#baseball junho

[elcaminodelsanto]

MLB x YEJI KIM

해가 지고 김예지의 이중생활은 본격적으로 시작됩니다. MLB를 입고 어딘가로 향하는 그녀의 발걸음은 무척 미스테리 하죠. 그녀의 시선과 발길이 향하는 곳은 어디일까요?

-

content editor CHAEWON PARK

photographer JAEKWANG OH

hair JUNHO MA

make up SUNGEUN GU

stylist DAHYUN KIM

assistant DAHYE KIM, JUNGEUN LIM

[attila-werther]

anyway kpop idol interviews are fun until people start talking about food, and then I'm like. alright cool. I gotta (redacted) your managers.

[gluteus-canis-familiaris]

pictures c/o Naver, edits c/o Old Roll app, obsession c/o me

A Clean Sweep / Strongest Baseball / 죄강야구 Edits : []

[soundsofcicadas]

Swan Song, part one

Pairing: Koo Junhoe x Reader (f)

Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance, Childhood best friends, Junhoe is a former idol, Friends to lovers

Count: 2697

Warnings: None

Synopsis: After an unexpected encounter with your childhood best friend Junhoe, years after drifting apart, your rekindled friendship blooms anew. However, life takes a turn when he asks you to pen an article for his upcoming wedding. As you become entangled in his personal life, your old feelings of love for him begin resurfacing and the concealed secret behind his decision to abandon his idol career is soon to be unveiled by you. 

It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon and you found yourself carrying a couple of grocery bags, each lightly dampened by the persistent drizzle. The rain had already drenched your umbrella, rendering it almost useless. You let out a sigh and quickened your pace, hoping to reach your apartment before the rain grew heavier. Upon crossing the street, you noticed an old record store nestled between a quaint cafe and a cozy bookstore. You glanced up and saw its faded sign bore the name “Good Oldies,” and a sudden sense of nostalgia washed over you.   

“Should I?” You asked yourself with some hesitation. You looked at the groceries in your hands for a moment before a faint smile appeared on your face. Despite them weighing you down, curiosity got the better of you.  

You pushed open the creaky door of the record store. A soft bell tinkled above as you stepped in, greeted by the familiar scent of old vinyl and the gentle hum of music playing on a vintage turntable. Rows upon rows of vinyl records filled the store, their covers adorned with vibrant artwork and the promise of forgotten melodies. You set your grocery bags down and began flipping through the albums, each one a portal to a different era. Lost in the world of music, you finally settled on a Billie Holiday record, its cover portraying the singer’s side view posing behind a purplish background. As you held the record in your hands, your eyes caught a tall figure browsing by the “Rock” section in the next aisle. Aside from the cashier patiently waiting at the counter, only the two of you were the customers inside. You couldn’t help but stare at the mysterious man in front of you. He was wearing jeans, paired with a matching brown corduroy blazer and a baseball cap. You could see him picking up a Bob Dylan record and once he turned around, you glanced up to see his face clearly.  

You froze, your eyes fluttered rapidly.  

Even if you could only see half of his face, you surely recognized him. A jumble of emotions rushed through you—surprise, longing? A twinge of anxiety.   

Is it really him? No, it’s definitely him! Should I approach him? What if he doesn’t recognize me?  

Without further thought, you took a deep breath and cleared your throat. He was about to walk towards the counter when your voice broke through the soft veil background music in the sparsely populated store.   

“Junhoe?” You called.  

Junhoe halted and took a glimpse at you, his brows furrowed in confusion.   

Your heart sank, but you pressed on moving closely to him. “It’s me, y/n. We used to live next door to each other when we were kids.”  

Junhoe turned to face you completely.  

Familiarity dawned on him as he began examining the stranger before him—from the contours of your face to the soft curve of your cheeks. Your long ebony hair, still dampened from the rain. Your eyes were bright, widened in astonishment. You were wearing a long white sundress covered in an oversized baby pink coat, a Lady Satin album in your hands.  

“Y/n?” He mumbled.  

You were his childhood best friend, until he dropped out in middle school and left for the city to pursue his dreams. You were the one he promised to call and write but never did. When did he forget about you? He couldn’t even remember. Junhoe sifted through his forgotten memories of you and for some unknown reason, found comfort in recalling how you used to exude a carefree spirit when you were both young. You were one of the boys in the neighborhood and never changed your circle of friends, even when you all started attending school up to your adolescence. He fondly remembered how, during your escapades together, you would match your energy with him and the boys in the group effortlessly. Being the eldest among the six of them, you naturally assumed the role of an older sister. You became their protector against mean kids if any of them were bullied.  

Junhoe’s gaze lingered on the subtle changes in your style, the way your clothing reflects your femininity. Your posture now carried a touch of maturity, but your features still looked youthful, untouched by the passage of time. Gone was the y/n who hunted for frogs and insects with him in her tees and chucks.  

Junhoe noticed how he had almost gotten lost in his thoughts upon hearing you answer him excitedly with a “Yes, it’s me! I can’t believe it’s you.”  

“I can’t believe it’s you too.” He responded to you with a warm smile.   

************************************************************************  

“You didn’t have to pay for it, you know.” You said shyly to Junhoe, pertaining to the album he bought for you from the record store. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as you and Junhoe sat across from each other in a secluded corner of the coffee shop. The clinking of cups and hushed conversations along with the playing jazz melody formed as gentle backdrop to your reunion.  

“It’s not free! You're paying for my coffee.” Junhoe teased, earning a laugh from you.  

“You bet it’s my treat today!” You nodded with a grin. There was a brief pause when you added, “Thank you Junhoe for coming here with me. I’m not taking too much of your time, am I?”  

Junhoe shook his head. “Oh no y/n! I’m actually on vacation right now. I was here just a few days ago.”  

So this is why he’s back. You mused.  

Taking a sip from the hot caramel macchiato you ordered, you had a chance to observe Junhoe over the brim of your cup—the white undershirt suited his ensemble that day. You knew the baseball cap perched casually on his head was not just a simple accessory. It created a shield of privacy around him from the curious gazes of onlookers given the fact that Junhoe was still a celebrity. You didn’t mind ordering for him. You knew he wanted to pick a spot away from the prying eyes of customers, hence to where the both of you are now nestled. It offered a discreet setting to catch up after all those lost time.       Junhoe peeked through the misty glass of the cafe’s window, where the rain seemed to have turned into light pattering before he glimpsed back at you.  

“It’s been so long, y/n. I can’t believe we’re sitting here after all these years.”  

You beamed at him and set your coffee down on the tabletop, “I know, right? Life has taken us on such different paths.”  

Junhoe’s expression shifted, a hint of remorse tugging at his sharp features. “Y/n, I feel terrible for not keeping in touch, especially considering how close we were.”  

Your gaze softened, but your smile was unwavering. “It’s okay, Junhoe. You were chasing your passion, and you built a new life for yourself outside this town. Not all of us were headed in the same direction anyway. It genuinely made me happy to see you thriving. I’ve always been proud of you, Junhoe.”  

Your last statement piqued Junhoe's curiosity.  

“Proud?” He repeated.  

“How do I say this—” You tried to avoid looking at his face. Your sight dipping into the stain of your lipstick on the cup of your coffee as if seeking solace. You felt a pang of embarrassment tickling the edges of your consciousness, a quiet voice whispering the fear that your words might be misconstrued. You didn’t want him to think you were some sort of fervent, overzealous stalker. A faint blush tinted your cheeks. Your fingers fidgeted nervously with the fabric of your dress.  

“I followed your journey as a singer Junhoe. Your rise to fame was like a whirlwind. Your voice was everywhere.” You divulged. “I even went to some of your concerts to be honest.”  

Junhoe’s awe hung in the air from your confession, yet he held no judgement from it. He was grateful, flattered to say the least.  

“I wish I had known that y/n. Thank you.” He said to you with care.  

“But I’m definitely not a saesang or anything.” You reassured him with a nervous laugh. You didn’t dare to meet Junhoe’s eyes because sharing this information with him made you feel exposed, yet you continued, “You were the closest friend I ever had, and I guess I’ve always clung to the belief that your dreams would come true. Regardless of the passing years and not hearing anything from you, you still have a special place in my heart.”  

Junhoe began to feel the weight of your words, a surge of sorrow and regret engulfed him. He reflected on how your connection with each other in the past was unbreakable. His inseparability with you was the envy of the other boys in your circle. You had always favored him, making your bond together a more special one. You stood by him, especially during his appearances in school talent shows and local town festivals. You consistently supported him to the point where you recorded his audition tapes sent to entertainment companies. Junhoe got accepted by YG Entertainment eventually, and your joy that day for him was immeasurable. You even brought the boys with you to accompany him on his first day of training to the company.  

“I’m really sorry, y/n.” Junhoe stated, his face grim. “You know, during those years, I was so caught up with the hectic demand of my career. I lost contact with a lot of people, including you.” Junhoe was struggling to find the right words, knowing that they might come across as excuses for not reaching out for such a long time. Yet, they were the only words he could muster.  

The fervent pursuit of Junhoe’s dream to become a singer resulted in his connections slipping away like grains of sand through his fingers. The rigors of his training consumed his time and energy, leaving little room to see or talk to his circle of friends. Gradually, Junhoe started living at the company’s dormitory which made him more detached from them. Their relationship began to fray due to his lack of communication—the letters he’d forgotten to read, calls gone to voicemail and most importantly, the highlights of the lives of his friends he missed out on knowing and witnessing, causing both sides to finally dwindle into silence. As Junhoe marched toward his debut, the overwhelming preparation and anticipation completely absorbed him. The spotlight of the stage beckoned, and the weight of his ambition denied him the opportunity to look backwards. The vortex of his rise to fame kept him farther from his roots. Recording sessions, photo shoots, TV appearances and tours became the center of his everyday life. It cast him into a turbulence of events that seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. The adoration of fans, the flashes of cameras and the cheers of crowds all consumed his focus. The memories of his friends back in his hometown became a blur, their faces fading like distant constellations in the night sky.  

The realization of how you held onto your belief that he would achieve his aspirations, had affected Junhoe in some kind of way. Your persistence in tracking his path as a singer astounded him. He was profoundly moved how you cherished your friendship after such a long period of being apart.  

However, at that exact moment, a haunting thought emerged within Junhoe, creeping into the recesses of his mind like an uninvited guest. In your presence, a world he had thought he’d left behind reignited, casting a shadow of pain over him. A bittersweet memory of a dream that had once been within his grasp, disappeared as swiftly as a fleeting breath.  

You returned your attention back to Junhoe. It was not your intention to cause him any negative feelings.  

“Please don’t feel bad, Junhoe.” You pleaded. “We were kids, and circumstances changed. I never held it against you.”  

Junhoe had somehow found consolation in your words, although a subtle ache still persisted beneath the surface.  

“Thank you, y/n. That means a lot to me.” He said sincerely.   

“I know this may sound too much Junhoe, but I knew then you were destined to be a singer. You weren’t meant to be stuck in this town like me.” You declared. “That’s why it made me sad when you retired from music. You were at the peak of your career, but I truly get it and I still support you pursuing other things.”  

Junhoe leaned back in his chair and looked at the momentarily forgotten coffee on the table, as if searching for the right answer. He was torn between vulnerability and a desire to protect the fragile facade he had built. He wrestled between overwhelming emotions, a torrent of memories he had forgotten now resurfacing. A cascade of what-ifs and maybes flooded his mind, reminding him of the dreams he had once harbored.  

Junhoe offered a fleeting smile, a fragile acknowledgment that your words touched a chord within him. But he remained guarded, his response veiled by the walls he had erected to secure himself from the agonizing truth he had long concealed.  

“You’re kind to say that.” Junhoe murmured softly, his gaze now meeting yours. His voice carried a weight of both resignation and yearning, a silent plea for understanding. It was a response that revealed the depth of his struggle, a battle between the echoes of his dreams and the reality he had come to accept.  

“I’m into writing poetry now, y/n. I’ve published a few books and it’s been therapeutic for me.” Junhoe revealed. “I guess, I’m still part of the music industry. I occasionally produce music for my fellow artists.”  

“That’s amazing Junhoe!” You responded, providing him with warm encouragement. “It’s incredible how you continue to explore and evolve as an artist. I wasn’t lucky to obtain a copy of your last book though, it got easily sold out!”  

Junhoe appreciated your attempt to inject a lighthearted laugh into the conversation, as a means to thaw the seriousness of it. But talking about himself had begun to tire him out, prompting him to steer the discussion to you.  

“Enough of me y/n, how have you been?” Junhoe asked. “Are you still friends with Hanbin and the other boys?”  

“Me? Oh, I’m also a writer like you, but it’s for a local lifestyle magazine.” You shared; your voice laced with enthusiasm as you seamlessly followed along with his transition of topic. “And yes, I’m still friends with the boys. Hanbin now teaches elementary school kids. Would you believe that?”  

“Wow! Really?” Junhoe’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.  

“Yeah. Yun works as a master chef at a fancy hotel in Seoul. As for Jiwon, he has his own family already. Him and Dong both resided in the US after graduation, but they live in different states. Dong has his own dance studio somewhere in LA.”  

A comfortable atmosphere began to envelop the two of you, and Junhoe felt his shoulders visibly relax as he listened to your stories about your childhood friends. It offered a refreshing change from his life in the spotlight. Engaging to hear every detail of their lives, he couldn’t help but recognize how much he missed them and how happy it made him that they were all doing so well through the years.  

Until a specific event sparked in Junhoe’s mind, inspiring him to extend an invitation to you. He saw this as an opportunity to keep the rekindled connection you both shared, a bond he was determined not to let fade away as he had done in the past.  

“Y/n, would you be interested in joining me for an art exhibit tomorrow night? Feel free to bring Hanbin and your other friends as well, if you like.” Junhoe asked you excitedly.  

A glint appeared in your eyes upon hearing the kind gesture. “I would love to Junhoe! That’s wonderful because I like art a lot.”  

“That’s great, y/n! I’ll text you the address.” Junhoe replied cheerfully, looking forward to seeing you again. 

[villapelicanos]

                                     ◜Boa noite pelicanersss! Declaro, oficialmente, que o rp abriu. Para embasamento da história e gatilho para starters e inters, vou pontuar o que está acontecendo na cidade. 

Estamos no fim da primavera, que foi marcada por muita produtividade das fazendas da região. 

É baixa temporada dos times de hockey, a maioria está se preparando para o campeonato universitário e profissional. 

Os times de futebol (o de verdade) e baseball estão em meio do campeonato, então tem jogos todo domingo na cidade vizinha a St. Johns. 

O verão será marcado com o evento de migração de pelicanos, mais para o meio e final de junho, chegarão bastantes aves para a cidadezinha. Por agora, muitos biólogos chegarão à cidade para se preparar para a chegada das espécies e analisarem o bioma. 

O clima está ameno, alta estação da praia e rede de hotelaria das redondezas. 

Temporada de casamentos no centro da cidade. 

O prefeito acaba de inaugurar o cinema, não deixem de conferir! 

Com a ferrovia concertada e a nova rodoviária, a cada meia hora temos trem para as cidades adjacentes e a cada uma hora e trinta, ônibus de viagens. Mas não se esqueçam, o velho Willy ainda faz o mesmo percurso de barco que levou muita gente por aí! 

Não esqueçam também que a mina ainda está interditada, aconselho que ninguém decida se aventurar nas montanhas, as pedras seguem com perigo de deslizamento e semana passada um carro foi esmagado. Por sorte, ninguém se machucou, mas o dano à propriedade foi bastante significativo e a medida encontrada pelo prefeito foi de aumentar a segurança no local com mais faixas de isolamento e seguranças se revezando em turnos. 

Por hora, o Spa está desativado porque a água das minas, fonte das piscinas termais tão atraentes no lugar, estão enlameadas e o lugar preferiu manter-se de portas fechadas pelo prejuízo. 

Então é isso! Aproveitem a estação da melhor forma e fiquem ligados nas notícias da cidade!

[kalena-henden]

Hi @auntymatter! I agree with Fake Married's list and have a few of my own. I have seen a few shows with older actors that I like but, while they may have a romance, it's not always the focus of the story.

I'll start with my first kdrama love, Cho Seung Woo, a who's a double triple threat because he acts, sings, and dances and is equally well known for movies, tv, and musical theater. He's also currently 43 years old with a long body of work to dive into. My first kdrama was Sisyphus: The Myth which he stars in but I only rec that if you're hardcore into science fiction and open endings. My second kdrama though was Stranger (aka Forest of Secrets in Korean) where he stars as a stoic prosecutor who teams up with a detective (played by the wonderful Bae Doona) to solve murders and uncover corruption within their ranks. It also got a second season where they are at odds as they try to solve more murders and grapple with the morality of where to draw the line. It's fantastic and their partnership is everything! While they are not technically canon romantic, there is a case to be made they should be. I ship it hard! So many interesting relationships between co-workers and family too. It's still my number one kdrama after more than 100+ I've watched. And it's getting a spinoff next year with the wily Prosecutor Seo Dongjae (Lee Joon Hyuk, 39 yrs). Can't wait!

Next is Life, starring Cho Seung Woo and Lee Dong Wook (41 yrs), about a conglomerate who buys a university hospital and brings in a new president to try to make it profitable stirring revolt amongst the staff. This is from the same writer as Stranger, and is a look into hospital politics more than medical procedures. It has a huge ensemble cast, most of whom are older, and a romance for each of the leads. It also has a great family story between Lee Dong Wook's character and his disabled brother. I've rewatched multiple times.

I haven't yet seen Cho Seung Woo's recent show Divorce Attorney Shin but it's on Netflix and there's also his long list of respected movies I will get to at some point.

Onto Namgoong Min (45 yrs), he's currently starring in the saeguk (period drama) My Dearest which people are raving about but I haven't seen yet. (There are just too many good shows right now for me to be able to keep up.) However, I loved him in Hot Stove League as a new manager brought in to rebuild a fallen baseball franchise. It also stars Park Eun Bin along with a great ensemble cast, many whom are older. There is no romance but the male lead does have an interesting relationship with his ex-wife. This is quite literally about building a team, not just by bringing people onboard but through developing the relationships. This won Best Drama and Namgoong won the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Art Awards (the closest Korean equivalent of the Oscars/Emmys).

Another Namgoong Min show that is on my watchlist is the office comedy Good Manager. There's no romance here but there is a bromance with King the Land's Lee Junho. And I know Lee Junho is only 33 but the man can act! If you haven't seen the period drama The Red Sleeve (about a prince and the court lady he loves) or the serious drama Just Between Lovers (aka Rain or Shine on Netflix; about 3 adults who are still struggling with the trauma of being in a building collapse when they were young), then I recommend both these heart-wrenching shows which have romance at the forefront.

Navillera is about an elderly man who decides to fulfill his childhood dream to study ballet. He ends up finding a teacher in a reluctant young ballerino and they form an unlikely friendship. So good! I laughed and cried. 

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a story about a big city dentist who moves to a small seaside town and falls for the local handyman. The leads are in their mid-thirties, who can be prickly and fun yet also deal with hard trials. But what sets this show apart is that they give time to the townsfolk as well, who include a divorced couple and their young son, a couple having a second baby, a local cop, a widower raising his teenage daughter, and the local beloved grandmothers. There's really something for every stage of life. Also, if you want to deep dive into all the relationships and meaning after you've watched it, I recommend the Streaming Banshees podcast which delved into every single episode of the show.

Dr. Romantic has three seasons about a small town hospital where a visionary maverick doctor, Master Kim, mentors 30-something year old doctors with his unorthodox methods while they fall in love with each other. It has a huge found Doldam Family with the hospital workers of all ages and their complex relationships with each other. I love this show!

Call It Love is about introverted adults in their 30s who are trying to overcome childhood trauma inflicted by their parents as they unwittingly fall in love while working together. This one is slower, complex and compelling. It's one of my favorite dramas of 2023.

Modern shows with older main characters on my watchlist:

The Penthouse

Birthcare Center

Go Back Couple

Hospital Playlist

Kill Me Heal Me

Misaeng: Incomplete Life

Prison Playbook

SKY Castle

The Devil Judge

The Worst of Evil

Winter Sonata

Signal

Saeguks (period dramas) with older main characters on my watchlist:

Under the Queen’s Umbrella

Mr. Sunshine

Bloody Heart

Jewel in the Palace

Also, shows with older complex main characters that are not on my watchlist but I've heard about:

The World of the Married (highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history)

Doctor Cha

Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)

Remarriage and Desires

To look up more about these dramas, I recommend the MyDramaList website. It's basically IMDB for Asian Dramas. You can also track your drama watching. Here's a link to my watchlist, along with all my ratings. I hope this gives you a good place to start.

You seem like you have watched a lot more K dramas than I have, so here's my question:

Can you recommend a/some shows with older actors as the main characters? (Bonus point if it's a costume drama.)

I'm old and I get tired of 20somethings romantic problems. The romantic problems of those in their 30s-50s are so much more complex. But I never seem to find these kind of shows, not on K-dramas, C-dramas, and don't even get me started on US TV series where anyone over 25 is the comic relief.

I don't know if I'm the right person to ask, I think @kalena-henden probably knows more. But I shall try.

The main characters in King the Land and It's Okay To Not be Okay are 30. One of the friends in KtL married early and is now a working mother, I loved her storyline. There are older characters in IOTNBO who are not comic relief (the nurse's mom and the hospital director) but act as mother/father figures. Both of these shows deal with people having a lot of baggage, so they felt like more mature romances (except the main guy at the start of KtL, but he improves!).

Alchemy of Souls has well developed side characters who are in their 40s and 50s/one is semi-immortal. Maid Kim is one of my favourite characters in the entire show, Master Lee is a great example of a hands-off chaotic good character, and Master Heom is comic relief but with a heart of gold. It has one of the strongest casts where everyone was actually important to the storyline.

Doom at Your Service, I think the main girl is in her late twenties but Doom is immortal. And unlike Tale of the Nine Tailed, he acts like he's been alive for thousands of years. I don't know if that counts but it's a great show anyway.

I haven't watched My Dearest yet but I believe those characters are older. Maybe someone else knows? Also, I am only a few episodes in, but I'm told the parent story lines in Moving are really good.

[sweetestlamb]

Three Strikes

Summary: Young-woo has caught the eye of high school baseball star Lee Jun-ho.

Author's note: Not me writing a whale couple au about a sport that I know absolutely nothing about! 😂😂😂 everyone let's take a minute to laugh together. Please just ignore anything dumb I said about baseball that isn't accurate and focus on high school Wooho featuring oblivious insecure bb Young-woo and flirty and direct Jun-ho who knows exactly what he wants. (hint: it's the same backwards and flipped)

"Young-woo, wait up!"

She hears his familiar deep voice over her shoulder as she walks quickly down the hallway, avoiding eye contact with her classmates- some of who are usually her tormentors except when Geurami was around swinging chairs left and right. And when he's around, nobody dares to bother her when Jun-ho is beside her.

His fists were as powerful as his smile.

She had gotten lost on the first day of school despite the school secretary's very clear directions, fears of being bullied making her body stiffen in anticipation. Her heart had been pounding nervously in her chest and then he was there, his handsome boyish face filling her vision as he slightly bent down to meet her eyes.

For a moment she allowed it before swiftly looking away.

"Are you lost?"

Her eyes darted over the rest of his body that she could see. He was much taller than her, with long legs and broad shoulders. The school name was printed across his chest but unlike the rest of the students in the hallway he wore a white and red uniform. The baseball bat in his hand made it obvious why.

"Hello?"

She jumped lightly as he stepped closer, realizing she hadn't responded to him. Lost in her thoughts.

"Yes. It's my first day. I just transferred here."

She could hear his soft sound of understanding, she even managed to see a sliver of his smile in her peripheral.

"What class are you in?"

And just like that he became an almost permanent shadow in her school life. It was strange to have someone to walk home with, eat lunch with and defend her against bullies who thought it was funny to mock the autistic girl. He never stood for any of it.

"Do you think you're cool picking on others? You should be ashamed of yourself, you're all pathetic!"

All of it made her heart flustered and confused, and she couldn't figure out why.

Shaking herself back to reality, she slowed her steps allowing him to catch up with her although his long legs made that easy enough already.

She gasped as the weight on her back suddenly disappeared, turning to look at him in shock as her backpack now dangled off his arm.

"You look different."

He immediately noticed after only glancing at her face for a few seconds. She nibbled on her bottom lip trying not to blush or ask him what he thought.

"Geurami put some lipstick on for me. She said it would make me look prettier."

Not that she wanted that. At least that's what she told herself as his eyes continued to analyze her face. His eyes lingered on her lips for a moment before looking away, the muscle in his jaw tightening.

"You don't need makeup for that." He finally answered under his breath, walking ahead of her and she stood in silence not quite computing his reply.

"What?" She called to his back but he ignored her, easily walking to her homeroom as he did everyday.

Only then did he hand her bag back to her, she took it and turned to enter her classroom, smiling as soon as Geurami started waving at her- purple streaks in her hair today.

"I have practice after school today." She paused turning to Jun-ho as he spoke, she nodded in understanding knowing that she would have to walk home alone, Geurami got detention almost everyday after all.

"Okay. I'll go home without you." She tried to convince herself that the feeling in the pit of her stomach was just discomfort because this was breaking her routine and not something else.

She started to walk away again.

But with a few quick steps he was blocking her route, so close she almost walked right into his chest. She instinctively put her hands up to prevent the collision. This time she couldn't stop herself from glancing up at him, eyes wide in her surprise.

He answered her silent question instantly.

"No, I don't want that. I still want to walk you home, why don't you come watch my practice? It'll only be thirty minutes today, coach wants us to get extra practice this week for the big game next week."

Everyone knew about the first game of the season, there were posters and banners all over the school. It was all anyone could talk about, she'd heard her female classmates all giggling about seeing him in action. Even now his arms were distractedly beautiful, sinew and muscle coiling under the skin.

"They just need me to pitch a little bit. I promise it won't be long."

She thought about it. Running the idea over in her mind. Usually when she got home she took off her uniform, showered for exactly twenty-five minutes, ate sliced apples, then started her homework, read her sea life encyclopedia, ate dinner with her father before putting on her pajamas and going to bed. Going to his practice would disturb that meticulously timed routine.

She fidgeted with her fingers as she considered his offer.

"Please, I'll buy you that gimbap you like from that place on the corner." His eyes were like melted chocolate as he pleaded with and she could start to hear her classmates whispering about their interaction. The same question she was used to hearing and sometimes thought herself: why was he hanging out with her?

She responded quickly, desperately needing not to be the center of attention any longer.

"Okay. I'll come to your practice."

He grinned widely in response, eyes locked on her own as he stepped even closer his words low enough for only her ears.

"Great. I'll see you later."

And then he was gone and the voices of her classmate only became louder. She itched to take out her headphones, only marginally resisting the urge.

"You sly dog you!" Geurami greeted her with a hard slap on the back, she yelped while shifting away from her touch. The girl was too strong for her own good.

"What? Sly dog?" She repeated completely lost.

"That! All of that!" The other girl pointed to the spot she previously occupied with Lee Jun-ho. But that didn't make things any clearer to her so she just pursed her lips in consideration.

"Aren't you supposed to be a genius? He just asked you to come see him practice. You know what that means right?"

She didn't see what her being a genius had to do with this at all.

"It means he wants to walk home together to maintain our routine although it will alter my personal routine at ho--"

"No! Be quiet, what are you even talking about? Do you know who the baseball boys usually invite to their practices?"

She scanned the knowledge in her brain, analyzing all the information she had about baseball- home runs, innings, curve balls, words flashed in her mind but nothing about practice etiquette.

"No. Who do they usually invite?"

Her friend huddled in close, mischievous grin on her face as she whispered loudly, "Girls they like. It's just an excuse to show off for their crushes."

She blinked at the admission. She had never known that, and if that were the case then why would he invite her?

"So why did he invite me?" She poses the question to her closest friend, and honestly only friend besides the very boy they are whispering about.

Instead of answering though Geurami suddenly starts tugging harshly at her hair while screaming and throwing her body around violently.

The teacher enters the room at that moment, utterly unaffected by her friends antics ignoring her outburst to greet them all as the bell rings announcing the start of the school day.

So she pushes their discussion to the back of her mind, ready to accept new knowledge today. She loves school and learning, despite her classmates trying their best to ruin it for her.

Her head hurts when it all comes rushing back to her at lunch, she sits at their usual table unwrapping her foil and arranging her rolls until they are neat and symmetrical. He plops down in front of her a mere minute later, back in his school uniform now. She only steals one glance at his arms, his shirt cuffs rolled up and putting them perfectly on display.

He clears his throat though breaking her from her reprieve and when she looks up she sees a special glint in his eyes and a peculiar smile on his lips.

"My eyes are up here."

She feels her face heating up, embarrassed to have been caught staring. It was rude of her and she immediately begins to apologize, "I'm sorry."

But he shakes his head, smirking at her.

"Don't apologize. You're not the only one who can't help staring."

He's always making comments like that. Comments that make her heart race a little too fast.

Then he smiles innocently and starts digging into the provided school lunch, eagerly eating all his pickled radishes.

She feels his eyes on her periodically, knows that he's waiting for her to start talking about whales on an endless stream but for once she finds herself unable to focus long enough to spew out the information. Other stimulus are overwhelming her thoughts.

"You're quiet today."

She nods, "I have some things on my mind."

He looks at her for a long drawn out moment before nodding too.

"Okay."

And then they eat in silence until she's down to her last piece of gimbap.

She takes a bite, chewing slowly before swallowing and then he disturbs the quiet surrounding them.

"Can I have some?"

She pauses looking at the half bitten roll, then moves her eyes to his face. He grins back at her.

"What?" She says perplexed even going as far as looking down to see if there was more gimbap that she missed but there is none, only the one between her chopsticks.

"I don't have anymore. This is the last one."

He nods in agreement, motioning to the last gimbap.

"I know. Give me some of that one."

She looks between him and the roll, confused and slightly scandalized.

"But I already bit it. You can't eat the one I already started eating."

She doesn't need her flash cards to comprehend the amusement on his face. He chuckles when he replies, "Why not?"

She blinks, "It's unhygienic. To share things you've put in your mouth.

He considers her words, looking around and rubbing at his neck before completely taking her off guard with his next question.

"Have you ever been kissed before?"

She almost drops her gimbap, blood rushing to her cheeks as she feels her eyes widening and her heart shifting into overdrive.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

"What?"

He just smiles though, not repeating his question because they both know that she heard him, her reaction is proof enough.

"Why is that important? How are those things related?"

"I was curious, if only food is unhygienic or all things from someone else's mouth?"

This time curiosity trumps her embarrassment.

"What goes in someone's mouth when they're kissing?"

His gaze seems to get sharper, darker, a little more pointed, heated. She can physically feel it on her skin.

"Sometimes a tongue. Maybe some saliva."

She cringes at the thought of someone else's spit in her mouth, chills running down her spine.

"I don't think I would like that."

He reaches across the table, his fingers hovering next to her arms but never touching. She twitches from the heat he emits.

"Not even with the right person?" His eyes bore into her own as if he's not talking about something hypothetical any longer. He groans at her prolonged silence, those fingers slowly retreating.

"That's disappointing." He breathes out, voice husky and she feels her chest constricting.

When the lunch bell rings, she stands up suddenly too many feelings swarming inside her to stay still and with a quickly mumbled goodbye she bolts from the cafeteria too terrified to look back.

She misses his shocked laughter and him reaching across the lunch table to pick up her forgotten half bitten gimbap, popping it in his mouth with a hum of satisfaction before standing to throw out both of their trash.

She avoids him after that. Spinning around frantically each time she hears his boisterous voice in the hallway, he's hard to miss.

"You're so obvious. Why avoid him now? You guys have been not dating for months now. Did you just realize?"

No. They were not dating. She knew what dating was, had seen her classmates and characters on dramas. Her and Jun-ho didn't do those..... things. They had never even held hands or hugged. They were just friends and he just said strange things sometimes, that was all. She didn't mind, whales were strange too sometimes but she still loved them.

"No, we're not. He's only my friend."

Geurami rolled her eyes but continued to drag her to the bathroom.

"So why are you running and hiding from your friend?" She stressed the word out pulling the d until it sounded silly.

That she couldn't answer. Yet. She was still figuring that out.

"No answer huh? Well anyway I'm here to help you get ready for your first time at your not boyfriend's baseball practice."

"He's not my boyfriend."

Her friend smile cheekily, "That's exactly what I said."

She couldn't argue because technically she was telling the truth but it was clear that Geurami's 'not' had a different definition from her own despite them being the same word.

"Why do I have to get ready for a practice? I'm not the one practicing."

"But it's your first time at his practice. You have to look cute and supportive, like a good not girlfriend."

"I'm not his girlfriend."

"Same thing I said."

She rolled her eyes in exasperation.

It was pointless arguing with the other girl so she closed her eyes as she demanded and felt light strokes on her lids, the urge to move away was high but she fought it happy when she moved on to her cheeks instead, safer territory.

"There all done."

She turned to face herself, she looked different but the same. Her eyelids were barely decorated with a soft smoky red eyeshadow with little star stickers on the edge. But what caught her eye were her cheeks.

LJH

#10

She rubbed at her face but it didn't budge.

"I used waterproof eye liner so it'll stay even if it rains. You look so cute, he's going to love it." Geurami squealed at her handy work but she felt no such excitement, only nerves settling in her stomach.

"I don't think I should-"

"Shhhhh. You're just friends right? This is nothing for friends. Come on, practice is going to start soon and you need to get a good seat in the front."

With that declaration she was dragged from the bathroom, her friends strong grip easily pulling her despite her attempts to escape or argue.

"Hush now, he's waiting for you. You shouldn't keep him waiting too long."

She flailed but to no avail, her struggles were futile.

There were a lot of people sitting on the bleachers.

She stood frozen in the spot her friend had dumped her in before leaving with a quick, "See ya later! I have detention again."

There were girls wrapped up in huge jackets that were clearly not their own, their significant others name and number branding their backs. She watched them giggle and point, waving and blowing kisses when they spotted their boyfriend.

She felt completely out of place.

Then as if clockwork some of them started to notice her arrival and the whispers started.

"What's she doing here?"

"Oh my god, what's that on her face?"

"Is she serious? She really thinks she has a chance with oppa?"

She instinctively covered her cheeks, realizing she was the only one who had done this. She couldn't help feeling like an idiot, an outsider. Hot shame filled tears started to pool in her eyes.

"What are you doing just standing there? Aren't you here to watch the practice? Don't worry about them they're just jealous that you're the first girl that Jun-ho's invited to watch him play." Someone said loud enough to be heard. All the whispering stops immediately as the other girls turn away in shame and anger.

She turns to look at the new voice and sees the pretty face of the school's goddess, Choi Suyeon. Gratitude washes over her like a wave, even more so when the other girl pats the metal seat next to her wordlessly inviting Young-woo to join her.

She ambles over, thankful for the act of kindness.

"Thank you." She whispers and the other girl grins in reply nodding back before her eyes are drawn to the tall figure of Myeong Seok, pushing the bridge of his glasses further up his aquiline nose.

She on the other hand tries not to look for Jun-ho. Instead staring at her feet.

How would she walk home with him with his initials on her face?

Jun-ho's arrivals is greeted with squeals and shouts of his name, and without thinking her eyes drift up and like magnets his gaze instantly meets her own. She watches a look of bewilderment form before a blinding smile eclipses it, accompanied by his joyful laughter.

He points to his own cheeks while looking at her and gives a thumbs up.

She blushes covering her face and looking away, she can feel too many eyes on her due to his attention.

"I think he likes it." Suyeon whispers to her and she pretends not to hear.

He's amazing. She has heard classmates talking about his magical hands before, the power and skill of his pitches but it's something else to see it in person with her own eyes.

He oozes confidence on the mound. Winding his arm back each time, all the muscles in his body working in harmony before the ball cuts through the air across the field and straight into the waiting gloves of the catcher almost every time. His teammates seem both impressed and infinitely annoyed with him.

One of them shouts out after his third strike, "It's just practice! You don't need to go all out, who are you trying to impress huh?"

This sends the rest of his teammates into a fit of laughter and she watches his ears turn bright red at their teasing, but he doesn't deny the accusation.

He tones it down after that but not by much.

She watches mesmerized as he tugs off his hat and wipes the sweat on his forehead away with his forearm.

"You should see your face right now. I didn't you were that type of girl Young-woo."

She jumps only now remembering that she wasn't alone.

She blinks at Suyeon's teasing smile.

"There's only a few more minutes left. He'll be all yours soon."

"What... What do you mean? What's wrong with my face?"

Suyeon chuckles girlishly before giving her an answer, "You look starved."

"But I'm not hungry at all."

"Hmmm are you sure? There are different kinds of hunger after all." The other girl winks at her before standing and leaving her spot, walking over to the only person who has had her attention the entire practice, who looks completely flabbergasted to be approached by the school's goddess.

She's lost in her thoughts again when she hears loud steps on the metal of the bleacher.

"I hope it wasn't too loud or boring."

He looked even sweatier up close, the uniform clinging to his body even further. She struggled to swallow and reply.

"I thought about wearing my headphones. But I didn't want to stand out even more here."

Instantly his face became stormy at her words, "Did anyone bother you? Who was it?"

"It's fine. I'm used to it. It's because I'm strange to them."

She watched that muscle in his jaw clench hard.

"That's not an excuse for anyone to harass you. If anyone says anything next time, tell me immediately."

She knows that he means that and history has proven that he will do something about it.

"Okay."

But then she processed the rest of his words.

Next time.

Would there be a next time? Wasn't this just so they could go home together, why would she come here again?

"You're a good pitcher." She says the first time that comes to her mind, changing the subject so she can have time to further think about his words later.

He preens at her words seemingly taking them as praise instead of an objective observation, she supposes it can be both.

"Glad I impressed you."

"Who are you trying to impress huh?" The memory replays in her mind like a video but before she can say anything he's leaning back and asking her a different question.

"Do you want to try?"

She racks her brain trying to figure out what he's offering her to try, but nothing comes to mind.

"What?"

"Do you want to try pitching?"

"No. I don't think I've ever had that desire before in my life."

He chuckles at her immediate response, walking backwards down the bleachers without falling somehow.

"Humor me." He beckons her to follow him and she can't stop her feet from obeying.

It's not until she's on the field with him that she realizes that they're the only ones there now and she doesn't even remember all her classmates leaving. She seems to constantly have that issue around him. It was quite the conundrum.

"Come here."

She hesitates but he keeps waving her over so finally she goes, heart racing prematurely.

"You need to find a comfortable position to hold the ball and then just throw, make sure to extend your arm and visualize where you want the ball to go."

She sucks up his directions like a sponge, taking the ball from his grasp and obeying his instructions to the best of her abilities. Unfortunately the ball doesn't go that far, landing a few feet from her.

She expects to hear his laughter but it never comes.

"That wasn't bad but you need more power. You didn't extend your arm enough. Can I?"

She turns to look at him and realizes he's moved behind her now, his body almost completely dwarfing her own. She has to look up at him over her shoulder.

"Is it okay if I touch you?"

She stills at the blunt question, feeling his hands hovering near her again without touching.

He waits for as long as it takes her. Silent as she turns his words over in her head.

"Yes. It's okay."

Shockingly enough, it really feels okay. The thought of him touching her doesn't make her uncomfortable, at least not in a bad way.

"Just not my hands. I don't like anyone touching my hands."

He nods firmly at her clarification, gently holding the bend of her elbow with one hand and and her waist with the other.

"It helps if you twist your waist and extend your arm fully like this, it'll lengthen the trajectory of the ball. Here try again."

But this time, he moves with her pulling her waist back and pushing her arm forward and she watches as the ball sails through the air, going much further that time with his assistance. Her body tingles everywhere he's touching her and she can't keep it in any longer, she's too confused.

Her back is so warm absorbing all the heat that he's expelling and it makes her hot all over. She can feel his chest constricting and expanding behind her and their closeness finally dissolves her logic forcing her to check the validity of the thoughts swimming in her head.

"Is it true that your team invites girls they like to watch them practice?"

Because they're so close she can feel him stiffen behind her, the hand on her elbow falling away. Which only forces her to focus on the hand that remains on her hip, loose but still present.

"Yes. It's true."

She processes that.

"Did you invite me here to impress me?"

"I think you already know the answer to that. I think you know the answer to very question up there in that amazing brain."

Pushing down her nerves she turns in his hold, putting them face to face and he looks taken back by her bold move.

"You like me."

He closes his eyes at her statement, nodding with a gentle smile on his face.

"Since I first saw you. Do you have any idea how pretty you look when you're lost? I had no chance from the beginning."

"But I'm autistic. It's not easy to date me."

There will always be people staring and judging, shocked that they're together and telling him that he deserves better. She wasn't sure that they were wrong.

"What do you mean? It's been fine so far. I always have fun with you even if you're just talking about whales."

"Do you....have we been dating? Is that way you walk me home, carry my things, have lunch with me, call me pretty and buy me gimbap?"

He shrugs at her, like it's obvious. Maybe it was but she just couldn't see it.

"Well, yes. I do all those things because I like you and want to be around you. I call you pretty because you are though, even your fingers are pretty."

She glances down at the digits, wiggling them trying to see their beauty.

"I thought when people were dating they did other things though. We only do things that friends do."

His brows shifted higher at her proclamation before he responds, "Oh? Do you have other friends who do what I do with you too?"

His voice sounded tighter, as if he was squeezing out the words. She could only blink at him no idea why he seemed to be in pain.

"No. You're the only one." She answers honestly.

Then like magic all the tension left his body.

"Good. Good." Then he was grinning again, stepping closer.

"What things should we be doing if we're dating? Is there something you want to do with me?"

"Kissing. Couples usually kiss and hug. We've never done that before." She says automatically.

Without warning he reaches up to cup her cheek, brushing against his own initial written on her face she squirms lightly at the touch but doesn't move away.

"Do you want that? To kiss me?"

She gulps at the look on his eyes, taking a step back to catch her breath but he follows her pulling her closer with the hand on her waist.

"I....I....don't know."

It feels like she's going to float away from all the butterflies fluttering around like crazy in her stomach, she can barely maintain eye contact staring at his lips before she realizes what she's doing and forces her gaze away.

"It's okay. We can figure that out together. I'll ask a different question. Do you like me too?"

Her gaze snaps back to him but he doesn't look confident this time, she can see a softness in his gaze.

Vulnerable.

He looks vulnerable waiting for her response.

It doesn't take long to search her heart for the answer, the one that's been staring her right in the face while she's been looking everywhere else.

"Yes. I like you too."

It's almost as if he's a puppet that's been released from his strings the way he collapses in front of her.

"Then, will you be my girlfriend?"

She stares at him, thinking back to her earlier conversation with Geurami and how adamant she was. She was the only one who was confused it seems.

"Yes. I will."

He smiles brightly, pulling her closer until their foreheads met in a gentle touch his breath fanning over her face as he stares at her.

"You're staring."

"Is that a problem? I don't mind when you stare at my arms."

She pulls away, walking away from him as a blush covers her face.

"Don't be embarrassed. I'm your boyfriend you can stare all you want. You can even do more than stare if you want."

She scrubs at her cheeks forcing the blush away.

"You promised me gimbap. Your practice is over we should go."

His laughter is musical behind her as he runs to catch up with her.

"I really liked seeing my initials on you. You should come to every practice and game like this." He pokes at her cheek, that dark look clouding his eyes again.

She walks faster calling over her shoulder, "I want two orders of gimbap." She ignores him and his teasing.

"Can I call you babe?" He ignores her right back.

She does get her two orders of gimbap and only flushes a little when he places it on the table in front of her with a soft, "Here you go babe" with the most satisfied grin she's ever seen on a face.

[aquagustd]

hell is empty - JJK, KTH

05. LURK ༄moodboard

life has a tendency to throw things your way when you least expect it, when you’re content, and the ominous presence knows exactly how to steer your existence back into the darkness.

prev | series masterlist | next [chapter summaries under masterlist]

pairing — drug lord!jungkook x reader, hotel owner!taehyung x reader

genre/rating — R | angst, fluff, smut, love triangle au

word count — 9.8K

warnings/tags — single parent!reader, ceo!taehyung, dad!jk, pharmacy tech!reader, ex-boyfriend!jk, past hoseok x reader, strong language, tae & jk’s fits, huge pool partay, alcohol consumption, flirting oop, it’s fluffy asf, passive aggressiveness, jealousy, possessive tae & jk, pride, lots of feelings, overthinking, panic attack, mentions of injury, mentions of guns & blood, explicit smut — dom!taehyung, quickie?, dirty talk, degradation/praise, oral (m), throat fucking, cum eating, hair pulling, biting/scratching, foot riding, edging

note: there is a time skip !! junho’s birthday is early May & part 04 took place in March - anyways I hope my readers enjoy this part (it’s the fluffiest) also i think it’d be good to read/re-read the drabble (fast forward) bc there’s some ~parallels~

“Are you excited?”

Junho fits his pointer finger into his cheek, wobbling as you try to fix his tie.

“Hold still,” you chide, gripping his shoulder so he wouldn’t bounce away from your struggling hands. “Are you excited, smiley?”

“Mhm, I can’t wait to see Sihyun again. I never see him for ages!”

Loosening the knot a bit, you set the maroon fabric against his belly and begin tucking his shirt into his cream pants, hoping you won’t spoil his mood with your next words.

“Smiley…Sihyun’s mother didn’t really get back to me. I’m not sure if he’ll be here today, but you’re gonna have so much fun with your new friends, right?!”

His smile sags a bit, the tips of his shoes knocking into one another, “I wish he would come.”

You coo, pulling him to your chest, “I know baby.”

“Hey! You’re matching the couch mama!”

Tilting your head to the side slightly, you giggle, knowing that you wouldn’t have noticed it yourself because you are in fact blending in with the beige couch. You grab the baseball cap Junho had picked out, hesitating before you place it on his head. Bam, Jungkook’s Doberman, waits patiently for Junho, ears perking when you call for him.

“Are you sure you want to wear this? You don’t wanna change into your swimming trunks now? Since we’re—”

“No!” He shrieks, poking his head between your hands, “dad and I are matching today. I’m only gonna swim later!”

You sigh, lowering the cap onto his tiny head of hair, “okay. There.”

His cheeks puff out with a smile, hands kept at his sides as he awaits your countless compliments.

“You look—”

“Handsome.”

Your head snaps up in the direction of the voice. Jungkook glides down the staircase, wearing a replica of your son’s outfit. Junho rushes into his arms as if he didn’t spend the night here, more than amused by the fact that he and his father are dressed the exact same. Even if you’re a bit peeved by the idea, you can’t help but find it rather cute. Especially when they’re both sporting the same bunny smile.

Jungkook’s gaze flits to you, and you find your spine going taut, smile falling.

“Dad isn’t mama matching the couch? You and I are matching and she and the couch are matching,” he laughs, waddling his way onto your lap.

Jungkook stands on the other side of the oblong coffee table, a streak of sunlight hitting the dimple in his cheek. You clear your throat, rising to your feet as you set Junho on the ground, fixing his cap to occupy yourself.

“I told Smiley he should just change into his swimming trunks now, instead of having to change again later.”

Jungkook’s head cocks to the side, fiddling with his sleeves, “no we have to welcome our guests in style. Isn’t that right, Junho?”

Junho nods furiously, rocking on his heels, “yes. Show them how the Jeons do it.”

Your eyes widen with awe, hearing Jungkook’s chuckle behind you, “Smiley?”

Junho, although a little bashful, grins proudly, repeating his words as if you didn’t hear him clear enough the first time. Of course, he’s just parroting Jungkook’s words, but you don’t find it any less amusing.

“Hey, uhm,” Jungkook takes a step toward you, thrusting his tattooed hand in your direction, “can you fold it for me?”

“Oh, okay.”

Fighting off your surprise, you try not to scratch his warm skin with your freshly manicured nails, jaw tight as you feel his stare on your face.

“How many kids will be here? Just Junho’s friends from school?”

“Uhm yeah…around eight-nine. Not sure if Sihyun and his mother will show.”

You pat his hand to indicate that you’re done, a habit you had formed over the years with Junho around. He lifts his other arm, the other sinking into his pocket.

“And your friends?”

Your eyebrows furrow, shooting him a quizzical look, “hm?”

“I said you could bring who you want. Are any of your friends gonna come?”

“Oh, yeah just…you know, Yoongi and Yuri, if that counts,” you chuckle flatly, hesitating with your next words, “erm Hoseok, yeah.”

If he feels any way about you inviting Hoseok over, to his house, he doesn’t show it.

“Anyone else?”

Your mouth quirks to the side, smoothing your fingers over the neat fold you made, “not really.”

“What ab—”

You roll your eyes, “of course he’s coming, why would you even ask?”

His arm falls from your hold, a shrug accompanying his words, “I dunno. I mean, I had to ask.”

“Well,” you begin, brushing Junho’s fringe away from his face, “I did plan this entire thing, we’re just having it here because Smiley insisted.”

“Nah,” Jungkook tsks, scratching behind his ear, “you didn’t plan the entire thing. You just handled the boring parts.”

You scoff, ready to spit your own insults before you catch the teasing grin on his face, anger simmering away.

Clearing your throat, you step around Jungkook to grab your phone, shooting Taehyung a quick text. He shuffles around you to sit on the ottoman near the entryway, busy on his own phone before you call for his attention.

“If you stay out of his way,” you begin, voice stern, “he’ll stay out of yours.”

Junho opens his mouth to answer, but the click-clack of heels upstairs catches your attention. Sora sashays to Jungkook after struggling to walk down the stairs in her neon pink heels. Your jaw drops when you catch what she’s wearing. Bikini-clad figure bending down to kiss Junho on his forehead, his cheeks caught between her fingers.

Jungkook’s chest deflates with a sigh, and even if he tries to keep his voice low, arms snug around her shoulders, he does a poor job at whispering.

“Why don’t you put something else on, hmm?”

“But—I thought it’s a pool party.”

“It is,” he begins, nose buried in her hair.

“Then I can wear this. What you expect me to dress like her?”

“No, no. I didn’t say that.” She shoves him away, clearly mad at him and you sense that he’s even angrier. You decide to step onto the patio, pulling Junho with you, knowing that it’s rude to eavesdrop. Even if you were – just a moment ago.

Excitement builds when you take note of the number of cars that wait to enter through the gates – one in particular has your heart skipping a beat.  

“Smiley, wait here, okay?”

“Okay.”

Stopping yourself from breaking into a run, you watch as the guard directs Taehyung into the parking space, waiting to the side before he steps out, gaze finding yours immediately. He stalks in your direction, tongue wetting his bottom lip as he pulls off his sunglasses, gaze raking up and down your figure. Joy bubbles in your chest, wanting nothing more than to press your lips to his.

Whistling lowly, he places his hands on your hips, voice that same husky baritone that has the pit of your stomach tightening.

“Hello.”

“Hi,” you giggle, suddenly shy under his praise.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers, nose tracing your jaw before it presses into the shell of your ear, “I missed you.”

“Hm,” you sigh, arms winding around his shoulders, “missed you too. Sorry I couldn’t talk much yesterday.”

He pulls away slightly, long fingers sliding down your cheek, “it’s alright.”

Before you melt on the spot – the warm weather having nothing to do with it – you step back to admire his outfit, chuckling when you point to his shorts.

He holds up his hands defensively, “it’s a pool party, right?”

“Yeah,” you snort, hand falling to his chest, “you should see what Junho is wearing.”

Eyes skating across the yard behind you, he slots his hand into yours, thumb caressing your knuckles.

“How’s your ex doing? No outrageous demands from him yet?”

Chuckling, you reach up to fix the chain around his neck, knowing that just as you warned Jungkook – you would need to warn Taehyung as well. Because the two of them enjoy getting the other riled up. They make it too easy.

Taehyung clicks his tongue after hearing your warning, arm falling over your shoulders, “yeah, yeah. I know.”

“I’m serious, Taehyung. I want Smiley’s birthday to go smoothly.”

You watch his lips form a pout as he nods, the hand near your shoulder twisting a lock of hair, “yeah.”

Steering Taehyung along the pathway, the two of you make your way to the terrace where the noise grows, more and more guests adding to the commotion. A few of which you don’t recognize.

He peeks over his shoulder to his car, “where is smiley? I’ll give him his gift later on.”

A familiar squeal of your name behind you forces you to break out Taehyung’s hold and rush toward her, squeezing her small frame in a tight hug.

“Yuri!”

“Man,” Taehyung says from behind you, words directed to your best friend’s grumpy husband, “she wasn’t even that excited to see me.”

“And they saw each other yesterday,” Yoongi adds, annoyance lacing his tone.

“Shut up okay? I only saw her for like a split second because you needed to go home,” you tease, seeing Yoongi struggle with the large box in hand, wrapped in cyan foil. “There’s a table for gifts near the barbecue area, you can leave it there.”

Yoongi huffs, while you’re fussing over the dress Yuri finally settled on, knowing how indecisive she could be.

“Good to see you again,” Yuri smiles at Taehyung, following you further into the garden, “so what’s the plans for today?”

“Well,” you begin, listing off each activity on your fingers, “first, we’re gonna have some mingling time, then get the kids to the pool – they have the indoor pool, we’re outside – after that, we serve lunch, but there will be snacks available before that, then a small clown show for the kids, Taehyung’s brother Seokjin sponsored the bounce house, that reminds me—” you turn to Taehyung “—is your brother coming today?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung answers, although a little uncertain, “he’ll stop by a bit later. Also, a friend of mine might come along, is that fine?”

“Of course. It was so kind of him, you know how much kids love stuff like that. And erm…oh yeah, we cut the cake etcetera, then the guests can present the gifts, that’s all. But the adults’ activities carry on till the evening.”

“Oooh,” she smirks, “you sure Junho’s birthday party wasn’t just an excuse for you to throw one for yourself at Jungkook’s place?”

Taehyung slides an arm around your waist, poking into your conversation, “hey, I offered to have it at my house, but Junho wanted it here.”

“Yeah,” you confirm, “I mean, it’s his first birthday with his dad around so…”

Yuri’s eyes soften, “yeah. He deserves to have it the way he wants. Where is he anyway?”

You shield your eyes from the sun as you step around the corner to the pool area, spotting Jungkook and Junho stand in a similar posture. Jungkook chats to one of the other dad’s while Junho hands Jaehyun a balloon. You can’t help the smile that spreads across your face.

“There.”

Yuri sniggers, “oh my God. Each time I see him I’m shocked at how much Junho looks like his dad. It’s crazy.”

“Let’s greet them.”

Taehyung and Yuri climb up the stairs to wear Junho stands, crouching in front of him before he accepts their hugs and kisses. You watch from afar with a sombre smile on your face.

“He’s growing up too fast.”

You startle, hand placed on your chest as Yoongi stands next to you, a similar smile on his face.

“Yeah.”

“Fuck, I couldn’t tell the difference between him and Jungkook,” he chuckles, gesturing with his drink, “whose idea was it to wear matching outfits?”

You break out of your daydream, “uh I have no idea.”

Yuri returns with two drinks in hand, holding one in your direction. You peek into the cup, then crane your neck to look into Yoongi’s.

“This is for the kids,” you giggle, “there’s more inside.”

“It’s good,” Yoongi compliments, smacking his lips, “who made it?”

“Me,” you grin, “it’s a passionfruit mix.”

“It is tasty, you’ll have to give me the recipe,” Yuri asks with a threatening finger raised, slotting herself between you and Yoongi.

Your eyes are set on Taehyung and Junho, Jungkook’s watchful gaze boring into the top of his head before their eyes meet, exchanging a small greeting as Taehyung saunters to the refreshments table. You exhale a breath of relief.

“Good to see they’re acting civil.”

You scoff, cup held to your lips, “only because I gave them both a warning.”

Yoongi dips his head to press a kiss to Yuri’s temple, “I’ll be back.”

“Okay. Where’s Seojoon? I haven’t seen him yet.”

Finishing the rest of your drink, you deposit the cup into the trashcan nearby, “didn’t invite him.”

Her round eyes widen, “what? Why?”

You shrug, arms folded, “he’s been acting weird lately,”

“Hm,” she raises an eyebrow, “he’s been acting weird, or you don’t need him anymore? Smiley liked him a lot.”

“No,” you sigh, ignoring the guilt nagging at the back of your mind, “it’s not like that. He just…every time he comes over…I just get this uncomfortable feeling and it doesn’t help that he’s being so touchy lately!”

“Oh no.”

“Yeah,” you exclaim with a shudder, “I don’t know why…but—"

“Hey,” Yuri calls, placing a hand on your shoulder, “it’s alright babes. Let’s get some more of this delicious punch.”

You snort, letting her pull you toward the refreshments table. You spot Taehyung talking to a tall man who you recognize as—

“Namjoon?”

“Oh,” the tall man offers a dimpled smile, gripping his own cup of passionfruit punch, “how are you?”

“Good,” you smile, gaze flitting to Taehyung who’s scanning the snack table, “what about you?”

“Good.”

You wouldn’t call it awkward – but the silence feels so, knowing that Namjoon is aware of what a mess your life is, when he could be considered a stranger.

“So, uh,” he clears his throat, voice dropping, “how’s co-parenting going?”

Throwing your head back with laughter, you catch the playful smile he’s wearing, eyes crinkling with mirth.

“I mean—” he goes on, taking a sip of his drink “—it could be considered a serious question.”

You shake your head, holding up the charcuterie board to him, “guess so. Going well…I think.”

He plucks a grape, head swivelling in Jungkook’s direction, “and Junho’s dad? I thought he might strangle me during our last session.”

Your gaze travels to Jungkook who’s tying up the balloons Junho hands him. His eyes meet yours and you swallow, turning to Namjoon.

“Nah, it might seem like that, but we appreciate your help with Junho. How’s he doing in school?”

“You only ask because you know I never have complaints,” he cackles, taking another swig of his drink.

“Of course,” you jest, throwing him a wink.

“Well,” he begins, tone turning serious, “I’m glad things are working out for you two. You have no idea how happy Junho is to have both his parents around. It’s all he talks about.”

A lump forms in your throat, “yeah?”

“Yeah,” Namjoon nods, reaching for your shoulder, “I won’t be able to stay for too long. I already gave Junho his gift. Was good seeing you again.”

“You too.”

If you didn’t have your cup to hold onto, you would’ve been trembling, knees ready to give out. You want nothing more in life than for Junho to be happy, and it’s not like you haven’t noticed a change in him either. Perhaps you didn’t want to admit it to yourself, but ever since Jungkook came around, he’s been buzzing with energy, his smiles brighter. That’s all you ever wanted. And you’d do anything to hear his laughter, even if it meant sacrificing your own happiness.

“Hey, uh,” Jungkook jogs toward you, pointing to the group of kids who cluster near Junho, “I’m gonna take the kids inside now. Or do you wanna do it and I’ll take care of everyone on the yard?”

“Uh,” you shrug, “anything.”

His eyebrows knit together, “you sure?”

“Yeah.”

He scratches the back of his head, “you take them inside. I think Junho would like that.”

“Okay.” You turn to Taehyung, gesturing for him to follow you.

“Mama!”

“Hi guys! It’s so nice to finally meet all Junho’s friends,” you titter, crouching in front of them so you can pinch each of their cheeks. “Why don’t you guys tell me your names and then we can go inside to the pool? Yeah?”

They cheer, nearly toppling you over with how they rush toward you and fight to say their names first. You try to remember them all as best as you can, pausing in your step when you see Taehyung lift one of the girls into his arms. The sight has your heart stammering in your chest.

“Okay guys, Junho take my hand. Follow me!”

Junho tugs at the hem of your dress, eyes filled with worry, “mama I need to change quickly.”

“It’s okay, I left your swimming trunks out near the pool.”

He nods, chubby cheeks bouncing with his steps. The girl in Taehyung’s arms keeps her twinkling eyes on his face and he doesn’t seem the slightest bit bothered by it.

“Are you Junho’s dad?” You hear her ask, the question catching you off guard.

“I’m—"

“Junho said he has two dads,” she informs, the cutest little pout to her lips. You await Taehyung’s response, but he turns to you, clearly taken aback by her statement.

“If Junho says he has two dads,” you shrug, “then I guess he does.”

Junho leaps away from you, “see! I told you!”

“Aw,” she marvels, now clutching Taehyung’s jaw, “that’s so cool. I only have one dad and he doesn’t like to buy me cotton candy.”

You push the sliding door open, light reflecting off the shallow water dancing across their faces, “well, we got cotton candy here today especially for you.”

Her eyes light up, but soon her attention falls behind you, wriggling out of Taehyung’s arms. You follow the other kids as they scatter around the pool.

“Be careful guys! Junho let’s get you dressed,” your voice echoes in the brightly lit space. Junho gave you a tour of his father’s house a few weeks ago, but the beauty inside this room steals your breath away like it’s the first time. Floor to ceiling windows giving you a picturesque view of Jungkook’s garden. Taehyung seems equally as shocked, hurriedly unzipping his jacket.

“What? Tae? You’re gonna swim too?”

He beams, “obviously, I have to keep an eye on the kids.”

“Bu—” All your complaints fade away when he shrugs off his jacket, black vest accentuating his toned body. He tosses his jacket on the charcoal grey sunbed behind him, clapping to get everyone’s attention.

You don’t have time to ogle his fine body because Junho is tugging you out of the capacious room, rushing to get changed.

“Mama I’m sorry you can’t swim.”

You’re sitting on the couch, helping him into his shorts, “it’s okay, Smiley.”

“I’m gonna teach you how to swim today.”

You giggle, “will you? But I didn’t bring any swimming clothes today.”

He looks at you as if facing a real dilemma, “aw man.”

“It’s okay,” you wink, tying the strings on his shorts, “next time.”

“You can dip your feet today!”

“Alright. Go on, your friends are waiting for you.”

He scurries away, nearly tripping on his feet as he mutters to himself animatedly. You’re busy stuffing his clothes into the overnight bag you packed when you sense movement behind you. Sora sits with her legs crossed on the couch, phone held above her face, away from the ruckus. You can’t help but notice that she’s not wearing her ring today, maybe she decided not to wear it, so it doesn’t get lost when she’s swimming?

She doesn’t notice your presence, but you hesitate before leaving, wondering if you should take this opportunity to get to know her better. You decide against it, remembering how your efforts went unappreciated the last time.

When you return to the pools, all you can hear is splashing and giggling, Taehyung’s hearty laughs muffling all the other sounds once you’re inside the room. He bounces the girl in and out of the water on his shoulders, taking her deeper before leaping back up.

“My turn next!”

“No mine!”

“Get in line!”

“Let’s give the birthday boy a chance,” Taehyung pants, holding his arms out for Junho who swims over to him, a shy smile on his face.

Taehyung throws a boastful grin at you, keeping Junho’s arms around his shoulders as he repeats his actions from earlier, receiving all sorts of reactions from the kids. You place your hands on your knees, speaking over the noise as you bend over the silver railing.

“Are you fine with staying with them for a bit? I’m gonna get more snacks and come back.”

He nods, hand running down his face to wipe away the water that Junho had just splashed on him, “yeah! I’m gonna get you for that—”

Chuckling, you can’t help but stop at the doorway as you watch them interact. Your heart brims with joy, seeing how comfortable Junho had gotten with Taehyung over the weeks that had passed. Taehyung, a little cocky, had admitted that he knows how to win a child’s heart, although kids like him naturally, and you had witnessed it for yourself today.

You’re a little surprised to see the number of guests that fill up the once deserted space, chatter filling the air alongside the warm zephyr. But there are only a few faces you recognize. Two men standing on the other side of the lawn, donned in brown jackets has you pausing. Their mouths move continuously, snapping away from each other when they catch you staring. Ignoring the frightful twist in your gut, you manoeuvre through the crowd to find Yoongi and Yuri, relieved.

“Oh thank God, who are all these pe—”

A guy wearing a leather jacket, boots crossed over one another as he leans against the fence behind Yoongi has the words dying on your tongue. He tips his head back as he finishes his drink, and even if the cup conceals half his face, you’d recognize that jaw anywhere.

“Hoseok,” you breathe, feet rooted to the spot.

He lowers the cup, crumpled in his hand before tossing it onto the table, surging forward to accept your bone-crushing hug. Your body has a mind of its own, face pressing into his neck as your eyes slip shut. Only when you feel his arms loosen around your shoulders, do you think to pull away, nose nearly brushing the collar of his jacket.

“How have you been?”

Exhaling a shuddering sigh, you cling onto the lapels of his jacket, “okay…and y-you?”

You can’t help the soft gasp that tumbles from your lips when he fits his finger under your chin, forcing you to look up at him.

“I haven’t seen you for nearly three years and you won’t even look at me?”

“I—”

Yoongi clears his throat, causing Hoseok to take a step back, heart-shaped smile easing your nerves. He smooths a hand over his head to push back his hair, yet it still collapses onto his forehead, making you smile. Realizing that not much has changed.

His eyes search the crowd behind you, “where’s my Spiderman?”

You wave a hand dismissively, “he’s over his Spiderman phase.”

Hoseok’s eyes widen, “really? What is he into these days?”

Yoongi pats Hoseok’s shoulder, “cars.”

“Cars? Dammit, my gift is this huge Lego Spiderman set. The lady at the store said that’s what the kids want these days.”

“It’s alright,” you chuckle, moving around to fill a few paper plates with snacks, “I’m sure Junho would love it anyway. He’s gonna be so happy to see you.”

“Jung Hoseok.”

Without lifting your head, you can sense Jungkook’s venomous gaze by his walk alone, bumping your shoulder as he thrusts his hand in Hoseok’s direction.

Hoseok’s lips remain in a terse line, “Jeon Jungkook.”

“Good to see you here. Came for Junho or his mother?”

“Jungkook,” you warn, only realizing that you grabbed his hand when his gaze drops to the point of contact. You move away, a tingling sensation coursing through your fingers.

Hoseok, unaffected by his comment, stands toe to toe with him, levelling his stare with his chin tipped up, “I could ask you the same question.”

“Yoongi,” you whisper-shout, heart thundering in your chest, “do something!”

Yuri nudges Yoongi, sharing your concern. But before Yoongi can intervene, Jungkook turns to you, voice cloyingly sweet when he says your name, “we need to fetch the cake.”

Puzzled, you search for a response, “what? Right now?”

“Mhm,” he looks to his clunky watch, “they said it’ll be ready by 1PM.”

“Oh uh, okay.” You turn to Yuri, handing her the heavy plates of food, “can you take this inside to the kids? And tell Taehyung that I’ll be back in a bit.”

She nods, lingering near you as if she doesn’t want to leave you alone with the seething men. You rush inside to fetch your purse and coat, seeing Jungkook wait diligently on the terrace.

Jungkook nods, hand held out in the direction of the driveway, “we’ll take my car.”

Your forehead creases, stopping short of the garden path, “why can’t I go alone?”

“Because,” he begins, reaching into his pocket to produce his car keys, “I have to pay for the cake and you need to sign for it because you placed the order.”

“I can pay for it myself,” you sneer, annoyance heightening especially with the condescending tone he’s suddenly using.

“I know that,” he laughs, retracting his statement, “I didn’t mean it like that, I want to do it. Since you bought all the food, the least I could do is buy the cake, right? Yoongi watch things for me!” He shouts over his shoulder, holding the passenger side door open for you.

Thanking him weakly, you hop in, and once inside, you’re hit by a familiar scent, one that has a million and one memories rushing into your mind. Even if Jungkook didn’t have this fancy car at the time – you’re swarmed by a wave of emotions.

“I like it when you’re out with me.”

“I’m always out with you.”

“Are you trying to kill us?”

“I wouldn’t mind if I die with you like this.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

“You’re my strong girl.”

“Hello?”

A hand on your shoulder brings you back to reality – a situation you never thought you’d be in ever again. Next to Jungkook.

“Are you okay? Did you drink too much?”

“No!” You shout, a little louder than expected, “no. I mean, can we just get the cake? The guests are waiting.”

He chuckles, low and raspy, “whatever you say.”

Slotting the key in, he starts up the engine, revving until you turn to look at him. Goofy smile on his face. Even goofier with the cap he’s wearing.

“I’m not Junho,” you remind, fist tucked under your chin, “that doesn’t impress me.”

“Okay, but this might.”

He speeds off onto the road, uncaring of the way your nearly bounce off the leather seat with each turn he takes.

“Jungkook—”

“Put on your seatbelt.”

You were too distracted by the smell in his car to even remember to put your seatbelt on, and you’re always scolding Junho for it. You’re aware that the patisserie isn’t too far from his house, yet the ride feels longer than it actually is, clutching the edge of the seat with white knuckles while he hollers and whoops. He rolls down his window a bit, causing your hair to fly into your face, snatching your breath away.

“Good?”

“WHAT?”

“Are you good?”

Your eyes burn with the wind, hair in a bird’s nest once he comes to a stop, “are you fucking kidding me?”

“I thought you—”

“What?”

“Are you trying to kill me, Jungkook? Fucking hell,” you groan, unclicking your seatbelt then stepping out of the car.

Just as you’re about to take the few steps inside the bakery, he grabs your wrist, doe eyes softened, “I wasn’t trying to kill you.”

You laugh, breaking out of his hold, keeping your voice light, “you sure? That’s…what? The second time now?”

He draws his lower lip between his teeth, “I just thought that—never mind.”

If you were to look closely, you’d see a flash of pain behind his dark eyes. You can’t handle the tender way he’s looking at you, the way your heart clenches in your chest once your eyes meet again. Turning on your heel, you march into the store, straight to the front counter to distract yourself from loud thumping of your heart, unwilling to succumb to the familiarity of his presence, the warmth that seems to glaze your heart bit by bit each time he would do something as simple as glance at you.

Because you remember that you were charmed by it before, only to be fooled. And you refuse to let it happen again. You cannot.

Jungkook’s forced to drive under 40mph because you’re holding the cake in your lap to prevent the icing from getting smudged, which means it takes you longer to return to the party, compelled to endure his presence for a little longer than you’d like. You’ve trained yourself to focus on the scent of your own perfume, an attempt at keeping any and all forms of nostalgia from influencing your emotions.

“Do you think he’ll like it?”

“What?”

He turns to you for a second, pointing to the large cake box in your hands, “the cake.”

“Oh, of course,” you tut, “I’m the one who picked it.”

You’re awaiting his snarky comment, but receive none, just his laugh as he turns into the driveway. Tattooed hand gripping the steering wheel.

“Think you can manage?”

“Yeah.”

He gestures to your feet, “with those boots?”

“Yes, Jungkook.”

He walks alongside you, “you can leave it in the fridge in the meantime. Lunch will be ready in a bit.”

“Ok—shit.”

“Hey—” he steadies the box in your hands, fingers pressed to the small of your back once you find your footing “—be careful.”

“I’m alright,” you mutter a little embarrassed. But even if you repeat your words multiple times, his hand stays pressed to your lower back and it’s as if you had just discovered all the nerves that collate in that very spot, muddling up your thoughts all the way to the kitchen until he finally lets you go.

“Mr. Jeon, they’re waiting for you.”

Over your shoulder, you see the two men from earlier sitting in the dimly lit dining area, along with three other unfamiliar faces. You glance at Jungkook who’s busy on his phone, nodding to the burly man you remember as Mr. Kang, Jungkook’s assistant. From your place at the refrigerator, you have a clear view of Jungkook greeting each of them in the dining room, all their hats kept low over their eyes.

Unfortunately, you can’t hear what they’re discussing, but from the way they’re all bundled close together, Jungkook’s eyebrows pinched in concentration, you can tell that they want to keep it between themselves. And then you see it – the tattoo on one of the guy’s necks.

The refrigerator beeps thrice – alerting them of your presence.

“You okay there? Hwang help her out.”

“I’m good! Thanks,” you call, keeping the fear out of your voice as you sprint outside.

Jungkook shouts to your retreating figure, “lunch is being served now! I’ll be out in a bit.”

And then you’re thrusted into the crowd for the second time today, a sea of unfamiliar faces surrounding you, mumbling short greetings to whoever steps in your way before you finally break through and spot Yuri sitting at the table with the rest of the kids and their parents, chowing down a hotdog.

“Uh, Yoongi, Yuri, can I talk to you?” You say a little out of breath, gesturing for them to follow you behind the barbecue area.

You prop your hands on your hips, chest undulating, “I think—"

Yuri pats Yoongi’s shirt with a tissue, scolding him under her breath, “he got tangerine juice all over his shirt. You’re like a big baby.”

“I’m your big baby.”

“Aw.”

“Guys!”

“Yeah?” They say in unison, oblivious to the minor panic attack you’re having.

“I think that Jungkook—”

Yuri places a hand on your cheek, “what’s wrong?”

Yoongi pinches the bridge of his nose, “here she goes again.”

“Shut up.”

You place your hand over hers, shaking your head with a short chuckle, “I could be overthinking, but I think—”

“You’re probably overthinking.”

Yuri gives Yoongi and admonitory glare, he seems unrattled.

“I don’t know anyone here. Most of the people here. Who are they? And then the guys inside? They could be Yang’s guys! What the fuck are they doing here?”

Yoongi takes a step forward, speaking through gritted teeth, “keep your voice down. What makes you think that?”

“The the—tattoo and the—”

Yoongi throws his arms up with exasperation while Yuri whispers words of comfort that do nothing to quell your panic.

“What did you expect?” Yoongi laughs dryly, “this is Jungkook’s house. You think he’s gonna stop his business for a day? See, this is what she does. Makes poor decisions then cries about it.”

Your mouth falls open, “I am not crying!”

“Well, you look like you’re about to!”

“What’s going on?” Hoseok emerges from behind the wall, putting out his cigarette with the tip of his shoe.

Yuri rolls her eyes, “they’re bickering, as usual.”

“Nothing,” you snap, hoping Yoongi catches up to speed, “nothing Hoseok. Don’t worry.”

“Yeah,” Yoongi affirms, plastering on a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, “nothing of concern.”

He hums, scanning your face with narrowed eyes before taking Yoongi’s seat at the table, spooning mashed potatoes onto a clean plate. Both you and Yoongi know that Hoseok will turn this place upside down at any given chance.

“Look—” You follow Yuri’s gaze to the garden path across you, seeing all five men make their way to a grey SUV “—they’re leaving. You have nothing to worry about, okay?”

“Where’s Junho? And Taehyung? I don’t see them anywhere.”

“They’re still at the pool,” Yoongi informs, busy on his phone.

“I tried bringing him out to have lunch, but Smiley said he’s waiting for you,” she recalls, hand sliding up and down your arm.

“Okay, I’ll go get them. We still need to cut the cake.”

You pass Sora on your way to the pools, still sulking from her spot on the couch. As you’re nearing the sliding door, you hide behind the towel rack when you hear voices, seeing Taehyung place a hand on Junho’s back as he floats above the water. Taehyung’s vest hangs off the railing, back glistening when it catches the light.

“Keep your arms straight,” he instructs, pushing Junho’s hands closer, “that’s it.”

“You should be my swimming instructor,” Junho giggles, twisting around to fit his arms around Taehyung’s neck, bobbing in the water, “but you said you wanted to be a race car driver.”

“I did,” Taehyung admits, gaze hidden by the dark lighting.

“Why didn’t you? Why did you become a businessman?”

Taehyung pinches Junho’s flushed cheek, his deep chuckle prompting one of your own, although hidden.

“You’re so cute…Well, my dad…he…he was kind of like your dad.”

“Really? My dad was your dad?”

“No!” Taehyung cackles, swirling in the water, “I mean, your dad and my dad were similar. They weren’t around much.”

“But my dad is here now,” Junho objects, tiny ripples forming around his body compared to Taehyung’s.

You listen closely, hoping for more bits of information from Taehyung.

“That’s true. But my dad, he wasn’t there all the time, and he wasn’t as kind as yours. He didn’t want me to be a race car driver, that’s why I couldn’t.”

“Oh,” Junho says with a dejected slump to his shoulders, perking up a few seconds after, “but you still have lots of cars!”

“I do!”

“So you can be a race car driver.”

Taehyung sticks out his bottom lip in contemplation, “hmm maybe.”

“Hey, guys,” you announce, revealing yourself from behind the rack with two towels of varying sizes in hand, “time to come out. Otherwise, you’ll miss the clown show.”

“Mama! We were waiting for you for so long! You said you were gonna dip your feet. Come on.”

“Junh—”

“It’s his birthday,” Taehyung reminds, feigning a didactic tone, “you have to listen to the birthday boy.”

You narrow your eyes at Taehyung, he winks, gesturing for you to sit at the edge.

“Please!”

“Fine!”

Tossing the towels behind you, you lower to the edge with a hand on the railing and dip your big toe in, hissing at the temperature.

“It’s so cold!”

Junho chuckles with Taehyung, mimicking your squeals, “it will get warm! Just do it.”

Easing both your legs in till just below your knees, you get used to the temperature, kicking your feet in the water.

“Doesn’t it feel nice? Look, my fingers are old! Even his!”

You place your hands on either side of your thighs, gripping the lip of the pool, “that’s because you were in here for too long. Aren’t you guys hungry?”

“I am,” Taehyung admits, scrunching his nose when he turns to Junho, “what about you Smiley?”

“I am starving!”

Both you and Taehyung snigger, the sweet melody of his boyish laugh tinkering around you before you lock eyes. The corner of his mouth quirks into a smile.

“Hey Smiley?”

“Hm?”

“Remember our plan from earlier?”

Junho’s eyebrows furrow before they raise, a mischievous grin puffing out his cheeks.

“I remember.”

“What plan?”

The two of them glide toward you, eyes dancing. You raise your legs from the pool, ready to run away before it’s too late. One, huge splash of water wets the side of your dress. Junho continues splashing onto your face before you jump up to your feet, holding up your hands as a weak defence.

“Stop! I’m gonna get you guys for that!”

They high-five, too proud of themselves before Taehyung pushes him onto the tiled area, grabbing the towel you kick toward him.

“Junho, here, change and go outside before the clown show starts.” You wring out your hair, shivering slightly, “I need to change.”

Taehyung presses his although wet, warm chest into your back, fingers grasping your elbows, “let’s go change into dry clothes. I’ll help you.”

Junho rubs the towel into his hair, sprinting around the corner before stopping to step into his sandals. Once he’s out of sight, Taehyung fits a hand under your legs, lifting you off the ground bridal style.

Your hands wrap around his neck like second nature, inhaling his thick, heady scent, amplified after his swim. His wet hair hangs over his eyes. Your core clenches with need.

“Where to?”

“Junho’s room, upstairs.”

He nips at your earlobe, kicking the door open before dropping you onto the bed. Just as he is about to close the door, Bam squeezes in. You collapse in a fit of giggles, holding your stomach.

“Go,” Taehyung orders, pointing to the door.

Bam sits at the foot of the bed, unfazed by the tantrum Taehyung is throwing.

“Come on,” he claps, “GO!”

“Bam,” you chortle, “go on. Go find Junho.”

Taehyung sighs, having given up when he crawls between your legs, covering your mouth with his. Your fingers curl around his biceps, pushing him away slightly.

“I can’t.” You laugh, pointing at Bam who’s watching Taehyung place kisses down the column of your throat, suckling on the skin there to have you squirming. “Bam, go. Go on! Wait Tae.”

After successfully getting rid of Bam, you sit at the edge of the bed, peeling your wet clothing off your body. Taehyung palms himself through his shorts, rising from the mattress which forces you to step down, knowing what he wants by the gleam in his eyes alone.

He cups your chin, cooing at your obsequious manner of pulling out his half-hard cock from his wet shorts, stroking it till he’s fully hard and leaking all over your fist.

“That’s it,” he grits, “just like that.”

You roll your palm around his shaft, shifting uncomfortably with the throb in your core. He grips your hair in his hands, forcing you to halt all movements before he presses the weeping tip to your lips, hissing when your tongue flicks out in a kittenish lick.

“Don’t tease—fuck.” You watch the way he throws his head back, Adam’s apple bobbing under his tanned skin before his head lolls forward, fingers twisting in your hair.

“So good, shit, so pretty with your mouth wrapped around my cock.”

You moan around his length, tongue dragging up the underside before you suckle around the tip, hearing him curse. Your scalp prickles with how hard he tugs at your hair, positioning you the way he likes.

Relaxing your throat, your hands fall to your thighs as you prepare yourself for the ruthless snaps of his hips, tears prickling your eyes when the tip of his cock fits down your throat, nose pressing into his pubic bone.

“Look at you, letting me use your throat like this when anyone could walk in and see what a slut you are.”

You hum, hollowing out your cheeks as he fucks your throat raw, jaw going tired, slick pooling in your underwear. The thick veins running across his shaft twitch in your mouth, sweat beading across his chest and forehead when you swallow around him twice, patting his thigh for a breath of air.

He pulls you off his length, chuckling when your thighs slip wider and your heat makes contact with his foot.

“Taehyung,” you sigh, moaning when he flexes his foot against your clothed, puffy clit. Even if the friction is not enough, you rock your hips like it’ll give you what you need, heat unfurling in your abdomen.

“What?” He grunts, lifting your head with his hold on your hair, “can’t take my cock today? Open up.”

Drawing in a deep breath, you take him into the warm confines of your mouth, a mix of spit and precum dribbling down your chin and chest as you continue to grind on his foot, moans muffled by his cock that presses into your cheeks.

His taste bursts onto your tongue, blunt nails pressing into your thighs just as your pierces the backs of his thighs, chasing your orgasm, eyes wide open to watch the way his stomach trembles, lip caught between his teeth.

“Fuck, gonna—fuck so damn pretty. Taking my cock like a good girl. Keep doing that baby. Keep your tongue out. Fuuuuck.”

The next few seconds are painful for your jaw, tears ruining your mascara when he flexes his hips at an inhumane speed, cock lodged into your throat before he shoots his load into your mouth. Shuddering out your name as you suck and slurp, moaning with him.

You gulp down every last drop, hips lowering to get more out of the little relief his foot provides.

“Fuck, let’s see.”

He pats your chin with his thumb, prying your mouth open. You stick out your tongue, showing him that you swallowed it all. He pulls you to your feet, attacking your mouth with his hands travelling under your dress, a sound of disapproval rumbling from his chest when he finds that you’re wearing tights underneath.

You suckle on his tongue, mewling when he spanks your ass, long fingers spreading your cheeks apart.

“We should get back.”

“What?”

He grins, lips skimming down your cheek, “we’ll finish up here later. Plus, do you remember what you did yesterday? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

Of course, you still need to get used to what he likes, and what he doesn’t, because apparently, sending him sexy pictures when you miss him isn’t what he wants. And it only ends poorly for you.

“Yeah.”

“Good,” he smiles, thumb smoothing over your cheek, “let’s get you cleaned up.”

It seems like everything you heard today was against your will. But that doesn’t stop you from waiting behind the door to hear what Jungkook and Sora are arguing about this time – even if you don’t care.

“I’d like to see how you handle things without me. I’m leaving.”

“Wait.”

“I’m tired of you wasting money on all this bullshit, money that we both earned.”

“Sora—”

She storms out, making a show of carting her luggage with Hwang following close behind, struggling to keep up with her.

Jungkook rubs his temple, patting Bam’s back before spinning around. It’s too late for you to hide because he spots you, features morphing into indifference.

“Uh…trouble in paradise.” It’s supposed to be a question, a dumb one, but it comes out as more of a statement.

His eyes drop to his phone screen, voice lowering to a whisper yet you still hear him as you brave a few steps closer.

“Hardly a paradise…you changed your outfit?”

“Yeah, it got wet…when I was at the pool…with water.”

“With water or,” he raises his head, eyebrow piercing glinting with the movement, “something else?”

“What?”

He swivels in the direction of the door, calling for Bam to follow him, “let’s cut the cake.”

Once you step outside, thankful that you had decided to wear your coat when the chilly breeze that kisses your neck, Taehyung drags you to the other side of the yard where his brother stands, monitoring the kids in the bounce house.

“Hi,” you greet, waving at the kids who are having a blast leaping around in the colorful space, “thank you so much for this, Seokjin.”

He smiles, leaning against the inflatable, “not a problem.”

Taehyung redirects your attention to the man standing nearby, a man you don’t recognize until he’s only a foot away. Your jaw goes tight, goosebumps prickling your skin.

“This is my friend I was talking about, Park Jimin.”

He bows, thrusting a box wrapped poorly in red paper, “nice to meet you. I brought this gift for your son, although I’m not too sure if he likes walkie talkies.”

You can’t move an inch, flashbacks from one of the most terrifying nights of your life resurface the longer you stare at him.

“You…We met before,” you bark, turning to Taehyung as you will the tears sitting on your lash line not to fall, “this is your friend?”

His smile sinks into a frown, reaching forward to grip your arm but you pull away, passing the blond man, who has been haunting you every night after you thought you were going to die at his hands, one last look.

Taehyung calls your name, cornering you behind the swing set, “let me explain.”

“Explain what? That guy—he’s the one from that night. Do you know that?”

He purses his lips, dipping his head to peer into your eyes but you keep your gaze on the ground, not ready to hear his answer.

“I know that but he—”

“You know? How could he be your friend? He’s the guy that’s been stalking me for months. Or longer, I don’t know! And he’s your friend? How could—” realization hits you like a ton of bricks, chest tightening “—unless you knew all along.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen, shaking his head furiously, “no, no it’s not like that.”

“For weeks I was afraid to even step out of my home because of him and now he’s here at my son’s party as your friend? The guy I’m dating?!”

His palms curl around your shoulders but you shrug him off, ignoring the pang in your chest.

“Can you just listen to me? Park Jimin is not who you think he is. I tracked him down after that night and he agreed to helping me out.”

“Help you out with what?”

He takes a step back, eyes bouncing over your face before he looks away, “I can’t tell you just yet.”

Your throat works wildly, arms rigid at your sides, “Taehyung—”

“Can you just trust me?”

“I don’t know. You thought to bring him here to my son’s birthday party?” You grit, covering your hands with your sleeves, “I need some time to think.”

Taehyung nods, “okay, I understand.”

“Tell him to leave, right now.”

With a small nod, he returns to Seokjin and the blond guy, Park Jimin, broad shoulders slumped. The cogs in your brain are jammed, nudging into each other as they spark and hiss. You hug your arms, biting the corner of your mouth to prevent yourself from bawling your eyes out for everyone to witness.

“Trouble in paradise?”

You twist around with a gasp, hand brushing Jungkook’s tie that folds over his shoulder.

He laughs, proffering the bowl of caramel popcorn. On a regular day, you would inhale the treats in under five minutes, but today is not a regular day, and the sight along with the smell makes your stomach curl in on itself.

“It’s time for the gifts then we cut the cake,” he reminds, dusting his hands as he strolls away to where Junho is seated at the large table stocked with gifts.

The first gift he opens is from Seokjin – a toy rifle. You nearly throw up in your mouth.

It’s been nearly an hour since Junho started opening gifts, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Some guests had even left during it all. But alas, the fun must come to an end and the last gift Junho needs to open is from Taehyung. A box that could fit both you and Junho sat on a trolley.

You chew on your bottom lip, watching Junho tug at the string, each side of the box falls open to reveal a mini BMW i8 – one that looks exactly like his.

The air is filled with oohs and aahs, Junho’s shrieks of happiness adding to their delight as he hops into Taehyung’s lap, surprising you when he kisses his cheek.

“Thank you so much! I love it! Can I sit in it? I wanted it so bad! Thank you!”

“Of cour—”

“Junho,” Jungkook calls from his place next to you, “why don’t you try it out later? There’s still my gift.”

Taehyung rises to his full height, a look of guilt meeting your own before he returns to his seat behind you. You look away, ignoring the dull ache in your chest.

“Okay everyone,” Jungkook shouts, making a show of propping his foot on the chair, “follow me to the front yard!”

The noise starts once again, moving in a disorderly fashion. Yuri links her arm with yours, nudging your shoulder with her head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…I’ll tell you later.”

Her words are cut off by a whipping sound a few streets away, getting louder and louder until a shiny, yellow car rolls into the driveway, illuminated by the golden hour. A bright red bow sits on the hood. It’s gorgeous.

“OH MY—DAD! IT’S A LAMBORGHINI URUS.”

“And it’s all yours!”

Your jaw drops, shaking your head in disbelief before you make your way to Jungkook, catching his sleeve between your nails.

“Jungkook, this isn’t an appropriate gift for a child.”

“I know,” he admits, greeting the man that steps out of the car, sunglasses fitted into his dark hair. You watch as the man hands the key to Jungkook, leaning forward to whisper in his ear.

Too focused on what he’s saying, you don’t notice that your son is missing until he calls from inside the car, pressing on the horn.

“Junho!”

You dash toward him, words dying on your tongue once you take in the interior of the car.

“Isn’t it cool? It’s all mine!”

“Junho,” you scold, taking both his hands in yours, “you can’t drive.”

“That’s why—” Jungkook pats your shoulder, reaching for your hand before holding it palm up “—it’s yours.”

Your eyes bug out of your head, “mine?!”

Junho fiddles with the buttons in the car, voice louder than you’ve ever heard before, “YESSS.”

Jungkook leans forward to whisper in your ear, breath wafting over your face, “sexy car for a sexy mom.”

You’re at a loss for words, cheeks warming at his words. Did you hear right? He’s messing with you.

What the fuck?

You stare at the heavy car key in your hand, having forgotten that you’re surrounded by a crowd of people only when they burst into cheers around you. The kids approach the car like ants, Yoongi pats Jungkook on his back, wearing a proud, shy smile.

“Your dad is so cool!”

“Is it your car?”

“Can we go for a ride?”

Baffled, your eyes remain on your palm till you return to the pool area, finding Taehyung’s hollow smile, stare fixed on Jungkook.

“Congratulations.”

The rest of the evening is a drag, unable to finish your beer that has gone warm in your hands. Hoseok left, along with the rest of the guests, so it’s just you, Yuri, Yoongi, Jungkook and Taehyung who sit on the patio. Junho doesn’t count because he had passed out on Jungkook’s lap a while ago. The affable conversation taking place in  front of you leaves you astonished, but you shouldn’t have jinxed it.

“I have connections all over Japan, Jeon, what are you trying to prove?”

You’ve tried to keep your distance from Taehyung, but somehow you find yourself curling into his side. Must be the weather.

“What are you trying to prove? My new warehouse will be up and running before June this year.”

You perk up at that, glancing at Yoongi, “new warehouse? Yoongi, did you know about this?”

He shakes his head, lips jutting out.

Jungkook scoffs, head tilted loftily, “why don’t we all go down to visit? And I’ll show you what I’m talking about.”

Yuri groans, nuzzling into Yoongi’s neck, “all this business talk is making my head spin. It’s the weekend! Can I catch a break?”

Yoongi hums, “I think we’re gonna head home.”

“No,” Jungkook objects, rising from the bench with Junho still latched around his shoulders, “just come with me to the warehouse. Ten minutes max.”

It doesn’t take much persuasion, much to Yuri’s dismay. She falls into your arms, giving you a weak farewell hug.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Yoongi holds up a finger, “tomorrow, 8AM.”

You whine, “really? 9AM please.”

“No.”

“Argh.”

Side-stepping around the pit, you take a sleeping Junho from Jungkook’s hands, giggling when he breathes out a few drowsy words.

“He’s knocked out.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook snorts, securing his arms over your shoulders, “he was too excited to sleep last night.”

“I’ll uh—”

Jungkook adjusts the cap on his head, clearing the bench of sweet wrappings, “yeah, tomorrow. Kim Taehyung you’re coming to the warehouse now, right? I’ll give Yoongi the directions and you can follow him.”

“Alright.”

Taehyung helps you to the car, your old car, ensuring that Junho is buckled up. You’re ready to take off when he knocks on your window, bending down to mumble a short greeting.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

You sigh, “of course, we have a lot to discuss.”

He nods, hitting the window frame with the heel of his palm before stepping away. You know he won’t question it.

As you’re settling into the tub, you can feel the tension in your shoulders ebb away with each passing moment, warm water swirling around your toes, attempting to clear your head. But even the sensuous aroma of lavender can’t fill the holes in your thoughts, and you find yourself refilling the tub each time the water turns cold. Till you can’t anymore. You don’t know how long you spent in the bath. But the number of missed calls you have gives you an idea.

Twenty-six missed calls from Yuri.

You fit on your favorite pajamas, the supple material adds to your relaxation time as you flop down on the couch and give her a ring. But she doesn’t answer. You try again and again. Each time it goes straight to voicemail.

That’s odd.

Usually, she would pick up straight away.

Three knocks on your door catches your attention, phone kept against your ear as you press down the handle.

“Jungkook? What are y—”

Your eyes widen with horror, the red stain on the front of his baby blue shirt causing the phone to slip from your hands.

“Wh—”

He pushes you back inside, shutting the door behind him, eyes brimming with tears, “it’s not mine.”

“What then—”

“Yoongi.”

Blood drains from your face, fingers going cold before your vision becomes blurry, “Yoongi? W-What do you mean? Is he okay? Yuri she she—”

“Calm down,” he tries, but his brittle voice only adds to your panic. “Yoongi is in the ER now. He’ll be fine.”

“Jungkook,” you cry, pointing to the bloody stain marring his clothing, “is he—what happened?”

“He…was shot.”

Tears drip down your chin, knees giving out before Jungkook catches you in his arms, setting your trembling figure on the couch.

“H-How? Why? Is he okay?”

You ball the front of his shirt in your fists, “what did you do?!”

He glances down the hallway, easing his shirt out of your hands, “calm down. Relax.”

“Don’t tell me to relax! What did you do to him? Get away from me!”

“It wasn’t me,” he shouts, holding up his arms placatingly, “I swear! ___ relax, breathe. Do you want some water? He’ll be okay.”

“I don’t want water—” you stutter, lungs tightening as you clutch your chest, finding it difficult to steady your breaths.

“Hey, hey,” he coddles your frail body into your arms, chin propped on the crown of your head, “it’s okay. It’s okay.”

Your eyes slip shut, nails pressing into his shoulder as you try to regain control of your breathing – only one face bringing you peace. One voice.

“Hush, I’m right here. You’re a strong gir—…woman. Aren’t you?”

You exhale a deep, stuttered breath, finding comfort in the way he’s rocking you back and forth. Once you find your voice, a fresh wave of tears wet your cheeks, voice cracked.

“What happened? Is he gonna be okay?”

Jungkook nods, palm cradling the back of your head, “yeah.”

“How did it happen, Jungkook? Last I remember…he was at your warehouse.”

He keeps his gaze on your lap, nose crinkling.

“You’d have to ask Kim Taehyung.”

nooo 😭🫣 please send in feedback, I’d love to chat to you & hear what you think <3 ✉️

taglist ✩ masterlist

© aquagustd 2021-2022 do not copy/repost/translate

[haikyubts]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE JUNHO MYEONGSEOK SUYEON AND GEURAMI WRATH ON MINWOO

Especially GEURAMI. SHE'S GONNA BEAT HIS ASS AND I'LL BE THE ONE TO GIVE HER THE BASEBALL BAT TO BEAT HIS ASS WITH

[writeformesinpie]

Steel Rain

Junho x Fem!Reader

Word Count -

Genre - Smut, Mafia AU

Summary -

It’s 3am and someone’s in your garage. Armed with a baseball bat, you find yourself in a situation you weren’t expecting.

Warnings -

18+, swearing, sexy roleplay ;)  

Shades Of Blue Masterlist

KPOP Masterlist

    The tapping is faint but it’s enough to wake you from your sleep. It continues for a few moments before the deafening silence of early morning returns. The clock shines bright. Despair oozes from its numbers and makes you want to throw the smooth white alarm clock across the room. 3:37am.

    Turning over, your back faces the nasty numbers that tick down to the sludge of yet another grueling day. Cradling your body pillow, you close your eyes and try to fall back asleep. The silence throbs inside your brain until you slam your fist against the bed. Sleep has escaped you now, you’re wide awake.

    It was probably just one of the cats and even though you know this, something gnaws at the back of your mind, the emptiness of the Sferra cotton sheets beside you producing uncertainty that floods your thoughts.

    Sighing, you roll out of bed and head to the kitchen in search of painkillers and a large glass of water but before you can get there, you notice a flickering light coming from the back of the house where it connects to the garage. Biting your lip you open the cupboard in the hall and pull out the bat stashed there for emergencies. Junho always says you worry too much but the world can be a bad place… which is why you have conveniently placed weapons in every room that you can get to in a pinch.

    Creeping up on your tiptoes, bat raised and ready to strike, you sneak up to the door and look in through the small square window. It’s dark aside from what you assume is a flashlight skimming the room. The light points towards the window and you jump back, your body stiff against the wall as you pray whoever’s in there didn’t see you.

    Waiting to see if someone jumps out from behind the door, your heart pulsating through your eardrums, your fingernails dig into the wooden bat in your hands. When two minutes go by, your hunched shoulders relax back down.

    They didn’t see you. Edging forward, this time you duck under the window and swing around to the other side of the door, taking a quick look through the glass. Inside you see a figure looming over Junho’s sleek sports car. They are staring at the car so, grasping the opportunity while their attention is elsewhere, you inch the doorknob open, careful not to make a sound. Once you hear the quiet tick of the door's lock being released, you slam the door open and run inside screaming as you swing the bat towards the intruder.

    As you bring the bat down, something catches your eye. The car. Is that blood on the fender? The intruder ducks and steps out to the side, grabbing the bat in one hand. He uses the other to twist your arm painfully behind your back and push you firm against the wall, the rough feeling of the blue concrete scraping across your skin.

    “Don’t move or I’ll break every bone in your body.” The familiar voice is husky and brittle, his words tickling the space between the back of your ear and neck.

    “What the hell Junho? It’s me!”

    “Aren’t we playing?” He chuckles as he loosens his grip, still pinning you up against the wall, his cold clothes starting to dampen your own. “I thought I was the robber about to take advantage of the helpless housewife.”

    “I thought you were actually breaking in!” You push against him with full force but he doesn't move. Instead he holds you in place, his hands now snaking over your short pajamas, the sheer material leaving little up to the imagination.

    “Let’s pretend I was,” he says, his lips brushing up against your neck as his hands pull at the gauze-like fabric. The slick feeling of his damp suit and his naughty hands exploring your body causes a shudder to spiral up your spine.

    “Why are you wet?”

    “I was washing the car.”

    “At three in the morning?”

    “It has to be done some time.” He pulls up your shirt while his other hand digs down into your pants, his fingers find your clit with great haste, eliciting a surprised yelp from you. Cold concrete and wet clothes. Shivering against him, his wet shirt clinging to his forearms, you realize something.

    “Why are you washing the car in your suit?”

    “I’m dressing for the job I want,” he whispers in your ear, his fingers making circles against your clit. “Not the job I have.”

    “What are you even saying?” The breathy words vibrate off your ribcage as you lean back into him, heat starting to stave off the cold. His teeth dance along your neck, edging towards your collar bone. Heat builds both across your face and from your pussy as he massages your glossy cunt. The feeling of his body snug against yours overpowers the nagging feeling that you are being distracted. The feeling that he doesn’t want you to know what he’s up to all but dissipates as his fingers make tight circles against your clit.

    The rhythm of his strokes picks up, the pressure deepening as he nibbles on your earlobe. Your breaths turn into pants and you reach back, grabbing his hair to pull him forward. He tuts, pulling himself back all while pushing you tighter against the wall, his cock pressing hard against your ass and you want him bad. You want him now and you don’t care what the hell he was doing as long as he does you first.

    “Inside,” you murmur against the wall, your eyes half closed. “Take me Junho. Fuck me raw.”

    “Does your husband know what a freak you are?” For a moment you are confused until the fog of pleasure shifts aside enough for you to remember. The robber. He’s playing one of his games. No, one of your games. “Does he know what his slutty wife is getting up to under his own roof?”

    “If he was here he’d probably fuck you too.” The words are gritty and coarse as you pull your pants down, your face still pinned against the wall so you can’t see him. No doubt to make it more real. He is an intruder, after all. “Or kill you so you better fuck me quick before he wakes up.”

    “Oh, I plan to Mrs. Lee. I plan to fuck you until you can’t walk.”

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this content! If you did, please consider liking, commenting, reblogging and/or following, and check out my masterlist for similar content. Have a great day!

[baddreams-ent]

Ms. Yun MonJi

Director of talent treatment

CEO pt.1

She was a very popular actress and was under some very bad companies, which led to her working with her friend to open up Bad Dream entertainment.

She makes sure that her staff is treating the idols well and that they aren't being mistreated. After playing baseball with them (three strikes, you're out), she fires them savagely. She has no problem going off at a different company's CEO for being rude to her idols. She thinks of her talent as her kids.

Is friends with @hysteria-entertainment Jieun. She has many idols that interact with her artists often, so she wanted to be on good terms with them.

People claim she spoils her talent but she says "they've given up their normal lives for this dream. The least we can do it spoil them."

She fought RAVEN'S ex-CEO over rights to their music among other things. Jae was supposed to do it but she insisted as she wanted him to focus on his wife and kids.

Plans on making more groups (even has a new girl group in the works)

Mr. Hiroshima Young

CEO pt2

Worked as a JPOP idol in a top group for most of his career. After witnessing Produce 48, he partnered with MonJi to begin the process of making the company

He is in charge of talent security and talent support.

The company is noted for having the best security, which is all done and managed by him. He wanted his talent to be safe while moving around and not be worried about stalkers and more.

As for talent support, he makes sure that idols have access to mental health options and if needed, taking supported time off. He also made sure that if someone had a concern it was tented to as soon as possible. For example, there was a stalker who stalked Kim Tan of RAVENS at his home and after Tan brought it up to him, the stalker was found and then threatened to be sued within 48 hours.

He is also in charge of managing management. All managers had to be interviewed by him and have reviews, along with many other staff members. For him, it's all about idol safety.

When it comes to plans, he wants to focus on pushing out the groups along with the actors and dancers. He was pausing his own career for this, so he wanted the time to be used wisely.

CHOI MINHO

CEO pt3

Out of all of the CEOs, he is the favorite due to his relaxing nature. Many people go to him just to chat while others only go to the other two for serious things.

Junho is in charge of talent management. His specialty is in recruitment and then in the training period while MonJin is on more the promotion side. He will be the person who makes sure all of the trainees are properly cared for and then when they debut, that they are still developing their skills in their positions.

He is also still an active idol/actor in a way, so he does put out music, however, he never asks anyone in the company to do dance challenges with him or anything (ahem, JYP.)

He was the one who asked for a pet cafe so that people can relax

He was known for being seen as like a dad to most of the trainees. He promised to be there for everyone and he meant it.

When V3NOM and RAVENS joined, he was excited as they used to be under the same company (SM)

He still dabbles in producing tracks but keeps away.

Minho is also in charge of managing finances so if he's not checking on the trainees he's in his office with a calculator looking over checks and bills and more.

[wsharu]

an introduction of the typist

hyello, i am flora -- junho/haru’s typist, i am 25+ from the eu ( she/her) ! i am beyond excited to join wishingstars with this boy. i hope i eventually can get around to plotting with everyone, i have a full-time job so i aplogize if i am not the fastest to respone. anyway, if anyone would like to plot anything ( i especially welcome anyone from phoenix, lets get the relationship canons started ! ) i can plot over tumblr ims, twitter or disc*rd ( flora🌸#5511 )

career, about, plots

facts:

hwang “haru” junho, haru is his stage name - means day

born and raised in seoul, september 13th, 1998, 23 years old.

parents shielded him from the spotlight but when he debuted the rumors spread quickly and eventually they were photgraphed at his debut showcase supporting him.

in middle and high school he tried different sports, baseball and volleyball were his favorite.

in baseball he was a catcher

in volleyball he was a setter

phoenix’s vocalist, sub-rapper and VISUAL!

fans call him a face genius

been an idol now since 2018

his parents are famous and well known actors

has a younger sister who is not interested in being in the spotlight

is used to getting underestimated and loves to prove everyone that he is talented in his own right but is aware he has a long way to go.

has a good relationship with his parents, though they did disapprove of him being an idol, they wished he had pursued something else but they support him

disclaimer: i love angsty, slow burn, emotional plots that tug on heartstrings ok - and i love romance to mess up my muses so don’t be scared to ask about shipping and those kinds of plots. i am also down for short lived romances - because they are still young and trying to live their best lives!!!!

open starters / first meeting ideas(?!)

(  1  )  “ what are you reading? ”

junho likes to read, literature was one of his favorite subjects in school so when he wants to calm down-- he reads. one day his choice of book catches the attention of someone. ( this could be set pre-trainee, when he was a trainee or after becoming an idol ) .

(  2  )     "  don’t cry, i am sure it’ll be ok  ”

junho catches your muse in an emotional state, for whatever reason-- happy, sad -- its up to you but he attempts to help. if happiness i could make a fool out of himself one way or the other, if its from sadness then he’d lend a shoulder if its someone he knows. if its a stranger then he’d bring them something warm to drink.

(  3  )     “  do i eat it?  ”

he loves to eat and he has a sweet tooth, however he is slightly intolerant to milk, its not deadly but he gets a stomach ache. one day he sees this really delicious looking cake and wants to try it but there is a huge amout if milk in it, would your muse suggest that he eat it or not? what about his diet???

(  4  )     "  you can stand under my umbrella  ”

junho is friendly. one day after practice, he sees your muse standing somewhere --without an umbrella and at first he offers to give you his but after some back and forth you end up sharing an umbrella and he walks your muse to where they need to go.

(  5  )     "  do you need a band aid?  ”

either your msue sees junho fall and offers to give him a bandaid, or junho sees your muse fall over and scratch themselves and runs to a pharmacy and gets bandaids for you -- the only kind they had were pink and blue kids bandaids.

(  6  )     “  you’re… very handsome. is that all you are?  ”

it’s a fact that junho got signed for his visuals -- he knows this, it wasn’t for his amazing talent but very few have stated this to his face and so when your muse’s bluntness comments on this he is left speechless for a moment.

( 7 ) “ do you not pay attention where you walk? ”

the first time junho and your muse meet, your muse trips over something - from what he isn’t sure but he helps you stand back up. then the next few times they see each other your muse keeps tripping or walking into walls/glass doors. one day junho notices your muse walking aimlessly and just before your muse is about to trip/walk into something he stops you, chuckles and asks.

( 8 ) “ rescue operation ”

walking home from one of the late night practices he hears a noise from somewhere in a park, goes to find out what it is and there in a tree a small kitten is sitting meowing. at first he tries to call the cat to him but with no luck -- he looks around before grabbing onto a thick branch and starts climbing into the tree, once he has the cat he looks around, realizing it’s higher up than expected and i struggling to climb down with the cat clawing into him. so he calls for help.

( 9 ) “ can you be brave? ”

there isn’t much junho fears but if there is one thing he has to admit to struggle with it has to be scary movies and horror houses. however during halloween one year your muse and he were paired up randomly go go through one and your muse... was braver than he was - this was a few years ago but now? now you meet again as debuted idols and he is embarassed.

( 10 ) “ i wish ... ”

as trainee’s they were standing on a rooftop and wishing upon a shooting star, there was solidarity between the two but what did your muse wish for?

( 11 ) “ i am not a good person ”

when rejecting someone this is the line he usually uses before breaking their hearts, your muse overhears him saying this but you know him better than that and the fact that he is not a bad person, like he makes himself out to be.

[gluteus-canis-familiaris]

pictures c/o Naver, edits c/o Old Roll app, obsession c/o me

A Clean Sweep / Strongest Baseball / 죄강야구 Edits : []

[koreandragon]

what are the best or top5 kdramas you would recommend?

omg haha, thank you for asking me that even though idk how reliable my recommendations are haha

extracurricular

this drama is dark as hell. it’s about high schooler ji soo who’s providing security for sex workers through an app to make money because he moved out of his home. then he meets this girl, yuri,  who realizes what he’s doing and wants in on the business and turns his life upside down. kim dong hee and park joo hyun are *chef’s kiss* in this and just the whole drama is so well done and keeps you on edge. i binged it in one afternoon

365 repeat the year

simply because i was listening to the soundtrack of this last night and just generally being out of my mind, i will have to put this on the list. 10 people get the opportunity to travel back one year and fix their mistakes. but then they start dying one by one and our two protagonists need to figure out why. i would recommend this because there are many plot twists that are so good and unexpected, you will be engaged every step. nam ji hyun and lee joon hyuk’s chemistry is off the charts, it’s just a really good thriller drama with fantasy elements

into the ring

this is really just like a slice of life drama about people who work in a small town’s governing office. the humor is hilarious, the main couple is one of the best i have ever seen and the acting is amazing. it’s just about sera’s  “fake it til you make it” and gong myung being her secretary twink

hospital playlist

another slice of life drama. there is no plot essentially, it’s just about the lives of these 5 doctos that work in the same hospital and have been friends since college. it’s very endearing and very funny. another one like this from the same writer is prison playbook which is the same but it takes place in prison. 

strangers from hell

oh my god for one dollar name a really good romance kdrama....i can’t so here’s another horror thriller. im siwan moves into a studio apartment full of serial killers led by lee dong wook. that’s it. 10/10. also the rose soundtrack

save me

some people say they didn’t like this but honestly it’s one of my favorites. the characters are incredibly smart and the whole cult stuff is terrifying. seo yeji gets dragged into a cult with her family and taecyeon and woo do hwan try to break her out. also you can just look at woo do hwan’s face which is always a bonus.

fight for my way

wow the first real romance drama. this is the best romance drama i’ve seen really. friends to lovers trope. park seo joon. what more do you want

school 2017

i’ll admit i haven’t seen the other school shows but this one is my favorite simply because there is no love triangle and kim jung hyun. all the characters are really interesting and explores the injustice and pressures students face in korea.

designated survivor 60 days

korean remake of the american tv show. i loved every single character. the casting was amazing. the writing was amazing. even though it’s a political drama it’s just so engaging and interesting and not hard to follow at all. basically the minister of environment gets appointed as prime minister of korea because well...everyone else died. and he has no idea what he’s doing.

dinner mate

woman and man have meals together without knowing or asking who the other is. without any attachments. they fall in love. it’s verrrry cute. 

hot stove league

baseball club. nam goong min is a snarky bitch who fixes baseball club. eunbi is a badass. it’s really just about baseball but it’s so good, it rated very high in korea when it aired

just between lovers

angst. broken man and woman find each other. they heal. i love it.  junho i miss you.

terius behind me

secret agent is a nanny. it’s adorable. 

extraordinary you

you probably heard of this or even watched it. rowoon and kim hye yoon realize they are characters in a manhwa. they try to break out of their characters. they fall in love. rowoon is extremely handsome. 

flower of evil

lee joon gi is a serial killer....or is he? find out while you learn about the greatest love story through him and his wife

i realize most of these are thriller/action dramas but i love violence and unhinged characters. the list is also quite long but these are absolutely my favorite dramas. also honorable mention to a drama that’s just started airing 

the uncanny counter

grim reapers in tracksuits fight demons and they also run a noodle restaurant

[ygboysygbby]

iKON - Highschool Stereotypes

Request: Hello! I know this is cliche, but which high school stereotypes do you think each ikon member fits the most?

Hanbin/B.I (Class President/Student Council)

has a certain way that makes everyone agrees with his decision

academically speaking, not as smart as the brainers, but creativity speaking he is SUPERIOR

that’s why people chose him

actually kinda socially awkward at times

but is such a perfect leader than even the popular kids likes him

Bobby/Jiwon (Jocks)

basketball player

also a player in general

keeps telling everyone that he isn’t tho

is actually a nice person considering he hangs out with a bunch of jerks

deep down he actually loves anime, watches drama, and plays video games, but his friends must never know! MUST. KEEP. LOOKING. COOL.

Chanwoo/Chan (Gamers/Nerds)

the kind of kid that’s really quiet but is the total opposite once you know him

is not ashamed of being himself (showing off his hobbies, passion, etc)

sometimes gets targeted by bullies, but he’s strong enough to defend himself

because he plays baseball in his spare time ;)

Bobby secretly asks for his anime or video game recommendations 

Jinhwan/Jay (Cool/Popular Kids)

popular with both boys and girls

because he’s just so pretty???

and also sexy???

casually gets involved into school dramas

sings on school events

Donghyuk/DK (Hipster/Artistic Kids)

edgy

could become one of the popular kids if he tried, but he doesn’t bother

is somewhat famous anonymously on social media

stands up to bullies

the classroom is sometimes his dancing room in the morning when no one has arrived yet

Yunhyeong/SONG (Teacher’s Pet)

President of Cooking club

occasionally brings lunch for his friends uwu

doesn’t actually likes how people view him as a teacher’s pet

in his view, he’s just trying his best 

and by his best meaning top scoring in almost every single subject

and God, he’s also good looking

just a top score overall

JUNE/Junhoe (Jocks)

unlike Bobby, he is not a jock by choice

he’s just good at sports (especially jiujitsu)

and maybe also because he wants to look ripped

has multiple trophies from winning against other school

actually kinda likes all the attention he got

is a poet at heart :)

it’s always fun doing au like these, keep em coming! <3

[lunnanunna]

Talk it Out

iKON Extra Member AU

Summary: {Requested} [Takes place a few months before debut.] Bao and Ju-ne work though an argument.

Warning: Swearing

Taglist: @hyunmijung​ @changbinnieslaugh​ @galacticstxrdust​

A/N: This came out longer than I had intended, and I don’t even know if this matched the request. Hopefully, you guys still enjoy it.

Requests are open! Please let me know what you think.

Heavy breathing could be heard throughout the practice room. The members of YG’s new group, iKON, were practicing for their debut. They still had a few more months until their big day, but that didn’t mean that they could just sit back and relax. If anything it meant that they had to work even harder. If you ended up with an IV drip then you were doing it right. (Not really, but that was everyone’s mentality at the time.)

Bao braced her hands on her knees, then dropped to the ground, taking in rapid breaths to fill her lungs with much needed air. They had been practicing since early this morning, and Bao didn’t even want to know what time it was.

All eight of them were in various states of exhaustion, spread out around the room. Their dance instructor had gone out to take a phone call, and had told them that they could rest until he came back. Bao prayed that he’d be out there for a few hours.

She took a look around the room, and saw the fatigue that she felt reflected off of each of the boys’ faces. Breathing heavily through her nose, then letting it out through her mouth, she threw her head back, her baseball cap falling off. It landed on the ground with a soft thud.

Bao leaned back, holding herself up with her hands behind her. She bounced her knee slightly, groaning at the same time as Bobby had. The younger looked up to her right to see Bobby giving her a small, tired smile. She returned it.

She liked Bobby. Bobby was cool. He was real. And he had talent. She also felt like they had similar likes and interests, along with personal views on life. Basically having a western mindset in such a closed minded country. 

Bao closed her eyes again, turning her head slightly to the left. When she opened her eyes, she caught Junhoe looking at her. Or maybe the right word was glaring? Either way, Bao bristled at the sight.

She’s stayed mostly to herself, ever since she came to the company, and during Mix & Match, so much so that many believed that either she was super shy or just couldn’t speak Korean. Which is why she surprised everyone with how clear her rap was. (She was crap at reading and formulating sentences, but she had impeccable pronunciation.)

Bao, not one to ever stand down, had actually tried her hardest not to step on anyone’s toes. She had seen the anger on Hanbin’s face when she and Chanwoo, along with the others were introduced. She knew how hard they had worked. She got that, so she did her part to prove that she deserved to debut as well, (Something told her this may have been her only chance to debut.) all while taking a step back, and not angering anyone, which was hard for her. Bao, by nature, angered many people without even trying.

But now sitting here, exhausted beyond anything she’s ever felt before, was Junhoe. Junhoe glaring at her, like she was to blame for the world ending. And while Bao knew that one day she may be the reason, today was not the day. She was too tired for this shit.

“Have something you want to say?” Bao tilted her head to the side, still leaning on her hands. She spoke slowly, making sure that her Korean was understandable. Everyone looked up to see Bao raising a challenging brow at the younger who seemed surprised that she had even spoken up.

Junhoe chewed on the inside of his cheek, staying quiet. The first time Bao had ever actually seen him this quiet. The dude was fucking loud, and Bao really hated it, but since she had been trying to play nice and not make enemies, she never said anything about it.

Bao tilted her chin down, looking at him, waiting. He looked around the room as if wondering if it was even worth it, but with Bao’s challenging stare, he cracked. “Yeah, actually. I do.”

The girl nodded her head, telling him to speak. She could feel the air around them tense, and knew that Hanbin and the older members were getting ready to jump in if needed.

“You’re holding us back.” Okay, straight to the point. Bao appreciated that.

“And how’s that?” Bao asked. She knew what he meant. Bao was confident in her rapping skills. Dancing? Not so much.

“You can’t keep up. You’re off beat, and it throws the rest of us off,” Junhoe folded his arms over his chest, challenging her to rebut.

“Are you sure you’re not just talking about yourself?” Bao sat up, smirking at him. Junhoe, who has been wearing a triumphant smile when he first attacked, now frowned.

He glared at her. “I’m doing better than you,” he countered.

Bao grinned even wider at the answer. “Is that it? Is that your next move?” She shook her head, copying his position, and folded her arms. “You know, out of everyone here, you’re the one that has never talked to me?” Bao’s smile dropped as she spoke.

“What?” The vocalist asked, confused with the change in subject.

Bao continued, “Even Hanbin, who hated me at first-”

“I never hated you.”

“Sure,” Bao rolled her eyes at the leader who sheepishly looked away. It wasn’t a secret that most of them either hated her or felt uncomfortable with her when she first joined. But now all of them (Except for Junhoe.) finally were starting to warm up to her.

“Even he has finally accepted me, whether it was his own choice or not,” Bao continued.

“It was my own choice.”

“I see. Thank you,” Bao smiled at the rapper who smiled back. “Basically what I’m trying to say is that everyone here has come to terms with me being a part of this group. It's your turn.” Junhoe looked at her if she’d grown a second head. 

“It’s not that easy,” Junhoe said, his voice rising a bit. Bao could sense an argument and she was ready. She was actually in need of one. (Burn off steam and what not.)

“Well the others did it,” Bao shrugged, motioning to each of them with her head.

“Faking,” was all he said. He searched her face, furrowing his eyebrows when he couldn’t find a crack in her mask. Bao had dealt with enough haters in her life to be able to take blows.

“Jun,” Jinhwan spoke up in a warning tone.

Junhoe rolled his eyes at the same time Bao said, “No. It’s fine. Let him get it out of his system. We’re gonna be in the same group for God knows how long. We gotta clear the air.”

“Maybe not now, Bao. We’re all kind of tired. This probably won’t end well,” Bobby said, placing a hand onto her knee. She ignored him and the awkward looks of each of the members as they sat and listened.

“Go on. Say whatever you need to say,” Bao waved her hand towards Junhoe.

He looked at her suspiciously and paused, seeming to debate on whether he should say something. After a few more seconds, he spoke up. “I don’t like the fact that we have a girl in the group. You can barely speak the language, and you fall behind with the dance. Why YG let you be in the group is beyond me.”

Bao nodded her head, jutting her bottom lip out slightly as she took in his words. She huffed out a sarcastic laugh, then looked at him. “Is that it? ‘Cause I’ll tell you now, YG hadn’t expected me to make it. That’s how good I am.”

Junhoe’s jaw went slack, eyebrows raising as he barked a laugh. “You’re full of shit. You have no talent. Okay, so yeah. You can ‘rap’, but that’s not enough. YG definitely has plans for you, which is why you made it,”

“Okay, Junhoe. No,” Hanbin spoke up, not liking where this was going. He was slightly nervous with how calm Bao was. He hadn’t known her for that long, so he didn’t know her limit or what she’d do if she reached that limit. “Bao’s good. She’s perfect for the group, just like the rest of us.”

“She earned her spot,” Yunhyeong added. Bao internally smiled as the boys spoke up. She hadn’t expected them to.

“I admit I still struggle with Korean, and I’m definitely not the best dancer, but don’t shit on my rap skills. It sucks when groundless criticism comes from someone who isn’t in that field. You don’t see me saying crap about your singing skills, now do you?” Bao said a bit of frustration seeping into her voice. She hated dancing, but music was her passion. No one got to shit on her and her skills and expect her to stay quiet.

“That’s because I can actually sing,” Junhoe sneered.

“Well, I can actually rap,” Bao said in the same tone he used. “And when it comes to dancing. You’re absolute shit.”

“Fuck you,” Junhoe grumbled, then yelled the next part, “Just go back to Japan! I’m telling you no one wants you here!”

“Junhoe!” Bobby exclaimed.

“It’s true!” Junhoe said, throwing his hands up in the air.

Bao looked off to the side, chewing on the inside of her lip, smirking. “Oh yeah? Think I should go back?” She stood up, staring down at him. Challenging him.

Junhoe stood up and like her folded his arms over his chest, glaring. “I do think so. Learn Korean and dance then come back. Or just stay in Japan. Enjoy whatever perfect, privileged life you had back there, ” Junhoe said. His head snapped to the side, as Bao smacked him.

“Shit, Bao. What the fuck?” Hanbin said, standing up, already holding her back as she raised her hand again, seething. She really wanted to hit him again. She had been wanting to do so ever since she first met him.

“What? Are you rebelling against your parents? Are you not allowed to go home ‘cause you came here?” Junhoe asked, seeming unfazed by the hit, though his cheek was quickly reddening.

“Fuck you. You don’t know anything,” Bao hissed, shaking Hanbin’s hands off her. She should leave now before she says or does anything she’ll regret.

“Oh, yeah?” Junhoe kept going. He saw that he had hit a sore spot and decided to keep prodding. Bao made to leave for the door, but paused when he spoke again, “I’m sure you’ll still be accepted back home. Your parents will take you in with open arms.”

She didn’t really have the right to get at him for what he said. He didn’t know. Bao had made it near impossible for anyone to know.

With her back still facing the boys, she straightened herself then said, “My parents died when I was three.”  Silence enveloped the room, and Bao took that as her cue to leave.

~

Bao sat in an empty practice room, scrolling through her phone. She had been sitting in there for about two hours. No one had come looking for her, but she had received texts from both Hanbin and Bobby, asking her where she was and if she was okay. She sent them both a thumbs up.

While what Junhoe had said pissed her off, she wasn’t really sad. She had had years to deal and process her emotions on that matter. It was the fact that it was brought up that annoyed her. No one had ever brought up her parents except her grandparents (Though that was more of her fault, seeing as she barely told anyone her life story.)

She also knew that while Junhoe still didn’t accept her into the group, exhaustion was what was speaking earlier. She honestly held no grudges (She normally didn’t.)

A knock broke her chain of thought and she turned to see the doorknob turn. She hadn’t locked it. Bao sat in the corner watching as Junhoe popped his head in.

When his eyes landed on Bao, she could see the shame in his eyes. He hesitated by the door, then walked in, closing it behind him. Awkwardly standing there, Junhoe looked at Bao, but looked away quickly.

Bao sighed. There was no point in keeping this up. She had cooled down and was ready to have a civil conversion with the younger. She patted the spot next to her on the floor. “Come on.”

Junhoe looked at her nervously, but slowly sat down next to her. There was at least three feet in between them, and Bao snorted. The younger looked at her, and smiled shyly.

“Okay, so obviously we said some shit,” Bao smirked, leaning her head back on the wall, looking at Junhoe.

“That’s an understatement,” Junhoe huffed a laugh then said, “I’m sorry.”

“No worries,” Bao waved at him dismissively, “How could you have known?”

Junhoe nodded his head. “But I still crapped on your skills,” he said, looking at his hands.

“Yeah, you kinda did,” Bao said, looking at the wall in front of her. She smiled as she felt the vocalist look at her.

“Bao, I actually think you have a lot of talent. And your Korean is really good,” Junhoe said and Bao nodded (She figured that much.) “I just said what I knew could possibly hurt you.”

“Yeah, I  know. Though I don’t feel much,” Bao chuckled.

“Yeah I saw that. No emotion until that smack,” Junhoe laughed. Bao did too, turning to look at him and seeing the still red hand mark on his cheek.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I deserved it,” Junhoe said. “Listen. I actually accepted you a while ago, okay. I just- I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. I guess I just get annoyed easily and I’ve been super stressed lately, and I just took it out on you,” Junhoe said, turning to look at Bao who continued to look ahead.

“I get it,” she said, nodding. And she did. These were stressful times, and sometimes it was easier to be angry at someone else than yourself. “I get like that a lot too.”

“Yeah, but you barely show it,” Junhoe said.

“I’m trying not to scare people off. I’ve been told I do that,” Bao joked and Junhoe laughed.

“You’re not too bad,” he smiled.

“Thanks. Neither are you, but you’re still loud as fuck,” she smiled back. The two laughed then quieted down, sitting in silence, looking at the wall. Then Bao spoke up.

“Let’s promise to be civil, and try to talk things out, not pent them up? Also cool down before confronting,” Bao said chuckling.

Junhoe laughed as well, holding out his hand, “Deal.” Bao took it and shook his hand.

“Should we get back?” Bao asked.

Junhoe rested his head on the wall, eyes closing. “Let’s ‘work’ things out a bit more,” he said, sighing, relaxed.

“Sounds good to me,” Bao nodded, then did the same.

Bao’s Masterlist