#actually she said no food at all in lockers and i still had other food that i bought in there

[jiyoos]

one of my managers triggered my ocd so bad and now i feel like everyone at work secretly thinks i am a horrible person and i want to quit and i know it’s not real but like!!!!!!

[poetic-vulgarity]

ᎮᎥᏖᎩ ᎮᏗᏒᏖᎩ - Kim Minjeong x Reader

Word count: ~5K

Prompt: When Minjeong transferred to an elite school, she didn't expect to catch the attention of Y/N, the golden girl. Then again, she also didn't expect Y/N to be the root of all her misery.

Tags: slow burn; angst; drama; high school! AU; richgirl!Y/N; happy ending (?)

Part I, Part II, Part III

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Ask any student out there how they feel about school, and you'll get the same answer.

It's shit.

There was no way around it, especially not for someone like Minjeong.

Shy, quiet, reserved.

She was a walking billboard that practically screamed "bully me."

And bullied she was. Ever since high school began, she'd been their favorite target. They scrawled insults on her desk, threw food at her, and even stuffed her into a locker once.

Minjeong thought it was just the way life worked. Some people were born unlucky.

Then Taeyu came along. Messy, reckless, the kind of girl who could (and would) fight anyone. For reasons Minjeong never fully understood, Taeyu liked her. And the bullying stopped.

They became best friends. Two years passed, and things weren't perfect, but Minjeong started to believe she could survive.

She wished Taeyu was there now.

If she had Taeyu by her side, all the stupid kids wouldn't be staring at her as she made her way through the doors of her new school. 

The towering entrance of Elite Open School Korea loomed before her. The glossy floors, the spotless hallways, the sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows—it was the kind of school where the rich ate up success like it was their birthright.

Minjeong didn’t belong there.

But she didn’t need to belong. She just needed to graduate. The full scholarship had been her ticket there, and she wasn’t planning to waste it. Screw fitting in. She’d keep her head down, study hard, and get the diploma.

Still, as she stepped inside, her confidence wavered. The air was heavy and she could feel the weight of all the judgmental eyes on her. She held her bag tighter and pulled out her crumpled schedule, her eyebrows knitting together as she tried to make sense of it.

The school was massive. Minjeong had no idea where to start.

"You’re with me."

Startled, Minjeong looked up and found herself face-to-face with a stunning girl who radiated confidence.

"I’m Jimin, student president. I’m supposed to take you to your class," the girl said, her tone light and warm.

Relief washed over Minjeong. She nodded, exhaling a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Jimin didn’t wait for a response before turning and heading down the hallway, her polished shoes clicking softly against the floor.

Minjeong hurried to follow, her school bag thumping awkwardly against her back. "I'm Minjeong." 

Jimin looked over her shoulder, a few loose strands of hair brushing her face as she smiled. "I know who you are; I was the one who made your schedule." Jimin replied with a soft chuckle. "Had to fit you and the other new students into the system."

Minjeong blinked, processing her words. "That... explains a lot, actually."

Her schedule was a mess: classes from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., a long break, and then another class that ran until 10 p.m. She wasn’t sure if it was legal to keep students in school that long but they were all rich there. Who cared if they were breaking rules?

Jimin grimaced. "Yeah, sorry about that. In my defense, though, you signed up for a lot of extracurriculars."

Minjeong’s lips twitched into a small smile. "Don’t apologize. It’s fine."

"It’ll be cool; we have a few classes together," Jimin added with a grin.

When they reached the classroom, Jimin stopped and turned to her. "Here we are. All your classes today are on this floor, so you shouldn't get too lost. But if you do, text me. My number's on the schedule I sent you."

Minjeong nodded, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Thank you, Jimin."

"Of course. Have a good first day, okay?" With a wave, Jimin disappeared down the hall, leaving Minjeong standing at the door, alone.

It wasn’t as bad as she’d feared.

Sure, a few students glanced her way as she walked in, their gazes sharp and appraising. Most of them didn’t bother hiding their curiosity—or their judgment. The guys wore designer shoes and watches, while the girls carried handbags that probably cost more than her family’s car.

Minjeong ignored them and scanned the room for a seat. She spotted one near the back and made her way over.

"That seat’s taken."

The voice was cold and cutting, and Minjeong froze mid-sit.

The girl who spoke was staring at her, eyes narrowed, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Minjeong swallowed and stood up, looking around for another desk. She wasn’t there to make a scene.

"That one’s taken too," the girl said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

"Why don’t you show her to her seat, Lee?"

The new voice came from the front of the room. Minjeong turned and saw another girl leaning back lazily in her chair.

She was stunning, easily the prettiest girl in the room, with an air of casual arrogance that made her seem untouchable. Her uniform was pristine, not a single hair out of place, and her expression was unreadable.

Lee, the first girl, faltered. "I—uh..."

"Go on," the pretty girl said, her tone light but commanding. "Since every seat is taken, show her one that isn’t."

Lee clenched her jaw but got up with a huff, flipping her long black hair over her shoulder. "Fine. Follow me."

Minjeong glanced at the pretty girl again before trailing behind Lee, her head bowed.

"This one," Lee said, motioning to an empty desk.

"No," the other girl called out, her voice calm. "Not that one. She won’t be able to see the board properly."

Minjeong’s grip on her bag tightened. The room felt suffocating, every set of eyes burning into her as Lee led her to another seat.

"Here?"

"Still not good," the girl said, her tone almost playful.

Minjeong clenched her jaw, frustrated at the situation. This was all a game, and she was the entertainment.

Finally, the pretty girl tilted her head. "Tell you what. She’ll just take your seat, Lee."

Lee stiffened but didn’t argue. Her eyes flashed with anger as she grabbed her bag and stomped off.

Minjeong hesitated. She didn’t want to take Lee’s spot, didn’t want to make things worse. But when the girl raised an eyebrow and her eyes darted from her to her new assigned seat, Minjeong sighed and sat down.

She kept her head down, rummaging through her pencil case, her eyes fixed on the desk in front of her.

An awkward silence loomed over the classroom, broken only by the sound of students chatting and the occasional burst of laughter.

Minjeong’s eyes shifted to Lee, noticing the way she kept a sharp eye on her former seat. A part of her felt bad for taking it, but it was already done.

She took out her notebook, pen, and highlighter from her bag and placed them on the desk. Her hands went up to brush her short hair back behind her ears.

Minjeong’s eyes darted up to the front, looking for the teacher. Instead, she noticed the pretty girl from before standing in front of her.

Minjeong tilted her head up, keeping her shock and awkwardness from showing on her face. The girl was stunning—her features soft, her lashes long, and her lips plump.

The girl gave her a small smile. "The view okay?"

Minjeong’s head spun at the words. Her cheeks instantly flared up with embarrassment. She hadn’t meant to stare. She didn’t even realize she was staring in the first place.

"Sorry," she responded hastily. Her eyes darted around the room, desperate to look anywhere but at the stranger.

The girl chuckled lightly. "I meant the board."

"Oh."

Minjeong felt like her soul left her body out of sheer embarrassment. She couldn’t stop staring at the stranger earlier, and now she’d somehow made it worse for herself.

"Yes, it’s a great view," she mumbled, her voice small. She forced a smile, hoping to salvage the situation.

Minjeong tried to focus elsewhere, her eyes shifting to the window and the students outside, chatting with their friends and enjoying lunch—blissfully unaware of her predicament.

The girl smiled wider, clearly amused.

She extended her hand, drawing it towards Minjeong. "I’m Y/N."

Minjeong hesitated for a moment before reaching out her own hand to shake Y/N’s. "Minjeong," she replied, the handshake lasting a beat longer than necessary before she quickly pulled away.

Y/N was… a lot. Minjeong wasn’t sure what her intentions were. Was she just messing with her, or did she genuinely want to be friends?

"Pleasure to meet you," Y/N said with a nod.

Minjeong blinked. What high schooler said "pleasure to meet you"?

"You too," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

A tense silence stretched between them as the two of them stared at each other. Minjeong wanted to look away, to dig into her bag for something to distract herself, but her eyes kept finding their way back to Y/N.

"Welcome to the school. I’m sure you’ll fit in well." With that final comment, Y/N turned on her heel and walked back to her seat.

Minjeong let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Y/N was intimidating. She was too pretty and confident for her own good, and Minjeong didn’t know what to make of her.

All she wanted was to get through the day without any more trouble.

And, for the most part, she did.

During lunch hour, Minjeong hid in the library. Her other classes went by without much ruckus.

Throughout her first week, she realized that she shared a lot of classes with Y/N. She saw the popular girl almost every day. Correction: she noticed the small smiles Y/N sent her between classes—almost every day.

It was… weird.

Y/N had a cool friend group and a perfect reputation around the school. She had no reason to even notice Minjeong.

“You need to leave the newbie alone. Her friends died. Have a little compassion.”

Y/N turned to glare at Yeonjun. It was Friday, and the group was eating lunch together. Since Monday, Y/N hadn’t seen Minjeong set foot in the cafeteria.

“You could be a bit more respectful about it, no?”

Yeonjun pouted dramatically. “Chill, I was joking.”

“Our Y/N is protective over the newbie,” Aeri teased, nudging Y/N’s side playfully, trying to get a reaction out of her.

“Why would I be protective over anyone?” Y/N huffed, picking at her food as if it were playdough. Her eyes lingered on the unopened sandwich she’d bought that morning.

“Well, you keep looking for her,” Chaewon pointed out, raising an eyebrow as she sat down beside Yeonjun with a knowing smile. “In class and now here.”

Y/N felt cornered. She usually didn’t show this much interest in anyone, and her friends had noticed. It was irritating.

Before she could mutter an excuse for her behavior, her phone rang. Her friends immediately knew who was calling by the look on her face.

“I’ll see you guys later.” She grabbed her belongings and stood up, phone already raised to her ear. “Yes, Dad?”

The call only lasted a minute or two, but it gave Y/N the perfect excuse to slip away. She wandered into the library, her curious eyes scanning the room for one person in particular.

“Lunch is important, you know?”

Minjeong jumped at the sudden voice, her wide eyes snapping up to see Y/N standing in front of her, hands on her hips.

“Are you stalking me?” The words slipped from Minjeong’s mouth before she could stop herself.

Her heart pounded, anxiety clawing at her throat. She had no idea why Y/N was taking an interest in her—why she kept showing up, insisting on toying with her.

Y/N was surprised, to say the least.

Minjeong had some bite. It wasn’t what Y/N expected from the shy girl she’d met on the first day.

“I guess,” Y/N said with a soft hum, casually pulling a chair out and sitting beside her. She reached into her bag, pulling out the sandwich she hadn’t eaten earlier, and handed it to Minjeong. “Eat.”

Minjeong stared at the sandwich, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “I already ate,” she said flatly, not reaching for it.

Y/N’s eyes flicked down to Minjeong’s half-open bag. An apple and a small carton of orange juice sat inside—it was all Minjeong ever brought, and she usually saved it for her late 10 PM class.

“No, you haven’t.”

Minjeong’s shoulders slumped slightly. Y/N was far more observant than she had anticipated.

Minjeong looked down at the sandwich again, conflicted. She wasn’t a fan of being told what to do, but Y/N had clearly gone out of her way to give it to her. Refusing would make her feel bad.

Slowly, she reached out and took the sandwich, giving a small nod.

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing,” Y/N said casually.

It didn’t take long for Minjeong to finish it.

“So, what are you reading?” Y/N was usually good at making conversation, but with Minjeong, she couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.

Minjeong blinked, snapping out of her food-induced daze. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she finished the sandwich. Now that it was gone, her body slumped back in the chair, heavy with fatigue.

Her gaze shifted to the half-read book on the table, her fingers brushing over the cover. She avoided looking at Y/N, knowing how easily she got flustered.

“A book,” she responded plainly, hoping Y/N would get the hint.

Y/N nodded, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Very informative.”

Minjeong sighed, unable to come up with a retort. The silence between them grew, awkward and heavy. She wasn’t used to this—having someone like Y/N hover around her. They were opposites in almost every way, and Minjeong couldn’t fathom why Y/N was even there.

Her eyes lifted briefly from the book, just to check if Y/N was still looking. Their gazes met, and Minjeong’s breath caught. Her cheeks burned, and she quickly looked away quickly.

Y/N cleared her throat, the confidence in her voice softening. She fiddled with her fingers, her usual ease replaced with hesitation. “I’m... sorry about what happened. At your last school.”

Minjeong froze, her eyes widening. A lump formed in her throat as she tried to think of something to say.

She hadn’t expected an apology—least of all from Y/N. But even if she had, she wouldn’t have known how to respond.

Her body tensed, her knee bouncing beneath the table. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy,” Y/N continued, her voice gentle. “Especially with all the idiots making fun of it.”

‘Cancer school.’

The cruel nickname flashed through Minjeong’s mind.

It wasn’t far from the truth.

Several students had suddenly passed away at her old school and it didn't take long for investigators to find out that the building materials used for the school were highly toxic—cancerous, in fact. Minjeong was one of the lucky ones, spared from any trouble. She had survived unscathed, physically at least, and had been granted a scholarship to transfer elsewhere—a quiet bribe to keep her mouth shut. 

Taeyu hadn’t been so lucky.

Minjeong’s hands trembled as the memories clawed their way to the surface. She had buried them so deeply, refusing to confront them, but they always left a bitter taste when they resurfaced.

She swallowed hard, her eyes darting around the library. Despite knowing Y/N’s words came from a place of kindness, Minjeong felt a pang of irritation.

“Thank you.” Her voice was hollow, mouth dry. She wanted to be anywhere but there. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, emotions she couldn’t quite control.

She stuffed her jacket into her bag, voice shaky as she muttered, “I appreciate it.”

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, alarm flashing across her face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep—”

“Save it.” Minjeong snapped, cutting her off. She didn’t meet Y/N’s gaze as she shoved her things into her bag and walked away.

She wasn’t sure who she was angry at—Y/N, for bringing it up, or herself, for not being able to let it go.

The wound still felt raw. She wasn’t ready to face it, and all she wanted was to forget.

But after a few days, the sting of her reaction dulled and guilt creped in. 

Y/N had only been trying to be kind, and Minjeong had been rude.

After debating with herself for days, Minjeong decided to swallow her pride and apologise. 

Before one of their shared classes, Minjeong watched as Y/N walked into the room, making her way to her usual seat.

Now or never.

Her heart pounded as she stood, each step toward Y/N feeling heavier than the last. Minjeong didn’t want to be there, she didn’t want to apologize. Admitting she felt bad was almost worse than snapping in the first place.

But the guilt wouldn’t leave her alone, and she knew it wouldn’t until she said something.

“Y/N?”

Y/N looked up from her notebook, her face lighting up when she saw Minjeong. “There you are,” she said, rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a neatly wrapped sandwich—the same kind she’d given Minjeong in the library. “I’ve been eating these all week, and I hate cheese.”

Without hesitation, Y/N extended the sandwich toward Minjeong.

Minjeong stared at it, swallowing hard. She didn’t need pity or charity. That wasn’t why she’d come over.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you the other day,” she said, ignoring the food.

Y/N’s eyes softened, her expression gentle.

Minjeong forced herself to turn away, eager to retreat to her seat. Her conscience was clear now, and she didn’t owe Y/N anything more.

But before she could take another step, a hand caught her wrist.

Y/N’s touch was firm yet delicate, her grip just enough to stop Minjeong without making her feel trapped.

Minjeong turned slowly, pulse quickening as her eyes met Y/N’s.

Y/N smiled, her voice warm and sincere. “I’m the charity act here, not you.” She nodded toward the sandwich still in her hand. “I genuinely hate these sandwiches.”

Minjeong froze for a second... was she that easy to read?

"Why do you keep buying them then?" Minjeong asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Y/N shrugged, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm allergic to salmon, and they like to serve it at the cafeteria, so I bring it just in case."

A little white lie never hurt anyone, right?

But Minjeong was insistent, "I don't see how that's my problem."

"It's your problem because I want to get to know you," Y/N admitted without hesitation. "And the sandwich was just the perfect excuse for it."

Minjeong wanted to ask why Y/N didn't just buy something she actually liked, but she had a feeling Y/N would have an excuse for that too.

So, she sighed and finally took the food, giving a small nod.

"You're eating this if I ever see salmon being served at the cafeteria," Minjeong added.

Y/N smiled, her eyes lingering on Minjeong. "Deal."

Minjeong could feel her face heating up at how casually Y/N agreed to her request.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Even though she was still uncomfortable with how Y/N was so interested in her, she couldn’t deny that she was beginning to understand why everyone talked about her.

Y/N was kind, sweet, and charming. It was almost impossible to resist her, but Minjeong knew she had to keep her distance.

She kept her distance.

For a few hours.

Later that day, when Y/N asked her to go out for coffee, Minjeong found herself accepting the offer.

Just like she accepted Y/N’s offer to give her her number a few days later.

Minjeong had no control over it. She was just pulled in.

For a while, she tried to fight it, but in the end, she couldn’t.

It felt nice to be liked. Y/N would take her out for lunch and dinner whenever Minjeong was free, always doing whatever it took to make her feel special.

Minjeong hated how addictive it was, getting attention from someone like Y/N. It made it that much harder to ignore her growing attraction.

"We could go to your house, if you'd like?" Y/N asked, leaning against Minjeong’s desk, her eyes carefully gauging Minjeong’s reaction.

They had a group project to do, and thankfully, the teacher let them choose their own partners.

Minjeong shrugged, her eyes drawn to her notebook as she finished her exercise. "I don't know, honestly."

Y/N nodded, her eyes intense. "My house?"

Minjeong paused for a moment to consider the proposition. They’d gone out together before, hung out during breaks, and after school. But being in Y/N’s house felt somehow more personal.

She nodded slowly, “Yeah, sure.”

Y/N's eyes brightened up as a smile took over her face.

It still felt like a double-edged sword. Like Minjeong had a price to pay to be hanging out with Y/N.

"Cool, I'll wait for you by your locker at the end of the day."

Y/N started to walk away, but Minjeong reached out for her hand. "I only finish classes at 10 today."

They had been hanging out four two months by then, Y/N knew Minjeong's schedule by heart.

Y/N couldn’t stop herself. Before she knew what she was doing, she reached out and brushed a strand of Minjeong's hair behind her ear. "Don't worry about it."

By the time she reached her table, Y/N had already cursed herself out at least twenty times.

She needed to get a hold of herself.

Still, she couldn't help the excitement that took over her body. She was getting there. Slowly but surely, she was winning over Minjeong.

Y/N's classes ended at 5 PM that day, so she hung out around school while she waited. She went to the library, finished her homework, and even started on the group project. Who knows? Maybe if Minjeong saw that the project was well advanced, she'd agree to watch a movie. Or just talk.

By the time 10 PM came around, Y/N was wrapped up in her long coat, hands stuck in her pockets as she waited for Minjeong.

Minjeong arrived at 10:10, accompanied by a figure that had Y/N freezing up.

Jimin.

The student council president.

Her ex-girlfriend.

An ex-girlfriend that also seemed surprised at seeing Y/N.

"Oh, hi." Jimin tried to smile, turning to Minjeong with a gulp. "You didn't tell me your friend was her."

Minjeong stood there, hands in her hoodie pocket as she looked between Y/N and Jimin in confusion. "You two know each other?"

Jimin and Y/N's history was complicated, and Y/N hated thinking or talking about it. But it happened. She was her first love.

"Yeah," Jimin responded, her eyes glued on Y/N. "We were toge-"

"-It's a small school." Y/N barely looked back at Jimin. "Should we get going? It's a little late already."

Minjeong wasn't oblivious to the way Jimin and Y/N looked at each other. The air was thick with tension, and Y/N seemed oddly uncomfortable the whole time, her body language closed off.

Something was definitely going on, Minjeong couldn’t shake that feeling all the way to Y/N's house.

Once they reached their destination, Minjeong looked around curiously. Y/N didn’t mention that she was well off, but it was almost expected of her.

Popular girl at an elite school.

Minjeong wasn't surprised to be led to a mansion in Gangnam-gu.

It was lavish and spacious. Minjeong felt like she had to pay a tax just to look at the furniture.

"Your parents already sleeping?"

Y/N shook her head, leading the way upstairs to her room.

"My parents live in Dobong. I live with a few employees."

"Oh," Minjeong was surprised, but it seemed normal for Y/N. Was that a normal thing for rich people? "Why is that?"

Minjeong caught the way Y/N's shoulders tensed up for just a second. "For work."

She decided to not touch the subject again as they finally arrived at Y/N's room.

It was a tidy space. The bedroom was nice, cozy, and chic. Minjeong couldn’t help but wonder if it was even a room made for a teenager, though. It looked like the rooms Minjeong had seen at IKEA.

"I didn't know you were friends with Jimin," Y/N let out quietly, taking off her blazer and loosening her tie. She looked at Minjeong with soft but darker eyes than usual.

Minjeong was caught off guard, to say the least.

Her eyes followed Y/N's figure—she had never seen her without the blazer.

Y/N undid the top of her button-up shirt, and suddenly, Minjeong felt the need to look away.

"I- yeah. I eat and have a few classes with her sometimes. Met her on my first day at school."

Y/N nodded slowly, eyes following Minjeong as the short-haired girl looked around her room. 

She sat on her bed almost unmoving, back tensely upright. "Do you like her?"

Minjeong blinked at the question, her brain processing the words.

Did she like Jimin? She supposed she did. The other girl was nice and always helpful, plus she didn’t tease Minjeong about her past either.

She wasn't sure what prompted Y/N to ask, but Minjeong answered honestly.

"Yeah, she's nice. Why?"

"Nice in a way that makes you want to date her?"

The question had Minjeong's head snapping to Y/N, eyes wide.

"I- uh-" Minjeong swallowed hard, her cheeks heating up at the insinuation.

"We're just friends," she blurted out. "Why do you ask?"

Y/N let out a hum, eyes fixed on Minjeong, "Because I like you."

Minjeong's breath hitched when Y/N said those words. That was not what she’d been expecting to hear.

Her heart pounded in her ears, so loud it almost drowned out every other sound. She just stood there staring at Y/N, eyes wide.

After a few painfully silent moments, Minjeong found the voice to ask, "You what?"

Y/N looked down at her hands, fingers playing with each other as she gathered her words.

"I know we've only known each other for a few months, but I like you. I was wondering if you'd let me get to know you even better. Maybe get closer?"

"You...you want to date me?"

The words were barely a whisper, the disbelief evident in Minjeong's face and the way she looked at Y/N.

She was torn on what to say. Minjeong didn't want to get her hopes up again, but Y/N made her feel something.

Her body was screaming at her to say yes, but her mind was telling her to refuse.

Things had been awkward with Jimin. Minjeong was sure Y/N was hiding something from her. She was Y/N. No one like Y/N would ever want anything to do with Minjeong. There had to be another reason for all this.

Y/N smiled, "Well, yes, eventually. I'm not very traditional, but I would like to court you first, if you'd let me."

Minjeong's eyes dropped back down to her hands, her mind whirling with a multitude of possible outcomes.

What if it didn't work out? What if things exploded in their face and they couldn't even be friends anymore?

Did it matter?

It was just dating. It wasn't like Minjeong was agreeing to marry Y/N. If things went sideways, they could always break up and go back to being friends.

"I- could you give me a little time to think about it?"

Minjeong inwardly chastised herself as soon as the words escaped her mouth.

She had just rejected the most popular girl in school.

She had just rejected Y/N.

Well, sort of rejected, right?

Things weren't over. Minjeong just needed to think things over.

Y/N smiled as gently as always, "Of course. You have all the time in the world, Minjeong. I don't want to rush anything."

Minjeong felt like she could breathe so much easier after Y/N said that, as if a boulder had been lifted from her chest. She'd half expected Y/N to be mad or angry at her, but she was still smiling softly.

Not that Minjeong would know how to handle Y/N when she was angry. She couldn't even imagine it.

"Thank you," Minjeong whispered, her voice barely audible in Y/N's room but still loud enough to be heard. "I promise to get back to you soon."

It was Y/N's turn to feel her chest lightening up.

Things weren't ruined.

She hadn't ruined anything.

Minjeong just needed her time, and Y/N would give it to her.

She had been patient from the start, why wouldn't she be now?

"I appreciate that," Y/N patted the bed at her side. "Come here, let me show you the ideas I had for our project."

Minjeong didn't hesitate to indeed go sit by Y/N's side.

She still felt a little tense but it didn't take long for her to fully relax again.

After a good two hours of work, Minjeong turned around in Y/N's bed, eyes falling on a framed picture on the bedside table. It was Friday so they had all the time in the world to be lazy. Didn't matter how late it was. 

"You looked cute as a baby, you know?"

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise, and she glanced at the direction Minjeong was staring.

There was a picture of her as a toddler, grinning at the camera with a cute and wide smile that showed off the four teeth she had at the time. At her sides stood her smiling parents.

"Oh," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper and a soft smile on her face as she looked at the picture. "Did I?"

She was feeling embarrassed that Minjeong was looking at it. "I don't have many pictures with them, so I keep that one there."

Minjeong nodded quietly, her eyes never leaving Y/N's framed picture. She looked a lot different now, but Minjeong supposed that was true for everyone.

"You looked adorable," she added softly, her eyes glued to the toddler in the photo. It was a little strange to think how much had changed in Y/N's life since then, but Minjeong didn't dwell on it much.

"Do you miss them?" She finally asked, tilting her head to the side slightly as her eyes turned to Y/N.

"Sometimes," Y/N shrugged. It's not like they were dead, she just didn't see them a lot. "It gets harder during the holidays. I was close to my mother, but she's been very... involved in my father's work, so yeah."

"That must be hard..." Minjeong sighed, her eyebrows furrowing in thought.

She couldn't fathom the idea of being away from her own parents.

Withdrawing her eyes from the picture frame, Minjeong scooted a little closer to Y/N. "You know," she spoke softly, "You can always come hang out at my house during the holidays."

"I couldn't possibly bother you... or your family," Y/N shook her head, a small smile rising to her face.

The truth was that Y/N didn't really have a family, and as cold and impersonal as her parents were, they had always given her everything she would need or ask for.

She couldn't complain about anything, but at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder sometimes what it would feel like to have a cozy, warm house instead of a huge empty mansion. Not having to eat alone during Christmas morning.

The idea of Y/N spending the holidays with her was a strange one. Minjeong was just starting to get used to the idea of dating. Her heart beat faster at the mere thought of bringing Y/N around her family.

She'd just have to talk to them first. It wouldn't be too hard, her mother had been asking about Y/N ever since Minjeong first brought her up.

But Minjeong didn't want to get ahead of herself. She was still trying to decide how to respond to Y/N's confession.

Still, she did feel good about the idea of having Y/N around.

"Are you kidding me? My parents would love you more than they love me. I can already picture them serving you first and leaving my siblings and I for last."

Y/N rolled her eyes softly, knowing that Minjeong was just teasing her.

"We'll see where things go and maybe I'll drop by to bring your parents a Christmas gift."

Christmas wasn't that far away, but Minjeong hadn't expected Y/N to even think about buying her family anything. She didn't even know them.

"Oh wow, you're getting my parents a gift but not me?"

A teasing smile appeared on Y/N's face, "They're the ones I want to impress."

Minjeong gasped at Y/N's teasing. She playfully hit the other girl, her own teasing smile on her face. "Are you saying my opinion doesn't matter?" she asked in mock hurt.

Minjeong couldn't deny that it did make her happy.

Y/N didn't have to like her family, but she was still going out of her way to do something nice. Minjeong appreciated it a lot, even if Y/N had a tendency to make her flustered.

"I'm saying their opinion matters more."

Minjeong laughed at that, her eyes crinkling up as she did. "I'm sure they'll like you as much as I do," she said sincerely without thinking about the words.

A beat after the words left her mouth, Minjeong froze. "I just mean..." She cleared her throat. "That you're cool and nice."

"Oh..." Y/N pretended to be flattered. "I'm cool and nice. Who would've thought?"

"I didn't realize you could make jokes," Minjeong shot back teasingly.

"Hilarious."

She liked this, the playful back and forth. She felt comfortable, talking about anything and everything with Y/N.

But there was always the hint in the back of her mind, telling her that there was more to it.

So, she decided to get to the end of the story and brought the topic up during lunch with Jimin, only a few days later. 

"So, what really happened between you and Y/N?"

That caught everyone's attention.

Ning was quick to gulp, eyes drawn on Jimin, and Yunjin almost spat her food out.

Minjeong wasn't expecting that reaction. 

Was the question that bad?

She hesitated, turning to Jimin with a look that screamed 'you don't have to answer if you don't want to'. 

After recollecting her thoughts, Jimin cleared her throat and spoke up. "We dated for two years. Broke up four months ago."

"They were like- the IT couple of the school. It was kind of funny." Ning shook her head, eyes soft and sad as she looked down at the table. 

The group missed Y/N, Aeri, and Chaewon. They had separated from each other after the breakup. Sides were taken. Mistakes were made.

Minjeong wasn’t sure what answer she’d been expecting, but it wasn’t this.

Two years. That was a long time, longer than she had imagined. And the fact that they’d only broken up four months ago? It seemed...recent.

Minjeong felt her heart tighten as she listened intently to Jimin. She had a lot of questions, and now that the topic was brought up, might as well ask. "Why'd you two break up?"

The curiosity was getting the better of her. Minjeong had no intention whatsoever of being involved in a love triangle drama. That was the last thing she needed to be associated with.

"Well, I realised I just couldn't associate myself with people like her or her family. It was a moral thing." Jimin spoke about it in a light way, but something about her expression told Minjeong she was still grieving her relationship.

Minjeong nodded at the answer, unsure of how to respond. She glanced over at her friends seated around her, her gaze falling back on Jimin with an uneasy smile. "What's wrong with Y/N and her family?"

"You know, I didn't want to be the one telling you this, but I think it's only fair to you." Jimin sighed. She knew Minjeong went to Y/N's house the other day- being honest was the right thing to do. "Y/N's father is the mayor of Seoul. Those rumors about him being in charge of building your last school are true. Him and his family are just doing their very best to bury the scandal since he's going to run for presidency next year."

"My last school?" Minjeong's voice was soft, throat suddenly dry.

The cheaper but toxic materials used to build the school. The deaths of her friends. Taeyu.

That was all because of Y/N's father.

...and Y/N knew.

Y/N knew all along, didn't she?

All the attention.

All the gifts.

The stupid sandwiches Y/N gave her.

Y/N being nice to her when she didn’t really need to.

It all played back in her mind, over and over again.

Minjeong felt like the biggest fool in the world.

What was she?

Some sort of pity project to Y/N? Was she just being made fun of all along?

Her chest tightened painfully, and she felt the overwhelming need to get away.

Minjeong cleared her throat and stood up from her seat, her chair scraping against the floor. “Excuse me,” she said quietly. 

She didn’t wait for a response.

[woso-dreamzzz]

Homework

Barcelona Femení x Teen!Reader

Summary: You try to get someone else to do your homework

Studying was such a bore for you. You hated sitting in a classroom and studying. Lucy told you that you had a restless soul and that's why you would prefer to be out on the pitch rather than stuck inside.

Playing for Manchester City had been a perfect outlet and the call to play for Barcelona had been a dream come true.

It was just a shame that the schooling system still kept you shackled.

Taking online classes was better than physical school but it just meant that the actual studying and doing homework was left solely on you. Keira sometimes would allocate times for you to do it but Lucy would always stage what she would call a jailbreak and take you to the park or get a snack.

Either way, actually doing the work was something that you struggled with.

Which was, as you glanced around the break room, you had an empty word document and a sheet of questions of Spanish open in another tab.

Most of the team were either in meetings or getting food so it was just you and the younger members of the squad. Your eyes roved over them all, glancing back at your screen.

Esmee and Salma were playing each other on FIFA. Jana and Bruna were watching with rapt attention. But you found your target in Ona, who was throwing grapes into the air and trying to catch them in her mouth.

You slumped into the seat next to her, placing your laptop in her lap.

She raised a brow at you. "What is this?"

You gestured to the screen. "What does it look like?"

"Your homework?"

"Wow," You said sarcastically," Well done. It is my homework. Has anyone ever told you you're a genius?"

She rolled her eyes. "I meant, what is it doing here? On my lap?"

You sent her an award winning smile. "Do it for me?"

"Isn't that cheating?"

"It's not a test," You said," Just homework. Besides," You shrugged," It's been melting my mind. None of it makes sense. You'd just get through this so quickly."

She narrowed her eyes, easily seeing through your mediocre manipulation attempts. She glanced at your questions for a moment before she slapped some money into your hand.

"Get me a chocolate bar from the vending machine," She said," And an energy drink too..." She thought for a moment. "And you've got to be the one to ask Lucy and Keira if I can crash around your place tomorrow."

You almost groaned. You and Ona had been planning a movie marathon for weeks now but the tv at your place with Lucy and Keira was better than the one at her apartment so you had been trying to drop hints to Lucy and Keira about Ona staying over but neither had quite picked up on them.

"Fine," You said begrudgingly, standing up," A chocolate and an energy drink. Got it."

You slipped out of the room with little fanfare. If Ona managed to get your homework done quickly then the rest of your afternoon would be free to snack and muck around until Lucy and Keira came to take you home.

With the staff and the rest of the girls in meetings, the hallways were empty. You got to the vending machine with ease, punching in the code of Ona's favourite chocolate and energy drink. You've just fished them out when a shiver ran down your spine. A shadow fell over you.

You turned around slowly and was met with the face of your captain, dripping in disapproval.

"Nena," She said and your usual nickname struck fear into your heart," Aren't you supposed to be doing your homework?"

While Keira grew bored of making you study and do your homework, Alexia did not. Your very first day in Barcelona consisted of you walking into the locker room to see her standing by your cubby with the school schedule you had given over to the staff.

You were pretty sure that if you didn't already know Keira and Lucy from City then you would have ended up moving in with Alexia, if only so she could keep a close eye on your studies.

"I...er...Went to get some snacks?"

She raised a brow at you. "Really? Ona's favourite snacks? What were you meant to be studying today, your Spanish? If I go into the break room, will I find Ona doing your work for you?"

You didn't answer.

But that was answer enough.

Alexia sighed, one of those long drawn-out sighs that only ever really got used on you - and sometimes Mapi, when she was acting particularly like a kid.

"Sorry?"

"No, you are not." She took you by the shoulders, making you walk in front of her all the way back to where Ona was sitting, dutifully typing away at your homework. She cleared her throat.

Ona turned and immediately went pale. She looked at you. She looked at Alexia.

"She bullied me into it!"

"Liar!"

Alexia fixed you both with a stern look that you wilted under. "So, you're telling me a sixteen-year-old bullied you into doing homework, Ona?"

"Er...yes?"

"Go and do three laps."

"Alexia!"

"Do you want to make it four?"

Ona took off running and you shoved the drink and chocolate bar into her hands as she passed.

With her gone though, Alexia's ire was firmly back on you. She plucked your laptop up from the sofa and placed it on the table. You knew what she wanted so you went without fuss, slumping into the seat.

She made you watch as she deleted all of the work Ona had done for you.

"You're smart, nena," She said as she did it," You just do stupid things. Do I have to take you with me to my meetings now? To make sure you get your work done?"

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, not wanting an even longer lecture. You, however, didn't keep your feet out of your mouth because you replied," You hover enough. I don't need you watching my every move."

Alexia sent you a withering glare and you shrunk in your seat. You hastened to placate her and started typing. It seemed like you did understand what you're homework was telling you, the little break to get Ona's snacks must have given your brain the respite it needed.

Alexia slid into the seat next to you. She didn't do much - barely even checked her phone - but made sure to look over your shoulder as you wrote.

By the time, you've finished, it's time to break for lunch. Esmee and Salma had just left so you tried to catch up with them but the hand at the back of your collar stopped you in your tracks.

"You're coming home with me tonight," Alexia told you succinctly," I've still got clothes left over from when you last visited. You'll sit at the table and do that economics essay you've been putting off and, if you get it done without complaint, I'll check over what you just finished."

You made a face. "Is this your way of saying I completely flunked it?"

Alexia rolled her eyes and you knew by the way she tucked you under her arm, that she was no longer mad. "Focus on the positives, nena. If you're very good, we'll even order dinner to the house."

[jade-jini]

YOU BETTER WRITE VIRGIN LOSER G!P MINJEONG WHERE SHES LIKE

“y/n i have no idea where your clit is can you help me out :((??”

and then once she shoves her cock inside she’s like “damn its so… tight um nngh” and then she cums bc shes such a loser

OMG my first ask is one of my fave writers🙊 Imma flex yes bdjdndk 😎

OK BUT all this starting because I was bullying minjeong in the chat so you know I have to make it virgin loser g!p jeongie x bully (but not really) reader.

Going from daily annoying her; taking her books and stretching so she won’t be able to reach for them, pushing her out of the way, stealing her dessert knowing damn well she was excited to eat it :( “Thank you Jeongie I was hungry byeee” and you would kiss her on the cheek, making her shy and buying you enough time to run away with the food “y/n wait! That’s unfair :(” like poor puppy 🥺

To constantly teasing her. Trapping her against her locker every morning, saying “good morning Jeongie” right on top of her lips making her sigh and completely blanks out, teasing her every time she talked with a girl and looked shy or nervous (minjeong didn’t know this was out of jealousy ‘cause why is anybody talking to YOUR loser?), calling her out and telling her she was such a virgin, Sitting on her lap before the class starts and she just gasps because you keep moving. Why are you doing this to her??? when you have a perfect chair right next to her (yes, she was your seat mate, how unlucky for her huh?) And she just doesn’t have the courage to tell you to move (plus even tho it was wrong it felt too good). You’re so busy saying how she’s such a nerd because of her little Pokemon stickers and plushies that mind you were a gift from her other nerdy friends (yes the other Aespa girlies), that you don’t notice how you’re affecting her 😭 until you feel something hard against your ass and when you instinctively were to get up she automatically grabs your hips to stop you fbdkdn

“Oh someone is enjoying herself a little too much huh little pervert? You’ve probably never had a girl on your lap before.” you whisper in her ear with such a mean smirk and she just whimpers because it’s so embarrassing that is true:((( she got hard in class and right in front of her crush bully. She was gonna panic and then you just “Don’t worry puppy, I’ll help you after class. Just behave until we’re out.”

AND MINJEONG IS ABOUT TO LOSE IT ‘CAUSE NOBODY HAS EVER SAID SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO HER???? but she’s an obedient puppy so she does as you say. She was trying to distract herself from the literal fear she was feeling thinking about what you were gonna do to her. She has never done shit with nobody so she was genuinely nervous 😭 until she felt your hand under her desk, teasing her over her pants. Minjeong looked at you almost begging you to stop because that poor creature felt like she could come right there in that classroom, but you simply told her to stay quiet with your finger, so she had to endure the rest of the lecture with her boxers wet with her precum 💀. After class she got up super fast, covering herself with her bag actually considering running away feeling too scared of pussy but you grabbed her arm firmly.

“Your car or mine?” You asked her. She gulped, catching herself unable to escape you. “wait you don’t have one I remember. You’re always walking home. Lame. C’mon.” Why are you so mean 😭

“A-are you sure that’s a good idea? I thought you were joking…” she said with her little shy voice 🥺 she’s so pathetic and cute. The reason you loved annoying the sht outta her was because of how endearing you found her! She was such a cute little loser who just needed to get ruined.

You rolled your eyes and simply dragged her to your car. Once you got to your place you lost no time and pushed her to your bed, straddling her and kissing her and when I tell you Minjeong can’t stay still 😭 she doesn’t know how to act or what to do she just knows 1. She needs to get her pants out of the way NOW and 2. You were the only one who could help her right now. “Y/n.. please” she’d moan, feeling you moving on top of her again, this time with much more intension. She kept pushing her hips up trying to get more friction. “God you’re so desperate, can’t even let me have my fun before we start” you’d scold but bro fvck you you were just as desperate, you just knew how to hide it better. But it became too hard to hide the way your mouth was almost drooling once you put minjeong’s pants and boxers down because this girl is BIG. And not only big but also idk her dick is just so.. pretty?! Knfkfj like it just looks so amazing, size aside Idk-

So you wasted no time and put her dick inside your mouth, as deep as possible and goshhh minjeong’s eyes went completely to the back of her head. She’s never felt such sensation. Getting deepthroated during your first blowjob is an experience not a lot of people get so she was lucky af “aghh.. y/n.. oh my..~” she’d moan your name so softly it was almost heart melting. That if it wasn’t ‘cause she was literally balls deep inside your throat- anyway. She did sound both so hot but so cute, moaning and whimpering and grabbing your hair a little bit with her shaky hands Aww. You thought she was just a sensitive one but oh stupid you how didn’t you notice it was more than just that??

Once you could feel her breathing a little too irregular, knowing she was close, you got up not wanting her to come yet. You heard her groaning and laughed at her. “Shut up, you’re not the only one who gets to feel good here are you?” You teased her while getting completely naked and Omg 😳 minjeong’s face got sooo red ‘cause she has never seen a girl naked before. So she quickly covered her eyes and you thought she was just a shy loser bsdjfn “I literally just had your cock in my mouth what are you so shy about” “y/n! Hmmm…”. But she said nothing else and once she took her hands off her face you were lying down right in front of her, looking like a goddess and Omg 😵‍💫 her brain stopped working. She’s trying to learn so the best next step would be to get closer and kiss you right? Yes. So that she does, getting in between your legs trying to do it as confident as possible. “Fuck me, jeongie~” you whispered in her ear and gosh she was so ready for it but also so naive about how that was gonna happen 😭 the few videos her useless pervert friends have shown her are those where you can’t see Wtf is going on between the couple’s legs. Her cock was right against your clit (but she didn’t know that lmao) so when she moved and you moaned ‘cause of the friction, she connected it with her doing something right, so she continued but since the contact was also making her feel good, she started moving faster and a little.. abrupt 😭

her cock moved up a little too much. She was too shy to look so the tip literally ended up resting on your bellybutton BSKSNSKS. Minjeong didn’t notice it but you did. She rubbed it against your body a little bit and for the first couple seconds you thought she was just trying to tease you in her own weird nerd way but you grew both tired of that and desperate to feel her deep inside you already so you told her to stop playing and fuck you already. Poor thing panicked again 😭 she grabbed her cock and stared at it and then at your pussy, not knowing how was she supposed to do this 💀but you were always teasing her about being a virgin so at least you knew and it wouldn’t be so weird if she asked for help right? Right?

“Umm.. y/n?” She’d start, clearly confused and nervous. Which made YOU confused ‘cause why the fuck wasn’t she inside you yet?? “It’s just I’m not sure how.. you know.” And Omg that’s when it hit you. “I don’t wanna do something wrong or hurt you or-”

“Hold on. Minjeong.. have you done this before??”

“Hmm? No? I-I thought you knew. You’re always calling me a virgin!” She answered in a defensive tone lol but that’s ‘cause wdym you didn’t know 😨 now she was even more nervous and embarrassed!

“It was just to tease you! How would I know that? But gosh you are pathetic.”

“And you’re so mean :(” Dbdkfn Aww leave her aloneee🥺🥺 “could you ugh.. help me out please? I wanna make you feel good :(” and Aww how could you be mean to her when she was saying those things and asking for help with such a cute face 🥺 you just sighed and rolled your eyes before smiling at her softly.

“Here.” You started, grabbing her cock, making her groan and bite her lip (that woman is hot 🫵🏼). “So right here is the clit, pay attention to this ‘cause the more you stimulate it the better I’ll feel.” You explained to her, teasing yourself with the tip of her cock. And she just went ohhh :o with those puppy eyes she has dndnfk fvckin loser melts my heart istg. You started guiding her a little lower, so she could finally get inside your hole. You decided to move and get the tip inside yourself which with how big she was, was already your own little challenge “g-god.. now you just push it more.. a-and fuck me already.” You told her, already needing more of her. And so she slowly started pushing her cock deeper and deeper inside your pussy, mumbling about how good you felt, her head already in the clouds. Once she was fully in, you let out a big trembling sigh trying to get used to such a big thing inside you. Minjeong was trying her best to stay in a slow tempo at first, worried she might hurt you because you had a painful expression 🥺 but baby didn’t know that it was both hurting but feeling so fucking good. Until you basically ordered her to go faster, while your nails went to her back.

So she started fucking you deep and fast, making you moan so loud which only motivated her to go faster and faster “God you’re so tight.. so warm… hmmgn feels too good y/n… y/n!” She’d cry with a string of voice. She was pounding you so good, grabbing your legs and sucking on your nipple like a fucking baby. It was all way too good. Before you were even closer to your own climax tho she was already coming inside you 💀 poor loser barely lasted but cmon cut her some slack she is a virgin anyway. Plus you can always train her so she’ll get better with time 😌(and when I add cockwarming her in the future then what). She came so much inside you it was dripping down your thighs once she pulled out and it looked so fucking hot… but poor baby felt embarrassed :c

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to finish so fast, you just feel too good..” she said out of breath with a pout :( Aww she thought y’all were done silly puppy.

“It’s ok, it’s not like we’re done anyway” you told her and she just tilted her head looking at you, until you turned her around and started riding her 😭 you hadn’t come yet >:( you didn’t care if it was her first time or not, you were gonna teach her how to make you come with her cock from day one. And that’s how you spent the whole night milking that girl until she actually passed out ‘cause of the overstimulation bdidnds. Needless to say her cock was still inside you as you both fell asleep <3

Y’all’s morning routine barely changes dnndkf. Just that now you drive her to school whenever you spend the night together and take her home after class. You keep teasing her every morning against her locker, but now before saying good morning (like you didn’t see her literally the moment you woke up) you actually kiss her, always pulling her lip making her lose her train of thought and she just sighs and follows you to the classroom with the silliest dreamy expression in her face 😭 she’s such a cutie.

(puppy! minjeong agenda preacher here as you noticed)

[marvelsdc22]

Be My Plus One?

A/N: Hello, I'm not dead. My writing powers have returned to me for a short time, it's not my best but here's one that I've had stewing in my brain for the past week.

Summary: After being forced to a hockey game, Lena's night may just turn around upon seeing a certain player.

HockeyPlayerReader! x Lena Luthor

Word Count: 875(very short I know)

Going to a hockey game on a Wednesday night was not what Lena had planned, she had a lot of work to do and this was interfering with that, but Alex and Kara had been adamant that she joined them tonight, so really she had no choice but to go, really who could say no to Kara’s puppy eyes?

As she sat down next to Kara in the dirty looking seat, raising a brow at Kara who was now going ham on the hotdog she had gotten, her noticing Lenas stare and offering the green eyed woman a bite to which she denied with a small chuckle before they both focused on the ice, there was still ten minutes before the match but some of the players were already out practicing.

One particular player seemed to have caught her eye, number 11 ‘Y/L/N’, she didn’t know what it was that drew her to watching as you skated around at a leisurely pace, seeming to watch all the other players as you went around, that is until you felt her eyes on you, catching her gaze and giving her a lazy smirk as she blushed and quickly averted her gaze Cute you thought to yourself as you went back to focusing on the others, trying to get a read on them.

Once the game started, you were in full focus mode, making sure nobody touched your goalie, being the right defenseman, watching as your center went for the puck, them trying to stay one step ahead of them, slowly drifting forward when your two wings tried to go and assist, getting into your defensive stance when the other team broke through, getting into a scuffle over who got the puck before you managed to smack it back across the ice, doing your best to aim for one of your teammates.

This continued all the way until halftime, no points on either side as you and your team headed back to the locker rooms, Kara looked over at Lena with a smile, the woman seemed to be at the edge of her seat “Are you actually enjoying this?” Kara asked, nudging her with her shoulder and watching her friend jump slightly before looking at her “What? No… Maybe” Lena admitted with a laugh and a shrug of her shoulders.

“Lets go get some food and a drink, I can tell you’re thirsty” Kara teased, standing up and making her way out of their row, leaving Lena shocked until she recovered and quickly rushed to catch up with Kara, Alex following behind “So, rooting for either of the teams? Or should I say team members” Alex hinted, smirking slightly when Lena got even more flustered at the accusation.

“Am I not allowed to just show interest in the sport?” Lena scoffed, looking at the two of them as she followed along “Well yeah, but you were very focused on that number eleven” Kara said, glancing back to make sure both were still close behind her since it was a little crowded near the concessions “Hush” Lena huffed, her face on fire as she followed, not even that hungry but Kara was right about one thing, she was thirsty.

Once the game was over, Lena watched as the players headed back to their locker rooms, your team, the National City Dodgers, having won that night; she followed Kara and Alex back towards the entrance, the three of them making a pitstop for the bathrooms, Lena being the first out so she sat down on the bench next to the bathrooms, pulling her phone out to waste time and ironically ending up on your hockey career page.

“If you really wanna know more about me, I don’t think that website will cut it” she heard someone say, causing her to jump and quickly lock her phone in embarrassment of being caught “Is that so?” She asked, trying her best to recover from the embarrassment and trying to keep her eyes on yours and not your after shower body.

You smiled and set your bag down before holding your hand out “Y/N Y/L/N” you introduced, giving her hand a small squeeze when she gripped yours “Lena Luthor” she stuttered out, forcing herself to stand up so you didn’t have to look down at her “So Lena… I couldn’t help but notice your gaze on me all night, the team and I are going to a celebration party at a bar near here, would it be too forward of me to ask you to be my plus one?” You asked, looking cool as a cucumber but on the inside you were a bundle of nerves, you had never done this before.

Lena looked taken aback before she looked towards the bathrooms, thinking about Alex and Kara, but they would be fine, not like she drove them “I would love to” she finally said, and it was worth seeing the massive grin you gained “Really? I-I mean, awesome, lets go” you said, actually surprised she said yes, grabbing your bag once more before taking her hand and leading her out, after that night you played every game at your best, you had to impress your girlfriend of course.

End Note: I wanna see about making little snippets of their life as time goes, if y'all would maybe be interested.

[alwritey-aphrodite]

Putting Roots In My Dreamland

Chapter Three of There’s Nothing Like This

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x fem!footballer!reader

Warnings: none :)

Word Count: 2.5k

Author’s Note: here’s the Jamie I promised :) another shoutout to @buckychristwrites for helping me out when my brain shuts down

When you wake up on Sunday, body sore and head aching and mouth dry, you vow to never drink again. You wonder what had possessed you to make plans for today when you knew exactly what your night was going to be like as soon as your locker room celebration started. At some point, everyone had made their way from Nelson Road to a club, and it was all downhill from there.

Luckily for you, Jamie was in the same boat as you and was hopefully regretting his decisions just as much as you were. Though, knowing how unfair the world is, you’re sure he feels fresh as a daisy right now. He’s probably been up for hours and had time to make himself some sort of healthy, superfood smoothie before doing an intense workout followed by a shower with a complex hair and skincare routine, because he was insufferable like that.

You, meanwhile, were wondering how you’re able to stand on your own, let alone play a full football match. You’re reminded of the creeping end of your career, coming much faster than it should, so you throw yourself into the shower just so you have something else to think about. The warm water soothes your muscles and your overactive brain until you’re actually looking forward to spending the day with Jamie.

The shower takes longer than it typically would, mainly due to how long you just stand under the stream of water without doing anything, simply letting the water wash over your body as you psych yourself up for the day ahead of you. It wasn’t that Jamie made you nervous, but spending time with new people, getting to know new friends, was always a little nerve inducing for you. You and Jamie had only spoken a handful of times and never for any longer than five minutes, so the thought of spending a whole day with just him made your stomach flip.

After spending far too long in the shower, you check your phone to see a message from Mackie, along with plenty of pictures. You groan as you scroll through them, confronting your decisions from the night before. They aren’t bad pictures, and you’re surprised at how good of a photographer Mackie is even though she had just as much to drink as you did.

In all of them, you look exuberantly happy, your mouth wide open in a grin or mid-laugh with a drink in one hand and the other slung around the shoulder of a teammate or one of the boys. You’ve been happy, but it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, since you were able to look at your own face and see the joy so clearly written on it. Even just looking back makes you smile, until you get a text from Jamie and your stomach fills with nerves.

He’s sent you an address, asking if you want to meet at a coffee shop around noon so he can show you around Richmond, and you don’t even remember giving him your number.

Can’t wait! You reply, even though you’d love nothing more than to wait and spend the rest of your day lounging in front of your TV and eating nothing but comfort foods. Instead, you finish getting ready before standing in front of your closet and taking far too long to settle on an outfit. You know you’ve already met and that you’ve literally tackled the man, but you still want to make a good first impression outside of Nelson Road, outside of whatever you said or did last night.

All you hope is that you didn’t embarrass yourself too much.

You decide to walk to the cafe, knowing the fresh air will help you calm your nerves more than driving on the confusing London streets would. To your shock, Jamie is already sitting there when you arrive with fifteen minutes to spare. Even from a distance, you can see the way he alternates between checking the time on his phone and pushing his hair out of his face, the headband he wears at Nelson Road nowhere to be seen.

When he finally spots you coming towards him, he launches himself out of his chair and rushes forward to meet you halfway. He’s wearing dark colored pants and a nice button-up instead of the matching tracksuit you’d been expecting and looks nowhere near as hungover as you feel. He looks like he’s been up since the sunrise and went on a run just because he wanted to, and it makes you momentarily hate him just a little until he smiles at you and you’re reminded that he’s really just a boy who happens to be a professional footballer.

Pleasantries are exchanged as you both take a seat, and you can’t help the way your eyes drift from the menu in your hands to his face, the way he’s pouting slightly as he thinks and pushes his hair away from his face in what you assume is a nervous habit, something to keep his hands busy. It’s endearing in a way that makes you want to stand and run and never leave your house again.

After the two of you order, the conversation stills and the silence becomes awkward and you have no idea what to say. It’s not like you can ask him about himself, because your guilty pleasure is trashy tabloids and you’ve read more of his interviews with well-known papers than you’d like to admit. Jamie doesn’t seem all that eager to break the silence either and there’s been a furrow in his brow since you sat down, so you take it upon yourself to get the ball rolling.

“Thanks for offering to show me around, I really appreciate it,” you say, setting down your utensils as you finish eating, “I feel like I haven’t done anything except train since I got here.” And really, you weren’t wrong; you’d gone to the grocery store and stopped at a coffee shop with Mackie after practice one day, but other than that you haven’t been anywhere except Nelson Road and your house, and you’ve already been in Richmond for more than a month.

“Yeah,” he nods along as you speak before he adds, “I’ve been here a lot longer than you and I still don’t really know Richmond that well.” You can’t help the confusion that clouds your face as the man who offered to show you around Richmond admits that he doesn’t know the area and Jamie notices immediately so he scrambles to add, “I know a lot of places! Just not everywhere, but I’ve got my favorites.”

It’s becoming more and more difficult not to smile when you’re around him, there’s just something about him that makes you feel so open in a way you haven’t experienced since you met Mackie. He’s attentive, listening to everything you have to say with his full attention, nodding along as you answer questions about your favorite things and what you miss from back home and how you’re liking London so far.

It’s obvious that he genuinely cares about your answers, that he wants to hear what you have to say, and you can’t remember the last time anyone paid attention to you like that and it makes your skin prickle in a way that isn’t completely unpleasant.

The two of you start your tour around Richmond, questions and stories being volleyed back and forth as you walk along the streets. Jamie contributes to your conversation and he answers all your questions openly, but it’s clear that he’d rather have the focus be on you and the majority of his contributions are nods and “mhm”s thrown in when appropriate.

You can’t help but to wonder if this is how he acts with everybody or if it’s just because you’ve really only just met or if he’s regretting offering to show you around Richmond. You always make it a point not to talk about yourself, wanting to keep the focus on anything other than you and your life, and even though you’re not spilling out your deepest darkest secrets, you still feel exposed in ways you hadn’t expected.

“I love all the girls, and the coaches, and Keeley and Rebecca are great,” you say after Jamie asks how you’re liking Richmond so far. You know that’s probably not what he meant by that question but you can’t fathom opening up to him any other way, definitely not in the middle of a Sunday in a public park while you’re still a little hungover.

The last person you’d really, truly opened up to, shared all your deepest fears and hopes and dreams with was Mackie, and you’d been friends for almost five years now. The idea of exposing yourself, of someone truly getting to know you made your skin crawl, despite how much you’re coming to enjoy being around Jamie.

“Yeah, Keeley’s awesome, she’s one of me best mates,” he replies and you’re glad that the conversation has shifted away from you and onto someone you’d much rather talk about.

Jamie’s tour ends up being less like a tour and more like the two of you aimlessly walking around Richmond with him vaguely pointing out restaurants and shops that he likes, but you don’t mind at all. It’s much nicer than you’d expected just to talk with Jamie, and you find yourself looking forward to spending more time with him while also feeling terrified of seeming childish if you were to ask him to hang out again.

Despite your football playing strategies, you’d never been one to be exceptionally forward or confident in your personal life, so even just the idea of spending a day with Jamie seemed unbelievable. Although, he really was nothing like you’d expected.

The Jamie you were spending time with was considerate and a little awkward and told awful jokes that you couldn’t help but laugh at, and the more time you spent with him the more relaxed you became. By the time you find yourself in front of your house, you’re debating whether or not you should lie and say it isn’t your place just so you can keep walking, and you can spend a little more time talking with Jamie.

“This is me,” you say instead, throwing an arm backwards to point at your front door, “I had a really nice time today, thanks for showing me around.” You try not to smile too wide, try not to seem like a child who’s overly excited about making a new friend even though on the inside you’re practically jumping up and down.

Once you’d gotten past the fact that you were talking with the Jamie Tartt, football star, you were really just overjoyed at the idea of finally having a friend that wasn’t just a teammate, someone who you’d need to see outside of training and who’d drag you out of your house to experience life.

“Yeah, of course,” Jamie responds, his hands hovering out in front of him before he settles them into his pockets, “we’ll have to do something again sometime.”

You can’t help but to smile at Jamie and how uncharacteristically shy he seems, but when he notices you smiling, he beams back at you. You say your goodbyes before heading inside, internally debating whether or not you should have asked if he wanted to come in.

——

As Jamie watches your front door close, he takes his first deep breath of the day. It seemed like he was held together by nothing but nerves all morning, and now that he’s heading home he can finally relax. He’d been so worried about saying something dumb that he’d barely talked, choosing instead to ask you question after question to keep the conversation on any topic except himself.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to share with you, because he really did, he just couldn’t risk ruining what was shaping up to be a comfortable friendship with his own insecurities and fears. And, he could listen to you talk for hours and hours no matter what you were saying. You could read him the dictionary and he’d sit with rapt attention the entire time, overjoyed just to be near you.

He’d been worried he’d come off too strong and scare you away, but it seemed as if you enjoyed yourself as much as he did. He can’t help the little bubble of pride that fills his chest over the idea that you enjoyed a day he’d planned, enjoyed spending time with him enough to say you wanted to meet again soon.

You'd been so different from how you were at the Dog Track, than how you are on the pitch, but Jamie doesn’t mind at all. He wants to learn everything about you, all your quirks and fears and everything you love.

Being around you feels like being punched in the chest, and Jamie can’t remember ever feeling this way about anyone, not when he met Roy Kent for the first time or when he told Keeley he loved her, but he doesn’t mind. It’s a new feeling, and it scares him a little, but it’s not a bad feeling at all. It’s like he can’t breathe around you, but he’d rather struggle for breath than never see you again.

Ever since that moment when your eyes locked your first day at Nelson Road, Jamie hasn’t been able to stop thinking about you. He remembers checking Instagram every morning and night until Keeley posted the women’s team roster and then he spent hours scrolling through your page.

At first, he’d felt like a creep, like he was intruding on something private even though your page was public and you’re a professional athlete. He was careful not to like any of your old photos, careful not to do anything that would send you a notification that he was spending hours scrolling down your profile.

There were photos of you and Mackie and the rest of the US Women’s Team, there were professional photos of you at events or at photo shoots for brand deals, there were action shots of you on the pitch, but his favorite photos were the ones you’d taken yourself, selfies and group photos and pictures of your travels.

If anyone was around, Jamie would have been beyond embarrassed when he realized he was smiling as he scrolled through your photos, taking in those little aspects of you that he hadn’t gotten the chance to experience yet in your minimal contact with each other. Even more embarrassing to him was the fact that he didn’t follow you for another week, needing time to work up the nerve as if it was outlandish that he’d follow you on your public account, as if all the other players on his team weren’t already following you.

He just loved getting to see the world, see Richmond and Nelson Road from your eyes.

There’s something about you that makes him want to learn everything about you, that makes him want to spend every moment of his free time with you, that makes him want to fall asleep and wake up next to you. He’s not sure what it is yet, but he knows some of his teammates are starting to pick up on it, Sam even going so far as to call him out on his starry-eyed staring.

All he hopes is that you don’t pick up on it.

Tags: @andr0medafallen @buckychristwrites @benedictscanvas @whimsical-roasting @sokkigarden @guccilongboard @onceuponaoneshot @presidential-facts @yepyeahuhhuh @loveslide @allthefandomtherapy @gibby31 @buddyjuststop @ellietartt @cancvr @brianandthemays @sonyume @aiyaiy @captainfrisbee @dalebo3 @theloud-yet-quietone @imsoluckyeverythingworksoutforme @rockchickrebel @legobatmans9thab @curlypeter @lostinwonderland314 @yokolesbianism @jamietarttdodo @kno-way-home @fan-goddess @innocentbi-stander @skewedcherries

[disasterbuck]

🤡🤡🤡

😣😣😣😣

🥰🥰🥰

thank you!! 🥰

🤡🤡🤡 - not a date

"Hi," he said quietly, suddenly a thousand times more nervous than before.

"So," Buck said as he began making his way to the kitchen. Eddie hesitated briefly, then shut the front door and followed. "I'm ninety-nine percent confident I've got the recipe right. Remember last month when we were at the [parent-teacher] evening and Jessica's mom served those chicken enchiladas? And you practically had an orgasm when you tasted one?"

Eddie felt his cheeks flame with embarrassment and opened his mouth to object – he had not moaned that loudly – but Buck was still talking.

"Well it turns out that Sylvia, Jessica's mom, shops at [place] and we ran into each other a couple weeks ago. She actually saw me first, cause I was kinda in my own world. Anyway, she said hi and we got talking and I remembered the enchiladas you loved so I asked her if I could get the recipe and she said yes!"

Maybe this wasn't a date after all, Eddie thought gloomily, leaning against the table and watching Buck begin dishing the food out onto two plates for them.

😣😣😣😣 - hits different

I'm writing this fic out of order and all over the place lol.

Buck was running late. After being up half the night, tossing and turning with his new realisation, he'd finally fallen asleep only to miss his alarm and then have to dash to make it on time. So when he got to the station, everyone else was already upstairs in the loft.

He got changed quickly, slamming his locker shut on his mess of belongings, and then took a moment to take a steadying breath before making his way up to where the others were.

He could do this. He just had to get through this one shift and then he could ask Eddie if they could talk and…

Buck was grinning when he reached the others.

"I have a date this Friday," Eddie was saying with a shy smile on his face.

Buck came to an abrupt stop, his blood freezing in his veins, as Hen and Chim immediately started crowing excitedly.

"You what?"

The others fell silent, all turning to look at him.

"I… have a date?" Eddie repeated, his smile faltering.

🥰🥰🥰 - confession/surprise date

"I hope it's good. I got the recipe from Ángel a couple of weeks ago and it definitely wasn't as easy as I was hoping it would be. This is actually what I was doing last week when you wanted to hang out and I said I couldn't. I was doing a practise run to make sure I'd know what I was doing when it came to the real thing. And I'm pretty sure you knew something was up so I'm sorry for not telling you but I wanted this to be a surprise, so…

"Anyway, here it is. Your favourite: Red Beef Pozole!"

With a flourish, Buck lifted the lid and smiled shyly/hopefully.

Lips parting in surprise, Eddie leaned forward to get a closer look before inhaling deeply and letting out a quiet groan of pleasure.

"How on earth did you get him to give you the recipe?" he asked. "I swear that man is more tight-lipped than anyone I've ever met."

[blood-red-hummingbee]

First Day

FANKID BRAINROT :D

~

Joey shuffled uncomfortably in place, trying to keep all attention off of him despite his tall height. He was still completely in shock that he was actually at NRC.

Around him other students chattered excitedly, though a few Pomefiore kids muttered about how much they disliked the P.E. uniform. Joey was just plain nervous. Everyone would be able to tell that the coach was his dad. It’d be all eyes on him and everyone would be aware of just how doofy he was and it’d be middle school all over again. Woman up!

He winced as his best friend’s voice echoed in his head. She wasn’t actually speaking to him, but he could hear Fleur chiding him anyway. You said things were gonna change right? So change ‘em! If people notice you and Uncle Jack, embrace it proudly!

He stood straighter, but as soon as his dad actually stepped onto the pitch, he shrank back down.

The girls (and even the boys) around him…

Were thirsting over his dad!

He turned beet red, ready to claim a stomach ache and hide away. It was horrible. Maybe he should just use his UM and sneak away.

He unintentionally met his dad’s eyes. He could see in his face that he heard the kids too, and knew he’d be facing the worst punishment if he left… Disappointment. Understanding, and support of course, but still. 

He whined softly, steeling himself for enduring the horror. People.

“Oi,” His dad grouched, immediately silencing the kids around him. Man, Joey had to learn how to do that. “You’re here for exercise, not to gossip. This is no less a class than history or math.”

A few of the students muttered stilted apologies.

His dad nodded once. “It’s the beginning of the year, so I’m not gonna push you too hard, but I do expect effort.”

~

The class itself was easy. The Howls lived on a large plot of land, acres and acres. Despite the fact that Joey wasn’t the most buff bro in the gym, he was no stranger to exercise.

No, it wasn’t the class that was driving him crazy, it was the whispers. The other guys in the locker room were staring at him as he changed back into the regular uniform, definitely noticing the similarities between him and his dad. His ears were pinned against his head, and if he were still a puppy, his tail would be stuck between his legs.

He wanted to go home.

“You,”

He jumped at the sudden voice behind him. It was another Savanaclaw kid, and Joey could only tell by their uniform. He had no idea who they were, but their stance was wide. Glancing around, it looked like no one was going to intervene if anything happened.

“You’re the coach’s kid, ain’t you?”

Oh no. Here it comes. He nodded, feeling smaller than the other guy despite being taller.

“Man, that is so cool.”

…What?

“Is he that intense all the time?”

“Uh…”

The conversation, if it could be called that, seemed to prick the ears of the students around them.

“Is he?”

“I bet he’s real tough at home!”

“Nah, he’s definitely totally different at home, that’s how these types are!”

“What’s his phone number?”

“What?”

“...Where’d he go?”

~

Joey couldn’t breathe. Too many people, too many questions. Too many questions that even if he’d had an answer he wouldn’t want to give. They’d probably hound him later, but for now he was clear. By the time he released his Signature Spell and became visible again, he was in the Teachers’ Lounge. He was fairly certain he wasn’t supposed to be in there now that he was a student, but he didn’t leave. He’d visited his dad at school in the past, he was familiar with the lounge. It was the only place in the school he could say he was. He was on the verge of an anxiety attack, he needed familiar.

Thankfully no other teachers were in the lounge but his dad, pulling out his lunch.

Wordlessly, Joey sat next to him, leaning into his arm. His dad didn’t say anything either, even when Joey snatched some food from his plate.

~

@screamintoad, @babyghoul138, @skriblee-ksk, @gimmeurmoneyagh @twtysevapr

IF ANYONE WANTS TO BE TAGGED FOR JACKROSE FANKID CONTENT LEMME KNOW <3

ANYWAY I HAVE A FEEL FOR HIS VOICE (LUNA TOO) BRING ON THE INTERACTIONS! (PLS?) <3

[lillyspeakz]

the good I’ll do. pt. 1

a/n: this has been a long time coming huh?! This has been in the works for the past YEAR!!!! fuck Shelby. Anyways !! This is only half of the actually story and it’s about 3k words! So enjoy some lesbian content!

Warnings: lesbians in love but sad, female reader, Wilma is stupid, Wilbur and Wilma are siblings, kinda just a backstory

wc: 3k

OH ALSO! This is beloved softball!wilma!!!

It’s been a while since she’s been back. She hasn’t been in this old small town since she left for college to play softball and major in art. After 4 excruciating years, she finally majored in art and film, and after graduation she got the hell out. She thought college was going to show her something new, give her more opportunities than what she used to have. And it did, but she soon learned that it wasn’t for her. None of it was.

Not the sororities, not the clubs, not the parties, not the cities, none of it. She missed the stables, she missed the dirt roads, she missed her truck. She missed her family cook outs and she missed her brother. She missed you.

Wilma didn’t have a lot of regret throughout her life, but the one thing that she regretted was leaving you and her family. She broke up with you late summer before she left, not wanting to deal with the distance and heartbreak that would follow soon after you both realized it wouldn’t work. Or at least that’s what she thought. After the break up, you lost contact with each other. Her family supported her and her scholarship , but she knew they always wanted her to stay close. Yet she still fled, which she still felt guilty about.

So she graduated, got her degree and fled back home, wanting to be somewhere she knew and go back to the same old thing she loved. Yet she didn’t plan on being bombarded by family and friends as she walked into her childhood home.

“Oh my baby’s finally back!” Diane, Wilma’s mother exclaimed as she held her daughter close.

“I missed you too mom.” Wilma said as she laughed and went to hug her dad.

“Look at you, all grown up. You’re taller than me now! You and your brother!”

“We’ve always been taller than you dad.” Wilma heard her twin say from behind her. Swinging around, she smiled and ran over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Wilbur let out a small ‘oof’ at the added body weight, wrapping his own around her torso and squeezed.

Wilma and Wil were always close, always have been. Yes they fight and yell but they’re siblings, it’s bound to happen. Hell! They spent 9 months in their mothers stomach together, pushing and kicking for room. But they were there for each other, no matter the situation. If either of them got a cut from falling off their bike or tripping on concrete, they’d patch the other up. Needed to pretend to be the other for a test? They have wigs in their lockers and they dress practically the same! Wilma got lonely at college and needed someone other than stuck up rich girls and guys who didn’t appreciate people? Wilbur was on the first plane he could catch.

They loved each other. More than words and actions can express.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Wilbur whispered back as the rocked back and forth, taking in the moment of being with their other half again. “Ok, everyone’s looking at us…”

“Ok ok, you could’ve asked me to stop!” Wilma laughed as she wiped her eyes and smiled at him. He smiles back at her as he shoves her shoulder back and ruffles her already messy hair up.

“Stop crying, we have food and cake for you. Oh! And since you’re back in time, we’re going to the rodeo tonight to kick summer off and you being back! You have your boots still?”

“Duh… I’m not dumb. I love them too much.” Wilma laughed as she pointed to the boots sitting next to her suitcase. Wil had got her a new pair for Christmas and sent them to her, saying how she needed to let people know her roots. She wore the boots almost every day.

Walking into the kitchen she saw a spread of some of her favorite foods and deserts. She almost cried once more when she took a bite of the homemade food and felt how warm and delicious it was, just like how she remembered. Wil teased her for being so sentimental, but he was happy she was back.

Her mom wouldn’t stop smothering her in kisses and her dad showed her where her old truck was and how he fixed it up a bit for her. Wilbur secretly took photos of her hugging the hood of it and sent them to you with the caption, “she’s back!”

You and Wilbur have always been best friends, ever since the swing incident in first grade where he kicked you in the nose and broke it. And that’s how you met Wilma too. You always liked her, but you didn’t start liking her until the end of middle school. You always caught yourself looking at her, laughing at her small antics, and screaming for her when she won a big game. Wil always made fun of you for being her number 1 supporter.

So once you and Wilma started dating, it wasn’t any surprise to anyone, knowing how both of you pinned over each other for so long. Everyone thought you’d get married and live in a little ranch house with a farm, you doing something with music and Wilma becoming a world famous artist who worked from home and a softball coach on the side.

But once you broke up, everyone knew it would break both of you. Of course Wilma did it before she left so people wouldn’t see her in that state, but you stayed. You never left. Everyone saw how devastated you were, how out of place you felt when you were around friends, you didn’t have that light to you anymore.

Wilbur was there for you, the whole time. Telling you that she didn’t want to end it and it was just for the best in her mind. You believed it because he knew her like the back of his hand and you did too. You knew why she did it but didn’t understand why she didn’t talk to you first.

You never lost feelings, always keeping an eye on her accounts and getting updates from Wil every day if you could. You wanted to call her, to tell her you loved her and missed her and wanted her so badly. But you held back, knowing it would only lead you down another rabbit hole. Wil’s updates were enough for then.

But seeing that photo, and seeing that she was here in the same town as you, sent you yearning and nervous. You wanted to see her but what if she didn’t want to see you? What if she wanted to completely avoid you? What if she has a new partner that Wil didn’t tell you about?!

‘Is she coming tonight?’ You replied back after putting a heart on the photo. The three dots made your stomach shift as you waited impatiently for the answer.

‘Yes ma’am. Better put on your best singing voice!’ Wil replied. You shook your head as you smiled. You started singing at the annual rodeo for the beginning of summer your sophomore year with your handy guitar, and you kept going back. People loved it as much as you did. It was the day you and Wilma got together as well, her having come up to you after you were done and kissing you.

You smiled at the memory as you sent Wil the middle finger emoji, suddenly excited for tonight. Grabbing your guitar, you got in your run down car and drove to the center of town where the pavilion was.

-

Wilma was never one for the rodeo. The only reason she went was because her family absolutely adored the time together and the little get away. Plus you were there. Your family ran the event and her family always helped set up and donate things for raffles or just decorations!

The whole event was a week long, filled with singing, dancing, games, and fair rides. Everyone in town and out of town came and had fun. It was known to be the “kick off of the summer”. Your town spends all year, saving and putting on fundraisers to put this on, and it gets better each year.

You and Wilma had your first date at the fair , having played some silly games and going on stomach twisting rides. The last thing you did that night was go to the softball fields, lay in the grass and look at the stars. While of course eating the McDonald’s you both ordered.

It was perfect. All of it was.

That’s why she was nervous to go now. She hasn’t been to one where you too haven’t been next to each other all night, but she guessed there’s a first for everything.

“Do I have to go?” Wilma whined as Wil went through her closet and picked out an outfit for her. Nothing fancy but something that said ‘hey! I���m back!’ according to Wil.

“Yes you do and I don’t care what you say, you aren’t running away from your problems-“

“I’m not-“

“Yes you are. You know they’ll be there, and you’re scared to see them, I get it! I do! But Wilm, they want to see you…” Wil said as he set down a pile of clothes on the bed and looked at her.

Wilma sighed as his words sunk in. You wanted to see her. And she wanted to see you. It was bound to happen sometime soon, so why not now.

Flopping back on the bed, she huffed and looked at Wil. “When do we leave?” She asked as Wil clapped and threw clothes at her.

“That’s my sister! Now look through these and we leave in 45!” Wil yelled before he closed the door.

Wilma groaned as she let her head rest on the cushion beneath her. Her thoughts were full of you and what would happen when you both saw each other. Would you cuss her out? Would you hug her and cry with her? Would you slap her and tell her you hate her?! So many outcomes yet she’d have to wait and see.

Picking up the clothes, she wasn’t disappointed in the clothes her other half chose, knowing her and what she usually liked. Huffing, she picked out simple work jeans with a graphic t-shirt she stole from her dad. She put her boots on and grabbed her hat, it matching her boots thankfully. Her hair was done in French braids and she felt… well she felt like herself again.

As she walked down the steps, she felt like it was a school dance she was going to with the way her mom gasped and all of her family was smiling at her. “Really?”

“What? It’s your first night back, and you look like you, not some stuck up rich kid-“

“William!” The pairs mom hit Wil’s arm as she scoffed at him. Wilma smiled and shook her head, waving them off.

“He’s right mom. It’s nice to be back and dressed in clothes that aren’t too tight.” Wilm smiled at her brother, earning a wink from the man as she walked over towards him, slipping into the space between the couch arm and him.

“Ok, where is your father? I swear he’s worse than you Wilma. Mark! We have to leave!” Diane yelled up the steps as she heard a groan and a ‘hold on’ come from the bathroom.

As they heard the floorboards creek, they all saw the man come down stairs with the cheesiest grin. As he came into view, the group saw his shirt, Wilbur and his mother dying laughing as Wilma hid in embarrassment. The shirt had a picture of a young Wilma on the front in her softball uniform, text that said ‘my daughter’s better than yours’.

Wil nudged her and laughed at her expression. “Don’t worry I have one too. It’s a special occasion today though. Welcome home sister.”

As that was said, they all decided it was a good time to leave, not without Wilma protesting for her dad to take off that ridiculous shirt. As everyone hopped in her dads car, she saw her old truck sitting there. It had been untouched for years and Wilma didn’t even know if it still worked, let alone had gas. But she took her chances.

“Hey dad! Does that beauty still run well?” Wilma asked as her dad looked at the old pick up truck and looked to her with a smile.

“Just fixed her up last week. I knew you’d want to drive her around.” Mark said as he threw the girl the keys, excitement evident on her face as she caught the object and started heading towards the machine. “Full tank of gas and everything. No need to thank me. Oh! I also fixed the aux.”

“Dad you are the absolute best! I love you so much! Wil you comin’?”

“Is that even a question?!” Wil ran over to the car as Diane told the pair to be safe and they’d meet them there. The twins didn’t see it, but both parents were smiling at the pair with love and happiness lacing through every curve. They were happy their babygirl was home, happy that her brother wasn’t alone anymore, knowing how much he missed her even if he didn’t say it. They were happy she was going out again.

And so was she.

-

Pulling up, windows rolled down as Morgan Wallen blasted through the speakers, Wilma turned off the car as Wil hopped out. Sitting in the car for a minute, Wilma took a deep breath as Wil turned back and sighed out. Placing his arms on the window seal, he poked his head in and waited.

“It’s going to be fine Wilms. She misses you. Everyone does. Just have fun. Please, for me and you.” Wil said to his other half as she sighed out again and hopped out of the car. “Hell yes! We’re on baby!” Wil yelled out over the blaring music from the event, wrapping his arm around the girls shoulder, dragging her over to the mass amount of people.

-

As you heard the yell of the familiar voice, you quickly turned around to see the man with his arm around the girl, smiles on both of their faces. Your heart ached as you took her in, taller than before yet everything stayed the same. The same shirt she wore all the time strewn across her torso, tucked into her pants that fit her perfectly, unlike the pants you saw her wear in her post while she was in college, desperately trying to fit in with social standards there. Her laugh sounded so familiar yet distant, haven’t heard it in person besides the videos you’d watch when things got hard. She was familiar yet distant.

Your heart rate picked up as you made eye contact with Wil, a smile on his face as he nodded towards the girl beside him. You quickly turned away, back towards the stage that people were preforming on, hands bunching your dress up as you grounded yourself the best you could. You didn’t think it’d be this hard to see her again, especially after you both had time to think. Yet seeing her here, in a place that was a regular for you both to go to, mess around and be hopelessly in love, made your heart hurt. The millionth time you two were here in the same room, yet the first you weren’t actually together, glued to each others side.

“Hello darling, how are you doing?” Diane come into view, her arms outstretched towards you as you went into her embrace, always loving her hugs. Diane was like your second mother, always spending time with her and talking about random things. She welcomed you into the family with open arms, her mom and yours being friends and always wanting you to marry one of her kids. She still has that wish and voices it, and you do to.

“I’m doing good. Is she ok?” You asked, your nerves higher than before. Diane smiled softly at you as she nodded.

“Yeah she is. She’s happy to be home… why don’t you go talk to her?” The women asked as she pointed at where the girl was as you looked over at her.

As if on time, Wilma turned around and caught eyes with you. Her eyes widening as you kept the contact, her brown ones bringing you a sense of comfort and ease as her expression relaxed. A sad smile made its way to your face as hers did the same.

“Go on love, she wants to see you.” Mark said as he came over, seeing the tension across the room as you broke eye contact with the girl and looked over at the girls adoring parents. You smiled softly at them as you began to walk over, thanking them as you weaves in and out of people.

Wilma silently panicked as you crossed the room, tapping Wil as he turned to see his best friend walking over towards the pair. A smile made its way to his face as he patted the girl on the back, wishing her luck as he walked over to the drink table.

Wilma cursed Wil as you finally stood in front of her, a small smile still on your face as you played with your hands, nerves running all over your body.

Wilma looked down at you as your face was hidden by your hair, looking down at your feet, afraid to make eye contact once again.

“Look at me, dear. Please.” Wilma said softly as she brought her hand to your chin, gently lifting your head up to look at her. At that moment, the next person to cover a song started to play, starting over by Chris Stapleton blaring through the speakers as the guitar rang through the small space.

A small laugh left both of your lips as you looked at each other, comfortable in the space that was now created by the two of you. As you both continued to look at each other, everything came back. All the endless memories you made, how everything ended and how stupid you both were to give up so easily.

“Hi.” You said a small laugh escaping both of you as Wilms hand now cupped your face, rubbing your cheek bone as she smiled down at you.

“Hi.” She said back as she took you in for the first time in forever. “You look amazing. As beautiful as ever.” Her words made a flush come over you as you shook your head and looked down, hiding your face.

Her touch made you feel warm again, like you had been living in the cold for years and now that she’s back, you were finally where you needed to be. As you looked up to tell her everything, spill your guts right there and then for the only women you’ve ever loved and will ever love, someone tapped you on your shoulder. As you spun around, you saw Wil standing behind you, pointing towards the stage.

“Sorry to interrupt but, they need you on stage, like now.” Wil said as you cursed out, squeezing Wilma’s hand that had been on your cheek, excusing yourself as you rushed to the front.

“She’s singing still?” Wilma asked, eyes furrowed as she looked at the man beside her, a smirk being placed on his face as he nodded.

“Yes she is. She said it helps her get through this week since you left.” Wilbur nudged the girl knowingly, seeing a flash of love in her eyes as a smile took over her expression. She remembered how she always expressed how much she wanted you to sing at these, wanting everyone to know how good of a singer her girlfriend was, cheering you on as you smiled at her.

She stood silently with Wil, arms crossed as she watched you walk on the stage, smile on your face as you strummed, making sure the speakers were on correctly.

“Hey y’all! How are we doing tonight?” Everyone cheered around the two, Wil joining in as Wilma laughed and clapped. “Nice! If you haven’t yet, go eat, get drunk and have fun! Now, I have a little bit of a fun song planned, do you guys feel like singin’ n dancin’?” Cheers and the sounds of chairs scrapping across the wood floor from guest standing up were heard all around as the dance floor was flooded with couples and children eager to put their skills to work.

Wil pointed the pairs parents out in the very front, cheering for you on the stage to start, making you laugh. You gave one last look to Wilma and smiled, looking over at the small band you had with you as you started to strum the beginning notes.

As the rest of the band chimed in, everyone cheered and dances were being made as the music continued.

“Heading down south to the land of the pines, I’m thumbing my way into North Caroline. Starin’ up the road and pray to God I see headlights!” You sang, the smile on your face brighter than any sunrise Wilma’s ever seen. As she continued to look at you, her own smile grew as you looked at her once more and kept the stare while singing the chorus.

The song was one of Wilma’s favorites, she’d always play it in car rides or even on the speakers as you spent hours helping her pitch on the softball fields. The melody and words reminder her of how much she loved you and would do anything for you.

Her smile faltered as she remembered all of the thoughts she had after hang outs, how she wanted to marry you and do life with you. But she ruined that opportunity the day she left, which ended up being hell anyways. She wish she listened to you. She wished she listened to everyone telling her to stay and go somewhere near home, but no, she was selfish for all the wrong reasons.

And now she has to make up for it.

As the song ended and the crowd dispersed to take a breather before the next performance, Wilma excused herself from Wil’s side as she made her way across field, stopping at her car as she did. She grabbed her old softball bag, laughing at all the tears and mud splattered across the fabric before grabbing her speaker.

[oakwolves]

And Then I Go and Spoil it All By Saying Something Stupid Like I Love You, Part 3

Part 1

Part 2

Warning, this chapter is really long!

Rosalyn slumped back in her seat, far behind everyone else in the auditorium as she watched Ace take the stage. As the crowd of students roared with applause, she flinched and pulled her braids against her ears.

“I gotta say, this last month at your school? Magic,” Ace said once the applause had died down. “You welcomed me with open arms, elected me as your Council representative, supported my initiatives…”

Rosalyn felt herself zoning out a little as Ace continued to butter up the student body.

“Psst, Rose! You alright?” Autumn asked, bringing her back to attention.

“But we've got work to do. You've all heard. There have been... problems,” Ace continued with a serious expression.  “Just to name a few? Cafeteria food safety issues. The locker rooms found in violation of the fire code. Fights breaking out downtown, started by students from our school.”

“Our school,” Rosalyn sneered mockingly under her breath. Autumn leaned in close to her.

“Our classmates wouldn't start fights! That can't be true!” she whispered.

“He’s just trying to make us look bad again,” Rosalyn grumbled.

“After that recording leaked, no one really believed Rosalyn about Ace... and he cashed in on that to win the replacement election by a landslide,” Sakura added to the right of Rosalyn.

“Tale as old as time,” Rosalyn sighed.

“The fact that everyone thinks Ace rescued the Hearst trophy sure didn't hurt his cred,” Julian said.

“I still think we should’ve left the trophy at Kepler just to stick it to him,” Sakura huffed. “Now he can make us look bad enough to convince the council to propose to the board that we get shut down.”

Ace continued on, pacing the stage with a restless energy. Rosalyn would’ve found the act endearing if she weren’t so consumed with disdain.

“We have to clean up this school, set things right,” he went on. “We just need the courage to trust and believe in each other... together, we can restore this school to its full potential.”

At this, the auditorium erupted into loud applause. Rosalyn flinched and kept her head down until the noise finally died out. Her classmates started to file out of the auditorium, a few lingering to speak to Ace at the stage.

“I’m gonna go see my boyfriend,” she said, moving away from her group of friends.

“You don’t have to call him that when he’s not here, y’know,” Sakura called after her.

“It’s still so weird seeing them together like this,” she heard Autumn say before she went out of earshot. She fell into step with Ace as they walked out of the auditorium. He broke into a grin upon spotting her.

“Rosalyn, glad you made it to my little press conference after all. I was a little worried when I couldn’t see you in the crowd,” he said, holding her hand in his.

“I left my ear plugs at home and you know I can’t stand loud noises,” she said, fixing him with a blank stare. Ace chuckled before gently rubbing her shoulder with his free hand.

“You should’ve told me. I would’ve gotten you the finest ear plugs money can buy, Rosie.”

Rosalyn rolled her eyes, leaning towards Ace as a few students passed by.

“Stop coddling me. You’ll have me believing you actually care about me.” The last of the student body had finally gone out of the auditorium, but Rosalyn remained by his side. He pulled her closer and slid his hand from her shoulder to the small of her back. Rosalyn allowed the gesture.

Ace took a glance at his watch, a smirk starting to form on his lips.

"You know, I have a couple minutes before I have to get back to Kepler. How about I walk you to your class?"

Rosalyn nodded, and the couple walked together down the hall like any ordinary pair of high school sweethearts. Ace kept her beside him, their arms bumping with a familiarity that she could only pretend not to notice.

They stopped in front of Rosalyn’s classroom, pausing before stepping inside.

"I guess this is a parting of the ways, then." Ace gave her a sly grin.

“Guess so,” she said, heading inside without another word.

At lunch, Rosalyn took her own meal from her locker and made her way to one of the colloquially named “Nerd Hangouts”. When she got there, her friends were already hanging around.

“And the Black Widow has returned from the dark side,” Nishan commented.

Autumn giggled as Rosalyn rolled her eyes at the nickname.

“It’s not like I’m in cahoots with The Devil Himself,” Rosalyn defended.

“You kind of are, Rose,” Nishan said with a shrug.

“Still doesn’t change the fact that you’re dating the enemy, Rosalyn,” Julian pointed out.

Sakura gave Rosalyn a worried look as Rosalyn settled on the couch next to her.

“How did you feel sitting in that audience, watching him give that speech?” she asked.

Rosalyn shrugged as she opened up her food container.

“If I’m being honest, it was kind of nauseating watching him talk about all the ‘good’ stuff he’s done for this school. He’s good at it, though, so I'll give him that.”

“How can you even stand being around him?” Autumn asked.

Rosalyn took a spoonful of some gumbo into her mouth, chewing for a few moments before swallowing.

“It’s kind of amazing what I can put up with when I have an endgame in mind.”

“Well, you keeping Ace occupied came in handy,” Wes said, pulling several papers out of his bag and slapping them on the table.

“Isn't that the city's official letterhead?” Autumn asked as the group peered closer.

“Copied them from the archives. These records show that our school passed health and fire code regulations as recently as a month ago.”

Rosalyn set her spoon down on the table, looking at Wes. “How’d you get a hold of all this?”

Wes smirked, ruffling the girl’s hair. “That is of no importance. The important part is what we’re gonna do with this evidence .There's no way our school went from being just fine to a safety hazard in the span of three weeks. From what I can tell, Ace has been making a lot of interesting phone calls. I'll bet he pulled some strings to get the inspection results changed to his liking.”

“So,” Mia piped up. “What’s the game plan, Rosalyn?”

Rosalyn picked up the papers, looking through them with a smirk.

“We show it to the people.” She sat back down and continued eating her gumbo. “After lunch, though.”

“Everyone's been too charmed by Ace to believe you, but maybe now…” Julian mused.

“Yeah, these records show that all our problems only cropped up after Ace took office. It's the proof we need!” she said excitedly as she finished up her food. She looked out the window of the hangout, seeing some students eating lunch on the quad.

“No time like the present,” Mia said, nudging Rosalyn towards the door. “Let’s get the truth out there.”

Wes stood in front of the door, crossing his arms.

“Hold on, Rosalyn. Be careful about going after Ace. Everyone loves him. He's the new... well, you.”

Rosalyn scowled at the comment.

“What do you mean by that?”

Wes shrugged. "He's this school's biggest hero. He rescued the Hearst Trophy, he saved your reputation when that audio leaked, he won the Council election. He's got a lot of fans, and there's no telling what they'll do if they think you're trying to frame him. It especially doesn’t look good since you’re ‘allegedly’ dating him."

“Fine… no dissing Ace…for now.” she relented as she moved past him and exited the hangout space.

With her papers in hand, she made her way to three students sharing a pizza on the bench. 

“Rosalyn, what’s happening?” a girl said. She pulled off a slice of pizza from the pie and held it out to Rosalyn. “You want a slice? It’s vegetarian!”

“Ah, no thanks, I’m pretty filled up on gumbo actually,” she said with an awkward laugh. “I was just thinking about all the stuff that's been going on at our school. The fire code violations, the cafeteria shutting down, the fights…”

Another classmate  frowned, shaking their head. “Yeah, I can't believe anyone from our school would go around starting fights! What happened to peace and love?”

“I'm sure Ace has a plan to fix things. I mean, he worked out the yearbook budget problems with one phone call!” a guy said with confidence.

“Sounds like him. He secured a venue for our annual jazz showcase the same way. Ace is a real stand-up guy…” the first girl agreed.

Rosalyn’s heart ached to hear her classmates speak so highly of him. 

“Right, I know Ace can work miracles, but...” she began, pausing before continuing to speak. “I think you should look at this...”

She pulled out the health and fire code records and spread them on the table.

"What's all this?" the first girl asked.

"Our school passed these inspection tests just a month ago... But suddenly, our cafeteria gets shut down and our locker rooms are fire hazards? Don't you think that's a little weird? Especially since they came right AFTER Ace became our student rep?"

The classmates stared at the records for several moments. The three students exchanged a nervous look, like they didn't want to believe Rosalyn's claims.

"You don't really think..." the second girl began.

"Ace wouldn't do something like that," the guy said.

Before Rosalyn could respond, someone brushed past her and got in between the small crowd of students.

"Is there a problem?" Ace asked.

Rosalyn's eyes widened as Ace approached them, his charismatic demeanor only growing in presence and intensity. The group of students turned to him, their eyes flickering between him and Rosalyn. Rosalyn gave him a saccharine grin.

“Oh, we were just talking about some stuff I was looking into. I think you might know more about it,” she said.

Ace’s smile only grew as he glanced over the papers on the table. He smirked, taking them into his hands and skimming over the information laid out in front of him.

"Looking into these inspection records, huh? What a wonderful coincidence. Did you happen to uncover anything unusual...?”

“Apparently, our school passed the fire and health code inspections just a month ago,” the guy piped up.

“But now we have all these problems... how did things go bad so quickly?” their other classmate asked, casting a worried glance at Ace.

“Yeah, Ace, how did things get so bad?” Rosalyn said, struggling to hide the taunting tone in her voice.

Ace’s smile flickered as he met Rosalyn’s gaze, holding it for several moments. She could see a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, and he looked away, holding up the papers.

"Well, it's simply put. It's because of me.”

The group gasped, stunned by Ace’s sudden admission. Even Rosalyn was caught off guard by his words.

“I… What?” Rosalyn looked dumbfounded.

“You heard me.” Ace said, putting on his charming smile once again. “ When I assumed office, I did a thorough audit and uncovered a host of issues. Someone was very invested in covering them up.”

He didn't outright accuse her, but the look he gave her was damning.

“Ace, what are you saying?” she demanded.

“Rosie, everything’s gonna be fine,” he assured her, placing his hand on her shoulder. “You’re the heart of this whole place, you were the driving force behind this school's growth! Of course you didn't want anybody to find out about all the problems that come with expanding too fast. No one blames you for letting them fester, right?”

“Rosalyn, is this true?” the girl asked sadly.

“No, I–”

“It’s water under the bridge. All that matters is that we’ve caught these problems in time and can nip them in the bud. We’re going to get this school right on track.”

Their classmates murmured in agreement around them.

“Word. A few hiccups won't stop us!”

“It's gotta be tough work, playing the whistleblower... but I appreciate it, Ace.”

“Yeah, we can't just ignore our problems! We have to fix them, and move forward!”

The three of them cleaned up their table and headed to the nearest trash can, leaving Rosalyn with Ace at the table.

“Rosie, why the underhanded tactics? I’m your boyfriend, we can just chat. You know I always have time for you.”

“You can stop now. We both know who you really are,” she snapped. His grin dimmed, and he gave her a hard stare.

"Watch your step," he said.

“You don’t scare me,” she said, matching his steely gaze.

Ace chuckled, his smirk growing smug.

“You don't scare me either, Rosalyn.” They stood there in an extended silence, eyes narrowed and jaws set.

Their little staring match was interrupted by a voice calling to them from across the quad:

"Hey, lovebirds!"

Ace turned to see Wes approaching.

“Wes,” he said with a tight smile. “It’s been a while.

"Mind if I cut in and steal Rosalyn for a bit?” Wes asked.

“Not at all,” Ace said. “We were just finishing up anyway. She’s all yours.”

Wes pulled Rosalyn back to the hangout , looking concerned as he spoke in a low voice.

“What was all that about?  Did you tell people about the papers?”

"I tried," she said, shaking her head. "As soon as I spoke to the group about them, Ace barged in and fed them all that crap about me."

“Alright,” Wes sighed. “We’ll figure something else out. What’s going on with this ‘relationship’ you’ve got going on with him?”

Rosalyn frowned, looking anywhere but Wes.

“Same as usual, obviously. I’m playing him like he’s playing me,” she muttered.

“Does it really feel that way?” he asked.

“Yes, okay?” Rosalyn snapped, avoiding his gaze. “I’m handling it, alright? Everything’s fine…I just need to hold out until we can put a stop to him. And then it will be all over.”

Wes let out another sigh, resting a hand on her shoulder.

“I don’t buy it. And I don’t think you do either. This thing you’ve got going on with him… I don’t like it, Rosalyn.”

Rosalyn scowled, pulling away from his grasp.

“Well, you can drop it. I’m a big girl, I can handle myself.”

“No, I know you don’t. Why don’t you just call the whole thing off?” he asked, his voice laced with concern. “We could make it work in our favor. You dump him, it splits our friend group up because we ‘liked’ him, we have a public fight, and I take the opportunity to get close to Ace?”

Rosalyn scoffed, shaking her head vehemently.

“No! I can handle this. I am handling this,” she asserted. “Stop treating me like I’m all helpless.”

Wes held up his hands in a placating gesture.

”I’m not, I’m just worried about you. This isn’t like you, this charade. You’re just digging yourself deeper.”

A pause.

“You don’t have to do everything on your own, here. You’ve got me. Let me help. It’s my fault you’re in this mess to begin with.”

Rosalyn let out a bitter huff, staring off at the distance.

“No, this is my mess. It's my school. And I am going to be the one to stop Ace.”

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, her expression softening. “But… I appreciate it.”

Wes studied her for a moment, still unconvinced. After a beat, he sighed once again and let go of her shoulders.

“Just be careful, okay?”

Rosalyn mustered a small smile, patting his arm.

“I will. Thanks, Wes.”

After school, Rosalyn was in the library studying with Mia and Payton, but between her near-altercation with Ace and her conversation with Wes, she found herself unable to concentrate on her books.

Mia, who noticed Rosalyn's distracted state, leaned over and gave her a nudge.

"Hey, Rosalyn? You okay?"

Rosalyn snapped her head up, startled. She forced a smile to her face, pasting on a false air of nonchalance.

"Yeah, totally fine. Just feeling a little distracted today."

“I still can't believe he has the nerve to act like that!” Mia grumbled.

“Ugh. Ace is like a knock-off Gucci bag. One close look, and you know he's mega fake! Why can't people see the truth?” Payton agreed.

“We need stronger, more concrete proof,” Rosalyn said, gripping her pen rather tightly. “I just need more time to figure it out-”

Just then, Julian and Nishan burst in.  Nishan collapsed to the floor, wheezing. The librarian looked up from his magazine to shush him.

Nishan quickly switches on the TV, turning up the volume on the local news channel. Julian paces around the library study room, agitated.

“This is really bad, Rose,” he said. “He’s escalated.”

As Rosalyn turned her attention to the TV, a chill ran up her spine as she saw a reporter hold out a microphone to Ace.

“Yikes, you guys need to warn a gal before you expose me to his face,” Payton said with a grimace.

Ace looked straight at the camera as he discussed the latest scandal to plague Lakeside.

“Evidence suggests these acts of academic dishonesty have been going on for months. But rest assured…I will do everything in my power to disband this cheating ring!” Ace declared.

Rosalyn clenched her jaw, her frustration growing with each word out of Ace's mouth.

"Looks like he's really enjoying his newfound sense of power, huh?" Payton sneered.

“We hold a zero tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty. I won't let this incident tarnish the good reputation of our school,” Ace continued on screen.

“Bullshit!” Rosalyn snapped, slamming her hands onto the table. The librarian shushed the group once more.

Nishan put a comforting arm around Rosalyn's shoulder.

"Hey, keep it down, alright?" Julian said, shooting a nervous glance at the librarian.

"Easy… I know he's full of it, but you don't want to get kicked out!" Nishan warned.

On the TV, Ace continued to speak with a grave look on his face.

"I have no doubt this problem is isolated and won't expand. We're going to address all concerns and investigate any and all leads."

The news switched to a shot of the adult school board members sitting outside the principal’s office. Rosalyn noticed her father was not among them.

As the reporter droned on in the background, Julian sat down at the table next to Rosalyn, his brow furrowed.

"What’s your dad got to say about all this?” he asked quietly. “I don’t see him in that crowd.”

"I... I haven't even begun to explain everything to him. And now he's finding out at the same time everyone else is." Rosalyn said. “Even if it’s all lies, how could I tell him that things have gotten so bad?”

Nishan patted Rosalyn’s back, an understanding look on his face. “Hey, don’t blame yourself for not telling him everything. Ace has been running rings around all of us.”

The news switched back to focus on Ace.

“As a Council representative, I can confidently say that this school is a treasure. A diamond in the rough…” Ace said, his voice breaking a little. “And I will fight any proposed measure to shut it down!”

“What? Who said anything about shutting us down?” Payton spluttered.

“He’s planting the idea in the board’s minds. He’s pulling an Inception on them!” Nishan exclaimed.

“I can understand our classmates being this gullible… but the board won’t fall for this… right?” Julian asked, sounding a bit less confident than Rosalyn felt comfortable with.

As her friends continued to talk, their voices faded away as Rosalyn focused on Ace on the screen. He seemed to be looking right at her.

“Some say that this school can't be fixed. That its students would be better served at other schools in the district…” he continued. “But I don't think so. This school is meant for greatness!”

Ace flashed a grin and a confident wink at the camera right before Mia turned off the TV.

“That’s enough of that,” Mia huffed.

“He’s putting his final play into motion,” Rosalyn said without looking away from the screen. “I need to stop him.”

“I looked it up, and the Council needs a unanimous vote to pass any measure petitioning the district board,” Nishan pointed out.

“Then we've still got a chance. We just have to get the other Council members on our side,” Rosalyn said. “Ace has Remi under his thumb, and Asher would love to see our school shut down... but I can talk to the others!”

Rosalyn took off the moment school let out the following day. She weaved in and out of traffic as she made her way to the all-boys school of Apollo Academy. There, she found two district council members Zero and Owen shooting hoops on the court.

"Hey, Zero! Owen!" Rosalyn yelled out. “Wait up!”

Both boys looked back at her, sweat trickling down their faces as they jogged over.

“What's up? You wanted to talk, Rosalyn?” Owen asked.

“Sorry to hear about your school. Tough times, huh?” Zero added sympathetically.

“About that... Ace mentioned a proposal to shut down my school. Would the Council really consider that?” Rosalyn asked.

Owen frowned as he said, “I hate to say it, but... because of your school's problems, our district's been getting a lot of bad press. We've been rejected for several programs and grants already.”

“Everything that our district has achieved is being undermined,” Zero continued, shaking his head. Rosayln scowled at the two of them.

“So if my school gets thrown to the wolves it’s alright?” she demanded.

Zero held up a hand. "Woah, woah, woah. No one said anything about throwing you under the bus."

Owen nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're all on the same team here.”

Zero shrugged, looking back and forth between Rosalyn and the basketball waiting to be dribbled again. 

“Look, we're sorry to hear about your school, but we have our own schools to think about. This is for your classmates' benefit as much as it's for ours,” Zero explained.

"It won't be so bad. Schools close all the time... and yours hasn't even been around that long. You guys would just transfer to other schools! You're always welcome at Twin Branches, Rosalyn! We're cool, I promise," Owen said.

“We'll make sure to really think this through. It'll all work out,” Zero said with a sympathetic smile.

Rosalyn bit back her anger and forced a strained smile. "I... appreciate the offer. But we'll survive. And thanks for the time, I guess..."

Ignoring Owen’s farewell wave, Rosalyn spun on her heel and walked out of the school. She clenched her jaw tightly, silently fuming. She needed to talk to Kara immediately.

Rosalyn tracked down Kara at cheerleading practice on the Hearst football field. When she caught sight of her, she turned away, hiding her face.

"What do you want,  Rosalyn? Don't you have anything better to do than follow me around?" she demanded.

“That’s not– fuck, never mind. I need to know... can I count on you to vote against any proposal to shut my school down?”

Kara gave her a haughty smirk. “Sorry, Rosalyn. But Lakeside isn't exactly BFFs with Hearst. I'm happy to see your school drop off the face of the earth.”

“Christ,” Rosalyn mumbled, before switching her strategy. “Kara, I know we've had our differences. But there's a school full of people I care about that's going to close its doors forever. There's nothing I can do to stop it now, but you can–”

Kara rolled her eyes. "Stop your sobbing and have some self-respect, Rosalyn. I’ve had enough of your pity parties. When are you going to get it through that thick head of yours? Your days are numbered. Your school is finished. And good riddance to it. We’re better off without that stain on our district."

Her eyes were piercing, but Rosalyn could see her slightly tremble as she spoke.

“Kara… does… does Ace have some dirt on you?” Rosalyn asked suddenly.

“I... I don't know what you're talking about. Now get out of here. I have to practice,” she said dismissively.

“Kara, come on,” Rosalyn pressed, but Kara held a hand to Rosalyn’s face.

“I enjoyed our little rivalry, Rose. It was fun while it lasted.”

Her next stop was Bridgette, the rep for Athena Academy. After texting Bridgette,�� she met her  at the tennis courts. Bridgette easily won a match before walking up to Rosalyn for a break.

“I saw the news about that terrible cheating scandal... Am I correct in thinking that this was orchestrated by Ace?” she asked.

Rosalyn nodded grimly. "Yeah, you’re absolutely right. He’s using this situation to try and shut my school down. And it looks like the rest of the Council is falling for his crap."

“Have no fear. So long as I sit on the Council, I will never allow your school to be shut down,” Bridgette declared.

A little lightheaded with relief, Rosalyn pulled Bridgette into a hug. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she gasped.

Feeling a lot better, Rosalyn drove home. But before she could take her helmet off, she got a text from Mia, asking her to get to her house as soon as possible.

When Mia opened the door to her, Rosalyn could hear the sound of sobbing. After Mia let her inside, she could find Bridgette on the couch crying into a handkerchief.

“I called as soon as I heard,” Mia said with a frown.

“Bridgette, what happened?” Rosalyn asked.

“She got kicked off the Council. One of the Athena admins dug up some rule that forbids being on both the student council and the district council,” Mia explained for her crying cousin.

“I... I was certainly not expecting this. It has been quite a shock..” Bridgette sniffled. “I’m really sorry, Rosalyn.”

Rosalyn’s heart sank. “It’s…. It’s okay,” she said, trying to give Bridgette a reassuring smile, but all Rosalyn could feel was disappointment. The only Council member she could count on was gone.

“This has Ace's fingerprints all over it. With Brigette gone, no one's going to block that proposal of his. Now what?” Mia asked.

“I’m gonna get Ace out of power,” Rosalyn declared. “This begins and ends with Ace...Even if you got your seat on the Council back, Ace would find some other way to get rid of you. He won't stop at anything until he’s stopped.”

“It certainly does seem that Ace is adept at pulling the strings,” Bridgette mused, wiping her eyes.

“I'm sorry you got caught in the crossfire of my war with Ace... but I promise to put an end to this. He's played puppeteer for the last time,” Rosalyn.

She suddenly got a text from Wes.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.

"Not great. Bridgette, who I thought was going to be our deciding vote on the Council, just got booted off with some stupid rule." Rosalyn replied.

“Meet me at Wings Atomica in 15 minutes,” he said.

Rosalyn nodded and headed out. When she arrived at the Wing Wing, she found Wes already at a table for two, waving to her. She took a seat opposite him, a bowl of wings in between them. "Well, I’m here," she said. “Will the board really shut us down if the Council asks them to?”

“I don't know. The district isn't happy with us, but shutting down an entire school... that's a last resort. Right now, the board could go either way,” he answered, taking a wing from the bowl.

“I'm not leaving this to chance. We have to stop Ace from even passing the proposal! We'll have to discredit him to break his hold on the Council.”

“All we have to do is prove that Ace is the kind of guy who would frame our school…” Wes said.

“What do you mean?” Rosalyn asked. Wes placed the now meatless chicken wing on a napkin and sighed. She could see an almost wistful look in his eyes.

“Look, Ace didn't just start being Ace when he met you... he wasn't always this good at playing puppet master. He was sloppy. If we can't prove what he's doing now, then we just go back and find a time when he wasn't quite so perfect.”

“Got it,” Rosalyn said, determination in her features. “Leave it to me.”

The next day, she found herself in front of Ace’s office.  Once again, Ace was buried under a mound of paperwork on his desk.

“Hey,” she said softly. “You got a few minutes for your girlfriend?”

"I thought you didn't like the whole girlfriend act when we were alone?" he teased. "What changed your mind?"

She shrugged. “I've been thinking... Maybe things are better this way. Pretending we’re a thing and all...”

Ace raised an eyebrow. “Really now. Why’s that, Rosalyn?” he asked, leaning back into his chair.

“It’s... easier, when you’re with me,” Rosalyn said. “I got used to it. The... affection and support and stuff. I don’t think I can go without it anymore. And when we fought in the quad over those stupid papers, a part of me was afraid of losing that.”

Ace smirked, letting out a chuckle. "If you're trying to butter me up into not getting rid of your school, you're doing a poor job at it. I thought you were better than this."

Rosalyn feigned shock. "Ace, how could you think that? I just wanted to... spend some time together. We can talk about business later. I just wanted to be... a normal couple."

"And we are...?"

“You’re the one who wanted to ham up this romance to begin with,” she said, an eyebrow raised.

Ace closed his notebook and looked directly at Rosalyn. "Rosalyn, why are you really here? The last time we spoke, we almost fought in public. But now, out of nowhere... you decide you can't live without me?”

"It wasn't out of nowhere," Rosalyn protested. "I just... had some time to think about it. And I realized how much I've been missing, being mad with you. The... the little things. Being able to hug you whenever I want... I just-" She let out a breath. “I missed being with you. Like how we used to before this whole internship nonsense got between us.”

Ace let out a scoff... before letting out a sigh. "Alright... I can see you're not in the mood for games. And I suppose I haven't exactly been Mr. Perfect Boyfriend lately either."

"You haven't," Rosalyn muttered. "That's the understatement of the century. But... I don't want to fight. I'm tired... I've been tired for a long time. Can we just... I don't know, relax for a bit? Just... be normal."

Ace regarded her with a contemplative look. "Okay," he said after a while. "I'll bite. What do you have in mind? What is Miss Rosalyn Brinkwater’s definition of normal?"

Rosalyn sat down on his couch. "Normal... normal is us watching trashy movies, eating pizza, and falling asleep together. Normal is waking up in your arms..."

At this admission, Ace looked almost... nostalgic. "And when was the last time the two of us did anything like that...?" he said quietly.

"The night before we fought. Before you decided to ruin everything," Rosalyn pointed out. "I was so happy to be with you... it hurt so much that afternoon when you..." she trailed off.

Ace's face darkened for a brief moment.  But then, he let out a scoff and stood up, walking over to Rosalyn and sitting down beside her. 

"You really want to keep this up, huh, Rosalyn? All right, I’ll play along. But let me tell you this..."

“What?”

He looked her straight in the eyes. "... this changes nothing. My priorities remain the same. This is nothing more than pretend play. I still have a job to do, Rosalyn, and it won’t stop for anyone, even you. Understood?"

"Noted..." she said quietly.

Ace wrapped an arm around Rosalyn and pulled her into his side. He leaned back onto the couch, letting out a sigh, and Rosalyn leaned her head against his chest. It was all so familiar... the scent of his fancy cologne, the warmth of his skin. It brought back all the memories of their time together. The nights they shared in each other's arms, talking for hours on end, the countless stupid comedies they'd get pizza and watch while they discussed school proposals. The soft thumping of his heart as she fell asleep.

"Now... what movie are we watching tonight?" Ace asked, breaking her out of her trance.

"Anything you want," Rosalyn said, snuggling deeper into his embrace. A pang of guilt hit her. She had to focus on the mission, why she came here to begin with. But it was so hard to think when she was nestled in his arms like this... her head against his chest, his arm around her... she wanted nothing more than to stay like this, just the two of them.

Ace scrolled through his Netflix, and eventually picked out a stupid, goofy-looking horror movie. He leaned back into the couch, pulling Rosalyn's closer to his side as the movie started playing.

As the movie progressed, Ace and Rosalyn spent more time talking than actually watching it. They got pizza and made jokes and commented on everything that happened in the movie... and as the night wore on, it almost felt like time had never stopped. That they were still the same as they were all those months ago...

Eventually, the credits of the movie rolled on the screen and the pizza was finished. The two remained, sitting together on the couch. But Rosalyn didn't want to get up. She wanted to stay just like this... her head on Ace's chest, wrapped up in his strong arms. She knew this was a lie... this love they were playing at was an act... but she found herself not caring. Maybe later.

She didn’t realize Ace had fallen asleep until she became aware of the gentle air blowing in and out through his nose. Rosalyn took a moment to study his face. Even in sleep, he looked calm, relaxed. Gone was the arrogant, manipulative persona he usually wore, and in its place was the face of the boy she'd fallen for a lifetime ago. 

She considered getting up to look for dirt on Ace like she’d come here to do. But the feeling of his soft, slow breath against her cheek was enough to stop her. And without thinking, she closed her eyes and snuggled deeper into his arms, drifting quickly off to sleep.

When she woke up with a start hours later, Ace was gone, and she was left lying alone on the couch with a blanket covering her. She suddenly remembered her mission and shot up from the couch. Silently thanking Wes for teaching her how to pick locks, she went around Ace’s office.

Rosalyn quickly went through Ace’s drawers and computer files, looking for anything that could be even remotely suspicious. But everything seemed completely clean so far. Then, a memo caught her eye…

She quickly shoved the memo into her bag after covering her tracks and headed for the exit, where she ran onto Ace taking a phone call.

Ace was too busy talking on the phone to notice her at first, but the moment he hung up, his eyes flicked to Rosalyn and he raised an eyebrow.

"Rosalyn? Weren't you sleeping on the couch?"

“I realized my dad must be worried sick, wondering where I am,” she said. “I gotta go.”

Ace let out a huff of a sigh, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Fine, you go on ahead. I still got some work to do," he said nonchalantly.

“At 5 am?” Rosalyn asked. “How do you function?”

Ace smirked. “I don’t need sleep, unlike some people,” he joked, before letting out a sigh and running a hand through his hair. "Seriously though, I've just got some stuff that needs to be dealt with. Can’t be helped. Get home safe."

And with that, Rosalyn turned and walked to the door. A part of her screamed to run back and hug him close, to rush back into that illusion they were under hours ago.

She pushed the thought down and exited the building, feeling as if she’d left a piece of her heart behind.

She came home and immediately crashed on the couch without changing into her pajamas. She fell back asleep, thoughts of Ace and what she’d just done filling her head. But by the time she woke up, the guilt was replaced with a sense of determination.

“So where were you, Rosalyn?” her father asked when she staggered into the kitchen.

Rosalyn let out a yawn, fiddling with a braid on her head. “I got busy studying with friends and lost track of time,” she lied.

“You usually text me when that happens,” Dr.Brinkwater said.

Rosalyn bit back a sigh. “Yes, well, I got too absorbed in my notes to remember, I guess. Sorry for worrying you, Dad…”

“As long as you’re focused on your studies, I suppose it’s alright,” he said with a sigh. “By the way, your friend Ace stopped by an hour ago.”

“He… he did?” Rosalyn tensed. “What did he want?”

"He came over with something for you," he said, pushing a box of donuts and a cup of coffee towards her. "I heated up the coffee a little."

Rosalyn stared at the coffee in front of her, a mix of emotions and memories rushing through her.

"That was... thoughtful of him," she said in a neutral tone. Inside, her head was racing with thoughts, trying to decipher the move Ace was making.

“Did he say anything before he left?” she asked.

“He just wanted to be sure you got breakfast,” Dr.Brinkwater said. “You should eat more and drink that coffee, by the way. You’re already too small as it is, and if you stay up all night studying you’ll waste away entirely.”

Rosalyn nodded, still in mild shock from Ace’s actions. He said it himself. That night changed nothing. He was still gunning to shut down Lakeside and she had to stop him. She took a seat, sipping at the coffee and eating the donuts as she mused.

The fact that he stopped by and got her breakfast…  It was something Ace used to do all the time, back when they were actually together. On days when she got too absorbed in her council work he would bring her coffee and treats… she tried to stamp down the feeling it gave her…

"He’s just trying to fool me…” she thought to herself.

But Rosalyn couldn’t shake the feeling that it was genuine. It was such a natural thing, something he used to do all the time… And even worse, a part of her wanted it to be genuinely sweet, like before…

She shook her head. No. She wouldn’t fall for it and lose sight of her mission.

Shooting off a text to Autumn and Wes, she made her way to school and made a beeline for the journalism classroom.

“You said you had good news?” Autumn asked.

“Very good news,” Rosalyn said with a smirk as she pulled out the memo from her bag and slammed it on a desk. “I may have spent the night at Ace’s office.” 

Wes raised an eyebrow at this.

"And what happened next?" He teased, causing Rosalyn to roll her eyes.

"We may have gotten carried away watching a movie and eating pizza... b-but I got what I came for." she stammered, ignoring the heat rising to her face. “Look at this.”

Autumn and Wes peered at the memo.

“Compulsory transfer to Kepler Magnet School for the Gifted?” Autumn read aloud.

“That's the polite way of saying that our buddy Ace got expelled from his old high school,” Wes explained as he read the memo. “Apparently, when his classmate beat him in a science fair competition, Ace took it personally. He forged documents showing that his classmate paid a professional chemist to do his project.”

“Who’s surprised?” Autumn scoffed.

“Pro-tip, you shouldn't try to frame a guy who can bioengineer beetles. He caught Ace in the act. Ace was immediately 'encouraged to transfer',” Wes continued with a smirk. “His expulsion was off the books. This memo is the only proof that Ace has a history of lies, forgery, and vengefulness.”

“That ends now. We have to get him impeached before the Council can vote. Autumn, can you get this into tomorrow's paper?” Rosalyn asked.

“Already working on it,” Autumn reported, taking the memo and heading to her computer. Wes looked back at Rosalyn. 

“What?” she squawked.

Wes raised his hands in surrender. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that you've got what we need… but how are you feeling about all this?" he asked, his tone now genuinely concerned.

Rosalyn paused, caught off guard by his question.

“What do you mean? I got the information we need, didn’t I?” she said, slightly defensively.

Wes gave her a skeptical look. "That's not what I asked. I'm just saying, it's got to be tough to be spending time with Ace, finding dirt on him… seeing the guy you fell in love with and falling into old habits."

Rosalyn felt her heart flutter as Wes said the words. It was hard. Seeing Ace, spending time with him like they used to… remembering exactly why she'd fallen for him, but trying to fight it…

But she pushed the feelings down, masking it with a huff and a roll of her eyes.

"I'm fine," she insisted once again.

"I'm just looking out for you, Rosalyn," Wes said in a firm, but gentle tone. "I know Ace, remember? I don't want to see him pull you back in. Don't let his good looks and charm make you forget what he's done."

Rosalyn felt a pang of indignation at his words, as if he didn’t think she was strong enough to resist.

"I know what he’s done, okay? I’m not a child, I don’t need you to look out for me," she retorted.”We talked about this, Wes.”

Wes held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. Forget I said anything,” he said.

The following day couldn’t come soon enough. Autumn’s paper was out and the entire school was a flurry of confused whispers and murmurs.

“I’d like to see Ace try to spin this,” Julian gloated. Outside, Ace was being hounded by student reporters. A few of their classmates shot him dirty looks. 

Descending the school steps with her friends, Rosalyn meets Ace’s gaze. For the first time, she could see genuine panic in his eyes.

Seeing the fear in his eyes was almost jarring. Ace had always been the one in control, the one who navigated high school politics with ease. Now he looked on the verge of losing his cool.

She felt a pang of… what? Guilt? Concern? She wasn’t sure.

“I almost pity him…” Mia said with a pout. Then she straightened up and laughed. “Ha! Just kidding. He's had it coming since forever.”

“Not that there’s anything to be sorry about a lying cheater,” Julian said in agreement. 

Wes eyed Rosalyn, but she avoided his gaze, keeping her focus firmly on Ace, who was now continuing to fend off the reporters.

“Ha, yeah, he deserves it,” she spoke up. “That’s what he gets for messing with me.He manipulates my own friends and classmates to turn against me, and then tries to get my school shut down? It's high time we got some payback.”

“With Ace’s rep wrecked, they’ll impeach him for sure,” Julian said. “I don’t know how you got your hands on that hit piece on him, but I’m glad you did.”

“Yeah, I’m glad too…” she echoed, her voice losing a bit of its conviction. Her mind was racing. 

Ace was now walking into the school building, followed closely by the reporters. With that he was out of sight.

Several days later, Dr.Brinkwater entered his daughter’s room with a letter.

“Rosebud, it says you’ve been summoned by the student district council,” he said. “Any idea what that’s about?”

Rosalyn felt her heart drop. She had a feeling she knew exactly what it was about. Putting on a mask of indifference, she took the letter from his hands.

“I might have a clue…” she said in feigned obliviousness.

"Mmm, I heard about that Ace boy. A shame, I thought he was a decent young man." Dr.Brinkwater commented.

Rosalyn tensed, feeling a pang of guilt at her father’s words. She wanted to come clean and tell him the truth, but knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t break her father’s heart.

“Yeah, I guess he was…” she said with a shrug.

Her father eyed her for a moment, looking like he was debating whether or not to say something else.

“Want me to drive you there? I have a meeting coming up anyways,” her father offered.

Rosalyn paused for a moment, then shook her head. “I think I’ll walk. Take the time to clear my head…”

Truth be told, she didn’t want her father to be anymore involved in this mess than he already was.

“Alright, pumpkin. But do give me a call if you want a ride home.” He gave Rosalyn a kiss on the cheek before leaving her room.

Heading to City Hall, she couldn’t help but smile a little. It was almost all over, and her school would be safe.

But when she opened the doors of the council room, she was met with wary glances.

“Uh, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“Ace, say again what you just said to the Council,” Asher said, barely trying to hide the smirk on his face.

“That memo, I've never seen it before, I swear. I-- I know there's no way to prove it, but you have to believe me. What that memo says... it never happened!” Ace said.

“Are you saying that it's a forgery? Intended to disgrace you?” Zero asked.

“No, of course not! I would never accuse my own girlfriend or anyone at our school of something so awful!” he said, shaking his head.

“This is a very serious matter. We're going to get to the bottom of it,” Zero said. Rosalyn couldn't help but feel a little miffed that Zero seemed to be so much more nonchalant when it came to shutting down her school.

“Oh, come on! Of course he says it's fake! You're really gonna believe him?!” she demanded.

“No, Rosalyn, we aren’t going to believe him,” Zero continued. “We're going to believe the expert we've called in to verify its authenticity.”

Kara and Owen marched in with Nishan in their ranks.

“Uh, hi Rose,” he said awkwardly. He sat down as Owen handed him Ace’s memo.

“This right here is a serious accusation, Nishan. If this is Ace's real history, then it throws into doubt everything Ace has done,” Owen explained.

We brought you in to find the truth. So we need you to tell us nothing but the truth. Your friendship with Rosalyn cannot sway you,” Zero said sternly.

“I let nothing get in the way of my quest for scientific fact! Rosalyn knows that better than anyone,” Nishan said with a smile. Ace leaned across the table, his eyes pleading.

“This isn’t what it looks like, Nishan. You know I would never do this,” Ace spoke up.

"That's enough, Ace. Let him work," Zero commanded.

Ace clenched his teeth, but he sat down and kept his mouth shut. Zero and the others watched as Nishan looked over the document.

Rosalyn stood with her arms crossed, feeling her heart pound. Every now and then, she shot a quick glance at Ace as Nishan studied it. He had a calm, unreadable look on his face as he inspected the memo. 

Nishan's brow creases more with each passing moment.

“Hmm…” he murmured.

“What are you doing now, Nishan? Didn't you already run those tests?” Zero asked.

“What? I mean, yes, but... there's always a margin of error with these things,” he started to stammer.

“Nishan. Just tell us. Is the memo real?” Zero pressed, leaning in.

“Well, you see, ha ha... can, uh... can anyone really determine whether…” Nishan trailed off, casting a panicked glance at Rosalyn.

As Nishan stumbled with his words, Rosalyn’s heart was racing. He was hesitating. Why? Had he found something?

“Come on, Nishan… just be honest with us,” she urged. Her heartbeat raced faster as Nishan continued to fidget nervously.

“The memo... it's a forgery,” he finally admitted. Nishan presented his findings to the Council. With each word, they grew angrier and angrier. “In conclusion, the chemical profile of the card stock, along with the ink brand, all point to this sample being printed as recently as last week.”

“Rosalyn, are you serious right now? How could you sink this low?” Owen said with a scowl.

“You produced a forgery to discredit your school's elected representative,” Zero chided.

“I… I thought it was real!” she stammered.

Ace stared at her with that same dumbfounded expression, but Rosalyn could swear she saw one corner of his mouth turn up ever so slightly. 

“You thought it was real, huh?” Zero asked. “Then where did you get it?”

Before she could respond, Ace cut in. "Whoa, whoa. It's okay. No harm done. Rosalyn was just trying to do what was right for her school. Isn't that right, Rosie?"

Rosalyn’s head whipped around to glare at Ace, her rage bubbling up. 

In a surprisingly calm, steely tone, she said, “Ace, you don’t need to speak for me.”

“I don't know what I did to hurt you, Rosalyn, but I'm sorry you feel the need to lash out at me like this,” he said.

Rosalyn gripped the back of her chair, fighting to keep her cool. He's infuriating... acting like he's done nothing wrong...

“Save the charm for somebody who cares,” she bit out before turning to the rest of the Council members. “Ace has been manipulating the Council since the very beginning! He's trying to get back at my school for winning the Hamilton Internship, and he won't stop until my school gets shut down.”

“By serving as your rep? Sorry, but that's kinda hard to believe,” Owen said, crossing his arms.

“Ha! I knew Rosalyn couldn’t be trusted. This looks more like personal vengeance,” Asher pointed out with a smirk. “It’s not very becoming of you to be so vindictive, Rosalyn.”

Rosalyn turned her attention back to Ace, “You know, Ace, when you're done stabbing everyone in the back, when there's no one left to betray... you're going to be alone. You know that, right?”

“That’s enough, Rosalyn,” Zero warned.

“Now get out before we kick you out,” Asher added.

Rosalyn clenched her hands into fists, but she knew this was a losing battle. She was backed into a corner, and there was nothing else she could do without making a bigger fool of herself.

She gave one last look of fury to Ace, then spun on her heel and stomped out of the room. Ace called after her in the hallway.

“Rosalyn! Rosie, wait up. Listen. I figure you're pretty confused right now,” he yelled out. She stopped but didn't turn around.

“What do you want?”

“Gotta say, last night was… something. A weaker man would’ve probably fallen for your little plot,” he said. “The pizza, the movie, us falling asleep into each other’s arms, just like old times. Then you waited until I was out of the picture to snoop. A bit underhanded, but I probably would’ve done something similar.”

“I almost had you, and you know it,” she snapped. Ace merely chuckled.

“The memo was bait, and you swallowed it whole. You played smart, but you just can't stake your entire reputation on a single piece of evidence,” he said. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Looks like through it all, I’m still teaching you things.”

She glared at him, fuming beyond words. Rosalyn felt a rush of anger at the smug look on Ace's face, at him placing a hand on her shoulder.

She jerked back. "Don’t touch me."

“You understand, don't you? You make friends everywhere you go, loyal ones still on the Council. I wasn't sure I could turn them against you. I had to make you turn them against you yourself. And I just did,” he continued. 

��Well played,” she said bitterly.

“Come now, Rosie. There’s still a bright side in all this. After Lakeside closes down, I’m sure you’d be a shoo-in at Kepler. We could be unstoppable together. Like we should have from the beginning. Maybe this little charade of ours could be real again.”

The feelings Rosalyn had been struggling to keep from boiling over finally erupted.

“You are unbelievable,” she hissed, shaking with anger. “You can’t honestly expect me to— is this a joke?”

“Why would I joke about something like this, Rosie,” he said.

“Enough with the ‘Rosie’! You don’t get to call me Rosie, not anymore,” she growled. “And what, I’m just supposed to let your little plan pan out, join Kepler, and we take over the universe, or whatever grand scheme you dream up?”

“We’d change the world,” he said, as though it was the most obvious conclusion. “You and me. Like it was always meant to be. When everything is right again and we'll never have anyone taking things they don't deserve. Never again.”

She wanted to continue to be angry, but all she could do was laugh. All the stress of the past days was finally taking its toll. “You honestly think I'm just going to turn my back on my school that easily? You think I’m just going to leave Lakeside behind?!”

“Of course not. You love your school, and you’d fight me to the end before you’d give it up,” he said. Rosalyn was shocked by his answer. It was exactly right, which was the most infuriating thing of all.

“Then how can you possibly even suggest I join you, after everything?” she whispered.

“Even if it was just a trick to get one over on me, you wouldn’t have spent the night with me if you didn’t still have feelings,” he continued. "Surely you had other methods of snooping around?"

“I was exhausted,” she lied. “I had to try anything.”

“And your only option was to fall asleep into my arms?” he pressed, clearly not believing her.

"You left a blanket on me!" she retorted. “Maybe you care too much yourself and you’re projecting on me.”

“That night was not one-sided, and you know it,” Ace said . “We both knew it was a farce, and yet…There was a moment between us… a connection.”

Rosalyn knew exactly what he was talking about, and there was nothing she wanted more than to tell him to stop, that it was all in his head. But her heart, as much as she wanted to deny it, longed for the comfort of being with him again.

Her heart was weak where he was involved. But her pride was stronger.

She clenched her fists to keep from screaming, even though some small part of her wanted to. "I wish you had never walked through the doors of Lakeside. I wish I’d never stepped foot on Kepler.  I wish I'd never met you. Whatever this–" she gestured between herself and Ace. “--is, I want no part of it. We’re done.”

She stormed out, blocking out whatever else Ace had to say to her.

Back on campus, she paced nervously in the journalism classroom, a painful lump in her throat.

“So what you're saying is... Ace manipulated us into having our school paper run a libelous hit piece on the one student trying to clean up our scandals,” Wes said, running his hands over his face. “This is so much worse than the cheating ring…”

“He played me,” Rosalyn said shakily. “I thought we had him on the ropes, but he wasn't even in the ring. I got too eager, I jumped the gun. This is all my fault.”

Wes shook his head. “No way. This isn’t your fault. You had no way of knowing… None of us did. This is on him. All of this.”

“No, I should have listened to you. I-I thought I could handle Ace on my own, a-and now…”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Hey, hey, hey… Don’t do that to yourself. This is not your fault at all. I fell for it too.”

Rosalyn buried her head against his chest, tears stinging her eyes. “What do we do… What are we gonna do now?”

Wes was uncomfortably quiet for a moment, rubbing her back.

“You said you didn't want to leave the board's vote to chance. Well, it's not up to chance anymore…” Wes murmured.

“The Council's next open session is tomorrow. If they vote in the proposal, it's over,” Rosalyn murmured.

That evening, Rosalyn sat alone in the gallery of the auditorium as the Council convened an open session. Wes offered to come inside with her, but she told him she didn’t want him to see her like this. He hung around on the steps, waiting for it all to end. Ace, looking unphased from Rosalyn’s outburst yesterday, brought up the proposal to close Lakeside.

“Now that Asher's put forth this motion, it is with a heavy heart that I forward it for a vote,” Ace said. “I still firmly believe that this school is a great place, a welcoming community with untapped potential. But with the recent cheating ring and the corruption of the student paper, it's clear that the school I represent has lost its way. It must be closed, for the sake of our district.”

“Amen to that!” Asher called out, only quieting down when a council member gave him a glare.

“This proposal requires a unanimous vote to pass. When your school is called, please state your vote, aye or nay. Hearst High…” Ace continued.

“Aye…” Kara seemed…disappointed, almost, as she cast her vote.

As each school was called, Rosayln felt the lump in her throat grow tighter and tighter.

“And finally, representing the school in question, my vote is…” Ace looked into the darkness of the auditorium, finding Rosalyn’s eyes. The corners of his lips formed the flicker of a smirk. “Aye…”

“A unanimous vote. The proposal will go on to the district board for consideration in one week,” Zero said. 

“Now, onto the next order of business..” Ace said casually. Rosalyn got up, storming out of City Hall as tears began to flood her eyes.

“Rosalyn!” Wes ran outside, jogging to catch up with her. “Hey! Don’t go...”

Rosalyn ignored his attempts to get her to slow down and kept running. Her body shook as she struggled to hold herself together. As she ran home, she tried to come with any plan, anything to stop what was already set in motion. Her rage and heartbreak burned through her thoughts.

Her father opened the door before she could unlock it.

"I thought you’d still be at that Council meeting– Rosalyn, are you alright?" Dr. Brinkwater asked. He took one look at her face and immediately wrapped her up in his arms. 

Rosalyn couldn't keep herself together anymore. The moment her father's arms encircled her, her heart shattered, and the tears poured out of her with heaving sobs. Dr.Brinkwater led her inside, helping her onto the couch as she cried.

It felt like an eternity. Every time she thought she was done, a fresh round of tears would erupt from the bottomless ocean of despair inside her. But eventually, the sobs finally faded, leaving behind only hiccups and sniffles. Her father handed her a tissue, and she wiped away the tear-streaked mess that was her face.

“I messed up,” she finally said.

“What do you mean, you messed up?” her father asked. He took her hands into his own, giving them a small squeeze.

Rosalyn took a shaky breath, not lifting her eyes to look at her dad. “I failed everyone. My friends, my classmates, the school… Lakeside is going to close, and it’s my fault. I was supposed to stop Ace… but he got one over on me like he always does!”

“Ace was behind all this?” Dr.Brinkwater asked.

She nodded. “The cheating ring, the scandal, the proposal to shut us down… It was all part of his plan. And he won.”

“Well, there has to be a way to stop this. The board hasn’t made their decision yet, so there must be something we can do.” Her dad said. "That boy forgets I run the board. I'll talk to my colleagues to see if we can shoot the proposal down.”

Rosalyn shook her head. "Ace might try to get you out of the way too," she sniffled. “He’s done it before.

Her dad gave her a small smile. “Don’t worry about me, Rosalyn. I’m the grownup here, remember. I can handle myself fine, I promise. Let me take care of this. In the meantime, you should go get some rest. I’ll bring your dinner up in a few minutes.”

[peachymilkandcream]

Teacher's Pet|Part 5|Teacher Levi x Student Evelyn

WARNINGS: implied noncon/dubcon, yandere themes/behaviours, power imbalance, manipulation, mind breaking, blackmail, violence, mentions of mental health struggles, age difference, misogyny, kidnapping, etc.

===============================================

Evelyn found her spewing the same lies. She was in the middle of telling anyone who would listen about the whore that was Evelyn. Her audience of lackeys gratefully listened to her, excited to hear about the newest and most trending gossip from such a popular girl. It boiled her blood until she saw red.

"Petra!" She marched right up to her, anger replacing any hesitation or fear she might have had.

"Yes? What do you want?" A smug smirk on her face.

"I hear that you've been spreading things about me."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just conveying the truth that I've been told by reliable sources."

"You know it's a lie. You know damn well that I haven't done any of those things you've been spewing."

"I don't actually. Why would I take the word of the accused over many eye witnesses who have seen your behavior first hand?"

"Who? Who are your witnesses telling you all this?"

"What so you can go and harass them too? I don't think so. They're my friends who don't want to deal with you. They're too scared to stand up to you themselves so they've had me do it. I'm not scared of you."

"What? I'm not even threatening anyone. How in any way am I harassing people?"

Petra sighs. "Some girls just don't know how to take accountability. It's a shame."

"Shut up. Just because you're upset I called you for what you are doesn't give you a right to be this way."

Evelyn steps closer to emphasize her point which is the moment Petra takes to push her. One of her lackeys holds out his foot and trips her, making her tumble to the ground.

Before she can get up Petra holds her down by placing her foot on Evelyn's back and holding her there. A small group gathered to laugh at the slut finally getting what she deserved for being so horrible to every girl on campus.

"Look who's all high and mighty now. You look down on everyone here, now it's time that we can look down on you."

"I didn't do anything-"

"Are you seriously going to give us more of those lies?"

"What she we do to her Petra?" A girl asks.

After a moment of staring at her Petra slowly gains a cruel grin. "I say we bring her to the football teams locker room, all tied up with a bow as a present for beating our rival school."

"You wouldn't fucking dare-"

"Oh I would. I owe the quarterback a favor, I'll just call it even now."

"You bitch-"

"Get her out of here."

Before anyone could make a move toward her a loud call to stop is heard, making the group freeze.

They all turn to where none other than Professor Levi pushes through the group, an enraged expression on his face. "What the hell is going on here?"

All the color drains from Petra's face. "Nothing Professor-"

"Don't give me that. Is this how you treat your classmates? Are we still in middle school?"

"I wasn't-"

"Just shut up." He helps Evelyn to her feet, still glaring. And while his antics disgusted Evelyn, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "Grow up Petra."

He leaves her there with the group, taking Evelyn with him.

================================================

He had taken Evelyn to his own home, stating that he didn't trust someone to not be waiting for her at the dorms to do something equally as awful as what they'd been planning. It was all so she could lay low he said.

Levi's house was typical of a Professor's, barely lived in because he spent so much time at the school. The only signs that someone even lived there the food in the fridge and the papers scattered to be graded. Aside from the papers, still stacked neatly in columns, the house was cleaned to perfection. Like his whole life was work and cleaning. Which checked out since it seemed like he didn't get out much.

"Make yourself at home. Can I get you anything?"

"Nothing, thank you."

Despite this within a few minutes he returns from the kitchen with tea.

"Oh no thank you I don't drink tea-"

"Drink it." It wasn't a request.

She hated it, but complied. He had just saved her, the least she could do was choke down the drink.

"You saved me back there. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

He waves it off. "Don't worry about it. I won't hold it against your head or anything. The first time we're together I want it to be your choice, not because I forced you."

It was weird how he spoke like it was destiny for them to hook up at least if not something more.

Slightly uncomfortable she changes the subject. "So what brought you to this school?"

"No real reason. It's near enough where I live so that I wouldn't have to relocate."

"Can I ask, why did you leave your other schools then?"

"I had my reasons."

She had a feeling it had something to do with his grading system, but didn't want to push him.

Instead they sat in silence, Evelyn trying to get a read on him and what his true intentions of helping her were. But no such luck. He had a mask that was impenetrable.

"I hope you don't think that your attack today will excuse you from class."

Right. Another one of her problems. She was still failing miserably. Now the whole school hated her and she was indebted to the professor who held her grades in the balance. While he said that she didn't have to repay him, she still felt she needed to. And she needed to pull her grades up.

It hit her that there was one way to both repay Levi and salvage the semester.

"Professor?"

He didn't answer, acknowledging her by raising a brow and meeting her gaze.

"I think I'd like to take you up on your offer if it's still available."

[loviwonnie]

—COOL WITH YOU

010. oh shit (written 0.8k)

the long-awaited break came and that means that its time for you to start your plan. to find out what wonyoung thinks about ricky.

you and wonyoung have been friends ever since you came to this school. she was just standing in front of her locker fixing her hair, and you managed to trip over and fall with her. you both looked at each other and laughed. ever since then you have become inseparable and every student called you “the two pretty best friends”.

wonyoung has been watching a lot of guys lame attempts to try and talk to her but none of them could catch her attention. but something has changed when ricky transferred into your school. you couldn't help but notice how your best friend always fixes her hair, makeup and clothes everytime he passes by. she was smiling when they did the smallest and unnoticeable eye contacts. you can tell that she finds him attractive. and it was true. ricky was hot topic when he just came and immediately caught everyone's attention. wonyoung was one of them, well, you were too.

now you find out that ricky actually liked her for a long time and you had to play the cupid here. ‘i will make them happy’ was your motto and you were repeating this word ever since you came to cafeteria and waited for your bestie to arrive.

“wonyoung! i am here,” you called your friend who was shining and glowing as always. with a bright smile on her face, she ran to you and sat down with her food tray.

“look, they have my favorite tuna kimbap,” she happily exclaimed and pointed at the rice wrapped in seaweed with tuna in it.

“they better be good” you grinned and took a bite of your bread. “wonyoung, i, you know, haven't been here for a while and there are so many new people here. for example, jungwon, hanni, well I don't know much about their friend group, so I thought maybe you could tell something about them” you said, trying not to sound suspicious or weird

“yeah sure,” wonyoung sat more comfortably and started talking about how cute hanni is, eunchae’s weirdness but in a good way, niki’s great basketball abilities, how jungwon is very nice and smart, but you had a hard time doubting that. and ricky’s turn came.

“oh ricky, um, he is, cute and kind, and also very funny, but you know, in awkward way, because he is still trying to adapt here,”

as wonyoung started talking about ricky, you noticed the way her cheeks turned red, she was looking down and avoiding your gaze. she probably was shy talking about him.

“so you like him?” you smiled and her eyes widened.

“hey, quiet! I don't want anyone to hear that” she shutted your mouth with her palms and looked around, hoping that none of his friends are near.

“omg you do like him! omg! for how long?”

“ever since he came here, now shut up, it's my turn to ask you questions” wonyoung coughed and looked straight into your eyes. you felt sudden pressure but tried to act cool.

“why did you look so invested when I talked about jungwon?” she lifted one of her eyebrows and crossed her arms.

“huh?” you looked at her confusing, trying to understand what she just said

“yn, darling, just say that you are interested in jungwon, you didn't have to make all of this just to hear something about him”

“what? are you crazy? i am not interested in him!”

“i saw how you moved closer when i started talking about him, you like jungwon?”

“no! wonyoung, I don't know why you thought that i like him because I don't! how can i like him if he is rude, mean and just awful? he sighs irritably when i get the good mark at classes or i swear to God, he judges me everytime he looks at me. he hates me, and I don't know why, so I don't see any reasons to like him” you exhaled after saying it all without stopping and looked at your friend with eyes full of wildness.

behind wonyoung, you noticed jungwon who was standing there looking at you with a slight of confusion and surprise. he heard everything and as soon as you saw him, you regretted every word your stupid and uncontrollable mouth had said. you didn't want to call him awful, that was too much, you understood that.

‘oh shit’ you thought and wanted to approach jungwon, but he was already gone. you felt bad, really bad. you knew that you have to apologize but just didn't how and when because it's not so easy to go and talk to a person who despises you.

‘that was..weird, but at least I learned some useful information’ you tried to calm yourself down with the thought of successfully accomplished mission.

— prev — masterlist — next

iris notes :: omg guys have you seen the ru next final?? the debut line up?? it's so rigged I just can't understand how youngseo is not the center and my girl jiwoo 😭😭

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[likeysoob]

I’m so blind by likeysoob

Episode 3

This episode is that the first term ended so now it November so y/n talks about her grades and how easy it was. Y/n has gym now where she meets ningning again so she brings y/n to her lunch table and that’s how she meets Karina and winter. The try outs for ive happen, wonyoung and y/n instantly recognizes each other “oh its…you” and have beef which leave rei sad because she actually likes y/n, so shes not accepted into the group. Y/n tells the girls and they’re like “music competition? Hmmmmm let’s do something about it! We got you girl!” and they plan things from there

“Let me see what you got for your first report card!” I roll my eyes, what’s even the big deal about these report cards anyways? Just because i want to be an artist, doesn’t mean i need to do science or math like the fuck? I grab my backpack to open it and give her the report card. She takes it from me and opens it, “A in choir, A in math, A in art, and C- in science?! Y/n! What is this?!” Good lord. “Mom that class is just stupid and hard, like none of it even makes any sense, i still pass though since its not an F.” My mom just starts yelling at me, I couldn’t care cause im passing anyways. Science is not even the career i plan to do anyways. Tomorrow is a new term, new classes, and hopefully new people. I need something exciting in my life, maybe a girlfriend? Whatever, i just need to get rest….shit. What even are my classes?

“I mean she didn’t even deny she was a flop, just asked who wrote it on the board.” Ning says. I just look at her, “i mean if she wasn’t such a bitch with a big ego just because she won multiple awards and events last year, then I wouldn’t be a bitch too. She’s just a person that makes the alpha come out of me to protect my omegas.” My face scrunches up, “What the fuck are you even talking about?” She gives me a look, like girl I’m not listening to all that yap… “Wonyoung! Duh…” Ning replies. “She’s won multiple awards?” I asked and Ning nods and rolls her eyes. “You know, i don’t even know who she is but she sounds like a massive bitch.”

If you’re wondering what class i and Ning is in, then it’s gym. This class is filled with so many boys and barely any girls, the worst part is that the gym teacher is a massive dick. If you miss one day of gym, you need to make it up by running 3 miles like what the fuck? So thank god Ning is in this class or else I wouldn’t have survived. “Girls! Start playing the game!” The teacher yells at us then turns to one girl, “You! Get some speed in you and run to the ball!” The girl responds back, “How about you run since you’re such a fatass!” Oh shit..

Well, it’s the end of class now. That girl ended up saying so much shit to the gym teacher in which the principal came in, it was pretty funny. Now we’re in the locker room, I’m pretty sure i have lunch right now when the bell rings. “Hey Ning, do you have lunch right now?” Her face glows up, “omg! Yes i do! Same as you?” I nod. “Great! I should introduce you to my friends! I’m pretty sure you guys will get along.” The bell rings as i just finished putting the lock on my gym locker. I follow Ning to the lunch room in which we were the first few people in there since the gym is close to the cafeteria. “This food is so shit…” i say out loud and Ning agrees. My head turns to the right of me and i see a staff just looking at me like they heard what i said, they probably did though.

Ning goes over to one of the lines and i follow. I’m just hungry, i don’t care what it is. When we get at the table, Ning looks around. “Ning!” We turn in the direction where the voice came from and i see a girl with short black hair waving at Ning. “Why is she over there? This is our spot!” Ning takes her tray and starts walking over there with me following behind.

Hey guys so i decided to discontinue this since i wasn’t feeling very satisfied with what i had and i wanted to focus more on other stories so i apologize :(

<- last episode | see all episodes

[jukeboxjackal]

Headcanon- Dating Jock! Carol Danvers

Carol Danvers x fem! Reader

A/n: Hey guys, hey guys. Haven’t been here in a while. If i’m not here, it’s either because of writers block, i don’t feel like it, low motivation, or just general laziness. But enjoy my first actual piece in a while though! I just write sometimes now lmfao

Ok ok so first of all, just in general information I feel like she is the softball captain. Reason being is softball is stereotypically a gay sport LMFAO but I guess it’s kind of right (I say this as a softball player and a friend haha) and I think she’d be utility playing either pitcher, catcher, or 3rd base

Anyways to follow with the last bullet, I feel like she would definitely have an undercut and show it almost allll the time. She also has a varsity letterman jacket that may or may not on the tag on the inside say: ‘Property of: Carol Danvers ⁺⁽ʸ/ⁿ⁾ ⁽ˡ/ⁿ⁾♡) You definitelyyyy did not write the second part

More in the popular crowd, whether you are too is up to you

Her arch-nemesis has got to be the volleyball captain Valkyrie. For one, they don’t get along and two, she so obviously has a thing for you

She’s usually hanging out with her friends in the halls or the courtyard, but when she sees you walk by she immediately goes to catch-up with you

She’s superr protective of you. When she’s walking with you she’s always holding your hand or she has an arm around you at all times. If anyone says anything even slightly snarky to you she’ll look them dead in the eye and say ‘Wanna repeat that?’

She also loves when you wear her clothes and especially her sports jackets, helps to show people that you’re hers

Her nicknames for you are the cliches, such as: Babe, baby, sweetheart, (Y/N/N), princess, and my lady/ girl. Whereas you like to call her: Care-bear (she acts like she hates it but you know she doesn’t), bubs, captain or cap, and baby

She does get jealous, but only when you’re clearly interested in the other person. Like when you were hanging out with that one ballet girl Natasha Romanoff who was teaching you but was also way too close to you and she told the dancer to back off

As much as I might get some hate for this, I do feel like she might have been a bit of a bully. Not in the way that she’d go out of her way to be mean to others but just to uphold a reputation. Like if she’s with her popular friends she’d snicker and make some snarky rude comment about a less-popular kid, but if you ever saw her do it she’d apologize to you and to the other secretly

She’s super sweet to you, always going over to your house and bringing you something whether it’s food or flowers

She usually gives you rides to and from school

Don’t forget about y’all’s after-game dates!

#6 on the field but #1 in your heart that’s for sure

If you were to also be on the softball team as well, she’d still treat you the same as the other girls (but behind closed doors that’s different) Like the one time where the team had lost a game and she made you guys do laps for every base you could have stolen but after that she took you out to eat and she apologized profusely

Make-out sessions in the locker room and the bleachers

If you don’t play, you still make sure to be at all of her games. Home or away, you find a way (ooh that rhymed)

Let’s not talk about that one time she was pitching and behind the cage she saw you talking to the opposing team member who had to use the bathroom

She’s your #1 gym buddy and vice-versa

Oh and she definitely said I love you first

Overall, she is the sweetest and you would consider her damn-near perfect. She definitely has her flaws but that’s with everyone. Your love is unmatchable.

Hey guys! Sorry if this wasn’t as straight to the point as my last headcanon was, but I just had a lot to say I guess lol. Anyways, I’ll probably come back to edit this in a few hours I just wanted to put something out for now. Until next time!

Thanks for reading! Feedback, requests, and inquiries are always appreciated and welcome!

[georgiedoodles]

📚Broppy CollegeAU | "Campus Days"

Part 5: Locker #A340

Tuesday, week 3 of 16.

“BRANCH!!” arms quickly wrapped around his shoulders, it’s a pair of pink hands resting under his neck; a certain someone seems to be getting more comfortable with being touched. Branch turned to look over his shoulder and saw Poppy grinning ear to ear with excitement.

“How come you’re in line for the lockers already? Isn’t class about to start in a few minutes?” Poppy peeks over his shoulder to see a long line of students waiting for registration, Branch seemed to be the 20th person in the queue.

Branch faced forward again, “Well, last week the professor said we’re excused from the class to get our lockers, after all we’re doing independent work today, there won’t be a lecture to miss out on.” Branch patted her hands, holding her arms and gently swaying.

Poppy swayed along, it felt nice to be this close to him. Luckily, she left her portfolio and tote bag at their station, so she avoided another trip inside. Soon enough, the queue started to move, and students were getting their lockers. Branch and Poppy sign their names on a card which included the locker number [A340], the locker code [11-4-16] and the building it was at.

“Do you want to check out the locker or go back to class?” Poppy asked while holding the card, taking a photo of it with her phone. Branch gave it a moment and nodded, “No, let’s wait until after the class to drop off our stuff at the locker. I even brought a locker divider to help us utilize more space.” He smiled and walked along side Poppy back to class.

The classroom was quiet, the professor seemed to be late, and everyone was confused. A good 20 minutes after class had begun and there was still no sign of him, not even an email through their school app. Then a student got up, packed up his things and left the class. One by one, everyone followed his example and left, it looks like class is canceled today. Poppy and Branch looked at each other, waiting for one of them to pack up and leave.

“Hey Branch?”

“Yes Poppy?”

“What do we do now?” never breaking eye contact, she was hesitant, she never had this happen to her before. Branch reached under his cart and collected his belongings; Poppy mirrored his actions and they both left together. They made their way to their locker, dropping off some of their work and utensils before they walked toward the café, they had nothing else to do for the time being.

“I’m kinda hungry, did you want coffee and snacks, or did you want actual food to eat?” Poppy brushes out the knots at the end of her ponytail with her fingers, glancing over to Branch.

Branch hummed, thinking about his schedule, they had a few hours to burn, “Let’s get actual food, I have about 3 hours before I need to head to my next class” He adjusted his backpack, it was a lighter now that they offloaded their stuff earlier. Poppy nods and makes their way to the cafeteria, pulling out her wallet from her tote bag at the same time. In the cafeteria, Poppy orders a breakfast curry burrito with a bottle of orange juice, and Branch orders a grilled chicken sandwich with apple juice. Poppy paid for their food and sent Branch to find some seats for them, he carried both of their trays to a table.

“Thank you Branch~, it was super sweet of you to bring my tray aswell.” She patted his shoulder and sat down across from him. Branch smiled and happily took a bite from his sandwich. Halfway through their breakfast, Poppy’s mind started to wander, she was unknowingly staring at Branch when he ate a particularly saucier part of his sandwich, she watched him lick his bottom lip to clean from any sauce running down his chin. She wondered what his lips felt like. When branch reached for his juice, she watched him break open the seal of his apple juice, his jaw is very defined when he tilts his head back to take a sip.

Soon enough, Poppy started to wonder something about him, ‘Does he have a girlfriend? Has he ever had a girlfriend?’ She took another bite, chewing very slowly, thinking deeply about her friend’s personal life a bit more. ‘I wonder what kind of partner he is, maybe he’s soft and clingy? What if he’s the opposite of how he is now?? Like, what if he’s assertive and- ‘

“Poppy? Uhhh hello? Earth to Poppy?” Branch waved his hand in front of her face, trying to bring her back from whatever world she’s in.  

“Huh? OH” Her cheeks burned up and quickly composed herself when she noticed Branch staring at her. “Don’t worry *cough* I’m fine, I just had some… homework on my mind.” She sipped her juice, trying to seem normal.

“Ookaay.” He brings his sandwich up to his mouth, taking a small bite and watching Poppy’s movements carefully. “What kind of homework is it? Did you need help doing it?”

“It’s uhm...” Poppy and Branch lock eyes, he continued to eat and wait for her response. “I can do it myself, don’t worry” She laughs awkwardly, imagining them kissing for an assignment. “What kind of class do you take after our art class?” She changed the subject, she wanted to think about other things instead of what Branch’s lips taste like.

Branch takes another sip of his juice to clear his throat, “Well it’s a prerequisite class that I need for my other history class, it’s just a lecture that I have to sit for twice a week.” He shrugged, taking the last bite. He organized the trash on their table onto his tray. Poppy felt a bit full, so she packed her burrito for later, and cleaned up the rest of their area.

They both stood up to leave “So what now? We have more than an hour before you leave” Poppy threw away their trash and left their tray on top of the bin. "We could always go to the library and finish some of our homework together, maybe some of the study group rooms are available for us to use." Branch thought about Poppy's assignment she was thinking about, this would be a good time for them to get stuff done together. Poppy nodded, and they both made their way to the library. 

Inside the Library was cold and the air felt crisp, Branch walked to the kiosk in front of the librarian's desk to reserve a study group room. Fortunately, one room was open for an hour before the next group reservation. Inside the room, it muffled most noise, so the students using it could talk at a normal level without disturbing the ones studying outside of it. In the middle was a large round desk that Branch and Poppy sat at, and behind them was a large whiteboard that took up the entire wall. Branch set up his laptop and took out his textbook and notebook. Poppy pulled out her iPad and mounted it on her keyboard. They both sat in silence, to Branch it was peaceful and put him in a studious mood. On the other hand, Poppy felt like the silence was too loud, she could hear her heartbeat in her ears and her thoughts seemed louder, so she slipped in her earbuds and played some white noise. 

Poppy was not used to being alone with Branch, she was used to a pair of carts putting some distance between them, but there were no carts, and he felt so far away from him. She stretched out her legs to feel closer to him, at the same time, Branch stretched his out to also feel closer to her. Their shoes touched and Branch apologized, when he was about to pull his legs back under him, Poppy quickly spoke up,

"Actually..." She blushed at the idea, "You can leave your legs out, it feels nice to know I'm not that far away from you." She felt shy and instantly regretted her words.

Branch smiled, reaching his legs out, and touched the noses of their shoes gently, a fuzzy feeling blazed through him. This felt very intimate for both of them. Poppy always held hands, hugged, cuddled, or took naps with her friends. Yet, this felt different, she could tell that they both had some desire buried under their friendship. Poppy and Branch wanted more, but they didn't know what that more was. All Poppy could do was use her legs to link their ankles together, it's as if they were holding hands.

It stopped feeling cold in the room, it felt warm and cozy. Butterflies were swarming in their stomachs. They were entranced by the other's touch, distracting them completely.

Before they knew it, the hour was up, and they were disrupted by the next group that needed the room. Branch and Poppy left the library, and neither got any work done.

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[resident-gay-bitch]

Day One of @steddie-week - hunger / pining / somebody to love

Eddie’s having a smoke out by the old bleachers. It’s a warm day out, the sun’s shining down and there's a cool breeze that drifted through his hair to cool the back of his neck. It was nice. He wished it could be a little nicer, though. 

Tommy Hagan, the stupid oaf that he was, had just attempted to utterly humiliate in the middle of his English Oral on To Kill A Mockingbird, and despite his shocking grades, Eddie was actually very good at English and dissecting a text. He focused the main part of his essay on the prejudice themes within, granted he could understand and relate to them in one way or another, and pulled out a bloody brilliant essay if he did say so himself - though, he knew that he’d be coming close to a fail again, because Ms Click had it out for him and she hated his ‘vulgar language’ and ‘woke themes’. Bitch. Tommy had picked up on how Eddie reflected his own experiences to the text, and decided to start heckling him. You feeling a little left out, Munson? Gonna have a cry because you’re at the bottom of the food chain? All stupid shit that didn’t even make much sense because he’s pretty sure Tommy didn’t actually do the reading. 

Eddie gave him a grin and kept going until he just wouldn’t shut up, and Eddie was about to run out of time and he still had a whole paragraph to go, and so he just turned to Hagan and said, I know you can’t go three seconds without everyone's attention on you, Hagan, but don’t you think it’s a little pathetic how desperate for my attention you are? 

He got thrown out of the class instantly, and a big ‘F’ stamped on his essay. 

Whatever. 

Eddie didn’t care for all the attention he got. I mean, sure, he’d get up on tables and stomp around, preaching his shit and making a fool out of himself, but he only did that on the good days. The Confident days. The days he had something to say. Every other day, every other minute, he wished to go unnoticed. To blend in with the crowd and just live it out until graduation. But there's never a moment of peace with these jackasses. They’ve always got something to say. 

For a group of people who always like to tell Eddie how unimportant he is, they sure do take up a lot of their own time talking about him. 

It’s kinda funny, actually. 

Either way, Eddie was sick of it. He just wanted to get up there, give his oral, sit back down, and get on with his school day. He had a campaign to host tonight, and then band practice after that since Gareth was going up to Florida to visit his grandma on the weekend. So he was kind of thankful he got kicked out of class… maybe he was asking for it, he didn’t care. Now he could stand out here and smoke in peace, rather than getting balls of paper with studpid drawings or dumbass notes thrown at his head for the rest of class. 

Okay, scratch that, Eddie would prefer the bullying right now. 

From here, he had a clear view of the outdoor basketball courts. They were shitty and dinged up pretty well, the hoop no longer had a net on it - save for a singular ratty old string hanging down - and there were marks all over the backboard. The courts were mostly used by the freshman during lunchtime for dumb basketball, and as a safe ground for the science class when things were too dangerous to stand near or if they’d swell up and explode. 

But there, on the shitty courts, were Hargrove and Harrington. Two of the biggest dicks to ever grace the fine halls of Hawkins High. Eddie found their petty rivalry absolutely fucking hilarious. 

One minute ‘King Steve’s sitting all high and mighty on his throne, pretty girl on his arm, and then in walks Billy and threatens everything he stands for. 

Comedy fucking gold. 

Though, Eddie did start to feel a little sympathy for Steve about it. After having his first real interaction with Billy - a quick deal at his own goddamned school locker - he realised how much of a cunt he was. And jeez, for Steve to be Billy’s main target, he’s gotta be going through it. And not only that, but it seemed to be getting worse after Steve got dumped by Nancy Wheeler. God, that was the talk of the school for weeks. And now Steve had lost his crown and was like… nobody. Steve was actually getting heckled in the halls now - nowhere near as much as Eddie, but still. 

Yeah, maybe the little homoerotic rivalry between the two ‘Kings’ of Hawkins High wasn’t as funny as Eddie thought. 

Eddie hated when people noticed him when he wasn’t actively seeking attention, but he kinda wished Steve would. He didn’t even look at Eddie when he’d jump up on cafeteria tables anymore - which is definitely not the reason why Eddie has made this a tri-to-quater-weekly occurrence or anything - nothing. He wouldn’t pay him any mind. 

And yeah, okay, this was stupid. God it was so fucking stupid. Eddie knew that. He knew that better than anyone because why on fucking earth would the universe decide that Eddie the Freak had to trip and fall head over goddamn heels for Steve motherfucking Harrington? 

What had Eddie done - in this life or the last - that was so horrible to have deserved this fate? 

He hadn’t a clue. However, he did know it must have been utterly terrible because he’d been sporting these dumb feelings since Harrington's freshman year. Four years. For long years. 

And for what? 

He’s pretty sure they’ve spoken a total of (give or take) twenty words to one another in that time, and most of them would have been Eddie apologising for ‘accidentally’ bumping into Steve in the halls. 

Okay, the crush was dumb, super fucking dumb. Steve was a popular straight jock. But at least Eddie didn’t fall for one of his bullies. Sure, Hagan gave him a hard time just about every day, but Steve didn’t give him a word of it. He’d either just stand there with a bitchy look on his face (which Eddie often thought about when daydreaming in class… or other times), bored out of his mind, waiting for Tommy to finish, or, he’d be standing there with the girl he’d claimed that week and would either talk to or suck face with her. 

Eddie hated that last one. 

A lot of the time Eddie would zone out on Hagans ranting and stare oogily at Steve kissing whatever girl it was and imagine Steve would just push her away and storm over to Eddie and just… just fucking grab him and slam their lips together. It’d be like in the movies, you know? With… with some dramatic love song like Dream Weaver or some shit playing in the background, and there'd be cartoon hearts in Eddie’s eyes and stars floating around their heads. And maybe Steve would shove him up against the lockers and kiss him like it was the only thing he’d know how to do, and then they’d peel away and look at Tommy and just laugh at him - because Eddie can definitely see that Tommy’s feelings for Steve ran a little deeper than the best friendship he claimed it was. 

But that would never happen. 

Steve has never- and would never kiss Eddie, passionately or not. 

So now all he could do was stare.

He stared off at the basketball courts as Steve tried to steal the ball from Hargrove, watching the way his thick thighs moved in those tiny little shorts, the way his ass filled them out when he’d bend over, the way his biceps flexed when he’d managed to grab the ball and shoot, the way his hair would flop over his pretty eyes before it’d get swept back by his large hand that Eddie has also thought about… a lot. 

When Hargrove shoved at Steve's chest (like a good damned toddler who didn’t get their way) so hard he went skidding to the ground, Eddie had to fight the urge to just run over there and punch Billy’s lights out - though, if he were to do that it could be justified with about a million other reasons, but he wasn’t looking for another detention right now - and cradle Steve in his arms. To check if he was okay. To kiss all the parts that hurt. 

Lord, Eddie was so far gone over nothing. 

Absolutely nothing. 

He sucked on his cigarette and celebrated quietly to himself when Steve got back to his feet and shoved his shoulder aggressively into Billy’s before running to get the ball. He watched them fight over it again, and couldn’t help his smile as Steve made one of those goal things. You know… the one that’s made from the middle of the court. The big one. He couldn’t help the little blush in his cheeks as he watched Steve do a little happy dance, the wriggle of his hips as he shook his fists like he was holding maracas. Billy was not happy, and that seemed to make Steve even more proud. 

It made Eddie proud. 

Jesus. 

Why was he so set on this asshole? 

Why couldn’t he like someone a little more in his own league? I mean, he still probably wouldn’t get them then either, but he’d at least have a chance. 

You know the worst part about this is Steve's tendency to be a little bit of a whore. Because like, he gets around. Skull Rock - that was once Eddie’s escape and eventually smoking spot - was only deemed the ‘hookup spot’ after Steve took multiple girls there within the span of a month. So, like, Eddie has to see him with girl after girl after girl every week, and know that he’d never be one of those girls. 

He was a little ashamed to know that he’d spent a good few nights crying himself to sleep over it. 

It was hopeless, this crush. It was helpless too. Steve was beautiful. The most handsome man Eddie had ever seen, and always had been, and yeah he was an asshole - so was Eddie - but he wasn’t a cunt. 

Eddie didn’t understand why it stuck around so long. 

He sighed and sucked on his cigarette again, blowing the smoke out as he smiled at Steve's little happy dance one more time. Right as he was crushing the butt of his cig with his sneaker, Steve turned his head and looked at him. 

The smile that still lingered on Eddie’s lips dropped in an instant, and he swallowed the lump in his throat and ground his sneaker into his cigarette one more time so Steve would know he was out here for a smoke and not to perv… even though he definitely was.

Steve flashed him a small smile, the smile that he flashed teachers or past hookups or casual friends or just people he knew in the halls, and nodded his head once as a sort of ‘hey’, his hands perched on his hips as it was happening, his hair flopping back down over his eyes. He flicked his head back to clear his vision again, and then he turned back to Billy without so much of a second thought and crouched into ready position to get the ball again. 

Oh. 

That’s why. That’s why Eddie’s crush had never ended. 

Because every so often Steve would give him one of those ‘I know you, hey’ nods, or a tight lined ‘I just realised I was walking past someone I know’ smiles, and Eddie would melt. 

Eddie would melt so much because no one with Steves status would give those to Eddie. And he knew he was scraping for crumbs right now but that… oh, he recognised Eddie and he said hey, and- Oh, fuck! Eddie didn’t do it back… again. 

Jesus, he never fucking does. Always too distracted by Steve’s pretty features and the fact that he noticed him. 

Maybe Steve did notice him, sometimes.

Eddie just wished Steve would see him too. 

**

super late submission but whatever :) it's in before it's over and that's all that matters to me rn lol.

read Day Two here

\/ a dodgy art piece for this one \/