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tinietaehyun · 2 days ago

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INVITE: Always & Forever

[Vampire!Beomgyu x Herbalist!Reader] [Part II - Sequel] [One-shot]

Pairing: Vampire!Beomgyu x Herbalist!Reader

Genre(s): Supernatural, romance, angst, action, forbidden!love, fantasy, thriller.

Contains: Profanity, mentions of biting, blood, injury, death, suggestive/mature themes, established relationship, graphic depictions of injury, violence.

Links: Invite (Part I) || Masterlist

Summary: His fangs graze your neck causing you to shiver, each night in his embrace and each day, walking hand in hand. A secret romance, a dark secret only you two knew, and if it came out to the rest of the villagers that the very vampire they were on the hunt for was the one you were courting? Then well… it’d certainly make things unfortunate wouldn’t it.

Just how long could you two slip away under the dark, keep your rendezvous a secret? Slip your love under the rug before it could end disastrously?

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you, sweet healer,” he breathes. You cup his cheek shakily, “You need not be sorry, Beomgyu. It’s them.”

Utter bliss, the warmth of your bare body against his felt heavenly against his own cold skin. How pliant, how soft, tender, the curves that he couldn’t get out of his mind— sweet moans, and gasps. It was indeed a night he’d not forget for a long time, if not ever.

You lay wrapped in his embrace, face nuzzled into his chest, hair dishevelled, the bite marks on your neck and shoulders now fading leaving a shadow of a memory. The only marks that remain are dozens of love bites littered across the canvas of your skin.

You both cherished moment like this. After a passionate encounter, the simple morning with the sun gleaming through the tattered curtains. You knew the moment you saw Beomgyu perched devilishly on your balcony yesterday night, it was bound to occur. A nuzzle here, a peck there. A small nibble of blood, he said, one more bite, he said. One thing led to the next, and in moment you two were in bed together.

It had been just over six months since you and Beomgyu had officially began courting each other (albeit secretly of course), the villagers had noticed that the number of attacks had declined massively. Of course they would, after all, you’d provide Beomgyu with just enough sustenance. He relished your blood like no other, loved the flavour and essence of it, he’d never get enough. He had always insisted that he wouldn’t feed off you daily, he wanted you to have strength, and not just use you as food, no matter how much you insisted it was fine.

From the loving look in his gaze, the way he cupped your cheek, ran his fingers through your hair, tightly wrapped his arms around you, you could tell this vampire, was utterly and astoundingly in love with you. And you? You were just as infatuated and deeply in love with him as he was. He took over your thoughts and despite your bickering (which you oh, so loved) — you couldn’t get enough of him!

His groan makes your eyes flutter open and you shift yourself to crane your head up to meet his gaze. Oh how beautiful he was, although not surprising for a vampire. His dark locks dishevelled, his gaze drops to meet yours, a spark of mischief lighting up in them, lips quirking into a smirk.

Before you know it, Beomgyu dips his head down nuzzling into your neck and inhaling deeply sending a shiver down your spine, followed by a quick nip to your earlobe. “Morning, little healer. How are you feeling? Do need to be patched up yourself?” He litters kisses up your neck making you giggle, his hair being ticklish, “I was rather rough, hm? I couldn’t help myself, just seeing you after you went on that two day herb expedition, it drove me crazy, you understand, right?”

You coo, running your fingers through his hair, “Mm, I’m not complaining.” He muses, “Yesterday, you definitely weren’t… in that case,” his hand trails down your waist and your eyes widen as you realise what he intends to do, “No, no! Up, up, up, you mischievous vamp, I have to open up the shop.”

He pouts, “Come now, sweet healer, surely your customers can wait for an hour…” he pauses, “Or two?” You playfully smack his shoulder as you wrestle your way out of his grasp, “Nope, no bargaining, no bartering, no concessions. I’m serious. Behave.”

He huffs, “My, my dear healer, so cruel to your lover. I just wished to show you how much I missed you.”

“You act as though I were gone for a week or two, it was only two days,” you hum amused getting ready to bathe. His eyes flit over your form as you rush around, “Those two days felt like two centuries, my sweet healer, you simply don’t understand.”

Rolling your eyes, you grab a towel, “Well, I can’t help you there, your perception of time seems to be rather warped, Beomgyu.” You pause, “Ah wait, you were careful right? I mean for food. I wasn’t there to feed you and-“

He sits up tousling his hair and he peers at your seriously, “I know, I know. You told me an uncountable amount of times before you left, to not be reckless or lose control. Do not worry, I stuck to cattle and a rabbit…mostly,” he grimaces, “Awful, by the way.”

You scoff, “Just animal blood right?” He sheepishly grins, “Uhm, maybe one human.” You glare, “I’m going to kill you, the villagers will have our heads on stakes. Both of us. They’ll think I’m a heretic. Or that I’ve been enthralled and kill you first and then me.”

As much as your relationship blossomed over these months, you both knew there one major issue that held you two back. His identity as a vampire — enemy of the village, a sadistic monster feared by all. And your identity as a mere human, siding with said monster, and heinously giving him your blood. That’d make you the child of the devil himself in the village leader’s eyes! They’d drive the both of you out; pitchforks and flaming torches and ruckus roars.

You shake your head removing that scary image. You didn’t want that, neither did he. So you both were cautious, incredibly so, or well, tried to be. It was hard, the village was a small place, there was always someone everywhere, eyes everywhere. You’d mostly meet up at night, where everyone mostly stayed indoors due to fear of…well your lover.

His arrogance and over-confidence in his ability to not get caught always set you on edge, made you paranoid. You chided him many times of course. Beomgyu sighs, “I’m sorry, I know, but… he was injured and well…it just, after that disgusting animal blood, I couldn’t help myself, you know?” You deadpan, “Just…you know we can’t afford to be careless. No one saw you right?”

“Yes, yes, I made sure no one was nearby and as usual erased his memory.” Your shoulders relax and you huff, “Two days and you can’t even wait for me.” He gets up stretching, your eyes flitting to the way his muscles flex, he catches your gaze with a smirk, “My offer for some morning fun still stands?”

You glare softly, “Very amusing, Beomgyu.” He shrugs, running his fingers through his dark brown locks, “A valiant effort from my end.” Shaking your head, you smile exasperated, “Anyway, we have to be careful, the villagers you know…”

Beomgyu walks up to you, wrapping his strong arms around you from behind as he nuzzles into the crook of your neck and murmurs, “I know, I know, sweet healer. You mean the world to me, the last thing I’d want is for you to be taken away from me.” His gaze noticeably darks and his grasp around you tightens, “I’d never let that fucking happen. I don’t care who I have to hurt.”

You twist around his arms with a smile cupping his cheek and then pinching it as he glares waving away your hand, “Are you cooing at me?” You pout, “So protective aren’t we? But I’d rather not have such bloodshed, no? We have to avoid such an outcome.” He presses his lips against your forehead tenderly before leaning his own against yours, “Mm, I suppose so, dear healer. Makes sense considering your occupation that you’d not want any casualties.”

You scoff and he murmurs, “I just think it’s a shame I cannot show you off, arm in arm, proclaim to the world that you are mine and mine alone. That we must hide.” You frown momentarily and sigh, “I…I know, Beomgyu. I’ve thought about it a lot too. But with the way society is and all..I’d not want to take the chance to lose you—even if it means utter secrecy.” He nods, eyes closing in bitter understanding.

Your days are spent in your shop preparing remedies with the much loved company of your salacious yet romantic lover. He made your dreary days and monotonous routines not so boring. He even accompanied you to collect herbs, worrying about you going into the woods by yourself.

You found solace in his arms and so did he in yours. His cold lifeless body felt lit with renewed life, as though he were truly living again. Everything about you, your endearing mannerisms, the way you spoke to him, that adorable look of concentration whenever you were using the mortar pestle on some particularly pesky herbs or how you’d gaze up at him with the most heart-stopping stare. All of it, everything about you just seemed to make life all the more worthwhile— something he could come back to each day, not just focusing on his pursuit of sustenance.

Meanwhile, your days were filled with a tender warmth and beautiful joy. Some days where he wouldn’t visit your shop, pester you like he always did, you felt empty. You relished the way his large hands fit with yours, the way his fingers intertwine with yours and squeeze reassuringly, his hushed whispers, his ticklish pecks along your neck. You adored it, and he adored doing such things to see your flustered and endearing reaction.

Although he was a pest whilst working, although you bickered back and forth, you knew he had your heart in his hands, without a doubt. From the way he gazed at you with such love, it was indeed the same for him.

Sighing, you grind the herbs in the mortar and yelp as you feel cold hands on your shoulders. His husky voice caressing your left ear, “Miss me, sweet healer?”

You peer over your shoulder with a snarky smile, “What makes you think that? Of course not.” You see the tip of his tongue flick over the point of one of his fangs in delight, a habit you noticed when he was in a playful or flirtatious mood.

“Oh really, hm? I find that rather hard to believe.” His hands trail down your arms leaving goosebumps before settling on your hips giving them a firm squeeze as he rests his chin down onto your shoulder. “Mm… so warm.”

You muse, “I’m beginning to think you’re a reptile with how much you adore my body heat.” He scoffs nuzzling into your neck, “Don’t be rude, I am not some pathetic snake or lizard.”

“You’re practically cold-blooded, in a sense, no? An overgrown reptile, but I suppose bat would be more accurate. Mosquito also works-“ You murmur amused as you continue adding more variety of herbs and plants to the grinded mixture. Beomgyu deadpans at you and you snicker.

Beomgyu huffs, “That’s a very ignorant assumption, healer. I’m wounded.” A chuckle leaves your lips, “Oh my poor Beomgyu, are your feelings hurt?” He rolls his eyes, “How, you torment your lover so, dearest healer, how cruel can you be? I flourish you with countless compliments, and this is how I get repaid?”

You feel him deeply inhale— he always did love your neck. Your scent, oh, and of course your blood. As twisted as it sounded, you couldn’t help but feel utter pleasure when he sinks his teeth into the crook of your neck, the scandalous gulps and slurps, the feel of his wet tongue lapping against your skin. It was all so much- even the mere thought of it had you writhing. However, he never took too much. Just enough, you always knew he was paranoid, claimed he had good control— which he did. There was no lapses or moments where you ever felt unsafe or in danger with him.

“Mm…” he inhales again, “….fuck, you smell exquisite.” You wince with a smile feeling his fangs graze your skin and you whine, “Beomgyu, I swear- I’m in the middle of-“

A brief peck lands on your skin as his hands caress your sides, “I know, I know, sweet healer, you’re in the middle of work. Don’t worry, I’ll behave myself, like a good vampire. Okay? No need to get yourself into a fluster.”

With an exasperated sigh, you resume your work. Your own desires and hungers making the simple task that you do for a living much more difficult to focus on— all the while, your lover clings onto your from behind content to bask in your radiating warmth.

As you pour the grinded mixture into a quaint glass bottle and plug it with a cork, he eases up from you with a stretch, “It’s your birthday soon, right?” Beomgyu asks with a playful gleam in his gaze.

You wrap some twine around the neck of the glass bottle, threading the label through it and you raise a brow, “…yes, why do you ask?” Beomgyu smirks with a shrug resting his hands into his pockets, “Mm, just wanted to spoil my lovely little healer that day. I had a few things in mind.”

“Such as?” You inquire curiously. He walks up to you placing his index finger atop your lips and whispers, “That’s a surprise.”

You scoff, “If it involves carrying me over your shoulder upstairs, and spending the night-“ His eyes twinkle, “Well, I won’t deny that outcome, but aside from that finale, I had a few other things in mind that day. As I said, sweet healer, a surprise.”

You mirror his smirk, “Alright then, Beomgyu. I look forward to it.” You’d be spending your birthday with him, for the first time. No, in fact it would be the first time you’d be spending your birthday, not working alone for once. The notion of this, makes your heart swell.

Beomgyu leans down cupping the back of your head placing a tender kiss on the tip of your nose and then on your lips, “You can wait a few days right?” You hum, “I can be the very picture of patience.” He muses, “Good.”

So, as you said, you waited, went about your days with him in bliss and most importantly anticipation. Indeed, it had been a long time since you were truly excited for your birthday— something you had always considered rather lacklustre, as ordinary as a normal day. But this time, things were different!

And so with great anticipation, you await the day of your birthday.

On that day, you wake up to find your vampiric lover perched on your window sill with a bouquet of fresh roses as the sunlight glimmers across his skin. With a flourish in his steps, he kicks off his boots, falling into your blanket as you wrap your arms around him in an embrace filled with laughter and affection. You take the blood-red roses admiring their beauty.

“Stunning flowers, for my stunning healer, happy birthday, my love,” he murmurs, whispering sweet nothings into your ear. The two of you make breakfast, nothing too special, but he was adamant that you closed shop today— claiming today was about you. That you would be fine not working for one day; that you deserve a break.

Reluctantly, you admit, Beomgyu was right. It felt good to not wake up so early, bustle downstairs, shovel your breakfast down and begin working, grinding powders, sifting, boiling and bubbling herbal potions and elixirs.

Putting on your nicest dress, you laugh as he tugs your hand, tugging you along the cobblestone streets pushing past other villagers— some looking at the two of you with disdain, others in envy and some in awe. Two young (well, one young) lovers hand in hand laughing— a perfect sight.

“I have quite the things planned for you,” he muses, squeezing your hand. You beam up at him, “Is that so? The anticipation is killing me!” He leans down, moving a stray strand of hair from your face and tucking it behind your ear with a tender smile (almost tender enough to make you forget what he truly is).

The day starts off with visiting the village bakery, where he buys you the treats that you mentioned you like. The delicious sweet bursts of flavour, butter, sugar and honey with a tinge of vanilla. Perfectly warm and crispy layers which breaks into a satisfying crunch as you bite down.

Followed by him dragging you along to the village market on the outskirts. Beomgyu always knew you enjoyed the various little trinkets and things they brought from other regions, whether it be useful for your occupation or something you personally enjoyed.

Both of you walk hand in hand admiring the various stalls. Pieces of rare jewels, rings and earrings, little bottles, utensils, charms, bowls, lamps, writing quills, cloaks— everything.

You gasp feeling the fabric of one dark blue cloak, “It’s so soft.” The merchant grins, “Fresh off the looks of the south, young lady. Wish to try it on?”

Beomgyu muses, answering before you could, “She would love to, isn’t that right? It’s your birthday, after all?” He glances at you taking the cloak. Beomgyu leans down, swooping the cloak around you, bringing it over your shoulders and hooking the clasp together, face inches from yours. Your heart races as you gaze at him; a dumb grin on your face.

“Birthday, eh? In that case I suppose I can shimmy the price down a little,” the merchant clasps his hands. Beomgyu gazes down at you with an expression of endearment, “You look truly lovely in this.”

“The young man‘s as right as rain, you look lovely,” the merchant gleams, “Now about payment…” Beomgyu and you deadpan as you mutter, “Oh of course. Should have known that compliment wasn’t genuine.” Beomgyu snorts.

You fumble with the clasp to take the cloak off and Beomgyu raises a hand signalling you to halt, as he places a small pouch on the wooden table. “I’ll give you half of what’s in here,” he bargains. The merchant takes a quick peek inside and grimaces, “I don’t know about that young man, this cloak is quite the-“

Beomgyu leans forward cupping his hand over the man’s ear as he whispers something and you see the man pale instantly. Your brows furrow as he abruptly takes the pouch pouring out half, counting the coins and the merchant beams waveringly, “Pleasure doing business with ya!”

Blinking confused, you question Beomgyu who seems to hum pleasantly leading you off. “Did you just pay for this cloak- you didn’t have to-“ He murmurs, “I wanted to.”

Your mind recollects the events and you muse dryly, “He changed his mind quick, what did you tell him?” Beomgyu leans down whispering into your ear, “I told him, I’d rip him limb from limb as soon as the sun sets and he closes up his stall.”

You stiffen peering up at him with a glare, “Beomgyu! I swear-!” The passersby look on at your scolding tone and he throws his head back laughing, “Oh, your expression- priceless!” He chuckles, “I was joking, sweet healer, no need to get in such a panic.”

Rolling your eyes, you scoff, “That’s what I thought. So what did, get him scared then?” Beomgyu muses, “You know the tavern I work at right? He’s a regular there. Drinks himself into a babbling fool every night after he closes up his stall here. Told him I’d make sure he’d never get a drink again.”

You sigh; of course that’s all it took for a drunkard to crumble. Shaking your head, you laugh breathlessly, “Seriously…you are something else.” Beomgyu smiles, “Yes, yes, I know little healer, I am a genius,” his expression becomes serious, “But really, I wanted to get you the cloak, you always mentioned how during your little expeditions to the forest, you would feel a little cold, so here. Secondly, I saw the adorable little sparkle in your eyes that you get when you really want something.”

You flush, were you that obvious? He took notice of all your little quirks and mannerisms with such ease? A touching warmth spreads throughout your chest, “Thank you, Beomgyu.” He grins, “You’ll have more to thank me for later, so hold off for now, okay?”

You both spend the day walking around the village enjoying each other’s company. It had been such a long time since you had felt such contentment, such…comfort.

As the sun melts into the horizon, he seems to joy dragging you with him as you pant. “Goodness, Beomgyu… I’m dying for breath here.”

He shushes you, “Oh come now, we’re almost there. You can hike all you want for your herbs but not for me, or for your birthday! This spot is one I’ve just recently discovered whilst hunting for deer.”

You grumble making your way up the faded path, pushing past the brambles and foliage, the steepness increasing gradually. After awhile, he finally pushes through some overhanging branches and vines like curtains and lets you go first.

Your jaw drops ajar as you see the sky, painted dark with sparkles of glitter— the stars. Twinkling and glimmering above. The last vestiges of subtle orange fading away into the horizon and the moon slowly shows itself behind the tuft of grey clouds.

You tilt your head down seeing the village from a slight distance away and you finally figure out where you both were. It was that small little set of cliffs nearby the village overlooking it. You’d never gone there before, fearing it was too much of a climb for you—especially alone. It wasn’t the highest cliff but just enough to see the village with its small hints of light from the houses.

“…so beautiful,” you whisper in awe as you sit down on the grass. Beomgyu sits behind you, you scoot yourself back— your back resting against his chest, elbows resting on his thighs. His head on your right shoulder and his strong arms around you.

The subtle sound of your breathing merges with the sounds of the breeze, rustling trees, the hooting owls, chirping crickets and low gargles of toads. It was simply amazing, so serene, so peaceful.

“I love this,” you softly say. Beomgyu mumbles, “I love this too. I figured you would like this spot. I only discovered it a few days ago, I never expected to bring you here— but it just struck me when I sat here two days ago. It would be the perfect way to end off the day.”

“It is,” you breathe, closing your eyes, “It really is.” A pause of comforting silence ensues and you smile, “Thank you for everything, Beomgyu.”

You crane your head to gaze up at him, seeing the gentle moonlight caress his visage in a hauntingly beautiful manner. “Thank you…for doing all this. I never thought any of this was possible for me.”

“Why?” He questions, “You are deserving of love, is everyone not?” Your eyes glisten, “Yes. Yes they are, but it’s unfortunate, this world. Not everyone gets the privilege of it. Of such tender love like this.” You both go silent. Beomgyu cups your cheek, thumb caressing your cheekbone, “Indeed. Sweet healer, it is as you said. Nevertheless, I am glad I have you.”

He litters kisses down your neck, “All mine.” Beomgyu nuzzles the curve of your neck, “I’m all yours, yes?” A breathy giggle leaves your lips as your hand reaches back up into his luscious brown locks, “Yes, Beomgyu. All mine.”

As you lay your head against his firm chest, you feel his arms leave your sides and your brows furrow going to turn around and he chides playfully, “Stay still, sweet healer. Always in such a flurry.”

“What are you-“ you ask only to see a glistening pendant dangle down in front of your vision before gliding down onto your neck as he fastens the clasp on the back of your neck. The cool metal makes the hairs on your skin rise; your skin prickles with shock and cold.

Your lips quiver as you fiddle with the small pendant. A simple black metal heart. You gaze back at him, eyes watering and spluttering emotionally, “Beomgyu, you already bought me that cloak- the baked good- you spent so much-“

Amused by your babbling, he shushes you softly, “Relax, relax…sweetheart. No need to fret, I had bought this necklace a month back. I had seen another man make a necklace for his wife. I had thought it was a good idea, seeing that you liked jewellery, but often wear the same few.” He touches the heart nestled just above your chest, “This way, you may be reminded of me, even when you go out on those trips of yours. Or when I am not around.”

You glance at his neck, empty. You pout, “I wish we could match.” Beomgyu sighs smiling, “Ah well, one necklace was quite the pretty penny, my lovely healer, so your dear lover must be without a matching necklace,” he muses leaning down, “For now that is.”

You coo, “Then it’s settled, on your birthday then.” Beomgyu smirks, the one you love very much. “Don’t even think about it.” You twist back around, “Too late, we’ll be matching soon enough, or at least before the end of next year.”

Beomgyu snickers, “Far be it from me, to dissuade you.” His hands rest back on your waist and you both continue in tranquil conversation. The air is hazy, flirty and warm; gentle touches and caresses become more daring, his hands sliding and groping gently making you writhe at a loss for breath.

His fingers glide along your bodice, his other trailing down your skirt, gathering up the fabric. Tensions rise, the pent up desire which lingered throughout the day, all bubbling up at once with the moon as your witness.

Beomgyu whispers, “I think one more gift should make things just about perfect, should it not?” You whisper back playfully, “Is that so? What were you thinking?”

He hums, fangs grazing your neck, hands becoming increasingly bold, “Something I know you like very, very much. So do I, in fact.” You reply breathily, “I see, then by all means…” you trail off.

As much as the two of you wished to embrace each other under the stars, secluded in this little haven, it seems nature had different plans. Your quaint little fear of random beetles alongside the mosquitos nipping at you were quite frankly spoiling the heated mood.

You huff as you both walk back grumpily down the path and he snorts, “Easy now, sweet healer, we can have so much more fun back at your place, no? No need to look so down.” You glance at him, sneakily murmuring, “You also looked rather disappointed, you know.”

Beomgyu shrugs, lips cracking into a stupidly wide grin as laughter tumbles out of him, “Well, it is a shame when we were just getting to the good part that a large beetle decides to fly in the midst of our passionate lip lock. That scream,” he cackles almost stumbling over a rock, “Oh- that was hilarious.”

Deadpanning, you rip away your hand with a huff, “Of course it was funny to you, it wasn’t attempting to land on you. Stupid thing. Couldn’t it see we were busy?”

He snickers, “Well, perhaps none of the creatures wanted a show.” You scoff, rolling your eyes as he grabs your hand again, “Tsk, don’t pout, sweet healer. I’ll make up for lost time,” his tone darkens deliciously as he nears your ear.

You both reach the village streets, most had retreated into their homes, of course due to the curfew and fear of the oh so terrifying vampire. The very vampire you were walking hand in hand with. The streets were most empty, a few stray cats and dogs running here and there, one or two people closing their windows.

A few eyes linger your way but nothing is said— they had most likely suspected that you were both returning home. You murmur, “Huh… it really is so quiet out here. Scary actually without a lot of the lights. Once everyone’s shutters are shut, it looks completely different.”

Beomgyu remains unfazed, “It’s alright.” You scoff, “You say that because you hunt at this time. Be it human or animal.” He smirks, “Well, what can I say? My vision is simply superior in the dark. It only makes sense.”

You snicker, “They’ve all gone to bed and shut their windows, because of you. This entire curfew is because of you. To think they’re all scared of you.” His brows furrow, “What’s that supposed to mean? You make it sound as though I am not a predator.”

You pause regarding him from head to toe and he huffs. “Maybe not to you per se, but I am a predator nonetheless.” You shrug walking ahead, intentionally provoking him, “I don’t see it. To be fair, when we first met you actually were a little bit scary, but now, you just seem so soft and-“

Before you could get the words out, you find yourself being tugged into the nearest alley between two houses, wrists pinned beside your head. Beomgyu’s eyes take on a dangerous otherworldly glow, he leans down, “Is that so? We can’t have you forgetting what I am, can we? I seem to recall you relishing when I sink my fangs into your neck and drink that sweet, sweet sanguine nectar, hm?”

You shiver, “So?” You challenge and he smirks devilishly, “Oh no, I meant nothing by it. You’ve always been a little different than your cowardly villagers. Twisted little thing, aren’t you? Not that I mind, of course.”

You tilt your head to the side, your hair falling away from your neck salaciously, you smirk to yourself seeing his gaze flit down to your neck. Beomgyu’s voice huskily hums, “Oh, I see what you’re doing.”

You feign innocence, “Hm?” Beomgyu hums alluringly, “Ah, wanting to get bitten? On your birthday too? My, my, sweet healer, you’re more depraved than I thought.”

Well, you couldn’t help it when it always felt so good— and it almost always led to a rather pleasurable outcome. You shrug, “I don’t know what you mean.” He parts his lips showing his fangs about to sink down before a loud clattering sound shatters the intense moment.

Beomgyu pulls away and you shakily place a hand over your palpitating heart. Wait. You shake your head clearing your mind. What the hell were you two thinking? You were both in public— the streets, whilst rather empty, were not completely free of people. Anyone could have passed by!

You clutch your head panic filling your system, “Beomgyu, we shouldn’t have been so reckless- we got so carried away and if it weren’t for that we’d have foolishly continued-“ you begin rambling. He holds your arms calming you down, “Hey, hey, sweet healer, easy now. Easy. No one saw us. Look?”

He pulls your reluctantly form out of the alley and points toward the crate of bottles that had been tipped over, “Just crate tipped over, probably some stray dog or cat. You know how it is. Look around, not a single person in sight.” Beomgyu squeezes your hands, “But you’re right, we were reckless. Let gets home, don’t worry, okay? We’re okay. We’re okay.”

You nod calming yourself. Thank goodness you didn’t let it continue into him biting down into you. You couldn’t take that chance of any passerby just randomly taking a glimpse in.

As you both arrive at your place, the door slams shut, impassioned kisses, giggles and embraces fill your room as you both wish to carry on where you left off.

As his fangs sink into your soft flesh eliciting a gasp from your lips, you feel the sensation of doubt creep in the back of your consciousness. A crate like that… could it really have been knocked over by a mere cat or dog? It seemed so heavy.

No…it was fine. Beomgyu showed you the empty street— you saw with your own eyes, not a single soul out there. So why were you anxious?

And so, you forcibly shove that thought back into the recesses of your mind, as your hands tangle into his hair as Beomgyu gulps down the heavenly sanguine.

It would be fine.

That’s what you wish you could say. How wrong you were. The thought, that very thought about the crate being heavy— heavier than a small cat or dog could knock over.

You wished it had been a large dog or something of the sort. Not a person. You both had thought you had been sly, caught yourselves in the alley before you got too reckless.

But no, it was too late. It was too late when you heard the ruckus in the early hours of the morning. A grumbling roar of distress and anger outside your window. You sit up abruptly as you focus on the chants.

“Traitor! Scum! Come out! Come out! Vampire! Vampire!” Your heart drops. This had to be a nightmare!

Various other insults are thrown at your house by what you assume is a large gathering in front of your house ready to barge in at any second. You hear the clatter of metal and wood.

Beomgyu seems to be up already and you see him hastily getting dressed, lacing up his boots. You see the tension in his brow, the shaking of his hands, his shaky breaths. He glances up and he murmurs, “You’re awake. Oh, Y/n…” his voice cracks.

Instantly you find your eyes watering. Indeed, it seemed yesterday really was too good to be true. He rushes over cupping your cheeks, “Get dressed, my love. Look at me. Look at me,” Beomgyu grasps your chin, “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you okay?”

Tears stream down your face as you cover his hands with yours, sobs wracking your body, “Oh Beomgyu, I..” you can barely get the words out as you hyperventilate, “I’m… I can’t believe this— why- we were doing so well-“ He cups the back of your head pulling you in for a tight embrace. You hear the pain in his voice as he soothes you, “I know, I know. I thought…I thought we could keep it a secret too.”

As always, the universe had its cruel way of exposing any and all secrets one way or another. Two foolish lovers who had the gall to be happy with each other.

Beomgyu tilts your head up to meet his gaze and he firmly utters, “Stay focused. We…we need to get out of here.”

The roar of the crowd outside and clattering makes it difficult for him to focus. Your heart pounds as you get up hastily putting on your dress. He paces around, “I… I had thought it was a stray or something, I didn’t expect… someone to have watched us.” Beomgyu threads his fingers stressfully through his locks.

Clumsily, you lace up your boots and gaze at him. Cautiously you make your way to the shutters and ever so slightly peek down. A gasp escapes your lips and your knees buckle at the sight— nearly half the village there in front of your house chanting and roaring, pitchforks and torches in hand as the dangerous hue of dawn paints their faces.

They had one intention. To get rid of the vampire that lurked in the village, your lover.

And then get rid of you. A traitor.

Fraternising with…a demon, a bloodsucker.

“Open the door, herbalist and surrender willingly or we will break in!” A man’s voice bellows— presumably the village head. Quivering, you gaze at Beomgyu, who’s gaze has hardened. Even he looks unsure as to what to do.

He helps you stand with a hand and he finally speaks tensely, “Do you trust me?” You’re caught off guard by the question. Beomgyu repeats, this time more firmly, “Do you trust me, Y/n?”

You nod, the words, “Yes, of course,” leaving your lips breathlessly. He takes your wrist guiding you downstairs and you follow clumsily. You see your back door in the kitchen. Beomgyu snarls seeing them banging on it too— that route wasn’t an option.

Your entire house groans and creaks— any second they were about to barge in, rip him to shreds and do god knows what, to you!

Once again he leads you upstairs; grip borderline painful on your wrist and he opens the shutters wide making your eyes widen and the crowd’s chants fall silent. You stammer, “Beomgyu- what are you-“

Beomgyu’s gaze blazes fiercely into yours, “Take my hand.” You peer at his hand before taking it and he hoists himself onto your rooftop. He pulls you up effortlessly onto the rooftop and you scream as a roof tile falls below but he has you securely in his arms.

The crowds goes into uproar calling you terrible names, calling him a monster, you as his thrall. Panting, he commands, “We are going by rooftop, you hear me? Get on my back.”

He hoists you onto his back and you cling on dearly as he runs with superhuman speed, jumping across the rooftops on your street. The crowd’s roar increases as they follow along in pursuit. You close your eyes wishing to block all this out— you wish the entire earth would swallow you whole.

Why did this entire thing have to happen? Tears wet your cheeks again.

Rooftop to rooftop, he stumbles, patchwork nearly collapsing at one point, roof tiles going flying into the crowd below before he makes a risky jump onto the ground, you both fall to the floor rolling and you hiss in pain, the ground grazing your limbs painfully.

You barely have time to register your injuries as he roughly tugs you up, “Up, up, up!” You cry out as you push yourself to stand and you both run.

You hear the village head again, “Over there, by the arch! They’re headin’ out of the village! Men! Go, go, go!”

You weep and he snarls breathing heavily, “I’ve got you, healer, please, focus, focus for me. Just a little more, just a little- ah, more!” Your legs burn immensely, lungs searing for breath, wind flaps through your hair.

Over-exertion hits you, knees buckling and you sob, “Beomgyu, go- I’m only holding you back,” you cry out, “Just go-“

Anger is visible on his visage and enraged he snaps, “I’m not leaving you for them to punish you, you’re mine. You’re who I love, what lover would I be to sacrifice you for my own escape? Don’t be fucking stupid.”

You sob, shaking your head, “Beomgyu-“ In agitation, he hoists you onto his back and you yelp, clinging onto his neck, “Keep that mouth shut, got that? I’m not leaving you behind.”

With inhumane speed and agility, he winds his way through the trees. You realise where he’s taking the both of you, winding up the familiar harsh terrain. That spot on the cliff, notoriously hard to reach. The people would struggle and it would give you enough time to at least gather yourselves, see where you should head next.

You gaze behind, the crowd no longer in view, their sound growing fainter and fainter and soon you both stand in the same spot. The morning sun in full shine. You hug him tightly, “Beomgyu…” He hugs you back littering your forehead with kisses of desperation, “I know.” You whimper, “They’ll kill you. They’ll kill you, Beomgyu. I can’t…”

Beomgyu caresses the back of your head murmuring, “You don’t think it’s that easy, do you? I don’t die easy. Unless they have got silver or a huge stake, neither of which I saw in that crowd.” He peers down at you cupping your cheek, “Maybe garlic perhaps, the real weapon.”

Harshly, you smack his arm, sniffling, “Now’s not the time for joking.” He smiles painfully, “Alright, alright, but they’re definitely struggling up the incline that’s for sure. I don’t think they saw where we went, it’s hard to see in that dense foliage anyway. We have a little breathing room.”

You murmur, “I don’t want to risk it. We’ve got to get moving. Not everyone is going to give up so quickly, Beomgyu. There’ll definitely be a few who attempt to come up here. We’ve got to move.”

Beomgyu nods, gaze hardening, “Yes, if I remember, there’s another town just to the East,” he points out over a rocky outcrop, a faint path leading into some woods, he continues speaking, “We can’t stay there for long, they’re awfully weary of vampires in that town, but it’s ideal for a night’s stay. Then, in the morning, we can journey up further East. There’s a few more villages and towns that way—following the river. The further we get, the better. North is out of the question-“

As he speaks your gaze flits to behind him and you feel your entire soul leaving your body as you see a small glimmer in the foliage and before the scream leaves your mouth, the arrow coated in a metallic substance flies and swivels elegantly in the air.

You instinctively shove Beomgyu out of the way, almost off the cliff— the arrow missing him just enough to lodge itself into your neck. A choked gargle escapes your throat and you feel a metallic iron taste fill your mouth.

The village head scraped up and bruised tumbles out of the foliage with his bow in hand, a few more arrows ready.

Beomgyu freezes for a moment— gaze flitting between the village head and you. His lips part, but no breath escapes him. The village head bellows, “You foolish woman— that was meant for the vampire! No matter—“ He sheathes another arrow positioning it— but before he could even aim it, you see red.

Red, a lot of red. Your knees buckle. You gaze at the liquid dripping down your chest, a bloody mixture of silver and blood. Blood drips down your chin—- vision blurring.

Truly, you were a fool. Most of those in love were fools. He could have handled that himself, why did you play the hero? You didn’t know.

Your body just instinctively moved by itself. How stupid, to protect him. Protect what? A vampire? You knew silver was a poison— leading to deaths for vampires if not treated.

So? Did you really have to push him aside and get it shot in you instead?

You see more red, this time not your own. Your vision goes in and out of focus as you witness Beomgyu like you’ve never seen before.

Blood spraying, agonising screams, flesh tearing, bone snapping, disgusting squelches. You gather from the image in front of you, just how vicious your lover could be when he wanted to.

From the disheveled locks partially covering his gleaming dark red irises like some sort of veil of death to his hands covered and dripping in blood and god knows what else of what was left of the village head.

Beomgyu saw red and so did you. He killed right in front of you. Tore a man limb from limb. For you.

Tears drip down your face from the searing pain; you collapse onto your side making his head snap toward you, breaking him out of his bloodthirsty rampage.

Within seconds, he’s by your side cradling your weakened form, curses falling from his lips, enraged words aimed at the humans from the village. His voice cracks, “Oh my sweet, sweet healer, why? You are so…” he closes his eyes bellying his anger, “I told you, I could handle it. Handle everything. Why couldn’t you just sit back? Did you not think I…” he chokes up.

Beomgyu sniffles as tears run down his icy blood splattered cheeks, “You fool. You fucking fool, I can’t believe…” he clutches you, “Those fucking bastards, arrows coated with silver.”

You weakly gaze up at him, unable to move, unable to speak, not even a pitiful rasp. All you could do was stare up at his pretty face.

Perhaps, this was fate, you think. How it was meant to be, your consequences of mingling with the supernatural, not staying within your confines. He gazes at your neck and you see his red eyes darken, fangs glistening. You wonder, what was he thinking?

Finally, your vision goes dark— you don’t seem to be hurting anymore, rather you feel as though you’re wrapped in a cold embrace, on a winter’s night. Frigid, alone but painless.

As you go limp in his arms, panic surges in Beomgyu’s system, as he shakes you. He splutters, voice shattering, “No, no, no,” he pants out, “Wake up, fucking wake up.”

Beomgyu gazes down at your neck. He couldn’t let you go. He didn’t know… would you be content to die, or would you be happy to join him in his eternal prison of immortality?

He couldn’t ask you—- what would you want? Did you love him so dearly you’d be willing to spend an eternity with him? Was he delusional to think that way?

Was he selfish for what he was about to do? Would you hate him for turning you into what he was? He didn’t care. He wanted to see you alive, or alive in at least some sense of the word.

Was it a punishment or renewal? So, so many questions. But with each second, his chances of saving you were slim.

Thus, Beomgyu leans down, with a grimace he pulls the arrow out, blood spurting onto the grass. He whispers, placing a kiss atop your head, “I’m sorry, my dearest healer, for what I am about to do. Forgive me.”

With that, his fangs sink into the other side of your neck, as his hand cradles the back of your head. He gulps, downing every drop of your life source, the rich flavour he once craved now seeming horridly bitter. Tears roll down his face as he continues drinking and draining you of your blood.

Tormented apologies mentally scream in his mind as he resumes his onslaught. Would you hate him for this? Would you have preferred death?

Rustling occurs behind him but he doesn’t care. He had to drain you before the warmth left your body, before your systems shut off completely.

A few men poke their heads out of the foliage and stumble back mortified at the bloody scene, what was left of their leader, the sight of Beomgyu feeding mercilessly on what seemed to them as your corpse.

It was enough to have them running off, wretching and almost fainting. Let them run for now. He’d hunt down each one of them if this did not work out. Make everyone of these foolish villagers pay.

With a final grunt, he pulls away, gazing down at your lifeless body; stiff and pale. Only the tiniest hint of blood left in you.

Beomgyu grunts, taking your body into his arms and he begins walking, he needs to get you somewhere to rest, to be without stress or threat. Would you even wake up? He didn’t know, did he take too much? There had to be just enough left— he had never drained someone before, never turned someone.

If you did never wake up— he’d never forgive himself. Taking your blood on top of that for no real outcome. He shudders at the thought. No. You had to.

Hours pass, darkness, utter silence. Nothingness. The crackling of fire in the distance soon arises, a faint breeze brushing against your skin makes you writhe. One by one, you could feel your face, your limbs.

One by one, more and more noises around you pile up, layering atop one another, your senses fall back into place and you feel your chest grow not warm, but deathly cold.

Finally, as your lungs will with air, you inhale as deeply as you possibly could.

“Y/n! Y/n- oh my god, Y/n- you’re breathing,” a muffled voice resounds and instantly your eyes snap open. You sit up abruptly clutching your chest.

Your heart- wait, your heart.

You feel your chest as you pant raggedly for breath. No heartbeat. Your skin…no longer that comforting warmth. Your ears ring painfully and memories flood your consciousness as you groan clutching your head.

“Gently now, oh fuck, fuck, fuck, oh goodness, Y/n. My sweet healer, my love,” you hear the presence beside you call out cradling you in his icy arms. You glance up wearily and see him.

Choi Beomgyu.

His eyes glistening, a single tear drips down. He was crying. The orange hues of the crackling fire paint his face as he cups your cold cheek, “You’re alive. I… I didn’t think you’d make it. I-I thought I took too much.”

Took too much? You glance at your hands. You gasp— your neck! The arrow. You feel your neck feeling no scab, no injury. “My injury… Beomgyu-“ you stammer. He glances at you in silence as he takes your hands, “Y/n…I..”

Your body lacks warmth, your heart no longer beats, there’s a scratchy dryness in the back of your throat. Your horrendous injury, now, miraculously healed without so much as a scar or scab.

The pieces click into place forming an astounding conclusion. You whisper, afraid, “You…you, turned me?”

His silence has all the answers you need. You glance down at your hands, you were…alive. That meant you had experienced death.

He had brought you back…this time to the land of the undead. Of the immortal.

You were one of the same.

Beomgyu’s voice cracks, “You must despise me for making that choice for you. I… I couldn’t-“ he struggles to get the words out, “I couldn’t let you die. I couldn’t stand the thought of your life being taken.” He gazes at you with such a pained gaze, “I love you, I love you far too much to let you go, is that too selfish of me? Did I bring you back against your wishes?”

Your lips part, words not coming out, as you tremble, tears dripping down your cheeks at the impassioned words. He murmurs weakly, “Forgive me, my sweet healer, for being so selfish. You have all the reasons to despise me. But…I just couldn’t…couldn’t let you die.”

You sadly smile wiping away his tears with your thumbs, “I don’t hate you, you fool. You saved me.” His eyes widen, going speechless; lower lip quivering at your words. You sniffle with a wavering laugh, “I…I’m surprised, I… I would have never thought you’d turn me. I thought you’d never cross that boundary just because,” your voice cracks, “just because it’s me.”

He presses his forehead to yours chidingly, “I’d have no need to do such a thing if you did not play hero, you idiot,” he sighs pained, “Do you understand how horrible it was to see you bleeding out, life draining from your eyes? With an arrow meant for me? Not you?”

You cup his cheek nuzzling his nose with yours, “I know…I should have stayed down. I’m sorry for scaring you, Beomgyu.” He trembles, “I…having to drain you, I..” he murmurs shakily, “Never again. Never again.”

All of a sudden, Beomgyu embraces you tightly, his head in the crook of your neck, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you, sweet healer,” he breathes. You cup his cheek shakily, “You need not be sorry, Beomgyu. It was them.”

For a few minutes you stay like this, in each other’s arms, sat atop a log beside a fire. You gaze up at the forest foliage above, you had many questions as to how you got here, how long had you been out. But for now, you were simply content to be in his arms, with him.

Beomgyu whispers, “Your life…that you left behind, your precious little shop, my sweet healer. You left that behind because of me, I’m so sorry. We’ll… we’ll set up a new one elsewhere, far away. I’ll make sure of it.”

Your cold lips press a kiss onto his own before you wearily gaze into his eyes, “I know you will. But for now, Beomgyu. One step at a time.” You shift yourself to lean against his chest, “I feel tired.”

He hums softly, “Then sleep. I’ll be there for you when the dawn next comes. And the next, and for many more.”

You muse half deliriously from drowsiness, “Until the end of time?” A scoff leaves his lips at your audacity, not even having fed, a newborn vampire at best and yet…

Beomgyu smiles tenderly as he repeats in assertion, “Until the end of time, sweet healer. Until the end of time. Always and forever.”

Taglist:

@beomnioa @gyu-tori @immelissaaa @haowonbins @hyunelixbun @woncheecks @dalkom-han @tyongluvs @tubaturighthere @lun4mizuka @blazesimps @usuallyunlikelyfox

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saejinniestar · 2 days ago

Text

THIS WAS SO GOOD!! AGH!!

𝓟𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝓒𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌

𝓓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝓔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 ⸝⸝ In Strawberryland, where all the people are happy, and a little fruity; Little Apricot finds herself drawn to the only thing the village seems to resent. — For in a lonesome house by the far end of the valley, where the sun never seems to shine, and the grass never seems to grow, lives a boy who was once as peachy as one could be.

Nowadays, he's grown somewhat of a hermit, and should his sharp glares not be enough, his harsh words certainly will be when he fends off any visitors that may dare come his way. No one knows what happened to the boy. Though one thing was clear; every peach Beomgyu touched quickly turned rotten. ⸝⸝

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ wc, 16k ་༘࿐

𝓹airings peach!beomgyu x little apricot!reader (f) 𝔀arnings heavy grumpy x sunshine trope, fairytale themed (kinda goes in threes, at least in the beginning), mean beomgyu, naive/gullible reader, longing/yearning, unprotected sex, creampie, little apricots cum is described as a jam-like texture, cum eating, oral (f. rec), overstimulation, beomgyu is fuzzy (cause peach fuzz), lot of kissing, loads of sexual tension..

#serene adds ✎.. hello!! I'm so so excited for this fic you guys seriously have no idea, imagine my current excitement and then bump it up 100x! I've worked so hard on this fic, but most of it felt so natural when I was writing, everything kinda just flowed? I hope that shines through!! ahh, and I can never shut up so here we are at 16k when my target was 7k but oh well.. oh but I would love to hear your thoughts on this!! merry christmas!! consider this my gift :3

THIS FIC IS A PART OF AN EVENT, GET REDIRECTED TO THE EVENTPOST !

The sun rises early in Strawberryland, its warm rays casting the plump little houses in an orange glow. It’s quiet, for the colorful meadow has yet to wake up. The birds are still sleeping soundly, the deers hidden in the treeline as they huddle close to one another. All that can be heard is the soft rippling of clear water as it runs along a small stream. Everyone is asleep, all except for one. — Little Apricot rises just as the sun, and she does so with excitement.

Pots and silverware clank together, creating a chaotic atmosphere in your tiny kitchen as you shuffle about. The soft hum of a foreign melody dances across your lips, your hands working diligently as they alter between stirring the jam that was cooking on the stove, and onto unscrewing the lids of the many jars you’d prepared. An outsider would think something big was coming, that this might’ve been a special day indeed.

And it was. For Little Apricot at least.

“Thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty…” You point to each neatly secured jar, filled to the brim with creamy orange jam. They’re topped with a matching ribbon, tied nicely around the plaid and orange lid. And they’re now all ready to be handed out. — “Forty-nine…” You trail off, gaze lingering by the last jar, “Fifty…”

With pursed lips, your hands hover above it, debating on whether to shove it in the already full basket alongside the rest. In the end you do. And with your bright orange coat pulled over your body, you step outside, letting the warm sun caress the soft skin of your cheeks, causing a smile to spread across your face. Today was a good day.

Your steps are light and cherry as you skip down the cobbled road that takes you through Strawberry village. The happy song of the melody you sang rings out into the air, and you only tune it down to a soft hum as you approach the first door of the day. — With a gentle knock, you wait, swinging back and forth on two legs as you balance the heavy basket in your hands.

The blue door to the little hut swings open and you’re greeted by a mess of hair as bright and blue as the sky itself. Blueberry Kai greets you with a smile, his sapphire like eyes sparkling in the sun as they land on the basket in your hands. “Hi Little Apricot!” He almost sings the words and you refuse a giggle as you coyly avert your gaze.

“Hi Kai, I brought you one of these..” You reach for one of the jam filled jars, handing the boy it as you await his verdict. — Kai’s smile widens as he takes the jar from you, and it seems small in his large hands. “You’re too good to us Apricot”, he says, though doesn’t refuse your kindness but rather thanks you with the promise of bringing a fresh blueberry pie in the following days.

You continue like that, happily skipping down the road that looped around the village. And for each house you stopped by, the grin on your lips only grew, as did the warmth on your face and the love that filled your chest. Gradually your basket emptied and got lighter, and once you’d delivered Lemon Drop Soobin his jar, all that remained was one.

The bright and orange little jar looks lonely as it rocks back and forth by the bottom of your now comically large basket, and with a small frown you glance toward the forest line. “Hmpf”, you huff, shaking your head sharply before turning on your heel and marching toward the dark trees. You had made enough jam for everyone in this village, and you’d make sure to deliver it as well.

..Suppose you had underestimated the dark and menacing nature of the woods just slightly. But it wasn’t like the forest in Strawberryland was always this…scary, it just so happened to be the part where one individual resided. The youngest of the village speculated that his presence is what caused the nature around him to turn dark, that his vile and evil ways killed everything around him. You didn’t believe such nonsense, yet you found yourself gripping the basket tighter in your hands as you carefully trudged forward.

You’ve been walking for a good twenty minutes, following a sparse dirt road as you peer through the thick tree trunks, when a small cottage suddenly floats into vision. Your heart beat immediately picks up, thumping loudly against your ribcage as you with hesitant steps approach. — The small hut looks just like the others of the village. Or at least, it used to.

The white paint on its sides had been dirtied by nature's force, vines climbed the walls and tangled around the windowsills where the peachy paint had chipped. The roof was a round and once warm shade, though now, it looked just as lifeless as the rest of the house. You wondered how anyone could possibly live like this.

A small wooden sign is shoved into the ground, it is just as battered as the rest of the place and reads the words, “Keep Out!” A flicker of uncertainty passes you by, but you ignore it. It was probably just something he had put up to scare any kids that dared come this way despite their mother’s warnings.

As you heave the steps up his front door, you try to remember what he’d looked like. You don’t think you have seen him for quite some time now. For he only ventured into town when he needed something, and judging by the state of his small cottage, it had been a while. Still, you figured that he deserved a jar of jam just as much as anyone else. It wasn’t like he was a criminal or anything of the sort…He was just, well… Him.

The knock you deliver to his door is just as soft and cheerful as the others had been. Though this time you have to remind yourself to smile, it didn’t come naturally when your heart was palpitating at a near alarming rate. — You wait another minute, nearly two, but there’s still no answer. With a small frown you try your luck again.

Another soft knock.

“Hello? Is anybody there?” You call out, the shaky edge to your voice coming off a lot stronger than you’d hoped. But you hadn't come all the way out here for nothing, and you would be damned if you didn’t get this last jar off your hands. A few moments later, you hear it, the soft rustling of something, of someone, moving on the other side.

And much to your delight, the door swings open mere moments later. Though the sight you’re met with does little to ease the agitated beating of your heart. A tangled mess of unkempt dark brown hair, paired with fierce and menacing eyes and a nasty scowl that stretches across his pale lips. — Peach Beomgyu looked ready to beat you bloody.

Your words get caught in your throat, and as much as you try to swallow, not an ounce of saliva will go down. Clearing your throat, you readjust the basket in your hands, wordlessly extending it in front of you. Beomgyu’s gaze falls on the lonesome jar before snapping back up to you. His brows furrow, twisting his face into even more of an accusing look as his eyes narrow on you.

“What’s the meaning of this?” His voice has got a clean cut edge to it, sharp and impeccably demanding. Suddenly, your usual lines all diminish into nothing, your brain melting into a pile of jam as your mouth goes dry. “I… I brought you some-” — “I can see what it is, do you take me for an idiot?” He snaps, effortlessly cutting you off as he shoves your basket back with a look of sheer distaste.

Your mouth opens and closes, like that of a goldfish mindlessly swimming around in its bowl. “Y-Yes but you see I”, you swallow, “I made it myself.” And though you knew your words to be true, they were hardly convincing as you stumbled over them. Beomgyu’s brows rose on his forehead, but he did not look surprised, merely lightly interested. You counted the win anyway.

With trembling arms you extend him the basket once more, encouraging him to retrieve the jar. But he only looked at it as though it would jump up and bite him in the face. “Well you’ve wasted your time then”, he grunts, averting his gaze as he urges you off his porch. You won’t budge, feet clamming to the old wooden boards as you stubbornly present the jar for him.

Beomgyu scoffs, running a hand through his dark hair, and you’re surprised when his fingers don't catch onto the mess of strands, in fact the brown locks looked almost…soft. You shake your head, blinking twice as you pick the jar up, shoving it against his hard chest as you peer over at him with a determined expression, your lips pressed together in a firm line.

“I’m sure you can reconsider”, you probe, much to little avail as Beomgyu’s scowl only grows. You were sure you’d overstepped for good this time. — But he doesn’t shout, nor does he tell you to get the hell away from his house. He chuckles. And though it’s far from an actual laugh, it’s something other than the tired and displeased groans. It makes your stomach flutter in an unfamiliar way.

You almost expect him to wipe a half-hearted tear from his eye. To maybe condole you on your gullibleness or your overbearing kindness. Well, and a small part of you hopes he might actually accept the jar. — He does none of those things, instead he takes a small, almost unnoticeable step back. And before you know it, the door is slammed shut in your face, leaving you alone in the dark and menacing forest once more.

With a petulant huff, you glance toward the window by the door, just in time to see him drawing the peach colored curtains in front of the glass, blocking him from your view. “Bastard”, you mutter as you step off the porch, kneeling down in front of it to place the jar down, “I’ll just put you right here…”

As you trudge down the dirt path leading from his cottage and back to the village, you can feel his lingering gaze on you, peeking through the light and peachy curtains. You smile to yourself, feeling accomplished despite his refusal, for you did not take his cruel words personally. — At the end of the day an angry person will always be the angriest with himself.

⸝⸝

It quickly becomes somewhat of a habit for you to make fifty jars instead of forty-nine. At first you had told yourself that the number was just much more satisfactory in itself, and that it was easier to make five full batches rather than four and then some. But you could only lie to yourself for so long. And when you find yourself on Beomgyu’s doorstep a third time in the span of two weeks, you know that the extra jar is more than just a number.

He doesn’t answer you when you call for him, but you know he’s there, listening, even though he doesn't want to, because he can’t help himself. And each time, you place the little jar on his porch. The orange jam is a stark contrast to the dull forest all around, and is easily spotted. — You keep returning, not because you fancied being ignored outside his shut door, or because you enjoyed the muddy walk to his little house. But because whenever you returned, the jar from last time would be gone.

And when you for a fifth time find yourself on his porch, swaying back and forth as you hum along to a quiet melody, you’re surprised when the door actually opens. He’s frowning, lips tugged into what you presumed to be a permanent scowl. You wondered if he ever smiled. — Beomgyu gives you a quick one over, his gaze undoubtedly lingering by the jar in your basket.

He clears his throat, “What the hell are you still doing here?” His question catches you off guard and you blink as your attention returns to the present moment. “Huh?” Is all you can muster, the response coming out as a question of your own. — Beomgyu scoffs, rolling his eyes as if he’d just asked you the most obvious thing. “You’ve been out here for twenty minutes, what the fuck do you want?”

Twenty minutes? Had it really been that long.. You would admit that you usually lingered for a minute or two before placing the little jar and returning back home. It wasn’t like you were waiting for him, well… You might have been. Suppose that today your mind had travelled a little too far, even for your own liking. But to think that you’d spent a whole twenty minutes in front of his door, lost in thoughts..

“I… Well I..” You bite the inside of your cheek, your brows creasing into a confused frown. You open your mouth to speak, but what comes out is not a coherent response, rather… “Your hair is brown.”

Beomgyu looks taken aback for once, his own frown deepening tenfold as he regards you with confusion. “So?” He retorts, folding his arms across his chest. — You don’t think it had ever occurred to you, but the unkempt and wild mess atop his head was a dark shade of brown, nearly black. It suited him, sure, it made his already sharp features and dark eyes stand out even more. But you couldn’t help but wonder why…

All of the people in Strawberryland had cheerful and bright colors. You thought of Blueberry Kai’s bright blue hair, Lemon Drop Soobin’s warm yellow and Yeonjun Sorbet’s striking red. Yet Peach Beomgyu had…brown hair? It didn’t make any sense. — Beomgyu looks almost insulted as he waits for you to respond, impatiently tapping his foot against the threshold.

“Isn’t your hair supposed to be…peach colored?” You say, pointing a curious finger to the mess on his head. Beomgyu frowns, reaching a hand up to run through the dark locks as he waves you off, huffing in dismay. “What’s it to you?” He tsk’s, his attention flickering down to the jam in your basket once more, and only when his gaze meets yours do you register the silent question behind his eyes.

“O-Oh, right I brought you more jam!” You force a small smile, the least you could do was be polite. You were determined to make friends with him, one way or the other. And as you hand him the glass container, Beomgyu takes it. It’s a huge first step, and you feel your heart swelling at the action. He twists the jar between his fingers, studying it like it might explode on him any second now.

At last, he gives a small hum of approval. — “It’s good, right?” Your question comes out too cherry, already celebrating your small victory. Beomgyu quickly shoots that bird down with a sneer. “I’m being polite, there’s a difference.” He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth, his eyes taking over your hopeful frame once more. “Though I’m sure you couldn’t tell the difference even if you wanted to.”

The door slams shut on your nose.

Suddenly, the forest is cold again, the heat falls from your face, the fire coursing within you being drowned out by a bucket of cold water. Well, there goes that. You wait by his door for another five minutes, but the small cottage is silent. The curtains are drawn, shutting you out, just like he did everybody else.

With heavy steps you climb off the porch, cringing at how the old and withered boards creaked under your weight. Your sigh echoes against the tall trees that loom above you, and you slowly make your way down the muddy path. You had noticed on your second visit that flowers didn’t seem to grow here, any sign of vegetation seemingly drowned out by the nearly unbearing anger and resentment that lingered in these woods.

Had Beomgyu really caused all of that?

You think back to your brief encounter with him, with Beomgyu. But no matter how hard you tried, your mind seemed to get caught on his brown hair, you couldn’t quite shake it off. You only knew one other brown-haired individual here, and that was Gingerbread Taehyun. But Beomgyu and Taehyun were far from alike, and you shake your head once more.

Something was wrong, very clearly so. For the way Beomgyu had disregarded the matter, shoving it aside like it pained him to be reminded of… You longed to know what could have caused it. And you find yourself imagining a different Beomgyu, a Beomgyu that smiled. With light and peachy hair, a pink blush coating his soft cheeks, warming his pale face up. You imagine a Beomgyu with dimples that dented into his skin hard from laughter.

You imagine a happy Beomgyu.

The fantasy makes your steps return to their usual light skip, and by the time you re-enter the lively village, you feel happy again.

⸝⸝

With your basket filled once more, you head down the cobbled road, taking you around Strawberry town. Today you were in a particularly good mood. You don’t know if it had to do with meeting Blueberry Kai out by his berry bushes, or if it had to do with the little rabbit you saw in your garden this morning. But you were determined to make this day a perfect one.

In fact, you were in such a joyous mood that the dark clouds crowding the village did not bother you as you went knocking on each and every door. For each smile you received, for each jar you handed out, the love beating within your heart only seemed to grow. — When you turn off the large road, and venture onto the muddy path taking you deep within the forest, you’re filled to the brim with love. And if there was one person in Strawberry village that needed it, it was Peach Beomgyu.

You think you’re about halfway there when the first droplet lands on the tip of your nose. The cold water makes you frown as it slides down your face, catching on your bottom lip. Sticking your tongue out to taste it, the sweet flavor fills your mouth. After that another one follows, then another one, and another one. It’s not long before rainfall is pouring down over you, clinging to the leaves and splashing against the forest floor in dramatic effect.

Blinking the droplets from your eyes, you scurry forward, pulling your coat tighter around yourself as you hurry. Mud clams to your orange shoes, dirtying them in disgraceful shades of brown. But you carry on, relief flooding your chest as the familiar little house floats into vision. You do not stop to consider who’s door you were actually knocking on when you slam your fist against the weathered wood.

Today, you have no time to wait outside for another five minutes, you have no time to bicker with the grumpy man over his doorstep and you certainly don’t want to turn on your heel and endure the unpleasant walk home. There was little that could diskindle your spirits, but rain and mud were definitely two of them.

Much to your immense relief and surprise, the door glides open a mere minute later, revealing a confused looking Beomgyu. The smile stretching across your lips only seems to make his scowl grow. Yet you persist, giving him your widest and most pleading eyes as you silently beg for him to let you inside. — Beomgyu’s harsh gaze flickers from your wet coat, clinging to your body and the adamant look on your face before shifting to the heavy rain that battered against his porch.

With a displeased groan he steps to the side, allowing you to skip inside the small cottage. Your excitement as you enter his home is followed up by a small squeal, your gaze darting around as you take in the unfamiliar surroundings. — Beomgyu’s house was unlike anything you had ever imagined, not to say that you had spent a deliberate amount of time trying to figure out how he lived, you had merely been…Curious, so to say.

From the peachy curtains to the matching sets of creamy pink pillows that adorned his small sofa, everything seemed to follow a peachy theme. The fireplace sparking in the middle of the room draws your attention and you quickly find yourself huddling in front of it as you rub your cold hands together.

Your quiet ‘woah’ as you pull your orange coat from your wet body rings out into the silent house. The kitchen by the corner looks to have been used recently, a small pot of something placed on the stove. Amazed by the fact that Peach Beomgyu lived like any other resident in Strawberry village, your jaw hangs open as you remain frozen in place.

Somewhere behind you, Beomgyu emerges from the hallway. He stops a good distance from you, leaning against one of the crowded bookshelves pushed up alongside the wall, his arms folded across his chest. You send him a bright smile, “Thank you”, you say, not knowing how else to show your gratitude for his hospitality.

Beomgyu rolls his eyes, a small scoff passing his lips as he averts his gaze, his dark eyes lingering on something you couldn’t quite catch. A brief silence follows, it’s almost awkward.. You’re not exactly sure what to say, what he would appreciate hearing, if anything even suited those pesky ears of his.

So you hum, quietly rocking back and forth on your feet as you glance at the decorations above the fireplace. They were nothing fancy, and most of the tiny figurines looked old, perhaps he’d inherited them. Come to think of it, you don’t remember ever hearing anything about a family member of his. The thought sadeness you for reasons you cannot understand. It wasn’t like Beomgyu was opposed to the solitary life he lived, he’d chosen it for himself, hadn’t he?

Yet you can’t help but purse your lips at the thought of living like this, no matter how cozy his quaint little cottage was, it still lacked the warmth of love. — “It is a lovely home you’ve got”, you say, trying your best to show interest in the way he’d decorated the space. But Beomgyu doesn’t seem to buy into the mundane compliment. He merely shrugs, letting out a small grunt as his dark eyes flicker back to you.

“Why were you out in the rain?” It’s the first time he’s ever asked you an actual question, the first time he’d even seemed moderately interested in anything that regarded you. Your smile only widens, and you can see the way his face twists in distaste at your ever so cheerful attitude. “Well why do you think? I was delivering jam!” The exclamation immediately makes you jump as you come to your senses and you reach for the basket you had discarded on the floor.

The small jar is wet and you wipe it against the sleeve of your shirt before skipping over to him in order to hand him it. Beomgyu’s arms remain stubbornly crossed as his gaze flits between the orange jam and your hopeful grin. With a small groan he relents and plucks it from your waiting hand, shoving it onto the shelf next to him as he averts his attention elsewhere.

You wondered if your presence made him uncomfortable. Judging by the way he stood, the greater portion of his body turned as far away from you as possible, and his jaw clenched, you would guess it did. Then again, was there anyone Peach Beomgyu liked? You did not take his grumpy demeanor or his shortcut responses personally. Still, there was an unmistakable opportunity at hand, and you would be a fool not to take it.

“Mind if I take a seat?” You ask, but you’re already approaching the small couch. Beomgyu’s lip twitches, but he gives a small nod, his arms returning to their crossed position over his chest. His sofa is oddly comfortable, allowing you to sink into the cushion as you lean back slightly. The warmth of the fire caresses your cold face, slowly melting the layer of metaphorical ice that had built around you. No amount of fire would be able to melt the harsh ice block surrounding Beomgyu, you thought with a small grin.

He remains unmoving and unspeaking, quietly watching you from his spot by the corner of the room. You did not insult him on his lack of manners, he had actually allowed you inside his home even as you showed up unannounced, perhaps that was more than enough. — Your attention falls on your muddy shoes and a pang of guilt flares through you. “Oh, sorry, I should’ve taken these off!”

Beomgyu opens his mouth to speak but is quickly interrupted as you kick the pointy orange heels off your feet, scurrying toward the door as you place them right in front of it. “Sorry, I’ll clean it up, don't worry!” You say as you dart for his kitchen. Quickly disoriented, you tug open drawers and pull cabinet doors in search of anything to clean the stain you had left on his floors. “Where do you keep your towels?” You ask, so caught up in trying to resolve the mess you’d unintentionally caused that you didn’t even notice him creeping up behind you.

“Here”, he says as he hands you a peach colored rag. You freeze, for his voice came from just above your ear, his chest nearly pressed against your back. The scent of fresh peaches made you nearly drowsy as you blink before gingerly accepting the cloth from him, trying your hardest to ignore the way your fingers brushed against one another, the tingle that the soft fuzz coating his skin left. “I… Thanks”, you coyly mumble, desperately wishing he wouldn’t catch on to the stammer of your voice as you round him in the small kitchen, quickly slipping away from his intoxicating presence.

What was that.. You think to yourself, brows knitted together in a confused frown as you find yourself on the floor, scrubbing the muddy stains away. The sounds of his approaching footsteps make your eyes widen, and you refuse to turn your head in his direction. — “It’s really not necessary”, he mutters, the usual grumpiness to his voice replaced with something akin to guilt. But you firmly shake your head, scrubbing even harder at the old wood. “It’s fine, no problem! I caused it!” You chirp, ignoring his small huff as you continue to clean.

When you’re done you gingerly rise to your feet, clutching the now dirty rag between your fingers as you bite the inside of your cheek. Beomgyu reaches for it again, but you quickly pull back, you don’t think you could bear feeling his skin against yours a second time. “I’ll put it away!” You quickly say, plastering on the biggest of grins you could muster, “Where do you want it?”

Beomgyu’s expression is unreadable as he studies you for a moment. It looks almost as if he’s about to say something, but he stops himself, shaking his head once as he points down the hall. Quickly nodding, you follow in that direction, the sounds of your feet padding against the floor ringing in your ears.

Finally away from his intense gaze, you exhale a sigh of relief as you turn to relocate yourself. The dark hallway had led you to what you presumed to be a small washroom, racks of clothes crowded the vast majority of the space, and you found a small sink as well. You place the dirty cloth in the hamper before turning to head back. But before you can even get as much as another step in, a door to your left catches your attention. It’s slightly ajar, letting on to the bed inside.

Quickly glancing down the hall once more, you dare a small peek inside. Beomgyu’s bedroom did not match the rest of the house. It lacked all the peachy colors, instead it was crowded from head to toe in… books. Sure the bookshelves in the living room had caught your attention earlier, but just as the old figurines, you’d figured that it was something he’d inherited. Now you can’t help but wonder if Beomgyu actually enjoyed literature. While the prospect did indeed seem odd, it wasn’t entirely out of place either. There was only so much entertainment out here..

But before you get the chance to investigate further, the sounds of floorboards creaking pulls you from your brief trance. Sharply turning on your heel, you make your way back into the living room where Beomgyu was waiting for you. — The rain was still pouring down outside, and you had little clue of just how long you were going to be stuck here.

As your gaze falls on Beomgyu, you feel your breath getting caught in your throat. You don’t know what it was, but something had changed. Something that made you so impeccably drawn to him in a way you could not fathom. You tried to reason with yourself, you tried to shift the blame onto the weather, onto the clumsy mistake of waltzing inside his home without as much as a second thought.

But as your eyes linger by his dark ones, the narrowed gaze he still held, you find that it’s none of those things. Suddenly you know why you keep returning to this small hut, why you bother with the twenty minute walk back and forth, why you face rejection on his doorstep each time. — You felt empathy for him, perhaps even pity. You pitied Beomgyu, the lonely boy who lived all alone out in the forest, with no one to come visit.

And perhaps that was naive of you. To even think that he cared about something as trivial as a bit of company. Yet you couldn’t find it in you to take his mean and cruel demeanor to heart. Because no matter how harsh the bark was, he never seemed to bite. He had let you inside his home, in spite of your persistent nagging on his porch for the past weeks. He hadn’t minded when you dirtied his floors, and even now, he didn’t seem to want you to leave.

So were you really that naive to think that what you were doing was right? That what you were doing was appreciated by him, even if he didn’t show it. You want to think so.

“Do you want me to make you tea?” You chirp, breaking the thick silence that had filled the small living room. Beomgyu cocks an eyebrow at you, but merely shrugs. You weren’t even sure if he had the ingredients to make tea, you had just assumed… It was something everyone had, no?

Ignoring his nonchalant response, you walk past him and into the small little kitchen once more. It wasn’t at all like your big one at home, but then again, you doubted that he spent his days making fifty jars worth of apricot jam. — He doesn’t follow you, and part of you is relieved. His absence allows you to work casually as you still tried to figure out what about him had made you so nervous all of a sudden.

You take your time as you bring out a pot, setting it down on the stove as you fill it with water from the tap. Once it’s slowly boiling, you rummage around to find yourselves a pair of cups to drink from. Pulling drawers upon drawers open, you cough as the smell of dust invades your senses, some of these looked to have been kept shut for years.

As a last resort, you tug the cabinet door above the fridge open. And your eyes immediately widen as they fall on the empty jars stacked inside. All of them are cleaned out, the glass reflecting in the dim light of the kitchen. Your gaze lingers by the orange lids, and the silk ribbons you’d tied around them still intact. A small smile tugs at your lips, your heart warming at the sight. He even kept the jars.

Quickly slamming the cabinet shut when he approaches, you turn to him with a flushed expression. “Where are your cups?” You squeak, the surprise in your tone evident, not having expected him to reappear so soon. — Beomgyu leans against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest as he nods toward the one drawer you had yet to open. Mentally slapping yourself, you turn to it with a tight smile as you pull it open.

As you prepare the herbs for the tea and check on the water, you try to make plain conversation. You ask him about the weather, about what he does during the days or if he has any upcoming plans. You find that he’s a very concise individual, and you’re never able to pull more than a short sentence from him as he begrudgingly responds to your persistent interrogation.

Still, he stays in the kitchen until you finish pouring the cups. Whether that was because he didn’t trust you around his house or because he wanted to be there, remained unknown to you.

The tea is boiling hot against your tongue, yet you insistently bring it to your lips, taking small and hesitant sips as you desperately avoid his gaze. For someone so short of words, he seemed to have no problem staring at you. You told yourself that it might have to do with his lack of social interaction. But his unyielding gaze slowly chipped away at your resolve, making you all the more anxious as you glanced out the window, wishing for the rain to let up soon.

It still felt so surreal, standing in Peach Beomgyu’s kitchen, drinking tea from his cups, as if this was just another Thursday afternoon. But his prolonged silence made the growing tension between you feel anything but mundane and ordinary. Did he really not have anything to say? You had tried every approach imaginable, there was nothing that would get him to utter more than a small hum.

As your eyes peer out the window, and over what you imagined to once have been a garden, a new question surfaces. — Your attention flickers back to him, still by the door frame, he’s gripping the cup in one hand, barely having sipped his tea, he seems far too preoccupied with watching you.

“Don’t you grow any peaches?” You ask, letting your head fall to the side as you take your turn in studying him. Beomgyu’s unreadable expression morphs into a small frown, and he ponders your question for a moment. When a whole minute passes, you think he might not reply at all, it wouldn’t be completely unexpected, for he had little manners as it was. But then he suddenly shifts his weight over to his other leg, readjusting his hold on the cup.

“No.”

He states firmly, finally bringing the peachy mug to his lips as he takes a sip of his tea. It’s your turn to frown, your gaze dropping to the brown mixture swirling in your own cup as you bite the inside of your cheek. “Why not?” — Everyone in Strawberryland tended to their fruits, so why didn’t he?

Beomgyu shrugs, appearing more than disinterested in the conversation taking place. “I don’t like them”, he says, the nonchalance in his tone taking you aback as your eyes snap to him. Don’t like them? But he was Peach Beomgyu, was he not supposed to love peaches? You want to ask him what he means by that, what made him so resentful of the one thing he represented. But the closed off look on his face made you waver. You did not want to blindly push and prod at buttons which you had no clue of.

You remain silent, awkwardly sipping your tea as you avoid his burning gaze.

And as your cups emptied out, the rain stopped.

⸝⸝

Peach Beomgyu did not like visitors. In fact, he detested them. Much so that he had gone to the quite extreme length of putting up warning signs in front of his house. And while the signs did their job at keeping nosey little kids out, they seemed futile on that persistent ball of joy that would skip past them as she neared his cottage.

Beomgyu could not understand what made Little Apricot come back over and over again. He could not understand what kept you in such a jolly mood and he could certainly not fathom the reasoning behind the little jars of jam you would leave behind. — It irked him in a way that was beyond explainable. And every three or four days, he would be pulled from whatever book he was reading by two curt knocks to his door.

Internally groaning he would shake his head, ignoring the fierce ray of sunshine on the other side. But you just wouldn’t leave. The sounds of you humming along to a light melody would slip through the cracks of his shut door, it would creep inside his house and dance across him, taunting him with its sickly sweetness. Beomgyu would swat it away, pressing his nose further into his book as he desperately tried to ignore any signs of your presence.

You would always leave after a few minutes, taking your light and cherry song with you as you did. And Beomgyu would always sigh out in relief, ignoring the small tug at his chest when the silence enveloped him once more. — He would get up, carefully pull the curtains to the side as he watched your bright orange coat disappear into the thick forest of trees.

Then he would open his door, stopping in his tracks as his gaze flickered down to the little jar you’d left behind. When it first occurred he’d slammed the door shut. Ignoring the jar for a good twenty minutes before ripping the door open again with a frustrated huff, finding the jam still there, its bright orange color stinging his eyes.

For some reason, Beomgyu had picked it up, he’d turned it in his hands and opened the lid. The creamy jam smelled just like you, the soft and sweet aroma of apricot prickling his nose in a most unfamiliar way. And he’d taken the jar inside, stubbornly ignoring it for a whole day before he finally caved. — It tasted just as delicious as it smelled, as delicious as you smelled.

Beomgyu finished the jar in half a day, and when it was all empty, he found himself staring at the clean glass with a confused frown. It was just jam. He scoffed as he shoved the empty jar into a cabinet, blatantly ignoring the fact that he had yet to throw it away, telling himself that he might find use for it in the future.

When you returned mere days later, he ignored you, yet he found another jar, just like the first on his porch. It would go on like that, and for some reason, Beomgyu found himself listening after that sickeningly cheerful melody you always sang. And everytime you knocked on his door, his fingers would itch to reach out and open it, for reasons he could not understand, and did not want to.

But on your seventh return, you did not give your usual curt knocks, you did not hum along to any melody at all. At first, Beomgyu didn't even believe it to be you. But as he opened the door, and found Little Apricot on his porch, drenched from head to toe, he found himself unable to move. Not even when you pleaded with him so nicely did it register what you were asking.

And suddenly you were inside his home, the place he treasured so dearly and had sealed off to the rest of the world. Yet you had managed to worm your way inside, and the feeling that bloomed within his chest was like no other. — You were everywhere, the same sickeningly sweet scent of your apricot jam now filled his entire home. It clung to the walls, soaked in the carpets and dusted off on the furniture. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t block it out, and you occupied his mind and body fully. It confused him.

You quickly made yourself at home, and Beomgyu noted that you were just as dutiful about any other task as you were your jam. Rushing about even though you barely found your way, tugging cabinet doors and pulling drawers open as you made the two of you tea. — He doesn’t know why he lets your eager hands wander over his belongings, why he drinks the tea you make him or why he even bothers to answer any of your invasive and prying questions.

He feels nearly dizzy in your presence, it’s a strange and uncanny feeling, a feeling he hasn’t felt in years, if ever. And Beomgyu doesn't know if he should fear the warm and fuzzy feeling that spreads within his chest as he looks at you, or if he should give in to it completely. Though if he did, he feared that you wouldn’t ever look at him the same.

Oh but Beomgyu likes the way you look at him. With big and hopeful eyes. You don’t seem to understand just how messed up he is, or perhaps you do, and in that case you had to be stupid to ignore it. Naive. That was probably the right word. Gullible, sweet, and far too kind for your own good. Did you not know not to trust everything you see? He shakes his head at the thought.

Still, there’s an odd feeling of comfort in the way you embrace him, with your kind words and quiet care as you deliver him jam. He doesn’t want to let go of that feeling just yet, though if he ever tries to pursue it, he thinks you might crumple in front of him. — It has him torn. And as he lies in bed that night, the smell of apricots linger around him, pressing in on him with a demanding force.

He groans as he turns over, burying his face in the pillows. But all he can see is you, your bright orange coat, and he can smell you, you’re everywhere, plaguing his body and mind. He twists uncomfortably, stubbornly ignoring the heat pooling in his stomach, refusing to let his hands wander as he tries to block out any thought of you.

Beomgyu wishes that you won’t come by his house again. He knows he won’t be able to stop himself if you do.

⸝⸝

The soft knock to your door makes you tear yourself from the empty jars you were currently wiping down, discarding them on the countertop as you make your way over to the entrance. Your steps are light and cherry as you skip over, fingers twisting the lock, an excited grin already plastered across your face. — “Blueberry Kai!” You squeal when you’re met with the sight of the blue haired boy, his tall frame looming over you as he gives a shy nod.

“Hi Little Apricot!” He says, his face flushing in an adorable shade of blue. Your gaze drifts to his hands, clutching a blue box tightly. “I uh..” He sends you a coy smile as he extends the box, “Got you this.. As a thank you, for you know.. All you do.”

It’s with wide eyes that you happily accept the gift, feeling its weight in your hands as you gently pluck the lid. Your attention falls on the freshly baked blueberry pie and the sweet aroma immediately fills your nostrils. With a wide grin, you glance up at him, “You’re the best Kai!”

The two of you settle out in your garden, amidst the many apricot trees you had planted, all blooming with ripe and orange fruits. Hungrily wolfing down the pie Kai had brought, you barely make time for conversation as you focus on savoring the flavors on your tongue. And when you for the fifth time exclaim, “It’s delicious!”, Kai can’t help but chuckle.

Once the wave of desire has cooled off, and your stomach starts to feel full, you lean back in your chair as you regard him with a questioning expression. It looked like something was bothering him, for his usual lopsided smile was nowhere to be found, and his brows furrowed across his forehead. — “Is something up?” You ask him as you wipe your lips on the corner of a napkin, gently placing it down as you twist in your seat.

Kai’s head snaps in your direction, and he gives a sheepish look, as if you’d caught his drift of mind. “Yeah I just..” He trails off, as if unsure of how to word himself properly. You wait, your legs swinging back and forth as your bare feet drag through the wild grass, the feeling tickling your sensitive skin.

“Have you been seeing Peach Beomgyu?”

The question was not one you’d expected, and you feel your face heat up as you turn your gaze back to the blue haired boy. “I deliver him jams, just like everyone else!” You say, plastering on an even wider grin as you try and brush past the topic. But Kai doesn’t let it go, his brows creasing even further as he leans forward. “Why? I mean, it’s not like he’s done anything for you.. And I’m not saying I don’t think it’s kind of you”, he takes a breath, slowly letting it go. “But what if he’s just using you, Apricot?”

Your frown makes him immediately continue as he says; “I mean, he’s not exactly friendly.. I’m just afraid you’ll end up getting taken advantage of, your kindness is something many of us take for granted…” — His words made you think, your chin jutted out as your mind traveled back to the visits you’d paid Beomgyu. You recall the many times he’d slammed the door in your face, and the times in which he hadn’t opened it at all. Suppose Kai might have a point…

But you also remember that rainy day not too long ago. You remember the way his gaze lingered by you, the way your heart fluttered at his mere presence. It couldn’t possibly be what Kai was implying, could it? If he was really taking advantage of your kindness, why did your heart beat so quickly at the thought of his name?

“I think he deserves the jam just as much as anyone else in Strawberryland”, you state, nodding to yourself as you sink back in the chair, arms spread on the armrests. Kai bites the inside of his cheek remaining quiet, though the look on his face told you that he wished to intervene further.

“I talk to him”, you shrug, acting as if the matter was nothing short of common for you. — “He is actually quite an interesting person, if you give him a chance.” You send Kai a small smile, but the blue haired boy doesn’t seem to buy it as he runs a hand through his short hair. “I don’t know Apricot… There’s a reason he lives out there..” — “Like what?” You cut him off, leaning forward in an instant with an almost challenging look on your face.

Kai opens his mouth to speak, then he stops himself. You watch as he battles with himself for a moment before finally sighing. “Well he’s…Different.” — “Different how?” You knew you were pushing him now, and that he soon would be caving, but you didn’t care. For a small part of you, a part you had tried to ignore for long, felt the need to defend Beomgyu, even if you hardly knew him, it felt like your responsibility. Because if you didn’t, then who would?

“You don’t know?” Kai suddenly asks and your face falls for a moment. Didn’t know what? Kai shifts in his seat as he glances around your flourishing garden, as if checking for witnesses, and when he speaks again, it's in a hushed whisper. “You know… About the peaches..”, he murmurs, swallowing as he holds your gaze.

“The peaches?” You repeat, a little too loud for his liking as he winces. “Yes”, he mutters between sealed lips. “He can’t… I mean, he says he doesn’t like them, but the truth is he can’t even grow them.” Kai leans back up as soon as he’s uttered the words, hurriedly checking his surroundings once more before shrinking back against the backrest of his chair.

Your face contorts into a confused grimace, “Can’t grow peaches?” That’s ridiculous, everyone in Strawberryland grows their own fruits, what could possibly make him so different? Kai slowly nods as he fiddles with the spoon discarded on his empty plate. “I mean, I’m sure he doesn’t want to either, but even if he did, he physically can’t”, he shrugs before continuing, “That’s why he moved out there, so that the rest wouldn’t have to know how much of a failure he was…” He says the last words with a hint of sympathy, and you couldn’t help the way your chest churned at the thought.

“You’re saying I should stay away from him?” It’s not a question but a statement, you didn’t need an answer because Kai had already made himself clear. Yet he gives a firm nod, letting the silverware drop back onto the plate. “Yes”, he says, “I’m worried that whatever curse lingers around him might transfer onto you…Besides, who knows what he’s capable of..”

It hurt, hearing him speak so negatively of Beomgyu. Suppose you had grown a small attachment to the grumpy peach, so what? Delivering him some jam every now and then certainly didn’t harm anyone. You failed to see Kai’s reasoning, failed to see the worry laced within his words. Still, you did something most uncharacteristic, you lied.

“I won’t go see him.”

⸝⸝

Your basket isn’t as heavy as usual when you skip down the cobbled road. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that you had only brought three jars of jam today, and they were all meant for one person. — Throwing a final glance over your shoulder, you venture off the main road, emerging into the thick treeline as you begin the journey to Peach Beomgyu’s house.

Not only had you brought jam, but you’d put in the effort of baking muffins as well. They had come out slightly burnt, their edges a refined and dark black but you didn’t mind, they tasted just as sweet and you were sure they would go well with the jam. — To thank him, that was the goal of today, you told yourself. To thank him for his hospitality as he let you stay last time, and enough jars of jam to last him well over two weeks.

As you near the now familiar house, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. It flutters in the pits of your stomach, swirling around as your heart beats steadily within your chest. Had you not been so focused on the task at hand, perhaps you would’ve noticed the way the trees seemed to sway, the leaves rustling despite the lack of wind and the eerie silence that fell over the woods on this particular day.

But you don’t, and soon enough, you’re making the steps up his creaking porch. Your soft knock somehow seems to ring out like thunder in the thick and quiet air. — Glancing around, you prepare for the inevitable wait as you sway back and forth on your feet. But to your surprise, it is mere moments later that the door is ripped open, revealing a disheveled Beomgyu on the other side.

Immediately you notice the subtle flush across his normally pale and cold cheeks. His dark hair stands in all directions, and you frown as your gaze flickers over his dark eyes, his pupils widened to an extent that nearly concerns you. Was he sick? Had you come at a bad time? Your attention falls on the way his chest heaves with each jagged breath he takes, and it trails along his arm, finally landing on the way his fingers bore into the wood of the doorframe to steady himself, knuckles turning white at the sheer force he used.

“Beomgyu, is everything okay?” You ask, blinking the shock away as you readjust the grip on your basket. He doesn’t say anything, and you were just about to suggest coming back another time when he suddenly lurches forward. — You barely have time to realize what’s happening, but the feel of his vice-like grip around your wrist makes you wince as he yanks you inside.

The door slams shut behind you and the smell of peaches suddenly infiltrates your every sense. You don’t think you have ever smelled anything like it before. It was strong, sweet, almost sickly so. It felt far from the citrusy tang apricots carried and you frown as you glance around the area. His living room looks the same, kitchen too, where was the smell coming from? — A chill runs down your spine as you pick up on the sound of a lock clicking behind you. Beomgyu’s harsh exhale is hot against the back of your neck, and it makes the hairs there stand tall as you freeze in place.

When he places an equally warm hand on your shoulder do you realize that the smell is coming from him. He’s practically radiating it. And along with the thick layer of heat that coats him, it pulsates off of him with steady rhythm, slapping you across the face as you squint up at him. Just what was going on.. “Beomgyu..?” He doesn’t answer, and you fervently search his gaze, only to find that he’s looking at something completely different.

You cover your mouth with a trembling hand, a confused and alarmed frown painting the rest of your face. He must have caught something, a virus of some sort, something that made his body flare up like this, something that made him smell so…So truly divine. You shake your head, screwing your eyes shut as you take a step back.

He still hasn’t said anything, not a single word from the moment he ripped his door open. And when he takes a step forward, you find yourself immediately faltering backward. He chases you, with deliberate and long strides, and you don’t stop until your back hits one of his overcrowded shelves, the books and figurines on it rattling as you do. You turn your head in surprise, only to feel his hot fingers on your chin as he steers you back his way.

Beomgyu pries your hand from your lips, his breath audibly hitching in his throat when his eyes fall on your open mouth once more. He looks ready to swallow each shaky exhale you emit, and before you can protest does he slam his lips against yours. — Your eyes shoot open, your hands flying to his shoulders in an attempt to push him back. But Beomgyu was strong, scarily so, and he easily shoves you up against the shelf.

The small noise of surprise gets drowned out by his harsh groan, his hands gripping at your waist as he shoves you against the stacked books. — “B-Beomgyu wait- This isn’t…” You manage to gasp when he parts for air. His face is flushed in a light pink, and the mess of dark brown hair lays in uneven sections across his hungry eyes as he pants. It didn’t make any sense, none of this did.

Your basket had fallen to the floor due to all the commotion and one of the jars had rolled onto the hard wood. Beomgyu didn’t even seem to register the chaos he was creating as he pressed his lips back on yours. He kisses you with a need best described as insatiable, leaving room for nothing but his demanding ways as his tongue shoves past your parted lips, slipping into your mouth with urgency.

The shock slowly begins to wear off and you realize what’s actually going on. Peach Beomgyu was kissing you, well, he was damn near eating you. It didn’t… You didn’t… Your thoughts seemed to cut short, any sense of semblance slipping through the cracks of your fingers as you helplessly chased them. — You should push him off, you should yell at him and ask what in the world had gotten into him.

Because Peach Beomgyu didn’t make friends, and hell, he certainly didn’t kiss people. This was completely unwarranted and you deserved more than an explanation for his near outrageous actions.

For some reason, you find yourself pulling him even closer.

It barely registered at first. Your fingers moved on their own as they clutched the shirt he was wearing, tugging him against you with a force just as strong as his. You couldn’t explain it, the need to be close, the need to give in to every single thought that yelled for you to back away. — Kai’s words linger in your scrambled mind when Beomgyu’s hands go to the back of your thighs, hoisting you into his arms, forcing a proximity that was dangerously close.

Perhaps you should’ve listened to him when he’d told you to stay away. When he’d warned you about Beomgyu. Something was not right with him, you knew that, every fiber of your being told you that this was a bad idea. Yet your mind couldn’t seem to overpower the fire that spread inside your heart, clutching it tightly in its grip, pulling you towards Beomgyu.

You have always followed your heart. You followed it when you delivered jam, because it fluttered when the others appreciatively accepted their jar. You followed it because it beats extra hard when someone smiles your way. You followed it because it made you happy. Even now, you followed it, you followed it through the thick and dark trees, through the wilted flowers and the eerie silence that led all the way to his house.

You followed your heart all the way to Beomgyu, until you finally found yourself in his arms.

A noise of surprise rips from the back of your throat as he walks you over to the couch, setting you down amongst the peachy pillows. He stares down at you for a moment, his tongue swiping across your plump lips, and you find yourself mesmerized by him. In the dim light of the fireplace, he didn't look at all like his cold and mean self. Beomgyu looked warm, flourishing and alive.

The strong scent of peaches radiated off of him in waves, making your eyes flutter as you got a whiff of him. — Your mouth opens, you want to say something, you want to confirm that this moment is real, that this is just not a figment of your imagination and that you are actually here, that he’s actually here and that he’s… Him.

“You smell good.” His voice is gruff, and you can barely make out his dark eyes as he leans down, for his brown hair covers the majority of his flushed face. — You squeal when his lips drag across the juncture of your neck, when his hot tongue presses against your skin. “Like apricots..” He murmurs, as his nose nudging against your collarbone, “But better.”

He inhales sharply, the groan he emits going straight to your core and you feel a strange wave of desire build in your stomach. It felt weird, though not unpleasant, and certainly not unwelcome. — Still, you shriek when his fingers reach for your orange coat, insistently tugging it from your body. Beomgyu doesn’t even seem to register your bashful exclamation as you try to cover yourself, instead he tugs at your blouse, flicking the first few buttons open as his eyes rake across your warm skin.

“Fuck”, he grunts and you would be ashamed to admit that the small slip of his tongue made you throb. — “Do you like this?” He asks, his hungry eyes suddenly latching onto yours. Your face was practically on fire as you nodded, and Beomgyu’s smirk grew wide. “I can tell”, he then adds, making you jump as his hand slides up your inner thigh, stopping all the way under your plaid skirt, his fingers inches from the lining of your panties, “You reek of it.”

“I…” You did not know if that was a compliment or not. But you meekly tried to close your legs, only for Beomgyu to pry them apart again as he pushed your skirt up over your hips. — His breath is warm, much warmer than the fire sparking next to you. It makes your skin flare up as it caresses you.

“Please”, he murmurs, the words barely audible as his head drops down between your thighs. “I need to taste you, just once.” — You weren’t exactly sure what he meant by that, but the strange flutter rising in your stomach had become almost impossible to ignore and out of sheer desperation you nod, breathing out a small, “yes.”

Beomgyu doesn’t need to hear it twice. Two of his long fingers slip around the hem of your panties, tugging the garment down your legs, though giving up halfway when his impatience got the better of him. The sound of cotton ripping fills your ears, making you dizzy as he exhales against your bare cunt, nearly panting against it upon eyeing the orange cream that your arousal had built up.

Your eyes fly open when he first licks a stripe along your core, a surprised moan leaving your lips as you peer down at him. Fingers digging into the plush and peachy couch, you swallow, your gaze training on his brown hair as it buries between your legs, longing to reach out and touch him. — The first, almost hesitant taste he’d gotten only seemed to make him spiral even further and you choke on a small gasp as the bridge of his nose presses against your clit, his tongue dwelling deep inside your cunt as his hands grab at your waist, sliding down your thighs.

His eyes flutter in ecstasy, the creamy taste of apricots overwhelming his taste buds as the acidic sensation floods him. He quickly realizes that he needs more, and a lot of it. “W-Wait, wait, Beomgyu–” The tingling feeling bubbling within you felt like it was about to implode on you, it made your thighs tremble and your head spin as you fought to stay somewhat composed.

But it’s like he’s on a different planet, nothing you said mattered when you were so perfectly spread before him, your warm and inviting cunt just waiting for him to completely devour. Your soft whines and silent pleas made his head spin, and he knew he needed more, as much as possible.

Your head tips back when his fingers suddenly slide between your soaked folds, digging into your quivering cunt as he curls them. — “B-Beomgyu..” His name leaves your lips a mere whimper, though you’re not sure what you’re even asking of him. You want to say something, to convey the heat inside of you, the feelings swirling within your chest and the fierce beating of your heart. But the words get caught in your throat, your eyes screwing shut as pleasurable vibrations course through you.

Beomgyu moans at the taste of your release on his tongue, greedily lapping up every single droplet of creamy apricot as he tugs you closer. He doesn’t seem to worry about breathing, and his chest heaves dramatically against the couch cushion, his hips stuttering as he shudders. — The feeling of his tongue against your clit suddenly goes from overwhelming to overbearing, and your thighs clamped around his head as your hands push him back.

“N-No more!” You gasp, your face flushed in all shades orange as you blink fervently. Beomgyu groans when he separates from your cunt, a displeased look flashing across his desire-filled expression. The lower half of his face is coated in a thick layer of something dangerously close to the apricot jam he’d been feasting on for weeks. He blatantly ignores your gawking stare as he wipes the mess from his cheeks, stuffing his fingers into his mouth, his eyes already searching for more as he attempts to spread your legs once more.

You whine, rubbing your thighs together in embarressment, resisting a shiver as his hand runs across your knee and down your calf. “One more”, he says, and though his voice is masked by a layer of determination, you can still decipher the silent plea as his dark eyes search yours. — Biting the inside of your cheek, you shyly avoid his gaze as you let it wander across his body.

With a slightly shaky hand you point to the shirt he’s wearing. “T-Take it off..” You murmur, the small sentence nearly inaudible. The uncharacteristic smirk he’d been wearing since your arrival quickly finds its way back to his lips and Beomgyu complies as he tugs the garment over his head, discarding it on the floor as he turns back to you with a look of expectancy.

Admittedly so, you had been craving a closer look at him since the day you’d first found yourself on his porch. Something about him pulled you in. Perhaps it was the subtle pink flush of his face, one that had intensified right now, making him almost glow. Or it was the soft fuzz that crawled across his skin, it feels ticklish under the tips of your fingers as you trail them along his naked chest. Peach fuzz, you think to yourself with a small smile. — Beomgyu shudders, but bites back another comment as he watches you with dark eyes.

Your attention flickers to his hair, dark and unkempt. His hair left a lot of questions, some which you had spent more time pondering than you’d like to admit. Your hands card through the surprisingly soft locks, giving them a gentle tug and Beomgyu groans, his head immediately falling forward as he wraps an arm around your waist.

He pulls you onto his lap in seconds, making you straddle his hips, ignoring the way you wince as your sensitive cunt makes contact with the rough fabric of his pants. — Your gaze drops to the not so subtle bulge straining against the fabric, your hands tentatively palming him through the material, carefully gauging his reaction.

The strands of his dark hair tickle your neck as he leans forward to press languid kisses along your shoulder. His teeth drag across your skin, and for a moment you thought he might actually try and take a bite out of you. It was like he was trying to merge with you, to envelop you fully, like that was the only way to extinguish the fire burning within.

He helps you with the zipper, swiftly tugging his hard cock from the confinements of his pants, giving it a few deliberate strokes as he directs kisses to your blazing skin. — You can’t help but eye the way his fingers wrap around his shaft, noting the way he presses his thumb against his slit, shuddering against you as he does. Eager to do the same, you reach out. Beomgyu freezes when your hand joins in on top of his, but makes no move to brush you off.

Saliva pools in your mouth at the sight of light and pink precum dribbling from his flushed tip, it perfectly matched the flush of his face. Beomgyu chokes on a strained moan when your fingers swipe across his slit, gathering the sticky and sweet substance on your hand as you bring it to the lips. — He tastes sweet, like peaches, ripe and perfectly harvested. You sigh at the euphoric taste, your eyes fluttering as your tongue darts out to lick at the remnants that had spilled down your chin.

Beomgyu’s throbbing cock twitches at the sight and he doesn’t hesitate as yanks you forward. “Don’t do that”, he breathes, “Please. Don’t do that.” It sounds as if he’s using all his willpower to hold back. You didn’t want him to. You wanted to see him just as he was, every last bit of him, you wanted to see it all, to familiarize yourself with everything that was him.

“You taste good”, you say, the compliment coming out a little breathless when he presses the tip of his cock against your overstimulated cunt. “Yeah?” He asks, pushing past the tight rim of muscle as he eases his way inside, bringing you back onto his thighs. “You do too.” — His words barely register in your mind, for it’s far too clogged up on the feeling of him, throbbing and alive, inside of you.

His hands are on your waist again, pulling you forward as he sets you in motion. You gasp at the way he brushes up against every bundle of nerves, soft eyelashes hitting your cheeks as your eyes flutter. — With trembling fingers you reach for his face, you wanted to kiss him again, you wanted it more than anything. In this very moment you felt greedy, selfish almost, your body moving on its own accord as you sought out pleasure.

You had always considered yourself a selfless person, always giving and giving, never expecting anything in return. It felt strange, you had never desired anything the way you desired Beomgyu right now. The feeling scared you. Was this what Kai had warned you about? Should you have listened. — Even if you wanted to, you don’t think you could ever stop now. It was too much, he was everywhere, all at once. Yet there never seemed to be enough.

Your lips crash against his with urgency, somehow the kiss turns out sweet. It’s soft, gentle, caring. Beomgyu hums into your mouth, the taste of peaches and apricots mixing with one another. It tastes sweet, refreshing, and exciting. — Your combined moans echo out into the small cottage, the fire burning alongside your already blazing bodies, intensifying the raw and intimate moment.

Suddenly you know what you’d been longing for all this time, what had been missing in your otherwise mundane but joyful life. Delivering jams wasn’t enough, the warm smiles only eased the loneliness in your heart to an extent. No, this, this was what you needed. Another warm body against yours, someone to devote yourself entirely to, someone who acted without expecting anything in return. You would like to think of Beomgyu that way, even though you know you probably shouldn’t.

“Fuck, you’re so perfect- I..” Beomgyu cuts himself off as he pulls back from the heated kiss. Sweat slides down his forehead and you lean in to press a small peck between his furrowed brows. His jaw slacks as he lets ragged breaths pass his parted lips, his hips jerking up to meet yours. — Large hands slide down the sides of your trembling thighs, running over the curve of your ass as he squeezes the soft flesh there.

“D-Don’t know how much longer…I’m..” You stumble over your words, foreheads pressed against one another as small wordless sounds of pleasure rips from your throat. Beomgyu hums, his fingers creeping up your spine, dark gaze trained to your tits, catching the way your perky nipples strained against the cotton of your blouse. — “Fucking perfect.” He grunts, repeating himself over and over, enjoying the way it sounded on his tongue.

His thumb presses against your clit, rubbing it in gentle motions. The action makes your teeth latch onto your bottom lip as tears prickle in the corner of your eyes. With a small cry you feel your orgasm course through you, your cunt desperately clenching around his cock, pulling a string of curses from Beomgyu as his head tips back, exposing his flushed neck and bobbing adam's apple.

The peach cream is warm as it sputters from his twitching cock, spreading throughout your belly when he finishes inside of you. It’s unexplainable, the closeness, the intertwinement, you feel almost bound to him in that moment. — His body feels electrifying against yours, the soft fuzz tickling you when he pulls you to his heaving chest.

It feels idyllic, being so close to him. He doesn’t feel at all like the Beomgyu you had acquainted yourself with. This feels raw, it feels real. The weeks you’d spent carefully peeling the layers back had led you here, a place in which you never would’ve even considered finding yourself in. — And when you peer up at him, you find it hard to ever look away. He looks dazed, half a smirk plastered onto his face as his arms tighten around you.

You did not know if this had been a mistake or not, you did not know if you would come to regret this the following day. But right now it felt just right, just perfect. — You wish to stay like this, if just a moment longer.

⸝⸝

You found that Beomgyu liked to sleep in.

As usual, you had woken along with the sun, rising as the first rays cast upon you. Stretching out with a small yawn, you freeze when your feet hit something hard. Cracking a groggy eye open, you find your toes stubbed against the armrest of a peachy couch. Shaking your head as you blink the sleep away, you glance around. — You were in Beomgyu’s living room.

Your gaze falls on the fire, it had since long died out, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake. Then onto the discarded basket, tipped over on the floor a few paces away. And then to your bright and orange coat, thrown on the cream colored carpet. — At last, you settle on him. Beomgyu lays sprawled out on the sofa, taking up the vast majority of it as he forces you into a compromised position somewhere between its backrest and him.

With a small grunt you ease yourself into a sitting slouch, steadying yourself with a hand on his naked chest. The pink flush had gone down, and he no longer looked as if he were on fire. In fact, he looked almost peaceful like this. Blissfully asleep as he takes slow and steady breaths through his slightly parted lips. His eyes move behind closed eyelids, lashes fluttering, as his nose scrunches.

You reach out before you can even stop yourself, fingers carefully carding through his dark hair. Memories of your previous night together flash before you, replaying themselves in crisp clear quality. You remember his warm hands on you, his fuzzy skin against yours, his lips, the way he tasted, the way he made you feel. — Your body tingles all over at the mere thought.

Mindlessly your hands wander, not stopping until they reach a peculiar little mark on his ribcage. At first glance, it looked nothing out of the ordinary, and you would have probably brushed it off as a birthmark, had it not been for the way Beomgyu flinched when you pressed against it. — He groans, rolling over on his side, now facing you as his arm wraps around your waist, pulling you to him as his face nuzzles against your stomach.

“Too early..” He complains, his voice muffled and laced with sleep as his hands clumsily grab at your hips. Pursing your lips, you reach for the mark once more, pressing the tips of your fingers against it. Beomgyu groans as he attempts to swat your hand away, persistently ignoring your advances until you finally speak up. — “What’s that?”

“Hm?” He raises his head, blinking against the bright sun before his attention shifts to where you’re pointing at. A small scoff passes his lips, his expression morphing into one of recognition and distaste, like you’d just reminded him of something he’d been trying to forget. — “It’s nothing”, he grunts, heaving himself into a sitting position as he stretches. Your eyes trail his figure with far less shame than you would’ve liked to admit. But as they do, you encounter several marks of the same kind.

“Beomgyu, there’s one here too”, you point to the reddish hue on his forearm. How had you not noticed these yesterday? Then again… Your cheeks flush as you recall the events of last night, quickly shaking your head as you try to rid yourself of such thoughts. — Beomgyu huffs, waving a dismissing hand your way as he tries to brush the topic off. “Don’t they hurt?” You quire, pushing the conversation further.

Beomgyu sighs, running a sleepy hand through his disheveled and dark hair. “Yeah, sure”, he mutters but doesn’t seem too bothered by the admission. — “Had them for as long as I can remember”, he then adds with a small shrug, “something about peaches bruising easily.”

You don’t question him on the topic again, he didn’t seem keen on talking about it. And you respected that. Yet you couldn’t help but get lost in thought as your mind pictured the dark spots. Were Kai’s words true? Had Beomgyu himself began rotting?

⸝⸝

You visit Beomgyu the next day, and the day after that, and even the one to come. He doesn't question your sudden appearances. And you no longer have to wait outside his shut front door, for he opens it right away, even if he lets you inside with nothing but a short nod or a small grunt.

The two of you don’t do much. You drink tea, sometimes you eat biscuits with the jam you brought. Other times he allows you to scour his crowded bookshelves, you use him as your own library, picking a book and returning with it a few days later. — Beomgyu will often sit on the couch, you by the warm fireplace as you ramble on about the book, sharing your thoughts excitedly. Often it felt as if you were conversing with yourself, but you knew that he was listening. You could tell by the way his lip twitched, or the way he rolled his thumbs over one another.

Neither of you bring up that night, the night where you had.. It’s buried, buried beneath the small talk. Buried beneath the tea and the biscuits, beneath the silence of just enjoying each other’s presence. — Beomgyu never tells you to leave, but you do so anyway. And though your heart yearned to spend another night in his house, you were not so sure that it was a good idea. You had yet to tell anyone about it, not even Blueberry Kai knew. The secret burdened you, in a way.

Beomgyu never mentioned the bruises again, so you didn’t either. Sometimes you would catch a glimpse of them, when his shirt slid up as he reached for a book on the top shelf, or when he rolled his sleeves up to do the dishes. If he ever caught you staring, he’d make sure to cover himself again. The sight pained you, and you wished there was something you could do. Anything.

When you weren’t at his house, you spent your days researching, as silly as it might sound. In the short span of a week, you had learned everything there was to know about peaches. From their soft and fuzzy outsides to their pink and creamy insides. You read about growing peaches, about harvesting peaches, you read about which seasons they thrive in and which they don’t. — Safe to say you confidently called yourself an expert.

Yet there was one peach you couldn’t quite seem to figure out.

Beomgyu was nothing like the peaches in the books, with the exception of the soft fuzz that coated him and the pink flush of his cheeks whenever he got flustered. And as the night drags on, your tired eyes follow along the written liens on the page before you in a lazy manner. With your head propped on your hand, you stifle yet another yawn as you blink the sleep away.

No, this wouldn’t do. All answers were not in books, and certainly not answers about Beomgyu. With the quick shake of your head, you slam said book shut, and with newfound determination you rise to your feet. — If you couldn’t ask him about it, then you would simply have to work with what you’ve got; and that was a whole bunch of newfound knowledge on peaches.

⸝⸝

The next morning you leave home before the birds wake. With nothing but a short blink of sleep but energy to feed an army, you march down the cobbled road. You don’t have to look for the small pathway that leads off the main street anymore, your feet take you there on your own, allowing your thoughts to wander as you dwell into the thick forest.

Beomgyu’s familiar house makes your chest swell, and your pace quickens as you approach. — The knocks you deliver to his door are sharp, demanding and slightly impatient. With the small click of your tongue, you glance around the silent woods, tapping your foot restlessly against the old porch. A minute or so later, the door glides open, and you’re met with a freshly woken peach.

“Do you know what time it is?” Beomgyu retorts, though his voice lacks its usual bite, he’d stopped using that with you. “It’s almost seven”, you chirp as you brush past him and into his homely living room, having already made yourself more than comfortable within his house. Beomgyu’s protesting groan becomes a faint background noise as you settle the heavy basket you were carrying onto his dining table.

It’s just now that he seems to notice it, his eyes scouring the items stacked inside, neatly concealed with a plaid blanket. — “What’s the meaning of this?” He mutters as he nears you, his chest brushing against your back as he reaches past you to peel the blanket off. You freeze, swallowing a small gulp as you blink a couple of times. Beomgyu had started doing that.. Being so close, you mean. It was as if the matter of personal space didn’t occur in his mind. Not that you minded, however it reminded you of your night together, and that was something you did mind.

“Peaches..!” You chime, trying your hardest not to let on to your flustered state. Beomgyu, on the other hand, goes silent behind you. His warm breaths are slow and steady against the back of your neck as his fingers fiddle with the handle of the basket. “What for?” He asks, his voice gruff and unreadable.

Hesitantly, you reach for one of the smaller bags, holding it up as you show him the tiny seeds inside. “They’re not peaches yet..” You murmur, and you’re thankful that he can’t see your face as it twists in embarrassment. — “I thought we could plant them together”, the proposal comes out a mere whisper, the words getting caught in your throat as you avoid glancing behind you to get his reaction.

Another eerie silence follows.

It drags on for nearly a whole minute before Beomgyu finally shifts behind you. “No.” He firmly states, the abrupt refusal washing over you like a bucket of ice cold water. This time you can’t hold yourself back from twisting on the spot, coming face to face with him. — “Why not?” You press, your brows furrowing as you grip the small bag of seeds.

Beomgyu leans forward, restricting the already confined space between the two of you. The back of your thighs press against the dining table, and you find yourself leaning backward when his nose nudges against your own. — “Because I don’t like peaches.” His expression is painted with distaste, as if the word itself spread a bitter taste on his tongue. However, you refused to back down, and with a small huff you shook your head; shoving him back as you grab the basket and head for the smaller door that leads out into his garden.

The fresh morning air is soothing against your burning skin, still tingling where his warm breath had caressed. You take in a deep breath, savoring the cool air as it slips down into your lungs. As you do, you survey the garden. While it wasn’t in horrible condition, it looked like it had been left unattended for the greater part of its existence. Yet you march forward, finding a nice open patch of grass as you sink to your knees.

You rummage through the basket in search of the small shovels you’d brought. Then comes the process of tearing up the ground beneath you. It’s a tedious process, but one that you find to quite enjoy. A familiar sensation of calm and peace washes over you as you work just like you would in your own garden; shoveling the soil into a pile next to you.

The sun is warm against your back as you work, yet its rays don't quite seem to reach the lonesome cottage, for the dark forest surrounding you shuts it out. — Wiping the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand, you find yourself completely engrossed in the task at hand. Much so that the sound of the door being opened and closed passes you by unnoticed.

Beomgyu’s steps are heavy as he slowly approaches your hunched over form. You feel his presence before you see it. The way his gaze tears holes through the back of your neck, dark and piercing eyes locked on your every move. He stops a pace away, maintaining a safe distance, as if the seed itself were to jump up and swallow him whole.

It’s quiet, neither of you saying anything as you let the tense air speak for itself. You can feel him watching you as you shovel more dirt, having made a decent depth to the hole. Briefly, you consider the fact that this might’ve been a mistake, that you had overstepped once and for all, and that this time, he wasn’t just going to brush it off as insistence. — When you reach for the bag of seeds, he suddenly speaks up:

“Why are you doing this?”

You hadn't expected him to ask that. Quite frankly you had expected him to drag you away. To shut his door in your face and tell you to never come back. His question makes you waver, fingers hovering above the opening section of the little bag as you freeze mid-action. Why were you doing this? To say pity felt derogatory, for you didn’t think Beomgyu longed for pity, if anything he repelled it. So what was it?

“Friendship”, you finally say, your hands resuming their work as you shake a few seeds out onto your open palm. “It’s what friends do”, you add as you turn to peer up at him. It was hard to make out his expression, the sun behind him momentarily blinding you. But his scoff is loud and clear, and you catch the way his fingers twitch as he resists the urge to clench them into fists.

He mutters something under his breath, the words inaudible to your ears. Then he crouches down next to you, the action taking you by surprise. A small, almost unnoticeable smirk is tugged across his lips, it's a strange look on him, one you don’t think you’d ever seen. — “Friendship?” He echoes as he glances toward the bag in your hand. You nod, rolling the seeds on the flat of your palm, “Are we not friends?”

Beomgyu pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, his gaze trained on something beyond your line of sight as he peers out and ahead. “I don’t know..”, he murmurs, his eyes briefly dropping to his own hands, splayed out in front of him. — “I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend.” The admission is followed by the soft flush of his neck and cheeks, the light pink radiating on his skin.

His words make your chest tighten, the corners of your lips falling as your face drops. Never had a friend? You’d always assumed that Peach Beomgyu liked it better that way. Perhaps not, perhaps he was just as lonely as he looked right now. — Placing the bag of seeds down, you reach over, clasping his hand in yours. The small seeds linger within your intertwined palms, enveloped in the warmth simmering between you.

Beomgyu’s brow twitches, his dark eyes lifting as they lock with yours, a silent question lingering within them. — “I can be your first friend”, you smile, even though your stomach is fluttering with nerves. He looks slightly taken aback, like he hadn’t expected for those to be the words to come out of your mouth. His lips part, only for him to close them soon again, silently nodding.

Your heart was practically ablaze.

Only when his hand squeezes around yours do you seem to remember yourself as you shake your head. “Right”, you say as you point to the little hole you had dug, “Let’s plant these!” — Beomgyu seems hesitant at first, his eyes flickering between your intertwined fingers and the soil patch. Still, he reluctantly gives in as he lets you guide your joint hands toward the hole.

You make sure to gently pat the little seeds in, taking a moment to lean back and admire them before motioning for Beomgyu to cover them with dirt. He complies, gingerly scooping some into his palms as he covers the hole back up. Together you flatten it out, your hands bumping into one another as you do. It’s impossible to ignore the way his fingers flare up in pink whenever they touch yours, and you smile at the discovery.

When you’re finally done, you lean back up, placing your hands on your knees as you regard the small patch with pursed lips. “Now we wait”, you huff, realizing that even with the help of Beomgyu it would take a good couple of months before these were even close to being done. To wait and for so long for something was awfully boring.

With a reclined sigh, you begin collecting the tools you’d used, shoving them back into the basket. Beomgyu had gone awfully quiet next to you, quiet even for him. You pay it no mind, far too busy with re-organizing yourself. It’s not until his warm fingers suddenly grasp your chin, his touch feathery light yet scorching hot, that you react.

Your wide eyes barely manage to meet his upon turning your head before his lips press against yours. The sudden kiss takes you by surprise and you blink a couple of times before allowing your shocked eyes to fall shut. — It didn’t feel like it had that night, this was slow, timid almost, and Beomgyu was far more hesitant this time around as his hand went to your waist. It was cute, you thought.

And when he finally pulls back, there’s a warm pink covering the entirety of his face as he clears his throat into his closed fist. “Do..” He begins, quickly trailing off as he avoids your gaze. “I mean, is that something friends do?” — You frown, mouth opening and closing as you think of an answer.

“I don’t…I don’t think so. I think it’s something that more-than-friends do…”, you shyly admit, watching as the color that had just begun fading off of his face resurfaced once more. — Beomgyu grunts, shaking his head once, as if banishing the embarrassment from his mind, his dark hair falling in uneven sections in front of his eyes. “Then..”, he puts on a more stoic expression but you catch the nervous fidget of his fingers as they play with a strand of grass, “Then I want to be ‘more-than-friends’ with you.” — “If…If that’s okay?” He quickly adds, his face falling for a brief moment.

You can only nod, a grin stretching across your lips so wide that the corners of your mouth hurt. “I would like that very much.” — Beomgyu exhales a heavy sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping slightly as he peers at you through dark strands of hair. You awkwardly clear your throat, feeling your own face heat up at the request you were about to make:

“Can you…do that again? The kiss I mean..”

He chuckles, and you think it was the first time you ever heard him even remotely laugh. — “Without a doubt.”

⸝⸝

Things became different with Beomgyu after that. But it was a good different. It was different because he had started coming to you. — It had shocked you at first, when he’d knocked on your door, and you had opened it, expecting anyone but him. Even more so when he’d willingly accompanied you into town. Though he didn’t say much, he still followed along as you browsed the different stands, humming a quiet yes to whatever you found interesting.

People cast glances your way, but he didn’t seem to care for them. And neither did you, for the warm feeling of your hand in his washed away any other thoughts. — He even met Blueberry Kai once, though their first meeting was stiff and beyond tense, you couldn’t help the way your chest swelled at the accomplishment.

Beomgyu was polite, at least when he wanted to be. He stopped to hold the door for others, picked up a lost purse and returned it to its owner, and he carried your basket when it became too heavy. After a while he started accompanying you when you went out to deliver jams, and the faces of others as they opened the door soon grew from shock to recognition as Beomgyu slowly made his way back into society.

Still, you preferred to spend quiet and lazy days at his house. Away from everyone else, just the two of you, basked in a different kind of tranquility. Sharing soft kisses on the couch, long mornings in bed, reading out in the garden, and having tea in the kitchen. — It was a simple life, a life that had been right under your nose all along.

And the peaches soon bloomed, much to everyone’s surprise. The first ripe fruits, hanging off the tree, pink and plump. Beomgyu watches as you reach for one, plucking it from its branch as you turn it in your hands. — “Perfect, no?” You say as you let your fingers glide over the familiar fuzz covering the fruit.

Beomgyu hums as he, too, reaches for one. The shirt he wore rides up his stomach, exposing his flushed skin to you. But there were no bruises this time, they had faded months ago. And none of you questioned it, though you were certain you knew why. — Beomgyu brings the peach to his nose, inhaling its sweet scent as his eyes flutter. A small smile splayed across his face, that was also something different.

Your gaze lingers on his frame just a moment longer, fixated on the dark hair on top of his head. Only… It wasn’t dark, not anymore. — You reach up to card your hand through his soft locks, fingers catching one a strand by the very top. You run it between your thumb and index finger, its peachy color glowing under the sun.

To think that a little bit of love was all someone like him needed to bloom.

It was a funny thought indeed.

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#txt #tomorrow x together #beomgyu #txt smut

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