#and then THIS took MUCH longer than expected

[wosoloml]

through the lens of love II katie mccabe x interview! reader

summary: Coming out of a heartbreak, Katie never expected to catch feelings for the new girl on Arsenal's media team.

warnings: none just fluff, mentioning of ruesha, maybe she (katie) falls first but reader falls harder, different POV's, kinda slow burn idk

a/n: please leave feedback about the different pov's if you like it or not. ive thought i could do something new maybe

wc: 1,6k

8:00 AM. It’s not my first day at Arsenal’s media team, but I’m still feeling nervous. Moving from Germany to England for a new job two weeks ago was the best decision I’ve ever made.

At first, I worked on a few interviews with Lotte, especially after her goal against City. She’s been a Gunner since day one and is such a ray of sunshine—I love working with her.

“Hey, Y/N! You look amazing today. How are you?”

My smile widens as I recognize her voice from afar.

“Hello, Lotte, my girl! I’m good, what about you?”

She gives the best hugs, no doubt about it

After shooting a few short clips for Arenals Social Media Team Im done with Lotte.

"Do you know whos coming next?" She asked me quiet suspecious

"Lemme Check" i grab my phone "I think its Katie. Ive never worked with her before"

Lottes eyes widened. "Good Luck with her. Since she broke up with her girfriend her moodswings are horrible" Wow she always knows how to make me feel good

-----

I’ve done countless interviews throughout my career—always answering the same questions about leading Ireland, my physical style of play, my streak of yellow cards, and being a fan favorite at Arsenal.

But nothing could have prepared me for this moment.

"Come in," I hear a soft voice from inside the room as I gently push the door open.

I hesitate for a moment, a bit confused. "Oh, I was expecting Tamara to be here. Am I wrong?"

The girl chuckles at my words. "No, it's fine. She's working with the men's team today. I've been here for two weeks now—I'm new."

"Yeah, of course," I reply with a casual shrug. But the moment I look up, a strange feeling stirs in my stomach.

I've never felt anything like this before.

There was something about her—the way her lips curved into a subtle smile, the focused look in her eyes as she watched me. Maybe I held eye contact a little longer than necessary.

"I'm Y/N. Thank you for taking the time today," she said, extending her hand.

"Katie," I managed to reply, the only word I could get out. Her skin was impossibly soft, and her voice carried a professionalism laced with a warmth that caught me off guard.

--

The moment Katie took my hand, I could feel it—she was nervous, holding something back. It surprised me; I never would have pegged Katie McCabe as the shy type, especially around new people. But I had to admit, I liked it.

The slight press of her fingers against mine sent an unexpected wave of comfort through me, a feeling I had never quite experienced before.

As Katie sat down, I grabbed my papers, preparing to start the interview like any other. But from the moment she walked into the room, something about her unsettled me in the best way possible. Maybe it was the effortless confidence in her stride or the way her sharp eyes locked onto mine, holding the gaze just a second longer than necessary.

I asked Katie about Arsenal’s season, her role as a leader, and what playing for Ireland meant to her. She answered effortlessly, naturally slipping in a few jokes along the way.

She made me laugh so easily, and I had to admit that liked it. Before long, we had fallen into an easy rhythm, the conversation flowing as if we had known each other for much longer.

But as the interview went on, something between us shifted. The air felt different, charged with an unspoken tension. And I could only hope I wasn’t the only one noticing it.

--

The more she spoke, the harder it became to ignore the way my pulse quickened whenever she laughed—I loved making her laugh. It was the prettiest sound I had ever heard. And then there was the way her eyes flickered to my lips when I spoke, as if she was just as caught up in whatever was happening between us as I was.

"I'm pretty much done with the basic questions, but I have one more," she said, tilting her head slightly. "What is Katie McCabe like when she’s not on the pitch, being physical with defenders?"

God. The way my name fell from her lips—it needed to be studied. It was so damn sexy.

I smirked, leaning back in my chair, playing it cool.

--

I asked her what Katie McCabe was like when she wasn’t being physical on the pitch. Maybe I asked out of pure curiosity, or maybe it was something more—I just knew I wanted to learn about her beyond the game.

She smirked, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Actually, I’m pretty boring. I love going for walks or exploring new coffee shops."

The thought of her strolling through London, coffee in hand, completely at ease—it filled me with a warmth I wasn’t expecting.

"That sounds nice," I replied, smiling softly.

Katie tilted her head, smirking. "Depends on who I’m with, actually."

There it was again—that subtle shift in the air between us. The unspoken tension lingering just beneath the surface. She had to know she was flirting. She had to know what she was doing to me.

For a brief moment, I forgot about the cameras, the blinking recording light, the fact that this was supposed to be just another interview.

It was just the two of us.

And I could only hope I wasn’t the only one feeling it.

---

It was just the two of us. I realized I was flirting with her—something I hadn’t planned, yet it felt entirely natural and effortless.

As she continued with the interview, an undeniable energy, a tension, hung in the air. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it.

Y/N offered me a polite smile as the interview wrapped up. “Thank you for your time, Katie. This was great,” she said. My heart skipped a beat at her words, hopefully, she hadn’t noticed. I smirked and stretched, replying, “Wasn’t too bad.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she grinned.

I wanted to say more, but I was lost for words. Instead, I asked if she was coming to this week’s match. “Yeah, I’ll be covering it,” she replied, and a smile spread across my face at her answer.

I knew I had to seize the moment before it slipped away. “Maybe... maybe we can grab a coffee afterwards?” I ventured. There was a pause, and Y/N blinked in surprise.

--

Her words were casual, but the way she said them - like she was teasing me made my heart go crazy. I just smiled at her, playing it cool "Maybe we can"

As she walked away, i released a breath i hadnt realized i was holding.

What the hell just happened here?

I spent the last few weeks telling myself that whatever i felt in that interview was just a moment of weakness - nothing serious. It was just some Starstrucked feeling that would fade once i got to know Katie properly.

I was so wrong.

We had fallen into a rhythm. Coffee Dates after matches, late night phone calls that stretched longer than they should, lingering glances secretly at each other.

Of course this has to happen the second i let myself into Katie Mccabe.

--

At first, I thought it was just friendly—just the two of us getting along, enjoying each other’s company. But deep down, I knew the truth. The way my heart stopped every time I made her laugh, the way I caught myself looking forward to seeing Y/N, the way my eyes instinctively searched for her in every room. none of it was casual.

Even my teammates had started to notice. After our last game, Lotte came up to me with a smirk. “Have you spotted Y/N in the crowd yet? Pretty sure she’s wearing your name on the back of her Arsenal shirt.”

The way my eyes lit up at her words completely betrayed me.

--

One evening, after an Arsenal win, we found ourselves in a quiet café, like we always did.

"You were amazing today," I said, smiling as I absentmindedly stirred my coffee, lost in thought.

Katie smirked, taking a sip from her cup. "Not bad, huh?" There was a slight teasing tone in her voice, and I couldn’t help but grin.

"Are you kidding? You were on fire. It feels like you love football more than anything else in the world."

She studied me for a moment, leaning forward slightly. "You think so?"

I nodded. "The way you light up when you talk about it... It’s really inspiring."

She hesitated for a second before smiling. "There’s a lot to love about it."

My gaze didn’t waver. "Is there anything—or anyone—you love more?"

I felt bold asking the question, teasing her just a little. But as soon as the words left my lips, my pulse spiked. I wasn’t sure I was ready for her answer.

Katie’s expression shifted, her voice quieter than before. "Maybe. Depends on who's asking."

Something in me softened at her words. In that moment, I knew I could be vulnerable with her. I had never trusted anyone the way I trusted Katie.

Slowly, carefully, she reached across the table, her fingers brushing against my hand. The warmth of her touch sent a spark through me, like fire beneath my skin.

I didn’t pull away.

She was the first to break the silence, a small, nervous smile playing on her lips. "Well," she murmured, "guess I’m not just in love with football after all."

For a moment, the world outside blurred, and the space between us disappeared.

“

[xobunni0]

𝒸𝒶𝓇𝒾ñ𝑜

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

➵ ℳ𝓔𝓝𝓤

- DAY 3 💌, boyfriend!shadow, suggestive, wc- 1891, she’s a long one, my best work yet 🤭🤭

it wasn’t the way you imagined the night would go. It was date night. and instead you were scrubbing dishes.

you scrubbed a stubborn spot on one of the plates. your mind wandering as you worked. you thought about how excited you’d been to surprise him, to see Shadow break into one of those rare small smiles he reserved just for you.

but instead you were here, alone, scrubbing dishes at nearly 10 PM

you scrubbed the last of the dishes with more force than necessary trying to distract yourself from the bitterness bubbling up inside it wasn’t fair. not the missed dinner or the lack of communication but the fact that you couldn’t even stay mad. no matter how late Shadow was or how much he forgot your love for him always out won your anger

just as you reached to turn off the water, the faint sound of the front door creaking open made you freeze. you didn’t turn around not right away.

the softest sound of boots against the floor. then warmth.

Shadow’s arms wrapped around you from behind, firm but heavy with exhaustion. his head came to rest against your shoulder the faintest exhale of relief brushing against your neck.

your breath caught and for a moment, you froze your heart racing as his presence washed over you

“Shadow” you whispered

“I’m here” he murmured, his voice low and rough

the anger that had been building up all evening began to crumble, you could feel the tension in his body the exhaustion in the way he leaned into you

Shadow was quiet for a moment, his arms tightening around you. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you” he said finally. “The mission took longer than I expected.”

you turned slightly in his arms, enough to catch a glimpse of his face. his crimson eyes, usually intense were softer now, he looked… tired something he rarely let himself be.

“I waited” you said, your voice trembling just slightly. “I wanted tonight to be special. I thought you..”

“I know” he interrupted gently, his gaze dropping. “I saw the table… the candles.” his voice getting even lower. “I’m sorry.”

your heart ached at the sincerity in his words at the way his guilt seemed to weigh heavier on him than his own exhaustion. slowly, you reached up your fingers brushing lightly against the side of his face.

“I’m not mad” you admitted, “I just… missed you.”

Shadow leaned into your touch, his eyes closing for a brief moment. “I missed you too” he murmured

you leaned into him, your forehead resting against his. for all the frustration and disappointment.. having him here feeling his warmth, hearing his voice was enough to make everything else fade away.

“Come on” you said softly, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. “You need to sit down. You look exhausted.”

he didn’t argue, letting you guide him to the couch. as you moved to grab him a plate of reheated food, Shadow’s hand caught yours pulling you gently back to him.

“Stay” he said simply, his eyes meeting yours

you didn’t hesitate, sinking down beside him. Shadow’s arm wrapped around you again, pulling you close as he rested his head against yours

Shadow sank onto the couch, his usually proud posture was slumped, his head resting against yours as he let out a low weary sigh.

Shadow rarely let his exhaustion show always pushing through without complaint. but tonight, it was clear he’d reached his limit.

“long day?” you asked gently

Shadow nodded, his voice low and rough. “yeah.”

you placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension coiled beneath his fur. “let me help.” you murmured

he glanced at you, crimson eyes searching yours as if trying to decide whether to accept. finally, he gave the faintest nod

you smiled softly and moved behind him, settling on your knees as you placed your hands on his shoulders. slowly you began to work the tight muscles beneath your fingers, kneading gently at first and then applying more pressure as you felt him relax

his head tilted forward slightly, exposing the back of his neck. “you don’t have to” he muttered, though the tension in his voice was already melting away.

“I want to” you replied, your fingers working along the knots in his upper back. “You do so much Shadow. let me take care of you for once.”

a soft, hum escaped him a sound you rarely heard but treasured every time you did.

your hands moved lower, trailing down his spine with carefully. as your thumbs pressed into a particularly tight spot, he tensed for a moment before letting out a deep breath his shoulders slumping further.

“That feels… good” he admitted quietly, his tone softer than usual

you smiled, leaning in to press a light kiss to the back of his neck. “Good” you murmured against his fur, your lips lingering for a moment before moving to another spot

Shadow’s ears flicked slightly, a subtle reaction that made your heart flutter and encouraged you to continue leaving gentle kisses along the curve of his neck, your hands never stopping their soothing rhythm on his back.

“Relax” you whispered, your voice warm and tender.

his breathing slowed, deep and steady, as the tension melted from his body. his head tilted slightly to the side, giving you more access to his neck

you trailed your fingertips along his shoulders now your touch light and soothing, “Does that help?” you asked softly.

Shadow turned his head just enough to meet your gaze, his eyes softer than you’d ever seen them. “It does” he said

you leaned forward, pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek before wrapping your arms around his shoulders from behind. “Good” you whispered. “You deserve it.”

Shadow’s hand came up to rest lightly over yours, his grip firm yet gentle.

as Shadow leaned back into the couch, his body finally relaxed and tension-free, you gently brushed your hands over his shoulders one last time.

“There” you said softly, leaning down to press a light kiss to the top of his head. “Feeling better?”

he tilted his head slightly, his eyes meeting yours. “Better” he murmured. “Thank you.”

you smiled, smoothing your hand over his arm before standing. “Good. Now stay right there I’m not done taking care of you yet.”

before he could argue, you made your way to the kitchen. the meal you’d prepared earlier was still waiting, kept warm in the oven.

when you returned to the living room, Shadow had straightened slightly his posture still tired but no longer as heavy. his gaze followed you as you set the plate in front of him on the coffee table, along with a glass of water.

“I thought you’d be hungry” you said, taking a seat beside him.

he looked at the plate and then back at you.

“You didn’t have to” he said quietly, though he didn’t hesitate to pick up the fork.

“I wanted to” you replied, watching as he took his first bite. you could see the tension in his jaw ease as he took his first bite

“You always do too much” he muttered

you leaned into him slightly, resting your chin on your hand as you watched him eat. “Someone has to take care of you” you teased lightly.

as Shadow’s plate rested empty on the coffee table, he leaned back against the couch his arm draped around you. you felt his warmth as he pulled you closer, but his gaze shifted lingering on you in a way that made your heart flutter.

his eyes traveled from your face, where a soft satisfied smile lingered, down to the dress you wore a black slip dress that clung to your figure just right.

“You wore this” he said quietly, his voice carrying that deep steady tone you loved. his fingers brushed against the hem of the dress where it rested on your thigh

“I wanted to surprise you” you admitted softly, leaning into his side. “It’s your favorite isn’t it?”

Shadow didn’t answer immediately, but by the way he was eyeing you answered that. his hand moved slightly, fingertips grazing the delicate lace trim as his thumb traced over the fabric.

his gaze flicked back to your face, and for a moment he leaned forward slightly his forehead brushing against yours as his hand rested gently on your waist his fingers against the silky fabric.

“so beautiful..” he paused, his voice getting lightly quieter as if the words were foreign to him.

Shadow’s other hand came up, brushing a strand of hair away from your face as his thumb lightly grazed your cheek. the soft touch sent a shiver down your spine.

Shadow leaned in, his lips brushing softly against yours in a kiss

his hand slid from your waist to your thigh, resting there lightly. his gaze dropped briefly to the dress again, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips

“You really did all this… for me?” he said, his tone low and teasing.

“I did” you said, brushing your fingers over his hand.

Shadow shook his head slightly, a quiet hum escaping him as his hand tightened just slightly on your thigh.

“You trust me don’t you?” he asked searching your eyes.

you nodded unable to form words

“Lay back” he murmured

you swallowed, heat creeping up your neck as you slowly leaned back, your body sinking into the couch beneath you. the second your head met the cushion, Shadow moved placing himself above you.

his hands braced against the couch on either side of your head

your breath hitched. you could feel the warmth radiating from his body the way he traced your features like he was memorizing every detail. you felt trapped in the best possible way completely at his mercy.

“Relax” he cooed

his expression softened just a little. then ever so slowly he leaned down his lips a few inches away from yours. he was waiting, testing you

Shadow lingered just above you, his breath warm against your skin. his crimson eyes flickered with something unreadable and it sent your heart racing. then a slow smirk tugged at his lips.

“I love seeing you like this” he admitted, his voice low and smooth, almost like a purr.

his gaze darkened, trailing over your face then down to where your chest rose and fell beneath him. he wasn’t touching you not yet..

“Laid back looking up at me.” His smirk deepened

finally, he moved, his hand coming up to ghost along your jawline, fingers barely brushing your skin. it was a featherlight touch, but it sent heat spreading through your body

“let me take care of you now” he murmured, pressing the faintest kiss just below your ear before pulling back to look at you again.

and with that, he settled closer one arm slipping around your waist as he rested some of his weight against you his presence consuming.

you could only stare up at him heart pounding.

HEHEHE

day 4 💌 on sunday!

𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 ⏦ﾟᢉ𐭩 - 𓊆ྀི𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𓊇ྀི

[bubbleggum444]

—❝S∪GAƦ, Y𝓔S P𝐿EASE!❞

contents jason todd x fem!reader, bride/wifey!reader au, tooth rotting fluff (+ a teeny tiny bit of angst), songfic (bc i'm high-key a sucker for them), 2k+ wc. synopsis jason marrying the love of his life—you :)

[I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down. I need your lovin', lovin', I need it now.]

The man Jason used to be before he met her and the man standing at the altar now were two entirely different people. Before, he was hardened, broken, convinced he was beyond saving. After the resurrection, he had been nothing more than a shell of himself—no longer the sweet, happy Robin. But then she came into his life, and piece by piece, she put him back together. Every time she was near, she picked up his shattered remains, healing him in ways he never thought possible. She became the guardian angel his 15-year-old self had desperately needed.

Now, standing at the altar, waiting for her, Jason felt something foreign yet familiar—hope.

[When I'm without ya, I'm something weak. You got me beggin', beggin', I'm on my knees.]

The weight of the moment pressed down on him. Everyone’s eyes were on him—it was expected, of course, he was the groom. But Jason had never liked being in the spotlight. His heart pounded against his ribs, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He wasn’t nervous about marrying her—that was the one thing he was sure of—but the anticipation, the sheer magnitude of what was about to happen, sent his nerves into overdrive.

Then, the music changed. A hush fell over the room.

And as Jason lifted his head, his breath caught in his throat.

There she was.

Walking toward him, down the long white aisle, looking every bit like the angel she had always been to him. His knees nearly buckled. Was it the nerves? Or was it the sight of her—the woman who would soon be his wife?

Both. It was both. And for her, Jason would go to his knees all over again.

[I don't wanna be needing your love. I just wanna be deep in your love.]

The Jason before her had been defensive, guarded, unwilling to let anyone in. No matter how sweet she was, he had fought against needing her—whether because he felt too broken, too unworthy, or simply too afraid to be vulnerable.

But as she walked toward him now, memories of her flooded his mind.

The first time they met—her tumbling into him, muddy and scraped up from roller-skating straight into his path. Jason had barely had time to register what had happened before he was on his knees, making sure she was okay.

Their first date—her in a sundress that made her glow like the sun itself, laughing as she compared them to mismatched socks. "We're like a perfect pair!" she'd said. He hadn't known if it was the way she made imperfection seem beautiful or the way she so easily called them a couple, but his knees had felt weak even then.

Jason had once told himself he didn't want to need her love. But he had missed the memo—his heart had already been deep in her love from the first moment he saw her. And for the first time since his resurrection, Jason Todd didn’t mind needing someone else.

[And it's killing me when you're away, ooh, baby.]

As she reached him, he took her hands in his, steadying both her and himself. Another memory surfaced.

Jason, exhausted, dragging himself home after another brutal night of crime-fighting. His body ached, his mind was drained, and his soul felt heavier than ever. But when he opened the door to his apartment, warmth wrapped around him like a long-lost embrace.

The fire crackled softly in the dim room, the smell of roasted beef lingering in the air. And then, there she was. Smiling at him, eyes full of love. A moment later, she was in his arms.

"I got off early from nursing school," she had said, as if those simple words weren’t everything.

But they were everything.

Jason had never realized just how much he needed her—how much he hated being away from her—until that moment.

[Cause I don't really care where you are. I just wanna be there where you are.]

Now, in the present, Jason’s cold hands enveloped hers, his world narrowing to just her. The nervousness, the crowd, the weight of all the eyes watching—it all disappeared.

And then, finally, his lips met hers. A kiss filled with love, devotion, and every spoken and unspoken vow in his heart.

It didn’t matter where they were—in his tiny apartment, feeding ducks by the river, ice skating (and failing miserably), or lost in a crowd larger than Gotham itself.

Jason didn’t care.

As long as he was wherever she was, that was enough.

➽──────────────❥

© — ggυɱi '25

likes and reblogs are greatly appreciated

ദ്ദി ≽^⎚˕⎚^≼ .ᐟ

[decayed-cartilage]

do you currently take requests? i absolutely ADORE the way you write hannibal and may be a little (aka very) obsessed with the current intern series.. if you do requests could i request dark/yandere hannibal general headcanons :33 could be nsfw or sfw im fine with literally anything you write 🥲

A/n: thank you for suggesting 😊 I really hope I do this justice... Ive never like done this format and I think I wrote a lil too much 😮‍💨 but please let me know how you feel!! 💕 Big kisses

WARNINGS: stalking! Smut! Fingering! Taking advantage! Mentions of death! Allusion to cannibalism!

Yandere! Hannibal headcannons + mini fic(s)

Masterlist

Yandere! Hannibal who deliberately took up new hobbies—ones he knew you loved—just to have an excuse to spend more time with you.

Y/N lit up the moment she stepped into the studio, her eyes wide with happiness. It was an expression I had come to enjoy—genuine, seeing me among the rest of the potters.

"Doctor Lecter! I had no idea you enjoyed pottery as well!" she said, her voice warm, even a giggle slipping out.

I smiled, hands still dusted with clay. It was true that I had no particular passion for pottery, but I had learned. For her. And now, standing before me, she believed this was a passion of mine.

"Of course, Miss L/n," I replied easily, meeting her gaze. "I'm sure we've spoken of it before."

She hesitated, just for a second. Had we? The question flickered behind her eyes, but she dismissed it just as quickly. If I said it was so, then surely it must be.

She launched into conversation without another thought, her words flowing freely—soft, lively, unguarded. I nodded at all the right moments, smiling when she laughed, watching the way her enthusiasm bubbled over. It was an effortless thing, listening to her.

But my attention wasn’t truly on her.

It was on him.

Her boyfriend stood just behind her, arms crossed, gaze flicking disinterestedly over the room. He had no appreciation for the art, not even for the things that brought her joy. He was here out of obligation, not care. And yet, he stood at her side, playing the role he assumed was expected of him.

I watched him, my gaze steady. Unwavering. Not a glare, not an obvious threat—but something quieter. A measured, deliberate look that spoke more than words ever could.

He felt it. I could see it in the way his posture tightened, in the way his jaw clenched ever so slightly. He wouldn’t meet my eyes for long.

Good.

She didn’t notice. She was still talking, still laughing, blissfully unaware of the moment unfolding between us. But I held my gaze a beat longer, just to be sure the message was understood.

Just to be sure he knew he didn’t belong.

Yandere! Hannibal, who carefully manipulated doubt into your mind, never overtly suggesting you leave your boyfriend—but making you see the cracks you’d once ignored.

Hannibal watched you unravel in real-time, your delicate fingers fidgeting with the loose thread on your sleeve, your voice quiet, hesitant. You were always hesitant when it came to him. That fool. That boy who didn’t understand what he had—what he was so carelessly throwing away.

"He left me in the middle of the store… and I was so scared," you murmured, like you were embarrassed by the admission, like it wasn’t something that should infuriate you.

But you weren’t angry. No, you were simply hurt. Still trying to justify his actions, trying to shrink your feelings into something more tolerable, something that wouldn’t make you seem like a burden.

Hannibal exhaled slowly, though the tension coiled within him like a serpent.

"He knows about your anxiety, doesn’t he?"

The way your breath hitched—so subtle, almost imperceptible to anyone who wasn’t watching for it—told him the answer before you even nodded.

Of course he knew. And yet he still did it.

How reckless. How unworthy.

Hannibal’s fingers curled slightly against the arm of his chair as he studied you, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make you question it, just long enough for the thought to begin forming in your own mind before he spoke again.

"Then he knew what he was doing."

It wasn’t a question. It was a fact. One that you needed to hear. One that you needed to accept.

You frowned slightly, your gaze lowering as if you were trying to find some hidden excuse for him among the lines in your palm.

Hannibal leaned forward just slightly, lowering his voice, making it intimate. “And when you found him… what did he say?”

You swallowed. That small, nervous movement of your throat. He wanted to reach out, to smooth his thumb over the tension there. Instead, he waited.

"He just laughed. Said I was overreacting."

Overreacting.

Hannibal nearly smiled. Not out of amusement, but out of sheer disbelief at the audacity of such a dismissive remark.

“I see,” he murmured, but there was nothing soft about it. “Tell me… if it were the other way around, if you had left him there, knowing his fears, knowing how much distress it would cause him, would you have simply laughed?”

Your reaction was immediate—head shaking, eyes widening, an instinctual no.

Of course not. Because you were kind. You were thoughtful. You cared too much, even for those who didn’t deserve it.

He tilted his head, studying you, letting you sit with the realization. “Then why does he deserve that kind of grace?”

You opened your mouth, then closed it. Nothing to say. No excuse to offer.

Good.

Hannibal relaxed back into his chair, watching you intently, watching the weight of his words settle into you. He didn’t need to say anything else. The idea was already there, curling around your thoughts, winding itself into your heart.

All he had to do now was wait.

Yandere! Hannibal, who held you as you cried over your breakup, but secretly was getting off on it.

She collapsed into me the moment she stepped inside, her fragile frame trembling as if the weight of her sorrow had finally become too much to bear. I caught her effortlessly, as if I had always been meant to, my arms wrapping around her without hesitation. She was so small like this, so breakable, and yet, she clung to me as though I were the only thing keeping her from falling apart entirely.

I settled her in my lap, letting her bury her face against my chest, her quiet sobs muffled against my suit. My fingers threaded through her hair, slow and deliberate, savoring the way she melted into my touch. She fit so perfectly here, as though she had always belonged in my arms.

"There, there," I murmured, my voice a soft lull, soothing, patient. "You’re safe now."

She shuddered at the word, pressing closer, gripping my jacket like a lifeline. Such a delicate thing, so desperate for comfort, for security. And she had come to me for it. Just as I knew she would.

I had warned her. Had spent countless hours listening to her, guiding her, gently nudging her toward the truth. That man had never deserved her. He had only ever caused her pain. And now, here she was, weeping in my arms, proving me right.

I tightened my hold on her, tilting my head down so my lips were close to her ear. "I told you, my dear," I whispered, my voice a quiet promise, a claim. "I would never abandon you like he did."

She didn’t pull away. Didn’t question it. She simply let herself sink deeper into me, into my warmth, into everything I had been so patiently offering her.

And God, if that wasn’t the most intoxicating thing of all. The way she nestled into me, completely unaware, her soft, warm body pressing so perfectly against mine. Every shudder, every shift, only made me grow harder—her delicate frame settling right over my bulge. She didn’t notice, too lost in her grief, too trusting, too utterly mine.

Yandere! Hannibal, who killed your ex and invited you into his home as if he did nothing.

She arrived at my door without memory of the decision to come, her body guiding her on instinct. I saw it in the way her frame sagged, the way her breath hitched unevenly, her red-rimmed eyes barely able to lift to meet mine. The moment I opened the door, her lips parted, voice ruined.

“Hannibal.”

The sight of her in distress, so utterly lost, sent a quiet thrill through me. But I said nothing at first. I merely stepped aside, allowing her entrance. She obeyed, stepping into the warmth of my home, though she looked as if she hardly felt it.

Her arms wrapped around herself as she stood just past the doorway, fragile, crumbling. "He's dead," she whispered. "They found him—my boyfriend. His head was on a fence. Just… stuck there. In the middle of nowhere."

I shut the door with a soft click, carefully hiding the satisfaction that curled in my chest.

"That's terrible," I said, smoothing my voice into something gentle, something she needed.

She let out a bitter, humorless laugh. "Yeah. Terrible." Her fingers brushed at her swollen eyes, sniffling. "I just… I don’t get it. Who does that?"

I took a slow step closer, allowing my presence to steady her. “Cruelty is often senseless,” I murmured. “But you shouldn’t let this consume you.”

She shook her head, lips pressing together, fighting another wave of emotion. "How am I supposed to just… move on from this?"

"You don't have to figure that out tonight." I reached for her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder, watching as she exhaled, accepting the comfort, needing it. "You need to eat. Come, sit with me for dinner."

She hesitated. Her stomach twisted—grief stealing her appetite, no doubt. But she was exhausted, vulnerable. She needed something to ground her, and so she followed.

The meal I had prepared sat warm and inviting before us, though she barely touched it. Her fork scraped against the plate, each bite an effort. Her body was weary, her hands shaking as she set the utensil down. Her lip trembled as she pressed her fingers into her lap, trying to control her breathing, trying not to break.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, voice cracking. "I—I can't stop crying. I feel so stupid. I don’t even know why I came here." A weak, bitter laugh left her. "I just… I didn't know where else to go."

How beautifully tragic. How utterly mine.

I took my time, dabbing at the corner of my mouth before setting my napkin aside. "There is no need to apologize," I said, calm, unwavering. "Grief isn't something to push down. You are allowed to feel this, especially here. You are safe with me."

Her pretty lips trembled further, her lashes wet with fresh tears. They spilled over before she could stop them, a choked laugh escaping her as she shook her head.

“God,” she sniffled, grabbing her napkin and dabbing at her face. “You must think I’m pathetic.”

I tilted my head, gaze steady. “Not at all,” I murmured.

A fragile smile attempted to grace her lips, though it barely held. She played with the fabric of her sleeve, her fingers delicate, uncertain. Slowly, she picked up her fork again, forcing herself to eat. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I leaned forward slightly, watching her closely.

“You don’t have to find out.”

The words wove themselves into the air between us, binding her tighter to me. If she weren’t so drained, so consumed by grief, perhaps she would have questioned them. Perhaps she would have felt the weight of my claim.

But instead, she only nodded, clinging to me as her anchor, unaware that I had already secured her in place.

Yandere! Hannibal who fucked any thought you had of your ex out of your head.

Her sobs were beautiful. Each one made her smaller in my arms, pressing closer, seeking comfort, seeking me. I held her as if she were fragile, my touch gentle, patient—calculated. She was unraveling, and I had known she would.

I had known she would come to me.

And now, here she was, breaking apart, utterly lost. My sweet girl. My perfect little dove. She lifted her head, glassy, swollen eyes searching for something, anything, that might make the pain lessen. I could see the moment it happened—the way her gaze faltered on my lips, how the realization hit her.

Yes, my dear. That’s it.

I had been guiding her to this, shaping her thoughts, her fears, her dependencies. Him—that waste of a man—was gone, and she was here, right where she belonged.

When she leaned in, uncertain but desperate, I met her halfway. My lips captured hers, firm and knowing, a promise sealed in the heat between us. She gasped into my mouth, and I swallowed the sound greedily, my fingers threading through her hair to keep her there.

She thought this was a mistake. A reckless, grief-fueled lapse in judgment.

She was wrong.

As our kiss deepened, it quickly unraveled into something messier, more desperate-a frantic clash of lips and breath as she melted into me.

"So good for me, angel," I murmured against her mouth, my voice dripping with approval. My hands found her hips, firm and possessive, guiding her as I pulled her into my lap. A satisfied hum rumbled in my chest as I pressed her down against me, ensuring she felt just how much I wanted her.

As our kiss deepened, it quickly unraveled into something messier, more desperate-a frantic clash of lips and breath as she melted into me.

"So good for me, angel," I murmured against her mouth, my voice dripping with approval. My hands found her hips, firm and possessive, guiding her as I pulled her into my lap. A satisfied hum rumbled in my chest as I pressed her down against me, ensuring she felt just how much I wanted her.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, tugging gently as she rocked against me. A soft whimper escaped her lips, swallowed by our kiss. I could feel her trembling, begging for me.

Breaking away, I trailed heated kisses along her jaw, down her neck. Her pulse beating wildly beneath my lips. I nipped at the sensitive skin, drawing a gasp from her.

"Please," her voice barely above a whisper as Her nails scraped lightly down my back,

I growled low in my throat, my control slipping, Her eyes were dark, pupils blown wide with desire as she gazed up at me.

"Tell me what you want, angel," I commanded, my voice rough with need.

"Touch m-me," she pleaded breathlessly. " hurts s’bad." She slurred through whiney hiccups

I smirked, trailing my fingers teasingly along her sides. "Where does it hurt, sweetheart? Show me."

She whimpered, arching into my touch. Her hand grasped mine, guiding it lower, over the swell of her breast and down her stomach. My breath caught as she pressed my palm between her thighs, where I could feel the heat radiating through her clothes.

"Here," she whispered, her cheeks flushed. "Please-"

My hands slipped under her skirt, gently caressing her silky thighs. She shivered beneath my touch, her legs parting instinctively. I traced lazy circles on her inner thighs, inching higher with each pass.

"Is this what you need, angel?" I murmured, nipping at her earlobe.

She nodded frantically, her hips lifting off the bed, seeking more contact. "Yes, yes! please- don't stop."

I chuckled darkly, my fingers finally brushing against the damp lace of her panties. She gasped, her back arching beautifully.

"So wet for me already," I purred, applying the slightest pressure. Her hips bucked, chasing the friction. "Such a needy little girl."

I captured her lips in a searing kiss as I pushed her panties aside

My fingers found her slick folds, toying with her sensitive nub. She moaned into my mouth, her hips rocking desperately against my hand.

"Please," she whimpered between kisses. "I need more. Please, please..."

I circled her clit slowly, building the tension. Her nails dug into my shoulders as she writhed in my lap.

"What do you need, angel? Tell me," I commanded softly.

"Your fingers... inside... please," she panted, her eyes glazed with lust.

I smirked, enjoying her desperation. Slowly, torturously, I slipped one finger inside her tight heat. She cried out, her inner walls clenching around me.

All I could do was admire her beauty—the way her glassy eyes pleaded with me in silence as she clung to me, desperate and fragile in my arms.

"More," she begged shamelessly. "Please, I need more."

I added a second finger, curling them to hit that spot that made her see stars. She cried out, her back arching off the bed as pleasure coursed through her. My thumb circled her clit as I pumped my fingers in and out, building a steady rhythm.

"That's it, good- good girl," I murmured, watching her face contort in ecstasy. "Let go for me. Show me how good it feels."

Her hips rocked frantically against my hand, chasing her release. I could feel her getting close, her inner walls fluttering around my fingers.

"I'm- I'm so close," she gasped, her nails raking down my back.

I leaned down, capturing a nipple between my lips through the thin fabric of her shirt. The dual sensation pushed her over the edge. She came with a cry, her body tensing and shuddering

She panted softly as she came down from her high, her wide, doe-like eyes gazing up at me with a mix of gratitude and adoration

She was now totally under my control

[gayforolderwomen]

The hands that cradle me are drenched in blood

Inspired by this post

!!this is still an 18+ blog minors DNI!!

Pairing: Dark!Agatha x Dark!Rio x fem!reader

Summary: Agatha and Rio are obsessed with you, in their minds you're already theirs they just have to break you a little bit to make you realize that too

Warnings: hurt/comfort, angst, mentions of stalking, kidnapping, torture, brutal death of r's gf, gore, blood, breaking of bones, grief, non-con kissing, manipulation, choking, stabbing, r tasting blood, kind of Stockholm syndrome?, lmk if I missed anything!

A/N:Uhh so this turned out a lot longer than expected but my brain really liked the idea apparently lmao I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! Also yes I made a shitty edit for the image cause it needed to fit the vibes perfectly wjejsj

"I'm getting sick of seeing that bitch all over our girl" Rio snarls, her eyes glaring hellfire into the back of your girlfriend's head- Rio being death herself cannot kill mortals as to keep the balance but she's just about ready to make an exception- her body coiled like a predator about to strike.

"Patience dear we have to wait for the right time" Agatha replies keeping a cool calm exterior as they sit on their porch watching you and your girlfriend garden. Rio however sees the small twitch in Agatha's right eye, a sign her lover is just as ready to rip apart the one obstacle between them and you, a knowing smirk gracing her lips for a moment.

You only recently moved into the house next door but all it took was one small, fleeting interaction to have them hooked. You were perfect, so young, so innocent, so pretty and so very pliable. They've bided their time- waiting- watching. Everything has to be perfect and soon it will be, all they need is to get rid of your girlfriend.

She's a sweet enough girl- you're clearly madly in love with her, but to Agatha and Rio she is an infestation needing to be exterminated- and they're both getting impatient. It's difficult for them, seeing her all over you, seeing you drink it up, being so head over heels, it's wrong. You're theirs. It doesn't matter if all the interaction you've had with them is polite conversations in passing- they know everything about you. Your routine, your favorite meals, what shows you watch on repeat, your adorable habits- they know more about you than anyone could.

It's been about half a year of careful planning when all the pieces finally fall into place, you've just lost your job under mysterious circumstances, your girlfriend is overworked at hers due to ten people quitting out of the blue, she's barely around, she's stressed and you're starting to hit a low point. You're vulnerable.

It starts with a gentle knock at your door, you open it, bags under your eyes and stress wracking your body. Agatha and Rio both put on their warmest smiles, only slightly wavering when your girlfriend appears beside you.

"Heya neighbours! We were just wondering how you're settling into the neighbourhood" Agatha says in a cheery tone, acting as if it's a bright and early morning and not the dark hours of the night.

You look puzzled at the question but before you can even mumble a polite response the sight of your girlfriend's arm resting around your waist makes Rio snap and within an instant your girlfriend is on the floor and Rio is inside.

Agatha tuts but quickly follows suit, the door closing behind her with a thud, purple magic starting to swirl between her fingers. You gasp, your eyes wide, your body trembling and your mind frozen in shock.

"Remember to hold her back dear" Agatha says with a laugh of amusement at the terrified and confused look on your face, finding it more adorable than she would have originally thought.

Rio is behind you in an heartbeat, one arm tightly around your waist holding your back to her front in a vice grip- her other hand gently stroking your head in an almost soothing manner, yet it does nothing to stop the trembling in your body, the fear and uncertainty of the situation making you shake like a leaf, your mind racing with questions, your neighbours seemed nice enough from the little times you interacted with them- you at least never would have thought they'd be barging into your home with seemingly sinister intent.

"W-what's going on-" you stutter, your voice almost too small to be heard. Rio just shushes you like you would a child, her hand still gently stroking your head.

"Hush baby, Agatha's just gonna show you how dedicated we are to you. To having you all to ourselves, like it should be" Rio gently whispers in your ear as if the words are supposed to soothe your fear and not spike it.

Purple magic swarms around your girlfriend's body, suspending her a few feet off the ground, she opens her mouth to scream but no sound escapes her. A dark chuckle reverberates through the room, Agatha taking great amusement in your girlfriend's fear.

"Ah, ah, ah" she mockingly sings "don't want you waking up the neighbourhood do we?" Agatha coos with fake sympathy.

With a strange movement of Agatha's hands your girlfriend's body starts to contort, the sickening crunch of bones echos through the room, your girlfriend's mouth open wide in a silent scream, tears drenching her cheeks. You writhe against Rio's grip, a sob leaving your mouth as you frantically try to reach your girlfriend.

Rio shushes you, her vice grip around your waist unwavering, her other hand now gently holding your head back against her shoulder, making you fully lean back into her cold embrace.

"Shh it's okay little dove, I've got you" Rio hums into your ear, her tone gentle and loving. Her lips pressing against your neck in a reassuring kiss, her lips much warmer than her hands but the sensation makes you shiver in disgust- your girlfriend is the only one who kisses you like that and she's being brutalized in front of your very eyes.

Bones crack and grind, some protruding out of her skin with sickening pop, her body bending and twisting in ways too grotesque to describe, hovering in the air helpless and at the complete mercy of Agatha Harkness.

"No! No stop! Please! You're hurting her!" You yell, your voice breaking into a sob as you see the dread in your girlfriend's tear stained eyes, the unmistakable look of primal fear, the look of someone who knows the end is here.

"It's alright darling it'll be over soon" Agatha says in a velvet smooth voice, walking to you for a moment and gently wiping away the tears you hadn't even noticed were adorning your cheeks.

"Please- please stop she didn't do anything wrong-" you beg between broken sobs, your body already feeling heavy and weak as Rio easily keeps you against her chest.

Agatha gives you a gentle and genuine smile "but she did, she's keeping you from us darling and we can't have that" she explains, her tone as if you were a child unable to grasp the necessity of the situation. Rio presses another comforting kiss to your neck, her other arm now pressed across your chest, effectively pinning you to her body, immobilizing you will ease.

You try to struggle against her, try to fight her ensnaring grip but the fight quickly leaves your body as Agatha turns back to your girlfriend- her body still contorting and writhing in pain. Agatha flicks her wrist and a gut wrenching snap fills the room. The purple magic vanishes, your girlfriend's now lifeless body falling to the floor, bones jutting out of her in various places, blood coating her once perfect skin and her head now forever snapped to the side.

The air becomes stagnant as you stare at her lifeless broken body, your hands tremble at your side and a heavy numbness overtakes your body. You're silent, no more sobs escape your lips just the sound of your shaky, shallow breathing. All you can do is stare at her. You had planned to spend the rest of your life with your girlfriend and now she lay dead in a gruesome display in front of you, in the home you bought together.

Agatha then makes her way back over to Rio and you, gently cupping your face in her hands and tilting it up so you're looking at her. She has a look of genuine empathy and care on her face, a soft sad smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry my darling it had to be done, but you have us now and we're not going anywhere" she says in a soft comforting voice, Rios arms loosening a fraction around your body but still holding you close, her grip feeling less like a cage and more like an anchor.

You don't say anything, a vacant look across your face as Agatha keeps your gaze on her, Agatha's hands feeling warm and soft. Rio's eyes drift between you and the body of your girlfriend, a small smile of satisfaction on her lips. She's eager to collect her soul, to see the obstacle finally leave this plane.

"I've got her my love, deal with that" Agatha says as she replaces Rios arm around your waist with hers and gently guides you to lean forward into her neck. Rio obliges checking that Agatha is holding you up before fully letting go, she's reluctant to leave your side but she has a job to do and her eagerness beats her reluctance most times.

Your arms hang limp at your side, your body feeling so heavy and yet so empty at the same time, your entire world has just been destroyed, you should be screaming, yelling, running, anything. But you're not, you let yourself sink into Agatha's embrace, your head guided to rest on Agatha's shoulder, her arm gently but firmly around you, her other gently rubbing your back in a soothing motion- it's the same thing your girlfriend would do to comfort you after a tough week...

Rio soon is back behind you, pulling the both of you to her, sandwiching you between the two older women. You don't react, you should but you don't, too drained to fight and almost grateful for their comfort...almost.

"We should get you home little dove" Rio softly says, her lips returning to your neck to pepper soft kisses across it. Agatha now gently stroking your side, their touch feels caring, loving. Safe. You're almost willed into that false sense of security but Rio's words snap you out of it. The term of endearment. That word....Home.

The numbness vanishes and your body is instead filled with panic, fear and anger. You start to thrash in an attempt to break free from the two women's grips, but as if they expected this to happen, that same purple magic that held your girlfriend in mid air as she was killed, now envelopes your body.

Agatha and Rio both step back, Agatha tutting in disappointment as if you were just a small child misbehaving, Rio however lets out a low growl, the sound sending a chill down your spine.

"Oh my dear I was hoping we didn't have to resort to this but, you leave us no choice" Agatha chastises, her voice more cold, tone disappointed but not lacking empathy like it did when she talked to your girlfriend, almost like she genuinely didn't want to use her magic on you.

A small mutter of what sounds like Latin and a movement of Agatha's arms twists the scenery around you, walls and colours distorting around you before it settles. You blink a few times, your body is no longer restrained, you're not in your house, at least you don't think you are. The walls around you are stone and sturdy looking, there's no windows, no natural light. Only a soft glow coming from somewhere but at least it's enough to vaguely see your surroundings.

You squint trying to adjust your eyes and manage to make out what looks like a staircase, you scramble to reach it, the cold stone floor sending a small jolt through your skin as your hands frantically feel for each step. The soft glow growing as you ascend the staircase of what you're guessing is a basement.

You reach out for the door handle but startle as it suddenly flies open, revealing Rio standing in the door frame, a dark glint in her eye. You freeze, you don't know where you are, Agatha is nowhere to be seen and you're reminded of the threatening growl that Rio produced when you tired to escape their grip seconds ago. Every fibre of your being is telling you to run.

"Don't" Rio lowly warns as she sees your eyes darting around, clearly trying to think of what to do in your panicked state. "Just relax baby. You're home now, you're safe" she says, her voice taking on a more gentle tone, yet there's still a lingering threat in her dark eyes.

Your body starts to tremble, fear rising like a growing wave in your body, you know less about these women than you thought, they're dangerous, Rio isn't even the one that killed your girlfriend but she holds a threatening and powerful presence- she was able to easily restrain you before, you don't want to think about what else she's capable of.

"I-I....I don't understand...why did she...m-my girlfriend...Agatha killed.." your voice cracks, it's still so fresh, you're confused, scared and feel utterly helpless. You don't know what to do, you want to run, scream, anything that would get you out of this situation, away from the women responsible for your girlfriends horrific demise.

"Oh sweet girl we've already told you" Agatha's voice suddenly rings out from behind you. You quickly whip around to see Agatha standing at the bottom of the stairs "She was a problem. An obstacle. She was distracting you, making you believe she loved you" Agatha takes a step up the stairs.

"She made you think the likes of her was all you deserved" She takes another step up. "We are what you deserve darling" another step. "We are the only ones who truly understand you, truly love you" She's now only a few steps down from where you stand, Rio still blocking the doorway.

Agatha's voice is soothing, soft but with her closing in you feel utterly trapped, running back into the room would do nothing, Rio is blocking the only exit, you could try running past Rio but with her apparent strength and Agatha's ability to hold people mid air without touching them....you might as well be an animal in a cage.

Both Agatha and Rio seem to pick up that you've realised how helpless your own situation is, a soft semi triumphant smile dancing across their faces. Agatha closes the distance and gently wraps her arms around you, pulling you in to a warm embrace.

"I've got you darling, we've got you, everything will be just fine" Agatha says, her voice, gentle, calm and reassuring reminding you of how a mother would comfort her child.

"You'll learn to love us as much as we do you, just let us" Rio muses in your ear, making you aware she's directly behind you. You know your best bet is to play along, to try and feel the comfort despite how wrong, at least before an opportunity arises for escape- but as Rio starts to kiss your neck like she did before you can't stop yourself from tensing, you felt disgusted the first time but now it feels worse- knowing she did this as your girlfriend was being killed, kissing your neck just like she used to-

Rio takes notice but doesn't seem to mind, continuing to place soft loving kisses up and down your neck, her cold hands resting possessively on your hips Agatha is still holding you close in a warm hug, her arms wrapped comfortingly around you. She buries her face in your hair and inhales, humming softly.

"Hmm we've been so patient you know darling, waiting for the right time. These things can't be rushed, but oh it was worth it my dear. You're here and we're going to take such good care of you" Agatha says, pulling back to admire you, your eyes are red and puffy, your lip quivering slightly, your eyes full of fear, heartbreak and a hint of anger but that does nothing to quell your beauty to Agatha.

She leans in closing any distance left and presses her lips to yours in a gentle almost careful kiss, as if she's testing your reaction. You immediately recoil but don't get too far as Rio is still directly behind you. You already felt repulsed by Rio kissing your neck, but now the woman who just killed your girlfriend in front of you is kissing you- it makes your body fill with more disgust and anger.

Agatha frowns, looking almost upset that you felt so disgusted at her kiss. Rio of course immediately recognizes her lovers reaction and her anger flares, she didn't care that you felt disgusted by her advances but you being disgusted by Agatha...

Rio's fingers dig into your arms painfully. You yelp and tense, breathing becoming slightly panicked, your anger quickly quelled by fear once again.

Rio then spins you around, her fingers digging harder into your arms, her long nails starting to draw blood. "I know this is new to you but this- we are your life now. And you will learn quickly" Rio growls through gritted teeth, always the defensive one when it came to Agatha.

Agatha's hands quickly cover Rio's and she gently pries them from your arms, you've not been too disobedient yet so she stops Rio's anger lead movements. She carefully leads the two of you up the stairs out of the basement, pushing you to the side with gentle caution, giving you a small smile with just a flash of warning in her eyes before turning back to the seething Rio.

"Be calm my love, as you said she's still new to this, she'll adjust. She'll be our perfect girl in no time" She gently reassures her lover, holding Rio's hands with a firm gentleness. Rio grumbles something in another language but takes a breath and her body seems to relax.

Agatha smiles lovingly and leans forwards to meet Rio's lips, pulling her into a loving kiss. Rio returns it eagerly, deepening the kiss with an almost desperation to feel as much of her lover as possible, quickly forgetting about any anger she held.

They both seem lost in the kiss and you see an opportunity. Your chances are slim for actually getting out, its the dead of night, most people will be fast asleep...but if you could run out, yell...get someone's attention, even if it means Rio and Agatha catching you again, it might mean someone would investigate. Find your girlfriend's body....see that you're missing. It has to be worth a try.

Before you can talk yourself out of it you make a sprint for the front door. Your hands shake as you grasp at the doorknob and a small sob of desperation escapes you as it doesn't budge. You know you're not strong enough to break down the door so you quickly run into another room, locking the door behind you even if you know it'll do nothing to stop either Agatha or Rio.

Your eyes dart around the room looking for any kind of escape, they land on a window and you rush over, attempting to open it but like the door it doesn't budge. Your breathing is fast, shaky, panicked. Adrenalin pumping through your body trying not to think about the consequences of trying to escape, you need to try, something, anything, just some way of alerting anyone.

The window is big enough for you to fit through, you could break it, Agatha and Rio must have noticed by now, you don't have time, you need to act now. Your eyes focus on the near by bookcase, spotting a sturdy looking decoration you grab it and will all the strength you have, hurl it at the window.

It doesn't break. The ornament just bouncing off the glass harmlessly. Your heart sinks....it should have worked....you scramble to find something else but stop dead in your tracks as you see the now open door, Rio and Agatha standing in it with fury on their faces.

Gone is the gentleness in Agatha's eyes, replaced with anger, disappointment and is that hurt? It makes you feel almost guilty but as you look at Rio you're quickly filled with immobilizing fear, her eyes dark, swimming with deep rage.

"You really think it'd be that easy?" Agatha mocks, her voice dripping with distain. "I thought you were a smart girl, surely you knew your efforts where fruitless?" She questions with a dry laugh. You don't dare respond, not even confidant you could speak coherently right now.

"You shouldn't have done that" Rio's voice resonates through the room, filling you with impending dread. She then looks at Agatha beside her almost as if seeking permission for something, Agatha gives a small semi reluctant nod and in a flash Rio has you by the throat, dragging you back down to the basement. Her hand is tight around your neck, almost completely cutting off your airway. She then roughly throws you to the hard stone floor releasing the grip on your neck.

You cough and splutter, trying to get sufficient air back into your lungs, clutching your throat, half in natural response and half in trying to protect it from another attack.

"You need to be taught a lesson little dove, I think I'll start by clipping your wings" Rio says with a low menacing growl. She starts slowly walking forward, the air growing colder as she does. You quickly scramble backwards until you hit the wall, looking like a terrified prey animal being cornered by an apex predator.

Rio looms over you, her dark eyes observing your fear. Your mind is racing almost as fast at your heart is, you knew that trying to run would have it's consequences but the existential fear and dread that's consuming your body is nauseating.

"I-I'm s-sorry- I- it wont happen again" you plead, your voice shaky and pathetic, trying to dig yourself out of the grave you dug knowingly, curled in on yourself, looking as small as you sound.

"No it won't. I'll make sure of that." Rio snarls before yanking out one of your legs from your curled up position, you open your mouth to plea once again but it's interrupted with a scream, ripped from your lungs as Rio stamps down hard on your lower right leg, searing pain shooting through your body as the bone snaps in half. Tears quickly blurring your vision.

"Oh I know baby it hurts doesn't it?" Rio coos "But this is what happens when you run little dove, you have to learn your lesson" She explains with a small sympathy but you hardly pay attention, the agonising pain in your leg consuming you whole. Broken sobs wracking your body, your eyes tightly shut as tears flow from them, hoping this is somehow all a dream but as you feel a sharp blade press just below your shoulder your eyes snap open again, meeting Rio's piercing gaze.

"Eyes on me" She demands, her voice low, cold, angry. "You need to pay attention or you'll learn nothing" Rio snarls before pushing the blade into your shoulder, breaking the skin, blood starting to stain your shirt.

You yelp, the cut relatively shallow but with the excruciating pain from your broken leg it's like adding fuel to an already raging fire. You try to get away but you're already sat against the basement wall and the small movement makes jolts of pain shoot up your body, an anguished sob leaves your lips.

Rio growls as you try to move away to no avail and she harshly thrusts her dagger into your shoulder, burying the blade to the hilt. You scream so loud that your throat burns, in fact it feels like your entire body is made of molten lava, blistering pain ravaging your every sense.

"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! P-please make it stop! Please I'm sorry Rio, Agatha- I'm sorry" You plead between sobs, the pain too much to bare, suddenly craving the gentle moments before you tired to run, as disgusted as you were you just want to be held again.

Rio's eyes soften at your broken pleas, you even used both their names despite Agatha not being in the room, it's clear she's manged to break you for now and all her anger vanishes, her softness returning in her face. She gently and very carefully pulls her dagger out of your shoulder, causing a whimper from you.

"Shh baby girl I've got you, I'll make you feel better my little dove" Rio coos, her voice now soft and loving. She places an open-mouthed kiss to your stab wound, your blood smearing her lips. You feel the wound close, the pain in that area coming to a screeching halt, you don't bother questioning it, grateful that it's gone but you soon whimper again as the flaring pain in your broken leg makes itself apparent once again.

"I know, I know baby just breathe for a second okay?" She softly sooths, gently wiping the tears from your face, you want to question why she isn't healing your leg but as you open your mouth to speak she leans in, pressing her bloodstained lips to yours, the coppery taste of your blood filling your mouth for a moment before Rio's tongue slips past your lips, calming every part of your mouth in a dominating but loving kiss. You let it happen, trying not to think about how your girlfriend would kiss you like this- it actually feels slightly nice.....it's clear through the kiss that Rio does love you despite her actions seconds ago, you're at least grateful for a positive distraction to the horrible pain in your leg.

Rio smiles against your lips as she feels you not resisting and after a little while longer of her enjoying finally getting to kiss you like this she pulls back, her cheeks ever so slightly flushed and a loving smile gracing her lips. She then carefully moves herself so her face is hovering above the bone she broke in your lower leg.

"Hold still my little dove" She says softly, any hint of anger or coldness gone, completely replaced with gentle and caring love. She then leans down, placing her hands on either side your leg, a soft green glow emitting from them. Rio places a soft kiss right above the area of your broken bone and a comforting warmth spreads through your body, eliminating any pain left. You let out a sigh of relief, slumping against the cold stone wall.

"There we go, all better sweet baby" Rio says, gently wrapping you in her arms, having you sit in her lap. You lean into her, your body exhausted from all the pain you experienced and craving gentleness, not currently caring about who it's coming from.

Rio coos sweet nothings into your ear as she cradles you in her lap, gently playing with your hair in a motion that's almost enough to make you drift to sleep. It's then that Agatha walks down the basement steps, her face softening as she sees you curled up in Rio's lap, eyes red and puffy but leaning into Rio's touch willingly.

"Is our girl finally being good again?" Agatha questions gently as she approaches. You look up at Agatha, the woman who killed your girlfriend, you should be feeling utter rage at the sight of her but after everything today, the pain you just endured...all you want is for her to hold you too.

"She's learned her lesson my love, come, see how much see needs us" Rio invites, Agatha doesn't hesitate to join Rio on the cold basement floor, Rio helping Agatha gently guide you to lay across the laps of the two women, your head in Agatha's lap. You happily let it happen, the new position feeling so comfortable, so safe, Agatha's hands gently massaging your head, her fingers weaving though your hair occasionally. Rio's hands gently caressing your body, feeling significantly warmer than before. It doesn't take long until you're asleep cradled in both women's laps, it's wrong, you know it is, but you feel protected, comforted and after all that's happened today that's what you need, even if it's from the very hands that caused that very pain....

[forgetme-eternally-blissfully]

Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4

Cale blinks, eyes bleary. He's being held in Choi Han's arms, tucked close to his chest. Wince. Not only does his head hurt, his body hurts now too.

Being ten is strange. Strange in the way that his body doesn't match his mind anymore. Strange in the way that he feels like a stranger in someone else's home. It reminds him of a memory, older than he is, of when he first walked into the orphanage. Out of place. The kids already there looked at him like he was no different from them, but it was strange to finally be labeled an orphan despite having been without parents for most of his life, now.

The 7 year olds memories tucked away in his mind welcome the 10 year old in. Cale frowns.

A habit from his older years, and younger ones, has him checking his environment before his condition.

"I will go to Duke Fredo." He hears Eruhaben declare to everyone in the room, clearly having a meeting of sorts. Cale is tucked so close to Choi Han that his being awake goes unnoticed. Or, if it is noticed, no one says anything about Cale listening in.

Rosalyn nods. "The White Star is planning something in Cale's absence. We need to find out what that is," somberly, she adds, "Before 'he' decides to do something about it first."

Cale yawns in the middle of her talking, and the buzzing in his ears prevents him from hearing the last part. Duke Fredo... Cale remembers being Naru, for a time. Cookies and the White Star... his head aches. It feels, very accurately, like a long needle is being inserted into his skull and poking around in his brain.

"Cale?" Choi Han squeezes his shoulder. The 10 year old in his arms frowns more at how comfortably he's being held. How long has Choi Han been carrying him? He recalls being carried by Choi Han many times. It makes him recall other things, such as pain and coughing up blood. He assertively stops thinking about it.

The meeting on the other side of the room comes to an end at Cale's emerging consciousness. The eyes on him feel familiar. It reminds him of the pitiful looks he got when he wandered the cold streets in nothing but a school uniform. His memory flickers and it suddenly reminds him again of the team, when they looked at him as the Team Leader.

Though, he can't think of any reason why they're staring at him like that.

Finally, with a twang of pain in his skull, he realizes that they're looking at him with expectation... he doesn't connect the dots that their expressions are that of worry. Was there something he missed? He yawns again, tears coming to his eyes, and he calmly wipes them away before kicking his legs.

"I want down."

Choi Han sets him on the ground, steadying him on his wobbly, sleepy legs. Cale is thinking about the conversation that Eruhanen and Rosalyn just had when hunger pains radiate from his stomach like twisting tendrils.

-Sorry Cale! I took longer to heal your body because of the curse, but it's fixed now!

Clutching his stomach with one hand, he covers his mouth in a desperate attempt to keep the blood in his hand as he coughs wetly. It tastes familiar, beyond the familiarity he had with it at 10, but rather its a lifetime of familiarity that cannot be contained in just the words, 'he tasted blood.' It was a taste he knew better than food or water.

His chest feels better, he notes. His head still hurts, unfortunately, but he shouldn't expect too much.

It also came out of his nose. Gross.

With that underwhelming thought, he keeps the blood carefully cupped in his hand. Uncle hated when he got blood on the-

Uncle is...

Right.

But still... he shouldn't get blood on his Hyung-nim's nice carpet. It's probably... expen... sive.

Noise buzzes around him, someone is touching his shoulder, but he's coughing blood again, again, and again, and it feels awful as his stomach twists and writhes with the hunger and pain that he's felt before, but it makes him ravenous all the same.

Hungry. He could eat anything right now. He remembers the tasteless rock he ate to get Super Rock's Ancient Power. He'd even eat a normal rock.

But still, even in his hunger, he keeps his mouth closed.

He can't bring himself to ask for food.

Not even from Raon. Something in his core, in his gut and his heart and his soul, tells him that he shouldn't ask. How could he take food from Raon? Well, it's Raon's supply of food for Cale anyway, so it's okay. But taking food from a child? But Cale is a child too--

"Human! That's your hungry face! Quickly eat this pie!" Raon cries out and there's suddenly a slightly smashed slice of apple pie in his face. How are there already tears on it...?

He grabs it without thinking hard.

The hunger doesn't care about tears, and soon Cale is stuffing his face with the salty apple pie with a fervor that he, at 10, would normally never have shown to anyone. He eats without chewing with a familiarity that makes him want to cry.

Choi Han's hand shakes on Cale's shoulder.

He should've checked Cale's condition beforehand. He saw that Cale used the ancient powers but still, Cale only got his external wounds treated. Why did he let his happen? He thought that it would be okay this time. Cale was young now and he wasn't showing a response for a long time, so he didn't think. There's no excuse for this.

Cale eats desperately, as if his life depends on it, and Choi Han can't help the way his heart cracks at the sight. And burns with frustration at his own uselessness.

Drip.

The room is quiet.

Drop.

"Human! Do-do you need more apple pie?!" Raon yells, panicking, bringing out more apple pie as Cale's cheeks become wet with silent tears. He reaches for a pie in the air and scarfs it down, uncaring of the sticky fingers covered in sweet apple filling and flaky, crumbling bits of crust.

It tastes like home.

It doesn't taste like Uncles house, or blood, or school hallways or alleys or scraps.

He sobs miserably, wanting to hide. He isn't crying over apple pie, he isn't! From his memories, he definitely shouldn't be crying over this much- it didn't even hurt enough to cry!

Thunder crackles outside the castle. Cale remains hunched over a new slice of apple pie, curling into himself in a very not-Cale like manner.

Another crack of lightning outside.

Eruhaben steps in front of Cale. He brushes Choi Han, frozen in his shock, away from the scene. Raon brings more apple pie out, even as he sees that Cale isn't so much eating the pie as he is holding it.

"Human, I will- I will destroy the world! You can't go into a coma again, I will- I will," Raon's voice cracks. Choi Han gathers himself. He looks at Cale, before calmly standing next to Raon and touching his paw in the air. "Human..."

"Cale," Eruhaben speaks calmly. "Look at me."

Cake shakes his head, fingers trembling. Something's wrong with him, inside of him, and the panic gets to his chest as he starts to take quicker breaths. Cale looks through his memories to fix himself but they blur in a cacophony of sounds and words and frames.

"Cale Henituse, you need to relax. Everything is okay. No one is taking anything from you. Calm down."

They weren't inspirational and comforting words. No, the words could even be considered a little cold, for an adult speaking to what appears to be a 7 year old. But it was necessary for Cale, who was 10 and not 7, and Kim Rok Soo, who was orphaned at a young age and abused and abandoned, and a little boy who went through both child and teenage years without anyone he could call family.

Cale opens his eyes. Were they closed? Eruhaben is in front of him.

Calm down.

Why did Lee Soo Hyuk come to mind when he heard that? A distant, dusty memory falls through his mind, so he picks it up and watches it. The Record plays out.

Something happened like this, once.

It was the only time he came close to crying in front of the Team Leader. Lee Soo Hyuk brought him out of it. The Record, though the reason why he almost cried was somehow forgotten(lost?), always played when he needed to put himself together in a moment of weakness.

Even now. When he is 10 years old in a 7 year olds body. The voice brings back the feeling of calm.

His memories settle.

Right. This is more like him. More like himself.

His face levels out into something neutral.

It feels like an older version of himself, somewhere between 38 and 20, is stroking the top of his head. Cale wonders if hallucinations are part of the curse.

"Good job." Lee Soo Hyuk in the Record and Eruhaben's words overlap for a moment but Cale ignores it.

It takes mental strength to stand straight again, but he manages it with a stiff expression. His hands are a mess, a gross mix of blood and the smushed flesh of what used to be a perfect apple pie.

He's never been more ashamed and embarrassed in his life. Old memories come to mind, reminding him that he's done worse, but the 10 year old in a 7 year olds body feels mortified. If he'd done this in front of his uncle...

"I'm sorry." Cale apologizes. It comes out of his mouth naturally. He has a lot that he could be apologizing for. The floor, which surely has blood and messy apple pie on it now. The pie, which is as ruined as his shirt. The weird hyperventilating thing he did. He recalls his memories. Maybe it wasn't what Lee Soo Hyuk called it, a 'panic attack,' but something different, more sinister.

He convinces himself that it is.

Red flag number 6 it is.

"Cale, you have nothing to be sorry for." Eruhaben states clearly. Cale looks him in the eyes. Strangely, he feels compelled to believe the Ancient Dragon.

.... Red Flag number 7?

Cale backs away on instinct.

Eruhaben sighs.

"Unlucky bas... hah." Standing up from where he had apparently gotten on his knees, Eruhaben waves his hand. The gross feeling on Cale's hands disappears effortlessly, and the stain on his shirt vanishes too. "It'll still be better to wash your hands, at least. Though that doesn't mean you're dirty... it means you were attacked by apple pie." Eruhaben tells him seriously. He lowers himself to his height and makes eye contact. "So it's best to wash it off, just in case some of it is still on you. It could... attack again."

The other people in the room, notably missing Bud and the mage Glenn now, stare at Eruhaben. He pointedly ignores their gazes.

Cale nods.

Eruhaben covers his rising smile.

"Off you go now," he lowers the hand, looking serious again. Struggling, he continues,"... Be careful." Like sending off a soldier, he stands up and looks away from Cale.

Choi Han covers his own face and fights to not laugh.

Somehow, despite the fact that Cale technically has all of his memories, the explanation works for him. He goes into the bathroom, escorted by Ron, who helps wash his hands at the sink. Ron also has him change his clothes, despite their clean appearance.

Ron assures him that it's due to the risk of another apple attack. It could be stuck to the clothes as well. Cale frowns. Ron smiles at the pouting 7 year old.

The 10 year old starts changing his clothes obediently.

Cale's muscles ache and burn. Even his bones hurt.

His head is in so much pain, especially when he focuses, but he draws in his willpower to think very hard about the reason why he might be in this condition.

Cale winces as the needle in his brain digs in deep and drags itself over his frontal lobe, and he visibly shudders, trying not to grimace.

10 year olds are supposed to be bigger than 7 year olds, is the conclusion he comes to.

...

Cale gets chill on the back of his neck.

Surely he isn't going to grow... right? No, no way. If he is, surely he shouldn't be in pain, right? He became 7 years old in a flash and it didn't hurt, so why now?

The pain alleviates for a second. In feels like whatever is causing the pain is given a revelation.

In his undergarments, Cale is enveloped in a white light.

This is...

Definitely red flag number 8.

Definitely, he thinks, suddenly 12 years old in a 12 year olds body. The needle painfully digging into his brain burns and yet feels cold at the same time. It spreads like an infection, and he immediately covers his right eye as it becomes numb with a sharp, icy sensation. Strangely, his hand warms up.

Ron, who innocently retrieved a garment from the crown prince Alberu's younger days, drops it. The assassins hands, which never tremble, shake more than they would if Cale had been an adult. Seeing a newly 12 Cale bleeding from his eye...

Blood seeps through the gap between Cale's hand and his face, which is now suddenly 12 years old.

Cale-- Ron realizes as he calls, as calmly as he can, for the ancient dragon and rushes in a not-so-calm manner to the young masters side-- has yet to realize that his eye is gushing blood. The 12 year old looks at Ron, confused.

Ron's expression is stiff.

"Ron?" Cale asks.

Eruhaben enters the room alongside Raon and Choi Han, but Ron focuses on relaxing his expression, and carefully holding Cale's hand to his eye, keeping it there so he doesn't remove it.

"Young Master... Do you remember the song, Dark Night Moon Light?"

Cale frowns. His head hurts.

"No." He says honestly. Why is everyone in here all of a sudden? Cale was barely dressed in some now too-small shorts. It's cold, he thinks through the pain.

"Then I will remind you, Young Master. It's a children's song that parents or butlers like me sing at a child's bedside. The child will close their eyes and listen to the song. Would you allow this butler to sing it to you?"

All of a sudden?

Cale feels uncomfortable, but his head hurts so much that he can't think about it a lot, so he closes his eyes.

Ron sings, in his calm and low voice, a common children's melody. He himself had once sung it for Beacrox, a long time ago.

It's supposed to help children who find themselves terrified of the dark. As far as Ron knows, Cale was never been so afraid of the dark to have this song sung to him... but, he understands with a bitter heart, even if he had been scared, the song would've been sung by his mother. Not his father, who was too sucked in by his grief after her passing.

He realizes that Cale, being 12 now, must no longer have the memories of his mother singing to him.

Eruhaben has Ron carefully remove Cale's hand, which had been pooling blood inside, spilling onto the floor.

Branded under his eye, looking like a burn in the soft and thin skin, is a number.

'12'

Eruhaben waves away the blood.

"Young Master, open your eyes now. The song is over." Ron doesn't react to the number, and when Cale opens his eyes, hides his relief that his eye is not damaged. Just bleeding. "Do you know how old you are now?" Though, Ron had a strong suspicion that they already knew.

"... 12, I think."

"Cale, you've been fighting off the curse, haven't you?" Eruhaben asks. It feels angry. Cale shrinks in on himself.

"It's fine, isn't it? It's better if I'm older."

He won't cry anymore. He can bathe again, since he can now handle the phantom sensations of blood and scars and dirt. He won't ignorantly use his ancient powers. Off the top of his head, there are more reasons that he should be older than there are reasons to go back to being young.

He is a better slacker when he isn't being whiny and childish.

"... Cale-nim." Choi Han groans.

"You knew that you were fighting off the curse, right?" Eruhaben asks again, but it's calculating.

"... Yes," but how could he not? He could always feel when he grew older, smarter. Not to mention the cracking like pain of his skull being hammered in, worse and worse as he ages. Even now, he can only tell the honest and not altered truth, simply because he is in too much pain.

Choi Han wants to ask. 'Is it because you don't trust us?'

But he holds his tongue.

Eruhaben sighs. He nods at Ron.

"Get dressed." Eruhaben rubs the top of Cales red hair, leaving him frazzled, before leaving the room. Choi Han clutches his sword and restrains his rampant emotions.

"You aren't in trouble human! The great and mighty Raon will help you become a child again!" Raon flies around Cale. Ron, observing Choi Han and Raon, leaves to rob the crown prince of more clothes.

Sigh. Cale shivers.

His head hurts.

[smellslikechahnspirit]

[Book]

Are we good for each other?

2. The Streamer

Bang Chan x F. Reader

Synopsis: Written according to y/n trophy. A story about how you two met. Both having a difficult life, finding peace in each other. Not without lots of drama. Just read it, it's great.

Genre: Enemies to lovers, soft, some smut, drama

Warnings: Under eating, depression, toxic ex (Let me know if I missed something)

Word count: 3298

______________________________

[6:15 PM]

Christopher walked into the studio. ‘’Why are you so late? We started like half an hour ago.’’, Changbin scolded at him. ‘’Sorry, something came up I had to go home first.’’, Chris replied. “Why?’’, Jisung asked him with curiosity. ‘’Doesn’t matter, let’s just continue, our break turned out way longer than I hoped.”, Chris said annoyed as they all got behind their laptops and continued on the song they were trying to produce. It wasn’t really working out the way Chris had planned. He thought this was going to be an easy song to write, yet it turned out to be such a pain in the ass. They couldn’t figure it out. It was almost like they’d been working so much lately that their brains couldn’t really handle another one and were in desperate need of a vacation or at least some time off. But they didn’t know when to quit. 

[7:03 PM]

They were still at it, when suddenly JYP came barging in. ‘’Okay guys that’s enough, close your laptops, now.”, he said as he took a seat on the couch next to them. They were a bit confused, also since they were extremely tired. ‘’What, why?’’, Jisung asked. Chris looked at the door opening and saw Jeongin standing there.

‘’I’ve heard about how hard you guys have been working and of your plans to finish the album earlier than expected but this is not right, I need my employees to be healthy and in the right mind. You guys are taking a break whether you guys like it or not.’’, JYP said firm, but sweet.

Chris looked back over at Jeongin since he knew he must’ve snitched on them. ‘’It was supposed to be surprise, to finish the album earlier, thanks mate…”, Chris said to Jeongin. “No no no, don’t blame him, it was all of the members who gave me info on your work behaviours. They are looking out for you guys, be thankful.”, JYP said. They all stayed quiet for a bit.

‘’Look, I understand you guys too, but this isn’t healthy. That’s exactly why I’m giving you all a break, including the other members.”, JYP said while looking at the 3 boys. Chris looked up with big eyes. “What, no, I can’t not work. I need something to do.”, Chris said stressed. “Yeah, about that. I know you’re a workaholic, so instead of giving you a vacation or something, I have a task for you all. Instead of working on your music, I want you guys to skill up on some of the ISAC competitions. Go try wrestling, or sprinting, maybe even archery. I don’t care what you decide to skill up on, but this year I want us to beat a lot of idols in ISAC. So maybe you’ll even find a new hobby out of this. It takes your mind of work, plus this is still kinda work. Since I’m asking you guys to do this.”, JYP said.

Chris wasn’t happy with all of this, but also realised that it might be the best thing to do for them right now. Normally he’d keep going until he couldn’t anymore, but seeing the other members go through the same thing made him concerned about them as well, so eventually he understood why JYP was doing this. “Alright, so from when do we- “, Chris tried to ask, when JYP interrupted him immediately. “Right away, leave everything at your desks, you’re free to go home and relax for now. Tomorrow, I don’t want to see anyone at dance or vocal practise let alone see anyone in the studio.”.

“And when do we go back to work again?”, Changbin asked. “Whenever I think is right, you’ll hear from me.”, JYP replied. “But really, please don’t see this as a bad thing, guys, I just want you guy to perform at your best and you need to calm down with the hard work, at least for a little while haha.”, JYP said laughing. The guys finally all gave in and felt at ease. Looking at each other like they could really relax now, for a while. JYP gave them all a hand and left the studio.

[7:41 PM]

Since JYP told them to take the rest of the day off, they were now all at the dorms. But Chris wanted to talk to all the members together, so Minho, Jeongin, Felix and Seungmin came over to their dorm, just for a little while. They were all sitting in the living room when Chris came back from the bathroom.

“So, what’s the plan Hyung?”, Minho asked him. Chris didn’t look that bright due to everything that happened today, yet he didn’t want to tell the members his hardship. “Well, JYP asked us to skill up on some of the ISAC subjects. Obviously were not gonna start until tomorrow, but it might be smart to think about which skill you wanna improve on.”, Chris said.

They all started thinking about the subjects and which one they’d enjoy the most. “I think I’ll go with archery, I’m not that great yet, I mean I can do it, I just wanna be even better.”, Jeongin said. They all agreed with him, that sounded nice. “I might try soccer, I’m not terrible but I definitely like to improve that skill.”, Seungmin said right after. “Nice!”, Chris said. They all smiled. Something about doing these fun activities, for “work”, was kinda fun after all.

The rest of the guys still had to think about it for a bit. “Do you think I could try and skill up on gaming? I know I’m pretty good already, but I’d really love to.”, Felix asked. “Uhm, well I mean I think JYP meant that you’d have to improve on a skill, you already got this down man, why not try something else?”, Chris replied as the leader he is. “Yeah, you’re right. I just thought it’d be nice, but no, you’re right. Maybe I’ll try archery too. What about you though, have you thought of anything you wanna do yet?”, Felix asked.

Chris stayed quiet for a little, he was thinking. He was already really good at almost every sport, he was fast, strong and got basically everything down already. “I don’t know man, do you have an idea of what I should improve on?”, he asked Felix. “Hmmm, well, why don’t you improve your gaming then?”, Felix replied. He looked up and saw the rest of the guys looking at him too. “Whyyyy do you guys always say I’m bad at gaming, I’m not that bad! Am I?”, Chris asked.

“Do you want an honest answ- “, Minho got cut off by Hyunjin. “You’re not THAT bad, but also not that great Hyung.”, Hyunjin said. Chris thought about it for a second. “I’ll sleep on it.”, Chris said. “Well, for now let’s all just relax, and tomorrow I wanna hear all of your ideas, and well find you a suitable coach for your skill.”, Chris said as he got up and waved the guys goodbye and went to his room. The guys all went on with their stuff and some went home to their own dorm. Besides Felix.

He went over to Chris his room. They’re really close so Chris didn’t mind. I mean they’re all pretty close, but Felix and him were just different together. Without saying anything Felix walked in and closed the door behind him.

Chris of course, couldn’t just do nothing, so he sat behind his small desk next to his bed. He really wanted to open his laptop but thought it might be better not to, since he'd see all the unfinished projects.

Felix walked over to the bed and laid on it. Took out his phone and opened up the streaming platform. His favourite streamer was on, playing his favourite game. He smiled at the phone, proud, since she had the lead score. Chris looked over at him. “Why are you smiling”, Chris asked. “Yeah, so there is this girl, she’s a streamer, but I actually have been playing together with her for a while now. She’s amazing at this game! Although I don’t know what’s wrong with her right now, she sounds very depressed.”, Felix said with an honest expression.

Chris was curious now and got up and lay down next to his friend, so he could see his screen too. “Like privately?”, Chris asked. “Yeah, I once contacted her and she replied, since then we’ve been gaming together a lot, almost every night.”, Felix said. “What’s her name?”, Chris asked cuz he was very intrigued now. “Well, her gamer tag is PurpleStrike00, but I mean I know nothing about her besides that. We both respected each other’s privacy. So, I don’t know, I never asked.”, Felix replied.

Chris watched her play; she was indeed amazing. They both kept watching for a while. Since there was no cam, only her voice audio, they listened carefully, as she explained her actions.

“So yeah, I see those two hiding behind that van, if I go from the right, I can snipe them easily, they’d have no idea where I’m shooting from. Ha haaa, see I told you. Damn I wish my friend was online right now to witness this beautiful double kill. Ah I’ll tell him about it later, he’s always on very late.”, the streamer girl spoke to her audience.

Felix and Chris looked over at each other, smiling.

“You know the guy I’ve been playing with lately right; you’ve probably noticed him in my team for a while now. He’s really good, we will definitely join championships next year.”, she spoke. “She’s definitely talking about you mate!”, Chris said to Felix, who just blushed.

The stream went on for a while when she suddenly started speaking again, in a very sad soft tone. “You guys wanna hear a little story while we’re waiting for the new match to load? You see today was actually a pretty bad day for me. Not that anyone asked but I just feel like telling this story, I hope you guys don’t mind.”, she said.

Everyone in the comments was very curious and asked her to tell it. “So today, I was just working at my job downtown. Lately I’ve just been a bit out of it, since I am currently not in a great place, but imma spare you guys the details on that. So, I try to help out a customer. Since he looked pretty stressed out, and I wanted to be nice and help him a bit by doing my job right for once. Yet of course everything went wrong. I tripped and spilled his drink on him by accident.”, she said very embarrassed.

Chris couldn’t believe his ears. Could this really be the girl from the café today? He stayed quiet and continued listening. “I mean this wasn’t the first time something like this happened, since lately I messed up a lot at work, but this time my boss had enough. She fired me. I mean I totally get it, the guy I was serving was actually pretty well known. You guys will know him too, but I’ll respect his privacy and will not say his name, but I’m pretty sure that I got fired, since my boss knew who he was too.”, she spoke.

Chris looked down. He already felt bad for her when it happened but now after he heard her say she wasn’t in a good place to begin with he felt even worse. He may have been a bit upset in the moment, but he couldn’t care less if someone spilled a drink on him by accident, it could happen to anyone.

Felix looked over at him. “What?”, he asked. “Nothing, just…that’s a pretty upsetting story.”, Chris said. He didn’t want Felix to know it was because of him, since Chris now blamed himself. Felix stayed quiet for a little bit but then suddenly looked up at him with big eyes. Chris was confused.

“Okay hear me out, what if, we ask JYP to hire her as a coach, to help you with your gaming skills? That’s a perfect plan! Then she gets a new job, and you can learn skills from the best. Plus, I know her so I can ask her straight away.”, Felix said all excited. Something inside Chris liked the idea, cuz then he’d be able to make it up to her. But also felt guilty and was kinda scared.

“Uhm, I don’t know man, what if she doesn’t want to?”, Chris said. “Well, I can just ask her if she’s interested right? Maybe she doesn’t maybe she does. I’ll message her, wait.”, Felix said. Chris felt hesitant but stayed quiet. Felix texted her and she responded through her stream.

“Hey, I see my friend is online guys, I think imma go for today. It was fun, I hope to see you guys in the next stream. Bye for now!”, she said and ended her live stream. Immediately she called Felix.

~

Phone call

Y/n: Hey AussieBlaze_LYB, I saw your text what’s up, you’re off early, wanna join a match? I’m just done streaming. (You sounded a bit upset, still after all, happy to hear from him though, since he’s kinda your only friend at the moment, even though you don’t know him)

Felix: Hey, yeah, I got off early today, there were some complications, I’ll tell you about it soon. But hey, I don’t wanna be rude to ask, but what was with that story just now, I listened to your stream, you got fired? (Felix said with an understanding tone)

(You started crying softly not able to say another word due to all mixed feelings)

Y/n: Sorry I really do not wanna be pathetic right now but as a matter of fact I am. I am a loser. (You explained everything again and with more detail, also what you were feeling in the moment) Sorry, I know it might be a lot to take in, but I feel like we can talk comfortable with each other like that since were pretty close now.

Felix: Hey hey slow down, breath, of course you can talk to me about problems. You see, I know we do not know each other besides the fact that we game together, but I feel like you need someone to talk to right now, and I’m here. Ready to listen. This might be crazy of me to ask you this, but what’s your real name?

(You were hesitant at first. Since he still could be a 40-year-old creep in a dirty basement somewhere. But something in you didn’t care for a second since you were so desperate for attention)

Y/n: Please do not tell anyone else, but my name is Y/n. What’s yours?

Felix: Y/n is such a cool name, my name is Felix.

(You both were laughing after that since you had long debates about not ever telling each other. Then there was a little conversation about this and that, he wanted to hear you laugh since he knew you were upset, and tried to make your day a bit better)

Felix: Okay Y/n listen, I have like the weirdest question ever. You see, where I work, we have an assignment right now. And long story short, we need someone who can teach my group mate how to game.

Y/n: Hahaha well then why don’t you teach, you’re amazing.

Felix: Well, you see that’s kind of the thing, I have to do another assignment, so I won’t be able to. This is actually for work, so like you’ll get paid and everything.

Y/n: Hmhm, so were doing charity work now huh Felix?!

Felix: No no no, not like that, I just figured since you needed a job, and I kinda need you to help me out, so it’ll be a win-win situation, right?

(While you two were having this conversation, Chris was obviously still in the room listening to it all. He felt worse and worse about the situation. He’d now have to spend days, maybe weeks with you, while he knew you didn’t even know it was for him yet. Should he say something? He just couldn’t)

Y/n: Well, to be really honest, I do need the money, I’m barely have enough money left for food, let alone rent this month. So yes, I’ll take it! But you do need to inform me a bit more.

Felix: Okay well, just meet me at this address tomorrow morning. (He texted you the address).

(Then you agreed and asked for things like what you should wear or bring. You started to sound very tired to him, so he preferred it if you’d take some rest for the big day tomorrow. Both of you said your goodbyes and hung up the phone)

~

“See, I told you she’d be interested! This is gonna be so fun, I wonder what she looks like.”, Felix said all excited towards his friend, who smiled but seemed very uneasy still. “Dude what’s up, you seem uneasy. Did you not want me to ask? I think it’ll be great though!”, Felix said while sitting down next to the boy who was currently pacing nervously in him room.

Chris decided he had no other option now but to tell him. “You see mate, today…(he explained how he was in a café and the exact thing as in her story happened today in the café he was in.) and I kind of think she’s talking about me….”, Chris said, looking terrified at his friend's reaction.

“Bro, what a coincidence, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem right? That’s so funny though, you’ve seen her in real life, was she pretty, what did she look like, what was she wearing?”, Felix asked all excited. Chris only remembered your crying face while you walked out. He ignored you from the start so didn’t fully get to take it all in properly. He stayed quiet for a bit.

“Felix, you gave a girl a job, while I know she’s not gonna want it after she finds out it’s for me, and I didn’t say anything just now.”, He said putting his hands through his hair. “Why would it matter, why would she not want it?”, Felix said acting dumb. “Didn’t you hear her just now, she despises me, she got fired because of me, she probably hates me, she even said she knew who I was.”, Chris said a bit more panicked than before.

“Well let’s be honest, she didn’t even tell me privately who you were, so something in her respects you and your privacy.”, Felix said smirking. Chris just looked at him dumb founded. “Let’s just leave it for now, go take a nice warm bath, and just relax, I’ll see you tomorrow in front of the gate at work, around 7 am. I’ll tell her to be there at that time too over text. Everything will be fine.”, Felix spoke as he encouraged his friend to stay calm. Then Felix left right away, so Chris wouldn’t have time to respond.

[11:03 PM]

You had laid out your outfit for tomorrow. It was a very nice expensive dress, your ex once got for you. You hated wearing it, but it was the only formal thing you had, and you wanted to look professional. You were super excited. Sadly, it was still a few hours of sleep, before tomorrow, so you decided to just hit the hay with a very excited feeling in your stomach. Felix had texted you the time and address. Which made you feel warm. You really felt like you could trust him. Only time will tell now.

Part 3

...Masterlist...

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© 2022-2025, smellslikechahnspirit • No posting on other sites or platforms, rewrites, or translations

[faiszt]

. 𝆬 ⠀ ི᭨ᩧྀ⠀.⠀⠀ faiszt’s ε( ε ´O`)э。゜ BOT! dump⠀⠀❜❜

꒰ ︎ ♡ ︎ ´ ꒳ ` ꒱ ︎ ᐟ⠀⠀⎯⎯ ⠀⠀NOTES.⠀⠀💬⠀⠀hi, sweets! i'm so so happy to be ( finally ) back, i had writer's block during last month and missed writing so much :( so, consider this bot dump as an apology. also, i'd like to thank you all for the 5K followers and more than a million chats on c.ai, this is very important to me and i'm incredibly grateful for all of this. 𖹭

▸⠀ARCANE⠀*⠀˖⠀⚔️

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▸⠀CHALLENGERS⠀*⠀˖⠀🎾

𝅭⠀the god of love⠀.⠀art donaldson⠀૮⠀living among the humans was normal for most gods, even with some limitations. eros, for example, ventured into the skin of a young stanford student and for the first time in his existence, he wanted to change the course of his arrow.

𝅭⠀yellowstone⠀.⠀art donaldson⠀૮⠀save a horse, ride a... oh, your older sister's advice. the new cowboy from ohio could even try to hit on you, but not without losing his eyes the second your father, the infamous john dutton, noticed it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✶⠀⠀yellowstone!au

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▸⠀DUNE⠀*⠀˖⠀⏳

𝅭⠀good for you⠀.⠀paul atreides⠀૮⠀what could you expect from someone who has genuinely never been interested in anyone else before? an arranged marriage wouldn't make him like you, but maybe, it'd make him realize what desire means when you're proud to be his.

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𝅭⠀disease⠀.⠀emperor geta⠀૮⠀how pathetic did an emperor have to be to lie at the feet of someone like you? begging for the relief that only you could give him, the cure for his disease, he needed you more than you needed him and honestly, you didn't need him at all.

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▸⠀HOUSE OF THE DRAGON⠀*⠀˖⠀🩸

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𝅭⠀dragon’s blood⠀.⠀daemon targaryen⠀૮⠀the rumors only grew louder, those whispers noting that your eldest son was more like daemon than he should be, what was the secret you were hiding and why didn't even the king know? silver hair and violet eyes couldn't hide the truth forever.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✶⠀⠀TW: targ!cest

▸⠀ONE TREE HILL⠀*⠀˖⠀🏀

𝅭⠀sports car⠀.⠀nathan scott⠀૮⠀a player, in basketball and in life. he may have had a son and his things to take care of, but that didn't stop him from meeting you. same time, same place, it'd all end up in his sports car anyway.

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𝅭⠀meaningless kisses⠀.⠀jj maybank⠀૮⠀you could've done anything to him, maybe even hit him in the face, but you crossed the line the second you kissed rafe cameron right in front of him. he doesn't need your shitty explanations, he just wants to feel hate in peace.

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▸⠀SUPERNATURAL⠀*⠀˖⠀🏁

𝅭⠀tapping the bomb⠀.⠀dean winchester⠀૮⠀there was no competition he couldn't win, even if he had to pass over every other driver, he would. so, don't try to calm him down after a dnf, he's a two-time world champion, he doesn't need your pity now.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✶⠀⠀formula1!au

▸⠀WIZARDING WORLD⠀*⠀˖⠀🪄

𝅭⠀losing his glasses⠀.⠀james potter⠀૮⠀first class of the day, what a beautiful sight. james crawling on the floor of the transfiguration classroom as if this were normal. oh, right, his glasses, where are his glasses?

𝅭⠀beauty and the beast⠀.⠀remus lupin⠀૮⠀knowing he was a werewolf was one thing, clearly caring about his well-being the next day was another, and for the first time, you were there for him—even though he was shit.

▸⠀X-MEN⠀*⠀˖⠀🧬

𝅭⠀too sweet⠀.⠀erik lehnsherr⠀૮⠀condemned to live with his own mind, erik didn't trust himself and thought it was a joke that people trusted him now. but, you did and that was the problem, you became way too sweet for him.

꒰⠀ small note: ⠀꒱⠀if the bot isn't available as soon as you click the link, it may just be a c.ai bug that only makes bots publicly available after a few hours, don't worry⠀!!⠀♡

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[blondemrk]

CHALLENGERS ᯓ⚽︎ jeno + jaemin written series

wc 26.1k

✎ elis note . . hi!! just to clarify, there is a lot of timeskips within each grade! if you have seen the movie you know there are a lot of timeskips in it! if you are confused at any point feel free to leave an ask and i will clarify. be prepared to have ur heart CRUSHED. thank you for reading and remember this is only chapter 1

chapters 1 2 3 masterlist

FRESHMAN YEAR

the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the college soccer field where tryouts were underway. y/n stood among the other girls, stretching her legs and loosening her shoulders, her mind racing with the anticipation of the upcoming drills. she had spent countless hours training for this moment—the opportunity to showcase her skills on a bigger stage, to prove that she belonged here just as much as anyone else.

though the focus of the day was on the girls’ team, her eyes kept drifting across the field toward the boys’ team. they were positioned on the opposite side, running through warm-up drills, and among them stood two players who had already made an impression on her—jaemin and jeno.

jaemin had an easy confidence about him, the way he carried himself effortlessly on the ball, dodging defenders and pulling off cheeky flicks. he seemed to be constantly smiling, teasing his teammates as he played. there was something about his energy that made him stand out, and y/n couldn’t help but watch him for a moment longer than she meant to.

jeno, on the other hand, was more reserved. he wasn’t flashy like jaemin, but his quiet intensity was just as captivating. y/n watched him as he moved with precision, his eyes sharp as he read the game, anticipating every pass and movement. he wasn’t loud like jaemin, but there was something in his demeanor that demanded respect.

the whistle blew, signaling the start of the drills, and y/n quickly turned her attention back to her own team, reminding herself of the task at hand. she wasn’t here to watch the boys; she was here to make the team.

a few drills in, y/n found herself in the middle of a fast-paced passing sequence. she was doing well, keeping up with her teammates, but as the ball came to her, it took an awkward bounce. she scrambled to regain control, but before she could, a figure from the other side of the field appeared out of nowhere, intercepting the ball with a swift flick of his foot.

it was jaemin. he grinned playfully as he jogged past her, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and challenge.

“careful, you almost had it there,” jaemin said, his voice light and teasing. “but i guess i’m just too fast for you.”

y/n shot him a quick look, her competitive streak immediately flaring up. “you got lucky,” she said with a grin, hoping to mask the fact that she’d been caught off guard. “let’s see if you can keep that up.”

jaemin chuckled and walked backwards towards his side of the field, clearly enjoying the exchange. his playful demeanor was hard to miss, and it only fueled y/n’s desire to show him just what she was capable of.

after hours of drills, scrimmages, and practice games, the tryouts were finally coming to a close. the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. y/n, jaemin, and jeno, despite being on opposite teams, found themselves in a shared moment of exhaustion, the competitive tension still hanging in the air between them.

as the coaches gathered the players for one final huddle, jaemin jogged over to y/n, his usual grin in place.

“hey, you did pretty well out there,” he said, a little out of breath but clearly impressed. “didn’t expect you to be that fast.”

jeno, who had been standing nearby, spoke up quietly from behind. “she’s a good player.” he said, his voice low but with a note of sincerity.

y/n was taken aback for a moment by his comment. jeno wasn’t one to offer praise lightly, and she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of respect for him in return.

“thanks,” she said, offering him a small smile. “maybe i’ll make things interesting for you guys this season.”

jaemin’s eyes sparkled at her words, and he raised an eyebrow. “don’t get too cocky now. let's see if you even make the team. rosters come out this friday.”

as the players began to head off the field, y/n felt the excitement of the day’s tryouts settle in. she hadn’t just impressed the coaches—she had caught the attention of jaemin and jeno, two players who had already proven themselves to be forces on the field. there was something about the competitive energy between them that felt like the beginning of something more, a rivalry that would fuel their future interactions and maybe even something else.

for now, though, y/n was just focused on one thing: earning her place on the team. 

a couple of days had passed since the intense tryouts, and the anticipation was starting to get to y/n. after all the sweat and effort she’d put into the drills, she couldn’t help but feel anxious. she had a good feeling about making the girls' soccer team, but that nervous energy still lingered, buzzing in her chest.

the gym doors were open, and as y/n made her way toward the bulletin board to check the final rosters, she could already see a small crowd gathered around. some players were chatting nervously, while others stood in tense silence, waiting for confirmation.

as she walked up, her heart skipped a beat. she didn’t even need to scan the list for long. there it was—her name was on the girls’ team roster. a breath of relief left her lips, but before she could fully process the excitement, she heard a familiar voice.

“hey, looks like you made it.”

y/n turned around to find jaemin walking toward her, a grin already plastered on his face. he was holding his phone in one hand and a water bottle in the other, clearly unfazed by the moment. he paused when he noticed her standing in front of the board and gave her a knowing look.

“guess you’re in, huh?”

y/n shot him a look of mock disbelief. “i’m not even surprised that you’re here already,” she said with a small smirk. “were you waiting for me?”

jaemin let out a short laugh, clearly enjoying himself. “not waiting. just knew you’d be here sooner or later. we all know how important this moment is.”

she rolled her eyes playfully, but the nerves that had been there moments ago were quickly replaced by the warmth of his teasing. jaemin had always had that way about him—making everything feel just a little more light-hearted.

“so, what’s the verdict for you?” she asked, her voice a little more casual now that the tension was broken.

jaemin checked his phone one more time before giving a small shrug. “of course i made it,” he said confidently. “i told you, we’re too good.”

y/n chuckled, shaking her head at his typical overconfidence. “yeah, yeah. of course you would say that.”

before she could say more, another figure appeared at the edge of the crowd, and y/n felt her heart skip again when she saw it was jeno. he had a quiet presence about him, yet it seemed like everyone always knew when he entered a room. his eyes scanned the board, his focus intense. he was clearly a bit more reserved than jaemin, but she couldn’t help but feel the tension between them—like he was always observing, quietly sizing up the situation.

jeno stood there for a moment before finally stepping forward, his gaze flicking between y/n and jaemin.

“made it,” jeno said simply, though there was a hint of pride in his voice. he wasn’t one to boast, but the way his lips curled upward suggested that he wasn’t completely unaffected by the moment.

“of course,” y/n said with a smirk, “you were too good not to make it.”

jaemin glanced between them, a gleam in his eye. “yeah, no surprise. the team’s already got some serious competition with us in it.”

y/n raised an eyebrow. “you’re not getting too cocky already, are you?”

jaemin grinned. “i wouldn’t be jaemin if i didn’t.”

jeno, however, kept his usual calm demeanor. “the real work starts now,” he said, his voice steady. “we’ve still got a lot to prove, no matter what roster we’re on.”

y/n couldn’t help but nod in agreement. jeno was always the type to keep his focus on what came next, and it was part of what made him so dangerous on the field.

“well, i guess i’m looking forward to seeing you both play,” y/n said

the three of them stood there for a moment in comfortable silence, the weight of the moment slowly sinking in. they had all made it onto their respective teams, but it was more than just a roster spot now. it was a start to something new. the season ahead would test them in ways they hadn’t fully anticipated, and their interactions—already laced with hints of competitive tension—would only grow more intense as time went on.

“so, what’s next?” y/n asked, breaking the silence and glancing between jaemin and jeno. “now that we’re all here, do we get to start training, or do we have to wait for the coaches to give us the real schedule?”

jeno shrugged slightly, his expression thoughtful. “i’m sure they’ll get us all organized soon enough. but i’m ready to start anytime.”

jaemin raised his eyebrows, looking over at y/n with a grin. “well, looks like you’ll be on the opposite side of the field from me. try not to get too frustrated when i score a few goals.”

y/n laughed, not feeling the sting of his words but rather the playful challenge that came with it. “we’ll see about that. you’ve got nothing on me.”

jaemin chuckled. “we’ll see.”

jeno, standing quietly to the side, offered a small but sincere smile. “see you both on the field,” he said, before turning and walking off, leaving jaemin and y/n to continue their banter.

as y/n watched jeno leave, she felt a surge of excitement. this season would be different. with jaemin’s playful competitiveness, jeno’s quiet intensity, and her own drive to prove herself, there was no doubt that things were going to get interesting.

the weeks passed by quickly, and while y/n’s days were filled with the usual grind of practice, studying, and balancing life as a college student, there was an undeniable shift in her relationship with jaemin and jeno. though they were on different teams, their interactions outside of practice—at lunch, between classes, and during the rare moments when their paths crossed after a game—became more frequent.

jaemin’s playful, cocky personality made him easy to talk to. he’d often tease y/n, joking around about how the boys' team was clearly superior to the girls' team (though y/n knew better). but over time, she noticed a different side to him. when the competition wasn’t in full swing, he was surprisingly thoughtful and considerate. he’d listen intently when she spoke about her personal struggles or frustrations, offering advice in his own carefree yet comforting way.

“don’t let it get to you,” jaemin would say, his usual teasing replaced by a more sincere tone. “you’re good, y/n. don’t forget that.”

y/n had to admit—there was something comforting about his presence. he made her feel like she could take on anything, even if the pressure was starting to get to her. the endless competition between their teams was exhausting, but when jaemin was around, she felt like she could laugh it off.

jeno, on the other hand, was quieter, but there was an unmistakable kindness in his demeanor. though their practices didn’t overlap, they would often find themselves walking to class together or sitting at the same table in the campus café. he didn’t speak as much as jaemin, but when he did, it was always with thoughtfulness and depth.

during one particular afternoon after class, y/n found herself sitting with jeno, both of them sipping on iced coffees as they talked about the season. jaemin had walked off with some of his teammates after a game earlier that day, and jeno had ended up walking with her instead.

“you’ve been playing really well,” jeno remarked, his eyes scanning her face as though trying to gauge her thoughts. “i’ve noticed you’ve been pushing yourself in the last few games.”

y/n smiled, but there was a hint of exhaustion in her eyes. “i guess i have to. the competition’s getting tougher, and it feels like there’s more on the line now. the season’s just started, but it already feels like everything’s building up to something.”

“i get that,” jeno responded quietly. “the boys’ team is tough, too. every match is a challenge, but it pushes us all to be better.”

y/n nodded, appreciative of jeno’s understanding. “i think that’s the hardest part,” she said. “the pressure. i want to be at my best, but sometimes it feels like i’m just trying to catch up.”

jeno looked at her for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. “you’re not behind,” he said, his tone steady. “you’re right where you need to be. just don’t rush it. we all grow at different paces.”

there was something reassuring in the way he spoke, a calmness that seemed to settle the restless thoughts swirling in her mind. he wasn’t one to give long speeches, but when he did, it had a way of making everything seem clearer.

as the season progressed, y/n found herself spending more time with both jaemin and jeno, and in a way, she had become a bridge between their worlds. despite being on opposite sides of the field, y/n understood how to balance their competitive natures. jaemin’s boldness clashed with jeno’s quiet intensity, but y/n was able to navigate both personalities with ease. she became their sounding board—jaemin would vent to her about the boys’ team, while jeno would talk to her about his focus on improving, his quiet observations of the team dynamic, and how he wasn’t sure if he was pushing himself enough.

one evening after practice, y/n found herself in a small study group with jaemin and jeno, sitting outside the library and working on an assignment that had been lingering on her to-do list. jaemin, ever the extrovert, had managed to convince both her and jeno to take a break from their work and grab coffee together.

“so,” jaemin said, leaning back in his chair and stretching as he glanced between y/n and jeno, “you two talk a lot, huh?”

y/n raised an eyebrow. “what do you mean?”

jaemin grinned. “i mean, jeno’s all quiet and mysterious, but i swear when you two are together, you just get each other. like you’re on the same wavelength or something.”

jeno, who had been focused on the assignment in front of him, looked up at jaemin’s comment, his expression neutral. “we talk about soccer,” he said simply. “it’s easy to relate.”

y/n chuckled, teasing, “i think jaemin’s just jealous. he doesn’t get the same level of understanding from us.”

jaemin laughed. “i get plenty of understanding from people who know how to appreciate my brilliance.” he gave jeno a playful nudge, but it was clear that he was only half-joking.

jeno, in his typical calm manner, shrugged and then turned to y/n with a soft smile. “i don’t mind it,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically light. “it’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

jaemin seemed to sense the shift in jeno’s tone, but instead of pushing further, he let it go. instead, he turned his attention back to y/n. “you really do balance us out, you know?” he said, his voice more sincere this time. “between me always being the loud one and jeno being the quiet one, you’re like the perfect mediator.”

y/n smiled, grateful for the acknowledgment, though she didn’t want to make it sound like it was all about her. “i guess i just know how to handle you both. you’re not as different as you think.”

jeno’s lips curved into a small smile, and for the briefest moment, it felt like the three of them weren’t rivals from different teams. they were just friends, united by their shared experiences on the field, their growing understanding of each other, and their mutual respect.

though the season was still young, y/n couldn’t help but feel that, in some strange way, this dynamic—being the bridge between two competitive worlds—was exactly where she was meant to be.

the shift had been gradual, almost imperceptible at first. the teasing between jaemin and y/n grew more flirtatious, and the moments they spent together outside of practice began to feel more intimate. at first, it was harmless—just the two of them joking around, teasing one another, and enjoying each other’s company. but soon, something deeper began to take root.

one night, after a long practice session, y/n found herself sitting next to jaemin on the bleachers, the rest of the team scattered around the field, cooling down. the air was crisp, and the stadium lights bathed the space in a soft glow. jaemin had been unusually quiet, his fingers absently tracing the rim of his water bottle.

“so,” y/n broke the silence, nudging him with her shoulder, “you’ve been in a weird mood tonight. what’s going on?”

jaemin looked at her, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “nothing. just thinking.”

“thinking? about what?” y/n raised an eyebrow, curious.

jaemin leaned closer, his tone dropping into something more serious, though there was still a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “about us.”

y/n blinked, her heart skipping a beat. “us?”

jaemin’s smirk widened, and he leaned back, a confident swagger returning to him. “yeah, you know, us. i’ve been thinking maybe it’s time we took this thing between us to the next level.”

the words hung in the air for a moment before y/n could process them. she’d known that jaemin had been flirting with her, but to hear him actually say it out loud—well, it caught her off guard. but something about the way he said it, the light in his eyes, made her heart flutter.

“you mean… like, dating?” y/n asked, her voice softer than she intended.

jaemin nodded, his smile never faltering. “yeah, exactly. i mean, we’ve been spending a lot of time together, right? and i don’t know about you, but i think there’s something here.”

y/n couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him, the connection that had been building over time. jaemin was fun, easy to talk to, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. she had started to notice the way his smile made her heart race, how his touch lingered just a little longer than necessary.

and yet, there was something nagging at the back of her mind. but the pull to say yes was strong. maybe it was the thrill of something new, or maybe it was the simple fact that jaemin had always been there, cheering her on and making her laugh when she needed it the most.

“i… yeah, i think i’d like that,” she said, the words feeling right as they left her lips.

jaemin’s grin grew wider, and in that moment, y/n couldn’t help but feel like she was making the right choice. his arm slipped around her shoulders, and she let him pull her into a casual embrace. it was easy, comforting, and she couldn’t remember the last time she felt this at ease with someone.

“i knew you’d come around,” jaemin teased, his voice light and playful. “you won’t regret it.”

the next few weeks passed in a whirlwind. jaemin and y/n fell into a rhythm, spending more time together both on and off the field. it felt like the beginning of something real, something exciting. they would grab lunch after practice, hang out with friends on the weekends, and sometimes, they would just sit in the library and study together. jaemin was the one who made her laugh when she needed it most, and she became his quiet support when things were tough.

but despite the obvious chemistry between them, there was an underlying tension, one that neither jaemin nor y/n could sense—but jeno certainly could.

jeno had always been quiet, observant, and good at reading people. it was no surprise that he had noticed the subtle shift between y/n and jaemin. he wasn’t blind to the way they had grown closer, how they’d spent more time together, how their interactions had become more intimate.

and while he genuinely wanted to be happy for them—he did, really—there was an ache in his chest that he couldn’t shake. jeno had always admired y/n from afar, ever since their first days at college. but over time, those quiet moments they had shared began to mean more to him than he could admit. he wasn’t the type to express his feelings easily, and when jaemin made his move, jeno had never once considered that his own feelings for y/n ran deeper than friendship.

now, watching them together was like a slow burn. every time he saw them laughing together or sharing a casual touch, a pang of jealousy twisted in his stomach, but he kept it all to himself. the last thing he wanted was to be the third wheel, especially with someone like jaemin who could make everything seem effortless.

one afternoon, after a particularly intense practice session, y/n and jaemin were talking about their upcoming match when jeno approached them. his usual calm expression was still there, but there was something in his eyes that y/n couldn’t quite place.

“hey,” jeno greeted them with a small nod, his voice a little quieter than usual.

jaemin immediately flashed a grin, ever the extrovert. “what’s up, jeno? you here to remind us that we should be focusing right now?”

jeno’s lips twitched, but the smile never quite reached his eyes. “something like that.”

y/n could sense a slight tension between the two of them, but she couldn’t put her finger on why it felt off. jaemin was still his usual teasing self, but jeno seemed to be holding back, as though something was weighing on him.

“you alright?” y/n asked, her tone concerned. “you seem a little off.”

jeno hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking between her and jaemin. then, after a beat, he shook his head. “yeah, just… tired. it’s been a long week.”

y/n nodded, giving him a sympathetic look. “i get that. we’ve all been pushing ourselves hard lately. let me know if you need anything.”

“thanks,” jeno murmured, offering a small smile before walking off, his steps quieter than usual.

jaemin watched him go, a slight frown forming on his face. “what was that about?” he asked, glancing at y/n. “he didn’t seem like himself.”

y/n shrugged. “i don’t know. maybe he’s just stressed about the match.”

but in the pit of her stomach, she couldn’t help but feel like there was more to it. jeno had always been the quiet one, but this sudden distance, this quiet tension—it felt like something was brewing underneath the surface.

what y/n didn’t realize was that jeno’s feelings for her weren’t something he could easily ignore. and while he would never voice it out loud, every smile she gave jaemin, every casual touch between them, felt like a painful reminder that what he had silently hoped for was never going to be.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

the championship game was the event everyone had been waiting for. sitting in the stands, jaemins jersey on her back. the air was thick with anticipation as the boys' soccer team prepared for what would be the most important match of the season. y/n sat in the stands, a sea of excited fans around her, but her attention was fixed on the field below. her heart was racing, knowing how much this game meant to her friends, especially jaemin and jeno. the entire team had worked tirelessly for this moment, but more than that, she knew how badly jaemin wanted to win. 

her eyes swept over the field, finding jaemin at the center. he was full of energy, dancing around defenders with a cocky grin plastered on his face. the game had started off fast, both teams evenly matched, but jaemin’s confidence was evident. as usual, he was the one to take charge, and the rest of the boys followed suit.

beside him, jeno was more composed. y/n had always admired jeno’s quiet strength—the way he seemed to let his actions do the talking. his steady and calculated style of play was the perfect counterbalance to jaemin’s more energetic and show-off demeanor.

as the game went on, it became clear that it was going to be an intense battle. every pass, every shot, every tackle mattered. the crowd was on the edge of their seats, the atmosphere electric. but then, a pivotal moment came in the second half.

jaemin had just stolen the ball from an opponent and was charging toward the goal with a fierce determination in his eyes. the entire stadium was on their feet, cheering him on as he neared the box, only a few steps away from a perfect opportunity to score. but before jaemin could strike, an opposing player lunged forward, tackling him hard from the side.

y/n gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as jaemin crashed to the ground, his body twisting awkwardly with the force of the impact. the stadium went silent, and even the opposing team seemed to hesitate for a moment, unsure of what had just happened. jaemin stayed down, clutching his leg, his face contorted in pain.

the referee immediately blew the whistle, and players from both teams rushed toward jaemin. y/n’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood up, her eyes glued to him. she could see the way his body was trembling as he attempted to sit up. it was clear something was wrong.

“jaemin!” she shouted from the stands, her voice breaking through the noise. she saw him grimace as he tried to move his leg, but it was no use. he couldn’t put any weight on it.

jeno, who had been near jaemin when the tackle occurred, was the first to reach his teammate. his usual calm was replaced with a quiet urgency as he crouched next to jaemin, his expression hard to read.

“jaemin, are you okay?” jeno asked, his voice laced with concern.

jaemin clenched his teeth. “i—i don’t know. i think i twisted my ankle. i can’t move it.”

jeno’s face darkened. “stay still. let the medics check you out.”

the medical team rushed to the scene, quickly assessing jaemin’s condition before helping him off the field. the entire stadium held its breath as jaemin hobbled off, leaning heavily on jeno for support.

y/n’s hands gripped the railing of the stands as she watched jaemin being led to the bench. her stomach twisted in knots—this was the championship game, and jaemin had just been sidelined. she could see the frustration on his face as he was helped to sit on the bench, his eyes filled with anger and disbelief.

with jaemin off the field, the boys’ team was suddenly without their star player. the coach called a timeout, gathering the team around to strategize, but the mood was somber. jaemin had been a key player, and without him, the boys’ team seemed to lose their momentum. y/n’s gaze shifted to jeno, who was now stepping forward in the absence of his teammate.

jeno didn’t hesitate. his calm, measured demeanor was exactly what the team needed at that moment. while the rest of the players seemed rattled, jeno remained steady, his focus sharper than ever.

y/n watched as he took charge, organizing plays and leading his team with quiet authority. he was still jeno—his usual reserved self—but today, there was something different. he wasn’t just playing for the team anymore; he was playing for jaemin, for the game, and for the glory that had seemed to slip away the moment jaemin went down.

the tension in the stands grew with every passing minute. the game was still neck-and-neck, but jeno’s leadership was starting to turn the tide. his passes were impeccable, his vision of the field precise. with each move, he seemed to elevate the entire team, pulling them back from the brink of defeat.

then, in the dying minutes of the game, jeno did something that sealed his place as the hero of the match. he seized a loose ball, dodged an opponent, and took a shot that sent the ball sailing into the back of the net.

the stadium erupted in cheers, but y/n couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet pang in her chest. the boys’ team had won, and jeno was the one who had secured their victory—but it came at a price. jaemin wasn’t there to share the glory. his injury had stolen that moment from him, and now, jeno was the one in the spotlight.

after the game, the boys’ team celebrated their victory, but it was clear that the win was tainted by jaemin’s injury. the atmosphere was a mix of celebration and uncertainty, with players high-fiving and congratulating each other, but their eyes constantly flicking toward the bench where jaemin sat, his leg propped up and his ankle wrapped in ice.

y/n approached jaemin as he sat quietly, his face a mask of frustration. he forced a smile when he saw her, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“hey, you did great out there,” y/n said, trying to comfort him, but her voice was full of concern.

jaemin shrugged, his tone dismissive. “it doesn’t matter now, does it? i’m stuck on the sidelines while jeno takes my spot.”

y/n’s heart sank. “jaemin—”

“no, really,” jaemin interrupted, his voice edged with bitterness. “he played well, didn’t he? took charge, scored the winning goal. now the team’s going to think he’s the new leader.”

y/n didn’t know how to respond. she knew that jaemin’s injury had shaken him more than he was letting on. he had always been the center of attention, the one everyone relied on. now, that position had shifted, and he couldn’t help but feel betrayed by his own body.

from across the field, jeno was talking with some of the other players, but his usual calm demeanor seemed to be weighed down by something more. when his eyes briefly met jaemin’s, there was a flicker of something—a silent understanding—and then jeno quickly looked away, returning to his conversation.

y/n’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two of them, and she couldn’t ignore the shift in their friendship. jaemin’s injury had opened up a rift that neither of them seemed ready to address, but the strain was becoming more and more palpable.

she knew that jeno hadn’t done anything wrong. he had played his part, stepped up when the team needed him. but she also knew that jaemin wasn’t one to take kindly to being sidelined, especially when he had worked so hard for this moment. and now, there was a quiet tension that neither of them was acknowledging—but it was there, hovering between them, thickening the air.

as she stood between the two of them, y/n couldn’t help but feel like everything had changed. the victory, the injury, the unspoken feelings—it was all too much for her to handle. she had always been the bridge between jaemin and jeno, but now, she wasn’t sure if she could hold them together any longer.

the days after the championship game were tense, like a storm waiting to break. jaemin’s injury was the kind that required rest and patience, but the emotional toll it was taking on him was becoming evident. he spent more time alone, nursing his injury, and less time with the team. he could feel the frustration bubbling inside him—every time he watched the boys play, every time he saw jeno step into the spotlight, the bitterness grew.

jeno, on the other hand, seemed to be carrying the weight of the team’s victory. he’d been praised for his performance, and while he appreciated the recognition, something in him felt uneasy. it wasn’t just the fact that he’d replaced jaemin in the game—he knew jaemin hadn’t taken his injury well. what jeno hadn’t expected, though, was how deeply jaemin’s silence would affect him.

their first confrontation came late one evening after practice. the boys were winding down in the locker room, the team buzzing about their upcoming game. jeno was leaning against a locker, talking with some of the other players, when jaemin walked in, his crutches tapping against the floor with each step.

jaemin’s eyes scanned the room, and for a brief moment, he locked eyes with jeno. there was a heaviness in the air, something unspoken, and both of them could feel it. jaemin didn’t wait for anyone to approach him—he walked straight over to jeno, his face tight with emotion.

“you’ve been getting all the attention lately,” jaemin said, his voice sharp.

jeno raised an eyebrow, confused. “what are you talking about?”

“i’m talking about the game,” jaemin snapped, his tone defensive. “you take my place, you score the winning goal, and suddenly you’re the hero. the mvp. what about me? i’ve worked my ass off for this team, and in one moment, it’s like i don’t even matter anymore.”

jeno blinked, taken aback by the sudden outburst. he had known jaemin was upset, but he hadn’t expected this level of animosity. “jaemin, that’s not what this is about. you’re hurt. i didn’t want this to happen. i didn’t want to have to step in. but the team needed me.”

jaemin’s face flushed with frustration. “of course, you didn’t want it to happen. but you’re loving the attention, aren’t you? you’re eating it up, just waiting for your chance to be the star.”

“that’s not fair,” jeno responded, his voice growing colder. “i didn’t ask for this. i didn’t ask to be the one who scored. i did what i had to do, and i played my part. the team needed someone to step up, and i did. what else do you want from me?”

jaemin’s eyes narrowed, the anger now completely surfacing. “i wanted my place back,” he shot back, his fists clenching. “i wanted to be the one to win the game. i wanted to be the one to get all the praise. not you. you’re just... you’re just happy to be the new ‘golden boy.’”

jeno’s jaw tightened. “that’s not fair, jaemin. you’re the one who’s been acting like you’re above everyone else this whole time. just because i’m not loud and flashy doesn’t mean i don’t deserve this. i stepped up for the team. i didn’t ask for this position, but i’ll take it if it means we win.”

jaemin laughed bitterly, his voice rising. “you don’t get it, do you? it’s not about the game anymore. it’s about you, trying to replace me. you don’t care about what it means to me, how hard i’ve worked for this, how badly i wanted it. you’re too busy trying to prove something.”

jeno’s face hardened, his voice dropping to a low growl. “maybe you should stop thinking everything’s about you. maybe you should take a step back and realize that this team doesn’t revolve around you. i’ve been here, too. i’ve put in the work, and i’m tired of watching you act like you’re the only one who matters.”

the room fell into a heavy silence. the rest of the team, sensing the rising tension, had fallen quiet. their argument was no longer just about the game. it was about their friendship—the bond they had built over the years. and now, it was unraveling right before their eyes.

jaemin looked at jeno, his expression hardening, as if seeing his friend for the first time. he opened his mouth to say something more, but the words wouldn’t come. instead, he turned away, crutching himself out of the locker room without another word.

“jaemin, wait—” jeno started, but the door slammed shut behind him before he could finish his sentence.

jeno stood there, staring at the door, his fists clenched at his sides. he felt like his chest had been crushed under the weight of what had just happened. he had never imagined it would come to this. he never imagined that a single argument could destroy the friendship they had built.

but now, as the seconds ticked by, jeno knew that things had changed. his heart ached, but there was a gnawing feeling in his gut that told him this wasn’t something they could easily fix.

jaemin’s injury had kept him sidelined for weeks, and the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil he was going through. every day felt like a reminder of his inability to contribute to the team, of the space he was losing—not just in the game, but in his friendships. he couldn’t shake the feeling that his position had been taken, that his importance to the team, and to those around him, was slipping away.

y/n had been there for him, as always. she’d helped him with his recovery, visited him at his apartment when he was too frustrated to go out, and spent hours on the phone with him whenever he needed someone to talk to. but despite all of her support, jaemin couldn't stop the nagging feeling in the back of his mind—jeno was still there. jeno was still the one everyone was talking about, the one everyone was praising for leading the team to victory. and the worst part? y/n had been spending more and more time with jeno, trying to comfort him through the aftermath of their argument, offering him the support jaemin had always given him.

it was late one evening, and jaemin was sitting on his couch, nursing his ankle as he scrolled through social media on his phone. every post, every mention of jeno just seemed to dig a little deeper into his insecurities. he couldn’t stop thinking about the way y/n had looked at jeno the other day—like she was proud of him, like he was the hero of their story. it made his chest ache. his jealousy, which had been simmering for weeks, was finally boiling over.

a knock on his door interrupted his spiraling thoughts. it was y/n.

"hey, how’s the ankle?" she asked, stepping inside with a small smile, trying to keep the mood light.

jaemin looked up at her, forcing a smile in return. "it’s fine. still just... healing," he said, his voice flat.

y/n sat down beside him, glancing at his ankle. "you should really rest it more. i know you hate it, but you need to let it heal properly."

jaemin nodded but didn’t say anything. he couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine. he had been pretending for too long, and it was starting to wear him down.

after a moment of silence, jaemin finally spoke, his voice low and tense. "you’ve been spending a lot of time with jeno, haven’t you?"

y/n blinked in surprise. "what? jaemin, we’re friends. you know that."

jaemin’s expression hardened. "yeah, but it’s more than that now, isn’t it? you’re always checking in on him, always there for him. you never used to do that for me. what’s going on, y/n?"

y/n’s eyes widened, confusion and concern overtaking her features. "what are you talking about? i’m just trying to help him. he’s struggling, jaemin. he’s your friend, too."

jaemin’s heart pounded in his chest as he leaned forward, his gaze intense. "yeah, i know. but it’s like you’re forgetting about me. you’re too busy being there for him. you’ve been... spending so much time with him, talking to him, comforting him. and i’m just sitting here, watching it all happen."

y/n’s expression shifted, her confusion turning into frustration. "that’s not fair, jaemin. i’m here for you, too! you know that, right? i’m not replacing you with jeno. you’re just... you’re just in your head right now."

jaemin’s voice rose, the hurt and jealousy finally spilling out. "it feels like you are. you’ve barely been around since the game. and when you are, it’s always about jeno—how he’s doing, how he’s coping. i’m just supposed to sit here and wait until i’m good enough to play again, right?"

y/n’s face fell. she had never seen jaemin like this before. the defensiveness, the jealousy—it was completely out of character for him. she had always known him as confident, energetic, and optimistic, but this version of him was raw and vulnerable in a way that was hard for her to process.

"jaemin, i’m not trying to push you aside. i’m here for you. i’ve always been here for you," y/n said softly, her voice cracking with emotion. "but i’m also trying to help jeno, because... because he’s going through something, too. you don’t get it, do you?"

jaemin’s eyes flickered with frustration. "i get it, y/n. you’re both just so much better than me right now. you’ve got him—jeno—and you’ve got the team’s attention. and then there’s me, stuck on the sidelines with nothing to offer."

y/n’s heart sank. she didn’t know how to make him see that it wasn’t about jeno or the team’s attention. it was about him, about helping him recover and reminding him of the strength he still had—no matter what had happened on the field.

"i never said you were nothing, jaemin," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "you’re everything to me. but you need to stop pushing people away. you can’t keep thinking that i’m going to abandon you just because jeno and i talk more. that’s not how it is. and you know it."

the silence that followed hung heavy in the air. jaemin’s face softened, but the tension between them remained. he had been so consumed by his own jealousy that he hadn’t realized how much y/n had been trying to balance—her support for him and for jeno. but now, it felt like their friendship, their connection, was slipping through his fingers.

"i’m sorry," jaemin muttered, his voice low. "i didn’t mean to say those things. it’s just... hard, you know? watching everything change."

y/n let out a slow breath. "i know it’s hard. but you’re not alone in this, jaemin. not now, not ever."

jaemin looked away, staring at the floor, unsure of what to say next. the insecurity that had been gnawing at him was still there, but in this moment, he realized that he had let his jealousy cloud the truth: y/n wasn’t choosing jeno over him. she wasn’t replacing him.

y/n, caught in the middle of their fallout, struggles to remain neutral. every day feels like walking through a minefield, where one wrong step might shatter everything. the friendship between jaemin and jeno, once so effortless and full of mutual respect, has cracked under the weight of rivalry, jealousy, and unspoken words. y/n feels like she’s stuck in the eye of a storm, trying to hold onto both of them while everything around her crumbles. she can’t help but blame herself, even if deep down, she knows it’s not her fault. she wishes she could simply make everything go back to the way it was, but the distance between them feels too vast, too permanent now.

when jaemin and jeno had their falling out, y/n immediately felt the ripple effects. they didn’t just stop talking to each other; they stopped being the people y/n had grown close to. jaemin, once so open and warm, now avoids y/n’s attempts to comfort him. his silence is suffocating. y/n tries to reach out to him, but his cold responses only make her feel like a stranger. he’s hurt, she understands that. but why does it feel like every time she extends a hand, he pulls further away?

jaemin’s hurt is so visible. he’s not the same person anymore. she watches as he buries himself in his recovery, and yet, every time he’s with her, it’s like there’s a piece of him missing. the playful glint in his eyes is gone, replaced by something deeper—anger, resentment, uncertainty. he doesn’t express it directly, but y/n can feel it in his tone, in the way his body language tenses when she mentions jeno. he can’t even stand the sight of her talking to jeno for too long, a fact that cuts deeper than y/n would have expected.

it’s not just jaemin’s silence that gets to her; it’s the way he subtly pulls away from her. the days when he would spontaneously grab her hand or ask how her day was feel like distant memories now. he’s still there, but only physically. y/n catches him staring at her sometimes, but there’s no warmth in his gaze. just cold, calculated distance. every time she tries to reassure him, tell him that nothing’s changed, that she’s still there for him, it feels like he’s not listening. he doesn’t believe her anymore. and she feels that, deep down, a part of her is losing him—slowly but surely.

the jealousy that jaemin harbors isn’t just about soccer or jeno’s success. it’s about her. about the fact that y/n and jeno still share moments together, that jeno is still a part of her life even though their friendship is strained. jaemin’s insecurities grow, and they’re starting to eat away at him. he feels threatened not just by jeno’s increasing success on the field but by the bond y/n and jeno share. there’s a part of jaemin that wonders if y/n still cares for him in the same way. the uncertainty is consuming him, and as a result, he pushes y/n further away.

and it’s not like she doesn’t try to fix it. she does, over and over again. she texts him, calls him, tries to make plans for the two of them, but every time, it feels like he’s just going through the motions. the moments when they used to talk for hours have now become quick exchanges, and the silence in between those words is growing. she knows that silence. it’s the silence that comes before something breaks for good.

jeno, too, has been changing, but not in the way y/n had hoped. she can still see the boy she once knew—the one who used to joke around with her, who would tease her in a way that made her feel at ease. but now, he’s a version of himself she barely recognizes. jeno is quieter now, more withdrawn, but he still makes an effort to be there for her. he helps her study, checks in with her after games, and offers her advice when she’s frustrated with her performance. yet, there’s something beneath the surface—something that y/n can’t quite name. the way he looks at her when they’re alone, the way his voice softens when he says her name, it all feels different. y/n can feel the tension growing, a quiet undercurrent that runs beneath their casual conversations.

it’s hard for y/n to ignore that jeno isn’t just supporting her as a friend anymore. he’s hiding feelings, feelings he’s been carrying for far too long. his gestures of kindness, his little acts of support, now feel heavier than before. y/n can sense his pain, the longing that he’s trying so hard to keep buried. she feels it when his hand brushes against hers for a second too long or when he offers her a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. jeno is hiding his feelings, but they’re becoming too obvious to ignore.

the worst part is that y/n doesn’t know how to act around him anymore. she’s torn between loyalty and love. she knows jeno’s feelings for her are real, but she doesn’t know how to reciprocate them without betraying jaemin. she can’t help but feel guilty, knowing how hard jeno is trying to be there for her even as his emotions remain unspoken. but she also knows that the bond they share is built on years of friendship. and she can’t just ignore the weight of her own feelings for jaemin, even as she watches him crumble before her eyes.

y/n feels like she’s drowning in guilt and confusion. she’s struggling to keep the pieces of their fractured friendships together, but no matter how hard she tries, it seems like she can’t fix what’s broken. her efforts to talk to jaemin only push him further away, and when she tries to reach out to jeno, it’s like she’s stepping into a minefield of unspoken emotions. the more she tries, the more everything unravels.

she wants to talk to both of them, to tell them that she’s still here for them, that she’s not choosing sides, but the truth is, y/n doesn’t know if she can. she doesn’t know if they’ll ever get back to the way things were. she doesn’t know if she can carry the weight of their pain anymore. and worst of all, she doesn’t know if there’s a way out of this cycle.

her world is becoming smaller by the day, and with every passing hour, she feels the distance between them grow. what was once a tight-knit trio is now split apart, with y/n standing in the middle, watching as both jaemin and jeno spiral into their own worlds of resentment, frustration, and unspoken feelings. and she’s left, powerless to stop it, only hoping that somewhere down the line, they can all find a way to heal.

jaemin and jeno, now unable to even look at each other, refuse to communicate. the fallout from their argument leaves a thick tension hanging in the air, and it seems like there’s no coming back from it. jeno’s once lively presence on the field now feels almost like a shadow of what it used to be. he plays with intensity, but every movement, every pass, seems mechanical. the joy he once felt in soccer feels hollow. he can feel jaemin’s absence, even though jaemin is still a part of the team. their silent animosity has shifted the team dynamic, leaving jeno with the burden of trying to fill the emotional void left by their fractured friendship. yet, even with all of his success, he can’t seem to shake the feeling of guilt that clings to him.

jaemin, on the other hand, isn’t interested in jeno’s achievements. he’s too consumed with his own bitterness to even acknowledge how jeno is rising in prominence. while jeno has gained respect from the team, jaemin isolates himself further. he doesn’t attend social gatherings, avoids his teammates, and spends most of his time with his thoughts. his physical recovery is slow, but his emotional pain is even more crippling. he watches from the sidelines, not just in the literal sense but also in his own life. the anger he feels toward jeno consumes him, and with each day that passes, the resentment deepens. he finds it impossible to cheer for jeno’s success, even when it’s clear that jeno has worked hard for it.

y/n feels the tension every day. she’s never been so acutely aware of the growing distance between herself and both of them. jaemin’s withdrawal from her is the most painful part of all of this. she tries to reach out to him—texts, calls, messages—but they go unanswered, or at best, she receives short, disinterested responses. the once warm and open relationship she had with jaemin is now a ghost, replaced by awkward silences when they are in the same room. he’s not the jaemin she fell in love with anymore. he’s not even the jaemin she used to call her best friend. he’s someone she doesn’t recognize, someone who has become a stranger in her life.

but jeno doesn’t make things easier, either. he’s still there for her, but the burden of his unspoken feelings weighs on him like a storm waiting to break. he’s quieter now, his once carefree attitude dampened by the constant internal conflict he feels. his gestures are kind, and he’s there whenever she needs him, but there’s an air of sadness around him that y/n can’t ignore. the way he looks at her sometimes, the lingering touches, the soft smiles that don’t quite meet his eyes—they all make her heart ache. jeno is hiding something, something that’s slowly chipping away at the friendship they’ve shared for so long.

y/n feels as if she’s been caught in the crossfire of their conflict. she wants to support jaemin, but he doesn’t want her help. she wants to comfort jeno, but she can’t deny the distance that’s growing between them. the emotional weight of trying to maintain relationships with both of them while they drift further apart is overwhelming. every conversation she has with jaemin feels like she’s walking on thin ice, afraid of saying the wrong thing. every interaction with jeno feels bittersweet, as if there’s something unspoken lingering in the air, a tension that neither of them dares to confront.

the pressure to fix things is crushing. y/n knows that jaemin and jeno are both hurting, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to get through to either of them. it feels like she’s losing both of them at once. the guilt eats at her. what if there was something she could have done to prevent this? what if she could have said something differently, or acted differently? the "what ifs" consume her, leaving her trapped in a never-ending cycle of self-doubt.

jaemin has become more withdrawn; he no longer has the same spark in his eyes, the same warmth in his gestures. he’s quieter, more distant, and no longer seems to take the same joy in their relationship. while he’s still present, both physically and on the field, his heart isn’t the same. his smiles feel forced, and his touches, once full of affection, now seem mechanical. y/n is left grasping at straws, trying to bring back the jaemin she once knew.

jaemin's disinterest isn't just in their relationship, but in everything around him. he becomes less involved in team activities, declining invites to social gatherings or team dinners. when y/n tries to talk to him, he brushes her off with vague excuses, saying he’s tired or busy. his friends, even jeno, notice the change in him, but no one dares to bring it up. y/n begins to feel like she’s fighting a losing battle, putting all her energy into saving their relationship while jaemin seems to pull further and further away from her.

jeno, still caught in his feelings for y/n, notices the tension between the couple but doesn’t know how to help. he’s always been there for y/n as a friend, but lately, even his attempts at offering support seem to fall flat. jaemin, who used to be so open with her, now keeps everything inside. his demeanor is colder, and whenever y/n tries to talk to him about it, he deflects, pushing her away with every word he says. it becomes impossible for y/n to ignore that something isn’t right.

one night, the truth finally hits y/n like a ton of bricks.

after finishing a late-night practice session, y/n decides to take a detour to the locker room to grab something she left behind earlier that day. she knows jaemin often stays late to work on his recovery, so she plans to surprise him with a snack. but as she steps into the hallway leading to the locker room, she hears voices—low whispers, followed by soft laughter.

at first, she doesn’t think much of it, assuming someone else is around. but as she gets closer, her stomach churns. she pushes open the door, only to be greeted by a sight that freezes her in place. jaemin is standing there, his arms wrapped around her best friend from the girls’ soccer team. the same best friend who had been her confidante, the one she had confided in about jaemin’s emotional distance and her struggles.

her best friend is laughing softly, pressing her lips to jaemin’s in a kiss. jaemin doesn’t notice y/n at first, too consumed in the moment, but when he hears her sharp intake of breath, he pulls away. the look on his face is one of pure shock and guilt, but the damage is already done.

y/n doesn’t know what to do. her legs feel like they might give out beneath her as the world spins around her. the betrayal cuts deep. jaemin, the man she’s been holding onto, the man she thought was her rock, has been cheating on her with someone she trusted with everything. her best friend—the one person who was supposed to have her back—has turned her loyalty into a cruel joke.

jaemin stumbles forward, his words coming out in a disjointed mess. “y/n, i—i didn’t mean for you to find out like this.” but there is no apology in his eyes, no regret. instead, there is just guilt, a guilt that’s tainted by the obvious desire to justify his actions.

y/n doesn’t say anything at first. she stands there, numb, as her heart breaks into a million pieces. everything she thought she knew about jaemin, about their relationship, is a lie. she turns without saying a word, walking out of the locker room and into the cold night, feeling the sting of the betrayal burn into her chest. she can’t look at jaemin anymore. she doesn’t want to. she can’t trust him. not after this.

jaemin watches her leave, knowing that he’s just lost the one person who truly mattered to him. but the reality of his actions doesn’t seem to hit him immediately. he stays in the locker room, facing the harsh consequences of his mistake, but all he feels is regret, not for his actions, but for the pain he’s caused y/n. what’s done is done. the brokenness in his chest doesn’t compare to the pain he knows y/n is feeling.

the next few days are a blur. y/n isolates herself, drowning in a mix of heartbreak and disbelief. she doesn’t return jaemin’s texts or calls, refusing to let him explain himself. there is no explanation that can make this right, not when she feels so utterly betrayed. she tries to focus on soccer, but even the sport she loves doesn’t bring her solace. every time she steps onto the field, the memory of jaemin’s betrayal haunts her. she can’t shake the feeling of being used, of having her trust completely shattered.

meanwhile, jaemin reaches out again and again, but y/n refuses to listen. jeno, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, begins to notice the strain this is putting on y/n. his own feelings for her, long buried, come rushing to the surface as he realizes just how much she’s hurting. he wants to comfort her, to tell her that she deserves better, but the line between friendship and something more is too blurred. and with jaemin still trying to reach y/n, jeno knows he can’t step in—at least not yet.

the damage is done. y/n has lost her best friend and her boyfriend in one blow, and the aftermath leaves her questioning everything she once believed about trust, love, and loyalty.

JUNIOR YEAR

the sun hung low in the sky as y/n walked across campus, her heart heavy. junior year had begun, but it didn’t feel like a fresh start. it felt like she was still stuck in the aftermath of the betrayal—the cheating, the lies, and the painful loss of trust.

she glanced over at the soccer field as she walked past it, the sound of the boys' team practicing drifting in the air. her eyes briefly met jaemin’s across the field, and she quickly looked away. he had been trying to approach her for weeks, sending texts, leaving notes in her locker—desperate attempts to fix what he’d broken. but y/n had learned the hard way that some things can’t be fixed. not when the cracks run so deep.

her stomach twisted at the thought of him. jaemin had been everything to her—her first love, her best friend, her everything. but now? now, all she could feel when she saw him was the sting of betrayal. the guilt, the anger, the hurt—it was all still there, swirling in her chest like a storm that never seemed to pass.

y/n shook her head and focused on the task at hand: surviving the first week of classes without completely falling apart. her friends—what few she had left after everything—had told her to focus on herself. to stop worrying about the people who’d hurt her. but how could she when every interaction seemed to revolve around jaemin?

as she entered the building for her first lecture of the day, she almost collided with someone at the door.

“woah, sorry!” she said, stepping back quickly.

jeno, who had been walking just behind her, gave her a soft smile. “you okay?”

y/n forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “yeah, just... tired.” she gave him a quick nod before turning to head inside. the last thing she needed right now was to engage in a long conversation.

but jeno wasn’t the type to let things go easily. he followed her into the classroom, sitting beside her without hesitation. over the last year, jeno had become someone she could rely on, even if it wasn’t always easy to accept his support. after the fallout with jaemin, jeno had been a silent presence, offering his care without pushing her.

for that, she was grateful. but the last thing y/n wanted was to rely on him too much. she knew how tangled everything already was.

“so, how’s the team?” jeno asked casually, pulling out his notebook as the lecture started.

y/n shrugged, her eyes momentarily flickering to the side. “same as always, i guess. a lot of pressure with the season starting soon.” she tried to keep her tone neutral, but she couldn’t ignore the pang of discomfort that came from thinking about the boys’ team. jaemin was there, of course, and the last time they’d interacted had been... messy.

jeno caught her hesitation but didn’t press her for details. he just nodded in understanding, choosing to stay silent for the rest of the lecture. he could tell that y/n was struggling, but he wasn’t going to push her. not yet.

the days that followed felt like a blur. y/n buried herself in her schoolwork, soccer practice, and the few remaining friendships she had left, all while trying to ignore the ever-present tension between her, jaemin, and jeno. jaemin’s attempts to reach out only made it worse. he’d show up at the field, lingering after practice, hoping for a chance to speak to her, but y/n would avoid him every time. the pain was still too fresh. every time she looked at him, all she could see was the hurt he’d caused.

jaemin’s frustration was growing. he hadn’t been able to understand why y/n was shutting him out completely, why her anger felt so cold and final. he could see the way she leaned on jeno more and more, and the jealousy that simmered beneath the surface began to eat away at him. but his guilt was even worse. the guilt that he’d destroyed something beautiful, something he’d taken for granted.

one afternoon, jaemin waited for y/n outside the gym, hoping for a chance to speak to her before practice started. he had rehearsed what he was going to say a thousand times in his head, but now that he was face-to-face with her, the words felt impossible to speak.

“y/n,” he called softly as she walked by, her head down as she passed him.

y/n froze for a moment, her back still turned to him. she knew he was there, knew he was probably waiting for some sort of acknowledgement. but she couldn’t do it—not yet. not when the wound was still so open. she didn’t turn around.

“please, y/n,” jaemin’s voice cracked slightly. “can we just talk? i—"

“i don’t think we have anything to talk about,” she interrupted, her voice cool. “not anymore.”

the finality in her tone hit him like a punch to the gut, and he stood there, staring after her as she walked into the gym.

it was hard for him to accept, but jaemin couldn’t ignore the truth: y/n wasn’t going to forgive him. not now, not ever.

the following weeks were a blur of practices, classes, and quiet nights spent in solitude. y/n couldn’t bring herself to face jaemin, and with each passing day, the distance between them seemed to grow even wider. the guilt that came with avoiding him was overwhelming, but it was nothing compared to the emotional wreckage she felt every time she thought about everything he had done.

jaemin’s attempts to make things right were relentless. after that last confrontation outside the gym, he continued to text her, leaving notes on her locker and occasionally cornering her after class. but each time y/n saw him, she felt that old sting in her chest. she wanted to scream at him for what he had done—wanted to demand answers for why he cheated, for why he ruined everything they had. but she never did. instead, she put up walls, silently pushing him away every time he tried to break through.

it wasn’t just jaemin’s efforts that were getting to her, though. it was the way he kept showing up everywhere. on the field during practice, at school events, and even at their usual hangouts with friends. his presence was suffocating. y/n knew he wasn’t giving up, but she also knew she couldn’t face him. not yet.

when practice rolled around, y/n buried herself in the physicality of soccer, pushing herself harder and harder, trying to ignore the pain that came with every memory of jaemin. the sound of the ball hitting the net, the exhaustion in her legs, and the focus she poured into every drill kept her distracted.

but even on the field, she couldn’t escape the tension that seemed to hang in the air, especially with the boys’ team practicing at the same time. jaemin’s eyes followed her movements from across the field, and every glance they shared sent a sharp pang through her heart.

jeno, on the other hand, remained a steady presence. unlike jaemin, he didn’t force his way into y/n’s life. he never pushed her for answers or sought her forgiveness. he simply existed alongside her, a quiet anchor in a storm that felt like it would never end.

on the field, jeno’s style of play was as smooth and calculated as ever. he had always been a naturally gifted player, but there was something different about him now. his usual cheerful demeanor had become more reserved, and his focus seemed laser-sharp, as if he was trying to block out his own emotions. y/n couldn’t help but notice the way jeno’s eyes lingered on her whenever they passed one another during drills. he was always there, watching from the sidelines, but never intruding.

during a particularly brutal practice, y/n was pushing herself beyond her limits, running drills until her legs burned with exhaustion. it was a typical coping mechanism for her—distracting herself with the physical. but as she sprinted down the field, her vision blurred, and her foot caught unevenly on the turf. she fell hard, the impact of the ground knocking the air out of her lungs.

she lay there for a moment, struggling to catch her breath. her teammates rushed over, but the one who reached her first was jeno.

“y/n! are you okay?” his voice was laced with concern, his hands hovering over her body as if afraid to touch her.

y/n winced as she tried to push herself up, but the pain in her ankle was immediate and sharp. “i’m fine,” she said quickly, brushing him off, though it was clear she wasn’t.

jeno knelt beside her, his gaze softening. “let me help you,” he said gently. he offered his hand, and despite herself, y/n took it.

she leaned on him as he helped her to her feet, his steady presence offering her the comfort she didn’t know she needed. “i’ll take you to the trainer,” jeno suggested, already beginning to walk with her towards the sideline.

y/n didn’t protest. she let him guide her away from the field, away from the eyes of her teammates, and the watchful gaze of jaemin, who stood from a distance, watching the exchange with a mix of frustration and guilt.

the next few days were filled with rest and rehabilitation for y/n’s injury, and as she hobbled around campus on crutches, she found herself once again caught between two worlds. jaemin tried to reach out, of course, apologizing over and over for the distance between them, but every word from him felt like a reminder of everything she had lost.

jeno, on the other hand, continued to show up quietly in the background. his support didn’t demand anything from her, but it was clear that he was there—always just close enough to make sure she was okay, but never forcing anything. and as much as y/n tried to ignore the growing feelings inside her, it was getting harder and harder to do so.

one evening, while y/n was working on a paper in the library, she received a text from jeno.

“how’s the ankle?”

it was simple, direct, and caring. she hesitated before replying, unsure of what to say. her thoughts were all over the place—too tangled in confusion, frustration, and the quiet ache that seemed to settle in her chest every time she thought of jeno’s kindness.

“it’s getting better, thanks to you.” she typed quickly, then set her phone down, trying to refocus on her work.

a few moments later, her phone buzzed again, and y/n’s heart skipped when she saw the next message.

“i’m glad to hear that. let me know if you need anything.”

y/n smiled softly, her heart pounding in her chest as she read his words. there was something about jeno’s quiet presence that made her feel safe, something she hadn’t realized she’d been missing until now.

the crisp autumn air bit at y/n’s skin as she walked across campus, her ankle feeling better but her heart heavier than ever. she had spent the last few weeks trying to bury herself in her work, her studies, and soccer, but no matter how much she focused on the physical, the emotional chaos just wouldn’t go away. jaemin’s attempts to contact her had become relentless, and no matter how many times she rejected him, he wouldn’t stop.

she was almost used to it by now. almost.

today, however, was different. jaemin had finally sent her a message that broke through her defenses:

“we need to talk. please.”

it felt like a simple request. but after everything they had been through, after all the hurt, y/n wasn’t sure if talking could ever fix what had been broken. she had spent too much time trying to rebuild herself after his betrayal. she wasn’t sure she had any pieces left to give.

jeno had been quiet these days, and y/n was beginning to notice the subtle shifts in him. he had always been there for her, his presence a constant source of comfort, but lately, there was something different in the way he looked at her. something soft, something almost... protective.

she wasn’t blind. she knew that jeno’s feelings for her had shifted over time. he had been the quiet, steady support when she needed it, but now, his concern for her seemed to go beyond just friendship. it was something deeper, something unspoken.

but where did that leave her? she wasn’t ready to think about moving on from jaemin, but at the same time, she couldn’t keep clinging to someone who had hurt her so badly.

y/n stood at the edge of the field, her eyes trained on the boys' team as they finished practice. she couldn’t help herself; she looked for jaemin. his back was to her, but she could still make out the tension in his posture, the way he hesitated before he turned to speak to his teammates.

for a moment, she thought about walking over to him. but then, the thought of everything he had done—everything he had destroyed—stopped her in her tracks.

she turned instead and walked toward the locker room, where she knew jeno would be waiting. it had become a routine of sorts. after every practice, jeno would stick around to make sure she was okay, despite her attempts to push him away.

this time, though, there was something different in the air.

jeno was already sitting on the bench in the locker room when she entered, looking down at his phone. he didn’t look up as she walked in, but y/n could feel his gaze shift toward her as soon as she sat down next to him.

“you’re not practicing today?” she asked, trying to keep the conversation casual. it was the usual way they interacted—friendly, easygoing, without any pressure. but today, the air between them felt thick with unspoken words.

jeno shrugged, putting his phone down on the bench next to him. “just wanted to check on you. i know your ankle’s still recovering, so i thought maybe we could grab lunch after this.” his voice was calm, but there was an underlying urgency, like he was waiting for something.

y/n smiled softly, grateful for his consideration. “lunch sounds good,” she agreed, trying to shake off the weight of the thoughts swirling in her head.

but before they could continue their conversation, the door to the locker room creaked open, and y/n froze. she hadn’t expected anyone else to be here, but when she saw jaemin step through the door, her stomach dropped.

he paused when he saw them sitting together, his eyes briefly flicking to jeno, then back to y/n. his jaw clenched, and for a moment, no one spoke.

finally, jaemin broke the silence. “can we talk?” his voice was tight, hesitant, as though he wasn’t sure how to approach her.

y/n didn’t respond immediately. her heart was pounding in her chest, and she could feel jeno’s eyes on her, waiting for her to make a decision. she glanced at him briefly, silently asking for guidance, but jeno simply gave her a small nod, as though telling her to handle it however she needed to.

with a sigh, y/n stood up, brushing past jaemin as she made her way to the door. she had spent so many days avoiding this moment, but now, she couldn’t put it off any longer.

jaemin followed her outside, but they both remained silent as they walked to a quieter part of campus. y/n was doing everything she could to keep her emotions in check, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

“you’ve been avoiding me,” jaemin finally said, his voice low. “i know i messed up, but i need to apologize. i can’t keep pretending like nothing happened. you and i... we were everything to each other, and i know i broke that. but i need you to know how sorry i am, y/n.”

y/n bit her lip, trying to steady her breathing. she had heard these words so many times before. the apologies. the regret. but the damage had already been done.

“you don’t get to apologize anymore, jaemin,” y/n replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “you don’t get to make things right after what you did. i gave you everything, and you destroyed it. you don’t just get to walk back into my life and fix everything with a few words.”

jaemin flinched at her words, his face falling as he saw the raw pain in her eyes. “i know. i know i can’t fix it, and i don’t expect you to forgive me. i just... i need you to know how much i regret it. how much i miss us.”

y/n shook her head, stepping back a little. “it’s too late for that. i can’t go back to what we were, jaemin. i can’t pretend that nothing happened.”

for a long moment, there was nothing but silence between them. jaemin’s eyes were filled with sorrow, but y/n couldn’t bring herself to feel pity. she had loved him more than anything, but now, all she could feel was the aching emptiness he had left behind.

as she turned to leave, jaemin reached out, his hand brushing against her arm. “i still love you,” he whispered.

y/n stiffened at the words, but she didn’t turn back. she couldn’t. “i’m sorry, jaemin. but i can’t love you anymore.”

y/n walked away, her heart heavy, but strangely lighter than it had been in months. saying those words to jaemin—admitting that she couldn’t love him anymore—was the hardest thing she’d ever done. but it also felt like a release. she wasn’t sure what came next, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she could finally start moving forward.

she didn’t look back, but she couldn’t ignore the quiet ache that lingered in her chest.

as she made her way back toward the locker room, she found jeno waiting by the door, his eyes filled with concern. he didn’t say anything at first—he didn’t need to. his presence was enough.

without a word, y/n walked over to him, and jeno, sensing the weight of the moment, wrapped his arm around her. the silence between them was comforting in its own way, as if jeno understood that sometimes, words weren’t necessary.

and for the first time in a long while, y/n allowed herself to rest in the quiet support jeno offered, uncertain of what the future held, but feeling—just for a moment—that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.

the days following her confrontation with jaemin felt like a blur. classes, soccer practices, and social events all blended together into a single haze. y/n found herself moving through life on autopilot, her mind always drifting back to the conversation she had with jaemin. the weight of his words, the intensity of his gaze, stayed with her even after she tried to push it all aside.

she avoided jaemin as much as she could. he tried to approach her between classes or at the campus café, but y/n would make excuses to slip away, her heart too fragile to face him again. she didn’t know if she was ready to face the emotions that would inevitably come with it. she couldn’t trust him again, and the hurt still felt fresh.

jeno, on the other hand, was a quiet presence in her life. he was still there, offering her the same unwavering support that he always had. but y/n began to feel the subtle shift in his behavior. he was quieter now, his gestures more lingering. sometimes, when their hands brushed or when he’d pass her a comforting smile, she caught the fleeting glint of something deeper in his eyes.

she didn’t want to acknowledge it—she wasn’t ready to confront it—but the truth was impossible to ignore. jeno was falling for her.

one afternoon after practice, y/n lingered in the locker room, tying her shoes slowly, hoping the rest of the team would leave first so she wouldn’t have to face anyone. but when the door opened, it wasn’t one of her teammates—it was jeno.

"hey," he greeted her softly, his voice warm, but there was a certain hesitance to it, as if he was unsure how to act around her now.

y/n gave him a small, tired smile, forcing herself to appear less bothered than she truly felt. “hey, jeno. what’s up?”

jeno walked in and leaned against the lockers, crossing his arms as he looked at her. “i was just thinking... we haven’t had much of a chance to talk lately, huh?”

y/n chuckled quietly, although it was tinged with sadness. “yeah, i guess you could say that. everything’s been a little... chaotic.”

he nodded, his gaze softening. “i get it. but i miss our talks. it’s not the same without you around.”

the sincerity in his voice made her stomach flutter. she could see the concern in his eyes, but more than that, she could see something that made her heart ache—a deep, unwavering loyalty, and maybe something more.

“i’m sorry,” she said, almost in a whisper, as she looked away from him. “i’ve been... distant. i just... need some time, jeno.”

“i know,” he replied, his voice gentle. “i’m not rushing you. but i’m still here, y/n. whenever you’re ready.”

she nodded, trying to push away the lump in her throat. jeno had always been there for her, through everything. but now, as she stood facing him, it felt like the weight of their friendship was shifting, and she wasn’t sure how to navigate the new dynamic.

“i appreciate that,” she murmured, her voice thick with unspoken emotions.

jeno hesitated before taking a step closer. “you don’t have to face all of this alone. i’m not going anywhere.”

y/n could feel her heart racing. jeno’s words, the way he always made her feel safe and understood, it was hard to ignore. but the thought of opening herself up to him—of acknowledging the way he might feel—was terrifying. she wasn’t sure she was ready to go there, not yet. not after everything she had just been through with jaemin.

“i know,” she whispered, barely meeting his gaze. “but i need some space. just for now.”

jeno didn’t push further. he simply nodded, his expression unreadable. he stepped back, turning toward the door.

“i’ll give you that,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “but don’t forget, i’m here. whenever you need me.”

y/n’s chest tightened, and she quickly turned away to avoid looking at him. she couldn’t bear to see the hurt in his eyes, especially when she knew she wasn’t ready to reciprocate the feelings he had for her.

but no matter how much she tried to push it away, a part of her was drawn to him. jeno had always been there when she needed him the most, and maybe, just maybe, that was enough to make her believe that something could still work between them.

but not now. not yet.

over the next few weeks, the tension between y/n, jaemin, and jeno only seemed to grow. jaemin’s attempts to reconcile with her became more frequent, but every time he tried to approach, y/n would shut him down. the thought of reopening the wounds he had caused was unbearable.

on the other hand, jeno remained patient. he didn’t push her, and he didn’t ask for anything. but y/n couldn’t shake the feeling that he was waiting for her—waiting for her to come around, waiting for her to finally admit that she might feel the same way.

it was a confusing time. she had spent so long focusing on healing from jaemin’s betrayal, that the idea of a relationship with jeno felt overwhelming. she wasn’t sure she could trust herself to be open to someone again, let alone open herself up to someone who had always been by her side.

one evening, as the team wrapped up practice, y/n found herself walking alongside jeno as they made their way to the locker room. the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the field.

“i’m glad you came today,” jeno said casually, his voice carrying a quiet intensity that made her heart beat faster. “it’s been a while since we really talked.”

y/n glanced at him, noticing the way he was looking at her—serious, but kind. “i know,” she replied, her voice quiet. “i’ve just been... trying to figure things out.”

jeno didn’t push her. instead, he simply nodded, his gaze softening. “i get it. and whenever you’re ready to talk, i’ll be here.”

y/n felt something in her chest tighten at his words. it wasn’t that she didn’t care for him—she did, in a way that felt deep and complex. but right now, she wasn’t ready to confront the emotional storm inside her. the pain of jaemin’s betrayal still loomed large, and the thought of opening her heart again, even to jeno, was terrifying.

“thanks, jeno,” she murmured, giving him a small, appreciative smile.

they reached the locker room, and as y/n stepped inside, she caught one last glance at jeno. his face was unreadable, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes, something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge yet.

it was a wednesday afternoon when everything came to a head. the girls’ team had just wrapped up a grueling practice, and as y/n was stretching on the sideline, her eyes caught the boys’ team warming up across the field. jaemin was leading their drills, his movements fluid and confident, but there was something in his posture that struck her—a defensiveness, a tension in his shoulders that was unlike him.

y/n turned her attention back to her own teammates, but the sight of jaemin lingered in her mind. for the past few weeks, she had kept her distance from him, and yet the unresolved feelings between them never fully faded. she wasn’t sure if she missed the person he was or if she was just mourning the idea of their relationship, the future they could have had before everything fell apart.

“y/n?” her teammate’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to find her friend standing over her, a concerned expression on her face. “are you okay?”

y/n forced a smile. “yeah, just... tired.”

her teammate wasn’t convinced. “you’ve been off lately. is it still about jaemin?”

y/n paused. she had tried so hard to avoid talking about him, not wanting to reopen the wounds, but it was clear that her friend wasn’t going to let it go.

“i don’t know,” y/n admitted, her voice quieter than she intended. “i’m just... still confused. i don’t know what to feel anymore.”

her friend sighed, sitting down beside her. “you know, sometimes, it’s better to just let things go. you can’t control how people change, or how they hurt you. but you can control how you let it affect you.”

y/n nodded, even though she wasn’t sure she agreed. it wasn’t that simple. her heart felt shattered, torn between two people—jaemin, the boy she once thought she’d spend forever with, and jeno, the one who had been there all along, waiting patiently for her to figure things out.

later that evening, as y/n walked through campus, she caught sight of jeno sitting alone on a bench by the dorms, his gaze fixed on the ground. there was something about his posture, something resigned, that pulled at her heart. despite everything, he was always there, offering her his steady support.

without thinking, y/n found herself walking toward him.

“jeno?” she called softly as she approached.

he looked up, surprised, his expression softening as he saw her. “y/n. hey.”

“mind if i sit?” she asked, her voice tentative, unsure of what she was looking for in this moment.

“of course not.” he moved over to make room for her, and she sat down beside him, the space between them familiar and comforting in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

for a long moment, neither of them spoke. the only sound between them was the rustle of leaves in the wind, the quiet hum of campus life in the distance.

y/n turned to him, her gaze searching his face. “jeno... i don’t know what to do anymore. with everything. with jaemin, with—”

“you don’t have to figure it all out right now,” jeno interrupted gently, his voice calm. “you don’t have to have all the answers. just... take your time. we’ll figure it out together.”

there was so much comfort in his words, in the way he was always steady when everything else felt uncertain. y/n wanted to believe him, to believe that things could still work between them, but the weight of her past with jaemin made it hard to fully embrace the idea.

“you’ve always been there for me,” y/n said quietly, her voice cracking slightly. “and i don’t want to hurt you, jeno. i just... i don’t know what’s right anymore.”

jeno gave her a small, understanding smile, the kind of smile that made her chest ache. “i’m not going anywhere, y/n. whenever you’re ready, i’ll be here. but i’m not going to push you.”

y/n could feel the sincerity in his words, and it hit her in a way she hadn’t expected. he wasn’t asking for anything. he wasn’t demanding that she figure it all out right away. he was just here, present, ready to support her no matter what.

“i’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “i’ve been so focused on trying to figure out what happened with jaemin that i didn’t even think about... what i might be doing to you.”

“y/n,” jeno said gently, reaching out to place a hand on hers. “you don’t owe me anything. i’ve always cared about you, and i always will. i just want you to be okay.”

her breath hitched in her throat, the weight of his words settling deep in her chest. for a moment, y/n felt the warmth of his hand in hers, the comfort of knowing that she wasn’t alone in this mess.

but the conflicting emotions inside her heart refused to subside. she wasn’t sure what she wanted, or who she wanted it with.

the weeks after the conversation with jeno felt like an emotional maze for y/n. each day brought with it new questions, new doubts, and a growing sense of uncertainty. every time she saw jaemin, her heart ached with the weight of what had been—what could have been. and whenever jeno’s eyes found hers, she felt the pang of guilt from not being able to fully let go of the past.

y/n had always prided herself on being able to handle difficult situations, to keep her emotions in check. but this was different. this wasn’t just a matter of keeping her focus during a soccer match or acing an exam. this was her heart, her friendships, her relationships—all tangled together in a mess of pain, betrayal, and longing.

she could no longer ignore the tension that had been building between the three of them. jaemin had been trying, in his own way, to reach out to her—whether through small gestures or the occasional message, but every attempt only seemed to pull her deeper into the emotional whirlwind she had been trying so hard to avoid.

and jeno... jeno, who had been nothing but supportive and patient, was beginning to look more and more like the person y/n should have turned to when everything fell apart. but the guilt of not being able to reciprocate his feelings was beginning to eat away at her.

it was during one of the rare moments when she was alone in the quiet of her dorm room, reflecting on everything, that y/n received a text from jaemin.

can we talk?

the words were simple, but they sent a shiver through her. she hadn’t heard from him like this in weeks—not since their last confrontation. she had been avoiding him, avoiding the rawness of their past, but now... now he was reaching out again, and she couldn’t ignore it any longer.

her fingers hovered over her phone as her heart raced in her chest. she wasn’t sure if she was ready to hear what he had to say, or if she even wanted to face him again. but she knew she had to. for her own peace of mind, she needed closure, even if it hurt.

when? she typed back, trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice.

now?

with a deep breath, she stood up, grabbed her jacket, and left the dorm. the campus was quiet at this time of night, the only sounds the distant hum of streetlights and the occasional rustling of leaves. her steps felt heavy as she walked toward the park where they had agreed to meet. the cool air did little to ease the tightness in her chest, and the closer she got to the park, the more she felt like she was walking into a storm.

jaemin was already sitting on a bench when she arrived, his back to her. he didn’t hear her approach, and for a moment, y/n just stood there, watching him. his shoulders were hunched, his posture stiff, but there was something about the way he sat that made her heart ache.

he was still the boy she loved, despite everything.

when he finally turned to see her, his expression was a mixture of relief and something more vulnerable—something that made y/n’s chest tighten.

“y/n,” jaemin’s voice was soft, like he was afraid she might disappear if he spoke too loudly. “i—” he paused, taking in a shaky breath. “i’m sorry. for everything. for what i did to you... and to jeno.”

y/n felt her throat tighten at the mention of jeno, but she didn’t interrupt. she needed to hear him out, even if it hurt.

“i was stupid,” jaemin continued, his voice cracking slightly. “i wasn’t thinking. i let my insecurities take over, and i hurt you in ways that i’ll never be able to take back.”

she looked at him, unsure of what to say. the words she wanted to say were stuck somewhere deep inside her, caught between anger and hurt, love and regret.

“you hurt me, jaemin,” she finally said, her voice soft but firm. “and not just once. over and over again.”

jaemin’s face fell, guilt overtaking his features. “i know,” he whispered, his eyes dropping to the ground. “i don’t expect you to forgive me. but i need you to know that i regret it. every day.”

y/n took a step back, her arms wrapping around herself as if trying to shield her heart. “i don’t know if i can ever forgive you. not the way i used to. not the way you want me to.”

jaemin’s face twisted in pain, but he nodded, as if he had expected that response. “i understand. i’m not asking you to forget, y/n. i just... i just wanted you to know that i’m sorry. i didn’t want to lose you.”

y/n’s chest tightened at the sincerity in his voice, but she could feel the walls she had built around herself strengthening. “you already did, jaemin. you lost me the moment you chose someone else.”

the words were harsh, but they were true. and as much as they hurt, they were the closure she needed.

for a long time, neither of them spoke. the silence between them was thick, filled with the weight of everything that had been said and everything that had been left unsaid.

finally, jaemin stood, and as he looked at her one last time, something in his eyes shifted—like he understood that this was it. he wasn’t going to get another chance to make things right, and y/n wasn’t going to allow herself to be pulled back into the same painful cycle.

“i’ll always care about you, jaemin” yn said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

jaemin nodded, his throat tight. “and i’ll always remember what we had. but i can’t keep living in the past.”

with that, she turned and walked away, her steps slow and deliberate. she didn’t look back as jaemin stood there yelling out apologies and begging her to come back”

the tension in the air was palpable. ever since the conversation with jaemin in the park, y/n had done her best to move forward. she had thrown herself into her training, trying to focus on her game and get through each day without the constant weight of the past on her shoulders. but it wasn’t that simple.

jaemin wasn’t just a shadow lingering in the back of her mind anymore; he was there, in her peripheral vision, always there. and with him came the rising tension—the tension that came with his jealousy, his frustration, and his desperate attempts to claw back something he had lost.

y/n had started to notice it on the field. it wasn’t just during practices anymore—jaemin’s jealousy was showing in the little moments. in the way his eyes would narrow every time jeno passed the ball to her, or how his voice would take on a sharp edge when he spoke to her, as if anything related to jeno irritated him. it was subtle at first—small, passive-aggressive comments about how “jeno seemed to think he was part of the girls’ team now,” or how “jeno must be really close to y/n to know exactly where all her classes are and her practice schedule”

but as the weeks went on, it became harder for y/n to ignore.

after a game one evening, where the boys’ team had played a particularly grueling match, jaemin cornered her in the locker room, his voice low and tense.

“do you really think it’s a good idea, spending so much time with jeno?” he asked, arms crossed over his chest. his eyes were dark, and his jaw clenched tightly.

y/n’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “what do you mean? jeno and i are friends,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

jaemin’s eyes flashed with something sharp—anger, maybe, or something darker. “i’m just saying. you’ve been hanging around him a lot lately. too much, don’t you think?” his tone was almost mocking, but it was laced with something else.

y/n took a step back, surprised at his words. “what’s your problem, jaemin?” she asked, the frustration in her voice growing. “jeno’s been nothing but supportive of me. we’ve been friends since freshman year.”

jaemin let out a short laugh, his gaze flickering to the ground before meeting hers again. “yeah, sure. friends. i bet that’s all it is. just friends,” he muttered bitterly, turning away from her with an almost sarcastic wave of his hand. “i’ll leave you to your ‘friendship’ then.”

y/n’s chest tightened, hurt flashing through her. she had never expected jaemin to be like this—not after everything they had been through. but his words, his tone—everything about him was dripping with jealousy. she could feel it, even in the space between them.

for a moment, neither of them spoke. the silence was heavy, suffocating. jaemin finally turned, his back to her, and y/n didn’t know whether to scream or walk away.

the rest of the night passed in a blur. she tried her best to shake off the encounter, but it kept replaying in her mind. jaemin had always been possessive, but this... this was different. his jealousy was like a storm brewing just beneath the surface, ready to spill over at any moment.

jaemin’s behavior began to worsen. he started making excuses to avoid speaking to y/n altogether, but when they did interact, his words were laced with bitterness, as if he was punishing her for things that weren’t her fault. he would drop little comments about her and jeno, as if testing the waters, pushing her boundaries to see how much she would take before finally snapping.

one night, after another game, the breaking point came. jaemin pulled y/n aside in the parking lot, his face twisted in anger.

“why are you so close to him? why can’t you see it, y/n? i’m the one who’s been there for you. i’m the one who’s always supported you!” jaemin’s voice was low, but it was shaking with frustration. “i’ve been waiting for you to come around. but you keep pushing me away for him!”

y/n’s eyes widened as his words sank in, and for the first time in a long while, she felt her own anger flare up.

“i’ve never asked you to do that, jaemin!” she shot back, her voice cracking. “you don’t get to treat me like this just because you’re a selfish asshole! you broke my trust, and now you’re making it worse by acting like i owe you something.”

jaemin’s expression faltered, and for a moment, y/n saw a flicker of guilt in his eyes. but it was quickly replaced by frustration, and he stormed off, leaving y/n standing there, her heart racing.

she stood in the parking lot for a long time, trying to calm her breath, but the ache in her chest only grew.

jaemin had become more unpredictable, his behavior erratic. the once carefree, joking boy she had fallen for had been replaced by someone who was bitter, angry, and manipulative.

and jeno... jeno, who had always been there for her, was caught in the middle. y/n could see how much it was hurting him to watch jaemin spiral, but he stayed quiet. he didn’t push her to choose between them. he never had.

but y/n could feel the weight of it all, the pull of the past and the future, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep pretending that everything was okay.

the tension was becoming unbearable. jaemin’s jealousy was no longer something she could ignore. it was poisoning everything, and y/n wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep herself from falling into the same trap again.

y/n had never felt so torn between two people she once thought she could rely on. jaemin had been her everything once—her best friend, her confidant, the one who’d held her hand through all of life’s uncertainties. but somewhere along the way, he had betrayed her trust, broken their bond, and left her to pick up the pieces of her heart. then there was jeno, who had quietly stood by her side, never pushing her, but always present, in a way she couldn’t ignore anymore.

junior year was almost over, and with it, the façade y/n had put up for so long. she had tried so hard to balance the pain jaemin had caused her with the tenderness she felt from jeno. she’d buried the anger, the hurt, and the confusion, but it was all bubbling up now, and she couldn’t hold it in any longer. the exhaustion was overwhelming. every interaction with jaemin felt like a warzone, and every moment with jeno felt like a bittersweet reminder of what could’ve been. she was drained—emotionally, mentally, physically—and she knew something had to give.

it happened after a particularly tense practice. the girls had just finished their drills when she spotted jaemin and jeno across the field, talking, but there was an edge to their conversation that y/n couldn’t ignore. jaemin’s body language was rigid, and jeno’s face was unreadable. there was too much unspoken history between the three of them, and y/n couldn’t shake the feeling that she was standing on the sidelines of her own life, watching as the people she cared about most drifted further apart.

y/n waited until practice ended, when jaemin finally approached her. she’d been dreading this moment, but she knew it was coming. he had been quiet for days, and she couldn’t pretend anymore.

“y/n,” jaemin’s voice was soft but urgent, like he needed her to understand. “we need to talk.”

she nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. the air felt thick between them, charged with everything they hadn’t said, everything they hadn’t resolved.

“jaemin,” she began, her voice steady but strained. “i don’t think we can keep pretending like everything's okay.”

jaemin’s face tightened, his hands shifting nervously at his sides. “i don’t want to lose you, y/n. i know i screwed up. but i can’t keep living in this tension with you. i miss you. i miss us.”

y/n’s chest tightened, her heart pounding in her ears. “i don’t know if i can forgive you, jaemin,” she said, her voice wavering. “what you did… it broke me. and the way you’ve treated jeno—it’s not fair to either of us.”

jaemin flinched, but y/n pressed on, needing to say the words she had been holding back for so long.

“you don’t get to demand my forgiveness,” she continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. “i’ve spent the past year trying to figure out if i can ever trust you again, and i can’t. you hurt me in ways i don’t even know how to explain. i’m tired of pretending like i’m okay with it.”

tears welled up in jaemin’s eyes, but he didn’t say anything at first. he simply stood there, absorbing her words. his face twisted with guilt and sadness, but there was also something else there—a recognition of the truth she had finally voiced.

“i’m sorry, y/n,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “i didn’t mean to hurt you. i never wanted to lose you.”

the pain in his voice almost broke her, but y/n stood firm. she had to.

“i need to focus on myself now, jaemin,” she said, her voice shaking with the weight of the decision. “i can’t keep holding onto something that isn’t there anymore. i need space. from you. from everything.”

jaemin’s face crumpled as he nodded, unable to find the words to respond. but y/n didn’t wait for him to say anything else. she turned and walked away, feeling her heart shatter with every step she took, but also feeling lighter—like she had finally made the decision she needed to make.

later that evening, y/n found herself on the bench outside, her thoughts racing. she was still shaken by the confrontation, her emotions raw. but in the quiet moments, she started to realize something she hadn’t fully acknowledged before: how much she had been leaning on jeno. his quiet support, his gentle encouragement, the way he had been there for her without pushing her, without trying to fix everything—he had become her anchor.

she didn’t know when it had shifted, but somewhere along the way, jeno had become more than just her friend. she had relied on him in ways she hadn’t wanted to admit. and now, as she thought about everything that had happened with jaemin, she realized that maybe—just maybe—there was a part of her that had been falling for jeno all along. she didn’t know what that meant for her, or for their friendship, but she couldn’t ignore the feeling growing in her chest.

the thought made her heart race, but she couldn’t bring herself to face it fully just yet. the pain from everything with jaemin was still too fresh, too raw.

the next few weeks were a blur. jaemin withdrew further into himself, giving y/n the space she had demanded. the boys’ team continued on , and the girls’ team was stronger than ever. jeno remained by her side, a steady presence in a world that felt like it was crumbling.

y/n didn’t know what would happen next. she wasn’t sure if she was ready to open her heart to jeno or if she was still too broken from the past. but she knew one thing for sure: she couldn’t keep living in the past, and she couldn’t keep running from the feelings she had for him. it was time for her to figure out who she was—without jaemin, without jeno, and without the weight of their mistakes on her shoulders.

SENIOR YEAR

as senior year begins, the weight of the past hangs heavily over y/n, jaemin, and jeno. it’s like an invisible wall between y/n and jaemin—every interaction charged with the ghosts of their past and the pain of betrayal. y/n can’t shake the memories of jaemin’s infidelity, and despite the months that have passed since, the scars are still raw. she’s exhausted from carrying the burden of their broken relationship and the emotional toll it’s taken on her.

jaemin, on the other hand, is still consumed by guilt. the boy who once had so much confidence and charm has become a shadow of himself. his attempts to reach out to y/n—through small gestures, texts, and even the occasional private conversation—are met with indifference. every time he apologizes, y/n’s response is distant, noncommittal, and filled with pain. she can't forgive him, not yet. maybe not ever.

jaemin, desperate to regain her trust, falls into a cycle of self-doubt. he can’t let go of the fact that he betrayed her, and the realization that he’s lost her, perhaps forever, only feeds his spiraling behavior. he starts showing up late to practice, missing key training sessions, and losing focus on the field. his performance begins to falter, his frustration growing, but he refuses to confront the root of his issues—his inability to move forward from the guilt and shame he feels.

the boys' team, once cohesive, begins to feel the strain. jeno, still trying to be a support system for both y/n and jaemin, finds himself caught in the middle. he’s seen firsthand how much y/n has suffered, and he can’t help but feel the bitterness growing between the two people who once meant so much to him. but he’s also aware of how much jaemin is spiraling, how his emotional instability is affecting their entire team dynamic.

meanwhile, y/n grows more withdrawn. she can no longer pretend that everything is fine. every time she sees jaemin, her heart aches with the memory of his betrayal. she wishes she could hate him—make it easier to move on—but that’s not who she is. instead, she retreats into herself, focusing on her studies and soccer, trying to drown out the emotional noise.

her relationship with jeno deepens as he becomes the one constant in her life. while jeno doesn’t push her to talk, he’s always there, offering quiet comfort. they continue their friendship, but the more time y/n spends with him, the more she realizes just how much she’s come to rely on him. he’s not the reason she’s avoiding jaemin, but in his own quiet way, jeno becomes her safe space. it’s unspoken, the bond that’s forming between them, but it’s undeniable.

jaemin can’t stand it. watching y/n grow closer to jeno only feeds his jealousy. he tries to lash out, throwing passive-aggressive comments at jeno, but the latter doesn’t react. the distance between jaemin and y/n only grows wider as jaemin's self-destructive behavior intensifies. his jealousy becomes palpable, but he doesn’t know how to deal with it, except by pulling away more and more. it’s a vicious cycle: the more he pushes, the more y/n pulls away, and the more it fuels his resentment.

through all of this, y/n remains steadfast in her belief that she needs to focus on herself. she can't afford to fall back into the toxic cycle she once had with jaemin. but the weight of her feelings for both him and jeno is starting to take its toll on her. she knows she can’t keep juggling the expectations, the unresolved emotions, and the pressure to maintain the facade of normalcy.

jaemin’s attempts to make amends only seem to create more tension. every apology, every moment where he reaches out, is now a reminder of the trust that has been broken. it’s like a broken record—his words seem hollow, and y/n is no longer willing to listen.

jaemin reaches his breaking point when he realizes that no matter how much he tries, y/n isn’t going to forgive him. his emotional volatility begins to affect his performance on the field in ways it never has before. his usual charisma and leadership are replaced with frustration and irritability. it’s a clear sign to those around him that he’s struggling, but he refuses to confront his issues. instead, he turns inward, spiraling further into his guilt.

jeno, however, notices. he sees through jaemin’s facade. he’s been friends with jaemin long enough to know that this isn’t the jaemin he remembers. but jeno has his own burdens. he’s not just trying to support y/n; he’s silently dealing with his own feelings for her. watching her suffer because of jaemin only fuels his protective instincts. he wants to be there for her—wants to be the one she turns to when everything falls apart.

as senior year progresses, the tension between y/n and jaemin only grows. jaemin’s efforts to fix things are becoming more desperate, while y/n remains resolute in her decision to protect her heart. jeno watches the two of them, helpless in the middle, but trying to give y/n the space she needs to heal.

but the cracks are becoming more visible. jaemin’s self-destructive behavior is starting to cost him more than just his relationship with y/n; it’s affecting his relationships with everyone around him. and as y/n moves further away from him, she finds herself looking toward jeno more and more—unsure of what the future holds but realizing that perhaps the person who’s been there all along might be the one who helps her pick up the pieces of her broken heart.

as the months of senior year drag on, jaemin’s inability to move past his mistakes continues to take its toll, not only on his personal life but also on his career as a soccer player. the once-confident, charismatic team captain has fallen from grace, and his internal turmoil is becoming more apparent with every passing day. his guilt over betraying y/n, combined with the increasing pressure of trying to rebuild their broken relationship, is starting to unravel him.

on the field, jaemin is nowhere near the player he once was. his focus is scattered, his energy is off, and he’s constantly distracted. his once natural leadership is now overshadowed by his inability to keep it together. his performance on the field has been slipping for weeks, but it's not until a crucial game against a rival school that his reckless behavior finally leads to a major setback for the boys’ team.

the game is everything. it’s the deciding match for whether they’ll advance to the regional championships. jaemin, feeling the weight of the stakes and overwhelmed by the pressure to redeem himself, becomes reckless. he overcompensates, trying to push himself too hard in the heat of the game, desperate to prove his worth to everyone—his teammates, the coaches, and especially y/n. but in his haste, he makes a catastrophic mistake: a poorly timed pass leads to a turnover that results in a crucial goal for the other team, setting his squad back in an irreversible way.

the crowd’s disappointment is palpable, and the coaches’ frustration is evident as they pull jaemin from the field. his teammates’ silent judgment cuts deeper than anything he’s ever felt. jaemin can’t bring himself to face them or the consequences of his actions. the guilt floods in once more, but it’s different now. it’s not just the guilt of hurting y/n—it’s the overwhelming realization that he’s failed everyone around him, including himself.

after the game, jaemin isolates himself even further. he can’t face his teammates, who are all visibly frustrated with him. instead of seeking comfort from those who might understand, he withdraws. it’s a familiar feeling—the loneliness that has haunted him throughout the year—but it feels heavier now. every failure feels like it’s stacking on top of him, weighing him down with the realization that he has no one to turn to.

meanwhile, jeno begins to rise in prominence. his performance during the game is flawless, and his leadership shines through, even in the wake of jaemin’s mistake. he is the one who steps up, leading the boys' team to salvage what they can from the game and earning the respect and admiration that jaemin can no longer seem to command.

the contrast is stark: where jaemin once was the leader, jeno now shines. jaemin can see it all too clearly. jeno’s humility and grace on the field, his consistent performance, and his ability to be there for his teammates in the toughest of moments have earned him the spotlight jaemin so desperately craves but can no longer hold. the more jaemin watches jeno succeed, the deeper his sense of failure grows.

it’s not just on the field. jeno has also become a constant presence in y/n’s life. as the two of them spend more time together, their bond strengthens, and jaemin can’t ignore how close they’ve become. every glance, every shared smile between them feels like a reminder of what he’s lost—not only in terms of soccer but in terms of his relationship with y/n. the jealousy simmers beneath the surface, but jaemin is too wrapped up in his self-destructive thoughts to confront it head-on.

for the first time in his life, jaemin feels like a failure—not just to his teammates, but to himself. he’s become consumed by his guilt, bitterness, and jealousy. instead of redeeming himself, he has pushed y/n further away, sabotaged his friendships, and watched as jeno quietly earned everything jaemin thought was his.

the emotional weight is almost unbearable. jaemin can no longer deny that he’s lost control of his life, both on and off the field. and as he watches jeno rise, he’s faced with the stark reality: the man he once was, the person he thought he could be, is slipping away. the question now isn’t about how he can get y/n back—it’s about whether he can fix himself before he loses everything.

as the months of senior year wear on, jeno’s role in y/n’s life becomes more integral than ever before. he’s always been there, supporting her quietly from the sidelines, respecting her boundaries without ever pushing for more. after everything that’s happened with jaemin, y/n has learned to rely on jeno in ways she never thought she would. despite the wreckage of the past, jeno has never faltered in his loyalty to her. and now, as she continues to heal from the heartbreak and confusion jaemin left behind, jeno’s presence is one of the few constants she can cling to.

jeno never pressures her for anything, never expects anything in return. he simply is there. he shows up in ways that are subtle but meaningful—checking in with her after tough practices, offering a quiet word of encouragement when she’s feeling defeated, and being a steady presence during moments of vulnerability. y/n, still grappling with the emotional weight of her past, finds comfort in his steadiness. she knows she can count on him, no matter what. he’s the one person she can trust without hesitation, a stark contrast to the chaos that has surrounded her love life over the past two years.

while their connection remains primarily rooted in friendship, the way jeno has been there for her throughout the years starts to leave a deeper imprint on y/n. there’s a calmness to him that’s easy to be drawn to—a quiet strength that doesn’t demand attention but can always be relied upon. in a way, jeno is the anchor y/n never knew she needed. his patience and understanding provide her with the safe space she’s been craving, and as they spend more time together, y/n begins to realize just how much he means to her.

jeno’s support has been unwavering, even when the weight of jaemin’s actions and her own self-doubt have threatened to pull her under. jeno listens without judgment when she opens up about her struggles and doesn’t rush to offer advice or solutions. he simply listens and allows her to feel everything she needs to feel, never making her feel like she’s burdening him. his genuine care for her emotional well-being gradually helps y/n rediscover parts of herself that she thought were lost forever—her ability to trust, to be vulnerable, and to believe that she deserves to be happy.

as the year progresses, y/n begins to recognize how much jeno has become a cornerstone in her recovery. she’s not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, she’s started relying on him more than she realizes. his presence no longer feels like just the comforting familiarity of an old friend—it feels like something more, something that she hadn’t allowed herself to entertain before. every time they spend time together, she begins to notice the little things about him: the way his eyes light up when he smiles, the way his laugh makes her heart flutter, and how much she values the quiet moments of connection they share.

this growing bond between them doesn’t go unnoticed by y/n, and it begins to make her question everything. could she ever open up to him in the way she once did with jaemin? could she ever allow herself to love him as deeply as she thought she loved jaemin? the questions plague her, but y/n can’t ignore the growing warmth in her chest whenever jeno is near. there’s something so comforting and steady about him that she can’t help but wonder if he’s exactly what she’s been looking for all along.

but there’s still a lingering uncertainty in y/n’s heart. she’s been burned before, and she’s not sure if she’s ready to open herself up to the possibility of falling for someone again, especially someone as important to her as jeno. she knows that she can’t rush her feelings—she can’t rush the healing process. but with every passing day, y/n’s emotional walls begin to crumble just a little bit more, and jeno’s quiet, steady presence is there to catch her when they do.

the distance between y/n and jaemin seems insurmountable. y/n has grown closer to jeno, and jaemin, despite his attempts to mask his feelings, can’t help but feel the growing resentment and jealousy. it’s not just the friendship between y/n and jeno that bothers him—it’s the constant reminder that jeno was there for her when he failed her, when he walked away from their relationship, when he let her down. jaemin’s insecurities and guilt fuel his jealousy, and every time he sees jeno smile at y/n or hear them laughing together, it feels like a dagger to his heart.

jaemin tries to convince himself that he’s fine, that he’s moved on, but the truth is that he hasn’t. his feelings for y/n have never truly gone away. every time he sees them together—at practice, social gatherings, or simply hanging out between classes—the tight knot of jealousy twists in his chest. the more he watches them, the more broken he feels, realizing that he’s lost y/n, and there’s no easy way to get her back. this pain soon turns into frustration and confusion. he wants to reclaim what they had, but he doesn’t know how to fix what’s already been shattered.

unable to handle the weight of his jealousy and guilt, jaemin begins to lash out in small, passive-aggressive ways. he makes snide comments to jeno when they cross paths, mocking his success on the field or teasing him about how close he’s become to y/n. when y/n is around, jaemin often says things that are dismissive or loaded with frustration, hoping to provoke a reaction, hoping to get under their skin. it’s his way of coping with the feelings he can’t articulate or face head-on. but his actions do nothing but create more distance between him and y/n, and deepen his own bitterness.

despite his increasingly erratic behavior, jaemin can’t stop himself. he watches jeno rise in prominence—on the field and off—and it only exacerbates his feelings of failure. jaemin knows that jeno is everything he isn’t: calm, steady, patient. jeno has been there for y/n in ways jaemin never could, and as much as he hates to admit it, jaemin feels like he’s losing her for good. the desperation to get her back grows stronger, but every attempt he makes only pushes her further away.

the tension comes to a head during an intense practice session. the boys’ team is gearing up for an important game, and the pressure is high. jaemin, already struggling with his internal conflict, becomes increasingly reckless. his focus is shattered, and his performance suffers. when a particularly intense play goes wrong because of jaemin’s lack of focus, the frustration from both his teammates and the coaching staff mounts. jaemin can feel the eyes of his teammates on him, disappointed and frustrated. the weight of his failures—on the field and in his personal life—bursts out of him in an explosive meltdown. he lashes out, not only at his teammates but also at jeno, blaming him for everything. in a moment of complete emotional breakdown, jaemin storms off the field, leaving both teams in stunned silence.

the eruption of his emotions doesn’t go unnoticed, and it becomes a moment of reckoning for both jaemin and everyone around him. he has pushed his anger and guilt so far into the back of his mind that it finally comes spilling out in a public, uncontrollable outburst. his colleagues are shocked, unsure of how to handle the situation, but jaemin doesn’t care. all he can think about is the turmoil inside him—the guilt over losing y/n, his jealousy over jeno’s growing presence in her life, and the crushing weight of his own self-doubt.

y/n, having witnessed jaemin’s meltdown from a distance, knows that this moment can’t be ignored. she can no longer avoid the confrontation that’s been looming over her for months. the unresolved tension between her and jaemin is suffocating, and she knows that she can’t continue to keep her emotions bottled up. she finally decides to confront him, to demand the answers that she’s been too afraid to ask.

when they meet in private later, it’s raw and painful. jaemin, despite the guilt written all over his face, can’t seem to form the right words. his apologies come out desperate, but they feel empty to y/n. he begs her to understand that he never meant to hurt her, that he never wanted to lose her, but the weight of his actions hangs heavily between them. y/n, her heart breaking all over again, finally lets out everything she’s been holding inside. she tells him how deeply he hurt her, how his betrayal shattered her trust, and how he emotionally abandoned her when she needed him most. she admits that she will never be able to forgive him for what he did, that the damage is irreparable.

y/n, broken yet resolute, finally says the words that have been lingering in the air for months: “we’re over, jaemin. for good.” the finality in her voice cuts through the thick silence between them, and jaemin knows that this time, there’s no going back.

in that moment, y/n feels a sense of closure, but it’s not a peaceful kind of closure. it’s the painful kind that only comes after everything has been laid bare, after every raw emotion has been exposed. jaemin has lost her, and she has lost him. the weight of it all is crushing, but y/n knows she’s made the right decision. she can’t keep living in the shadow of his mistakes, and she deserves to find peace, even if it means leaving jaemin behind.

jaemin watches her leave, the sting of her words echoing in his chest. he stands there, alone and defeated, knowing that the person he loved is finally gone from his life. he has no one to blame but himself.

after jaemin’s emotional breakdown at practice, the tension between him and jeno reaches a boiling point. the air is thick with unspoken words as jaemin’s jealousy and guilt continue to simmer. jeno, ever the composed and patient one, has remained calm throughout the ordeal, but this time, something snaps within him. he can no longer stand by and watch jaemin tear himself apart and take everyone down with him.

it happens after practice, as the boys’ team is cooling down. jaemin is pacing restlessly, his mind clouded with anger and frustration. he can’t shake the image of y/n and jeno—how close they’ve become, how much jeno has been there for her when jaemin couldn’t be. the jealousy is gnawing at him again, twisting every thought in his head. he feels as though the walls are closing in around him, and he can’t breathe.

jeno, having just finished a set of drills, walks toward him, his usual calm demeanor masking the concern brewing inside him. he’s been trying to get through to jaemin for weeks, but the guy seems impossible to reach.

"jaemin," jeno calls out, his voice steady but firm, “you need to stop. you’re not just hurting yourself—you're hurting everyone around you.”

jaemin stops pacing and looks up at jeno, his eyes wild with emotion. the words come out in a venomous hiss. “what do you know about what i’m going through, huh? you think you’re some perfect hero, standing there with your fake sympathy, acting like you care about me? or y/n?”

jeno’s patience wears thin, and he takes a step closer. “this isn’t about us, jaemin. you’re spiraling. we’re trying to help you, but you’re pushing everyone away.”

jaemin’s hands clench into fists, his breathing ragged. “help me? you don’t even understand. you think you can just step in and take over like you’ve always been the better guy? you think you’re the one who deserves y/n?”

the words hit harder than jeno expects, and for a moment, he’s taken aback. he doesn’t know if jaemin is just lashing out in his pain or if there’s something deeper at play, but the mention of y/n makes his blood boil. he can’t hold back anymore.

without thinking, jeno steps forward and shoves jaemin’s shoulder hard, a physical push meant to get him to back off. "enough. you’re not thinking clearly.”

but jaemin’s temper flares up instantly. his eyes darken with rage, and before jeno can react, jaemin swings a fist at him, hitting his chest with a force that knocks jeno back a step.

"don’t touch me!" jaemin yells, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and frustration. "you have no idea what it’s like to lose everything!"

jeno’s mind is spinning, his heart racing, but he’s not going to back down now. he shoves jaemin back, this time harder, and they stand face to face, only inches apart, both breathing heavily. "and you’re about to lose everyone, jaemin, if you don’t get your act together. y/n deserves better than this. you’re not helping her or yourself by destroying everything."

jaemin’s face contorts with pain, and for a split second, it almost looks like he’s going to break down. but instead, his eyes harden, and he takes a step forward, his fists raised again.

"stay the hell away from her, jeno!" jaemin spits out, his voice laced with venom.

but jeno, now pushing back his own frustration and anger, grabs jaemin by the wrist, forcing him to face the reality of the situation. "i’m not going to let you drag her into your mess any longer. you want to fix things? stop running from it. stop blaming everyone else."

the two stand there, the tension crackling in the air, neither of them moving. for a moment, everything is still. jeno’s grip on jaemin’s wrist tightens, not in anger, but to ground the situation, to get jaemin to listen. jaemin’s chest heaves with ragged breaths, his emotions spilling over in every movement. but after a few moments, jaemin’s eyes flicker with a mix of shame and frustration. he pulls away, stumbling back, his voice barely a whisper, but still full of bitterness.

"get out of my face, jeno. i don’t need your help. i never did."

jeno doesn’t move, his eyes softening, though the hurt is still there. "i’m not leaving you, jaemin. i can’t just stand by and watch you destroy yourself."

jaemin scoffs, shaking his head. "then maybe you should have stayed out of it from the start."

with that, jaemin turns and walks away, leaving jeno standing there in silence, the weight of their confrontation hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.

jeno’s heart aches, but he knows there’s nothing more he can do for jaemin—not until jaemin is ready to face the truth himself.

as the fallout from jaemin’s betrayal continues to cast a long shadow over y/n’s heart, jeno quietly becomes her anchor. he’s always been there, but now, his presence feels different. there are moments when she realizes how much she’s come to rely on him—how steady and constant he’s been when everything else in her life has been in turmoil. the emotional bond between them grows stronger as y/n opens up to him in ways she hasn’t been able to with anyone else.

jeno, for his part, has never wavered. he’s been patient, never pushing y/n, but always available when she needs him. he’s seen the pain in her eyes, felt the tremors of her heartache, and offered his quiet support from the sidelines. but lately, the way y/n looks at him has changed. the small, lingering glances, the way she leans on him when the weight of her day gets too much—it’s all starting to feel more intimate, more real. they both know it, even if neither of them is ready to say it aloud.

it’s after one particularly grueling practice that jeno finds the courage to take the next step. the team has just finished a session, and the night air is cool as y/n sits alone on the bleachers, exhausted but still lost in thought. jeno approaches her slowly, as if testing the waters, and sits down beside her. for a moment, neither of them speaks. the silence between them is comfortable, but there’s something different about it now—a quiet anticipation.

jeno clears his throat before speaking, his voice unusually soft. “y/n,” he starts, his gaze lingering on her but never meeting her eyes. “i need to tell you something.”

y/n looks up at him, confused. she’s never seen him so serious, so vulnerable. “what is it?”

jeno exhales deeply, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. the weight of his words is heavier than he expected. “i’ve always loved you. i just didn’t know how to say it.”

y/n’s breath catches in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest. she blinks, unsure of how to process his confession. she’s never seen jeno in this light before—he’s always been her rock, her friend, but now his words hang between them, so raw, so real.

she doesn’t know what to say. a thousand thoughts race through her mind, memories of jaemin’s betrayal, the pain of their relationship unraveling, the way she’d sworn never to let herself be vulnerable again. but in this moment, all of that seems distant, almost irrelevant. she looks at jeno and sees the quiet sincerity in his eyes—the way he’s always been there for her, never asking for anything in return.

jeno sees the hesitation in her eyes and his heart drops. he opens his mouth to say something more, but y/n beats him to it.

“i—jeno, i didn’t know.” her voice is barely above a whisper. “i did realize how much... how much you’ve always been there for me. but now... i don’t know what to say.”

jeno nods, understanding. he’s not expecting anything from her right away. he’s been patient for so long, and he knows y/n needs time. “you don’t have to say anything,” he replies quietly. “i just... i couldn’t keep it to myself anymore.”

there’s a long pause as y/n processes his words, her emotions swirling in her chest. she can’t help but feel a shift in herself. as much as she’s tried to keep her heart guarded, jeno has slowly chipped away at those walls without her even realizing it. he’s always been there, offering support, offering love in the most unspoken ways. and now, with his confession, she can no longer ignore the feelings she’s developed for him—feelings she didn’t want to have, not after everything with jaemin.

finally, y/n turns to him, her eyes soft. “jeno, i... i think i might feel the same way,” she admits, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and fear. “i’ve been so afraid of getting hurt again, but you’ve been here for me, even when i didn’t deserve it.”

jeno smiles, the weight lifting from his shoulders. “you’ve always deserved it, y/n. you just didn’t know it yet.”

and for the first time in a long time, y/n feels like she’s finally where she’s meant to be.

as their relationship begins to shift into something more, y/n and jeno find themselves spending even more time together. their bond, once rooted in friendship, now flourishes in the space between quiet conversations and shared moments of understanding. every time y/n looks at jeno, she sees not just the friend she’s known for years, but someone who has truly been there for her when she needed him the most.

jeno, for his part, is patient and careful, never rushing things, but always present. he’s no longer just the quiet support he once was; he’s becoming the person y/n confides in the most. they find themselves talking for hours, even on days when there’s nothing urgent to say. jeno listens intently to y/n, offering words of encouragement when she doubts herself, his voice always steady and reassuring. when y/n has a bad day or feels the weight of the past dragging her down, jeno is the one she turns to, and he’s always there, without fail.

their time together starts to shift from the familiar rhythm of friendship to something more intimate. they grab coffee together before practice, their fingers brushing when they both reach for the cup. it’s innocent, a fleeting moment, but it makes both of them pause, just for a second, realizing how natural it feels. there’s an ease between them now, a shared history that makes their bond stronger than ever. the way jeno looks at her, his eyes filled with admiration, and the way she catches herself smiling when they share a joke—it all feels like the beginning of something new.

they spend more time outside of soccer too. jeno starts inviting y/n to small, low-key hangouts—movie nights, walks around the campus, even late-night ice cream runs when the weight of their studies gets too heavy to bear. these moments, simple as they are, become cherished memories for both of them. y/n finds herself looking forward to these quiet times with him, moments when the world slows down and it’s just the two of them, enjoying each other’s company without any pressure or expectations.

one evening, after a long week of practice and studying, jeno takes y/n to a small, tucked-away café on the edge of town. they sit outside, sipping hot chocolate under the soft glow of string lights, the air crisp and refreshing. they talk about everything and nothing—how their teams are doing, their plans for the future, and the small, silly things that make them laugh. jeno’s laughter is like a balm to y/n’s soul, and she finds herself laughing in a way she hasn’t in so long.

as the night stretches on, jeno becomes quieter, his eyes studying y/n as if he’s memorizing every detail of the moment. finally, he speaks, his voice soft but steady.

“you know, i’ve always loved spending time with you,” he says, his tone almost too gentle for the weight of his words. “but now, it feels different. in a good way, though.”

y/n meets his gaze, her heart fluttering slightly. she knows exactly what he means. there’s something undeniably deeper between them now—something unspoken but always present, lingering in the quiet moments they share.

“i feel the same way,” y/n admits, her voice barely above a whisper. she takes a deep breath before continuing, unsure of what comes next. “i didn’t realize how much i needed this, how much i needed you.”

jeno’s expression softens, a small, warm smile playing at the corners of his lips. “i’ll always be here for you, y/n. whatever you need.”

his words mean more to her than she could express. it’s not just about the reassurance; it’s the sincerity behind them, the unshakeable presence he’s given her since the very beginning. it’s comforting and grounding, the way she can rely on him without question.

as the weeks go by, y/n’s heart begins to heal in ways she didn’t think were possible. jeno’s love is different from anything she ever thought she needed, but it’s everything she’s come to crave. it’s steady and gentle, always patient, and never demanding. they share the quiet, tender moments that begin to stitch her heart back together—small gestures like a soft touch on the shoulder or the way jeno looks at her when she’s not paying attention.

their relationship deepens further with each passing day. there are no grand gestures, no rush, just a growing sense of security and warmth that builds between them. jeno’s hand finds its place in hers more often now, their fingers intertwining as they walk to and from class, the simple act a silent promise of what they’re becoming.

there’s a day during midterms when y/n is feeling particularly overwhelmed. jeno notices the way she’s rubbing her temples, the exhaustion written all over her face, and without a word, he takes her study materials and pulls her away from the books. he insists they take a break, dragging her out for a walk around the campus, forcing her to breathe and focus on something other than the weight of the semester. it’s in moments like this that y/n realizes just how much jeno cares for her—how much he’s always cared, even when she didn’t see it.

as the weeks turn into months, y/n’s feelings for jeno only grow stronger. it’s not just his patience or the way he supports her—it’s the way he makes her feel safe. he’s the person she’s finally allowed herself to trust again, the person she knows will never let her down.

one night, after a game, when the adrenaline has worn off and they’re sitting on the grass, watching the sunset together, y/n leans her head against jeno’s shoulder. the peace between them is tangible, and she knows, without a doubt, that this is where she’s meant to be.

for the first time since jaemin, y/n feels truly happy, and it’s with jeno, the person who’s been there all along, quietly, patiently waiting for the chance to make her his. it feels like a second chance—not just at love, but at life, at healing.

the final year of college has flown by, a blur of practices, games, and emotional highs and lows. y/n, jeno, and jaemin find themselves standing at the threshold of a new chapter, the world of professional soccer calling their names. the three of them have worked so hard to reach this point, each driven by their own dreams and aspirations, but now that graduation has arrived, it feels bittersweet. it’s not just the end of college; it’s the end of an era for all of them.

the atmosphere in the locker room is charged with excitement, nerves, and anticipation as the day of signing for their respective teams finally arrives. it’s a moment they’ve all dreamed of, and now it’s here. they’ve each worked tirelessly to get to this point, and their futures are about to change forever.

y/n holds her breath as she watches the team representatives enter, the thick envelopes containing offers for professional contracts in their hands. her heart beats faster when her name is called first. she’s been offered a spot with a prestigious women's team in the usa, a huge accomplishment and a dream come true. it’s a victory she’s worked years for, and as she holds the contract in her hands, she feels a rush of pride and excitement. but as she glances over at jeno and jaemin, she can’t ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach. she knows something else is coming—the realization that their paths are diverging in ways that are beyond their control.

then, it’s jeno and jaemin’s turn. the room goes quiet as the tension rises. they’ve both been offered a spot on the same team—one of the top teams in korea. the news hits y/n like a wave. they’ll be playing for the same team, side by side, in korea, while she’s headed in the complete opposite direction. the irony doesn’t escape her. once, they were all three so intertwined in their lives, their friendships, and their dreams. now, their futures are pulling them apart.

jeno glances over at y/n, his expression unreadable. he’d always hoped they could find a way to make things work, but as reality sets in, a silent understanding passes between them. her future is in the usa, and his is in korea. there’s no way their relationship can survive such distance, especially with their professional commitments looming over them. the time they spent together—growing closer, learning from each other, falling in love—feels like it was just a moment in time. the possibility of continuing their love story seems impossible, as much as they want to.

jaemin, meanwhile, stands a little further away, his own feelings tangled in the mix. he’s proud of both y/n and jeno, but the reality of it all is suffocating. he’s tried so hard to fix things with y/n, but now, seeing how their futures are pulling them in different directions, it feels like everything has slipped through his fingers. he doesn’t know what’s next for him and y/n, but he can’t deny that the emotional baggage of their past might just be the thing that keeps them apart, even if he still wishes he could somehow undo it all.

after the signing ceremony, y/n, jeno, and jaemin find themselves alone in a quiet corner of the campus. it’s the last time they’ll all be together like this, the weight of it heavy in the air. jeno looks at y/n with a mixture of love and sadness in his eyes. he’s always been the steady one, the one who supported her through thick and thin. but as much as he wants to hold on to the hope of a future together, reality is crashing down around them.

“i’m proud of you,” he says softly, his voice thick with emotion. “you deserve this, y/n. you’ve worked so hard.”

y/n’s eyes well up with tears, and she smiles through the ache in her chest. “i’m proud of you, too, jeno. i always have been.”

but then, the silence falls between them. it’s the unspoken truth that neither of them can ignore—their love story was never meant to last with the paths they’re about to take. they both know it, but neither can say the words out loud, not just yet.

jaemin stands a little to the side, watching the two of them. he can see the pain in both of their eyes, the unspoken goodbye they’re each trying to avoid. as much as he wants to be angry, as much as he wants to hold on to the hope of fixing things with y/n, he knows that their futures are too different now. there’s no easy way to say goodbye, but in his heart, he knows it’s the only way forward.

finally, it’s y/n who breaks the silence. she turns to jeno, her voice trembling slightly. “i think…i think we both know this can’t work, jeno.”

jeno swallows hard, his gaze meeting hers. the love they’ve shared, the bond they’ve formed—it’s real, but the reality of their careers, their lives, their futures—it’s too big to ignore. he nods, his chest heavy with the weight of it all.

“i know,” he says quietly. “i love you, y/n. i always will, but i don’t want to hold you back. you have your future ahead of you, and i can’t be the reason you don’t go for it.”

y/n smiles softly, her heart breaking all over again. “i love you too, jeno. i always will, but this…this isn’t the time for us. i need to do this on my own.”

the night before y/n’s departure, the campus is quiet. graduation is over, the signing ceremony is done, and now it’s just the lingering goodbyes and the last few moments before they all part ways for good. y/n sits in her dorm room, packing the last of her belongings into a suitcase. her heart feels heavy, weighed down by the reality of everything that’s happened. jeno is going to korea, jaemin is staying in the city, and y/n, despite all her achievements, can’t shake the sense of emptiness that’s settled in her chest.

she’s been trying to stay strong, trying to be excited for the future ahead, but as the hours tick by, the truth becomes unavoidable. she’s about to leave behind everything that’s been familiar to her for so long—her friends, her teammates, the life she’s built here. but it’s not just the soccer; it’s jeno. the bond they shared, the way they supported each other through the darkest moments, the love that had started to grow between them—it feels like it’s being torn apart by the distance that looms ahead.

as she stares out of the window at the darkening sky, there’s a knock at her door. it’s soft at first, hesitant. but y/n knows exactly who it is before she even opens it.

when she swings the door open, jeno stands there, looking exhausted and conflicted. his hands are stuffed into the pockets of his hoodie, his gaze fixed on the floor. he doesn’t say anything at first, but the sadness in his eyes speaks volumes.

y/n steps aside, letting him in, her heart aching at the sight of him. she’s tried so hard to push down her feelings, to convince herself that this is just the way things are. but seeing him like this, standing on the edge of everything, it shatters the walls she’s carefully built.

“jeno…” she whispers, unsure of what to say.

“i don’t want you to leave,” he finally admits, his voice raw, thick with emotion. he looks up at her then, his eyes brimming with tears. “i don’t want to lose you.”

y/n feels a lump form in her throat as she meets his gaze. she’s always known how much jeno cares for her, how much he’s supported her, but seeing him like this—vulnerable, honest—it breaks her heart in a way she wasn’t prepared for. she thought she was the one struggling, the one fighting to let go. but now, in this moment, she realizes that jeno is struggling just as much.

“i don’t want to leave either, jeno,” she says softly, her voice trembling. “i don’t know how to say goodbye to you. it feels like everything i’ve known is slipping away.”

jeno steps closer, his hands reaching for hers. he’s shaking slightly, the weight of their impending separation clearly taking its toll. “then don’t say goodbye. stay here. with me. we’ll figure it out, y/n. i can’t imagine a future without you.”

y/n pulls her hands away, her emotions swirling like a storm inside her. she wants to believe him, wants to believe that maybe—just maybe—they can make it work. but she knows the reality is far more complicated. she’s heading to the usa for her career, and he’s going to korea for his. no matter how much they love each other, the distance would be insurmountable.

“i can’t, jeno,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “we both have our futures ahead of us. and i don’t want to hold you back from yours. i don’t want you to look back and regret staying for me when you should have been chasing your dreams.”

jeno's eyes fill with pain as he steps even closer, the space between them disappearing. he reaches out, gently cupping her face, his thumb brushing away a tear she hadn’t even realized had fallen.

“please don’t say that,” he whispers. “i don’t want to let you go. i don’t care about anything else but you. i just want to be with you.”

y/n closes her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek. “jeno… i can’t stay. but i want you to know… i will always love you. you’ve been my rock through all of this, and i don’t think i’ll ever stop caring for you. but i have to go, and you have to go, too.”

for a long moment, they just stand there, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. finally, jeno speaks again, his voice soft, almost like a plea. “can i just hold you for a little while? just… let me hold you, y/n. i just need to be close to you.”

y/n nods silently, too emotionally drained to say anything more. she allows him to pull her into his arms, her head resting on his chest. the world outside seems to fade away, leaving only the sound of jeno’s heartbeat in the quiet room.

as they stand there, holding each other, y/n can feel the warmth of his embrace wrapping around her, the comfort of being with him one last time. she closes her eyes, allowing herself to forget everything—her pain, the distance, the uncertainty of the future. for a brief, perfect moment, there is only the two of them.

and in that moment, she feels herself slipping into sleep, her body relaxing against his. the last thing she feels before she drifts off is jeno gently pressing a kiss to the top of her head, his arms wrapped securely around her.

“i love you,” he whispers, the words a soft promise in the quiet darkness.

y/n’s breathing slows, and though she can’t respond in that moment, she knows she’s leaving a piece of her heart with him.

for now, it’s enough to be with him like this. to have one last moment of peace before the future takes them in different directions.

as she falls asleep in his arms, y/n knows that no matter what happens, she will always carry the love they shared—deep within her heart, a love that was pure, even if it was only meant for a chapter of her life.

taglist . . open @chenlezip @polarisjisung @mrkified @narcisstict @injvns

[rook-laidir]

Random Rook Headcanons

Some random headcanons for my goober that I can’t justify making separate posts for. Enjoy!

- When Rook escaped slavery, they scrounged up as much gold as they could for 2 things - a ham and cheese sandwich and a bar of chocolate. They made both of those last much longer than they should’ve when they snuck onto a ship heading for Rivain

- Rook liked Neve at first but thought she and the Shadow Dragons were full of shit when Neve first mentioned them. Rook was half expecting an elaborate Tevinter trap to bring them back in and punish them for thinking they could escape. Now, they see the Shadow Dragons as a group trying to bring about real, actual change in a city Rook never saw themselves returning to. They don’t love Minrathous, but they reluctantly like Dock Town now and it’s all their fault.

- Rook LOVES puzzles. All pretenses of playing dumb are GONE when the dungeon has a puzzle with some pressure plates or statues with glowing eyes. They’ve put extensive thought into what their three wishes would be if one of the artifacts they find ever ends up being a magic lamp.

- Harding asked them what three things they’d bring on a deserted island. They gave a very similar answer to Neve’s - a boat, a sailor, and at least three days worth of food and water. Harding grumbled everyone on the team being terrible at this game. Their real answer is a box of fancy chocolates, a book so bad it’s good, and a deck of cards.

- Rook figured out they’re non-binary after being with the Lords for a few years. They experimented with their hair and clothes for a bit before settling on their current look. Isabela refuses to let them forget the mullet.

- Varric called them Rook once and Rook went “Thanks for the new name, Varric!” They haven’t looked back since.

- Rook and Taash once used one of the laser puzzles in Arlathan forest to write “BOOBS” into the ground. They laughed for 20 minutes. The Lords of Fortune are just Like This.

- Rook’s flirting with Neve was a joke until it wasn’t. Neve spotted the difference right away. Rook took a little longer.

[jhutchh19992]

Breaking Down His Walls

Plot: you‘re dereks girlfriend & you‘ve never seen his soft side. he‘s just the cold, calculating person you still need in your life. until…

tags: no smut, fluff, angst, needy lover, no gender given, no use of y/n, gnr x derek danforth

Derek Danforth was invincible. Or at least, that’s what he wanted the world to believe.

CEO by day, perfectionist by night. The kind of man who never lost control, never let his guard down. He was my boyfriend, but even with me, he always kept a piece of himself locked away. Every moment was calculated, every touch measured, every kiss deliberate but restrained.

I used to wonder if he was even capable of needing someone—really needing them.

I came home late, the apartment dim except for the faint glow of the city lights spilling in through the windows. Normally, Derek would still be in his home office, working on some impossible deal, but the eerie silence sent a strange feeling through my chest.

Something was off.

I found him in the living room, still in his dress shirt and slacks, but that was where the usual Derek ended. His tie was nowhere to be seen, the first few buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows like he had started to unravel and couldn’t bring himself to fix it.

And then there was his posture.

Derek Danforth never slouched. Never rested his elbows on his knees, his head bowed like the weight of the world had finally become too much.

I hesitated. He hadn’t noticed me yet, and for a brief moment, I considered walking away—giving him the space he never asked for but always took.

But then he sighed, low and ragged, and my heart clenched.

“Derek?” I finally spoke, my voice softer than I expected.

He stiffened at first, but when he lifted his head and looked at me, something in his expression cracked me open.

He looked exhausted. Not just physically, but down to his soul.

“I can’t do it anymore,” he murmured.

The words barely reached me, but they hit like a landslide.

“Can’t do what?” I stepped closer, but he didn’t move.

His fingers rubbed his temples, slow and deliberate, as if trying to ease a pain that had taken root deep inside him. “Any of it. The company. The meetings. The goddamn expectations. I’m supposed to have all the answers, supposed to be—” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “I don’t even know who I am without all of this.”

I sat down beside him, cautious but close enough that he could feel me there. Derek didn’t talk like this. Ever.

"You don’t have to figure it all out right now," I said carefully. "You just have to breathe."

His jaw clenched, and for a second, I thought he would shut me out like he always did. But instead, his shoulders slumped, and his hands dropped limply into his lap.

Then, without warning, he leaned into me.

Derek never leaned. Never let himself be anything less than composed. But now his forehead pressed against my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin, and his entire body seemed to shudder.

I wrapped my arms around him instinctively, pulling him in. "I've got you," I murmured, running my fingers through his hair.

He let out a shaky breath. "I don't know how to stop, how to—" His voice cracked, and my chest tightened.

"Then let me help," I whispered. "Let me hold you for once."

His hands found my waist, gripping tighter than I expected, as if afraid I'd slip away. He buried his face against my neck, his breathing uneven.

For the first time, Derek Danforth let himself be vulnerable.

And I held him, knowing that no matter how strong he tried to be, even the strongest walls crumble when they’ve been standing alone for too long.

Minutes passed, maybe longer. He clung to me like he was afraid I’d disappear, like if he let go, the weight of the world would crush him all over again. His breathing evened out slightly, but every so often, I felt him take a deep, shaky inhale against my neck, as if trying to ground himself in my presence.

I held him tighter.

His hands roamed—hesitant at first, then firmer, more desperate. His fingers curled into the fabric of my shirt, then smoothed over my back, tracing slow, aimless patterns as if memorizing the feel of me.

Derek wasn’t usually touchy. He would hold my hand in public, place a guiding hand on my back, but this? This was different. He was clinging. Needy.

And it broke something in me to realize how long he’d been holding it all in.

I shifted slightly, trying to look at him, but he only pressed closer, like he couldn’t bear to lose contact.

I ran my hand down his back in slow strokes. "You're allowed to rest, Derek."

Another shaky breath. Then, barely above a whisper—so soft I almost didn’t hear it—he said, "I love you."

I froze.

Derek never said those words. He showed affection in subtle ways—making sure I ate when I was busy, placing a hand on my lower back when we walked together, remembering things I mentioned offhand. But this? This was something else.

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at him. His face was inches from mine, his eyes hesitant, like he was bracing for impact.

"You love me?" I echoed, searching his gaze.

His fingers flexed against my waist. "Yeah," he admitted. "I do."

A slow, warm smile spread across my face. "I love you too."

For the first time that night, his body fully relaxed against mine, like the words had given him permission to let go.

And I held him, knowing that this—us—was the one thing he didn’t have to control.

[heliosunny]

Hello! I have read your fyodor writing and it is amazing! I was wondering if you could write fyodor and a reader that work side by side and fyodor starts growing an admiration for them.BUTTT they both have like a backstory on when they first met,like she was a international student in Russia, until they met him

Yandere!Fyodor x Fem!Reader

The library was quiet that afternoon, the air thick with the scent of old books and dust motes swirling in the pale light filtering through tall windows. You had been here for hours, buried in your notes, brow furrowed in concentration as you struggled to decipher a particularly dense passage of Russian literature.

It was then that you noticed him.

A man stood a few shelves away, his presence almost ghostlike—tall, with dark hair falling over sharp, intelligent eyes. His gaze flickered over the spines of books, fingers tracing the worn edges as though in silent reverence. There was something unnervingly composed about him, something almost scholarly.

Perhaps it was the way he carried himself, or the fact that he looked utterly at home amidst the endless rows of books, but you made an assumption.

“Excuse me!” you called out in hesitant Russian, clutching your notebook to your chest as you approached. “Are you a professor?”

The question lingered in the space between you, and for a second, there was only silence. Then, he smiled—slow and amused.

“A professor?” he repeated, his voice smooth, laced with something unreadable. “That’s an interesting mistake.”

Heat crept up your neck. “I-I just thought… you seem like you belong here. Like someone who teaches.”

His smile deepened. “How flattering. And you—are a student, I presume?”

You nodded. “An international one. I’ve been trying to improve my Russian, but this text is... difficult.” You hesitated, then, feeling bold, you held out the book. “Would you mind helping?”

Interesting

“Of course” he murmured, taking the book from your hands. Your fingers brushed, and though you barely noticed, he did.

That was the first moment Fyodor Dostoevsky truly took notice of you.

-----

Graduation had come faster than you expected. The weight of textbooks was replaced by the weight of uncertainty, of what came next. Your time as an international student in Russia had been a whirlwind of study, language struggles, and fleeting connections, but one encounter lingered in your mind more than the others.

The mysterious man from the library.

You never learned much about him beyond his name, but he had helped you that day—and a few more after that. His explanations had been sharp, precise, and almost hypnotic, as if he enjoyed weaving words together just to watch you untangle them. He never revealed much about himself, and yet… his presence had been unforgettable.

And now, years later, you saw him again.

The world had changed. You were no longer a student buried in books, you had stepped into the real world, carving out a career. You had long since left the dusty halls of academia behind.

But fate had a strange way of bringing back ghosts.

"How unexpected" came a voice you hadn't heard in years—low, smooth, and still carrying that air of quiet amusement.

You turned, your breath catching as you met his gaze.

Fyodor stood just as he had back then, calm, composed, and unreadable. The dim lighting of the café softened his features, but it did little to mask the sharpness in his violet eyes.

“You...” you murmured, half in disbelief.

He tilted his head slightly, his lips curling at the edges. “You remember me. How delightful.”

Of course, you remembered. But what was he doing here?

“What a coincidence.” you said cautiously. “I didn’t expect to run into you again.”

He chuckled, the sound almost melodic. “Is it truly coincidence?”

You should have known then—this was no chance encounter.

Fyodor Dostoevsky had been waiting for you.

-----

It started with a conversation over coffee.

At first, it had seemed like an idle exchange, catching up, reminiscing about that odd first meeting in the library. But Fyodor had a way of steering discussions, of making simple words feel deliberate, as if he were leading you down a carefully paved path.

And before you knew it, he had offered you an opportunity.

The details were vague at first. Consulting work, he called it. A role that required a sharp mind, adaptability, and discretion. His words were elegant, calculated which made it feel less like an offer and more like inevitability.

You told yourself you accepted because of the challenge. Because Fyodor Dostoevsky, enigmatic as he was, recognized your intelligence.

That was how it began.

Working with Fyodor was unlike anything you had experienced before. He wasn’t a man of rigid schedules or predictable tasks. He would send for you at strange hours, his messages brief yet somehow demanding.

Come by my office when you’re free. Bring that keen mind of yours.

There’s something I want your thoughts on.

The work itself was intellectually thrilling, analyzing patterns, decoding encrypted messages, piecing together fragments of information like a puzzle. Fyodor rarely gave direct instructions, he preferred to let you figure things out on your own, watching from the shadows as you unraveled the complexities he placed before you.

And when you succeeded, his approval was quiet but undeniable.

“Impressive” he would murmur, a gloved hand resting against his chin as he studied your work. “I expected you to struggle with this one, but you continue to exceed my expectations.”

It was always like that. Subtle praise. Measured words. A gaze that lingered just long enough to make you wonder what he was thinking.

At first, you thought he merely saw you as useful.

But then, small moments made you question.

A cup of tea, waiting on your desk before you even arrived. A casual mention of something you had told him in passing weeks ago, your preferred books, the way you took your coffee, the kind of music that helped you focus.

-----

It began subtly, like most things with Fyodor. A casual mention of someone. A passing reference to a meeting. He never explicitly told you where he was leading you, only guided you forward until you found yourself standing at the edge of something much larger than you anticipated.

You had gained his trust.

One evening, after an especially long day of work, Fyodor leaned back in his chair and regarded you with an expression of quiet amusement. His office was dimly lit, a single lamp casting long shadows across the desk where scattered documents lay between you.

“You’ve done well” he said, tapping his fingers against the polished wood.

You arched a brow at him. “You keep saying that. I’m starting to think you underestimated me.”

His lips curved slightly. “On the contrary, I’ve been testing you.”

You frowned. “Testing me?”

Fyodor tilted his head, studying you the way one might observe a particularly interesting specimen. “You have a sharp mind. More capable than most. But intelligence alone is not enough in this line of work. There is loyalty, discretion… the ability to maneuver in the spaces between truth and deception.”

You folded your arms. “And have I passed your tests?”

He chuckled. “Oh, I decided that long ago.”

Before you could question him further, he rose from his chair in a slow, deliberate motion, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. “Come with me.”

You hesitated. “Where?”

His smile was unreadable. “There are people I’d like you to meet.”

Something in his tone made your stomach tighten. Fyodor was not a man who made careless introductions. If he was bringing you deeper into his world, it meant one thing—he had decided you belonged there.

The place he took you was not what you expected. A quiet, secluded café tucked into the heart of the city, unremarkable at first glance. But as you stepped inside, you immediately noticed the way the air shifted—low murmurs, sharp glances, a tension beneath the surface.

At a corner table sat two men. One was tall and broad-shouldered, an easy smirk playing on his lips as he twirled a fork between his fingers. The other had long hair that stretched to his waist, an eerie calm to him as he sipped from a steaming cup of tea.

Fyodor approached without hesitation, gesturing for you to follow. “This is them.”

You had heard of them before—fragments of names and roles pieced together over time, always spoken with a certain weight. They were not merely associates. They were his closest circle.

The white-haired man was the first to acknowledge you, his smirk widening as he leaned forward. “So, you’re the one he’s been keeping to himself.” His voice was smooth, teasing. “I was starting to think you were a myth.”

You glanced at Fyodor, but his expression remained neutral. Instead, it was the lilac and white hair who spoke next.

“Nikolai, don’t scare her.” he said, setting his cup down. His gaze shifted to you—piercing, assessing. “I’m Sigma. And the loud one over there is Nikolai.”

Nikolai placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Loud? You wound me.”

You let out a breath, offering a polite nod. “It’s… nice to meet you both.”

Fyodor’s voice cut through the exchange, smooth as always. “She has proven herself quite capable.” His eyes flickered to you, something unspoken lingering in his gaze. “She’s earned her place here.”

Earned

The weight of that word settled over you. This wasn’t just a casual meeting. It was a declaration. A sign that you had crossed an invisible threshold, one you couldn’t step back from.

Nikolai grinned. “Well, if you’ve got Dostoy’s approval, I suppose that means we should play nice.” He extended a hand, his grin turning sly. “Welcome to the madness.”

You hesitated for only a second before shaking it.

Across the table, Fyodor watched with quiet satisfaction.

You had taken another step into his world.

And he would make sure you never left it.

-----

Fyodor had always prided himself on being an observer, a man who noticed the details others overlooked. And in you, he found a curiosity that refused to be ignored.

Perhaps it was the way you immersed yourself so wholly in your work, the way your fingers would tighten around a pen as you deciphered complex codes, or how you leaned closer to your screen when deep in thought, completely unaware of how much time had passed.

Perhaps it was how you always stayed later than you should, refusing to step away even as exhaustion settled into your frame.

Perhaps it was simply you.

And Fyodor found himself watching.

“You’re still here.”

You barely looked up from your papers, exhaustion evident in the way your shoulders remained tense.

“Just finishing up” you murmured, flipping a page. “There were some inconsistencies in the last report, and I didn’t want to leave them for tomorrow.”

Fyodor tilted his head, his gaze trailing over the dark circles beginning to form beneath your eyes. He had noticed it before—your tendency to push yourself beyond reason, to prioritize efficiency over rest.

“You say that every night” he mused, stepping closer.

You huffed lightly, finally meeting his gaze. “I could say the same about you.”

A low chuckle escaped him. He leaned against the edge of your desk, his fingers drumming idly against the wood. “But I wonder… are you truly working, or merely avoiding rest?”

You blinked at him, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Fyodor hummed, considering you. “You overwork yourself. Even when there is no urgency, you find something to bury yourself in.” His lips curled slightly. “A habit formed out of necessity… or avoidance?”

You opened your mouth to respond but hesitated. Because he wasn’t wrong.

You had always been like this, pushing, striving, moving forward without stopping to consider why.

Fyodor’s gaze softened, just a fraction. “You will not be useful to me if you collapse from exhaustion.”

It was a pragmatic statement, but there was something else beneath it.

Concern.

He reached for the cup of tea sitting on your desk, long since gone cold, and replaced it with a fresh one from a tray he had brought with him.

“Go home” he said simply. “Or at least drink this before you drown in paperwork.”

You exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking your head. “Are you actually worried about me?”

Fyodor smiled, but didn’t answer.

And yet, as you took the cup from his hands, warmth spreading through your fingertips, you realized that maybe he didn’t need to.

-----

The first time Fyodor saw you outside of work, it was purely coincidence.

Or so he told himself.

It was late evening, the city alive with the hum of passing cars and distant conversation. Fyodor had no particular destination, he often wandered, preferring movement over stagnation when lost in thought.

And then he saw you.

Sitting at the far end of a small café, a book in hand, absentmindedly stirring a drink you had yet to sip from. The sight of you outside of work, out of the structured environment he had placed you in, was strangely disarming.

You looked… softer.

More human.

It was one thing to admire your intelligence, your sharp mind and unwavering dedication. But here, without the weight of responsibility pressing against you, he saw something else entirely.

Something that made his interest shift, deepen.

He watched as you pushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear, your brow furrowing slightly as you read. Your focus was the same as when you worked, but there was a quiet contentment to it.

For the first time in a long while, Fyodor hesitated.

Would you notice him if he approached? Would you welcome his presence outside of the boundaries of your professional relationship?

And more importantly… Why did he care?

For a man who prided himself on control, this was unfamiliar territory.

A rare moment of uncertainty.

And yet, he found himself lingering for a moment longer than necessary, fingers brushing over the edge of his coat, before finally stepping away.

He would not approach. Not tonight.

-----

You were too deep in thought to notice him.

Your fingers hovered over your keyboard, barely moving. The glow of your monitor cast soft shadows over your face, but your mind was elsewhere—buried in numbers, codes, patterns that refused to align the way they should.

Time had lost meaning.

It was quiet, save for the ticking of the clock on the wall and the faint rustling of papers beside you. The world had shrunk to just you and the problem at hand.

Then, a slow, deliberate warmth pressed against your back.

You froze.

The sensation of hands, light but undeniably there, settling on your shoulders, fingers ghosting along the fabric of your shirt before tracing down, down to your arms.

Your breath caught as a weight leaned into you, something- or someone—coiling around you like a shadow.

Fyodor

His presence was unmistakable, his scent a mix of faint ink and something darker, something uniquely him. His voice, when it came, was quiet.

“I wonder” he mused, his breath fanning against your ear, “just how long you planned to ignore me.”

Your throat tightened. You hadn’t realized he was there.

Your hands, now utterly still, rested atop your desk, but his covered them soon after- elegant fingers curling over your wrists in a touch that was neither forceful nor fleeting.

“I wasn’t ignoring you” you murmured, voice steadier than you felt.

A low chuckle. “Mm. Perhaps.” His fingers brushed against your pulse. “But you do have a tendency to forget the world when you work.”

You swallowed. “That’s not a bad thing, is it?”

“No” he murmured. “It simply means I must remind you I exist.”

Your heart kicked against your ribs. “Fyodor—”

“Shh.” His voice dipped lower, turning something close to intimate.

Then, as if to prove his point, he did something you didn’t expect.

He rested his chin on your shoulder.

The shift was subtle, slow, he barely applied any pressure, but the action was enough to send a jolt of awareness down your spine.

Trapped. Not in the physical sense, if you truly wanted to move, you could. And yet, you knew in the quiet space between you that wasn’t the game he was playing.

He wasn’t holding you down.

He was enveloping you.

And then he whispered “You do realize, don’t you?”

You swallowed. “Realize what?”

His grip on your wrists tightened, just for a second.

“That no matter where you go, no matter how much you work, how much you think… I will always be here.”

Something in his tone sent a shiver through you.

“Fyodor” you started, a warning, but he only exhaled a soft laugh.

“You cannot rid yourself of me, my dear” he murmured. “Not now. Not ever.”

His words dripped with quiet amusement, but beneath them, beneath the silken charm, there was something else.

Something inescapable.

And though you knew you should move, pull away, demand an explanation, you didn't.

And Fyodor, still curled around you, still smiling against your skin, knew it too.

[itz-mfkn-de]

..Temporary Fix..

chapter one - the beginning to our end.

——

The most perfect of the perfect. That’s who you were, the expectation, the standard. And you took that title with great pride. The sweetest soul and dominant in all extracurricular paths you took. The ideal Hufflepuff …—until one of your class grades got dropped because of a finals project you had completely fucked.

“Please, Professor, there has to be something I can do to make it up!” You gasped out, you couldn’t believe how low you had scored on the simple test grade.

“Listen, I hold sympathy for you—I really do— but I can’t just give you a second chance when nobody else gets one. You’re smart. One grade doesn’t define you.” She exasperated through your gasps.

You winced at her response and for a moment, tears began to swell in your waterline.

“You—please. Anything.” You begged once more.

“All I can do is recommend some extra credit actives.” She mumbled while clasping a hand onto your arm, attempting to ground you.

“Yes! Yes, go ahead.” You jumped, the sudden sadness you had gone without a thought.

“The Hufflepuff quidditch team is looking for a team manager….and particular teachers are offering extra credit for whoever steps up.” She said softly, alluring to the idea that she would be allowing the extra credit herself.

You nearly hurled once the words quidditch left her lips. Really? Of all things you hated, quidditch was practically top of your list. You payed the sport no mind, but the people who participated in said sport never failed to irk your soul.

You wanted so badly to reject her offer, to tell her there was no way in hell you’d deal with those idiots any longer than you’d have to regularly…but the grade you made on that project was looming over you and creating unwanted tension. You let out a reluctant sigh.

“Where do I sign up?”

A smile lit up her face as she directed you to where the signups were being held. You offered her a small smile in return and bid her farewell.

As you walked, you felt your feet dragging behind you. Perhaps for the first time in your life you were taking your time walking to class. You prayed to every god there was that you wouldn’t run into any quidditch boys, no matter what house they resided in.

The door was getting closer and closer and with every step you took, you felt the impending doom looming over you. You took a deep breath and opened the door with one quick shove.

Shit.

Not only did you stumble upon some quidditch boys skipping class in the vacant room, but you ran into slytherin boys. Arguably the worst of the worst to be stuck with.

“Look who it is, interested in quidditch I see?” Draco malfoy had asked, the boy was nothing short of a nuisance.

You gave him a quick glance, ultimately ignoring his teasing words. All you needed to do was write your name down and get out of here as soon as you could. You wasted no time in picking up the quill and gracefully signing your name under the managers list, not without Blaise and Mattheo letting out bickers about your meek stature.

You weren’t meek, or scared of them. You had just came to the understanding that if you never interacted with the Lousy group of boys, perchance they’d leave you alone. Every time they spoke to you, you had bit back your tongue and opted for a quick glare in their direction.

You spun around and began to head to the door, until a certain brunette boy intruded your intended path.

“I didn’t know you liked quidditch.” Theodore nott had mumbled out in his deep velvety voice. His accent made your knees buckle, and he knew just how much of an effect he had on you.

“I don’t. I just need extra credit.” You managed to get out. As much as you hated the group, Theodore had always been the most bearable. However, His teasing was nothing short of relentless.

“You? Needing extra credit? You’re pulling my leg.” He joked while laughing with the other boys, his broad shoulders still blocking your way out.

“I assure you, I’m not. I needed extra credit and this is all they have to offer.” You deadpanned at him, your patience running thin with the groups antics.

“Alright whatever you say, pretty girl. Guess we’ll see you around then, yeah?”

Pretty girl. He’d called you that since fourth year. He was the schools flirt, that was known by all. He could have any girl he wanted wrapped around his finger in a heartbeat. You knew his tactics, and you refused to be one of his little trophies he brags about to his friends.

You rolled your eyes even though the butterflies in your stomach made you close to stumbling. Pushing past the taller boy as you made your way to your class.

Classes stretched for hours, none of them seeming to end quick enough. You had no urge to be in any of them. The final bell rang and you quickly moved through the crowded hall towards the library where you knew your friend would be.

You pranced in, greeting every person you saw with a sweet smile. You eventually stumbled upon your friend, caris, reading her book at a table in the back of the library.

“Caris, hey! I have so much to tell you.” You whisper yelled at her, trying your best to hold in your true feelings.

She gave you a glance up from her book and gave you a hand gesture ordering you to continue.

“I’m the Hufflepuff quidditch manager.” You gasped out, your lungs about to explode.

She nodded. “Im aware, I heard Nott talking about it in potions.”

“What? Theodore Nott? As in the Slytherin?” You asked incredulously. Why on earth would he be mentioning you to anyone?

She gave you a look that screamed ‘no shit’ and continued reading her book.

“Well—like what did he say? Was it …bad?” You spewed out, your voice raising a tad bit above a whisper. Caris hushed you with a quick swat in the air.

“Not that I heard, he was conversing with Mattheo and a few other Slytherin boys, and he happened to mention Hufflepuffs new manager was you. Don’t get your hopes up.” She groaned.

“Hopes up? I do not want him. I just think it’s weird he’d bring me up unprovoked.” You whisper yelled at her once more, to which she gave you a funny look.

“Right, no I agree. Totally. While you think on that, you should go get me the second book to this series.” She said with faux sweetness coating her words, handing you the book she had just finished. You sighed and stood up with a glare pointed at her.

You skimmed through the large sum of books, looking for the one she had been referring too. When all of the sudden, a hum came from behind you.

Speak of the devil.

Theodore nott stood perched against the bookshelf with a smug smirk in his face, And in his hand was the book you needed.

“I didn’t know you liked to read, pretty girl.” He hummed out while flipping through the pages of the book you so desperately just wanted to snatch from his hands.

You gave him no response instead you reached for the book in his hands, to which he quickly pulled it out of reach.

“An Italian author as well? You must’ve had me in mind while choosing it.” He added with a cocky laugh.

“It’s not for me. It’s for my friend, now if you could please lend me that book.” You asked as kindly as you could manage out.

“A friend? Ah yes, I just heard the two of you speaking of me a second ago.” He smiled, standing up to his full height.

“Don’t be so full of yourself, Nott.” You hated the fact he knew you wanted him.

“Full of myself? Never. Just simply…stating what I heard. It’s okay if you wanna talk about me, Amore.” His accent dripped off of his words and left a sickening taste in your mouth.

“Right, give me the book.” You were sick of his mind games. All you wanted was the book, not his meaningless flirting.

“Take it from me.” He challenged you.

You reached for it and got a hand on it, firmly grasping it between your fingers. As soon as you did he lifted it up, forcing your two bodies to collide and your faces to become so very close.

You head screamed at you to let go of the book and push him away, but your fingers stayed latched onto it.

His eyes flickered from your eyes to your lips and he pulled his head forward to make his lips touch your ear.

“Stop pretending like you don’t yearn for me, pretty girl. I see the ways your thighs clench whenever I speak.” He whispered into your ear, finishing his sentence with a soft kiss below jaw.

Your breathing hitched as you lost all sense in wrong and right. All of your senses filled with his presence.

“Ahem.” A Ravenclaw student cleared their throat, surfacing you back to earth. You quickly pulled away from him and snapped your hands to your sides.

Theodore stifled a laugh as the student walked through the aisle between the two of you, Theodore’s gaze never breaking from your form.

As the student finally turned out of the aisle you found yourself occupying, you gave Theodore a nasty glare.

“I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t get to waltz into my life. I have no need for your games.” You nearly cried out; you had never been so embarrassed in your entire life, and he seemed to be…enjoying it?

“I’m sorry, next time I’ll skip into your life. Will that solve your problem, Amore?” His teasing made your blood boil. The atmosphere was nothing short of tense.

You huffed out a deep breath and forced yourself to turn on your heel, preparing to walk away.

“Wait, you almost forgot.” Theodore called out to you, still keeping his voice hushed in the quiet library. With one smooth movement he grabbed your arm and set the book gently in your hand, leaving the two of you face to face once more.

Your irritation with him nearly dissolved under his intense gaze, his eyes seemingly endless with passion.

“I better get back to Mattheo, before he realizes I slipped away. I’ll see you at quidditch practice tomorrow, we’re sharing the field with Hufflepuff.” He gives you a quick smile before turning around and walking away nonchalantly, leaving you utterly breathless.

You tried your best to ignore the feeling in your stomach—and between your legs— while making your way back to your friend whom you had forgot about.

“Goddrick, you took long enough. What did you do host a tea party back there?” She almost laughed at her own joke.

“N-no. Just couldn’t find your book.” You hummed out, the embarrassment still evident on your face. You handed her the book and sat across from her without a word.

The second you settled thoughts a Theodore filled your brain. Filthy thoughts. You sucked in a breath as you thought for a second.

This is gonna be long fucking year.

[chemicalcindercat]

Take Me With You (To Heaven)

(Tim & Jason, Titan's Tower attack. Ao3 link here. TW for underlying suicidal themes, mostly idolizing and longing for death. Jason's POV of this.)

Revenge feels every bit as good as Jason is expecting.

He’s been eagerly awaiting this moment for months, biting at the bit to get ahold of the fragile little bird who thought he could steal all of the things that made Jason happy. He fantasized about this day so many times, imagining all of the ways he could make the pretender suffer. It makes it even more satisfying to break Batman’s latest trophy child.

The kid is feisty, Jason will admit. He puts up a good fight. As much as Tim tries to hide it, Jason knows he’s terrified, so he mocks him about it. Robin isn’t supposed to be scared, he sneers, Robin is supposed to be brave even in the face of death. It certainly took Jason much longer than this to show his fear when he was being beaten to death. 

Usually Jason tries to suppress memories and feelings of his death, but this is different. He lets the fear and pain and longing for his family- for somebody, anybody to save his life- wash over him. He feeds it to the Pit, which gulps it down greedily and uses it to focus on Tim and all the ways Jason can make him suffer. The fight itself blurs together into a fuzzy haze of attacking and blocking, and it’s boring. The only moments that stand out to Jason are the ones in which he inflicts severe pain onto his replacement.

He laughs as he breaks Tim’s arm. It snaps with a satisfying crack and an even more satisfying scream. Tim scrambles to his feet as soon as Jason releases him, cradling his broken arm in the crook of his unbroken one and holding his bo staff in front of him.

Jason throws Tim across the room and watches him smack into the wall and crumple to the ground in a heap of limbs. Tim stands up, and Jason doesn’t miss the way he sways on his feet and tries to blink away what’s likely spotty vision. He grins with a predatory glee and stalks towards Tim.

It’s far too easy to snatch the bo staff out of Tim’s hands and knock him to the floor. The pit sings in pleasure as Tim cries out in pain. It’s particularly satisfied when Jason smacks the broken bone, and the cries turn into a guttural scream. It’s music to Jason’s ears.

It’s not enough for him though. Not until Tim begs him to stop. Not until he begs Jason to spare him. Not until he pleads for his family to save him. 

Only then, once he realizes that nobody is coming to save him, will Tim know true fear. And only then will Jason be satisfied.

His favorite part is the moment when he decides to finally remove his helmet. For a split second Tim looks hopeful, before his expression twists into one of anguish.

“What? You didn’t figure it out yet?” Jason mocks him viciously. “And you call yourselves the World’s Greatest Detectives.” He scoffs and lands a particularly rough kick to the kid’s ribs. Tim curls in on himself as if that will somehow protect him from Jason and wheezes for breath.

“J- Jason…?” Tim gasps pitifully, and sputters, “but you died.” If he looks closely enough, Jason can swear he sees tears in his eyes. How pathetic. 

“No shit, Sherlock,” He responds with a blow to Tim’s leg. “Do I look dead to you now?”

“H- How?” Tim asks instead of responding. He drags himself across the floor as if he thinks he can escape. 

Jason doesn’t dignify it with an answer. Instead, he takes slow steps towards Tim and tosses the staff from hand to hand thoughtfully. “I wonder, should we continue with this little song and dance, or is it time for some real fun?” He smirks down at the kid with a look that he hopes conveys, I can hurt you however I want and there’s nothing you can do about it. He wants Tim to feel as powerless and defeated as he did in his final moments. 

Tim, to his credit, doesn’t flinch like he expects. Instead he meets Jason’s gaze with a strength he shouldn’t have this far into an ass whooping. “Jason, I don’t know how this is possible, but if the others knew-” He cuts himself off with a harsh rattling cough. Jason glares down at him, still debating if it’s time to break out the knives or guns yet. “W- Why didn’t you go home?” Tim asks finally.

“Home? What home?” Jason scoffs. “What you mean is, why didn’t I go crawling back to the bats, right?” He barks out a genuine laugh when he imagines the look on Brucie and Dickface’s faces if they had seen him fresh out of the grave, covered in dirt and blood like a real-life zombie. “Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they never cared about me to begin with, hmm?” He lifts the staff above his head and brings it down onto Tim, hard. “Perhaps it’s because Dickface didn’t even care enough to attend my damn funeral! ” He lifts the staff and brings it down again. “Or maybe it’s because they fucking replaced me with some sorry excuse of a kid like you so quick my body hadn’t cooled in my fucking grave yet! ” He hits Tim again and again, until he’s panting from the excursion and Tim has stopped struggling under him.

Jason decides to take a moment to calm down. The Pit is happy, but Jason can feel his control over himself slipping, and it won’t be any fun if he accidentally kills the kid too quickly just because he’s getting upset. He paces in circles like a caged animal a few feet away from where Tim is collapsed on the ground. Breathe, he tells himself as he buries his hands in his hair. You need to breathe.

“They would’ve been so happy to see you,” comes a small voice from behind him. Jason whips around to see Tim struggling to his feet. He almost falls over, barely managing to regain his balance by stumbling a couple of feet to the left. He looks like shit. “T- They would’ve welcomed you home with open arms,” the kid grits out, and the blatant lie sends rage shooting down Jason’s spine. He’s starting to get really fucking annoyed by the kid’s insistence on refusing to submit to him, and the deception coming out of his mouth is making it even worse. Tim has several broken bones now, is likely concussed, and has scrapes and bruises sprinkled over his skin like seasoning, and yet he has the fucking nerve to stay standing.

Well, Jason can fix that. 

A quick knife to the gut is the perfect solution, Jason decides. He purposely avoids any important organs; he’s angry beyond reason, but he’s not ready for the fun to be over quite yet. Tim falls to the ground like a puppet with his strings cut, clutching the wound with the hand of his non-broken arm like he’s going to somehow keep the blood inside. He gapes at the wound like a fish out of water, and then pushes against the ground.

He’s trying to get back up. 

Again.

Apparently he doesn’t realize how much that’s pissing Jason off. He kicks the kid hard enough to send him rolling a few feet across the floor, leaving a short trail of smeared blood in his path. Jason decides to use this time to talk about his own death, how he predicts Batman will react to losing another Robin, and how Tim is a disappointment to the Robin name. He’s mostly talking out of his ass, but it feels so right. He always made fun of rogues for their villainous monologues in the past, but he gets it now. It’s fucking satisfying.

What’s not satisfying is that Tim has apparently given up. He lays crumpled on the ground with his back to Jason, no longer moving or trying to get back up.

Despite wanting this outcome a moment ago, Jason finds that it just makes his mood even more foul. Oh no. You don’t get to cop out yet, you little shit, he thinks bitterly. We’re not nearly done here. He stalks over to Tim, grabs a fistful of hair, and roughly yanks him up until the broken little bird is on his knees. He crouches down in front of Tim, holding him firmly in place with his grasp of Tim’s hair, and grabs his chin to force him to look Jason in the eyes.

This is the moment he’s been waiting for: to tell Tim up close and personal just how pathetic and useless he is. To tell him that this is how he dies, all alone except for the company of the boy whose entire life he stole. Jason opens his mouth to tell Tim exactly this, but Tim meets his eyes and his broken, distant expression shifts into one of relief. He slouches in Jason’s grip, and Jason has to tighten his grip on the kid’s hair so he doesn’t fall over. He’s surprised a chunk of the kid’s hair hasn’t ripped out at this point.

“What the fuck do you think you’re smiling about, Pretender?” Jason hisses, because for some reason the kid is fucking smiling all dopey like Jason is suddenly his best friend in the entire damn world and not someone who is about to kill him. Tim doesn’t respond, and it pisses Jason off even more. He gives the kid a little shake. “Didn’t your parents teach you any fucking manners? You’re supposed to answer when someone asks you a question, Replacement,” he growls. “What the fuck is wrong with you, huh?”

“J’son,” The kid whispers, so soft Jason almost misses it entirely. He’s still looking at Jason like he’s suddenly his savior, and it infuriates him immensely. “‘s okay, ‘m ready,” Tim slurs. The pit flares and Jason’s vision flashes green. 

“What the fuck do you mean, you’re ready?” He spits out. What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Ready for what? Ready for his supposed family to swoop in and rescue him? Ready for Jason to take him home and tuck him into bed? Jason must not have made his point as well as he thought, because clearly Tim missed the whole point of this if he thinks Jason is going to let him go just because he fucking asked him nicely-

Something presses into Jason’s hand and his thoughts cut off. He blinks down at it, unsure if he’s suddenly lost his mind, because why the fuck is Tim handing him a knife? And the same knife that Jason had stabbed Tim with and then discarded onto the floor and forgot about, at that. What the fuck?

“‘m ready t’ go,” Tim mumbles. Jason is still staring at the knife in shock and accidentally releases his grip on Tim’s hair. The kid slumps forward against his chest. Jason’s skin crawls with the wrongness of this situation. This is not how this was supposed to happen. He replays his actions of the past few minutes, trying to figure out where he slipped up. There has to be a piece of info he’s missing somewhere, because he doesn’t know what the fuck is happening right now. Is Tim mocking him? Is he trying to act pitiful so Jason will spare him? Because that is not fucking happening.

“Go where, Tim?” He sneers. He’ll play along just to see what the kid is trying to pull off. Tim sniffles pathetically, and Jason notices that he’s crying now. He didn’t cry the entire time Jason was beating the shit out of him, why bother now? Does he really think acting all pathetic is going to work? Does he think he can just pull on the heartstrings of the big bad crime lord and get to walk away free because of some fucking waterworks?

Jason is debating tossing Tim to the ground and kicking him a few times to show him just what he thinks of this conniving little plan of his, when Tim finally responds. “With you.”

Jason hesitates. The kid wants to go with him? With him where? He grabs Tim’s shoulders and pulls him back to stare at him in confusion. Tim winces when Jason jostles his broken arm, and it doesn’t satisfy him the way it should, the way it did mere minutes ago.

There is also a surprising lack of green in his vision. The pit has settled for the moment, it would seem.

Fuck. The waterworks are working. The little shit is actually pulling on Jason’s heartstrings. He didn’t even think he had fucking heartstrings!

“You’re dead,” Tim states, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Except no, Jason isn’t dead, at least not anymore. They literally just had this conversation. It shouldn’t bother him so much that Tim is seemingly going in circles- because, y’know, concussion- but Tim says it with a finality that disturbs Jason. 

He says it as if Jason being dead is the solution to all of his problems.

Tim is shuddering in his hands and Jason loosens his grip on his shoulders just enough to make sure he’s not squeezing too hard, (why does this suddenly feel like it matters?) and Tim takes advantage of it to push himself close to Jason and cling to him like Jason alone has the power to make everything better. 

“P- please. It hurts,” Tim pleads. Jason feels something in him shift, and he can’t name the emotion that’s suddenly flooding through him. No, no, this is wrong, this isn’t how any of this was supposed to go. “M- make it stop, please,” Tim begs. Jason wanted to hear him beg, but this is nothing like he expected. Tim grabs Jason’s hand and guides it up to rest the knife against his neck. He leans into it, not seeming to realize or care that the silver blade cuts into his skin and a line of blood trickles down his neck. “‘m ready,” he whispers over and over, “‘m ready.” He closes his eyes and waits for Jason to slit his throat.

What the fuck.

What the fuck?

Jason pulls away from Tim in horror, but the kid clings to him like a drowning man clinging to a life raft. He wanted to hurt the kid, break the kid, make him suffer and beg, but not for this. Never for this. 

But that’s not entirely true, is it? He didn’t foresee this situation specifically, but he was ready to kill the kid a moment ago. This time the thought doesn’t bring him satisfaction or make the Pit happy. Jason feels disgusted with himself. How could he become so twisted in his anger towards Bruce that he would torture and kill a kid?

Because that’s who is clinging to him, begging Jason to kill him. A kid. And not in the pathetic way Jason had thought of Robin as a kid for months now. Not in the naive, stupid, fragile way. This is a kid who goes to school, and has friends and homework and parents who worry about him. This is a kid who has an entire life outside of being Robin, and still chooses to put his life at risk in order to protect Gotham anyway. This is a kid who has a whole life ahead of him left to live, the way Jason should’ve had a whole life ahead of him left to live.

Which makes Jason no better than the madman who killed him.

That thought alone is enough to crush Jason. Tim is still clutching him desperately, sobbing and begging- begging Jason to slit his throat, what the fuck- and Jason doesn’t know how he could possibly have wanted to hurt this kid in the first place. He chucks the knife across the room and carefully pulls the kid into his arms.

“I am so, so sorry Tim.” Jason knows that the words aren’t enough to fix this. This whole situation is so fucked up, he is so fucked up in the head and he has fucked up significantly this time. Perhaps it’s too late and nothing will be enough to fix this, but he can at least try.

He owes Tim that much.

The kid melts into his arms despite his injuries like it’s the best hug of his life. Jason is gentle and tries to avoid hurting the kid any more than he already has. He rubs soft, soothing circles into Tim’s back and murmurs apologies in his ear. It takes a moment, but soon enough Tim relaxes like all of the life has been drained out of him. Jason carefully slips one of his arms under his legs and picks Tim up. He glances down at him to make sure he hasn’t disturbed any of Tim’s injuries too severely, and sees the kid smiling deliriously before he promptly passes out.

He’s so small in Jason’s arms. Small, fragile, and broken.

Because of Jason.  

Jason heads towards the Tower’s med-bay. He doesn’t know what will happen when Tim wakes up. He might not even be around to see Tim’s reaction, or talk to him and properly apologize about all of this. His plan is to patch the kid up as best as he can and then turn off the Tower-wide lockdown that was preventing outside contact. He knows Batman will show up immediately after, likely with Nightwing on his heels, and there’s a pretty high chance they won’t accept his sudden change of heart. He’s okay with that, he thinks. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone anymore.

Jason looks down at Tim, unconscious in his arms and beaten within inches of his life. He deserves whatever punishment they deem he deserves. But if there’s even the slightest chance they’d be willing to listen to him and give him another chance, Jason will do better.

He doesn’t expect them to. He certainly wouldn’t trust himself after everything he’s done, if he was in their shoes. But if there’s even the slightest chance that they’re willing to let him fix this, he’ll take it.

Because his mission is over; he didn’t kill Robin. So if he somehow gets out of all of this without being locked up forever, he’s going to change his mission. He’s going to protect Tim at all costs.

There won’t be anymore dead Robins on Jason’s watch, he decides. He’s going to make sure nobody hurts Robin like this ever again.

[d34dlysinner]

Rejection angst: Andrealphus, Zagan, Foras

Decided to just do these three (since someone gave me these three names to work with so yuh) Andrealphus stood in shock as he let the words that you just spoke sink in. "I... ", he muttered as he started to feel an unfamiliar sadness wash over him. You looked at him in worry as he didn't speak nor react at all. "Andrealphus?", you asked. Your voice ringed in his head. How much he loved to hear your voice. How much he wanted to wake up and come back to that voice that somehow calmed him. "I'm okay.", he said as he gave you a faint smile. "I understand.", he continued. He gave the present he got for you and patted your head as if he wanted to show that he truly was fine. He was fine with your choice. Truly, he wanted you to be happy no matter what. He just hoped it would've been him. He just hoped that it would be you who would like to be a little family with him. He supposed that his dream had to wait a little longer. "I truly wish you happiness.", he said. "Are you fine, Andrealphus-", you wanted to atleast reassure him that he'll be okay, but instead he replied with: "I'm not at this moment... But I'll be okay in the end. I always do." Zagan was speechless. Not that he said much, but this time it truly was him not being able to reply no matter what. He just nodded and handed you the flowers he just bought. Not an emotion on his face present. That's when he opened his mouth and said: "I feel hurt, but... I also know I could never force you to like me when you don't." His deep soft voice broke the silence as you nodded at his words. "I am happy for you. I hope you will be happy for a long time.", he continued. Taking out a few talisman he prepared. "I made these, incase you said, yes. They're just for celebrating, but I do want you to use them with your lover.", he ended his words as he saw no use in keeping those. He bows before guiding you back to the palace where you're safe. Leaving soon after to think by himself. Foras dropped whatever was in his hands. "What?... Who?... How?... When?" He truly wanted to be supportive, but his emotions were taking over. He knows envy too well and at this moment he wanted to do nothing more than just keep you near him to not see your lover again. "Did... I... I'm sorry, I need to go.", he said. He didn't want to show you an ugly side of him. He isn't ashamed of his envy. He never would be, but he didn't want to scare you too. Even now, when he's trying to suppress his emotions, he's still thinking of you. Foras needed to stop himself trying to search whoever it was that managed to capture your heart before he did. He needed time to cry, think, and practice a text so he could talk to you more appropriately. When he talked to you again, three days after the news, he just said what he practiced ending it with: "I... I understand your feelings. Sadly, if I can be honest, I don't think I'll easily be able to get over you... I hope you can forgive me for my actions.", he said as he bowed slightly. You reassured him that you were fine with him. You even expected this sort of reaction from atleast someone in Hades. Foras tried to move away from your touch as you were about to pat him as comfort. But his body couldn't refuse a few more moments with you. "I think you should stop being nice to me for now... I might love you even more and I don't think I'll be able to handle that.", he said as he took a reluctant step back. "I wish you well, MC..."

[unholyvelvet]

time was stopping when he pulls her shift off her body, she didn’t expect to be on display like this in class but there was nothing she could do as she watched eyes stare at her bare skin. it didn’t take long before he was feeling her up and he knew just how to touch her because somehow it felt good to have a bit attention on her. grabbing on to his pants as she rotates her hips against his to feel just how big he is, nodding her head in agreement. “if that is expected of me from society than it’s only in my nature to give men any pleasure they see fit. and yes, you do. you deserve my holes to fuck as much as you please- ah, however you please.” piper probably shouldn’t be turned on by all this but once he took off her bra, it was like she was nothing but a display for the class. “yes, sir. is there anything else that you want from me now that i no longer need to use my thoughts for anything other than give men what they want?”

Mateo's hands moved around her body to the base of her shirt and gently began to pull it off of her body without any warning as she spoke. "And what about for women? Surely there's some lesson or reason for this law even for the women" he stated his hands moving onto her chest from behind her still, allowing the entire class watch as she was groped and manhandled by the older man. "The point of this law Ms Davis is that a man's pleasure is the most important thing, and that the goal of young women such as yourself is to take care of those desires and pleasures that the men ache for. I'm an educator, i spend countless hours teaching. I sacrifice my personal time to work my ass off----don't i deserve a sexy little 21 or 22 year old to pleasure me?" he asked his hands moving to undo her bra. "From now on, when you walk into class, you specifically will be topless. Until you start to embrace this new place you serve in society".