#Trying to perfectly match the style of the game is a pain

[cherryblossomangelle]

WIP of a Sakuya redesign from that Marie Antoinette play hehe

[estellan0vella]

Secret Loser: H.JS Han Jisung x fem!reader (College AU)

WC: 19.4K

CW: Mention of body piercings, specifically a Prince Albert, Sexual References (No Smut), Minlix romance, side romances, OOC Jisung, tatted-up Jisung (a warning of it's own)

General Masterlist SKZ Masterlist

The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as the Alpha Phi boys lounge around a picnic table at Wolmi Myland, a theme park in Incheon. The air is warm and sticky with the scent of hot dogs, popcorn, and fried food. They’re all wearing ridiculous novelty sunglasses. Each pair is more absurd than the last.

Jisung, ever the dramatic one, wears a pair of neon-pink guitar-shaped sunglasses that are so large they almost obscure his face entirely. He’s sitting back in his chair, arms crossed, looking unbothered, but there’s a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Fuck, I can barely see with these things on,” Changbin mutters, adjusting his own aviator-style glasses that have a flame design on the sides. He’s half-dressed in football team merch, the oversized T-shirt swallowing his frame. He shovels a handful of fries into his mouth and looks over at Minho, who's sitting opposite him, winking at Felix.

Felix, whose blonde hair is messy from the humidity, but still perfectly styled, glances up at Minho, his face turning a shade of pink that clashes with the neon orange of his oversized bunny sunglasses.

“Stop fucking staring, Minho,” Felix says, his voice crackling with a nervous laugh.

Minho leans in a little closer, his eyes dancing with mischief, the black, pink, and blue streaks in his hair matching the colour scheme of his mirrored sunglasses. “What, you can’t handle it, Felix? You look cute when you’re embarrassed, you know that?”

Felix’s cheeks go from pink to red, and he stutters, an adorable mess. “I-I don’t- What the hell are you talking about?” He tries to redirect his attention to his phone, scrolling through the latest Instagram posts from Kappa Tau, but Minho’s not letting him off the hook that easy.

“Come on, stop pretending you’re not into it,” Minho teases, his voice low and warm, a playful edge to every syllable. He gives Felix a slow, deliberate wink, and the heat on Felix’s face only deepens.

“You’re such a pain in the ass,” Felix mutters, trying to avoid looking at him directly. His fingers fumble with the straw in his drink. He’s trying, really trying, not to be flustered, but Minho’s making it impossible.

“You’re so cute when you blush,” Minho continues, giving Felix a lazy, flirtatious grin. “Honestly, I’m surprised I haven’t kissed you yet, Felix. What’s the hold up?”

Felix sputters, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Y-You- What? No, shut up.” His hands shake as he brings his drink to his lips, but instead of sipping, he accidentally splashes some soda on his chin.

“Smooth,” Jisung chimes in, his guitar-shaped sunglasses reflecting the twilight. “You know, Felix, I never thought I'd see you as the type to blush like a virgin in church, but here we are.” He leans back, chuckling to himself.

Changbin snorts. “Fucking right. I thought you had game, man.” He gives Felix a playful shove, the fries he’s holding spilling everywhere. “Guess not, huh?”

Felix looks at him, aghast. “I have fucking game. You’re just all assholes.”

“Sure, sure,” Changbin grins. “Just admit Minho’s got you weak in the knees, bro.”

“Fuck off, Changbin,” Felix snaps, but his eyes dart to Minho, and for a split second, he looks like he’s about to give in. But he quickly turns away, reaching for a bag of chips to hide his flustered expression.

“Yikes, dude, you really are a mess,” Seungmin says, popping a chip into his mouth with an exaggerated crunch. He’s got the worst luck, though. While everyone else is sporting absurdly oversized sunglasses, Seungmin’s sporting a pair of dick-shaped sunglasses.

“Are you fucking serious right now?” Minho asks, bursting into laughter. “Dude, you literally lost the rock-paper-scissors tournament and this is the price you pay? Fucking dick glasses?”

Seungmin, ever the good sport, grins. “Yeah, I look fucking amazing, don’t I?” He leans back, letting the ridiculousness of it all sink in. “The ladies love it.”

“Right,” Changbin snickers. “Yeah, you’re gonna get so much ass with those, Seungmin.”

“Can’t wait to get those numbers,” Seungmin quips back, tossing a handful of fries at Changbin. “I’ll be swimming in pussy.”

“Fuck off, man,” Jisung laughs, his voice vibrating with amusement. He lets out a dramatic sigh. “You guys are all a bunch of idiots.”

“Hey,” Hyunjin says from the other end of the table, adjusting his longish black hair and flicking his sunglasses to the side. “Can we focus for a second? I still can’t believe we’re all stuck here because of that stupid game of gawi bawi bo. What the fuck, we’re Alpha Phi, not a fucking daycare.”

“It’s the fucking principle of the matter, man,” Jisung protests, rolling up his black button-up sleeves to reveal his inked arms. His scorpion tattoo winks at anyone brave enough to look too closely. “Seungmin lost, he wears the dick glasses. End of story.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hyunjin mutters, pulling a hot dog from the wrapper. “But we could be, I don’t know, doing something cool right now. Instead, we’re all sitting around here in dumb glasses, eating shit food.”

Felix’s lips quirk into a grin as he takes another sip from his drink. “We’re doing what we do best. Acting like idiots.”

“Fuck yeah,” Changbin agrees, tossing a fry into the air and catching it in his mouth with impressive skill. “But it’s not even that bad. I’m pretty sure we’re the only ones in this park with a crew as fucking good-looking as us. Right, Jeongin?”

Jeongin, who had been sitting silently, nods enthusiastically, flashing a wide grin. His black hair falls into his eyes as he tilts his head to look at them. “I mean, we’re pretty fucking hot. No one stands a chance.”

“You’re right,” Minho chimes in with a smirk. “But still, Felix here can’t handle it when I flirt with him. It’s like he turns into a fucking tomato.”

“Shut the hell up, Minho,” Felix mutters, reaching for his fries to avoid making eye contact.

The whole group bursts into laughter, the sound of their voices cutting through the fading sunlight. There’s something about their energy, the way they mess with each other without any real malice behind it, that makes it hard to tell if they’re just friends or if there’s something more simmering beneath the surface. The way Minho looks at Felix, the way Felix reacts, says a lot more than they’re willing to admit.

But for now, all they care about is the joke, the laughter, and the warm summer night ahead. The rest can wait.

The bustling energy of Wolmi Myland crescendos as the disco pang pang ride spins in vivid neon, flashing lights reflecting off the polished metal of its circular platform. Jisung smirks, tugging at his silver chains as he steps forward, his black button-up fluttering slightly in the sea breeze. “Alright, let’s do this,” he says, his confidence unmistakable as he adjusts the sleeves of his shirt, tattoos coiling down his arms catching the light.

“God, I hope you puke,” Changbin mutters from the sidelines, leaning against the railing with a half-empty soda in one hand. Beside him, Chan lets out a loud laugh.

“Bold of you to assume Jisung has anything left in his stomach,” Chan retorts.

“Fuck you, guys,” Jisung calls back without turning around, flipping them the bird over his shoulder. “You’re just jealous you’re not man enough for this ride.”

“Man enough?” Seungmin repeats, adjusting the ridiculous dick-shaped sunglasses still perched on his nose. “Bro, you’re the one who screamed on the log flume like it was a fucking horror movie.”

“THERE WAS WATER IN MY EYE,” Jisung shouts dramatically, throwing his arms in the air. Hyunjin doubles over laughing, his black hair nearly obscuring his face.

“Sure there was, drama queen,” Hyunjin teases. “Come on, let’s do this before Felix changes his mind.”

“I’m not changing my mind!” Felix protests, his voice indignant. His usual confidence wavers slightly under Minho’s amused smirk. “It’s just a ride, right? No big deal.”

“Right,” Minho says smoothly, patting Felix on the back. “And if you scream, I’ll still think you’re cute.”

Felix flushes deep red, stammering, “I- Shut up, Minho!”

They climb onto the ride, the four of them sliding into seats along the circular edge, gripping the bar behind them for balance. The operator, a middle-aged man with a mischievous grin, grabs the microphone and leans into it. “Welcome to disco pang pang! You ready to scream?”

The crowd cheers, and the speakers crackle again. “Alright, let’s start with a question: who’s single?”

Hyunjin, Felix, Minho, and Jisung raise their hands without hesitation, drawing immediate hoots and whistles from the onlookers.

Across the platform, your friend Jennie snickers and grabs your hand, thrusting it into the air. “Y/N’s single too!” she calls out, her Snow White outfit glittering under the lights.

Lisa, dressed as Cinderella, grabs Rose’s hand and does the same. “Rose is single too!”

The operator laughs, the mic amplifying his voice. “Alright, looks like we’ve got options. You four guys. Who’s best suited for Sleeping Beauty over there?” He points directly at you, your pink outfit shimmering under the ride’s lights.

Minho, Hyunjin, and Felix immediately point at Jisung, who raises an eyebrow and smirks, tilting his head. “Guess it’s unanimous,” he quips.

Minho holds up his hands. “We’re gay. No girls for us.”

Felix nods, backing him up. “None. At all.”

The operator chuckles. “Fair enough. What about Elsa, then?” He gestures toward Rose, her platinum-blonde wig catching the light.

“I’ll take that one,” Hyunjin says confidently, raising his hand with a grin.

“Alright, let’s spin!” The operator starts the ride with a sudden jolt, and the platform lurches into motion.

The ride spins and bounces, the centrifugal force sending everyone sliding against the edges, laughter and shouts filling the air. You grip the bar behind you tightly, but the ride jerks again, and suddenly your grip slips.

“Shit!” you exclaim, sliding uncontrollably toward the middle.

Jisung notices instantly, his dark eyes locking onto you as you skid along the platform. “Oh, fuck,” he mutters, reaching out instinctively with one hand while keeping the other firmly on the bar.

Minho, Hyunjin, and Felix all stretch out their hands to help too, but Jisung’s reflexes are faster. His fingers close around your wrist, and he yanks you up onto your feet just as the ride jolts again.

The force sends you sprawling. Straight into Jisung’s lap.

“Holy shit,” Jisung mutters, one arm wrapping around your waist instinctively to keep you steady. The scorpion tattoo on his neck is close enough to brush against your temple, his breath warm against your ear. “You good?”

“Yeah,” you reply calmly, despite the chaos. Your voice is soft, unfazed, as if crashing into a stranger’s lap is just another day at the amusement park.

The operator’s voice booms over the speakers, laughter in his tone. “Hold the pretty girl, Romeo!”

Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rose dissolve into howls of laughter from their seats. “Oh my god, Y/N!” Jennie screams. “You’re fucking killing me!”

The ride jerks again, and you slip slightly, but Jisung’s grip tightens, one hand still braced on the bar. “I got you,” he says smoothly, his flirty smirk returning. “Guess you’re stuck with me now.”

Minho, Felix, and Hyunjin are practically crying with laughter. “Hold her tight, Romeo!” Minho repeats through his cackling.

Felix wipes tears from his eyes. “This is fucking gold.”

The ride jerks and spins, the platform hurtling through the air with each twist, each violent lurch making Jisung grip the bar tighter. He’s barely aware of the ride itself anymore; all his focus is on you. How you’re pressed against him, your body bouncing in his lap with every sudden movement. Every jolt sends another wave of heat through him, but he has to fight it.

"Fuck," Jisung mutters under his breath, trying to keep his composure. His arm, locked securely around your waist, pulls you closer each time the ride moves. His other hand is wrapped around the bar, knuckles white from the strain of holding on. He’s trying so hard not to let his body betray him.

Your pink dress shifts with each bounce, and Jisung can feel the fabric sliding against his leg as you move in his lap. His teeth dig into his lower lip, and his mind goes to desperate places. Thinking about his grandma, his fucking grandma, just to keep things in check.

"Hold the bar, Romeo!" the operator calls out, his voice booming through the speakers, and Jisung does just that, holding on for dear life, trying not to think about how soft you feel against him, how your warmth makes his pulse quicken.

You don’t seem to be bothered by the closeness at all. Your face, calm and composed, doesn’t show any sign of embarrassment, even as you slide up and down in his lap with every turn of the ride. You’re so fucking graceful, even in the chaos, and Jisung can’t help but admire it, hell, he’s pretty sure he's never been this close to a girl, and yet he doesn't feel like you're awkward or uncomfortable.

And fuck, you’re beautiful.

Just when Jisung thinks he’s going to lose his mind from the pressure of holding you so close, the ride jerks again, and this time, it’s more intense than before. The entire group of riders is thrown in every direction, and with one final violent lurch, Jisung and you are sent crashing to the floor of the ride.

"Shit!" Jisung grunts, barely keeping you from slamming face-first into the ground. But he can’t hold on, and you both end up sprawled on the floor, laughing despite the awkwardness of the situation.

Over in another corner, Minho and Felix aren’t faring much better. The ride has whipped them into a tangle of limbs, and for a moment, it looks like they’re trying to sort out who’s on top of who. Minho’s face is flushed, and Felix is doing everything he can to avoid making eye contact, his cheeks bright red as he tries to push himself up from the floor.

“Fucking hell,” Minho mutters, grinning at Felix’s red face as he struggles to get up. “You’re such a mess, Felix.”

“I- Shut up!” Felix huffs, pushing Minho off of him, his face an even deeper shade of pink now. He’s trying not to make eye contact with anyone, but the whole ride is practically howling with laughter at the scene.

"Fucking drama queens," Hyunjin laughs, his voice cutting through the noise. He’s sitting upright with a shit-eating grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

“Fucking hell, I’m never riding this shit again,” Felix mutters under his breath, pushing himself to his feet, but he can’t stop the wide smile creeping across his face.

“God, you’re cute when you’re embarrassed, Felix,” Minho teases again, his voice smooth, playful, and just a little too suggestive.

“Fuck you, Minho,” Felix responds, but it’s not harsh. More like an endearing complaint.

Meanwhile, Jisung and you are still trying to right yourselves, laughing as you both get to your feet.

"Fuck," Jisung says with a grin, giving you a quick glance. “That was a hell of a ride, huh?”

You blink at him silently, but the look in your eyes is enough to make Jisung’s grin widen. He’s about to say something else when the operator hits another switch, jerking the ride once again, this time sending you sliding back toward your friends, who are standing at the edge of the platform watching the chaos unfold.

But in a desperate attempt to keep her balance, you grab hold of Rose, your best friend, yanking her toward you for support.

“Ah!” Rose squeals, stumbling backwards. “What the hell, Y/N?” She tries to pull away, but it’s too late, she’s already tumbling, and in the blink of an eye, she’s crashing straight into Hyunjin.

“Whoa!” Hyunjin grins, his eyes sparkling as he catches Rose effortlessly in his arms. “Well, hello there, Elsa.”

Rose’s face is completely blank for a moment, her eyes wide and unblinking. She’s staring at Hyunjin like she’s seen a ghost, or, more likely, the most beautiful guy she’s ever seen in her life.

“Uh, hi,” Rose finally breathes, her voice soft, almost a whisper.

Hyunjin looks down at her, amused, and flashes a charming grin. “Did you enjoy the ride, Elsa?”

Rose, still dazed, can’t seem to get her words straight. “I- I... what?” Her voice is almost too quiet, like she's too stunned to respond properly. Hyunjin’s presence is doing something to her, something that has her blushing like a schoolgirl.

The other riders are howling with laughter, and the onlookers, who’ve gathered near the ride, are absolutely losing their shit at the sight of the tangled mess of limbs. Some of them are even filming, clearly thinking this will be some viral gold.

"You guys are a fucking mess," Jisung chuckles, eyes still focused on you as you try to regain your balance, laughing with your friends. “But seriously, Y/N, you okay?”

You nod, giving him a small smile, and Jisung can’t help but feel like his heart might just burst from the simple way you look at him. Calm, serene, unbothered by the chaos around you. He wishes he could just reach out and hold you, but the ride’s still going, and the operator’s having too much fun with his matchmaking antics.

“Hold tight, Romeo!” the operator shouts again, as if he can sense the tension in the air, the way Jisung is still holding onto the bar with one hand, his other arm around your waist, trying not to make things worse.

Jisung doesn't care anymore. He pulls you a little closer, his grip tightening slightly as the ride spins once more. He holds you like you belong in his arms, and he’s not about to let go anytime soon.

The laughter from the other riders continues, but for Jisung, everything seems to quiet down except for the rhythm of your breath, the steady beat of his heart, and the way you’ve become the centre of his world, even if just for this one insane moment.

And fuck, he doesn’t want it to end.

The boys regroup by a nearby bench under the flickering lights of the boardwalk, the salty ocean air mixing with the sweetness of funnel cakes and fried snacks. Jisung, Felix, Hyunjin, and Minho look like they’ve just survived a small war, their hair tousled, shirts rumpled, and faces still flushed from the chaos of the ride.

“How you all feeling?” Chan asks, grinning as he leans back against the bench, arms crossed. His blue hair catches the light, giving him an almost ethereal glow.

“Me and Minho got real up close and personal,” Felix says, dragging a hand through his blonde hair, his freckled cheeks pinker than usual.

Minho doesn’t miss a beat, wiggling his eyebrows with a shit-eating grin. “Didn’t know you were so flexible, Lix.”

Felix groans, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrays him. “You’re such an asshole.”

Changbin snorts, sipping from a soda cup. “You two should just fuck already. The tension’s killing the rest of us.”

Felix sputters, his face going beet red, but Minho only smirks wider, clearly enjoying the teasing. “What can I say? I’ve got that effect on people.”

Seungmin pushes his ridiculous sunglasses up his nose and deadpans, “Your effect is that you’re unbearable.”

“Love you too, Minnie,” Minho quips, blowing him a kiss.

Jisung, leaning casually against the railing, suddenly grins, his gaze drifting over the boardwalk. “I’m in love.”

Hyunjin, brushing nonexistent lint off his shirt, chimes in with a dreamy sigh. “Same.”

The group collectively turns to look where the two are staring. Across the boardwalk, you and Rose are arm in arm, laughing with Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa as you wait at a stall for alcoholic slushies. Your cherry-red hair gleams under the lights, and your pink dress clings perfectly to your frame as you lean into Rose, whispering something that makes her giggle.

“You’re fucking kidding me,” Jeongin mutters, following their line of sight. “Kappa girls?”

Chan groans, running a hand down his face. “Oh, no. Not Kappa girls. Theta Tau has already laid claim on them. You wanna start a frat brawl?”

Hyunjin shrugs, unbothered, his black hair falling into his eyes. “Theta Tau can suck my dick.”

“Pretty sure they’d need instructions first,” Jisung adds, smirking. His eyes flick back to you, the edges of his mouth curling further. “Besides, they can’t lay claim on people. Sleeping Beauty over there?” He gestures toward you with his chin. “I’m gonna woo the shit out of her.”

Hyunjin raises his hand lazily. “And Elsa? She’s mine.”

Seungmin snickers. “You two are dead men walking.”

“You think I’m scared of those Theta Tau pricks?” Jisung scoffs, pushing off the railing and brushing off his shirt. “They can try all they want. I’ll sweep her off her feet.”

Hyunjin, ever the picture of elegance even in chaos, flips his hair dramatically. “Same goes for Rose. She’s a vision. Theta Tau can’t compete with this.” He gestures to himself with a flourish.

Chan sighs heavily, though his lips twitch with amusement. “You guys are insane. Theta Tau isn’t going to like this.”

“Who gives a fuck what they like?” Minho drawls, his voice dripping with disdain. He pops a fry into his mouth before continuing, “Theta Tau can lick my balls after practice. Everyone knows we’re the better frat anyway.”

Changbin nods in agreement, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Yeah, they’re all talk and no action. Bunch of little bitches.”

“They won’t dare face us in a fight,” Minho continues, crossing his arms. “I say we help our boys land their princesses.”

Chan’s expression shifts, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Then count me in. I’ve had my eye on Jennie Kim for months.”

Seungmin snorts. “This is shaping up to be a disaster.”

“Or a fucking masterpiece,” Jisung counters, his grin wide as he leans against the railing again, his dark eyes fixed on you. You’re sipping your bright pink slush, your laugh carrying across the boardwalk as Jennie clinks her drink against yours. “Either way, Sleeping Beauty’s gonna know my name by the end of the night.”

Hyunjin nudges him playfully. “Just don’t fuck it up.”

“Please,” Jisung replies, tossing his hair back dramatically. “When have I ever fucked up?”

The group exchanges knowing glances, bursting into laughter.

“Shut the fuck up,” Jisung groans, though his grin never wavers. His eyes flick back to you, watching as you and Rose wander off with your group, arm in arm. “Seriously, though. I’m calling it now, she’s gonna be my girlfriend, maybe even my wife.”

The living room of the Alpha Phi frat house is a cacophony of noise and heat, the oppressive summer weather turning the place into a makeshift sauna. Ceiling fans spin lazily overhead, providing little relief as the guys lounge on mismatched couches and beanbags, their laughter echoing off the old wooden walls. The room smells faintly of sweat, soda, and the faint sweetness of Felix’s strawberry tanghulu, the sticky glaze glinting in the sunlight streaming through the large bay windows.

“Alright, assholes,” Jisung calls out, clapping his hands together as he strides into the room. He’s wearing only a pair of black shorts, leaving his heavily tattooed torso fully on display. “Everyone shut the fuck up and pay attention. We’re about to change lives here.”

“By lives, he means his own,” Changbin mutters, lounging in a beanbag chair as he scrolls on his phone. “Or maybe ruin them.”

“Shut up, Binnie,” Hyunjin says, striding in behind Jisung, his laptop tucked under one arm. He looks as immaculate as ever despite the heat, his long black hair pulled back into a loose bun that somehow only adds to his annoyingly perfect features. “You’re going to thank us when this works.”

“If it works,” Jeongin adds from his spot on the couch, raising an eyebrow. He’s fanning himself lazily with a notebook, his legs draped over the armrest.

“It’ll fucking work,” Chan says, entering last with a determined look. His short blue hair is damp from a recent shower, and his sleeveless shirt reveals the toned muscles that only add to his already intimidating presence. “We’ve got a plan.”

“A stupid plan,” Seungmin mutters, adjusting his position in the chair he’s sprawled in. “But whatever. Let’s see it.”

Felix is curled up next to Minho on the couch, his head resting on Minho’s shoulder as he eats his tanghulu one sticky bite at a time. Minho has one arm draped casually around him, and the sight draws a few knowing smirks from the others, though no one comments. Felix doesn’t even bother looking up. “This better be worth it. It’s fucking boiling in here.”

Hyunjin plugs his laptop into the TV, and the screen flashes to life, displaying the opening slide of their PowerPoint: “Mission Princess: How to Woo and Not Fuck It Up.”

“Gentlemen,” Hyunjin begins, standing dramatically in front of the TV. “We have prepared a step-by-step presentation on how to win the hearts of our respective princesses.”

Jisung nods, arms crossed over his chest as he leans against the back of the couch. “That’s right. Last night, we did some cyberstalking- sorry, research- on our ladies. Y/N, Rose, and Jennie. Criminal law students and a forensic science major. They’re smart as hell, and we’re dumb as fuck, so we’ve got some catching up to do.”

Jeongin snorts. “Finally some self-awareness.”

“Shut it, you little shit,” Jisung fires back, flipping him off.

Hyunjin clicks to the next slide, which reads in bold letters: “Step 1: Get to Know Them.” Beneath it are three subsections, each with a ridiculous photoshopped picture of the Alpha Phi members standing in for the women they’re talking about. For Jennie, there’s Chan wearing a wig and holding a coffee cup. For Rose, it’s Hyunjin in a blue cardigan with a fake rose in his hand. And for Y/N, it’s Jisung in a sparkly pink dress and platform boots.

The room bursts into laughter.

“What the fuck is that?” Changbin howls, pointing at the screen. “Jisung, you look like a rejected K-pop trainee.”

“It’s called commitment, bitch,” Jisung replies with a smirk. “Now shut up and let me do my part.”

Hyunjin gestures for him to take the stage. Jisung pushes off the couch and stands in front of the screen, tapping the slide with a finger. “Alright, listen up, assholes. Y/N is a criminal law student. She’s smart as fuck, probably smarter than all of us combined, so don’t even try to bullshit her. She likes romantic poetry and she wears a lot of pink.” He grins, gesturing to his photoshopped picture. “Obviously, she’s got taste.”

“Obviously,” Seungmin mutters under his breath.

“Your turn, Hyunjin,” Jisung says, stepping aside.

Hyunjin clicks to the next subsection and steps forward, gesturing dramatically to the screen. “Rose. Also a criminal law student. She’s into art galleries, which means she has class, unlike some of you heathens.” He shoots a pointed look at Changbin, who flips him off without hesitation. “And she’s from New Zealand. She’s got that accent, you know, the kind that makes everything sound sexy.”

“That explains why you’re so into her,” Felix teases from Minho’s shoulder.

Hyunjin ignores him and motions to Chan. “Take it away.”

Chan clicks to the final subsection, where his own ridiculous photoshopped picture stares back at him. “Jennie,” he begins, his voice serious. “Forensic science major. Wicked smart. In her free time, she releases music. Also drinks coffee like it’s fucking crack, which, same. So, obviously, we’re perfect for each other.”

“Sure you are,” Minho quips, grinning. “And I’m the Pope.”

Chan ignores him and clicks to the next slide, which shows a bullet-pointed plan for the next steps. It’s completely absurd, involving things like “accidentally” running into the girls at their favourite café and “strategically” inviting them to Alpha Phi parties.

“You realize this is fucking insane, right?” Jeongin says, shaking his head as he glances at the screen. “This isn’t a plan. It’s a shitshow waiting to happen.”

“Shut up, Jeongin,” Jisung says, crossing his arms. “This is how legends are made.”

“And how restraining orders are filed,” Seungmin mutters, earning a snicker from Felix.

“Whatever,” Jisung says, ignoring the laughter. “We’re doing this. We’re gonna woo the shit out of these girls. And when we succeed, you’re all gonna eat your words.”

“Or just eat shit,” Changbin adds with a grin.

Jisung’s grin widens. “Either way, it’s gonna be a fucking masterpiece.”

Hyunjin clicks to the next slide and the words “Q&A Section: Don’t Be Dumbasses” flash across the screen in bold neon lettering, surrounded by a ridiculous cartoon of a brain with arms shrugging dramatically. The room erupts into laughter, and Hyunjin raises his hands for quiet.

“Alright, shut up,” he says, trying to sound authoritative but failing as his lips twitch into a grin. “We figured some of you would have questions because, let’s be real, half of you have the romantic instincts of a wet mop.”

Changbin leans back in his beanbag chair, raising his hand lazily. “Yeah, I’ve got one. What the fuck are you gonna do if this whole plan backfires, and they think you’re creepy instead of charming?”

Chan snorts. “First of all, fuck you for your lack of faith, Binnie. Second, it’s all about execution. We’re not just sliding into their lives uninvited. We’re creating opportunities for organic connections.”

“Organic?” Seungmin repeats, raising an eyebrow. “You mean like how stalking their social media last night was ‘organic’?”

Jisung waves a hand dismissively. “That was reconnaissance. Don’t make it weird.”

“It’s already weird,” Jeongin says, snickering. “Anyway, what’s the backup plan if they straight-up reject you?”

“Then we die of heartbreak,” Hyunjin says dramatically, clutching his chest. “But it won’t happen because we’re hot.”

“You’re hot,” Felix mutters, stuffing another piece of tanghulu into his mouth. “Can’t say the same for everyone here.”

“Rude,” Jisung deadpans, gesturing to himself. “Look at me. I’m a fucking work of art.”

“You’re a work of something,” Minho says, smirking. “Anyway, serious question: what if Theta Tau finds out and starts shit? You know they’re territorial as fuck.”

Chan crosses his arms, his expression hardening. “We’re ready for that. In fact...” He gestures to Hyunjin, who clicks to the next slide. The words “Battle Plan for Theta Tau” flash across the screen, accompanied by an overly dramatic image of the Alpha Phi crest.

The entire room bursts into laughter.

“The plan is literally just to beat them up?” Felix asks, pointing at the screen, where the only strategy listed reads: 1. Fight them. 2. Beat them up.

“It’s a classic,” Jisung says, shrugging nonchalantly. “Why complicate things?”

“You do realize this isn’t Game of Thrones, right?” Jeongin asks, rolling his eyes. “You can’t just fight them for dominance.”

“Sure we can,” Changbin says, cracking his knuckles. “They’re all bark and no bite. It’d be over in five minutes.”

“Or it’d escalate into a full-on frat war,” Seungmin mutters, clearly unimpressed. “But hey, whatever keeps you entertained.”

Hyunjin clears his throat. “Let’s focus on the actual goal here, which is wooing our princesses. Any other questions?”

Felix raises his hand, his tone uncharacteristically uncertain. “What happens if, you know, they’re not into it? Like, what if they’re already seeing someone?”

Jisung leans forward, resting his hands on his knees. “Then we play it cool. Back off and respect their boundaries. But that’s not gonna happen because I’m telling you, Sleeping Beauty looked at me like I was her goddamn Prince Charming.”

“You mean she fell into your lap because of a ride,” Jeongin says, grinning.

“Details,” Jisung says, waving him off. “Any other dumbass questions?”

When no one speaks up, Hyunjin clicks to the next slide, which reads: “Pitch Your Ideas” in obnoxiously bright colours. He gestures to the group. “This is your chance to contribute. Any brilliant ideas?”

Minho is the first to speak, leaning back with a lazy smirk. “You could accidentally spill coffee on them and offer to buy them a new one. Classic rom-com move.”

“That’s a shit idea,” Changbin says immediately. “What if they get pissed and throw it back in your face?”

Minho shrugs. “Then at least you’ll smell like coffee.”

Felix perks up. “What about leaving them anonymous notes? Like, romantic ones. Poetry and shit.”

“That’s creepy,” Seungmin says flatly. “They’d think they have a stalker.”

“You mean like what they already are?” Jeongin quips, earning a round of laughter.

“Okay, genius,” Felix says, glaring at Seungmin. “What’s your idea?”

“Don’t have one,” Seungmin replies, smirking. “I’m just here to watch the train wreck.”

Jisung groans, running a hand through his hair. “You’re all useless. From the data gathered, it’s clear none of us are experts in dating women long-term.”

“Felix and I are gay,” Minho says, raising his hand like a student answering a question. “We tried our best.”

Jisung snaps his fingers. “You two could befriend them. Girls love the gays.”

Felix tilts his head, considering this. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”

Minho nods slowly. “Yeah, we could be the friendly middlemen. Butter them up a little.”

“That’s the spirit,” Jisung says, clapping his hands together. “See? Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Hyunjin clicks to the next slide, which features a crudely drawn diagram of a heart surrounded by arrows labelled with absurd strategies like “be charming as fuck,” “don’t trip over your own dick,” and “look hot at all times.”

“This is our roadmap to success,” Hyunjin says, dead serious despite the ridiculousness of the slide. “If we stick to the plan, there’s no way we can fail.”

“No way you can fail,” Seungmin corrects. “The rest of us are just here for moral support.”

“Or to clean up the mess when this goes to shit,” Jeongin adds, grinning.

Chan sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Alright, let’s wrap this up. We’ve got work to do.”

“And princesses to woo,” Jisung adds, his confident grin lighting up the room. Despite the chaos, the fire in his eyes makes it clear he’s all in and nothing’s going to stop him.

The warm glow of Jennie’s room in the Kappa Tau sorority house feels like a cosy bubble away from the chaos of campus life. The soft hum of 90 Day Fiance plays in the background, the ridiculous drama on-screen prompting bursts of laughter from the girls lounging around the room. It smells faintly of vanilla candles, wine, and the comforting sweetness of melting ice cream.

Jennie’s room is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. Fairy lights strung around the walls cast a golden glow over plush rugs and mismatched pillows. Her large hanging swing chair is padded with layers of cushions and blankets, where you and Rose are curled up together. Both of you wear matching pastel pink silk robes, your hair clipped back in messy buns, and snail sheet masks clinging to your faces.

“This is the best idea ever,” Lisa says, her voice muffled through her own mask as she leans against the bed, spooning rocky road ice cream out of the pint. Her long legs are stretched out in front of her, the silky fabric of her light blue robe shimmering under the lights. “Wine, ice cream, and trash TV? Literal heaven.”

“Literal trash too,” Jisoo retorts from her spot on the floor, cross-legged with a glass of rosé in one hand and a pint of mint chocolate chip in the other. She pushes her own robe sleeve, emerald green, up her arm, careful not to spill her wine. “But, I mean, who are we kidding? This show is iconic.”

“You just like watching other people’s relationships implode,” Jennie teases from the bed, lounging with one arm draped over Felix, who is wearing a lavender robe like he’s been part of this group his whole life. Minho is stretched out on the chaise in a black silk robe, one arm resting lazily on the back, smirking as if he too has always belonged in this little sorority circle.

Felix chuckles, his freckles crinkling as he spoons some ice cream into his mouth. “I mean, she’s not wrong. It’s like watching a train wreck you can’t look away from.”

“Speaking of train wrecks,” Minho begins, his grin widening as he sets down his wine glass. “Did you hear about that cheerleader on the squad? Chloe? Apparently, she got caught going down on the gymnastics coach under the bleachers.”

“No fucking way,” Lisa gasps, sitting up straighter and nearly knocking her ice cream over.

“It’s true,” Felix says, nodding with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Word’s all over campus. Someone filmed it. She got suspended, and the coach might lose his job.”

Jennie lets out a low whistle, swirling her wine glass. “How do people even get themselves into situations like that? Like, the bleachers? Really?”

“People are just nasty,” Jisoo says, shaking her head as she takes another spoonful of ice cream. “I mean, couldn’t she wait until she's, I don’t know, not a public fucking place?”

Rose giggles softly from beside you, her head resting lightly against your shoulder. “That’s so wild. I don’t even know how she thought she wouldn’t get caught.”

“Desperate people don’t think straight,” Minho says with a smirk. “Or maybe she just really likes the thrill of getting caught.”

Lisa throws a pillow at him. “You’re gross.”

He dodges it with a laugh. “Hey, just saying. Different strokes for different folks.”

Felix shakes his head, grinning. “You’re the worst, Minho.”

From your spot in the swing chair, you speak up quietly, your voice soft but full of curiosity. “Do you think she regrets it? Or do you think she’s just embarrassed because she got caught?”

The room falls quiet for a moment as everyone processes your question.

“Honestly,” Rose says, her voice gentle, “she’s probably just overwhelmed. I mean, it’s bad enough making a mistake, but having it become a campus-wide scandal must be horrible.”

“That’s so you, Y/N,” Jennie says with a fond smile, leaning back on the bed. “Always finding a way to sympathize with someone. You’re too good for this world.”

Lisa nods. “Yeah, if it were me, I’d be mortified but also probably pissed as hell. Like, why’s everyone so nosy?”

Jisoo shrugs. “Because drama is free entertainment.”

Jennie laughs. “You’re a menace, Jisoo.”

Felix, ever the peacemaker, adds, “Still, she didn’t deserve to have her business put on blast like that. People can be so cruel.”

“True,” Minho says, surprisingly serious for once. “But let’s not act like she didn’t bring at least some of it on herself.”

Jennie raises her wine glass. “Here’s to not giving head under bleachers.”

The group laughs, clinking glasses and pints together in mock celebration.

Rose squeezes your hand gently, a small smile on her face. “You’d never get caught up in something like that,” she says softly. “You’re too smart.”

“Neither would you.”

“Yeah, because you two are fucking angels,” Lisa says, rolling her eyes. “That’s why we have to protect you.”

Jennie nods, her tone teasing but affectionate. “We’re your big sisters. No one’s messing with our sweethearts.”

“Not on our watch,” Jisoo adds, raising her spoon like a weapon.

Minho and Felix exchange a glance, and Minho smirks. “Guess we’re part of the protective circle now, huh?”

Jennie narrows her eyes playfully. “We’ll see. You have to earn it.”

Felix leans into her, fluttering his lashes dramatically. “Have I not earned it already?”

Jennie laughs, ruffling his hair, before she glances at you and Rose curled up in the swing chair. Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “You two ready for your great love stories to kick off?” 

Rose lifts her head from your shoulder, her cheeks pink, though whether it’s from the wine or embarrassment is unclear. “It was just a bit,” she says quickly, though the soft hesitation in her voice betrays her uncertainty.

You nod along, keeping your expression neutral. “Right, just a funny little moment.”

Lisa, sprawled out on the floor with her second pint of ice cream, snorts loudly. “No, no. Those two Alpha Phi boys are into the two of you. Big time. It’s not just a ‘moment,’ babes.”

Rose’s face heats further, and she buries her face in her hands with a groan. “Oh my god, stop.”

Jisoo smirks, her gaze flicking between the two of you like a cat toying with its prey. “They’re not just into you. They’re in love. I’m calling it now.”

Minho, perched on the chaise like he owns the place, raises a hand lazily. “Can confirm.”

Felix, snuggled next to him, nods enthusiastically. “Super interested. Like, they won’t shut up about it.”

Rose sits up straighter, her wide eyes darting to you. Before either of you can respond, Jennie leans forward, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. “Are you two interested? Be honest.”

You and Rose exchange a panicked glance before simultaneously picking up the wine bottle on the nearby table. You tip it slightly, squinting at the label like it holds the secrets of the universe. “Oh, wow, fermented,” you say, nodding like a sommelier. “Uh-huh. Grapes. Cool.”

Rose nods along vigorously. “Yeah, so fascinating. It’s aged! Love that. Great stuff.”

Lisa bursts into laughter, clutching her stomach as she doubles over. “Holy shit, you two are so bad at this.”

“Seriously,” Jennie adds, her voice full of exasperated fondness. “It’s okay to admit you’re at least curious.”

Rose sets the bottle down, avoiding everyone’s gaze. “What about Theta Tau?” she asks hesitantly. “You know what they’re like.”

At the mention of the rival fraternity, Jennie’s playful smile vanishes, replaced by a steely determination. “I’m not afraid to smack a dickhead Theta boy if he starts shit.”

Lisa, Minho, Felix, and Jisoo all nod in agreement, their expressions mirroring Jennie’s resolve.

“They’re all talk anyway,” Minho says, rolling his eyes. “Big egos, no guts. I’d pay to see one of them try something.”

Felix grins. “Right? Jennie would take them out before they even got a word in.”

You shake your head, your quiet voice cutting through the heated energy. “No, seriously, guys. Rose and I can’t handle confrontation or tension. Like, at all.”

Rose nods emphatically, her soft voice chiming in. “We’ll stroke out. Full-on death by stress.”

Jennie’s expression softens slightly, her protective instincts kicking in. “Alright, alright. We’ll keep them in check. But you two don’t need to worry about Theta Tau. We’ve got your backs.”

You glance at Rose, who gives you a small smile. “Besides,” you add with a faint laugh, “don’t you like Chan?”

Jennie’s cheeks flush slightly, but she doesn’t miss a beat. “Yep,” she says with a smirk. “I’m just waiting for him to do something about it.”

Minho snorts loudly, his laughter filling the room. “Good fucking luck with that. Chan’s great at a lot of things, but making a move? Not one of them.”

“Hey, he’s getting there,” Felix chimes in, though even he sounds doubtful.

Jennie shrugs, leaning back against her pillows. “I’ve got time. But you two? Your boys are already making moves. You better be ready for what’s coming.”

The hallways of the criminal law department buzz with the usual post-lecture chatter as you and Rose step out of the classroom. The air feels heavy with the scent of old books and faint traces of someone’s too-strong cologne. You tug at the hem of your cropped lace-trim camisole, the pink and black leather racer jacket you’re wearing fitting snugly over your shoulders. Your messy bun is starting to come loose, strands of cherry-red hair brushing against your face as you adjust the strap of your bag.

“God, that lecture felt like it lasted ten fucking years,” Rose mutters, her voice tinged with exhaustion as she shifts her black leather jacket. She’s dressed in black baggy jeans, a white crop top, and chunky boots, her dark hair twisted into two neat buns that frame her face.

“Seriously,” you agree as you glance at her. “If Professor Kim said the words ‘precedent’ or ‘jurisprudence’ one more time, I think my brain would’ve shut down.”

Rose snorts, nudging you playfully. “You’re too polite to say it, but you were zoning out just as much as I was.”

You smile, your laugh blending with the bustling sounds of students moving through the hall. The two of you walk side by side, the weight of textbooks and notes pulling at your bags, when a loud voice rings out from down the corridor.

“Sleeping Beauty!”

You and Rose stop in your tracks, turning toward the sound. Down the hallway, Jisung and Hyunjin are approaching, their confident strides and undeniable presence turning more than a few heads. Jisung’s hair is tousled in that perfectly messy way that looks both effortless and intentional, his tattoos peeking out from under a fitted black shirt, his ripped jeans and combat boots giving him an edge that matches his cocky grin.

Hyunjin, on the other hand, looks ethereal. His black hair falls in loose waves around his sharp features, his long coat flowing slightly behind him as he walks. He looks like he’s stepped out of a magazine, his striking confidence tempered with a touch of artistry in the way he moves.

Jisung reaches you first, stopping just a step too close for comfort but it’s not uncomfortable. It’s electric. “This is for you,” he says, holding out a single pink rose. The petals shimmer faintly under the fluorescent lights, and you realize it’s fake.

You blink, momentarily stunned, and he winks at you. “Plastic doesn’t die,” he says, his tone teasing but soft. “Like my charm.”

Your cheeks heat up, but you manage a quiet, “Thank you,” as you take the rose.

Hyunjin, meanwhile, turns to Rose with a small, knowing smile. “And this is for you.” He hands her a white rose, the elegant simplicity of it mirroring the way he carries himself. “Something as timeless as you.”

Rose’s jaw drops slightly, but before she can respond, both boys turn on their heels, walking away with matching smirks.

“Did that just fucking happen?” Rose asks, still staring after them.

You look at the rose in your hand, the faint blush in your cheeks deepening. “I… think so?”

The two of you turn to look at each other, wide-eyed, before bursting into laughter. Without a word, you lift your hands for a high five, the sharp clap echoing down the hall as your giggles fill the space.

Rose, still grinning, tucks the white rose into one of her buns, the delicate petals standing out against her dark hair. “It suits me, doesn’t it?” she asks, posing dramatically.

“Perfectly,” you reply with a smile, sliding the pink rose into your messy bun, securing it in place. “How do I look?”

“Adorable, as always,” Rose says, nudging your shoulder lightly.

As the two of you start walking again, Rose’s smile softens into something more thoughtful. “Maybe we really will have great love stories,” she muses. “I mean, did you see Hyunjin? He looked like a fucking dream.”

You chuckle quietly, glancing down at the rose in your hand before slipping it into your hair. “Jisung’s tattoos, I like a man with tattoos.”

Rose laughs, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Reckon Hyunjin will paint me? Either make me a portrait or paint my skin. I don’t mind either way.”

You laugh along with her, the sound light and carefree. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered. He seems the type to do something dramatic like that.”

Rose sighs dreamily, her expression wistful. “Well, if this is the start of a great love story, I’m not complaining.”

You nod, your smile soft. “Me neither.”

The two of you exit the building into the afternoon sun, the warmth on your skin mirroring the quiet excitement blooming in your chest. Whatever happens next, it feels like the start of something beautiful.

The sound of loud music and boisterous laughter fills the Alpha Phi frat house as the boys lounge in the living room. Empty snack wrappers and soda cans are scattered across the coffee table, and Changbin and Jeongin are locked in an intense game of Mario Kart on the big screen, shouting insults at each other with every near-miss.

“Jeongin, you little shit, stop spamming red shells!” Changbin yells, leaning forward on the couch like his life depends on it.

“It’s called strategy, old man,” Jeongin shoots back, grinning as his character zooms past Changbin’s on the final lap.

Jisung leans back in an armchair, shirtless as usual, a tattooed arm draped lazily over the armrest. “Binnie’s gonna cry again. Somebody get a tissue.”

“Fuck off, Sung,” Changbin grumbles, his eyes glued to the screen.

Before anyone can respond, there’s a knock at the door, sharp and deliberate. Chan, who’s been scrolling on his phone from the other couch, groans but gets up to answer it.

“What now?” he mutters, pulling the door open.

Standing there are Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa, each of them dressed casually but exuding the kind of confidence that instantly commands attention. Jennie crosses her arms, a sly smile on her face as she looks up at Chan.

“We’re here to help your two boys woo our two girls,” she announces without preamble. “Y/N and Rose are watching some true crime doc and drinking wine, so we decided to come here.”

Chan blinks, momentarily taken aback, before stepping aside. “Uh, come in.”

Jennie strides in like she owns the place, Lisa and Jisoo following close behind. They make their way into the living room, where the boys look up from their various positions, confusion written all over their faces.

“Why the fuck are you here?” Hyunjin asks, raising an eyebrow as he adjusts his ponytail.

Jennie ignores him, pulling a folded piece of paper from her bag and holding it up like a declaration of war. “We have a plan. A carwash fundraiser for students with learning disabilities. Girls will be in bikini tops and shorts. Guys in just swimming trunks. Stereotypical as hell, but effective.”

“Wait, what?” Jisung sits up straighter, his eyebrows shooting up. “Why are we-?”

“Because,” Jennie interrupts, her tone sharp, “this is important to Y/N and Rose. Rose has dyscalculia, and Y/N has dyslexia. This fundraiser actually matters to them, so you two are going to be there.”

Jisung glances at Hyunjin, who nods without hesitation. “Of course, we’ll be there,” Hyunjin says simply, his tone resolute.

“Good,” Jennie smirks, satisfied, before tossing the flyer onto the coffee table.

The room falls silent for a moment as the boys process what’s happening, but Jennie isn’t done. “Actually, you’re all going to be there,” she says, her gaze sweeping the room. “Every single one of you.”

“Do we have a choice?” Seungmin asks dryly, not even looking up from his phone.

“Nope.” Jisoo grins, pulling a clipboard from behind her back and handing it to Chan. “Sign your names, boys.”

Chan sighs but takes the pen, scribbling his name at the top before passing it to Minho. “This better be worth it.”

“It will be,” Jennie says with certainty.

As the clipboard makes its way around the room, Lisa crosses her arms and leans against the wall. “Think sexy,” she says, her tone casual but firm. “Oil yourselves up or something. We need to make this fundraiser a success.”

Minho smirks as he scribbles his name down. Without missing a beat, he turns to Felix, who’s sitting beside him. “You gonna oil me up, Lix?”

Felix blinks rapidly, his freckles darkening as his cheeks flush bright red. He opens his mouth, but no words come out, and he looks like a fish gasping for air.

The room erupts in laughter, and Felix buries his face in his hands. “Minho, you’re the fucking worst.”

Minho grins, unfazed. “Love you too.”

Jennie clears her throat, cutting through the chaos. “Now, let’s talk about Theta Tau.”

Lisa rolls her eyes. “Those moronic, douchey frat boys think they have some kind of claim on us.”

Jennie’s gaze sharpens as she turns to Chan, her smile turning into a smirk. “Must be why you haven’t asked me on a date, Bang Chan.”

Chan’s jaw drops slightly, his confident demeanour faltering as he gapes at her. “I- What?”

The room goes silent for a beat before the boys start snickering. Jisung covers his mouth with his hand, but his eyes gleam with amusement. Jeongin outright cackles, earning a swat from Changbin.

“Shit, you’re whipped,” Minho says, his grin wicked.

Chan stammers, trying to find the words, but Jennie doesn’t wait for an answer. “You better figure it out,” she says, her tone teasing but firm. “The ball’s in your court.”

The rest of the meeting devolves into playful chaos as the Kappa Tau girls finalize their plans, leaving the Alpha Phi boys no choice but to follow along. The challenge has been set, and the stakes have never been higher.

The sun is merciless, beating down on the campus parking lot where a row of cars glint under its rays, each awaiting its turn to be scrubbed down. Early 2000s music pumps through portable speakers, adding a nostalgic rhythm to the chaotic scene. A faint scent of soapy water hangs in the air, mixing with the tang of sunscreen and the occasional whiff of hot asphalt.

Jisung adjusts the waistband of his black shorts, the only thing he’s wearing aside from his sneakers. His tattooed skin glistens faintly, a sheen of sweat already forming as he stands alongside the other Alpha Phi boys. The tattoo that spells rockstar snakes boldly down his ribs to his hip, catching the sunlight. Across his right pec, the word BLESSED is inked above a compass, while his falling Icarus tattoo stretches across his left thigh. His right leg is a patchwork of intricate designs, and the sword running down his spine, encircled by a dragon, is an attention-grabber for anyone passing by. The scorpion tattoo on his neck adds an edge that suits his cocky grin as he surveys the scene.

“Hot as balls out here,” Changbin mutters, wiping sweat from his brow. His shorts sit low on his hips, revealing his abs. “I’m sweating like I ran a fucking marathon.”

“Stop bitching,” Minho says, grinning as he elbows Changbin. “It’s for a good cause.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jeongin chimes in, snapping the waistband of his own shorts. “Let’s just get this over with before we all melt.”

Jisung barely hears them, his attention snapping to a splash of pink and white near the centre of the lot. There you are, standing with Rose near a car dripping with suds, both of you laughing as you flick water at each other with the tips of your sponges. 

You’re wearing a pink bikini top tied behind your neck, the knot accentuating the curve of your shoulders, and white denim shorts that sit snugly on your hips. Your hair is pulled into a messy ponytail, a few loose strands sticking to your cheeks. When you turn slightly, Jisung catches sight of a tattoo at the base of your lower back, divine, written in elegant script. Above it, angel wing tattoos span your shoulder blades, the design subtle yet striking.

Jisung feels his chest tighten, the heat of the sun nothing compared to the warmth spreading through him as he watches you laugh. Rose, standing beside you in a black bikini top and ripped jean shorts, flicks water at your legs, and your high-pitched giggle sends his stomach into free fall.

“Yo, Sung,” Hyunjin says, nudging him out of his trance. “You’re staring.”

“Shut up,” Jisung mutters, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.

Felix and Minho have already wandered off to tackle a car together, Felix’s freckled face glowing under the sun as he balances a bucket of soapy water. Jennie bounces over to Chan, her bright smile causing him to straighten up almost immediately. She gestures toward a car, and the two head off, falling into an easy rhythm as they start scrubbing.

“Looks like everyone’s pairing up,” Hyunjin says, his voice lilting as he glances at Rose and you. “Guess we better make ourselves useful.”

As if on cue, you and Rose wave them over, your smiles soft and inviting. Jisoo, standing near the speaker, grins mischievously as she changes the song to My House by 2PM. The sensual beat pulses through the air, and Jisung can’t help but smirk.

“Perfect timing,” he says, tugging at the strap of a nearby bucket as he and Hyunjin head your way.

Rose points to a car beside her, her voice teasing but sweet. “Think you two can handle this one?”

“Easily,” Hyunjin replies, grabbing a sponge with a dramatic flourish. “Watch and learn, ladies.”

You laugh softly, shaking your head as you hand Jisung a hose. “Try not to flood the parking lot.”

“No promises,” Jisung says, taking it from you with a wink. His fingers brush yours briefly, and the contact sends a spark up his arm. He busies himself with the hose, aiming a spray of water at the car as you and Rose start scrubbing the windows.

Hyunjin crouches beside Rose, dunking his sponge into the bucket with a flourish before smearing suds dramatically across the side of the car. “I call this my masterpiece,” he declares, his voice dripping with faux seriousness.

Rose giggles, flicking water at him. “Your masterpiece looks like a toddler went crazy with finger paint.”

Jisung glances at you as you scrub the hood of the car, your movements slow and deliberate. The curve of your back as you reach forward exposes the intricate detail of your angel wing tattoos, and he swallows hard, trying to focus on his task.

“So, Sleeping Beauty,” he says, his tone casual but his grin mischievous. “When do I get my happily ever after?”

You glance up at him, your eyes bright with amusement. “That depends. Are you planning on falling asleep for a hundred years first?”

Hyunjin cackles from the other side of the car. “She got you there, Sung.”

Jisung chuckles, shaking his head. “Fair enough.” He tilts the hose slightly, spraying a light mist toward you, and you let out a soft squeal as the water splashes your legs.

“Hey!” you protest, though your voice is more laughter than anger.

“Just keeping you cool,” Jisung says with a smirk.

As the hours tick by, the heat of the sun bears down, softened only by the tangy-sweet cocktails Lisa mixes at her makeshift bar. You and Jisung stand by the next car in line, sipping drinks from plastic cups with colourful straws. Yours is a strawberry daiquiri, bright pink and refreshingly cold, while Jisung’s lime-green mojito matches the mischievous glint in his eye.

“I gotta say,” Jisung says, leaning casually against the car as he takes another sip, “Lisa might be onto something with these. Who knew cocktails and car washes went together so well?”

You laugh softly, wiping suds off your arm with a wet sponge. “Leave it to her to make everything feel like a party.”

The next car rolls in, a rusty sedan driven by an older man with a salt-and-pepper moustache and a questionable smirk. He rolls down the window as he pulls up, his eyes lingering on you a second too long.

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” the man drawls, his tone sleazy. “Bet you make more tips than the other girls, sweetheart.”

Your smile falters slightly, but you recover quickly, brushing it off as you move toward the car. Jisung, however, freezes mid-sip, his dark eyes narrowing as the muscles in his jaw tighten.

“Don’t worry, sir,” you say gently, your voice soft but steady. “We’ll have your car spotless in no time.”

Jisung doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he picks up the hose, his grip firm as his thumb hovers over the nozzle. The man’s grin widens as he leans out of the window, his gaze still fixed on you.

“Hey,” Jisung says suddenly, his voice smooth but loud enough to cut through the awkward tension. “You’re parked a little close to the line. Mind adjusting?”

The man leans back slightly. “Oh, yeah? Didn’t notice-”

Before he can finish, Jisung accidentally squeezes the nozzle, sending a powerful stream of water directly into the man’s face.

“Oh shit!” Jisung exclaims, his voice filled with faux panic. “I’m so sorry! Didn’t mean to-”

The man sputters, waving his hands in front of his face as the water sprays relentlessly. “Hey! Watch where you’re aiming that thing!”

“Crap, sorry!” Jisung repeats, though there’s no real urgency in his tone. If anything, his smirk is barely concealed as he adjusts his grip to send another, even stronger burst of water into the man’s face. “Must be something wrong with the hose- Ah, shit, it’s stuck!”

“Cut it out, kid!” the man huffs, wiping water from his moustache.

“Sorry, sir!” Jisung shouts, still trying to turn the hose off as he casually ups the pressure. The stream grows stronger, soaking the man’s shirt and the inside of the car door.

The commotion draws attention, and Jennie approaches with a raised eyebrow, her hands on her hips. “What’s going on here?”

The man gestures angrily, water dripping from his face and clothes. “This idiot’s hosing me down! I came for a car wash, not a goddamn shower!”

Jennie doesn’t miss a beat, her expression cool and professional despite the absurdity of the situation. “Sorry about that, sir. These hoses are college property. Government-funded, you know how it is. Sometimes they’re a bit temperamental.”

The man’s jaw drops, clearly not expecting her to brush it off so casually. “What kind of operation are you running here?!”

Jennie shrugs, tilting her head slightly. “One that raises a lot of money for good causes. But I can see you’re having a tough time. If you’d like to leave, feel free.”

The man splutters, caught between indignation and disbelief. “Unbelievable,” he mutters, rolling up the window as he starts the engine. The car jerks forward, sputtering soap suds as it disappears down the line.

Once he’s gone, Jennie turns to Jisung with a pointed look. “You’re lucky I like you.”

Jisung grins, twirling the hose dramatically before setting it back down. “I was just defending her honour. Can’t blame me for being chivalrous.”

Jennie snorts. “Chivalry, my ass.” She glances at you, her expression softening. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. Thanks, Jennie.”

“Anytime,” she says before walking off, muttering something about “men being idiots” under her breath.

As the tension eases, Jisung turns to you, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “You good, Sleeping Beauty?”

You look at him, the sunlight catching the sharp edges of his tattoos and the mischievous gleam in his dark eyes. “I’m fine,” you say, your voice quiet but steady. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Jisung replies, echoing Jennie’s words with a wink. “Now, let’s get this next car cleaned before I scare off all our customers.”

The sun blazes overhead, relentless and unforgiving, and Jisung is feeling every degree of the heat. He stands near a car, fanning his face dramatically with one hand. “Holy shit, I’m actually melting,” he complains to no one in particular, his bare chest glistening under the sunlight. His tattoos seem to shimmer, the inked rockstar on his ribs drawing attention as it stretches with his every breath. The scorpion on his neck gleams faintly, almost as if it’s alive.

You glance over at him from where you’re rinsing a sponge, a playful idea sparking in your mind. The bucket of clean water at your feet suddenly looks less like a tool and more like an opportunity. Biting your lip to hold back a giggle, you lift the bucket carefully, tiptoeing toward him.

Jisung continues fanning himself, muttering something about needing a fucking ice bath, completely oblivious to your approach. When you’re close enough, you tip the bucket forward, the cool water cascading over his head and shoulders with a loud splash.

“What the fuck?!” Jisung yells, spinning around to face you, his hair dripping and plastered to his forehead. Water trickles down his torso, accentuating the curve of his tattoos as his eyes widen in disbelief.

You’re already backing up, laughing uncontrollably as you clutch the now-empty bucket. “You looked hot,” you tease, your voice light and sweet despite the chaos you’ve just unleashed. “Thought I’d help cool you down.”

“Oh, you’re dead,” Jisung says, dropping the fan act entirely as he grabs the nearby hose. The grin spreading across his face is equal parts playful and dangerous.

“No, no, no!” you squeal, turning on your heel and sprinting toward the nearest car for cover.

Jisung doesn’t hesitate. The hose comes to life in his hands, spraying a sharp stream of water as he chases after you. “Get back here, Sleeping Beauty!” he shouts, laughing as you duck behind the car.

Your giggles echo in the lot as you peek out from the other side of the car, your messy ponytail swaying with the movement. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Wouldn’t I?” Jisung counters, narrowing his eyes before aiming the hose directly at you. The water arcs through the air, catching you squarely on the side. You shriek, dashing out from behind the car in an attempt to dodge the stream.

The commotion draws attention. Rose and Hyunjin, who’ve been quietly chatting while washing a car nearby, look up just as Jisung’s spray hits you again. Rose smirks, grabbing her own sponge soaked in water, and flings it directly at Hyunjin, hitting him in the chest.

“Oh, it’s on,” Hyunjin growls, scooping up a bucket of sudsy water and launching it at her.

“What the fuck, Hyun?!” Rose yells, laughing as she gets drenched.

Jennie, who’s been working with Chan on the other side of the lot, notices the growing chaos. “Oh, hell no,” she mutters before grabbing a bucket of her own and tossing the contents in Chan’s direction.

Chan sputters, shaking water out of his blue hair before locking eyes with Jennie. His smirk is slow and deliberate. “You asked for it,” he says, lunging for the hose near his feet.

Within moments, the entire lot devolves into an all-out water fight. Lisa and Jisoo team up, grabbing buckets and sponges to take on Changbin, Felix, Minho, and Seungmin, who retaliate with hoses and cups of water. Shouts, laughter, and splashes echo through the parking lot, creating a scene of pure, unfiltered chaos.

But amid the frenzy, you and Jisung remain locked in your own battle. He corners you near the speaker, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he raises the hose. You hold up your hands, laughing breathlessly. “Truce?”

“Truce?” Jisung repeats, arching a brow. “Do I look like the kind of guy who plays fair?”

Before you can respond, he sprays a gentle mist of water over you, the droplets catching the sunlight like tiny diamonds. You laugh, brushing the water off your face as you step closer, your playful smile disarming him completely.

“You’re relentless,” you say, shaking your head.

“Only when it comes to you,” Jisung replies, his voice lower, the playful edge softening into something warmer.

Nearby, Hyunjin and Rose are in their own world, oblivious to the chaos around them. Hyunjin has ditched his sponge entirely, opting to pour bucket after bucket of water over Rose, who retaliates by flicking soap suds at his face. They’re both laughing so hard they can barely stand upright.

“Are you trying to drown me?” Rose yells, gasping for breath between giggles.

“Maybe,” Hyunjin teases, grinning as he pushes his wet hair out of his face. “But you’re too pretty to stay mad at me.”

Rose’s laughter falters for a moment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks before she grabs another sponge and flings it at him.

On the other side of the lot, Jennie and Chan have abandoned any pretense of cleaning. Jennie has somehow wrestled the hose away from him and is now gleefully spraying his chest as he tries to dodge. “This is revenge for all the shit you’ve given me, Bang Chan!” she shouts, laughing.

Chan finally grabs the hose, tugging it away from her with a triumphant grin. “Yeah? Well, let’s see how you like it!” He sprays a light stream toward her, but instead of running, Jennie steps forward, meeting his gaze with a smirk.

“Is that all you’ve got?” she taunts, crossing her arms despite the water dripping from her.

Chan hesitates for a second, his grin faltering as he takes in her challenging stare. “Maybe I’m going easy on you.”

“Don’t bother,” Jennie replies, her smirk widening.

Back in your corner of the chaos, Jisung finally lowers the hose, stepping closer until he’s standing just a foot away. “You having fun?” he asks, his voice soft but teasing.

You nod, brushing wet strands of hair out of your face. “More than I expected,” you admit, your quiet tone laced with warmth.

Jisung’s grin softens, his dark eyes scanning your face before locking onto yours. “Good. Because I’m not done with you yet.”

Before you can ask what he means, he turns the hose back on, spraying a gentle arc over your head as your laughter rings out, blending perfectly with the chaos of the day.

The sun filters through the trees lining the campus path, casting dappled patterns of light on the pavement as you make your way to the library. The pink cherry-patterned mini dress you’re wearing sways lightly with each step, your light pink wedges clicking softly against the concrete. Your hair is half-up, a small bun perched on the crown of your head, and the cherries drawn in red eyeliner on your eyelids complement the delicate pink of your eye makeup. You clutch a small stack of books to your chest, the clear gloss on your lips catching the light as you hum softly to yourself.

You’re almost at the library steps when a voice cuts through the quiet bustle of campus. “Hey, sweetheart.”

You stop short as an arm drapes across your shoulders. Instinctively, your shoulders scrunch up, the weight of the unexpected contact making you tense. You clutch your books tighter to your chest, your pulse quickening as the unfamiliar Theta Tau guy leans in, his smirk a little too wide and his cologne a little too strong.

“I hear you’ve been hanging around with that walking coloring book,” he drawls, his tone mockingly casual. “What’s his name again? The Alpha Phi guy?”

You glance at him, your soft eyes darting nervously. “Jisung,” you say quietly, though your voice is barely above a whisper. “His name is Jisung.”

“Right, right,” the Theta sneers, his grip tightening slightly as he steers you closer to him. “Guy looks like a fucking graffiti wall. What’s he got that I don’t?”

Before you can respond, a sharp whistle pierces the air. The Theta’s head snaps up, and you turn your gaze over your shoulder. Jisung is walking toward you, the sun catching on the ink that decorates his legs and arms. He’s wearing a black vest tucked into black shorts, his sneakers scuffing softly against the path as he strolls. A cigarette dangles lazily between his lips, a thin stream of smoke curling upward. His dark eyes lock onto yours, sharp and unreadable, but there’s a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Hey, Y/N!” Jisung calls out, his voice light and warm, but there’s an edge of something dangerous underneath. “Ready to go?”

You seize the lifeline he’s thrown, nodding quickly as you glance up at the Theta still hanging onto your shoulders. “Sorry,” you murmur, stepping out from under his arm. “I have plans.”

The Theta scowls, his sneer deepening as he looks Jisung up and down. “Back off, Alpha Phi.”

Jisung hums, taking a long drag of his cigarette as he reaches you. He slings his arm around your shoulders with casual ease, his fingers brushing lightly against your exposed skin. You lean into him instinctively, your small frame fitting comfortably against his side.

“Move on, Theta,” Jisung says, exhaling a cloud of smoke that drifts lazily between them. His voice is calm, but his dark eyes hold a warning.

The Theta scoffs, his expression twisting into something ugly. “Is that a threat?”

Jisung’s smirk widens, his sharp canines flashing as he pulls the cigarette from his lips. “Yeah,” he says, his voice dipping lower, the word drawn out deliberately. “It is.”

The tension thickens, the quiet hum of campus life fading into the background as the two men stare each other down. You grip the edge of your books tightly, your heart pounding as you glance nervously between them.

The Theta Tau guy sneers, his hands clenching at his sides. “You think you’re tough shit, huh? Just ‘cause you’ve got some fucking tattoos?”

Jisung laughs, the sound light and almost friendly, but his grin never reaches his eyes. He leans forward slightly, his tone dropping to something darker. “I think you should walk away before I make you move. And trust me, it won’t be pretty.”

The Theta’s jaw twitches, but the look in Jisung’s eyes gives him pause. He steps back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Whatever, man,” he mutters, glaring at you briefly before turning to leave. “Enjoy your little date.”

Jisung waits until the Theta is out of earshot before taking another drag of his cigarette, his smirk softening as he turns to you. “You okay?”

You nod, your voice quiet but steady. “Thank you, Jisung.”

“Anytime, Sleeping Beauty,” he says, his grin widening as he flicks the ash from his cigarette. “Now, come on. I wasn’t lying about those plans. Let’s get out of here before another asshole shows up.”

The library is quiet, save for the soft rustling of pages and the occasional clack of a keyboard. You and Jisung settle into a table in the back corner, away from prying eyes and the sporadic chatter of other students. The afternoon sun filters through the large windows, casting warm patches of light over the dark wooden furniture. You pull out your thick book on criminal case law in South Korea and set it on the table with a quiet thud. Next to it, you place a sleek purple cover for pages, carefully aligning it as you open the text.

Jisung watches you with mild curiosity, his tattooed arms resting lazily on the table. He’s leaned back in his chair, legs stretched out under the table, his black vest taut against his chest. “What’s that for?” he asks, nodding toward the purple overlay.

“It helps with my dyslexia,” you explain softly, smoothing the edges of the page. “The colour makes it easier for me to read without the letters swimming around.”

Jisung whistles lowly, leaning forward now, his arms folding on the table as he peers at the book. “That’s intense. What’re you studying?”

You glance up at him briefly, your lips curving into a small smile. “I have a pop quiz coming up on mens rea and actus reus in specific landmark cases involving sexual offences, murder, and assaults.”

Jisung’s brows raise, his expression caught somewhere between impressed and horrified. “Holy shit, princess. That’s heavy.”

The nickname makes your cheeks warm slightly, but you duck your head back toward your book. “It’s part of the curriculum,” you say quietly. “I need to know it.”

“Do you want me to quiz you?” he offers, his tone casual but curious.

You blink at him, surprised. “You wouldn’t mind?”

Jisung smirks, leaning back again and tipping his chair onto two legs. “I don’t do shit I don’t want to, princess.”

The nickname catches you off guard again, and you tilt your head at him. “Princess?”

He shrugs, his grin widening. “When I met you, you were dressed as one. It fits.”

Your lips twitch into a smile, and you nod toward the book. “Alright, go ahead. Just… don’t make it too easy.”

“Oh, I wasn’t planning on it.” Jisung cracks his knuckles dramatically before flipping through the book, his sharp eyes scanning the dense text. He finds a section with case law summaries and leans closer, tapping one with his finger. “Alright, let’s start with this: What was the mens rea in the case of the 2003 Gwangju arson-murder incident?”

You bite your lip, thinking. “That case… the mens rea was established as intent to kill, right? The prosecution argued that the act of starting the fire directly demonstrated intent.”

“Ding ding ding,” Jisung says, grinning. “One for one. Alright, next.” He flips a few more pages, clearly enjoying himself. “Here’s a tricky one. The 1998 Seoul assault case, what was the actus reus?”

You frown, your fingers tracing the edge of the table. “That was… the act of hitting the victim with a blunt object. It was categorized as deliberate physical harm.”

“Fuck yeah, it was,” Jisung says, leaning back with a satisfied nod. “You’re a fucking genius.”

You laugh softly, shaking your head. “Hardly. I just read a lot.”

“Whatever you say, princess,” Jisung replies, his grin never wavering as he continues flipping through the book. He deliberately picks out the most obscure cases, challenging you with increasingly difficult questions, but you manage to hold your own, surprising both yourself and him.

After a while, he closes the book with a soft thud and leans forward on the table, resting his chin on his tattooed forearms. “Hey,” he says casually, his voice dropping slightly. “Wanna go to Lotte World with me next week?”

You blink, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. “Like… a date?”

“Yeah,” he says easily, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “Theme park, lots of rides, obnoxiously expensive snacks. We can get the train straight there.”

Your heart skips a beat, and you glance down at the book, pretending to study the cover as you gather your thoughts. “I… sure,” you say finally, your voice barely above a whisper. “That sounds nice.”

Jisung’s grin widens, and he straightens up, leaning back in his chair again. “Good. It’s a date, then.”

You look up at him, your quiet smile returning. “It’s a date.”

The moment lingers, warm and unspoken, before Jisung picks up the book again, tapping the cover playfully. “But first, let’s make sure you ace that quiz, princess.”

You laugh softly, the weight of the day lifting as the two of you settle back into studying. The world outside fades, the quiet camaraderie between you and Jisung making the library feel like a sanctuary, a place where something new and exciting is beginning to unfold.

The Alpha Phi living room is a scene of organized chaos. Empty soda cans and crumpled snack wrappers litter the coffee table, and the faint smell of pizza from last night still lingers in the air. The guys are sprawled across mismatched furniture, the summer heat making the space feel even more cramped despite the humming ceiling fan above.

Jisung sits in the corner of the couch, one leg draped over the armrest, a smug grin plastered across his face. He’s only wearing a pair of neon green shorts, an unfortunate choice, but he hasn’t gotten around to doing laundry. His arms, covered in vibrant sleeves, are propped behind his head as he lounges like he owns the place.

“Alright,” Chan says, clapping his hands together as he leans forward from his seat in the armchair. His short blue hair is damp from a quick shower, and his sleeveless hoodie leaves his muscular arms on full display. “Let’s get this shit started. Progress reports, boys. Hyunjin, you’re up first.”

Hyunjin sighs dramatically, leaning back on the chaise and tossing his black hair over his shoulder with theatrical flair. “Me and Rose are a work in progress,” he says, his tone both exasperated and smug. “She’s warming up to me, though. I mean, how could she not? I’m fucking irresistible.”

“You’re fucking insufferable,” Changbin mutters from his spot on the beanbag chair, earning a chorus of laughter from the others.

Hyunjin ignores him, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “But yeah, I’m playing the long game. Slow and steady wins the race.”

“Sure it does, Romeo,” Seungmin deadpans, barely looking up from his phone.

“Alright, alright,” Chan says, raising a hand to silence the banter. “Let’s hear it, Jisung. What’s the deal with Sleeping Beauty?”

Jisung’s grin widens, and he shifts in his seat, leaning forward slightly. “Let me tell you, boys, I’m fucking killing it,” he starts, his tone full of confidence. “I helped Y/N study for her pop quiz, mens rea and actus reus, all that legal shit. We spent hours together, and I didn’t even mess with her once.”

“That’s a miracle,” Felix pipes up from the floor, where he’s lying on his stomach, his chin propped on his hands. “You not messing with someone? Did hell freeze over?”

“Shut the fuck up, Lix,” Jisung says, flicking a crumpled napkin in his direction. “Anyway, I’m building the groundwork, you know? Laying a solid fucking foundation. And get this, we’re going on a date to Lotte World next week.”

Changbin sits up abruptly, his eyes wide. “No fucking way. You got her to agree to a date?”

“Hell yeah, I did,” Jisung replies, holding out his hand for a high five. Changbin slaps his palm with a grin, the sound echoing through the room.

“Alright, Mr. Disney Prince,” Jeongin says, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “What’s your plan for Lotte World? Gonna serenade her on the Ferris wheel or something?”

“Jeongin, shut the fuck up before I turn your face into a punching bag,” Jisung shoots back, though his grin never wavers. “I’ve got it under control. Trust the process.”

Chan clears his throat, drawing the room’s attention back to him. “Not to flex or anything,” he starts, though his shit-eating grin suggests otherwise, “but I fucked Jennie after the car wash.”

The room erupts into chaos. Felix drops his head into his hands, cackling, while Changbin nearly chokes on his soda. Hyunjin lets out a loud, theatrical gasp, clutching his chest like he’s been mortally wounded.

“No fucking way,” Minho says, his eyebrows shooting up. “You’re telling me the president of Alpha Phi finally got his shit together?”

“Not only that,” Chan continues, his grin widening, “but we’re going out for dinner tomorrow. So, yeah, things are looking pretty fucking good.”

Hyunjin claps slowly, the sound dripping with mockery. “Look at you, Bang Chan. Finally living up to all those muscles.”

“Better late than never,” Seungmin mutters, still scrolling on his phone.

“Alright, alright,” Chan says, waving them off, though his smugness is impossible to ignore. “Let’s not make this about me. Jisung, Hyunjin, sounds like you two are on the right track. Keep it up.”

Jisung leans back again, stretching his arms over the back of the couch. “Don’t worry, Captain. We’ve got this shit locked down.”

The air is alive with laughter, the hum of roller coasters, and the sugary aroma of cotton candy wafting through Lotte World. The vibrant colours of the park shimmer under the bright afternoon sun, and you can’t help but feel a little giddy as you walk beside Jisung. The two of you weave through the crowds, the sounds of children squealing with delight blending with the faint music playing from the park speakers.

Jisung is a striking contrast to the whimsical surroundings, dressed entirely in black. His cargo shorts and fitted vest top show off his tattoos, the falling Icarus on his left thigh catching the light as he moves. His scorpion neck tattoo peeks out just above the neckline, and his sunglasses sit low on his nose, giving him an effortlessly cool demeanour.

You, in your light blue cropped camisole and white denim shorts, feel like a pastel-coloured foil to his dark, edgy look. Your angel wing tattoos are visible on your shoulder blades, and the cursive DIVINE inked on your lower back peeks out slightly when you adjust your messy ponytail.

“We have to go on the log flume, right?” Jisung asks, breaking the comfortable silence as he glances over at you.

You nod, smiling softly. “It’s a classic.”

“Exactly,” Jisung says, grinning as he grabs your hand. His fingers are warm, his grip firm but not overbearing, and he tugs you gently in the direction of the ride. “Come on, let’s do it before the line gets insane.”

The warmth of his hand in yours sends a subtle jolt through your chest, but you follow him without hesitation, letting him lead you through the maze of attractions. The line for the log flume is shorter than expected, and soon you’re climbing into one of the wooden boats together, the faint scent of chlorine and wet wood filling the air.

Jisung slides in beside you, his arm immediately draping across the back of your seat. His closeness is impossible to ignore, his tattooed arm brushing lightly against your shoulders, the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the water droplets clinging to the boat’s sides.

“You good?” he asks, his voice low but casual as he adjusts his sunglasses, glancing sideways at you.

You nod, your lips curving into a small smile. “Yeah. This’ll be fun.”

The boat begins to move, the gentle rocking of the water beneath it setting the rhythm for the ride. The cool breeze that sweeps through the air feels refreshing against your skin as the boat glides past the animatronic scenes that line the route. Jisung keeps his arm where it is, his fingertips occasionally brushing against your shoulder as the two of you take in the surroundings.

When the first small drop approaches, Jisung leans closer, a playful grin on his face. “You scared of getting wet?”

You glance at him, shaking your head. “Not really. Are you?”

“Please,” he scoffs, smirking. “I live for this shit.”

The boat tips over the edge, and you let out a soft squeal as the water splashes up, misting your face and dampening the ends of your hair. Jisung laughs beside you, his arm tightening slightly around your shoulders to steady you as the boat levels out.

“Not bad,” he says, his grin widening as he glances down at you. “You good?”

You nod, brushing a few droplets off your face with the back of your hand. “I told you, I’m not scared.”

“Fair enough,” Jisung replies, his tone teasing but warm. “Guess you’re braver than I thought, princess.”

The nickname makes your cheeks heat slightly, but you don’t say anything, focusing instead on the ride as the next incline comes into view. Jisung’s arm remains around you, his casual confidence somehow grounding despite the lighthearted chaos of the moment.

As the boat begins its ascent toward the biggest drop, Jisung leans closer, his voice low enough that only you can hear. “Alright, Sleeping Beauty. Last chance to bail.”

You laugh softly, shaking your head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Jisung chuckles, his grin almost triumphant as the boat crests the top of the hill. The drop comes fast and exhilarating, the water spraying up in a cascade of cool droplets that soak both of you. You let out a startled laugh, clutching the edge of the seat as Jisung’s laughter rings out beside you.

When the boat finally slows and the ride comes to an end, you’re both damp and breathless, the adrenaline still buzzing in your veins. Jisung pushes his sunglasses up onto his head, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement as he looks at you.

“Not bad, princess,” he says, his grin widening. “You survived.”

“Barely,” you reply, your voice soft but teasing.

Jisung laughs, his arm slipping from your shoulders as the boat comes to a stop. He steps out first, offering his hand to help you out. You take it, your fingers brushing against his, and for a moment, the rest of the park fades away.

As the two of you walk away from the ride, your clothes damp and your spirits high, Jisung glances at you, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “What’s next?”

You glance around the park, a quiet warmth blooming in your chest as you realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. “Whatever you want,” you say simply, your smile matching his.

Laughter echoes between you and Jisung as you stumble into the photobooth together, the curtain swishing closed behind you. The dampness from the log flume ride clings to your clothes, making the enclosed space feel slightly cooler than the blazing sun outside. The booth is cramped, forcing you to sit closer than you expected, your knees brushing against his.

“Alright, princess,” Jisung says, leaning over to press the buttons on the screen. His tattoos flex with the movement, and he flashes you a cheeky grin. “We’ve got five shots. Better make them count.”

The countdown begins, the screen flashing a giant “3… 2… 1.”

For the first photo, you both grab a pair of oversized sunglasses from the prop bin. You stand back to back, arms crossed dramatically as you point finger guns at the camera. Jisung’s grin is wide and mischievous as he tips his head slightly, the scorpion tattoo on his neck peeking out under his black sunglasses.

“Looking like a fucking action hero,” Jisung quips as the flash goes off.

“You mean a fucking cartoon,” you counter, giggling as you turn to face him.

The screen counts down again for the second shot, and this time, you’re mid-laugh. Jisung has just finished telling you about Changbin farting during a deadlift at the gym.

“It was so bad,” Jisung says, barely holding back his own laughter. “Felix almost puked. Minho ran out of the room. Chan legit said, ‘Fuck this,’ and walked away. I thought I was gonna die.”

You’re laughing so hard your shoulders shake, your messy ponytail bouncing as you clutch your stomach. The camera catches the moment perfectly, your head tilted back, eyes scrunched in genuine delight, while Jisung leans forward, laughing along with you.

“Jesus Christ,” you manage to say through your giggles, wiping at your eyes. “That’s disgusting.”

“Changbin’s ass is a fucking weapon of mass destruction,” Jisung agrees, grinning.

For the third photo, you decide to up the chaos. Jisung sticks out his tongue and crosses his eyes, while you puff out your cheeks and pull at your ponytail, making your hair look even messier. The flash goes off just as you both start laughing at each other’s ridiculous faces.

“Holy shit, we’re gonna look insane,” you say, catching your breath.

“That’s the point,” Jisung replies, his grin wide and unbothered. “It’s art.”

The fourth photo catches you mid-laugh again, this time at Jisung’s story about Hyunjin ripping his pants at a party.

“It wasn’t just a tear,” Jisung says, his voice animated as he gestures wildly. “Dude bent over to pick up his phone, and the entire ass seam exploded. Like, gone. Everyone saw his SpongeBob boxers.”

You’re practically wheezing, your hand covering your mouth as you try to suppress your laughter. The flash goes off again, but this time Jisung doesn’t even look at the camera. He’s watching you, a small smile playing on his lips as he takes in the way your laughter lights up your face.

For the fifth and final shot, the countdown begins again, and the laughter subsides into a quiet, lingering warmth. Jisung looks at you, his eyes softer now, the playful edge replaced by something deeper.

Before you can ask what’s on his mind, he leans in. His hand comes up to cup your face gently, his thumb brushing lightly against your cheek. His lips meet yours, warm and sure, the kiss sweet but charged with an undeniable spark.

The flash goes off, capturing the moment perfectly. You’re too caught up in the kiss to care, your heart pounding as the world outside the booth fades away.

When he pulls back, his grin returns, a little smug but mostly pleased. “Had to make the last one memorable,” he says, his voice low and slightly breathless.

You blink at him, your cheeks warm as you nod. “You… definitely did.”

Jisung chuckles, reaching for the screen to pay for two copies of the photo strip. When they print, he hands you one with a flourish. “For your scrapbook or whatever,” he says, tucking the other strip into the back of his phone case. “And this one’s mine. Gotta preserve the evidence of how hot we look.”

You laugh softly, your fingers brushing against the glossy photos. “Thanks, Jisung.”

“Anytime, princess,” he replies, pushing the curtain aside and gesturing for you to follow him. As the two of you step back into the sunlight, the photo strip in your hand feels heavier than it should—like it holds more than just images but the start of something real.

The Alpha Phi frat house is already buzzing with noise when you and Jisung arrive. Laughter and loud voices carry through the open windows, and the faint smell of someone’s late-night cooking mingles with the ever-present scent of whatever questionable air freshener they’ve been using.

Jisung pushes the door open, gesturing for you to step in first. “Welcome to the madhouse,” he says, smirking as he steps in behind you.

The living room is packed. Chan is perched on the arm of a couch, his arms crossed and an expectant grin on his face. Minho and Felix are sprawled on the cushions, Felix holding a bowl of popcorn while Minho sips from a soda can. Changbin is on the floor leaning against the coffee table, and Jeongin and Seungmin are in the corner playing cards. Hyunjin is sprawled dramatically on the chaise, his hair messily tied back.

“Finally!” Chan exclaims as soon as he spots you two. “Took you long enough.”

“Fucking hell, we were about to send a search party,” Changbin adds, tossing a crumpled wrapper at Jisung, who easily dodges it.

Jisung doesn’t respond right away. Instead, he casually pulls his phone from his pocket, holding it up so the clear case reveals the strip of photobooth pictures tucked neatly inside. The black border around the photos makes the images pop, each one filled with laughter, ridiculous faces, and, of course, that final kiss.

The room erupts into chaos.

“No fucking way,” Felix exclaims, dropping the popcorn bowl in his lap as he leans forward. “That’s so cute!”

Minho glances at the photos, his lips quirking into a sly grin. “So, that’s how I win you over, huh, Lix?” he says, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. “Just take you to a photobooth?”

Felix flushes immediately, his freckles standing out against his red cheeks. “Shut up, Minho!” he sputters, smacking him lightly on the arm.

Jisung smirks, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, assholes. You’re just jealous.”

“I mean, a little,” Jeongin pipes up from the corner, his tone teasing. “You got a whole-ass date at Lotte World, and I’m stuck here losing to Seungmin at cards.”

“Get good, loser,” Seungmin retorts, barely glancing up.

Hyunjin suddenly sits up, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “Alright, Y/N,” he says, pointing a finger at you. “Your turn. How do I win over Rose? Spill.”

You blink, surprised at being put on the spot. “Food,” you say after a moment, your lips curving into a small smile. “She’s from New Zealand, so anything that reminds her of home would mean a lot. She also mentioned wanting a portrait… either of her or something you paint for her.”

Hyunjin’s eyes light up, and he dramatically presses a hand to his chest. “Y/N, I love you,” he declares, jumping to his feet. “You’re a genius. A fucking genius!” Without another word, he bolts up the stairs, presumably to start planning his grand gesture.

Changbin chuckles, shaking his head. “It’s kinda crazy when you think about it,” he says, leaning back against the table. “This whole fucking romance train started with that disco pang pang ride.”

“Right?” Chan agrees, laughing. “That stupid ride caused absolute chaos. And now look, Jisung’s over here with photobooth kisses.”

“Fucking poetic,” Jeongin mutters, smirking.

Jisung waves them off with a dramatic eye roll. “Alright, losers, I’m done with this intervention. We’re going upstairs.”

“Wait,” Minho says, stopping him mid-step. He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to you, a face mask in a sleek black packet. “You’re gonna need this.”

You blink at him, tilting your head. “Why?”

“Because,” Minho replies with a deadpan expression, “Jisung’s room is fucking disgusting. It’s a biohazard. This is for your safety.”

The room erupts into laughter, everyone nodding in agreement.

“Fuck off, my room isn’t that bad!” Jisung protests, but his grin gives him away.

“Bro, you live in a dumpster,” Felix says, still chuckling. “Let’s not pretend otherwise.”

You smile, accepting the face mask with a soft, “Thank you, Minho.”

Jisung groans dramatically, grabbing your hand and tugging you toward the stairs. “Don’t listen to them, princess. My room is fine. Let’s go.”

You and Jisung head upstairs, your footsteps echoing in the narrow hallway. Jisung’s hand is wrapped around yours, pulling you along as the sounds of the frat house’s chaos slowly fade behind you. The door to his room is ajar when you reach it, and he swings it open with a casual flick of his wrist, revealing the space inside.

“Alright, welcome to my humble abode,” Jisung says, stepping aside to let you in. “Don’t mind the mess.”

You raise an eyebrow as you step into his room. It’s not exactly what you were expecting. There’s a comfortable bed in the corner, a few scattered posters on the walls, but it’s the clutter that catches your attention. Piles of clothes in various states of cleanliness are stacked in one corner, and there’s a mess of gadgets, unopened boxes, and random knick-knacks littering his desk.

“It’s not dirty,” Jisung insists, closing the door behind you. “It’s just... I buy a lot of shit I never use.”

You can’t help but laugh quietly, shaking your head. “Yeah, I can see that.” You glance at him, catching a glimpse of a Star Wars figurine on the shelf, a couple of old video game consoles tucked under his desk, and what appears to be a half-used, brightly colored art set. “What is all this stuff, Jisung?”

Jisung shrugs nonchalantly, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “I mean, I was gonna do something with all of it. But, you know, procrastination is a hell of a drug.” He walks over to the desk and tosses his jacket over the back of the chair before flopping down onto the bed. “But, I’m not here to give you a tour of my shit. What do you think of my mess?”

You glance around again, spotting something on his desk that catches your eye, a criminal law textbook, open to a random page. You walk over to it, picking it up and raising an eyebrow. “Why do you have this?”

Jisung looks over at you, propping himself up on his elbows. “Figured it’d be good to have something to talk about, you know? Make me sound smart and shit.” He shrugs, completely unfazed by the fact that he’s openly admitting to this in front of you.

You look back at him, a quiet laugh escaping you. “You? Sounding smart? Yeah, sure.”

He throws his head back dramatically. “Hey, I’m a journalism major with a criminal psych minor. I can throw around some fancy words.”

“I’ll give you credit for trying,” you tease, before glancing around some more. That’s when you spot the Harry Potter shelf in the corner, filled with a collection of wands, scarves, and figurines.

“Wait,” you say, pointing at the shelf. “Are those... Harry Potter things?”

Jisung smirks, clearly proud of his collection. “Hufflepuff represent!” he announces with a dramatic flair, throwing his hands up like he’s about to lead a chant.

You laugh, shaking your head in disbelief. “Hufflepuff? Really?”

“Hell yeah,” he says, looking at you as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “We’re loyal, hardworking, and way cooler than all those other houses.”

You roll your eyes, half-amused, half-surprised. “I took the quiz, and I was a Slytherin.”

Jisung’s face twists in mock horror. “You?! A Slytherin?!” he exclaims, raising an eyebrow in exaggerated shock. “There’s no way you’re a Slytherin. I thought you were, like, all sweet and shit.”

You shrug with a smile, enjoying the banter. “Turns out, I’m secretly cunning and ambitious.”

Jisung chuckles, shaking his head. “Fuck, that’s funny. But I’ll take it. Slytherins are smart as hell.”

As you glance around his room, something else catches your eye, a small book of poetry, sitting casually on his nightstand. You pick it up, flicking through the pages. “Wait, what’s this?” you ask, your voice playful as you glance at Jisung.

He sits up on the bed, his smirk softening into something more sheepish. “I saw on your Instagram that you and the girls did a wine and poetry night, so... I bought the book,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “Thought it might be a good way to connect.”

You stare at him for a beat, processing the unexpected gesture. And then you can’t help it. You burst out laughing. “You are a secret loser!” You hold up the book like it’s evidence. “Han Jisung, a tattooed hunk with a chest bigger than most women, is secretly a loser!”

Jisung groans, flopping back onto the bed with his hands covering his face. “I swear to god, I’m never doing anything nice for you again.”

You laugh harder, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge. “Oh, I’m sorry, did I crush your tough guy image?” you tease, nudging him with your elbow. “You’ve got tattoos, a scorpion on your neck, and now you’re reading poetry. You’re like a walking contradiction.”

“Fuck off,” Jisung grumbles, but his voice is amused. 

You smile softly, genuinely touched by the effort, even if it’s a little silly. “I like that you’re a secret loser.”

“God, you really know how to kill a guy’s ego, don’t you?” Jisung says, though the affection in his voice is clear.

“Only because you deserve it,” you tease, picking up the poetry book and flipping through it casually. You can’t help but feel a little lighter in his presence, despite the teasing. “I like the effort. Really.”

Jisung turns his head toward you, giving you a genuine, softer smile. “You know, you’re not so bad yourself, princess.”

You look up at him, your heart unexpectedly fluttering as you feel the weight of his words. “I’m not the only one with layers, huh?”

Jisung chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “Nah. Guess not.”

The Alpha Phi living room is a cacophony of banter and energy, as it always is when all eight boys are crammed into one space. Jisung is pacing back and forth in front of his friends, his hands flailing occasionally as he speaks, clearly deep in thought or at least pretending to be.

“Okay,” he starts, stopping abruptly to face the group before continuing his restless pacing. “So, we kissed. She spent time with me in my room. Called me a loser, which, by the way, rude as fuck, but also weirdly endearing, and now I need to make her my girlfriend.”

The room is silent for a beat before Jeongin snorts. “Dude, you’re acting like this is some undercover operation.”

“It is an operation, you little shit,” Jisung fires back, jabbing a finger in Jeongin’s direction. “Step one: romance. Step two: dates. Step three: make it official. Step four: sex. In that order. Because-” he pauses for dramatic effect, spinning to face Chan, “-I am not a heathen like Chan, who fucks before a date.”

“Hey!” Chan says, throwing a crumpled napkin at him. “Don’t drag me into this shit!”

“I’m just saying,” Jisung replies, grinning, “I’m a classy man. Romancing, dates, making it official. Then sex.”

Minho, who’s lounging on the couch beside Felix, raises an eyebrow. “Is it so she’s not scared off by the fact that the tip of your dick is pierced?”

Jisung pauses mid-pace, his mouth opening and closing for a second before he sighs dramatically. “Yes. I need her to accept me as her boyfriend first so we’re locked in before Prince Albert comes into play.”

“Jesus Christ,” Changbin mutters, shaking his head. “I didn’t need to know that.”

“It’s all about transparency, Binnie,” Jisung says with a flourish. “Now, ideas, people. I need ideas. No ideas are bad ideas.”

Hyunjin leans forward, his chin resting on his hands. “Okay, hear me out. You take her to one of those rooftop restaurants. Dim lighting, candles, a view of the city. Classic romance.”

“Solid,” Jisung nods. “Not bad.”

Jeongin raises a hand. “Cook for her. Girls love a guy who can cook.”

“You can’t even boil an egg,” Seungmin mutters.

“Hey, I didn’t say I’d do it. I said he should.”

“That’s actually not terrible,” Jisung admits, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But I’d probably burn her dinner.”

“Do a grand gesture,” Changbin offers, grinning. “Show up at her window with a boombox, ‘80s movie style.”

“Changbin,” Minho says, deadpan. “No one does that anymore.”

“That’s why it’s genius,” Changbin counters.

Jisung stares at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Fucking awful.”

“Write her a love letter,” Felix suggests quietly, still hiding behind his iced tea.

Jisung arches an eyebrow. “What am I, Shakespeare?”

“Buy her a puppy,” Jeongin adds, grinning. “No one says no to puppies.”

“Jeongin, shut the fuck up,” Jisung snaps, though he can’t suppress a small laugh. “I’m not buying a puppy.”

Chan finally clears his throat, raising a hand to silence the chaos. “Alright, alright. Let me speak, children.”

Jisung crosses his arms, leaning against the wall. “Alright, Chan. You’re the romance man, despite your questionable methods with Jennie. Talk to me, papi.”

The room erupts in a chorus of groans and laughter as Minho jumps in, his smirk widening. “Yeah, Daddy Chan, talk to us. I need to romance Felix, Hyunjin needs to romance Rose. get talking.”

Felix flushes red, his head disappearing behind his drink entirely. “Minho, stop,” he mumbles, his voice barely audible.

Chan sighs dramatically, sitting up straighter. “Fine, you want advice from Daddy Chan? Here it is. First, figure out what she actually likes. Not just the surface stuff. Get to know her for real. What makes her happy? What’s her favourite thing to do when she’s stressed?”

“That’s… actually not bad,” Jisung admits, nodding slowly.

“Second,” Chan continues, “make her feel special without overdoing it. Don’t come off as fake. Do something that’s you, but with a twist for her.”

“And third,” Chan finishes, leaning back with a smirk, “be confident, but not cocky. Show her you’re serious without being overbearing.”

The room falls silent for a moment as everyone processes the surprisingly solid advice.

“Alright,” Jisung says, clapping his hands together. “Let’s do this. Chan, I’ll give you this one, you know your shit.”

“Damn right, I do,” Chan replies, grinning.

Minho raises a hand lazily. “Same advice applies for romancing Felix?”

Felix groans. “Minho, please.”

“Of course it does,” Chan says, smirking at Felix. “Just don’t be a dumbass about it.”

The room devolves into laughter again, but beneath the chaos, Jisung feels a quiet sense of determination. Whatever it takes, he’s going to make this work. After all, he’s not a heathen, he’s a man with a plan.

The sun is low in the sky, casting an amber glow over the bustling streets of Wolmi Myland as Jisung and you stroll side by side, his arm comfortably draped over your shoulder. You’ve grown used to the warmth of his touch, the gentle weight of it sending a calm buzz through your chest, making your smile even softer. The day has been full of laughter, rides, and moments you never want to forget.

Behind you, your friends make up a merry parade. Chan and Jennie are deep in conversation, their laughter filling the air, while Hyunjin and Rose trail behind, teasing each other about something only they understand. Minho and Felix, predictably, are doing their thing. Minho flirting with Felix in that easy, almost predatory way of his, like it’s just another Tuesday.

Felix, usually a shy mess in the face of Minho’s advances, has recently been taking notes from you and the girls on how to handle Minho’s brand of charm. You, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose had all gathered around Felix one afternoon and, in a moment of solidarity, had given him the pep talk of a lifetime. Look up through your eyelashes, bite your lip, speak soft but say something dirty, and so on.

You can hear Felix’s soft voice, but the words catch your attention because they sound like they come straight from a romance novel.

“So... you’ve been working out, huh?” Felix says, voice smooth as silk, a coy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He looks at Minho through his lashes, lips parted ever so slightly. “I bet those arms would look even better holding me down.”

The reaction from Minho is instant, and you almost choke on your breath as you hear the sharp intake of air from him. His eyes widen as if Felix had just dropped a bomb on him, and the whole group stops in their tracks. Even Jisung’s arm around your shoulder tightens slightly, but his lips curve up in a wicked grin, clearly enjoying the chaos unfolding.

“Marry me, Felix,” Minho says, his voice high-pitched with disbelief but dripping with genuine admiration. “Right now, I’m in love with you. That was fucking hot. I-” He shakes his head as if trying to process what just happened. “Where has this version of Felix been hiding?”

Felix, suddenly more confident than you’ve ever seen him, shrugs and smirks. “You know, just had to channel my inner bad boy. You know how it is, Minho.” He looks around at all of you, a playful glint in his eye. “I can show you more... if you’re really interested.”

Jisung chuckles beside you, squeezing your shoulder lightly. “Damn, Felix, I’m proud of you. Finally found your balls.”

Chan, walking next to Jennie, throws his head back and laughs. “This shit is golden. I’ve been trying to get Felix to do this for years and now he’s out here dropping sexual innuendo like a fucking pro.” He slaps Minho on the back. “What’d you say, Minho? You in love with Felix now?”

Minho, still staring at Felix like he’s seeing him for the first time, just shakes his head in disbelief. “I might actually be. I never thought I’d say this, but damn, Felix, where’s the ring?”

Felix raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the attention. “Maybe you’ll have to earn it, Minho.” He winks and, for a moment, the atmosphere is a perfect blend of playful and charged.

You can’t help but laugh, the whole scene unfolding around you like a whirlwind of flirtation and teasing. Jisung’s arm around your shoulders tightens again, his smile mischievous as he lowers his head toward your ear. “I’m gonna be honest with you,” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing, “if you ever get me to say something that filthy, I think I’ll have to take you home and lock the door for the night.”

You glance at him, raising an eyebrow. “You think you can out-flirt Felix?” you tease gently.

Jisung grins, leaning in closer to brush his lips against your temple. “I know I can. I’m just waiting for the right moment.”

“Sure, sure,” you say, your voice light but with a smile playing on your lips. You feel his breath against your skin, sending a thrill through you, but you play it cool, knowing exactly what he’s doing. You lean into him, the closeness making everything feel more intimate.

Felix, still standing a few steps ahead, turns around with a look of pride on his face. “You know, I might have to teach Minho a lesson now,” he adds, “maybe show him how to actually flirt properly.”

Minho’s head snaps toward Felix, a horrified expression crossing his face. “No fucking way. You’re not doing that to me. I’m the one who does the lessons, alright?”

Jisoo and Lisa, who have been walking behind you, laugh loudly, catching the attention of the rest of the group. “Felix, babe, you’re getting too good at this,” Lisa says, grinning. “We might need to tone you down before you leave us all behind in the dating game.”

“Yeah, I don’t know if we can keep up with that level of flirtation,” Jisoo adds, shaking her head with exaggerated disbelief. “Next thing we know, you’re gonna be the one teaching us.”

Felix just grins, clearly loving the attention. “If you want, I could. We’re all about equal opportunity here, right?”

Hyunjin, who’s been walking next to Rose, chimes in, laughing. “You know what, Felix, we might have to start giving you a class for all of us. Teach us your ways.”

The laughter continues, but Jisung’s arm around you stays firm, his presence as comforting as always. His hand brushes your arm lightly as he speaks again, his voice low and playful, “You know, I’ve got some skills of my own, babe. But I’ll let you in on a little secret, nothing beats genuine affection.”

You glance up at him, your heart fluttering. “And I’m guessing you plan on showing me that tonight?”

His grin widens. “You know it, princess.”

The night is in full swing as the group gathers in front of the Disco Pang Pang ride. The neon lights blink around them, casting colourful hues across the faces of your friends. You’re laughing, your hand still resting comfortably in Jisung’s as you walk, but that’s when it happens.

Suddenly, Jisung stops in front of the entrance to the ride. You blink in confusion. Then, he drops to one knee.

The entire group freezes. You can hear Chan and Jennie snickering quietly in the background, Hyunjin and Rose watching with wide eyes. Minho and Felix glance at each other, brows raised, clearly confused but entertained. Jeongin, Seungmin, Changbin, Lisa, and Jisoo all stop and turn toward Jisung, their attention now fully on him.

You, on the other hand, snort. You can’t help it. The sudden seriousness of the moment mixed with Jisung’s complete lack of seriousness has you giggling uncontrollably. You press your hand to your mouth, trying to hide it, but the sound of your laughter fills the air.

“Oh my god,” you manage to gasp between giggles, “are you- Are you serious right now?”

Jisung’s face remains deadpan as he pulls out a ring from his pocket. But it’s not a diamond, or even a normal ring. It’s a candy ring. He holds it up, staring at you with a glint in his eye.

“Y/N L/N,” he says dramatically, “Will you accept me as I am? A sexy secret loser with enough ink on my skin to be a soccer mother’s wet dream in cliterary format? Will you be my girlfriend and accept this ring as a symbol of our romance?”

At that, you burst out laughing again, the candy ring in his hand almost forgotten as you clutch your stomach. You try to compose yourself, but it’s impossible. Jisung’s smirk only grows as he watches you dissolve into giggles.

“Yes!” you finally say between fits of laughter, “Yes, you idiot, I’ll be your girlfriend!” You extend your hand, letting him slip the candy ring onto your finger.

The whole group erupts into applause, and even Minho can’t help but laugh, though he's still trying to figure out what the hell just happened. Jisung grins widely, clearly pleased with himself, and leans in to whisper in your ear, his voice dropping to a teasing tone.

“Oh, by the way,” he says, voice low and almost too smug, “my dick’s pierced. You accepted me as your boyfriend, no take backs.”

You blink, your smile faltering for just a moment. “Your what is what?” You look around, clearly trying to process what he just said.

Minho, who has been lounging with Felix nearby, shrugs and speaks up. “It’s true,” he says casually, snuggling into Felix’s side, clearly comfortable with this new conversation. “Jisung showed us all when he got it done. The whole frat saw it. Right, guys?”

The guys all nod enthusiastically, their voices rising in unison.

“Yeah, it’s true,” Changbin adds with a smirk.

“Couldn’t stop talking about it for days,” Seungmin chimes in with a chuckle.

Jisung just grins at you, clearly pleased with the reactions. “Think of it as extra ribbing,” he says with a wink, leaning in closer to you.

You cover your mouth with your hand, trying to stifle your smile, but it's no use. Your laughter bubbles up again. You can’t believe the absurdity of it all, but at the same time, it feels right. This- he- feels right.

Jennie, who's been watching the entire exchange with a raised eyebrow, finally speaks up, her voice stern but amused. “No! No talking filth in public, you two!” she calls out, pointing at Jisung and you as she laughs. “We’re in public, for fuck’s sake.”

Jisung raises his hands in mock surrender, still grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Fine, fine,” he says, kissing the top of your head. “I’m a gentleman. I’ll keep it clean for now.”

You smile up at him, your heart racing with affection for this ridiculous, wonderful guy. “You know, I really don’t think I can take you anywhere without you making a scene.”

Jisung gives you an exaggerated look of offence. “What are you talking about? I’m a fucking angel, princess.”

“Oh, yeah, of course,” you tease, rolling your eyes. “A real angel with a pierced dick and a candy ring.”

“Hell yeah,” he says, laughing along with you. “But hey, we’re at Disco Pang Pang. Our place. You wanna go on the ride? Should we go and relive the moment where we first met?”

Your heart skips a beat at the mention of the ride, the memory of how you met, of how everything changed in that one moment. The laughter, the absurdity, and the way he looked at you. It’s been perfect ever since.

“Lead the way,” you reply, your smile soft and warm as you take his hand.

Jisung’s eyes light up, and he gives you a cheeky wink. “You got it, princess.”

He pulls you along toward the entrance of the ride, and the whole group follows. You’re not sure if you’ve ever been more content in your life than you are right now, surrounded by your friends, by Jisung, and by a relationship that’s in its early stages but is already everything you ever wanted.

As you board the Disco Pang Pang, Jisung pulls you close, his arm wrapping around your waist. The ride begins to spin, and you can’t help but feel like everything has fallen into place. There’s laughter, excitement, and the feeling that this moment, this night, is exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And as the lights of the ride flash, the music thumping in your ears, you know that no matter where you go, as long as you’re with him, it’s going to be an adventure.

The ride begins to buck, and Jisung pulls you closer, a wide grin on his face as he looks at you with that familiar spark in his eyes. “You’re mine now, princess.”

You lean into him, grinning back. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

General Taglist: @nightmarenyxx

Proofread by the wonderful @eastjonowhere

[marauder-misprint]

Glass

Sirius Black x Keeper!gn!reader

Microfic - 980 words

cw: injury, semi-fluff

After getting hit on the shoulder with a bludger and somehow managing to not fall off your broom, the Quidditch match both dragged on and went by in a blur. Streaks of red and yellow passed in front of you, standing out yet blending in with the bright blue sky behind them. You were glad that you weren’t Gryffindor’s seeker. With how much pain you were in, you wouldn't have been able to catch the snitch, let alone spot it. The tears that involuntarily fell down your face blurred your vision as you hovered in front of the goal posts. You try to focus on the game going on around you, but it’s no use. You instead focus on staying on your broom until one of the seekers ends it, hoping your team is able to defend enough where you won’t need to block a Hufflepuff’s shot.

One the seekers is finally successful. As soon as you hear the whistle blow and cheers erupt from the stands, you’re essentially in a nosedive. You hurry to the locker room to put away your broom, not bothering to celebrate with the rest of Gryffindor on the pitch. You repeatedly mutter “ow” with every movement of your left arm. You have one thing on your mind once your broom is safely in your locker: Getting to Madam Pomfrey so she can put you out of your misery.

Sirius spots you as you exit the locker room and within a moment, he’s sprinting to be at your side. Not that he had intentionally been looking for you, but your absence among the rest of the team still on the pitch seemed to stick out like a sore thumb.

“You alright?” he asks slightly out of breath once he catches up to you.

“I will be,” you answer through gritted teeth.

You knew he saw you get hit; everyone in the stands had. There was also about a 50% chance he heard the crack of the bone that accompanied the hit, based on where he had been sitting. The pain in your shoulder is a dull, throbbing ache that stings sharply whenever your arm moves. You lengthen your steps as you weave through the throng of students headed back to the castle. Sirius has no trouble keeping up. But rather than simply follow you to the hospital wing, he decides he has a better plan.

“Wait,” he says with a reached out hand, at which you slow down but don’t stop.

He quickens his pace briefly so he’s right next to you. Then he attempts to pick you up bridal style while you are mid-step. You let out a yelp of pain as your bad arm is wrapped around his neck while the rest of your body falls in ragdoll style.

“What are you doing?” you hiss through the pain coursing through your shoulder.

“Going to carry you…” he replies, still trying to pick you up.

 The students around you start to give the two of you a bubble of space and sideways glances. Murmurs of confusion and annoyance can barely be heard over the rumbling of hundreds of footsteps.

“I got hit in the shoulder. I can walk,” you snap, pulling yourself out of Sirius’ grip and righting yourself. 

You flex the muscles in your face to relax your expression. You walk quicker than you had been in the direction of the hospital wing; Sirius follows, not one to be left behind. And if you’re being honest, you’re not sure why he’s coming with. You are perfectly capable of making it to the wing yourself, and if you were alone, you’d be swearing under your breath at the pain. You don’t, since he’s right there. You don’t want to encourage another attempt to carry you.

A quick examination by Madam Pomfrey tells you that you’ve broken a bone and have major bruising. It’s nothing some magic and an overnight stay in the hospital wing can’t fix. She informs you to pick a bed and she’ll over shortly with some potions and skelegrow. 

Your footsteps, along with Sirius’, echo through the room. It’s without a doubt the cleanest room in all of Hogwarts and you can smell it. The tall windowed walls are lined with cots, uncomfortably thin mattresses covered with equally thin, scratchy sheets. You pick one in the middle. Sirius puts his hands on your waist and your eyes go wide at the sudden contact. 

“Dear Merlin, what are you doing, Black?” you ask, agitation dripping from your voice.

“Helping you up?” he offers meekly.

“I am not made of glass! I can do it myself!”

He backs up, hands raised in front of himself in defense. You wince as you climb gingerly into the bed, having failed at your attempt to avoid putting any pressure at all on your injured arm. 

“I was just…” he starts.

“Trying to help, yeah. I know.” Your voice is tired and your expression is a mix of irritation and pain. You just want the potions from Madam Pomfrey so your arm will stop hurting.

Sirius purses his lips. You’re annoyed, but it’s an annoyance he recognized. It’s the same annoyance that Remus has around every full moon. Remus knows his friends are only trying to be helpful but the pain he’s in causes him to lash out. At least, Sirius thinks, you haven’t said anything hurtful toward him. 

“Do you… do you mind the company?” he asks after a few moments of silence. 

You give him a pitiful glance. Madam Pomfrey still isn’t here with the potions. You sigh.

“Only if you can distract me from this goddamn pain.”

A smile breaks across Sirius’ face as he pulls up a chair to the side of your bed. He is more than willing to recount a prank he pulled on the Slytherins with the help of James. 

[mirandasidefics]

Autumn Traditions

Pairing: None

Character: Eris Vanserra

Summary: Just a little blurb about Eris' thoughts on some Autumn Court courting traditions. @erisweekofficial Day 4: Traditions

Author's Note: There are many fanarts out there of both Lucien and Eris that show them with some type of braiding in their hair. What if the braids actually symbolize something? For instance, they could be a quick way to visually determine a male's relationship status (provided their hair is long enough for braiding). For example:

Short Hair/No braid= single and not looking for marriage

One braid on the right= single and looking for marriage

Two braids on the right = courting, but not yet engaged

One braid on the left = engaged

Two braids on the left = married

Three braids on the left =widowed

I think females would show their relationship status more through jewelry rather than hair style. For Autumn Court I could see gold and rose gold as the primary metals. For those in higher standing red gemstones (Garnets and Rubies specifically) would be used as the focal point of the piece. Diamonds, darker amethyst, and darker emeralds could be added to enhance the piece. For those that are in lower classes, less precious gems such as Carnelian, Citrine, and Smokey Quartz could be used a focal points.

I feel like the Fae wouldn't be limited to rings either. (If I remember correctly, it was mentioned that Tamlin only gave Feyre an engagement ring due to her previous human life). Therefore, I feel like the Fae would also use necklaces, earrings, or bracelets in addition to rings for engagements. The type of jewelry could even be an indication of how the engagement came to be.

Rings = traditional love matches

Earrings/Bracelets = arranged marriages

Necklaces = mates (because it is close to the heart)

Eris glanced around the ball room, completely uninterested in the spectacle that surrounded him. The social season had begun in full swing in the Autumn Court. One of the oldest of Fae traditions for making marriage matches for the females of the court. One that had also been fully adopted by the Humans over the centuries. At least according to his youngest brother's letters about his travels along the continent with his mate.

For centuries Eris had lacked any interest in attending these functions. He had much rather get a few hours of nightly training with his hounds, making sure that their senses remained sharp under any circumstances. However, this year his Mother had absolutely insisted that he at least make an appearance.

While he had the capability to be as social as expected of an Autumn Court Lord, Eris just didn't have the energy for pretense and painful small talk. So, he found himself standing to the sidelines. His long hair down, cascading in a river of crimson down his back. He had to try and refrain from poking and prodding at the itching pain the single intricately woven braid along the right side of his head caused. Another damn nonsense tradition in his mind, but who was he to deny his Mother in the end.

He knew perfectly the well the game that she was trying to quietly play for Eris. The single braid signifying to all the Ladies and their Fathers that the High Lord's eldest son was finally back on the marriage market. After the termination of his engagement to Morrigan centuries ago, he was certain that his Mother had managed to convince his Father that it was high time some grandchildren were produced.

Eris scanned over the room again. Males of all ages had braids in their hair. The location and number each signifying those available from those that weren't. He noted that the Father's of eligible young ladies now seemed to add charms to their marriage braids. Perhaps a new tradition was beginning to form.

While it was easy to spot every intention of the Male's filling the space, it was always more difficult to see which females had already become spoken for. Rings were often difficult to spot from a far. Earrings even more so. But it was the presence of necklaces that many males were fearful of finding around the neck of a beneficial match.

Eris' deep honey hued orbs snagged on the one female who sported such an item. Out of the hundreds that filled the ballroom, there was at least one pair of mates. A true reminder of the scarcity of mates. Though, the Night Court seemed to have a considerable amount of luck in that feat.

He sighed, one of his Father's underlings finally decided to descend upon him. Closing his eyes to prepare his mask as the cold and indifferent heir. Oh, the things he did for his family.

ACOTAR Masterlist

[colibrie]

So I

I read the Rise x Star Wars crossover

AAAASJDHSHWWHDJSHHSDJCYYAHQNEDIXUSHSNSUXYXUAMABEVEYAYSUXXJSJSNSJAKAOAKSJSHGCYDHANSBDV

Everything hurts 👍

I LOVE the way you write. The descriptions of everything from Leo's numbness, to Donnie's memories of the temple, to Mikey's real life healthy way of processing emotions, to Leo's face man persona, to Donnie's box, to Raph being Raph and taking the blame, to Krang's perspective... ALL SO GOOD. I love the connection between the twins through the force. Absolutely immaculate.

I can't WAIT to see where this goes. Inquisitors vs Jedi is inherently angsty because of the bond once shared, but you've somehow managed to make it even more painful. Incredible!

@trilobitepunch 's art also adds so much. The style matches up with the writing perfectly, and the angles are so awesome. I especially love the use of shadows from Don and Raph's helmets. And the way Krang is drawn??? Terrifying. Absolutely accurate to Star Wars style.

I'm excited to see where this will go! The brothers working their way back together as Krang breaks Raph and Donnie down further and further... I of course hope that there will be a happy ending but I now from my own writing experience that the paths to happy endings are paved with miles of angst.

I just have some questions! Are you planning for April to make an appearance? When did Donnie build 5HE-DN and does Krang know?

Anyway, thanks so much for writing this wonderful story! I eagerly await further updates, but be sure to take your time and take care of yourself! Sorry it took so long for me to get around to it

*Takes deep, professional breath*

TXJXKTKTXXKTTKXXKTXKYGKXDDTKSKTXGKXKGXKGMGXKTURSTXKKTXSURFKYSTJXYKXKTSJTKTDTDKDKTOMIGOSHOMIGOSHOMIGOSHTHAANKYOUUUUUUUUUUUU!

This made my night! Especially because I just got done devouring your writing (which has me utterly emotionally wrecked. Sincere thanks for that btw!)

I am happy you've found so much to enjoy. As my first foray into the Rise fandom, it's been tricky at times trying to blend all the parts together into a cohesive unit. But I love writing description, and in tinkering with descriptions I feel like I've slowly gotten a better grasp on who these boys are. Shockly, (likely to absolutely no one) Leo and Mikey are the easiest for me to write. Donnie is the most difficult, but lucky for me I have my own brilliant genius!

Trilo is INCREDIBLE to work with. There have been times where I have been struggling to put a scene into words, and she returns with a page or a picture or a paragraph that just instantly helps things to click. I swear, it's magic! Her command of shadows, expressions, and body language are astounding, and there have been several scenes that tripled in length because her art inspired me so much.

We've built out much of how this story will unfold, and as a fellow angst lover (and self proclaimed angst fairy), I can confirm that there is a light at the end, but the path to reach it will push all four of them to the limit.

To answer your questions:

We debated whether or not to include April. We both love her character, but we ultimately decided that we wanted to keep the cast small so we could keep the focus on the boys.

5HL-DN is the fifth in a series of droids designed by Donnie. The first one was built when he was a still a child. He is by far the most sophisticated, and the one with the most developed personality. As for the circumstances around how 5HL-DN came to be.... spoilers. I promise you'll find out.

Yes, Krang knows about 5HL-DN, but he doesn't see him as particularly important. To Krang, droids are tools. Weak and easily expendable. He's aware that Donnie built 5HL-DN and he considers Donnie's investment in 5HL-DN to be a foolish weakness, but Raph is a much better and more effective tool to hurt Donnie with so Krang mostly ignores 5HL-DN. Plus, he has his utility in keeping Krangs favorite toy in the game....

This story is a joy to write, and I'm so glad my words can do justice for @trilobitepunch 's amazing art work. This au is a labor of love on both our parts and seeing it come together to get this kind of reaction is one of the greatest feelings. We are working on the next installments as we speak, so I hope you'll enjoy those as well! In the mean time, if you or anyone else has any other questions, feel free to ask!

[goodomensfangirl72]

𓆩⚝𓆪 NSFW alphabet for Dr. Flug 𓆩⚝𓆪

Minors DNI

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

I feel like he would be pretty big on giving you aftercare. He'd clean you up, get you snacks, water, basically everything you can think of. Plus, he absolutely loves to pamper you and make you feel cherished.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He loves his hands. He makes all his gizmos with them, how could he not love them? Another reason he loves them is because it's his favorite thing in the world to run his hands up and down your body. On you, he loves your thighs. Like me and everyone with common sense, Dr. Flug appreciates some good ol' thunder thighs. Who wouldn't like to grab onto a thick pair of thighs while their having sex?

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

I like to think he doesn't really want kids, so he'll wear a condom and cum inside of that.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He doesn't have one. He feels comfortable enough to tell you all of his fantasies.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

I'm sorry, but he gives me massive virgin vibes😭 he's probably the most inexperienced man in all of Hatsville.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Missionary would probably be his favorite, though he would like doggy style every once in a while.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He's a bit of a mix, though he does tend to be more serious. He's not against cracking a joke or two, however.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He keeps it trimmed but not completely shaves off. I like zomibom's Flug, so the hair is brown is like his hair.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

He's pretty fucking romantic during it. He won't do the whole champagne and rose petals, but he wanted to let you know how much he loves and cherishes you.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He doesn't really jerk off that much, but when he does, it's most likely when he's horny and is too shy to ask you for sex.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

PRAISE. I can not say this enough, praise would totally be his number one kink. It is literally said in the wiki that Black Hat will never praise him and will tell him it's his job to do it perfectly, so praise him and he'll literally start crying.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He likes his privacy, so the bedroom is his go-to option.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Help him build one of his inventions and he will want to fuck you right then and there.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He won't ever hurt you or degrade you. You're his partner, why would he want to say rude things to you and make you feel pain?

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He definitely prefers giving you oral. Remember how I said he's a thigh guy? Wrap you thighs around his head while he's eating you out and he'll be in absolute heaven.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He's cool with whatever you want to do, but he will definitely like doing it slow and gentle. It makes him feel like it more intimate, y'know.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

He doesn't like them but he'll do it if he's in a hurry and horny.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He's up for trying new things but he likes doing it the way it currently is.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He can go two-three rounds, but after that he gets tired.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He doesn't have any. He thinks their unnecessary and it makes him feel a little insecure about his skills if you ask him to use toys. He'll try and play it off but eventually asks if he's not pleasing you without toys.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He'll only lightly tease you, most likely as a form of foreplay.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He groans, maybe sometimes grunting, but if he's on bottom, he'll whine the entire time.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He'd love to cuddle after being intimate. He just likes to hold you and tell you how much he loves you.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Seven inches. Not much to say about it.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

It's not that high but maybe once or twice a week?

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He only falls asleep after making sure all of your needs are tended to.

[systastic]

Cool!! Then I was wondering if I could get a level 3 Alter with the FC of The Strawberry Floormaster from Your Turn To Die? TYSM.

ooh, meow hasn’t heard of that!!! ill check it out nya~ -🍥

full disclosure: we went a bit off the rails w this one. zir image gives ‘crazy murderer’ vibes for some reason. if u want edits, let us know. -🌲

name :: queen, velvette, satin, lace, bliss, rose, mercy, vera (short for verity)

age :: 21

pronouns :: she/her, it/its, nameself, hy/hyr, zie/zir, other/others, gur/guro, game/games

roles :: persecutor, antagonizer, berserker, chaosnaut, obsessor, hyperrose holder

species :: doll / alien

gender identity (gore warning!) :: dulcreepic, gurolocuteic, etehungeturic

orientation :: panromantic, polysexual (obsessive love disorder)

source :: brainmade, semi-YTTD

aesthetic (gore warning!) :: yami kawaii, kimoicore, ero-guro, yandere

appearance description :: bliss dresses in cute yet extravagant ribbon-filled clothing. the more bows, lace, and frills it has on it, the better it becomes in hyr eyes. hy has long pink hair — or would it be ‘had’? no; vera’s hair simply shifts to better match her current outfit, albeit with a sort of “punk” style to it. queen maintains a perfectly clean outfit even when actively maiming someone, as she tends to use machines or traps to do the work for her. all of queen’s traps share queens sense of extravagance, whether it be glitter-laced acid tanks, ribbon-made nets, butterfly shaped axes or candy-colored saws. mercy names zir traps after the people they’ve killed: kimiko the axe, lance the acid tank, delilah the razor wire… it helps keep her company in an otherwise lonely maze. lace has pink eyes, but when other gets murderous, intense, or obsessive, they turn a bloody red. unknown to hyr guests, gur has knives strapped to guro legs underneath guro frilly skirts. if any guests try to disobey or break the rules, mercy is quick to cut them down to size.

personality description :: cheerful, sweet and bouncy, queen is the perfect example of pristine behavior. zie is friendly and welcoming to the guests who “visit” her section of the mind. visitors are invited for tea and cakes… but they taste odd… are they- drugged? indeed they are. anyone who has dared to step into satin’s realm will become a new participant in hyr games whether they want it or not. the thoughts that lie behind those eyes are so diabolical and downright torturous that it makes even the devil weep. in satin’s eyes, everything is just one extravagant game. why, you ask? well… why not? things come and go, so why not play with it a little? gambling your life away is a small choice to make with a big impact! at least, if you die, that is. queen is sadistic and revels in the pain of others. seeing hyr captives beg in fear strengths hyr resolve to chase them down and make them work for their freedom. if someone wants to live so badly, then show it! fight for it! how can your life truly be lived if all you do is cower and hide from the things that scare you?! velvette intends to instill its system mates with a deep and powerful will to live and survive — though, in all truth, this doesn’t always work. it hasn’t stopped her from trying.

likes :: any sort of game, creating elaborate traps and deadly puzzles, solving non-lethal puzzles others have made, death traps, regular traps, torture methods, breaking her captive’s minds, torturing people in zir death maze, cute lolita style dresses, strawberry cake, baking, the smell / taste of fear, the saw movies (they give zir “inspiration” for zir death mazes/games), horror games with multiple ways to die (ib, mad father, the witch’s house), anything with a large amount of gore and/or horror, slasher movies, creepypastas, and musing over new ways to kill somebody

dislikes :: disobedience, rule breakers, people who refuse to play hyr games, losing control over a situation, those who faint over blood (what an overreaction — can’t they see how beautiful it is?), bitter tastes, spiky mouthfeel like whole durians and pineapple, black clothing, goth/emo subculture and style, point-blank murder (there’s no eloquence in shooting someone! it has to be bigger than that! grander! worthy of paying attention to!), lengthy monologues (just let her play already, damnit!), people with main character syndrome, and not getting her way

front triggers :: games of any kind, horror movies pertaining to games/traps, the current object of hyr obsession

signoff :: 🍓, 💝, or 🎀

image source here

[vizenthemant]

The Benefits of Furniture 3D Rendering for Custom Designs

Benefits of Furniture 3D Rendering for Custom Designs

Customers crave personalization, especially when it comes to furniture. Imagine this: You’re shopping for a dining table, but none of the options fit your space or style perfectly. Wouldn’t it be great if you could tweak the design, change the color, or adjust the dimensions to suit your preferences? This is where 3D rendering for custom furniture designs comes in, revolutionizing the industry and making personalization a breeze.

From offering lifelike visuals to streamlining the design process, 3D product rendering services have become a game-changer for furniture retailers, manufacturers, and customers alike. Let’s dive into how 3D furniture design, 3D product visualization, and 3D furniture models are reshaping the furniture customization experience.

What is Furniture 3D Rendering?

First, let’s clarify what we mean by furniture 3D rendering. In simple terms, it’s a technology that creates realistic, computer-generated images of furniture designs. These designs can range from simple chairs to complex modular systems. What makes it special? The ability to customize every detail and visualize the final product with stunning accuracy.

Unlike traditional sketches or 2D drawings, 3D furniture models allow you to see how a piece will look from every angle, in various materials and finishes, even before it’s built.

Why is 3D Rendering Essential for Custom Designs?

Custom furniture design often comes with challenges: meeting customer expectations, managing production costs, and ensuring flawless execution. Here’s how 3D product rendering services solve these issues:

1. Bringing Ideas to Life

Describing it in words or rough sketches can lead to miscommunication. With 3D product visualization, designers can translate these ideas into realistic models, making it easier for customers to see their vision come to life.

Imagine being able to adjust the size, color, or material of a couch and instantly viewing the changes on-screen. This level of interactivity makes the design process exciting and collaborative.

2. Eliminating Guesswork

One of the biggest pain points in custom furniture design is uncertainty. Customers often worry:

“Will this color match my living room?”

“Will the table fit in my dining area?”

3D furniture design removes this uncertainty by providing photorealistic visuals. Some services even allow customers to use augmented reality (AR) to virtually place the furniture in their space, ensuring it’s the perfect fit.

3. Reducing Costs and Errors

In traditional furniture customization, errors during production can be costly. A miscalculation in dimensions or a misunderstanding about the design can lead to wasted materials and delayed timelines. By using 3D furniture models, manufacturers can catch potential issues early. 

How 3D Product Visualization Enhances Custom Furniture Experiences

Customization isn’t just about making changes; it’s about making the process enjoyable and rewarding for customers. Here are some ways 3D product visualization elevates the experience:

Interactive Customization

Through interactive 3D tools, customers can mix and match materials, try different finishes, and even adjust design elements like armrests or leg styles. This hands-on approach makes them feel more connected to the product, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.

Speeding Up Decision-Making

The ability to see real-time changes to designs helps customers make decisions faster. They no longer have to imagine how a walnut finish might look compared to oak—they can see it immediately. 

Showcasing Versatility

For businesses, 3D furniture models are a fantastic way to showcase a single product’s versatility. For example, a modular sofa can be displayed in various configurations, sizes, and colors, all without the need for multiple physical prototypes.

The Role of 3D Furniture Design in Sustainability

Let’s not forget the environmental benefits. Traditional furniture design often involves creating physical prototypes, which can result in wasted materials. 3D furniture design eliminates this need, promoting a more sustainable approach to product development.

Additionally, by helping customers visualize their choices, 3D rendering reduces the chances of returns and replacements, which can be both costly and wasteful.

Real-Life Applications of 3D Rendering in Custom Furniture

Still wondering how businesses use this technology? Here are some examples:

Custom Sofa Designs: 

Customers can adjust dimensions, fabrics, and cushion fillings, and then visualize the result in 3D.

Bespoke Dining Tables: 

Shoppers can customize table legs, wood types, and finishes to match their home decor perfectly.

Office Furniture: 

Companies can visualize custom layouts and configurations for workstations, ensuring optimal use of space.

Brands like IKEA and Wayfair are already leveraging 3D product rendering services to offer customization options, but even small furniture makers can benefit by providing a personalized experience that rivals big-name competitors.

Furniture Design 3D Rendering

The future is bright for 3D product visualization. Virtual reality (VR) showrooms, AI-driven design recommendations, and real-time collaboration tools are just around the corner.

For businesses, adopting 3D furniture design is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying competitive. For customers, it means more freedom, creativity, and confidence in their purchases.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to 3D product rendering services, this process is now easier, faster, and more enjoyable than ever. Whether you’re a furniture maker looking to streamline your workflow or a customer seeking that perfect one-of-a-kind piece, 3D furniture models are here to make the experience better for everyone. With 3D furniture design, the possibilities are endless—and they start with just a click.

[pmustudioatl]

Brow Lamination in Atlanta: The Perfect Solution for Fuller, Flawless Brows

In recent years, brow lamination has taken the beauty world by storm, offering individuals a way to achieve fuller, perfectly shaped brows without the need for invasive procedures. In Atlanta, brow lamination has become a go-to treatment for anyone looking to elevate their brow game. But what exactly is Brow Lamination Atlanta, and why has it gained such popularity in Atlanta?

What is Brow Lamination?

Brow lamination is essentially a perm for your eyebrows. It works by manipulating the hairs to stay brushed upward for a sleek, full look. The treatment involves applying a special solution to relax the brow hairs, followed by setting them in the desired shape. The result is smooth, tamed brows that last for weeks.

Unlike microblading, which involves tattooing the skin beneath the eyebrows, brow lamination focuses solely on enhancing the natural brow hairs. This non-invasive procedure gives the brows a fuller, more uniform appearance without altering their natural structure.

Why is Brow Lamination So Popular in Atlanta?

The beauty scene in Atlanta is ever-evolving, with residents always on the lookout for the latest trends. Brow lamination has gained traction in the city for several reasons:

Natural-Looking Results: Many people prefer a more natural appearance when it comes to their eyebrows, and brow lamination delivers just that. It enhances what’s already there, making it an ideal choice for those who want to avoid the harsher look of permanent makeup.

Long-Lasting Effects: Brow lamination lasts anywhere from four to six weeks, making it a low-maintenance option for busy Atlantans. You can wake up with perfect brows every day without needing to fill them in or apply gel.

Customizable Style: Whether you prefer a bold, brushed-up look or something more subtle and sleek, brow lamination is fully customizable to match your style preferences. This versatility is a key reason why so many in Atlanta have fallen in love with the treatment.

Benefits of Brow Lamination

Fuller Appearance: Brow lamination creates the illusion of fuller, thicker brows by keeping the hairs in a lifted position.

Tames Unruly Brows: For those with stubborn brow hairs that won’t stay in place, lamination offers an effective solution, keeping them neatly groomed.

Pain-Free Process: Unlike some brow treatments that involve needles or discomfort, brow lamination is entirely painless, making it a more appealing option for those with sensitive skin.

No Downtime: After the procedure, you can immediately resume your regular activities without any recovery period, making it a convenient beauty service.

Finding the Best Brow Lamination Services in Atlanta

If you’re interested in trying brow lamination, Atlanta is home to many top-tier salons and beauty studios offering this service. When selecting a salon, look for experienced brow technicians who specialize in lamination to ensure the best results.

Make sure to ask about the products they use, as high-quality, nourishing ingredients are essential for keeping your brows healthy post-treatment. Some salons also offer package deals for regular Brow Lamination Roswell GA touch-ups, allowing you to maintain your fabulous look for longer.

[neos-ultra]

distract?

-blade style lacks raw power, you'll need to say something to throw him off his game... your eyes widen as the perfect idea comes into your mind!

neos ultra: "yep i'm single!" you force on a smile so wide the lenses of your neos form express it too.

loneus blade: "W-GUH-HUH-" you kick his legs while he's dazed, flipping him over sideways and for a split second it almost looks like there's some pink on his suit... blushing? must just be embarrasment and nothing else at all.

-while he's in the air you kick him again, knocking him away and giving you some distance. he lands on one of his hands, balancing on it before bending his arm and using it to jump right above you!

-the two of you swing at each other wildly, blades clashing and countering each time perfectly. the force and momentum keeps him in the air right above you. a blindingly fast clash of blades that you can barely keep track of, but the two of you are truly matched in speed! adreneline rushing through you, each strike gaining more and more momental as you lose yourself in the heat of battle.

loneus blade: "ALRIGHT!" he kicks off your head to jump away, landing infront of you with a blast charged up on his pink hand! "I KNEW THIS WAS GONNA BE RAD!!!" that side of him has to be heat element, but you still block it with your sword on instinct!

-and the energy ball... is deflected away? launched off to the side but... that would mean it was a neutral attack, like aqua or ultra or blade would be to a blade type weapon. if it was heat you would still have taken damage, if it was elec the blast would have reflected back to him...

loneus blade: "oh... okay then..." the two of you circle each other again, it seems he wasn't really prepared for an even match. "well uhhhh wanna see somethin' cool?"

neos ultra: "..." this is obviously a set up. it's so obvious has something planned to turn things back to his favor it's like the world is screaming at you to act right now. "maybe..."

loneus blade: "awesome. HYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH-" he suddenly surrounds himself in a green aura! it's obvious what this is... he's transforming! but what could it be? what would need so much- "STYLE CHANGE, BLADE STYLE!!!"

-oh... the aura calms down as the style change completes.

loneus blade: "pretty awesome huh? i'm just that badass. didn't even need to grab the stupid orbs to get it!" he spins around and poses at you, one arm pointed at you while the other is outstretched upwards, forming an L shape with his own body.

neos ultra: "i mean... i kinda thought it was gonna be like, a super mode? like the style changes are awesome but they're like, alternate modes. upsides and downsides. not big power up type stuff."

loneus blade: "yeah but like," suddenly he forms a sword in one hand. then a second in the other. clashing them together in an X shape. "this." ...yeah thats bad.

-he charges in! slashing with both blades faster than you can comprehend! you barely manage to block some of the attacks but more keep reaching you! a wave of slashes and cuts crash against your body. he's doubled in speed in this blade style form, you try to gain some distance and fire off some shots at him but he just reflects each one perfectly while closing the distance! he raises up both blades and slashes them both down at you!

neos ultra: "AAHHH!!!" you're sent to the floor from the pain, rolling across it until your back hits the spire in the middle of the arena. you start to get up, bracing yourself on the spire. you need a plan. blade style just isn't cutting it here...

what do you do?

-go for the orb

-heat things up

[srjlvr]

𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐘𝐏𝐄𝐍

. . ҂ As your boyfriend ! . . ҂

. . ҂ Genre: fluff ! . . ҂

━ Heeseung !

Cooks ramen for you 24/7 probably.

Gives you all of his hoodies.

He’ll take really good care of you since he already got the experience from his own members.

Shows you his love by pecking your lips every five mins !

“Hee do you know where’s the-“ Heeseung gave you a peck of your lips and cut you in the middle of your sentence with a smile. “Aww I love you too baby, but I really need you to tell me where’s the new pan we bought because i accidentally ruined ours right now” You nervously laughed. “You WHAT.”

━ Jay !

Damn if Jay’s your boyfriend then you won in life.

He’ll probably buy you outfits that’ll be EXACTLY your type and looks good on you.

I feel like there will be a lot of deep conversations with him and both of you will love it.

His way of showing love is letting you sleep on his shoulder while he caresses your head and gives you forehead pecks.

“How was your day today?” Jay asked as he signaled you to lay down on his shoulder. You did as he said and closed your eyes. “It was okay, work was kind of stressing, but i feel better since i’m with you” You fell for his touch as he was caressing your head and giving you pecks on your forehead. Five minutes passed and you were already in your deep sleep.

━ Jake !

You’re literally the luckiest person on earth to have him.

He takes good care of you, he knows how to do it perfectly, he’ll bring your confidence up and he’ll always tell you positive things about yourself.

He’ll be really respectful to your family and your family LOVES him more than they love you honestly.

His way of showing love is cuddling you up and giving you a tight hug.

“I missed you today, you know” He said, all cuddled up with you. “Me too, I really needed my Jake-energy today, but i’m glad to have you here with me, right now.” You tightly hugged him and pecked his lips.

━ Sunghoon !

Charming boy, everyone likes him but he makes sure to show everyone he’s yours.

I don’t think he’s into PDA but holding hands with you everywhere you go is a must.

He’ll tease you a lot and mess with you around but you’ll always fall for his smile so you decide to give up and let him do his.

His way of showing love is probably by back-hugs and teasings.

“Hey Sunghoon! Can you help me get that salt? It’s too high” You tried to reach to the salt but couldn’t since you were too short for this house. “Pfffft shortie” He teased you and went behind you to get the salt, he used that as an excuse to give you a back-hug and you melt into his touch.

━ Sunoo !

He LOVES ! to style your hair and will do it on daily basis.

Always buys you matching outfits bc he thinks its cute.

He’ll comment sassy jokes here and there but you know he loves you too much to actually mean what he says.

His way of showing love to you is by giving you pecks all over your face.

“KISS ATTACK !!” He jumped on you and started kissing you all over your face. “Okay okay i think its enough kisses i cant breathee !!!” You laughed through the pain</3. “Sorry, I just love you, a lot” He giggled and gave you a peck on your lips.

━ Jungwon !

I feel like,, he would be really responsible as a boyfriend, like he knows when he needs to apologize and when he did something wrong.

Forces you to go on walks with him and maeumi.

His favorite thing to do is sit with you while listening to your voice speaking about how was your day.

His way of showing love is by showing you that he actually listens to every single part of a story that you’re telling him.

“So i was just doing my job and she kept getting angry at me” You were already frustrated just by talking about what happened at your work today. “She really shouldn’t have done that” He nodded and caressed your hand while trying to keep you calm.

━ Riki !

Oh young, young love, even though he’s young, he knows how to treat you right.

Forces you to play video games with him and looses on purpose to see your happy face when you win.

Really childish but very cute at times, he’s the perfect match for you and you know it.

His way of showing love is by giving up on things just to see your smile.

“YAY!! I WONNNNN” You jumped around the house with a big big smile and riki watched as you disappeared for a second and then came back, and that happened already about ten mins. Riki was looking at you the whole time and felt happiness, when he finally saw you smile.

Notes !

I disappeared for like a day im sorry, im gonna be a bit more stressed than before so im sorry if there will be slow updates.

Im gonna go right now to sleep cuz im sleepy af. and im sorry if theres some typos, my eyes are about to close soon-

Thank you so much for reading!! I really appreciate it <3

M.List.

[johannwolfgangvongoethe]

overanalysing yaoi background art

this is just a funny little observation and in no way meant to be a “this got painted in canon!!!” theory. just something i think is an intentional easter egg found in the roost background art:

the paintings on the walls of the roost interior are quite something and i have been thinking about them for a while. most of it is, i think, chosen to undermine the owners eccentric morbid taste in art, there are multiple painting that have that specific ‘euphoria’ art style to them and i think they represent characters in the vn!!!

my thought process right -> left (spoilers for the games story below)

orange:

description: a vague face hiding behind hands. the hands appear vaguely red, as if stained. it reminds me quite a bit of the “see no evil” monkey! to me there is a great amount of worry and pain captured in this expression/gesture.

my ideas: very much a taku painting, going along with the themes of his character; guilt, grief, hiding from other people, trying to dodge the inevitable. there are so many moments in the story where he stubbornly clings to his idea that ignorance is bliss, when he is clearly deeply troubled over it. more than that, i like to think there is a subtle “hands stained in blood” visual here, matching the fact he KNOWS the work toono dragged him into is hurting people, even if he cannot truly see it firsthand.

yellow:

description: a person sitting on the ground, in what appears to be a puddle of dark liquid. clear frontal view of the body, breasts, and genitals. theres a blue streak across the painting.

my ideas: rei, i think. this is the one that got me thinking of this initially. the blue streak clearly resembles the blue streak seen in the rei euphoria ending painting. at first i thought ‘yep thats a pussy’ but after playing through reis route.... this is a weird vague hole that is either a vagina or graphic genital mutilation imagery. and i think its vague on purpose. this very much looks like the painting towa could have created, had his first euphoric episode with rei played out to the end

blue:

description: a dark somewhat scary painting containing a crowd of people, which are only shown as rough black silhouettes. one of them is upside down, their head positioned at the very bottom of the painting

my ideas: madarame, methinks. there is a clear theme of going against the stream, sticking out, not fitting in. if we assume the shadowy scary crowd is the takasato-gumi, this would make for a good representation of madarames past. he is very much a scary hard to visualize loner.

so the next thought i had was........ three of the LIs but no fujieda? and i am not sure about this one. either there straight up is no painting to match him (which would make sense, seeing how the final route is sort of a special case)

OR it could possible be this painting located on the other roost cg (bar):

style-wise, it seems to fit in with the other ‘euphoria’ style paintings. and metaphorically, i think the visuals of a person walking through a dark grimey alley way towards the light would also perfectly fit the final route of the game. not sure about this one tho.

[phoenix-is-the-hottest-thing]

How's the play style in star rail like and how does building characters work?

Well first building characters is like. level them up. you do need to ascend every few levels unlike Hi3 but it hasn’t been much trouble so far. Character lore and voicelines are not available yet.

Eidolons are basically Genshin’s constellation system, where they get extra abilities for up to 6 dupes. Each Eidolon unlocks a different 2D CG-style portrait of the character. The last one is an eyes closed nude portrait (except for the young kids, who keep their clothes). Got me giggling. (You can’t see anything weird, it just has a peaceful feeling. Though I’m sure plenty of people will thirst anyway).

As you level up the character you gradually unlock buffs in the form of Traces (it’s a mix of the classic “level up their main skills” and permanent, DIVERSE stat buffs, so not like Genshin where each character has one level up stat).

Then you have lightcones (easy to get). They’re replacing weapons.

You can superimpose (consume a dupe) a lightcone up to four times to make its effect stronger. Most 3* Lightcones are perfectly viable and easy to max out, downside being lower raw stats.

There’s no weapon type, but the lightcone’s alignment matching the character’s makes the extra effect work— so basically if you equip a Preservation lightcone on a Hunt character, you don’t get the extra effect, but you do get the stats. Stat sticks might be a viable strategy in a pinch?

Lightcones are obtained in some chests but mostly you just get them by rolling on banners. 3* drops are all lightcones. Oh and you can use lightcones as exp mats for other lightcones, too, which is handy for further exp needs once you’ve maxed out a copy of the 3* ones (which is easy, I’ve already maxed out some and it’s been one day).

Lightcones have lore that is a specific memory of a random character.

I like lightcones!

Then there’s relics.

Relics are similar to artifacts in Genshin but with some key differences. First off, you have six slots, which are split into 4 normal artifacts and 2 special ones.

2 of the normal artifact types have a set main stat, while the others are all randomized. Substats are randomized. You get a bonus effect for 2 and 4 matching set of relics, similar to stigmata sets.

The relic system is explicitly meant to boost your character’s stats and maybe add an extra effect, but the extra effects so far are pretty much all extra element damage, break effect bonus, or stat buffing like Atk+10%.

There’s no need to minmax considering that there’s no competitive, BUT you do have a support system where you can borrow a friend’s character under certain circumstances! Which is nice I got to try Welt that way.

If you do want to try and minmax you can just autofight the relic grinding, so it’s already much less of a pain compared to Genshin. You can also buy them from some stores.

Relics have longer text lore about more background stuff, like Blade’s backstory, side characters, or some other planets we might visit later for the special 2 set ones.

Overall: Gear is a pretty balanced system between gacha reliance but next to no ingame grinding (Honkai) and ingame grind gacha (Genshin), and lets you use anything on anyone at the minor cost of missing out on an extra effect, which makes gear sharing easier.

Levelup isn’t locked behind your literal level like in Honkai but instead thresholds like Genshin, and you do need to consume mats to ascend characters, but since you can auto fights it’s not as bad.

I’m pretty satisfied so far!

Note: Not done with the game, so I haven’t experienced some mechanics yet.

[dreamkidddream]

I’d like to request hc’s of the Brothers and Diavolo reacting to an MC that’s so cute, she could pass off as a doll. If she stands perfectly still, she could pass off as a full sized doll until she moves again. She has adorable doe eyes, wears cute clothes (Lolita fashion or just has an anime girl style), and even makes cute desserts. If the usual MC was weak and frail to them already, Doll!MC seems so dainty, precious, and fragile; these guys would ban paper if she ever got a paper cut.

Oooooo this is really interesting! I can just imagine Doll!MC just making everyone so scared every time she moves because they could probably hurt themselves just bumping into a wall because they look so fragile lol. These were short, so hope you enjoy!

Update: here’s part 2 with the other Undateables!

The Brothers and Diavolo Reacting to Doll!MC

Lucifer

...maybe he made a mistake in picking you for the exchange program after all

You just look so delicate, and just so pure. 

You have definitely made cute little snacks and brought it to him while he locked himself in the office with paperwork

He lowkey highkey likes it no matter how he brushes it off with the usual thanks. Keep doing it, MC, he really appreciates it

When you get in trouble and he gives you the usual lectures, he can’t look into your eyes for long

Geez, he already can’t stay mad at you for long but now he can just feel his resolve cracking

If you get hurt oh Diavolo prepare for helicopter parent Lucifer

As soon as you accidently cut yourself in the kitchen (it would be the tiniest cut, barely noticeable),  you’re no longer allowed in the kitchen unsupervised and can’t handle anything with a sharp end (whether its a butter knife or kid proof scissors that would be safe for Luke to use unsupervised)

“Let me do it for you, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Lucifer, thank you but I’ll be okay. It’s just a frosting spatula it’s not sharp-”

Will punish his brothers 10x worse and demons 100x more if he finds out you got hurt (doesn’t matter what the injury is, could be so much as a paper cut there will be hell to pay)

Constantly checks on you when he can’t see you in person

Handles you so lightly that you barely feel his touch

Move over Belphie, you’re the baby of the house now 

Mammon

Protective x100000

Is still tsudere around you, but doesn’t insult you as much

Who are you kidding as soon as he looks into your cute doe eyes, he forgets what he’s saying 

Complains about having to do stuff for you but doesn’t mind at all really. He loves it because it feels like you’re depending on him, and that makes him feel worth something.

“C’mon human, let the Great Mammon carry your books! You’re gonna hurt yourself and I don’t feel like hearing Lucifer’s mouth today!”

It was just your planner and a small recipe book that Luke gave you, and it weighed less than 10 pounds but okay. You don’t complain either when you see that he genuinely wants to help and do these things

Basically your loud guard dog and secret service agent rolled into one

He’s gotten into trouble more than once for “protecting you”. A student barely bumped your shoulder and Mammon already tackled him. Lucifer was not pleased (but he secretly understood)

He can’t help it that you’re weak and surrounded by hungry demons! It’s a pain to go through this much effort to just protect you, since you look so helpless

MC he’s just worried that you easily break if a demon so much as breathes on you but he likes that he can protect you because he knows that he can keep you safe. You’re just too cute and sweet okay??

Also stand in his room after watching a horror movie to freak him out and he’ll be sounding like Mariah Carey lmao

Leviathan

RURI-CHAN IS THAT YOU??!

Is for sure having an otaku/weaboo freakout moment

You blend in with figurines so well, every time you come into his room he asks you to stand next to them so he can feel that his collection is complete 

He does it sometimes when he streams so people can think he has a rare limited-edition life sized doll that they can’t get. Makes him feel superior 

DRESSING YOU UP IN COSPLAY 100%

You’re like an anime character but in real life and he does not know how to handle it 

Can’t stare into your eyes, it makes them too flustered because he’s used to seeing it in his otome games and not from an actual person that he likes

Who needs maid cafes when he has you? You even dress and make anime themed desserts (once he built up the courage to ask you to make it for him)

Has to calm his beating heart every time he talks to you, you’re too precious for him MC! 

Your like his very own idol, minus the singing and dancing. However, if you can sing and dance....

Levi.exe has stopped working 

Satan

Thought you were a real doll until you introduced yourself

He really thought that someone brought you to life Pinocchio style

You looked like a princess from the many stories that he read, and he was smitten

Treated you so graceful and elegant like until he had his rage moments, which he told you to stay far, far, far away from him until he calmed down completely

Secretly placed a hex on you to where if someone tried to attack you or touch you with harmful intentions, they would be somehow be subjected to looking at their worst fear

You were wondering why that random stranger was just staring wide at you with extensive terror, but then you saw Satan grinning, so you left it alone. You thought it was just some weird demon thing

Loved when you made him cat-themed desserts

If you wore cat ears while doing it, he will turn extremely red

If you meow for him, he won’t know how to handle himself 

Asmodeus

You are just the cutest thing he has ever laid his eyes on!!

Besides from himself of course, don’t get it twisted he’s still #1

He has most definitely had more than one photoshoot done with you both. And you guys have been trending on the Devilgram a couple of times already

Really you guys trend at least twice a month, and his fans love you!

They always ask where he got the doll from but he always laughs and says that “it’s a secret”

Imagine their shock when they see you walking and talking at RAD, some are amazed and some are downright scared

Fashion shows! 

He lives for dressing you up in cute clothes. Your style already suited you and he had great tastes so the new outfits he got you were just *chef’s kiss*

The cute little desserts that you made for him, he always posted it on the Devilgram before he ate it. They were just so cute MC and he couldn’t not show his fans!

Is the most careful brother when it comes to keeping you out of danger. He refused to let his body or skin damaged, and he wasn’t about to let it happen to you either! You are both way too dainty and fragile to let anything happen

Also spa days and self-care nights weekly!

You’re the perfect match made just for him MC

He finally has someone that can understand his struggle of being beautiful, bless you MC

Beelzebub

Soft boy is scared of touching you :(

He towers over you, and he’s scared to even be near you

It takes some time, but he starts to warm up to you

Is always gentle with you, no matter the scenario

Holding hands? He is hardly gripping your hand, said hand fitting loosely in his

Getting hugs? He’s meagerly holding you, not wanting to crush you

You once complained to Beel that it wasn’t fair to get half done hugs (if you were hugging, you were getting a real hug, not a scared one). 

He made you swear that if he was hurting you to let him know, so now you have your very own signal to use for him just in case

He was very tempted to wrap you in bubble wrap and just carry you around like that

He LOVES your sweets, even more than Luke’s and Barbatos’

No matter the size, he loves them, mainly because you made them and it was made with love, just for him

It always makes him feel so warm inside, and he doesn’t feel his appetite gnawing at him like usual

No one is dumb enough to try anything with you both in his presence and not, unless they want to end up either a: deep into the ground or b: into his stomach

You just make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and he just loves everything about you. He just loves you

Belphegor

Hm, you look cute 

For a human

Acts like he doesn’t care, but you’ve caught him blushing before (he still does it too)

Won’t outright admit that you’re charming in your own little way, but he does in his sarcastic way like usual

“MC, you’re such a half-pint. You’re like my personal sized teddy bear.”

Has cuddled with you like you were his personal teddy bear (and still does, but you don’t complain at all)

Has a secret sweet tooth and eat your desserts whenever you make it just for him (and he doesn’t even share it with Beel, that monster)

Demons just have to look Belphie in the eyes, watch him flex his claws, and they all of a sudden forget about whatever they were planning. Good

He hates that you look so fragile, but at the same time he kinda likes it

You just look so soft, and you’re just so kind

It makes him feel like he’s protecting and caring for you, and that makes him feel calm and peaceful 

Please make sure that he’s okay MC, he’s scared that he’s gonna mess up again

Diavolo

The Prince of Hell is both surprised and pleased at your appearance

Do all humans look this charming or is it just you??

If someone as soft as you can survive living and going to school with demons, then this is great

Knew that you weren’t a doll, but still liked to admire you like one

Has asked more than once for pictures, you are just too enchanting!

Wants to have a portrait painted of you so he can hang it up in the castle

LOVES you baking for him! Loves when Barbatos does it too (even though it is kinda part of his job), but it feels different with you. It feels...domestic in a sense. Makes him feel like Diavolo, your friend and very interested in being your boyfriend, instead of Lord Diavolo, the prince that will be residing over Hell in the future

No one would be foolish enough to hurt you. If someone was, they wouldn’t even get the chance to lift a finger before they were directly dealing with him. Don’t take his kindness for weakness, he still is a demon after all, the future King of Hell to be exact

Was scared of touching you at first, but quickly grew out of it! He can handle his own strength, and you guys also have a signal to use just in case he does squeeze a little too tight

Will want to dress you up in royal clothes (if you were okay with it). Nothing is wrong with your current style, as a matter of fact it suits you! He basically just wants to play a fancy game of dress up/have a fashion show with royal clothing

Will take 100s of photos, no exaggeration

Asmo will be jealous, so be warned

Plus, he wants to know how his future lover/ruler would look in a crown so he can start taking measurements. You can never be too ready, right MC?

[spinchip]

The Skirt

Pairings: background jaya Wordcount: 3700 Warnings: ask to tag Summary: Zane gets caught admiring a skirt at the store, but he knows the rules. Boys aren’t allowed to wear that stuff... right?

It’s a sweet, simple sort of thing, where it lays across the mannequins thighs. It’s a high waisted skirt in pale pink, long pleats that fold nicely. It’s paired with a tight white long sleeve shirt tucked in, and a gaudy hot-pink trench coat, and a pair of beige booties. The outfit is nice- the jacket a little much for his own personal taste, but cute in it’s own way. He glances down at his own hips and back up, imagining how the skirt would look against his skin. He reaches out and touches along the bottom of it, feeling the smooth fibers, wondering not-seriously if they had it in his size- not that he would buy it. Not that he should even be thinking about buying it, or how it might look on, or how it might feel-

Nya rounds the corner of the aisle he’d lost himself in.

Zane jumps away from the fabric as if it’d bitten him, nearly knocking over a rack of expensive sunglasses, a hot flush of shame crawling up his throat. He clenches his hands at his side and tries to play it off by switching focus to a pair of aviators with black frames. He can see Nya as she wanders up in the reflection from the lenses, looking between him and the mannequin’s outfit he’d been examining, an inquisitive tilt to her lips.

“Zane? Do you… like this?” She reaches up to smooth out the pleats of the skirt, ruffled by his own hands.

“No.” He answers right away, not giving an inch. He fumbles to pick up a pair of sunglasses just to be doing something with his hands, and doesn’t say anything more. He knows he’s tense, but he can’t help it.

“I don’t know. I think it’s kinda cute.” She hums.

It’s… a trap, or something. Zane can’t figure out how she's trying to box him in, and it’s making him anxious, “You should buy it if you like it.” He tries, setting the glasses back with firm hands, tracing the frames of another pair.

“I don’t think the pink would match my complexion,” there’s a pause, then she tries, “It would look really good on you-”

“I do not like it.” He cuts her off, lacing his voice with steel, shoulders hunching. He strides away from her without glancing back, he doesn’t want to see the look on her face, he doesn’t want to know if she was laughing at him. She’d laughed at him before, in his pink apron, and she'd called him cute then too.

Her voice had been filled with cruel edged mirth, “He’d looked so cute in it!” as he retreats from their food fight, an unfamiliar feeling he’s learned was embarrassment welling up in his chest, making his processor hot. He threw that stupid apron away. He announced his hatred towards pink over and over again. He didn’t need to lose all his progress with a moment of weakness.

He did not like how it felt when his friends laughed at him.

The others are trailing around the store at their own pace, and Zane is lucky only Nya caught him- and even then, he has plausible deniability. Except now she’s lingering around him, he can see her out of the corner of his eye, so he sticks strictly to the mens section- folding a pair of jeans over his arm and a pale blue turtle-neck he thought would go with his eyes. He doesn’t even think about looking at the lavender button up at the end of the rack- he’d learned over the years. Lavender and pastel colors, they were just as bad as pink, even if it was in the mens section, or gender neutral. Sometimes he worries about the light blues he tended to favor, but any blue was okay all the time, probably. They hadn’t made fun of him yet.

He’s looking through a pile of joggers when Nya calls out, “Zane!”

She catches his attention and Jay and Cole as well, holding up a white dress from the rack. It’s a beautiful summer dress, white straps lined with lace leading into a sweetheart neckline, eye closures down the center before it breaks into a delicate and flowy trumpet skirt, “Isn’t this pretty?” She asks, smiling encouragingly.

It is. If you had asked him what kind of dress he’d like to wear, he would be thinking of this dress while he told you none at all.

She’s making fun of him.

He wilts a little, drawing in on himself, and swallows past the painful lump in his throat, “I suppose.” He grits out.

“Hey, why not ask me?” Jay pipes up, “I’m your boyfriend.”

Nya jumps, as if Jay’s presence in the conversation was a surprise.

“It is pretty,” Cole comments, squinting at it from the tank tops he’d been pawing through, “Not really your style, though.”

Nya shakes her head and opens her mouth, “No, I-” She stalls, glancing at Zane- who’s looking increasingly upset, “I was thinking about trying something new...” she trails off.

Jay meanders over, “Well, you should probably get a different size. This is way too big.” He comments, looking it over.

“Yeah… right.” Nya says, and Zane slips away from them quietly.

-

When he gets back to his room, he sets his bags from the mall on the bed and starts to pull out his new clothes. Nya had let it go, in the end, and hadn’t teased him about his slip up after the dress thing, so the rest of the trip had been nice. They’d stopped at the food court for lunch and spent some time in the skateboard shop so kai could buy some new wheels, and then an hour and a half goofing around at the arcade before they’d called it a day.

Zane folded his new pants and tucked them into the dresser, reaching blindly into his bag while thinking about what to make for dinner.

All thoughts of food vanish from his head when he pulls out the pale pink skirt he’d been admiring.

He drops it and jerks his hands back to his chest, spinning around as if to catch Nya jump out from behind a potted plant and shout aha! Caught ya! ...but no one is there. He’s alone. He approaches the offending article of clothing cautiously, digging his receipt out from his bag while already certain he won’t see the skirt listed there. Nya must have bought it and slipped it in with his things, there’s no other explanation. It’s his size. Why? Is there a… a joke here? What is Zane not getting?

He should take it back to her and let her return it, probably. He picks it up and tosses it in the trashcan next to his desk instead, and puts away the rest of his clothes with hands he makes sure don’t shake. He doesn’t entertain the idea of trying it on. Pink and lavender weren’t allowed, skirts- skirts were worse. A pink skirt… he shakes his head, hanging up a new turtle neck, and leaves the skirt behind in the darkness of his room.

Nya sits up a little straighter when he comes into the living room, “How was… putting away your clothes?” She finishes clunky, fishing for his reaction to her prank.

“Fine.” He says without breaking stride, crossing into the kitchen and plucking his plain white apron up off the hook, sliding it over his head and getting to work.

Except, even as he chops onions and serves dinner and eats with his friends, even as they play video games and watch a movie, he can’t stop thinking about the skirt. It’s there, in the back of his mind- he’d always liked skirts, thought they were pretty and sweet. He used to dream about buying nice skirts and dresses when he could afford it, different kinds for different occasions like maxi dresses and pencil skirts, but this was before he knew it was silly and laughable. Before it was wrong.

When the night finally comes to a close, and he retires back to his room, he makes a bee line for his trashcan and delicately pulls the skirt out. He sets it on his bed and pats out the wrinkles, appreciating the craftsmanship.

He locks the door and undresses, sliding the skirt over his hips. He zips it in place and takes a step towards the mirror before he hesitates, throwing off his blue hoodie and digging up a tighter white turtleneck. It’s the closest thing he has to the outfit the mannequin was wearing that he’d liked so much. He smooths down the pleats, playing with the edge- something tight and uncomfortable in his chest loosens, and he breathes easier. It’s nice. It feels… like he always thought it would.

He steps in front of the mirror. He fiddles with the cuffs of his sweater, smiling at his reflection. He looked good, the skirt fits perfectly. He poses even though it makes him feel a little immature, striking several different stances, turning around to see all the angles. He’s got the perfect set of shoes to pair with this-

He stops halfway to his closet, standing in the middle of his room wearing a skirt he loves, reality rushing back.

He takes the skirt off, pulling on a pair of pajama pants, and folds it nice and neatly. He unlocks his door and walks across the monastery to Nyas bedroom, knocking politely. There’s a long pause before he can hear her footsteps on the hardwood. The door opens and she squints at the hallway light, blinking up groggily at Zane, “Huh?” She quips eloquently.

He holds the skirt out and drops it, she fumbles to catch it, “Return it.” he tells her, “I do not want it.”

She blinks, her sleep addled mind processing before it connects, “Zane,” She shakes her head, holding it out, “It’s yours, I saw you looking at it- it’s a nice skirt, it would look nice on you.”

He refrains from saying it does. He frowns hard, he doesn’t get it- she sounds so sincere, but he knows the rules, “I do not understand the joke. Am I supposed to wear this so you may laugh at me?”

Nya looks lost, “Laugh?”

“Like my pink apron.” He explains, huddling into himself, “Except this is worse.”

Understanding lights up her face with shame and sadness, “Zane… I-”

“Return it.” He insists, pushing the skirt back towards her, and then hesitates, “Please. Do not tell the others.”

He takes a step back and nods, turning away and bidding a hasty retreat. When he gets back to his room he stubbornly refuses to think about how freeing it was, how good it felt. He stamps down any longing as he crawls into bed, and falls asleep most certainly not filled with regret.

-

The following morning, Nya slinks into the kitchen as Zane and Kai are putting together breakfast looking like a kicked puppy. She keeps throwing inconspicuous sad eyes at Zane that he’s stubbornly refusing to acknowledge, but she thankfully doesn’t let the others catch on or else she might be forced to tell them what was bothering her.

After breakfast, she offers to help Zane with the dishes, and meets his “I do not require assistance,” With polite insistence, where she ends up washing as he dries and puts them away.

It isn’t until they’re nearly done that she organizes her thought’s enough to turn to him as he puts away the final stack of plates and says, “I think you should keep the skirt.”

He feels himself grow tense, closing the cupboard slowly before he looks at her, turning around to face her and scrutinizing her expression hard. He tries to dissect her intentions, tries to figure out why she’s saying this- he knew Nya had joined in on the teasing before, but he didn’t think she would push so hard. All his previous data suggests she doesn’t have a cruel streak like this in her, but she’s been keeping the joke going hard.

He entertains the idea that she really is being sincere, but that doesn’t make sense either, because there were rules. Zane had to figure them out fast when he was younger and newly exposed to the world- You have to make eye contact when conversing with people to be respectful, asking for explanations to jokes ruins the fun, and boys should never wear girl clothes. If you broke the rules, you were weird, and people laughed at you, and they made fun of you.

“No thank you.” He says stiffly, turning away and rinsing out the sink, “I do not like it.”

She looks miserable, “I’m sorry we laughed.”

He shakes his head and doesn’t respond, the conflicting information making his head hurt, leaving her alone in the kitchen.

-

A week later, the team has another rare day off. They’d set aside the day to go to the park, and Zane was looking forward to it. He’d spent the previous day in between patrols picking up ingredients to pack the perfect picnic. Cole throws open the door to the kitchen as Zane finishes packing up his basket, hauling a large cooler behind him.

“Hey frosty!” He greets, popping the lid on the cooler and fishing out waters and juice from the fridge, “Aren’t you gonna be hot dressed like that?” He comments.

Zane glances down at his jeans and t-shirt in comparison to Cole’s tanktop and shorts combo, “I am the master of Ice.” He points out, “I don’t get hot.”

Cole concedes his point with a dip of his head, “Speaking of master of ice, can I get a little help with keeping the drinks cool?”

Zane nods, waving a hand over the cooler and packing the drinks with snow and ice. Cole thanks him as Zane hefts up his basket, the two meeting the rest of their team on the deck of the bounty. Nya perks up as they come out on deck, and steps aside so the two can see their teammates.

Jay already looks overheated, miserably melting under the sun. Lloyd seems unbothered, dressed in a sleeveless hoodie and shorts. Kai basks in the sun, smiling brilliantly, wearing a t-shirt and…

Zanes processor stutters, “Are you wearing a skirt?” He asks neutrally, blinking down at Kai’s maroon pleats.

“Yeah,” Kai glances down at the fabric, “Nya gave it to me, it doesn’t fit her anymore. Isn’t it cute?”

Zane has no idea how to respond, so Cole beats him to it, “Looks good, dude, but how are we supposed to play frisbee?”

“I got shorts on underneath so I don't accidentally flash anyone.” Kai waves his hand dismissively, and no one else comments on the wrongness of the outfit.

Tentatively, Zane says, “You… like to wear skirts?”

Kai frowns, mistaking the hesitance for judgement, “Is that a problem for you?”

Zane looks away, “Not at all.” He says, confusion making his voice stiff, missing the way the others glance at his tone of voice disapprovingly.

They go to the park, and Zane can’t stop looking at Kais skirt. He finds himself frowning at the other man more than once, shaking the confusion out of his head and trying to ignore it. Did it… really not matter that Kai was wearing a skirt? Cole had complimented him, and Jay hadn’t said anything against it either. He finds himself not joining in on the frisbee game most of the time, focusing on getting the picnic set up to hide how he was too mixed up to focus on the sport. Soon enough, the others wrap up their game and join Zane on the blanket Nya had packed.

They eat and chat idly, and Kai sighs in content after he’s finished, sitting back, “That was amazing as always, Zane!”

Zane doesn’t look at him as he puts away his own half-eaten sandwich, “Thank you.” He says simply, lost in thought.

“Zane.” Jay says, and Zane glances up at him. He startles slightly at the way Jay is looking at him, pointedly disapproving, “Why are you being so weird about Kais skirt?”

“...Why aren’t you?” Zane asks genuinely, familiar hot shame crawling up his throat as his friends frown at him.

“Dude…” Kai mutters, clearly hurt, “Not cool.”

Shame, confusion, and guilt swallow Zane up for a long moment before it’s burned up by a flash of frustration. It didn’t make sense. They’d made fun of him years ago for his pink apron, laughed him out of the room and not bothered enough to see if he was alright afterwards because he broke the rules- he gets it, he wore the wrong clothes, it’s a funny joke… So why is Kai allowed it where Zane isn’t? Why is it funny when it’s Zane? Why does he get mocked while Kai gets defended? Defended when Zane hasn’t and wouldn’t ever make fun of him for his outfit-!

He stands up abruptly, “I’m going back to the bounty.” He announces before he turns on heel and all but runs from them.

“Zane!” Nya calls, but he doesn’t turn around.

“Let him go.” Cole says firmly, and Zane clenches his eyes shut as he boards the bounty.

His stomach churns with his tumultuous thoughts and he makes a bee line for the room they have in the bounty, crawling into his bunk bed and curling into a ball. He stares miserably at the wooden walls, thinking about too many different things.

He misses his pink apron.

He didn’t think it was funny when he saw Kai in that skirt. He thought he looked nice...

Why did they laugh at him?

-

He wakes up at the sound of quiet voices, disoriented for a moment- he didn’t remember falling asleep. He makes his way out of bed slowly, the room dark, and blinks against the harsh hallway light as he steps out of their bedroom. He rubs sleep out of his optics as they adjust to the change in atmosphere, making his way to the living room.

He stops in the doorway, looking in at his friends. Kai is still wearing his skirt, laying across the recliner sideways, his legs thrown over the edge. The others are in various states around the living room, laying on the couch or the floor asa movie plays unwatched on the TV screen, the quiet sounds what lured Zane here in the first place.

Zane’s stomach plummets as he remembers the hurt look on Kai’s face at lunch. He didn’t want to make Kai feel like he did, he didn’t want him to feel laughed at, “Kai?” He says from the doorway.

The room reacts to his voice, everyone immediately sitting up to peer at him. Jay's head poked over the back of the couch along with Coles, and Nya and Lloyd craned their heads around the couch from the floor.

“Hey, Zane…” Kai says, sitting properly in the chair.

“I want to apologize.” Zane says quietly, “I really have no issue with you wearing what you like. I am sorry I acted so oddly.”

Kai fiddles with the edge of the skirt, “It’s okay… I know.” He says just as soft, “I think we all owe you an apology too.”

Zane tilts his head in confusion, stepping into the room a little more.

Jay nods, “Yeah, Zane, we’re sorry.” He says sincerely, “We acted like total jerks about your apron.”

“My apron…” Zane’s eyes flicker to Nya, who ducks her head a little at how she obviously snitched.

“Nya told us what was bothering you, and we feel really bad about it.” Cole agrees, “We were stupid and mean. There’s nothing wrong with wearing pink.”

“Or skirts.” Kai pipes up, “I’m sorry we hurt you.”

“If you want to wear that stuff,” Lloyd adds, “No one will laugh.”

Zane blinks at the way his eyes water dangerously, looking down at the floor, “It is not… wrong?”

“No.” Kai says firmly, “We were wrong, not you. Wear what makes you happy, and we’ll be on your side.”

Zane swallows and thinks about how much he’d loved the pink skirt, how pretty he’d felt with it on, “I accept your apology.” He says with a small smile, “Thank you.”

Nya grins and with a wink says, “I think i have something that belongs to you, then.” She stands, “But first… group hug?”

Smiling, Zane holds up his arms, and the others converge on him. He hugs them back tightly, smile growing wider as he sighs happily. The frustration and hurt sliding off his shoulders makes him feel so light, and a barrier he hadn’t realized he’d raised falls to pieces.

He couldn’t wait for their next off day.

-

Which comes sooner than he expects. It’s rare to get out of patrol so often, but Lloyd insisted they make up for their slightly disasterous park trip only a few days later. Ninjago is thankfully not in terrible danger, so they decide to head to Mega Monster Amusement Park for the day- and Zane is half certain Sensei Wu allows it only because he’s craving funnel cake.

They’re supposed to leave soon, and Zane is nearly ready. He slips on a pair of white boots and laces them up, standing up and admiring his outfit in his mirror. He’s got on a loose white sweater tucked into the waistband of his pink skirt, and he adjusts it one last time before nodding in satisfaction, smiling genuinely at his reflection.

He does a little twirl because he can’t help himself before he throws open the door to his room and makes his way to the deck of the bounty, smiling as the skirt bounces and flows with every step.

He’s the last to arrive, the others all waiting for him. To his pleasant surprise, there’s no flash of anxiety as he trots over- they won’t laugh. He knows they won’t.

Nya lights up when she sees him, “Zane’s here!”

Zane happiness seems to be contagious, the others all perking up at the sight of him.

“You look really nice.” Kai compliments when he gets close, and Zane smiles so hard his cheeks hurt.

“Yeah, that’s a nice color on you.” Cole comments.

Jay nods in agreement, “Zane looks really good, yes! Can we go to the amusement park already?”

Zane laughs, bubbly and light, “Thank you all! Jay’s right, let us go have some fun.”

As they disembark the bounty, Zane makes eye contact with Nya, and smiles softly at her. She grins in return, bumping shoulders with him, and they catch up with the others.

[cloudybarnes]

Birthday Presents | S.S

Pairing: Stefan Salvatore x reader

Summary: Stefan hasn't seen his two best friends y/n and Lexi for years. Upon his return to Mystic Falls (set in season 1), Lexi and Y/n decide to surprise him for his birthday.

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: none

Masterlist

A/N: this will not follow exactly how Lexi met up with Stefan for his birthday!

✰  ✰  ✰

You couldn't stop the grin that was eating up your face as you packed your small bag. Lexi stood leaning on the doorway, watching you with a smirk. "I don't see why you're even packing. We could just get new clothes when we get to Mystic Falls."

You shook your head, still smiling, and turned to her. You zipped your bag shut, and sauntered over to her. When you were close enough, you poked her nose. "You silly goose, I'm not packing clothes. These are for Stefan's birthday." You placed your bag down and unzipped it, crouching to open the flap and show her what you packed. "A framed picture of the three of us from 1948, the first letter I wrote to him in the war, a framed photo of him, Damon and I, and this," you pulled out a dangling sword pendant.

Lexi gasped, crouching down next to you. "You didn't." She grabbed the necklace from you and very gently examined it. "There's no way you could have found this. I watched Stefan throw it into the ocean during one of his ripper phases. Is it a dupe?"

You smirked and lifted the matching one you wore out from under your shirt. Grasping the necklace back from Lexi, you held them side by side, and looked at her expectantly. "Come on, put yours here, too."

She grabbed hold on the tiny sword that was dangling around her neck, and brought it closer to the other two. When placed together, the tips of the swords linked from a magnetic pull, and changed colors. Lexi laughed, "Oh my god, this is amazing. How did you ever find it?"

You shrugged, zipping your bag and standing up to leave. "After Stefan threw it into the ocean, I just swam down for it. Honestly, I forgot I had put it in my box for when he was back to normal, so now his lost friendship necklace is a birthday present."

Lexi shook her head a grinned, slinging her arm over my shoulder. "You're amazing, you know that?"

You chuckled, "Yes, but keep reminding me; it inflates my ego."

She cackled, and shoved your shoulder away from her. In a flash, the two of you started on your run to Mystic Falls.

Once you arrived in Mystic Falls, your first place to look was the old Salvatore Boarding House. At the front door, you turned to Lexi. "We aren't actually going to knock, are we?"

She chuckled, "Hell no. I say we give Stefan a scare. Nothing like lurking vampires to get your blood pumping, right?"

You smirked. Lexi and you together were a devilishly good combination. You get into trouble, pull pranks, and just have a load of fun. "Let's do it."

You silently opened the door of the boarding house, and used your vampire hearing to locate those inside. You could hear Stefan talking, and after waiting a few seconds, you heard the sounds of his brother Damon arguing with him.

You snickered, and Lexi rolled her eyes at the sounds of them bickering. You set your bag down in the living room, and motioned up the stairs for Lexi and you to get up with the Salvatores.

You used my super speed to get up the steps and into Stefan's room where the brothers stood. Lexi trailed behind you. Without them seeing, you sped in between them so they could just make out the flash of someone running by. Then, you hid behind a dresser waiting for your time to come out again.

"Looks like we have company, brother." Damon stated, looking around the room wide-eyed. "Guess your rant will have to wait."

Lexi sped behind Damon, causing him to spin around, trying to see her.

Stefan growled, "Show yourself! Quit playing games and come out."

His eyes scanned the room, as Damon not-so-stealthily grabbed a wooden stake and threw it to Stefan.

You rolled your eyes and super sped up to Stefan, pushing him back against the wall, pinning the hand of his that held the stake against the wall. You grinned as he took in the sight of me, "Hello, Stefan."

His eyes were wide, but his smile was even wider. "Y/n," he breathed out.

Next to him on the wall, Lexi pinned Damon, hitting his head in the process. "Ugh," Damon groaned in pain, "and Lexi."

You giggled, releasing Stefan from the wall so you could give him a hug. "Happy Birthday, Stefan! Lexi and I missed you and wanted to celebrate together."

Lexi released Damon, and you stepped out of Stefan's hug so he could greet her as well.

Damon came up to you and lightly punched your shoulder. "Finally decided to come pay us a visit, Y/n?"

You grinned, and jokingly slapped him upside the head before pulling him into a hug as well. "Yeah, yeah. A girl's got a life, Damon. I've been really busy these last few years."

Damon chuckled as you pulled back and walked over to Stefan to give him a light punch in the shoulder. "I missed you, dude. It's been too long since I've actually been able to come with Lexi and celebrate with you."

Stefan grinned, "Yeah, finally you decide to pay your best friend a visit."

Damon shook his head, "Are we sure Y/n is really here to see you, Stefan? I mean, we all know she likes me more than she likes you."

You rolled your eyes, "Sure, Damon. That's why in 1942 I pushed you off that cliff; cause you're my favorite Salvatore." You teased with a light smile.

Damon chuckled, "knew it."

"Anyway," Lexi grinned, "Stefan, because it is your birthday, we're spending the entire day together!"

You perked up, "Oh! I also got some things for you for your birthday."

Stefan groaned, smiling. "You didn't have to get anything for me, Y/n/n. Just you two being here is good enough."

Lexi scoffed, "Yeah, right. Y/n, go get the presents."

You giggled and super sped out to the living room and back, returning with your bag in hand. "Okay, I didn't have time to wrap anything, so just close your eyes and I'll place things in your hand one at a time."

Stefan rolled his eyes, but complied. Once his eyes were shut, and his hands were outstretched, you placed the first gift in his hands.

Opening his eyes, he saw the framed photo of him, Lexi, and you. Stefan stood in the middle of you two with his tailored suit. You and Lexi stood wearing old dresses, and matching hats. Your hair was perfectly curled to the style of the 40s.

"Wow," Stefan gasped. "I can't believe you have this picture, thank you so much, Y/n."

Lexi peered over his shoulder to look at it. "Wow, we looked so posh in the 40s, Y/n."

You smiled, "Yeah we did. And you're welcome, Stefan. Now close your eyes again; I have a few more gifts for you."

He closed his eyes once more, and you put the framed photo of you, him, and Damon in his hands. This peeked Damon's interest, because he was now the one to look over Stefan's shoulder.

"Well would you look at that." Damon sighed.

Stefan looked at the picture and smiled sadly. Things must not be going so well with Damon, especially after that arguing you walked in on. "This is great, Y/n. It's nice to look back and see us all when things were simpler."

You nodded, "I'm glad you like them, but I have two more gifts for you, which I think you'll like more than the photos."

You giddily handed him the first letter you wrote to him before he even had the chance to close his eyes.

"The first letter you wrote to me when I went off to war." Stefan stated, amazed. "How do you even have this? I thought it got burned up in battle."

You grinned, "Have more faith in me, Stefan. You know I never lose important things."

"Brother, read it to us. I want to know what Y/n said while you were away." Damon said, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall.

Stefan looked at me, seemingly remembering what you had written on that sheet of paper. "Are you all right with me sharing this?"

You nodded, "Of course. It's your letter, you can do what you like with it." You smiled. Lexi came over and wrapped her arm around your shoulder, placing her head on yours. Seems like she remembers what you wrote on this as well.

"Okay then," Stefan cleared his throat and began reading.

"My Dearest Stefan,

We have not been a part from one another since before our initial meet, so you may be able to see how this is effecting me. I truly miss your presence more than anything the world has to offer. Your smile, your laugh, your wit, and your charm are all missing from my life, and I do not wish for it to be that way. I do not want to ever see another time we are not with each other. Alas, I sided with Lexi on the decision to send you off in search of finding your self, or I would be right beside you.

Lexi and I are taking care of Damon for you. (More so me; you know how Lexi feels of him). I will do my best to make sure he is someone you can depend on for when you return. If I am unsuccessful, and Damon is still Damon, you will at least have Lexi and I for the rest of eternity. (While I do think the time I am spending with Damon is helping, he is still ruthless. I will do my best to show him humanity and kindness before your return).

Though I do thoroughly enjoy my time spent with Damon, I tremendously miss my favorite Salvatore man. Lexi is great company as well, but she does not make me feel the way you do, Stefan. My heart aches to be with you again, and maybe when that day comes I will be able to confess how I feel. I am counting down the days til we meet again. For now, I leave you with this letter, and a piece of my love.

Yours,

Y/n Y/l/n"

A faded lipstick mark is left on the bottom of the stained paper.

Damon hummed, "Intense. I like the talk of me, though I thought you were spending time with me because you liked me."

You giggled, "I do like you Damon. You're a good friend when you want to be, and the time I spent with you while Stefan was away made my days more fun. I was never forced to spend time with you, Damon. You were my friend, not my experiment."

He smirked, "I know, I was messing with you. Now how about we talk about that little love confession at the end of your letter? I take it Stefan didn't feel the same? I don't recall you two ever getting together."

You rolled your eyes, "We just never brought it up when he came back."

Stefan lightly smiled at you, "we can talk about the letter later. Let's see my last present, yeah?"

You grinned and looked to Lexi who smiled back at you. "Okay, but you actually have to close your eyes this time. This is the one I've been waiting to give to you."

Stefan playfully rolled his eyes, but still shut them and held his hands out.

You giggled as you placed the sword necklace into his hands. When he opened his eyes and saw what it was, Stefan gasped.

He started slowly shaking his head, looking from the necklace, to you, to Lexi, then back to the necklace. "There's no way. There is literally no way this is my necklace from 1874. I, I threw it into the ocean. How did you get this?"

You smirked, and grabbed it from him. You walked over and stood behind him to fastened it around his neck. "I told you Stefan, I never lose things that are important."

Taking out your necklace that dangled under your shirt, you motioned Lexi to come over. She grinned and pranced over to us so we stood in a close triangle. You stretched yours out and touched tips with both of theirs. The metal sword tips stuck together, and the necklaces started to glow different colors.

Pulling yours back, you looked at Stefan who couldn't stop the grin from eating up his face.

You giggled, "I take it you like your birthday gifts?"

Stefan didn't respond. He instead pulled you into a tight hug and whispered in your ear. "These are amazing, Y/n. You're amazing; I can't believe you're here and you brought all of this back for me."

He pulled away and stared into your eyes. With your  super hearing, you noticed Lexi and Damon leaving the room.

"I never did get to address your letter. I was scared to talk about it when I got back home in fear of your mind being changed." Stefan lightly smiled.

You stared up at him, your heart beating. Stefan definitely heard your heart rate pick up because he chuckled. "I still have feelings for you, Stefan. I know not seeing each other for a little while may have put a strain on our relationship, but I feel as if we never parted."

He grinned, "I feel the same way. I've loved you since you first said hello to me, Y/n, and I'd be a fool to turn you away now that I finally have my chance to be with you."

You giggled, "Technically you had a chance back when you came home from war, but I'll let it slide."

Stefan playfully rolled his eyes and cradled your cheeks in his warm hands, "Good. That means I can do this."

Stefan confidently closed the distance between your lips. You eyes fluttered shut as you felt the soft touch of Stefan's lips. You trailed your fingers up to his hair and got lost in the moment. Kissing Stefan was like riding on top of clouds. He was soft and light with his kiss. It was confident but not overbearing.

Out of breath, you pulled back from him, but kept your faces close by resting your forehead on his. Your eyes slowly opened and saw his already staring back at you.

He grinned, "I think that was my favorite present of them all."