#a.c.e in chicago

[jun-can-hee-not]

[dontjudgemebymykpoptrash]

Saw A.C.E in Chicago and Atlanta this week and had meet and greet packages for both stops (no I couldn't afford it, yes my bank account overdrafted whoops).

It was ammazingggg. LONG STORY AHEAD.

The question I asked was answered by Chan. Bless his heart he struggled so much to say my name and I was in the second row on the furthest side from him. I stood up and waved so he could see me. They asked how to pronounce my name and BK actually said it perfectly, I was so impressed!

The question that was chosen was "What hobby do you want to try that you haven't tried before". He said Cooking, cause he isn't good at it and Donghun won't eat his food.

When the item signing started, BK would interact with us a lot and the girls in front of us took the liberty of teaching him the phrase "Let's get this bread." His face when they explained that bread = money was priceless. Experiencing that magical moment will live with me forever since he has been saying it nonstop since then.

So since PLT I've decided my "thing" for each autograph I can get is making my dumb pun fans. Eventually I'll just have a wall of these dang things and I'm excited about it. I made one for each my friend and me. Here's mine.

The other thing I prepared for them I kept super secret because I very much wanted to see their reaction to it. I didn't post it publicly anywhere. In line with Choice teasingly referring to Junhee as a lizard much to the delight of the fandom and the rest of A.C.E while hysterically bugging Jun, I couldn't resist... I'd always wanted to give away cute things at concerts but since I'm also an asshole I used my exceptionally mediocre photoshop skills to make

These beauties.

I originally only had 150 to hand out and I was actually worried I wouldn't be able to get rid of them all. I thought people might think they're dumb and not want any. Then due to a print shop mistake I ended up with 650. Whoops.

Before the meet and greet they tell us explicitly we are not allowed to give them anything and if they catch us trying to sneak them something they'll escort us out. My plan to see their reaction was almost destroyed! But I was very graciously given permission to -show- them the card, not give it to them (don't worry. They each got two in their gift boxes).

A.C.E tends to always stand/sit in the same order, so just as I expected, Chan was up first. He understood the pun of my fan! He thought it was really cute and gave such a big reaction I was pleased. Then I showed him the card and it was even bigger. I told him it was Junhee and he full on kicked out a leg and hit the table as he laughed which made me happy. He shook my hand.

Up next was Donghun who was the most quiet. I showed him the card after he signed my fan and he asked who it was. I told him it was Jun and he laughed and probably judged me a lot but then he gave me a high five and interlaced our fingers for a moment so I didn't feel completely embarrassed. The person behind me was so excited they moved onto Donghun before Jun was ready for me so I was waiting in limbo for a few seconds.

Leader Jun in the middle, the reaction I wanted most. He signed my fan and then I put the card down for him to see. He asked who it was, he seemed surprised. I told him it was him and he laughed and tried to deny it. He asked what kind of lizard it was, I told him it was a giant day gecko because I think they're the cutest. I told him I made sure to give them some in their gift box, and that we would see him again in Atlanta. He shook my hand and then the person behind me got excited again lol.

Byeongkwan was next! This boy is an absolute doll okay? The first thing he said to me is that he liked my lipstick (it was green). He signed my fan, then I showed him the card and he was beyond stoked. He laughed so loud and even held it up to Jun pointing it out to everyone. I promised him he got two in his gift box. He asked if I made one of each member and I told him no, but promised him I would next year (me and my big mouth). He held my hand and interlaced fingers and was just so sweet until the person behind me encouraged me on again.

WOW. OKAY. So Sehyoon is my bias af I was VISIBLY SHAKING at this point and as I set my fan down it so obnoxiously tapped the table several times. He tapped his lips and pointed at mine and said "pretty". I thanked him and said it was green for "cactus". I'm not sure if he understood cause he just repeated "cactus" and cocked his head slightly before signing my fan. Then I showed him the card. He asked who it was and I said Jun. He laughed a little and then I told him he was my favorite. He had the quietest lil thank you, then took my hand in both his soft tiny bby hands and I think my brain melted cause I couldnt make eye contact anymore it was too much. Just thinking about it is making my heart hurt. (To be clear, I am in no way special, he held everyone's hand the same way).

After that, we did the pictures! I very shyly wanted to stand between BK and Wow. I didn't do anything special this time around cause the pose I wanted was done by two other people so I just asked for cute cheek pokies. They were having so much fun with people so that inspired my next photo request. As I was walking away from the photo BK told me again that he really liked my lipstick and I was over the moon.

I brought about half the cards with me to hand out hoping I wouldn't have extras and people LOVED THEM? I ran out and felt bad that I didn't bring more!

The concert was AWESOME!! They're so interactive with fans I had several moments with EACH of them, but my favorite is when Wow kicked up a heart and he saw me catch it all goofy instead of letting him hit the woah and he laughed and mimicked me. He also handed me two lollipops (I gave one to my friend) but I'm never gonna eat it.

For the hi touch Chan handed us our photo cards, and hi fived us. They were oddly out of order (chan, Donghun, BK, Wow, Jun). I managed to tell him and Donghun they did amazing, then BK told me AGAIN he still loved my lips. I was so excited I told him "it'll be BLUE next time" and he said "oh!" BUT BY DOING THAT MY DUMBASS MISSED THE CHANCE TO LOOK INTO WOW'S AND JUN'S EYES UGH I WAS SO UPSET AT MYSELF also I got yelled at by security (rightly so).

Next is Atlanta!

I started handing out cards earlier and got worried again cause there were quite a few people that weren't interested at all. Fortunately by the end of the show there were so many people wanting them I offered to do a reprint if necessary. Some people even said they were going through the hi touch holding it up which I LOVED.

Anyway, this time during the Meet and Greet I was in the front row directly in front Byeongkwan and Wow. I WAS NOT OKAY. I kept making eye contact and getting so shy ugh. Byeongkwan recognized me and tapped his lips and winked when he saw me (I was wearing blue lipstick this time). BK got my question (the interpreter said my name perfectly without me needing to tell her, I was so impressed!) I asked what concept they wanted to try that they hadn't tried yet. He said they had already done everything and I cocked my head giving him a disbelieving look. He then admitted that they hadn't done the cutesy boy concept and I lost it- I cant imagine them trying to pull that off.

For future Choice in my position- these boys have ears like BATS okay. There was one time Jun said something like "it's his choice." And I quietly said to the person next to me "no we're choice." And he looked at me and said "You're right! You're all choice!" I was shook.

Wow got asked what his favorite dessert to eat is and he said chocolate anything, then listed things "Chocolate cake. Chocolate ice cream. Chocolate rice." At this point everyone exclaims and he gets his silly lil smile and says "Chocolate fish." And everyone loses it. It was so funny and cute.

Later Jun was asked if he preferred pancakes or waffles and it was a really hard question for him. He said he had been eating more pancakes since coming to the US but he liked both a lot. He just didn't like Chocolate pancakes and I said "cause Wow eats them all?" And wow just very dreamily says "Choco pancakes...." I about died.

BK was asked if he wanted to go to the aquarium and he said he really hoped to. He asked if there were beluga and everyone said yes but I said "But they have WHALE SHARKS!" which imo is the coolest thing about the Georgia aquarium. None of them seemed to know exactly what I meant but they were excited by the concept of the words "whale" and "shark" together. (Spoiler alert: The next day they totally went and got pics with the whale shark).

Finally BK asked where people recommended they eat. Someone suggested sushi at first. I thought it was funny to recommend sushi when visiting the US. BK seemed of the same mindset so chicken and waffles came up and Jun loudly said WAFFLES! To which, Wow said in his same dreamy tone "chocolate waffles" and I looked at him and said "chocolate chicken?" embarrassing the HELL out of myself cause everyone was super grossed out by it and making a scene. I hid but my friend said Wow thought it was funny. I think she was trying to make me feel better.

So the item signing time comes up. My DUMB ASS forgot my album at home so the day before I had gone on a panicked shopping spree and decided on a pot for my cactus.

Chan was up first as usual. He recognized me and asked if I was in Chicago and I said yes! He asked what the pot was and I told him it was for my cactus plant. He was so adorable, while he was signing it he said quietly "grow well." So now it has to. This time he did not do a high five with me.

Next was Donghun. He looked so confused at my pot. I told him it was for my cactus and he just kinda nodded. It was very quiet because I had tried to learn a short phrase for him in korean but I got too nervous and I couldn't say it. I just thanked him. I'll have to keep practicing.

Jun was next and also asked me if I had been in Chicago and thanked me for coming again. I told him it was my last stop but I knew they would keep doing amazing. He asked about the pot and said it was so cute and signed super big. He shook my hand.

BK was next and he complimented my lips again. I asked him if he liked the green or blue better and he said both were good. He asked about the pot and signed it for me, he said it was cute and he liked it. He high fived me when it was time to move on.

WOW. AGAIN. okay so he asked about the pot and I said it was for my cactus and he mimed planting a cactus while looking up at me and I nodded while melting cause he is SO GODDAMN CUTE OKAY. Then while he was signing it I worked up my courage cause I had tried to learn a phrase for him as well BUT I MESSED UP I MESSED UP SO BAD IT WAS BAD OKAY. He was so confused and thank GOD the interpreter was right there and she asked "what are you trying to say" and she helped me say it. I was SO EMBARRASSED I had practiced so much and was saying it SO WELL up until that moment. Once I managed he smiled and said I did good then took my hand and said something which the interpreter translated for me and I just grabbed my heart with my free hand and then had to just cover my face I couldnt handle it. Walking away was hard but staying was harder.

Of course that just put me back in my seat directly in front of him.

Dont judge me, but I was trying to say, "You're so awesome it makes my heart hurt." And his response was "Then I'll prescribe you some medicine" and I KNOW its cheesy and overdone but I wanted that moment once for me so I took my chance. Anyway I looked like a damn fool but it was over.

The last dumb thing I did as the signing went on cause we kept making random eye contact and I got self conscious of always looking away. One of the times Wow and I met eyes I winked and shot finger guns and his eyebrows raised ever so slightly and I wanted to sink into the floor and die so I hid my face again. He looked so surprised like what WAS I THINKING WHY DID I DO THAT AAAAAAAA.

Anyway.

Here's my cute cheap pot!

Next was pictures. This time I had a plan. I asked them to pose ugly with me. They were surprised and asked for clarification twice, BK even asked me in english and I said "yes, ugly faces. If you can! If it's even possible." I wonder if it's the first time theyve ever been requested to do that. Anyway that's gonna be my thing too with the punny fan from now on. They did their best and it's absolutely adorable. Afterward BK walked up to me and wanted to see the pictures I took so I showed him. After he walked away it occured to me how fun and casual that was, that he just came over to look at pics together. I love this boy so much damb.

The atlanta show was amazing but the stage was so high up and far away there was no direct interaction possible. They made up for it with even more interaction! BK and Donghun each danced with me. I made a heart with my friend and Chan winked and laughed cause it looked like she begrudgingly made the heart with me when in reality she just couldnt hear me and couldnt tell what I was asking. Wow played a heart escalating game with me and he won so I made a dumb cute face and he laughed.

At hi touch I was determined not to miss Wow again. The order was the same except Donghun and Chan switched. I told them they did really amazing, a great show! Then BK said "Best lips!" To me and I got so excited but still didnt want to miss Wow, I loudly repeated "Best Lips!" While making eye contact and high fiving this poor man so hard, then for Jun I said "Don't forget!" And he was just so unprepared for me because I was unprepared for me but I WAS SO HYPED UP I LOST MY LAST BRAINCELL ITS STILL IN ATLANTA GUYS ITS GONE FOREVER.

So anyway that was a lot of unnecessary details about my specific adventures with A.C.E and I loved them so much and maybe one person will read this and smile but mostly I just want to try and remember as much detail as possible. I'll add things as I remember if I forgot something. Anyway dont be like me hahahaHAHAHA.

Also highkey if BK or one of the boys ends up with a bold lipstick color for a comeback or promotions in the next year or so I'm taking full credit.

[demonsanhwa]

a.c.e concert and hi touch tn 🥺🥺🥺

[atleast14koreans]

Oh hello Sehyoon 👋🏻

[donghunsflower]

Uncalled for.

[cherrysakuchan]

@teamwanggae and I are heading to Chicago soon to spend the weekend and see A.C.E tomorrow night!!! 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

[wearemintcrew]

Hi everyone! We are a kpop dance team called MINT. We recently peformed in Korea at the Changwon Kpop World Festival! Now we are entering a contest to to open the show for A.C.E for their tour in Chicago! Please help us win this contest by LIKING this video on youtube. Also Feel free to share because every view is counted as well. 

[carrotheadbyeongkwan]

Kim Sehyoon in Chicago 👀 -

120218

[ispendtoomuchtimeinmyroom]

To Be An Ace In Chicago

For like the first quarter of the concert I don't think I was even breathing tbh. Like, my literal first thought was, "are they real?? Are they really here??? They're not real."

So. Uh.

They all looked so good like

Byeongkwan's arms?!???? How. Also looked so incredible in person pics do not do justice

Wow's thighs and (a$$) and face oof a whole VISUAL MEAL

Donghun's TUMMY ARGHSDHDJ also hAiR

Chan was so cute I cannot the bestest bean

Jun, okay so there was one moment where he was leaning on the microphone stand just looking so fond and adorable @ us and like yeah I'm in love so there's that

DANCING OH GOD JESUS TAKE THW GOD DAMN WHEEL

All of their stupid body rolls so agressive...I appreciate it thx...

They are all such good dancers and seeing all their styles live was such an interesting thing to see and then when they pulled out their SYNCHRONIZATION CROWNS it was jaw-dropping.

AND THWIR FUCIKGN SINGING AHHHHHHHH ALL SO STUPIDLY TALENTED

Oof the harmonies hi yes the only thing I want to listen to

(donghun's vibrato kills me)

Jun kept saying that is was so cold here but we were all so hot like, dude stapppppp omfg it was so much I am still s c r e a m i n g

The lights could be a bit too much at times I think tbh. Like, their silhouettes are also fantastic to look at but like you know I just wanted to see them more than I did/could it was just like a lot you know like it would be one thing if they weren't you know so handsome and such good dancers and I like I want to see them all the time.

All choices were so polite and cute and supportive. shout out to that one girl who made banners for everybody such a talented artist and like that was such a cute idea and I loved it. (@affy.art on insta) and like when they did perform you know their covers that they've done it was super cute and nice that like we still shouted out you know ACE and Choice and not like the fan chants for those other groups' songs it was just like was like yeah we love that song but we're still screaming and are here for you so just like a super nice experience to be a part of.

I'm still like laughing and screaming about that whole raffle ticket thing where they just like randomly called out numbers like there was no drawing of numbers just them choosing random numbers to call out, hilarious.

All of their like thank you ments, like at the end of the concert, every single one made me cry and was just so perfect for each of the members and for them to say and-incredible.

This is a very long-winded post but like I had an amazing time for my first kpop concert and I will probably continue to be a bit overwhelmed by it for the next week I'm incredibly proud of them and how far they've come and I know that they're just going to go further I mean how could they not they're just so incredibly talented and nice and just asdhfhgkl.

I have more thoughts like swirling in my head but I need to sleep rn so uh peace I guess.

STAN A.C.E

[chilled-catgender]

Welcome to my blog!

[Plain Text: Welcome to my blog! End PT]

You can call me Symphony, Chicago, or Scottie! I am Autistic, have ADHD, and BPD. Tone tags are optional, but sometimes I just need clarification - thank you for being patient with me!

I stand with Palestine 🇵🇸 ; zionazis, cops, and racists fuck off

(Novo)queer bi omni aroflux polyam greyace abro transkenofemmasc azurirose girlboy

It/they & others (pronouns page link)

Current hyperfixation: Stray Kids, ATEEZ, A.C.E, and a couple other K- pop groups :)

#nickles = genders we've coined

#my hoard = our abundance of genders / identities

#rambles = just talking

#rb = reblogs of posts

(don't really tag anymore, but tags used in the past still exist)

Please be respectful!

DNI: 18+ (NSFW) blogs, ED/pro-ana/thinspo blogs, but i block freely

[indigo-still-life]

Music Tag Extravaganza!!! 🎶🎼🎵

Hi friends how are y'all?? I haven’t been very present on here lately and miss talking to you guys 🤧 Here are a bunch of music tags I've been sitting on 🥰

I tag - to do any, all, or none of these - @mistakensilence @senor-hoberto @blacckestrose @kwanfairy @dingdonghun @neomuniverse @namjon @yootaeyanq @seoluna @jessthemyday @jinsgalaxy @hosnack @mvpksj @catchmewjsn @okaysign @pinkhyojin @dongkwan @souptual

& also anyone who tagged me in one of these but wants to do the others 😂

[if i've never tagged you before and you'd rather not be just lmk ok <3]

@wihteclouds 🥰🌼 tagged me to list the four songs i've been listening to the most lately. I've been getting back into my r&b/soul music which is why only 1/4 is kpop

atlantis - a.c.e (one of my fav songs of 2021 and possibly of all time 💖 Kino is a genius)

street player - chicago (a 70s classic! plus there are cats in the video sdfklj)

do better - the layabouts & portia monique

standing tall - imaani

@catchmewjsn @halfabrandybuck and @korimi4 tagged me to list 10 songs that come on shuffle 🌸💕:

bittersweet (feat. lee hi) - wonwoo & mingyu

daybreak - dreamcatcher

heart attack - shinee

just go - ikon

now - fin.k.l

remember - apink

parting - onewe (I NEED TO LISTEN TO THEIR COMEBACK)

ignition - epik high

waterfall - b.i.

melted - akmu

personal soundtrack tag ! tagged by @jaehyukkies and @bumblebeeyeongkwan 🥰🍀

rules: open your spotify on-repeat and the first five songs are the soundtrack to your personal rom-com

(I don't use spotify very much so I just went to my fav playlists)

stalker - 3ye (ok 😂)

believer - sf9

lukewarm - pentagon

keep me in mind - the bamboos

free - chicago

(so this went from stalker to free...nice! maybe not rom-com material but love the concept lmao)

[whattodowithkpop]

End of 2020 Recap (Lio Admin)

Thank you @promisesox​ for adding me into your favorite creators from this year! I am going to take the challenge! 

First creation and most recent creation of 2020:

I went through my archive and it’s a little confusing because I posted some stories I had written years ago at the beginning of the year. But my official first fanfic I wrote for 2020 was What Is Personal Space? with Mingi of ATEEZ. I had just gotten into Ateez and my friend biased Mingi so I wrote it for her just before we went to Chicago to go see Seventeen.

My last creation of 2020 is a fic that has not been published yet titled ‘Make Up Artist In Training’ with Jun of A.C.E. It will come out at the beginning of the year in 2020.

One of your favorite creations from 2020:

It’s so hard to pick just one favorite. I have many different favorite for many different reasons. so ONE of my favorites that I wrote for this year was After A Long Day with Byeongkwan from A.C.E. The emotions I felt when writing it and even when I read it now are the emotions I want from all my fluffy fanfics, so it’s one of my favorites.

A creation you’re really proud of:

I’m really proud of Sketchbook with Seyoon from A.C.E. I wrote it for a friend and I worked hard on it so I could gift her a good fanfic, so it’s one that I feel immense pride for when I read it.

A creation that took you forever:

I am still currently writing a fanfic called ‘Circuits and Wires’ that I started mid 2020. It is taking forever to finish but I’m very excited for it when it’s done.

A creation from 2020 that received the most notes:

The highest noted fanfic that was CREATED IN 2020 is I Look Forward To Holding You Close with Seonghwa from Ateez. It received 48 notes 🥰.

A creation you think deserved more notes:

I’m floored with the amount of notes everything got anyway, but one I would’ve liked to see get more is When The Clock Strikes 12 with Minghao of Seventeen. I was very excited about that fanfic and even @woozisnoots made an awesome banner for it! So I wish it could’ve gotten more, but I was still very happy with the turn out!

A new fandom you joined and a creation you made for it:

Ju and I both joined the A.C.E fandom this year. Her and I have written well over 100 fanfics and created about 10-15 back grounds for all the members of A.C.E. Another amazing fanfic I was proud of with A.C.E was Photographer’s Paradise With Chan from A.C.E. It was just a fun, cheeky fanfic to write!

A creation you made that breaks your heart:

Back in 2017 I wrote a fanfic called ‘Fade’ with Mingyu from Seventeen. It is angst because it has a major character death. I wrote part 2 of ‘Fade’ in 2020. It hasn’t been published, just because I don’t really think it would be enjoyed and it adds nothing to the series of ‘Fade’. I only wrote it for a challenge presented by The Carat Writers Club but it was never posted. It broke my heart to revisit the ‘Fade’ universe.

A simple creation that you really love:

‘That’s Not My Name’ with Young K from Day6. I wrote it based off a prompt list I found. It hasn’t been posted yet and it’s only a few words, but it’s so simple and I still adore it greatly.

A creation that was inspired by another one:

I get inspiration from other content creators all the time!! I can’t think of one right off the top of my head, but it happens a lot! A lot of times I get inspired by writing styles more than anything. 

A favorite creation created by someone else:

The Real Thing with Dino from Seventeen. Katrina did an amazing job on this fanfic and I love that she did it. I think her life got really busy and yet she still finished it and it was a masterpiece. It is one of my favorites from this year.

Some of your favorite content creators from the year:

For Fanfics I have a few: @dalgonachan @thekidultlife @februaryflowers @fallinnflower @tearsofsyrup @promisesox @rq-s @writtenstars0428 

For Art and Backgrounds and Blog Layouts: @wowpaper @blackandbluemv @johajaho @choicetwt

And for good measure, another couple more creations of yours that you love: 

Hmmmm… Which ones do I love?

Winner Takes All with Jun and Donghun from A.C.E was amazing cause it was Ju and I’s first collaboration and it was so much fun.

If You Love Someone Let Them Go with S. Coups from Seventeen was a heartbreaking angst that I tried to ignore, but I had to write it and it became one of my favorites.

When The Sweater Paws Come Off with Yunho from Ateez was one I was very proud of because I felt like I captured his duality well XD.

I Only Want To Slow Dance WIth You Is not my best fanfic, but it was my first A.C.E one and I love it for that reason.

Tagging:

Anyone who wants to do it! Especially the ones I tagged for favorite content creators!

[atleast14koreans]

Black and Blue in Chicago

A.C.E Under Cover: Area US 191201

[donghunsflower]

Byeongkwan demonstrating what we needed to do if our number was called

[whattodowithace]

My Diamond in Red; The Rival’s Prize (Donghun)

Title: My Diamond in Red; The Rival’s Prize

Pairing: Donghun (A.C.E) x Reader

Genre: Action, spice, thieves AU.

Word count: 3693

Writer: Kpopmadness (Ju)

A/N: After reviving some sweet requests for a Part II for My Diamond in Red, here it is! I hope you all enjoy! ~Ju

I zipped up my jacket as a shiver ran down my spine from the rain that was starting to fall down around our van. It hit the roof of the van with several hard splats, making it impossible to hear much of anything outside the van.

“We’re really doing this?” Changmin asked, his eyes full of excitement, but also slight hesitation due to us pulling off a robbery last minute.

I smile up at him, a slight sting on my neck reminding me of an earlier run in with a rival a few hours ago. The party had long since ended, the guests clearing out as the staff started cleaning up the mansion before getting ready to leave themselves. My black dress hung up in one corner of the van. I had changed out of my red, form fitting dress into a black outfit that hid me with the dark shadows the night casts. The only thing giving me away was the street lights and the half moon in the sky.

“We’re really doing this.” I answer, excitement filling me. “We’ll have our diamonds in just a few minutes. Once Ara is all done filling hacking into the computer system to shut it down.”

“You know this guy is a real idiot.” Ara piped up from the back of the van. “He basically asks for these diamonds to be stolen. His security system isn’t worth two cents.”

“I worry about that.” Daejung says, his voice low as he sits in the drivers seat now, his eyes scanning the rain stained road in front of him.

“He knows how expensive those diamonds are and yet his security system is poor. Why leave your defenses down like that?” He asks, glancing back at us three.

“He’s rich.” I answer him, shrugging. “He probably feels he can afford more if they ever are stolen. You saw his mansion. He had more artifacts in there than just the diamonds.”

Daejung grumbles under his breath and keeps watching the road. We had parked a few blocks away from the mansion, far enough they wouldn’t see us, but far enough we could see them.

“There’s another worry we should be thinking about.” Changmin whines. “A.C.E showed up before us. Which means they have a plan.”

I rest my head against the vans wall, my neck and thigh throbbing from encountering their leader, Donghun, earlier. My face immediately heats up when I remember his lips on mine and how strangely good it felt to be close to him. Even though we were all rivals.

Daejung looks at me, his dark eyes examining me, only making me feel warmer. I knew what he was thinking. He didn’t have to say it. He was wondering if I could complete this mission after everything that had happened. If my mind would be clear enough.

“So what if they are here?” I speak up, making all eyes fall on me. “We’ve stolen from them before and we’ll do it again. It’s no big deal.” They stay silent, as if trying to decide if I really meant my words.

“I’m fine.” I sigh, silencing their quiet doubts.  “Let’s suit up. We have to leave in 10 minutes.”  I say, changing the topic all together.

Ara puts our mics in our ears and any tools we may need into the several pockets littered through our dark clothing.

“The camera’s are off so they won’t see your face, but keep your hood up.” She tells us sternly, turning back to her laptop. “Also make sure you spray around the room once your inside. I don’t know if the old man wised up to turn on some kind of alarm system. And if he did you may not be able to see any laser beams that will sense your motion.”

We both nod, listening despite knowing all this. You never could get cocky in this business. We had seen too many thieves loose their freedom due to getting too smart, thinking they wouldn’t get caught. That ended in their downfall, making us vow to always be careful.

I clap my hand on Changmins shoulder, smiling widely. “You ready?”

Changmin pulls his hood over his eyes and gives me a thumbs up, a bright smile on his face. “Ready Freddie!” He beams, making me laugh. Excitement washing over me at the prize just before us.

Changmin opens the doors to the vans quickly when a loud thump comes from one of the doors hitting something.

“The living heck!” A male voice curses from behind the door. Making my heart sink. “You hit me!” Seyoon whines, rubbing his nose feverishly.

Changmin narrows his eyes at him, “Well maybe if your face wasn’t so big I wouldn’t have hit it, dummy.”

“You’re the one that opened the door like a demon was chasing you!” Another member, Jun, says from around the van.

“You shouldn’t be snooping around our van!” Ara yells, standing up from her place.

“Ara, shut up.” Daejung warns, his voice low as his eyes narrow at the members of A.C.E.

I grab the back of Changmins shirt and pull him back, “China can hear you idiots.” I snarl.

“How about you all be quiet and get in the van?” Another voice pipes up. Making my heart skid.

Donghun shoves Jun and Seyoon inside the van with us. All of us squished up along the walls as we stand inside. All of us wearing similar black outfit attire.

Donghun gave me a sideways glance, our eyes locking for a moment before he looked away. Rain water dripping down his hair and onto the floor. Making it slick.

“I hate saying this,” Donghun grumbled. “But I think we need to work together on this project.”

I hear the rest of my team scoff at the idea. “We are not pairing up with you.” Ara snaps, crossing her arms over her chest.

“It’s not exactly a happy thought for us either, sweetheart.” Jun snaps back, making them both glare at each other.

“The diamonds have been moved.” Donghun announces. Making everyone turn their attention to him, shocked. I feel my own jaw go lax.

“How would you know that?” Daejung asks quietly, eyeing Donghun carefully.

“Because we were smart enough to be waiters at the party.” He snaps back. “Byeongkwan saw them move it. The old man decided he was too tired to move tonight.”

“Which means?” I ask, my chest tightening.

“The old man moved them into his bedroom. He decided to sleep in the same room as them to keep them safe.” Donghun admits.

“And i I want her to help me get the diamonds.” Donghun states boldly. Making my body heat up.

“Why?” Daejung asks, defensive.

“Because we want that diamond you stole from us.” Jun pipes up. “The one in Chicago four years ago we had until you took it.”

“And me and her can work together on this one to be faster.” Donghun added.

Donghun wasn’t just the leader. He was fast at getting in and out of tight places like this. He was fast at shutting down security and taking whatever it was someone loved most out from under them. Donghun knew how to break security. I knew how to charm someone into letting their guard down, but I also knew how to get us out of there. I memorized every possible exit and curve and dip to every heist we did in the past.

I let out a laugh, raking a hand through my hair in frustration.

“We don’t have it!” Ara yells.

“If we help you, will you stay clear of us?” I ask quietly.

Donghun stares at me, his eyes meeting mine. A gleam of sadness shines in his dark doe eyes, making me feel a twinge of guilt.

“Promise me, you will leave if I help you?” I ask him. I wasn’t addressing his crew, I wasn’t addressing mine. I was only asking him.

I wanted him to leave because no thieves could ever be together like how he wanted us. It was too dangerous. I wanted him to forget me, and me him.

“We split the diamonds, we give you back yours from four years ago, then you leave.” I tell him more sternly. Trying to keep the shake out of my voice. “Promise me?”

Donghun stares down at me, his eyes searching mine as if he would find a joke hidden behind them. But I wasn’t.

“I promise.” He says quietly, looking away from me.

~~~~

We were in. The cameras off thanks to Ara, the house quiet as its inhabitants slept peacefully unaware.

Me and Donghun stand on the balcony connected to the old mans room. Heavy rain still beating on us and drenching us the longer we stood there motionless. It was safer than walking through the front door. Which Donghun had recklessly suggested we do since cameras were off.

He grumbled as he climbed the rope up to the balcony, letting out a quiet hiss once his feet hit the concrete.

“I hate this.” Donghun whispers. Shooting me a glare as I press my back against the wall to check into the sliding glass door.

“You wanted my help.” I remind him, not meeting his eyes.

I jump when I feel warm breath on my neck, making me come face to face with him. Rain water drips down his face and onto my own.

“Did you really mean what you said back there?” He asked quietly. “About not wanting to see me again.”

I sigh and rub my temple, thankful the heavy rain drowned out our hushed voices. “Donghun, now isn’t the time.” I tell him.

“Just answer the dang question.” Donghun growls, frustration lacing his words. “Do you really not want to see me again? Because with how you kissed me back on the balcony your actions said otherwise.”

I glare at him, “I tricked you on the balcony. You could hardly stand.” 

Donghun narrows his eyes at me, “You still kissed me back.” He snaps.

I stare at him a moment, my heart lurching in my chest. “Donghun, this would never work. Thieves don’t have a romantic relationship for a reason.”

Donghun’s eyes lose their fire and sadden a bit. The heavy rain only adding to his wounded look. “What if I wanted to break those rules?”

I feel my heart drop into the pit of my stomach. We had always been rivals but there was always an undeniable pull between me and Donghun. The team always teased me about having a soft spot for him, and I always denied it. But deep down, I knew they were right.

“Just get us inside.” I tell him briskly. Desperate to change the subject.

Donghun looks me over for a moment before sighing heavily and working on unlocking the door. His fingers would steadily as he slowly picks at the lock, careful not to jostle the handle too much.

A silent click is heard from over the rain, signaling we were in. Despite the tense circumstances, I couldn’t help but bite my lip in excitement. There was a thrill that came with this job, the thrill of adrenaline that pumped through you and made your fingers itch. It was a thrill we all lived for.

Donghun pushes the door open slowly, peaking inside. In the center of the room was a king sized bed with lush carpet covering the room. In the bed was a small still form. His breathing steady as soft snores escaped his mouth.

“At least the old guy sleeps soundly.” Donghun mumbles under his breath.

I let out a soft chuckle, but quickly silence it. Not wanting to joke with him as much as possible to avoid contact. Donghun slips inside first, his movements slow as the darkness of the room engulfs him. I follow close behind him.

I hold my breath slightly once inside. Even the drops of rain from our clothing that hit the carpet seemed loud. But the old mans snoring never stopped as we made our way to the glass case that held the diamonds.

I smile, thrilled to see them again. My fingers itching to touch them and show them to the rest of my team.

“We don’t have them yet.” Donghun whispers in my ear. His breath fanning against my cheek and neck.

I nod and watch the old man a moment, making sure he wasn’t awake while Donghun knelt down to disarm the alarm system inside the case. I stay silent as he works, not wanting to break his concentration. The only sound filling the room was deep breathing and soft snores from the bed and gentle rain hitting the roof and windows.

Donghun taps my leg, making me bend down to his level so he could whisper in my ear. “I can’t disarm the censor that the necklace is resting on. We need something to replace it with so the alarm won’t go off.”

I nod my head and look around the room. Looking for something not too heavy, but not too light. My eyes land on a small deceptive vase in one corner of the room. I crawl my way over to it and gently pick it up to bring it back to where Donghun was.

I hand him the vase, my job coming up. Donghuns gloved fingers brush mine, making me pull away from him quickly. He grabs my wrist, however, and intertwines our fingers together until their linked.

I feel a shiver go down my spine as Donghun leans in toward me, his face inches from mine. “I don’t think you want me to leave.” He whispers. Not bothering to hide the smirk in his voice.

I can barely make out his features in the dark but there’s enough glow from the moon outside that I can see his eyes.

“You have the worst timing.” I hiss at him, but I don’t pull my hand away from being linked with his.

“It’s just us, princess.” Donghun smirks, “You don’t have to be shy.”

“Donghun.” I warn, heat rising through my body like fire.

Donghun’s face is close enough that I can feel his breath across my lips, his nose brushing mine gently. “Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll stop.” He whispers.

I bite my lip to keep from making a sound as his hand pulls me closer to him. “Tell me to stop. And once this heist is over I’ll leave you alone.”

His lips trace down my neck slowly where all the bruises he had left on me earlier had formed. I let out a shaky breath into his ear, making him let out a deep growl against my neck.

“Tell me to stop, princess.” Donghun whispers, placing a small bite on my jawline.

I rest my head against his shoulder, my head spinning and my heart pounding. Donghun pulls away from my neck and rests one hand against my cheek, making me eye level with him. Our lips only centimeters apart when a loud snore from the bed behind us makes us snap out of it.

“We’ll finish this later.” I promise him, making him let out a soft whine as I stand up slowly.

The alarm on the case was off, but we needed to lift it slowly to not move the necklace and trigger the censor. Donghun takes one end of the case and I take the other as we gently lift it. I hold my breath as it comes off, and I don’t exhale until it’s placed on the floor gently.

The diamonds sparkle in the soft light, making me smile at their beauty. Donghun stands behind me as he whispers, “I don’t think the vase will stay on the stand.”

I dig in my pocket and bring out a small stick with a silver wrapper on it. “It will if you chew on this for a minute.” I tell him.

Donghun chuckles softly as he pops the chewing gum into his mouth. I examine the stand the necklace rested on carefully while he chewed. The necklace was laid across a flat surface, in the center was a circular piece that that looked like glass. It was the censor. The center piece of the necklace, being the biggest diamond that dangled from the chain, rested on it.

Donghun takes the gum from his mouth to slide it underneath the vase, ensuring it will stick. I place my hands on the necklace gently, while Donghun stands ready with the vase to replace it.

Slowly, I start sliding the necklace away from the censor. Donghun follows the necklace closely with the vase, ensuring that pressure never left the censor. We hold our breath the entire pain staking process.

After what felt like an eternity later, the necklace is in my hands. I smile gleefully down at it, Donghun’s smile matching mine.

“Guys, get out of there.” Daejung’s voice says into my earpiece, startling me.

My heart immediately drops, “What happened?” I ask.

“You must have tripped an alarm. The cops are here. Hurry up.”

I stare at Donghun, he had an earpiece on like mine and heard the conversation. “I know I turned of the alarm to the case.” Donghun says defensively.

“It wasn’t the case.” I hiss, walking over to the door and kneeling down to let my hand run down the wooden frame. My fingers land on a small object just between the door and the frame. I let out a frustrated sigh. “He had a motion censor on the door. It’s silent and calls the cops as soon as anyone opens the door.”

Donghun let’s out a hushed curse. His eyes scanning the room. “Give me the diamonds.” Donghun says, holding his hand out to me.

“Why?” I hiss, clutching them tighter to my chest.

“Just... let me take them. We’re splitting them anyway and I don’t want you running off on me with them.”

I stare at him, not trusting him. Donghun must read my thoughts because he quickly adds, “I promise I won’t take off with them. But I have to have insurance you won’t run off.”

“Guys, hurry up! The cops are bringing out the K-9 units.” Changmin whines in our ear pieces.

“Please, princess.” Donghun begs quietly. His doe eyes holding my gaze.

I let out a frustrated growl and hand him the diamonds, a gleeful smile on his lips when the diamonds touch is hand. I grab Donghun’s other free hand and pull us out the bedroom door, we couldn’t leave the same way we came in. I pull him down the hall as silently as I could, a map of the mansion pulled up in my head.

I open a door at the end of the hall that I knew to be a empty guest room. I pull him inside quickly and go over to the window. It put us directly in line with the van that was only a few blocks down. I smile and open the window quickly, seeing Jun and Seyoon jump out of the van to help us out.

Blue and red lights flash on the other side of the house. From inside, I can hear the doorbell being rung multiple times, waking up the house. I quickly swing my legs through the window and jump down, Jun catching me and steading me as I stand on shaky legs. Donghun jumps down beside me.

I quickly start for the van, Changmin opening the door for me as I run up. His eyes darting around nervously. Donghun and the others on my heels.

I just get in the van when I hear Seyoon say behind me, “Wait I minute.” I turn around to see that Donghun had handed him the necklace. “These aren’t real.”

“What?” Donghun and Jun say in unison, quickly going to look more closely at the diamonds with Seyoon. I let out a dark chuckle, making Donghun meet my eyes. His eyes wide with shock, his jaw lax.

“See you around, sweetheart.” I wink at him before slamming the van door shut, Daejung immediately throwing the van into drive and driving down the road away from the flashing lights. I look out the window to see Donghun and the others racing to their van a few blocks away. All of them looking furious. I let out a laugh as I sit down on the vans floor and rest my head against the wall. Daejung drives quickly and soon we hit the Highway.

“Did you get them?” Changmin asks excitedly. His eyes sparkling.

I chuckle and pull out the red diamond necklace from under my shirt. I had swapped it out for a fake necklace when I went to check the bedroom door for a censor. Donghun never saw it coming.

“Of course, I got them.” I smile at him, making him and Ara squeal in excitement as they take the necklace from me.

“So we don’t have to give them anything? We don’t have to split this?” Ara gushes, her hands shaking in excitement as she runs her fingers along the red stones.

I giggle and shake my head. “We never were.” I tell her.

“This is why she’s our smooth talker.” Daejung calls from the drivers seat. “She makes people let down their guard. And she did it to A.C.E twice now.”

I take a deep breath and take the necklace from Ara, examining it in the light. It really was beautiful.

“Yeah, well, that’s not the last time we’ll see A.C.E. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of them.” I say quietly, smiling to myself.

Me and Donghun couldn’t be together how he thought of us being together. But we could always be rivals in this twisted game of cat and mouse we played with each other. Fooling each other, chasing, always playing for a checkmate. The K4 and A.C.E would always be competing for the best spot as thieves. But the prospect of seeing their leader again kept me looking forward to something until we met again.