#bnd ff

[nicholasluvbot]

STUCK WITH Uㅤ 𓂃 ㅤ 或 ❜ㅤ ── 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝖽𝖺 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗐𝖾'𝗋𝖾 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 ၃

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ🐋ㅤㅤ𝖽𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝖼𝖾𝗇𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗈𝗌 𓈒

𝖻𝗈𝗒𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽 ! 𝖻𝗇𝖽 ⟡ 𝖿𝖾𝗆 ! 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 ─── 1400 ✴ 𝖽𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿ㅤ w. 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗄𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀ㅤ੭୧ 𝗅𝗂𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗋𝗒

𝗂 𝖺𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗂𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗈𝗋 '𝗇𝗈 𝗀𝖾𝗇𝗋𝖾' >< !

𝖯𝖠𝖱𝖪 𝖲𝖴𝖭𝖦𝖧𝖮

the door creaks open with the low thud of footsteps, and the moment you look up, there he is—tie slightly loosened, hair tousled, broad shoulders slumped in exhaustion.

he’s got his arms around you before you can even say hi, nose tucked into your shoulder, exhaling like the weight of the world just lifted.

you rub his back gently, and he only hugs you tighter. your hand reaches up to cup the side of his face, fingers threading through his hair. 

“tough day?”

he nods into the curve of your neck. “i missed you so much,” he mumbles, voice soft and muffled as he sways you slightly. “did you miss me?”

you chuckle under your breath. “you saw me this morning.”

“yeah,” he pouts, pulling back just enough to look at you, “but that was so many hours ago.”

your heart melts at the sincerity in his voice, and you let him hold you, swaying gently with him in the quiet. the only sound is the soft crackle of the chimney behind you, casting a warm glow across the room.

even when you pull away slightly to ask if he wants dinner, he tugs you right back in, mumbling into your shirt, “not yet. just a few more minutes like this.”

and so you stay like that, his head resting on your shoulder, arms around your waist, wrapped up in the quiet thrum of home.

𝖫𝖤𝖤 𝖱𝖨𝖶𝖮𝖮

riwoo’s sprawled on the couch beside you, one arm draped around your shoulder as you snuggle into him, a blanket messily thrown over your tangled limbs and a bowl of popcorn resting on your lap.

a romcom plays on the television—the kind that’s equal parts cheesy and charming—and riwoo’s been providing commentary on every single scene, ridiculous and exaggerated, leaving you wheezing with laughter, clutching your stomach. he looks so proud of himself every time you laugh, flashing that boyish grin every time you laugh, even when you playfully shove him for his hilarious comments.

you’re laughing more than watching.

and then, the ending hits. the music softens, the screen dims, and the two lovers finally reunite after being apart.

riwoo’s about to crack another joke when—

sniffle.

he pauses, turning to look at you, and his smile fades into something softer. “wait, are you crying?” he asks, his voice low, surprised.

you nod, wiping your cheek quickly. “it just got me, okay?”

without hesitation, he scoots in closer, tugging the blanket snugly around both of you, his fingers gently reaching for yours. “hey, come here.”

no more jokes. just his arms around you, chin resting on your head, and his thumb rubbing slow, soothing circles into your palm—quiet, warm comfort wrapped in the soft glow of movie credits from the screen.

𝖬𝖸𝖴𝖭𝖦 𝖩𝖠𝖤𝖧𝖸𝖴𝖭

it’s still dim when jaehyun wakes, the room washed in blue-grey light. your limbs are tangled beneath the blanket, one hand resting over his chest, your breath brushing against his collarbone in a steady rhythm.

his lips lift in a soft smile when he looks at you. your lips are parted slightly, brows relaxed, your expression peaceful—like you’re perfectly content staying wrapped in his arms. his gaze lingers, tracing over your face, memorizing every curve softened by sleep.

he brushes your hair back, thumb gently grazing the slope of your cheek.

the minutes stretch on. he checks his phone. no emails, no messages, no noise. just the quiet beating of his heart, somehow louder in the stillness.

eventually, the boredom seeps in—not the restless kind, but the yearning kind.

so he leans in, pressing a featherlight kiss to your temple. then your cheek. then your nose.

you groan, sinking deeper into the blankets. “too early.”

jaehyun hums, slotting his leg between yours, voice barely above a whisper. “i missed you.”

you sigh, exasperated, but you let him curl fully around you. he’s warm—annoyingly so. he smells like his body wash, and home.

and when he rubs his nose against yours and mumbles, “if you really want me to stop, i will,” you let out a tired laugh.

“don’t stop,” because even if you act mad sometimes, you still love his affection so much.

𝖧𝖠𝖭 𝖳𝖠𝖤𝖲𝖠𝖭

taesan bursts through the door, soaked from head to toe, water dripping all over the entryway.

“you didn’t take an umbrella?” you ask, arms crossed, brows furrowed in disappointment.

“i forgot,” he says pitifully, hair plastered to his forehead and shirt soaked through. “it started pouring out of nowhere.”

your glare doesn’t falter—you’d reminded him to carry an umbrella, more than once. but he never listens.

he pouts a little and leans into you, like a wet kitten looking for sympathy. “comfort me. i’m wet.”

“you’re also gross,” you deadpan. “go shower before you catch a cold.”

when he reappears fifteen minutes later, his hair is damp and clean, shoulders bare, skin flushed from the hot water. he sits at the edge of the bed, and you kneel in front of him, gently toweling his hair dry.

he hums, soft and content, until you accidentally tug his ear a little too hard.

“ow.”

“sorry,” you say, trying not to smile.

he turns to pout at you, cheeks puffed like a cartoonishly. “you’re not being gentle. are you really mad at me?”

you chuckle, setting the towel aside and pulling him closer until his head rests against your stomach. he immediately wraps his arms around your waist, face pressed into your shirt.

“better?”

“mm,” he hums, already snuggling in. “much.”

𝖪𝖨𝖬 𝖫𝖤𝖤𝖧𝖠𝖭

leehan is sitting on the floor between your legs, his back warm against your ankles, and his cheek rested snugly against your knee. the living room is quiet, save for the soft hum of whatever show is playing on the television.

your fingers move through his hair slowly—carding out the little tangles, smoothing each strand with care. leehan hums under his breath as you part it carefully, smoothing it down before starting a braid.

your hands move in gentle patterns—over, under, over—and he tilts his head slightly to give you more space. he leans into your touch, shoulders relaxed, breathing slow and steady.

“is this okay? too tight?” you ask, pausing to lightly scratch his scalp

“no,” he murmurs, eyes closed. “feels nice.”

you finish the braid—neat and simple—but your fingers keep moving, combing through the rest of his hair with soothing, lazy motions.

he shifts slightly, turning his head to look up at you with that soft, half-lidded gaze that makes your chest ache a little. “let’s do nothing all day,” he says, voice thick with comfort.

you chuckle, brushing a thumb against his cheekbone. “that’s what we’re doing right now.”

he nods, satisfied. and you both stay just like that for hours, long after the braid is done—quiet tv, soft touches, and hearts full.

𝖪𝖨𝖬 𝖶𝖮𝖮𝖭𝖧𝖠𝖪

you wake up to the softest poke against your shoulder and woonhak’s voice in your ear. “hey. wake up, please?”

you groan, blearily blinking at the clock. “it’s 1:30 in the morning. what do you need?”

he grins. “i’m craving ramen. come with me?”

you grumble but get up anyway, feet padding after him into the kitchen.

you sit on the counter, half-asleep and smiling as he throws absurd ingredients into the pot just for the sake of experimenting.

“strawberries are not for garnish,” you mumble, amused, watching him cut strawberries into tiny pieces.

“i just wanted some colour,” he laughs.

he keeps looking over his shoulder at you. you’re smiling in a sleepy, squint way: the one that he’s grown to adore so much. he cracks another egg into the pot, absolutely no reason other than wanting to hear you laugh again.

you don’t trust the ramen he’s cooking at all, but he’s glowing—loose tee, messy hair, eyes sparkling—and you let him play chef.

once the lid is on and the noodles are simmering, he sets the chopsticks down, steps between your legs, and leans in to kiss you. slow. warm. just because he can.

you kiss back, fingers curling into his hair—until your nose twitches.

“woonhak,” you murmur against his lips, “the ramen.”

he yelps, rushing back to the pot, cheeks flushed pink, clearly embarrassed for getting distracted so easily.

when it’s finally done, you eat straight from the pot (because who’s bothering with dishes at 2 am?). and somehow, it turns out edible delicious, even.

you sit side by side on the floor, knees bumping, chopsticks clinking, trying not to laugh too loudly.

you’ll probably regret this when you’re both running late in the morning—but that’s a worry for tomorrow.

ㅤnetworks ◞ @kstrucknet @k-films @sgz-net

[miumura]

SHE GETS HER WAY ｡ ｡ ｡ 보이넥스트도어 🪽 ✦

( 𝓢 ) ﹕ gf privilege with boynextdoor

──── 0t6!boynextdoor x f ! r ╱ ⌕ est. relationship, fluff ∿ w. none, they are just cuties wc. 0.7K+ ( 757 ) ｡ ｡ first post of 2025 😚 !! ( many more bnd works to come! ) happy new years everyone !! i am so thankful for everyone && i hope that 2025 treats you well and also becomes your year 🤍 !!

❛❛ 💬 ❞ 𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗛 > 𓂃 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 ⋮ 🪽

MYUNG JAEHYUN freely allowing you to bother him

no matter what kind of tricks you could pull, he never seems to get even a little bit annoyed. in fact, it's almost as if he adores you even more because of your antics. sometimes, it leaves you wondering if anything could tick him off at all. in reality, he might just play hard to get purposefully just to watch you persistently ask for something he would do for you without a second thought—no matter what it was. he just finds it rather cute when you're so determined to make him do something that you want. you wouldn’t even notice it’s an act until you see his wide grin as he finally “gives” in. so really, there's no need to beg for anything—you’re his weak spot, and he doesn't even try to hide it.

PARK SUNGHO dragging him into doing silly trends

regardless how silly he may think the tiktok you just showed him is, there’s such a low chance for him to say no. almost all of the time, you’d catch him saying yes. to his defense, how could he say no to someone like you? he loves seeing that spark of excitement in your eyes and can’t help but smile as you eagerly set up for the video you’re about to record. sungho, without a doubt, would just look at you with so much love as you tie that pink ribbon around him, adoring and cheesing over you internally.

LEE SANGHYEOK random physical touch

he doesn’t dislike physical touch, however, he will get all tensed up if someone were to randomly give it to him without warning. but with you? that’s a complete different story—poke at him, wrap your arms around him, or even smother him with affection, and he'd let it happen without a single complaint. if you wanted it, he’d simply give it to you. regardless, it’s a win-win situation for him—you’d get all the physical touch you want and he gets pampered with your sweet kisses and hugs. let’s say, there was always a motive all along—one that leaves him content with getting to keep you as close as possible.

HAN DONGMIN taking his belongings without asking

the first time he saw you wearing one of his hoodies, he could’ve sworn he fell even harder for you. sure, he’s the type who usually prefers when people ask before borrowing his things, but seeing you in it? that was a whole different story. it brought an instant smile to his face, one he couldn’t hide even if he tried. from that moment on, he’s never refused you��or asked for anything back. need to borrow his phone for a bit? go ahead. want to wear that accessory he cherishes so much? it’s yours. he’s just that down bad for you. honestly, it doesn’t matter how long it’s out of his sight because as long as it’s with you, he’s at ease. he trusts you completely—and maybe, just maybe, he secretly loves the reminder that he’s yours.

KIM DONGHYUN you have all of his attention

safe to say, you have the leehan completely swooned. you could be distracting him from his game or youtube video, but the moment you call his name, it's like everything fades into the background. it’s almost as if, within a split of a second, he’d be right there for you. even when you don’t call for him, he’ll pause whatever he’s doing just to check up on you. whether it’s a quick text or simply staying close within your reach, it’s more than enough to keep him content. his eyes soften the moment they land on you, almost as if he can’t help but admire the person who means the most to him. and honestly? he wouldn’t want it any other way.

KIM WOONHAK decorating his belongings

at first, he might refuse and say a few half-hearted complaints as you pulled out your sticker sheets. but the moment you stuck those tiny heart stickers on his phone case, it was game over. his heart started racing faster than he’d like to admit, and suddenly, those so-called “childish” designs didn’t seem so bad. ever since then, he’s been extra cautious with anything you’ve decorated, treating them with such care as if his life depended on it. he’s practically paranoid about getting even the tiniest scratch on them. in fact, he takes every chance he gets to proudly show them off—whether it’s his phone, notebook, or water bottle—and purposely leaves his things out in the open, secretly hoping you’ll add more. it doesn’t matter if the stickers are cute, silly, or completely random. what matters is that you’re the one who decorated them, and to him, that makes them absolutely perfect.

‘💬’ ─── new year new layout ( ? ) do we like this way of writing for hcs ??

BND PERM TAGLIST ( OPEN ) ! — @juyeoz @j4d

[eunandonly]

BOYNEXTDOOR AS DIFFERENT ROMANCE TROPES

the different genres of romance between you and boynextdoor

( 対 ) boynextdoor x fem. reader 1247WC · so many different genres contains! skinship, mild swearing, cringe shit, terrible trope names / archive

은: i'm finally back after 589393 lightyears with a new boynextdoor fic ^^ i hope you guys enjoy!! since i'm here, i would like to remind you guys to not believe everything you see on the internet and that quick assumptions and accusations will cause regret in the future. let's always be kind instead of spreading hate ♡

myung jaehyun : playboy

cherry lollipops, smudged lipstick on his collar, lazy smirks, fingers tracing circles on your wrist

jaehyun is used to attention- he's practically bathing in it every single day. girls clamour for his gaze, hanging onto every teasing smirk, every lazy remark that drips with effortless charm. he plays his part well; never giving too much attention, always keeping them wanting more. one week he has a cute cheerleader clinging onto his arm and the next he has the school president walking by his side.

but with you, the game doesn't work.

you roll your eyes at every flirty thing he says, scoff at his cocky smirks, and call him out on his lazy drawl. it should annoy him, but it doesn't. and when he realises he doesn't want to play the game anymore, it hits him hard in the stomach.

the chase isn't about winning. really, it's about you.

one night, he leans in with his familiar grin, expecting you to push him away as usual. but you don't. instead, you meet his eyes, unbothered, and say, "if you're just playing, don't bother."

for the first time, jaehyun's speechless. he knows the truth, he knows that he doesn't want to play anymore, not with you.

park sungho : bodyguard romance

tension filled silence in the car, pulling you behind him without a thought, "stop doing stupid shit"

park sungho doesn't do stupid shit like romance. he's not paid to participate in whatever cliché, sappy things you see on the tv. he's paid to protect, to stay by your side no matter what and make sure you don't wind up stalked, injured or dead.

but you make the job so very difficult. always refusing to listen, constantly putting him into situations that make him heart race for all the wrong reasons.

park sungho doesn't do romance.

"stop doing stupid stuff," sungho mutters for the hundredth time, grabbing your wrist to pull you back from the crowd. you huff, yanking free, but you don't move away. the closeness between you two is suffocating, but neither of you step back.

sungho knows he shouldn't let his guard down, shouldn't let himself feeling anything beyond duty.

it's just a job.

so why is it starting to sound like he's gaslighting himself?

lee sanghyuk : unspoken love

lingering glances in crowded rooms, love letters never sent, late night walks, almost confessions

there are words left unsaid between you an riwoo, filling every silence, every stolen glance. you've been friends forever- so close yet so incredibly far. he memorises how you tuck your hair behind your ear when you're nervous, the way your voice gets softer when you're tired. but he never says anything, never lets those feelings spill past the walls. but still, he wonders if you notice the way his gaze lingers a second too long to be normal, the way his breath catches when you laugh.

maybe you do, maybe you don't.

the words are always at the tip of riwoo's tongue, threatening to spill out, but he manages to swallow them and keep quiet. even now, sitting next to you on the sofa of the dimly lit living room as you watch a movie. riwoo isn't focused on whatever that's playing on the screen. he's focused on you.

riwoo compensates lost words with silent care. his hands finds yours in busy streets, opens the doors for you, remembers your favourite snacks and buys them for you even when you don't ask.

riwoo likes to think that you're just waiting for him to speak first.

he will. one day.

han dongmin : academic rivals to lovers

scribbled insults on margins of papers, stolen glances over textbooks, clicking pens in silence, “admit it, you like me” whispered against your ear

taesan really, really, really wishes that you would just disappear.

he's always been the best- top of every leaderboard, fastest on track, the one teachers nod approvingly at when the test scores go up. he thrives on competition because, until now, he's never really had any.

then you show up.

scholarship kid, plucked straight out of your public school and into private after your all-hundreds on this year's exams. suddenly, taesan's name isn't the only one at the top of rankings. suddenly, there's someone who walks into class with the same cocky, unshakable confidence, someone who meets his gaze with a smug smirk when grades are posted. you sit in his usual spot in the library, take his record in the physics competition.

taesan hates you. really, he does.

but he hates even more that when you lean over his desk to throw a snarky remark at him, his heart races. he hates that he noticed the way your eyes light up when you solve a question before him, or the way his brain short circuits when your shoulder brushes against his in the crowded corridors. he hates how he can't deny how pretty you are.

taesan really, really hates that he might not really hate you at all.

kim donghyun : soulmates

the scent of home every time you’re near, deja vu, nostalgia, a warmth in his chest he can’t explain, blurry memories

leehan doesn't believe in fate. why would he? he believes in reality, in the tangible, in the things he can see and touch. love is just a series of chemical reactions, and the idea of soulmates- of invisible red strings tying two people together- has always seemed like something out of a children's storybook.

but then there's you. you, who appeared in his life out of nowhere. when and where and how, leehan can't really place. it feels like you've been around forever and for no time at all at the same time. you, who seem to understand him without words, who always knows when something's wrong before he even says it. leehan catches himself staring at the way your fingers brush against his when you two walk side by side, at the way your laughter sounds like a memory he can't quite place.

"it feels like we've met before," you say once, absentmindedly.

leehan freezes. because he's felt that too, that strange pull in his chest, the whisper of something inevitable. and suddenly, fate doesn't seem so impossible anymore.

"yeah, maybe we have."

kim woonhak : love at first sight

stammered compliments, heart racing, pink cheeks, “can i—uh—i mean, do you wanna—never mind.”

it's over for woonhak from the first time he sees you. from the second he lays his eyes on you, his brain short circuits, he talks faster than he can think, and he's grinning like an idiot without even realising.

he's hopelessly, embarrassingly obvious about his big, fat crush on you.

everyone sees it. you see it, which is new, since you're pretty oblivious about stuff like this. the way woonhak stumbles over his words when you're around, the way his ears turn red when you tease him.

you think woonhak's cute. woonhak thinks he's done for.

"you're staring again," you point out one day, laughing. woonhak panics, eyes darting everywhere but you.

“wha-what? no, no, i was just, uh, thinking! yeah, thinking,” 

you raise and eyebrow at him, and woonhak buries his face in his hands with a groan, face pink. he’s messed up. again.

“you’re so obvious,” you say, shaking your head at him. 

woonhak just grins, ears burning. yeah, he is obvious. hopelessly, shamelessly so. 

[hancorys]

5:06 — dance with me

genre: fLUFF, established relationship, leehan best boy !! pairing: bf!leehan x afab!reader wc: 793 warning: tooth rotting fluff, jk. none, js two love birds listen: dance with me — beabadoobee

the morning light barely filters through the curtains, but leehan is already awake. the soft rustle of his movements stirs the quiet of the room, but he’s careful not to wake you. you don’t notice the faint hum of the kettle boiling in the kitchen or the clink of a spoon against ceramic as he prepares your coffee. just the way you like it—no sugar, just enough milk to make it creamy. he’s memorized it, down to the precise shade of beige it turns when it’s perfect.

by the time the clock strikes six, he’s at your bedside, his voice soft and warm as he sings your name into the morning. “time to wake up, love,” he whispers, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. his voice, his presence—it’s the kind of comfort that makes waking up bearable, even on the hardest days.

you sit up groggily, and there he is, coffee in hand, a smile on his face that makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

leehan has a way of making the world feel less heavy.

—

on days when college assignments pile up, leaving you drained and irritable, he’s there. he doesn’t say much; he doesn’t need to. instead, he sits beside you, pulling your legs onto his lap, his hands warm and steady as they massage the tension from your calves. his touch is gentle, almost reverent, as if he’s telling you with his hands what words cannot fully convey: i’m here. i love you.

he watches you with quiet admiration, the kind that makes your heart swell, and when your head droops onto his shoulder from exhaustion, he presses a kiss to your temple. “take a break,” he murmurs, his voice a soothing balm to your frayed nerves.

leehan knows you like no one else does.

he’s the kind of person who notices the little things—like how you always forget to bring a towel to the gym or how you need tissues when you get too sweaty on hot days. so, he carries an extra towel in his bag and a pack of tissues in his pocket, just for you. he doesn’t make a big deal out of it; he simply hands them to you when you need them, his eyes crinkling in that way they do when he smiles.

“see? i’ve got you covered,” he says, and you can’t help but laugh, grateful beyond words for his thoughtfulness.

—

sundays with leehan are your favorite.

the two of you fall into an easy rhythm—he takes care of the laundry while you hunch over your desk, finishing assignments. he hums softly to himself as he folds the clothes, glancing at you every so often to make sure you’re not overworking yourself.

when evening falls, you switch roles. he lays on the couch, his head resting in your lap, as your hands knead the tension from his shoulders. “you work too hard,” you tease, earning a chuckle from him.

“and you don’t?” he counters, looking up at you with those warm, brown eyes that make your heart skip a beat.

later, you curl up together, watching your favorite tv show, his arm draped over your shoulders. it’s simple, but it’s everything.

leehan has a knack for turning ordinary moments into magic.

like the time you decided to try a new recipe from a cookbook he’d bought for you on a whim. the kitchen was a disaster—flour dusted the counters, sauce splattered onto the stove, and yet, neither of you cared.

“dance with me,” he said suddenly, grabbing your hand as your favorite song played softly in the background.

you laughed, your cheeks warm, but you didn’t resist. he spun you around the kitchen, his hands steady on your waist as he guided you. the two of you moved clumsily, tripping over each other’s feet and laughing until your sides hurt.

in that moment, the mess didn’t matter. what mattered was the way he looked at you, like you were the only thing in the world that made sense.

—

at night, when the world quiets down, leehan’s love shines the brightest.

you fall asleep in his arms, your breathing even and peaceful. he watches you for a moment, brushing his lips against your forehead.

“i love you,” he whispers, his voice barely audible, as if the words are meant only for you and the night.

he kisses your temple, then your cheek, before finally settling in beside you. his arms tighten around you, pulling you closer, and even in your sleep, you lean into him, as if you know he’s there.

leehan smiles, content, as the two of you drift into the kind of peace that only comes from knowing you’re truly, deeply loved.

© hancorys, 2025.

[2i1han]

— request time

𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝗉𝗉𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖻𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎

pairing : tourguide!leehan x fem!reader ⭑ wc 5.9k

genre : oneshot fluff , romance

synopsis: you've liked leehan since seventh grade, but over time, you drifted apart. now, you reunite while working at the same aquarium. and, as you spend more time together, you realize your connection never truly faded.

(thank you to the anon who requested this! it was really fun and cute to write, though the word count ended up longer than i expected. also, this is the peak fish leehan ff i've ever written. it's also giving a slowly then all at once alternate universe, except leehan isn't a brooding loser here LMAO.)

ever since seventh grade, you've never quite gotten over your first crush—the quiet biology nerd who always sat alone by the pond, watching the fish swim as if it were his own personal netflix. his chocolate eyes would follow their every movement, his fingers occasionally adjusting the hem of his uniform reflexively, completely immersed in a world of shiney scales and rippling water. you used to steal glances from afar, wondering what thoughts swam through his head as he watched them. even now, years later, as a college student, that same fluttery feeling overtakes you whenever you think of kim leehan.

growing up in a small town meant living in a loop—same streets, same people, same predictable routines. it wasn't separation from him that you feared—it was how close you always were. ever since that first conversation in middle school, when leehan had filled the silence with enthusiastic talk about fish anatomy and marine ecosystems, you'd been left staring, struggling to keep up. his voice had been calm but full of life, his hands gesturing in small movements as he explained something about gill respiration. meanwhile, all you could do was nod along, mouth slightly open, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

after that, you never dared to strike up another deep conversation with him. not because you didn't like his nerdy ramblings, if anything, you found them endearing, but because you were afraid. afraid you wouldn't be able to keep up, that your lack of knowledge would make him lose interest in talking to you.

so, instead of giving up, you did something ridiculous. you spent years secretly studying marine biology, at first just to understand him better, but somewhere along the way, it stopped being about leehan and started becoming something you genuinely loved. the books stacked on your bedside table, the late nights spent watching documentaries about ocean ecosystems, the hours scrolling through marine biology forums—it all became second nature.

but none of that mattered now because you had bigger problems.

"we'll just call you if we decide to hire you," the restaurant owner said, offering you a polite but clearly dismissive smile.

you forced a tight-lipped smile in return, bowing slightly before stepping out of the small diner. the second the door swung shut behind you, you let out a groan, rubbing your temples in frustration.

this was your fifth stop today. the heat of the afternoon sun pressed down on you, sweat sticking to the nape of your neck as you trudged down the sidewalk, your steps were heavy. your stomach rumbled from hunger, but you ignored it, too exhausted to even think about food.

as you walked, slouching under the weight of your disappointment, a voice called out.

"still nothing?"

liz, your ever-reliable best friend, caught up to you effortlessly, her sneakers scuffing against the pavement as she matched your pace. she held a cold drink in her hands, condensation dripping onto her fingers.

"yeah, this sucks so bad," you muttered, rolling your eyes, blowing a strand of hair out of your face.

then, casually, as if she wasn't about to change the course of your entire life, liz dropped the biggest, most life-altering suggestion of your existence.

"maybe you can apply for a job at the aquarium where leehan works."

you stopped in your tracks so abruptly that liz took two more steps before realizing.

your gasped, eyes widening as if she'd just handed you a winning lottery ticket. "wait, what?"

liz turned to face you, unfazed. "leehan. he's been working at the new aquarium since last month, you didn't know?"

no, you didn't. how could you not have known? your heart pounded against your ribs, giddy surging through you like a wave. this was perfect. like a missing puzzle piece snapping into place. you had spent years pouring yourself into marine biology, and now, not only did you have a chance at working with what you loved—you had a chance at being close to leehan again.

"i- i haven't heard from him in so long," you admitted, gripping liz's arm, as if to steady yourself in reality.

"well, now you do," she said with a grin. "and now you have a shot."

a slow smile spread across your face. "thank you, liz. i'm going first thing tomorrow!"

and, true to your word, you did exactly that.

at the first hint of sunrise, you bolted out of bed, running errands for your grandmother at record speed, wiping down countertops before she could even ask, running to the market, sweeping the floor with urgency that dust swirled in the air like a mini storm. you weren't about to let anything get in your way today.

then came the most important part—choosing the perfect outfit. you had spent an embarrassing amount of time standing in front of the mirror, eventually settling on your all-time-favorite blue denim jumper, paired with a white off-shoulder long-sleeve top. your well-worn bambi sneakers completed the look, the same ones you had owned since you were fifteen. not that it mattered much. you never grew taller anyway, still barely reaching leehan's shoulder.

by the time you arrived at the aquarium, the town was lit up in soft morning light. the air smelled crisp, tinged with the faint scent of saltwater from the nearby shore.

you took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of your bag and tightening your ponytail before pushing your square glasses up the bridge of your nose.

the building's glass entrance reflected your slightly disheveled reflection, the nervous excitement evident in your posture.

you followed the receptionist down a hallway lined with vibrant posters of marine life, framed images of colorful reefs, deep-sea creatures, and conservation efforts decorated the walls, making you feel both excited and slightly nervous.

the hiring manager, a middle-aged man with kind eyes and graying hair, sat behind a sturdy desk in a modest office. behind him, a large observation window revealed a floor-to-ceiling tank.

"so," he began, flipping through your résumé, "you're interested in the tour guide position?"

"yes," you replied, straightening in your seat. "i've been studying marine biology for years as a personal passion. i love sharing information about marine life, and i think guiding people through the aquarium would be a perfect way to combine that."

he nodded thoughtfully. "we need people who are both knowledgeable and engaging. guests, especially kids—should feel excited when they learn about the ocean. are you comfortable speaking in front of groups?"

you hesitated for half a second before nodding. "i think so! i get a little nervous, but when it’s about something i love, i can talk for hours."

that made the manager chuckle. he leaned back in his chair, giving you an assessing look before finally nodding. "alright. we'll start you on a trial period. you'll shadow one of our senior guides this week, and if all goes well, we'll make it official."

it took a moment for his words to sink in. your hands tightened around the strap of your bag as excitement flooded your chest.

"really?" you asked, eyes wide.

"really," he confirmed with an easy smile. "welcome aboard."

you thanked him repeatedly, barely containing your enthusiasm as you shook his hand. after running through a few more details, he dismissed you, and you stepped back into the main aquarium hall.

you wandered through the exhibits, the aquarium was even more breathtaking than you had realized—massive glass tanks stretched across the walls, casting a dreamy blue glow. families huddled around displays, children pointing excitedly at the creatures swimming inside. a pair of stingrays drifted lazily near the glass.

you paused near a large touch tank, watching a group of kids giggle as they carefully dipped their fingers into the water to touch a passing starfish.

and then— "you look a little lost."

the voice was familiar, enough to send a sudden jolt through your chest.

you turned quickly, and there was leehan who stood a few steps away, his dark blue staff polo neatly tucked in, his id badge clipped to his collar. a clipboard rested in his hands, though his attention was fully on you. his brown hair was slightly tousled, probably from running his fingers through it too many times—a habit he never seemed to grow out of.

"leehan," you blurted, staring at him as if he were a mirage.

he blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "didn't expect to see you here."

you shook your head with a breathy laugh. "yeah, i—uh, i just got hired."

leehan's eyebrows lifted slightly. "here?"

"yep," you said, still a little dazed. "as a tour guide."

he tilted his head, processing that. "you? giving aquarium tours?"

you pursed your lips. "wow, okay, thanks for the vote of confidence."

leehan grinned, amused. "no, i mean, i just didn't know you were into marine life."

you hesitated before rubbing the back of your neck. "i wasn't… at first. but then i got really into it over the years."

"huh." he studied you for a beat, then chuckled softly. "i always thought i talked too much about fish back in school. didn't think anyone actually listened."

your cheeks warmed. "well… i guess someone did."

leehan smiled, a genuine one this time, his posture relaxing. "then i guess you'll be stuck seeing a lot of me. we're probably gonna work together pretty often."

your heart fluttered. "yeah," you said, grinning. "i guess so."

leehan tilted his head toward the tanks. "want me to show you around? might as well start getting familiar with the place."

you nodded, unable to hide your excitement. "i'd love that."

the rest of the day passed in a motion of laughter, glimmering water, and the sound of leehan's voice weaving through the air. he led you through every corner of the place, pointing at different species of fish with consistent enthusiasm. even though you had spent years studying marine life, he still managed to surprise you with little details and fun facts that you had never come across before.

"see that one?" leehan gestured toward a tank where a tiny, almost translucent fish wiggled between coral. "that's a glass catfish. their bodies are so clear you can see their organs."

you leaned closer, watching in awe. "that's insane… how have i never read about this before?"

leehan chuckled, the corner of his lips quirking up. "guess i still have a few tricks up my sleeve."

and honestly, that just made you admire him more. he was smart, kind, and effortlessly passionate about what he loved—something that had never changed since middle school.

at some point, while strolling past the jellyfish exhibit, leehan casually mentioned, "oh, by the way, i'll be your co-worker since... we're the only tour guides around."

your steps faltered. "wait—seriously?"

he turned to you with an amused expression. "yeah, didn't i say that?"

no, he absolutely did not. but if your heart could physically do somersaults, it would have done a whole routine.

you barely managed to keep your excitement in check, nodding in what you hoped was a casual manner. "that's… cool. we'll be working together a lot, then."

leehan hummed in agreement, hands tucked into his pockets. "guess so."

the thought of seeing him almost every day, working side by side, was enough to make your entire week.

after the long tour, when your feet were starting to ache and the aquarium lights dimmed slightly for the evening, leehan suddenly suggested, "hey, want a snack? there's a hotdog stall outside."

you didn't even hesitate. "absolutely."

so there you were, sitting side by side on a wooden bench facing the seaside, the distant sound of waves filled the street. the scent of grilled food mixed with the salty ocean breeze as the sky painted itself in hues of orange and pink.

leehan took a bite of his corndog before glancing at you with a small smile. "it's actually nice to see you again, y/n."

you turned to him, heart fluttering slightly.

"you're the only one who approached me in seventh grade," he continued, voice softer now, almost thoughtful. "you actually listened to my weird fish agendas. never called me an oddball for it."

your fingers tightened slightly around the napkin in your hand as warmth bloomed in your chest. god, if your heart could physically leap out of your chest, it would have already.

you ducked your head slightly, cheeks heating up. "me too," you admitted with a wide smile. "and, well… i think fishes are nice."

leehan let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head in amusement.

"yeah," he said, nudging your shoulder lightly. "they really are."

after that day, you had to part ways with leehan earlier than you wanted, as he had to return to his post. if this had been any other situation, you would have sulked in your room, reminiscing about every interaction, but tomorrow held the assurance of the start of your job. luckily, it arrived sooner than expected.

the first days of your internship went smoother and far beyond your expectations, if you're going to be honest. the first few minutes of your shifts were always easy—walking around the exhibits, chatting casually with leehan before the guests started approaching. at first, you felt a little awkward, your words occasionally stumbling as you tried to recall all the information you'd studied.

"that's an anemone," you told a curious child, crouching beside the tank. "it may look like a plant, but it's actually a marine animal!"

the kid gasped, eyes widening as he pressed his face closer to the glass. "like in finding nemo?"

"exactly!" you chuckled, watching as he turned excitedly to his mom to repeat the new fact.

moments like these made your job fulfilling. it also helped that leehan was always nearby whenever you hesitated on identifying a particular species.

"that's a flashlight fish," he murmured one time when he noticed you squinting at a glowing fish behind the glass. "it uses bioluminescent bacteria to light up and communicate with others in the dark."

you blinked up at him, impressed. "that's so cool… i mean, i knew that, of course," you joked, nudging his arm lightly.

he only smirked in response.

the way he effortlessly spoke about the sea creatures, made you admire him even more. your heart had been set on marine biology because of him, and now here you were, sharing this space, learning from him, existing in his world.

and he didn’t seem to mind your presence at all.

for the next few weeks, a routine settled between you two. you love your job, the people were kind, and every day ended the same— walking to the convenience store across the pedestrian lane, where leehan would insist on buying you your favorite kimbap and milk.

"you don't have to pay for me every time," you huffed, nudging his arm as he handed you the food.

"just let me," he grinned, brushing off your protest like it was nothing. "i promise tomorrow you're on your own."

but, of course, tomorrow always came with him pulling out his wallet again.

leehan was easy to be around, much easier than you had expected. he was warm, soft-spoken yet surprisingly funny, always throwing in quiet remarks that made you laugh when you least expected it.

"you know, if you stare at the seahorses any longer, they might start staring back," he teased one afternoon as he caught you zoning out in front of one of the tanks.

you turned to him, flustered. "i wasn't!"

"you totally were," he laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

the only problem? his face—his distractingly, unfairly handsome face. you would try to focus on what he was saying, nodding along as he spoke about coral bleaching or deep-sea fish, but half the time, your brain just screamed, wow, he's really pretty. blah blah blah, proper name, place name, backstory stuff

and the worst part? it wasn't just his looks anymore. the more you got to know him, the deeper you found yourself sinking. he wasn't just the quiet, nerdy boy you had admired from afar—he was kind, attentive, and effortlessly charming in his own way.

but did he see you the same way?

that thought haunted you late at night, as you lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying every interaction. maybe you were overthinking. maybe he was just being friendly. after all, you were the only one who had ever shown genuine interest in his passion. maybe he was just grateful for that.

you sighed, frustration bubbling up. why can't my crush like me back? but then, you reminded yourself that this was already more than you could have asked for.

you had become his friend. his co-worker. you got to spend time with him in a way you had only dreamed of back then. and for now, that was enough.

the day off had finally arrived, and by all means, you were supposed to be curled up in your room, wrapped in the comfort of your onesie with a book in hand. instead, here you were, standing by the shore near the aquarium, the salty breeze tousling the loose strands of your hair. the morning sunlight bathed the scene before you—the gentle waves rolling onto the sand, the distant chatter of families and tourists, and the seagulls gliding lazily above.

you wore a light blue gingham dress, the soft fabric swaying slightly in the wind, and over your shoulders, a white knitted cardigan kept the chill at bay. your hair was tied up into a neat bun, though a few strands had slipped free, framing your face. you leaned against the metal railing that separated the shore from the cement platform where various food stalls and the aquarium stood in the middle of it all.

it still felt surreal that leehan had asked you to hang out today. the moment you saw his message hours ago, you had flung your phone onto your bed, pacing the room in a frenzy before bouncing off the walls in excitement. you could've gone with your usual default look—your trusty blue jumper, striped shirt, sneakers, and a messy ponytail, but something about today felt different, special. so, instead, you took the extra time to put yourself together, wanting to look at least somewhat presentable next to him.

would it be silly to think that dressing up for a casual hangout with your crush was totally justifiable? probably. but would it stop you? absolutely not.

you were so lost in your thoughts, replaying the past few hours in your head, that you barely noticed when someone stepped beside you, leaning against the railing quietly.

"enjoying the seagulls?"

your heart nearly leaped out of your chest. snapping out of your daze, you turned your head, and immediately wished you hadn't.

leehan stood beside you, dressed in a black shirt, with beige cardigan that complimented his fair skin, paired with jeans. his usual oversized hoodie and sweatpants were nowhere in sight. instead, his, brown hair was neatly tucked behind his ear, with a few loose strands falling perfectly around his face. and to top it all off, he wasn't wearing his glasses today, revealing his soft, expressive eyes that you suddenly found impossible to look away from.

you felt yourself freeze, blinking once, twice, just to make sure this wasn't some sort of hallucination. dressed up leehan was a rare sight. a painfully attractive one, at that.

he raised a brow at your delayed reaction, a small smile tugging at his lips. "you okay?"

crap, say something. anything.

"uh- yeah," you blurted out, feeling your face heat up. you quickly turned back toward the ocean, willing yourself to focus on the waves instead of the ridiculously handsome boy standing beside you. "weather's pretty clear today."

leehan smirked, "yeah, it is."

the silence that followed wasn't awkward, but rather comfortable—just the two of you standing there, the wind carrying the distant sound of chatters and crashing waves. you stole a quick glance at him, only to find that he was already looking at you.

"let's walk?" leehan straightened up, pushing himself off the railing and turning to face you.

you nodded, smiling. "alright, let's go."

as the two of you strolled side by side, you instinctively took your place on his left. but before you could settle into your place, leehan gently tapped a hand on your shoulder, guiding you to switch places.

"bikes and people running past—might hit you," he explained, flashing a small smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

you pursed your lips, trying to contain the grin trying to spread across your face. "oh- yeah, right," you stammered.

as you walked, you could feel his gaze on you. you caught glimpses of it from your peripheral vision, but you didn't dare look. if you did, he would see the shade of tomato blooming on your cheeks.

then, in that soft, teasing tone of his, he spoke. "you look different today, hm."

your brows furrowed as you turned to him. "different? me?" you pointed at yourself, playing dumb.

leehan nodded, keeping his gaze forward. "mhm, pretty different." he paused, eyes drifting off as if suddenly fascinated by the stalls lining the street smirk, "like, pretty."

then, he broke into a giggle. you let out an embarrassed laugh, nudging his arm. "why are you laughing? you probably didn't even mean that."

leehan's giggles faded into a small smile, one that felt sincere. "i mean it," he said, glancing at you again. "you look nice."

your smile faltered for a split second—not out of disappointment, but because internally, you were already soaring a thousand miles above the ground, but on the outside, you tried to play it cool.

"thank you...?" you scratched your cheek, voice coming out higher than you intended. "i mean—you look great today too." you chuckled, quickly averting your eyes, "no glasses suit you."

leehan hummed, touching his temple. "really? i'm wearing contacts right now."

you tilted your head slightly. "mhm, well..." you hesitated before finally turning to look at him directly. his eyes met yours, and for a moment, you simply observed. but apparently, your gaze held more power than you thought, because leehan visibly tensed, his ears turning bright red.

you smiled. "you look nice without glasses, but with glasses... you're leehan."

he blinked, processing your words before narrowing his eyes. "i'm what?" he asked.

you shifted on your feet, feeling like you'd just set yourself up for embarrassment. "you're you when you wear glasses... and, well, we're also matching."

the second the words left your mouth, you wanted to disappear. 'matching?? am i deadass?'

leehan didn't say anything at first. just a slow nod. then, after a moment of silence, he suddenly pointed at a food stall. "let's eat there. my treat."

you opened your mouth to object, but before you could get a word out, he swiftly shushed you. "shh, no buts."

with that, he turned on his heel and stepled toward the stall, leaving you standing there, still recovering from the rollercoaster of emotions he'd just put you through.

but then, just as he walked ahead, he casually threw over his shoulder, "also... i'd wear those glasses every day from now on."

he didn't even look back, but you could hear the grin in his voice. you bit your lip, shaking your head with a smile as you caught up to him.

the entire day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. was a wrap. usually, spending this long outside with liz would leave you drained. you could already picture yourself slumped on a bench, legs aching, hair a mess, and sighing dramatically about the cruelty of existence. but with leehan? it was different. not a single muscle in your foot felt strained, your throat wasn't dry from talking too much, and even your hair, somehow—remained perfectly in place. if anything, every hour with him felt like a breath of fresh air, rejuvenating instead of exhausting.

and then there were the stolen glances. the ones that made your stomach flip and your heart flutter. every time you caught him looking, his ears would turn a bright, almost comical shade of red, and he'd break into giggles like he had just been caught doing something illegal. which, honestly? in the court of your heart, that was a crime. because what was he doing looking at you like that? did he like you? did you have something on your face? or god forbid, did you look ugly?

now, the two of you stood in front of one of the large aquarium tanks, deciding to walk around before it closes. the dim blue light reflecting off your faces as you both gazed at the marine life gliding through the water. schools of silver fish shimmered as they rippled around, and a stingray floated lazily. you and leehan stood close, but still in your own little bubbles, existing side by side.

out of nowhere, leehan let out a soft chuckle, brushing the back of his hand over his mouth as if trying to stifle it.

you turned to him with a puzzled smile. "what?"

he shook his head, hands slipping behind his back, eyes flickering between you and the tank. "i just remembered something," he said, grinning. "back in seventh grade, i was staring at a koi pond, and it's still one of my best memories."

your eyebrows furrowed. "what, just… looking at a pond?"

"not just any pond," he said. "the one where you suddenly sat beside me."

your face scrunched up in confusion as he continued.

"you were wearing a jumper and a blue shirt. your hair was in these…" he gestured vaguely to his own head. "uneven pigtails."

you gasped in mock offense. "they were not uneven!"

"oh, i still remember, they definitely were," he teased before chuckling. "i thought you were, like, some nerd who also like fishes like me, so i just started blabbering about different koi breeds."

leehan paused, biting back another laugh. "but then i turned to you, and you were just..." he suddenly mimicked your exact expression from back then—mouth slightly agape, wide-eyed, and staring so intently at him that it could've burned a hole through his forehead.

you gasped. "i did not look like that!"

"oh, you so did," he said, doubling over laughing as you lightly shoved his shoulder.

"fine, i admit i had no clue what you were talking about back then," you admitted, crossing your arms. "but it's also the exact moment i got interested in fishes, so there."

the second the words left your mouth, your mind froze. you had just exposed yourself.

his laughter faded into a softer smile. "wait… really?"

you nodded, shifting on your feet. "yeah- i mean... at first, i was just trying to understand what you were saying so i wouldn't look dumb, but then… i actually got into it."

leehan's lips parted slightly, as if something was dawning on him. then, with a boyish grin, he hummed, "huh… that's cute."

your face warmed. "shut up."

"i just—" he let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. "i honestly thought you were super into it that day. i didn't realize you were just trying to keep up."

"well," you fumbled, twisting the fabric of your skirt between your fingers. "i wanted to be your friend so i thought learning about something you love would help… and besides, marine life is actually interesting."

leehan hummed, nodding slowly as he kept his gaze on the tank. then, without looking at you, he muttered, "i actually thought you were really adorable back then."

your heart skipped a beat, but before you could say anything, he continued. "but then you… kind of disappeared. well, not literally," he clarified, squinting as if trying to find the right words. "more like, i noticed you stopped talking to me as much. i thought maybe i weirded you out that day, and honestly?" he let out a self-deprecating laugh. "i got a little sad about it."

you felt a pang of guilt and embarrassment drop in your chest. "it wasn't that," you admitted softly. "i was just… scared you'd think i was uninteresting because i didn't know anything about your hobby." you rocked on the sole of your feet, staring at the glowing reflections on the floor. "that's why i started learning about marine biology. but the more i learned, the more i actually loved it."

leehan turned to face you fully now, a lopsided grin forming. "so you're telling me… you did all that just so you could be friends with me?"

the teasing in his voice made your stomach flip, but before you could deflect, he let out a dramatic sigh, clutching his chest. "that's so heartbreaking. here i was, thinking you actually liked me back then—ow."

you would've laughed, but instead, you internally cursed your luck. he used to like me when i thought i was the most boring person he had ever met?!

forcing out an awkward giggle, you tried to conceal the disappointment in your chest. "oh- really?" you bit your lip, shifting your eyes elsewhere. "well, yeah… what a shame, really."

leehan studied you for a moment, his teasing expression softening into something more sincere. he exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his hair. "honestly, it was the most embarrassing crush ever. i even tried to stop liking fish because i thought it made me weird."

your head snapped toward him. "and here i was spending my entire life liking fish because i thought it'd make you like me," you said with a small, incredulous smile.

he let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "i already liked you, fish or no fish." he sighed. "but… knowing that you found a passion because of me?" his voice was quieter now. "that actually makes me really happy."

your lips parted slightly as you finally looked at him—really looked at him. his eyes sparkled under the dim teal glow of the aquarium, his was relaxed, the light reflected off his face in a way that made your heart feel like it was trying to escape your chest.

and then, his voice dropped even softer. "actually—no." he hesitated, swallowing before continuing. "i like you. i was genuinely happy when i saw you here a week ago. and when you told me you were going to work here, i swear, i was kicking my feet home."

you swear you were soaring up high. your hands clenched at your sides as you tried to process his words. it was like a dream, a dream so surreal that you subtly pinched your leg just to make sure it was actually happening.

you opened your mouth, but nothing came out. leehan seemed to take that as hesitation because he quickly backtracked. "no,you don't have to say anything. i'm sorry if that—"

"no," you cut him off, your voice barely above a whisper. "leehan, i like you."

he froze.

"i lied about the whole 'friend' thing," you admitted, your head dropping to the floor. "i just… didn't think you'd like me."

you suddenly felt the presence of leehan's palms hovering near your cheeks, his fingertips hesitating just inches away. "can i?"

you gave a small nod. that was all he needed. his palms, warm and slightly trembling, finally cupped your cheeks, his touch was careful as if he were holding something fragile.

"i can't really say you shouldn't think like that," he assured, his voice dipping lower as he leaned in, his torso bowing slightly to match your height. "because i thought the same too—i thought you wouldn't like me."

your chest pounded at his confession, but before you could speak, he continued, his voice tuned with something raw, and vulnerable.

"but now that i'm close to you again, it feels like a door has reopened. and you don't even know how long i admired you, and waited for this."

your eyes finally flickered up to meet his. a small, barely there, laugh escaped your lips, "me too. it's almost funny."

leehan exhaled, his shoulders loosening slightly, and his other hand came up to cup the other side of your face, thumbs brushing over your smooth cheeks in slow, tender strokes. neither of you spoke. the world had shrunk down to just the two of you—the distant, rhythmic bubbling of water, the gentle gliding of fish behind the glass walls of the aquarium, the silence muffling between breaths.

his starry eyes were locked onto yours. you felt the moment shift, your pulse thrumming louder in your ears as he inched closer. your eyes fluttered shut, and that was his cue.

then—his lips met yours. soft, featherlight, barely a touch, yet enough to send warmth spreading through your entire body. his lips moved with gentle care, patient and unhurried. his thumbs caressed your skin, tracing slow, soothing circles against your cheeks.

your hands, instinctively, reached for him, fingers curling around his torso, pinching around the fabric of his cardigan. he tilted his head slightly, pressing another tender and soft kiss. but you didn't need to tiptoe, didn't need to reach because he was already there, leaning down to meet you effortlessly.

just as slowly as he had pressed a kiss to your lips seconds ago, he pulled away with the same careful hesitation. lingering for a moment. his eyes remained closed. then, slowly, they fluttered open—widened pupils reflecting the soft twinkles of light around you.

both of you let out a breathy chuckle. your hands, which had instinctively wrapped around his torso, loosened their hold, instead trailing down to grasp the hem of his sleeve.

leehan glanced down, noticing the way you clung to his clothing. without a word, he reached for your hands, gently removing them from his shirt—but instead of letting go, he brought them up, his fingers handling yours delicately. his gaze softened as he lifted your hand to his face, pressing a featherlight kiss against your knuckles.

his breath was warm as he whispered, "i've only been dreaming of this... i thought i was waiting for the impossible. and yet, here it is."

his fingers intertwined with yours as he lowered your hand, still holding onto it.

"ditto." you breathed out the word, an indescribable happiness spreading across your face, butterflies stirring restlessly in your stomach.

leehan exhaled a snicker. his fingers brushed a few stray strands from your face, tucking them into place. "would you… want to go out with me?" he asked, his lips curling into a hopeful smile. "a proper date?"

you let out a giggle, tilting your head. "well... isn't this already a proper date?"

leehan let out a grin, shaking his head in amusement. "then," he started, tightening his hold on your hands and swinging them lightly, "would you want to go out with me on a second proper date?"

you let the moment stretch just a little, teasingly squinting at him before breaking into a smile. "yes, yes, leehan. i would." you blinked at him, feeling his hands wrapping warmly around yours.

he laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners, before adding, "and… adopt corydoras too?"

a soft chuckle escaped your lips as you echoed, "and, adopt corydoras too."

[milkistar]

𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄, 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐁𝐄 𝐔𝐒...

you and leehan have been inseparable since childhood, but when your feelings start to shift, every glance, every touch, every silence becomes unbearable. afraid of ruining everything, you bury your emotions—until one unexpected confession changes everything. in another universe, you and him might already be together. but what about this one?"

★:: leehan (boynextdoor) x reader.

tags:: fluff, gn reader, best friends to lovers, mentions of food, kinda cliché.

you didn't remember when you had fallen in love with leehan, nor why. it had happened slowly, gradually, consuming your heart like a flame.

he had never changed—his attitude toward you always remained the same, the afternoons spent together always followed the same routine. but the lenses through which you saw him had changed drastically, making you almost feel like a different person stood before you at times. but in reality, it was you who felt different.

and now? now, just looking at him made your stomach twist, and that made you feel so bad that you wanted to cry. "it'll pass with time," you kept telling yourself. but the more time passed, the less friendly and more romantic your feelings for him became. it was exhausting.

you had been friends since childhood, seatmates from elementary school all the way to high school. together, you skipped several school events to eat ice cream and watch b-horror movies, got your driver's licenses at the same time, and even went on your first out-of-town trip together.

you kicked your bedroom door open, your hands full with two cans of energy drink and an extra-large bag of chips. leehan was exactly where you had left him—lying on your bed, phone in hand.

he had arrived at your house about half an hour ago, using the excuse that he was bored to death and that talking to his fish wasn’t giving him much satisfaction. then, without even asking for permission, he had made his way to your room and thrown himself onto your bed without ceremony.

you had lost count of how many times leehan had gone from being bored at his house to being bored at yours.

"come help me, idiot," you said, motioning to your full hands.

he looked at you with a raised eyebrow, then smiled and returned to staring at his phone screen. "no." you expected that.

you placed the things on the bed, then grabbed one of the cans and threw it at him. just because you expected it didn’t mean he should go unpunished.

"ouch," he complained, rubbing his side where the can had hit him. "you're cruel."

"and you're lazy," you replied, walking over to close the door again.

you sat on the bed, close enough to him not to raise suspicion, but far enough to keep your heart from short-circuiting.

you grabbed the remaining can and opened it to take a sip. leehan, after finishing his dramatic act of pretending he had taken a fatal blow, sat up as well and did the same.

you both stayed silent for a few minutes. it wasn’t strange—your friendship had reached the point where such silences weren’t awkward and happened often. then, he broke the quiet.

"you know, y/n, i was thinking about something yesterday," he said, running a hand through his long hair. "do you think, in another universe, the two of us are together?"

needless to say, you choked on your drink. "excuse me?"

you turned red. bad. very bad sign.

"i was reading a post about soulmates the other night, and the author wrote that in different dimensions, soulmates can be both best friends and lovers. and, well, you're my best friend," he explained casually, fiddling with his phone to find the post he was talking about.

your chest ached. of course, you were his best friend. maybe you were just born in the wrong dimension.

you skimmed through the post he showed you, taking another sip from your can before nodding. "yeah, probably in another universe we are, but fortunately, in this one, we're not." you laughed after saying it. you had to avoid any hint of suspicion forming in his mind.

there was another stretch of silence, then, once again, he broke it

"why?" he asked.

you looked at him, confused. you actually understood, but you didn't want to make it seem like you were thinking about it too. "why what?"

"why is it fortunate that we're not together in this one?" he looked into your eyes and spoke again before you could even come up with an excuse. "i’d like it."

you blushed again, and before you could regain your ability to speak, he kissed you. no warning, so fast that you weren’t even sure if it had really happened.

you did the same, and without thinking, you spoke. "no." you hesitantly placed a hand on his arm, your fingers trembling. "i… i was joking earlier." you forced yourself to look into his eyes and hold his gaze. "i’d like it too."

"sorry, i shouldn’t have," he said, suddenly jumping up from the bed.

he smiled and then kissed you again, this time slowly, allowing you to savor his long-desired lips. and that was only the first kiss of many.

[oimitocat]

IT’S YOU | HC/DB

myung jaehyun x m!reader

fluff + idol!au + established relationship + sfw (wow) + 7th!member reader

a/n; i saw him once and spiraled down the bnd hole. why is he just so shufjfdhshhd.

dating him means having no self restraint

he doesn’t make it easy either, he likes to mess with you

playfully makes you jealous

he doesn’t order you around because he’s the leader: he orders you around because you’re so wrapped around his finger you’ll do it with no hesitation

”i need you guys to copy my move today, no backing out,” jaehyun announces with a mischievous grin.

“oh what will you make us do now?” leehan groans.

you simply smile, because fulfilling whatever your dear leader wants is something you’re willing to fulfill every time. seeing his adorable smile is everything you need to survive. he’s just so-

“y/n you’re squeezing too hard!” he whines as you pinch his cheeks.

“mm well who’s fault is it for being so cute?”

“ew,” dongmin gags playfully.

“jealous prick,” you playfully hit dongmin’s arm as he walks past.

having taken advantage of you going to hit dongmin, jaehyun runs off complaining about how he’ll look puffier after your pinching.

he’s not insecure but he does show signs of discomfort in his own skin sometimes but you always make him feel better without being told how he feels

he always seeks you out just how he is with woonhak

he LOVES physical touch, could you not tell?

always holding your hand or hooking his arm with yours when walking next to you

LOVES IT when you give him piggy back rides

sometimes while all of you are getting touch ups, he’d be sitting on your lap and both your stylist and his have to deal with it

he didn’t like to be all over you like that before

you make him NERVOUS most of the time despite how shameless he is

will STARE YOU DOWN for a kiss because he literally gets gushy to ask for it

the two of you would be laying down on his bed, him cuddled into you. your phone is somewhere in the bedsheets, your cheek is rested on his head and your eyes stare at his phone as he scrolls through social media apps. one of your arms is under him, wrapped around to where your hand is above his hip.

he seems like he’s scrolling mindlessly, but he’s hyper focused on the way your fingers mess with the hem of his hoodie, raising it a bit and your fingertips grazing his skin.

“you’re zoning out,” you accuse when the same video repeats a third time.

“i am not, i was just trying to understand the video.” he argues, moving his head to look up at you.

“what is there to understand?” you chuckle, tilting your head to look at his pout, “the guy gets hit with a water ballon.”

“shut up,” he huffs, glaring at you, but you know better.

“yah, just say you want something,” you tease, leaning in to touch the tip of his nose with yours.

jaehyun makes a face before looking down at your lips. the tips of his ears are reddened, you grin.

“want a kiss?”

he nods, still not looking at you. you bring your hand out from the back of your head, shifting to a different position to lean in well. your free hand grabs his chin and tilts it up. your lips capture his in a soft kiss, you smile when he relaxes.

“next time don’t even ask baby,” you tease as you peck his lips again.

jaehyun huffs, trying to scoot away but your hand grips his waist and keeps him in place.

constant sleepovers

the two of you have different dorms but he still comes into your room and stays the night

that’s IF he’s not in the studio

“i brought you food,” you announce as you go inside the room he’s been cooped up in for the past five hours.

“i already ate-“

“when?” you huff, setting the food on the table behind him, “in the morning? it’s five pm.”

he makes a face, “i was thinking of doing a diet-“

“for what?” you cross your arms.

he stares at you before looking at the food.”i can start tomorrow-“

“or never.” you take out the food and assort it over the table, “come on, let’s eat.”

jaehyun makes a small noise of complaint before getting out of his chair and coming over to you. he sits next to you and patiently waits as you take out the utensils from their packaging. there’s an innocent look on his face, one you recognize very well the second you look at him. he tilts his head and smiles.

“fine, i’ll feed you,” you sigh as you pick up meat from his bowl and guide it to his mouth.

you can’t help but attack him with kisses while he munches down his food. he gives you cuteness aggression so bad, especially when he does his little dance when taking the first bite of food.

both of you work out so good because both your love languages include kisses

when he gets really excited or happy around you he does the same thing he does to the group— pauses and admires you

you catch him looking at you a lot more often than him catching you

he loves it when you pull him by the waist

AND IF YOU KISS HIM ONCE HE’S AGAINST YOU? he’s get all gushy

super sassy with you

doesn’t really like it when you worry over him but he gives you REASONS

normally that’s a cause for arguments but you genuinely show him you just want to care for him the way he cares for everyone

your big baby, always getting all soft and mushy and ends up crying if you two randomly get into a deep talk

literally bby girl

your bby girl

[tanghuyuj]

we get, the same! a woonhak smau

#21 - get at em!!

synopsis: it’s the start of the new school year and you’re not excited whatsoever. though, your classmate and desk partner, kim woonhak, is beyond excited. you two evidently don’t get along well, bickering left and right. but when you begin to notice small details that woonhak does for you and it seems as if your whole school is just waiting for you to get together, you start to spiral.

warnings: fear? i think. perhaps.

prev. || masterlist || next

maia’s note: 2 more chaps… i’m so sad. i’ve formed an emotional attachment to y/nhak and all the wgts characters. likes, reblogs, and feedback is always appreciated!! 🩵

taglist: @kekaekeke @mimimimiaa @s0shroe @mungbeancoups @molensworld @en-dream @kaiyunsim @httpenhoon @ranjupotato @cinnamonshuaa @pinklemonade34 @kazemiya @siekksjs @sirenla @kittkyu @mensisim @livibbu @junhanism @enzstr @thea-herondale @i03jae @sionshiii @helpsplease @yurisblooming @defnotsanni @haechology @janjoonty @petralovesbonedo @anormieee @nineooooo @oowir @luvkwh @skibidihan @mbella607 @stantxtforabetterlife @midnight-rain-pdf @massiveunicorn6969 @bambisnc @mymelodyfanatic @slowlylefttyphoon @hrtleehan @ribbeoms @winteringdream @starboy-library / @kstrucknet (taglist: open! in white = cannot be tagged)

[frambuesax]

TAKES ONE CALL (SMAU) — 01

sypnosis ── yn is truly tired of the shit taesan pulls, but maybe it’s worth it?

a/n— i love jaehyun, just had to

[dearly-somber]

tomorrows with you | m.jh

-> pairing. ex-idol!myung jaehyun x female!reader

-> genre. dystopian/post-apocalyptic!au, angst, fluff, s2f2l, (mutual) pining, eventual romance, suggestive near the end

-> rating. 13+

-> w/c. 5369

-> warnings. gun-violence (esp. at the start of the fic), injury (non-gruesome/ life threatening); very vague worldbuilding; non-idol!Jungkook has been used as a stand-in for Jaehyun’s older brother <3

-> a/n. So, yeah. This fic’s working title was “dystopian!au w/ m.jh”, and then I suddenly got a title idea 🤡. Also, this fic was partially inspired by Civil War (2023). Decent movie, though I’d give a hard tw for anyone with war or gun-related PTSD. Please watch at your discretion <3

-> bnd ficlets, oneshots and series m.list

-> started. May 31st, 2024 @ 20:49

-> fin. Sun., Oct. 13th, 2024 @ 22:06

-> edited. Mon., Oct. 14th, 2024 @ 17:59

-> divider credit. @fairytopea

You dash breathlessly into the large company building, your shoes squeaking against the tile as you hurriedly push through the heavy glass door.

Your chest heaves as you clumsily jump ID-regulated turning-gates, yelping as your knees buckle when another poorly aimed shot whizzes past your shoulder.

You don’t stop to face your pursuers, amping up your speed and making a mad dash for the elevator at the end of the hallway.

You scream at another shot, this time more from the pain of the bullet grazing your shoulder than fear (though that’s a pretty big factor, too).

Skidding to a stop in the elevator, you aggressively mash the Close Doors button, falling to the floor and sobbing with relief when it finally closes and the thumping of bullets against metal momentarily guarantees your safety.

You press a random floor number, trying to gather yourself and push to your feet despite how wobbly your legs feel. You aren’t looking forward to the shoulder-pain waiting for you once the adrenaline wears off…

The elevator doors ding open and you waste no time jogging down the long and winding hallways, the carpeted floors muting the rhythmic thump-thump-thump of your sneakers.

You push the door at the end of the hall open just as you hear men’s voices yelling orders back whence you came, a wave of anxious sweat cascading down your hairline.

You try to quiet your gasping breaths as you shut the door behind you, rushing to get your sneakers off and in your hands so your footsteps on the polished wooden floors don’t alert anyone.

The mirrors are everywhere.

You try hard not to look at yourself—the tangled, frizzy hair and mad look in your eyes is too much for you to handle right now.

Your heart-rate picks up as you begin hyperventilating, the sound of doors being slammed open heightening your senses tenfold—

You turn to the door hidden around the side of the room before the person behind it has it fully open.

His eyes are wide and fearful, shaky hands raised in front of him at the equally afraid look on your face.

Despite the bite of fear in your chest, your first thought is puppy.

The door to the practice room slams open and your muscles tense all over. Right as the guy carrying the gun raises his weapon to shoot at you—

You throw both of your shoes at him as hard as you can, using all your strength to launch yourself at the boy, letting him grab your hand and run with you at full speed through what you think might be a dressing room.

He leads you confidently through doors and down hallways, never once stopping to look behind him, an iron grip on your hand.

You wonder if he used to work here and hope you’ll live long enough to ask.

He stops so abruptly you slam headfirst into his back; hard enough for him to grunt and stumble forward.

The men ahead of you turn and immediately raise their weapons to shoot—

Your body moves for you and you yank the boy out of the way just as a shot is fired. Your pulse is deafening in your ears as he course-corrects and leads you down a different hall. Panting as the two of you come up on a metal door with a fire-escape sign flashing dimly above it, the boy hurriedly pushes it open and pulls you into the stairwell before shutting the door behind him.

You’re sweating in places you didn’t know you could sweat, and the brief glance you get at the boy’s face before he’s dragging you determinedly down the stairs tells you he’s not faring much better.

“I can’t—” you wheeze, trying to pull away from him as you lean against the railings, tears prickling your eyes and legs shaking with every step you take.

“You can,” the boy pants, tugging you along.

“I can’t—”

“Shut up!” he yells, his grip on your wrist tightening as he shoulders open a different metal door.

You’re wheezing with every step, blood rushing to your head.

Before he can fully turn the corner, a shower of bullets goes flying into the wall, spraying plaster all over the carpets.

“We found ‘em!”

“Go, go, go!” The boy shoves you ahead of him, the two of you running at full speed. You stumble over your feet and he grabs your hand to pull you into another practice room, this one much larger than the first:

Much larger, completely empty, and with nowhere to run.

“This is a dead end—!” you yell, frantically trying to yank your arm out of his iron-grip—if you can get out fast enough you can leave before they catch up—

“Shh,” he quiets you hurriedly as he pushes at a piece of wall that miraculously parts into what you belatedly realize is a hidden closet.

He rushes inside and pulls you in so forcefully you feel an ache in your shoulder, pummeling into his chest and trying to recover from all the running as he flips the panel back and you’re plummeted into darkness.

Your breathing feels heavy and ragged as the two of you stand chest to chest in the small space, your hands shaking as you wait for the group of men to find you.

You try desperately to breathe through your nose as the stranger’s heart beats against your cheek, his chest heaving as he huffs breaths in through his mouth.

Afraid that you might be heard, you reach up to press his mouth shut and tap the side of his nose, shaking your head with a look you hope he understands. Surprisingly, he does, his breath no longer hammering down against the top of your head as he forces himself to breathe through his nose.

The door to the practice room smacks open and the two of you tangibly jump against one another, your shoulders tensing in anticipation.

“Rats,” a male voice hisses. “You fuckers are terrible shots for letting her get away like that.”

“Not our fault the girl moves like a fucking rabbit,” someone else snaps, the sound of his gun shifting against his back sending a shiver down your spine. “Fucking zig-zagging all over the fucking place.”

“Yeah, well, now she’s been picked up by someone who knows his way around. We could’ve gotten her so easy if you’d just aimed—”

Your knees knock together at the men’s conversation, taking another step toward the boy to press the two of you right up against the back of the closet in an effort to distance yourself from the people on the other side of the wall.

The boy’s hands wrap firmly around your forearms (to hold you still or hold you up, you can’t tell).

“Yah!” A deeper voice than before calls. “Stop fucking around and forget the girl. If we catch the guy, he can tell us where the valuables are.”

Your eyes widen fearfully, on the verge of an anxiety attack when you’re caught off guard by the boy in the closet shoving his face into your shoulder (you have to bite on your tongue at the shot of pain that ricochets down your arm), holding you against his chest like his life depends on it.

You try to push him away by his shoulders but come to a standstill when you feel the heat of his tears against your shirt.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers desperately against your shirt, his voice right by your ear.

Too afraid to soothe him verbally, you wrap your arms around his shoulders and squeeze.

“Forget it,” the first voice says, the sound of his gun making you hold onto your companion tighter. “They’re not here, Gunwook. Let’s go.”

“He’s right,” the second says. “We need to keep moving.”

Gunwook lets out an exasperated sigh. “Fine.”

You keep your arms tight around the boy as you listen for their retreating footsteps, unable to comfortably relax without being certain that it’s not some sick trick meant to lure you out of hiding.

It feels like hours before the two of you finally leave the closet, loud sighs of relief exiting your lungs when you realize that you’ve survived.

You look across the room at the boy who risked his life to save yours, his eyes glossy with a fresh set of tears…

… and it takes less than a second for you to start crying.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Jaehyun-ah!”

“어?“

“C’mere!”

You’re browsing through the racks of one of the many Everland memorabilia stores, your last stop in the city before you and Jaehyun start the long drive into the countryside.

“What is it?” Jaehyun asks, his boba eyes sparkling curiously. His hair’s gotten a lot longer since you first met: it blankets and curls around the back of his neck in fluffy tufts which make his eyes seem bigger and more puppy-like.

You break into a smile as you take the puppy-ear band from the shelf to stick it atop his head, giggling fondly when you pull back to look at him.

“What,” he deadpans, a small smile pulling defiantly at the corner of his lips. “You think it’s funny?“

You giggle, bowing with the weight of your joy. The faux fur atop his head is nearly the exact same color as his hair. “It looks good!”

He shakes his head with a fond smile, reaching up to take them off but stopping when you whine and hold his wrist.

“Don’t,” you pout.

He makes a move to pull them off again, but you tug his wrist back with another over-exaggerated whine.

He gives in, dropping his hand with a fond but defeated smile. His eyes scan the rack for more headbands and sparkle a little when he spots a certain pair in particular.

He takes it off the rack and places it delicately on your head, tenderly positioning the ears so one is slightly bent before he pulls away with a satisfied smile, petting your hair. “Bunny.”

You roll your eyes, shaking your head at him as he continues to faff with your hair before eventually letting his hand hang by his side.

“Are you ready to go?”

You look around: plushies lay dirtied and torn on the floor with entire shelves fallen over, glass jars previously filled with sweets strewn broken and empty around the looted tills.

“Yeah.” You choose to focus on Jaehyun’s face rather than the chaos around you. “I’m ready.”

It’s a much nicer sight.

He nods, holding his hand out for you to take before walking with you to where you left the car in a small spot of shade near the entrance.

You let go of Jaehyun’s hand to jog around to the passenger side as he climbs into the driver’s seat, starting the car as you buckle in, briefly turning around to double check that your bags are still sitting nice and snug on the backseats.

Assured that you haven’t lost your limited stash of supplies, you turn back around with a grunt, crossing your arms and leaning back to stare out the window as Jaehyun takes off.

“You don’t need the bathroom, right?”

“No,” you say. “I’ll be fine for the next while, I think.”

He nods, taking one hand off the wheel to reach into the center console. You watch curiously as he pulls out a black case of some sort, holding it out to you with his eyes still fixated on the road.

“What’s this?” you ask, turning it around in your hands and unzipping it while sitting straighter in your chair.

“CDs.”

You look at him with bright eyes. “Really?!”

“Yeah,” he laughs. “I found it in one of the drawers in that house we looted last night.”

“And you’re only telling me now?” you gasp, laughing and good-naturedly touching his arm when he shakes his head at you.

“A lot of them were pretty badly scratched,” he explains.

He takes his eyes off the road to make eye contact with you. “I didn’t wanna mention it and then not be able to play it.”

You stare at each other for a moment before he clears his throat again and turns his attention back to the road; always trying to put on a tough act despite being the sweetest person you know.

You smile softly and poke his cheek in thanks, flipping through the CDs until you find the perfect one.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Let’s stop here for the night,” Jaehyun says, apologizing under his breath for accidentally frightening you as he turns into a different lane.

You sit up straighter, trying to calm your startled heart as you stretch your arms and legs.

As Jaehyun pulls into the taxi lane on the side of the road, you notice his eyes drooping and how it takes him longer than usual to park the car.

“You must be exhausted,” you mumble.

Jaehyun pulls on the handbrake, leaning back against his seat with closed eyes and a sigh. “It’s fine.”

“We should’ve rotated.”

“It’s fine, Y/N.”

You sigh, slowly leaning back in your seat. You look out your window at the yellow-orange sky, feeling weirdly nostalgic for the time before.

“Why were you in the building that day?”

“Hm?”

You face Jaehyun expectantly.

He’s adjusted his seat so he’s lying down, his eyes closed and likely on the verge of sleep.

You stare at his side profile since you can’t stare at his eyes, waiting for a response. “The building, on the day we met. Why were you there?”

For a while he says nothing, but eventually he speaks.

“I worked there.”

“Doing what?”

He scoffs, the corner of his lips rising in a half-smile you haven’t seen since you left Everland. “I was an idol.”

“What?!” You sit up straight in your seat, your jaw hanging loose from its hinges.

“Yeah,” he laughs, still with his eyes closed.

You grin. “Were you famous?”

Jaehyun snorts, slowly opening his eyes to give you the full effect of the humored smile on his face. “No, I don’t think so. We were still rookies when the world went to shit.”

“Oh,” you pause… “We?”

Jaehyun’s eyes seem to lose their light almost as quickly as you managed to flick them on, dimming and dimming until they’re back to the defeated muddy-brown you’re used to.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he whispers, staring at a spot past your shoulder with a veiled look.

“I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head and heaves a sigh, laying back down with his eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest.

“We should get some sleep,” he says.

You nod even though he can’t see, turning onto your side.

But, even after you’ve settled in and settled down, you find yourself struggling to fall asleep. Now that no one is talking and the engine is off, you’re starting to hear a light buzz in your ears, every snap of a twig or rustle of a branch making your heart race.

It’s too quiet without any of the sounds you’ve gotten used to. No sounds of people leaving home to work the night shift, no sounds of dogs barking at police-sirens three blocks away… only the sound of your slow breathing and the wind howling outside your partially open window.

You breathe a shaky sigh and turn your back to the door, ignoring the uncomfortable tug in your stomach at leaving yourself so exposed.

Your eyes are well-adjusted to the dark, so you easily make out Jaehyun’s silhouette. You shuffle closer and release a nervous breath.

“Jaehyun—?”

He wakes with a surprised whine, groaning when he sees it’s just you. He stretches his legs and arches his back off the seat with his eyes half-closed. “Y/N…?”

“Sorry.“ You bite your lip and play with your fingers. “I just… I… can’t sleep.”

Jaehyun stares at you, blinking slowly as he wakes up. You can’t make out what he’s thinking, so you sit in the silence while you wait for him to… to what?

What were you expecting?

You watch dazedly as he suddenly jacks his seat further back, leaning back and holding his palm out to you over the center console.

“Here,” he says.

You look at his hand, then his face, then his hand again.

“Just take it.”

Slowly you take his hand, naturally following his (mostly) non-verbal instructions as he guides you across the center console and into his lap, your legs astride his hips and your hands curled up against his sides.

He tucks your head under his chin. You can feel his heartbeat against your chest, aware of each rise and fall of his rib cage as he inhales and exhales against the top of your head.

“Good?” he asks, clasping his hands high enough around the small of your back to be considered respectful, but low enough for it to feel decidedly intimate.

“Y-yeah,” you stutter, wondering if your breath against his neck makes his heart beat as fast as his breath against your hair does.

“Thank you,” you whisper, warm all over and already succumbing to sleep.

Jaehyun says nothing. Instead, he presses his lips to the crown of your head, whispering something into your hair you can’t make out, and you fall asleep to the sound of rhythmic breathing and the soft pitter-patter of his heart against yours.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“You know how to jump a fence?” Jaehyun asks skeptically.

“Sure.” You shrug. “How hard can it be?”

Hard enough for you to roll your ankle, apparently.

Jaehyun is crouched in front of you, gently cradling your throbbing ankle in his hands as he shares a concerned look with you from behind his bangs.

You smile through your pain and reach out to touch his hands. “It’s not too bad,” you lie, even though the furrow in his brow tells you he doesn’t buy it. “C’mon, help me up.”

Jaehyun bites his lip as he contemplates, heaving a sigh before he stands and lifts you up. He wraps your arm around his shoulders and his around your waist, patiently guiding you to the grocery store.

How he managed to jump the fence without suffering your same fate remains a mystery.

“Earth to Y/N?”

“Huh?”

Jaehyun laughs as he sets you down by the register, fondly shaking his head and grabbing a basket from the front of the store. “I’m gonna grab some stuff and see if they have anything we can wrap around your foot.”

“Let me help.”

“You’re injured.”

“Jaehyun,” you whine.

“Y/N.” He gives you a deadpan look. “You can’t hop around the store. Just… wait here, okay? I won’t be long.”

You pout and cross your arms like a child, reluctantly huffing your agreement. His sympathetic shoulder-touch is enough of a consolation for you not to bitch and moan about it, even though you don’t stop pouting.

You watch from the register as Jaehyun moves through the different aisles, wandering from shelf-to-shelf with a concentrated furrow in his brow.

It’s almost… domestic.

You wonder what coming to the store with him would have been like before the country went to shit, easily slipping into your world-before daydream.

You’d have arrived in his car, probably wearing matching shirts—he seemed like the kind of guy to want to do that, you think. You would’ve walked through the doors holding hands, bowing at the cashier with dopey smiles on your faces... You’d probably argue about which piece of meat you’d want to buy for the upcoming family barbecue, and then, after agreeing to a game of Rock Paper Scissors, Jaehyun would pout and whine when he lost…

“Look what I found!”

You jump, loudly clearing your throat as Jaehyun approaches again holding a thick roll of bandaid in his free hand. He sets a blue basket down and crouches in front of you.

“What were you daydreaming about?” he asks conversationally, gently removing your sock (and apologizing under his breath when you wince away,) so he can start wrapping your foot.

“Nothing,” you deflect a little too quickly, nervously avoiding his gaze when he tries to meet your eyes. “I was just spacing out.”

“Yeah…” he mumbles, totally not believing you.

You clear your throat. “You found a lot of stuff.”

“Yeah.” Jaehyun briefly glances at the nearly overflowing basket beside him as he finishes up your foot-wrap, groaning a little when he stands. “It might be because we’re so far away from the city. Maybe the people here weren’t as worried about supplies as the rest of us.” He grabs the basket and hoists you up by the waist.

“Maybe,” you agree, hopping along as fast as you can, occasionally taking breaks to lean against Jaehyun until you finally make it back to the car.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” you ask as you buckle in. “I feel like we’ve been driving for years.”

“It’s a little late to ask that now,” he laughs, setting the basket next to and on top of the rest of the supplies you’ve collected in the trunk of the car. “But, yeah, I’m sure. My grandma used to live out this way.”

“Oh.” Your eyes widen. “I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah.” There’s a moment of silence. “We came out once every three or four weeks, I think. She died my freshman year of high school.”

“I’m sorry,” you whisper, reaching over the center console to squeeze his hand.

Jaehyun shakes his head. When you try to move away, he holds your hand in his lap.

“How about you?” he asks as he clears his throat. “Did you have any family outside the city?”

“Not… really?”

He frowns. “How do you mean?”

“Well,” you start, “my parents are divorced, so I moved to the city with my dad while my mom stayed out in the countryside with her family. I didn’t really see them much, and when I did it wasn’t super pleasant.”

“Ah…” This time Jaehyun squeezes your hand, his thumb rubbing light circles against your knuckles. “I’m sorry.”

You shrug. “It is what it is. I don’t even know if any of them are still alive,” you laugh bleakly.

Jaehyun smiles sadly, but says nothing else.

You sigh, leaning back against the chair with closed eyes. “Wake me up when we get there?”

“‘Course.”

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It’s been a crazy couple of hours.

When you got to Jaehyun’s gran’s house (you hadn’t even considered that was where he was taking you), you were met with his family.

His mom, his dad, his older brother… they were all there. You’d watched the reunion mostly from inside the car because Jae’s parents had come out of the house as he was coming around to help you, so you had no idea what words had been exchanged.

They’d all wrapped around each other and when Jaehyun remembered you were still in the car (you’d opened the car door and started maneuvering yourself outside), he jogged to you, his face red and tears still flowing down his cheeks in waves.

“Jaehyun…”

He cried harder at your soft tone, and you pushed yourself to standing so you could wrap a hand around the back of his neck, guiding his head to your shoulder. He wrapped his arms around your waist, holding you against his chest as he sniffled and cried. You petted his hair and whispered assurances into his shoulder, telling him that it was okay and they were all safe and you’re finally together again.

“Y/N, darling, is something wrong?”

You snap out of your thoughts, hurriedly bringing the spoonful of chicken soup to your lips to appease the questioning eyes suddenly trained on you.

“The food is great, Mrs. Myung, thank you.” You smile as you bring another spoonful to your lips. Jaehyun is sitting next to you, his smile slowly returning to his face as he looks lovingly at all his family members spread out across the dining room table.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Mrs. Myung waves off, a smile on her face. “I’m just glad you’re finally getting some proper food in you. I can’t believe you guys have been living off of canned beans and raw noodles for the last… god knows how long!” She shook her head with an exaggerated shiver, very motherly, and you laughed awkwardly to dispel the strange tension in your shoulders.

“We’ve been doing our best with what we have,” Jaehyun says, gently so as not to accidentally hurt his mother’s feelings, though you wonder how much he’s told them about your situation. Do they even know how you guys met?

“So,” Jungkook starts. You straighten your back and sit with your hands in your lap, nervously swallowing down your soup. Jaehyun’s older brother is almost nothing like him. He’s tall, has a full sleeve of tattoos, several piercings and hasn’t exactly been the most welcoming presence since their reunion earlier that evening.

“How did you two meet?”

So Jaehyun hadn’t told them everything.

“Oh, uh…” Jaehyun searches your face, probably hesitant to talk about something neither of you had really spoken about since it’s happening. Especially considering the… less-than-ideal circumstances.

You clear your throat. Despite not really wanting to relive any of that, you do want Jaehyun’s family to like you. So you put on what you hope is a friendly smile and tell them about what happened.

“I was being chased by a rogue group,” you say simply, ignoring Jungkook’s sympathetic frown and the widened eyes on his parents’ face. “I don’t know what they were going to do with me, but I ran into Jaehyun’s old company building and he found me and helped me escape.”

“That’s terrible…” Jaehyun’s mom sympathizes, reaching across the table to squeeze her son’s hand. He squeezes it back before pulling away.

“It’s over now.” Jaehyun says, smiling softly at you and reaching under the table to hold your hand.

“What happened to the boys?” Jungkook asks with a concerned frown. “Were you separated?”

Jaehyun’s grip on your hand tightens, his face paling so suddenly you can’t help but worry he’s about to pass out.

Jaehyun swallows and shakes his head.

“Jaehyun—”

He pushes up from the chair hard enough the legs screech against the floors, effectively cutting Jungkook off. “Thank you for the food, Eomma, but Y/N and I should probably get to bed. We’ve had a long day.”

“Jaehyun,” his dad says gently.

“C’mon, Y/N.”

You push out of your chair and fall into Jaehyun’s side, his arm around your shoulder and yours around his waist as he helps you hobble towards what you assume must be the guest bedroom.

You say nothing as he sets you on the side of the bed to remove your socks for you, glossy-eyed and frowning.

You bite your lip nervously, hesitant to say anything that might make him even more upset than he already is, but you have a feeling if you don’t say anything at all, things might turn out even worse, so you clear your throat and start off small.

“Where are you sleeping tonight?” you ask, watching him walk around to the other side of the bed.

“Here.”

“Here?”

“Yeah.” Jaehyun hesitantly sits on the edge of the bed, searching your face for signs of discomfort. “Why? Do you not want me to?”

“No—I mean, I don’t mind.” You pray he can’t tell how flustered this conversation makes you. “I just… I guess I assumed you’d go to the room with your brother.”

“I don’t…” Jaehyun sighs, raking his fingers through his hair as he sits back against the headboard, your legs touching. “I can’t deal with him right now.”

You bite your lip. “Do you… wanna talk about it?”

Jaehyun looks at you for a bit before shaking his head. “I don’t know. I missed them, of course I did, and I couldn’t be happier that they’re all alive and well and here.”

You carefully cross your legs and turn so your whole body is facing him. “But…?”

He follows suit and turns to face you, grabbing your hands so he can play with your fingers. “But… I just… I can’t deal with it all right now. The whiplash of them being alive, of us being reunited when…”

He inhales sharply, holding your hands a little tighter. “When they’re— they’re not here—”

Jaehyun breaks down, bowing his head as his shoulders shake with tears. Your heart aches for him as you maneuver yourself in a way that lets you get closer to him without putting your ankle at risk, wrapping your arms around his shoulders to pull him close.

You pat his back as he cries into your shoulder, eventually pulling away to hold his face and wipe his tears away with your thumbs.

“We got— got separated and they, I don’t know how it happened but they got— got cornered and I didn’t do anything because I— I was frozen and I didn’t do anything and now— and now they’re all dead—”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Yes it is!” he sobs, his breath stuttering in his chest as he grips your wrists, holding your hands against his cheeks like they’re his lifeline. “I could’ve done something, I might’ve saved them if only I’d done something—”

“Jaehyun, look at me.”

He makes a noise of a wounded animal, and your heart clenches uncomfortably in your chest as you wipe your thumbs under his eyes. “You couldn’t have saved them in the state you were in. The only thing that would’ve happened is you would’ve died with them—”

“That would’ve been better than this—”

“No. Don’t say that.” You exhale shakily, annoyed at yourself for getting emotional when you’re trying so hard to be strong for him. “If you were dead what would have happened to me, Jaehyun? You wouldn’t have reunited with your family. Don’t say that.”

He whines again, shaking his head. “I just… I miss them,” he sobs, “I miss them so— so much and I wish they could’ve b-been here to meet— to meet you. Woonhakie” — he gasps like he’s out of breath— “Woonhakie would’ve loved you,” he wails, curling in on himself.

You hush him again, fighting back your own tears as you bring him back to your chest. You let him cry it out as you rub comforting circles on his back…

•••

You don’t know how long you both sit there, but when it’s done you’re emotionally exhausted and your foot is aching.

You and Jaehyun lay curled up against each other, closer than you’ve ever been before. Your heart pounds against your chest at the proximity, and you find yourself falling more in love with his scent every time you inhale against his neck.

“Y/N?”

“Mm?”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Those things I said.” He swallows, his thumbs drawing pictures against your shoulders. “I’m glad I got to save you. I—“

“I know,” you assure him quietly, feeling your head get heavier. “They were like family to you. It’s a lot to deal with.”

“Still. I don’t want you to think I regret living.”

You can’t tell if it’s the closeness or mental exhaustion of the last month catching up on you, but whatever it is it gives you enough confidence to turn your head and kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Jaehyun. I’m glad we stayed alive long enough to know each other.”

He tenses up ever so slightly before nuzzling deeper into your shoulder. “Me too…

“And Y/N?”

“Mm?” you mumble, eyes already closed.

“I think I love you,” he whispers. “I know it’s sudden and maybe it’s not the right time, but I— I’ve actually felt this way for a while but I didn’t want to ruin everything or scare you off, or—“

“Jaehyun-ah.”

He swallows hard. “Mm?”

“I love you too. Now try to get some sleep, will you? Tomorrow’s going to be a really long day.”

Jaehyun stills as he takes in what you said, and then he turns his face into your neck and shakily inhales, holding you tighter than ever before.

“Y/N?”

“Mm?”

“I can’t wait to spend my tomorrows with you.”

[nicholasluvbot]

MAKE YOU WANNA KISS 𓂃 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗈𝖽𝗀𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗄𝗂𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗌

ㅤㅤ― 𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗈𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗈𝖼𝗎𝗌, 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖼𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗉𝗌 𝗉𝗎𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗌𝗅𝗒.

𝑓. readerㅤ⋆ㅤ1341ㅤㅤ◜ᴗ◝ㅤㅤfluff est. relationship ❜ㅤㅤ─── censure kissing skinshipㅤㅤLOGS

骚人 : i miss dojaejung TT

PARK SUNGHO

sungho is just about to leave your place. slinging his bag over his shoulder, he turns to you, soft smile playing on his lips as he leans in to place a sweet goodbye kiss to your lips.

and you dodge.

he stops for a second, blinking at you like he miscalculated his own movement. then, with an amused chuckle, he leans in again.

and you dodge again.

he pulls away, brows raising slightly in disbelief before furrowing. “oh,” he murmurs, stepping closer.

you can’t even react before he places his hands on your hips firmly, pushing you back until you’re pressed against the door, one hand cradling the back of your head so that you don’t hurt yourself.

your breath catches as he leans in, gaze flickering to his lips. his lips are on yours immediately, kissing you slow and deep, fingers tightening at your waist as if to keep you from escaping again, as if he was reminding you what you were about to miss out on if you’d dodged one more time.

he pulls away and smirks at the dazed expression on your face. “cute,” he whispers, winking at you before slipping out the door.

you’re left standing there, completely dumbfounded and breathless.

LEE RIWOO

you dodge riwoo’s first kiss, and he just blinks at you with confusion. then he laughs it off, thinking it might’ve just been a coincidence.

but after a few more missed kisses, he places both hands on your shoulders and makes you face him. “alright, what’s up?”

you play innocent. “what do you mean?”

riwoo narrows his eyes before suddenly tugging you closer. his hands snake around your waist, keeping you in place, in close proximity with him.

he leans in slowly, lips lingering over yours. you tilt your head instinctively, anticipating the kiss—

and he pulls away.

his hands, which were just all over your body, are now tucked into his pockets as he turns around casually, whistling a tune.

your lips part in shock. “did you just—”

he tilts his head cockily, a teasing smirk on his lips. “what?”

you grab his collar, pulling him back in. “you—”

he rests his forehead against yours, still smirking. “feels unfair, huh?”

“no. you do not get to turn this on me.”

he just laughs, pecking your nose instead. “payback’s fun.”

MYUNG JAEHYUN

you’ve been ignoring jaehyun’s kisses all day. turning your head every time he leans in, making excuses—his lips landing either on your cheek, shoulder, or somewhere totally random every time he tries to steal a kiss.

at first, he pouts. then he starts laughing, thinking you’re just being playful. by the third time, his smile falters a little, but he doesn’t say anything.

by the end of the day, he’s sitting in a corner, looking down at his hands, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. one look at him and you immediately regret playing the stupid prank on him.

his usual bright eyes are filled with hesitance, and doubt.

“...do you hate me?” he asks softly.

your heart drops. “what?”

jaehyun bites his lip. “you’ve been ignoring me all day,” he whispers. “did i do something wrong?”

you feel so bad instantly. “oh, jaehyun…” you step closer, reaching for his hand, but he doesn’t move. you have to tiptoe and press a kiss to his cheek to get him to finally meet your eyes.

“i was just messing with you,” you explain.

his lips tremble slightly. “it wasn’t funny.”

you cup his face, pressing multiple kisses on his forehead until the furrow between his brows disappears. you then pull him in a warm hug, “i know, i’m sorry,” you murmur against his neck.

he melts instantly, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you both down until you’re settled in his lap. “you owe me cuddles,” he mumbles, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck.

“i’ll cuddle you all night,” you promise.

and you do.

HAN TAESAN

the first time you dodge taesan’s kiss, he lets it slide. maybe you didn’t notice, maybe you moved by accident—he doesn’t think much of it.

the second time? he notices.

he doesn’t say anything, just pauses for a fraction of a second before shifting like nothing happened.

oh, so this is how it’s going to be, he thinks.

still, he doesn’t bring it up. he’s patient.

the next day, you’ve completely forgotten about your little game. taesan is sitting next to you, one arm lazily draped around the back of the couch, the other scrolling on his phone.

you lean in instinctively, pressing your hand against his jaw to pull him closer—

and he moves his face, dodging your kiss.

your lips land on empty air, and you freeze, confused. “huh?”

when you look at him, he’s staring back at you with a tiny, satisfied smirk.

“something wrong?” he asks, feigning innocence.

you squint at him, mouth agape, realization sinking in. “are you—”

he looks back at his phone, pretending to be deeply interested in whatever stupid video it’s showing. “hm?”

you grab his face with both hands, forcing him to look at you. “han taesan.”

he’s smirking now, clearly enjoying himself. “yes?”

you glare before leaning in, attacking him with kisses all over his face—his nose, cheeks, forehead, jaw—everywhere until he’s a giggling mess in your arms.

“there,” you huff, “now we’re even.”

taesan shakes his head and tugs you closer again, his voice softer now. “not yet,” he mutters before finally kissing your lips properly.

KIM LEEHAN

the first time you dodge leehan’s kiss, he blinks in surprise but stays quiet.

the second time, his brows furrow slightly, and he studies you for a moment before shrugging it off.

by the third time, he catches on.

he doesn’t confront you right away. instead, he watches. observes. the way your eyes flicker mischievously before dodging, the way you try to hold back a smile—it’s a game.

and he lets you think you’re winning.

until later that evening, when you’re both sitting on the floor of his room, snacking and chatting about nothing in particular. he shifts a little closer, brushing his pinky gently against yours, and you don’t think much of it.

until, in one smooth motion, he leans in and kisses the corner of your lips before you can move away.

your breath catches.

before you can react, he tilts his head, trailing soft kisses along your cheeks, jaw, and down your neck. his kisses are slow, teasing, as if he’s savoring every second of the torment inside of you.

“you can’t avoid me forever,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice low and amused.

your heart stutters. “leehan—”

he finally pulls back, resting his head on your shoulder and gazing at you with soft eyes and a knowing smile. “done playing now?”

you huff, but your face is burning. “…maybe.”

leehan chuckles, leaning in again—this time, you don’t have it in yourself to dodge.

KIM WOONHAK

you’re lying on the bed, scrolling on your phone, when woonhak shifts beside you, leaning in.

you turn your head, still focused on your screen.

a beat of silence.

then he talks about something else, acting like nothing happened. a few minutes later, he leans in again. and you dodge. again.

this time, he stops. blinks, lips slightly parted in shock. then, in one swift motion, he rolls over, pinning you down against the mattress.

you yelp in surprise. “woonhak—”

“dodging me?” he muses, fingers finding your sides. “that’s crazy.”

before you can utter another word, he starts tickling you mercilessly. you shriek, squirming, but he’s relentless, laughing as you gasp for air.

“say you won’t do it again,” he demands.

you’re laughing so hard, you can only gasp out, “woonhak, please st—”

“say it.”

“okay, okay. i won’t—”

he finally stops, letting you catch your breath. then, before you can complain, he leans down and presses soft, lingering kisses on your lips.

“you,” he murmurs, kissing you again, “are never allowed to do that again.”

you just hum, dazed. “okay.”

tags ( boynextdoor ) @coquettejunnie , @hanninova , @chaeneu , @aloe-7 , @en-dream , @rizzkisworld , @cosmicwintr , @mydearyeseo , @ladyaida , @fae-renjun , @slytherinshua , @jjennuine , @amouriu , @i03jae , @kstrucknet , @k-films , @sgz-net

[miumura]

STUPID CUPID! ─── JAEHYUN ONESHOT ✶

𓊆 🪽 𓊇 CUPID’S HANDBOOK ✶ Nothing could've prepared Jaehyun for the moment you, his ex, walked through the doors of his matchmaking business, hoping to find someone new. As a Cupid undercover, he sees this as his chance to finally move on by setting you up with someone "better." Determined to prove he's over you, Jaehyun throws himself into the task—only for a small mishap with his powers to send everything spiraling out of control.

OR IN WHICH Instead of helping you find love, Jaehyun accidentally amplifies his own buried feelings—the very ones he swore he’d left behind. As he's desperately hoping his magic wears off before you notice, Jaehyun can’t help but worry that you’ll think he’s sabotaging your chances at love simply because he can’t let you go just yet.

MATCHMAKER & HIS CLIENT × cupid ! jaehyun x f ! reader

🗒️ › THE GUIDELINES ⟡ cupid au, exes2lovers, second chance, pining, slowburn(ish), fluff, angst ( ? ), crack

PRECAUTIONS ノ jaehyun absolutely being a nervous but almost lovesick mess 👍, playful bickering, a bit of jealousy?, teasing (#you’llfindthemainculprits), some denial and i believe that’s really it! ( FEAT. all of boynextdoor as CUPIDS! )

WORD COUNT ────── 25.9K+ ( 25907 WORDS ) !

𓊆 🗯️ 𓊇 CUPID’S RULES ✶ happy (late) valentines to you all ♡ !! this WAS supposed to be released on vday, but i lost track of time and was busy playing cupid for my friend so 😖 (rhin can confirm) special thank yous to alya, rhin, and lili !! alya & rhin my main people that i gave them sm updates (i know they were tired of me always saying my new wcs for this…) and lili being an amazing motivator for this as i was trying (more like stressing) to get this out as soon as possible… SO this fic definitely holds a special place in my heart & i hope you guys enjoy this as much as i did :] !! again, happy month of love ♡

🏹 ────── PLAYLIST LINKED IN ‘STUPID CUPID!’

RULE #1: Remember and Follow the Cupid Handbooks

Being a Cupid comes with its perks—the ability to make people fall within seconds—but it also carries a weird curse: struggling to find love for yourself. It’s ironic, really. How could one in charge of creating love stories be so helpless when it comes to their own? 

So, if there’s one rule every Cupid should know, it’s to avoid getting tangled up in love themselves. 

Jaehyun knew that better than anyone. He didn’t spend countless nights studying Cupid Handbooks just to break the most clear but unspoken rule in the book. But, when constantly exposed to love—causing romantic connections and having soulmates find each other—could he really be blamed for wondering what it might feel like to fall too? 

Jaehyun hated the idea of him doing something so forbidden—he knew his limits, had always known them, and he has never been so set on keeping himself within them. But the more time he spent practicing his spells and shooting his heart arrows, the more he felt himself daydreaming. Even during his shifts, he kept catching himself drifting off to the thoughts of what he wanted in a relationship. 

His imagination that led to his hopeless scenarios had him wanting love. Not just any kind of love, though. 

Jaehyun wanted to find love the natural way. No use of his magic. No arrows. No shortcuts. It was interesting, given the fact his abilities could naturally make the person he wanted to fall for him. But with the amount of time he spent in this field, all he wants is to be able to feel things everyone else would’ve if no one interfered with their love life. 

He wanted something genuine. 

He wanted to experience all the little things—interlocking fingers and swinging arms during a late-night walk—and plan romantic gestures and dates that would leave someone speechless. He wanted to laugh until his cheeks hurt because of the joy someone else brought into his life—someone that he could call his partner. 

It was so human, really so simple. Yet for someone like him, it was out of bounds and strictly off-limits. His magic was meant for others, not himself. Still, the thought lingered, nestled deep within him.

Even though it seemed forbidden, Jaehyun couldn’t stop himself from wondering: wouldn’t it be worth it, just once, to know what it felt like? It could be a good experience, he told himself, a lesson in understanding what he had been helping others achieve for so long.

And against all odds—or perhaps because of them—his fantasies became his reality. For the first time, Jaehyun found himself in a relationship. His first one ever. Everything he had imagined, all the sweet little moments he dreamed of, unfolded before him. Late-night walks, planned romantic dates, and laughter that left his cheeks sore were everything he’d wished for.

It was perfect. Almost too perfect, as if the universe was teasing him with a fleeting glimpse of something he could never fully keep.

If only he had known how it would all end. If only someone had stepped in to shatter his hopeless fantasies before they took place. Maybe then he wouldn’t have fallen so hard.

Maybe then he wouldn’t have become the hopeless mess he is now.

It wasn’t that he regretted the relationship—not entirely. The memories were precious, the kind he would carry with him forever. But who could have guessed how much a first love could change a person? That those bubbly feelings he felt would be so short-lived and immediately replaced with nothing but guilt? 

Unless, of course, Jaehyun was just a hopeless romantic, unable to let go of his first love. Maybe that was his problem all along—he clung to the memory of it, replaying every moment like a song he couldn’t stop humming. Or maybe it was simply a part of the consequences of not following the Cupid’s rule—avoid getting tangled up in love. 

It’s as if once a Cupid gets out of love, that emptiness will forever stick, and yet there would be no attempt to fill it up again. Instead, it simply lingers over like a shadow that would never disappear. 

Even with his so-called tragic attempt at love, Jaehyun refuses to let it interfere with his performance as a Cupid. If anything, he tries to hide it, and it only fuels his dedication to helping others find what he couldn’t. It helped him so much to the point that he even opened his own matchmaking business in the human world—a thriving one at that. 

For Jaehyun, it’s much easier to act like the one who steps into someone’s life at just the “right” moment, soon setting them up with their perfect match disguised as a human. With him constantly surrounded by success and purpose, he was able to effortlessly complete his tasks at a quick pace and climb up the ranks. His undercover Cupid life was truly working in his favor. 

For once, it seems like everything was finally working for Jaehyun. 

And that was all he ever wanted. 

RULE #2: Help anyone — everyone deserves love. 

It was a typical day for Jaehyun if he was holed up in his office, scrolling through the reviews on his website. A satisfied grin tugged at his lips as he skimmed through the comments praising his flawless love advice and unmatched ability to set up the perfect soulmate-worthy dates. 

“Jaehyun!” Woonhak’s voice burst through the quiet room, startling Jaehyun to jolt upright, abandoning the relaxed posture he’d settled into moments before. “You’ve got new clients!” 

The door swung open, and in walked Woonhak, his assistant, with a stack of papers that balanced in his arms. He remained completely oblivious to the sharp glare Jaehyun shot his way, too caught up in his excitement—or perhaps too used to his expressions to care. 

“It would be better if you just entered the room without yelling like that,” Jaehyun muttered, watching as Woonhak approached his desk and plopped down the heavy stack of papers.

“You just get scared too easily,” Woonhak teased, dragging out the last word as if to further test Jaehyun’s patience. Despite the playful jab, his grin never faltered. He nudged the papers closer, clearly expecting Jaehyun to skim through them quickly so he could set up the appointments and get back to whatever mischief he had planned for the day.

Jaehyun chose to ignore his teasing, snatching up the papers and flipping through the stack as fast as he possibly could. Meanwhile, Woonhak let out a low whistle, tapping his fingers on his thighs as his eyes wandered around the room to fulfill his few minutes of boredom. 

With Jaehyun looking back at Woonhak every so often, his attention soon landed on the white wings peeking out from Woonhak’s back. 

“And hide those winds before someone walks in here and thinks you’re an odd person.” He pointed in their direction, giving it a small look. 

Woonhak immediately twisted his body, trying to get a glimpse of the wings, only to end up spinning in an awkward loop. Jaehyun let out a chuckle at the ridiculous sight, shaking his head before returning to the customer requests sprawled out in front of him.

“I had to help Taesan with his mission. Cut me some slack,” Woonhak huffed, hurriedly tucking his wings out of sight—even though it was just him and Jaehyun in the room.

“Besides,” he added, straightening up and crossing his arms, “I’d be diligent enough not to get caught looking like this in front of a human.”

Jaehyun raised his eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Uh-huh. Like you never had something like this happen on numerous occasions.” 

Woonhak opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, his lips pressing into a thin line as he suddenly remembered a few of the times that almost led him to exposing his true identity. 

“Just focus on looking through these so I can go back to work before someone calls for me again,” Woonhak grumbled under his breath, leaving Jaehyun unbothered to even hide the small smirk he had. 

“Yeah, yeah—” Jaehyun started, his words trailing off the moment his eyes landed on a familiar name.

L/N Y/N.

For a moment, the room felt smaller, and the papers in his hands suddenly heavier. He stared at your name, unable to move past it, as if seeing it in print made it all too real.

He almost felt as if he was being physically dragged down, feeling the weight of such a familiar yet unfamiliar name crush him. 

His heart felt like it was sinking. 

Snapping out of it, Jaehyun quickly slid the paper out of the stack, slipping it aside like it didn’t exist. But before he could fully hide it, Woonhak’s sharp eyes caught his movement.

Woonhak slid the paper back in front of Jaehyun, his eyes narrowing in confusion at Jaehyun’s sudden action. 

“What?”

“Uh, I don’t think I can take this applicant,” Jaehyun replied a little too quickly, pushing the paper aside once more. 

“What’s wrong with this one?” he pressed, sliding the paper back yet again and this time keeping his hands firmly placed on it. Woonhak couldn’t seem to let it go that easily. He leaned in, squinting as he tried to make the words on the page from his view. “See something that goes against our policies?” 

“It’s not that—” Jaehyun paused, the sudden thought of him technically being the one that went against Cupid’s "policies.”

Avoid getting tangled up in love. 

The same phrase that haunted him echoed in his head, almost threatening to bring him back to the phase where he felt everything was going wrong. But he quickly shook it off—he had to. Now wasn’t the time for him to dwell on his past actions. He needed an excuse—any excuse. 

His eyes darted to the description you’d provided at the bottom of the application, scanning the words as fast as he could.

“They just seem... bland?” he blurted out, scrambling for an explanation. “Like they don’t actually want our services. Feels like a waste of time, honestly.”

Woonhak tilted his head before flipping the paper around, finally taking the time to read it properly. He hummed softly, nodding as if he agreed, and Jaehyun let out the smallest sigh of relief—until Woonhak abruptly stopped.

His expression shifted, brows furrowing deeply as his eyes darted back and forth between the paper and Jaehyun. 

“Since when did you, out of all Cupids, opt out of helping a client find love?”

“I mean…you saw the paper yourself!” Jaehyun stammered, trying to say anything to seem valid with his reasoning. He could feel the heat rising to his face, and no matter how hard he tried to keep calm, his words kept fumbling. This was spiraling fast—faster than he wanted it to. Instead of seeming like the confident, professional Cupid he prided himself on being, Jaehyun felt like a deer caught in headlights.

“The Jaehyun I know wouldn’t turn anyone away,” he stated clearly, folding his arms. “So, you? The Cupid who preaches about ‘love being for everyone,’ rejecting a client because they seem odd with their reasoning?”

Jaehyun didn’t know what to say—matter of fact, he didn’t want to say it. He had no comeback—no witty excuse to hide behind. Honestly, how could he possibly explain the truth? That he didn’t follow the very rules designed to keep Cupids professional? 

How was he supposed to bring up the fact that he had a deeper connection to you than other humans? 

That it was what he’s been wanting to avoid even remembering for the longest time? 

Jaehyun’s stomach churned, the thought looming over him greater than before. With falling in love as a Cupid seems to go against their morals, Jaehyun would absolutely forbid himself from telling someone he had gone against it. 

No one could know. Not even Woonhak, one of the very few he trusted the most. 

Nothing could deter Jaehyun from believing that this guilt should be only carried by himself. Otherwise, who knows what could happen to him if the word got out that he did something “bad”? 

Because if they found out? Suspension would be the least of his problems. He could be stripped of his powers, exiled from this world, or worse—losing his powers as a Cupid. 

Regardless of what punishments there could be out there, Jaehyun was not planning on getting into any of them. 

Jaehyun clenched his jaw, forcing himself to hold Woonhak’s gaze. “Can I just say...the vibes are... off?” Jaehyun managed to murmur, putting on a hopefully convincing look. However, Jaehyun even thought he wouldn’t be convinced by his own excuse with Woonhak towering over him, trying to analyze his true intentions. 

“Is there something you don’t want to tell me?” his voice was still laced with suspicion; however it was softer than it was before. 

Jaehyun felt the weight of Woonhak’s stare, and for a split second, he debated keeping the truth buried. But the tension in the room was suffocating, and if he didn’t give Woonhak something—anything—it might only make things worse.

It could at least make him feel a bit better in this situation. 

“Okay…well,” Jaehyun began, his voice wavering as he struggled to find the right words. “It’s someone I used to know. Someone I—” He paused, catching himself before saying too much. “—someone I haven’t spoken to in a while. I just... I don’t want to mess things up for them.”

Woonhak tilted his head, his brows furrowing slightly, but he nodded as if to show he understood. “So it’s personal?”

“Kind of,” Jaehyun admitted, his gaze shifting down to the paper that now felt like it was burning a hole in his desk. “I just think it’d be better if someone else handled it.”

“Alright,” Woonhak finally said, stepping back slightly. Hearing that, Jaehyun could’ve sworn he let out a huge exhale of air he didn’t even realize he’d been holding.

Relief flooded through him, but it was short-lived. Woonhak reached out, gathering the stack of papers—including yours—and Jaehyun’s eyes lingered on them longer than he meant to.

That’s when it hit him.

You applied. You. To find someone new?

Before he could fully process it, Woonhak’s footsteps snapped him out of his spiral. He abruptly turned back before reaching the door, making Jaehyun’s shoulders tense up all over again.

“But if no one takes this application,” Woonhak said with a grin, “you’re going to have to handle it no matter what.”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

“She applied for you to help her, didn’t she?” Woonhak grinned, clearly enjoying the panic written all over Jaehyun’s face. “Cupid rules!” 

And before Jaehyun could even form a response, Woonhak was gone, shutting the door behind him within an instant. 

Jaehyun slumped back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as the words echoed in his head.

She applied for you to help her. 

For the first time ever, Jaehyun had never felt a stronger urge to break Cupid’s rules.

Just for his own sake. 

RULE #3: Focus on the Present, Not the Past

It didn’t take long for Jaehyun to realize that Woonhak had only been joking and that no such rule actually existed. Honestly? He was relieved—especially after mustering up the courage to ask Riwoo a series of awkward and borderline ridiculous questions. Poor Riwoo had been forced to sit through Jaehyun’s rambling without even understanding why he was so worked up.

According to Riwoo, applications were simply sent and put on hold until someone willingly picked up the task. It didn’t have to be Jaehyun—thankfully. That small piece of information lifted a massive weight off his shoulders, allowing him to breathe easier for the first time since he’d seen your name on the paper.

And while the thought of leaving your application in someone else’s hands felt oddly conflicting, Jaehyun convinced himself it was for the best. You’d be taken care of soon, and he wouldn’t have to risk getting involved in your life again.

As cold as it might sound, Jaehyun knew his intentions were good. He wasn’t trying to be cruel—if anything, he was trying to protect you from not seeing him again, as maybe the sight of him could possibly hurt you too. 

That reassurance brought him an unexpected sense of peace, enough to push him back into focus. With his worries temporarily set aside, Jaehyun found himself performing better than he had in weeks, even earning a few more praises here and there.

It was more than enough for Jaehyun to be set right back on track. 

“Send the next client in,” Jaehyun spoke into the earpiece, his tone steady as he leaned back in his chair. He reached for a pen, idly tapping it against the surface of his desk while he waited.

“I’m on it,” Woonhak’s voice crackled through the line, followed by faint shuffling noises. Jaehyun could just barely make out Woonhak murmuring something to the next person in line, probably offering some last-minute reassurance before directing them inside.

Jaehyun straightened up as he heard the door creak open, forcing himself into professional mode. He plastered on a welcoming smile, just like he had practiced, ready to offer all the help he could give. 

“Welcome to—” he looked up, the grip on his pen faltering, nearly causing it to slip from his fingers. His lips slightly parted before continuing, “KOZ of Cupid.”

Out of all clients he could’ve seen today, why did it have to be you?

At first, you didn’t want to sign up for something like this. You preferred the more “natural” way of falling in love—the kind of story that felt straight out of a romance movie. Meeting someone in a cozy café, locking eyes with a stranger in a crowd, or stumbling upon someone at the wrong place but at the perfect time. That’s the kind of love you always dreamed about.

Although those kinds of wishes didn’t take you far within your love life. Those fleeting moments never seemed to lead to something more than casual, leaving you in a series of what-ifs and missed connections. So, here you were, making the decision you once swore you’d never make. 

But what you didn’t expect was seeing this. 

You froze the moment you stepped inside the office, your eyes locking with his as the realization sank in. Out of all the people who could’ve been behind this desk—out of all the Matchmakers people raved about—it just had to be him.

Your ex.

Well, maybe if you knew who he actually was prior to this, you would’ve probably avoided getting into this situation. 

Your body stiffened, your hand gripping the strap of your bag as if holding onto it could somehow ground you. He looked just as surprised as you, if not mortified. 

“Cupid MJ…?” you finally asked, your voice laced with disbelief as you eyed the nameplate on his desk. “That’s you?”

Jaehyun swallowed hard, his hand instinctively reaching up to rub the back of his neck. Despite having gone by the alias for what felt like an eternity, hearing it come out of your mouth suddenly made it sound ridiculous.

“Yeah…” he muttered, his voice softer than usual. “That’s me.”

“I see...” you trailed off awkwardly, already hating the steps you took to be caught in this kind of predicament. 

“Well, take a seat, won’t you?” Jaehyun finally broke the silence, gesturing toward the chair he’d carefully positioned in front of his desk. You nodded stiffly, your legs carrying you forward as if on autopilot, each step feeling heavier than the last.

You weren’t sure what shocked you more—seeing Jaehyun again after all this time or realizing he was now running a matchmaking business, posing as some kind of modern-day Cupid...now in charge of your love life. 

The only difference is that he's no longer a part of it—not in that kind of way. 

“It’s been a long…time since we last saw each other,” you managed to say as you took a seat. Your eyes fell into your lap, unable to meet his gaze face-to-face after all this time. It felt unnatural given how you two were practically strangers who used to be lovers, now meeting up together in the same room. “I didn’t know you were doing this kind of thing now.” 

Jaehyun wasn’t surprised by your reaction. He had expected this to throw you off—how could it not? After all, back then, he’d practically put his cupid duties on pause to be with you. He left it all in Riwoo’s hands just so he could experience what love felt like firsthand.

And for a while, it was perfect.

But now? Now, he was just a matchmaker, and you were just another client sitting across from his desk, needing his help. You two were not on boyfriend-girlfriend terms anymore, so Jaehyun had no choice but to snap out of it. 

“It has been,” he finally replied, forcing a polite smile despite the tightening in his chest. “I never would’ve expected to see you again—especially not here. And definitely not in this... field of love.”

You let out a small, nervous laugh, nodding your head. “Yeah, well…change of plans, I guess.”

Jaehyun also nodded, but his mind was already spiraling. Change of plans? To make things fair, he hasn’t seen you in a while—it’s been a good year or two of him avoiding crossing paths with you. 

“Getting back on topic, I assume you’ve already gone through our website?” Jaehyun asked, his tone shifting to something more professional as he turned his attention to the computer beside him. His fingers moved quickly over the keyboard, typing your name into the database.

“Well… could there be anything I missed besides setting up this appointment with you?” you asked, hoping your rushed application hadn’t left out anything important.

“It actually looks like you didn’t fill out the section about what you’re looking for in a future partner.” Jaehyun frowned slightly, refreshing the page a couple of times as if expecting the missing information to magically appear. “Huh. That’s odd…”

“There was a form for that?” you asked, genuine confusion lacing your voice.

Jaehyun hummed in response, his eyes still fixed on the screen. “Yeah. It’s part of the application process. You must’ve skipped over it.”

You sat back in your chair, trying to piece together the memory of filling out the form. “I probably did. I was kind of in a rush when I submitted it,” you admitted, already cringing at how careless you’d been. It was supposed to be something quick—just something to get your friends off your back about your ‘tragic’ love life. 

“Well, don’t worry about it.” Jaehyun reached for the drawer beside him, pulling out a clipboard and sliding a clean sheet of paper into the clip. “I have a physical copy you can fill out instead.”

He handed it to you along with a pen, prompting you to take it without hesitation. Your eyes quickly scanned the questions on the form, and almost immediately, you felt like you were being put on the spot. The questions were more personal than you expected—asking about values, expectations, and even deal-breakers—but you pushed through, determined to finish it as quickly as possible.

The silence in the room only made the process feel longer. You could feel Jaehyun’s occasional glances, though he tried to keep himself preoccupied with the computer screen in front of him. It was as if he was pretending not to notice how much effort you were putting into answering the questions—questions he already knew the answers to, at least back then.

After what felt like an eternity, you were able to finish the last question, settling the clipboard down with a soft thud. 

“All done?” 

“Yeah,” you replied, sliding the clipboard back across his desk. “Sorry, that took so long. Some of the questions were…very detailed.” 

Jaehyun let out a small laugh, picking up the clipboard and flipping through the pages to make sure you didn’t skip over anything accidentally. “It’s supposed to be thorough. The more detailed your responses are, the better we can find the match for you.”

You nodded, though the idea of him—or anyone—reading through your answers felt a bit humiliating. Even if you regretted it, there was really no coming back from this now. But Jaehyun’s silence couldn’t help but worry you, making your stomach churn. 

“Okay, it looks like you filled out everything,” he said, placing the clipboard down in front of him. “We should be able to get you set up with a match that fits what you’re looking for.” 

You didn’t have an answer, so you simply nodded, forcing a small, polite smile even as the tension in the room lingered.

“That’s all for today’s session,” Jaehyun said, leaning back slightly as if to signal the end of your meeting.

“Really? That’s it?” you asked in surprise. 

“Considering how you forgot to fill that part, I can’t do much more than make you wait until our next session to find you a match,” he replied. “I’ll have Cupid KW set up the next appointment for you when I’m all settled.” 

“Oh right…” Your voice barely rose above a murmur as you stood up, sliding the chair back under the desk carefully before you left. You hesitated at the door, your hand hovering over the handle before instinctively turning back to him.

“Thank you, Jaehyun—” You froze, quickly correcting yourself. “I mean, Cupid MJ.” The slip-up made you cringe internally—you certainly weren’t on the terms to be addressing him like that. You didn’t choose to stick around long enough to explain or even see his reaction. Instead, you hurriedly added, “Have a nice day,” before stepping out and pulling the door closed behind you.

Jaehyun barely managed a “You too,” but his voice was low, almost drowned out by the soft click of the door shutting. Letting out a quiet sigh, Jaehyun shifted his focus back to the clipboard you left behind, flipping through the pages filled with your handwriting.

Jaehyun? It was nice to hear that name from you again. But he hated how much he missed hearing it. 

It had been so long, and yet it still sounded so familiar—so warm, as if it provided a sense of comfort to him. It was as if he was transported back to the past, the time where he had known everything about you. 

He scanned through your answers carefully, noting every detail you had written down. As he continued to flip through the pages, he wore a faint, bitter smile, noticing how clear everything was. 

It was silly to think about reconnecting, wasn’t it? Silly to even let himself reminisce about what everything once was.

Everything you seem to want now—the qualities and expectations—no longer reflects who Jaehyun was. But what should he expect? That you would still want someone like him? 

He was only someone you had once wanted. 

Now, he’s just a stranger with a familiar name. 

RULE #4: Act Fast; a Client is Top Priority

“Where’s Woonhak?” Jaehyun suddenly asked, his eyes narrowing as Leehan walked in carrying a stack of papers instead of the usual face he expected to see every day.

“He told me Sungho called for him for the day,” Leehan replied, setting the papers down on Jaehyun’s desk with the same precision Woonhak typically would. “So, I took over his spot.”

Jaehyun barely held back a groan. Of course, Woonhak wouldn’t be here today. If he was, Jaehyun would’ve made sure he didn’t leave this office without a long lecture—or a few cuts and bruises, if Jaehyun felt like being dramatic. Technically, this entire mess was Woonhak’s fault—for lying and, even worse, allowing you in on the day Jaehyun could’ve least expected it.

It would’ve been easier if Jaehyun had some kind of warning. Just a heads-up that you’d be walking through those doors.

“So, these are the correct ones, right?” Jaehyun asked, forcing himself to focus as he looked through the papers.

“Yes, Woonhak taught me,” Leehan confirmed, glancing at him like he could already tell where Jaehyun’s mind was drifting. “And don’t worry. I’m only unlucky when it comes to using my powers, not simple tasks like these.”

Jaehyun let out a sharp exhale, giving Leehan a pointed look. “Let’s hope so.”

“You seem to have a lot on your mind,” Leehan said, tilting his head slightly as he studied Jaehyun’s expression.

“Me?” Jaehyun scoffed, feigning indifference as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m fine.”

“Sure,” Leehan replied, clearly unconvinced. “That’s why you’ve been staring at the same paper for the last five minutes.”

Jaehyun blinked, glancing down at the form in his hand. He hadn’t even realized he hadn’t turned the page.

“It’s nothing,” Jaehyun muttered, flipping the sheet over as if that would somehow prove his point.

Leehan didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press further either. Instead, he slid another set of files across the desk.

“Well, whatever it is, try not to let it mess up your matchmaking,” Leehan said with a shrug. “Clients tend to notice when you’re distracted.”

Jaehyun let out a small, humorless laugh. “Funny to hear that from you, Leehan.”

“A few mishaps doesn’t mean I can’t read you clearly,” Leehan hummed, pausing briefly at the door. “You’re bad at hiding it.”

Jaehyun opened his mouth to retort, but Leehan was already gone, leaving him alone with nothing but the faint echo of his words.

His gaze soon shifted to the glowing computer screen, displaying one of your most compatible matches. The person seemed to perfectly align with the preferences you listed—which is a good thing—yet Jaehyun’s chest seemed to tighten the longer he stared at it. 

Jaehyun loves his job, and yet he can’t help but wonder how his situation became like this. 

It’s just funny how he has to be the one to set you up with someone else. 

“You found me a match already?” you exclaimed, your eyes widening as Jaehyun quietly sipped his hot chocolate. He gave a small nod, barely looking up from the swirling steam rising from his cup.

“Yeah, it was easy to find some candidates,” he replied, his voice steady but his expression unreadable. He was bundled up in layers, his scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, yet he still seemed cold despite having been in the café for over ten minutes.

“Are you sure these are good ones?” you asked, trying not to sound doubtful but failing miserably. It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Jaehyun’s judgment—you did—but the process felt almost too fast. Weren’t matches supposed to take time? Shouldn’t there be more thought put into something like this?

“I don’t have good reviews under my website for no reason,” Jaehyun said with a small, proud smile as he set down his cup. He seemed confident, which seemed to reassure you. 

You pressed your lips together, unsure how to respond. Maybe you were overthinking this, or maybe it was just nerves. But a tiny part of you couldn’t help but wonder if Jaehyun was rushing this—if he was just trying to get it over with.

Would this—you—even matter to him? 

“Right,” you still managed to say while your thoughts spiraled, forcing a smile as you leaned back in your chair. “I guess I’ll just have to trust the expert, huh?”

“Speaking of me being an expert, your match should be appearing soon,” Jaehyun said casually, his words suddenly shifting the calm mood into something else. 

You blinked, caught completely off guard. “Wait—what?”

Before you could even process what he meant, Jaehyun stood up, eyes glued to his phone, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. “His name is Heeseung, by the way.”

“Heeseung?” you repeated, panic rising in your voice. “Jaehyun, wait!”

But he didn’t wait. He didn’t even turn back. 

It felt almost too familiar. 

Instead, he gave you a quick, dismissive wave before disappearing toward the café door.

You sat frozen in your chair, your heart pounding so hard you could feel it in your ears. 

A match. An actual, real match. And he was about to walk in any second now.

You glanced around nervously, suddenly hyperaware of every person in the café. You stared at everyone that walked in your direction, seemingly holding onto your breath. 

You didn’t even know who this guy looked like—this was practically a blind date. 

Your hands clenched around your cup. What were you even supposed to say?

You hadn’t been on a date in so long, and the fact that this one was unplanned made it feel so much worse. 

“Y/N, is it?”

The voice pulled you out of your spiraling thoughts. You looked up, meeting the gaze of the man standing in front of you.

It was Heeseung.

With you exchanging awkward greetings with Heeseung, it was obvious you weren’t the only one feeling nervous. His stiff smile and the way he shifted in his seat mirrored your own unease, but at least the tension was mutual.

Meanwhile, Jaehyun remained outside the café, positioned just far enough to avoid suspicion but close enough to keep an eye on the two of you. From his view, things seemed to be going well—or at least not terribly wrong.

Setting down the hot chocolate cup he had brought with him, it was time. Now came the moment Jaehyun had been waiting for. This was where his real work began—the part that set his matchmaking business apart from the rest.

Looking around to make sure the coast was clear, Jaehyun swiftly turned himself invisible, the faint shimmer of his form disappearing as he reached into his bag. Humming softly, his fingers brushed against each arrow, carefully inspecting for any marks or scratches. He settled for one of the newer arrows—the ones Woonhak brought in weeks ago. 

As his selected arrow radiated a faint glow of enchantment, Jaehyun was satisfied with his choice. He drew in a steady breath, positioning himself not too far from you two. Raising the bow, he aligned it to his target, Heeseung, who was sitting across from you. 

Adjusting his stance, Jaehyun closed one eye, lining up the perfect shot. The goal was simple—strike Heeseung’s heart and make him lovestruck. It was Cupid’s mission, after all.

With his grip steady, Jaehyun murmured a small incantation under his breath, the magic swirling gently around the arrow. This was the moment where everything would change—Heeseung would feel unexpectedly bubbly inside as his romantic feelings intensified. 

All he had to do was shoot. 

Just as Jaehyun was about to release the bowstring, a sudden, chaotic noise erupted behind him—a crash of metal and hurried footsteps disturbed him. Jaehyun flinched, his head immediately snapping toward the source of the sounds. In that split second, his grip faltered, the arrow slipping from his grasp. 

Before he could even react, the faint hum of magic pulsed through, a streak of shimmering pink light quickly disappearing into thin air. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered under his breath, a stream of barely audible curses following as he frantically looked around his surroundings for the arrow and the disturbance. Oddly enough, whatever—or whoever—caused the noise was nowhere within his sight, leaving him in silence. 

But there was no time for him to investigate. He had to shift his focus back to you and Heeseung, ignoring the strange feeling in his chest—possibly from the scare and the sudden aftermath of his mistake. 

That’s when the feeling seemed to hit him. 

Jaehyun’s eyes naturally gravitated to you, and suddenly, everything around him seemed to blur. His vision tunneled, examining the way there was suddenly almost a shimmering light that radiated from you. It seemed to grow brighter every time he noticed something about you—every second seemed precious to him. 

He tried blinking, but it only got worse, his eyes unable to peel away from you. 

It was odd. 

Did he... miss you that much? That it was only starting to really hit him now? 

But right now? He had to get over you. At this time, he couldn’t afford to get distracted—the mission was most important, after all. 

Clenching his jaw, Jaehyun forced himself to look away, reaching for another arrow to correct his mistake.

But the moment his gaze dropped, his breath hitched.

There, in the center of his shirt, was the pink stain—not on the ground, not on an arrow, but on him.

Panic bloomed in his chest, his pulse quickening by the second. The bow fell to the floor as his hands grasped at the fabric, pulling it to examine the stain more closely. The sparkly glow was enough to tell him everything he needed to know. 

“No, no, no-" Jaehyun muttered under his breath, frantically rubbing at the fabric. It was completely useless. The stain didn’t smear or lift, but instead, it shrank. 

It sunk deeper into the fibers of his shirt—no, into him. The glow started to dim with every passing second until it was no longer visible, leaving Jaehyun frozen, his fingers still gripping onto the fabric. 

Jaehyun swallowed hard, his eyes flicking back toward you. 

This wasn’t right.

The sound of your voice was faint but warm, making his pulse race even more despite him setting you on a date with Heeseung. 

This wasn’t supposed to happen. 

 The pounding of his heart was deafening, drowning out the noise around him. Jaehyun bolted from where he was, his footsteps quick but unsteady as he pressed a trembling hand against his chest.

What had he done?

RULE #5: Don’t Mess Around with Cupid Powers

Jaehyun couldn’t stop feeling the need to constantly pace around his room. His footsteps echoed softly against the wooden floor as he ran a hand through his hair for what felt like the hundredth time.

Your text message sat open on his phone screen, glowing back at him. It was nothing more than a casual update—how the date went and how Heeseung seemed nice—but it still managed to make him smile.

That was the problem.

Jaehyun’s fingers tightened around the phone as he muttered to himself, his words shaky but firm. “You’re her matchmaker, not her match.”

But no matter how many times he repeated it, the words fell flat. It was a reminder that couldn’t seem to get through in his head. His own logic wasn’t enough to drown out the emotions that had begun creeping in ever since that arrow misfired.

It was wrong. He knew it was wrong—especially now that your date with Heeseung seemed to go well. That should’ve been enough to push Jaehyun back into reality, but instead, it only made the ache in his chest worse.

“You called for me?”

The voice snapped Jaehyun out of his trance, and he practically lunged toward the door the moment he saw Sungho step inside. Relief flooded through him so intensely that he didn’t even think twice before grabbing Sungho by the arms, gripping him like a lifeline.

“Whoa—what’s up with you?” Sungho’s brows shot up, his eyes scanning Jaehyun’s disheveled appearance. His face was flushed, his hair was a mess, and he looked like he’d been running a marathon inside the room. “You look…weird.”

Jaehyun immediately let go, straightening his posture in an attempt to look normal. But his attempt was useless. His jittery hands and the way his eyes darted back and forth only made him look more suspicious.

“Would you mind helping me?” Jaehyun blurted out, his voice almost cracking.

Sungho crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. “I mean, that’s literally why I’m here,” he replied, walking past Jaehyun and flopping onto the couch without hesitation. “You don’t usually act like this. What’s up with you?”

Jaehyun trailed behind him, struggling to keep himself composed as he hovered nervously by the couch. He hated how out of character this was for him—desperate and completely unfocused. He wanted it to stop, but the way his mind kept racing and his heart refused to calm down made it nearly impossible to pull himself together.

Jaehyun cleared his throat, his fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. “So, uh... hypothetically speaking—emphasis on hypothetically,” he stressed, his eyes flickering toward Sungho as if silently begging for reassurance. “Is it possible for a Cupid to, you know… seriously mess up with their powers?”

Sungho raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting from mild curiosity to concern. “That depends,” he said slowly. “What kind of mistake are we talking about here?”

“Well…” Jaehyun hesitated, his voice trailing off before he forced himself to continue. “Like, let’s say something happened—not saying it did, but let’s say it could—where a Cupid accidentally misfired an arrow?”

Sungho hummed thoughtfully, leaning back against the couch. “I mean, it’s not unheard of. Look at Leehan, for example. The guy is completely unfortunate—broken arrows, broken couples, you name it. But his mistakes aren’t anything too difficult to fix.” 

‘Right, fixable. Totally,” Jaehyun nodded quickly, though his fingers continued to fidget against the fabric of his sleeves. “Right, right. But what if—again, hypothetically—a Cupid misfires their arrow on someone... that shouldn’t get hit?”

“Wait.” Sungho looked at Jaehyun, his gaze intensifying. “You did not—”

“I did not! Of course, I wouldn’t have!” Jaehyun cut in, his voice an octave higher than it usually was. “I mean, not exactly what you may think it is.” 

Sungho’s eyes widened as he sat himself up. “Jaehyun.” 

“Okay, okay!” Jaehyun caved, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Maybe I might have accidentally—sort of—shot myself.”

Sungho’s jaw dropped.

 “You what?!”

“I didn’t mean to!” Jaehyun blurted out, panic seeping into his voice. “There was this loud noise, and I got scared, and my hand slipped, and bam! I suddenly see pink liquid on my shirt that just quickly disappeared!”

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me." Sungho dragged a hand to his mouth, visibly mortified that Jaehyun—out of all people—would get himself into a situation like this. “Turning your powers against yourself? Really?” 

“Was this why you asked me a bunch of questions about whether you had to take a client? Because it was about Y/N?”

Riwoo’s voice cut through the room, making both Sungho and Jaehyun jump—though it was Jaehyun who practically fled the couch with a yelp. His hand instinctively latched onto Sungho’s arm, eyes wide with panic as he spun around to face the unexpected intruder.

“Since when did you come in?!” Jaehyun demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Riwoo, who looked thoroughly unimpressed.

Riwoo lifted the stack of files he carried as if the explanation was obvious. “Woonhak sent me,” he said, before casually walking over to Jaehyun’s desk to drop them off.

“Of course, Woonhak did,” Jaehyun muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples. “And you weren’t supposed to say that, Riwoo.”

“Oh,” Riwoo halted in his steps, soon turning to see Sungho with a puzzled look on his face. No matter how many times Sungho tried to think back on everything he remembered, the name wasn’t familiar to him at all. “I thought he knew.”

“What are we talking about—who is Y/N?” Sungho finally asked, almost as if it were excruciating while watching Jaehyun and Riwoo send each other odd but failed telepathy through the usage of their eyes and mumbling. 

“Jaehyun’s ex,” Riwoo quickly blurted out, leaving Jaehyun’s eyes widened in horror, his hand still in the air after shooting it up in an attempt to cover Riwoo’s mouth, but it was too late.

“Are you serious right now?” Jaehyun hissed, slowly dropping his hand in defeat. “I wouldn’t have told you about this if you were going to say it that easily.” 

“He had to know at one point—you can’t hide the fact that you tried to find love from us much longer,” Riwoo shrugged as he leaned against Jaehyun’s desk. “You could at least tell Sungho—he wouldn’t tell anybody... yet.” 

Next to him, Sungho sat in stunned silence, his mouth hanging open in shock. He blinked rapidly, his gaze darting between Riwoo and Jaehyun as if trying to process what he’d just heard.

“Y/N?” Sungho repeated, shaking his head as he pried Jaehyun’s arm off him. “So, you’re telling me, you managed to shoot yourself with your own arrow and ended up hopelessly in love with your ex again? That’s... really something else. Even for you.”

Jaehyun groaned, slumping back against the couch as he covered his face with both hands. “Don’t need to keep pushing it.”

Riwoo and Sungho exchanged a look, both struggling to suppress the fear but also the amusement threatening to creep onto their faces. It really was funny—at least to an extent.

After all, how could a Cupid be this careless? And not just careless—reckless. Jaehyun had managed to turn what should’ve been a simple matchmaking session into a full-blown catastrophe.

But what made it worse—what made it really ridiculous—was the fact that his eyes had landed on someone who was never supposed to be anything more than a client. Someone who had only walked through his doors looking for love and not to accidentally become the reason Cupid himself got caught up in this mess. 

“So, what did you feel when you saw her?” Sungho asked, making sure to check on his friend’s wellbeing. He had never been in this kind of situation before, so it wasn’t something he could instantly jump in and fix things like he usually would have. 

“It felt weird—it still does!” Jaehyun threw his hands up in the air. He paused, soon placing his hand on his chest as if he could physically do something to calm the irregular pounding of his heart. “Anything or everything that has to do with Y/N, it feels like—like I can’t think straight at all! It’s all about her!” 

“Were Cupid’s powers always this strong?” Riwoo questioned, eyebrows furrowed as he plopped onto the couch across from them. 

“I mean...” Sungho hesitated, leaning back as if running through possibilities in his head. “It could be different for humans—but he’s Cupid, after all. Who’s to say it wouldn’t affect him even worse than a human? What if it’s like... amplified?”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened, his panic rising again. “Amplified? Are you serious? So what—this could get even worse?”

“Well,” Riwoo started cautiously, “you did hit yourself with the arrow, so who knows what could possibly happen? Or how deep the arrow went? Nothing like this has happened before... or at least, not that we know of.” 

‘What am I supposed to do?” Jaehyun groaned, his thoughts completely all over the place. “She’s not just anyone; she’s my client! And I already set her up with someone else—who she seems to actually like, by the way! But I’m just here, losing my mind over something I really can’t control!” 

Sungho winced. “Well…”

“Please tell me this is fixable.” Jaehyun’s voice was muffled with his hands covering his face due to embarrassment. “There has to be something, or like, a time limit to these powers.” 

“That’s just something we have to figure out,” Riwoo said, trying to reassure him to the best of his abilities. “There has to be a way.”

Jaehyun really hoped Riwoo was right—he clung onto that hope. 

His phone had faintly buzzed with another notification, pulling his attention away. Unable to resist looking at it, he glanced to see another text from you lighting up the screen. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but reality was able to hit him quickly, considering his surroundings. His expression fell flat, which soon followed up with him clearing his throat. 

Jaehyun shut off his phone and threw it onto the table, as if putting some distance between himself and his phone could help keep himself normal. Slumping back into the couch, his shoulders sank as if the situation was starting to weigh heavily on his shoulders. 

This timing couldn’t have been any worse. His powers should’ve been reserved for only those he was assigned with to help them find love, not for him to accidentally turn himself into some lovesick person. 

“This better not be permanent,” Jaehyun muttered, staring into the ceiling while dealing with the thought of how terrifying that could be if his powers were to stick around. 

“For your sake, hopefully not.” Sungho said. “Because if it is... you might just be stuck with trying to make your client yours.” 

RULE #6: Don’t Run Away from Your Mistakes; Fix It.

“I’m not seriously going to be facing her, right?” Jaehyun blurted out, his voice laced with sheer panic as he threw his hands up in surrender. After the long, exhausting talk he’d just had with Riwoo and Sungho a while ago, this was the last thing he expected to hear. Guide you? Through this whole process? While he’s acting like this?

He can tell Sungho wasn’t pleased either, given the resigned expression he wore while telling him the news. But, with Sungho only able to give him a stiff nod, it hit Jaehyun like a brick wall—it was painfully obvious that they’d run into a dead end. 

Jaehyun’s shoulders slumped. “Can’t you just... take over for me?” His tone shifted into desperation as he tried to wriggle out of the mess he’d created. The last thing he wanted was to make a complete fool of himself in front of you. Though he couldn’t quite figure out if it was because he feared he wanted to impress you—or if it was just the crippling fear of acting weird in front of an ex.

“For someone who basically memorized every word of Cupid’s Handbooks,” Sungho said, rubbing the back of his neck as if he were already exhausted by Jaehyun’s antics, “I really thought you’d know better.”

Jaehyun froze, dread washing over him. He didn’t even need to ask to know where this was heading.

“What’s Rule #10?” Sungho pressed, narrowing his eyes.

Jaehyun let out a defeated sigh, his shoulders sinking further as he muttered under his breath, “Once a client... always your client.”

The words were as clear as day, but Jaehyun couldn’t help but feel like remembering that was bittersome. With how many hours he spent cooped up in his room remembering each page, he’d probably have ended up questioning his qualifications if he hadn’t.

But at this moment? He wished he didn’t know it. He wished the rule didn’t exist at all. 

“This isn’t fair,” Jaehyun groaned as he started pacing back and forth. He pressed his hands against the sides of his face as if doing so could somehow shut out the situation looming over him.

“You wouldn’t even be in this mess if you hadn’t been so fixated on Y/N,” Sungho sighed once again, although he seemed clearly unbothered by Jaehyun’s rising panic despite his behavior moments ago. 

Jaehyun spun around, glaring. “I was not fixated on her!” His voice came out sharper than he intended, defensive in a way that only made Sungho raise his brows. “I was actually committed to my mission, y’know—doing my job.”

“Right.” Sungho crossed his arms, leaning back as he fixed Jaehyun with an unimpressed look. “Then maybe you could’ve aimed the arrow at her instead of him.”

Jaehyun froze mid-step, caught off guard by the observation. The words lingered in the air as if waiting to pounce, and Jaehyun hated how they made his stomach churn.

Sungho didn’t miss the hesitation. “But you didn’t. Instead, you aimed to make him love-sick over her—not the other way around.”

Jaehyun’s eyes narrowed, his pacing halting completely as he faced Sungho. “What exactly are you trying to imply?”

“Oh, I think you already know,” Sungho said, his voice pointed as his gaze locked onto Jaehyun’s.

“Well, if anything—” Jaehyun snapped, his voice tight as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I don’t have any intentions like that! It’s over between us, and that should be pretty clear to you, given that I paired her up with someone else.”

“Sure, sure—it’s over,” Sungho says, not wanting to cause Jaehyun to be in another frenzy. He could feel his lip twitching, almost as if he wanted to smirk, but he chose to fight against it. There was no need to rile Jaehyun up, especially given the unfortunate circumstances. 

Sungho’s phone buzzed, and as he glanced down at the screen, his expression shifted. He pressed his lips into a thin line—a small but telling gesture that Jaehyun immediately picked up on. It was almost instinctual, his senses sharpening at the sight of Sungho’s hesitation.

“What is it?” Jaehyun demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.

Sungho hesitated, clearly weighing his words before finally speaking. “I know you really don’t want to do this,” he started cautiously, watching Jaehyun’s expression like it might shatter at any moment. "But... your next session with Y/N? It’s today.”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened in disbelief, and Sungho quickly added, “Or, well—actually, it’s not just today. It’s right now.”

“Right now?!” Jaehyun practically choked, taking a step back as if the words physically hit him. “You can’t be serious! No one said anything about it being this soon!”

Sungho grimaced, his grip tightening around his phone. “I just found out too, okay? Woonhak’s the one who sent the notice. He said something about needing to keep everything on schedule.”

“Schedule?” Jaehyun repeated, his voice rising. “I didn’t even agree to this schedule!”

Sungho crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed with Jaehyun’s outburst. “Well, suck it up, because she could walk in at any moment.” He gave Jaehyun a pointed look, then added, “But don’t worry—I’ll be here to make sure you don’t say anything weird.”

Jaehyun shot him a sharp glare. “Oh, that’s reassuring,” he muttered sarcastically, finally deciding to sit on the couch as his nerves threatened to continue to overwhelm him. “You’re acting like I’m incapable of handling this.”

“You’re barely capable of handling this,” Sungho shot back without missing a beat. “I mean, look at you right now! You’re one bad thought away from a meltdown, and we both know it.”

Just as Jaehyun was about to say anything to defend himself, the sound of knocking echoed through the room. Both he and Sungho immediately froze, their eyes snapping toward the door. 

Compared to Sungho, Jaehyun could’ve sworn he felt like he stopped breathing. Sungho was able to recover a little quicker, while Jaehyun seemed to be stuck in a trance. 

“I guess it’s time,” Sungho whispered as if you could potentially hear him from the opposite side, turning to give Jaehyun the look. 

Jaehyun’s eyes wavered. "Wait—what do I even say? What if... what if I mess up?” He whispered, and even with his voice being low, it was hard to ignore that he was frantic. 

“And didn’t you just say you’re perfectly capable of handling this?” 

"Well, that was before this happened!” Jaehyun whisper-yelled, his eyes looking back at the door after hearing the knocking again—this time, slightly louder than it was before. 

“Either way, you’re going to have to face her,” Sungho said, already moving toward the door. He reached for the doorknob, but before turning it, he glazed back at Jaehyun. “Like I said, I’ll handle it if things go wrong—just focus on being able to not do anything out of the ordinary.” 

Jaehyun groaned, running his hands through his hair as Sungho finally opened the door. The second he saw you standing there, greeting Sungho due to his sudden appearance, Jaehyun felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs.

Quickly, he looked away, his gaze dropping to his hands as he fiddled nervously with his fingers, desperate to stop his thoughts from spiraling. 

This was going to be so much harder than he thought.

“Hi, Cupid MJ,” you greeted him with a bright expression as you stepped inside after Sungho had welcomed you in.

Jaehyun’s eyes flickered up at the sound of your voice, and despite every part of him screaming to stay composed, his lips almost instinctively curled into a smile. His eyes softened, crinkling at the corners in a way that felt far too natural—far too much.

“Hi, Y/N,” he replied, but the moment the words left his mouth, he froze. It sounded weird. Even to him, it sounded far too warm—too full of affection. 

His eyes widened slightly as he quickly brought a hand up to cover his mouth, as if that could somehow take back the tone he’d just used. His gaze darted nervously to Sungho, who was already staring at him with a raised eyebrow and the most frustratingly knowing look.

Jaehyun felt heat rush to his face as he let out a small, awkward cough, desperately trying to mask the slip-up. “Uh—take a seat,” he said, attempting to make his voice sound more neutral. 

“The date went well,” you said, your tone light as you took a seat. It was clear you were more than ready to lead the conversation—especially given Jaehyun’s stunned silence.

For a moment, he just blinked at you, his thoughts spiraling as he struggled to string together a proper response. It almost felt like the roles had reversed—him as the nervous client, fumbling and hopeless, while you sat there like the Cupid, who had quite literally struck him right in the heart.

“That’s… great,” Jaehyun finally managed to say, though his voice came out quieter than he’d hoped. He cleared his throat, trying to regain even a fraction of composure. “I mean, of course, it went well. I—I knew it would.”

You nodded, completely unaware that you were the one that was making him feel like his heart was about to burst out of his chest. 

"What happens now?" you asked, leaning in slightly as if searching for some kind of reassurance.

"Well," he began, clearing his throat. "You can continue spending more time with him since I received a positive response from him too." He paused briefly, gauging your expression before continuing. "Or, if you'd prefer, you can explore other matches—it’s entirely your pick."

You nodded slowly, your fingers absentmindedly brushing against the edge of the table. "I think I could do another day with him," you finally said, though there was an almost hesitant tone in your voice.

Jaehyun's stomach flipped. Was that hesitation good or bad?

"I mean," you added quickly, as if trying to fill the silence, "I’m not really sure about exploring other options just yet. What do you think?"

Jaehyun looked up at you, momentarily frozen as if the world around him had slowed down. He’d tried so hard to avoid this—to keep his emotions in check and his focus sharp—but the second his eyes locked with yours, all of that effort unraveled.

The soft pink hue that had surrounded you the first time he saw you seemed to return, blooming and spreading until it drowned out everything else. It wasn’t just a glow—it was a pull, one he felt himself leaning into despite knowing better.

"What do I think?” he finally managed, his voice quieter than usual, like he was afraid of saying the wrong thing.

“Yeah.” You tilted your head, waiting for his response, completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside him.

“I think...” he trails off, his heartbeat seemingly muffling the sound of his own voice to him. “I think I like–”

“What he means,” Sungho interrupted, sliding onto the seat next to Jaehyun as if to physically block him from saying anything reckless, “is that he thinks it’d be great for you to keep going out with Heeseung.”

Jaehyun flinched at the sudden pinch Sungho gave him, jolting him back to reality. He turned to glare at his friend, but Sungho’s pointed stare told him to pull it together.

You blinked, slightly taken aback by the abrupt response from Sungho rather than Jaehyun, but nodded anyway. “Oh…okay.”

“Right!” Jaehyun blurted out, sitting up straighter and forcing a strained smile. “I mean, Heeseung seems like a good match, and you said the first date went well, so another one makes sense, right?”

Your eyebrows slightly furrowed, confused by the sudden energy radiating from him. Even when you hesitated for a second, as if something about his words didn’t quite convince you, you decided to nod again. “I guess I could give it another try.”

Jaehyun forced a smile, an odd tightness in his chest that didn’t seem to disappear quickly. He should’ve felt relieved that he hadn’t slipped up—that he’d managed to steer you back toward Heeseung—but instead, he felt like he’d lost something.

“Great,” Sungho clapped his hands together, almost serving as a reminder to Jaehyun to focus. “We will be able to set you on another date soon, so please wait for our messages!” he said oddly cheerfully, though Jaehyun could tell it was mostly to smooth things over.

“Right,” Jaehyun added, his voice barely above a whisper.He bit his lip, forcing himself to look away from you after nearly confessing again. His heart wavered, almost betraying him, as he saw you turn your attention to Sungho, laughing at something he’d said.

You were smiling…because of Sungho.

“I’ll take care of the details,” Jaehyun suddenly interjected, clearing his throat loudly enough to grab both your and Sungho’s attention.

You blinked, surprised, but offered a small smile. “Oh, okay. I’ll leave it to you, then,” you replied, completely oblivious to the effect you were having on him. Just because of that small action of yours, his heart was practically close to actually bursting. 

Jaehyun gave a stiff nod, watching you turn to leave. The moment you stepped out, he found his gaze trailing after you, unable to pull his eyes away until the door finally clicked shut behind you.

“Geez, now you’re at the jealous stage of the love effect?” Sungho’s voice sliced through the lingering silence, pulling Jaehyun back to reality. He looked over to find his friend watching him with a knowing smirk, one brow raised. “That was pretty fast-paced."

“It’s not like I was trying to!” Jaehyun quickly snapped, his voice suddenly getting defensive. In frustration, he pointed at the door as he tried to find his words. “It’s because of—”

Before he could finish, the door abruptly swung open, revealing Woonhak, who stood there with a curious yet sunny expression. “How’d it go?” he asked, his gaze bouncing between Jaehyun and Sungho as if he’d walked in on something interesting.

Jaehyun groaned, throwing his hands up in exasperation before pointing aggressively at Woonhak, almost as if he were waiting for this moment. “It’s because of you!”

Woonhak blinked, confused. “Wait, what? Me?”

“Yes, you!” Jaehyun said, standing up from his chair and pointing with even more emphasis. “If it weren’t for—”

“Is this...my cue to go?” Woonhak interrupted, his confusion shifting into playful unease as he glanced between the two of them, already half-stepping back toward the hallway.

 Jaehyun let out a long, frustrated sigh, his eyes squeezing shut as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “No, it’s not your cue to go, because if you hadn’t accepted that application, I could’ve still been as capable and composed as I was before!”

The room fell into a heavy silence as nobody chose to speak up after that. Woonhak froze, glancing at Sungho with wide, pleading eyes, silently begging for backup. Sungho, on the other hand, looked like he had no clue what to do either to step in.

Before Sungho could even attempt to think of something to diffuse the situation, Jaehyun was already striding his way toward Woonhak. 

“Uh, Sungho?” Woonhak stammered, panic creeping into his voice as he instinctively began stepping back. Jaehyun’s footsteps grew faster, his expression dead set on making his point—whatever that point might be.

“Sungho!” Woonhak yelped, his voice rising as Jaehyun closed the distance between them, taking even more huge steps back. 

Realizing he was on his own, Woonhak made a split-second decision. “Help me!” he screamed, spinning on his heel and bolting toward the door.

“Get back here, Woonhak!”

Their footsteps echoed down the hallway, Woonhak’s panicked screams fading into the distance as Jaehyun’s determined shouts followed close behind.

Sungho quickly snapped out of his amused daze, only to burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation. However, his grin vanished just as quickly as it appeared when a sudden realization hit him.

“Oh, crap. There could be other clients waiting!” he muttered, scrambling to his feet in a panic.

Without missing a beat, he darted toward the exit, slamming the door as he followed the trail of yelling that was growing fainter by the second.

“Jaehyun!” Sungho called out, his voice echoing through the hallway as he tried to catch up. “Leave Woonhak alone and get back here—this is just your fate!”

The sound of Woonhak’s panicked screams and Jaehyun’s relentless pursuit only made Sungho pick up his pace, muttering to himself between breaths. “Oh my, just accept your fate already!”

And no matter how much Jaehyun pleaded—to the Cupid Gods (if they even existed) or to the universe itself—for some miraculous way out of this fate, his prayers were met with nothing but silence. The crushing weight of disappointment settled on him, a constant reminder of just how trapped he was in this situation.

Now, only a few weeks later, here he was, hiding behind a newspaper in his hand, his breath held as he watched you sitting on a bench, waiting for your second date with Heeseung.

“Why am I even here?” Jaehyun mumbled to himself, his eyes still glued onto you from a safe distance. His tone was low, almost as if he were speaking to no one at all, but a hum of agreement quickly followed.

“I don’t know,” came the unenthusiastic reply from the person in front of him—Leehan, of all people. The sound of a crinkling newspaper accompanied his words, his fingers absently folding and unfolding the corner of the page.

“Matter of fact, why are you here?” Jaehyun whispered harshly, glaring at Leehan, who seemed entirely too relaxed for someone on the lookout, with his random sunglasses and his newspaper upside down. If anything, it would be obvious that Leehan could be up to something. 

Leehan leisurely lowered the newspaper he’d been pretending to read and set it down on the table in front of him, a small smirk playing at his lips. “Because Sungho and the others are busy with their own Cupid duties,” he began, crossing his arms over his chest as if he were getting ready for a sudden fit of frustration. “And Woonhak? Well, we all know you’d rip his head off if he even tried accompanying you. So, I have no choice but to be here with you.”

Jaehyun chose not to respond, letting out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his temples. Oddly enough, he has been able to keep his emotions in check since Leehan and the others have been around lately. They knew how far Jaehyun’s sudden love urges could progress, so they all took turns to be able to supervise both him and you. So, Jaehyun can’t even complain, as he would most likely be a nervous wreck around you.

But, if anything, he wasn’t the only nervous one. You were too, however, for entirely different reasons. Sitting just outside an amusement park—the chosen date spot for you and Heeseung—you fidgeted with your phone. The vibrant atmosphere around you was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as families and couples hurried past you, their faces lit up with anticipation.

Could that be you and Heeseung? 

You couldn’t help but wonder if you’d have as much fun as everyone else seemed to be having. Would this date live up to your expectations? Or were you setting yourself up for disappointment?

Your gaze shifted from the bustling crowd back to your phone screen. No new messages. You checked the time again, your thumb hovering over the screen as if doing so would make a notification pop up.

This isn’t the first time you’ll be meeting Heeseung, but the idea of meeting him in person instead of texting was weird. You tried to calm down, forcing yourself to breathe deeply to steady the feeling of nerves coursing through you. This was supposed to be a fun hangout, and there was no point in thinking of useless questions. Yet, your feelings only continued to gnaw away at you, as with every passing minute, your uneasiness only heightened. 

You hated the thought of coming off as pushy, especially for something as delicate as a romantic date, but eventually, you found yourself sending follow-up texts.

The act itself felt humiliating, like you were clinging to something that might already be slipping through your fingers. Still, you had no choice. The silence on the other end was deafening.

But even after your attempts, there was nothing. No text. No call. 

Were you getting stood up? That thought finally hit you, and your heart couldn’t help but sink with an overwhelming heaviness. 

You swallowed back the lump forming in your throat, forcing yourself to sit straighter despite the weight in your chest. As much as you hated to admit it, the idea of Heeseung standing you up felt more and more like a reality with each passing second. 

Maybe love wasn’t meant for you at all. 

The world around you seemed to blur as your gaze dropped to your phone. For a moment, you stared at the empty message screen, your fingers trembling over the keyboard. It took everything in you to gather the courage to type out a text, but not to Heeseung this time.

Instead, you messaged Jaehyun.

"This date's a failure," you typed, hesitating before pressing send. 

You could only imagine how Jaehyun might feel reading such a message, especially considering the heaviness in your own chest. But should it really matter? He was a revolutionary matchmaker, after all, wasn’t he? There shouldn’t be anything that he couldn’t do, right? And yet, a strange pang of guilt crept into your thoughts. Why were you so concerned about how Jaehyun would react?

Even though you couldn’t fully understand your own emotions, one thing was clear—you still cared about him. Maybe a little too much. So, for just a split second, it didn’t seem unreasonable to think about his feelings over yours.

But with Jaehyun, your feelings were always his top priority. Well, they should be. 

The moment your message reached him, he immediately reacted, his lips pressing into a deep frown as he reread your words. Sitting beside him, Leehan noticed his sudden shift in mood and leaned closer; his curiosity piqued.

“What’s wrong?” Leehan asked, trying to peer over at Jaehyun’s screen. His own expression shifted as he caught a glimpse of the text, his eyes widening and his frown mirroring Jaehyun’s.

Jaehyun didn’t answer right away, his thoughts racing as he stared at your words. His chest tightened, a mixture of frustration and concern bubbling within him. You were upset—the thought of you feeling this way gnawed at him.

“I’ll handle it,” Jaehyun finally muttered, standing abruptly.

Leehan blinked up at him, startled. “Wait, what are you—”

But Jaehyun was already moving, his determination written all over his face. For the better or worse, he wasn’t going to let this ruin your day. 

“Y/N,” he called out as he jogged toward you, his voice cutting through the lively background noise from the amusement park. The sudden sound startled you, making you glance up from the message you’d been staring at. Seeing him right there—mere seconds after your text—felt both unnerving and oddly comforting.

It felt weird that someone—your ex, or better yet, simply just Cupid MJ—immediately came to your message. But you also felt a sense of gratitude, knowing that there was someone who would answer your message right away. 

At least someone cared enough to show up for you. 

“Jaehyun?” you managed to say, though your voice was shaky, caught between disbelief and relief. You quickly stuffed your phone in your pocket, trying to compose yourself. “How’d you get here so fast?”

He came to a stop in front of you, still catching his breath but managing to keep his gaze steady on you. “I was already here,” he admitted, a slight edge of hesitance in his voice. “I was waiting for you and Heeseung to meet... so I could leave.” He shifted his weight awkwardly. “But then I got your text message.”

“Oh,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. “Makes sense.” The words felt bitter as they left your lips, as though admitting them aloud made everything sting a little more.

Your fingers found the zipper of your jacket, and you began to fiddle with it, keeping your eyes trained on the ground. Meeting Jaehyun’s gaze felt impossible at that moment. The last thing you wanted was for him, of all people, to witness you in this state.

This was definitely humiliating, and nothing could convince you otherwise. 

Jaehyun could see and feel the weight of your emotions, a pang of guilt washing over him. Deep down, he wondered if this was somehow his fault for pairing you with someone who let you down. Maybe Cupid’s systems weren’t as reliable as he once believed. 

“You don’t have to feel embarrassed about this.”

His voice was soft, almost compelling you to look up at him, but you resisted, shaking your head and letting out a dry laugh. “That’s easy for you to say.”

Jaehyun caught on to how your body hunched over, shoulders curling inward like you were trying to hide from him—or maybe from yourself. Your legs kicked back and forth in a restless rhythm, a nervous energy that you didn’t seem to notice.

He caught the way you bit your lip, a small inhale slipping through before you stopped yourself from speaking. It was like you were fighting against the words you wanted to say, the weight of everything you felt pressing down on you but refusing to come out.

“Y/N,” he sighed, feeling his own heartache seeing you try to hide your vulnerability. Without hesitation, he stepped closer, crouching down in front of you. His head tilted slightly to be within your eye view, his expression open and earnest.

You stopped your foot movements and perked your head up just a little, catching a glimpse of the sincere smile on his face. His posture was relaxed, his arms wrapped casually around his knees, but his eyes truly told a different story from his demeanor. 

“Seriously, this is just his fault. If Heeseung couldn’t see what he had right in front of him, that’s his loss. It’s never been yours.”

His words caught you off guard, pulling your attention to him fully.

You looked directly at him, taking a longer sight of Jaehyun crouched in front of you. His eyebrows were slightly raised, his gaze steady and warm as he waited for your response.  For a moment, the noise of the amusement park around you faded, leaving only the sincerity in his voice and the sweet expression on his face. 

That same smile of his lingered on his lips—a smile you hadn’t seen this close in so long.

And yet, somehow, it felt so familiar, like slipping you back into a memory you hadn’t realized you still hadn’t forgotten.

Without meaning to, you found yourself smiling back, the corners of your lips curving upward as if in reflex. It had been a while since someone made you feel this way—seen, heard, comforted without judgment. And it had been even longer since you’d seen Jaehyun look at you like this, with that quiet reassurance that seemed to say everything would be okay, even if you didn’t believe it yourself.

“You’re still good at this, you know,” you murmured, your voice soft as you broke the silence. Your head dipped slightly, your attention getting fixated on your knees once more. 

“Good at what?” he asked, tilting his head slightly again, his smile widening just a bit.

“Making people feel better,” you replied. You shifted your body upwards, now sitting properly after recollecting your thoughts, even if it were just for a little bit. “Even when they don’t think they can.”

“I do what I can,” Jaehyun’s smile faltered slightly, a crack in his otherwise composed exterior. Inside, his emotions churned slowly but steadily, threatening to unravel him. This moment felt too close—something he hadn’t noticed until now it was finally being pried open. It was almost as if pieces of him were slowly getting chipped away, each piece falling until only fragments remained. 

Fragments he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to glue back together.

Maybe it was the potion amplifying his emotions, or maybe it was the weight of his own unresolved feelings, but a part of him wanted to do something—a push towards the thought he’s been trying to bury away. Even if some pieces were lost, maybe this was his chance to start over. 

To rebuild. 

“Speaking of which,” he said suddenly, breaking the moment before his thoughts could consume him any further, “let’s not waste the day.”

You blinked, staring at his outstretched hand toward you. “What?”

“I’m not letting you sit here feeling like this,” Jaehyun insisted, soon standing up from his crouching position, hand still extended out. “We’re at an amusement park. Let’s go have fun.”

You hesitated. It almost felt like this was wrong, and it went out of your boundaries. This was supposed to be a date with Heeseung, but now Jaehyun is here, standing in front of you, offering to practically fill his spot. So, what made this? 

It can’t be considered a date—maybe a hangout. But, still, a hangout with your ex? 

Your matchmaker? 

The more you tried to sort through the mess of emotions inside you, the harder it became to ignore the almost pleading look on Jaehyun’s face. His fingers wriggled slightly as he held his hand out awkwardly, his other fist tightly gripping the fabric of his pants. He looked nervous, almost unsure of himself, and the sight tugged at something in your chest. 

His reaction made it harder to turn him now. 

At the end of the day, don’t you deserve something, too? 

Slowly, tentatively, you reached out and took his hand. The warmth of his palm instantly engulfed yours, and you felt the faintest tremble in his fingers. Jaehyun’s hand twitched at the sudden contact, and for a moment, it seemed like he might completely malfunction. But instead, his grip tightened—not enough to hurt, but enough to remind you he was there, simply for you. 

“I promise this will be worth your time,” his voice shifted from awkwardness to a quiet sense of confidence, flashing another smile of his. 

Before you could respond, Jaehyun turned, still holding your hand as he began leading you toward the amusement park. His grip didn’t falter, firm yet gentle, as though he feared you might slip away at any moment.

This wasn’t how you expected your day to unfold. Yet here you were, side by side with Jaehyun, the buzz of the park surrounding you as colorful lights and cheerful chatter filled the air. You scanned your surroundings, taking in the endless rows of games, rides, and shops until something caught your eye.

Jaehyun had been busy glancing around, seemingly trying to pick out the perfect first stop, when he felt a soft tap on his arm. Turning toward you, he was met with the sight of your eager expression as you pointed toward one of the brightly decorated shops.

“We should go there first,” you said, tugging lightly at his shirt sleeves. “I’ve always wanted to buy one of those headband accessories.”

Jaehyun followed your gaze to the shop, where a variety of playful headbands adorned with animal ears and other silly headpieces were displayed. He chuckled softly, his usual calm demeanor melting into something more playful as he turned his head back to you. 

Oddly enough, he felt at ease when he was around you this time. 

“Really? That’s what you want to do first?” he teased, though the warmth in his tone betrayed how amused he was by your enthusiasm.

“Yes, really,” you said, rolling your eyes but unable to hide your smile. You were starting to warm up, abandoning the facade you had just a few moments prior. “Come on, it’ll be fun!”

Jaehyun shook his head, a small laugh escaping him as he allowed you to tug him toward the shop. “Alright, alright. Let’s go see which one suits you best,” he said, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes as the two of you stepped inside.

Once inside the shop, you immediately gravitated toward the section of animal headbands. The shelves brimmed with accessories of every kind, and your eyes widened as they trailed over each design. Jaehyun followed behind, initially glancing at the shelves, but his gaze kept drifting back to you. His eyes lingered on your focused expression, the way your lips slightly puckered as you hummed softly while contemplating your choices.

It was almost too endearing to watch, and Jaehyun had to suppress a laugh that threatened to escape. He knew if he let it slip, the potion's effects would surge, making it harder to keep himself in check.

As he tried to hold himself back, you picked up a headband and examined it closely, turning it over in your hands before moving on to another. Finally, you settled on a brown headband with floppy, oversized dog ears. With a satisfied grin, you turned to face Jaehyun.

The suddenness of your movement startled him slightly, his eyes darting from your face to the headband in your hands. You motioned with one hand for him to lower himself, confusing him for a moment. When you repeated the gesture, Jaehyun hesitantly leaned down, still unsure what you were planning.

Without a word, you placed the headband on his head, carefully adjusting it. Your fingers brushed through his hair, lingering briefly on the strands near his forehead as you fixed the headband into place.

Jaehyun could feel his ears getting hot, momentarily freezing up while his thoughts were in a swirl—a similar feeling from the first time he had the potion take its effects. 

He had to keep himself in check. 

“This is for me?” Jaehyun asked, straightening up once you finished. He rubbed the back of his neck, brushing his fingers against his burning ear in an attempt to compose himself. It didn’t look like you noticed as your attention was brought back to the headbands on display, only humming in response. 

“It looks good on you,” you responded, smiling, though your smile faltered for a moment as you instinctively retreated into your thoughts. Once again, you instinctively thought of Jaehyun first, an old habit of yours that never seemed to die when you were around him. 

Before your thoughts could drift any further, they were abruptly interrupted as you felt something soft being placed on your head. You turned quickly, catching Jaehyun’s startled expression as he tried to keep the headband he just placed on you. 

His eyes widened slightly, a chuckle escaping his lips as his hands instinctively reached out—one resting lightly on your shoulder to keep you still, the other adjusting the headband that had shifted due to your movement.

Once satisfied, he stepped back and pointed toward the mirror in front of you both. “Now we’re matching,” Jaehyun declared with a hint of pride, though his confident smile faltered into something more bashful as he caught sight of your reflection.

You glanced at the mirror, noticing how the two of you wore similar designs—yours a white version of the floppy-eared headband, while his was brown. 

It looked like a couple’s item. 

Regardless of that, the sight of you two standing side by side brought a small laugh out of you, and you found yourself smiling despite the earlier heaviness in your chest.

“You look good in it too,” Jaehyun said, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror. 

“I’ll admit, it’s kind of cute,” you said, tugging at the floppy ears. “Should we get these?” 

Jaehyun’s grin widened, and he nodded enthusiastically. Without another word, the two of you made your way to the checkout counter, the cashier giving a knowing smile as you both purchased your matching accessories.

With the headbands secured, it wasn’t long before you and Jaehyun were going through the amusement park, hopping from one ride to the next. From bumper cars that had you both laughing uncontrollably as you tried to hit each other to classic carnival games where Jaehyun insisted on winning you a plush toy—though he missed more than a few throws, making him utterly embarrassed. 

After he was able to win a mid-sized plush that he swore resembled you, you pointed at the rollercoaster ride you two somehow always managed to walk past. Jaehyun’s feet stood in place, not moving from what he stood on. 

You turned to look at him, whose fear and nervousness were clearly evident on his face—trying to hide it would be useless. 

Oddly enough, that expression was cute to you. 

“Are you scared?” 

“Me? Scared—” Jaehyun’s words get cut off after he turns silent while staring at the drop of the coaster, hearing the screams from the people—sending a sudden chill over his body. He gulped quietly, continuing on with his words, “I’m not scared.”

“Then, let’s go in line!” You grabbed onto his arm, getting a better grasp than before, considering how off guard he was by seeing the loops of the roller coaster. 

“Wait!” Jaehyun’s feet tried to remain in place on the ground, his arms flailing slightly during the process. His actions were clearly betraying his words, which you couldn’t help but chuckle. 

“Come on,” you coaxed, finally interlocking arms with Jaehyun to have a more successful chance of dragging him away. 

Jaehyun stumbled forward—not because of the force you put to move him into the line, but from the warmth from your body pressing into his arm

The once squirmy Jaehyun, who wanted nothing more than to teleport away from the situation, was now completely frozen, his gaze fixed ahead, yet his mind was undeniably tethered to you. He simply allowed you to drag him, as his thoughts always seemed to follow whenever you went. 

“Jaehyun?” Your voice finally broke through his daze after calling his name for the third—or maybe the fourth—time. It left you wondering curiously if he is really this scared of roller coasters. There was really no way for you to know beforehand this—you two never went on an amusement park date before. “Are you okay? We can always skip this if—”

“No, no, I’m—” Jaehyun quickly turned to reassure you, even if the expression on his face said otherwise. He truly wasn’t fine—far from it—but when he had a feeling you really wanted to go on this ride, he felt almost obligated to push back his fears. With the way your excitement seemed to glimmer in your eyes the first time, he could handle it, couldn’t he?

Though at this point, if there was anything he should be fearing, it was how dangerously close you two were. 

You two were practically face-to-face, which made Jaehyun feel his breath hitch in his throat. To make matters worse—or maybe better—you were still clinging onto his arm, your touch managing to keep him in place while simultaneously making his heart race out of control.

Jaehyun could see your lips moving, trying to say something, but your words didn’t reach him. It almost felt like you were mumbling when you truly weren’t. His eyes could only try to make sense of the movement of your lips, which was a complete struggle as everything seemed to blur into nothing but silence. 

With that given moment, it felt like everything intensified. It was as if the love arrow potion had decided to unleash its full power, breaking past every defense he’d built to suppress it. The sensation was overwhelming, almost suffocating, as if the arrow had pierced him all over again, but hitting him ten times harder than before. 

And then, without thinking, he muttered a single word.

“Pretty.”

The word slipped out before he could catch it, soft but clear enough that you froze for a moment. Your eyes widened slightly in surprise, and that was enough to snap Jaehyun back to reality.

Panic rushed through him, and he immediately stepped back, pulling himself out of your grasp as he waved his hands frantically.

“Pretty—I mean, I’m pretty fine with us going on this ride!” he blurted out, his voice hurried and tinged with nervous laughter. His ears burned as he tried to salvage the situation, feeling utterly exposed. “After all, we’re only a few people away from entering, right?”

You simply nodded, your cheeks suddenly heating up, even if you didn’t mean to feel flustered in that way after letting him complete the sentence.

But is it really so wrong for you to feel that way? 

The silence felt heavy as you two awkwardly stood side by side, neither daring to exchange glances or words. Jaehyun was able to use that silence to be able to get himself to be composed again. His heartbeat was still going, not racing, and he didn't feel a burning sensation from his ears or face, leaving him calmer—or at least calmer than before. 

As Jaehyun finally arrived at the right state of mind, he now noticed the warmth of your touch had left him. For a fleeting moment, relief should’ve been his first reaction, but instead, it left behind an emptiness he hadn’t anticipated.

It was as if he missed it. 

“Next up in line!” the ride announcer called out, startling you both from your thoughts.

You turned to Jaehyun, catching the faint hesitation in his expression. But to your surprise, he started moving forward, almost as if he wanted to prove something—not just to you but maybe to himself.

And while you tried to keep your thoughts neutral, you couldn’t help but lean toward one explanation over the other. You wanted to believe that he was doing this for you. But that thought alone wasn’t good for you.

And it wasn’t good for you to have your mind wander to that possibility. 

Despite your inner turmoil, you found yourself seated in the middle of the ride. Jaehyun had suggested the spot, reasoning that it felt “safer” knowing there were people alive in front of him. His logic had been so ridiculous that you couldn’t help but laugh. You didn’t argue, though—you liked sitting in the middle anyway.

As the ride attendant double checked the seat restraint for you two, Jaehyun couldn’t help but ramble a bunch of questions that the attendant had no problem reassuring him about—and maybe letting out a chuckle or two. 

“That’s a lot of questions for someone who claims they’re not scared,” you teased, glancing at Jaehyun as he tightened his grip on the metal handles of the restraint.

“I’m not scared,” Jaehyun mumbled, but the stark contrast between his words and his appearance said otherwise. His knuckles were white from clutching the handle so hard, his lips had lost some color, and his eyes were wavering at every slight noise around him. 

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Jaehyun managed to say, chuckling nervously, almost as if he’s trying to reassure himself.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Jaehyun managed to say, his voice shaky as he chuckled nervously, clearly trying—and failing—to convince himself more than you.

Even as he muttered words of self-reassurance, it all crumbled the moment the ride operator began counting down. Jaehyun’s face grew paler with every number, and before you knew it, he was whispering what sounded like a series of frantic prayers under his breath.

Seriously, it was almost humiliating for him—the amount of losses he had was overwhelming. His repeated failed attempts to win you a plushie that stumble earlier, and now, his current state as a nervous wreck after agreeing to ride something he clearly hated the idea of. How much more could he possibly embarrass himself?

You couldn’t help but feel even more endeared by this side of him. Watching his clumsy or frightened side of him felt oddly nostalgic. It reminded you of a time long ago, back when you had countless dates with him, watching him flounder when his nerves got the best of him. 

So, you couldn’t help but laugh at Jaehyun, whose eyes were already shut close when the ride finally started to move. 

It’s like you missed that sight of him. 

“Why are we still going up?” Jaehyun managed to say, his voice barely audible over the loud clanking of the roller coaster. His eyes darted open for a split second, only to snap shut again when he caught a glimpse of how high up you both were. From the ground earlier, it didn’t seem this terrifying, but now? 

“It will be fine, Jaehyun,” you said, almost as if you were attempting to cut through the amount of thoughts clouding in his mind. 

As much as Jaehyun wanted to believe your words, the way the ascent was getting higher—agonizingly slow—was making it hard for him to do so. 

“I seriously might pass out,” he muttered, his voice trembling as much as his hands.

“You won’t, Jaehyun.”

“And who are you to say that?” he shot back, his panic laced with disbelief.

“Because I’m here,” you said simply, glancing his way. “And as long as I’m okay, so will you.”

That sentence alone got Jaehyun to finally open his eyes again. Even with his fear gnawing at him, he found himself glancing to his side—where you were already looking at him. You two made eye contact, which led him to quickly forget about the fear pounding in his chest or the sweaty grip he had on the handles. But just as quickly, he broke eye contact, turning his head sharply to the front—only to regret it instantly. 

That was when he realized the cart had reached the top. 

Before he could even react, his stomach dropped along with the cart, and a startled scream was released from his throat, perfectly in sync with the other riders. Jaehyun panicked, his hands flailing desperately after he had accidentally let go of the restraint. His grip faltered as he tried to latch onto the restraint again, only for his fingers to slip against the slick metal after he went through the first loop of the roller coaster. 

And then, without thinking, he managed to hold onto something near him—your hand. Along with him, you also didn’t even notice. You were still screaming in excitement—between the thrill of the drop and the way Jaehyun’s screams were practically blowing out your eardrums, which made things only funnier. 

You were too caught up in the adrenaline to even register the fact his fingers were desperately latching onto yours. What felt like eternity finally stopped when the cart slowly returned back to its original position. The screeching yells also came to a stop, leaving everyone a moment to either catch their breaths or gush about how fun that ride was. 

That was certainly the situation between you two—Jaehyun trying breathing exercises as he felt like he forgot to breathe while you wore a beaming expression on your face. 

“That was…fun,” you started off excitedly, trailing off at the last word as you felt the hold on your hand tighten. Only then did you finally look down, seeing Jaehyun’s fingers still holding onto yours. 

Your eyes shot back up from your hands to his face, in which you only saw his side profile as he was still recovering from the ride.

“That was not... fun,” Jaehyun muttered, mirroring your tone as his own gaze finally dropped to where your hands remained linked. The moment he registered where his hand was placed, his mouth was only slightly gaped. His eyes lifted to meet yours, and for a second, you both wore the same startled expression.

The ride operator interferes before you two could say anything to each other. 

“Arms up, please.” 

His fingers slipped away from yours, leaving behind only a lost sense of warmth—something you didn’t notice until now. Jaehyun’s parted lips pressed shut as he turned to look straight ahead again, letting the ride’s restraint be lifted off of him. 

Neither of you spoke as you stepped off the ride and walked away from the station. It almost felt like déjà vu—just like earlier, when you two had stood in line together in awkward silence.

You decided to break it first. “I’m hungry,” you said, figuring food was a safe enough topic.

Jaehyun turned his head sharply, his previous dazed state replaced with exaggerated disbelief. “You’re seriously hungry after that ride?” he asked, his voice louder than necessary, as if to erase the lingering awkwardness. “I feel nauseated.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction. If nothing else, at least his dramatics had successfully lightened the mood.

After all, it wasn’t like he had meant to grab your hand—he was just terrified, and that was that. You weren’t particularly fazed by it though. If anything, you found it amusing how flustered he was.

“Alright, how about this?” you proposed, shooting him an easy smile. “We’ll take a break, grab some food, and then you get to pick the last ride.”

Jaehyun’s expression instantly shifted, the excitement returning to his eyes like a light switch had been flipped. He nodded eagerly, humming in approval. 

The two of you took your time wandering around, casually debating what to eat as you passed various food stands. There were plenty of tempting options, but eventually, you both settled on corn dogs, agreeing to share a funnel cake afterward. Decisions like these were effortless with Jaehyun—it was easy to compromise and even easier to enjoy the moment.

It didn’t take long for you to finish eating, to which the roles had reversed—Jaehyun was now dragging your arm around to find something to go on. It was getting dark out, so Jaehyun quickly picked a ride in no time. Jaehyun came to a sudden stop, his face lighting up as he pointed ahead. 

“We—or I—never got to ride one of these before,” he announced, staring in awe at the towering Ferris wheel in front of you.

You turned to look at him, only to be met with his best attempt at puppy-dog eyes, as if he needed to convince you.

You chuckled at his expression, simply nodding in agreement, as truthfully, you didn’t need much persuading.

You haven’t been on a ferris wheel yet either. 

The line wasn’t as long as compared to the roller coaster, so it led you two to instantly get into one of the pods, settling into your seats across from each other. 

As the Ferris wheel ascended, you exclaimed in awe as you stared at the things from ground level that were slowly getting smaller. You stared at the glowing lights from all the other rides and booths from above.

“It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?” Jaehyun murmured, his voice softer now, filled with genuine admiration. You hummed in agreement, unable to also look away from the outside view. 

That was, until you peered over at Jaehyun, watching his eyes dazzle with amazement while your eyes lingered on him, warmth suddenly pooling in your chest. 

“You know,” you started, leaning back against the cushioned seat, “I’m really thankful for you today.”

Jaehyun turned his head slowly, his gaze meeting yours as his smile grew wider. “Don’t be,” he said, almost shyly.

“No, like, seriously,” you insisted, your voice more animated. “I don’t think I would’ve had this much fun if I wasn’t with you.”

Jaehyun blinked, his lips pressing together as if holding back another smile. “Well,” he said after a beat, “I’m glad you felt comfortable enough with me.”

You exhaled a small laugh, shaking your head. “I’m even more glad that it was you I spent the day with.”

For a second, Jaehyun didn’t say anything—simply looking at you, his expression unreadable yet soft. However, with a soft chuckle, he leaned back as well, his eyes still lingering on you as if he were seeing something just as mesmerizing as the view outside. 

“Me too.” 

RULE #7: Don’t Leave your Clients Confused 

You didn’t know how to feel. 

From the day you met him again—to now—things had never felt more confusing than before. 

Especially ever since that day, it had never left your mind. Even if you wanted to push it aside, all it did was continue to linger, creeping into your thoughts when you least expected it. 

It wasn’t even supposed to be an actual date—let alone being a real one. Jaehyun had simply stepped in for Heeseung, who never showed up. And yet, at no point did Jaehyun feel like a replacement. Not when he showed up beside you, effortlessly easing the disappointment you had been trying to suppress. Not when he went out of his way to make you laugh, making the entire day feel lighthearted and effortless. Not even when he insisted on taking you home; his concern was so genuine that it made your chest tighten.

It felt almost too genuine. 

Everything about that day felt like it was supposed to be Jaehyun. If he wasn’t there, you wouldn’t have had that much fun with someone else. And that thought alone had your mind spiraling.

You were analyzing every little thing—the way he’s been looking at you these past few weeks, the way he was always caught in a trance when you spoke, and the way his smiles never seemed to leave his face whenever he was around you. 

And for those things, you thought about all kinds of possibilities. You even thought about all the what-ifs, trying to create explanations that made sense with his actions. 

Even with the amount of things you’d try to tell yourself with some made-up reasoning behind his actions, there were obviously some questions that you couldn’t answer. 

Some things were easy to reason with. Of course, Jaehyun had been nervous—he hadn’t seen you in a while, and being thrown into such an intimate setting would make anyone uneasy. Of course, he had been extra cheerful—he was just trying to lift your spirits after being ditched. It all made perfect sense.

At least, that’s what you told yourself.

But there were still questions you couldn’t answer. No matter how many times you tried to rationalize it, none of it added up.

Why did he make you feel this way?

And, more importantly—

What exactly were your feelings for Jaehyun?

Why were you feeling the very same feelings you once felt during your relationship with him? Why couldn’t you bring yourself to hate the fact that those feelings were stirring up again?

Why did you—against all logic—want to keep feeling this way?

It was undeniable that Jaehyun had the looks—one of the most attractive people you’ve ever known. But it wasn’t just his looks. He had a sweet personality—his kindness, his bubbly-like energy, and his effortless care for people without hesitation—those were the things that made him all seem perfect. 

Reuniting with him only brought back those flood of memories—the ones you claimed you managed to bury beneath stacks of paperwork and long hours from your job. 

He was, in every sense, the dream guy. 

And yet, feeling this way now almost made you feel guilty. After all, the two of you had chosen to part ways. You had told yourselves it was for the best—that your demanding work schedules had left little room for love. That drowning in responsibilities was easier than trying to hold onto something that was slipping away.

So you buried yourself in work. It was only fair, wasn’t it? If your career was the thing that had consumed your relationship, then it should consume you too.

Your routine always felt repetitive—the days had become a cycle of early commutes, endless tasks, and late nights hunched over your desk. The only real challenge was making it home before the last train filled up, securing a seat before exhaustion fully settled in. And when you did get home, there was always more work waiting. If you were lucky, you’d steal an hour of sleep before doing it all over again.

Some days felt more draining than others, but you had convinced yourself it was normal. This—this routine of working yourself to the bone—was normal.

So, why did Jaehyun’s presence disrupt the kind of lifestyle you had built for yourself?

You mindlessly stared at your laptop screen, your word count barely reaching a hundred. The blinking cursor taunted you, yet no matter how hard you tried to focus, your thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Even if you wanted to forget everything—just like you used to—the thought of him refused to leave your mind.

You let out a small huff, looking away from the document to grab the cup of water on your dining table. As you took a sip, your eyes wandered at the table, landing on your coat draped messily over the table. And right next to it...

The white dog ears headband.

The one Jaehyun picked out for you.

Because it suited you. 

You swallowed your water too fast, nearly choking as you hastily cleared your throat, the sudden clang of your cup hitting the table breaking the silence. Slowly, you steadied your movements, pushing the cup back to its original spot as if that could somehow fix the mess in your head.

But your eyes remained fixed on the headband. You reluctantly reach your hand over to grab it. Your fingers brushed against the soft fabric as you absentmindedly played with the ears, twisting them between your fingertips. And just like that, the memories came rushing back.

Just how could you help yourself?

How could you forget the way he smiled at you, saying the headband was perfect for you? The way he wore the other matching piece without hesitation? 

How could you forget his caring words and consistent reassurance, always checking to see if you were okay? How could you forget the warm grasp on your hand on the roller coaster? How could you forget the smile that adorned his face and how his laughter managed to fill up the entire place?

And most of all—the way his eyes held so much love.

How could you forget the way his eyes looked just like they were before? 

You quickly threw the headband back onto the table, covering your face with both hands. A muffled groan left your lips as you mumbled under your breath, shaking your head.

You truly had lost it.

You wanted to pull yourself together to shake off the overwhelming thoughts clouding your mind. But no matter how hard you tried, it felt as if you had been teleported back in time—except instead of drowning in paperwork, Jaehyun consumed every inch of your thoughts.

No matter what you could do, he just seemingly happened to be everywhere. He would always be lingering in your mind, in the little details of your day—in the spaces you swore only belonged to you. 

So, as much as you had vowed to immerse yourself in work, to not let anything deter you from your responsibilities, your fingers betrayed you. Instead of returning your focus to the laptop screen, you reached for your phone. 

You immediately looked in your photo album, looking over the pictures from that day—pictures of you and Jaehyun, candid moments he captured when you weren’t looking, and secret pictures you took whenever he just seemed too cute to not to. 

Without even trying to suppress it, a smile creeps onto your face. Your chest felt lighter, warmth spreading from inside out as you continued to scroll through the mountain of photos. 

That’s when you knew that you realized it. 

You couldn’t keep pretending. You couldn’t keep denying what had become so painfully obvious. There was no reasoning left to twist your feelings into something logical, no excuse that could explain away the way your heart reacted to him.

Jaehyun managed to do his thing—to strike an arrow directly through your heart, making you unable to even try to escape from it. 

Everyone had always said it. Jaehyun is an amazing cupid.

You just never expected to be his next target.

RULE #8: There’s Never No Solution 

Around Jaehyun’s business, words traveled fast. It was a given—he was the owner, after all. He was supposed to know everything before anyone else did.

Or at least, that was how it was supposed to go.

So why, instead of knowing the latest news firsthand, did he have to go find Taesan after Woonhak had suddenly burst into his office, practically breathless, only not to say much despite his excited appearance? 

"Wait—what's going on?" Jaehyun called out, eyebrows knitting together. He couldn’t even process Woonhak’s words, let alone even be able to process his sudden appearance. 

Woonhak merely grinned, shaking his head. "Taesan will tell you everything."

Jaehyun scowled. "That doesn't answer anything."

But Woonhak was already gone, leaving Jaehyun standing there, even more frustrated than before.

With an exasperated sigh, Jaehyun pushed aside the pile of paperwork he had been working on, knowing there was no point in trying to focus on it now. He had no choice but to go find Taesan himself—again.

It was never surprising. Taesan always had his own tasks, always busy with something, yet somehow, he never had a problem asking others to come to him whenever he had something to say.

It was just the way he was.

And Jaehyun was never bothered by it. But he still couldn’t help but feel the need to feel like something was up. Whatever this was about, he had a sinking feeling he wasn’t going to like it. 

"Jaehyun?" Taesan said, his eyes still glued to one of the drawers he was rummaging through, his ears picking up the distinct click of the door opening.

Jaehyun hummed as he shut the door behind him, his gaze sharpening as he watched Taesan absorb whatever task he was focused on. Jaehyun moved closer, hoping Taesan would be the one to break the silence, but Taesan stayed silent, his attention still fixed on whatever he was doing. Jaehyun couldn’t help but take a few slow steps forward, not wanting to interrupt but silently hoping the man would notice him first before the creeping awkwardness set in.

But, still, he was only faced with the sounds of shuffling while he stood there awkwardly, before finally breaking the uncomfortable silence. 

“So…” Jaehyun trails; his voice was hesitant as it was laced with confusion. “Mind explaining why Woonhak suddenly barged into my office just to tell me to find you?”

Taesan finally hummed in acknowledgement, still not looking up. “How do you feel?”

“How do I feel?” He scoffed lightly. “Come on, I need more than that.”

“Your arrow mishap,” Taesan finally said, now glancing up. It clicked in Jaehyun’s mind. Taesan was always the last to catch on, it seemed. “Is it still affecting you?”

Jaehyun sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. It hasn’t gotten any easier," he admitted, his mind drifting back to all the moments with you. Just being around you made his chest feel tight, like his heart was trying to beat out of his ribcage. But despite that, he couldn’t seem to stop wanting to be near you.

"The severity of it, I guess, depends on how close I am to the person I accidentally... fell in love with." He chuckled dryly, the words feeling strange on his tongue but undeniably true. “Unbelievable, isn’t it?”

“Not really,” Taesan shrugged, catching Jaehyun off guard.

Of all the reactions Jaehyun had gotten from his friends about his accidental self-inflicted arrow, this was by far the least expected. Every other time he brought it up—whether he wanted to or not—he was met with relentless teasing, concern, or a mix of both. 

But Taesan? He seemed not even the slightness fazed by it. 

Jaehyun wore a furrowed brow, crossing his arms as if that was going to give him the support that he needed. “Just a ‘not really’? You’re not going to... discipline me for it?” 

Taesan finally looked up from the drawer, tilting his head slightly as if Jaehyun had just asked a pointless question. “Why would it be a big deal?”

Jaehyun opened his mouth, then shut it, narrowing his eyes. “Are you serious? I’m a cupid, Taesan. We don’t fall in love. We make other people fall in love.”

“You make it sound like a forbidden rule,” Taesan chuckled.

“It basically is,” Jaehyun muttered, his gaze shifting onto the floor. 

"If you make it sound so forbidden," Taesan mused, his tone teasing. "Then what if I told you I could help you finally erase the effects of the bow?"

Jaehyun’s eyes widened in shock. His arms dropped to his sides before he rushed forward, slamming his hands onto Taesan’s desk with a force that made the other slightly flinch. It wasn’t often that Jaehyun lost his composure, but now, with his hands splayed against the desk and his breath slightly uneven, he looked more frantic than Taesan had ever seen him.

“What—how?” Jaehyun stammered, his words tumbled out hastily. His reaction alone made it clear just how unexpected this was. No one had ever offered a solution before, so hearing it now—from Taesan, of all people—felt almost too good to be true.

“I didn’t expect you to react like this,” Taesan said, leaning back slightly from Jaehyun, who was too close in his personal space to his liking. “But yes, I can help.” 

“How?” Jaehyun demanded, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers were curled against the wood, almost as if he needed something to try to prove to him that he wasn’t dreaming. 

Taesan didn’t answer immediately—once again. Seriously, Jaehyun could feel like he could collapse with how long it seemed like he was taking to tell him these things. Instead, he reached into the drawer he had been rummaging through earlier, retrieving a small glass vial filled with a shimmering, purple liquid. 

“You’re saying this is all I need?” Jaehyun tried to keep his voice steady, not wanting to seem ungrateful. In reality, he was more relieved than anything.

He doesn’t know how much longer he could be able to contain these kinds of feelings to himself around you. 

Taesan gave the vial a slow swirl, his eyes fixated on the shimmering liquid inside as if assessing its potency one last time before handing it over.

Jaehyun reached out with both hands, nearly freezing when the cold glass met his fingertips. Lifting it closer to his face, he examined it carefully another time. It looked like it was ordinary, purple medicine—except for the glitter swirling within. 

“What do I do with this?” he finally asked, tilting the vial slightly.

“Just drink it,” Taesan said simply. “The effects should wear off soon after.”

Jaehyun’s gaze flickered up, suspicion creeping in. “Where did you even get this?”

Taesan leaned back slightly, arms crossing over his chest. “You’re not the first cupid to fall victim to their own arrow,” he admitted. “It’s more common than you’d think. And well, you could say I’m the one who handles cases like these.”

Jaehyun blinked, momentarily stunned. The solution had been within reach this whole time. He could have come to Taesan from the start and spared himself the turmoil.

Taesan seemed to read his mind and smiled. “Before you start blaming anyone, I never told the others about this. We were never advised to.”

Jaehyun nodded quickly, accepting Taesan’s words before he could even begin to place blame elsewhere. Without hesitation, he popped open the cap and brought the vial to his lips, downing the liquid in one swift gulp.

The bitterness hit him immediately, a sharp, unpleasant aftertaste lingering on his tongue. He let out a hiss of dissatisfaction, grimacing as he swallowed the last drop.

Taesan extended his hand, prompting Jaehyun to toss the empty vial toward him. With ease, Taesan caught it, barely glancing up as he set it aside.

“How soon will it take effect?” Jaehyun asked, his voice edged with impatience. He wasn’t feeling anything yet, and for some reason, that made him uneasy. Shouldn’t there be some kind of reaction? A tingling sensation, a rush of warmth—something?

“It usually happens faster than you could even know it,” Taesan replied, his attention shifting back to the stack of files he had set aside earlier. “At least, that’s how it worked for the others. You shouldn’t be any different.”

Jaehyun frowned, glancing down at his hands as if expecting them to tremble or glow. Nothing.

"Don't worry, you're not supposed to feel any different from your normal self," Taesan reassured, catching a glimpse of Jaehyun flipping his hands over, inspecting them as if expecting some kind of glow or change.

Jaehyun sighed, shaking off his nerves. There was no reason to doubt Taesan—he had already taken the potion, after all. Now, he could only wait for it to take effect. Feeling a sense of relief, he quickly bid his goodbyes and stepped out of the office.

As he made his way back, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pausing mid-step, he pulled it out, his eyes immediately landing on your contact name.

He paused momentarily, his mind going blank as he stared at his screen before it closed on its own due to inactivity. Quickly pressing the side button, he reopened his phone to click on the notification, ready to type a reply. 

He stopped in his steps to be able to formulate some sort of response—something that would keep the conversation going. The moment you replied, his heart reacted the same way it always did around you, a familiar warmth creeping in.

It felt… off.

He was supposed to be cured, wasn't he? He knew better that Taesan wasn’t the type to lie, and yet, here Jaehyun was, still feeling the rush of excitement and nerves just from texting you.

Maybe the potion just needed more time to kick in.

That had to be it.

After all, that was the only explanation he would take for why he was still so happy just to be talking to you. RULE #9: Love Never Leaves, It Sticks.

It felt strange to admit that you had completely overlooked the fact that Jaehyun was the one responsible for setting you up with a perfect match. And, to some extent, he also forgot about his duties too. 

The only reason was that Jaehyun had done his part—he had found potential matches for you, offering names, profiles, and possibilities. But every time, you declined. It left him puzzled, unsure of what to do.

Who would refuse Cupid’s advances to help them find their person? In fact, who was Cupid MJ to flat out give up their client’s journey to love without a proper explanation from the person he’s trying to set up himself? 

Letting you go wasn’t an option. That wasn’t how he was taught. He didn’t know how to handle a client who showed no interest in any of the matches he curated. His job wasn’t just about arranging dates—it was about guiding the client until they expressed their own satisfaction. Only then could he receive a review, and only then could he reach his quota.

So, with that in mind, Jaehyun found himself sticking around. Messaging you, calling when the opportunity arose—keeping the connection alive in whatever way he could. It was beginning to feel like something more than just a supposedly professional relationship, but still, he reasoned with himself: he was doing a good thing, right?

Now, as he anxiously paced around his room, debating what to wear before heading out to meet you, he reassured himself again.

This wasn’t a bad thing.

If anything, maybe he should embrace the fact that you had asked him to hang out. That had to mean something, right? If he was nervous, then surely you were too.

And you were.

You had been muttering to yourself all evening, standing up every few minutes to readjust the setup in your apartment. It made sense to have the hangout at your place—you had the materials for a clay-making session. The idea had come naturally after you both talked about those tiny clay figurines everyone seemed to be making lately. It was a casual, easy thing to do. A simple activity.

But despite that, you still felt a little jittery.

You weren’t sure what had come over you when you asked him to hang out, but after all those conversations—after all the moments spent talking to him—it only felt right.

A proper hangout.

Not by chance. Not by force.

Just... because you both wanted to.

You sat there, envisioning how the day would unfold, a giddy excitement bubbling within you. It wasn’t hard to acknowledge your feelings, not when they had been creeping up on you for some time now—lingering in the way you pushed through your workload just to have an excuse to text him, or how you found comfort in the soft tone of his voice over late-night calls.

The loud sound of the doorbell cut through your thoughts—two quick rings. Jaehyun was finally here. You shot up from your seat, hurriedly slipping into your slippers before making your way to the door. The lock clicked as you twisted the doorknob, revealing Jaehyun standing before you. He offered a small wave, his familiar smile tugging at the corners of his lips, leaving you to return the same gestures. 

Oddly enough, Jaehyun didn’t seem awkward—especially since it had been a while since he last visited your place. And yet, Jaehyun slipped off his shoes, quickly stepping into your place while you turned to shut and lock the door. 

Despite how long it had been since his last visit, Jaehyun didn’t seem hesitant or awkward. He stepped inside with ease, slipping off his shoes in one smooth motion as you closed the door behind him. His gaze swept across the space, taking in everything as if he were reacquainting himself with an old home.

Nothing had really changed. The furniture was still arranged the same, the decorations untouched, and the overall warmth of your apartment was just as he had remembered. Even after all this time, it still felt familiar.

It still felt like the place where you two once shared so many beautiful memories together. 

Jaehyun’s eyes eventually landed on the wall above your dining table, where a collection of paper prints hung neatly in contrast to the plain white walls. A flicker of recognition passed through his expression. Jaehyun remembers the prints—he was the one that had bought them for you. 

“You still kept these?” Jaehyun asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise as he stepped closer to the prints on the wall. His fingers brushed lightly against one of them, careful not to accidentally make one of the papers drop. 

You blinked, following his glance, before letting out a hum of agreement. “Of course—why wouldn’t I?’

Jaehyun let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “I don’t know. It’s just been a while.”

You watched as he traced the edges of the prints, his expression unreadable. It was strange seeing him like this. It looked like he was facing nostalgia, or even seeming a little lost in thought. 

“They help make the room look brighter—you were also the one who insisted I put them up,” you reminded him, crossing your arms. “I didn’t really have a choice.”

Jaehyun let out a small laugh. “Right. I did, didn’t I?”

Shaking the thought away, you cleared your throat. “Come on, let’s get started before the clay dries out.”

Jaehyun turned to look at you, finally snapping out of his thoughts. “Right,” he said, smiling. “Let’s do this.”

You both quickly settled into your seats, Jaehyun wasting no time in tearing open the clay packages while you scrolled through your phone, looking for inspiration. The soft scent of fresh clay filled the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere of your apartment.

“What do you want to make?” you asked, glancing up from your screen.

Jaehyun furrowed his brows, rolling a small piece of clay between his fingers. "Hmm, good question,” he mused. “Maybe an animal? A dog—or maybe a penguin? They seem easy to make.”

“Who says we can’t do both?” You smiled, saving the pictures of the clay figures Jaehyun wants to make. “Now, help me look for other things we can make instead of just staring at the clay.” 

Jaehyun huffed out a small laugh but nodded, setting the clay down before pulling out his phone. “Alright, alright. Let’s find something else.” He scrolled through his screen while occasionally glancing at the clay in front of him, as if he were trying to picture how the tiny figures would come to life in his hands.

It didn’t take long for the two of you to settle on which figures to make, especially with how often you leaned in to peek at each other’s phones, exchanging suggestions and other ideas. After narrowing it down to five designs, you both got to work, grabbing and setting the clay blocks in front of you.

You pinched and pulled at the soft material, rolling it between your fingers as you alternated between glancing at the reference photo and shaping your piece, doing your best to replicate the details. Jaehyun was just as immersed, his brows furrowed in concentration as he mixed different clay colors together, determined to get the shades just right. His efforts paid off when he finally achieved the perfect one, a proud smile tugging at his lips—only to quickly fade when he realized he had made way more than he needed.

Turning his attention to you, he noticed how focused you were, carefully crafting the tiny eyes for your figure. Without hesitation, he split the excess clay in his hands, handing you the bigger portion before he returned to shaping the body of his figure.

You blinked at the generous chunk he had given you, glancing up at him with a raised brow. “You do know you just gave me the bigger piece, right?”

Jaehyun, still rolling his clay into shape, barely spared you a glance. “Yeah, but you’re better at this than me. You’ll probably make better use of it.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide your amusement as you both continued working. The silence that followed was comfortable, filled with the soft squish of clay and the occasional sighs of frustration when something didn’t turn out quite right. Every so often, one of you would mutter complaints under your breath, only for the other to snicker in response.

At one point, Jaehyun leaned back in his seat, holding up his tiny clay penguin with a smug grin. “Okay, not to brag, but I think I actually did a decent job.”

You squinted at it, leaning in before reaching over to poke its round head. “It’s actually really cute! But…” You tilted your head. “The eyes are a little wonky.”

Jaehyun gasped dramatically, pulling his penguin close to his chest as if shielding it from your words. “Are you hating on my penguin?” He scooted back slightly, placing a protective hand in front of it while wearing an exaggeratedly offended expression.

You burst into laughter at his antics, and he couldn’t hold back his own laughter either, setting the penguin down with a giggle.

“I’m not hating! At least yours is actually finished,” you pointed out, still rolling the orange clay between your fingers as you focused on shaping the penguin’s feet. The body was done, and you had already made the eyes, but you were carefully perfecting the details before assembling everything.

Jaehyun leaned forward, studying your half-finished creation. His eyes widened as he compared the two figures, placing his beside yours. “Okay, hold on—your penguin isn’t even complete yet, and it already looks better than mine. How did you do that?”

You shrugged, glancing between the picture on your phone and your clay figure. “I was just looking at the reference.”

Jaehyun let out a dramatic sigh and carefully picked up his penguin again. “This won’t do,” he muttered, setting it down in front of him as if he were analyzing all its flaws. “I need to make some improvements.”

You chuckled, smoothing out the rounded edges of the feet you were sculpting. “Jae, it looks fine,” you reassured him, glancing up with a small smile.

Jaehyun ignored your remark; his eyes locked on his creation as he smoothed out its uneven features. “Says the person who just called my penguin’s eyes wonky.”

You grinned, setting your now nearly finished figure down. “I meant it in a cute way.”

He shot you a look. “That’s just a nice way of saying it looks weird—if it’s even nice in the first place.”

You nudged him lightly, a small gesture of encouragement. “Well, I’m sure you’ll be able to make even better ones once we move on to the next ones.”

Jaehyun huffed but then smiled, rolling up his sleeves as if only now he was starting to get serious. And surprisingly, he did get better. 

The two of you got so caught up in sculpting that time slipped away unnoticed. What was supposed to be only five figures turned into more as you spent more time scrolling for more ideas, tapping on Jaehyun to recreate them. With that, you couldn’t help but chuckle at Jaehyun’s slightly lopsided creations, which always prompted a round of playful bickering. 

He’d always protest that that clay personally betrayed him, leaving you to only laugh harder as you shake your head to refute that point. Despite that, there were some clear improvements. Even if there were some pieces that seemed a little too round or flat, his figures did end up becoming more refined with the new details. 

At the end of it all—when you both finally checked the time—you realized just how long you'd been at it. The table was now covered with small, colorful clay creations, each one a testament to the hours spent laughing and sculpting.

Jaehyun, with a satisfied grin, began lining them up neatly, carefully placing each figure beside its matching pair. Once he was happy with the arrangement, he pulled out his phone and quickly snapped a picture, making sure to get every little detail. Without hesitation, he sent it to you. “There. Now we have proof of our masterpiece,” he said, turning his phone around to show you the image.

You smiled as you opened the message, admiring the tiny figures you both had worked so hard on. “They actually turned out really good,” you admitted, glancing over at him.

“I would hope so,” Jaehyun said with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair to stretch his arms behind his head. “After spending all that time making them.”

“Worth it, though,” you chuckled, tapping at your screen to save the photo. 

“What do we do with them?” Jaehyun asked, still remaining in his current posture. 

“I’ll keep them,” you announced, before suddenly gasping as a thought struck you.

Without another word, you grabbed as many clay figures as your hands could hold—careful not to squish them—and hurried across the room. Jaehyun turned in his seat, watching you with curiosity as you stopped in front of a shelf.

One of the shelves was completely empty, a perfect space for your new collection. You carefully placed the figures down, aligning them just as Jaehyun had arranged them earlier. Once they were neatly lined up, you turned to face him, grinning.

Jaehyun, who had been observing the whole thing with an amused expression, glanced between the shelf and you. “You’re really making a display out of them?” he chuckled, shaking his head.

Instead of answering, you quickly ran back to grab the remaining figures. This time, Jaehyun stood up, scooping up a few clay figures himself before trailing behind you to the shelf.

Once the last of the figures were placed neatly on the shelf, Jaehyun stepped back, arms crossed, as he admired the colorful lineup. He hummed in satisfaction, nodding approvingly before glancing at you.

"Are you actually going to keep these here?" he asked, raising a skeptical brow.

You scoffed, as if he had just asked the most absurd question. "Of course I am! We spent so much time on them—I can’t just take them apart like they were nothing."

Jaehyun smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Hmm, but how can I trust you on that? What if, the moment I leave, you take them down? Or even worse—" his voice dropped into a dramatic whisper, "What if you throw them away?"

“I would never!” You insisted. “You can visit again next time, and I promise the figures will still be here.”

Jaehyun’s lips curled into a grin. "Wait... was that you subtly inviting me to hang out again?"

"You started it," you muttered, quickly averting your gaze as you searched for a way to change the subject. Your eyes flickered to the clock, and you suddenly got a thought. "Do you want something to eat before you go? We completely forgot to eat anything."

“I would like that.”

Nodding, you grabbed your phone and sat back at the dining table, scrolling through a food delivery app. Meanwhile, Jaehyun found his gaze drifting back to the shelf, his fingers absentmindedly grazing the edge as he admired the tiny clay figures once more.

They weren’t perfect—not even close. Some were lopsided, others a little misshapen, but they held a charm he couldn’t ignore. Maybe it was because they were made with you.

And then his chest tightened.

That all-too-familiar pounding in his heart returned, an effect he swore he had rid himself of. Hadn't he? The supposed cure was meant to work, yet here he was, feeling the same way he always had around you.

Jaehyun’s eyes flickered back to you, his lips unconsciously curling at the sight of your focused expression, brows slightly furrowed as you scrolled through the menu.

Had the potion failed? Or... had his feelings never truly left in the first place?

The way he was feeling wasn’t perfect either—it was far from ideal. The pounding in his chest, the way his thoughts tangled whenever he looked at you—it was overwhelming, almost suffocating. A part of him felt like he needed to escape, to put distance between you and himself just to regain some sense of composure. Maybe if he ran far enough, he could recover. Maybe he could convince himself that this was nothing more than a lingering effect of something that should’ve faded by now.

But then there was you. There was always you. 

Just like the clay figures—no matter how imperfect or uneven—he found himself wanting to overlook the flaws, to overlook and accept the nagging feelings that were tugging at his chest. Because somehow, in the moments he spent with you, everything felt perfect enough. 

And that was everything he was looking for. 

To be in love. 

RULE #10: Once a Client, Always Your Client.

Jaehyun had always been strict when it came to rules, routines, and the careful structure he had built for himself. And yet, when it came to you, he found himself hesitating—not to break those rules, but to carve out quiet exceptions just for you.

It wasn’t that he hated the idea of being with you. What he hated was the feeling of being held back, restrained by reasons he couldn't quite grasp. Because the truth was, he did want those late-night walks, arms swinging side by side, fingers brushing in a way that sent warmth curling through his chest. He wanted to spend an entire day before an anniversary decorating, making sure everything was just right. He wanted to laugh until his stomach ached, gasping for air through tear-streaked laughter, unable to stop because being with you made everything that easy.

He wanted all of it.

And he wanted it only with you.

That was the reason why he kept going back—to chip away at the very walls he had built around himself. He went out of his way to text you, to meet you, to be near you. It felt effortless and natural—something that should’ve felt right. And yet, there was still that nagging thought, a lingering voice that was in the back of his mind telling him to stop. 

Was it fear? The fear of breaking Cupid’s rules, of stepping beyond the boundaries he was meant to uphold? Or was it the thought of being ridiculed, of being the one to fall instead of making others fall in love? 

Or was it the thought of having what he considered his true love slip away from him again? 

Whatever it was, it bothered him, clearly unshakable and noticeable—enough that Riwoo had to drop by, his concern written all over his face, just to check on him. 

Riwoo had always been Jaehyun's safe space—the one person he could confide in without hesitation, the one who always listened without judgement. He was the only one who knew at first—the one who confidently took over Jaehyun’s shifts just so he could be with you. So, seeing Jaehyun sprawled out on the couch, lost in thought, wasn’t just concerning for Riwoo—it was concerning for Jaehyun himself. 

He wasn’t the type to sit still like this, to let his feelings consume him so completely. But right now, it felt like that was all he could do. 

“What’s on your mind?” Riwoo sat back in one of the single-seat couches, his gaze never leaving Jaehyun, who looked like he’d checked out of the world entirely. He was slumped, his body unmoving, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as if he could stare through it into some distant place. It was as if he wasn’t really there at all.

Jaehyun finally broke the silence, his voice low. “A lot of things,” he murmured, his words barely audible.

Riwoo leaned forward, his expression softening. “Tell me one of them,” he said, his tone almost gentle—the kind of voice you use when you know someone seems to have a lot on their mind. “You know you can’t keep all of this to yourself, Jaehyun.”

Jaehyun let out a slow breath, his chest rising and falling as he remained fixated on the ceiling. His mind was a tangled mess, but if he had to pick just one thing—one thought that refused to leave him alone—he knew exactly what it was.

“It’s… about her,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

Riwoo leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “I figured,” he said knowingly. “What about her?”

Jaehyun shut his eyes for a moment, as if doing so would somehow help him find the right words. “I keep going back to her,” he finally said, his voice laced with frustration. “Even when I tell myself I shouldn’t. Even when I know it goes against everything I’m supposed to stand for.”

“What’s so wrong about falling in love? Riwoo asked, his voice cutting through the heavy silence.

Jaehyun’s eyes fluttered open, slowly processing the question. It was a simple one, yet it felt like an unexpected weight. For as long as he could remember, love was something to be avoided—something that could jeopardize everything a Cupid was meant to do. Hearing Riwoo speak those words, however, felt strange—almost unsettling.

He had been taught his entire life that love wasn’t meant for someone like him.

Every Cupid should know to avoid getting tangled up in love themselves. 

“I should be helping people find love, not falling into it myself,” Jaehyun murmured. The very words that he held against himself finally started feeling heavy with the weight of the years of expectations he set for himself to follow. It didn’t feel right for him to be saying that now, especially given how and what he’s been doing. 

Riwoo’s chuckle interrupted his thoughts. “You make it seem like Cupids can’t find love either.”

Jaehyun paused, his brow furrowing. “Isn’t that what they always told us?”

Riwoo’s smile faded into something more thoughtful. “It may not seem like an ideal situation for a Cupid,” he said slowly, as if reflecting on his own experiences with being around other Cupids. “But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

Jaehyun looked at him, skeptical. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“No, seriously.” Riwoo leaned forward, his gaze more earnest now. “Why do you think I accepted the idea of you dating Y/N in the first place? Why do you think I’ve been covering your shifts whenever you needed it? I’ve always made space for you to be with her.”

Jaehyun felt a knot in his chest. He knew Riwoo was right. His friend always seemed to appear at the right time, sometimes without even needing to be asked. Every time Jaehyun needed to be with you, Riwoo was there to take his place.

“Where are you going with this?” Jaehyun asked, trying not to let his hopes rise too quickly.

“I’m trying to tell you,” Riwoo began, his voice getting softer, “that Cupids can’t hate the idea of love.”

Jaehyun’s mind buzzed with the implications of Riwoo’s words, and then he remembered something Taesan had once said. “Like Taesan said before,” Riwoo continued, “you aren’t the only one who’s been put in situations like this.”

Jaehyun shifted his position, moving from sprawling lazily on the couch to sitting upright, his posture tense. His mind raced, but the words still felt trapped in his throat.

“You’re still lost?” Riwoo asked, eying Jaehyun’s every sudden move. 

“It’s not that." Jaehyun let out a slow breath, his gaze drifting to the floor as he processed his thoughts. “From the moment I drank that potion Taesan gave me, I was told everything would just... disappear. But it didn’t work. I still feel exactly the same. I just feel…confused.”  

“Do you hate the idea of liking her?”

Jaehyun shook his head almost immediately, his fingers absentmindedly tapping on the edge of the couch. “I don’t. I really don’t. And I don’t know what to do with that.” 

““And I’m telling you that it’s okay if you want to love her,” Riwoo said with a smile. “Helping others find love doesn’t mean you have to give up your own.”

Jaehyun hadn’t realized how badly he needed to hear those words. All this time, he’d convinced himself that his feelings weren’t meant to be accepted, even though deep down, he yearned for that very thing. Hearing Riwoo’s reassurance lifted a weight from his shoulders, replacing his lingering worries with a silent urgency. The need to act, to take the step he’d been hesitating on, was suddenly clear.

“I think I need to go,” Jaehyun muttered as he stood, grabbing the nearest hoodie hanging by the door. He barely even looked at it before pulling it over his head, his mind already a few steps ahead, fixed on the next thing.

Riwoo didn’t need him to say more. He just sat back, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He watched Jaehyun with a mix of amusement and understanding. Even if Jaehyun hadn’t said the words directly, it was clear what he wanted.

Jaehyun was heading straight to you.

“You got this,” Riwoo said softly, as if the words could somehow give Jaehyun the last bit of courage he needed. Jaehyun paused before stepping out of his door, offering Riwoo a small but genuine smile, whispering a thank you. 

The moment Jaehyun stepped out and closed his door behind him, his heart picked up speed. Each step felt like it was pulling him closer to something he wanted but couldn’t quite understand—something that had been waiting for him. The answers weren’t clear, and maybe they never would be. But for once, at this moment, Jaehyun didn’t feel the need to chase them. He didn’t seem to mind. 

He just needed to show up. 

As he neared your place, he could feel the anticipation building in his chest, almost like a tightness he couldn't shake. His hand hovered over his phone, his thumb hesitant for a brief second. He took a deep breath, telling himself to stop overthinking. 

He was already here. He couldn’t turn back now. 

Before his mind could talk him out of it, Jaehyun pressed the call button next to your contact. One ring, and he immediately felt a rush of jitters flood through him. The second ring, his fingers twisted the fabric of his hoodie, his nerves getting the better of him. By the third ring, he finally heard your voice on the other line.

"Jaehyun?"

He froze for a moment, hearing his name fall from your lips. The sound made his heart race, but he quickly composed himself, trying to ignore the sudden increased pacing in his chest.  

"Y/N... Hi."

"Hey, what's up?" 

"Can I see you?" Jaehyun wasn’t too sure if you could hear the sudden tremble in his voice, but he could only pray that you didn’t. 

"Like... right now?"

"Just for a little while, yeah. I don’t want to rush you or anything, but I’m nearby, and—well, if you’re not up for it, that’s totally fine. I know it’s late."

"Stop worrying, Jae. I'll be out in a few. Just wait for me." you said, and Jaehyun couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. He was already a little lost in the thought of what he wanted to say, but for now, he just waited, allowing himself to calm down as the seconds ticked by.

"I’ll be here,” he responded back quickly. 

He could almost picture your expression once he heard the soft chuckle you gave as the line went quiet again, leaving him standing there, staring at the phone in his hand. His nerves didn’t settle completely, but it didn’t matter anymore. He had done it. He had reached out. And now, all he had to do was wait.

After a few moments, Jaehyun spotted you running out of your apartment complex. You waved, and he quickly waved back.

"Hi," you said, as if the greeting over the phone hadn’t already happened. "Where do you want to go?"

 "Is it okay if we just stay out here?" he asked, knowing this was something that he needed. There was something comforting about being in an open space—a sense of calm he didn’t want to lose. He needed the fresh breeze of air, but more importantly, he simply needed a little room to breathe if things became overwhelming. 

"Yeah, of course," you said, nodding. You pointed toward a bench just outside the complex. "We can sit there."

Jaehyun shifted slightly on the bench, feeling the cool night air brush against his face. The sounds of distant traffic blended with the quiet night, giving everything a sense of calm he hadn’t expected. Sitting next to you with no distractions, it almost felt like time slowed down. The pressure in his chest eased just a little more.

“What did you want to see me for?” you finally spoke, turning to face Jaehyun. He also turned to look at you, your face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlamp. His heart skipped, just like it always did when you looked at him like that—with that same curiosity and warmth in your eyes. It made his thoughts scatter, but he pushed them back, trying to focus.

“I just... needed to talk,” he said, his words coming out quieter than he expected. He wasn’t sure how to put what he was feeling into words. He let out a small chuckle, noticing how ridiculous it was for him to be acting this nervous. “I’ve been holding back from saying this, actually.”

“About what?” you asked softly, your voice laced with both curiosity and a hint of worry. Something about the way Jaehyun had called you out here felt different, and you couldn’t help but wonder if this was something important. Your heart skipped a beat, uncertainty swirling in your chest as you tried to read his expression. 

"About... us,” Jaehyun finally confessed, his voice quieter than usual. “I’ve been thinking a lot about this—about you—and what it really means. I know the timing might seem a little off, especially with me having to be involved in your love life by setting you with others, but I can’t seem to shake these feelings I have for you.”

“You have feelings for me?” you asked, your voice a mix of surprise and disbelief, the words barely leaving your lips.

He nodded, his cheeks flushing as he looked away for a moment, trying to gather himself. The honesty in his words felt foreign, almost suffocating after he’d spent so much time hiding it. “Ever since you walked into my office that day, I’ve been trying not to feel it. I didn’t want to admit it, but when I saw you, it wasn’t fear I felt in my stomach. It was… relief. Relief that I finally got to see you again.”

Jaehyun’s voice trailed off as he shifted uncomfortably, but there was something raw in his eyes that made you pause. It was the kind of vulnerability he rarely let anyone see, let alone you.

“You’ve kept that with you this whole time?” you asked again, trying to reconfirm his answer as your thoughts spiraled. 

He nodded again, his fingers suddenly fidgeting with the hem of his hoodie. “I didn’t want to complicate things, but I knew I couldn’t keep pretending my feelings are simply nothing.” 

The weight of his words was finally setting into you after you tried processing everything. Your mind felt like it was in a haze—this was unexpected, but not completely. You always felt a shift between you two but never allowed yourself to fully acknowledge it. You were the one who brought the idea of breaking it off first, after all. 

And now, it felt as though time had folded itself back, bringing you to that moment when Jaehyun first confessed to you. That same rush of emotions, the happiness tangled with confusion, was there again. But this time, you felt different—stronger, surer. 

You knew better now; you knew that you couldn’t let someone like him slip away again.

“I’m really happy that you’re telling me this,” you said, your voice having an obvious, cheesy tone. “Because I feel the same way.”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened, considering how he was preparing himself for the worst. “Wait… you do?”

You nodded, recognizing how the truth was coming out easily now. “I always thought it was obvious.”

Jaehyun’s lips parted slightly as if he were searching for something to say, but he simply looked at you, his words being taken over with a grin on his face. His gaze softened while he stopped fidgeting with his hoodie, feeling a rush of relief running through him. 

“I was scared that this would have made things weird between us. But hearing you say that..." He exalted, as though he could finally breathe easier. “It’s everything I could wish for.”

You couldn’t help but smile back, considering how you were never quite sure if you’d ever get to hear those words from him if you didn’t show up to answer his call. The way your feet kicked back and forth was the subtle sign of nerves and excitement that had your pulse quickening. 

“Me too.” 

“I’m glad,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “I really am.” He leaned back slightly, his gaze locked with yours, feeling lighter than he had in a long time. It was strange, yet comforting, knowing that the feelings between you were mutual.

For once, everything felt right again.

“Well then, how about we have an impromptu date right now?” Jaehyun suggested, his nervous look soon turning into something more playful. This was the Jaehyun you were always used to. 

“Oh, so now you’re asking to take me out on a date after I just also practically confessed my feelings?” you shot him a look, only for you to end up breaking into a small fit of laughter. “Very smooth, Cupid MJ.” 

“It’s only fair that I get to ask you out,” he shrugged, wearing a teasing grin. “Had to beat you to it before you were going to ask me out on a hangout again.”

“Alright then, where would we go?”

“To yours? Actually, I’ve been meaning to add a few prints to your kitchen area. It was looking a little plain, and I should’ve gotten you more prints before.”

“Shading my living space after suggesting we go there is crazy, by the way,” you crossed your arms, jokingly staring at him in disbelief. 

Jaehyun let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You know I didn’t mean it like that."

"If not, then what?" you teased, still shaking your head. "I think you’re just trying to crash into my place, huh?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender, his expression innocent yet mischievous. "Far from that—I just want to see those clay figures you’ve got if you still have them. I’ve been curious."

Another soft laugh escapes from your lips, and the warmth in your chest spreads further. “Come see it then,” you said, the words slipping out before you could second-guess them. Honestly, you were waiting for the next time he’d suggest going to your place. You wanted him to come over again. “I’ll show you that I kept my word on keeping our figures.”

Jaehyun’s smile widened, his eyes lighting up as if your invitation was exactly what he’d hoped for. “Lead the way,” he said, following right after you as you stood up to walk back into your apartment complex—this time, with him by your side. 

The conversation between you two flowed easily, like it always had, and with every exchanged word and giggle, Jaehyun found himself being able to learn a few things.

One, that the Cupid Rules were never as severe or strict as he once believed. Fate had its own way of working, and despite all the supposed boundaries and obstacles, it had led him right back to you—the very person he once thought the Cupid Universe forcefully separated him from. 

Two, he had been so fooled to be convinced that removing the love arrow effects would help erase the emotions entangled between you both. Instead, he was right back here with you. And this time, there was nothing to blame, no external force to credit for his sudden rush of emotions—just the undeniable truth that, even without all of that, he still would have chosen you anyway. He couldn’t complain, not when this was exactly where he wanted to be. 

And three—the one thing he could fully believe about the Cupid’s Handbook was Rule #10. 

Once a client, always your client. 

Jaehyun could only hope those words were true. That no matter where life led you both, no matter what ended up being in the way, he could always find a way to stay by your side for good. 

That’s when he knew that being only with you was the only thing he wanted. 

His first, true love. 

𓊆 🗯️ 𓊇 CUPID’S FINAL WORDS ✶ TYSM FOR READING UNTIL THE END ^^ !! this feels so bittersweet completing like actually… 💔 so… if i were to write for more cupid aus, would you guys like that?? since i do have some ideas but not for all members yet so…. please let me know ♡

BND PERM TAGLIST ( OPEN ) — @juyeoz @j4d @itsactuallylina @rizzwoos @htaesan @macapunoz

[lxvsiick]

SINK INTO THE MEMORY | HAN TAESAN X READER

PAIRING: sunshine protector! han taesan x sunshine! fem! reader

SUMMARY: Taesan feels the need to protect his ball of sunshine, Y/n.

GENRE: sunshine and sunshine protector, imagine, fluff

WORDCOUNT: 3.9k

A/N: A Taesan fluff imagine because I keep giving him angst imagines . . . LOL! Inspired by another BOYNEXTDOOR Taesan self composed song -- SINK INTO THE MEMORY ,, man he's so talented it makes me cry

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The sun hung low in the afternoon sky, casting golden light over the playground. The sound of children's laughter filled the air, but on the far side of the park, Y/n sat alone on the swing, kicking her legs to gain height, her tiny hands gripping the chains. At just six years old, she was already a little ball of energy, always smiling, always friendly. She hummed to herself as she swung higher, her eyes bright with the joy of a carefree afternoon.

Suddenly, a group of kids, a mix of her age and older, approached her with narrowed eyes. One of the older boys stepped forward and shoved her hard, knocking her off the swing. She landed with a soft thud in the sand, her hands stinging from the fall.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, her face scrunching up in confusion. "You didn’t have to push me! I was almost done, you could’ve waited your turn!"

The group of kids ignored her words, laughing as they claimed the swing for themselves. One of the older girls sneered at her. "Who cares? It’s ours now."

Y/n stood up, brushing the sand off her knees, and stomped her foot. "That’s not fair!"

The group started to move toward her, their tone shifting from playful to aggressive, and for the first time, she looked nervous.

That’s when he appeared.

Han Taesan, also six years old, had been watching from a distance. Though he was known as a "troublemaker" by his parents and the other adults around, he wasn’t bad—he just didn’t follow the rules like everyone wanted him to. Seeing the group ganging up on her, something stirred inside him. He walked up to them without hesitation, his little fists balled at his sides.

"Leave her alone," he said firmly, his voice steady despite his small size.

One of the boys from the group turned to him, sizing him up. "What are you gonna do about it?"

Taesan didn’t flinch. He pushed the boy hard enough to make him stumble back. "I said, leave her alone."

The group exchanged uncertain glances. They had heard about him—how he wasn’t afraid of getting into trouble. It was enough to make them think twice.

"Whatever," one of the kids muttered, turning away. "We were done here anyway."

As the group scattered, Y/n stood there, watching the whole thing in awe. She wiped at her cheeks, where a few frustrated tears had started to form. Instead of crying, though, she smiled brightly at her protector, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"Thank you!" she beamed, bouncing on her toes. "That was really brave of you."

He shrugged, kicking at the sand as if it wasn’t a big deal. "It’s nothing. They were being mean."

Y/n, still glowing with her usual sunshine-like energy, dug into her small backpack and pulled out a crinkly bag of snacks. "Want some?" she offered, holding the bag out to him.

Surprised, he blinked at her before slowly taking a piece. "Thanks," he mumbled.

And just like that, they sat down in the sandbox together, munching on snacks as if they had been friends forever. Y/n chatted away, her voice bubbling with excitement, while Taesan listened quietly, a small but genuine smile creeping onto his face. He hadn’t planned on making a friend that day, but now, with her by his side, it didn’t seem so bad.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the desks. Taesan, now 17, sat at his desk, his headphones snug over his ears as music pulsed through them. He absentmindedly tapped his fingers on the table to the beat, his gaze wandering toward the door, half-lost in the melody.

That’s when he spotted her.

Y/n was passing by his classroom, a tall stack of books in her arms. She was struggling to balance them, her steps wobbly, barely able to see over the top of the pile. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she shuffled down the hallway, clearly in over her head.

With a small sigh, he pulled off his headphones and placed them on his desk. Without a second thought, he stood up, leaving his classroom and slipping out into the hallway. He didn’t need to think twice—he couldn’t just sit there and watch her struggle like that.

Catching up to her with quick strides, he reached out and grabbed the stack of books from her arms. The sudden movement made her jump in surprise, her bright eyes widening as she turned to face him.

"Oh!" she gasped, her voice soft. "You scared me!"

Taesan gave her a small smirk, adjusting the books in his arms with ease. "Why are you carrying all of this by yourself?" he asked, his tone low but laced with concern. "Isn’t the vice class representative supposed to help with stuff like this?"

Y/n blinked at him, her face flushing slightly. She offered him one of her signature bright smiles, the kind that always made it hard for anyone to be mad at her.

"I volunteered to do it," she said softly, her voice sweet but firm. "I didn’t want to bother anyone else. Junho was busy."

He glanced at her, eyebrow raised. He knew her better than that—she had a habit of not asking for help, always shouldering the burden on her own. He didn’t buy her explanation, not one bit. But instead of pressing her on it, he simply sighed and shifted the weight of the books in his arms.

Y/n noticed the look on his face, the way his brows knitted together in quiet disbelief. Letting out a small giggle, she nudged him gently with her elbow.

"It’s fine now," she said, her smile widening. "You’re here to help me, aren’t you?"

He stared at her for a moment, then let out a soft huff of amusement. "Yeah, yeah, I guess so."

Without another word, the two of them continued walking down the hallway together, her steps now light and carefree without the heavy stack of books. Taesan walked beside her, still holding the books, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She was always like this—too kind, too independent. But he didn’t mind helping. Not when it came to her.

As they walked, the quiet warmth between them settled in, the kind of comfort that came from years of knowing each other, from the unspoken understanding they always seemed to share. Even without saying much, they were always in sync.

And despite the heavy books in his arms, Taesan couldn’t help but feel a little lighter as they made their way down the hallway together.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The late afternoon sun cast a soft glow over the college campus, the sound of chatter and footsteps filling the air. Taesan walked on the side with his four friends, his headphones snug over his ears as they laughed and talked around him. Though their conversations flowed easily, he was in his own world, the beat of the music steady in his ears.

That’s when he saw her.

Y/n was across the quad, her expression tired and frantic, her fingers flying over her phone’s screen as if typing a million thoughts at once. Even from a distance, he could see the tension in her posture, the way her shoulders hunched forward as she moved quickly, almost nervously.

With a small frown, Taesan pulled off his headphones, letting them rest around his neck. He paused mid-step, eyes fixed on her, then glanced at his friends. "You guys go ahead," he said, his voice calm but distracted.

His friends exchanged glances, then shrugged and waved him off as they continued on their way. He didn’t waste another moment, cutting across the campus to catch up with her.

"Y/n!" he called out, raising his voice just enough to get her attention.

Y/n’s head jerked up at the sound of her name, her eyes wide and slightly panicked. As soon as she saw him, she quickly turned away, looking down and wiping at her face. But it was too late—he had already seen the glimmer of tears in her eyes.

His heart clenched.

"What’s wrong?" he asked softly, stepping closer to her.

"It’s nothing," she mumbled, her voice shaky, refusing to meet his gaze.

He let out a quiet sigh, knowing her well enough to understand when she wasn’t telling the full truth. Without a word, he gently took her hand, ignoring her weak protest as he led her toward a quiet bench tucked away from the busy part of campus. The area was mostly empty, the hum of campus life just a distant noise now.

They sat down, Y/n still clutching her phone tightly, her eyes darting around as if she didn’t want to face him. He watched her for a moment, her normally bright expression clouded with stress and sadness.

"So," he said softly, turning toward her, "are you going to tell me what’s really going on?"

She bit her lip, her fingers tightening around her phone, her brows furrowed as if trying to keep everything inside. For a moment, she didn’t say anything, her throat working as she held back the tears.

"Is it the group project?" he pressed gently, his voice quiet and careful.

Her silence was all the confirmation he needed. After a beat, she gave a small nod, not looking at him, her lips trembling. His eyes softened, and he felt a pang of sympathy. He knew she had been struggling with this project for a while, dealing with uncooperative group members and mounting stress.

"I’ll talk to them," he said, his tone firm. "They can’t just leave all the work to you."

"No!" she blurted out, her voice cracking. She shook her head quickly, finally meeting his gaze with watery eyes. "Don’t do that. It’s fine. I—I’m just a little stressed. I don’t want to bother anyone about it."

His jaw tightened. "It’s a group project. You shouldn’t be doing all the work by yourself."

Her frown deepened as she stared at him, her eyes pleading. "Please," she whispered, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "Let me handle it. I can do it, really."

He looked at her, the determination mixed with vulnerability in her gaze, and felt his resolve weakening. He hated seeing her like this, but he knew better than to push her when she was already so overwhelmed. With a long, resigned sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease just a little.

"Fine," he said quietly, his voice softer now. "But promise me you’ll ask for help if it gets too much. You can’t do everything by yourself."

She gave him a big, grateful smile, the weight of her exhaustion still heavy in her eyes, but at least the panic had ebbed away a little. "I will," she whispered, though they both knew she was too stubborn to ask.

He didn’t press further, instead reaching out to give her hand a comforting squeeze. As they sat there in silence, the weight of the world seemed to lift just a little from her shoulders, knowing that—at the very least—she wasn’t completely alone.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The library was quiet, the soft hum of overhead lights barely noticeable against the silence. Taesan pushed open the door, scanning the tables until his eyes landed on a familiar figure—Y/n. She was sitting alone, her head resting on the table, arms tucked under her cheek as if she'd collapsed into sleep.

He hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of her, clearly exhausted. Walking over, he set his bag down quietly and slid into the chair next to her. Her laptop was still open, the screen displaying a half-finished document.

Taesan glanced at her, making sure she was still asleep. He could see the strain she’d been under from the deep circles under her eyes. Without a second thought, he reached for the laptop. Scrolling through the document, he realized she had been struggling with her group project—yet again. He sighed quietly and began typing, finishing the section she had started.

Minutes passed as he worked, his fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. When he finally finished, he saved the document, closed her laptop gently, and pushed it aside.

Turning his attention back to Y/n, he rested his head on his arm, facing her. He couldn’t help but stare at her sleeping face, the way her features softened in sleep. There was something calming about just watching her, knowing she was finally getting some rest after everything she’d been dealing with.

A few minutes later, Y/n stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Taesan quickly sat up, pretending to look busy as she groggily lifted her head.

She blinked a few times, surprised to see him there. “Oh, hey,” she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. “When did you get here?”

He smiled softly. “A few minutes ago,” he lied, avoiding her eyes.

She stretched and rubbed her eyes, yawning. “That’s weird. I must’ve knocked out.” She sat up straighter, looking a bit more awake now. “You won’t believe it though—my group members finally started helping me out. It’s like a miracle or something.”

There was a hint of suspicion in her voice as she turned to him, narrowing her eyes playfully. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

Taesan shifted in his seat, shrugging nonchalantly. “No idea what you’re talking about,” he said, avoiding her gaze as a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

She stared at him for a moment, as if trying to read his face, but then shrugged and leaned back in her seat, letting it go. “Well, whoever it was, I owe them. Seriously. I was ready to lose it.”

He didn’t say anything, just smiled to himself, secretly pleased that his interference had helped her in some way. He glanced at her again, and for a moment, everything felt right—like this quiet connection between them was enough.

The sound of a distant clock ticking was the only reminder that time was still passing, but for now, Taesan was content to sit here, next to her, in the quietness of the library.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

FLASHBACK

Taesan didn’t listen. Y/n had been stressing over her group project for days, but when she’d mentioned her group members still weren’t pulling their weight, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Even though she told him not to interfere, he decided to handle it his way.

Spotting one of her group members near the student lounge, he walked straight up to him without hesitation.

“Hey, you’re in Y/n’s group for the project, right?” Taesan asked, his tone firm.

The guy—Sunho—looked up from his phone, sizing him up. “Yeah, why?”

“Well, you should really start helping her out,” Taesan said bluntly, crossing his arms. “She’s doing all the work, and it’s not fair. She shouldn’t have to carry the whole project on her own.”

Sunho scoffed, putting his phone away. “And what if I don’t? What are you gonna do about it?”

Taesan’s expression hardened, taking a step closer. “I know you’ve already got a warning for not pulling your weight on other group projects. I’m sure the professor would love to hear how you’re treating this one.”

The guy’s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. He muttered something under his breath before grumbling, “Fine, whatever. I’ll help out.”

Satisfied, Taesan nodded and walked away, already looking for the next person in Y/n’s group.

It didn’t take long to spot Jihye chatting with her friends near the campus cafe. She was laughing, clearly not thinking about the project at all. Taesan hesitated for a second, but then pushed forward, determined.

“Hey, Jihye,” he called out, walking up to the group.

She turned around, surprised to see him. “Oh, hey. What’s up?”

“You’re in Y/n’s group for the project, right?”

“Uh, yeah,” she replied, her smile faltering as her friends looked at her curiously.

“You should stop being lazy and start actually helping her out instead of letting her do everything,” Taesan said flatly, ignoring the shocked looks from the others. “It’s a group project, not a solo one.”

The girl’s face flushed red with embarrassment as her friends stared at her. “I—I’ve been helping,” she stammered defensively, glancing at her friends for backup. “We’re just… working on it separately.”

“Doesn’t seem like it,” Taesan shot back. “I’ve seen how stressed she is, and it’s not because you’ve been helping.”

The tension hung in the air, and her friends shifted uncomfortably. Jihye clenched her jaw, clearly embarrassed to be called out like this in front of her friends.

“Fine,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “I’ll talk to her and help out more.”

“Good,” Taesan said, his tone still sharp. He gave her one last look before turning on his heel and walking away, satisfied that he had done what needed to be done.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The sun was shining brightly on campus as Y/n walked alongside her two friends, their laughter ringing through the air. They were heading to their favorite café when she spotted Taesan across the quad, walking with his friends. Her heart did a little flip.

“Han Dongmin!” she called out, her voice bright and cheerful. The moment he turned to look at her, his face broke into a small, genuine smile, and he waved back, his friends chatting animatedly beside him.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, smirking at each other. “Aww, look at you! You’re practically glowing!” Wonyoung teased, elbowing her playfully.

“Right? You’re like a total lovesick puppy,” Yoon chimed in, waggling her eyebrows. “So, do you guys have something going on?”

“Shut up!” Y/n blushed, shaking her head vigorously. “We’re just best friends! That’s all!”

They laughed, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction. “Best friends who smile at each other like that? Come on! There’s got to be more to it!”

She felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration as they continued to poke fun at her. “Seriously, it’s nothing! We’ve always been this way!” She insisted, trying to keep her voice steady.

The teasing continued for a few more moments before her friends finally let the topic go, shifting to a discussion about upcoming events on campus. But even as they talked, Y/n felt a weight in her chest.

She let out a sigh of relief, grateful they had moved on, but the idea of having feelings for her best friend lingered in her mind like an unwelcome guest. Memories flashed through her head: times when he had stepped in to protect her, standing up to bullies or helping her with her books when she was overwhelmed. The way he always seemed to sense when she was having a tough day, how he’d show up just when she needed him most, his presence a comforting shield.

“Are you even listening?” Yoon asked, pulling her back to the present.

“Uh, yeah! Totally!” Y/n replied, forcing a smile, but her mind kept wandering back to Taesan. What if there was something more? What if they could be more than just friends?

She shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the thoughts. “I mean, it’s just... he’s really important to me, that’s all,” She said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.

“Whatever you say, Sunshine!” Wonyoung teased, giving her a playful nudge.

As they continued their walk, Y/n couldn’t help but glance back at Taesan, who was now laughing with his friends, the sunlight catching in his hair. Her heart fluttered again, but this time, it felt different—more complicated.

Could she really navigate the transition from best friends to something deeper? The thought danced tantalizingly at the edge of her mind, leaving her both excited and anxious.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

The library buzzed softly with the murmurs of students studying and typing away on their keyboards. At a table strewn with open textbooks and loose papers, Y/n sat, her gaze distant as she stared blankly at her laptop screen. The rhythmic clatter of keys and occasional shuffling of pages filled the background, but she barely noticed.

Taesan approached with a light-hearted stride, his usual grin replaced by a more contemplative expression. He slid into the seat next to her, his eyes scanning the scattered books and her vacant stare. Curiosity piqued, he leaned in close and waved his hand in front of her face, his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek.

“Hey, Earth to Y/n,” He teased, his voice gentle but laced with concern.

Startled, Y/n jolted upright, her cheeks flushing as she found herself inches from him. She quickly backed away, her heart racing as she tried to regain her composure.

“Oh, um, hi,” She stammered, avoiding his gaze. “I was just… thinking about stuff.”

“Stuff, huh?” He said, leaning back but keeping his gaze steady on her. “What’s on your mind?”

“It’s nothing,” She insisted, her blush deepening. She fidgeted with her pencil, trying to focus on anything but his intense eyes.

Taesan didn’t press further, respecting her reluctance to share. They sat in a companionable silence for a few moments, the tension between them building like static electricity in the air.

Finally, Y/n took a deep breath and turned to him, her eyes full of hesitance. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” He replied, his interest clearly piqued.

“How do you know if you… like someone?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taesan looked at her thoughtfully, his own cheeks faintly pink. “Well,” He began slowly, “I guess it’s when you want to be around them all the time, you care about their happiness more than your own, and you just feel this urge to protect them. Like, you always want to see them smile.”

A long pause followed his words, Y/n absorbing the meaning behind his confession. His heart pounded in his chest as he met her gaze.

“I guess,” He continued, taking a deep breath, “that’s how I know I like you. I want to protect you and make you happy. I like you a lot, Y/n.”

Y/n’s eyes widened in shock, her entire face turning beet red. For a moment, she seemed to malfunction, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for the right words.

Seeing her reaction, Taesan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He reached over, gently taking her hand in his. “You don’t have to answer now. I just wanted you to know how I feel so you don’t misunderstand. No pressure.”

Instead of letting go, Y/n grasped his hand tightly, her fingers trembling slightly. Her gaze dropped to the table, her thoughts racing.

“You know,” She began, her voice wavering but sincere, “earlier today, Yoon and Wonyoung were teasing me about us. It got me thinking. I don’t know what I feel yet, but I do know that I don’t want anyone else to protect me but you.”

Taesan’s heart soared at her words. A soft smile spread across his face as he squeezed her hand gently.

“Then, let’s figure it out together,” He said softly, his eyes shining with affection.

Y/n nodded, a shy smile appearing on her lips. They sat together, hands intertwined, the weight of unspoken feelings finally shared between them.

୭🧷✧˚. ᵎᵎ 🎀

A/N: and then they all DIE! 😈 JK YAY! a happy ending for Taesan! This is my apology for all the Taesan angst imagines/stories i have wrote and will be writing in the future ... 🙇🏻‍♀️ my fingers hurt from typing so much … but thanks for reading!

MASTERLIST

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, lxvsiick, 2024

[hancorys]

m.jh — the egg project

genre: enemies to lovers, idiots to lovers, crack (bonedo dynamics mentioned) pairing: jaehyun x afab!reader wc: 4.6k warning: they're both a mess, non-stop banters. they kissed at the end. fought because of an egg. listen: antukin — rico blanco, i like me better — lauv, gusto ko lamang sa buhay — itchy worms, but i like you — boynextdoor

you don’t even remember the last time you and jaehyun had a normal conversation. not that you ever really did—because for as long as you’ve both been part of your respective sports teams, the only thing you’ve ever exchanged were complaints.

it started with the mess.

“seriously?” you had scoffed one evening, walking into the gym after the basketball team’s practice, only to find discarded water bottles, sweaty towels, and even an empty sports drink bottle rolling across the floor like a sad little tumbleweed.

the volleyball team had practice right after, and nothing pissed you off more than stepping onto a court that looked like a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

so, like any responsible captain, you took it upon yourself to find the root of the problem. and that root had a name: myung jaehyun.

“hey, jaehyun, clean up your team’s mess next time,” you had called out after one of your shared gym sessions.

jaehyun, who was in the middle of chugging a bottle of water, raised a brow at you. “our mess?”

“yes, yours.” you gestured to the abandoned pile of trash near the bench. “you leave the place looking like a hurricane hit.”

he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and shrugged. “not my fault you’re allergic to a little dirt.”

“not my fault you guys are allergic to basic hygiene.”

leehan, who had been dribbling a basketball nearby, snorted. “dude, she’s got a point.”

“whose side are you on?” jaehyun shot him a glare before turning back to you. “we don’t even leave that much of a mess.”

you let out a short laugh, stepping forward and kicking an empty bottle toward him. it rolled to a stop right by his foot. “oh yeah? then whose bottle is this?”

sungho, who had just been passing by, took one look at the scene and immediately pointed at jaehyun. “definitely his.”

jaehyun gave him a betrayed look. “are you serious?”

“i mean, statistically speaking, it’s more likely to be yours than mine,” sungho said with a lazy shrug. “i actually clean up after myself.”

“that’s a lie and you know it.”

“okay, but do i leave sports drink graveyards on the court? no.”

you crossed your arms and smirked. “see? even your own team thinks you’re the problem.”

jaehyun groaned, bending down to pick up the bottle before lazily tossing it into the trash can. “there. happy now?”

“ecstatic,” you deadpanned. “now do that, but every time.”

from then on, it became an ongoing battle. jaehyun’s team kept leaving behind their junk, and your team kept glaring at them from across the gym. you never actually fought, not really, but there was an unspoken war between the two of you—one built entirely on glares, sarcastic remarks, and aggressively wiping down volleyballs while jaehyun walked past you like he owned the place.

one time, after another particularly messy practice, you had stormed into the basketball team’s locker room, ignoring the immediate groans and complaints from the players inside.

“again?” you huffed, pointing toward the gym doors. “why do i have to keep reminding you guys to pick up after yourselves?”

leehan, who was in the middle of changing into a fresh jersey, blinked at you. “damn, i thought we locked the door.”

“she probably kicked it open,” riwoo muttered, adjusting his towel around his neck.

jaehyun, who was seated on the bench, barely looked up as he tied his shoelaces. “maybe if your team spent less time complaining and more time training, you’d actually win more games.”

your jaw dropped. “excuse me?”

he finally glanced up, a teasing glint in his eyes. “just saying.”

taesan whistled lowly. “oh, you’re dead.”

woonhak patted jaehyun’s shoulder like he was saying his final goodbyes. “it was nice knowing you, man.”

you took a deep breath, shaking your head as you turned on your heel. “you know what? forget it. next time i see even one of your bottles on that floor, i’m chucking it at your head.”

“looking forward to it,” jaehyun called after you, clearly amused.

god, you hated him.

as if the universe wasn’t already laughing at you, things got even worse when your teams had to start training together.

your school had decided that since both the basketball and volleyball teams shared the same gym, you might as well train under the same program for conditioning sessions. this meant early morning drills, weight training, and endurance exercises—together.

it was hell.

not because the training was hard (you could handle that), but because it meant spending more time around him.

the first morning session was already off to a bad start.

“alright, everyone, pair up,” the coach announced. “we’ll be doing partner drills for today’s endurance training.”

immediately, you turned to find one of your teammates, but before you could move, a familiar presence slid up beside you.

“guess we’re stuck together,” jaehyun said, his voice way too chipper for someone who just ran two miles as a warm-up.

you scowled. “who says?”

he gestured around. sure enough, all the pairs had already been formed, leaving you and jaehyun as the only ones unpaired.

“unless you want to run laps alone, i’d say this is fate,” he added, smirking.

you groaned. “curse.”

the drill was simple—one person would hold a plank while the other jumped over them repeatedly. then, you’d switch. simple in theory. infuriating in practice.

you started first, dropping into a plank position while jaehyun jumped over you. the first few were fine. but by the fifth jump, you were sure he was messing with you.

“are you—” you gritted out, arms burning from holding yourself up, “—doing this on purpose?”

jaehyun landed smoothly before hopping over you again. “doing what?”

“jumping so damn slow.”

“you should be thanking me. i’m giving you more time to work on your arm strength.”

you clenched your jaw. “i swear to god—”

“switch!” the coach called.

you got up, shaking out your arms before shooting jaehyun a glare. “watch how it’s actually done.”

he smirked, lowering himself into a plank. “looking forward to it.”

you took a step back, bounced on the balls of your feet, and leapt.

you might’ve landed a little too close to his back.

“jesus—are you trying to kill me?” jaehyun yelped, bracing himself.

“oops,” you said, not looking the least bit sorry.

from then on, training together became a battle of who could annoy the other more.

— 

but the worst part? meal times.

since both teams had the same conditioning schedule, the coaches thought it would be a great idea for you all to eat together in the dining hall. something about team unity and bonding.

you called it suffering.

because every single meal, without fail, jaehyun would find a way to sit across from you.

like today.

“morning, partner.”

you didn’t even look up from your tray of eggs and rice. “go away.”

“nah, i like it here.”

you stabbed at your food aggressively. “why are you like this?”

“like what?” he asked, reaching over to steal a piece of your egg with his fork.

you smacked his hand away. “like that!”

leehan, seated next to jaehyun, chuckled. “dude, one day she’s gonna actually throw hands.”

“and i’ll be ready,” jaehyun said, grinning at you.

you rolled your eyes, turning your attention back to your food, determined to ignore him. but then—

clink.

you glanced up. jaehyun had casually placed his sports drink on your side of the table.

you frowned. “what?”

he smirked. “just marking my territory.”

sungho nearly choked on his juice. “bro, that sounds so wrong.”

taesan snickered. “he means his half of the table.”

you glared. “i hate you all.”

━

and then there was the winking.

the first time he did it, you thought it was an accident.

the second time, you realized it definitely wasn’t.

but by the fifth time? you were convinced he was just doing it to piss you off.

during games, during practice, even in the hallways—jaehyun had made it his personal mission to wink at you whenever he got the chance.

like during one of their practice matches.

you had been forced to stay behind in the gym, waiting for your team’s turn. so, unfortunately, you had a front-row seat to watching jaehyunshow off.

you sat on the bleachers, arms crossed, watching as jaehyun dribbled past a defender with ridiculous ease. he moved with that effortless confidence, quick on his feet, spinning past his opponent before driving straight to the basket.

the ball swished through the hoop, nothing but net. his teammates erupted into cheers.

jaehyun turned, scanning the gym, and then—

wink.

you scowled immediately. “oh, for fuck’s sake.”

your teammate, yuna, who was sitting beside you, snorted. “what is his problem?”

“he is the problem,” you muttered, gripping your water bottle with unnecessary force.

yuna hummed, clearly entertained. “you know, for someone who ‘hates’ him, you sure do pay a lot of attention.”

“i have to! someone needs to keep his ego in check.”

as if to prove your point, jaehyun jogged back to his side of the court, smug as ever, and made direct eye contact with you again.

you knew what was coming.

another wink.

you groaned dramatically, throwing your head back. “i hate him.”

woonhak, who had overheard from the bench, grinned. “that’s funny, ‘cause he sure loves pissing you off.”

you shot him a glare. “gee, really? hadn’t noticed.”

━

the winking didn’t stop. if anything, it got worse.

during practice, in the dining hall, even when you passed him in the hallways—he somehow found a way to send you that stupid, infuriating wink.

like today, after your volleyball practice.

you had just finished a brutal set of drills, sweat dripping down your back, when you spotted the basketball team lingering near the entrance. they must’ve been waiting for their turn in the gym.

and, of course, jaehyun was right at the front.

you barely spared him a glance as you grabbed your water bottle from the bench, but that didn’t stop him.

“looking good, captain,” he called out.

you narrowed your eyes. “shut up, jaehyun.”

he laughed, raising his hands in surrender before winking.

you swore you saw red.

leehan, standing beside him, sighed. “dude, what if she actually kills you?”

“nah,” jaehyun said, grinning, “i think she’d miss me too much.”

you threw your towel at his face.

━

but as much as you hated to admit it, life was never boring with jaehyun around.

even when the two of you were forced into situations that made you want to rip your hair out—like the latest disaster your biology professor had cooked up.

the day had started out normal enough. until you got your test results back.

you stared at the glaring red F on your biology test, feeling your soul leave your body.

beside you, jaehyun whistled, holding up his own paper with an identical F. “ouch.”

you turned to glare at him. “why are you failing?”

he shrugged. “dunno. wasn’t paying attention.”

“of course you weren’t.”

before you could spiral into a full-blown academic crisis, your professor cleared his throat, looking way too pleased for someone who had just failed half the class.

“since many of you didn’t do well on the test,” he began, eyes twinkling mischievously, “i’ve decided to give you all an opportunity to redeem yourselves.”

murmurs filled the classroom. you remained suspicious.

“you will be given a partner—someone who also failed.”

you immediately got a bad feeling.

“together, you will complete an assignment on responsibility and care. an experiment, if you will.”

you glanced at jaehyun, who looked just as confused.

the professor smiled. “for the next week, you will take care of an egg.”

silence.

then—

“a what.”

the professor clasped his hands together. “an egg! consider it a simulation of caring for a delicate, fragile life. you must protect it at all costs and document your progress. and, of course, your partner will be chosen randomly.”

your stomach dropped.

and then—

“y/n and jaehyun,” the professor announced.

you slammed your head onto your desk.

jaehyun, meanwhile, let out a low whistle. “well. this should be fun.”

you turned your head slightly to glare at him, cheek still pressed against the desk. “i swear to god, if you break our egg, i’m breaking you.”

he grinned. “relax, partner. we’ve got this.”

you groaned. “this is literally my worst nightmare.”

jaehyun leaned back, crossing his arms. “nah. your worst nightmare is me leaving the gym extra messy just for you.”

you lifted your head just enough to glare at him. “don’t test me.”

he winked.

you nearly flipped your desk.

“now listen carefully,” your professor continued. “your assignment is simple. you must keep your egg safe for one full week. if it cracks, you fail. if you forget it somewhere, you fail. if i so much as suspect that you’re not taking this seriously, you fail.”

you felt a headache forming.

professor lee’s eyes narrowed. “and trust me, i’ll know.”

a collective shudder ran through the class. professor lee was infamous for his unconventional teaching methods. last semester, he had made students carry around cabbages as part of a psychology experiment. cabbages.

you glanced at jaehyun, who was still grinning like he had won the lottery.

he thinks this is a joke.

you groaned. “i’m so screwed.”

“nah,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “we got this.”

you turned to him, deadpan. “jaehyun. you literally failed this class.”

he placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “so did you.”

“yeah, but at least i actually tried.”

he snorted. “right. well, don’t worry, partner. our egg’s in good hands.”

you didn’t believe that for a second.

“one last thing,” professor lee added, holding up a basket. “before you leave, come up and receive your child.”

you almost choked.

child?

yuna was practically vibrating with laughter beside you. “you’re gonna be a great mom.”

“shut up.”

jaehyun, on the other hand, was already making his way to the front, completely unbothered. when he returned, he was holding the egg in his palm, studying it like it was some ancient relic.

“alright, partner,” he said, plopping into his seat. “meet our kid.”

you stared at it.

it was just a normal egg. nothing special. fragile, small, and already giving you anxiety.

“we’re so failing this,” you muttered.

jaehyun scoffed. “have a little faith.”

you gave him a pointed look. “jaehyun. be honest. how long do you think you can go without dropping it?”

he paused.

then—

“...three days?”

you groaned again.

this was going to be the longest week of your life.

—

the first day of the project was already testing every ounce of patience you had.

you and jaehyun sat at one of the library tables, your so-called child resting in an old coffee cup between you. professor lee had made it clear that this assignment wasn’t just about keeping the egg safe—you had to document everything. feeding schedules (which made zero sense), bedtime routines, and even bonding activities.

you hated every second of it.

“this is the dumbest thing i’ve ever done,” you muttered, tapping your pen against the table.

jaehyun, who was busy doodling little lightning bolts around the word thunder in your shared notebook, smirked. “that’s because you lack vision.”

“oh, i have vision. i see our grades plummeting.”

he leaned back in his chair, tossing his pen in the air before catching it effortlessly. “relax, co-parent. we just have to act like responsible adults for a week.”

you squinted at him. “you literally left the egg unattended five minutes ago to go buy chips.”

he waved you off. “our kid was fine. independent.”

“it's an egg.”

“it's our egg.”

you exhaled sharply, choosing to ignore him as you scribbled in the notebook. but then, out of the corner of your eye, you caught him reaching for the cup.

you tensed immediately.

“what are you doing?”

“holding my child.”

“no. no touching.” you moved the cup further away. “i don’t trust you.”

he looked genuinely offended. “wow. you were the one who almost knocked it over earlier.”

“because you distracted me!”

“because you were making that stupid face while writing.”

“stupid face?” you gawked at him. “i do not make a stupid face.”

he shrugged. “if the shoe fits.”

you smacked his arm with the notebook. “contribute to this or i’m making you do the whole thing by yourself.”

“fine, fine,” he sighed, taking the pen from you. he twirled it between his fingers before scrawling something next to your notes.

you glanced at the paper.

“bonding activity: jaehyun teaches the egg how to shoot a three-pointer.”

you stared at him.

“you’re a menace,” you said.

he grinned. “and yet, here we are. bonded for life.”

you groaned, dropping your head onto the table.

and somewhere in the distance, leehan and taesan—who had been watching from another table—exchanged glances before bursting into quiet laughter.

the first time you stepped into jaehyun’s room, you had one goal: check on the egg, make sure it was intact, and leave.

but of course, nothing was ever that simple with him.

“welcome to the nursery,” jaehyun said, kicking the door shut behind him.

you rolled your eyes. “nursery? it’s your room.”

“our son lives here now,” he replied, completely serious. “show some respect.”

you sighed, stepping past him. his room was… surprisingly neat. you expected a mess—basketballs lying around, clothes thrown over furniture, maybe even an unmade bed. but aside from a few scattered notebooks and a pile of hoodies in the corner, it was normal.

too normal.

“where is it?” you asked, crossing your arms.

jaehyun walked over to his desk and held up a small shoebox. he lifted the lid, revealing the egg nestled in a bundle of socks.

you blinked. “you put it in a box?”

“i made a crib,” he corrected, placing the box gently on his bed. “cozy, right?”

you sat down at the edge of the bed, peering inside. "you could’ve at least used a tissue or something instead of Nike socks."

“those are premium cushioning. only the best for our kid.”

you scoffed, but you couldn’t deny that the egg was perfectly fine. untouched. safe.

and then, jaehyun did something unexpected—he sat next to you. not across from you, not at his desk, but right next to you, so close you could feel the warmth radiating off of him.

the usual chaos, the usual bickering, the usual tension that made you want to strangle him—it was still there. but something else settled in between the silence.

it was different here.

“so,” he said, voice quieter than usual. “how’s it feel knowing our son sleeps in my room?”

you turned to glare at him, but the second you did, you realized just how close he was.

your breath caught.

he was leaning on one arm, watching you with a lazy smirk, the kind that usually annoyed you to no end. but here, in this room, on this bed, it felt like something else.

something you didn’t want to name.

“i don’t care where it sleeps,” you muttered, looking away. “i just don’t want it broken.”

“i’ll take care of it,” he said, and for once, there was no teasing in his tone.

you swallowed. “good.”

but when you tried to stand up, he didn’t move.

“jaehyun.”

“hm?”

“move.”

he grinned. "say please."

you shoved his shoulder, and he finally let you go with a laugh, flopping back onto the bed as you practically sprinted for the door.

“same time tomorrow, co-parent?” he called after you.

you slammed the door behind you, heart pounding.

your hell starts the moment you start noticing things about jaehyun that you shouldn’t be noticing.

it’s the way he moves on the court—fast, precise, like he already knows exactly where the ball will land before it even gets there. it’s the way he runs a hand through his hair when he’s frustrated, the way he rolls his shoulders before a free throw, the way his eyes flicker to you after making a perfect shot, as if waiting for your reaction.

and it’s infuriating.

because now, even when you’re supposed to be focusing on your game, your team, your own plays—jaehyun lingers at the back of your mind like an annoying pop song you can’t get rid of.

but the worst part? it’s not just at the gym.

it’s when you’re in his room, sitting on his bed, checking on the egg like always. except now, you’re hyperaware of how close he sits, how he sometimes lets his arm rest against yours like it’s nothing. how, when you pout at him over something stupid—like the way he insists on calling your egg “junior” instead of a normal name—his gaze flickers to your lips for half a second too long.

and jaehyun?

he’s in denial.

because this was not supposed to happen. he wasn’t supposed to want to kiss you when you scolded him. wasn’t supposed to feel heat creeping up his neck when you absentmindedly played with your necklace while talking. wasn’t supposed to care that your team captain from another school once called you “impressive” after a practice match.

he wasn’t supposed to want you.

and unfortunately for him, his friends have noticed.

“so,” woonhak drawls one afternoon, lazily dribbling a basketball as they sit on the bleachers, watching you and your team wrap up practice. “when are you gonna admit it?”

jaehyun doesn’t even look up. “admit what?”

leehan snorts. “that you like her, dumbass.”

“i don’t,” jaehyun scoffs, leaning back against the bench.

sungho raises a brow. “right. that’s why you’re staring at her like she personally offended you by existing.”

jaehyun looks away immediately, only for leehan to chuckle.

“you do realize she probably feel the same way, right?”

that makes jaehyun freeze for a second.

taesan hums. “she still argue with you, sure. but i see the way she get all flustered when you compliment her. she didn’t used to react like that.”

jaehyun opens his mouth to deny it again, but then he thinks back.

to the way you stumbled over your words last week when he casually told you your spike was getting better. to the way your breath hitched when he tucked your hair behind your ear. to the way you hesitated before leaving his room the other night, as if you were starting to feel this too.

maybe his friends were right.

and that’s when jaehyun decides: it’s time to test the waters.

so he starts pushing boundaries—just a little.

at the gym, after practice, he doesn’t just wink at you like usual. he lingers, waiting for you to react, grinning when you groan and shove him away.

when you come over to check on the egg, he always has food ready, pretending it’s no big deal when he slides a plate toward you.

“i didn’t ask for this,” you huff, poking at the meal he made.

“didn’t say you did,” he shrugs, sitting across from you. “but you always look tired after practice. eat.”

and that confuses you.

because what the hell is he doing? what the hell does he want?

you’d always known jaehyun as the annoying basketball captain who drove you insane, but now…

now he’s holding your hand a second longer than necessary. now he’s calling you “co-parent” with a lazy grin that makes your stomach twist in a way you don’t want to acknowledge. now he’s casually running a hand through his hair while watching you in between classes, like he knows something you don’t.

and you hate that it scares you.

because if this is just another game to him, if he’s just messing with you—then why does it feel so real?

the egg cracks.

not metaphorically—though, honestly, it might as well be—but literally.

you’re standing in jaehyun’s room, holding what used to be your child (as he so dramatically called it), staring at the jagged fracture running across the eggshell. your breath catches in your throat.

“oh, shit,” you whisper.

jaehyun, who had been leaning against his desk, looks up from his phone. “what?”

you slowly turn to him, the broken egg cradled in your hands like a crime scene.

“we killed junior.”

for a moment, there’s silence. then—

“oh my god,” jaehyun breathes out, eyes widening.

“we’re failures.”

“we’re murderers.”

“professor lee is going to slaughter us.”

“okay, first of all,” jaehyun says, quickly moving toward you, “you’re the one who dropped it—”

“don’t you dare pin this on me.”

“—and second,” he continues, ignoring you, “we just need a replacement.”

you blink at him. “you want to… replace our child?”

“wouldn’t be the first time people switched babies at birth,” he shrugs.

“you’re insane.”

“do you want to fail?”

you purse your lips. no. but—

jaehyun sighs. “look, we can sit here mourning an egg, or we can fix the problem. your call.”

you scowl at him, but he’s right. begrudgingly, you set the cracked egg down and grab your bag.

“fine. but if we get caught—”

“we won’t,” he grins, already grabbing his car keys and intertwining his hand with yours, “let’s go, co-parent.”

—

you manage to replace the egg. you turn in your project. you pass.

but that’s not the ending.

the ending is this:

it’s late, and you’re at jaehyun’s house, sprawled out on his bed like always. the ceiling fan hums softly overhead, casting slow-moving shadows against the walls. the scent of his cologne lingers in the air—clean, familiar, a little too comforting. he’s sitting at the edge of the bed, lazily spinning a basketball on his finger, gaze half-lidded with concentration.

you’re supposed to feel relieved. the project is over. the ridiculous assignment, the stress, the stupid arguments—you survived it all. but your head is still spinning, not from exhaustion, but from something else. something heavier.

because things have shifted. you don’t bicker as much anymore. the teasing has changed. the tension isn’t sharp—it’s something softer now, something unspoken that curls around the edges of your conversations. something that lingers in the way his eyes stay on you a little longer than they should.

“so,” jaehyun says suddenly, voice cutting through the quiet. “you’re still thinking about it.”

you blink at him. “thinking about what?”

he finally looks at you, and the corner of his mouth twitches like he’s amused.

“us.”

your stomach flips. you sit up too fast, the mattress dipping beneath you. “there’s no us.”

jaehyun smirks. slow. knowing. like he’s heard the lie in your voice before you even said it.

“sure,” he hums, spinning the ball again. “but i think about it.”

your breath hitches.

“what?”

he tosses the ball aside. it rolls off the bed, thudding softly onto the carpet, but you barely hear it over the sudden rush of blood in your ears. because he’s shifting, leaning in, invading your space in a way that makes your pulse stutter.

closer than necessary. closer than friends should be.

“i think about how much fun it is to piss you off,” he murmurs, and his voice is different this time—lower, rougher. “i think about how much i like having you around.”

his hand lifts, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. the touch is barely there, but it burns.

“and i think about how, if i kissed you right now, you wouldn’t stop me.”

your breath catches.

because he’s right.

but the worst part? you don’t want to stop him.

you don’t move when his gaze flickers down to your lips. you don’t push him away when his fingers graze your jaw, thumb tracing slow, feather-light circles against your skin.

and when he finally tilts his head and closes the distance, when his lips press against yours in something hesitant but undeniably real—

you kiss him back.

© hancorys, 2025.

[2i1han]

Slowly, Then All at Once

5.2 : finally (choice)

pairing: classmate!leehan x fem!reader│word count: 14k

genre: fluff, slow-burn, young adult, romcom, coming of age

characters mentioned : kim leehan , park sungho , sakai moka , kim minji , bae jinsol , lee jooyeon , jay park (en) , junhan , kim minju , kim woonhak

warnings : no warnings! sfw

summary : you and leehan have known each other for years—classmates since ninth grade, always familiar but never really close due to leehan's indifference. but when his brother enters the picture, everything starts to change. unresolved situation that were once buried begin to surface, and leehan must decide: let go or finally take a chance.

a/n: finally! after a whole week, i've finished this! i ended up deleting and reworking a lot of parts because i wasn't completely satisfied, so i really hope the finale meets your expectations (or at least comes close!).

this series holds a special place in my heart—writing it felt like stepping into its universe and living in it myself. and now, we've reached the finale! i hope you all enjoy it. (making it up to you for the long wait with some extra word count!)

playlist : serenade/boynextdoor , love me like that/sam kim , love, this/las , we're already/kimmuseum , the rose song/rio , our film/rio , dance with me/jiyul , dry flower/jiyul , where am i/jiyul

the warm spring air rushed past as you sped through the streets, the wind tugging at the strands of your hair that had escaped from beneath your helmet. your hands on his shoulders were firm, his occasional grins flashing through the side mirror. his excitement was contagious, and despite the nerves that came with riding a motorcycle, you couldn't help but smile too.

after weaving through the city, the bike finally came to a smooth stop in front of a rental studio. you carefully swung your leg over and stepped down first, adjusting your floral yellow cami top and smoothing out your jeans. with a quick tug, you removed your helmet, handing it back to sungho, who was still seated.

"you're enjoying this too much," you teased, raising an eyebrow.

"of course i am." he laughed, taking the helmet from your hands and setting it on the bike before hopping off.

your attention shifted to the sign above the studio, reading it as sungho came to stand beside you. he nudged your shoulder lightly. "let's go?"

you looked up at him and nodded. "lead the way."

the two of you entered the building, the sound of your footsteps echoing as you ascended the stairs to the second floor. halfway up, sungho turned to you with a grin. "thanks for coming with me today," he said, rubbing the back of his ear—a habit he did when he was a little nervous.

you waved off his gratitude. "it's nothing. i could use a good distraction before drowning in my project later."

he chuckled, pushing open the door to the studio. the room was dimly lit, with black soundproof foam covering the walls. in the center, a drum set and various instruments were neatly arranged, amplifiers lined up. to the side, a couch and coffee table sat occupied by jooyeon, junhan, and jay. at the sound of the door opening, they all turned their heads toward you.

jooyeon smirked as he stood from the couch, stretching lazily. "didn't know you'd be bringing company."

"be nice," sungho shot back, shaking his head.

ignoring him, jooyeon strode up to you, extending a hand. "nice to see you again, junior."

you shook his hand with a polite smile. "nice to see you too, senior."

jay, who had been leaning back, gave you a nod in acknowledgment, while junhan, true to his usual quiet nature—headed straight to his guitar, already preparing.

"i'll be over there," you said, gesturing to the couch. you slipped off your sling bag and set it down before taking a seat. sungho gave you one last glance before joining his bandmates.

"be our audience, and don't hold back on the feedback," he said as he stood by the mic stand.

you leaned back against the couch, crossing your legs. "i doubt there'll be anything to criticize, but sure, i'll pretend to be judgmental."

sungho laughed before focusing, and soon enough, the session began.

they played a mix of songs, some for an upcoming competition on monday, others for local gigs around the city. the energy in the room was electric—sungho, despite his usual frisky vibe, was completely in his element, voice effortlessly smooth through the speaker. jay's drumming was sharp, jooyeon's bass smooth, and junhan glided the notes with his guitar so precisely.

but what made it even better was the atmosphere. the guys were hilarious, cracking jokes in between songs, throwing playful jabs at each other, and making you feel welcome. you found yourself genuinely enjoying the moment, laughing at their gimmicks and nodding along to their music.

however, while you were here having a great time, someone else was most certainly not. because back at your apartment building, leehan sat by his desk, staring into his fish tank like a brooding protagonist in a melodrama. his chin rested on his hand, lips slightly pouted, eyes locked on the little fish swimming aimlessly. behind him, woonhak lay sprawled on leehan's bed, phone in hand, scrolling lazily.

"she went out with sungho," leehan muttered, as if the words tasted bitter.

woonhak, without even looking up, sighed. "that doesn't mean she doesn't like being with you."

leehan's pout deepened. he turned his gaze from his fish to the desk, then spun around dramatically to face woonhak. "then why did she choose to go with him?"

finally, woonhak set his phone down, propping himself up on his elbows. "ever considered that maybe she thinks she'll see you later anyway? and that she just wanted to hang out before getting buried in assignments? college is exhausting, man." he rolled his eyes, flopping back onto the bed.

leehan frowned, thinking it over.

"can't she have fun with me?" he muttered under his breath. "why does it have to be sungho?"

woonhak shot him a deadpan look before grabbing a plushie from the bed and chucking it at him. "you're so selfish."

leehan caught it with ease, glaring.

"you just made a move recently," woonhak continued, crossing his arms. "let it breathe. don't act like y/n's obligated to only hang out with you. sungho hyung is her friend."

leehan scoffed. "yeah, her friend who likes her." he rolled his eyes and turned back to his fish tank, sulking.

woonhak just sighed. "you're hopeless."

leehan didn't respond. instead, he just kept staring at his fish, watching them swim in circles, completely unaware of the ridiculous love triangle drama their owner was caught onto.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

three hours had passed since you first arrived at the studio, and now, at 1 pm, you found yourself sinking into a singular couch, stretching your arms as you sighed in satisfaction. across from you, sungho occupied the other single couch, legs lazily spread out, while jooyeon, junhan, and jay sprawled across the long couch like a pack of hyenas that had just devoured their prey. in the middle, the remains of your takeout meal sat on the table—empty containers, crumpled napkins, and a singular crab leg that nobody dared to claim.

"thank you for lunch, y/n," jooyeon mumbled through a mouthful of food, his cheeks bulging like a chipmunk's.

sungho didn't say anything, but he flashed you a small, grateful smile as he chewed his food calmly, the corners of his lips curling up. it was his silent way of saying thanks.

"the set was really good," you said, popping another piece of kimbap into your mouth. "i'm excited for the competition. i'll be there to watch."

junhan snorted. "don't say that. sungho might get all nervous and end up swallowing the mic whole on stage."

sungho immediately lifted the abandoned crab leg, wielding it like a weapon. "say that again and this is going in your soup next practice," he threatened, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth.

you laughed at the scene—sungho's puffed-out cheeks, junhan dodging as if the crab leg was an actual danger, and jooyeon just shaking his head like an exhausted parent.

"don't listen to him," sungho finally said after swallowing, throwing the crab leg back onto the plate.

you just shook your head, smiling, as the conversation shifted to other things. music, upcoming gigs, and jooyeon's weird theory that the practice room was haunted (it wasn't, he was just scared of the creaky air vents).

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

before you knew it, the morning had slipped away, and it was time for you to head to the university. you had a project to finish with leehan, and the band still had an entire afternoon of practice ahead.

"at least let me drive you back," sungho insisted for the fourth time.

you sighed, hands on your hips. "sungho, i can take the bus—"

"save your money," he cut you off, grinning. "besides, what kind of friend would i be if i let you take public transport when you have a personal chauffeur?"

you narrowed your eyes at him. "so now you're a chauffeur?"

"only for you," he quipped, and jooyeon made a fake gagging noise in the background.

after a few more minutes of arguing (in which sungho made it painfully obvious that he just wanted to spend more time with you), you finally caved in. who were you to turn down free transpo?

"fine," you surrendered.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

as you stepped out of the studio, you turned back to the boys, bowing lightly. "i had fun. i'll see you all at the competition."

"thanks for the food, art kid!" jooyeon waved. "good luck with your project—don't go insane before the exhibit!"

"i'll try," you called back with a laugh, disappearing behind the door as sungho followed you down the stairs.

the two of you walked side by side towards his motorcycle, the air a little lighter. "well, that was fun," you admitted, stretching your arms as you took in a deep breath.

"told you," sungho said with a smile. "hope you got the unwinding you needed."

"i did. thank you," you said sincerely, grabbing the helmet from the motorcycle seat and securing it over your head.

but when you looked up, sungho was just standing there, staring at you—not in a creepy way, but in a way that made you slightly aware.

"what...?" you asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

he exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "no, just, thank you. for spending time with me today."

his voice was softer and, his eyes bright with something. for a moment, you just stood there, unsure of what to say. it was strange, seeing sungho like this. unguarded, open. you realized that ever since that night, when you told him you only saw him as a friend, he had been acting differently. not in a bad way, just different.

before, he used to hold himself back, trying to mask his feelings, but now? now, he was allowing himself to express them, even if he knew nothing would change between you two.

and you—well, you weren't sure how to handle it. you wished you could reciprocate, wished you could force yourself to feel something more, but you couldn't. no matter how much your id told you to at least try, your superego knew the truth: he wasn't the person you liked. and your ego? stuck somewhere in the middle, drowning in guilt.

you cleared your throat, breaking eye contact. "let's go. i already messaged leehan that i'll be there in five minutes."

at the mention of leehan's name, sungho's expression faltered—just for a second. he lowered his head slightly, nodding as he grabbed his own helmet and climbed onto the bike. you got on behind him.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

"take care on your way back, sungho," you said, your voice light as you unclasped the helmet from beneath your chin, handing it back to him. the glossy black helmet almost seemed to absorb the sunlight, its smooth surface reflecting the quiet campus around you. sungho's face was entirely hidden behind the helmet's dark visor, but you could still sense his gaze on you.

"i will. you too, y/n. i'll see you later," his voice came through muffled, but you could still make out the words.

you offered a quick nod, then waved as sungho revved the engine. the motorcycle roared to life, cutting through the silent afternoon air, and he sped off, leaving behind a trail of dust. you stood there for a second, watching the spot where he had been, before you turned toward the university gate.

you scanned the area in front of you—no sign of leehan anywhere. your eyes darted left, then right. the usual crowd of students were milling about, some of them rushing to extracurricular activities, others strolling aimlessly in the sun. no leehan. shrugging to yourself, you figured he was probably just on his way.

you set off toward the art building, the click of your shoes on the pavement tapped. the smell of paint, wood, and graphite that you've grown used to welcomed you as you stepped into the building, the cool air contrasting with the warmth of the sun outside. you moved toward the back hall where the art room was located.

as you entered the studio, you spotted him almost immediately.

leehan stood at the far end of the room, near an abandoned sculpture covered in a dusty tarp, his hands clasped loosely behind his back. he was wearing his denim jacket and a white t-shirt. his blonde hair, as usual, was artfully messy, with dark brown roots beginning to show through in that way that made you wonder if he ever bothered to check if it was still the same shade.

you knocked softly on the doorframe, just enough to make your presence known.

leehan's head turned slowly, like he'd been expecting you but still looked pleasantly surprised. the blank, neutral expression on his face softened almost immediately, his lips curling into a small, welcoming smile. his eyes, always warm and light, brightened even more as they met yours.

"hi," you greeted, raising a hand in a little wave. you couldn't help the small smile curling at your own lips in return.

"hey," he replied, a slight tilt to his head.

"you're early," you commented, still keeping your hands casually behind your back.

leehan took a small step toward you, his smile only widening. "i may be," he said, glancing upward as if mentally checking the time. "i arrived five minutes earlier."

you raised an eyebrow. "you take my words so literally."

leehan chuckled at your reaction, shrugging with a slight smirk. "what can i say? i like to be punctual."

you laughed subtly, placing your bag down beside his on the nearby counter before walking over to your station. you pulled the large canvas out, the edges still slightly curled from being packed away.

for a moment, there was just the sound of you preparing your space, the soft scrape of the canvas against the easel, the rustle of your bag. but then leehan spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

"of course. i take you seriously unless you tell me otherwise."

his words kind of caught you off guard. it wasn't the typical leehan you were used to who's hesitant, and careful. this time, his voice was sure, and steady. and when you looked up, you found his gaze consistent, intense in a way that was almost different.

you blinked, momentarily thrown off by how sincere he sounded. was this the same leehan who used to fumble over his words and shove you aside?

for a moment, you just stared at him. not because you were secretly swooning—okay, maybe just a little—but because there was something so strangely magnetic about how he was looking at you. it was like he was trying to figure you out just as much as you were trying to figure him out.

"what does that even mean?" you asked, your voice slipping into a laugh as you crossed your arms, trying to regain your composure. you tilted your head, squinting at him in playful suspicion.

instead of awkwardly retreating like you half-expected, leehan surprised you by mirroring your posture, crossing his arms and leaning back slightly. he tilted his head, inspecting your face like it was the most fascinating thing in the room. his eyes lingered on you for just a second longer than necessary, making you feel a little more self-conscious than you'd like to admit.

"let's get to work," leehan said firmly as he reached out to place his hands gently on your shoulders.

you blinked, feeling the sudden, surprising warmth of his palms over your clothed skin. he gently nudged you towards your stool, his hands guiding youcarefully, and you couldn't help but feel a small flutter in your chest.

"okay, okay," you muttered, trying to mask the slight surprise with a lighthearted shrug. you sat down and adjusted the canvas, glancing back at him.

leehan lowered himself onto his stool, but instead of immediately straightening up, he just watched you for a second, expectant.

it was almost as if he was waiting for you to say something. and that made you pause. you hadn't realized it until now, but you'd been waiting for him to say something too. but for now, neither of you said anything, and instead, you just sat there in quietly.

as usual, the first 30 minutes of the session are painfully silent, the only sounds in the studio being the soft scratching of your brush against the canvas and the occasional clinking of paint tubes being shuffled around. the air smells faintly of turpentine and acrylics.

but something feels off this time.

you don't know if you're just being hypersensitive, or if leehan is actually staring at you. and not the casual, for project purposes type of stare, but the damn, she's pretty kind.

you do everything to ignore it, keeping your eyes fixed on your work, but it's impossible to shake off the feeling. the weight of his gaze lingers on your face so heavy. and when you finally dare to glance up, you nearly choke on your own breath.

leehan isn't just looking at you. he's admiring you. his dark brown eyes are almost glowing under the studio lights, his pupils slightly blown out, as if he's seeing something mesmerizing. if your friends were here, they'd be violently shaking you by the shoulders, screaming, "told you we're right"

you quickly snap your gaze back down, pretending to be extremely invested in mixing the right shade of ochre, but your hands stumbled. the brush trembles slightly in your grip.

your heart, which had been relatively calm before, suddenly decides it's auditioning for a drum solo. the rapid pounding is so loud in your ears that you're convinced leehan can hear it, too. instinctively, you ball your fist and press it lightly against your chest, as if that'll somehow muffle the deafening thudding.

and then, he smirks. not a small, barely-there smirk. no, this is a full-fledged, i-know-exactly-what-i'm-doing-to-you kind of smirk, with the corner of his lips quirking up just enough to make your stomach drop.

your body tenses as if you've just been caught red-handed in something scandalous. desperate to escape the building tension, you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

"hey, focus. stop smiling. you'll ruin the expression," you stammer, shifting in your seat and gripping your brush tighter, trying so hard to sound steady. but the slight tremble in your voice betrays you.

leehan doesn't even try to hide his amusement. instead of wiping the grin off his face, he chuckles.

"you're the one who should focus," he says, leaning forward slightly, propping an elbow on his knee as he tilts his head at you, his lashes fluttering. his expression is taunting.

and suddenly, the room is an oven, and you're melting.

your entire body language goes against you—shoulders slumping, spine curving slightly as if trying to make yourself smaller under his gaze. your fingers twitch slightly over the palette, your grip was unsteady. you swallow hard, your throat suddenly dry, and your eyes flicker up at him before quickly darting away again.

"how could i focus? you're staring. it's... it's distracting," you mutter, rolling your eyes in an attempt to regain some control over the situation. but your movements are stiff, and you don't even realize that your brush is now aimlessly swirling in the palette, mixing colors that definitely weren't supposed to be mixed.

leehan watches you, clearly entertained.

"am i not supposed to look? you know, for the perspective," he says, voice screams faux innocence.

you huff, tightening your jaw. "yeah, but not like that."

his eyebrows lift slightly. "like what?"

the atmosphere shifts. his tone is different now. lower, and softer. not teasing, not mocking, but genuine. you hesitate, gripping the edge of your palette just a little tighter. your heart skips, then starts racing all over again. when you look up at him this time, it's worse. his eyes are closer. his gaze is warmer—yet somehow heavier, and more intense. it makes your chest feel tight, makes your fingertips tingle.

your shoulders tense as you quickly drop your gaze again, this time fixating on the wooden floor, suddenly finding the texture of the planks very interesting.

"like..." your voice is barely above a whisper. "like that."

"look at me," leehan murmurs.

his voice is softer than than you've ever heard it. it's not a command, but it might as well be, because without thinking, without meaning to, you do. hesitantly, you lift your eyes to meet his. and he smiles.

not the teasing smirk from earlier. not the mocking grin.

his gaze flickers downward for a moment, nodding toward the abandoned palette on your lap.

"the paint's drying," he says.

you blink, momentarily confused, before realizing—oh, right. the actual reason you're both here.

"oh, yeah—" you clear your throat, immediately snapping your focus back to your work, adjusting your posture as if that'll somehow reset the past five minutes. the back of your hand brushes your bangs away from your face in a nervous habit, and across from you, leehan does the same, except he looks too satisfied with himself.

"let's be quick," you mutter, picking up your brush again.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

the entire day was a wrap. your piece was finally almost done, and for the next steps, you wouldn't need leehan anymore. when you told him earlier, his face had fallen like you'd just announced the end of the world. he tried to hide it, of course, brushing it off with a casual nod, but you could see through him.

now, the two of you were walking side by side on the way to the bus stop, your steps unconsciously slow, neither of you seeming in a rush to part ways. the sun had already dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of violet and blue, streetlights flickering on one by one. the cool evening breeze swept past, rustling the leaves above.

"thank you for having me as your subject," leehan finally spoke, his voice breaking through the quiet hum of the evening. his hands were stuffed into his pockets, his usual reserved demeanor slightly loosened. "when you showed me the semi-finished portrait, i was like, is this really how i look in your perspective? it's unreal." he chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

"i wasn't able to capture you perfectly. that's all i could do," you said, a bit apologetic.

leehan glanced at you, his dark eyes twinkling under the streetlight. "and it's perfect," he assured, nodding at you as if he meant every word.

you hesitated, kicking at a loose pebble on the pavement before speaking. "thanks... also, will you be there on monday? you know, sungho's band competition?"

leehan pondered for a second, his expression thoughtful before he nodded. "yeah, even though he's a pain in the ass, of course i'd be there," he replied with a casual shrug. then, with a small, almost teasing smile, he added, "and it'd be more fun since you'd be there."

something about the way he said that made warmth creep up your neck, but you ignored it, instead letting out a small laugh. "back then, you seemed to be having the worst day possible whenever i was in the same room as you," you mused, side-eyeing him.

leehan tilted his head slightly, waiting for you to finish. "now, what?" he asked.

you thought for a moment, debating whether to say it or not, but you did anyways. "you started to act more like sungho when you're around me."

leehan didn't seem disappointed or defensive like you expected. instead, he merely nodded, his expression is like he was genuinely considering your words.

"i'd assume you're trying to say i'm now more comfortable around you?" he said.

by then, the two of you had reached the bus stop. the old metal shed creaked slightly as the wind passed through. leehan turned to face you, standing directly in front of you now.

"something like that," you smiled. "those three and a half years about you are still the biggest mystery to me."

at your words, leehan's expression shifted. the air between you changed slightly. his gaze lowered—to your hand resting on the strap of your sling bag. he stared at it for a moment, as if debating something. for a second, you thought he might reach for it. but instead, he took a step closer.

the back of your shoe hit the metal pole of the bus stop. the proximity was enough to send a jolt of awareness through you.

leehan exhaled softly, his breath was warm against the cool night air. his usual nonchalant demeanor was gone.

and then, finally, he spoke.

"y/n, whenever you're close..." he started, his voice quieter than before, like he was gathering the courage to lay everything out. "my heart—"

a loud rev of an engine cut him off.

you instinctively turned your head to the right, and leehan did the same. a motorcycle rolled up from the corner, and it was sungho.

one foot planted on the ground, his hand lifted the visor of his helmet, revealing his sharp gaze. even from a distance, you could see the glint in his eyes—not directed at you, but at leehan.

the tension was immediate.

leehan, who had just been on the verge of saying something incredibly important, now stood rigid beside you, his jaw tightening.

then, sungho slowly moved his motorcycle forward, inserting himself between the two of you.

"wanna lift?" he asked casually, a smug grin tugging at his lips. he didn't even acknowledge leehan, acting as if he were just an air between you

you glanced at sungho, but in your peripheral vision, you could see leehan's reaction—his nostrils flaring slightly, his tongue poking at the inside of his cheek, his gaze flickering away toward the trees like he was trying to contain himself.

you let out a small, awkward smile. "me and leehan are taking the bus."

"bus fare is expensive," sungho quipped.

you sighed, already feeling the weight of the atmosphere compressing around you. "i don't think we'll fit on the motorcycle. and also, you only have one spare helmet."

sungho didn't look convinced. "then let leehan take the bus."

that did it. leehan's entire body tensed, and his patience, already hanging by a thread, seemed to snap as he turned sharply toward sungho, his posture radiating pure irritation. he was seconds away from marching straight up to him when you instinctively grabbed his forearm.

the effect was instant. leehan froze. the storm in his eyes settled just slightly. you tightened your grip, your expression serious as you turned to sungho. "sungho, i don't think we can just leave leehan."

something flickered in sungho's gaze as he looked down at your hand still securely wrapped around leehan's arm. the way you held him. the way you defended him. whatever sungho saw in that moment made his smugness falter.

"i understand," he muttered, his tone quieter now, almost defeated. he looked at you one last time, then exhaled sharply.

but when his gaze lifted back to leehan, all softness was gone.

"bring her home safe," sungho warned, his voice sharp as a blade. then, without waiting for a response, he slammed his visor shut and sped off.

for a moment, neither of you moved. leehan, to his credit, had kept his composure the entire time. as sungho finally disappeared down the road, his shoulders relaxed, and he let out a slow breath.

then he glanced down, and realized your hand was still on his forearm.

"what's with that guy acting like you're his wife or something?" leehan muttered under his breath, visibly annoyed. "so freaking annoying."

you couldn't help it. you laughed that made leehan turn to you, startled. "what?"

"nothing..." you held up your hands, trying to suppress your giggles. "it's just...why are you so pressed about it?"

at that, leehan broke into a small, almost reluctant smile. "it's just annoying, isn't it?"

"he's just being nice," you rolled your eyes.

"yeah, by leaving me alone," he scoffed.

"well, that's a different topic for a different day," you said.

"and so is your question," leehan shot back. then, nodding toward the road, he said, "let's go. bus is arriving."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

the day after that, you hadn't seen much of the brothers, aside from running past leehan in the hallway on your way to the university. you were heading to the art room to finalize your portrait for the upcoming exhibit in two days.

your encounter was quick: a simple exchange of nods and smiles, but leehan still found time to ask, "are you sure you won't need me anymore?"

you chuckled, waving him off casually, but the warmth of the interaction lingered long after he disappeared down the hallway. maybe it was just your imagination, but the blush on your cheeks that you carefully applied this morning seemed to burn a little brighter.

now, inside the empty art room, the silence was almost so loud. it wasn't that you couldn't work alone, you had spent countless hours in this very spot, your focus solely on the strokes of your brush, but something about today felt different. the absence of leehan was more noticeable than you had anticipated.

your gaze flickered to the empty stool in front of you, where leehan had sat everytime. it was strange, how accustomed you had become to having him there, even if it was just for three days. you had enjoyed his company, though you'd rather gouge out your own pride than admit that out loud.

the hours crawled by at an agonizing pace. instead of painting, you found yourself zoning out, your brush hovering uselessly above the canvas as you stared at the vacant seat in front of you. the only sound in the room was the soft ticking of the clock and the occasional grumble of your stomach—a reminder that you had completely skipped lunch.

you sighed, rubbing your temples. the loneliness was starting to sink its teeth in, until suddenly, a burst loud, and familiar voices echoed through the hallway.

the corners of your lips lifted instinctively. even before the door swung open, you already recognized the energy.

"tada!"

moka made the grandest entrance possible, hopping through the doorway like she was stepping onto a stage, arms spread wide as if expecting an applause. behind her, minji and bae followed at a much calmer pace, hands tucked into their pockets.

your shoulders sagged in relief, the tension melting away. the once stifling silence was now chewed up and spat out by your friends.

"you messaged earlier that you'd be alone today," bae said, slinging an arm around moka's shoulders with a smirk. "figured we'd swing by before loneliness physically kills you."

moka nodded enthusiastically, leaning into bae as she grinned at you. "we brought chicken."

minji lifted two plastic bags showing you. "you're welcome." without further ado, she walked over to the table behind you and made herself comfortable.

you tilted your head, your heart warming at their thoughtfulness. "thanks, guys."

"no worries," bae said nonchalantly, dropping down onto the floor and pulling a small box closer. moka followed, the two of them sitting cross-legged in front of you while minji took a seat beside your stool.

as moka tore into the plastic bag, the aroma of garlic-parmesan chicken slipped. your stomach made a noise at the scent, and before you could even reach for a piece, moka had already plucked up a wing, holding it out for you.

without hesitation, you leaned forward past your canvas, opening your mouth as moka extended the chicken towards you. you took a bite, humming in appreciation as the buttery, garlicky flavor melted on your tongue.

"so..." minji started, casually prying open another box. she didn't even glance up as she asked, "where's your art buddy?"

you chewed slowly. after swallowing, you cleared your throat, trying to sound indifferent. "ah... leehan." you straightened your back as if that would somehow make you look less suspicious. "i'm almost done here. just finishing touches, so pretty much it's already unnecessary to have him around." you reached for an oil paint tube, busying yourself with your palette.

moka scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "let's be real. you want him here even though it's 'unnecessary.'"

"it's not like that," you mumbled, but even you didn't sound convinced.

bae arched a brow. "you looked like you were at rock bottom before we got here. now? zero to a hundred, real quick."

you sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "i just... i can't stand being alone, that's all." it was a safe, reasonable excuse. mostly true. but some part of you knew there was another layer to it, one you weren't ready to peel back just yet. even with your best friends here, cracking jokes and lifting the mood, something still felt missing.

minji sneered knowingly, her gaze flicking toward you. "we're not blind, you know." she gestured vaguely at your face. "it's written all over your face."

moka smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "so, tell us—anything special happened? we're waiting for updates, you know."

you hesitated, twisting your lips in thought before finally peeling off your gloves and stepping down from your stool. settling beside minji, you let out a breath before dropping the bomb without hesitation.

"i think leehan's flirting with me."

"this is a moment in history," bae chuckled, shaking her head. "not just because leehan's flirting with you, but because you finally noticed something that's been in plain sight."

moka sneered, "she's finally seen light."

you groaned, rubbing your temples. "but... i don't know. he's just been acting so strange." you frowned slightly, deep in thought.

"we can see that too," minji deadpanned. "what about sungho?"

your expression chamged at the mention of his name. "i think he and leehan aren't doing well."

"clearly," bae muttered.

"they're already fighting over you," minji added bluntly, making you grimace.

you wanted to scoff, say something like 'that's dumb,' but could you? you didn't know if it was because of you that they were mad at each other, or if there was something deeper, something personal between them. either way, they were definitely not on good terms.

"enough of that," you waved your hand, changing the subject "y'all watching the uni band competition tomorrow?"

"duhh, of course we're going," bae said, glancing at minji, who simply nodded.

moka waved a hand. "uh... hi? i would too?"

minji smirked. "no need to ask. you show up to every event anyway."

moka rolled her eyes. "and you already know i'm rooting for dalbit. the band from our uni is rude as hell, how can i support such lowlifes...it's annoying."

you chuckled as their bickering continued. even though the unease about leehan and sungho sat at the back of your mind, for now, you allowed yourself to rest at the moment.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

with a tired but satisfied sigh, you tossed the palette onto the cluttered table behind you, its surface smeared with dried paint from hours of work. pushing back your stool, you stood up, your shoulders stiff from staying in the same position for too long. slowly, you took a few steps back, hands slightly lifted.

a smile tugged at your lips. it was rare for you to feel this level of satisfaction with your own work, but was different. leehan's unrealistically handsome face looked like it had been plucked straight out of a mythology, his sharp features framed perfectly by the soft strokes of your brush. usually, you were overly critical of your paintings, nitpicking every little detail until you convinced yourself they weren't good enough. but not this time. this piece was perfect, perhaps the best one you'd ever done.

leehan's painted eyes were so vivid, so hauntingly lifelike that it felt like they were watching you—like the portrait might start talking at any second. the thought made you jolt a little, but instead of stepping away, you moved closer, drawn in by the illusion. your fingers hovered over the canvas, hesitant at first, before gently grazing the rough texture of the dried paint. the strands of his painted hair looked so real, you almost expected them to slip through your fingers like silk.

for a second, a selfish thought crossed your mind. do i really want to submit this to the exhibit? the idea of keeping it for yourself, hanging it in your room where only you could see it, was tempting. but as soon as the thought formed, you let out a small chuckle, shaking your head.

you chuckled to yourself, shaking your head. god, i'm thinking like an obsessed fan.

snapping out of it, you turned away from the canvas, ready to tidy up. peeling off your paint-stained apron, you neatly folded it before starting to clear the mess on your table. brushes, crumpled tissues, and paint tubes were scattered around as you carefully lifted the canvas, carrying it over to the safest corner of the room. just as you were about to call it a night, a sudden knock echoed from behind.

your heart jumped for a moment before settling into excitement. a smirk crept onto your lips as you confidently turned around, already expecting a certain someone.

"leeha—"

but as soon as your eyes landed on the person standing at the doorway, your face instantly fell.

"oh! sungho..." the name died on your tongue the moment your eyes landed on someone else, the earlier excitement now replaced with mild embarrassment. "didn't expect you to be here."

sungho stood there, hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, his smile seconds ago slightly dimmed. he had noticed your slip-up. "you expected leehan, didn't you?"

your gaze dropped in embarrassment. "well... kind of."

a flicker of disappointment crossed sungho's face, but he quickly recovered, a lopsided smile appearing as he stepped inside. "sorry it was me who showed up."

guilt immediately pricked at you. "no! don't be. it's fine, really." you waved your hands dismissively. "i just didn't expect you to be here since i thought you'd be busy. you know, competition is tomorrow."

"fair enough," he nodded, his gaze drifting past you. his eyes landed on the large canvas.

noticing his interest, you turned as well, the two of you now standing side by side, looking at the portrait as if you were already at the exhibit.

"last band practice just ended," sungho finally spoke, still studying the painting. "i checked to see if you were still here so we could go home together. surely enough, you were."

you chuckled. "guess that means i get a free ride."

sungho grinned. "lucky you."

a silence settled between you both as he studied the painting with a thoughtful expression. after a moment, he spoke again. "this is perfect, y/n."

you turned to him, your lips tugging into a small, proud smile. "isn't it?"

"leehan looks amazing here..." sungho mused before glancing at you. "only because you painted it."

you shut your eyes for a second, shaking your head with a laugh. "would you say that if you were the one i picked as a subject?"

"obviously not," he replied, grinning. then, he looked back at the painting with a smirk. "i'm sure leehan would say the same thing if my face were up there. 'sungho looks ugly, but you made him handsome.' i'm already betting on it."

that made you burst into laughter, your head tilting back slightly. sungho grinned at the sight, watching the way your smile crinkled your eyes.

"that's funny," you said, arms crossing over your chest as you calmed down.

"but really though," sungho said, his tone shifting to something more sincere, "it looks amazing. i'm sure you'll do well at the exhibit."

his words caught you off guard, warmth blooming in your chest.

"thank you, sungho," you said.

"always welcome."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

by the time the two of you reached your apartment complex, it was nearly midnight—later than expected, considering you'd taken a detour to stroll around for a bit. now standing in front of your doors, sungho exhaled before turning to you.

"be there tomorrow," he said, voice unusually calm. "i have something for you."

you tilted your head slightly. "what is it?"

"just be there." his lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

you narrowed your eyes at him but nodded nonetheless. "fine, fine. i'll be there."

"good." he stepped back, shoving his hands into his pockets again. "good night, y/n. get some rest."

"good night." you flashed him a small wave before disappearing behind your door.

sungho watched your door close before sighing and heading into his own apartment. as he kicked off his shoes and neatly placed them by the doorway, he barely had time to relax before a voice cuts in.

"so, what would that be?" leehan asked.

sungho rolled his eyes, exhaling through his nose. "didn't mom ever tell you it's rude to eavesdrop?" he deadpanned, walking past him toward the kitchen.

"you're doing too much." leehan scoffed.

sungho took a sip of water before slamming the glass down with unnecessary force, turning to glare at him. "and you're doing nothing at all. that's way worse."

leehan was visibly gagged, momentarily caught off guard. he opened his mouth to retort, then simply rolled his eyes and looked away, clearly not in the mood to argue.

sungho, on the other hand, was already heading toward his room when he paused at the doorway. without looking back, he spoke.

"also—" he turned slightly. "make a change rather than whining about it like a kid behind closed doors."

and with that, he disappeared into his room, shutting the door with a firm thud, leaving leehan alone in the dimly lit living room.

meanwhile, you sprawled across your bed like a crime scene victim, exhaling a long, deep sigh, staring blankly at the ceiling. the dim yellow glow of your bedside lamp cast cozy shadows across the walls. the world outside was calm, but your mind? a complete mess.

kim leehan.

the name alone sent you kicking your feet. it had been living rent-free in your head for years. since university started? definitely. since high school? probably. since middle school? …no comment.

but lately, something felt different. he wasn’t just leehan, your newly made friend anymore. now, whenever he smiled at you, or even breathed in your direction, something fluttered in your chest—an annoying, persistent feeling that you refused to acknowledge.

your stomach did this weird little flip anytime he was near, and your brain, like a malfunctioning computer, short-circuited the moment he so much as looked at you for longer than two seconds.

you groaned, throwing an arm over your face. no. no way. i don’t like him.

"just interested, that’s all."

"almost the same thing," your own conscience shot back.

"no, it’s not!"

you rolled onto your stomach, aggressively burrito-ing yourself into your comforter as if willpower could smother the thoughts out of existence. maybe if you stayed like this long enough, time would do the hard work of sorting out your feelings for you.

solid plan. foolproof.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

morning to early afternoon was packed to the brim. the main art hall bustled with business, students rushing around in a hectic last-minute adjustments and nervous excitement. you had spent long minutes setting up your portrait, adjusting the lighting, ensuring the positioning was just right.

then, finally, you stepped back and the reaction was instant.

a hush fell over the group of students as they took in the massive portrait you had just unveiled. whispered wows and awed gasps spread through the hall like bees.

"this is insane. you're a freshman?!"

"if this is what you do now, imagine what you'll make by senior year."

"this looks like something that belongs in an actual museum."

you basked in the praise, smiling humbly as you bowed and thanked each person who approached. their admiration sent a rush of pride through you, and any exhaustion you might’ve felt from setting up vanished under their words.

but then, of course, came the inevitable shift in focus.

"damn, you really have an eye for muses, huh?"

"no kidding. leehan looks stupidly handsome in this."

"kim leehan, from the performance arts department. he's already popular, but after this? he's gonna blow up even more."

"you should put his social media under the painting, you know, as credit."

"how’d you even convince him to pose for you? i might need him for my sculpture project."

you barely held back an eye roll. your lips twitched into a forced smile as you thanked them, though deep down, you felt a twinge of… jealousy?

that was ridiculous.

you shook your head, mumbling under your breath, "he knew me first, anyway. what’s there to be jealous of?"

by the time you left the art hall, the sun was already dipping below. the university grounds buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the competition. the setup was the same as the freshmen welcoming party—string lights twinkling above, a modest stage standing at the center, food stalls dotting the perimeter.

your friends, moka, minji and bae, had promised to meet you here at six sharp. you checked your phone.

6:15 pm.

"six my ass," you muttered, shaking your head with a chuckle.

as you scanned the crowd, your eyes landed on someone different instead. it was leehan.

the instant recognition made your stomach flip. he stood a few feet away, casually dressed in a loose hoodie and jeans, looking effortlessly cool as usual. when he spotted you, his entire face lit up, and he waved.

your lips twitched into a smile before you could stop yourself. you took a step forward, but before you could even reach him, he jogged towards you.

"here all by yourself?" he asked, stopping just a breath away.

"not really," you replied, suddenly hyper-aware of every little thing—your voice, your posture, the way your fingers twitched at your sides. "minji, bae, and moka are just late."

leehan nodded, a thoughtful expression flickering across his face. "will you be with them, then?"

you hesitated. your mouth opened, then closed. your brain scrambled for the right words but ultimately went with the most honest answer.

"we can be together."

leehan blinked. then, just for a second, he ooked almost stunned. his lips parted slightly, like he hadn’t expected that response. then, under his breath, he mumbled to himself.

"god, i wish."

your head snapped up. "what?"

leehan's head jerked up just as fast. "huh?"

you stared at each other in mutual panic for a solid second before he coughed into his fist, rubbing the back of his neck. "oh... uh, i mean, yeah! we can, you know—" he gestured vaguely. "walk around, watch the competition together."

you squinted, suspicious, but ultimately let it slide. "right."

"until your friends get here?" he clarified, still fidgeting.

you shook your head, smiling. "no, we can hang around until it finishes."

then, his lips stretched into a very satisfied grin. "alright, well," he said, nodding toward the snack stalls. "wanna get something before it starts?"

you nudged him playfully with your elbow. "as long as you're paying."

leehan scoffed, hand over his chest in mock offense. "excuse me? i didn't agree to that."

"well, i did paint you like a goddamn renaissance masterpiece, so—"

"fine, fine," he laughed, shaking his head as he led the way.

side by side, you walked toward the stalls, waiting for the competition to begin—completely oblivious to the fact that, for everyone else watching, you already looked like a couple.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

thirty minutes of strolling with leehan felt both like an eternity and a blink. time moved in contradictions when you were with him—one moment, you felt hyper-aware of every second passing, and the next, you’d realize how easily conversations flowed.

at some point, you started talking about the praises he got for your painting at the art hall earlier. there was an obvious playful annoyance in your tone, which leehan immediately picked up on. his lips curled into a tease.

"so you're saying i stole the spotlight from your masterpiece?" he asked, feigning innocence, one hand casually tucked into his pocket as he strolled beside you.

"i mean... it is my painting," you huffed, crossing your arms dramatically. "but people kept talking about your face instead."

leehan let out a chuckle, tilting his head toward you. "well, i can't blame them. the artist captured me too well."

you gave him a deadpan look, but the warmth spreading to your ears exposed you.

leehan leaned slightly closer with a smirk. "but honestly, i should be thanking you, right? you made me look that good."

the way he said it—low, and smooth, with that damn knowing smile made you fumble for a second. your mouth opened, but no words came out. instead, you let out a weak laugh and looked away, feeling an embarrassing blush creeping up your face.

thankfully, your friends finally made their appearance, saving you from completely embarrassing yourself. or so you thought.

bae, minji, and moka arrived twenty-five minutes late, and instead of apologizing for their delay, they immediately gave you the look.

"oh, don't stop on our account," bae teased, crossing his arms and eyeing the space, or lack thereof between you and leehan.

minji smirked. "yeah, please. continue your little date."

your eyes widened in horror. "we're not—"

moka let out an exaggerated sigh. "damn, we should've given you an hour alone instead of just thirty minutes."

you shot them a glare before smacking their shoulders, making them burst into laughter. meanwhile, leehan just stood there with an amused smile, watching your flustered reaction. when your eyes met his, he raised an eyebrow at you—teasing, suspicious.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

as the competition began, the five of you gathered near the barricades. the lights dimmed slightly, the stage glowing with variety of colors as the first performance started. the sound of music filled the air, but your mind was barely processing it. you were too aware of leehan beside you.

there was a subtle tension between you two—not the awkward kind, but the kind that made your skin buzz with anticipation. you'd catch yourself stealing glances at him, only to find him already looking at you. neither of you would say anything, just exchanging small smiles before pretending to focus on the performance.

it was like the two of you were already something, yet neither of you had confirmed it.

you used to brush this off, convincing yourself that this was just how close friends acted. but now, you weren't so sure. the way he sometimes leaned closer, the way his hand would lightly brush against yours without either of you pulling away, the way he said your name like it meant something—it made you want to stop second-guessing.

and for the first time, you actually wanted to confront it. but then there was that problem.

for three years, leehan had an obvious history of ignoring you like it's the olympics. without a word. no explanation, just silence. even now, you still didn't know why. and if you did bring this up, your growing feelings, this weird, almost-relationship thing—what if he pulls away again?

the thought made your chest tighten.

back then, you had managed to move forward, convincing yourself that maybe it was for the best. but now, after finally building something with him, you weren't sure you could handle being set aside by him again.

the spotlight finally lit up. the moment it did, the crowd erupted into cheers, a wave of energy pulsing through the air. students flooded the grounds—some familiar, others from neighboring universities, their faces blending.

you joined in without hesitation, cupping your hands around your mouth and letting out a loud "hoooooo!" with the rest of them.

leehan, on the other hand, remained still beside you. he didn't cheer, didn't raise his voice, just stood there with a small, amused smile as he watched you.

you turned to him, still laughing, breathless from the rush of it all. "do you know after how many bands sungho's group is gonna perform?" you shouted over the blaring sound system, leaning closer so he could hear.

leehan smirked. then, without warning, he leaned down.

you barely had time to react. your body jolted slightly, instinctively flinching at the sudden closeness, and for a fleeting moment, you almost closed your eyes in anticipation, only for him to stop just beside your ear.

"four bands," he spoke against your ears, and far too close. "they perform last."

then, just as quickly, he straightened back up, standing tall again as if nothing happened.

your excitement shifted into something else entirely. a rush of dopamine flooded your system, leaving your heart stumbling over itself. you let out a small, breathy smile, barely catching yourself.

"right… i see," you muttered just loud enough for him to hear, though it might as well have been a whisper.

the performances began, breaking the moment before you could dwell on it too much. the first band, representing moka’s university, stepped onto the stage. as soon as they picked up their instruments, the crowd roared again.

three songs per set. the energy shifted with each performance—some bands tore through the stage with rock anthems, guitars wailing under bright lights, while others soothed the crowd with jazzy melodies, smooth and hypnotic.

then there were the slow rock ballads—the kind that had people swaying, arms draped over each other’s shoulders, the entire field echoing love is in the air.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

the sets had flown by so quickly that you could hardly believe it, but as you glanced at your wristwatch, you realized it had already been two hours. the time had slipped away, and now, it was nearing 9 p.m. the competition had come down to the final band—dalbit.

as the senior mc announced their arrival on stage, a shift rippled through the crowd. the cheers grew deafening, the energy buzzing through the air as if this was the moment everyone had been waiting for. it was clear—sungho's band owned this crowd. this was their territory.

bright, colorful stage lights flickered to life, illuminating the band members as they made their way onto the stage. a wave of enthusiastic screams and whistles erupted, echoing across the field. sungho, leading the group, strode confidently to the mic stand, the warm glow of the spotlight catching in his dark, slightly tousled hair. he was positioned just in front of you, and for a fleeting moment, his gaze met yours.

a quick glance, then he smiled, as if it was meant just for you in the sea of crowds. before he turned back to the audience, raising a hand in a wave that only made the crowd scream louder.

"we’ve been waiting for this one!" someone behind you hollered, their excitement was infectious.

you chuckled, glancing sideways at your friends. moka was vibrating with excitement, bouncing on her feet like she was about to rocket off into the sky. bae had her phone up, already recording. even minji, who was usually the calm, rational one was clapping along, a rare and genuine grin on her face.

leehan, however, remained unmoving beside you, arms crossed over his chest. his expression had a proud smile tugging at the corner of his lips. unlike the others, he wasn't jumping or screaming. his gaze locked onto the stage, watching every move carefully.

then, the first song kicked in.

a sharp snare hit. the guitar burst to life. and just like that, the entire field erupted. the crowd transformed into an ocean of movement, jumping, screaming, hands reaching toward the sky as the band unleashed their full energy onto the stage.

the song was fast-paced, the kind that pulsed straight through your chest, rattling your bones and sending a thrill through your veins. the kind that made you feel alive.

you couldn't help yourself. the energy was contagious, pulling you into its rhythm. you swayed, then jumped, arms lifted as you screamed along with the others. your laughter blended into the music, caught up in the pure joy of the performance.

even leehan, usually so composed, gave in. though he didn't jump wildly like you, he nodded along with the beat, shifting his weight subtly as if he couldn’t help but be drawn into the atmosphere.

song after song, the energy never dipped. they had always been good, but tonight? they were unstoppable. their hard work and late-night rehearsals paying off in the way the audience responded—fully immersed, fully alive.

then, after two high-energy songs, a sudden hush fell over the field.

sungho stepped up to the mic again, running a hand through his hair as he exhaled. "this'll be the last song of our set," he announced, his voice carrying over the expectant silence.

the moment he said it, the entire crowd groaned in protest.

sungho laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "hey, hey, don't give me that! but listen, if you want more, come to our gigs in the city this week! the passes are on us if we win tonight."

predictably, the crowd went wild again. the screams were louder than ever, a perfect proof to sungho’s ability to work an audience. you couldn't help but grin at his gimmicks. he always had a trick up his sleeve.

then, his expression shifted slightly, something softer beneath "the last song," he continued, gripping the mic stand, "is a little different from the first two."

he paused for effect, his eyes scanning the crowd before settling on you.

"i composed this myself," he said, his voice dipping slightly, "and i'm dedicating it to someone i know."

a chorus of teasing "oohs" and knowing murmurs swept through the audience.

it felt like every single person in that field had turned to look at you. even though logically, you knew they hadn't, the weight of their assumed gazes made your skin tingle with heat.

you weren't assuming things. it was clear. it was for you.

you shifted on your feet, not entirely from embarrassment, but from something else. excitement, and anticipation.

meanwhile, beside you, leehan's posture stiffened.

you didn't have to turn to know he was tense. the sharp inhale, the way his arms remained rigidly crossed, the way his eyes narrowed at sungho. he wasn't just uncomfortable, he was agitated. there was something about the way he stared at the stage, exchanging quick, unreadable glares with sungho, that made the air between them feel charged.

then, the song started—serenade

a gentle tap, tap against the wooden body of junhan's guitar. then, a few soft strums.

and then, sungho's angelic, smooth voice.

the moment he started singing, you felt yourself relax, the lyrics and beat were playful, and romantic, with a touch of humor that made you chuckle under your breath.

sungho was enjoying himself, grinning as he leaned into the mic, eyes half-lidded immersed in his feels as he sang each line.

the crowd swayed along, fully immersed in the moment, while you simply listened to the words of the song he had written for you.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

as the final notes of dalbit's performance faded into the night, the mc's voice rang out through the speakers, signaling a short break before the announcement of the winners. the crowd that had been pressed against the barricades slowly dispersed, people stretching their legs, chatting excitedly, and heading off to grab refreshments.

you, leehan, and your friends joined the flow, stepping away from the stage lights to wander through the festival grounds.

the two of you wandered among the scattered clusters of students, chatting idly about the bands that had performed. the conversation flowed easily, a mix of opinions, critiques, and mutual agreement that dalbit had, without a doubt, delivered the best performance of the night.

it wasn't just bias, either. as you passed by a group from another university, you caught snippets of their conversation—words like insane stage presence and unreal chemistry confirming that they indeed had left an impression on more than just their own school.

leehan hummed in agreement. "they really outdid themselves this time."

you nodded. "exactly, you could tell they've been working hard for this. i mean, even students from other schools are talking about them."

leehan let out a small chuckle, shoving his hands into his pockets as he glanced toward the stage. "sungho must be over the moon right now."

before you could respond, the speakers crackled again, and the mc's voice returned, loud and clear. "alright, everyone! time to gather back!"

as if drawn by an invisible force, the crowd surged forward again, filling the space in front of the stage like metal shavings pulled by a magnet. you and leehan followed, slipping through the gaps between excited students.

"with no further ado," the mc continued, holding a cue card in one hand, "let's announce the two runner-ups first!"

cheers erupted as the two runner-up bands were called, their members stepping up to accept their awards amidst waves of applause and congratulatory shouts.

then, the moment everyone had been waiting for.

the grand prize.

the mc glanced down at the last card in his hand before breaking into a knowing smile. "well, i'm sure you all saw this coming…" he lifted the mic closer. "the winners of tonight's competition, taking home the grand prize and securing a spot in the regional band competition—dalbit! congratulations!"

the crowd exploded.

you barely had time to react before pure excitement took over, your feet bouncing off the ground as cheers filled the night. laughter bubbled up in your throat as you turned to leehan, grabbing both of his hands in a moment of shared joy.

"they won! i knew they would!" you beamed, your hands clapping his excitedly.

leehan chuckled, lifting his hands in the air in celebration before glancing at the stage. there was something almost fond in his gaze. not just for the victory, but for the sight in front of him. for you, jumping excitedly in your dress, your long hair swaying with each movement, your joy as contagious as the energy around you.

"they didn't win last year," he spoke. "i'm glad they did this time."

you finally settled down, though the grin hadn't left your face. "me too," you agreed, breathless from excitement.

still high on adrenaline, you stretched onto your tiptoes, craning your neck to get a better view of the stage. your eyes scanned the band members, searching for sungho, only to see him already looking for you.

even among the roaring crowd, even with the flashing lights, his gaze searched until it landed on yours. the moment his eyes found you, his lips curved into a grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly.

without hesitation, you threw your fists up in celebration, bouncing on your heels as you cheered for him.

sungho's smile widened. he lifted a hand in response, acknowledging you.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

the event had finally settled, and now all that remained were students spilling out onto the streets, looking for a place to celebrate. the nearby eateries were already filling up with groups eager to keep the night alive with drinks. you had briefly considered joining in, but with your exhibit tomorrow, it wasn't exactly the best idea.

your friends had the same thought. even though they were tempted, they ultimately decided against it, agreeing to just crash at moka's place instead. "we have to be hungover-free for your big day," bae had said, earning nods from the others. surprisingly, sungho and leehan had also opted out of the afterparties.

standing by the school gates, you turned to leehan, who had been walking with you all this time. a few steps behind you, your three friends stood, waiting patiently.

"i'll be off with them now," you told leehan, shifting on your feet slightly.

"take care, all of you," he said, his voice as steady as ever.

you gave him a small nod before offering a soft smile. "you too." then, after a pause, you added, "and… i really had fun today, just so you know."

leehan's expression lit up like he wanted to say something more, but instead, he just let out a small breath and nodded. "me too, y/n." his gaze drifted over your shoulder, noticing your friends waiting, and whatever he was about to say seemed to slip away. he just smiled faintly and took a small step back. "see you tomorrow?"

"yeah, see you."

as you turned to rejoin your friends, you immediately caught the way they were grinning at you. three pairs of teasing eyes. but this time, you didn't roll your eyes or launch into a defense. instead, you just smiled back at them, a little shyly.

"love is in the air, and i'm a mold spore," minji sighed dramatically, folding her arms.

moka and bae chuckled, locking arms like a pair of delighted married couple for 50 years.

"time does wonders, minji," moka sneered playfully before nudging your side. "anyway, shall we?"

you were about to nod, but then you remembered sungho, wanting to congratulate him up-close

"wait," you turned back toward the school building. "let's wait for sungho and his bandmates for a bit. i haven't gotten the chance to congratulate them properly."

your friends exchanged glances but agreed without hesitation.

luckily, you didn't have to wait long. a minute later, sungho's voice called out from behind, his usual energy evident in his tone.

"y/n!"

you turned just in time to see him jogging toward you, a wide grin plastered across his face. behind him, his bandmates walked at a much calmer pace, clearly still riding the high of their victory.

"how was it?" sungho asked as he reached you, slightly breathless.

you nudged his shoulder playfully. "congratulations, sungho. i loved it. like, really loved it."

sungho's grin widened before he glanced over at your friends.

"it was lit!" moka declared, pumping a fist in the air. bae and minji nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

sungho chuckled before turning back to you, "and… the last song? what did you think?"

you pursed your lips, pretending to think, before tilting your head at him. "i think you're silly."

sungho let out a small laugh, "fair enough." then, after a moment, his gaze turned a little more serious. "let's talk?"

you hesitated for a second before nodding. "yeah."

your friends stayed behind as you and sungho walked a short distance away, crossing the street to where a quieter sidewalk stretched out. a row of benches lined the pavement, and you both took a seat on one.

"i also have something to tell you," you admitted, folding your hands together on your lap.

"me too," sungho said.

you gestured for him to go first, watching as he took a deep breath, his hands slipping out of his pockets.

"y/n…" he exhaled slowly, gathering his thoughts before looking at you. "i want to take you out on a proper date. i want to court you." his voice was steady, and there was something incredibly sincere about the way he said it. "i like you a lot. and i really want to have a chance with you."

you sighed softly, a guilty smile on your lips as you lowered your head. you reached out, gently placing a hand on his right arm.

"look, sungho…" you started, but this time, he didn't stop you.

"i loved the song. i appreciate your admiration toward me. i'm grateful that you see me in ways i don't even see myself, but…" you hesitated, taking in a deep breath before looking down again.

"i don't want to lose you as my friend," you admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "you're great, sungho, but i just… i just can't see myself being with you like that, and i'm already sure of it."

there was a long silence.

when you finally gathered the courage to look up, you expected disappointment, or maybe even hurt, but instead, all you saw was understanding. sungho just watched you, his eyes were warm, and patient. he said nothing, sensing that you weren't finished yet.

"and… sungho, i like—"

"leehan?" he cut in respectfully.

your breath hitched for a second, but you eventually nodded, humming a quiet yes. sungho simply sat there. then, without warning, he stood up. your heart lurched—was he upset? was he going to storm off?

but then he knelt in front of you instead, taking your balled fists in his hands.

"i had a feeling," he admitted softly. his expression was so kind, so heartbreakingly gentle. "i just… tried to shoot my shot again. just in case there was even a tiny chance. but now that you've said it out loud…" he sighed, squeezing your hands once before setting them back on your lap. "that's my cue to step back."

"i enjoyed every second with you, and i don't regret writing that song for you," sungho continued. then, he cracked a small grin. "but if you want it taken down, i totally will."

you let out a small, choked laugh, the lump in your throat loosening. "of course not, and really, thank you."

"good." sungho tapped your palm before standing up fully. "no need to thank me, by the way. if anything, i should be thanking you for coming into my life, for bringing light as my crush… and now, as my best friend."

your smile wobbled slightly, but you held steady.

sungho stretched his arms over his head, then suddenly smirked. "and hey, at least i didn't lose to just any guy."

you raised an eyebrow. "hm?"

"it was my brother," sungho pointed out dramatically. "that stings a little, but if it had to be anyone… i'm glad it's him. he's a good guy. he just needs a little push sometimes."

you nodded, agreeing. but then something about his wording struck you as odd.

"i'm in… safe hands?" you echoed, squinting at him.

sungho visibly straightened, as if realizing something. his eyes darted away, and suddenly, he looked very much like a man who had just given away classified information.

"i mean— i'm just saying, he wouldn't hurt you. if he found out you had a fat crush on him," he quickly backtracked.

you narrowed your eyes suspiciously, but he had already started walking away, heading toward your friends.

"trust me," sungho called back over his shoulder, flashing you one last knowing grin. "give him time."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

after turning sungho down, you went your own way with your friends, and sungho did too, spending the night swinging around with jooyeon, junhan, and jay. he needed time to process everything, to laugh things off, to pretend, even just for a little while, that nothing had changed. they stayed out until midnight, letting the city lights blur the reality he wasn’t quite ready to face.

by the time he finally made it back to their apartment, exhaustion clung to him like a second skin.

as he stepped inside, he wasn’t expecting to find anyone awake, but there was leehan, standing by the kitchen counter. he was in his usual white shirt and pajama pants, black glasses perched on his nose, hair a tousled mess like he'd been running his hands through it all night. a glass of water sat in his hand, half-finished.

"wow, so early," leehan muttered as he set the glass down on the counter.

sungho just sighed, too drained to come up with a snarky response, and dropped down onto the couch with a heavy exhale. leehan followed, mirroring his posture, one leg resting against the coffee table.

"congrats on the win," leehan said, his tone was casual, but not completely indifferent. "y'all did awesome. i wasn't surprised that you won."

sungho barely reacted, just muttering a single, exhausted "thanks" before shutting his eyes.

leehan glanced at him, then did a double take. something was off.

"you look like you just got dumped," he joked, not thinking much of it.

sungho let out a dry chuckle, cracking an eye open. "ddaeng ddaeng, bingo."

leehan blinked. then blinked again. "wait… seriously?"

sungho cracked an eye open, his smirk was faint but still there. "yeah. i did."

"y/n?" leehan asked, though he already knew the answer.

sungho gave a small nod, confirming it. for a second, leehan actually felt bad. sungho didn't look heartbroken, not exactly, but there was a bittersweet acceptance in the way he sat there, shoulders slightly slumped, like he'd seen it coming but still wished it had ended differently.

"i—"

"don’t," sungho cut him off before he could say anything. "it's good. i already had a hunch before she even said it."

leehan stared at him. "i mean… you get mad, but do you not hate me right now? like, two times more than usual whenever we argued about her?"

sungho let out a small snort. "why would i take it that far?" he turned his head slightly, finally looking at leehan. "i get jealous, yeah. but now that it's settled, i won't be. also, you've been in love with her for years. i was the one who barged in."

leehan didn't say anything. for a moment, he had convinced himself that sungho was the better choice, that he didn't stand a chance. he spent years suppressing himself. but now, hearing this, sungho willingly stepping aside, it didn't quite feel real.

"you've always been stubborn," sungho continued, smirking slightly. "but this time, you were an idiot."

leehan frowned. "what?"

"you thought you had no chance, so you never even tried." sungho turned to face him fully. "but... you had higher chances than you think." his voice was teasing, but there was seriousness, like he was hinting at something more without saying it outright.

leehan swallowed. the words hit deeper than he expected.

sungho smirked wider. "you finally grew up."

leehan blinked, still caught off guard. "huh?"

"i'm proud of you," sungho said, his voice quieter now, more sincere. "for finally being a man."

leehan tensed slightly, not expecting the sudden shift in tone. "where is this coming from...? so cheesy."

sungho just grinned, then, before leehan could react, he reached out and ruffled his hair, just like he used to when they were kids.

"my young little baby leehan is all grown up now."

leehan huffed, swatting his hand away, but his reaction came a second too late, his vision blurred for just a moment.

sungho caught it instantly. "what's this? why are your eyes getting all shiny?"

"they're not," leehan muttered, sniffing. he quickly wiped at his face, trying to play it off, but sungho wasn't buying it.

sungho just chuckled. "what's that? say it again, but without the sniffling."

"shut up," leehan grumbled, but despite himself, he was truly smiling.

sungho didn't bring up your feelings. that wasn't his place. he wanted leehan to hear it from you directly.

instead, he simply patted his brother's back. "i'm happy for you, no matter what."

leehan let out a shaky laugh, rubbing at his eyes again. "thank you, hyung."

and for the first time in a long while since the arguments, the silent rivalries, and everything between them felt right again.

sungho grinned. "just don't make me regret giving up."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

that night opened a door for leehan, clearing something inside him. he had one of the best sleeps he'd had in a while and woke up eager to see you at the exhibit.

you, on the other hand, were restless—your mind tangled in endless worries. between leehan and the exhibit itself, you had plenty to stress over. at least sungho was off the checklist; you'd finally settled things with him, and it was for the best.

determined to present your best self today, you carefully picked out your outfit. you styled your long brown hair into a neat bun, securing it with a pencil, with your wispy bangs framing your face just right. a floral light blue dress with a white collar, paired with white stockings and matching doll shoes, gave you an effortlessly artsy look. you even swapped out your thick-rimmed glasses for a clear, thin-framed pair so they wouldn't clash with the aesthetic.

you weren't sure why you felt the need to dress to impress. maybe because you'd be standing next to an insanely well-done portrait, and you didn't want to look like a joke beside it. whatever the reason, you loved how you looked, and that was enough.

arriving early at the art hall, you were immediately greeted by the other participants, all dressed up for the event. the spacious hall buzzed with excitement.

"so pretty today!" a second-year student called out from across the room.

"only today?!" you joked.

"everyday," she chuckled, and you shared a laugh before turning back to admire your masterpiece.

leehan had done you a huge favor by agreeing to be your subject. the piece had come out better than you'd even hoped.

by 3 pm, the hall was packed—students from different classes, years, and even other schools filled the space. professors from various universities roamed the hall, praising the young artists and commending your university for fostering such talent.

as expected, your portrait of leehan drew plenty of attention. people lingered, taking their time to admire it. some praised your skills, while others predictably asked about your muse. who is he? how did you get leehan to agree? was there something going on between you two? at this point, you didn't even have the energy to be annoyed. you just met those questions with indifference.

not long after, sungho arrived, hair tousled from the ride, rubbing off his helmet.

"came here to support you," he grinned, pulling you into a quick, friendly hug.

"thank you, sungho," you pouted slightly, slouching against him.

"sorry i can't stay long, got a gig in an hour. but i'll take a picture of you with your portrait and post it on my social. that way, more people can see it. does that make up for it?"

"you're crazy! that's already too much. in fact, you don't need to make up for anything. i feel bad for making you rush over an hour before an important gig."

"shush." sungho hissed, cutting you off. "no more words."

you smiled, appreciating the gesture as the two of you caught up briefly before he had to leave.

shortly after, minji, bae, and moka arrived, all looking extra supportive as they approached your wall.

"you're so prettyyy!" moka squealed, immediately pulling you into a hug.

"whoa, whoa, whoa—how is leehan actually so good-looking here?!" minji exaggerated, hugging you next while eyeing your piece.

"in my opinion, he's always been good-looking," bae chimed in, nudging you. "you just managed to capture it perfectly with your impressive skills."

"finally, a normal praise that includes both me and leehan," you joked, making them all laugh.

the four of you stood there, chatting.

"has leehan seen this yet?" minji asked.

"not yet. he's supposed to come, but he's not here yet," you said, glancing up at the portrait.

"this is actually so perfect," moka hummed, leaning against bae, who nodded in agreement.

"thank you, guys. you're making all my worries fly away," you pouted at them.

"nothing to worry about, y/n. you're doing so good!" bae reassured you.

they took a closer look at the plaque below the portrait, reading the title of your piece.

moka pointed at it. "what is this cheesy name?" she turned to you, curious.

you smiled, a thoughtful expression crossing your face. "he was, though."

for a moment, your thoughts drifted to leehan.

moka let out a dramatic sniffle, pretending to wipe away tears. "i knew this day would come. we're so proud of you."

she leaned on bae, while minji and bae gave you the same proud-parent look.

you could only laugh, feeling a mix of emotions—gratitude, excitement, and maybe just a tiny bit of nerves. because somewhere in this crowd, leehan would soon arrive. and you weren't sure how he would react.

and, just as you called it, your eyes instinctively flickered toward the entrance, and there he was. kim leehan, classic

he stood across the room, framed perfectly under the warm glow of the gallery lights, like he had just stepped out of one of the paintings. his black semi-formal button-up clung just right, the top two buttons undone, revealing a hint of collarbone. his blonde hair, usually tousled, had been styled back, well, mostly. a few stubborn strands had slipped forward, softening his sharp features. white trousers balanced out his effortless look, but nothing shined brighter than the best part of all—his smile.

it was blinding, radiating through the crowd like a beacon, and even from across the room, it was clear that he was looking at you.

he didn't rush. he didn't push through the people admiring the art. instead, he walked toward you with the same quiet confidence he always had, measured and steady, like he wanted to take in every second of this moment.

your heart raced a little, but you tipped onto your toes slightly, hands clasped behind your back, waiting as if you'd been expecting this moment all along.

when he finally reached you, you grinned up at him. "hey, you made it."

leehan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled back. "i did." then, with a teasing lilt, he added, "i almost mistook you for one of the sculptures here."

you scoffed, rolling your eyes as you lightly nudged his arm. "what was that supposed to mean?"

he tilted his head slightly, his gaze running over you in a way that made you red.

"you just look really beautiful."

the words were simple, yet they landed heavier than you expected, it wasn't playful. it wasn't hesitant. it was just honest and a genuine one.

your fingers instinctively smoothed over your outfit, trying to ground yourself. "well, i can't exactly stand next to a handsome portrait looking basic," you said, trying to keep it light.

leehan finally glanced up at the large painting behind you, the one capturing his face in the most delicate, intentional strokes. his brows raised slightly as he took it in, the realization settling.

"so this is why people kept staring at me when i walked in," he murmured, stepping closer to the canvas. his fingers hovered near the edge of the frame, as if he wanted to touch it but held back.

you moved beside him, mirroring his stance as you both stood in front of the painting.

"it's like you made this with so much passion," he continued, his voice softer now. "that's why they love it. it feels… alive."

you turned to him, watching the way his eyes traced every detail. "i did paint it with passion. i was with you through it."

leehan's eyes flickered downward, catching sight of the small plate beneath the frame. he squinted slightly as he read it aloud. "the… moment?"

you nodded, a small, genuine smile curved on your lips.

"yeah," you said. "you were the moment."

a beat passed before leehan inhaled, looking down for a split second before turning fully to face you.

"no." he spoke. "you were the moment."

the shift was almost tangible. for the first time, everything—the years of wondering, the quiet longing, the unanswered questions, felt like they had finally led to this very second.

leehan's gaze didn't falter, didn't shift away like it had so many times before. instead, it softened, deepened, held you in place. and then, just as gently, he reached for your hand. his fingers were warm as they laced through yours.

"y/n…" he sung your name. "you have always been the moment. my moment. ever since ninth grade…"

your lips parted slightly, surprised, heart hammering against your ribs as he squeezed your hand a little tighter.

"i was an idiot for ignoring you for years," he admitted, his brows knitting together. "i let fear get in the way, fear of things that weren't even real. i was a coward. i couldn't even see what was right in front of me anymore."

he exhaled sharply, as if trying to steady himself before he continued.

"y/n, i ignored you because i liked you—so much, too much. it felt unreal. and it scared me."

you inhaled, but no words came out. he wasn't done yet.

"it was never minju." he shook his head slightly. "it was always you. your questions, the answers… everything has always been you, y/n." his other hand came up, enveloping yours between both of his. "i'm sorry. for all of it."

you let out a slow breath, eyes never leaving his. then, finally, you smiled.

"i forgave you a long time ago," you said gently. "the moment you finally started letting me in, all those silly ignoring games didn't matter anymore. we were kids, leehan. young. you were trying to figure things out, and i can't blame you for that." you squeezed his hands reassuringly. "but this moment right here? it just proves how much we've both grown."

leehan let out a quiet chuckle, his eyes glistening a little. his grip tightened, as if grounding himself in you.

"i want to be closer to you," he said, more determined now. "i need to. i need to make up for the past three years by proving to you just how much i care."

your heart swelled, your smile widening. "i want that too," you whispered. "i just… liked you a lot too."

leehan's eyes lit up before he let out a small, amused scoff. "since when?"

you bit your lip before giggling. "i think… since middle school. but i only really figured it out this year when we got closer. back then, i thought i was just upset that you wouldn't be my friend, but now i realize… i just wanted your attention." you laughed at yourself. "i wanted you to like me back."

leehan let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head. "this is such a life-changing fun fact."

"the more we know," you teased.

both of your laughter filled the space before, without warning, he leaned in and pressed a soft, quick kiss to your cheek. the warmth of it spread through your entire body like a ripple, your eyes widening slightly as you froze.

leehan leaned back with a satisfied smirk. "one off my checklist. only about two hundred more to go."

it took you a second to process, but then, you broke into the happiest smile of your life.

whatever lay ahead of you and leehan felt promising. there was no rush, no pressure—just a path unfolding slowly but surely, step by step. just like the warmth of his love, easing into your life.

slowly, but all at once.

[junhanism]

Skincare and lotion - Han Taesan

.pairing : han taesan x reader

.genre : fluff, established relationship, reader taking care of tired taesan, tiny tiny bit of angst if you squint (mention of taesan shutting off when overwhelmed) but really its full fluff

.warnings : none

.wc : 712

From your bedroom you heard the front door open then close, the jingling sound of keys was soon replaced by pure silence.

You checked your phone ; you had received no text saying he was on his way nor did you hear the familiar, cheerful sound of his voice telling you that he was home. And just from that you knew it was one of those days.

So instead of getting up and greeting him at the door like you usually did, you stayed sat on your bed, giving him the space he needed.

You’ve known Taesan long enough to know how he handled these stressful days and the answer was simple : he didn’t.

He just shuts off from the world, including you, and try to deal with his problems alone. Even though you told him many times that you were there and that he could rely on you, he simply declined your offer, insisting that he could figure things out on his own.

You respected his choice and gave him space, only interfering when you deemed it necessary or when he’s been isolated for too long. And he was very grateful for that. As bad as he felt for putting you through this you always reassured him, telling him that it was not a daily occurrence and that you could put up with it.

The door to your bedroom creaked open and Taesan walked in, dropping his bag to the floor and simply sitting next to you on the bed.

You briefly took a look at him, analyzing the situation and taking note of his tired eyes and slow movements.

It was silent, only the typing of your keyboard resonated through the room. The boy next to you closed his eyes, basking in the warmth radiating from your arm against his and enjoying the well awaited silence after a long day.

A couple of minutes, maybe ten, passed in the comfortable silence that took place. With one last click you closed your laptop and set it aside, now getting up and walking over to your shared bathroom.

You came back to the room with a few bottles in hand and sat next to your tired boyfriend, who still had his eyes shut.

Grabbing the makeup remover, you poured a reasonable amount of it on a cotton pad before carefully swiping it across his face. Your hand reached for his hair, putting his bangs aside to get better access to his forehead.

The boy physically relaxed as you removed the leftover makeup on his skin.

« Wanna talk about it ? » you broke the silence, your voice soft and careful.

His eyes slowly opened, blinking a few times before finally locking with yours for the first time tonight. He just stared at you, giving you no answer but you didn’t push it, instead you sent him a soft, understanding smile as you grabbed the lotion, twisting the bottle cap and pouring some delicately on his face. As you gently patted his face Taesan observed your face, analyzing your features —which made you a little self conscious but you tried to remain calm— before blinking slowly at you, as if speaking through his eyes and searching for yours.

« Hm? » you asked, putting the bottle cap back on and putting the lotion aside

« Thank you » he spoke, his first words since he got home

« Of course, Taesan » you smiled

He simply looked at you, eyes filled with so much love and admiration, like you hung all the stars in the sky.

« I mean it » his voice was barely above a whisper but you were able to catch it

« I know you do » you placed a small kiss on the top of his nose which caused a smile to form on his once pouty lips.

You went back to the bathroom and quickly discarded all the skincare items before joining Taesan in bed, who was waiting for you with open arms.

Sliding in his embrace you made yourself comfortable as he readjusted the covers around your bodies.

Placing a loving kiss on the top of your head, Taesan then whispers a small “good night” before letting his tired eyes close, falling into dreamland.