#Oh yeah also I have never played breath of the wild. Never in my life. I'm fresh and free as a bird

[starscreamingg]

Obsessed with genuinely never finishing breath of the wild. Poor Zelda's trapped in the castle with the pig man and I'm out here spending three hours filling my entire inventory with fish

[themultifanshipper]

Charles was shocked into silence. How could he not have noticed? He had known you for years and yet, he had never been so turned on in his life, just from hearing you speak.

Warnings: gn!reader, french!reader, cum play? GRATUITOUS amounts of french! Like half the dialogue is in french (with translation). This is entirely self-indulgent! Charles is really stupid in this I’m sorry but it’s for the plot, also he started out dominant then I decided halfway through he should be submissive, then switched back again. Barely proofread, it is 4:30am as I am writing this, sue me. There is disgusting stuff involving cum, and I’m kinda considering this crack because I can’t take french seriously.

Bon appétit, this is a wild ride my friends.

You had been working in formula 1 for most of your adult life, going from media teams to personal assistant, to lots of other jobs that finally led you to your dream job: race engineer.

Well, your dream job was really being a team boss, but baby steps, yeah?

Anyway, you had been promoted to race engineer to the one and only Charles Leclerc following the whole Xavi thing. But before that he��d known you as his assistant for a bit when his own assistant was on maternity leave, and before that you had been the media trainer for a few teams, including Sauber when he was there. He’d literally known you since his debut, and the two of you had grown very close over the years, and saw each other every week. So the fact that he could have missed something like this was embarrassing.

You were at the end of a race, going on about the tyres overheating to Charles over the radio when the car in front of him locked up and slid, forcing him to swerve and hit the wall with a sickening crunch.

You gasped as you saw the car make contact. “Oh Putain, ça va Charles ?” (Oh fuck, you ok Charles?) You spoke into your headset but there was no answer, and Charles didn’t seem to be moving so you tried again “Charles, tu m’entends? Est-ce que ça va?!” (Charles can you hear me? Are you ok?)

He finally replied in a shaky voice, and you were finally able to breathe and call the staff that would go get Charles and his car off the track.

Unbeknownst to you, Charles was having a mental crisis. You spoke French?

Since fucking when?

His ears were ringing as he tried to think back your years friendship for any signs. He came up empty. He was positive he’d never heard you speak French before. And he was positive he should not be hard, climbing out of his car after a crash.

When he got back to the garage, you were waiting for him, ready to ask him how he was but before you could say anything he grabbed your arm and dragged you into the nearest room slash maintenance cupboard he could find.

“What the hell are you doing Charles?”

He locked the door and when he turned back around his eyes were dark and stormy “Since when do you speak french?” he asked.

You just blinked at him.

“What?”

He backed you up against the wall, hands either side of your waist.

“Since when” he spoke patronizingly slowly “Do. You. Speak. French.”

Your eyebrows furrowed in utter confusion.

“Charles, I am French. I have a French name. I was born and raised in France! What the fuck do you mean ‘since when do I speak french’???!”

His eyes widened as he realized how oblivious he’d been.

“My dad is friends with Pierre’s parents! I started my career at Renault! I brought you wine from my family’s vineyard! Charles how-  how could you not have known?” You laughed at him as he just stood there flabbergasted at his own stupidity.

“Sérieusement? Comment?” (seriously, how?)

His brain seemed to reboot and he put his arms around you “Je suis désolé, je suis vraiment débile” (I’m sorry, I’m so stupid) he giggled into your hair.

The proximity was odd but not unwelcome, as you put your arms around him and laughed with him, inhaling his pleasant scent.

“Tu as mis du parfum? Tu sens bon. ” (Have you got cologne on? You smell good)

He groaned. “Keep talking, please” and he squeezed you tighter against him.

You laughed. “Tu sais bien que je parle toujours en français avec Pierre et Este ?” (You know I always speak french with Pierre and Este, right?)

He whimpered into your neck and that’s when you felt it.

You froze in his arms “Charles are you getting hard?”

He put his forehead against yours and looked into your eyes, both of you going cross-eyed. “I’m sorry you just sound so sexy in french” he sniffled.

This was definitely something you could get behind.

“Ouais? Tu veux que je te parle en français pendant les courses alors? (Yeah, you want me to speak to you in french during the races?)

He chewed on his lip and nodded as your hand made its way to the front of his suit to cup him over the fabric.

“T’es sûr? On voudrait pas que tu salisse la voiture, tu devras expliquer aux ingénieurs pourquoi le siège est trempé” (you sure ? We wouldn’t want you to make a mess, you’d have to explain to the engineers why the seat is wet)

He whined and his knees almost buckled, so you turned him around against the wall and unzipped his suit, dragging it down to pool around his ankles, then making quick work of the second layer, leaving him in his very damp underwear. You pulled that down as well as you got a hand around his cock and started a slow pace, teasing the tip with your thumb every now and then. He bucked his hips and whined at the dry friction.

“What’s the matter? Un peu sec?” (a bit dry?) You said teasingly.

“Laisse moi t’aider avec ça” (let me help you with that)

You got down on your knees and his eyelids fluttered as you got your lips around his tip. When you took half of him in your mouth and reached a hand up to cup his balls at the same time, he moaned and thumped his head back onto the wall.

You pulled off “Garde les yeux sur moi, Charles” (keep your eyes on me, Charles)

He did so , with much difficulty, but his eyes snapped to yours and you continued, taking him all the way to the base and massaging his balls gently. His hips bucked up a bit making you gag slightly.

“désolé, je vais pas durer longtemps” (sorry, I’m not gonna last long)

So you picked up the pace and doubled down on your efforts, as his hands flew to your hair.

It took about a minute and a half for him to come, groaning your name while he filled your mouth. He felt like his soul had been sucked out through his dick. You didn’t swallow it all though, wanting to share the load, as it were.

You got up and pulled him in for a kiss, which he gladly accepted, and it was the most disgusting, satisfying kiss you’d ever had, all teeth and spit and cum, some of it dribbling down your necks and chests.

You stayed like that for a while, basking in each other’s embrace (and each other’s mouths) before you suddenly remembered where you were.

“Charles! Don’t you have a press conference to go to?!”

“Je m’en fous, je reste là” (I don’t care, I’m staying here)

He lifted you up and carried you to the other side of the room where there was a conveniently empty shelf, where he set you down before tugging your pants down and spreading your legs to slot himself between them. He was already half hard again as he pumped himself with one hand and used the other to swipe up the cum on his and your chests, then brought his fingers to your entrance, rubbing gently before sliding a finger inside you. It didn’t take much for him to prep you and he used the excess leftover cum to lube himself up and slide into you. You keened as he pressed up into your most sensitive spots. But he just stayed there, grinding slowly into you, driving you mad.

“Please, Charles!” You begged, pronouncing his name the English way.

He cocked his head and grinned at you, and you sighed in desperation.

“S’il te plait… Charles”

His jaw went slack as he used all the energy he had left to pound into you, right in that special spot that made you see stars, over and over until you were a whining mess underneath him.

You came with a shout, back arching off the shelf and he held on to you as he followed soon after.

Charles Leclerc got a heavy fine for not showing up at the post-race conference, or the debrief, or any of his mandatory duties. Fortunately, he had enough money to pay the fine, and take you to dinner that very same night.

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hi bubbs, 💖 anon here. I never made a request before, but I'd like to make one now. Can you write a fic in which reader gets injured and Azriel takes care of her and tends to her wounds? Reader has been through a lot in the past so she doesn't know how to react to someone taking care of her. Both of them are also secretly pining for one another. Pls write it if you have the time, no pressure. Much love to you Queen, bye bye💖.

Hey, gorgeous! Enjoy!💕✨

Keep you safe

Azriel hated when Rhys sent you out on missions alone or with anyone who wasn’t him. When it came to you he trusted no one. It was stupid. Over the top stupid but he just couldn’t. Couldn’t make himself settle when he wasn’t the one guarding your back. And then maybe it was the fact that something deep within his chest burnt for you. It was easy with you. From day one you had managed to see right through him. Right through everything he thought he was masking like a true mastermind.

“If you had come to nag me about putting her on a search team with other boys, you don’t have to. By now I know what you will drill me for”, Rhys spoke up before Azriel had a chance to fully enter his study. “I just don’t understand why you do it”, the spymaster slowly closed the door before turning to his brother, “You know how much it unsettles me”. Rhys put down his pen, looking straight up at Azriel, “Man up then and tell her how you feel”, and that was enough to make Azriel's shoulders go stiff. “Stop with that nonsense. Aren’t you tired of trying to play a matchmaker?”, but Azriel’s words only made Rhys smirk. “You can make her yours, admit how you’re feeling, and have an advantage over my decisions. Or you can sulk for the rest of your life because, brother, you’re not getting any younger”, Rhys’s eyes pierced through Azriel. He slowly nodded his head before turning around, “You don’t know shit”, he reached for the door handle once more, “Oh, and if something happens to her because of this choice of yours”, his eyes now much darker, landed on his high lord, “Your pretty face will take a beating. My condolences to Feyre”, and with that, he was gone.

It was an anxious couple of days of sitting around. The reports Azriel had to fill out were adding up but he couldn’t get his mind to settle. And then he heard it. The sea of voices. Among them a voice he would recognize anywhere. Azriel is quick to jump to his feet, rushing down the stairs. And there you stand. Your fighting leather was still on as you gave your last orders to the soldiers that had come with you.

“Y/n”, the shadow singer called out with a tight nod. Your eyes. Tired eyes meet his. A light smile pulls at the corner of your mouth, “Azriel”. The soldiers give clipped nods to both of you before hurrying away. “Didn’t even say goodbye”, Azriel crosses his arms over his chest. “You know i hate goodbyes”, you snicker, turning slightly only to hiss beneath your breath. “Is everything okay?”, the question falls out of his mouth way too quickly but your well-being has been the center of attention ever since you left. “Yeah, perfect. Need to give Rhys a rundown”, and that’s when his eyes notice your clammy-looking skin, the slight tremble.

Azriel reaches out, grabbing your arm, and the dampness of it strikes him. He lets go in a hurry only to be met with a bloody palm. “Yn…”, it’s barely a whisper as his vision zeros onto the crimson staining his skin. “It is nothing”, you brush it off so carelessly that it makes Azriel’s blood boil. “Nothing? You’re bleeding all over the foyer”, he whispers shouts, stepping right in front of you, blocking your way away from him. “I’ll clean it up?”, you try, not too sure as to what would calm this sudden fury burning in him. His wild eyes look you over. And then there is darkness. The coldness of his shadows surrounded everything.

“Sit”, he orders before the mist of his darkness even has a chance to fizzle out. “Azriel you can’t just take me like that”, you hiss out both in pain and frustration. To his apartment outside the city, he had winnowed you. Just like that. Just because. “But it seems like I did”, he sassed over his shoulder before pointing to the sofa, “sit down, woman, before I sit you down”. You gape at him for a moment. Under any other circumstance you would be putting him in his place but now… now you just feel weaker and weaker by the minute.

“You are being childish”, you point out, welcoming the feeling of ease once your body eases against the sofa. “You are being careless”, he throws your own words at him. Ones that you had thrown at him on multiple occasions after his missions. “Shirt off”, Azriel asks, motioning to the material. “Azriel, this is nothing”, you try to reason once again. You don’t want him to see you like this. You can lick your wounds on your own. Have done that your whole life.

“Say that one more time”, it’s a dare you know that. Know him. Just as you know the more you push, the more likely it is that he will be the one doing the undressing. “Fine”, you huff, “I’ll show you so you will get out of my hair”, it’s mean and rude at best, because he had been nothing but nice. You just can’t wrap your head around someone caring. But even you halt at the sight of the angry-looking gash surrounded by bruises. You haven’t looked at it since the attack. You felt it yes. But it didn’t feel that bad. Not to mention the puss slowly forming at the edges. Infected. A chill runs down your back.

“Fuck”, Azriel’s voice fills in the silence. “It wasn’t…”, you start but your voice dies. “Sit, or better lay down”, and there it is, the collected composure, “I’ll fetch clean clothes and Madja’s slaves”, he’s quick to step into his neatly arranged storage room. Searching through the medical supplies. “She’s not in Velaris now but I will make sure she comes here first thing when she returns”, he’s rambling now. Meaning it’s bad. He thinks it’s bad too.

You’re only in your breast wrap when Azriel returns. He would admire you. What man wouldn’t but not now. Not when your chest is coming up and down in broken breathes. Your face looking ashy. “This will hurt. Hold onto my shoulders”, he kneels between your legs, dampening the material. “I’m good”, you say through clenched teeth, letting your head fall over the back of the sofa. Azriel watches you, “I warned you”, he mutters before pressing the cloth to your wound.

Your hands shoot up as quickly as the pain making you cry out. Reaching for the man tending your wounded side. “Breathe through it. Nice and slow”, his lips brush against the side of your head. You didn’t even realize when he had leaned over you. “It hurts”, you cry out, feeling the tears rolling down your cheeks. “Look at me, I’ve got you”, his forehead is pressed to yours. Eyes watching you. He gives you a quick nod and you nod alongside him, “Make it quick”. Another tight nod and the salve-soaked material is once again against your burning flesh.

You cry out, head falling onto Azriel’s shoulder. The agony of it all catches up quickly to you. “Just a bit more”, he pleads, trying to clean away all the crusted-over blood and puss. “You’re doing great. So brave. So strong”, you want to bite back that you’re not a child that needs praise but his words soothe something inside you.

“Lay down, you will feel dizzy”, Azriel reaches out to steady your head back. “Any more not serious cuts on your body?” You lift your arm, one he had grasped. It’s a much shallow wound the bleeding had stopped by now. Yet Azriel tends to it as carefully. You watch him do it. The way he has that almost permanent frown on his face. As if every bruise and cut had personally offered him. “I’ll wrap you up”, he mutters after a while, gathering all the blood-soaked clothes. “I can do it myself, you did enough”, The truth is you don’t want to move. Or more like don’t know if you can. Azriel just looks down at you before sighing, “I understand now why you get pissed when I play big boy around you”, you can’t help but smile a little. Tending to him was always a headache but you always got him to give in. “Got to keep you on your toes now”, you whisper, not trusting your voice.

“Just let me look after you”, he mutters and you take a moment to soak in his worried eyes. “Why?”, deep down you know the answer but there’s an urge now. Urge to hear him say it. “Because…”, Azriel breathes out, stalling, “Because I’ve been worried sick since you left, because this will help my mind settle”. He shakes his head slightly, “Because I care… about you”. You take a shaky breath in, wanting to reach out for him. “Az…”, you mutter. “Don’t say anything now. Heal first and let me help you do so faster”, he cups your face, before going back to fetch the bandages.

[sdmnpact]

˗ˏˋJealousyˎˊ˗

Wroetoshaw x Reader smut

**18+ MDNI**

~~~

You were laying on the couch at your boyfriend's flat watching videos on your laptop. He was in the kitchen making dinner for you two. A usual routine you guys follow, one cooks the other cleans afterwards. You two have built a cozy little life for yourselves. You find joy just being in each other's company, even if it means staying home most nights just cuddling on the couch. Sometimes you wish for a change of scenery and Harry makes sure to fill that desire by taking you to do fun activities in the city. You aren't usually an active person but sometimes you can't help but get a little jealous when Harry is out hiking, playing golf, or filming in some random country. He doesn't really take you out on those types of activities but you don't complain.

"Whatcha watching baby?" He asked as he came over and sat down, moving the pillow you were resting on so he can act as your headrest. You quickly get comfortable on his thigh as you readjusted yourself. You were just binging Joe Weller content, from his own videos to his features on the sidemen channel. You were quite enamored with him lately because of how much time he was spending with the boys. Something about his love for nature and his wild stories made you feel some type of way, creating a want, to learn more about him. You couldn't help but feel slightly attracted to him since he is so fit and adventurous.

**You're POV**

"Just some youtube videos..." I trailed off. Clicking on a different video. "Was that Joe Weller?" He asked partially joking partially serious. "Oh yeah." I awkwardly laughed. "Why are you acting weird?" He said tensing up. "I'm not, I'm fine."

"Seriously y/n! What is it!?"

"Okay, fine, I was watching him because he's interesting and does a ton of cool stuff! Is that wrong?" I said getting a bit defensive. "Well of course not unless you fancy him...." There was a long pause as silence filled the room. "Oh my God, you do fancy him!" He said getting up, leaving my head to plop on to the couch. "I mean, don't you fancy girls online!?"

To be fair, I've seen his Instagram feed and there are a couple onlyfans models he follows. I don't get upset about it because I know he loves me so I don't know why he's getting upset over this. "Well yeah, they're hot but I'm not subscribing to them and watching all their videos!" He semi shouted. There was a different look in his eye. A look of intense jealousy. "Listen Harry, it's just a couple of videos. It's not like I'm touching myself to them!" That line drove him over the edge. I could see the anger form in his eyes, like someone lit a fire.

"I'm sorry, what!?" He said getting a bit louder. " You want him to fuck you? Is that it!?" He said standing over me. "No, I want you to do it!" I said. Harry never and I mean NEVER gets angry like this. It was kind of hot. He was a bit taken back by my words but then I noticed another look in his eyes. Pure lust.

He grabbed my waist fiercely bringing me closer to him. I felt his hot breath on my face as he leaned down to my ear and with a deep musky voice said, "what'd you say?" It was over for me. I could just melt right now.

"I want you to fuck me." I said blatantly, running my fingers down his back putting my arms around his waist bringing it closer to mine. I felt him grow in his pants and I chuckled to myself. He wants it so bad. He pressed his lips against mine and I quickly melted into the kiss. He kissed me so sloppily and so rough like he was starving for more. I reach for his hair and ran my fingers though his blonde locks tugging at them slightly making him moan. I know pulling on his hair makes him go crazy. His hand explored my body feeling all my delicate areas making me shiver at his touch. He reached for my pants, unbuttoning them with one hand while the other hand held my waist. He unzipped them then threw me onto the couch with slight force but also in a way that still felt gentle.

He pulled off my pants and my underwear making sure to run his fingers slowly down my thighs and legs. I felt myself pulsating as he slowly caressed my inner thigh making me go wild. I looked down at him between my legs. His bright blue eyes and messy hair making him look so attractive. He brought his face closer to my throbbing heat holding onto my legs. He slowly kissed my inner thigh getting closer and closer to my heat with each kiss making my legs quiver. I gasped as I felt his wet tongue swirl on my lips. He looked up at me and I felt a smirk on his lips as he slipped his tongue inside. I gasped as I felt him enter. "Damn, you're soaking already?" he chuckled, the vibrations of his voice running through me like a jackhammer. He swirled his tongue inside my vulva knowing which spots make me feel good. My legs shaking as he kept exploring my walls.

I felt myself about to release when he stopped. "Wait darling-" He said quickly dropping his pants and boxers revealing his fully erect member. I smiled at the sight of him as he slowly slipped himself inside me making eye contact. He rocked his hips back and forth increasing his speed each time. He quickly grabbed my waist and spun us around so that he's sitting on the couch and I'm on his lap straddling him. His grip on my waist getting tighter and he bounced me up and down continuing to increase his speed making me feel electric. I grabbed onto his hair pulling harder than last time causing him to release a moan. Between my own soft moans I muttered, "I love your moans." only adding fuel to his desire to make me reach climax, increasing his pace even more.

With one hand, he cupped my face and kissed me roughly as I finally reached climax. I let out a loud moan as I released all over him, feeling him release into me seconds later. Nothing but our heavy breathing filling the room. We sat like that for a couple of seconds, catching our breaths. We looked at each other and smiled as I got off of him about to stand before he pulled me back on his lap. I rested my back on his chest, making our sticky, sweaty skin mold us together. He wrapped his arounds around my waist, kissing the back of my head, breathing heavy on my neck. "I love you, princess."

---

A/N

woo, steamy stuff... sorry about the pov change, this was suppose to be fluff but it turned into smut somehow, causing me to accidently changed the pov. I hope you enjoyed it!

[jeonginsleftcheek]

The sun to me

Chapter XII. The Cut.

pairing: hwang hyunjin x afab!reader

word count: 2.2k

chapter summary: a heart breaks quietly, leaving scars deep inside.

warnings: brief description of love making, sad chapter

~ Masterlist for the series

~ next part

💔 Dicentra - also known as bleeding heart flower, symbol for pain and sorrow that comes with heartbreak.

Hyunjin's standing on the pier, phone clutched in his hand once again.

Only this time, there is no wild wind and dancing waves, no smell of rain, no storm or black clouds anywhere in sight.

It's almost eerily calm and quiet under the warm sun, the summer months slowly rolling in.

Hyunjin feels his forehead with his fingertips, a thin sheen of sweat covers his skin and he wipes it with his sleeve.

Taking a deep breath in, he turns on his phone.

He's instantly bombarded with messages and more missed calls, mostly from Charlie again and he decides to stop stalling, finally pressing his finger on the phone icon.

"Hwang Hyunjin."- Charlie's voice is menacing.

"I'm sorry?"- Hyunjin grimaces.

"I expect to see you back with a new exhibition as early as tomorrow."

"Alright."

"Alright?"- Charlie asks with doubt in his voice. "No more 'I need to find myself', 'my life is sad', etc.?"

"I found what I was looking for. You'll see me tomorrow."- Hyunjin answers coldly.

"Okay then. Looking forward to your new work."

"Sure."- Hyunjin hangs up.

His heart feels heavy as he stares at his phone.

The dreadful feeling that he came here with, the one you helped alleviate, together with the kind people of the island who had welcomed him with arms wide open, is looming above him once again like the hot sun, threatening to burn him and leave scars on his skin that has just been healed by your loving touch.

Hyunjin barely makes his way to your flower shop, feet dragging and stalling as much as he can, as he kicks a little rock he came across on the way there.

Lovely as ever, you stand behind the counter, tending to your precious flowers, with a small smile on your face.

Hyunjin swallows as he sees you, he's been trying to tell you for days that he'll call Charlie and have to leave, but every time you smiled at him, he just didn't have the heart to bring you down and see your beautiful smile turn sad.

"Jinnie!"- you beam as you notice him walking in.

"Hey, my love."- Hyunjin forces a smile as you round the counter to pull him into a hug.

He holds onto you tightly, and you sense something's wrong with the way he's clinging onto you, hands silently and desperately pleading for you not to move.

"Jinnie?"- you say quietly, playing with a lock of his hair, twirling it around your finger.

"I'm sorry."- he says suddenly, his arms tightening around you.

"For what, lover?"- you ask, a sense of dread creeping up inside your heart.

Hyunjin leans back and looks at you with a sad smile.

"I have to leave."- he says, his voice breaking a little.

"It's okay. I knew this day would come."- you swallow the tears that are already threatening to spill.

"But it's not forever! I would never leave you, y/n. I just need to get my manager off my back and take care of some things and then I'll return to you."

"You promise?"- your lips tremble.

"I promise and swear on my life. Would you- would you consider letting me move in with you when I come back?"- Hyunjin asks, hands shivering as he holds onto yours.

"You wanna move in with me?"- you chuckle, the dread slowly disappearing.

"Yeah, I wanna share my life with you. I'd just have to travel to tend to my gallery from time to time and you can come with me too! Have Catherine or Barbara look after your garden for a few days?"- Hyunjin looks at you hopefully.

"Oh, Jinnie. I wanna share my life with you too. And I like the sound of that."- you say, but still there are tears in your eyes. "But, I'll miss you."

Tears spill down your cheeks as soon as you say it and Hyunjin's heart breaks a little.

"Please don't cry, my flower. If you cry, I will start crying too. It's gonna be okay, we can get through this, yeah?"- his hands cup your face and he's quick to catch your tears.

"I can't hold it in. I got used to having you here every day."- you sniffle.

"I know, me too. I don't ever wanna go back to the city, I don't wanna feel like the person I was before because that's not who I am anymore, not since you love me. No one has made me happy like you did. You're everything to me y/n, and I don't think I can survive without your love."- Hyunjin's eyes glisten with tears.

"You're everything to me too, Jinnie. I never felt so safe with anyone in my life. No one has ever showed me such tender love like you did, and I never want to lose that."

"You won't, I promise."- he says as you clutch onto each other, both of your cheeks wet.

"When do you have to leave?"- you whisper.

"Tomorrow."- he says, and another tear races down your cheek.

"When will you be back?"

"As soon as I can, my love."- he promises.

"I love you, Jinnie."

"I love you, my muse."- he smiles through his tears before kissing you passionately, both of you shaking and grabbing at each other.

"I'm gonna go pack up at Isaac's and then we can spend what time I have left before I have to leave together."

"Okay."- you nod and he kisses you.

Your heart hurts as he turns and leaves, hurried steps out the door just so he can get everything done as quickly as possible and come back to you soon.

Isaac arrives home from his walk to find Hyunjin's suitcase by the door.

A sinking feeling washes over the man as he makes his way to his studio, clanking sounds and frustrating groans ringing from the room.

"Hyunjin?"- the man peeks in from the door.

"Oh, Isaac."- Hyunjin jolts, his hand on his chest.

"Are you leaving?"

"I have to return to the city. But I'll be back. I'm packing, gonna take these paintings back to the city for my exhibition."

"And y/n?"

"I'm gonna go to her after I pack."

"How's she taking it?"- Isaac asks, joining Hyunjin to help him with packing.

"Well, we're both heartbroken... I'm going to miss her so much. Just the thought of being in the cold city without her warm embrace chills me to my bones."- Hyunjin sighs.

"Hopefully you won't take long. She'll wait for you, though."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."- Isaac smiles and hands Hyunjin the last painting all wrapped up.

"I just wanna thank you for helping me settle in, teaching me how to whittle and overall paying attention to me and talking to me. Your words left a big impact and helped me find my way."- Hyunjin says as he makes his way to the door.

"Oh nonsense! Thank you for making my long days a bit less lonely. You're like a son to me, Hyunjin. Besides, this isn't goodbye, you'll be back before you know it!"- Isaac pats his shoulder.

Hyunjin smiles and pulls the man into a hug, catching him a little off-guard.

Isaac lets out a warm chuckle, returning the hug and patting Hyunjin's back.

"Good luck, my son."

"Thanks, Isaac."

Isaac stands on the doorway with a melancholic smile, staring after Hyunjin's frame clumsily balancing everything he packed up, hoping that even if the city's lights shine bright, they don't blind Hyunjin to what he has found here.

Hyunjin barely manages to carry everything as he slowly makes his way to your house.

The streets now familiar, he's walked through them a thousand times, going up and down to Isaac's house, the spot where you stood in the rain as a silent confession of love danced between you.

The restaurant comes into view, the good people that have fed him, Catherine and Bennet, the spot where you sat together, sharing food, wine and laughter.

Hyunjin feels as if someone has put their hands around his heart and squeezed, taking his breath away and leaving him bleeding.

"Hyun!"- a voice breaks him out of his thoughts.

"Ben!"- Hyunjin notices Bennet smoking in front of the restaurant, Luna playing not too far away from him.

"What's with all the stuff? Are you moving to y/n's?"- Bennet jokes, a puff of smoke leaving his lips.

"I wish."- Hyunjin gives him a small smile. "Actually, I'm leaving but I'll be back."

Luna lifts her head up and reads Hyunjin's lips.

"You're going back to the city?"

"Only temporary."- Hyunjin answers.

Luna gets up and timidly makes her way to him.

"Oh, I hope you come back quickly."- Bennet smiles as Luna reaches her hands towards Hyunjin.

He lets out a chuckle as he puts down his paintings and leans to her level, her little arms wrapping around his neck. Hyunjin hugs her, caressing her head, his heart is squeezed once again.

Luna leans back with a giggle before she runs off back to the spot she was playing at.

"Have a safe trip, Hyun!"- Bennet waves as Hyunjin starts to leave.

"Thank you! See you soon."- he waves back.

Hyunjin hurriedly makes his way to you and as you open the door and see him with all his stuff there, your tears threaten to spill again.

You let him in and he leaves everything by the door only to embrace you instantly, his lips pressing kisses everywhere on your face.

"Jinnie."- you giggle as he keeps attacking you with his kisses.

"My flower."- he looks at you before kissing your lips gently, like it's the first time you shared a kiss, delicate like he's afraid he'll break you.

You spend the evening cuddling in bed, never moving away from each other.

"I'm bringing paintings of the island, your flowers and you with me. I'm gonna do an exhibition based on our love story."- he smiles. "All the symbolisms of flowers that you taught me, I will arrange them together in a meaningful order. Does that sound good?"

"Good? Jinnie, that's so sweet and romantic."- you swoon and he lets out a giggle.

"It's an exhibition for you, my muse. You've brought back my love for painting and made it grow even more. I could paint you forever and my hand would never get tired."- Hyunjin says as he caresses your face.

"I don't think there's enough paint for that."- you joke and he chuckles. "Hey, what about that nude painting of me? Are you gonna use that in your exhibition?"- you add with a teasing smile, your cheeks rosy.

"Oh no. That's for my eyes only."- Hyunjin smirks.

"You can keep it here. I'll be back anyways."- he adds.

"I know."- you smile.

He kisses you slowly, lovingly, before it gets increasingly more desperate and heated, your hands roaming under his shirt and Hyunjin groans against your lips.

"Make love to me, Jinnie."- you whisper.

"Yes, my flower."- he whimpers.

The starry sky covers you gently as you spend the night kissing, loving, touching, worshipping, entwined together in the beautiful intimate dance of two people in love.

Your bodies are wet against one other's as Hyunjin's buried deep inside you, whispering words of love into each other's skin, your cheeks are wet too, tears mixing together into an ocean as you press them against each other's, never wanting to let go.

Fingertips leave bruises blossoming on the skin, carving a visible proof of passion into you, you move like the sea in an increasing rhythm, the tide rises and reaches crescendo as you spill onto each other, hearts bleeding as they know tomorrow they will have to part.

With a promise that you'll write to each other or try using one of the two home phones on the island to call Hyunjin, you watch his back as he gets on the ship.

Tears are overflowing from your eyes, hands fisting at your dress in despair, legs begging you to run after him and join him, wherever he may go.

But you stay put in place where you have already grown roots and Hyunjin's beautiful smiling face gets further and further away as he waves taking away your heart with him.

He watches your figure get smaller and disappear behind the azure of the sea and the gold of the sun, the two bleeding into each other like you did the night before.

He knows he'll be back, but until then he has left his heart behind in your kind hands for you too keep safe.

And when he returns to his cold apartment in the late night, Hyunjin's hit with melancholy and his tears get stuck behind his tired eyelids, the cold apartment reminding him of the chilling loneliness he felt before you shined your warmth on his soul.

He doesn't even bother unpacking as he goes straight to the shower and then to his cold empty bed, hoping that when he wakes up in the morning this will all be a dream and you'll be there to kiss him and start his day with your warmth.

Hyunjin sleeps in nightmares, and you don't even sleep, hugging his cardigan that was left behind as you look at the stars you once counted with him.

Tags: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz @laylasbunbunny @porangporangmeong @jeonginslefthand @sapphirewaves @simpforleeknaur @laughatdanger @lixies-favorite-cookie @linavc @quokkacidal @thisaintredwine @m00gyu @yaorzu-blog @skzfelixlove @tajannah-price1 @puccaaak @aft2rsexs @xxkissesforchanniexx @aprilmaejune77 @lilmeowneow @stayjinnie @astrobebba @danihwang882 @kaysungshine @nchhuhi @1810cl @chartrucewhore @babigriin @jisuperboard @alisonyus @minluvly @instantsoulnight @kkamismom12 @its-stayville-forever @s3ungm1nxxl0ve @painterhyunjin @lemonadeboun @eastjonowhere

[demontonic]

Hayden Christensen - The first time

H.C x actor reader

In which you try to avoid him during training but it’s useless when Ewan puts you up against each other in a friendly match.

Word Count: 2099 words (que spiderman theme song. IM NOT JOKING THIS IS THE ACTUALLY COUNT)

You were new to the industry, you had only been in two movies thus far. The first one wasn’t big, it was just an indie film that horror movie nerds happened to like. From there you got picked for an audition for a bigger movie that would be put in a few theaters. However here, now, you’d never really expected such a huge change, you weren’t going to be playing a huge part. It was a flashback for the upcoming series Ahsoka, you were going to be a Jedi for a short time. They were doing another scene for order 66 in which Anakin goes against someone whom he’d become acquainted with during training. A battle was to be choreographed which meant you were going to be up against the actor who had single handedly started your acting career.

You were a huge Star Wars fan and without a doubt one of the kids who had lightsabers and a few Clone Wars coloring books. As you got older you looked into Anakin’s actor Hayden Christensen and grew to love the movies he’d done. Of course you thought he was hot, who wouldn’t love the nerd in Shattered Glass, or the punk in Life as a House? Sure he’s older now but that didn’t stop you from absolutely freezing up the second you walked into the training area. He’s significantly taller than you, that much you already knew but now it made you feel even more anxious. Interviews of him (which you of course obsessed over in your younger years) depicted him to be very nice, but you can’t always judge someone based on their interviews.

“Oh my god,” you whispered to yourself as you placed your hand to your cheek.

“Are you okay?” The trainer had questioned, a slight concern showing on her face. Hayden had also looked to you, the thin lightsaber prop swinging effortlessly to his side as he awaited your answer.

“Uh- Sorry I just got a… um- a headache is all.” You lied while your hands gripped onto the prop like it was the only thing grounding you.

“I have tylenol in my bag, or some water if you want?” Hayden’s hands gesture over to the black backpack that was leaned against the wall next to yours. Your throat ran dry as you opened your mouth to speak, before choking on your words and coughing… quite literally choking on your words.

“Yeah, the water should be fine.” Hayden walked over to his bag before pulling out two bottles and handing one to you. He stood there however as you took a small sip and placed it back down.

“Nervous?” He snickered lowly while he waited for you to collect yourself.

“Pfft… can you tell?” You questioned softly, looking up at his sparkling blue eyes. My god you’d dreamed about meeting him for practically half your life, but all you did was fumble. The casting crew never really gave you a lot of information, just that it was for upcoming Star Wars content and that they’d needed to fill a small jedi role. Nothing could’ve mentally prepared you to meet your living, breathing, wet dream.

“It’s just training right now, so there’s really no need to stress, we can all help you learn everything you’ll need to know.” His voice was so calm and endearing, maybe it was the daddy issues talking or the fact he is a dad, but it was so comforting.

Even three months into your training you’d distanced from Hayden as to not make a complete fool of yourself. He’s almost 40 at this point with a child you’d assume he was tired of the wild fans. Even so during training you’d often slip up while your eyes were trained on his swift movements. Sometimes you guys would get together and have little matches to see who could win. It was a random pick or whoever decided to challenge someone, and it was no different today. Everyone had finished training but the energy had been so vibrant that here you were on the cushioned floor in a circle. At this point it was no secret your character and Anakin were to have a final battle, but you had never gone against each other in these matches.

“Okay before we start, would anyone like to call someone out?” Rosario Dawson, Hayden’s childhood friend who’d been training for a separate project, questioned the small group.

“This isn’t a call out but I’d actually like to see Hayden vs Y/N without their choreography.” Ewan suggested while sitting on the blue mat cross legged, a childlike smile on his face. On one hand you were a shell of a human around Hayden, but with Ewan it was like he was your favorite uncle. Had you at some point in time found him incomprehensibly attractive? Yeah, but he’s the kind of nice that makes you feel like you’ve known him your entire life.

“Oh come on, is that even fair?” You whined, alluding to the obvious experience points he had on you.

“Are you calling me old?” Hayden jokes lightly as he steps forward into the circle, the group collectively letting out a low ‘oooooooh’.

“I mean your character is the chosen one, I don’t know if my three months of training can compare.” In all honesty you had tried your hand occasionally at a lightsaber when you were younger, so you had a little bit more experience than you let on. The amount of times you’d watched the behind the scenes,their practicing and training helped you recognize his moves.

“I’ll go easy on you, how about that?” His arms were outstretched to his sides in a shrug. A smirk was playing on his lips as he stared at you expectantly.

“Easy? Okay Christensen I’ll fight you.” Competitive couldn’t even begin to describe the drive that suddenly pumped through your veins. The way his eyes zeroed in on you, and the familiar smirk you had only dreamed of seeing in person made your adrenaline kick in. All the information you’d ever retained while watching those extras, would finally be useful for more than proving a point in a dumb argument online.

“Let’s not forget who’s had more training.” Hayden said with a scoff as you both got into your beginning stances. Yours mimicking the form Obi-Wan took while fighting Grievous, Ewan didn’t miss it, how could he? He simply stood with his left foot pointing towards you, his right braced for a sprint, and his saber behind him ready for a strike. You were reading him like a billboard, he never strayed from the forms he was taught, but you were a fan with too much time so you had a few of your own moves.

“May the force be with you Master Skywalker.” You said before he charged, you dodged the first strike but he had already begun to recover from the miss. A huff came from his chest as he swung the flimsy pole back down, meeting yours with a loud clash. The group let out sounds of shock and excitement as he pushed you down to one knee, he was stronger than you. It was no secret as height wise he’s an entire foot taller than you, so you quickly rolled from your position in front of him. He stumbled forward slightly, then twisted around to meet your blows. One to the head, down to the legs, up to the arm, then back down to his torso since it would be an awkward position for him to hold. You were both fast, you’d spent so much time learning basic defense in case one of you made a mistake it was too easy. Stamina was probably the only way you’d win this, or so you thought.

“You’ve learned well, young one,” he tripped you up, while you were focused on his words he’d hit you with the same move Anakin used on count Dooku. “although you’re too focused on me,” your ‘saber’ swung upward to slash his torso, but with a small step back, he dropped the pole to his open palm.

“And not my hands.”

“Fuck.”

The cool, thin, dented metal was up against the side of your neck as your arms were still tilted up in your last strike. Heavy breaths left the both of you as your small ‘audience’ went silent. The sound of your pole hitting the mat, signaled your defeat and in true style you dropped to the floor. The room erupted with groans and yells of victory from those who bet on Hayden. A few seconds of lying on the floor Hayden walked over, standing above you holding out his hand.

“Come on loser.” His smile was so genuine it made your face blush softly as you rolled onto your back.

“I can’t, I’m dead, rigor mortis.” You mumble, letting your tongue hang out the side of your mouth. You felt two arms scoot under your back and knees, quickly feeling your body lifted into the air. A scream came out of your throat as your hand quickly gripped onto Hayden’s loose shirt. The group laughed as he basically tossed you up and down, pretending like he was going to drop you.

“I don’t know why you’re screaming! Dead people don’t scream!”

“Oh- OH MY- PLEASE! GOD PLEASE! OBI WAN PLEASE!” He’d even managed to flip you on your stomach, your fingertips almost meeting the ground before he flung you back up again. Sure it wasn’t a crazt high distance from his arms, but add that with his height it was terrifying enough.

“So uncivilized!” Ewan mocked in a bad Obi-Wan voice, Hayden finally held you against his chest as he laughed with the rest of the group. Ewan came over with Rosario, both of them cooing softly at your semi panicked state.

“Put the poor girl down already!”

“She’s as red as a tomato Hayden!”

He let you down to your feet, still holding onto you as you stumbled lightly. Your chest heaved as you rested your hands on your knees, completely oblivious to how you practically pushed against Hayden’s crotch. His hand came down to rest on your lower back, rubbing softly while you regained your breath.

“I’m-… I’ll kill you for that one day Christensen.” You said through heavy breaths before standing straight again. Hayden’s hand coming up to rest on your shoulder, sporting a smug smile as the group began to discuss the next match. Hayden pulled you off the far walls where your bags lay, you both sitting in front of each other while he pulled out water bottles. For a while you sat in silence, just leaning against the wall watching Rosario and Ewan go at it.

“Were you ever going to tell me about your tattoo?” Hayden questioned, his voice staying low in contrast with the yelling from the group. At first you almost didn’t know what he was talking about, but then your cheeks turned to a dark red. On your wrist was the japor snippet Anakin gave Padme when they first met, and under it read ‘Skywalker’ in Huttese. Usually it was covered by a scrunchie or bracelet, but it must’ve slipped your mind today.

“I wasn’t planning on it, it feels too embarrassing to show you.” You held your arm out to him, since he’d already seen it there was no use in hiding it now. His hand pulled your wrist closer as he traced it with his fingers.

“I always wanted to get a replica of the japor snippet but I never did. I think this is really cool Y/N, you don’t need to be so nervous around me all the time.” He said quietly as he set your arm down on your thigh. Hayden was nice, but you were feral, you still couldn’t grasp the fact you avoided him like a schoolgirl avoided her crush.

“I-… I am not! The job is just so… overwhelming you know?” Lies, you shook as bad as a chihuahua when you were alone with him, practicing lines, fighting, and in general.

“It’s been three months and you still get distracted by just staring at me mid-fight.” A chuckle resonated in his chest as you looked at your blushing face.

“Okay… I just didn’t want to look like some nerdy, obsessed fangirl, I didn’t know how well that would go over.” Holding the cool bottle against your face you let your hair shield your face from the older man.

“I think it’s cute.”

And for the first time, you felt like maybe the star would align, maybe you would have a chance with the man you’d worshipped during your teen years.

I need to be his controversially young girlfriend HIS BIRTHDAY IS THE DAY AFTER MINE idk i think its a sign or whatever🤞🏼 hope you liked this! feel free to make any requests! i might make a part two but idk yet

Masterlist

[maya-caffrey]

I need a hero (save me now)

in which (y/n), resident guitarist of Corroded Coffin, makes Steve Harrington feel things TM while performing

pairing: steve harrington x genderneutral!reader

warnings: reader is physically described to have hair, i know its not a tw or anything, but i tried writing gender neutral reader for once and i fucked up slightly, so

a/n: yeah okay so I've been obsessed with this song and I had the revelation like an hour ago that the lead singer sounds like Eddie. Now, I know Eddie is the guitarist, but for the sake of the fic, we are going to pretend that he's on just the vocals and (y/n) is on the guitar and backing vocals. Also, we are pretending this song is a Corroded Coffin Original. Yeah, yeah, I know.

Steve didn't know why he'd agreed to come to The Hideout that evening. He had never considered himself a music guy. Sure, he liked a good mixtape on a long drive, but this? This was something else. In fact, he never would've come if Robin hadn't dragged his ass out of Family Video.

"Dude, come on. Please. It'll be fun, I promise."

"I don't know, Robin. I just don't think cheap beer and Eddie screaming for 2 hours is my thing," he argued.

"It isn't mine either! You know I don't even like metal, man."

"Well, then, don't go. It's that easy. Jesus Robin, I don't even know you want to go this thing."

"Take a guess. Just, take a wild guess."

"Oh, God."

"I won't see her another month, dude. Like, have some compassion."

"So not only do you want to go ogle at your crush-"

"Love of my life," she interrupted.

"-crush, for two hours, you want me there to third wheel your yearn fest."

"Basically, yes."

He sighed, knowing there was no way he'd have let her go there alone anyway. It's a bar, and there'll be alcohol. How bad could it be?

That’s how Steve found himself in a dimly lit dive bar with sticky floors and a barely functional neon sign buzzing in the corner. The crowd was rowdy but not overly intimidating- just a mix of locals, regulars, and a handful of metalheads waiting for their local heroes, Corroded Coffin, to take the stage.

Robin had already abandoned him, off in a corner chatting animatedly with Vic, leaving Steve to nurse a questionable beer and wonder how long he could hold out before making an excuse to leave.

He was half-listening to some guy at the next table rant about the state of rock music when the lights dimmed, and the chatter gave way to the sound of a mic crackling to life.

“Good evening, Hawkins!” Eddie Munson’s unmistakable voice boomed through the speakers. “We are Corroded Coffin, and tonight, we’ve got something special for you. A Corroded Coffin original. So buckle up, kiddos.”

Steve rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Say what you wanted about Eddie, but the guy could work a crowd.

And then he saw you.

You strode onto the stage behind Eddie, guitar slung casually over your shoulder, looking effortlessly cool in a way that made Steve’s breath catch in his throat. He blinked, half-convinced he’d imagined it. You’d been friends for months, running in the same group since all the Upside Down craziness, but this? This was different. Sure, he knew you in passing and almost having died together a handful of times, but he didn't know that this side of you even existed.

You adjusted your guitar strap and glanced out at the crowd, your eyes scanning until they landed on his. Steve felt rooted to the spot, like he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. And then you smiled- a slow, knowing curve of your lips that hit him like a sucker punch.

“Ready?” Eddie asked, throwing you a grin.

“Always,” you replied, your voice low and sure, and Steve suddenly felt like he was in way over his head.

The first strum of your guitar echoed through the room, electrifying. When your voice joined, belting out the lyrics with a raw, unapologetic edge, Steve’s heart stumbled over itself.

You weren’t just playing- you were commanding. Every note, every word, every flick of your fingers across the strings- it was like a spell. He stared at your hands unapologetically, and quickly shook his head at where his stupid mind went.

If he hadn't seen you differently before, he sure as hell can't look at you the same way anymore. The way you joined in on the chorus like your life depended on it, the way you manhandled the guitar, Steve Harrington was shamelessly enamored by all of it. Every movement made his chest tighten, his stomach twist in ways he couldn’t explain.

By the time the song ended, Steve felt like he’d run a marathon. His pulse was racing, his hands were clammy, and there was this unfamiliar heat simmering under his skin. He barely noticed the applause erupting around him; all he could focus on was you, the way you tossed your hair back and exchanged a quick laugh with Eddie before taking off your guitar.

When you jumped down from the stage, a cocky grin on your face as you headed toward him, Steve’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t have time to process his thoughts before you were right in front of him, wiping sweat off your brow.

“Oh, God,” he muttered under his breath, setting his beer down before he dropped it. He wiped his palms on his jeans, his mind scrambling for something to say.

“Hey, Harrington,” you said, that smirk still tugging at the corners of your lips. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“Uh- yeah, well, Robin dragged me. You know how she is. Couldn’t say no.” The words tumbled out in a rush, and he winced internally. Smooth, Harrington. Real smooth.

You tilted your head, studying him with a glint of amusement in your eyes. “Dragged you, huh? So, what’d you think?”

Steve blinked, caught off guard. “Think? Oh, uh, yeah- you were good. Like, really... good. Great, actually. I mean- damn, you can really play, and, uh, sing too. Not that I didn’t think you could, I just- ” He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair.

You raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his flustered state. “You okay, dude? You seem... tense.”

“Tense? Me? Nah, I’m good. Totally fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine?” He laughed, but it came out strangled.

“Right.” You leaned in slightly, your voice teasing. “Well, if you’re done being weird, I’m gonna grab a drink. Catch you later?”

Steve nodded dumbly, watching as you disappeared into the crowd. It took him a full thirty seconds to snap out of it, and when he did, he groaned, burying his face in his hands.

“Jesus Christ, Harrington,” he muttered to himself. “Pull it together.”

But deep down, he knew he was screwed. Completely, utterly, hopelessly screwed.

[skzhocomments]

The Pearls On Your Neck (Hyunjin // Lee Know x OC)- Part Three

General masterlist

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Part Two | Part Four (coming soon)

taglist: @ihrtlix

---

Part Three

chapter word count: ~12k words

Today is the day; although this should feel burden-free, I can’t help but feel bad about the whole ordeal. It’s honestly cruel that I have to go through this and what is even crueller is that I have to lie, the one thing I hate the most.

Being able to lie has always been a frailty of mine.

One of the reasons I hate it so much is because after the lies are told they are extremely hard to get out of and you end up feeling like you’re stuck in an hourglass, waiting for the truth to be found; moreover, if it's not found when the time is up, the hourglass is turned and you're stuck anticipating until the truth is unveiled. It may never be found, but you’ll never know until you're dead and you will always have that itch under your skin that cannot be scratched.

But if you’re found out, people will look at you strangely and hold feelings that can hurt because you’ve hurt them.

Trust.

Something intangible, but it’s real and that cannot be overlooked. It’s something so strong that cannot be touched; just felt. It’s a strong and beautiful emotion that is so closely related to love. Real love cannot happen without trust. Love, something powerful and transcendent. I can’t imagine it, loving and trusting someone so immensely that you lose your wits about you. That state of limerence, it's almost bewitching until the trust is broken - that's where love fails. Trust. Something that can be broken so easily but it's so hard to gain back, you might never gain it back.

I love my family as much as sometimes they may be insufferable, but I will always love them and breaking their trust is something I couldn’t ever live down. They have raised me to be a truthful and proud woman. Apparently in this matter, I’ve failed them without them knowing. I feel sly.

I shake off the bad feelings and feel a sense of Déjà Vu just like Thursday, the wild sickening feeling in my stomach swirling around in waves of nervousness and slight excitement. I close my eyes and take a deep breath hoping this feeling will pass soon.

I walk over to my vanity and gently tie my tresses in a loose braid that comes over my shoulder and ends just as it meets my breast. Doing makeup has always been a joy of mine, something that I fondly love doing, it gives me back that sense of control in my life and makes me feel put together. My mind trails back to two nights ago sitting here and taking my makeup off pretending to do a vlog for Hyunjin. Really, it’s a bit silly to be thinking back on that memory with such affection harboured, it’s absolutely ludicrous, but I will not elucidate this feeling nor will I play into it.

Yesterday Hyunjin and I messaged a little but nothing of significance.

My phone starts vibrating from beside my bed, so I rush over to it.

Boyfriend💋:

9:13 am: Morning love I hope you slept well x

9:28 am: What time do you want me to come over? x

9:31 am: Also, you forgot to send your address xx

Shit, did I really forget to send my address?

Pearl:

9:35 am: Yeah slept well. did you? I think dinner will be like 5:30ish. x

9:38 am: I’ll send you my address now. sorry I can’t believe I forgot x

Boyfriend💋:

9:38 am: Okay I’ll come at 5:15 then x

9:38 am: Oh and Pearl don’t apologise there’s nothing to be sorry for xx

Pearl:

9:39 am: Okay I’ll officially retract my apology aha x

Boyfriend💋?:

9:40 am: Good, you never have to apologise to me.

9:40 am: What flowers does your mother like? xxx

Pearl:

9:41 am: I’m not sure xx

Boyfriend💋:

9:41 am: Okay I’ll see you soon love <3

Pearl:

9:41 am: Yep :)

What does he want with my mum's favourite flowers?

I decide not to think about it too much and go downstairs to make something to eat.

Walking into the kitchen I find myself in a staring contest with my brother.

He straightens his back and narrows his eyes at me.

I sigh, what's this all about? “What, Seungmin?”

“Shouldn’t you be at the salon or something? You're going to have your hair like that for dinner?”

I scoff under my breath, cussing him out in my head, “Seungmin, are you serious?”

“Do I look unserious?” He spits out while crossing his arms over his chest, nearly knocking his spoon out of his cereal bowl.

“No, that's why I’m annoyed.” I huff pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I don’t see what there’s to be annoyed about.”

“Oh really? I’m not going to the salon, but no, for your information I’m also not going to wear my hair like this.” I chide.

Why does he have to be like this at 10 am? We used to get on so well before he found out I have a ‘boyfriend’. I can’t understand his behaviour or justify it. He’s normally understanding and cool, never faltering, he is the level-headed one out of the both of us; It’s like we’ve switched roles.

“Look Seungmin, I don’t know what your problem is and you definitely do not have a reason to be shitty with me, so if you're going to be like this just stay quiet so I can make my breakfast in peace,” I say, walking to the cupboard to get out some cereal.

“I just don’t understand Pearl, I thought we were close but you didn’t tell me about this new boyfriend.” he sighs in defeat, “Look, I'm your older brother and I just want you to know you can always tell me anything… no matter what, I just would have appreciated it, I just want to protect you.”

My stomach is churning. I’m lying to him but I have to, “Look, Seungmin, I’m sorry for not telling you, but you shouldn’t be wanting to protect me from Hyunjin, you should be protecting me from Minho.”

Liar.

“His name is Hyunjin?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, good to know”

“Yup.”

“How old is he?” Seungmin continues prying, making me curse inside my head.

“Uhm… he’s 23.” I say, pouring milk in a bowl and putting it in the microwave.

“Like me? Hmm… Hyunjin, 23. I see. You don’t happen to know which school he went to?”

“Seungmin, just ask him yourself tonight and stop bugging me.” I reply annoyed.

“Okay, okay.” He raises his arms in front of him, as if admitting defeat. “I’ll stop. But shouldn’t you be all squirming and excited to tell me all about your so-called boyfriend?”

“Who am I, Cynthia?” I roll my eyes annoyed, and I finally finish making my cereal and take it upstairs with me, unable to look Seungmin in the face.

Lying is so hard.

-

I throw myself on the bed, cereal bowl in my lap while absent mindedly scrolling through Netflix in search of a new show to watch. Experts advise against doing something else while eating, as you apparently become easily distracted, chew your food wrong and make your stomach stressed out as your brain is not actively focusing on digestion.

But even so, this is one bad habit I’m not willing to give up on, no matter what my nutritionist says. Cereal is the other bad habit he frowns upon. “Sugary nonsense”, he says, but I still love my daily bowl of Cheerios, and no one can take this pleasure away from me.

After a good 2 minutes of scrolling and not finding anything that sounds remotely interesting, I press on the “Play Something�� randomizer button and see the Netflix logo pop up on the screen.

Business Proposal flashes on the screen, making me a bit curious. The cinematography looks good enough, it seems fun the way the editors combined elements from comics and put them in the video. The actors also seem pretty talented, so the show is enjoyable. After finishing half the episode, the irony of what is going on hits me like a truck. The main character goes on an arranged blind date instead of her friend, and keeps up with this fake relationship after finding out that the guy he went on a date with is actually the CEO of the company she works for.

No way.

A fake relationship…?

I frustratedly turn off the TV and notice my own reflection in the dark screen.

Pathetic. I think of myself, wondering how the hell I ended up hiring a fake boyfriend who is supposed to come in just a few hours and pretend in front of my family that he is, in fact, together with me, and has been for the past few months. Oh, and also that we love one another, so an engagement with Minho could never happen.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I ditch the now-empty cereal bowl on my desk and head over to the dresser, looking at the black satin dress Hyunjin picked for me to wear tonight. I am in awe seeing it, just as I was the first time I wore it and noticed how well it fit me. I then glance at my jewellery drawer and take out the small golden necklace - a match with Hyunjin’s - and put it on, and I do the same with the thin bangle bracelet adorned with small diamonds. I love his taste.

Before putting the dress on, I decide to do my make-up. Hyunjin will be here in about 4-5 hours, so I should start getting ready for real.

My make-up look is simple enough, as my father dislikes it when I wear too much eyeshadow, or a too bright lipstick. The point of this dinner is to please my father as much as possible, to show him that I only make good choices and to impress him enough to make him think that marrying Minho is not a good choice. That’s why I go for neutrals and nudes, doing a simple nude eyeshadow look, a small brown eyeliner line to compliment my eyes, some shimmer on my eyelids, then a bit of black mascara, and add a matte nude lipstick as the cherry on top.

I look really classy.

I decide to not complicate myself with an intricate hairstyle, so I simply let my hair fall down my shoulders and style it a bit so that it doesn’t look wild. My hair is pretty straight, just a bit wavy at the ends, and I feel it fits the dress I’m about to put on.

I glance at my phone and notice the time, and a new unopened message.

How the fuck is it already so late?! I curse in my head while opening the message and reading it in a hurry.

Boyfriend💋?:

4:49 pm: Hello beautiful, just wanted to let you know that I’m on my way and I’ll be there soon. I can’t wait to see you, my Pearl. <3

Pearl:

5:05 pm: Okay Jinnie, I’ll meet you downstairs with my parents. I’m so nervous.

I blush while quickly typing back, wanting to put on the dress as fast as possible. At this rate, he’ll get here in about 10 minutes, and I must absolutely be downstairs with my parents when that happens. Leaving him alone with my family is a bad idea.

I put on the dress fast and thank the Heavens for Hyunjin being inspired enough to choose something without a zip that I can easily dress myself in without assistance. Then, I put on the Yves Saint Laurent shoes and the matching black clutch he picked, and I’m ready to go downstairs.

As if on cue, Hyunjin arrives in a black, elegant Mercedes S-Class Uber as my family and I descend the front stairs and watch him get out of the car, two big flower bouquets in his hands.

What draws my attention is not the flowers, which are beautiful in their own right, nor the way his Yves Saint Laurent suit fits him so well, like it was made specifically for him to wear. No. What really makes him stand out is the way his hair fits his figure, the way it compliments the suit, and my dress, and how elegant it makes him look.

Black.

He dyed it black.

“Hello, Diamond.” He smiles while handing me a bouquet of white camellias, green leaves in between the flowers making them look delicate and contrasting the pure white colour of their petals.

Did he just call me Diamond?

I almost miss it, still shocked by how well black hair suits him, and completely impressed that he pulled this off. I know I’ve mentioned my dad is a bit conservative, but I wasn’t expecting him to listen too much and actually do… this.

He looks so good though.

When the shock finally wears off, I take a moment to admire the flowers he’s brought for my mother as well. Yellow tulips, daisies and purple bittersweet. Strange combination, I’ll have to ask him what they mean later. He must have a reason for choosing them.

“You must be Hyunjin. We heard a lot about you from our daughter.” My father shows a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes and shakes Hyunjin’s hand in an intimidating manner.

“Yes, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He replies naturally.

“Oh my, Hyunjin, the pleasure is ours! Thank you so much for these beautiful flowers! This is such a nice bouquet, a really interesting choice.” My mom squirms with joy, very excited.

“I’m glad it’s to your taste.” Hyunjin smiles, and I once again notice how natural he is at human interactions. I’m feeling a bit jealous of how well he seems to be handling this situation, while I’m over here almost trembling from nerves.

“Hello. I’m glad you came.” I smile as well, trying to calm down and not show the distress on my face. Hyunjin takes my hand in his and bows, his lips gently grazing my knuckles.

“You have such a cute nickname for her!” My mother remarks. “What did you call her, Diamond? That’s so sweet, don’t you think so, dear?” She turns to my father, all smiles. At least Hyunjin managed to make her fall in love with him this easily. Dad will be a different story, though. Especially with how fixated he is on Minho - or rather, his parents’ business.

“Eh, it’s alright.” My father shrugs, the fake smile still painted on his face.

“Why so displeased?” She nudges his elbow and frowns.

“Don’t worry about it.” Hyunjin starts and waves his right hand nonchalantly, as if to divert attention from the uncomfortable situation and from my father’s inhospitality. “The nickname doesn’t even begin to describe half the value Pearl holds for me, nor does it do her any justice. She’s more precious than any jewel, of course.”

My mother squirms again and starts ushering us in.

When she and my dad start leading the way, Hyunjin grabs my free hand gently and whispers in my ear: “Regarding your last message, don’t be. It will all be okay, beautiful.” He holds my hand tighter for a brief second, before letting it go, so as to not be impolite in front of my parents.

My nerves seem to calm down for a bit, hearing his reassurance.

We all sit down at the dinner table, my dad in his usual spot, which is at the head of the table. He invites Hyunjin to sit on his right side, next to him, and I sit down to Hyunjin’s right. My mom is in front of me; the seat between her and my father stays empty.

Seungmin is nowhere to be seen, so I ask about his whereabouts, finding it curious that he would miss his chance to meet my boyfriend.

“Oh, don’t worry dear, he’ll be here any second now.” My mother reassures me.

I give a weak nod while playing with my fingers picking and pushing back my cuticles with my nails. Waiting for Seungmin is like torture; I don’t know how long he’s going to take nor do I know if he will be rude again like earlier…

The table is set beautifully like always, with large royal blue china plates accompanied by smaller ones while the silver cutlery settled on top and a royal blue linen napkin underneath, and my mother exchanges the slightly withered red roses in the vase at the centre of the table from my father with the fresh flowers Hyunjin has brought.

It sparks pride in me and I feel my heart swelling, seeing her do that.

She is very picky when it comes to what flowers she will have on display. I remember once for Mother's Day I had brought her some white iris and blue hydrangeas. Shortly put, she placed them in her bedroom and said that they were not worth the show. I'll never know what was wrong with her that day nor will I ever know what was wrong with the flowers. She said something about the colour of the hydrangeas being wrong for the day it was but I couldn’t care less about the colour - my feelings were hurt.

Maybe Hyunjin isn’t right - I'm not a diamond - I’m like a lump of coal, steadily being crushed by everything around me and all the little events that have led up to this. The problem is I don’t know if I'll become a diamond… or dust.

Hyunjin places his warm hand in mine, preventing me from thinking because all I can do is think about how to intercept this blush from creeping up my neck as I lift my head to face him. He gives me a smile that seems almost like camaraderie.

But now I’ve realised his hand was not for my comfort but instead his own; as he tenses at the shoulders and jaw clenching slightly at the sight of my brother, and coincidentally, Seungmin has the exact same reaction.

Seungmin’s stride stops as he sees Hyunjin and his voluminous lips turn into a tight line as he looks between us.

I wonder what is going on between the both of them.

But I also realise that Seungmin needs to approve of Hyunjin so I have a better chance of my dad approving of Hyunjin’s and my ‘relationship’. I feel the guilt all over again. Eating away at me. I’m doing the appropriate thing for both Minho and myself. I know that. The both of us could never stay together and be happy, not truly, unless it was of our own volition- which it certainly isn’t – I would never choose to be with Minho and he would never choose to be with me either.

Minho and I couldn’t ever get along, he is too arrogant and he has a tongue like glass that cuts away at me every time we speak, shattering my glass house and chipping away at my patience.

“Seungmin, are you not going to sit?” My father's voice cuts right through my thoughts. My body jolts, startled and I face Hyunjin again as Seungmin sits.

I must have truly been lost in my thoughts to not notice Seungmin standing still, “Hyun? You okay?” I whisper so only he can hear it.

He squeezes my hand gently offering an action instead of words, I don’t mind much though.

“Seungmin, this is my boyfriend Hyunjin,” I say cautiously, not wanting to screw this introduction up as they both had already tensed up at the first glance. Maybe it’s just Seungmin being protective.

Seungmin is lounging in his chair in one of the most disrespectful manners I’ve ever seen him show, arms folded, looking delightfully smug, “I know.”

I'm shocked at first but realisation sinks in, “Ah yes, sorry. I told you his name this morning.”

Seungmin hums but it sounds uncertain, as he moves his eyes to Hyunjin almost looking like he’s gone into tunnel vision, “Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin sits up straighter, pushing back his now-black hair with his free hand.

God, he’s stunning.

“Yes?” he says so gently I swear I can feel my heart breaking for him, I’d shatter if I were put under the microscope like this.

Seungmin’s smug disposition doesn’t falter much like Hyunjin's grip on my hand, “You're Pearl's boyfriend?”

“Seungmin!” I warn.

“Pearl, calm down.” My mother chides me slightly, “Let the men speak.”

Hyunjin swallows thickly and I can hear it, “Yes, I’m your sister's boyfriend.” He confirms.

Seungmin leans onto the table with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “You know she’s supposed to be getting married… and it’s not to you?”

Seungmin is being cruel and I’ve never seen this side of him. It doesn't suit him at all.

I’m so close to recklessly abandoning this dinner, getting up and dragging Hyunjin out with me. Tremors try to knock my bones fiercely. Nerves are attempting to get the better of me, I have never felt more vulnerable, I feel naked. Trying to fight for my future and my brother is wrecking every chance I have to be free right now for some unknown reason.

Hyunjin’s finger taps my hand and only then do I realise how tightly I have been gripping it, I look down and release his hand seeing the white imprints from my finger's tight grip slowly turning back to the original colour of caramel.

Hyunjin’s face remains unchanged, handsome, youthful, as hard as diamonds, - he is the real diamond out of us - is as handsome as it is terrifying. In fact, just now I swear I saw a twitch pull at the corner of his lip, “Yes, I know this. I am hoping to get the approval of you all by coming here.” He speaks poised and collected, unfazed. He is like a poisonous flower - stunning, courageous and deadly. This, I realise as he speaks with so much confidence it's exuding from him almost; how can he be like this?

“You’re my age, right?” Seungmin states even though I have told him this before.

Hyunjin smiles at Seungmin for the first time all night; it’s not even been long yet it feels like I’ve been sitting here for hours, “Yes, I’m 23,” Hyunjin answers Seungmins prodding nonchalantly.

Seungmin puffs and opens his mouth to which my father stops him by dropping a question that no one could have prepared for, “Do you want kids?”

I nearly die right there and I wish I would, I’m going to make a mental note to never bring a boyfriend home unless I want another near-death experience, my mouth is hanging at the brazen question. Is this what fathers normally ask when first meeting their daughter's boyfriend?

Hyunjin’s face is still unchanged but he reaches for my hand and grips it tightly yet it doesn’t hurt, it’s gentle just like him, “Yes, at some point.”

“And you’d like them with Pearl? Are you not wanting to get married before?” My father continues, face stone cold, and I wish I could walk out right now.

The hand clutched around mine moves slightly; Hyunjin’s thumb rubs small circles on my hand sending goosebumps all over my body and I don’t even feel cold, I feel burning hot from this whole embarrassing act my brother and father are putting on - trying to act like alpha males - It’s infuriating just as much as it is humiliating, “Marriage would come first and a mortgage for a house, then yes, I would like to live that type of life with your beautiful daughter.” Hyunjin replies, turning to look at me endearingly, “Isn’t that right, love?”

My heart is pounding way too loudly and my stomach is doing flips. Also, I'm a hundred percent sure I’ve turned a deep shade of crimson, “Yes, of course, Jinnie!” I say smiling back at Hyunjin trying to look starstruck, dumb with love and hoping my voice didn’t falter.

I look around the table, my mother looks absolutely smitten with joy, her eyes are tepid pools inviting as ever - an extreme contrast to how I thought she would react - Seungmin looks horrified like he’s seen a ghost, face pale yet the tips of his ears a burning brightly and my father… just looks unamused.

There is a silence that is shared, slightly too long, slightly unnerving and full of unsaid emotions and tensions that couldn’t be cut with a knife even if they were tangible.

I think my mother understood my wide shifting eyes for once and she lets out a sigh, following it with an awkward chuckle, “So, how did you two meet?”

Fuck, we didn’t go over this well.

I feel like a deer in headlights. I definitely look like one too, I don’t know if I should speak first or not. Will Hyunjin take the wheel or will I have to?

“Uhm…” I start nervously. “We were-”

“One of my best friends works at a Café near Pearl’s University.” Hyunjin smiles assuringly, reminding me of this one detail I seemed to forget. I once again can’t believe how good he is under pressure. Seeing my family’s piercing gaze, I froze on the spot, but Hyunjin doesn’t seem to have any issues whatsoever in keeping the conversation flow naturally.

“Ah, yes. His name is Felix.” I intervene, trying to add as much detail as possible.

But liars tend to add one too many details, eager to convince you that they are speaking the truth.

I just shut up.

“My friend forgot something one time and asked me to bring it to him at work, and that’s how I ran into Pearl.” Hyunjin continues.

“That’s so sweet!” My mother exclaims.

“Indeed. It was love at first sight. Cynthia ditched her to meet up with Seungmin, she told me later, so we sat down at a small table and talked and talked until our drinks got cold.” Hyunjin looked at me and smiled brightly. Part of what he said was true, we did talk until our drinks got cold. I could still remember the stale taste my tea had when we met at Harrod’s Café two days ago.

“So, what’s your educational background, then?” Seungmin intervenes and leans with his elbows on the table, his head supported by his hands. I’ve never seen him act like this and I’m completely baffled. “Which University did you go to? At 23 you must be over with it, or almost over, right?”

Hyunjin fakes a polite smile and answers truthfully.

“I haven’t been to University, as I had to start working early due to some personal issues. I do plan on going in the future, though.”

Personal issues? What could that mean? I analyse his words in my head, curiosity getting the better of me. I want to ask him. I want to know everything about him. But this is not the time, nor the right place, so I keep my head down and listen to the conversation, pretending I knew.

“Her fiancé is getting his second degree right now.” Seungmin points out, and I can’t bite my tongue anymore.

“He’s not my fiancé, Seungmin. What is wrong with you?” I frown, annoyed.

“Pearl, don’t be disrespectful to your older brother.” My dad berates me, making me even more furious.

Hyunjin’s grip on my hand tightens.

“I know that I am lacking in this regard, and I understand your brother’s concerns.” He starts speaking, before getting interrupted by Seungmin.

“I’m glad you do. You see, Pearl is used to a certain lifestyle that I doubt you’d be able to provide.” my brother smiles smugly, seemingly proud of himself that he is actively ruining my life. I throw him a death stare, but he doesn’t look at me.

“However,” Hyunjin resumes his previous statement from before he was rudely cut off. “What I care about the most is Pearl’s happiness, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy, and I will love her unconditionally.”

“However,” Seungmin speaks again, crossing his arms, a dumb smirk on his face. “Love doesn’t still your hunger, does it?”

“Okay boys, let’s stop the bickering and eat. Sorry about him, Hyunjin, he is just on edge since you’re the first boyfriend Pearl has ever brought home.” My mom tries to bridge the gap between the two, and my dad stays silent, observing Hyunjin’s mannerisms at the table.

Our servers bring over plates of Wagyu beef with fresh asparagus on the side. Hyunjin seems to have his etiquette on point, as he skillfully cuts through the middle of the steak, observing the colour inside.

“Wow, this is the most perfect Medium Rare I’ve ever seen.” He compliments, and my dad nods in approval.

“The best way to cook such a high-quality steak.” He replies and does the same, cutting the beef in the middle and observing it carefully as well.

Hyunjin continues with cutting another piece of the steak and eating it, and I am glad he didn’t just cut the whole piece at once - something my dad absolutely hates. He doesn’t fail to notice it either, so, satisfied with Hyunjin’s table manners, he orders the server to bring us a red Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and I get excited, noting that this is one of his favourite wines, the bottle itself pricing up to about £5000.

This must mean he likes Hyunjin, right? I think unsure, not seeing any change on my father’s face. He was never an expressive person, though.

“1959.” He says, pouring the wine in Hyunjin’s glass himself, shocking thing for both me and Seungmin, who watch astonished as the red liquid flows. “A wine as old as I am.” He jokes, and Hyunjin chuckles. “Let me know if you like it.”

Just as skillful as before when cutting the steak, Hyunjin raises his glass by the stem and gives it a swirl, putting his nose close to the glass and breathing in gently.

“The aroma is extremely rich and elegant.” He compliments, then raises his glass and holds a small toast. “To Pearl’s happiness.” he says, clinking his glass bell to bell with my father and looking him in the eyes. He then takes a small sip, and glancing at his side profile I can’t help but think that he behaves like a prince.

I’m now even more curious about his upbringing, and I hate the fact that I have to bite my tongue and not say anything, that we aren’t alone so I can ask him questions to my heart’s content. This desperate feeling of wanting to know everything about him flushes over me again, and I don’t like it at all.

I’ve never felt like this before.

-

The meal is soon over and my family and I are escorting Hyunjin outside. My parents shake hands with him, my mum whipped, and my father pretty much indifferent, although I assume he likes him at least a bit for him to open a new wine bottle. They excuse themselves and don’t wait for Hyunjin’s cab to arrive, so only Seungmin, him and I are left standing in front of our artisanal fountain.

Hyunjin’s car arrives, and I’m mad that I didn’t get a chance to discuss anything about tonight with him; to assure him, somehow, or to have him assure me that the dinner went well. I throw daggers Seungmin’s way, but as he acted all night, he doesn’t mind my presence, focusing instead on Hyunjin.

“Just so you know,” Seungmin starts speaking, stretching his right hand out to shake Hyunjin’s hand. “I don’t agree with you dating Pearl. I don’t accept you in any way, nor will I ever accept you, so you’d better break up and let her get married to someone who actually deserves her.”

He spat all of this out with a bright smile on his face while shaking Hyunjin’s hand, who had his lips in a straight line listening to my brother’s nonsense.

“Seungmin,” he replies. “You’re still the same as ever.” Hyunjin smiles as well, confusing me.

Does this mean they met before?

Just as I want to inquire further, the Uber pulls over and Hyunjin bows down to kiss my knuckles once more, before getting into the car and leaving.

“What the fuck was that, Seungmin?” I face my brother angrily.

“What? I just told him the truth. He doesn’t deserve you, so you don’t have my approval to date him.”

“Since when did I need your approval, hm? I can date whoever I want, you prick!” I lose my composure and shout at him, before storming into the house. My parents were waiting for me to come inside, and my mum started speaking as soon as she saw me.

“Pearl, dear, he seems like a great guy…” she smiles.

“But,” my father cuts her off. “I told you before. The man you’re dating has to be a man. This Hyunjin boy you’re seeing… I’m sorry, darling, but Lee Minho is three levels over him. Seungmin was right. Minho is working hard, getting his second degree. He already manages most of his father’s affairs and knows his way around their business. He is the obvious choice, and you will start dating him and eventually get married. At this point, you should be grateful he even wants to get engaged to you, with how… talentless you are.”

I freeze in my spot, not wanting to believe that my dad’s opinion on me is so low, that even he sees me as a spoilt, arrogant, foolish girl, with no qualities of her own. My mother of course starts scolding him for saying that, but I don’t hear her anymore. I just mutter a half-mouthed “I won’t stop dating Hyunjin, no matter what you say.” and turn around, hurrying up the stairs.

I feel more pathetic than ever. Like a kid who got scolded for not eating their vegetables at the dinner table.

And I am annoyed. I am so royally pissed off at everyone right now. Seungmin, especially, for putting us on the spot like that, and my father for not wanting to understand that I don’t want to marry Minho.

Hyunjin was perfect tonight. He didn’t do anything wrong, and couldn’t have done or said anything better. Why doesn’t my father approve of him after all this effort?!

Fuck.

I enter my room and lean against the door, making myself fall down. My heels scratch the fIoor, but I couldn’t care less about that right now. I start panting uncontrollably. The tears follow soon after, and I find myself unable to stop crying.

It’s so unfair.

I then hear the clicking sound of my phone, announcing to me that I just received a message.

Boyfriend💋?:

8:17 pm: My lovely Diamond, I’m sorry for tonight. I get the feeling that it didn’t go as well as you hoped, but I promise I will do better next time.

I know I am not good enough for you, and that I am lacking in many aspects. Your brother was right, I wouldn’t be able to offer you that lifestyle. Not now, anyway.

Please forgive me and don’t be too upset.

Why is he the one apologising? He didn’t do anything wrong.

The fact that he’s my fake boyfriend completely passes over my head and I start typing a reply.

Pearl:

Jinnie, you were perfect tonight. I am the one who wants to apologise. My family treated you horribly. I’m truly sorry.

Not even 10 seconds after I sent the message, my phone starts vibrating, and I notice an

 incoming call from Hyunjin.

Why is he calling me now?

I am a mess, and as much as I try to regulate my breathing, it’s so painfully obvious that I’ve been crying.

Even so, I bite my bottom lip and answer, placing the phone against my ear.

“Hyunjin?”

“Yes?” He says in a hushed tone, making me feel like listening to asmr.

“You called? Sorry it’s just… I didn’t expect you to.”

“I just… you don’t have to apologise to me. Ever.”

But I do.

“Hyun.”

“Yes, love?”

“Don’t apologise to me then,” I say stubbornly.

And you have nothing to be sorry for, I add silently.

“Are you trying to be stubborn?” He says, amusement laced in his voice.

“It’s cute.”

A blush fishes across my face and I thank the gods that he can’t see me, “Anyway, should we talk about what we do next?” I manage to get out.

“Yes, wait one second.” He says as if in a hurry before I could hear shuffling. “Right, I’m back.”

I let out a giggle and wonder what is wrong with me.

“Where did you go?”

“I got my… diary?” he sounds unsure.

“Okay, so what are you using your diary for?”

“Tell me things you like, beautiful.”

“Things I like?”

“Yup”

“Well I don’t really know… I like fishing but I’ve already said that. I like art but don’t know where to start. Oh! I like the beach!”

“What else?”

He wants me to continue? I don’t even know what I like.

“Hmm... I like books and animals. Board games! I love them! But wait, why are you asking?”

“No reason, I just want to know more about you.”

I hum, not sure why he wants to know these things that don't matter, but I’ll entertain it.

“What about you, Jinnie? What do you like? Besides music, flowers, crystals, odd shops and art, of course.” I chuckle a bit, remembering his speech at Harrod’s the other day.

“I can’t believe you remembered that.” He chuckles as well, bringing a smile to my lips. I didn’t even notice that the tears stopped falling.

“Of course I remembered.” I smile, my cheeks red.

“You’re sweet. Okay, uhmmm. I like drinking coffee, I guess? Americano is my favourite.”

“It’s so bitter though!” I grimace.

“Shut up, it’s not!” He laughs brightly. Talking with him feels so natural, and I feel my chest tightening.

“Okay, okay, what else?” I ask excitedly.

“I like playing with kids. They are fun.”

“Really? Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed.” I reply, shocked.

“What about you, Diamond? Do you like kids?” He asks, and I hear a tint of… something in his voice. Hope, perhaps? I don’t know why I get this impression, but he does seem kind of hopeful.

“I mean, I think I do? I haven’t really interacted much with children, to be honest, but they are super cute.”

“That’s good to hear!” He exclaims happily.

“Really, how so?” I question.

“Well, the thing is-”

“Shit! Hyunjin, sorry! I’ve got to go. Cynthia is calling me. I’ll call you back?”

“Yeah that’s fine but um… maybe we can talk tomorrow? I’ve got to help Felix clean the apartment, but I’ll message you!”

“Okay, speak to you later!”

I ended the phone and quickly switched calls to see Cynthia’s face.

“What have you done?!” She snaps.

“What do you mean?” I say, defending myself quickly.

“Seungmin’s just called me and has been ranting forever! I’ve got an ear ache!”

I laugh at her whining but quickly stop myself when catching onto the actual reasoning for the call. “Seungmin is a cunt.” I say plainly.

“What?”

“I said Seungmin is a cunt ! I hate him so much! He’s ruined everything and he was so rude to Hyunjin-”

“Pearl! Seungmin says he knows Hyunjin… They went to school together or something, but either way, I don’t think they got on.”

“Oh,” I didn’t know that, “but still he has no reason to be such a twat! Doesn’t he know this is my future, my life?! All he wants is for me to be with Minho. No. I won’t. I’ll dig below hell before that happens!”

“Pearl, don’t you think there might be a reason why Seungmin doesn’t like Hyunjin?”

“You were so supportive before this, what's changed? And no, even if there is a reason, it doesn’t matter! Hyunjin is my boyfriend-”

“Fake boyfriend.” she’s quick to cut me off.

“Yes, fake boyfriend. Jesus, I've been acting for so long. But no, anyway it doesn’t matter. Seungmin is an adult. He should put his past aside for me for my future instead of acting like a silly little boy!”

“I get what you mean, but he is thinking about your future. And don’t get so worked up. Hyunjin is not your real boyfriend-”

“Don’t tell me you fucking told Seungmin that too.”

“Of course I didn’t! But seriously Pearl, there must be something extremely wrong for Seungmin to act that way.”

“No, I don’t even wanna hear it Cynthia. He’s acted like an asshole, and he’s trying to force this marriage with Minho on me, just like my parents. I thought you would understand, at least.”

Cynthia doesn’t say anything, neither do I. I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown at this point, Seungmin has been so selfish but he seems to be blind to his own flaws and I can’t stand it.

I take in a long deep breath trying to contain my anger, it’s not fair on Cynthia, “Look… Cynth, he could have been more understanding, when I found out about you two I wasn’t particularly over the moon. But I didn’t stop either of you because I love you both and if you make each other happy I was fine with that, I can remember the nights I’d think about it. I was so worried about if you two had a fight and broke up. I was worried I’d have to pick a side. Still am. But I know that I won’t pick a side now, and you’ll both have to deal with it.”

“I love you, Pearl.”

“I love you too, can you try speaking to Seungmin? Like… can you see how selfish he is being?”

“Yeah, I’ll speak to him.”

A knock at the door stops me before I could speak, “Cynthia I’ve got to go, thank you for everything, love ya.”

I end the phone quickly and walk to open the door to see my dad standing there, “Yes?”

“Can I come in?”

What does he even want?  “Yes”

I walk back to my bed and sit down, looking at him expectantly.

He shifts on his feet, but still manages to look cold as ever, “Darling, I’ve got something for you.” He says and takes his arms from behind his back.

I watch as an orange bag comes into sight, Hermes written on it. I almost scoff, “What's this for?”

“Well, I know you’re upset about Hyunjin. I think this will make you feel better,” He says calmly, walking over to my bed and sitting next to me.

The realisation dawns on me, and a huge wave of anger and betrayal washes over me, vigorously running through my veins. I let out a laugh in disbelief, “You never were going to approve of Hyunjin, were you?”

He says nothing.

“You bought this before the dinner because you knew. Did mum know?”

“No, your mother didn’t know anything.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” He asks.

I look at my father's cold face trying to analyse it, trying to find a hint of anything, but I catch something.

Guilt.

“Why did you get me this bag? Why didn’t you approve of Hyunjin?”

“This bag is going to make you feel better darling, you know I can’t approve of Hyunjin. He’s not right for you.”

I stand up, I feel the room getting smaller and smaller. This is the second time my father has insulted me. He really thinks I’m that shallow. He thinks a fancy handbag will make me feel better. He thinks it will make me feel fine about my future happiness being robbed right before my eyes.

No.

This is not who I am.

He doesn’t even know me.

My breath is staggering as I come to the realisation, “No!”

My father's face turns complex, “No?” His tone is unfaltering.

I shake my head and let out an almost delirious laugh, “No. You carry all of your guilt in these… these designer bags that you buy me, I’m not that shallow! Dad, do you even know me?” I question. I feel the longing in my heart. I want to be seen by him, I want his approval, but I want him to approve me for me.

“Come on darling, of course I know you.”

“No, you don’t! You don’t listen to me, you don’t care about my happiness. Dad, don't you see how unfair this is?”

He stands abruptly, letting out a sigh, “I will not talk to you when you are like this, you need to understand what is good for the company. How can you be so selfish? Do you not care about the family?”

“I’m not being selfish-”

“You are spoilt rotten! I will not allow this disobedience!” He cuts me off with that final statement and walks out of the door.

There's something I’ve learnt today, no one but yourself will ever care about your happiness, humans are selfish.

-

Blessed Sunday!

I think ironically while opening my eyes and glancing at the clock. 11:46 AM.

Last night I fell asleep really late, upset about the events that took place, angry at Seungmin and my father and with a weird feeling inside my chest when thinking of Hyunjin.

I get up and look at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the puffy eyes from all the crying. I have a splitting headache, my hair’s a mess and I feel like shit.

I open my door and go downstairs to the kitchen, on a mission to grab two silver spoons and place them on my eyes. Hopefully the puffiness is gonna go away.

Unfortunately for me, dad is at the kitchen table reading a newspaper.

Great.

My mom is also making herself busy by brewing coffee. Seungmin is not here, thank God.

“Hey sweetie, slept well?” My mother smiles brightly. “Want some coffee?”

“No thanks.” I reply shortly, opening the cutlery drawer.

“Something to eat?” my mum asks.

“Nope.”

“What about-”

“God! Can you stop talking already? I told you I don’t want anything!” I burst out, regretting it shortly after as my dad raises his eyes from the newspaper.

“Don’t talk to your mother like that, Pearl.” he says sternly, making me once again feel like a kid.

Is he really that unaffected about yesterday?

“I’m sorry mum, I just have a headache.”

“Hopefully you’re not sick,” dad starts, “as you have plans tonight.”

“I do?” I ask, unaware of what nonsense he was spewing.

“Yes. Dinner with Minho, he’s sending a driver to get you at 6. Wear something nice, and do something about that hair, will you?” he starts reading the newspaper again, and I sigh defeated.

“Dear-” my mom tries to touch my shoulder, noticing my dejected expression, but I just smack her hand away and leave, without even grabbing the spoons.

Seungmin is coming down the stairs just as I’m making my way up, and he greets me happily, as if he wasn’t the biggest asshole in history at the dinner.

“Hey Pearlie!”

I ignore him.

“Did you sleep well?” He tries to talk to me again.

God, why the fuck is everyone asking me this today?

I’m so annoyed.

“Shut the fuck up, Seungmin.”

“Wow, what’s with that attitude?” He frowns. “Look, I really wanted to-”

“I’m apparently going on a date with Minho tonight, so I hope you’re fucking happy.” I reply matter of factly interrupting him and I continue walking, ignoring whatever else he wanted to say next.

I drop onto my bed and watch as dust particles rise up in the air, and I start feeling around, trying to find my phone.

Cynthia❣️ 15 unread messages

Fuck no, I’m not in the mood for spam right now.

Dog Lover 🐶: 1 unread message

Not in the mood for my idiot brother either. Still, I click on it to see what he wants.

Dog Lover 🐶

10:23 AM: Hey, can we talk?

Well, that ship has already sailed.

I close his message and notice one more notification.

Boyfriend💋?: 5 unread messages

Huh?

I eagerly open the chat to read what he sent me, quite shocked to basically wake up to messages from him.

Boyfriend💋?:

09:53: Hello beautiful, slept well?

I didn’t get that much sleep to be honest, but I had to wake up and help Felix.

Wish I slept until later~

10:58: You must still be sleeping, haha. Cute.

Me:

12:02: Morning~

Sorry for not replying earlier, I just woke up ~15 mins ago. Istg, you’re the 3rd person who asked me if I slept well. You’re lucky I like you.

I press send without re-reading, which I quickly regret.

You’re lucky I like you.

AM I FUCKING DUMB??? HOW COULD I SAY THAT?!?!?

Boyfriend💋?:

12:03: Thanks love. I like you a lot too.

Look at this mess:

Felix apparently threw a party while I was at your place yesterday.

We barely finished the kitchen, and now gotta clean… this.

Me:

12:05: No way!

He’s at that age. 🤭🤭🤭

Boyfriend💋?:

12:06: Indeed 😂

Me:

12:06: Ok Jinnie, I’m gonna let you clean in peace.

But first

How much should I pay you for yesterday?

Boyfriend💋?:

12:07: ?

Me:

12:07: You know, for the dinner… oh, and the flowers, they must’ve been expensive.

Let me know how much money.

Boyfriend💋?:

12:08: I don’t know what you’re talking about?

What money?

Anyways, Felix is shouting at me so I’m gonna go.

Ttyl?

😘

Me:

12:09: Uhm… you know… for the date?

Okay, sure! Good luck! 👐

Why does he keep avoiding answering every question about the fake dating thing?

I sigh and open my banking app, adding in his details.

Is this enough…? I question while sending 1000$.

Oh well, he’ll tell me if I should send more.

~

The hours up to the date with Minho pass down relatively quickly. I don’t care that much about what I’ll wear tonight, since I don’t give two shits about impressing him in any way, so I just grab a random black blazer dress with golden buttons adorning the front side the bottom fans out like a pleated skirt but it cinches in at the waist sporting padded shoulders, overall it gives me the illusion of a tiny waist, cute! I make sure to put a black square neck tank top as the cut is low and wouldn’t show my bust, not to Minho at least. I wear a comfortable pair of black Dr. Martens derby style shoes and don’t bother too much with accessorising myself, or wearing too much make-up.

Just as my dad said, when 6 PM hits the clock, a driver sent by Minho arrives in front of my house to pick me up.

I am supposed to meet him at this Sky Rooftop Restaurant that only elites eat at, supposedly. I haven’t gotten the chance to go there yet, so I don’t know what to expect.

When we arrive, a valet comes to greet me at the car and guides me until the last floor of the skyscraper the restaurant is located in, which is the 50th.

When the elevator doors open and we enter the restaurant, I am mesmerised by how beautiful every detail is. Around the maroon wood tables are large square flower pots with greenery, and on the ceiling star-like projections are shown, the whole place looking magical.

Oh, and the restaurant is huge.

I notice Minho sitting leisurely at one of the tables in the corner, and I notice something weird as well: all the tables are empty, and besides me, him and the valet, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else here.

This can only mean one thing: Minho rented out this whole place… just for the two of us.

The thought of how expensive this must’ve been crosses my head, but it disappears just as quickly as it came, as the valet guides me to the table and Minho stands up to greet me.

“Hey.” He says looking at me from head to toe with his cold piercing eyes.

“Hey.” I reply back just as coldly, and I barely contain myself from removing my hand from his, as he bows down to kiss it politely.

That’s so unlike you. I think, but I don’t say it.

After he’s down kissing my hand, I look at his outfit and curse a bit in my head, for we somehow match clothes again. He is not dressed too formal either, a pair of blue jeans and a black blazer jacket with a white button up underneath. But his jacket has fucking golden buttons on it, looking strikingly similar to my dress.

Minho shows me to the deluxe leather chair in front of his seat and helps me sit down, then returns to his former position.

“How was your date yesterday?” Minho smirks, pressing all my buttons. It’s always like this with him, he says the most annoying things in the shortest amount of time as possible, making me hate that stupid mouth of his.

“It was great. My dad loves my boyfriend.” I reply, trying to sound confident.

“Right.” He chuckles. “Then why are you here?”

“I don’t know, Minho? Why am I here? Why do you want to get married to me so badly?” I spit.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Pearl. This has nothing to do with what I want. It’s just a logical choice for my business.”

“Your business?” I laugh.

“Yes, mine. I’ve been running it for almost 3 years now in my dad’s place, so of course it’s mine. You wouldn’t know what that’s like.”

“Oh, wouldn’t I, now? Why?”

“Because you are… the way that you are.” He says, looking at me blankly, as if he said the most obvious thing in the world.

“You’re just like my father. Thinking you know so much about me. Well, you don’t know shit, Minho. Whatever, let’s just order.”

I open up the menu and don’t even read what’s written. I just look at the prices and pick the most expensive things. If he’s going to try and hurt my heart, I’m going to hurt his wallet.

It doesn’t matter what I’ll order, anyway. I don’t have an appetite, so the food will stay untouched on the plate.

Oop, 24k gold-coated steak, sounds interesting. 30000$, noted.

Diamond is Forever cocktail? Fun, 22,600$, and you get to keep the diamond. Why not?

Ohohoho, this desert though! Frrrozen Haute Chocolate! 25.000$. Just perfect.

As I give the waiter my order, I laugh in my head, a bit in disbelief that I managed to rack up an almost 80.000$ meal with just three items. As the waiter listens to what I say, he gives Minho an unsure glance, but Minho doesn’t look upset at all. No, on the contrary. Seeing my mischievous smile, he looks amused and just nods, ordering the same things for himself.

Even worse, he tells the waiter that we forgot to order entrees, so he tells him we want two Grand Velas Tacos, which happen to be the most expensive entree in this restaurant, 25k a piece.

With this order, both of us go way over 200k for the whole meal.

What the fuck is wrong with this guy?

It’s like we’re having a contest, and he wants to prove to me that he’s winning no matter what.

As the entrees come, I see my phone’s screen lighting up on the table. I pick it up without thinking twice, and see a message from Hyunjin.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:46: Finally done cleaning! Pfiu, that was something!

What are you doing?

Me:

18:46: Jinnie! Wow, it took you so long, hahah, you must be exhausted.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:47: It was! I’m so tired. 😩😩😩

Me:

18:47: Felix gave you a lot of work today, hahah 🤣🤣

“Who got you smiling like that?” Minho’s words make me glance away from my phone and realise that I’ve really been grinning like an idiot. “Your boyfriend?” He continues, raising an eyebrow.

“So what if it is?”

“Woah! The audacity you have, ordering a 100k meal and not even paying attention to me.” He scoffs and applauds mockingly.

“I mean, what did you expect? I’m here unwillingly.” I shrug, then I notice my phone lighting up again, and I unlock it to check what Hyunjin said.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:48: He did. So anyways, what’re you up to?

Me:

18:48: Not much, my dad forced me to go to this stupid restaurant with Minho.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:48: Oh. Is it like a date?

Me:

18:49: Unfortunately.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:50: Oh

“Pearl, put the phone down and eat, will you?” Minho frowns.

“Acting like my dad again?” I mock him, turning my eyes once more to the phone.

Boyfriend💋?:

18:51: I also have work today, but I don’t really want to go either. 🙂

Work? I frown. Does he have to go on a fake date?

But-

“I’m serious.” Minho says again, more sternly than before. Before having a chance to complain, he leans over the table and grabs the phone out of my hands, putting it face down on the table.

“Don’t do shit like that!” I spit out, annoyed, reaching out to the table to grab my phone back. Who does he think he is?

“If you don’t want me to do shit like that, don’t waste my fucking time and money, princess.” He scoffs again, reaching out after the phone at the same time as me.

“Stop being so fucking controlling and jealous!”

Both of us get hold of it and pull it towards us as hard as we can.

“Minho, let it go. It’s my phone. You don’t get to forbid me to use it.”

“Oh yeah? Fine!” His voice gets louder, and he suddenly lets go of the phone. Not expecting it, I also let go of it, and it basically flies a few metres away from our table. “And I’m not controlling, nor jealous.”

Minho just sits there with his arms crossed, not even looking at me, as I get up to recover my phone from the marble floor. When I pick it up, I notice that the screen is broken and the phone won’t turn on.

“You fucking broke it!” I shout, annoyed.

Minho doesn’t say anything.

How dare he disrespect me like this?

I want to leave so badly, but the server comes with our main course and guides me to sit back down. I don’t want to make another scene, afraid of what would reach my father’s ears, so I just sit back down, broken phone in my hand and tears in the corners of my eyes.

I look around the restaurant wanting to avoid Minho’s gaze as much as possible. True to his form, the waitresses were cooping up in the corner or behind the bar giggling and gawking at him.

He didn’t mind. I doubt he’s even noticed the way he’s burning holes through my skull.

Minho only had to flash that undeniably cocky smirk at someone to get them to like him. He is so devastatingly, disgustingly good-looking that whoever becomes his target never stood a chance. The way he runs his hand through his silky brown hair, the way he gives that lazy wink that makes you think you’re the only thing he sees, the way his eyes would never seem to leave yours in an infinite assault of intense eye contact.

He knows his effect on women, even men and he brazenly relishes in it.

A true womaniser.

It probably would have worked on me as well if I didn’t know him well enough to know that he is actually the biggest cock on the planet.

And I will give him credit for being a hard worker, a man with lots of ambition and determination.

When I first met him, his beauty nearly swept me off my feet.

It was on the cusp of autumn two years ago when I started university, the trees were bare leaving only the skeleton behind. However, the ground was now a beautiful variety of burnt ambers, bright yellows and fiery reds. I was so nervous. University was adulting and that scared me. The expectations of doing well from my family didn’t help either.

Cynthia has already told me about the heartthrob in my class as she started a day before me. She couldn’t stop talking about him, and apparently, she had already planned out our wedding and house interior.

We were seated together. I didn’t know who he was, but he knew who I was.

“Pearl, it’s nice to meet you.” I turned and looked at him in downright confusion. Worried about how he knew who I was and how he knew me.

But I was also starstruck by his good looks, “I’m sorry, do I know you?” I said.

He chuckles lightly and I noticed his cute set of pearly white bunny teeth, “I’m Lee Minho.”

The realisation hit me like a truck and I wish I could have disappeared right on the spot, spontaneously combust. He was the Lee Minho, the one my parents had told me about. The one who they said to be polite to and provide the most respect towards.

The one they said was handsome and polite.

Fuck they were right, he was handsome.

I stammered, placing my pen down quickly and turned to look at him better to not come across as rude as I previously had done by not recognising him, “I’m so sorry I… I didn’t know you were here, in this course, and I wasn’t told.”

His smile brightened as my fumbling across sentences seemed to amuse him, “It’s okay, I’ve been told a great deal about you.”

I sighed in relief, “I hope all good things?”

“Of course,” he said softly as the lecturer came in to start.

After the lecture was over he asked me if I wanted to join him for lunch, I accepted, of course.

We went to the café where Felix worked. It was my first time there; the interior shocked me. It was definitely something different.

We both genuinely got on.

Like a house on fire, he was shy initially but he soon warmed up. Quicker than I did anyway.

His jokes were witty, some were absolutely ludicrous and were so bad they made me laugh.

I’d tell him they were terrible but he said that it doesn’t matter as long as I laugh. That was when I first felt my face heat up and stomach bubble.

But whenever I was with him I did notice the glares I received from girls, it was intimidating. But he didn’t care about them, he’d tell me not to worry about them, as he would bring me to face him with his warm hand that felt like it was meant to be there and remind me not to worry.

We had lunch together for about two months and I would have considered us pretty close.

I’d always catch him staring as he did with me, to say that I hadn’t developed feelings for him would have been a lie.

I’d make sure to hug him goodbye everytime we parted and each hug got longer, I was sure I would never let him go.

When we’d walk side by side and our hands would brush I’d get shivers and butterflies would erupt in my stomach.

His eye contact alone would make my heart melt, his laugh was music to my ears.

His every movement and expression made my heart clench and twist.

But I didn’t know how he felt.

And we were friends.

Just friends, as much as I wanted to change that.

I couldn’t. I valued our friendship too much.

In the mornings he would bring me tea from the café and I always loved how caring and attentive he was.

He was my best friend and someone I grew to care so deeply about in those first two months.

But It only lasted two months.

He pulls me out of my thinking by placing his hand on mine, it’s warm, almost comforting. But then I realise he is the reason I’m so upset.

How careless can someone be to break someone's phone and not even apologise about it?

“We’d be good together.” He doesn’t even hesitate a moment before saying that as if it’s the easiest thing to say.

As if we don’t hate each other's guts.

I blink.

It’s as if I can feel my eyes monumentally widen, granting him an incredulous stare, “You’re kidding.” I state in disbelief, ready for him to laugh at my shock. To tell me he was joking, just to get a rise out of me.

Except that never comes. Minho just stares back, eyes relaxed, unlike mine that are round in shock and confusion.

I wait for him to backtrack, to make some sort of excuse for this random burst of strange behaviour, but he doesn’t. Instead, he looks at his finished plate, reminding me that I probably should eat mine. His gaze shifts to his glass half full, as if to steady himself.

“Minho,” I begin, unsure of what I’m even going to say in response to his bold statement.

Fortunately, I find that I don’t need to bother connecting the pieces of the puzzle, as he immediately speaks up.

“Listen,” he requests and it's not like I have anything to say anyway, “We’re both hard workers, we’re intellectually compatible, we both come from prestigious backgrounds. And we're both attractive.”

I hate the fact that I’m not arguing back, but I'm at a loss for words. Also, I’m taken aback. Lee Minho thinks I’m attractive. If he said this when we first met I would have been thrilled.

I hate the fact that my face is flushing a bright fuchsia.

He continues, “We won’t get annoyed if the other person is working hard and doesn’t have much time for the other as it's standard for our families and we have the same sense of humour-”

“Okay Minho, I get it,” I cut him off, feeling a sense of overwhelm take over me completely.

It’s rare for Minho to leave me speechless, it’s rare for me to not knock him down a few pegs with a snarky reply.

But I can't think of anything to say.

His sheer presence right now at this moment is overbearing.

I stare down at my food and continue picking at it, my appetite being completely lost.

Minho sighs and leans back in his chair, “I’m just saying, you know?”

God, I wish he’d stop talking.

“Minho, can we please stop talking?!” I snap at him.

His eyes go wide for a moment as if he didn’t expect the outlash almost as if I’d be kind to him after what he said.

“Yeah, okay… let's just finish this then leave.”

I start reluctantly cutting through the 24k golden steak, and I take a bite. It’s good quality, obviously, and I understand why the price is this high. I just wish I could actually enjoy the food instead of overthinking what Minho said.

Bitter memories of two years ago rush through my head again and I start remembering how stupid he made me feel… especially when I found out what he really thought about me from other people.

It’s ironic, really.

Hard workers, intellectually compatible, he said? Too bad I know the truth behind his words.

I know he doesn’t see me as an equal, and I know he would never like me for me. What he wants is that prestigious background of mine he mentioned. It felt like a punch in the gut that he called me attractive. It just reminded me of how naïve I was before, to think he would actually see me, be into me, like me.

How stupid I was.

That’s the thing about Minho. You never know his thoughts. He can and will make you feel like you’re the apple of his eye, but he’s just doing whatever he can to follow through with his plans. He’s just like that.

I manage to finish the small steak on my plate and sigh in relief that the dinner is finally over.

And then the server brings out the desserts.

Fuck, I forgot I ordered this.

The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate. Essentially, a ridiculously priced sundae topped with edible gold that comes in a cup adorned with gold and diamonds.

I just want to go home. I think while fidgeting the golden spoon and looking once again at my broken phone on the table.

Did Hyunjin message me again?

Was he worried that I didn’t see his messages?

Did he go on a fake date?

He did say he had work tonight…

Fuck, why do I feel this stinging in my heart when I think he’s going on these dates? It’s not like he’s my real boyfriend.

“How’s the dessert?” Minho asks, probably noticing how low-hearted I still am and how the only interesting thing in the world for me seems to be the golden spoon.

“Just desserts.” I mumble, remembering hearing a song with this title a while ago and finding it so genius. I always enjoyed witty amalgamations like this. Justice hurts. Oh, or Champagne, which could be Sham pain, or even shame + pain if you squint your eyes hard enough.

Haha.

Or even: everyday is a chore - everyday is torture.

Family jewels - Family duels.

Are you satisfied? - Are you sad inside?

These are so fun. I smile a bit, and raise my eyes, glancing at Minho. He seems once again amused, and I tilt my head.

“Oh yea, justice does hurt sometimes, right? I remember we had a class about that in first year.”

My smile drops.

Being alone with him like this reminds me of the time we used to get along, and I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. He still understands my jokes, we still share the same humour. He was right.

I just hoped that would be enough for him to like me and see my worth.

But he didn’t.

He still doesn’t.

And he never will.

He’s just like my dad.

“Do you remember? When the professor told us about the guy with the carpenter business-”

“I remember.” I cut him off sporting a fake smile, and taste the dessert.

Sweet, sugary nonsense.

Just like Minho’s words.

When we are done eating, I pick up my purse from the chair with anticipation. However, Minho seems to have other plans, as he signals to the waiter.

“Yes, sir?” He asks with a bow.

“I’d like a whiskey. Double, please, no ice. Pearl?”

“Uhm…” I mumble, hating that he put me on the spot like this. All the sourness from earlier when I ordered thousands of dollars of food and drinks is gone, and now I just feel stupid. “A Margarita?”

“Coming right up.” The waiter bows again and leaves, and I am once again left fidgeting the straps of my bag and seeing how relaxed Minho leans in his chair.

“What?” He asks amused.

“What are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” He smirks, raising an eyebrow.

“Why do you want to prolong this stupid dinner?”

“Why not? I very much enjoy your company.”

“Well, the feeling is not mutual.”

“Isn’t it?” he smirks again. The waiter returns with our drinks, so he takes a big sip. “I remember it used to be, though.” He takes another big sip.

“Don’t get drunk, I don’t want to have to take care of you.” I roll my eyes and pick up my own cocktail, taking a sip as well and ignoring his words.

“You’re just going to brush over everything I say? Like you did 2 years ago?” He tilts his head, and he suddenly looks unamused. I just shrug and drink the Margarita.

“Ok then.” He shifts in his seat, and leans on the table. “I was thinking about Spring or Autumn.”

“What for?”

“Our wedding, of course. What else?”

“Minho, drop it. I don’t want to get married to you, okay? Besides, I have a boyfriend. How many times should I repeat that for you and my father to get it?!”

“Pearl,” he starts in a similar manner as I did. “I’m just saying you should reconsider, and think about your favourite season.”

“I can’t believe you.” I scoff. “What, you broke up with that girl from the club and now want me to be miserable as well? I’m very much in love, and don’t WANT any stupid wedding, thank you! Now finish that drink already and let’s fucking go!” My patience is running thin, and he seems to finally take me seriously for the first time tonight.

He drinks down the remainder of his whiskey in a gulp and signals me to get up, guiding me outside. Neither of us says anything.

To my relief, there are two cars waiting for us, which means that the bitter night with Minho is finally over. Still silent, he opens the door for me and helps me get in the car. No goodbye, no nothing.

I don’t speak either. Instead, I just look ahead and hope he’ll just close the door, which he is quick to do as soon as he sees I’m settled in.

I get home about 15 minutes later, and I head directly to my room, ignoring my parents’ questions asking me how the date went.

I don’t want to talk to anyone.

I lock the door and go to my vanity, taking off my make-up.

I then throw my dress on the ground and plop myself on the bed naked, covering my body with the soft duvet.

I’m so tired.

It was such an emotionally draining day.

What is Hyunjin doing now?

Is he having fun?

Does he think about me at all?

I sigh, making a mental note to drop by the Apple Store and buy a new phone tomorrow.

Closing my eyes, I fall asleep, dreading that tomorrow will be Monday and I’m going to have to see Minho again.

~

Part Two | Part Four (coming soon)

~

A/N: Hello, long time no see! Unfortunately, this story will have very slow updates. Sorry about that!

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

[heydranga]

This is a random thought. Was playing sdv and found Sam's Christmas shopping list. I noticed that Abigail wasn't on the list.

So I have a headcanon that abigail and sam don't actually like each other and that the only reasons they even hang out is between being best friends with sebastian and their mothers are besties too.

I imagine sam and Abigail to have a Tuck and Ming Ming type relationship and Sebastian is Lenny. (If you know who I'm talking about kudos to you, shout out to multimedia animation)

It kind of makes sense I kind of feel that abigail kind of forces herself on Sebastian and it kind of at times makes him feel even more trapped at Pelican town. Meanwhile Sam is a ball of sunshine who's super extroverted and, as a fellow introvert that can get extremely tiring, but Sam also seems to be the type to know when to stop pushing.

When I first saw Abigail and Sebastian, I thought oh yeah that makes sense. But the more I see how much she's near her house and got her heart events, albeit unintentionally, I started wondering if she was using seb a bit.

What if Abigail is using sebastian as an out. Imagine if you will...

Abigail wants freedom same as sebastian. But Abigail is more daring and doesn't know when to stop pushing. Abigail would a 100% date the new farmer and/or Sebastian just to piss off her father. She's wild because she knows it pisses her father off. Don't get me wrong Abigail I have a like/hate for her. She sets me off and not in a good way. When I dated her in a save I felt used, like I get you want to do the same things as me but are you actually prepared for that type of thing?

Do you really want to leave pelican town and find a better life for yourself or do you just want Pierre to get off your back so you can have breathing room to do as you please?

Sebastian just wants to feel more appreciated and wants people to see that he really is just introverted and not emo or goth. He's not trying to rebel he just wants to feel heard and listened to.

Sam is actually a good listener which is why Sebastian doesn't mind being around him. He knows that if he asks Sam to stop pushing, he will. They hang out a lot more together without abigail and I feel like abigail kind of forced her way into the group.

Something tells me Sam and Sebastian had been best friends for a while and maybe Penny was apart of they're group. Sebastian never seems to mind Penny and Sam obviously likes her. I imagine that Sam was so used to having 2 introverted friends and being the one to lightly push them out of their shell but respecting when they aren't comfortable and letting it go.

People Sam is childish and I definitely get that but he does genuinely care and when the situation comes to it he will step up to the plate. He's spoiled but not stupid or rotten.

Anyway thank you for reading this is just my opinion please no hate.

I also play sdv on the switch so no spoilers for the update if any of this changes.

[hearts401]

Hai :3 do u have any wacky wild michael hcs

oh do i!

both adult and teen. loser has been on my mind again.

He gets super fucking cold for no reason and blamed it on ghosts until after fnaf 6 where he brought it up as a joke and the ghost kids were like "...none of us did that" and now he's convinced theres a whole extra ghost after him. (it was cc he didnt mean to initially but cassidy thought it was funny)

He talked to the animatronics all the fuckin time. like he just. chatted with them. especially the fnaf 2 ones. charlie had to sit there and watch him talk to actual robots thinking they were kids. they werent and she told him that in fnaf 6 because she found it so fucking funny

clumsy as HELL i know that man was banging his knee in the SL vents and swearing under his breath

teen mike was also clumsy. probably split his lip on concrete all the time as a kid.

he was also the kinda kid to say "nah, check this out!!" and wake up in the hospital

this is a gross one but. he dealt with bugs a lot post scoop (especially. flies. and what comes with them. iykyk). he'd come into work on mondays smelling like a can of bug repellant. you wont believe what he showers with instead of water.

He was williams least favorite but they had a weird relationship between him moving out and elizabeths death. like some days william despised him and michael just wanted to blow them both up with his mind and some days he comes home like "Hey mike whats up want some pizza for dinner tonight?" and michaels like "fuck yeah why not."

he's henrys favorite afton as a teen and he knows it. and he uses it. Henry fuckin loved that kid he had the man wrapped around his finger. William also notices it and he gets mad at henry over it.

in relation to that, henry was really gentle with michael which was. not helpful im sorry 😭

mike sleeps pretty casually. hes not a light sleeper but not a deep sleeper. unless hes tired. if he hasnt been getting enough sleep youll know because he sleeps like a ROCK.

he fucking loves italian food. for no reason. he just does

he unironically eats beans on toast. He tried it as a joke and then just. never stopped.

he still has his foxy mask it just doesnt fit him. he tries it on again and it hurts his head

cannot afford to go out to eat often and GOD does he complain about it. he is SO FUCKING LOUD when he complains about it. he wants his takeout man

Loves animals but they hate him. A crow tried to take a bite out of him post scoop once nad he had to fight for his life. bro saw his family for a moment there

he is so polite most of the time but if you talk to him after his shift he'll fuck you up. rudest bitch on the block and he was an asshole teen so he knows how to run his mouth

he plays solitaire.

does not know about the context but whenever hes depressed he says "tomorrow is another day" because time moves on anyways!!!! also idk i think its neat

he ate shit in the middle of his shift once and bashed his face on one of the counters and his coworker found the blood the next day and managed to start a rumor that someone died there until michael came in to work with his face bandaged up.

these are so rambly but funny so im gonna keep going

skateboards <3 totally tried to show off and ate shit until william told him if he went to the hospital again he'd take the skateboard. he still ate shit. just hid it better.

taught evan to do a lot. If he didnt feel like bullying him (for an array of reasons, but the biggest is just. boredom. or loneliness. or a mix) he'd teach him something just because he could. skipping rocks, flying a kite. michael doesnt remember it very well but evan does

cassidy kicked him in the knee so hard he was limping for an hour and so he found the golden freddy suit and kicked it too at one point. she didnt feel it tho. and jumpscared him out of spite.

he loves dogs and once brought evan to see one because his friends were busy and he hates being alone and the dog bit the shit out of evan. foreshadowing.

oh yeah i totally think he gets lonely btw. do not leave that guy alone he will get very sad and pathetic!!!

im capping myself here because jesus christ.

[kitthepurplepotato]

New to the story? Start here! -> PART 1

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Chapter 4 - “Dynadick” and the case of the heartbroken Chargebolt.

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Warnings: Swear words, Bakugou being an asshole as always.

Summary: Bakugou does not appreciate flirting. Bakugou is also not fond of listening to the heartbroken Denki’s nonsense.

Special thank you to @sozainturpal for the lovely message, it made me so happy I “accidentally” wrote a full chapter after reading it 💜

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This absolute shithead.

Screaming nonsense in the middle of the morning, ruining your precious coffee time.

And did he just call you a… dingbat? Who the actual fuck uses that word anyway?

What is a dingbat?! Is it a bat that… dings?

What is “dinging”?

Can a bat ding?

Holly shit, you definitely haven’t had enough coffee for this conversation. You are also a foreigner. You have no idea how offended you should be right now.

To be fair, we are talking about Dynamight here. This word sounds like a praise from his filthy mouth.

“So, this is the updated database.” You sigh into the silence and sit down by your laptop. Your place is in the far corner of Bakugou’s office, almost opposite his own fancy-pants desk.

As you concentrate on signing in, you can feel Bakugo’s breath on your neck. Can he not bring his bloody chair over and sit down next to you?!

“While in different circumstances I would be more than happy to have you so close to my face, I find your closeness quite unpleasant and slightly inappropriate right now, boss.”

Well… you shouldn’t have said that.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” Says the now tomato red faced explosive hero, clearly not having as much fun as you are right now. Fuck the coffee, making Bakugou uncomfortable is your new favorite part of your morning routine. “Do you have a crush on me or something?!”

“I mean, you actually look quite handsome when you like, shut up. But as that never happens, the answer is no, I do not have a crush on you, I’m afraid.”

For your surprise, he does not lash out on you. Instead, he rolls his eyes and squats next to you to give you some personal space. What have you done? Is Bakugo broken again? Will he play the fake dead card and hide from his embarrassment as he did the last time? Is this how he copes with things?

Where did you leave your coffee?!

“Yeah, I heard that line before.” He sighs and waits for you to start your demonstration, but fuck that, you are really curious right now.

Is he… self conscious about this? Is Bakugo actually capable of human feelings? Did you just tear open a barely mended wound from the past?

You might be the second biggest asshole after Katsuki, but even you can feel ashamed of your own words sometimes.

“Who… said that to you?”

And now you are stuttering. Great.

“Someone in High School. I haven’t shut up ever since.” Grins the blonde and you can’t help but roll your eyes. He was faking it. Of course he was. You were about to say sorry yet here he is, grinning like a wild animal, all calm and collected, like he wasn’t about to die of embarrassment 30 seconds ago. He won this fight and he got you good.

“You are such a dick.”

“Yep, that’s me. Get used to it.”

Haha. Dynadick.

Jesus, where is your coffee again?

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“Haha. Dynadick.”

Loud laughter fills the room as Mr. Katsuki rolls on floor, hyperventilating.

The menace might be a pain in the ass, but her red face when she realized she said this out loud was worth waking up for.

“I didn’t mean to say this out loud, goddamit.” The menace squeaks and oh boy, Mr. Katsuki is having the time of his life.

The loud commotion made Kirishima appear in the door as well, and Katsuki can’t get over the pure dread on the Menace’s face so he decides to push it until there’s nothing left but pure mortification.

“She called me Dynadick, Eiji. Dynadick.” Whines the hero on the floor with tears in his eyes. Kirishima is puzzled, he clearly has no idea if he should laugh with his best friend or try his best to save his poor new colleague from her misery; she clearly spoke out loud again, just how she did on her interview.

Is there a way to do both? He kinda wants to laugh.

“I can’t be close to her face because it’s inappropriate but she can call me, her boss, Dynadick. She’s such a hypocrite.”

“IT WAS A FUCKING ACCIDENT, GODDAMMIT!”Stands up the Menace (what was her real name again? Mr. Katsuki has no idea and he definitely does not care enough to ask) and slams her tiny arms on the top of the desk. As the desk slowly shakes and breaks in half, she points at the laptop in the middle of the rumble on the floor. Well, at least the laptop will not need replacing. That can’t be said about the poor table. Rest in peace, brother. What a way to go. “GO AND CHECK THE DATABASE ALONE YOU MISERABLE FUCK, I’M GOING TO A PUB!”

“It’s 7:30, darling. AM.”

Oh, poor Kirishima.

“No shit, Sherlock!” Barks back the Menace and leaves the building, leaving poor Kirishima with a mentally unstable Bakugou who’s still laughing on the floor like a maniac.

“Can you guys at least try to not break something every day? Our budget might be big, but we will eventually run out of money.”

“It was so fucking worth it.” Cries the blonde, with no remorse in his trembling voice.

This will be a long day. Kirishima hopes Y/N will be back by the afternoon so he can make sure she’s fine and not resigning on her second day.

Bakugo has the same hopes, but for different reasons; he’s already plotting his next mischief, and a drunk Menace sounds like the perfect target to get his daily entertainment.

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Later that day…

The whole office jumps in unison when the main door slams shut after you. You definitely owe Kirishima an apology and you certainly hope you still have a job and you won’t be asked to leave - you did run away without a warning and you did go to a pub; in broad daylight, in the middle of your shift. On a positive note tho, you already sobered up.

“Y/N! Are you okay? Do you want to talk?”

Of course he is all over you the moment you walk in. Of course HE feels bad while the main culprit is happily sitting in his office, probably drinking YOUR chai tea latte. Nevermind.

“I’m sorry. I’m really really sorry, boss. I just needed a breather. I’m fine. I’m back. I won’t cause any more trouble… well… today.” You blush and look away to the other direction. You might have hundreds of quirks under your sleeve, but somehow, non of them could cure your inability to lie.

Kirishima only snickers on your response and gives you a tiny hug. He’s so precious, goddamit!

“I appreciate your honestly and please, don’t worry about it. It will get easier as the time goes. I’m just happy you are still here and willing to take the responsibility for your actions.” With a tap on your shoulders he lets you make your way to your office.

You can hear chatter coming from the other side of the door. Is someone… crying? Well, it’s definitely not Dynamight as you can hear him grumbling aggressively in the background, clearly not happy about the sudden outburst of this man. Who’s stupid enough to go to Dynamight with his problems? This guy definitely has a death wish or he is an absolute idiot.

As you open the door to take a little look, you see a blondish-yellow haired guy in a leather jacket.

Oh.

He is indeed an absolute idiot, but in a really nice way.

You heard all about him from your bestie.

“Are you listening, BakuBro?! She dumped me! Again! How many times do I need to have my heart broken? What have I done to deserve this?” Cries the man, ignoring your now obvious presence in the room.

“First of all, I would dump you 100 times too if I would be forced to live with your annoying ass. Second of all, why the fuck do I need to listen to your nonsense? Don’t you have friends?!” Shouts the blonde, making the other blonde cry even more.

“You are my friend…”

Okay, you can’t listen to this shit anymore.

“Well, I’m sorry for eavesdropping on you two, but… Mr. Dynamight, you are an absolute asshole. This man is clearly depressed and heartbroken, can you at least listen to him?! He might be here because he has no one else to go to, did you think about that?! Don’t kick someone who’s already on the floor!” There is an almost silent “oh fuck off” coming Bakugou but you respectfully ignore it and you sit down next to the crying man on the sofa. “My name is Y/N darling, I’m the asshole’s new assistant. Please, don’t listen to him. You are always welcome in this office in the time of need. I can listen to you. What happened?” This is clearly a cry for help, bless his little broken heart. This poor yellow haired man just makes you want to protect him and talk to him about the magical powers of a silver shampoo.

Because this guy needs it.

So much.

Soooo so much.

Okay, that’s not important now.

“Hi, I’m Kaminari Denki.” Sniffles the guy. “I got dumped by my girlfriend Jirou for the twentieth time. I did nothing. Is my existence such a bother to everyone?”

“Yes, it is, now leave.” Comments the asshole of the century, and nope, you can’t do this anymore.

“If you say a single fucking word while I talk to this man, I’ll hang your virgin balls on the nearest lamp post and I’ll blow them up so well, not even the best cleaning brigade in Japan can get rid of them.” You give Bakugou a threatening look and start focusing on the now shaking man on the sofa.

“You are a lovely human being. You might be a bit louder than most, you might annoy some people, but you have all the rights to exist. You just need to find the right people to be with. Also, sometimes people don’t appreciate what they have until they loose it, so what I would do if I were you, I would go home, tell my girl that I’m okay with her decision and I would leave for a few days or weeks to give her some space. Trust me, if she loves you, she will come back to you. If not, there will be someone better who will appreciate you as you are. Don’t underestimate yourself, just because you are different. If Dynamight can exist, so can you.”

Needless to say, you managed to break this man with your words, but that’s fine. Sometimes, you need to completely fall apart to be able to put yourself together in the right way.

As this man you just met smears all his saliva and other disgusting bodily fluids all over your shirt, you sigh into the void. Your life is an absolute joke but if this little conversation did something to help another person, then you don’t mind it that much. At least you made a new friend today, a quite useful one at that. He might come in handy when your phone is out of fuel.

“That last part was unnecessary.” Scoffs your boss, but he can’t deny that even he was a bit moved by your kind words.

“I had to prove my point somehow.” You smile cheekily and stroke Kaminari’s hair to entertain yourself for the time being. “Well, this is definitely enough drama for one day, let’s bury the hatchet for today, Mr. Bakugou. I also told Kirishima I won’t cause any more problems today.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, weirdo.” Bakugou rolls his eyes but he indeed stays quiet for the rest of the day.

You might just be a bit sensitive after all this love drama, but you swear you can feel the change in the air around you two.

Will it stay this way? Probably not; but you can’t help but think back on your words from the morning; Bakugou is indeed quite handsome when he shuts the hell up.

-> Next Chapter!

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Anyone remembers who said that line to Bakugo in high school? :P

Wow, this chapter is a bit different than usual, but I really wanted to give the story a bit of a push. And don’t worry; you guys still hate each other, we are really far from the end game! :D

Also, no pigeons in this chapter. I’m heartbroken.

Have a lovely weekend, guys 💜

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Taglist:

(feel free to ask me to add you if you like this story btw 💜)

@ibkg @chuugarettes @lilmaimai @nonomesupposedto @sozainturpal

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[imaginespazzi]

PARRRRTTTT SEVEN REACCTTTIONNS

- nivi u angel bby thank you so much for the update!!! i always look forward to monday updates (west coast girly u did it with hours to spare) BUT REMEMBER don’t over work yourself over getting us updates!!! ily!!!

- my goal for the chapter is to stay far away from cliffs because i seem to always threaten them!

- stop paige’s little mini panic then relief when azzi and stephie are still there 😭😭 sweet girl went through it:(

- “and maybe this is how i become whole again.” oh hey it’s me, remember before i started reading i said i would stay clear of the cliffs? yeah well, fuck that! find me a cliff because i died dead. screaming, crying, throwing up. NIVI u are my evil genius but please please just protect her heart PLEASE.

- okay paige just left the bed if she leaves the house without speaking to azzi and stephie u might finally get some tears out of my eyes! i rlly don’t think she would but…

- stop poor drew 😢drew being annoyed with paige switching teams?!? im nervous for drew and azzi reunion.

- going to be honest i don’t really interact with azzis brothers stuff anywhere so i don’t know anything abt Tallulah but she seems so sweet in your fic ❤️‍🔥

- stop the fudds missing paige and talking about her😭😭 im on the floor next to the cliff bleeding out

- stop tim and paige mean so much to me

- stop paige legit tripping over her feet at the sight of stephie upset MY HEART

- STEPHIE ASKING PAIGE TO PROMISE SHE WILL NEVER LEAVE 😭😭 im scared

- I PROMISE ILL TRY TO STAY. fuck i’m scared

- god. your writing is a masterpiece. this whole situation is damaging my soul. i don’t hold it again azzi, im fully convinced she has her reasoning that were VAILD but oh my god i feel so bad for paige (this is not me saying that azzi didn’t go through shit too) but my poor bby is terrified i feel so bad ☹️

- stop stephie really is a mini azzi 🥹🥹

- love.

- kill

- me

- now

- let’s go back to me at the bottom of the cliff bleeding out, my pulse is barley there now.

- STWAAAPPPP paige spoils stephie it’s so cute

- YOUR DAUGHTER 🥹🥹🥹🥹

- i can’t tell if that helped or made my pulse worse

- hey so my baby fever is still here and killing me.

- “ONLY FOR YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER.” my pulse just gave out, flatlined, not breathing, dead 🤗 thank you so much.

- YES PAIGE YOU ARE SAFE WITH AZZI.

- JANNNNNAAA MY GIRRLL

- Aunty Chérie you say? hmm i can just smell paige’s jealousy

- “you’re supposed to be holding me and i’m supposed to be holding you; it was meant to be us.” hey so i somehow just died even more😁

- okay here is the thing, i feel for olivia i do. the situation most have been hurtful to her however, CUNT CUNT CUNT DONT U DARE EVEN THINK A NEGATIVE THOUGHT AGAINST THE AMAZING, PERFECT, GORGEOUS, SMART, TALENTED, LOVELY, AZZI FUDD. her and her passive aggressive comments can leave.

- OHHHHH AZZI FUDD, YOU ATE HER UP SHE MAY BE 5th BEST BUT MY GOD AREBU NUMBER ONE BY MILLLLLLLES.

- “if it was azzi” paige babe let’s fast forward to that divorce.

- also paige going on tik tok spirals abt azzi while her wife is in the same room is just WILD and kinda sad almost makes me feel bad for mrs. cunt (my sympathy for her evaporated the second when opened her mouth around azzi 🤬🤬)

- the whole last section. omg. i know i already died then came back to life but i am not FLINGING myself back off the cliff 😁

- GODDDD NIVI u talented, talented women i cant believe how you always are able to amaze me with your writing.

- i’m gonna be honest it’s 2am for me i started reading at 10 and i just finished. i kept having to take breaks because i was screaming, no tears though!

- chapter was 100,000/10

- QUESTIONS FOR NEXT CHAPTER:

- OKAY so ms french girl whose name i can’t remember at the moment is no longer playing with the valkyries… are we gonna get like flashbacks of azzi and her in future chapters?

- this may be dumb but if the olympics were 2028 next ones were, 2032 and its 2033 right? so did the other olympics pass? are we gonna learn more about that? did azzi and paige win gold? IM SO CURIOUS!!!!

- okay that’s all i got i think…sorry for yapping so much!

oh also i kept dying but it’s def gonna keep happening tbh

-🤩🤩

HI MY LOVEEEEEE <3

- You're literally the most precious soul ever and lowkey I really needed to hear that cause I do mayhaps stress just a little bit about updating so thank you :)

- I like that you said you were going to stay away from cliffs and then managed to get through exactly one bullet without jumping off a cliff...

- I lowkey don't know a lot about Tallulah either because I only really have second-hand knowledge of the lives so I'm just lowkey molding her into what works for the plot I guess? But I'm sure she's lovely irl too!

- Circumstance truly is a bitch because I think they're both pretty scared of things beyond their control being an obstacle again

- Baby you really went through it for a couple of paragraphs there huh?

- Listen if I have to suffer through baby fever, you're all suffering with me like I keep having to remind myself that a college dorm is not appropriate for a baby bassinet

- MRS CUNT made me cackle out loud

- Omg not 4 hours babes lmao but I'm glad I still haven't brought you to tears!

- Hmmm I lowkey don't think there will be flashbacks of Clémence like that because her and Azzi's past isn't quite as integral as their present (opposite of Olivia in a sense I guess)

- The next Olympics were in fact 2032...I wonder what happened? I wonder if we'll find out?

Never apologize for yapping, it makes me so happy to hear everyone's thoughts!

[thatoneaceinthecorner]

RQG Art Masterpost

Hey guys! So recently I've had a wave of notes on some of my old rqg art, and a few new followers. I got really nostalgic about rqg and decided I wanted an easier way to access my rqg-related art (other than the dumpster fire that is tumblr's tagging system), and I wanted other people who are just finding my art to have an easy way of looking at the rest, if they want to. So I dug through everything and made a masterpost! This post contains links to all the rqg art I've ever posted on tumblr, as well as a couple images that I couldn't find the original posts for, despite all the digging. It's loosely organized, emphasis on loosely, but I hope it should be fun to look through if anyone ever feels like it. Spoiler warning for the whole show, just in case anyone new isn’t done with their first listen. There's also stuff in here that's pretty old and that I don't necessarily love anymore, but seeing how my skills progressed over time is still pretty neat. This is a long post, so I've put all the links under the cut. Enjoy!

My top three pieces and why they're my favorites

General:

Shoin's sketch of London

RQG Inktober: Scars

Resurrection Ritual in the Ursan Village

Zolf Smith, cleric of what comes next (comic)

Alex's horrible Barret Monster with knife arms

Ada and Tesla in their lab with the Babbage brain

"Why didn't you do more" (it's all your fault comic)

Blue-veined arm in Other London

Zolf and Azu hear the hivemind

Sasha and Cicero leave Rome behind them

Apophis in human form

Party camping outside the Garden of Yerlik

Kantu!! Because I thought they were cute

Also these two drawings, the ones I couldn't find the original posts for. Azu giving Hamid a piggy-back, and a really old drawing of Azu in Carter's mind museum.

Sasha Racket:

Sasha hangs out with gargoyles (and sphinxes)

Sasha portrait

Goodbye, Brock

Goodbye, Grizzop

If Grizzop had lived and helped raised Sasha's kids

Sasha deserves bat wings, as a treat

"I so wish you could meet them"

My very first drawing of Sasha, post-Kafka fight

Wilde:

Wilde masterpost (yes he has his own)

"We're all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars"

His brain might've popped

Wilde looking pretty (plus bonus shitpost sketch)

"Oh Wilde, you must have been so scared"

Wilde with blue veins

Wilde gets his magic back (first time I ever drew him)

Zoscar:

Wild and Zolf in the rain, epilogue

"We've got this" "Yeah, we've got this" aka Parallels

Breath of Life

Wilde's first death

Peace and comfort (for once)

Actually some more peace and comfort

And a little more

Aaand back to some angst

RQG Zine Art:

The End of the World As We Know It

How Little He Matters

Rome Is Where the Heart Is

Animatics/Animations/Videos:

Hamimatic - Immature

Zolf is the sand guardian, guardian of the sand

Wilde and Zolf in the rain but animated this time

Sasha protecting Wilde in Paris

Time lapse of some of the "Breath of Life" drawing

Ben Meredith quoting Jenna Marbles (starring Toothbrush Zolf)

Doodles, sketches, and requests:

Messy busts of the whole party (plus Wilde, obviously)

Azu and Grizzop outfit/deity swap

Never wake a sleeping Barnes (comic)

Toothbrush Zolf

Azu caring for undead Sasha

Ada mourning Babbage AU

Fun sketch page of various PCs

Domestic Zolf and Wilde

Canon-compliant under-dressed Zolf (look he's posing like the coppertone baby from that one brand of sunscreen, i thought it was funny)

Sasha and Wilde bonding time

If Sasha and Cel met each other

Sasha and Zolf, amputee buddies

Wilde in a flower crown (Everyone Liked That)

More domestic Zolf and Wilde

Sasha playing with Hamid's twin brothers

Sasha looking after Grizzop's kids

Zolf and Wilde hugging

Sasha and Skraak, dynamic duo

Barnes and Carter hugging

Kobold in the kitchen with Zolf

Ada holding down the fort

Happy Hamid

Cel and Grag

Wilde and Hamid high-five

[xena-lilac-winters]

Y'all ever....

Does anybody else forget how many fandoms they're in because they're in a bunch?? Like I completely forgot about BATIM and DDLC until I was watching someone's livestream and they put on songs so we could guess the fandom it belonged to lol. I also forgot about MLP until I saw more stuff about a game called Pony Town and various MLP infection AU's. Wait, how many fandoms am I even in? Let's see....

MLP

Dead Plate

FNAF

Creepypasta

DDLC (sorta, so I'll count half ig?)

BATIM

Harry Potter

The Riordanverse (so if we count the series', this is 5 fandoms within itself lol)

Helluvaverse (2)

Your Boyfriend Game (I DO NOT SUPPORT FUBOO, I just like the fan art and fan comics)

The Last Apprentice

Mouthwashing (I'll count half for this one. Jimmy has become a literal trigger for me after finding out what he did to Anya, so I usually avoid anything containing him)

The Owl House

Welcome Home

Pressure

ETM (Epic the Musical)

HOLY SH!T THAT'S 20 FANDOMS! WAIT!

Shadow&Bone

COD (counting 1/2 bc I have not played any of the games, everything I know about - mainly Ghost and Soap - is from the wiki pages)

DSMP

MHA (1/2 since I never finished the show)

Ghosts (That TV show on Prime? Yeah, talking about that. Technically counts as 2, since there's the British original and the American Version...)

Rise of the Guardians (Poor Jack Frost. This movie is an underrated MASTERPIECE. And yet everyone seems to have forgotten it...)

SO THAT'S 25 JEEZ!!!

EDIT: SCP Foundation, and Homicipher (Homicipher is 1/2 bc I've never even watched a play through but I adore Mr. Crawling and Mr. Silver). Doors (roblox) too. So what, that's 27 and 1/2?

Edit #2: TADC. Idk how I forgot it. So 28 and 1/2. I know I'm forgetting something else, but I don't remember what?

Edit #3: Amanda the Adventurer and sorta Poppy Playtime? (so plus 1 and 1/2). Also Trevor Henderson creations, so that brings us up to a whopping 31 fandoms. What am I doing with my life y'all...?

Edit #4: Baldi's Basics. So 32 fandoms and still counting. Paw Patrol (at this point, just counting every fandom I had ever been in). So 33. Piggy makes that 34... omfg, what have I done with my life? If this is not a clear sign I'm mentally unstable, tell me what is. Song of the Sea is 35. That's not my neighbor makes it 36... I need to stop and go save myself while I can....

Edit #5: Mushroom Oasis (Mychael is f_cking adorable. YOU CAN'T CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE!!!), so 37. Child's Play and the Conjuring (talkin' movies here), that's 39.

Edit #6: Last edit for tonight bc my brain hurts. Baldur's Gate makes it 40. Yes I'm counting it fully bc I'm obsessed with Kar'niss and Astarion.

Edit #7: Seriously the last edit. Pound puppies bring it up to 41.

Edit #8: IM SORRY! BUT BEFORE I FORGET... Monster High, TMNT, Bubble Guppies, Bluey, and so many Disney movies but I'll only count the Disney category as one. So that brings us up to 5 more... so 46. I NEED TO BREATHE, OH MY GODS-

Edit #9: Team Umizoomie makes that 47. I'll count Undertale as 1/3 since I still listen to some of the songs but never really played the game and only dabbled in the Fandom. Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond (Ive only read the first book, but I think it's a series? First book is 'The Serpent's Secret' by Sayantani Dasgupta) brings us to a total of 48 and 1/3 fandoms. My brain hurts so much I'm starting to get cramps....

Edit #10: Seriously last edit for tonight bc I have dishes that NEED to get done, plus laundry. But Octonauts and Wild Kratts bring us up to 50 and 1/3. Add Yandere Simulator and you've got yourself a WHOPPING 51 AND 1/3 FANDOMS IN TOTAL! (For now, until I remember another, oof...)

Edit #11: Coraline and The Corpse Bride. Gotta love Tim Burton. And the Nightmare before Christmas. Ik I said I would only count Disney movies as one whole thing, but... I'm counting these three individually. So 51 and 1/3 plus 3.... 54 and 1/3.

[clickerflight]

Oh, how far you've fallen Part 2

I'mma go ahead and call this story uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, actually, IDK. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna continue this story for a bit so if you come up with a good title for this, let me know.

Also, I hope this all makes sense. I've been really out of it today so hopefully that doesn't reflect in my writing. I was fighting for my life figuring out what happened next and then made potential for a whole series. Wild times out here.

Content warning: somewhat dehumanization? Kidnapping. For sure selling someone into being a lab rat, electrocution

Part 1

.........................................

Agent/Henchman - Ivan/Gale

Villain - Kolt

Scientist - LeAnn

…………………

Kolt was so incredibly delirious, but thankfully was too tired to struggle in Ivan’s arms. Ivan was convinced that Kolt didn't even know what was going on. He murmured indistinguishable words as Ivan carried his old mentor’s impossibly thin frame through the halls of the labs, outrunning the flashlights behind them. 

Ivan turned a corner, the map of the building clear in his mind. He did everything he could to keep from being cornered. He only had one chance here. 

Well, less than one chance, really. He was royally screwed no matter if he succeeded or didn’t since being here was an extreme middle finger to his handler. But that didn’t matter now. What mattered was each new breath, each new step that didn’t slip on the slick tile, each new heartbeat he could feel under Kolt’s skin. 

The fire escape came into view and a relieved laugh bubbled out of Ivan, mimicked softly by Kolt. He shouldered his way through, alarms screaming through the building making Kolt flinch. Down the stairs, leaping down onto a dumpster in the alleyway, and he was off. 

He was in the clear now. 

Well, he thought he was. 

A dark van pulled up, blocking the alley, and equally dark clothed men came pounding out of it, guns in hand. 

Ivan was torn between running and staying still to try and explain himself to his agency. His choice was made for him when Kolt whimpered, pressing his horribly scarred and bruised face into his shirt, trembling. Ivan sighed, letting the tension drain from his muscles and he stood still as the agents took his weapons from him and led him into the van. 

With that, they were off. 

The getaway vehicle was, admittedly, convenient. 

……………………

“Terribly sorry for keeping you up, Kate,” Ivan said, a little ashamed as he stepped out of the van, still holding Kolt who refused to let go of him. 

Kate stood with her arms crossed and her eyebrow raised. “That’s all you have to say? Ivan, do you not remember how long we’ve been working in that lab? You have quite possibly ruined everything we have been working on for months!”

Ivan didn’t reply, simply shifting Kolt in his arms so she could see the scars and injuries he carried on his frail body. Kolt was nearly unconscious at this point. 

She frowned. “Kolt?”

“Yeah,” Ivan said, tucking Kolt against himself again, sharing his body warmth with the man in a way he had never imagined he would. He had never imagined Kolt being small enough for him to carry in the first place. 

Kate frowned thoughtfully. “Come on,” she sighed. “We’ll figure this out inside.”

They walked through the underground garage, Kate's heels echoing around them as Ivan watched her walk ahead. He had no idea how this was going to play out. He remembered what happened when he was captured back when he was still Gale. He had the scars to remember it by. Would they do the same to Kolt? There was no way. He was so fragile. Besides, Ivan doubted that Kolt even remembered anything interesting and had been trapped in that building for long enough that he wouldn’t know anything that had happened in the last few months in the villain community. 

Kolt was finally unconscious as they reached the elevator, and only a couple of the darkly clothed agents joined them in the elevator as the others headed to go take their gear off. There was silence in the elevator for a moment before Ivan cleared his throat. 

“So, what happens now?”

“We will discuss that when my guest gets here.”

“Alright, but Kate. Please keep in mind that he’s-”

“I understand, Ivan,” she snapped, not even turning to look at him. “But you are not in a position to ask for anything for him. Understand me? I appreciate why you have done this, however, that does not change the fact that you are most certainly in trouble and have made my job much harder.”

Ivan huffed silently, annoyed but he didn’t dare argue with his handler. He stared at his reflection, still horrified with how tiny Kolt had become. He’d been taller and more bulked than Ivan. He had been intimidating, once, though you wouldn’t be able to guess that now. 

The door opened and Kate led the way down to the med bay. “Drop him off here. You’re coming with me to speak with my guest.”

Ivan gave her a look and very reluctantly lay Kolt down, coaxing his unconscious fingers out of his clothing and into the sheets on the bed. A medic came out from the back, rubbing his eyes and he winced when he saw Kolt. 

“See what you can do for him,” Kate told the medic, who nodded. 

Ivan hesitated for one moment before he followed Kate back to the elevator. The silence this time was longer and more uncomfortable. Ivan was glad when they reached the conference floor. He wanted to get his reprimand over with. 

Kate turned into one of the rooms and Ivan froze. 

Dr. LeAnn stood up, a prim smile on her face. “Hello, Kate,” she said as one of the agents shoved Ivan into the room, putting a hand on his shoulder and trying to guide him to the seat next to where Kate was getting seated. 

“What’s going on here?” Ivan asked, voice trembling with anger as he shook off the agent’s hand. 

Kate sighed. “Ivan, sit down.”

“No! What is she doing here?!”

Kate shared a look with Dr. LeAnn. “Ivan, we have been working on infiltrating that lab for months. LeAnn was our informant on the inside in exchange for a favor.”

“Oh, so your name is Ivan?” LeAnn said, eyeing him over. She curled her lip and said, “You shouldn’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. I hear you were Kolt’s dog for a while. One would think you would know how to obey after all of that.”

Ivan hissed, his anger becoming incomprehensible. 

Kate sighed. “See what I’ve had to work with? I do apologize for all of that. There is an issue, however. Kolt cannot go back with you.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” LeAnn asked, turning her anger on Kate as agents held Ivan back. 

“You have damaged him far past the point the contract has allowed. And according to the records we have from your conversation with Ivan, you have allowed him to become useless. We asked you to turn him into a weapon, not do this to him.”

“Trust me, I tried,” LeAnn said with a shrug. “Weapons take the right base to make, and he wasn’t it. He broke before I wanted him too, and I wasn’t even getting started. I did, however, learn a lot about his genetics. All I need is a base who will withstand more than he could and I could give you a weapon per the contract.”

“Kate,” Ivan growled warningly. She glared over at him. 

“Shut up, Ivan. I am trying to clean up the mess you made here.”

“You were trying to turn him into a weapon!? What could you possibly want him for!?”

Kate closed her eyes, taking a slow and steadying breath like she was talking with an impossible child, and Ivan started seeing red as indignation fueled the fire already started in him. 

“Ivan, to fight villains, sometimes you need a villain weapon. Is it that hard to understand?”

LeAnn was eyeing him again, something hungry in her eyes as Ivan tried to keep his anger at bay, the fear that dropped into his stomach helping somewhat. 

“You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, we are,” LeAnn said. “You’re lucky I have so much pull at the lab. I should still be able to pull enough trust to continue using their equipment and experiments after this debacle… that is, Kate, as long as I start working on a project.”

Kate looked between LeAnn and Ivan and Ivan felt the fear of God enter into every cell in his body, images of Kolt’s wretched state flashing behind his eyes. 

“No! NO NO! There is NO way that I am going to HRNGG-”

Ivan fell to the floor twitching as two agents held stun batons to his ribs. 

Kate clicked her tongue, watching Ivan writhe on the floor. “He might make a good base. He handled training here surprisingly well. I’ll just need to call the boss and get permission first.”

LeAnn nodded, that hungry look in her eyes becoming ravenous as the agents let up and Ivan lay gasping on the floor. 

Ivan came to his senses as a soft ringing tone sounded from Kate’s phone, the silence stretching on as he tried to get his limbs to work for him and get him off the ground, to escape, to find Kolt, to anything. 

Someone picked up and Kate began. “Hello, it’s Handler Kate. You are aware of the incident, correct?”

Silence.

“Dr. LeAnn is requesting Ivan. She thinks she can give him Kolt’s powers and turn him into the weapon.”

Silence.

“Yes, sir. We have Kolt in custody. Dr. LeAnn’s professional opinion is that he will be useless for the project.”

“No,” Ivan said weakly, getting his arms underneath him, but someone put a heavy boot on his back and shoved him back down, making it hard to draw a full breath. 

“Yes, sir. Thank you. Would you like us to get rid of Kolt?”

“No, I might need him for extra DNA,” LeAnn said quickly. 

“Ah, nevermind. Dr. LeAnn said she still might need him.”

Silence.

“Perfect. Good evening, sir.”

She ended the call and smiled at LeAnn. “Well, he’s all yours.”

“Perfect,” she said with an excited though professional lilt to her tone. “You heard her boys. Get him ready for transport.”

Ivan scrambled at the floor, the plastic threads of the carpet scratching at his fingers as he saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and then he knew no more.

Part 3

Taglist: @kira-the-whump-enthusiast

[im-a-king-baby]

hellooo i don't know if anyone has asked this before but if you had to pick five songs that you'd associate simme with what would you choose? I'd choose "art deco" by lana del rey, "midas" by skott, "you're somebody else" by flora cash, "my ordinary life" by the living tombstone and "youth" by daughter. i think the vibes and the lyrics just fit so well with his character. and all of these songs always make me cry and all I've ever done while reading ELYN is sob until i can't even breathe so I'd say they go quite well together :') also... hope you are staying healthy and taking care of yourself!💜💕

Thanks for your reccs, I will resist the urge to send them right back to you but they all fit so well! ('Setting fire to our insides for fun,' from Youth in particular hits hard, I had never heard this song before but I love it) I have so many Simme thoughts when I see pictures and music and all sorts and it's so wild and amazing that other people are out here also having feelings about him! That this story exists! Outside my head! So thank you so much for sharing!

I am still technically working on an ELYN playlist that an anon asked about, uh, months ago so I will try not to spend months overthinking my answer to this one and just go with my first instincts!

FIVE SIMME SONGS

King - Years & Years -- there are a few Y&Y songs that I used to get the vibe of Simme-in-concert, but this one also fits with the general trapped-ness plus we love a King motif right?

Don't wanna wait for you, don't wanna have to lose All that I've compromised to feel another high I've got to keep it down tonight And oh, I was a king under your control

Queen of Hollywood - the Corrs -- This is probably the song that is the furthest from what Simme would actually play but it's an old favourite so it gets a place.

Now her mother collects cut-outs, And the pictures make her smile But if she saw behind the curtains, It could only make her cry She's got hand prints on her body, Sad moonbeams in her eyes Not so innocent a child

Falling - Harry Styles -- I always associate this song with Simme in the moment after Wilhelm leaves the hotel room, but it also fits him more generally.

What am I now? What am I now? What if I'm someone I don't want around? I'm falling again, I'm falling again, I'm falling

No Pressure - Mahalia -- Someone on AO3 recced me this one and it's been on my ELYN playlist ever since.

Smile for the camera, always looking right at ya, no There's no time to be sad, There ain't ever space for that, no There is not a place for that here, But no pressure, no pressure, dear

Give me Love - Ed Sheeran -- I don't really have lyrics here, it's more about the pace and the build of it. The desperation of it, seeking something and never being satisfied.

Oh, give me love

+1 ELYN SONG

Everybody Loves You Now - Billy Joel -- listen to it. Picture Wilhelm staring at unanswered text messages while Simon's voice plays on the radio. Picture Simme in a dressing room hearing the crowds roaring his name while staring into his reflection in an empty bottle. You're welcome. <3

All the people want to know your name Soon there will be lines outside your door Feelings do not matter in your game Yeah, 'cause nothing's gonna touch you anymore

So your life is only living anyhow And everybody loves you now