#all the grinch wanted was peace quiet and to be loved and accepted

[gibbinso]

Merry Christmas! 🦌🎄☃️🎄🦌

“Blast this Christmas music. It’s joyful and triumphant.”

[idreamofplaid]

A Merry Little Christmas

Summary: Christmas can be, above all, a season of hope. Dean reminds the reader of that.

Characters: Dean x Reader; Marla & Ted (OCs)

Word Count: 2821

Warnings: Oral (female receiving)

A/N: This is for @firefly-in-darkness written as part of @negans-lucille-tblr ‘s fic exchange. I hope you like it. It’s inspired by the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

The bar was empty with the exception of some of the hardcore regulars. It was the week before Christmas, and that changed the clientele somewhat, but not entirely. Some of the fortunate had places to be, loved ones to draw near, and celebrations to bring to life the joyful intent of the season. For others, it was the same routine, December 25th was just another day on the calendar. 

Marla Henderson had her usual seat at the end of the bar wearing something tight fitting and low cut to see whose eye she might catch. She’d been doing it ever since her husband left in a desperate grab at feeling wanted, desired, and validated again. Watching her always made Y/N feel a hollow, nagging sadness in the pit of her stomach. She could be Marla in a few years, only without the husband. 

That thought filled her with melancholy, and the music from the jukebox wasn’t helping. The Carpenters could always make her feel wistful even when the song was about roasting chestnuts and meant to be festive. The garland that was hanging in swags around the room was also having the opposite of the desired effect on her. It looked out of place, like a poor attempt at a pretense of merriment.

Ted Markham was also here tonight, slinging back the whiskeys. The holidays hadn’t changed anything for him, or about him. He was always on the prowl, looking to get lucky, and far too often he was looking to get lucky with her; tonight was no different. “Hey, darlin’, how about another one?”

She poured another shot in his glass and asked a little more cynically than she should  with a customer, “Don’t you ever have a limit, Ted?”

He put his hand over hers suggestively. “Not too often, gorgeous.”

She pulled her hand away and put the bottle back on the shelf. He just wasn’t getting the hint tonight. “Y/N, why don’t you come over here and sit on this stool next to me? It’s a slow night. Nobody’s gonna mind.”

He was right about one thing. It was a slow night. Couples seemed to have already paired up for the holidays to bask in the warmth of true love or enjoy a fleeting whatever to help get them through the season. After a string of disappointing boyfriends and too many dashed dreams of holiday romance, Y/N had basically given up. “Sounds tempting, Ted, but I’m gonna pass.”

He wasn’t usually a belligerent drunk, but maybe something in the tone of her voice had set him off. “Now is that any way to talk to your best customer?”

Y/N had been in her share of tight spots thanks to her chosen line of work over the years, but this time she found herself getting really uncomfortable and just wishing she could sink beneath the bar and hide.

She was struggling for a comeback and starting to get flustered when a tall, powerfully built stranger with broad shoulders and the face of a Calvin Klein model confidently strode up to the bar. He made a point of standing in Ted’s space and flashed Y/N an easy smile. She got lost in his deep green eyes for a minute and almost missed what he said. “Sorry I’m late, sweetheart.”

He gave a cursory glance over his shoulder at Ted. That was all he needed to do. This man had an air about him that anyone with an ounce of sense or self preservation would know not to challenge. Ted made a lame excuse about it being late and hastily left.

The unknown, handsome guy took a seat on the barstool Ted had vacated. Marla was already giving him her best sultry look. Y/N recovered from her earlier discomfort. There was something about being in this guy’s presence that made her feel safe. She couldn’t think of anything clever to say so she went with, “Thanks for rescuing me. Can I offer you a drink on the house?”

He smiled again, and she felt her Grinch like shrunken heart start to glow a little bit. “Sure. I’m Dean.” He extended his hand.  When she accepted his hand to shake it, it was warm, solid, and strong. Y/N could get used to the feeling of that hand.

Dean stayed until closing time, and after a couple shots of whiskey he had switched to beer. It was a small gesture but one that didn’t go unnoticed by Y/N. He wasn’t interested in getting drunk.

Y/N wasn’t sure why he was alone in a bar tonight. Maybe he didn’t have anywhere to go? Maybe he was alone too? That was hard to believe; look at him. And for the first time since she’d noticed Dean, she did. She really looked at him.

There was a depth in his eyes that it was easy to miss at first, probably because he kept it hidden; he didn’t want anyone to see it. It was a type of softness wrapped up and hidden by the hard glint he’d most likely put in his eyes because sometimes he needed that to survive.

Y/N was fascinated by Dean and spent the rest of her shift getting to know him. Marla gave up after about forty-five minutes and left when Dean hadn’t so much as tossed a look in her direction. Y/N’s questions weren’t too probing, just the getting to know you kind of stuff. “I’ve never seen you around before. What brings you to town?”

Dean took a slow drag from his beer, and the way his full lips circled around the opening of that bottle was more than a little distracting. He gave a mirthless chuckle and sighed. “Business is kind of slow for once. Don’t have much family, just my brother. He’s got a new girlfriend. They’ve been dancing around each other for a couple of years now. Finally took the plunge, and I’d just be the third wheel. So, I hit the open road to see where it’d take me.” He took another drink of his beer and appraised her with his eyes. They stopped their downward movement at her neck, which she also appreciated. “What about you? How’d you end up in this bar?”

This was a story Y/N didn’t tell often. She preferred to keep it pushed back as far as she could get it, covered in dust, on a high shelf where no one ever looked. She wanted to tell him, and poured herself a drink to reinforce her courage. “I needed a new start. Life didn’t turn out at all like I had expected or hoped, and I thought a change in geography might magically fix it.” She put her whiskey glass down on the bar after only taking one sip. “I was wrong.” 

Dean didn’t say anything, instead waiting for her to go on when she was ready. “I didn’t have the happiest childhood. For awhile I thought I’d escaped all that. Met a guy. We even had a little house together, but then he cheated on me. End of fairytale.”

Dean leaned forward, resting his forearms on the bar. His voice was quiet, reflective. He looked into her eyes, and she knew he actually saw her. “Bastard. You deserved better.”

Y/N laughed, the way she sometimes did when she didn’t know how to process her feelings. “How do you know? You just met me.”

Dean paused, and there was a heaviness in his words when he answered, “I know how to read people.”

Y/N laughed again. “Do you think you could teach me how to do that? I always pick the wrong guy. Did it three more times after him.” She downed the remaining whiskey in her glass.

Wanting to change the subject, Y/N looked around the bar to see if someone needed a refill. She’d been so engrossed in her conversation with Dean that she hadn’t noticed the place had completely emptied out, and it was only 1 am. Christmas. People and their places to go, or worse their utter despair at having nowhere to go. Dean looked around and assessed the situation too. He turned back to her, “Hey, why don’t you close up? I’ll wait and take you home.”

She welcomed his offer; she didn’t want to be alone in this place tonight. The sadness, desperation, and discontent just seemed to hang in the air. Y/N made quick work of wiping down all the tables and securing the stockroom, including the safe. Dean was waiting for her when she reemerged.

He pulled his keys from his pocket; the jingle was loud, but not unpleasant in the empty bar. “My car’s outside.” Y/N nodded. She’d call someone to get a ride to work tomorrow; her car would be okay here. Right now, she just wanted someone to take care of her, even if all that meant was a ride home.

His car matched the man. Rare. Powerful. Something you didn’t see everyday, and completely beautiful. Dean opened the very large and shiny black passenger door for her. He had an unexpected side too. Guys this tough usually didn’t act so gentlemanly.

Her tiny bungalow wasn’t far, and the ride ended too soon for Y/N. Sticking to his chivalrous ways, Dean walked her to the front door. It almost felt like the end of a date, and she found herself wanting to kiss him. Snow started to fall, and she pulled her coat around her more tightly 

Y/N tilted her head up and one of the big fluffy flakes landed on her cheek. For a minute, she remembered how giddy the sight of snow had made her when she was a girl. It was still a symbol of beauty and hope for her. She saw the flakes start to collect in Dean’s hair. Without thinking, she reached up and brushed her fingers over his hair, but resisted the urge to run her fingers through it.  His eyes caught hers for a minute as the snow fell between them before he leaned down and kissed her with a touch as light as the snow that fell on her face.

She opened her eyes slowly. It was quiet with the kind of peace that only a snowfall can bring. The heat was radiating off his body. It warmed her, and she didn’t want to let that warmth,or him, go. “Do you want to come inside?” 

They both knew what that meant. Something had passed between them during that kiss. Dean licked his lips and seemed to be thinking. His eyes lingered on hers for a minute before he answered, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

As soon as they were inside, Y/N took off her coat and hung it up. Then she turned to Dean and started to push his jacket from his shoulders. “Let’s get you out of this.” She hung it on a peg next to her coat. When she turned back to him, he pulled her into a close embrace and kissed her with purpose. It was slow, deep, and doing everything he meant it to do. HIs tongue circled hers, and her arousal grew. If his kiss alone could do this to her, she was in for a memorable night. 

Dean’s hands made their way down her back until one stopped on her waist while the other snaked lower down to cup her ass and give it a light squeeze. She was starting to breathe heavier into his mouth. She pulled away from the kiss and took his hand. “Bedroom’s this way.”

The rooms in her house were tiny, too tiny to accommodate big beds. Right now the coziness of her full size bed seemed perfect. Dean immediately began to strip off his layers of shirts. She watched his naked shoulders and back while he bent over to take off his boots. His body was toned and had just the right amount of muscle. Y/N imagined her fingernails digging into his back. 

She was dragged from her fantasy back to the glory of reality when Dean started to unbutton the black shirt she wore for bartending duties. Underneath that functional shirt she was wearing the kind of bra that makes a girl feel pretty, and the way Dean was looking at it made her feel more than that. His look told her just how much he desired her. 

He took off his jeans before he laid her down on the bed and turned his attention to her lace covered breasts. He laved at her nipples, sucking and kissing them through the fabric. He took one of her taut nubs between his teeth and pulled at it. She moaned beneath him. “Dean, please.” 

He slid further down her body, dragging his hands down her sides, kissing all the way down to her pants that were in the way of what she wanted. Dean removed that barrier, taking her panties off at the same time. He parted her thighs and settled between her legs. He made a long swipe with his tongue through her folds, stopping at her clit to lap at before settling his lips around it to suck.

The way he’d kissed her didn’t lie; he knew what to do with his mouth. She was whimpering and pleading with him for more. He pushed at her entrance with one finger, gently exploring. Then he added another and started scissoring them to open her up. She came on his mouth while he stroked her g spot with his fingers.

Her fingers were buried in his hair, and her fists were closed around handfuls of it. Dean whispered against her core, “You’re beautiful, sweetheart.” He kissed her inner thighs while she came down from her orgasm. 

When her breath evened out, she sat up; Dean rose up on his knees to face her. She reached behind her to unhook her bra and let it fall. Then she reached for the waistband of Dean’s boxer briefs to push them down and release his erect cock to stand thick against his stomach. He finished taking them off while she fumbled to open her bedside drawer and get a condom. She handed it to him, he sheathed himself, then laid her back down on the bed, kissing her as they went. 

He buried his face into her neck and kissed that sensitive spot beneath her ear. She put her arms around him and whispered, “Now, Dean. I’m ready for you.”

He entered her with a smooth, swift motion. She inhaled sharply, and he pushed deeply inside her. She moved her body with his, feeling every drag of his cock over her sweet spot and push of it against her cervix. Just like she’d imagined, she dug her fingers into his back when she came and felt him throb inside her, coming just seconds after she did.

Dean said her name as he let go, and she clenched around him; her orgasm revived by his, by the pleasure she could hear she was giving him. They lay motionless for a sweet moment before Dean moved to take care of the condom. When he returned, easing the covers back and slipping into bed she asked him, “What are you doing?”

He motioned for her to get under the warm blankets with him. She settled in beside him, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m holding you.”

The snow was still falling outside, and she watched it fall through the window, not sure what to say. It was Dean who spoke again. “Is that okay? Do you want me to go?”

She let herself relax and lay her hand on his chest. “No, I don’t want you to go. I guess I just thought you would. That’s the way this usually goes.”

Dean kissed the top of her head. “Well, that’s not how it should go. You should be held, kissed some more, and told just how beautiful you are. A man would be crazy not to know how lucky he is to have a woman like you in his arms.”

Y/N got very quiet. She felt tears in her eyes, and for once they weren’t tears of sadness. She closed her eyes and just let herself feel what it was like to be so close to him and to hear a man say these kinds of things to her. She trusted him. She trusted what he was saying, and she trusted that this could be something that lasted beyond tonight. Was this even possible? Could it be possible that there was such a thing as a Christmas miracle? She had believed in them back when snow meant hope to her. Dean tightened his hold around her, making her feel secure, and she felt him kiss her forehead. Yes, they could be real.

Everything: @gambitwinchester​ @princessmisery666​ @onethirstyunicorn​ @peridottea91​ @logical-princey​ @emilyshurley​ @beenlovingromansincedayoneish​ @fangirlxwritesx67​ @waywardbaby​ @atc74​ @ledzeppelinsbonzo​ @shaniquacynthia​ @mariekoukie6661​ @tumbler-tidbits​ @67-chevy-baby​ @fandom-princess-forevermore​ @terrarium-jpeg​ @emoryhemsworth​ @crashdevlin​ @heycasbutt​ @jules-1999​ @mrsdeannafuckingwinchester​ @cosicas-cuquis​ @sammyimpala-67​ @queenoftheunderdark​ @dean-winchesters-bacon​ @mrs-meghan-winchester​ @timelordy-fangirl2​ @sweetness47​ @hobby27​ @awesomesusiebstuff​ @kickingitwithkirk​ @becs-bunker​ @sandlee44​ @supernaturalgrandma​ @lonewolf471​ @sea040561​ @dawnie1988​ @maddiepants​ @volleyballer519​ @outcastedangel​ @kdfrqqg​ @lizette50​ @daisymoder72​ @sorenmarie87​ @oldfreakything​ @winchesterxfamilybusiness​ @deansotherotherblog​

Dean/Jensen: @deansyahtzee​ @flamencodiva​ @deanwinchesterswitch​ @feelmyroarrrr​ @sammit-janet​ @focusonspn​ @akshi8278​ @ladywinchester1967​ @sgarrett49​ @wingedcatninja​ @coffee-obsessed-writer​ @adoptdontshoppets​ @ellewritesfix05​ 

[dawninlatin]

‘tis the damn season, chapter 1

A belated gift for @ladywitchling​ <3 Merry Christmas my love, hope you appreciate this as much as I appreciate you!<3

Words: 1728

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Manon prepares to spend Christmas alone. Little does she know Elide has other plans...

«Are you sure you’re fine with being alone on Christmas?»

Manon couldn’t help but sigh, hoping that Asterin wouldn’t hear it through the phone. She appreciated her cousin’s worrying, but calling four times a day to check in was a bit excessive.

«Yes, Asterin.» She twisted in her office chair, opening her laptop. «It’s not as if we ever did anything special for Christmas anyway.» Manon glanced at the clock, then at the amount of unopened emails. It would be a while before she was done for the day, but she didn’t mind. No one was waiting for her.

Elide had left this morning to spend the holiday with her family, and without the presence of her cheery girlfriend, Manon didn’t really see the point of celebrating Christmas. She had received an invitation to join Asterin, but she had a family of her own now. Manon would only feel like an intruder the whole night.

As if she’d read Manon’s mind, Asterin said from the other end of the line, «Not doing much for Christmas isn’t the same as being alone.»

«I know that, but-»

Before she find a way finish that sentence, Asterin interrupted her again. «Can’t Elide-»

«Elide has already left to celebrate with her family, as she should.» Manon tried to ignore the sound of defeat in her voice as she yet again was reminded of how empty their apartment would be. Maybe that was why she’d decided to work overtime on Christmas Eve.

Saying goodbye to her girlfriend earlier today had been torture, and all Manon had wanted was to pull Elide into a tight embrace and spend all of Christmas cozied up in bed, just the two of them.

She didn’t though. Instead she put on a brave smile and held back her tears as her favorite person walked out the door.

Rolling her eyes at her own dramatics, Manon said to Asterin, «Christmas is overrated anyway. And I mean it when I say I don’t mind being alone.»

Liar. Dirty, filthy liar.

«Okay,» Asterin sighed at last, obviously spotting the lie, but playing along nonetheless. «You’re probably happy to finally have some peace and quiet.»

«Damn right I am,» Manon smiled, her heart once again filling up with love for her cousin. Before Elide, Asterin had been the only person Manon had. The two cousins had been raised by the same cruel grandmother, and it had made them inseparable, always looking after one another.

«I’ll leave you to it then. I need to take a long nap before I can do anything else. Willow kept us up all night.» Asterin yawned, and Manon chuckled slightly at the sound of her tired cousin. Being the mother of a one-year-old wasn’t easy. Especially not when that one-year-old was also the daughter of Fenrys Moonbeam.

Speaking of the devil… «You still talking to The Grinch?»

Manon tipped her head back and laughed as Fenrys’ voice filled her ear. The nickname was one he’d lovingly began to call her after she’d voiced her aversion for the bright and merry season.

«Hello to you too, Fenrys.»

«Wait a moment,» Asterin suddenly said. «I’m turning on the FaceTime camera.»

Manon could hear some shuffling coming from the phone she’d pulled away from her ear, and then the small family filled her screen. She smiled warmly at the sight of a very tired Willow, who looked like she’d just been woken up from a nap of her own by the way her soft curls stood in every direction and how she clung to her father.

«Hey Willow,» Manon cooed, and the little girl’s face lit up at the sight of her auntie.

She babbled some nonsense, and Asterin handed her the phone, which she immediately put in her mouth.

«No!» Asterin was quick to steal the phone back, but the glare Willow gave her had Manon laughing again.

«Alright, it looks like someone is hungry, so I’ll hang up now.» Manon waved at her niece. «Bye, Willow!»

«Can you say bye to auntie Manon?» Even after a year, she still filled with pride whenever anyone called her that, and as Willow waved enthusiastically, Manon forgot all sadness from earlier.

Pressing a kiss to his wife’s cheek, Fenrys took Willow and left the frame. «Let’s go and feed The Kraken!»

«Fenrys!» Asterin called after him, but she was grinning.

«Merry Christmas, Asterin,» Manon said softly, ready to turn her attention back to her work.

«Merry Christmas, Manon. I love you.»

«I love you too,» she replied, and hung up.

Manon debated calling Elide as well, while she was at it, but it was getting dark outside, so she decided it was best to just finish for the day and go home to suffer through Christmas alone.

-

Three hours later, Manon was finally finished with her workload. There was only one last thing to do…

Groaning as she got up from her desk, Manon made her way towards the office of the only other person grumpy and joyless enough to spend the holiday at work.

If Manon was the Grinch, Lorcan Salvaterre had to be something far, far worse.

She knocked on his door, and he responded with an annoyed «What do you want.»

Stepping into his office, Manon scowled at the sight of her least favorite person in the world. She really didn’t have the patience to deal with this today.

«I’m done for the day, so I just wanted to check if you got the files I sent you,» Manon stated, examining her nails with a bored look on her face.

Lorcan’s signature frown entered his face as he checked his email, then looked back too Manon. «Yeah, so you can leave now. I wanna work in peace.»

«Too bad I came here to chit-chat then, since you’re like, my favorite person in the whoooole world,» Manon deadpanned, turning on her heel so she didn’t have to stay a minute more in his miserable presence.

Manon and Lorcan saw each other an awful lot for basically being archenemies. It wasn’t enough that they worked together. No, two years back, Elide had been taking her to a party so she could finally meet her friends, and none other than Lorcan fucking Salvaterre had greeted them, his smile quickly shifting to a scowl as Manon had muttered a not-so-quiet you’ve got to be kidding me.

Thinking about the memory, she stopped in the doorway, her longing from earlier having returned at full force. A small smile played on her lips as she looked over her shoulder. «Have a shitty Christmas, Salvaterre.»

Lorcan let out a small chuckle. «You too, Blackbeak.»

-

Sitting on the train, Manon suddenly began to regret not decorating the apartment. It felt wrong to know that she was on her way to an empty apartment, as ordinary-looking as always, when she was surrounded by so many people dressed in finery, on their way to see friends and family, twinkling lights passing in a blur.

A wave of sadness rushed through her. She would have given anything to have Elide by her side right now, holding her hand, talking about her day, smiling, laughing, just being there.

Actual tears burned behind her eyes then, and Manon silently cursed Christmas for making her so emotional. She never cried! And now she was being all sappy because she’d been away from her girlfriend for a grand total of ten hours. What was wrong with her?

Her phone chimed in her purse, interrupting her sad music video moment, and when Manon saw who had texted her, she had to fight even harder to hold back the tears.

Elide<3: You on your way home yet?<3

Manon: On the train now

She thought for a second, before sending another message.

Manon: Thinking of you<3

Elide<3: Thinking of you too, can’t wait to see you again<3<3

Had her younger self seen this, she would have snorted at the sappy words and heart emojis, but there was no denying it, no one could resist the charm of Elide Lochan.

Looking up once more, Manon saw that it had started to snow, the world already covered by a white blanket.

Next year she would accept Asterin’s invitation, Manon promised herself.

-

Standing before her door, Manon spent longer than necessary fumbling for her keys. Maybe some part of her didn’t want to enter the empty apartment, she was mature enough to admit that.

Because whether she wanted to acknowledge it or not, it was Christmas, and she was sad because Elide wasn’t there, and her home wasn’t decorated and her dinner was a miserable plate of yesterday’s leftovers and her only plan was to watch a movie, alone.

Manon let out a sigh as she let her head hit the door, needing a moment to gather herself. «it’s your own fault for trying to be so fucking independent and untouchable the whole time,» she whispered.

She gave herself one more second to brood, then she twisted the key and eased the door open.

A few steps into the hallway, Manon stopped short, a confused look on her face. She’d turned off the lights this morning, hadn’t she? And was that…?

It was music, the soft tones of some Christmas song, coming from the kitchen.

Looking around, there were even a few decorations put up, a mistletoe hanging over the entrance to the living room.

«Hello?» Manon called, not letting herself really think about who this had to be. Not letting that kind of hope come to life.

Heart pounding in her chest, she stepped into the living room, and could do nothing but gasp in awe as she took in her surroundings. A Christmas tree stood in the corner, the room lit up by its softly glowing lights, and everywhere there were little trinkets and other decorations. On the mantel of the fireplace was a picture of her and Elide that hadn’t been there before. It was from last week, Manon recognized, when they’d been at the Christmas market, and on the frame were the words: Make the yuletide gay. A bubbling laugh escaped her, and she couldn’t hold the tears back this time.

A voice sounded from the kitchen, and Manon turned around, only to be met by a pair of shining eyes and a bright smile.

«Merry Christmas, my love.»

Taglist: @ireallyshouldsleeprn​ @ladywitchling​

I keep a separate taglist for every ship, so let me know if you want to be added to any of them!

[starryseo]

a rose for you. | seo changbin

pairing ↠ changbin x gn!reader genre ↠ fluff ! bin is a cutie !! wc ↠ 2200 summary ↠ changbin can be a sweetheart sometimes. warnings ↠ swearing, suggestive remarks a/n ↠ a less chaotic day for the pair, but i enjoyed writing smth calmer. enjoy!

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"You got any plans later today?" Changbin asked as he lazed on the sofa, switching between several animal documentaries on tv - Nat Geo’s big cat week shows were a blessing to this planet.

You walked into the kitchen, grabbing a breakfast bar as you answered, "Nope, why?"

"Because it's Valentine's day."

"So?"

"So," he drawled, dropping the remote and facing you as you headed towards the door, "I thought someone would try swoopin' in for your booty."

"Why do you always say weird shit, man," you rolled your eyes, "But no, I'm free. You?"

"Shut up you love it," he grinned, "I'm free too, baby, we'll go out later."

"Sure, sure, see ya later."

"Bye, have fun!" Changbin called out just as you left. He would leave for his class in an hour but, until then, he’d happily watch whatever cat fights were on screen.

You had about ten minutes before your lecture would start so you made your way to the building's entrance where Felix was already waiting for you. You envied Changbin's timetable since he wasn't plagued with 9am classes this term, but Felix was always bright and excited which made early mornings slightly more bearable. 

That, and he had bought hot chocolate for you today.

You thanked him as you took the drink, the heat instantly warming your hands up nicely - a contrast to the bitter February chill that tinged your fingers. 

When he also gave you a rose, you raised a brow.

"The guy selling 'em said he'd give me free drinks if I bought loads, so," he grinned, "I bought, like, 50 roses. Have another!"

"Nope, I'm good, thanks." You laughed when he showed you the inside of his bag; you could barely see his laptop and notebooks peeking out from behind all the flowers. "You're such a dumbass."

"I'm trying to be romantic here," he retorted, following you into the lecture hall. "I don't know who else to give these to, though. I have, like, 8.5 friends."

"Who's the half friend?"

"Seungmin. I'm pretty sure he's tried to kill me, but he helped me out yesterday so…" He shrugged, "I think we're cool."

"I'm pretty sure if Seungmin really wanted you dead, you wouldn't still be here so you've got 9."

Felix nodded, murmuring, "Yeah, you're right," just before the lecturer called for your attention.

At the end of the lecture, you packed up slowly. You stifled a yawn - because staying awake through 2 hours of algorithm talk was exhausting - swinging your bag over your shoulder before you headed down the steps to the front doors to leave.

"Wait, hold up," Felix said, nudging you to the side of the lecture hall. You watched as he ran to the lecturer, digging through his bag to pull out a rose. You snickered when he held it out to your lecturer, the awkward half-grimace on their face making you burst out into laughter. You laughed even more when you heard him exclaim, "I don't love you like that!"

Your lecturer just nodded, eyes pleading for Felix to just leave before he made the situation more inappropriate. He stumbled back to you hastily, cheeks bright and pink which had you chuckling all over again. "So smooth, Lix."

"Not a word to the others."

You zipped your lips, wishing you could've recorded that moment.

After the rest of your classes were done, you headed back to your room. Felix had run off to meet Hyunjin - wanting to add to the inevitable collection of roses the other would have; for as long as you’d known Hyunjin, the boy had received an abundance of chocolates, roses and love letters on this fated day. He hated the attention but loved the gifts, though you weren’t complaining because he’d always share with you.

You’d have about an hour to yourself before Changbin would come home and destroy your peace. You had perfected your schedule: put the kettle on as soon as you got home, spend three minutes changing into jogging bottoms and a hoodie (one you’d stolen from Hyunjin, but you’re pretty sure it’s actually Chan’s), use the now-heated water to cook some instant noodles, gather whatever other food you were craving, load up the next episode of The Office, carry everything into the living room, and, finally, be lazy as shit. In just under fifteen minutes, you had done everything, wrapping a blanket around yourself to be more comfortable.

Time flew by and, before you knew it, Changbin was bursting through the door, yelling, “Honey, I’m home!”

You greeted him, eyes still on the screen and he made his way next to you, dumping his bag on the floor. “No noodles for me?” He pouted, and you offered the dorito in your hand to him as compensation. He took a bite of the crisp straight from your hand - the savage - before leaning back, arm running along the sofa behind you so he could drape himself over you. “You’re paying for dinner now.”

“Guess we’re starving then,” you shrugged, resting your head on his shoulder. You opened up your blanket and he pulled it over himself too, snuggling into the warmth.

“Could you be any more romantic?” He fake-swooned, fluttering his lashes before he stared at you dully. “Don’t places do discounts for couples today?”

“No? If anything, they’d up the prices because people’ll feed into their commercialism, lovestruck dumbasses.”

“Right, sorry, forgot I was dealing with the V-Day Grinch; you need to get laid. Seriously.”

“Sorry for not wanting to bend over for capitalist pigs, Bin.”

“You can bend over-”

“I swear to God-”

“Okay!” He backed away when you hit him before he could finish his lewd remark, “Takeout then, if you don’t want me to spoil you?”

“I thought I was gonna buy dinner, though.”

“Yeah, you never do on Valentine’s. Breaks my heart every year,” he says, sighing dramatically, “I just wanna be wooed.” He even presses the back of his hand to his forehead, swooning backwards, his brows pinching forlornly.

“Lix would be more than glad to do that,” you rolled your eyes, batting his hand away when he pretended to rub away his tears.

He scoffed, “Damn right he would, you should be jealous.”

“I’m green with envy. Green. Greener than the hulk, that’s how green I am, I’m-”

“Okay, fuck, no need to be so condescending, babe,” he pouted. “Punch me, it’d hurt less.”

You don’t understand why he cried out when you did as he asked, but whatever. You rubbed the sore spot to appease him. The baby.

“And to think,” he said, his lips still downturned into a small pout, “I went out of my way to get you something.”

“Aww, I’m sorry, Binnie,” you cooed, “What’d you get me?”

He grumbled but bent down to reach his bag regardless. He pulled out a slightly-squashed rose from his bag, biting down on the stem before he turned to you, a brow raised seductively.

You snorted, pushing his face away before he opened his mouth, the flower dropping easily into his hand. He held it out to you, fully expecting you to take his offering.

You grimaced. “I’m not taking that, it was just in your mouth.”

“You jealous of that, too?”

“Of course,” you shook your head, “How’d you know?”

“Always knew you wanted to smooch me,” he grinned before leaning impossibly close to you. “Now’s your chance, sweetheart,” he said, puckering his lips exaggeratedly, making disgustingly-loud kissing noises to make matters worse.

“Ew,” you groaned, “I’d rather kiss the ground.”

“Be my guest,” he said, sweeping his arm out, gesturing to the floor. You rolled your eyes, getting up - for a split second Changbin thought you might actually do it, before he realised you were heading to your school bag.

You sat down besides him again, looking for something within.

When you handed him a slightly-bent rose, he chuckled. “Felix?”

“Yeah,” you grinned, “he got ‘em in the morning.”

“Yeah, he showed me,” Changbin said, shaking his head fondly, before accepting the rose. He put his bag back on his lap, showing you its contents. “He gave me, like, five before he ran off.”

He tucked the rose you had just given to him behind your ear, murmuring cute. He shot you a quick wink before grinning and leaning back. You rolled your eyes at his antics, facing him to do the same. But when the flower was perched atop his ear safely, you scrunched your nose, mumbling gross.

He flicked your side and you snickered, “I’m kidding, stop being a baby.”

“You better be kidding,” he huffed.

You watched several more episodes of The Office before his stomach started growling, desperate for food. 

Instead of ordering takeaway like usual - because you were university kids, of course cheap fast foods were your go-to - you decided to heat up some frozen pasta and whip up a nice sauce. Changbin had helped to the best of his (limited) ability, before you sent him away, telling him to clear the living room and set up the table instead.

You listened to Changbin as he rapped along to the song, going quiet when he started to sing too. These moments were rare - he didn’t sing nearly as often as he rapped - but it was stunning listening to the way he carried the melody so well. He couldn’t cut basil to save his life, but he had the voice of an angel - life had a funny way of balancing talents like that.

He didn’t stop until the song ended and when the next played, he hummed along instead.

“Damn,” you sighed, “Here I thought you were gonna start serenading me.”

“Maybe next year, baby,” he smiled, leaning against the counter beside you as you finished mixing the pasta with its sauce. “But only if we actually go out then.”

“What if I have plans next Valentine’s?” He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, and you scoffed at his insinuation. “Shut up.”

“I didn’t even say anything,” he smirked.

“You never have to.”

When you turned around to put the pot on the table, you laughed at the way he had set the table. He had put 2 roses in a glass, placing it at the table’s centre, with the other roses shaped in a heart around the glass. He had even lit a small candle, the smell of vanilla meekly peeking out behind your pasta sauce’s aroma. 

“It’s beautiful,” you said, lips lilting into an easy smile. You hadn’t expected him to do anything more than put a couple of plates and forks on the table, but the set-up was cute and greatly appreciated. You put the pot down before going to sit down.

“Of course it is, I did it,” he quipped, pushing your chair in behind you. You rolled your eyes at him.

You could never be truly annoyed at his constant teasing - especially not when he would suddenly switch to being endearing; moments like these - playful but calm, easy-going yet fun - were ones you cherished, and with Changbin around, you were never disappointed.

“Dinner by candlelight, what did I do to deserve this?”

“I did this for me, not for you,” he grinned, taking a large bite of the pasta. “S’real good, babe.”

“You’re such a pig,” you said, scrunching your nose as sauce trickled down his chin. He used his tongue to lick it away and you laughed when he struggled to reach it all. He gave up, wiping it away with his hand before he licked that too. “Such a pig.”

He winked.

After a rather peaceful dinner, Changbin washed the dishes (on his own accord!) as you put away the leftover pasta and tidied the table.

You took out a half-empty tub of ice cream, spraying whipped cream over the dessert. When Changbin was done cleaning, he got out chocolate chips and sprinkles, drizzling the toppings over as well. You grabbed two spoons as he carried the sugary monstrosity over to the living room, wrapping the blankets around the both of you as you held the tub in your lap.

You ate the sweet treat, relishing in the crunch of the sprinkles.

Changbin grimaced and his wince made you giggle when he groaned, “Brain freeze. Ouch.”

“Aww, poor baby,” you pouted, “I’ll suffer instead.” You pulled the tub more to you so he couldn’t reach and he shook his head fondly.

“I’m here for a good time, not a long time, sweetheart,” he said, pinching your hip, gently, so you’d flinch. He used that as his chance to snatch the ice cream tub back, happily taking a large scoop and opening his mouth wide - he became the embodiment of :O.

He shivered as he swallowed, scrunching up his face and you laughed at him again. “Worth it.”

When the ice cream was finished, you rested against Changbin’s shoulder and he naturally let his head droop to lean against yours.

You don’t remember when you fell asleep, the voices on tv becoming a blurry murmur as you slowly drifted off. You do, however, remember waking up in the middle of the night, warm arms embracing you from behind.

That was a nice feeling.

[xmxisxforxmaybe]

“I’ll keep you warm” with Ahkmenrah? ❤️💗

This gets just a teensy angsty for a teensy second, but I hope it melts your heart like it melted mine!

* * * * *

Living in New York City was a dream come true; it was a literal melting pot not only of cultures and people, but of things to do, to see, and to experience. And New York City at Christmas time? When you saw the Rockefeller tree decorated and lit up for the first time, you felt just like Kevin McAllister—filled with a glowing warmth.

However, like Kevin, it was also accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of homesickness.

You missed home.

You missed the quiet peace of age-old family traditions. The dark, cozy nights at home, tucked inside with a fire burning while the latest snowstorm raged outside, wondering when the electricity would finally lose its battle with the elements and blink out for the night. You missed the familiar smell of the cookie-scented candles that stood ready, always quickly lit by your mother who was afraid someone would stub their toe in the dark, despite the fact that you spent at least two nights a week in a blackout.

Looking at Ahkmenrah, laughing at Octavius as he ended up, once again, the butt of Jed’s latest practical joke, you knew he would understand this feeling. But for some reason, you couldn’t bring yourself to talk about it, and just hung back, withdrawing into yourself.

“My love? You are rather subdued this evening,” Ahkmenrah said from beside you, startling you out of your nostalgia.  

You gave him a soft smile that didn’t reach your eyes, causing his blue-green gaze to fill with concern.

“Can I assist you in any way?”

This time, your smile did reach your eyes.

“I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know, Ahk. Sometimes, I just have to feel my sad through. If that makes sense?”

Ahkmenrah gave you a solemn nod, his eyes telling you he did understand.

A few nights later, you answered a knock at your door and were surprised to see a modernly clothed, beautiful, former Egyptian king grinning at you.

“How did you—”

“The less you know, the better,” Ahkmenrah interrupted, his eyes swirling with an impish glee.

You looked over his outfit and stifled a laugh. It was clear he raided the museum gift shop, donning an orange and cream T-Rex hoodie underneath a leather NASA bomber jacket. He must’ve nabbed someone’s sweatpants from their locker because they were clearly a size too big, along with a pair of sneakers that were also too big. He covered his curls with a dark blue beanie emblazoned with a glow-in-the-dark Raptor’s claw.

“Get dressed immediately—please,” Ahk added before you had a chance to narrow your eyes at his demand.

“Alright,” you said slowly.

As you slid your arms into your overcoat and buttoned up, you fished out an extra pair of gloves from the hall closet.

“Hold out your hands, my king,” you said, feeling happier than you’d felt in the last few days, wondering just what your sweet boyfriend was up to.

He raised both hands and allowed you to slip a glove onto each, a little snug for his large fingers, but better than nothing.

“These will come in useful,” Ahkmenrah said as he examined his covered hands.

“Considering it’s a balmy 25 degrees out, yeah I think they will. Can I at least know where we are going?”

“No,” Ahkmenrah said, reaching for the dufflebag you hadn’t even realized he brought in.

“What’s—”

“No questions, Y/N!” Ahkmenrah growled as he grabbed your hand and pulled you along the corridor to the elevator.

Ahk hailed a cab, grinning at you with pride as you blinked back your shock. He held the door open while you slid inside, finally getting a clue as to where you were going when Ahkmenrah told the driver, “To the uppermost, western quadrant of the Central Park, good sir.”

“Uhhh—"

“103rd station should be good, I think,” you mumbled to the cab driver, assuming Ahkmenrah had scoped something out above the museum he wanted to show you.

Ahkmenrah settled his dufflebag on his lap and smiled softly at you before turning his attention to look out the window.

“Are you sure—”

Ahkmenrah whipped his head in your direction, his eyes narrowed as he raised a gloved finger to your lips.

“Shh,” he said sternly.

You raised your hands in a gesture of surrender, and Ahk removed his finger from your lips. He grasped your chin and pressed a quick kiss to your lips before returning his gaze to watch the lit streets crawl by as the driver fought his way through traffic.

When you finally reached 103rd, Ahkmenrah paid with a wad of cash he didn’t even bother to count.

“Come along before all the best ones are gone,” Ahkmenrah said, rushing into the park with you jogging after him.

Your curiosity had reached its peak, growing into exasperation as you struggled to catch up to Ahk, who was now darting wildly on and off the asphalt path as people strolled by, cuddled together to fight the cold, most of them walking their dogs. A few others were getting in a cold-weather jog before it got too late in the evening.

“Ahkmenrah,” you groaned, your nose frozen and your cheeks red.

“I think I have found the perfect one!” Ahk shouted, dropping his dufflebag, opening it up, and removing an ancient looking axe.

“Ahhh!” screamed a jogger, stumbling off the path as she avoided Ahkmenrah as he whirled around, axe in hand, to see where you were.

“Holy fuck,” you mumbled as you ran to Ahk, grabbing up the dufflebag and trying to hide the axe.

“He’s an exchange student from very, very far away,” you explained to the jogger who was looking at the two of you, her phone clutched in her hand. “Are you alright?”

She nodded and shot you one more curious glance before putting her phone back into her pocket and returning to her run.

“Ahkmenrah. What in the fuck are you doing?”

Ahk flinched when you swore at him, his eyes avoiding your burning gaze as you snatched the axe from his hands and shoved it back into the dufflebag. Your boyfriend finally lost his 4,000-year-old fucking mind at the worst possible time in the weirdest possible way.

“Answer me!”

Ahk took a deep breath and returned your gaze, his eyes filled with such sadness that it pained your heart, reducing your ire for just a moment.  

“I thought a Christmas tree might cheer you up. I have been researching your mid-west holiday traditions and many of them mention the hewing of the family Christmas tree from a local forest. I do not know of any other forest in the city,” he finished, his eyes returning to the ground as his breath puffed out around him.

You swallowed the lump in your throat, hating yourself for being so harsh.

“I am so sorry, love,” you said gently, moving to stand in front of Ahkmenrah, your gloved hands cupping his cheeks to lift his gaze. “I feel horrible for losing my temper.”

“It was terribly unpleasant,” Ahk whispered, his eyes still avoiding yours.

You pulled him to you, holding him close and whispering another apology in his ear. Ahkmenrah’s hands hesitantly encircled your waist before he slowly stepped into the hug.

“I accept your apology.”

You chuckled into his shoulder, shivering, realizing just how cold it was now that your fit of a temper was over.

“There’s a Christmas tree lot on Columbus,” you said, pulling back to look at Ahk, hoping he would once again look at you like you weren’t the grinch.

“A Christmas tree lot?” Ahk asked, his eyes slowly returning to life as you piqued his interest.

“Yes,” you giggled. “Cutting down a tree in Central Park is illegal, ya know.”

“I . . . did not know,” Ahkmenrah said, his polychromatic eyes swirling as his cheeks flushed either from the cold or from embarrassment.

“I should’ve told you how I was feeling,” you said.

“See? Look what happens when you do not communicate with me, Y/N. We could have spent the night imprisoned, and what a surprise for your guardians in arms when they returned to fetch me after dawn.”

“That would be quite the surprise, indeed,” you chuckled darkly, shivering again.

“You are cold, my love,” Ahkmenrah said, moving to wrap you up in another hug.

“You’re not?” you mumbled into his shoulder.

“I could never be cold because your love fills me with the same heat as the desert sun.”

You gave Ahkmenrah a tight squeeze before looking up at him.

“Unless, of course, you choose to scold me again,” Ahk stated. “Then I fear my blood may freeze in my veins, encasing my heart in ice, my corpse blackening with frostbite until I slowly fall to pieces, never to be reassembled.”

You raised your eyebrows at him.

“Too dark?”

“A little melodramatic,” you said with a playful roll of your eyes and a smirk on your lips.

“Let us journey to this Christmas tree lot. Then we will return to your abode where I will keep you warm in all the best ways I know how,” he said, his voice low and steady.

The shiver that ran through your body was not one of cold this time as Ahkmenrah’s words washed over you.

“Thank you, Ahk. This really was a wonderful surprise.”

“I think I shall keep the surprises to a minimum from now on.”

“Or at least ask Larry first.”

Ahkmenrah chuckled uncomfortably. “About Larry—”

“I don’t even want to know how you snuck out. Some things are best left unknown.”

Ahkmenrah grinned at you, that million-dollar smile that melted your heart every time he gifted you with it. You knew this would be a night you would never forget, and as you looked at the city twinkling in the distance, you noticed for the first time that it was starting to snow, tiny flecks falling softly from the sky, their crisp-whiteness encircled with a hazy glow from the city’s lights.  

You snuggled closer to Ahk, feeling the warmth of Christmas for the first time this season.

[ikonislife]

Spellbound.

-Hanbin x Female reader

-Hanbin’s birthday project (: 

-Hogwarts au, friends to lovers, school life au.

-Spellbound masterlist

 -A/n: Please, please read this with an open mind. I’ve never done anything like this before so I know it’s lacking. I know there are thousands of better Hogwarts au out there but I haven’t found too many for iKON so I thought what better time than to create something fun for Hanbin’s birthday. I tried to include other members in the stories because why not, I love them all (:

Chapter 6: Not What It Seem?

There was no denying that the brilliant vibrancy of leaves burning every Autumn over the ground of the ancient castle could silent minds and still the hearts of even the most Grinch of Grinch-es. This year was no different as you trekked the fiery ground toward the bustling town on a Saturday afternoon with the boy who had just turned your tiny crush into so much more. Yet there was something so much more about this particular Autumn. Something so special that it felt as though the fairies that had years and years again carefully taking time to paint over each leaf took extra care, poured in just a little more love to sprinkle over it all with a splendid shimmer that glowed and glittered so ethereally under the golden sun of an approaching sunset. Even the fallen leaves beneath your shoes seemingly crisper than usual, delightful crunch echoed through the soft breeze of a perfect afternoon. Perhaps the weather had just been extraordinarily amazing, or perhaps it was the hand holding yours so tightly… Perhaps it was Hanbin. Warmth spreading from the hand so sweetly intertwining with yours barricading the wind, almost as if he had casted a protection spell shielding your body away from the sharp cuts of the soft breeze chasing each other about, tickling your hair. That soft smile still lingered on Hanbin’s lips as you both walked toward the quietness of the path toward Hogsmeade, basking in the last few minutes of serenity before the attention of the crowd, the murmurs buzzing amongst the street will be directed toward… Well, toward you two. Your heart bloomed in contentment as the little tune you so often hum once more finding itself falling from your lips, absentmindedly and unbeknownst to even yourself. Yet the second the first few notes floated from your lips, Hanbin’s heart perked up in excitement, the moment he had been waiting for so long, dreaming of the very first time your little hum reached his ears finally here. There was no stopping the command his heart had given, the way it left him gaping at the delicate smile on your lips, how soft the breaths you took in between the melodious hum. “Y/n, what song is that?” he asked, finally giving into the impulse of his brain. Miraculously lasting a whole thirty seconds of letting his heart enjoyed the show before bursting out with all the questions. His curiosity, all those months of lying awake doing his best to search through the endless universe of his playlists trying to figure out your song finally forced itself to the surface.

“It’s an old French song called La Vie En Rose! It’s just this song my parents used to play a lot when I was younger. I was sick a lot when I was a baby, so whenever I’d get fussy, my dad would put the record on while my mom rocked me to sleep. I guess it’s engrained in my mind now, it calms me no matter what. Then when I finally learned to talk, my parents taught me it.” You chirped in nostalgia, sharing the special moment known only by your little family with a very delighted boy. The song though beautiful and timeless, was well known but the memory lied behind it was something rather special to your heart. To see Hanbin following so closely, as if his life’s question had just been answered, it made you happy. It was rather adorable the way his features lit up at the information disclosed by your heart despite having never met your parents nor knowing the song.   “Can I say something… that might sound creepy?” “Yes…?” your answer lingered, a bit of confusion toying with your mind as a nervous chuckle tumbled from his lips. “When I first… You know… N-notice-“ His voice droned out to something meek, by the blush creeping on his cheeks and how he had abandoned the hold he got on your hand to pat the skin lightly, you surmised embarrassment had begun to settle in. “Notice me in the hallway?” You finished the sentence he couldn’t, leaving the boy nodding madly along. “I hate to break your bubble but boy, you weren’t that slick.” “I-… Was I that obvious?” Hanbin sighed, fingers pinching at the bridge of his nose, the mortifying burn still very much searing his skin at the realization that perhaps his sly glances weren’t sly at all. “Not at first, thought I was mental for a bit. Then Lisa started to notice it, then even Chanwoo too. Junhoe, he’s a bit daff with this sort of things so it took him awhile. But yea!” “Oh goodness. I will go dig a hole and throw myself into it now. I don’t know when I’ll be back so please, move on with your life. Don’t mourn me, I deserve this.” Humiliation thrashing through his blood, burning his entire body as Hanbin went a bit red in the face at first but slowly his entire body seemingly transforming into a cooked lobster. Footsteps halting, he had actually begun to trek back toward the castle in a futile attempt of running away before his entire body went limp in complete bliss. Your arms had woven around his torso in the best back hug he had ever gotten, your giggle sooth the bashfulness away from his heart. “I’m sorry but hole digging and throwing self away is not allowed. Not when I’ve only been someone’s girlfriend for a whole 3 seconds and was promised forever!” “How are you always so cute. I had a heart attack just then. I’m in so much trouble!” Never before in his life had Hanbin giggled and laughed so much that it physically hurt just because his heart couldn’t contain the adoration it got for another human being. By this point, Hanbin had made peace with the fact that his body will continue to involuntarily react to every single thing you do with Aws and giggle. There was no other acceptable form of reaction, not when his girlfriend was so effortlessly endearing. “Well you need to get used to it or something because dying is not allowed either.” You mused gently, mushing your cheek against his back, tugging him back toward your original destination. “So, what were you saying about when you first begin to stalk me?” You reminded him but not without a jab, earning a disapproving groan from the boy. “I wouldn’t say stalk… But anyways, I’d try to listen for you. Then somewhere along the way, I began humming it too. Not always correct, of course, or as melodious, but I tried. Never figured out what song it was.” “Ah, well, we can listen to the official version when you have time. Maybe we can learn the words together!” “That sounds nice!” Hanbin couldn’t help the joy thumping in his heart and how he was quite literally smiling with his entire being, body and soul. It was so nice to have you so close by his side, even more so now that you had so casually planned your next hanging out when just a week ago, he was just a hopeless boy, unknowingly pinning after you silently in the shadow. Then again, it wasn’t so strange after all, Hanbin surmised it was only natural, expected really that his own girlfriend would want to see him after the first date. Girlfriend, he had a girlfriend. Hanbin hoped with all his heart that you would think of him as idiotic for grinning so widely repeating that word again and again in his head. After all, he only experienced first love once, and it was truly an experienced he hoped would last for a long time even if he had only been through it for a few hours. Once more hand in hand, that lingering warmth of a new relationship budding got you both in a bubble, completely oblivious of the world still very much revolving. It was so easy being with each other, the silent was nice but even the moments of discussing the most mundane things of life were also interesting. He found your choice in coffee interesting while you thought he was insane for not liking banana milk. “Satiny silk or soft lace against your skin?” Strange to think that this silly game meant to break the ice of a boy and a girl doing their best to sync their heartbeats had brought you both this far. Even now, as touches began to feel familiar and pet name began to feel natural, it remained important. “I can’t say I’m too familiar with either of those. Us boys are more like cotton t-shirt or denim. Plus, never having a girlfriend doesn’t exactly help in that department either.” Hanbin replied so honestly it made your heart giggle at how sheepish he turned, suddenly eyeing your outfit as if searching for those very materials you’ve mentioned. “Ah…” You sighed, a bit guilty for asking such an unfair question.  Truthfully while part of you were sadden by the innocent answer, another part elated knowing you’ll be the one holding his hand through all these seemingly foreign things. It was such a selfish thought, you knew that, just as well as your heart knew how it’d beat for him just the same if he had hundreds of girlfriends before or zero. But there was no stopping that little bit of yourself from basking, quite smug that you were the first girl he decided to be with. “Can I answer that in a couple of months? You know, after I get to spend a little more time with you?” At your sudden silent, Hanbin took it upon himself to smother out whatever it was that was clouding over your fading smile. “If you haven’t grown bored of me by Christmas break that is.” “Huh?” Confusion bleeding into the little tug of war your conscience was having, the answer to that dreaded question no closer to the surface – was it so wrong of you to be glad that a lot of Hanbin’s first will be with you… While you, there’s not many first left you could give him. “Well I figure once we go on Christmas break, I’d get to see you as you. No Hogwarts, no uniforms, no house pride separating us. What better chance for you to teach me the different between silk, lace, chiffon, profiteroles.” Arm softly snaking across your shoulder, tugging you closer under his hold, Hanbin pressed a delicate kiss against your temple to sooth away the crinkles furrowed between your brows. “I’m pretty sure that last one is a pastry.” You teased, heart lifted so high thinking of the future. A smile mirroring his broke over your lips, curling further under his arm as the entrance to town rising in the far horizon. “See! I’m learning already.” He quipped, as the first group of students eyeing the protective hold Hanbin got around you, whispering amongst themselves although not brazen enough to do more than a few careful glances. “Y/n, you’re okay with this right?” Suddenly very aware of his action as more and more whisper buzzed through the air as the pink building grew bigger and the crowd, larger. Although never before been blessed with a girlfriend, Hanbin had always knew in his heart that PDA wasn’t something he’d be shy with. If he truly loves his girlfriend, then damn all those who get in his way. Why should they care who he was with and really, none of their business how he shows his feelings. Yet it hadn’t occurred to him until now, feeling you cowered further under his hold, that although he might be brave with his heart, the murmurs of the crowd might affect you entirely different. “Yea, just a little strange having so many people look at me.” You offered up an answer that warmed his heart, the bit of fear in his heart slowly dissipated. Yet a different kind of fear engulfed the boy completely when the little doorbell ringing out as the door to Madam Puddifoot opened up to reveal a world so unlike anything he had seen before. A strange groan left his lips, no doubt byproduct of the air vacating his lungs out of sheer shock at the amount of pink assaulting his sight. How does one even acquire such intensity of pink in such shocking quantity? From the wall down to the china, everything was dotted with various shades of pink as messes of ribbon strewn about the crowded room. The space cramped with a series of small round tables completed with lacey linens and mismatching chairs occupied by couples. Everything was just as frilly as he thought, not to mention, very pink! “You’re okay with this right?” It was your turn to question the state of his wellbeing because by the way his eyes had grown three sizes the second his eyes had adjusted to how bright everything was, you’ve garnered a guess that this wasn’t at all Hanbin’s cup of tea… Pun very much intended. “We could go somewhere else.” “No, no, I said I’ll take you here for our first date. We’re doing this!” Mustering up a brazen smile, Hanbin tugged you toward the direction of the small table in the far corner the hostess had just pointed at, squeezing by and nearly knocking over a Ravenclaw-Slytherin’s couple entire tower of sweet. Wiggling into a velvety soft pink and blue striped chair, Hanbin eyed the entire room and heaved a sigh in relief. “Should we get one of those too?” He asked, glancing back at the couple with an apologetic smile, watching as the girl gently pushing back a few sweets that had gotten displaced by Hanbin the Godzilla. “We could…” You replied dreamily, attention wholely captured by the vase of peonies grandly taking up nearly half the table. “Sweetie, do you like these…” he drawn out, realizing that he had absolutely no idea what these giant puff balls were, other than that they were flowers. “Peonies!” “Peonies.” He repeated, fingers grazing against yours gently, hanbin fondly gazed upon the little smile on your lips, still so enthralled by the pink and white swirls of the petals. Delighted that even as lost as you were with the giant flowers, completely unnecessary for such a small space in his opinion, your fingers still wrapped around his instinctively without having to break eye contact. “Yea, I didn’t even know they were in season.” Mentally noting not only your little obsession over these flowers, oh and that they were called peonies, Hanbin was also engraving the dreamy look in your eyes and how you so fondly study the edges of the petal. As you both sat there awaiting your order, not much was said aside from the shy smiles being shared, hands bravely toying, and soft sighs of happiness. Strangely enough, despite the commotion of couples being squeeze together in to a room the size of his left foot, that Hanbin noted would definitely be breaking all the health code and safety laws of the muggle world, it just as it always had been with you… The world disappeared the second he gazed upon your eyes. Your hands gently playing with his as you watched so carefully the everchanging expression of his features, the small words falling from his lips and how they had been so kissable, so soft and plump despite the little scuff still red and raw. It was almost as if the loudness of the place provided the perfect cover for private conversation, perfect for a first date even though every now and then, you’d have to raise your voice just to convey your feeling. “What are you thinking of?” Gently pushing a piece of stray hair obstructing his view of your blushing cheek, all Hanbin could think of was how soft your lips looked and how awesome it’d be to place a kiss on them, unknowing of how your thought had been mirroring exactly that. “You. Just, all this is so strange. Not in a bad way, just I didn’t think starting out this semester that I’d be here, with you out of everyone.” You sighed contently, pausing momentarily as a very extravagant tower filled to the brim with treats gliding midair, squeezing itself alongside the peonies vase. “Me too” Hanbin sighed so contently as his hands moved to pull the tea pot out of the way of the mountain of sweet settling itself unto the table without care. “I guess I’ve always had a crush on you?” You admitted, a bit of giggle falling from your lips from how strange that felt despite here you were, on your first date with none other than the ever so dashing Gryffindor’s captain Kim Hanbin. There was something your heart found funny about professing your undying love for the boy you never really had a chance with and watched as his eyes lighted up with all the stars in the universe. His hands were busying pouring tea into your cup found itself back onto yours, squeezing so firmly that your soul felt the warmest embrace. You’ve always loved how carefree he was, being muggle and proudly wearing it like a badge as he run through the halls, probably late for class or meeting with his friends. You never thought he’d notice you, just a girl silent on the sideline, never once made the effort to be in his sight. You knew now that his eyes were solely on you, yet back then, you had betted with Chanwoo so many times he was staring at Lisa. Only made sense since why would he pay any attention to you? You were happy with just admiring him from afar because in a way, your heart can’t be bother with the comparison of the girls hanging about him if you won’t let it go any further. Yet deep down, there was a little tiny bit of you that had always wanted more, even if all he ever see you as was a good friend, you wanted it. Being muggle in an ocean of silver and emerald green, it gets lonely. In so many ways, Hanbin was your beacon of better, brighter, what you could have. But along the way, you fell too for that charming smile and the seemingly innocent boy behind that façade of the popular captain. The way he interacted with his friends and even those who were stranger, so kind and friendly. On nights when sleep evaded your dorm room, Lisa would laid there in her bed, retelling stories of encounters she had with the boy, knowing full well you longed for it. In the dark of night, she’d tell you of all the silly things he did, all the jokes he told, and how truly, genuinely nice he was to everyone. You knew she did it for you because your heart hadn’t yet ready to take it a step further.   “I guess I have something to confess… There was no denying I was most definitely attracted to you and how you carried yourself. But I hadn’t realized my feeling for you until just before our group dinner. The boys sort of had an emergency intervention and I just, it was a light bulb moment for me.” There was an ease in the way he breathed out that little secret, almost as if it had been weighing down his soul for so long even if your lives had quite literally merged mere days ago. “Oh.” You exclaimed, unsure of what was even the right reaction to the new bits of information he had just laid on you. You completely understand it of course, but at the same time… Two days wasn’t exactly a long enough time for heart to change. “Sweetie, don’t take it the wrong way… Please” There was a bit of panic in his voice as your smile had flatten out to something undecipherable. He hadn’t thought it was a big deal, no matter how or when he realized it, regardless of it all, his heart beat for you. There wasn’t a thing in the world that would change that. However, as he felt your hand going limp in his and the silent that was growing deafening, more so than even the commotion shared with the shop by a nearby table celebrating their 3rd anniversary, he was so wrong. “No, I understand. I mean we don’t really have many common friends and I mean before our study session, we didn’t really have much interaction.” Your voice hadn’t quite regained the spark that made it so vibrant but the smile and the way you had said “we” over and over again soothed his heart some. “I didn’t…” Hanbin started yet silent took over once more as he sat, gaze downcast on your soft fingers toying gently with his. He grabbed both your hands in his before determination seemingly thrusted itself upon his soul, lighting fire in his eyes. “I know you have no reason to trust me because you’re right, we haven’t known each other for long at all. That night, even on the way to meet you, even as inexplicably happy as I was to see you again, a bit of me was still questioning if it was true. All of that was gone the moment I saw you, smiling so brightly, waving at me. You took my breath away every single time since, every time I saw you, a smile immediately appeared on my lips. So, I know you probably thinking right now, this is crazy, we’ve only known each other for 2 days, aren’t we moving too fast?” Animatedly expressing his thoughts, Godzilla-Bin nearly knocked over the tower of sweet, chuckling a bit in embarrassment but nonetheless happy to see a rose blushing your cheeks as you daintily sipped your tea, smiling so widely. “Y/n… I might seem confident all the time but, truth is I know nothing about relationship. Ask any of the guys, I’m as dense as a person could be when it comes to my own feeling, and just as oblivious to others. Had it not for them spelling everything out for me that night, I would probably believe you’d never look at me. None of that change how stupidly fluster I get around you, or how happy I am being with you. So, what do you say, take a chance on this idiot?” “Hanbin, you’ve already got me. You know that, right?” You reached to pinch his cheek and watched as the boy grinned widely, barely able to keep eye contact as a bit of blush colored his cheeks rosy. “I supposed I owe the boys, if not for them I might still have a stalker instead of a boyfriend.” “Well… I would’ve figure it out eventually, just needed a little time.” He confessed timidly “…maybe a little more than a little time. But I’d figure it out eventually. So, if you could also maybe cut me some slack… Not only am I inexperienced, I’m also quite awkward when it comes to girls… And, not exactly smooth or charming.” His voice droned out to something meek, barely meeting your eyes, although his hand hadn’t left yours, not even for a single second. “Wow, now that I said all this, it just seemed like I tricked you and now you’re stuck with a loser.” “Hey, come on. Stop selling yourself short, Hanbin.” Your hand wandered to caress his cheek and at the warm touch, the boy nuzzled further into the palm of your hand.  “If you must know, I find most things you do endearing. And I’m glad you’re comfortable enough to show me this other side of you. I think it’s adorable.” “Really?” Shyly pressing a small kiss into the palm of your hand, Hanbin let out a small high pitch gasp of disbelief, although it was so soft, you wonder it hadn’t meant for your ears at all. “Since we’re confessing and all, I’ve liked you since like maybe beginning of 5th year. Before that it was just simple admiration for a really cool captain.” There was a strange sense of confident surging through your veins in the light of this new side of Hanbin. For the longest you’ve always assumed that he was a lady’s man. Only make sense honestly since he could quite literally make friend with anyone and everyone. Your conclusion that he’d be the most charming guy around the lady wasn’t really so insane if you were being honest. Compare to him, you might as well be a potato. “No way. You’re just saying that…” His jaws nearly to the ground as he shrieked far too loudly for a conversation meant for two. Thankfully, none of the patrons seemed to mind much for they too were far too enthralled in their own romances. “It’s true. I’ve hide it for as long as I could but Chanwoo caught me, and Lisa. Junhoe was quite dense about it. Didn’t suspect a thing at all until I told him.” You said matter of factly, sipping slowly on the cup of tea Hanbin had just refilled to stiffen a giggle at his ever-surprised expression. “Though I must say he was the worst with the teasing. Do you remember that one time he bulldozed Donghyuk over at the train station?” “Yea?” The memory held so dear in his heart, the first time he had learned of your name, how could he not? “He ran into Donghyuk on purpose just so I’d have to walk near you…” “No!!!!” Seemed like the expression for the day was shock because if Hanbin’s eyes bulge out any further, they might just pop right out of his head. “Mm Hmm. That sly snake. Although now that I consider how suddenly fond he is for Donghyuk, he might’ve had ulterior motive also.” Hanbin couldn’t contain the delight warming his heart with each second passing and revelation your side of the story of each memory he had of you. He waited in bated breath, laughing vibrantly, letting all the façade of the charming captain melting away… With you he was just Hanbin, a boy hopelessly in love with his girlfriend, finding everything she does and says wonderful. You told Hanbin how many time Junhoe had expressed his discontent with yet another of your fail attempt to talk to him. Though he was disapproving of another man expressing grievance toward his girlfriend, Hanbin found it over the moon cute how nervous you were just thinking of talking to himself. The way you doted over him and how your eyes seemingly never straying away, ready to devour every word he got to say, it boosted his confident to an unprecedented height. He never thought he could like someone so much and have them return just as much feeling. This, it was so wonderful that he hoped you’d always be here, with him, discovering the new realm of life together forever and always. “In short, I’m now banned from using the words emergency, SOS, 911 or any variation of them.” Recalling all the times you’ve worried your friends sick with a call for help only to reveal that Hanbin was extraordinarily handsome that day, you felt a bit of embarrassment creeping onto your cheeks but by the way your dear boy was beaming so brightly in happiness, you’ve got nothing to worry for. “You’re so cute, you know that? Gosh, I don’t even know what I was so worry for now. I thought I was going to throw up on you asking you out… Then you’d hate me forever because I threw up on you.” “I’d still be happy. A bit disgusted, but still…” You were still so high from the sky-high confession so uniquely Hanbin, you were sure he could’ve drive you both into a bush and you’d still say yes. “Shall we head back soon?” Hanbin mused regretfully, not quite loving the idea of having to end this wonderful day so soon but the dreadful hour of tomorrow’s practice loomed over his head. He knew no longer does he have to count the hours he gets to spend with you, yet he wasn’t quite ready to be apart even if it was still under the same roof. Never before had the distant between the dark cold dungeon of Slytherin and sunny tower of Gryffindor seemed so inconceivably far. “Hmm, we’re running out of tea and sweets anyways. Best save some room for dinner too.” The wind had now regained the strength of the approaching winter, cutting into the tiny bit of skin you’ve left bare. Unknowingly, you snuggled closer to the boy, stealing warmth as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Hanbin too had taken notice of your growing quaint touches, outstretching his arm to welcome you into his side. He held you close, though it made walking a bit less convenient, neither of you minded much for the road too had gone empty. Without the prying eyes of the school and whispering of envy, your new relationship basked in the comforting silent shared by your erratically beating hearts. Your conversation continued on with the past and even the future, plans for winter break already in motion even though Halloween had yet to pass. The soft glow of the castle readily welcoming the both of you back into its warmth, shooing away the wind that was how howling against the rising moon. The debate of whether the next few hours till dinner would be spent together soon concluded with you both parting ways. He walked you dutifully just as he had the night before and waited until he could no longer see the soft locks of your hair bouncing down the steps into the dungeon. Even though dinner was mere hours away, you couldn’t help the excitement bubble far too close to the surface, barely able to contain your heart from exploding. Excitement electrifying every bit of your skin, leaving you breathless that Hanbin was truly, and undoubtedly yours.   Up on the high tower donning crimson and gold, the Gryffindor boy felt light as a feather as he jogged up the stair toward the soft embrace of his bed. There was a time when he thought there was nothing better, and he really meant it, nothing could feel greater than the warmth of his bed and the thick plush blanket cuddling him into a giant burrito after a long day of practice. Yet being in your arms today, even as small and precious as you were doing your best to hold him, the most magnificent warmth far beyond just physical feeling enveloped him, caressing serene and comfort into his soul. He could barely wait to see you again, to feel your breath so hot against his chest as you snuggle so close, doing the most to outshine him as an affection leech.   “Hey, lover boy!” Jiwon cheered, a bright smile on his lips, so contrast of the grimace dark on his features at practice. “Why are you so happy? Did Lisa punch you?” Hanbin was all too wary of his roommate’s sly smirk and teasing wink. “W-what? Why would I be happy if she punched me?” Flustered, the boy stuttered in mild protest, though that blush on his cheeks told a completely different story. “Cause that will be the only form of skin contact your coward ass will ever get with her.” It was Hanbin’s turn to smirk as Jiwon gasped, mouth gaped open to protest, but none came. “That is surprisingly on brand, but that’s beside the point.” Throwing his body onto the cushion of his bed, Jiwon got a look on his face that was troublesome to say the least. “So… Tell me everything! How was your date? Did she tell her parents? How was your kiss?” “I see the news already made its way around.” Hanbin sighed, he knew it would come sooner or later after your more than public date. Yet he was hoping to have you just for himself, to keep it between the two of you just a few more days. The boy was not yet ready to share his girlfriend with the world, wanting to treasure still the tender private moments. “Kind of hard when you keep running around snogging her every chance you get.” Jiwon scoffed with a bit of disgust but deep down, no one was happier that Hanbin finally got more than just quidditch and struggling with calculus to fill his days. “But for real though, I’m happy for you.” “Yea…” The bit of hesitation in Hanbin’s voice didn’t go unnoticed by his best friend, eyes training on the way his gaze seemingly far too despondent for a man just that had just went on his first date, and counting. “What was that?” “What was what?” Hanbin quipped, eyes grown like a deer in headlight at his friend’s sudden inquiry. “You should be doing back flips off the wall right now not...” Jiwon waved his hand about, gesturing to the slump in Hanbin’s shoulders and the nervous hands scratching his nailbeds raw. “I don’t know man. I am happy, no doubt about that. It’s just I wonder if she is…” It felt wrong for him to even bring this silly thought to the light of day, but he couldn’t help it, not when Jiwon hit him right where it hurt. “What make you say that? From what I heard, Lisa said Y/n hadn’t, and I quote: ‘shut up about her stupid little date with her stupid little boyfriend and how stupidly perfect everything was.’” Jiwon put on a magnificent display that seemed to be imitating Lisa, to which Hanbin thought was surprisingly accurate. “Now that I said it out loud, I think Lisa is jealous.” “Yea, man. Ask her out before she tear all her hair out.” Patting the bunny liked boy on his back, they shared a chuckle before the issue at hand once more return. “Anyways, really? I’m guessing she’s happy.” Hanbin admitted to himself, this time with a content sigh that he at least did this first date thing right. “So, why are you sitting here doubting it? Doubting her?” “It’s something she did. Everything was fine and then when we got close to the village, suddenly she just… She got this worry look in her eyes when people start whispering and glancing.” Hanbin sighed, concern more now than ever that he finally voiced his observation, it all seemed so much more real. He had brushed it off earlier simply because he didn’t realized how intense the tea shop would be. “Well you know who you are, Hanbin. There will always be eyes on you and like it or not, it’ll be on her too.” When his eyes returned to his friend, Jiwon realized Hanbin was far lost in his own world. “Man, you got it bad. I’ll ask Lisa and the boys, see if they know anything.” “Thanks, Jiwon.” “Anyways, I think the Ravenclaw idiots are waiting for us. Let’s all walk over to get your lady.” Nothing to cheer up a man down on himself like the mention of his heart’s desire. Hanbin seemingly perked right up as he hopped off the couch, yanking Jiwon along down the long path. Just as the loudly dinging phone had alerted them to, Donghyuk and Yunhyeong were waiting less than impatiently by the bottom of the staircase, antsy too though they still won’t admit to the more than obvious reason why. They bickered and argued the entire way leading toward the damp air and darken path of the Slytherin entrance. They were loud, even more so through the empty hallway, letting their laughter echoing about but the joyful sound ended abruptly. There, just a bit to the left of the Slytherin’s threshold that Hanbin had been growing acquaintance with, his girl and a boy he barely recognize stood, huddling close. His hair soft and silky, each golden thread so brilliantly reflecting off the fluttering wings of orange flames from the light posts. His skin pale as the moonlight, smooth and nearly as beautiful as yours, a stark contrast to the head to toe black outfit covering his stature. Hanbin couldn’t help but letting the soft thumping of his heart commanding his brain into a scramble, fists clenching so tightly his knuckles were going white. It looked far too intimate the way the stranger’s gaze dancing about your features, far too familiar as his red lips tugged into a frown listening to you. Your words hushed and so was the boy’s, bodies barely apart no doubt in an effort to keep whatever secrets being shared, well, a secret.  Sorrow drowned his eyes, glazing it over with something so painful Hanbin felt his heart ached for the stranger that was crossing into territory that should’ve left him jealous. Hanbin watched as you pulled the boy into a tight embrace, hand gently patting his back as the boy let his head rest on your shoulder. “S-Should we go over there?” Jiwon whispered, not wanting to disturb yet at the same time, ready to hold his dear friend back if needed. “No, let her be. I’ll meet her at Great Hall.” Hanbin sighed with a soft smile, undecipherable to even Donghyuk, who was appointed by all of them to be the most sensitive to other’s feeling. “Whatever they’re talking about, seemed important.” “I’ll text the rest that we’ll go ahead first and grab a spot.” Yunhyeong spoke up finally after silently observing in the background as the boys began to turn on their heels. Yet life had a funny way of interrupting beautiful moments, just as it had a knack for pressing at moments that would much better off left alone. In unison, all their phones dinged with the might of Yunhyeong’s fingers, sending the intended text to their group chat. Panic, shivers ran down his spine as Hanbin realized what had just happened, eyes shot back toward the scene very much not intended for his eyes.  The boys scrambled and muttering cuss as if they were sailors being attacked by vicious pirates. He prayed so hard that you hadn’t realized, that the collective ring had gone unheard but alas, your eyes were already on his. He did his best to put on a smile, a small wave before they hurried back down the hallway toward dinner, footsteps hurrying as if they had just gotten caught redhanded.   “Well that went as horrible as it could’ve.” Hanbin sighed, noting the way your eyes lit up in panic? Confusion? He wasn’t sure but one thing was for certain, he hoped you wouldn’t be angry at him for intruding, ruining the moment. Surrounded by good company and the most delectable food filling the plates, his mind was soon off of the strange encounter as the group huddled close, over talking in an attempt to ease his mind. Eventually the noise and the smell were enough to get Hanbin into the flow of the conversation, yet before he could fly off into the far distant land of his mind, Jiwon was violently stabbing at his side, inciting the most excruciating pain an index finger could against the soft tissue of his hip. “Binnie, look. Stop eating!” Jiwon grunted under his breath, not wanting to draw any more attention than necessary. Though all his discretion went out the window the moment he settled on elbowing Hanbin so hard, the boy nearly topples over in his seat. If not for the much more important issue at hand, hanbin would’ve thrown Jiwon to the floor for bruising his ribs the night before a very important practice session. The warmth of soup long abandoned as his eyes traversed upward toward the entrance where you had just burst into, panted and alarmed. Your eyes rummaging through the entire room, through every group of students spreading sporadically through the four great tables. Your hair a bit more wild than he had last seen, no doubt from sprinting if the heavy pant you were heaving was of any indication. When your eyes met his, it was as if heaven had opened up as you huffed a sigh of relief, especially when Hanbin already had a smile on his lips. No words needed to be said for Hanbin understood completely your gaze, rising from his seat and bounding toward you immediately. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He could barely made out the tiny frown you got on your lips before your feet once more pattering against the stone floor, running right out the door into the quietness of the hall. “Y/n, slow down. If you breathe any harder, your lungs are going to explode.” For a second Hanbin had forgotten completely what happened that morning, the way your arms felt so right around him, how soft your lips were. For a split second, he felt helpless yet the second he picked up on that soft scent of your perfume, out of sheer instinct, his arms woven itself around your shivering body. “Hey, what’s wrong?” “I, I can explain…” You could barely get a few words out before a breath choked out from your throat. Even now, merely through the hug he could feel your heart beating right out of your chest, thumping far worse than what he felt as you both soared high through the cloud. “what you saw, it’s not what you think.” “I didn’t think anything, Y/n. You don’t have to explain anything to me.” He sighed against a soft kiss on your cheek, fingers gently brushing the windblown locks into submission, carding solace back into your frizzy self. “But, you saw… and you left… and, and he was just a friend. It was a friendly hug, like a friendly consolation hug. It didn’t mean-“ “Okay, let’s breathe first and foremost. Can’t have you passing out of me now, okay?” His words slowly sinking in as you let your head falling into his chest, letting the gentle beat of his heart calming down yours. “There we go. I left because it looked like a private moment. I trust you, Y/n. Strange as that sound for the amount of time we’ve known each other… I left simply because he had the look of a broken man and I had a feeling four rowdy boys wouldn’t help.” “He’s my closest friend beside the trio. He was having some hard time, with his girlfriend so I offered a hug of encouragement.” You explained even though Hanbin had time and time again expressed he need not of it. “Oh, my sweet girl, did you run all the way up here from the dungeon just to tell me that?” He cooed softly against the shell of your ear. He pressed yet another kiss, this time against your forehead and felt firework exploding in his heart as you nodded timidly with a soft mewl of agreement. “But you hate running.” “I know…” You pouted, finally parting way from the comforting pillow of his chest, needing to look at him. “Running hurt.” “Goodness me, what am I going to do with you.” He was in so much trouble, so so much trouble feeling his heart nearly giving up, unable to cope with every tiny sound, every little expression on your features.  “How are you always this cute? I’m going to die young of a heart attack if this goes on any further.” “Hey, I said dying is not allowed…” You punched playfully at his chest in protest, “Fine, I’ll go away then… So, you won’t die young.” “Nope, too late for running away.” Your attempt at wiggling out of his hug was as effective as watering plant under a big rainstorm, the more you struggle, the tighter his hug had become. “Plus, you hate running anyways so I say, just go along for the ride.” “Thank you, for understanding.” 

“Always. You can tell me when you’re ready.” Hanbin let you rest your weary mind on his chest for as long as you wanted, soft teasing words and comforting hug readily given to fill the time. He didn’t mind too that the dinner he had gotten was barely touched, a few bites eaten before you had stormed in and whisked away all his attention. He loved this, having you in his arms without feeling the scrutiny of passersby and jealous whispers. He wasn’t one to think of himself as a giant, just a boy who loved the sport, willing to give his all to take his team toward victory. Yet somehow along the way, the title of prince and king entangled his soul, weighting it down with emotions Hanbin wasn’t ready to deal with. And as much as he’d like to deny it, eyes were on him and it was true what Jiwon had said, eyes will be on you too. So for now, he’ll cherished these small private moments of two souls bonding through the bliss of a new relationship barely budding in the fresh air of romance. And when time come, he’ll do his best to protect you against the sharp glares of the world. Though perhaps that time might come much much sooner than he could ever imagine. As you were both too far lost in the far corners of the universe where only the two of you exist, you failed to realize that just beyond the sharp turn of the corridor a sharp scoff of anger bitter against the sweet words being spoken had just materialized, lingering with the echoing footsteps leaving you both behind, oblivious in the seemingly peaceful night…