whole few hours long; we can afford to be late for a few… say… 30 minutes or so?”

At your words, Jong-In immediately started packing your belongings for you, strapping your bag over his shoulders, then pulling you out of your seat and dragging you out of the hall. People all cooed in your direction, some even whistled. 

You let him do so until you two were in a more secluded hallway when you spoke up. “You know I was just teasing. Who told you to be so popular?”

“And here I thought having you around me would ward off people…” Jong-In sighed, finally letting you go of your hand. “Sorry for being rough.”

“It’s no big deal.” You shrugged and took back your bag. “So, the confessions are still sky high?”

“Not sky high, but still a number of them.” Jong-In fixed his glasses, raking his hair with his fingers, “Seriously, I just want to focus on my studies and get started on my work!”

You and Jong-In have been close and the best of friends, in the past and current life. In both lives, he was basically married to work, or study at the moment. Jong-In had no want for romance, and you avoided the whole romance thing, so both of you came to the agreement of being a fake couple to ward off other people. Since you two were close enough to do what couples do without feeling romantically attracted to the other, well, nothing like kissing but hand-holding and hugging was acceptable.

Jong-In looked over to you, who was still very much unaffected and chill about everything. The winds seemed to pick up when his words escaped his lips. “What will you do if Sung Jinwoo finds you when I’m not around?”

Your eyes darted to his before you blinked and looked out the window, “I doubt it. Let’s just say I have a strong feeling that he’s making a mistake if he does come to me.” You smiled at Jong-In while your eyes seemed devoid of light. “I’ll just direct him to the right one.” You blinked and, like a switch, returned to normal. “Why the sudden question?”

A finger of his pointed behind you, “Because he’s coming in this direction and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

Note: First part out! This request has been sitting in my inbox for a while, sorry it took so long. As you could tell, I had other stories and stuff to do. But it's out! Thoughts, everyone?

Circe Y.

My Works: MASTERLIST

[kami-garden]

Solo Leveling S2E07 - Sung Jin-woo